WO2021050026A2

WO2021050026A2 - Torque station

Info

Publication number: WO2021050026A2
Application number: PCT/TR2020/050822
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mehmet SANDAL
Original assignee: Elopar Elektri̇k Ve Otomoti̇v Parcalari Sanayi̇ Ve Ti̇caret Anoni̇m Şi̇rketi̇
Priority date: 2019-09-10
Filing date: 2020-09-10
Publication date: 2021-03-18
Also published as: EP3996868A4; WO2021050026A3; EP3996868A2

Abstract

Invention relates to an assembly machine (1) comprising side unit lights (32) located on front part of each of side unit boxes (31), material box lights (411) located in front part of each of material boxes (41), tightening end lights (712) provided on front part of each tightening end (711), cable outlet lights (831) formed on front part of each cable outlet (83), providing selection of correct material by operator by means of said all lights and also conduct of assembling operation at correct torque value by use of linear arm (50).

Description

DESCRIPTION

TORQUE STATION

Technical Field

Invention relates to assembly machine (Torque Station) providing tightening of bolt-nut connections of cables used in assembly of parts such as cable, battery, relay at correct torque values.

Invention particularly relates to assembly machine (Torque Station) showing parts to be used and thus directing the operator during assembly by help of developed illumination, in case of selection of incorrect part despite it, stopping assembly operation by sensors.

State of the Art

Today assembly machines are used to tighten bolt-nut connections of cables used in assembly of products such as fuse, electric box etc. to be connected in automotive and similar sectors at correct torque values.

When parts mounted not at a correct tightening force in prior art may loosen. For that reason, connection faults become inevitable in equipment such as cables-relays and battery connections/relay boxes of which bolts get loosen. Particularly, some technical problems are most probably encountered in automotive sector.

In the related art, faulty mounting and inconvenient products may be seen due to factors such as lack of attention, distraction, physical tiredness of operators in hand mounting. This causes faulty product production as explained above.

In addition to high rate of assembly faults in the related art, it also increases production waste. Production waste results in increase in production cost.

In the related art, assemblies mad manually take longer time, which reduces production speed. Desired rate of assembly work can not be performed.

Since in the related art, identification of faulty produced products in manual assemblies can not be made, such product reaches customer, which results in customer complaints. Operator faults result in reputation loss for company.

In research of prior art, document numbered CN109659860A is encountered. It relates to a machine capable to perform equipment assembly correctly by operator and decreasing fault rate. In this application, operator warning systems for nut-bolt mounting are provided, it discloses a fixing apparatus for correct mounting and describes installation of fixing members at correct torque by use of electrical tightening apparatus. However, it does not disclose any information about cable terminal mounting. Therefore, some disadvantages of above application can be given as example,

Another file seen in the prior art is the document numbered CN105171397A. It relates to bolt mounting of cable bundles at vehicles and torque value control. It discloses information concerning conduct of cable-terminal mounting and checking whether or not torque forces of bolts used for fixing components are adequate. However, it does not disclose any information about warning operator by LED warning system, any component to be helpful for selection of correct cable and terminal for assembly line. Therefore, some disadvantages of above application can be given as example.

Several embodiments related to said assembly machines are seen in the literature when literature is searched. One of the patent entitled “Modular tightening system” numbered TR2011/08952. Abstract of invention reads as: “Said invention relates to modular tightening system installed onto standard grinding machines and aiming to provide tightening operation by stable torque control during grinding as step engine driving (coupling or trigger belt) according to wall thickness of circular and strip saws used in cutting wooden, metal, plastic or composite materials.”

In said domestic application, assembling operation is conducted according to torque values but operator is not led regarding parts to be used. This may lead the operator to do faults and result in faulty product. Therefore, some disadvantages of above application can be given as example,

In conclusion, developments have been made in assembly machines in parallel to technology and, therefore, new embodiments eliminating the above disadvantages and offering solutions to existing systems are needed.

Aim of the Invention

Differently from the embodiments used in the present related art the invention relates to assembly machines developed to solve said disadvantages and provide some additional advantages.

Aim of invention is to identify cross cuts to mounted bolt-nut connections end of onto cable terminal prevent faults that might occur in occurrence of foreign agents in the area where assembling is made.

Another aim of the invention is to eliminate faulty assembling and inconvenient product assembly arising from operators by help of linear arm.

Another aim of the invention is to provide performance of fast assembling by means of showing operator the parts to be selected by help of illumination so eliminate need of thinking. Thus production speed and efficiency increases and waste, connection rates decrease. A further aim of the invention is to eliminate customer complaints as faulty production is prevented and customer will always have first quality product.

Another purpose of the invention is to define correct product by help of illumination.

The structural and characteristic features and all advantages of the invention will be understood better in the figures given below and the detailed description by reference to the figures. Therefore, the assessment should be made based on the figures and taking into account the detailed descriptions.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure - 1 shows perspective view of torque station of the invention. Figure - 2 shows detailed perspective view of work area of torque station of the invention.

Reference Numbers

I. Assembly machine 52. Arm profile fixing apparatus 10. Main body 60. Computer

II. Body frame 61. Monitor 12. Wheel 62. Keyboard

13. Body closing covers 35 63. Mouse

14. Waste holder 70. Working area

20. Rear body 71. Tightening end holder

21. Rear body frame 711. Tightening end 22. Rear body surface 712. Tightening end lights

23. Ceiling profile 40 72. USB input

24. Lamp 73. Switch

30. Side unit 74. Recipe printer

31. Side unit boxes 75. Barcode reader 32. Side unit lights 76. Emergency stop key

40. Material shelf 45 80. Work unit

41. Material box 81. Work unit lights

411. Material box lights 82. Base plate 50. Linear arm 83. Cable outlet 51. Arm profile 831. Cable outlet lights Detailed Description of an illustrative embodiment of the Invention

Structure and assembling principle

An assembly machine (1) comprises a main body (10), a rear body (20), a side unit (30), a material shelf (40), a linear arm (50), a computer (60), a work area (70) and a work unit (80). Figure 1 shows perspective view of the assembly machine (1).

Said main body (10) comprises a body frame (11), a wheel (12), body closing covers (13) and a waste holder (14). The body frame (11) is the structure housing surface of work and components to be placed on the surface.

Lower part has four wheels (12) and thus it can be moved to any desired place. Whole surface of the body frame (11) is covered by body closing covers (13).

Front section has the waste holder (14) to collect wastes to fall during assembling works.

The rear body (20) comprises a rear body frame (21), a rear body surface (22), a ceiling profile (23) and lamps (24). The rear body (20) is fixed to the main body (10) rear part and is the part where some components are hung during working. The rear body frame (21) is main frame of this structure.

Rear body surface (22) is the component made from MDF constructed on rear body frame (21).

The ceiling profile (23) is the structure fixed onto upper part of the rear body frame (21) at perpendicular angle and in position parallel to the main body (10).

Lower part of ceiling profile (23), that is, section facing main body (10) has lamp (24) to be used to illuminate the work area (70). In case of working in dark environment, it is used to reduce distraction of operator under scope of occupational health security.

Side unit (30) shown in details in Figure 1 comprises side boxes (31) and side unit lights (32) placed thereon. Parts to be used by operator during working are placed in side unit boxes (31). Regarding which parts to be used, side unit lights (32) provided on front side of each box are used.

The material shelf (40) is mounted onto the read body (20) in a manner to be on side of side unit (30). The material shelf (40) is the part where required nuts/screws etc. are placed. It comprises material boxes (41). A material box light (411) is provided on front part of each material box (41) and marking of required parts is made by use them and operator is led to correct part.

Linear arm (50) is the component providing conduct of assembly operation at 90 degrees perpendicular angle. It is connected to an arm profile (51). It can move vertically and horizontally. The arm profile (51) is fixed to the ceiling profile (23) by means of an arm profile fixing apparatus (52) from front part. It is fixed to the main body frame (11) from bottom.

The computer (60) is the machine providing torque control conducting all assembling works of machine. A Monitor (61), a keyboard (62) and a mouse (63) connected to the computer (60) are used. The monitor (61) helps conduct of visual controls for directing operator. The keyboard (62) provides data input by operator in case of need. The mouse (63) helps in selection of programs displayed on the monitor (61) during data entering.

The work area (70) is the part where mounting operation is performed and helping materials are placed. Upper surface of the main body (10) is used as work area (70).

The work area (70) contains a tightening end holder (71 ), a tightening end (711 ), an USB inlet (72), a switch (73), a recipe printer (74), a barcode reader (75) and an emergency stop key (76). Figure 2 shows work area (70) in details.

The tightening end holder (71) is the part placed onto main body (10) and where tightening ends (711) are to inserted. The linear arm (50) comes to this section and takes required the tightening end (711) and continues working. The tightening end holder (71) prevents holding of tightening end (711) in error based on data entered.

USB inlet (72) provides conduct of USB connections and installation of program to be worked.

The switch (73) provides on/off functioning of assembly machine (1).

The recipe printer (74) prints out label providing information such as compliance of equipment mounted and tested, name of assembling person, date of assembling etc.

The barcode reader (75) is the component providing recognition of the equipment to be produced into system by reading method other than computer and starting of production.

The emergency stop key (76) is the button providing stop of machine in any emergency case.

The work unit (80) is the structure where main assembly work is made. It has a mounting section where 7 cables can be connected.

Work unit lights (81) comprises a base place (82), a cable outlet (83) and cable outlet lights (831). Figure 2 shows details.

The work unit lights (81 ) provides direction to area where main assembly will be made.

The base plate (82) is the structure where work unit (80) is placed. Front part of base plate (82) has cable outlet (83) where cable ends which are working part are connected. The end of cable where a nut-screw is to be inserted is installed to work unit and other end is connected to said cable outlet. Opposite of each cable outlet (83) has cable outlet lights (831) used to indicate connection after cable connection.

Operating principle

System electric supply is turned on from the switch (73). When station is started for the first time, operator (61) sees the display and enters user password and then product barcode of the product to be assembled is read by the barcode reader (75).

In case of an unexpected closing, during next starting the program continues from the last step.

After scanning by barcode reader (75), the cable to be mounted is taken by operator from side unit box (31) in respect to the side unit light (32) and placed in the work unit (80). When product to be assembled is installed, locking system runs. Part to be mounted is pressed into mounting housing to activate locks. System does not release product until working part is completed. Respectively and as mounting continues, the system directs side unit lights (32), material box lights (411), tightening end lights (712), work unit lights (81) and cable outlet lights (831) based on recognition of operator. Operator follows the lights and takes required steps. In addition, such information is displayed on the monitor (61).

Other end of cable placed in work unit (80) is connected to the cable outlet (83). Work unit lights (81) turns to green when both poles of cables contact. Then the light of correct box (411) of the material boxes (41) of related screw on the material shelf (40) turns on and operator is directed to take correct screw/nut. Correct screw/nut is taken and fit into cable placed in the work unit (80). After mounting equipment selection and completion of fitting steps, operator must take correct tightening end (711). Correct tightening end (711) is displayed to operator by means of tightening end lights (712).

After barcode reading system, Tightening end light (712) of the one to work from tightening ends (711) turns on and linear arm (50) is moved and placed to related tightening end (711). With this operation, the tightening end (711) is fitted into the linear arm (50). The linear arm (50) is lifted and nut/screw is taken from material box (41) of which light is on, and fitted onto the tightening end (711). With this operation, system is ready for tightening operation.

Operator moves towards screw on the cable placed on the linear arm (50) on work unit (80). Since system knows the coordinate system to be mounted, in case of attempt to tighten an incorrect screw, it will not allow. When magnetic sensors detect correct tightening apparatus, the trigger can be pressed and assembly machine (1) starts to work.

When described steps are executed successfully, when nut is tightened at needed torque force, work unit lights (81) flashes green and the monitor (61) display green parameters. Otherwise, system gets locked and administrator password is required for revision operation. Then cable outlet lights (831) transmits data to side unit lights (32) to display equipment to be mounted in the next step and above described steps are repeated.

When all cables are fitted, lock system unlocks. Program sends OK signal to the recipe printer (74) and a label is printed by printer. Then barcode reader (75) reads label and re-arranges locking system for new work part.

All wastes such as dirt, cable, plastic etc. from all attempts made onto product in the system are sent to waste holder (14) and thus clean working environment is provided.

Claims

1. An assembly machine (1) comprising a main body (10) having all components, a linear arm (50) to execute mounting operation according to required torque values, an arm profile (51) of said linear arm (50) to be moved horizontally and vertically, a work unit (80) where mounting operation is made, whereon said work unit (80); a computer (60) where data entrance is made and operation results are viewed, a USB inlet (72) providing data transfer to said computer, a work area (70) whereon said work unit (80) is placed characterized by comprising;

• a side unit (30) containing side unit boxes (31) wherein cables to be subjected to mounting operation are placed and mounted on side part of said main body (10),

• side unit lights (32) located in front part of each of said side unit boxes (31) and directing operator regarding product to be worked on according to information defined into computer,

• a material shelf (40) comprising material boxes (41) wherein materials such as screw/nut etc. to be mounted onto said cables are placed,

• material box lights (42) located in front part of said material boxes (41 ) and directing operator regarding the materials to be mounted based on information received from cable outlet lights (411),

• a tightening end holder (71) providing positioning of tightening ends (711) to conduct mounting operation of said linear arm (50) on work area (70),

• tightening end lights (712) provided on front part of each tightening end (711) on said tightening end holder (71) and displaying to the operator during mounting the tightening end (711) to be used based on information defined to computer,

• work unit lights (81) formed on said work unit (80) and displaying the operator the housing where cable is to be placed based on information defined to computer,

• cable outlets (83) formed on said work area (70) and front part of work unit (80) and where to free ends of said cables are to be fitted,

• cable outlets lights (831) formed on front part of each cable outlet (83) and sending data to material box lights (411) according to connected cable and directing the operator for use of required materials .

2. An assembly machine (1) according to claim 1 , characterized by comprising; waste holder (14) where wastes such as dirt, cable, plastic etc. arising from attempts on the product in the system are collected.

3. An assembly machine (1) according to claim 1 , characterized by comprising; a rear body (20) fixed to rear part of said main body (10) and extending upward and having computer (60) and material shelf (40) installed thereon.

4. An assembly machine (1) according to claim 3, characterized by comprising; a ceiling profile (23) formed onto upper part of said rear body (20) in parallel to floor and whereon arm profile

(51) is fixed from top.

5. An assembly machine (1) according to claim 4, characterized by comprising; a lamp (24) placed to lower part of said ceiling profile (23) and illuminating work area (70).