WO2007121697A1

WO2007121697A1 - Manufacturing system with interlinking machining stations via a high transfer module

Info

Publication number: WO2007121697A1
Application number: PCT/DE2007/000303
Authority: WO
Inventors: Helmut F. Jaeger
Original assignee: Felsomat Gmbh & Co. Kg
Priority date: 2006-04-24
Filing date: 2007-02-16
Publication date: 2007-11-01
Also published as: DE102006019326B3

Abstract

The invention relates to an interlinked manufacturing system for machining work pieces (42) which are arranged on palettes (30). Several machining strands (1, 2, 3) comprising, respectively, one work piece portal (11, 11') and several machining stations (12a, 12b), are joined to a transfer module (4; 25a, 25b, 26a; 31) via palette-transfer seats (9a, 9b). Said transfer module is configured for handling individual palettes and can be displaced in a linear manner along a transfer guide (6, 25, 26), in particular, towards a logistic module (5, 23, 24, 27). A plurality of palettes are temporarily stored between palettes and the logistic module has its own individual transport device for handling individual palettes inside the logistics module. The inventive interlinked manufacturing system enables a large number of manufacturing stations to be connected together in a compact and flexible manner and via rapid transport processes.

Description

Production system with linking of processing stations via a raised transfer module

The invention relates to a linked production system for the machining of workpieces, which are arranged for transport on pallets.

A linked production system has become known, for example, from DE 10 2004 003 587 A1.

When manufacturing workpieces such as gears or gears, each workpiece typically passes sequentially through a large number of different machining processes, such as turning, milling or scraping. The machining processes are carried out with highly specialized processing machines. The processing machines are chained together with transport devices, so that the workpieces can get from one processing machine to the next.

In order not to damage the workpieces during transport, the workpieces are arranged on workpiece carriers, called pallets. A pallet can transport one or more workpieces (or even tools). For processing individual workpieces are removed by means of a portal from a pallet and fed to a processing machine. After machining, the gantry returns the workpiece to the pallet.

Since the processing times on different processing machines are of different lengths, workpieces and thus also pallets with workpieces must be temporarily stored between the various processing operations. For this buffer spaces are used for pallets.

Simple manufacturing systems transport pallets with conveyor belts with fixed material flow direction from processing station to processing station. In front of the processing stations, pallets are dammed up on the conveyor belt, if necessary, until a pallet with its workpieces is ready for processing. Such simple manufacturing systems work with a fixed processing sequence of the pallets.

A further developed linked production system has become known from DE 10 2004 003 587 A1, in particular FIG. 8 there. This manufacturing system comprises several handling cells (logistics cells) for Workpiece carriers (= pallets), which are connected linearly via workpiece carrier portals. The workpiece carrier portals have a fixed material flow direction. Of the handling cells extending from the workpiece carrier portal extending workpiece portals, which are each connected to a plurality of processing stations. A workpiece portal can work on a workpiece

Workpiece carrier access at a deployment location of the hand handling cell. By connecting the workpiece portals on the handling cell, any processing order of the pallets can be achieved at a processing station.

In a larger number of different processing stations, however, comparatively many handling cells must be provided in this known linking system, because only a few, typically two, workpiece portals can be connected to a handling cell for reasons of space. The handling cells often create an unnecessarily large buffer capacity for workpiece carriers, and there are high costs and large space requirements. In order to transport a workpiece carrier from one processing station to another, not immediately adjacent, other processing station, the workpiece carrier must be passed through several handling cells, which is labor intensive and time consuming.

Object of the invention

In contrast, it is the object of the present invention to provide a linked manufacturing system in which even a large number of processing stations can be linked together in an efficient manner, in particular reducing the space requirement and accelerating the transport of workpieces between the processing stations with high flexibility in the processing sequence is.

Brief description of the invention This object is achieved by a linked manufacturing system for the machining of workpieces, which are arranged for transport on pallets, comprising

an upper transfer module having a horizontal transfer guide in a main conveying direction (x direction), wherein the upper transfer module in the transfer guide is movable forwards and backwards on the transfer guide, the upper transfer module being adapted to handle individual pallets, and wherein the transfer guide is at a height of at least Located 2.0 m above the ground,

at least one logistics module comprising a plurality of buffer spaces for the storage of pallets and a separate, local transport device for handling individual pallets within the logistics module, wherein the upper transfer module can transfer individual pallets to the logistics module or receive them from it,

at least one transverse conveyor unit for individual pallets,

b) at least two transfer destinations for individual pallets, wherein the transfer stations with respect to the x-direction are laterally of the transfer guide and outside the transfer line at least one logistics module are arranged, wherein the transfer points for the upper transfer module by means of at least one cross conveyor unit for depositing and receiving a pallet are accessible, the transfer points are arranged at a height of at least 2.0 m above the ground, c) a portal, the is designed for handling workpieces, and having a horizontal gantry guide which crosses the transfer guide, wherein the portal can transport workpieces from pallets to the transfer stations to the manufacturing stations and back, and wherein the portal at a height of at least 2.2 m above the Bo the is arranged.

In the concatenated manufacturing system according to the invention, the processing lines (with workpiece portal and production stations) are not via a logistics cell (or handling cell), but over the

Top transfer module connected. As a result, the number of connectable processing lines is basically unlimited and in particular independent of the number of logistics modules. In a production system according to the invention, preferably three or more processing lines belong to a logistics module. To bring a pallet from one processing strand to another processing strand, the pallet need not be passed through the logistics module; The transport can be done directly via the top transfer module and is therefore very fast. If necessary, of course, an intermediate buffering in the logistics module can take place. Preferably, only one upper transfer module is used on a transfer guide, which can be moved over the entire length of the transfer guide; However, it is also possible to use a plurality of upper transfer modules on a transfer guide, which together take over the transport of the pallets along the transfer guide.

In the context of the invention, a logistics module typically functions as a central buffer and delivery unit of pallets for all processing lines. With the aid of a logistics module can also be a link to another manufacturing system (and in particular a further upper transfer module and other processing strands). Since the manufacturing system according to the invention requires only a few logistics modules, it is less expensive and requires less space than conventional production systems.

The upper transfer module and the portals of the processing lines are linked via transfer points for pallets. With the aid of a cross-conveyor unit, a transfer of pallets between transfer points and top transfer module respectively. The pallets on the transfer stations do not hinder the transfer module when transporting other pallets.

In order to achieve high utilization of the production stations of a processing line, each processing line has two transfer stations for pallets. While the workpieces of a pallet are currently being processed by the portal and the production stations at a first transfer point, a pallet exchange (processed pallet against pallet to be processed) can take place at the second transfer point. Through this decoupling of the transport of the upper transfer module and the workpiece machining, a high utilization of the production stations can be achieved.

In the case of the production module according to the invention, a more efficient use of space is additionally achieved by making the transfer guide of the upper transfer module, the transfer stations and the portals and portal guides higher. The arrangement at a height of at least 2.0 m (at the portal and portal guide in the amount of at least 2.2 m) is gained on the ground surface that can be used, for example, as a footprint for machine tools / production stations and as walk-in or passable zones , For example, walk-in zones and thus better access facilitate maintenance work, for example at the production stations, and facilitate transport processes in a workshop. Improved accessibility and optical overview near the ground also increase the operational safety of the manufacturing system.

Preferred embodiments of the invention

In an advantageous embodiment of the linked production system according to the invention, at least one local transverse conveyor unit is formed on each processing line, which can transfer individual pallets between the upper transfer module and the transfer stations of the processing line. In this embodiment, the upper transfer module can be built more easily. In another, likewise advantageous embodiment, the at least one transverse conveyor unit is formed on the upper transfer module, wherein the upper transfer module can serve a second, horizontal conveying direction (y-direction) transversely to the x-direction. In this embodiment, only one cross conveyor unit per top transfer module is required, which is particularly cost-effective.

Also advantageous is an embodiment which provides that local buffer spaces are provided for individual pallets, the side of the

Transfer guide are arranged and which are accessible for depositing and receiving a pallet for the upper transfer module, and that the local buffer locations are located at a height of at least 2.0 m above the ground. Local buffer spaces outside the logistics module can provide long travels for pallets to the logistics module

Caching be avoided. When using local buffer locations, the simultaneous use of a cross conveyor unit formed on the upper transfer module is very advantageous.

In a preferred development of this embodiment, the local buffer locations are provided in the area of the transfer points of at least one processing line. As a result, pallet changes can be accelerated at these transfer points.

An advantageous embodiment of the linked production system provides that the transfer points of the processing lines are provided with a transport device, by means of which a pallet, which is arranged on a transfer station, lowered to the ground and a pallet can be raised from the ground up to the transfer point. This allows a manual pallet change at the transfer points if the top transfer module or a local cross conveyor fails.

Also preferred is an embodiment in which all manufacturing stations a processing strand are designed to perform identical machining operations on the workpieces. This speeds up the processing of a pallet at one of the transfer points. Furthermore, the decoupling of pallet transport is ensured by means of upper transfer module and processing in the processing line at exactly two transfer points.

Further preferred is an embodiment in which the gantries of the portals of the processing lines run above the transfer guide. In this case, an access of a portal gripper on a workpiece of a pallet at a transfer station, which is typically about the same height as a pallet space of the top transfer module, easily done from above.

Particularly preferred is an embodiment in which in each case a support is formed at the intersection of transfer guide and portal guides, which receives a portal carrier of the portal guide, the transfer guide and the transfer points, in particular wherein in the support a cabinet for the portal is integrated. The support at the crossing point prevents elastic deformations and creep deformations on the transfer guide and portals. By accommodating the control cabinet in the support, a space-saving dual functionality is achieved.

An embodiment in which the upper transfer module has an oil pan is preferred. Oil dripping from the workpieces after being processed by a pallet (which is designed, for example, as a wire frame) is thus collected, and contamination, in particular of the transfer guide, is avoided.

An advantageous development of this embodiment provides that the oil pan has a lower outlet opening with a closure, wherein the closure is biased into a closed position, in particular by gravity or spring force, and that provided in the linked production system emptying spaces for the upper transfer module are at which opening elements, in particular wedges or projections are formed, which automatically open the closure of the upper transfer module at an emptying place, in particular wherein the emptying stations are formed at stopping points of the upper transfer module next to the transfer points. This ensures a regular emptying of the oil pan automatically and with little effort.

Particularly preferred is an embodiment of the linked manufacturing system according to the invention, in which the upper transfer module two

Pallet places, which are arranged side by side, in particular wherein the two pallet places are arranged in the x-direction one behind the other. The upper transfer module is designed as H-module. When a pallet is changed at a transfer point, the first pallet slot can accommodate a processed pallet, and the second pallet slot immediately thereafter can provide a pallet still to be processed. In between, the upper transfer module only needs to move about one pallet length. This speeds up the pallet change at the transfer points.

An advantageous development of this embodiment provides that two cross conveyor units are formed on the upper transfer module, wherein each cross conveyor unit can serve a pallet space of the upper transfer module. In this case, local cross-conveyor units are dispensable, which saves costs.

Also preferred is an embodiment in which the transfer guide, the transfer points, the portal and possibly local buffer locations are arranged at a height of at least 2.5 m above the ground. This ensures more headroom for people on the ground, and improves the usability of the overbuilt floor.

An embodiment of the linked production system in which the at least one logistics module is connected to one Is arranged at the end of the transfer guide, in particular that at the two ends of the transfer guide in each case a logistics module is arranged. At the end of the transfer, there is sufficient space to arrange the logistics module there. In particular, crossovers of the logistics module or the logistics module of associated devices with the transfer guide can be easily avoided. It should be noted that a non-terminal logistics module does not interrupt a transfer in the context of the invention, but is arranged according to the invention next to the transfer guide. In the context of the invention, however, a logistics module can be connected to two top transfer modules of different inventive linked production systems. An inventive linked production system preferably has exactly one or exactly two logistics modules.

A particularly preferred embodiment is characterized in that in the at least one logistics module at least one functional space is set up for a pallet, that at the at least one functional location, a device for performing work on workpieces of a pallet, which is arranged at the functional location, is provided. This functional location can be used by all processing lines of the manufacturing system (or pallets coming from any processing line). As a result, local devices for carrying out work on workpieces on the portal guides of the processing lines can be saved. The portals of the processing lines then need to cope less transport operations of workpieces, and if necessary portals can be saved.

In a preferred development of this embodiment, the device is designed for deburring workpieces, or for cleaning or washing workpieces, or for measuring workpieces, or for screwing workpieces. All these frequently occurring tasks can be centralized and therefore with less effort will be realized.

Also preferred is an embodiment of the linked manufacturing system, in which the at least one logistics module is designed as an automation cell with which any pallets stored in the automation cell can be accessed. In other words, each pallet in the automation cell can be accessed directly (in particular without restocking), for example for the purpose of removal or transfer to the top transfer module. Thanks to the automation cell, the processing sequence of pallets is particularly flexible.

Another, particularly preferred embodiment provides that the at least one logistics module (= LM) comprises: an LM three-axis module with a horizontal LM module guide in an LM main conveying direction (= x 'direction), the LM three-axis module! designed for handling individual pallets,

a plurality of LM stacks for pallets disposed laterally of the horizontal LM module guide, each LM stack space being accessible to the LM three-axis module for depositing and receiving an uppermost pallet of a stack of pallets at the LM stack. The stacking stations can be used to manage particularly large quantities of pallets, Preferably pallets with the same workpieces are preferably stacked on top of one another in the same processing state.

A preferred development of this embodiment provides that at least one LM working device is provided which has

an LM workstation, in particular an assembly station or manufacturing station, on which workpieces can be machined, at least one LM transfer station for a pallet arranged laterally of the horizontal LM module guide and that for the LM three-axis module for depositing and picking up a pallet is accessible,

- An LM portal, which is designed for handling workpieces, and which can transport workpieces from a pallet at the at least one LM transfer station to the LM workstation and back. With this development, an LM workstation is integrated into the linked production system via the logistics module. The LM workstation is fed via the LM three-axis module, which relieves the transfer module of transport operations.

In a preferred development of this development, the. at least one LM working device at least two LM transfer points on. As a result, the LM working device can be decoupled.

Another development of the above embodiment is characterized in that at least part of the LM stacking stations is designed as LM docking stations, wherein a parking space for a trolley is provided at each LM docking station, wherein a trolley, which is arranged on the parking space, for the LM triaxial module! is accessible for depositing and picking up an uppermost pallet of a stack of pallets on the trolley, and wherein each LM docking station has access through which an empty trolley or even a trolley loaded with a stack of pallets is transported to the parking space and away from the parking space can, in particular by manual, ground-level displacement of the trolley. About the trolley pallets or pallet stack can be easily inserted and removed in the linked production system.

In a further preferred embodiment of the above embodiment, at least a part of the LM stacking stations is formed in shelves, wherein a plurality of the shelves are arranged vertically one above the other. As a result, a larger number of pallet stacks can be formed on a given floor surface, for example, the number of different workpieces and their processing state in the To consider stacking.

In another preferred development of the above embodiment, the main conveying direction (x direction) of the upper transfer module and the LM main conveying direction (x 'direction) of the LM three-axis module run in parallel. This facilitates the transfer of pallets between the upper transfer module and the LM three-axle module.

The scope of the present invention also includes a production request comprising a plurality of linked production systems according to the invention, wherein at least part of the logistics modules are accessible by a plurality of upper transfer modules, in particular wherein a linear sequence of logistics modules and upper transfer modules is provided. With the manufacturing plant according to the invention a highly efficient and flexible workpiece machining is possible. By handing over the pallets via the logistics modules, it is possible to avoid manual removal and introduction of pallets or pallet stacks for the purpose of transfer between individual production systems.

Further advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description and the drawings. Likewise, according to the invention, the above-mentioned features and those which are still further developed can each be used individually for themselves or for a plurality of combinations of any kind. The embodiments shown and described are not to be understood as exhaustive enumeration, but rather have exemplary character for the description of the invention.

Drawing and detailed description of the invention

The invention is illustrated in the drawing and will be explained in more detail with reference to embodiments. It shows: FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a linked production system according to the invention; FIG.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic plan view of a production plant according to the invention, comprising two linked production systems; FIG.

3 is a schematic oblique view of a crossing point of a horizontal transfer guide and a horizontal gantry guide of a processing line in a linked production system according to the invention;

4a is a schematic side view of an upper transfer module with an oil pan with a closed outlet opening, for use with the invention;

FIG. 4b shows the upper transfer module of FIG. 4a at an emptying station with opened outlet opening; FIG.

Fig. 4c, the upper transfer module of Fig. 4a before a discharge place in a schematic plan view.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic plan view of an inventive linked production system with three processing lines 1, 2, 3, which are coupled to a logistics module 5 via an upper transfer module 4.

The upper transfer module 4 can be moved on a transfer guide 6, which runs in a horizontal x direction, by means of an NC axis control. The upper transfer module 4 can be moved over the entire length of the transfer guide 6.

The horizontal transfer guide 6 is raised so that the lower edge of the transfer guide 6 at a height of at least 2.0 m above the ground (about a workshop) is arranged. The transfer guide 6 is carried at intersections 7 of transfer guide 6 and portal guides 8 by means of supports (not shown).

The transfer module 4 comprises two pallet spaces 4a, 4b, on each of which a pallet can be arranged. On a pallet, one or more workpieces can be arranged. The transfer module 4 further comprises two transverse conveyors, not shown (one for each pallet space 4a, 4b), with which a pallet from a pallet space 4a, 4b to a transfer point 9a, 9b of a processing line 1, 2, 3 or to a transit area 10a, 10b of the logistics module 5 can be handed over and vice versa. The transverse conveyors can thus move pallets in the y-direction by a little more than one pallet width. In the vicinity of the transfer points 9a, 9b of the processing line 2, two local buffer spaces 2a, 2b are also formed for individual pallets, which are accessible to the upper transfer module 4 in the same way.

Each processing line 1, 2, 3 has two transfer points 9a, 9b, on each of which a pallet can be arranged. The workpieces of a pallet arranged there can be moved by means of a portal (portal gripper) 11 to production stations 12a, 12b. At the production stations 12a, 12b, the workpieces are machined, such as milled or turned off. Typically, all of the manufacturing stations 12a, 12b within a processing line 1, 2, 3 can perform the same processing operations, whereas the processing operations differ from processing line to processing line. After machining, the workpieces are returned to a pallet on one of the transfer stations 9a, 9b. If a large number of production stations are connected to a processing strand (in particular more than two), then advantageously several portals (portal gripper) 11 can be used on a portal guide 8. The transfer module 4 receives pallets from and delivers pallets to the logistics module (= LM) 5. The logistics module 5 is arranged at the lower end of the transfer guide 6 in FIG. The logistics module 5 includes a LM triaxial module 13 that can accommodate a single pallet. The LM three-axis module 13 can be moved along an LM module guide 14 in a horizontal x 'direction within the logistics module 5. Furthermore, the triaxial module 13 can move a picked-up pallet in the y'-direction transverse to the x'-direction, and also move a picked-up pallet in a vertical z'-direction perpendicular to the drawing plane (ie raise or lower).

In order to transfer pallets from the logistics module 5 to the top transfer module 4, the pallets are deposited by the LM three-axis module 13 at the transfer locations 10a, 10b. Subsequently, the upper transfer module 4 stops in front of the transfer stations 10a, 10b and takes the pallets by means of the

Transverse conveyor units of the upper transfer module 4. Conversely, pallets can also be deposited by the top transfer module 4 at the transfer locations 10a, 10b and picked up by the LM three-axis module 13. In area 15 overlap the transfer guide 6 and the LM module guide 14. In alternative embodiments of the invention, a direct transfer of

Pallets between upper transfer module 4 and LM Dreiachsmodul 13 be set up; This is especially useful for a top transfer module with only one pallet space.

An important purpose of the logistics module 5 is the storage or buffering of pallets. For this purpose, pallets are stored individually and / or stacked in the logistics module 5. In the embodiment shown, the pallets are predominantly stacked. For this purpose, in particular shelf storage 16 are provided which have a plurality of superimposed shelves (not shown). In each shelf a pallet stack can be formed.

Furthermore, LM-docking stations 17 are provided for the infeed and outfeed of pallets. At each LM docking station 17 is a parking space 17a for a Trolley 17b provided. If a trolley 17b is arranged on a parking space 17a, a pallet stack can be formed or removed on the trolley 17b by means of the LM triaxial module 13. The LM docking stations 17 are accessible and secured with doors 17c; the doors 17c are opened only when a trolley 17b is brought or removed, for example manually by a worker 17d. A trolley 17b can be aligned at a parking space 17a in a manner not shown and reversibly secured, in particular by jamming. The stacking bins on trolley 17b can - like any other stacking place - also be used for buffering pallets.

At the logistics module 5, an LM working device 18 is further provided. This LM working device 18 comprises an LM workstation 18a, on which individual workpieces can be processed, for example by joining or assembling of individual parts. The workpieces are provided or received on pallets at two LM transfer stations 18b, the transport of the workpieces being effected from the LM transfer stations 18b to the LM work station 18a and back by means of an LM portal 18c. The LM portal (portal gripper) 18c can be moved on an LM gantry guide 18d.

In the context of the invention, only a few machining processes on workpieces are typically carried out by means of LM working devices. Consideration is given to the execution of rather short and / or frequently occurring work processes at an LM working device 18 in order to use the short and fast transport path between buffer spaces in the logistics module 5 and the LM working device 18.

In the logistics module 5, finally, a functional space 19 is also set up for a pallet. The functional location 19 includes a stationary device 19a for (in this embodiment) measuring of workpieces. The device 19a can determine the dimensions of individual workpieces on a pallet at the functional location 19 by means of a laser system. Pallets on which recognized as defective workpieces are found, are separated (about transported with the LM Dreiachsmodul 13 on a trolley 17 b) or fed to a post-processing. The device 19a has a slide 19b which is movable in the x-direction and on which two pallet places are formed. With the carriage 19b can each have a pallet on one of the pallet spaces at the

Working place 19 are moved; At the other pallet place then a pallet change can be made. Thus, the measuring time of the device 19 is not shortened by a pallet change, but only by the much shorter time for the displacement of the carriage 19b.

The logistics module 5 is largely surrounded by a wall 5a to protect workers in the area from moving machine parts.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of a production plant according to the invention. The production plant shown comprises two linked

Manufacturing systems 21 and 22, which are connected to each other via a common logistics module 23.

The first linked production system 21 has a first logistics module 24, a transfer guide 25 with two top transfer modules 25a, 25b, and the common logistics module 23. The two upper transfer modules 25a, 25b jointly supply the processing lines 1, 2, 3 of the production system 21. If pallets are to be exchanged between the logistics modules 24, 23, a transfer of pallets between the two upper transfer modules 25a, 25b can advantageously take place via the local buffer locations 2a, 2b, without affecting the processing or pallet supply to the processing lines 1, 2, 3 of the manufacturing system 21.

The second linked production system 22 comprises the common logistics module 23, the transfer guide 26 with an upper transfer module 26a and processing lines 1, 2, 3, and a further logistics module 27. The shared logistics module 23 may exchange pallets with the upper transfer module 25b of the upper manufacturing system 21, and the upper transfer module 26a from the lower manufacturing system 22. As a result, a transfer of pallets between the manufacturing systems 21, 22 is possible, whereby a continuous flow of material is made possible.

The production plant can be expanded according to the invention by, for example, in Fig. 2 below the logistics module 27, a further transfer management is connected with processing lines, which in turn is connected to another logistics module and so on.

Within the scope of the invention, any number of linked production systems can be connected to one another in this way, and a particularly linear material flow from production system to production system can be set up. The material flow is preferably organized so that a pallet leaves a production system only when all the machining processes of its workpieces have been carried out in this production system.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic partial section of a

Processing line 1, namely a crossing point 7 a portal guide 8 and a transfer guide 6, as for example, similar to the processing line 1 in Figure 1 according to the invention is to be found.

In the transfer guide 6, an upper transfer module 31 can be moved in the x direction. The upper transfer module 31 shown in FIG. 3, in contrast to the upper transfer module in FIG. 1, only has one pallet space.

The upper transfer module 31 is currently located at a stopping place 32 of the processing line 1 between the transfer stations 9a, 9b. The

Transfer points 9a, 9b are arranged in the side of the transfer guide 6. On the transfer stations 9a, 9b and on the pallet space of the upper transfer module 4 are each a pallet 30 with four Workpieces. These pallets 30 are immediately adjacent in the y-direction and at the same height. If, for example, no pallet was arranged at the transfer station 9a, the pallet could be moved by means of a transverse conveyor unit (not shown) from the upper transfer module 31 with little effort to the left onto the transfer station 9a.

The transfer guide 6 and thus also the stopping place 32 and the transfer points 9a, 9b are arranged elevated relative to the ground, here at a height of about 2.5 m. In this case, the transfer guide 6 rests on an equally high support 33, in which an electrical control cabinet 34 is integrated. The electric control cabinet 34 houses the power connections and the electronic control for the entire processing strand 1. On the transfer guide 6, a portal carrier (intermediate carrier) 35 is formed on the left upper edge of the holding station 32, on which the portal guide 8 rests. Below the gantry carrier 35 is an opening through which the upper transfer module 31 can be moved through.

On the portal guide 8 two portals 11, 11 'are arranged and movable in the y direction. The y-direction is perpendicular to the x-direction. Each gantry 11, 11 'has a clamping holder 36 that can be moved vertically in the z-direction, with which a single workpiece can be removed from a pallet 30 at one of the transfer stations 9a, 9b or placed in a pallet 30. The portals 11, 11 'can each be assigned to specific processing stations (not shown). By a larger number of portals 11, 11 ', the transport capacity for workpieces can be increased, especially with a larger number of processing stations on the processing line 1. Preferably, the processing stations are divided left and right of the transfer guide 6 to a mutual obstruction of the portals 11, 11 'to minimize. The portal guide 8 is arranged at a height of about 3.0 m here.

Both under the transfer guide 6 and under the gantry guide 8, a worker (not shown) can easily run upright, whereby the linked production system according to the invention is largely accessible. This facilitates maintenance, reduces the risk of accidents (a worker can not reach into moving parts such as the portals 11, 11 'without a ladder or the like) and allows further use of the workshop floor.

FIGS. 4 a to 4 c illustrate an embodiment of upper transfer module 31 and an emptying station, here a stopping place 32, in order to minimize oil contamination of the transfer guide 6.

FIG. 4a shows, in a schematic side view, an upper transfer module 31 on a transfer guide 6. The drive and further details of the upper transfer module 31 are not shown for the sake of simplicity. The upper transfer module 31 has an oil pan 41, in which a pallet 30 designed as a wire frame is arranged. On the pallet 30 workpieces 42 are arranged, which have just been processed. In this processing oil was used, which is still partially on the surface of the workpieces 42 and dripping through the pallet 30 in the oil pan 41.

If the upper transfer module 31, as shown in Fig. 4a, not located at a discharge station (here, the transfer module 31 is still left of the holding station 32), the oil pan 41 is sealed, and any dripped oil collects in the oil pan 41. A As a plug 43 formed closure closes a discharge opening 44 on the underside of the oil pan 41. The plug 43 is thereby pressed by its gravity into the funnel-shaped outlet opening 44, whereby a sufficient sealing effect occurs.

Moves the upper transfer module 31 to the holding point 32 as shown in Fig. 4b, so presses a rounded projection 45 which is formed in the transfer guide 6, the plug 43 upwards. As a result, the outlet opening 44 is partially released, and oil can flow out of the oil pan 41, in a collecting recess 46 of the transfer guide 6 inside. This collecting recess 46 has an outlet 47 to an oil collecting container 48, in which the effluent oil is stored. The oil in the oil reservoir 48 can then be cleaned and reused or disposed of properly.

If the upper transfer module 31 leaves the stopping place 32, ie the emptying station, then no protrusion 45 pushes the plug 43 upwards, and the plug 43 automatically closes the outlet opening 44 again. Any oil still dripping is then collected in the oil pan 41 until the next emptying at the next stop 32.

As shown in Figure 4c in a schematic plan view, projection 45 and collecting recess 46 may be formed, for example, centrally on a stopping place 32 between two transfer points 9a, 9b. At the stopping place 32, the upper transfer module 31 stops during the transfer of a pallet to or from a transfer point 9a, 9b, which is usually sufficient to drain a larger amount of oil dripped from the oil pan 41.

In summary, the invention describes a linked manufacturing system for the machining of workpieces, wherein the workpieces are arranged on pallets. Several processing lines, each comprising a workpiece portal and several production stations, are connected to a transfer module via pallet transfer stations. The transfer module is designed for handling individual pallets and can be moved linearly along a transfer guide, in particular also to a logistics module. In the logistics module, a plurality of pallets can be stored, the logistics module has its own

Transport device for handling individual pallets within the logistics module has. With the chained production system according to the invention, a large number of production stations can be space-saving, flexible and connected to one another via fast transport processes.

Claims

claims

A concatenated machining system for machining workpieces (42) arranged for transport on pallets (30)

an upper transfer module (4; 25a, 25b, 26a, 31) having a horizontal transfer guide (6; 25, 26) in a main conveying direction (x direction), wherein the upper transfer module (4; 25a, 25b, 26a; 31) in the Transfer guide (6; 25, 26) forward and backward on the

The transfer module (4; 25a, 25b, 26a; 31) is designed for handling individual pallets (30), and wherein the transfer guide (6; 25, 26) is at a height of at least 2.0 m above the ground,

at least one logistics module (5, 23, 24, 27), comprising a plurality of buffer spaces for the storage of pallets (30) and a separate, local transport device for handling individual pallets (30) within the logistics module (5, 23, 24, 27), wherein the upper transfer module (4; 25a, 25b, 26a; 31) individual pallets

(30) to the logistics module (5; 23, 24, 27) handed over or can receive from him,

at least one transverse conveyor unit for individual pallets (30),

a plurality of processing lines (1, 2, 3), each having a) a plurality of production stations (12a, 12b), in particular turning or milling stations, on which workpieces (42) can be processed, b) at least two transfer stations (9a, 9b) for individual pallets (30), wherein the transfer points (9a, 9b) with respect to the x-direction laterally of the transfer guide (6; 25, 26) and outside the at least one

Logistics module (5; 23, 24, 27) are arranged, wherein the transfer stations (9a, 9b) for the upper transfer module (4, 25a, 25b, 26a, 31) are accessible by means of the at least one cross conveyor unit for depositing and receiving a pallet (30), the transfer stations (9a, 9b) at a height c) a portal (11, 11 ') adapted to handle workpieces (42) and having a horizontal gantry guide (8) which supports the transfer guide (6; 25, 26), wherein the portal (11, 11 ') can transport workpieces (42) from pallets (30) on the transfer stations (9a, 9b) to the production stations (12a, 12b) and back, and wherein the portal ( 11, 11 ') is arranged at a height of at least 2.2 m above the ground.

2. A linked manufacturing system according to claim 1, characterized in that on each processing strand (1, 2, 3) at least one local cross conveyor unit is formed, the individual pallets (30) between the upper transfer module (4; 25a, 25b, 26a; the transfer points (9a, 9b) of the processing strand (1, 2, 3) can pass.

3. A linked production system according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one transverse conveyor unit is formed on the upper transfer module (4; 25a, 25b, 26a; 31), wherein the upper transfer module (4; 25a, 25b, 26a; 31) has a second, horizontal

Can serve conveying direction (y-direction) transverse to the x-direction.

4. Linked production system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that local buffer locations (2a, 2b) for individual pallets (30) are provided, the side of the

Transfer guide (6; 25, 26) are arranged and for the depositing and Receiving a pallet (30) for the upper transfer module (4; 25a, 25b, 26a; 31), and that the local buffer locations (2a, 2b) are located at a height of at least 2.0 m above the floor.

5. A linked manufacturing system according to claim 4, characterized in that the local buffer locations (2a, 2b) in the region of the transfer points (9a, 9b) of at least one processing line (1, 2, 3) are provided.

6. Chained manufacturing system according to one of the preceding

Claims, characterized in that the transfer points (9a, 9b) of the processing strands (1, 2, 3) are provided with a transport device, by means of a pallet (30) which is arranged on a transfer station (9a, 9b) to the ground lowered and also a pallet (30) from the ground to the transfer point (9a, 9b) can be raised up.

7. A linked manufacturing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that all the production stations (12a, 12b) of a processing strand (1, 2, 3) are adapted to perform identical machining operations on the workpieces (42).

8. A linked manufacturing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the portal guides (8) of the portals (11, 11 ') of the processing strands (1, 2, 3) above the

Transfer guide (6; 25, 26) run.

9. A linked production system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at the intersection points (7) of transfer guide (6; 25, 26) and portal guides (8) each have a

Support (33) is formed, the portal carrier (35) of the portal guide (8), the transfer guide (6; 25, 26) and the transfer points (9a, 9b) receives, in particular wherein in the support (33) a switchgear cabinet (34) for the portal (11; 11 ') is integrated.

10. Chained manufacturing system according to one of the preceding

Claims, characterized in that the upper transfer module (4; 25a, 25b, 26a, 31) has an oil pan (41).

A concatenated manufacturing system according to claim 10, characterized in that the sump (41) has a lower outlet opening (44) with a closure, the closure being biased to a closed position, in particular by gravity or spring force, and in the chained manufacturing system are provided for the upper transfer module (4; 25a, 25b, 26a; 31) on which

Opening elements, in particular wedges or projections (45), are formed, which automatically open the closure of the upper transfer module (4; 25a, 25b, 26a; 31) at an emptying station, in particular wherein the emptying stations at holding locations (32) of the upper transfer module (4; , 25b, 26a, 31) next to the transfer points

(9a, 9b) are formed.

12. A linked production system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper transfer module (4) has two pallet locations (4a, 4b) which are arranged side by side, in particular wherein the two pallet locations (4a, 4b) are arranged one behind the other in the x-direction ,

13. A linked manufacturing system according to claim 12, characterized in that the upper transfer module (4) has two

Cross conveyor units are formed, each transverse conveyor unit a pallet space (4a, 4b) of the upper transfer module (4) can operate.

14. A linked production system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transfer guide (6; 25, 26), the transfer points (9a, 9b), the portal (11, 11 ') and possibly local

Buffer places (2a, 2b) are arranged at a height of at least 2.5 m above the ground.

15. A linked production system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one logistics module (5; 23, 24, 27) is arranged at one end of the transfer guide (6; 25, 26), in particular that at the two ends of the transfer guide (25, 26) in each case a logistics module (23, 24, 27) is arranged.

16. A linked production system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the at least one logistics module (5; 23, 24, 27) at least one functional location (19) for a pallet (30) is set up that at the at least one functional location ( 19) a device

(19a) for performing work on workpieces (42) of a pallet (30), which is arranged on the functional space (19) is provided.

17. A linked manufacturing system according to claim 16, characterized in that the device (19 a) for deburring

Workpieces, or for cleaning or washing of workpieces, or for measuring workpieces, or for screwing workpieces is formed.

18. A linked manufacturing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one Logistic module (5; 23, 24, 27) is designed as an automation cell with which any pallets (30) which are stored in the automation cell, can be accessed.

19. A linked manufacturing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one logistics module (= LM) (5; 23, 24, 27) comprises:

an LM triaxial module (13) with a horizontal LM module guide (14) in a LM main conveying direction (= x 'direction), the LM triaxial module (13) being designed for handling individual pallets (30),

- A plurality of LM stacking pallets (30), which are arranged laterally of the horizontal LM module guide (14), wherein each LM stacking space for the LM Dreiachsmodul (13) for depositing and receiving a top pallet (30) of a Stack of pallets at the LM

Stacking place is accessible.

20. A linked manufacturing system according to claim 19, characterized in that at least one LM working device (18) is provided which has

an LM work station (18a), in particular assembly station or production station, on which workpieces (42) can be processed,

- At least one LM transfer station (18b) for a pallet (30) which is arranged laterally of the horizontal LM module guide (14) and that for the LM Dreiachsmodul (13) for depositing and receiving a pallet

(30) is accessible,

an LM portal (18c) adapted to handle workpieces (42) and the workpieces (42) from a pallet (30) at the at least one LM transfer station (18b) to the LM workstation (18a) and back can transport.

21. A linked production system according to claim 20, characterized in that the at least one LM working device (18) has at least two LM transfer points (18b).

22. A linked manufacturing system according to any one of claims 19 to 21, characterized in that at least part of the LM stacking stations as LM docking stations (17) is formed, wherein at each LM docking station (17) a parking space (17a) for a

Trolley (17b) is provided, wherein a trolley (17b), which is arranged on the parking space (17a) for the LM three-axle module (13) for depositing and receiving a top pallet of a stack of pallets on the trolley (17b) accessible and wherein each LM docking station (17) has an access over which an empty or even one loaded with a stack of pallets

Trolley (17b) to the parking space (17a) and from the parking space (17a) can be transported away, in particular by manual, ground-level

Moving the trolley (17b).

23. A linked manufacturing system according to one of claims 19 to 22, characterized in that at least part of the LM stacking stations is formed in shelves, wherein a plurality of the shelves are arranged vertically one above the other.

24. The linked production system according to claim 19, characterized in that the main conveying direction (x-direction) of the upper transfer module (4; 25a, 25b, 26a; 31) and the LM main conveying direction (x'-direction) of the LM Triaxial module (13) run parallel.

25. A production facility, comprising a plurality of linked production systems (21, 22) according to one of claims 1 to 24, wherein at least a part of the logistics modules (23) of several upper transfer modules (25b, 26a) is accessible, in particular wherein a linear sequence of logistics modules (24 , 23, 27) and upper transfer modules (25a, 25b, 26a) is provided.