WO2023041235A1

WO2023041235A1 - Adjustment station for adjusting and/or measuring a wheel suspension arm arrangement

Info

Publication number: WO2023041235A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/071325
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rainer Burkhardt; Hinrich Stave; Stephan Janicek; Tobias Wolff
Original assignee: Alfing Kessler Sondermaschinen Gmbh
Priority date: 2021-09-16
Filing date: 2022-07-29
Publication date: 2023-03-23
Also published as: DE102021124018A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an adjustment station (10) comprising an adjustment device (60) for adjusting and/or measuring a wheel suspension arm arrangement (80), wherein: by means of the wheel suspension arm arrangement (80), a wheel carrier (82) is movably articulated on an axle carrier (81) so as to have a plurality of degrees of freedom of motion (B1, B2); the wheel carrier (82) is provided and designed for carrying a wheel of a vehicle (180); the adjustment station (10) has an axle-carrier-holding device (30) for holding the axle carrier (81) and in particular a wheel-carrier-holding device (40) for holding the wheel carrier (82) when the adjustment device (60) is used on the wheel suspension arm arrangement (80); and the adjustment station (10) has a transport device (50) for transporting the axle carrier (81) between an axle-carrier-provision location (21), provided for providing the axle carrier (81) for the adjustment station (10), and an adjustment location (20), provided for using the adjustment device (60) on the axle carrier (81), with a first, in particular vertical, degree of freedom of motion (B1). The transport device (50) is designed to transport an axle carrier (81) or an adjustment apparatus (25), in particular a calibration grid, provided for calibrating and/or adjusting the adjustment device (60), with a second, in particular horizontal, degree of freedom of motion (B2) relative to the adjustment device (60) and/or to and from at least a second provision location (22) which is located next to the axle-carrier-provision location (21).

Description

Setting station for setting and/or measuring a wheel guide arrangement

The invention relates to an adjustment station with an adjustment device for adjusting and/or measuring a check arm arrangement, with the check arm arrangement being used to movably articulate a wheel carrier on an axle carrier with a number of degrees of freedom of movement, the wheel carrier being provided and designed to support a wheel of a vehicle, the adjustment station an axle carrier holding device for holding the axle carrier and a wheel carrier holding device for holding the wheel carrier when the adjustment device is used on the check arm arrangement, and the adjustment station has a transport device for transporting the axle carrier between an axle carrier provided for preparing the axle carrier for the adjustment station - Having ger deployment location and a setting location provided for use of the setting device on the axle support with a first, in particular vertical, degree of freedom of movement.

The adjusting station is used, for example, to measure and/or adjust a check arm arrangement. Thus, for example, the orientation of the wheel carrier relative to the axle carrier, spring forces and supporting forces and the like can be set or measured on the wheel control arm arrangement.

The axle carriers are lifted off the conveyor belt by the transport device and positioned in front of the adjustment device so that the adjustment device can be applied to the check rail assembly, ie the check rail assembly is measured and/or the check rail assembly is adjusted using the adjustment device. If maintenance work is due, for example to calibrate the setting device, replace tools for the setting device or the like, the entire unit consisting of wheel carrier holding device and axle carrier holding device as well as setting device can be moved away from the conveyor belt, so that axle carriers intended for further processing can pass through the setting station undisturbed .

A setting station of the type mentioned is, for example, in

DE 10 2017 121 220 B3 explained. The well-known adjustment station has changing frames that can be positioned via a conveyor belt for pre-feeding axle carriers with wheel carriers arranged thereon, so that different types of axle carriers or wheel control arm arrangements can be adjusted and/or measured by the adjustment station and its adjustment device.

It can also be provided in the system known from DE 10 2017 121 220 B3 that the transport device moves the wheel carrier holding device, the axle carrier holding device and the adjustment device vertically upwards away from the conveyor belt, so that the axle carriers on the conveyor belt Setting station can go through under the aforementioned components.

As a protective measure, it can be provided that a cover is arranged above the conveyor belt during maintenance work, so that the axle carriers can pass through the setting station underneath the cover unaffected by the components of the setting station and any persons working on these components.

It is therefore a known approach that the conveyor belt can continue to run unhindered for maintenance work, in the event of faults and the like, so that the axle carriers can be fed into the further production of vehicles, even if the respective check rails are not measured and/or adjusted at the adjustment station in this situation can become.

However, the known adjustment stations are not very flexible and require a considerable amount of space. It is therefore the object of the present connection to provide an improved setting station for setting and/or measuring wheel control arm arrangements.

In order to solve this problem, an adjustment station of the type mentioned at the outset provides that the transport device for transporting an axle carrier or an adjustment device provided for calibrating and/or adjusting the adjustment device, in particular a calibration master, has a second, in particular horizontal, degree of freedom of movement relative to the Adjusting device and / or is configured from and to at least a second deployment location, which is arranged next to the axle carrier deployment location.

It is therefore a basic idea that the transport device has a high kinematic flexibility so that, for example, a second delivery location can be served or the positioning of the axle carrier or adjustment device is optimized with respect to the adjustment device.

The second location can be used, for example, so that a setting device, for example a so-called calibration master for calibrating a measuring arrangement of the setting device, can be picked up by the transport device in order to be positioned from the second location relative to the setting device.

At least one conveying device, for example a conveyor belt, is advantageously provided for conveying the axle carrier into and out of the setting station. The conveyor can form part of the setting station.

The conveyor device conveys the axle carriers into and out of the adjustment station along a movement path, in particular a linear movement path, and/or a conveyor axis. The conveying axis is preferably a linear axis and/or a horizontal axis. The conveying axis of the at least one conveying device and the first degree of freedom of movement and/or the second degree of freedom of movement of the transport device are preferably at an angle to one another, in particular at right angles.

It is possible for a conveyor device, for example a conveyor belt, to be arranged at each of the first and second provision locations, with which the axle carrier can be conveyed into and out of the adjustment station. Thus, the transport device can, so to speak, serve two conveyor devices in order to transport axle carriers from there in the direction of the adjustment device and away from it.

A further approach of the solution according to the invention lies in the fact that the transport device can be moved relative to the setting device. Thus, for example, a holding device moved by the transport device, e.g. the axle carrier holding device and/or the wheel carrier holding device, can be moved away from the adjustment device for maintenance work. Maintenance work can be necessary and possible, for example, on the transport device and/or at least one of the holding devices and/or the adjustment device.

The second degree of freedom of movement differs from the first degree of freedom of movement.

It is preferred if the first degree of freedom of movement and/or the second degree of freedom of movement is a linear degree of freedom of movement. In principle, however, it is also possible for one of the degrees of freedom of movement to be a linear degree of freedom of movement, while the other degree of freedom of movement is a pivoting degree of freedom of movement.

The first degree of freedom of movement is preferably a vertical or substantially vertical, in particular linear, degree of freedom of movement. The second degree of freedom of movement is preferably also a linear degree of freedom of movement, but a horizontal or substantially horizontal degree of freedom of movement. Further degrees of freedom of movement can readily be present in the transport device, for example three or four degrees of freedom of movement.

To realize the degrees of freedom of movement of the transport device, slides, in particular compound slides, pivot bearings or the like can be provided, for example.

The transport device is advantageously designed not only with the first degree of freedom of movement, but also with the at least one second degree of freedom for transporting the axle carrier or the adjustment device. Consequently, the transport device can provide the second degree of freedom of movement under load, so to speak.

The transport device is designed, for example, for positioning the axle carrier holding device and/or the wheel carrier holding device with the first degree of freedom of movement and/or the at least one second degree of freedom of movement.

Advantageously, the transport device has exclusively linear degrees of freedom of movement for transporting the axle support. For example, the first degree of freedom of movement and the second degree of freedom of movement are linear degrees of freedom of movement.

Furthermore, it is possible for the transport device to have only the first degree of freedom of movement and the second degree of freedom of movement for transporting the axle support and no other degrees of freedom of movement.

Provision is preferably made for the adjustment station to have a controller for controlling the transport device with the second degree of freedom of movement and/or for transporting an axle carrier between the axle carrier provision location and the adjustment location and for transporting an axle carrier or the adjustment device between the second provision location and the adjustment location . For example, the controller is designed to the transport device to a to control superimposed and / or sequential movement with the first degree of freedom and the second degree of freedom of movement.

Such a superimposed and/or sequential movement, for example of the wheel carrier holding device and/or the axle carrier holding device, can be advantageous, for example, in a context explained in more detail below.

Provision is preferably made for a conveying device, in particular a conveyor belt, for conveying axle carriers into and out of the setting station to be arranged or to be arranged at the first provision location and/or the second provision location. Consequently, axle carriers with wheel carriers arranged thereon can be conveyed into and out of the setting station with one or more conveyor belts or other similar conveying devices.

It is now possible for parts or components, for example spring struts, to protrude from the arrangements comprising the axle carrier and the wheel carrier. The transport device is now to be adjusted away from the respective conveyor device in such a way that the axle carrier and wheel carrier as well as the components protruding from them can pass through the adjustment station past the transport device.

An advantageous concept provides that the controller for controlling the transport device away from the conveyor device is designed with the second degree of freedom of movement to release a movement space, in particular above the conveyor device, which is used to transport axle carriers on components arranged on the transport device, in particular the wheel carriers - ger holding device and / or the axle carrier holding device, is provided over. It is therefore possible for the controller to move and/or adjust the transport device with the second degree of freedom in order to release the movement space above and/or to the side of the conveyor device. For example, the transport device adjusts the wheel ger holding device and/or the axle carrier holding device or another component of the transport device, for example a protruding holding arm, a drive or the like, horizontally transversely away from the conveyor device, in particular the conveyor belt, in order to release the movement space for the pre-conveying of axle carriers .

Of course, it is also easily possible in this context for the controller to activate the transport device to release the movement space not only for an adjustment with the second degree of freedom of movement, but also for an adjustment with the first degree of freedom of movement, for example vertically upwards. However, the movement path vertically upwards can be significantly smaller if the transport device also runs through a horizontal movement transversely to the conveyor device to release the movement space above the conveyor device. Thus, for example, the overall height of the adjustment station can be comparatively small.

It is preferably provided that the axle carrier holding device is arranged on the transport device and is designed to accommodate the axle carrier or the adjustment device, so that the axle carrier or the adjustment device remains on the axle carrier holding device and the axle carrier holding device after it has been picked up at the respective preparation location supports the axle carrier or the adjustment device when using the adjustment device. Consequently, the axle support holding device forms a part of the transport device, for example.

Advantageously, it is provided that the axle carrier holding device has at least one gripping element, which can be adjusted between a fixing position that fixes the axle carrier and a release position that releases the axle carrier, for gripping the axle carrier. The gripping element can also be designated or designed as a tensioning element or tensioner. It is advantageous if there are a plurality of gripping elements, each of which is at a distance from one another, so that the axle carrier can be gripped at a number of points spaced apart from one another using a respective gripping element. The adjustment station, for example the axle carrier holding device and/or the wheel carrier holding device, preferably has a force application device for applying a wheel load to the wheel carrier in a wheel load direction. Using the at least one force application device or the plurality of force application devices, forces occurring, for example, when a motor vehicle is in motion, can be exerted on the wheel carrier. The force application device includes, for example, one or more actuators for generating the wheel load.

The force application device is advantageously arranged on the transport device and/or the axle support holding device. In principle, however, it is also possible for the force application device to be arranged, for example, next to or on the adjustment device and for the axle carrier holding device to be movable relative to the force application device.

It is preferred if the at least one force application device acts on the axle carrier so that it loads the wheel carrier via the wheel control arm arrangement. However, it is also possible for the at least one force application device to act on the wheel carrier or the wheel carrier holding device, so that the wheel carrier is force-loaded relative to the axle carrier.

An advantageous exemplary embodiment provides that the wheel carrier holding device is arranged on the transport device so that it can move relative to the adjustment device. Consequently, in this embodiment not only the axle carrier holding device but also the wheel carrier holding device is moved relative to the setting device, for example between the second deployment location and the setting device and/or with the second degree of freedom.

Another embodiment can provide for the wheel carrier holding device to be arranged in a stationary manner on the setting station, for example on a portal of the setting station, and for the transport device to be configured for adjusting the axle carrier holding device relative to the wheel carrier holding device and is intended. For example, the axle carrier holding device can be adjusted, in particular moved, relative to the wheel carrier holding device with the first and/or the second degree of freedom of movement.

An advantageous exemplary embodiment provides that the wheel carrier holding device is suspended from at least one flexible suspension element, with the at least one suspension element supporting the wheel carrier holding device with a supporting force in a supporting force direction opposite to the wheel load direction and movably mounting the wheel carrier with other degrees of freedom of movement . As a result, the wheel carrier is optimally mounted, for example for measurements and/or adjustments using the adjustment device. The wheel carrier holding device preferably has a wheel mount for receiving the wheel carrier. The wheel carrier holding device can preferably be adjusted between a fixing position that holds and fixes the wheel carrier and a release position that releases the wheel carrier.

At least one pre-positioning of the wheel carrier relative to the wheel carrier holding device can be realized in that the transport device positions the axle carrier holding device provided for holding the axle carrier relative to the wheel carrier holding device. It is also possible for the axle carrier holding device to position the wheel carrier in relation to the wheel carrier holding device in such a way that the latter can fix the wheel carrier when it is moved from the release position to the fixing position.

However, an additional positioning device and/or a positioning device separate from the transport device is preferred, which positions the wheel carrier holding device with respect to the wheel carrier after the aforementioned pre-positioning by the transport device. An advantageous exemplary embodiment provides that the setting station has a positioning device for positioning the wheel carrier holding device on the wheel carrier, the positioning device between a positioning position in which the wheel carrier holding device is positioned on the wheel carrier for gripping the wheel carrier and one Release position in which the positioning device for setting and / or the holding device Measurement of the check arm assembly releases. The positioning device includes, for example, one or more positioning drives that position the wheel carrier holding device with respect to the wheel carrier such that the wheel carrier holding device can fix the wheel carrier when it is moved from the release position to the fixing position.

It is preferred if the adjustment station has a base support, in particular a support frame and/or support structure and/or portal, on which the transport device, in particular the horizontal guide, and/or the adjustment device is arranged.

The supporting framework or the portal comprises, for example, columns between which cross members extend. It is particularly advantageous if the support frame has two portals which are connected to one another by longitudinal beams. The longitudinal beams extend, for example, between columns of the portals, with the columns of a respective portal being connected to one another by cross beams.

It is preferred if the transport device for providing the second degree of freedom of movement comprises at least one horizontal transport device, in particular a horizontal carriage, which runs along a horizontal or essentially horizontal horizontal axis on a horizontal guide, in particular between the setting location and the staging areas and/or relatively to the setting device, can be moved. For example, the horizontal guide comprises two rails which are arranged at a transverse distance from one another and on which the horizontal transport device or the horizontal carriage is guided along the horizontal axis. Thus, for example, the horizontal transport device or the horizontal carriage with the second degree of freedom can be moved horizontally or essentially horizontally away from the setting device or towards the setting device.

For example, in each case one guide rail of the horizontal guide is arranged on a cross member extending between columns of the portal. The horizontal guide, in particular its rails or other guide elements, advantageously extends over the first and the at least one second provision location, for example in the manner of a portal and/or portal-like and/or transversely. If the transport device is designed for picking up and depositing axle carriers or setting devices at other locations, these locations are served, so to speak, the horizontal guide extends like a portal over all locations of the setting station.

For example, the provision locations are arranged between columns of the portal or support frame. In this configuration, it is advantageous if the horizontal guide, in particular its rails or guide elements, extends between the columns of the portal and thus runs above the deployment locations.

It is advantageous if the transport device for providing the first degree of freedom of movement has at least one vertical transport device, in particular a vertical slide, which can be moved along a vertical or essentially vertical vertical axis on a vertical guide.

The vertical guide can be arranged on the base support, for example the support frame or the support structure, of the adjustment station. However, a preferred exemplary embodiment provides that the vertical guide is arranged on the horizontal transport device or the horizontal carriage, so that the vertical transport device, for example the vertical carriage, is on the horizontal transport device or the horizontal carriage is led.

It should also be mentioned that the wheel carrier holding device is advantageously arranged on the horizontal transport device or the horizontal carriage. The axle carrier holding device, on the other hand, is expediently arranged on the vertical transport device or the vertical carriage, so that the axle carrier holding device can position the axle carrier vertically relative to the wheel carrier holding device. The vertical guide and/or the horizontal guide are advantageously linear guides or linear guides.

It is advantageously provided that the adjustment station has a measuring arrangement with at least one sensor for detecting at least one physical variable of the wheel carrier. For example, the measurement arrangement includes a number of sensors.

Based on the detection of the physical variable of the wheel carrier or for detecting a physical variable of the wheel carrier, for example its orientation and/or angular position, the measuring arrangement can also be designed and provided for detecting at least one physical variable of the wheel guide arm arrangement. The measuring arrangement can be designed and provided for measuring directly on the wheel carrier. However, it is also possible for the measuring arrangement to determine one or more physical variables of the wheel carrier to determine a measured variable on the check arm arrangement, for example the orientation and/or position of a joint or a check arm of the check arm arrangement.

If several sensors are present, they are expediently angularly spaced from one another and extend in a ring around an axis of rotation or a center of the wheel carrier. A preferred concept provides that the at least one sensor comprises a probe and/or an optical sensor and/or a camera or the like. The at least one sensor can be used, for example, to detect an angular position of the wheel carrier relative to the axle carrier.

The measuring arrangement can be or comprise a measuring arrangement that is stationary with respect to the base support or supporting frame or supporting frame of the adjustment station. It is advantageously provided, for example, that the measuring arrangement comprises at least one sensor, in particular a camera, which is arranged at the at least one second provision location, and that the transport device for Positioning of an axle support or the adjustment device is configured on the sensor.

It is also possible for such a sensor to be arranged at a third location that is different from both the first and the second location. It is preferably provided that the third location is arranged above the second location or above the location for the setting device.

A particularly preferred concept provides that a measuring arrangement with at least one sensor is arranged on opposite sides of the at least one second provision location, between which the axle support or the adjustment device can be positioned, in particular using the transport devices. Thus, the sensors on opposite sides of the axle carrier can each detect one of the wheel carriers held there on the axle carrier by a wheel control arm arrangement.

However, it is also possible for the measuring arrangement or one of the measuring arrangements to be movably mounted relative to the wheel carrier.

Advantageously, the at least one sensor can be adjusted relative to the wheel carrier holding device by means of a sensor positioning device between a measuring position, in which the sensor is positioned towards the wheel carrier holding device for a measurement on the wheel carrier, and a rest position, in which the sensor is further away from the wheel carrier holding device than in the measuring position.

It is particularly preferred if the sensor positioning device has a sensor holder on which the at least one sensor is arranged. The sensor holder is preferably arranged on a carriage which can be adjusted between the measuring position and the rest position using a linear guide. The sensor holder advantageously has a passage opening through which the positioning device provided for positioning the wheel carrier holding device passes. It is also advantageous if the measuring arrangement or one of the measuring arrangements is arranged on or near the wheel carrier holding device. For example, the measuring arrangement can be arranged in a stationary manner on or near the wheel carrier holding device. However, it is also possible for the measuring arrangement to be arranged next to or on the wheel carrier holding device so as to be movable or adjustable relative to the wheel carrier holding device, in particular linearly and/or pivotably. The aforementioned sensor positioning device, for example, is then advantageously provided.

Furthermore, it is advantageously provided that the measuring arrangement is or comprises a measuring arrangement which can be moved between one of the provision locations and the setting location using the transport device. For example, the measuring arrangement can be arranged on the horizontal transport device, in particular next to or on the wheel carrier holding device.

At this point, however, it should be mentioned that the measuring arrangement or at least one sensor of the measuring arrangement can be arranged in a stationary manner at the setting location, for example on or near one of the screwing tools explained below.

Provision is preferably made for the adjustment device to have at least one motor-driven screwing tool which can be brought into an engagement position intended for screwing engagement with a screwing element of the wheel control arm arrangement. The motor drive is implemented, for example, by a so-called screw spindle. It is preferred if the setting device has a plurality of motor-driven screwing tools. Consequently, each screwing tool preferably has a motorized screw spindle.

In principle, it is possible for the transport device to bring one or more screwing elements of the wheel control arm arrangement into screwing engagement with a respective screwing tool.

The adjustment station advantageously has at least one actuator for adjusting the at least one screwing tool between the engaged position and a disengaged position, in which the screwing tool further from the Setting location is farther away than in the engaged position. In the disengaged position, the screwing tool is disengaged from the screwing element of the wheel control arm arrangement during operation of the adjustment station.

An advantageous variant provides that at least one of the screwing tools can be adjusted relative to another of the screwing tools by an actuator between its engaged position and its disengaged position. Several, for example two or three screwing tools, or all screwing tools can each have an individual actuator. It is particularly advantageous if each of the motor-driven screwing tools is individually adjustable by an actuator between its engaged position provided for screwing a screw element of the wheel control arm arrangement and its disengaged position. This means that individual infeed movements of the screwing tools are possible.

The screwing tools or their actuators can advantageously be arranged on a common screwing tool carrier. The screwing tools are advantageously arranged on the screwing tool carrier so that they can be moved between their engaged position and their disengaged position. However, it is also possible for one or more of the screwing tools to be arranged in a stationary manner on the screwing tool carrier.

The screwing tool carrier can be arranged in a stationary manner on a base carrier, in particular the carrying frame, of the setting station.

Another variant provides that the screwing tool carrier is mounted on the base carrier between a working position that is adjusted closer to the setting location and a rest position that is further away from the setting location. For example, the screwing tool carrier is part of a carriage or is arranged on a carriage. An actuating drive, for example a spindle drive, is advantageously provided for adjusting the screwing tool carrier between the rest position and the working position. Thus it is possible, for example, solely on the basis of the screwing tool carrier in each case on the screwing tool carrier to adjust arranged screwing tool between its engaged position and its disengaged position.

It is possible that one or more of the screwing tools or all of the screwing tools are stationarily arranged on the screwing tool carrier.

On the screwing tool carrier, which can be adjusted between the working position and the rest position, one or more of the screwing tools can advantageously also be mounted individually or in groups between their engaged position and their disengaged position.

It is preferred if a respective screwing tool is held on the screwing tool carrier with a floating or movable holder. It is preferred if the holder is held movably or floating on the screwing tool carrier, for example mobility with one or more degrees of freedom of movement, in particular mobility in mutually angled axes that are angled to the screwing axis of the screwing tool. A respective screwing tool can be adapted to a position or orientation of the screwing element on the basis of the movable or floating mounting.

At least two of the screwing tools can be adjustably mounted in mutually angled linear axes between their engaged position and their disengaged position, in particular on the screwing tool carrier. If the screwing tool carrier is mounted so that it can be adjusted between the working position and the rest position, it is preferably adjusted along an adjustment path, in particular along a further linear axis which is at an angle to the aforementioned linear axes of the screwing tools. In this configuration, for example, several screwing tools arranged on the screwing tool carrier can first be adjusted along the adjustment path or linear axis of the screwing tool carrier from the rest position to the working position and then in their linear axes at an angle thereto from their disengaged position to their engaged position with respect to the drilling tool -Bearer adjustable. The adjustment path of the screwing tool carrier is preferably a linear path.

At this point it should be mentioned that, in principle, the screwing tools can not only be adjusted linearly between their engaged position and their disengaged position, but also, for example, pivotable or both, in particular superimposed, pivotable and linear.

A preferred exemplary embodiment provides that guide components, for example guide rails, of the transport device are also used to guide and/or movably mount a screw arrangement of the adjustment device, which has at least one motor-driven screw tool. For example, the already explained screwing tool carrier, on which one or more screwing tools are arranged, can be movably mounted and/or guided on a guide, for example with at least one guide rail, on which a horizontal transport device of the transport device is also guided.

It is possible for the adjustment station to have an adjustment device with screwing tools that act on the wheel control arm arrangement only from one side in order to adjust it. For example, such an adjustment device can be mounted on the base support of the adjustment station so that it is stationary or can be moved using a guide.

However, it is also readily possible for the adjustment device to have a plurality of screwing arrangements, for example two screwing arrangements, each of which has at least one motor-driven screwing tool. These screwing arrangements can also easily include several, for example at least two, motor-driven screwing tools. The screwing tools of a respective screwing arrangement are preferably arranged on a common screwing tool carrier, so that, for example, each screwing arrangement has a screwing tool carrier with at least one motor-driven screwing tool arranged thereon having. Provision is therefore advantageously made for the setting device to have a first screw arrangement and at least one second screw arrangement, each with at least one motor-driven screw tool.

The first screw assembly and the at least one second screw assembly are preferably angled or opposed to each other. For example, the first and the second screw arrangement are fixedly or movably arranged in mutually angled or mutually opposite positions on the base support of the adjustment station. Thus, the screwing tools can be brought into engagement with the wheel control arm arrangement from sides which are at an angle to one another or from opposite sides.

At least one of the screw assemblies is advantageously mounted on the base support of the adjustment station so that it can be moved relative to the other screw assembly. For example, for this purpose the screwing tool carrier of the screwing arrangement can be movably mounted on a carriage with respect to the setting station. However, it is also possible for both or further screw arrangements to be movably mounted on the base support of the adjustment station. An actuator for adjustment toward and away from the setting location is preferably assigned to the screw arrangement that is mounted in each case movably with respect to the base support.

One or more of the measures explained below, as well as in combination with one another, can advantageously be provided for an adjustment towards the setting location and away from the setting location of a respective screw arrangement, for example at least one of the screw arrangements:

For example, at least one of the screw assemblies is guided on a guide component, for example a horizontal guide, of the transport device in order to movably support and/or guide the screw assembly to and from the setting location. For example, this screw arrangement can comprise a carriage which is movably mounted on a guide, in particular a horizontal guide, of the transport device, with This horizontal guide can also be used, for example, for the horizontal transport device that carries the axle carrier holding device and/or the wheel carrier holding device.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if at least one of the screw arrangements is movement-coupled or connected to the transport device, in particular its horizontal transport device, for an adjustment to the setting location and from this path. Consequently, in this case, the transport device, for example the horizontal transport device, takes the screw arrangement with it when it adjusts, for example, the wheel carrier holding device and/or the axle carrier holding device in the direction of the adjustment location.

Furthermore, it is expedient if at least one of the screw assemblies has an actuator which is separate from the transport device and is provided for adjusting the screw assembly toward or away from the setting location. Thus, for example, this additional actuating drive can adjust a screw arrangement, which is actually coupled in terms of movement to the transport device, relative to the transport device, for example relative to the horizontal transport device. The transport device, in particular the horizontal transport device, therefore takes the screw arrangement with it in the direction of the setting location or moves the screw arrangement away from the setting location. If the transport device has already adjusted the screwing arrangement close to the setting location, the additional actuator can adjust the screwing arrangement, which in this case comprises in particular several motor-driven screwing tools, even further in the direction of an engagement position in which the at least one screwing tool engages with the Control arm assembly is, and adjust from the engaged position to a disengaged position further away from the control arm assembly.

In principle, the fact that the screw element carrier can be adjusted between the rest position and the working position already makes it easier to access the screwing tools for maintenance work, for example to adapt to other wheel guide arm arrangements that are due for processing or adjustment. A preferred concept provides that the axle carrier holding device can be adjusted by the adjustment device using the transport device into a maintenance position provided in particular at the at least one second preparation location, in which there is a distance between the axle carrier holding device and the adjustment device, through which one of the Axle carrier holding device facing side of the adjustment device and / or one of the adjustment device facing side of the axle carrier holding device for maintenance work is accessible to an operator. The distance can, for example, be at least the width of a conveyor belt that is present at the first provision location. It is preferred if the distance is at least 50 cm, preferably at least 80 cm, in particular at least 1 m.

It is advantageous if the adjustment station has at least one delivery device, in particular a carriage for the adjustment device, the delivery device being arranged or able to be arranged at the at least one second delivery location. Using the carriage, for example, different adjustment devices, for example optionally an adjustment stand for adjusting the screwing tools of the adjustment device or a calibration master or a calibration device for calibrating the measuring arrangement can be positioned at the second provision location for picking up and depositing by the transport device. There are preferably no provision means suitable or designed for relocating the setting device to the first provision location on the provision device. For example, the delivery device has no drawer or telescopic device to position the setting device at the first delivery location for picking up and depositing by the transport device. Rather, the transport device is designed and provided to pick up the setting device from the delivery device at the second delivery location and set it down there again.

The base support, for example the support frame, of the adjustment station preferably has such a clear width between its columns that the delivery device can be brought between the columns to the at least one second delivery location. It is advantageously provided that the at least two delivery locations, preferably three delivery locations, of the adjustment station are arranged next to one another in a row axis.

The row axis advantageously runs transversely, in particular at right angles transversely, to a conveying axis of a conveying device, in particular a conveyor belt, with which the axle carrier can be conveyed into and out of the setting station.

The second degree of freedom of movement of the transport device, ie preferably the horizontal axis, advantageously runs parallel to the row axis or at an angle of less than 30° to the row axis.

The conveyor belt or the conveying device can form part of the setting station, but can also be a device separate from the setting station.

Consequently, the adjustment station is set up in such a way that at least one conveying device passes through it or can be passed through it, with which the axle carrier can be conveyed into and out of the adjustment station.

The linear axis already mentioned, along which the screw element carrier can be adjusted between the rest position and the working position, is also advantageous, parallel to the row axis.

Linear axes, along which the screwing tools can be adjusted between their engaged position and their disengaged position, preferably run at an incline, in particular at angles of less than 30°, to the row axis.

The at least two provision locations preferably include a provision location for the adjustment device and at least one axle carrier provision location, in particular two provision locations, for provision of axle supports, with a conveyor device, in particular a conveyor belt, for pre-transporting axle carriers at the at least one axle carrier provision location for axle supports. dern of axle carriers into and out of the setting station is arranged or can be arranged.

A linear guide of the transport device providing the first degree of freedom of movement, for example guide rails of the linear guide, preferably extends transversely across the conveyor device.

Advantageously, the adjustment device on the base support, in particular the carrying frame, of the adjustment station can only be adjusted horizontally, but is vertically stationary.

A working height for maintenance work is advantageously low. It is advantageously provided that the axle carrier holding device and/or the adjustment device, in a maintenance position in which they are accessible for maintenance by an operator, is at most 2 m, preferably at most 1.5 m above a surface on which the adjustment station is parked. are arranged.

Provision can advantageously be made for the transport device to have exclusively linear degrees of freedom of movement.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the transport device does not include a robot and/or is not formed by a robot.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the transport device has feet that are spaced apart from one another for setting it down on a base.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the conveying device runs and/or is arranged between at least two feet of the transport device, with which it can be set down on a substructure.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained below with reference to the drawing. Show it: Figure 1 is a perspective oblique view of a setting station obliquely from above,

FIG. 2 shows the adjustment station according to FIG. 1 from diagonally above and behind,

FIG. 3 shows the adjustment station according to FIG. 1 from the front, with an axle carrier being provided on a conveyor device,

FIG. 4 shows the setting station according to FIG. 3, with the axle carrier being positioned at a setting location by a transport device,

FIG. 5 shows the setting station according to the above figures in a front view, with the transport device positioned for gripping a setting device at a second preparation location,

FIG. 6 shows the adjustment station roughly corresponding to FIG. 5, with the transport device and an axle support holding device arranged on the transport device being adjusted into a maintenance position,

FIG. 7 shows a horizontal transport device of the setting station in a perspective oblique view obliquely from below with a wheel carrier holding device,

FIG. 8 shows a detail from FIG. 7 with the wheel carrier holding device and a measuring arrangement,

FIG. 9 shows the measuring arrangement according to FIG. 8 with a sensor positioning device in a perspective oblique view obliquely from behind,

FIG. 10 shows the axle carrier holding device in a perspective oblique view from obliquely above, FIG. 11 shows a first adjustment device and a wheel control arm arrangement which can be adjusted by the adjustment device and which is shown schematically, as well as an axle carrier and a wheel carrier,

FIG. 12 shows a second adjustment device as a variant of the adjustment device according to FIG. 11, which is arranged on a screwing tool carrier that can be adjusted between a working position and a rest position,

FIG. 13 shows a variant of the wheel carrier holding device, which is arranged in a stationary manner on a base carrier of the adjustment station,

FIG. 14 shows a variant of the adjustment station according to the preceding figures, in which two axle carrier deployment locations and one deployment location for an adjustment device are provided,

FIG. 15 is a front view of another setting station with an alternative setting device, and

FIG. 16 shows the setting station according to FIG. 15 in a perspective oblique view obliquely from above.

An adjustment station 10 is for use in adjusting and/or measuring a control arm assembly 80 mounted or mountable on a vehicle 180, shown schematically. The wheel control arm arrangement 80 is used for the articulated connection and articulation of a wheel carrier 82 to an axle carrier 81 which is designed, for example, in the manner of an auxiliary frame, axle component or the like and is provided for assembly on the vehicle 180 shown schematically.

The wheel carrier 82 comprises, for example, a wheel flange which is rotatably mounted on the wheel carrier 82 about an axis of rotation D. The wheel flange can be connected to a brake disk or designed as such. The wheel carrier 82 is used to mount a wheel of the vehicle 180. For example, on the Wheel carrier 82 a wheel RA are arranged, which is rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation D, so that the vehicle 180 can drive on a surface.

The wheel control arm arrangement 80 comprises wheel control arms 83, 86 which are articulated, for example pivotably, to an axle carrier 81 by means of joints 84, 87 and to the wheel carrier 82 by means of joints 85, 88.

A body of the vehicle 180 acts on the wheel control arm arrangement 80 when it is connected to the wheel control arm arrangement 80 or the axle carrier 81 . For example, a spring strut 89 connected to the body of the vehicle 180 acts on the wheel control arm 86 .

The axle carrier 81 is intended to be connected to the body of the vehicle 180 after a measurement and/or adjustment of the wheel control arm arrangement 80 .

A load on the spring strut 89 and thus on the wheel control arm 86 is possible, for example, by means of a force application device 35 . The force application device 97 can act on the spring strut 89 and thus the wheel control arm 86, for example, in such a way that a wheel load RL acts on the wheel carrier 82 in a wheel load direction RR. The wheel load RL corresponds to a force or load occurring during operation of the vehicle 180 between the roadway and a wheel that can be mounted on the wheel carrier 82 and acting perpendicular to the roadway on the wheel RA.

The setting station 10 has a base support 11 which is designed as a support structure 12, for example. The base support 11 comprises portals 13A, 13B which are connected to one another by longitudinal supports 16. The portals 13A, 13B comprise columns 14 between which crossbeams 15 extend. Longitudinal members 16 of the support frame 12 also extend between the columns 14 . The longitudinal members 16 and the transverse members 15 form a substantially rectangular or square configuration overall, which are arranged at the free end regions of the columns 14 . The columns 14 stand with feet 17 on a base U. The portals 13A, 13B each delimit a through-flow passage 18 through which the axle carrier 81 with wheel control arm arrangements 80 and wheel carriers 82 arranged thereon can be conveyed.

For this purpose, for example, a conveyor device 90 , in particular a conveyor belt 91 , is arranged in the flow passage 18 . The conveyor belt 91 or the conveyor device 90 extend along a conveyor axis F through the base support 11 and the portals 13A, 13B, so that axle supports 81 resting on the conveyor device 90 can pass through the setting station 10 in a conveying direction FR. The portal 13A is arranged to the rear in the conveying direction FR and the portal 13B to the front in the conveying direction FR, so that the axle supports 81 are guided through the portal 13A into an interior space 19 of the base support 11 and leave the interior space 19 again through the portal 13A.

The axle carriers 81 are arranged on workpiece carriers 91 which lie on the conveyor belt 91 or the conveyor device 90 . The axle carriers 81 are thus pre-conveyed in the conveying direction FR by means of the workpiece carriers 91 .

An axle carrier holding device 30 serves to hold an axle carrier 81. The axle carrier holding device 30 comprises a support base 31 on which gripping elements 32 are arranged. The gripping elements 32 are used to grip a respective axle carrier 81. The gripping elements 32 include, for example, a gripping projection 32A, which can be adjusted by a gripping drive 32B between a fixing position F that fixes the axle carrier 81 and a release position L that releases the axle carrier 81. The gripping elements 32 are arranged, for example, on the outer edge areas, in particular corner areas, of the support base 31 . The gripping elements 32 are spaced apart so that the axle carrier 81 can be gripped by a pair of gripping elements 32 at spaced-apart locations, for example at two locations close to each wheel carrier 82 .

The gripping drives 32B are arranged, for example, on an upper side of the support base 31 in the use position, while the gripping projections 32A are arranged on a lower side of the support base 31 opposite to the upper side. For example, the gripper drives 32B are designed as linear drives. The gripper drives 32B can be or include, for example, electric motor or pneumatic drives.

Furthermore, force application devices 35 are arranged on the support base 31 in order to apply the wheel load RL to the wheel carrier 82 . For example, the force application devices 35 each comprise an actuator 36, which is preferably arranged on the upper side of the support base 31, and an actuating arm 37, driven by the respective actuator 36, which protrudes in front of the underside of the support base 31 and, for example, onto the axle support 81 and/or acts on a component of the wheel control arm arrangement 80 and/or on the wheel carrier 82 .

The wheel carriers 82 are held by wheel carrier holding devices 40, one of which is arranged near the portal 13A and the other near the portal 13B. Thus, for example, an axle carrier 81 can be held between the wheel carrier holding devices 40 by the axle carrier holding device 30, while the wheel carrier 82 protruding from the axle carrier 81 via the wheel control arm arrangement 80 is held by one of the wheel carrier holding devices 40.

The wheel carrier holding devices 40 comprise a holding base 41 and a fixing element 42 which can be adjusted relative to the holding base 41 and delimit a wheel mount 43 in which the respective wheel carrier 82 can be accommodated. A fixing drive 44, for example a linear drive, is used to adjust the fixing element 42 between a closed position, in which the fixing element 42 is adjusted towards the holding base 41 in the sense of holding the wheel carrier 82 in the wheel mount 43, and an open position, in which the fixing element 42 is adjusted so far away from the holding base 41 that the wheel carrier 82 can be inserted into the wheel mount 43 and removed from it again. The fixing element 42 is guided on the holding base 41 using, for example, a linear guide 45 between the open position and the closed position. In the sense of a large and easy mobility of the wheel carrier 82 for measurements and adjustments, it is that the wheel carrier holding devices 40 are each suspended by means of flexible suspension elements 46, for example cables, chains or the like, on a holder 47 which is attached directly or indirectly to the Base support 11 is held.

For example, strands or strands 46A of a respective suspension member 46 extend from the support 47 to the support base 41. A portion 46B of the suspension member 46, which is received in a seat 48 of the support base 41, runs between the strands 46A. Thus, the holding base 41 is, so to speak, wrapped around by the section 46B or the suspension element 46 and can therefore move freely in other degrees of freedom of movement apart from a supporting force direction provided for supporting the wheel load RL. Consequently, the suspension element 46 supports the wheel carrier holding device 40 and thus the wheel carrier 82 held by the wheel carrier holding device 40 with a supporting force SK in a supporting force direction SR, which is opposite to the wheel load direction RR.

For example, the holder 47 can be attached to a cross member 15 of a portal 13A or 13B, as in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. Alternatively, however, it is also possible for the holder 47 to be attached to a component of the transport device 50 of the adjustment station 10 explained below.

When the wheel carriers 82 oppose a respective wheel carrier holding device 40, when the axle carrier holding device 30 holds the axle carrier 81 between the wheel carrier holding devices 40, a positioning device 49 can position the wheel carrier holding device 40 with respect to the wheel carrier 82 opposite it. The positioning device 49 includes, for example, a positioning element 49A, which can be adjusted towards the wheel carrier holding device 40 by at least one positioning drive 49B in order to position the wheel carrier holding devices 40 with respect to the wheel carrier 82 in such a way that the wheel carrier can be inserted into the wheel mount 43 of the wheel carrier Holding device 40 engages and the fixing element 42 can be adjusted in the closed position. Then the positioning relement 49A is adjusted away from the wheel carrier, holding device 40 so that it is released and is only suspended from the suspension element 46, ie can move freely apart from the action of the supporting force SK.

The transport device 50 is initially used to transport one of the axle carriers 81 from an axle carrier supply location 21 to a setting location 20 at which an adjustment and/or measurement of the wheel control arm arrangement 80 takes place using a setting device 60 . The axle carrier supply location 21 is provided above or on the conveyor device 90 . The transport device 50 picks up the axle carrier 81 that is ready at the axle carrier preparation location 21, for example on one of the workpiece carriers 92, and conveys it to the setting device 60, i.e. to the setting location 20.

The transport device 50 comprises a horizontal transport device 51, for example a carriage 51A, which is linearly guided along a horizontal axis H on the base support 11 by means of a horizontal guide 52. The horizontal axis H runs horizontally or essentially horizontally when the setting station 10 is in use, at least transversely to the conveying axis F. The horizontal guide 52 includes guide rails 52A, which are arranged, for example, on the crossbeams 15 of the portals 13A, 13B. For example, the guide rails 52A are arranged on an outside or upper side of the cross member 15 facing away from the interior 19 .

The horizontal transport device 51 has a carriage base 53 on which guide elements 52B are arranged, which are guided on the guide rails 52A. For example, the guide elements 52B are designed as guide projections projecting laterally in front of the carriage base 53 .

The carriage base 53 is configured in, for example, a frame type or rack type, that is, the carriage base 53 is configured as a carriage frame or rack, for example. The carriage base 53 has, for example, longitudinal supports 53A between which cross supports 53B extend, with the guide elements 52B being arranged on the cross supports 53B. Between Cross members 53B and the longitudinal members 53A extend unspecified struts. Furthermore, the carriage base 53 has a body 53C held on the cross members 53B and longitudinal members 51A. Consequently, the carriage base 53 forms a stable, loadable frame that is supported on the base support 11, in particular the portals 13A, 13B of the adjustment station 10.

The horizontal transport device 51 is driven or can be driven by an actuator 54 to adjust it along the horizontal axis H. The actuator 54 thus forms, so to speak, a slide drive. The actuating drive 54 has, for example, a drive motor which, via a drive element, in particular a pinion, acts on a toothed rack 54A next to one of the guide rails 52A. For example, the pinion meshes with this rack.

The axle carrier holding device 30 and the wheel carrier holding devices 40 are arranged on the carriage base 53 . Thus, the axle support holding devices 30 and wheel support holding devices 40 are mounted so that they can move with respect to the base support 11 with the second degree of freedom B2 or along the horizontal axis H.

For example, carrier elements 53B are arranged on the carriage base 53, which protrude downwards in front of the carriage base into the interior space 19 and on which the wheel carrier holding devices 40 are fastened using, for example, brackets 53D.

It is also possible for only the axle carrier holding device 30 to be fastened to the carriage base 53, while the wheel carrier holding devices 40 are fastened directly to the base support 11, for example the crossbeams 15. This is indicated in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG.

A vertical transport device 55 is arranged on the horizontal transport device 51 . The vertical transport device 55 comprises a vertical guide 56 with a guide receptacle 56A on which a guide element 56B, for example As a rod-shaped guide element, along a vertical axis V is guided.

The support base 31 of the axle beam holder 30 is fixed to the guide member 56B. For example, the guide member 56B protrudes from the top of the support base 31 and engages with the guide receptacle 56A fixedly disposed on the carriage base 53.

The guide member 56B and the support base 31 form a vertical slide 55A, for example.

The support base 31 can be adjusted along the vertical axis V by means of an actuator 57, for example an electric or pneumatic actuator, for example in order to position the axle carrier holding device 30 in a lower position close to the conveyor device 90 or at the axle carrier deployment location 21 and in order to an upper position of the axle carrier holding device 30, preferably with the axle carrier 81 held on it, at the setting location 20.

The vertical axis V, the horizontal axis H and the conveying axis F are perpendicular to each other. The vertical axis V runs, for example, vertically or essentially vertically when the setting station 10 assumes its position of use.

On the basis of the adjustability along the vertical axis V, the vertical transport device 55 provides a first degree of freedom of movement B1 of the transport device 50 . On the basis of the adjustability along the horizontal axis H, the horizontal transport device 51 provides a second degree of freedom of movement B2 of the transport device 50 .

The axle carrier holding device 30 forms, so to speak, a part of the transport device 50. The axle carrier holding device 30 is namely held on the vertical transport device 55, which in turn is arranged on the horizontal transport device 51, so that the axle carrier ger holding device 30 along the horizontal axis H and the vertical axis V is adjustable.

A controller 100 serves to control the setting station 10 and the setting stations 110 and 210, which are still to be explained.

The controller 100 comprises, for example, a processor 101, a memory 102 and a control program 103, which is stored in the memory 102 and has program code which can be executed by the processor 101 in order to carry out the steps explained below and to control motion sequences.

The controller 100 is connected to the drives and the measuring arrangements 70, 76A, 76B of the setting station, which will be explained below, for example to the actuating drives 54 and 57 of the transport device 50, the gripper drives 32B, via control connections, for example radio connections and/or control lines, which are not shown. to control these drives and/or to receive sensor values or measured values.

An axle carrier 81 that is ready at the axle carrier provision location 21 can therefore be gripped by the axle carrier holding device 30 , ie picked up by the transport device 50 .

For example, the controller 100 controls the gripping drives 32B accordingly. The controller 100 of the adjustment station 10 then controls the actuators 54 and 57 in such a way that, for example, the vertical transport device 55 first moves the axle carrier holding device 30 and thus the axle carrier 81 held thereon upwards along the vertical axis V, starting from the position according to Figure 3 and then adjusted along the horizontal axis H toward the adjustment device 60 . Between these two adjustment movements, for example, the wheel carrier holding devices 40 and the wheel carrier 82 are positioned relative to one another until the wheel carrier 82 is held on the wheel carrier holding devices 40 . However, if the conveyor device 90 pre-conveys the workpiece carrier 92 and therefore the axle carrier 81 arranged on it, the axle carrier holding device 30 could, in principle, if it is arranged above the conveyor device 91, impede this pre-conveyance. In this situation, for example, the spring strut 89 cannot easily be conveyed past the axle support holding device 30, for example one of the gripping elements 32.

In the case of the setting station 10, however, this is remedied by the fact that the horizontal transport device 51 is at least partially moved away from the area above the conveyor device 90 along the horizontal axis H during a pre-conveyance of axle carriers 81 on the conveyor device 90, which is shown schematically in FIG is represented by a release position FP shown in dashed lines, into which the horizontal transport device 51 and thus the axle carrier holding device 30 has moved.

For example, controller 100 can communicate with a controller 93 for activating conveyor device 90 for the aforementioned movement sequence, with controller 93 of conveyor device 90 signaling to controller 100, for example, that an axle carrier 81 is to be pre-conveyed and controller 100 accordingly activates actuator 54 in this way that the horizontal transport device 51 moves into the release position FP. If the conveyor device 90 has then brought a processed axle support 81 away from the staging location 21 and an unprocessed axle support 81 to the staging location 21, the controller 93 of the conveyor device 90 signals the controller 100 that the conveying process is complete, so that the controller 100 then carries out the transport movements already explained traverses to position the unprocessed axle carrier 81 at the setting location 20 for use of the setting device 60.

The adjustment device 60 is arranged between the portals 13A, 13B. The adjustment device 60 is attached, for example, to columns 14 that are located next to the adjustment location 20 . For example, the adjustment device 60 is arranged in the manner of a crossbeam between these columns 14 .

The adjustment device 60 includes screwing tools 61, namely screwing tools 61A, 61B, 61C and 61D, which are each driven by a motorized drive 62, ie by drives 62A, 62B, 62C, 62D. The screwing tools 61 A, 61 B on the one hand and the screwing tools 61 C and 61 D on the other hand are each associated with a check arm arrangement 80 , these check arm arrangements 80 being provided on opposite sides of the axle carrier 81 .

For example, screwing tools 61 on joints 84 and 87 can be used to actuate screwing elements 80B, with which at least one mechanical property of a respective joint 84 and 87 can be adjusted, in order to, for example, spring tension and/or align wheel carrier 82 by lengthening or shortening the wheel control arms 83, 86 with respect to the axle support 81 set. For example, there are eccentric elements on the joints 84, 87, which can be adjusted and/or adjusted using a respective screw element 80B.

Furthermore, each screwing tool 61 A, 61 B, 61 C and 61 D has a separate actuator 64A, 64B, 64C and 64D, so that each screwing tool 61 A, 61 B, 61 C and 61 D individually between an engagement position in which the screwing tool 61 A, 61 B, 61 C and 61 D is in engagement with the screw element 80B assigned to it, and a disengaged position can be adjusted, in particular linearly, in which the screwing tool 61 A, 61 B, 61 C and 61 D can be moved by the respective Screw element 80B is adjusted away.

A respective base of an actuator 64A, 64B, 64C and 64D is held on a screwing tool carrier 66 by means of a bracket 65, respectively. The brackets 65 can be floating brackets, for example, so that the screwing tools 61 A, 61 B, 61 C and 61 D when adjusting the engagement point ment are adjustable relative to the screw element 80B. Advantageously, for example, the screwing tools 61A, 61B, 61C and 61D can, so to speak, find the heads of the screwing elements 80B. It is preferred if the holders 65 allow horizontal and/or vertical individual mobility of each of the screwing tools 61A, 61B, 61C and 61D.

The screwing tool carrier 66 is configured, for example, in the manner of a cross member which is connected to the columns 14 adjacent to the adjustment location 20 by means of fastening elements 66A.

However, it is also possible for the screwing tool carrier 66 to form a carriage 66B which is mounted on a carriage base 67 so that it can be displaced along a linear axis H2.

The carriage base 67 is, for example, firmly connected to the columns 14 of the portals 13A, 13B, so that the carriage 66B, which can be adjusted on the carriage base 67 along the linear axis H2, can be adjusted relative to the base support 11.

The carriage base 67 has, for example, a cross member 67A extending between the columns 14, on which are arranged attachment portions 67D for attachment to the columns 14, which are angled to the cross member 67A. Like the crossbeam 67A, the attachment sections 67D form components of a holding frame in which a crossbeam 67F is opposite the crossbeam 67A. The cross member 67F has sections 67B and a section 67C. The sections 67B are connected to the attachment sections 67D. Sections 67B are angled to cross member 67A and attachment sections 67D. Section 67C extends between sections 67B.

Struts 67E extend between the cross member 67A and the cross member 67F. For example, the struts 67E are connected to this cross member 67F between the sections 67B and 67C, respectively. The section 67C is parallel to the cross member 67A and carries an actuator 69 with which the carriage 66B can be driven or driven.

The carriage 67B is guided on the carriage base 67 by a guide 68. As shown in FIG.

The guide 68 includes, for example, guide rails or guide elements 68A, 68B. The guide elements 68A are arranged, for example, on the struts 67E of the carriage base 67, while the guide elements 68B are arranged on the screwing tool carrier 66 and are in engagement with the guide elements 68A.

Thus, all screwing tools 61A, 61B, 61C and 61D can be created together using the carriage 66B to the setting location 20 and away from the setting location 20. When the carriage 66B is adjusted in the direction of the adjustment location 20, the actuators 64A, 64B, 64C and 64D can individually move the screwing tools 61A, 61B, 61C and 61D into their engagement position with the respective screwing element 80B along adjustment axes VA , VB, VC and VD adjust.

The adjustment axes VA, VB, VC and VD are horizontal axes, as is the linear axis H2. However, the adjustment axes VA, VB, VC and VD are each oriented obliquely to one another and obliquely to the linear axis H2.

If the wheel carrier 82 is held on the wheel carrier holding device 40, a measuring arrangement 70 can be used. The measuring arrangement 70 includes sensors 71 which are arranged on a sensor holder 72 . The sensors 71 are, for example, probes, optical sensors or the like, with which an orientation of the wheel carrier 82 or some other property of the wheel carrier 82 can be detected by sensors.

It is possible that the sensors 71 each have a sensor drive 71A, with which a respective sensor 71 can be adjusted relative to the sensor holder 72, for example towards or away from the wheel carrier holding device 40.

The sensor holder 72 has a passage opening 72A, which is at least partially penetrated by the positioning device 49, so that the positioning direction 49 can act on the wheel carrier holding device 40 in terms of positioning. The sensors 71 are arranged in a ring around the passage opening 72A, so that the sensors 71 are angularly spaced with respect to the axis of rotation D of the wheel carrier 82 .

The sensor holder 72 can be adjusted by means of a sensor positioning device 73 relative to the wheel carrier holding device 40 between a measuring position in which the sensors 71 are positioned for a measurement on the wheel carrier 82 towards the wheel carrier holding device 40 and a rest position. in which the sensors 71 are further away from the wheel carrier holding device than in the measuring position.

The sensor holder 72 is arranged on a carriage 73A of the sensor positioning device 73, so that the sensor holder 72 moves along an adjustment axis VS, for example a linear axis, using a linear guide 74 between a measuring position adjusted towards the wheel carrier holding device 40 and/or towards the wheel carrier 82 and a rest position that is displaced away from the wheel carrier 82 and/or the wheel carrier holding device 40 .

The linear guide 74 includes, for example, guide rails 74A, on which guide elements 74B of the carriage 73A are guided.

An actuator 75 is used to move the carriage 73A or the sensor holder 72 towards the wheel carrier holding device 40 and away from it.

Adjustment station 10 also includes a staging area 22 for an adjustment device 25. Adjustment device 25 includes wheel carrier elements 25A, for example, which correspond to wheel carriers 82 in an optimally adjusted position of a respective wheel guide arm arrangement 80, wheel carrier elements 25A being arranged on an axle carrier element 25B are, e.g. fixed and immovable or alternatively adjustable.

The transport device 50 is provided and designed to transport the adjustment device 25 between the provision location 22 and the adjustment location 20 with the to promote degrees of freedom of movement B1 and B2. For example, it can be seen in Figure 5 how the setting device 25 is gripped by the axle support holding device 30 in order to be adjustable or adjusted instead of an axle support 81 to the setting location 20, for example for setting the screwing tools 61 and/or for calibrating the measuring arrangement 70.

To provide the setting device 25 at the setting location 20, a provision device 26, for example a trolley 27, is provided. The carriage 27 comprises a frame 27A, on the top of which the setting device 25 can be arranged or is arranged directly or preferably using a workpiece carrier 92 . The frame 27A can be rolled on the base U on rollers 27B.

Consequently, the setting device 25 can be conveniently brought to the deployment site 22 using the trolley 27 or the deployment device 26 . Thus, for example, different setting devices 25, for example a setting device provided for calibrating the measuring arrangement 70, for example a so-called calibration master, also a setting device with which the screwing tools 61 can be set, for example a so-called setting stand, can be brought to the deployment location 22.

At this point it should be noted that the workpiece carrier 92 can also form part of the delivery device 26 or of the carriage 27 .

It is therefore advantageous if the supply device of an adjustment station according to the invention has a workpiece carrier on which the adjustment device can be arranged or is arranged, the workpiece carrier advantageously being structurally identical to a workpiece carrier which is provided and designed to carry axle carriers to be machined by the adjustment station. It is thus possible, for example, to use workpiece carriers that are intended to convey axle carriers to provide the adjustment device.

Furthermore, it is advantageous that, also visible in Figure 5 or Figure 6, for example in the event of a defect or in the event of maintenance, the transport device 50, the axle carrier holding device 30 and the wheel carrier holding device 40 can be adjusted away from the conveyor 90, so that there unaffected and unimpeded by components of the setting station 10 axle carrier 81 can be pre-conveyed by the conveyor 90. The wheel control arm arrangements 80 arranged on the axle supports 81 are not measured or set when they leave the setting station 10 . However, a manufacturing process in which the adjustment station 10 is involved is unhindered. Thus, for example, vehicles 180 can be equipped with wheel control arm arrangements 80, which are to be set later, with axle carriers 81 and wheel carriers 82 held thereon.

The mobility with respect to the second degree of freedom B2 or parallel to the horizontal axis H also enables convenient maintenance of the adjustment station 10. For example, the transport device 50 can adjust the axle carrier holding device 30 and the wheel carrier holding device 40 into a maintenance position W, which is located at or near the preparation location 22 is provided. It can be seen in FIG. 6, for example, that an operator P2 can then easily carry out maintenance work on the axle carrier holding device 30 and/or the wheel carrier holding device 40. For example, both of the aforementioned components are approximately at hip height, at most at head height, of the operator P2.

Furthermore, it can also be seen that there is a distance AB between the setting station 60 and the axle carrier holding device 30 and/or the wheel carrier holding device 40, which corresponds, for example, to a transverse width of the conveyor device 90 transversely to the conveyor axis F. Thus, an operator P1 can not only work on the setting device 60 on a side facing away from the interior 19 of the setting station 10 , as shown in the drawing, but also from the interior 19 . In this case, unlike what is shown in the drawing, there is advantageously no workpiece carrier 92 and axle carrier 81 at the distance AB.

Furthermore, stationary measuring arrangements 76A, 76B can also be arranged in the area of the provision location 22 . These are held, for example, on holders 15B protruding from the crossbeams 15 in the direction of the deployment locations 22, ie towards the subsurface U. For example, the measuring arrangement Gen 76A, 76B include one or more optical sensors 76C, in particular cameras or the like. The measuring arrangements 76A, 76B can be provided, for example, for checking the setting device 25 and/or a wheel control arm arrangement 80 set by the setting device 60 .

However, it is also possible that a stationary measuring arrangement, for example, is not provided at the second supply location 22, but rather at a further supply location 24 arranged, for example, above and/or to the side next to the supply location 22. A measuring arrangement 76D is shown in FIG. Thus, for example, the location 22 for storing the setting device 25 is free.

The provision locations 21 and 22 are arranged alongside one another along a row axis R. The row axis R is parallel to the horizontal axis H.

It is also possible for further supply locations to be provided along the row axis R and/or parallel to the horizontal axis H, for example at a setting station 110.

The setting station 110 has a further axle support location 121 which is provided between the axle support location 21 and the location 22 for the setting device 25 . For example, a base support 111, which basically corresponds to the base support 11, is interspersed with conveyor devices 90 and 190 arranged next to one another, with the conveyor device 90 being assigned to the staging location 21 and the conveyor device 190 being assigned to the staging location 121, so that axle carriers 81 pre-conveyed by the conveyor devices 90, 190 the provision locations 21, 121 for transport by a transport device 150, which essentially corresponds to the transport device 50, are available.

In contrast to the base support 11, the base support 111, which is also designed as a support structure, has portals 113A, 113B which correspond to the portals 13A, 13B but are longer than the crossbeams 15. te crossbeams 115 which extend over the provision locations 21 , 22 and 121 .

The crossbeams 115 carry a horizontal guide 152, which corresponds to the horizontal guide 52, but has guide rails 152A that are longer than the guide rails 52A, on which the carriage 51A of the horizontal transport device 51 can travel not only between the preparation locations 21 and 22, but also the staging point 121 between the staging points 21 and 22 can serve.

The setting station 110 can work faster as a result. It is thus possible, for example, for transport device 150 to remove an axle support 81 from conveyor device 90 and process it, while the other conveyor device 190 conveys an axle support 81 placed thereon away from staging location 121 and conveys an axle support 81 that has not yet been processed to staging location 121.

It should only be mentioned in passing that the conveying direction FR is not important. By way of example, a conveying direction FR2 of the conveying devices 90, 190 opposite to the conveying direction FR is provided at the setting station 110. In addition, the conveying devices 90, 190 can also have mutually opposite conveying directions, ie, for example, the conveying device 90 has the conveying direction FR, while the conveying device 190 has the conveying direction FR2.

In summary, it can be stated in both exemplary embodiments of the setting stations 10 and 110 that the second degree of freedom B2 of the transport devices 50, 150 not only allows setting devices to be provided in an uncomplicated manner, which can be easily gripped by the respective transport device 50, 150 and brought to the setting location 20, but also that the overall height of the adjustment station 10 and 110 can be lower because the transport device 50, 150 can not only convey vertically upwards, but can also carry out movements transversely thereto, namely along the horizontal axis H. At the same time, it is possible to carry out maintenance work conveniently, namely by having the components to be maintained, for example the setting device 60, the measuring arrangement 70 or the like, at the working height of the operator, so that they work at head height or just above them, but not on ladders and the like have to resort to uncomfortable and accident-prone aids.

A setting station 210 is constructed similarly to the setting station 10. The setting station 210 has a transport device 250, which is the same as the transport device 50, but in contrast to this has a horizontal guide 252 that is modified compared to the horizontal guide 52, the guide rails 252A of which are longer and guide a carriage 266B.

Accordingly, a base 211 of the adjustment station 210 is also modified to support the longer guide rails 252A. The base support 211 basically has portals 213A and 213B which are similar to the portals 13A and 13B, but whose cross-beams 215 are longer than the cross-beams 15 . The guide rails 252A are arranged on the upper side of the cross beams 215 .

The horizontal carriage 51A of the horizontal transport device 51 is mounted on the horizontal guide 252 with the second degree of freedom of movement B2 or along the horizontal axis H in the manner already explained.

The setting station 210 has a setting device 260 for setting the wheel guide arm arrangements 80 . The adjustment device 60 already explained, which is arranged on the base support, forms a screw arrangement 60A of the adjustment device 60. The screw arrangement 60A is thus arranged, like the adjustment device 60, between columns 14 of the base support 211, for example mounted in a stationary manner or movably mounted along the horizontal axis H2. All explanations regarding the adjustment device 60 therefore apply to the screw arrangement 60A.

In addition, the control arm assemblies 80 can also be machined by a screw assembly 60B opposite to the screw assembly 60A. In the present case, the screw arrangements 60A, 60B are, for example, identical in construction, ie they have the motorized screwing tools 61A-61D explained in connection with the setting device 60 with screw drives 62A-62D and actuators 64A-64D.

Of course, the screw assemblies 60A and 60B can be different from each other such that the screw assemblies 60A and 60B have different numbers of powered wrenches and/or wrenches in different orientations.

It is thus possible that, for example, the screwing tools 61 of the screwing arrangements 60A, 60B are each arranged on a screwing tool carrier 66 .

While the screwing tool carrier 66 of the screwing arrangement 60A is held on the columns 14, the screwing tool carrier 66 of the screwing arrangement 60B is movably coupled to the transport device 250 in such a way that it actuates the screwing tool carrier 66, for example, towards the setting location 20 and away from the setting location 20 can.

In a way that is not shown, for example, the screwing tool carrier 66 of the screwing arrangement 60B could be fixedly arranged or movably mounted on the horizontal transport device 51, for example on the carriage 51A.

In the exemplary embodiment, however, the screwing tool carrier 66 of the screwing arrangement 60B is arranged on the carriage 266B. The carriage 266B is movably mounted on a guide component of the transport device 250, namely the horizontal guide 252. For example, the carriage 266 has guide elements 266B, which are guided on guide elements 266A, the guide elements 266A being guide components of the transport device 250, namely its guide rails 252A. Consequently, the carriage 266 and thus the screw arrangement 60B can be adjusted on the guide rails 252A with the second degree of freedom of movement B2 and/or along the horizontal axis H. The base 211 or the horizontal guide 252 forms a carriage base 267 for the carriage 266B.

The guide elements 266B are arranged, for example, on a crossbeam 266C of the carriage 266B that extends between the guide rails 252A.

Support arms 266D protrude from the carriage 266B, in particular the crossbeam 266C, into the interior space 19, on which support arms the screwing tool carrier 66 of the screwing arrangement 60B is held. Consequently, the screwing tool carrier 66 hangs, so to speak, on the carriage 266B. Due to the adjustability of the carriage 266B along the horizontal axis H, the screwing tool carrier 66 of the screwing arrangement 60B can also be adjusted linearly, namely along a linear axis H3.

An actuator 269 is used to drive and/or adjust the carriage 266B relative to the horizontal transport device 51, for example the carriage base 53 of the same. With the aid of the actuator 269, the carriage 266B is relative to the horizontal transport device 51 along the linear axis H3 adjustable between a position closer to the setting location 20 and a position further away from the setting location 20.

Claims

45 claims

1 . Adjusting station with an adjusting device (60) for adjusting and/or measuring a wheel control arm arrangement (80), with the wheel control arm arrangement (80) being movably articulated on a wheel carrier (82) on an axle carrier (81) with a plurality of degrees of freedom of movement (B1, B2), wherein the wheel carrier (82) is provided and designed to carry a wheel of a vehicle (180), the adjustment station (10) having an axle carrier holding device (30) for holding the axle carrier (81) and in particular a wheel carrier holding device (40) for holding of the wheel carrier (82) when the adjusting device (60) is used on the wheel control arm arrangement (80), and wherein the adjusting station (10) has a transport device (50) for transporting the axle carrier (81) between a for providing the axle carrier (81) for the adjustment station (10) provided for the axle carrier provision location (21) and for the application of the adjustment device (60) on the axle carrier (81) provided adjustment location (20) with a m first, in particular vertical, degree of freedom of movement (B1), characterized in that the transport device (50) for transporting an axle carrier (81) or an adjustment device (25) provided for calibrating and/or adjusting the adjustment device (60), in particular one calibration master, with a second, in particular horizontal, degree of freedom of movement (B2) relative to the setting device (60) and/or from and to at least one second supply location (22) which is arranged next to the axle support supply location (21).

2. Adjusting station according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a controller for controlling the transport device (50) with the second degree of freedom of movement (B2) and/or for transporting an axle carrier (81) between 46 see the axle carrier provision location (21) and the adjustment location (20) and for transporting an axle carrier (81) or the adjustment device (25) between the second provision location (22) and the adjustment location (20).

3. Adjusting station according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at the axle support location (21) and/or the at least one second location (22) there is a conveyor device (90), in particular a conveyor belt (91), for the promotion of axle supports ( 81 ) into the setting station (10) and out of the setting station (10) is arranged or can be arranged, wherein the controller (100) for controlling the transport device (50) away from the conveyor device (90) with the second degree of freedom (B2) of movement to Release of a movement space, in particular above the conveyor device (90), which is used to convey axle carriers (81) on components arranged on the transport device (50), in particular the wheel carrier holding device (40) and/or the axle carrier holding device (30 ), is provided by.

4. Adjustment station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the axle carrier holding device (30) is arranged on the transport device (50) and is designed to accommodate the axle carrier (81) or the adjustment device (25), so that the axle carrier (81 ) or the adjustment device (25) remains on the axle carrier holding device (30) after a recording at the respective location (21, 22) and the axle carrier holding device (30) the axle carrier (81) or the adjustment device (25) when used the adjustment device (60) is supported.

5. Adjustment station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the axle carrier holding device (30) has at least one gripping element (32 ) for gripping the axle carrier (81). 47

6. Setting station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a force application device (35) for applying a wheel load (RL) to the wheel carrier (82) in a wheel load direction (RR).

7. Adjusting station according to claim 6, characterized in that the force application device (35) is arranged on the transport device (50) and/or the axle support holding device (30).

8. Adjustment station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wheel carrier holding device (40) is arranged movably relative to the adjustment device (60) on the transport device (50) or that the wheel carrier holding device (40) is stationary on the adjustment station ( 10) is arranged and the transport device (50) is designed and provided for adjusting the axle carrier holding device (30) relative to the wheel carrier holding device (40).

9. Adjustment station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wheel carrier holding device (40) is suspended from at least one flexible suspension element (46), the at least one suspension element (46) supporting the wheel carrier holding device (40) with a supporting force in a supporting force direction opposite to the wheel load direction (RR) and movably supports the wheel carrier (82) with other degrees of freedom of movement.

10. Setting station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a positioning device (49) for positioning the wheel carrier holding device (40) on the wheel carrier (82), the positioning device (49) being between a positioning position in which the wheel carrier - ger holding device (40) for gripping the wheel carrier (82) is positioned on the wheel carrier (82), and a release position in which the positioning device (49) releases the holding device for setting and/or measuring the wheel control arm arrangement (80).

11 . Setting station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a base support (11), in particular a support frame and/or portal (13A, 13B), on which the transport device (50), in particular the horizontal guide (52), and/or the adjustment device (60) is arranged.

12. Adjustment station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport device (50) for providing the second degree of freedom (B2) comprises at least one horizontal transport device (51), in particular a horizontal carriage (51 A), which along a horizontal or essentially horizontal horizontal axis on a horizontal guide (52) can be moved.

13. Adjustment station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport device (50) for providing the first degree of freedom (B1) of movement has at least one vertical transport device (55), in particular a vertical carriage (55A), which runs along a vertical or essentially vertical vertical axis on a vertical guide (56) can be moved.

14. Adjustment station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wheel carrier holding device (40) is arranged on the horizontal transport device (51) and/or the vertical guide (56) is arranged on the horizontal transport device (51). , So that the vertical transport device (55), in particular the vertical slide (55A), is guided on the horizontal transport device (51).

15. Setting station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a measuring arrangement (70, 76A, 76B) with at least one sensor (71) for detecting at least one physical variable of the wheel carrier (82).

16. Adjustment station according to Claim 15, characterized in that the measuring arrangement (70, 76A, 76B) comprises at least one sensor (76C) which is located at the at least one second staging point (22) or one of the first axle support staging points (21) and the second provision location (22) different third location (24), in particular above the second location (20), and that the transport device (50) for positioning an axle support (81) or the adjustment device (25) on the sensor (76C) is designed.

17. Setting station according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the at least one sensor (71) by means of a sensor positioning device (73) relative to the wheel carrier holding device (40) between a measuring position in which the sensor (71) to a Measurement on the wheel carrier (82) is positioned towards the wheel carrier holding device (40) and a rest position can be adjusted in which the sensor (71) is further away from the wheel carrier holding device (40) than in the measuring position.

18. Adjustment station according to one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the sensor positioning device (73) has a sensor holder (72) on which the at least one sensor (71) is arranged and which is arranged on a carriage, which is a linear guide between the measuring position and the rest position is adjustable.

19. Setting station according to one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that the measuring arrangement has at least one sensor (71) which can be moved between at least one provision location (21, 22) and the setting location (20) using the transport device (50).

20. Adjustment station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjustment device (60) has at least one motor-driven screwing tool (61) which can be brought into an engagement position intended for screwing engagement with a screw element of the wheel control arm arrangement (80).

21 . Adjusting station according to Claim 20, characterized in that it has at least one actuator for adjusting the at least one screwing tool (61) between the engaged position and a disengaged position, in which the screwing tool (61) is further away from the adjustment location than in the engaged position.

22. Adjusting station according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that at least one of the screwing tools (61) is adjustable relative to another of the screwing tools (61) by an actuator between its engaged position and its disengaged position.

23. Adjustment station according to one of Claims 20 to 22, characterized in that at least two of the screwing tools (61) are arranged on a common screwing tool carrier (66) which is attached to a base support (11), in particular a carrying frame, of the adjustment station (10 ) is arranged, with the screwing tool carrier (66) being arranged in a stationary manner on the base carrier (11) or by an actuating drive (69), in particular by means of a carriage, between a working position adjusted closer to the setting location (20) and one of the Adjustment location (20) stored adjustable further distant rest position.

24. Setting station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the setting device (60) has a first screw arrangement (60A) and at least one second screw arrangement (60B) each with at least one motor-driven screwing tool (61), the screwing tools (61) of the first screw arrangement (60A) and the at least one second screw arrangement (60B) are at an angle to one another or face one another such that the screwing tools (61) of the screw arrangements (60A, 60B) engage with the wishbone arrangement (80 ) can be brought.

25. Adjusting station according to claim 24, characterized in that at least one of the screw assemblies (60B) is movably mounted relative to the other screw assembly (60A) on the base support (211) of the adjusting station (10).

26. Adjustment station according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that at least one of the screw assemblies (60B) for an adjustment to the adjustment location (20) towards and away from the adjustment location (20) on a guide component, in particular 51 in particular a horizontal guide (52) which is guided on the transport device (50) and/or is movement-coupled or connected to the transport device (50) for adjustment to the setting location (20) and away from the setting location (20) and/or to a Adjustment to the setting location (20) and away from the setting location (20) has a separate actuator (269) from the transport device (50).

27. Adjusting station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the axle support holding device (30) is moved from the adjusting device (60) by means of the transport device (50) into a maintenance position provided in particular at the at least one second provision location (22). W) is adjustable, in which there is a distance (AB) between the axle support holding device (30) and the adjusting device (60), through which a side of the adjusting device (60) facing the axle support holding device (30) and/or a the adjusting device (60) side of the Achsträger-holding device for maintenance work for an operator (P1, P2) is accessible.

28. Adjustment station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has at least one delivery device (26), in particular a carriage (27) for the adjustment device (25), the delivery device (26) at the at least one second delivery location (22) is arranged or arrangeable.

29. Setting station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least two delivery locations (21, 22), preferably three delivery locations (21, 22, 121), of the setting station (10) are arranged next to one another in a row axis (R), wherein the row axis (R) advantageously runs transversely, in particular at right angles transversely, to a conveying axis (F) of a conveying device (90), in particular a conveyor belt (91), with which the axle carrier (81) can enter and exit the setting station (10) 10) are conveyable out. 52

30. Adjustment station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least two provision locations (21, 22) have a provision location (22) for the adjustment device (25) and at least one axle carrier provision location (21), in particular two provision locations (21 , 121) for providing axle carriers (81), wherein at the at least one axle carrier provision location (21) for axle carriers (81) there is a conveying device (90), in particular a conveyor belt (91), for pre-conveying axle carriers (81) in the adjustment station (10) is or can be arranged in and out of the adjustment station (10).

31 . Adjustment station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the axle carrier holding device (30) and / or the adjustment device (60) in a maintenance position (W) in which they are accessible for maintenance by an operator (P1, P2), maximum 2 m, preferably a maximum of 1.5 m above a base (U) on which the adjustment station (10) is parked.