Skid teaching

Abstract

Skid gauge (10) for a skid transport system (12) for checking the correct positioning of several receiving mandrels (1, 2, 3, 4) of a skid (14), characterized in that the skid gauge (10) has a precision hole (16) into which a receiving mandrel (18) fits exactly and further has an elongated hole (20) which prevents rotation of the skid gauge (10) and wherein the remaining holes of the skid gauge (10) are designed as oversize holes (22), wherein the oversize holes (22) and the elongated hole (20) have measuring devices (24) in the spatial directions in which they allow one degree of freedom of the skid gauge (10) on the skid (14).

Description

The invention relates to a skid gauge. Transport skids are load carriers that automatically move a vehicle body from one machining cell to another using skid conveyor technology. Skid conveyor technology is typically spatially limited, meaning it has a defined beginning and end, as well as a connection between the two for empty skid return. A skid conveyor system usually operates in a closed loop, transporting the body along the ascending machining sequence from the loading point to the delivery point and returning the skids to the loading point. The skid is a circulating component and is available in large quantities (e.g., 300-400 pieces per loop). Since all of these skids, with their mounting pins, must fit the skid receptacles in the underbody of the vehicle body, they are manufactured to tight tolerances (the X and Y distances, or the clear width of the mounting pins, are subject to high precision).There is a possibility that a skid could be damaged, for example, if the mounting mandrels were to become out of tolerance. This can occur due to mechanical damage (bending) or due to insufficient precision during the assembly of such skids in their specific circuit. For a quick assessment ("OK" or "not OK"), so-called skid gauges are used in this system. These are characterized by the fact that they precisely replicate the negative of the correctly adjusted mandrels. This skid gauge is placed on the skid and the mandrels mounted on it. The skid gauge has fixed bushings at the mandrel positions, which must be slightly larger in diameter than the mandrels themselves. This allows the bushings, and therefore the entire gauge, to be completely fitted over the mandrels. If the gauge dimensions are correct, the gauge can be fitted; if a dimension is out of tolerance, the gauge cannot be fitted and will jam on at least one of the mounting mandrels. The gauge provides virtually no information about the extent of the deviation. One variant of a special cycle involves manually removing, transporting, disassembling, processing (e.g., for cleaning), reassembling, and reintroducing the skid for specific tasks that cannot be performed within the automated skid conveyor system. During reintroduction, it must be ensured that the assembly is mounted within the specified process tolerance. A conventional skid gauge does not provide information about the degree of deviation. Utility model CN ​​2 07 797 931 U discloses a testing tool for use on skid positioning pins. It comprises a frame body and stabilizing feet located beneath the frame body. The stabilizing feet are equipped with a positioning element that is aligned with the skid. The frame features a set of test holes aligned with the carriage positioning pins. This testing tool enables measurement and inspection by using the test holes as a replacement for a manual gauge. The number of test holes can be increased by adding more positioning pins. The positioning elements ensure relative stability between the tool and the slide during measurement, thus guaranteeing measurement accuracy. Utility model CN ​​2 22 336 224 U discloses a calibration gauge for conveyor carriages comprising a main frame, a longitudinal beam positioning element, a bolt detection unit, and a hand lifting rod. It is characterized in that the main frame has a first direction that corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the conveyor carriage and a second direction that corresponds to the transverse direction of the conveyor carriage. The longitudinal beam positioning elements are located at both ends of the underside of the main frame and are arranged symmetrically to the first direction as an axis of symmetry. The hand lifting bar is connected to the main frame and aligned in the second direction. The bolt detection unit is connected to the main frame and comprises a V-shaped test specimen. The calibration gauge for the conveyor carriage can be used for testing and calibrating the conveyor carriage. It is suitable for regular maintenance as well as for testing and calibration work during operation. Utility model CN ​​2 18 469 707 U relates to the technical field of vehicle body transport racks and discloses an integrated rack testing tool. It comprises an integrated frame, a rack running mechanism mounted on the frame, several test units arranged along both sides of the rack's direction of movement on the frame's mounting reference surface, and a positioning mechanism. The mounting reference surface is provided with a measuring reference hole and several mounting holes. According to the integrated rack testing device provided by the utility model, a uniform reference measurement, calibration, and fixation of the rack positioning mechanism and the individual test units can be performed via the reference surface and the measuring reference hole. This results in higher precision, greater stability and reliability for the entire test rack system, and enables comprehensive monitoring of dimensional accuracy. A pass / fail principle is applied for the measurement, allowing for fast and efficient testing. The frame consists of a double-frame structure, which increases the overall rigidity. This ensures stable support for the test units and solves the problem of reduced precision that could be caused by insufficient rigidity in the support structure of the test units. The purpose of the invention is to improve transport skids and the associated skid conveyor technology. The problem is solved in particular by a skid gauge with the features of claim 1. Further features and details of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the description and the drawings. According to one aspect, the problem is solved in particular by a skid gauge with the features of claim 1. A skid gauge for a skid transport system can be designed to check the correct positioning of multiple mounting mandrels on a skid. The skid gauge can have a precision hole into which a mounting mandrel fits exactly. Furthermore, the skid gauge can have an elongated hole to prevent rotation of the skid gauge. The remaining holes, particularly two, can be designed as oversized holes. These oversized holes and / or the elongated hole can incorporate measuring devices in the spatial directions that allow for a degree of freedom of the skid gauge on the skid. A skid gauge is a measuring tool specifically designed for skid transport systems. It is primarily used to verify the correct positioning of multiple mounting pins on a skid. The skid gauge features a precision hole into which a mounting pin fits exactly. It also has a slotted hole to prevent rotation. The remaining holes in the skid gauge can be designed as oversized holes, allowing for a degree of freedom of movement on the skid. This measuring device can help to make qualitative statements about the position of the skid mountings without requiring complex measurements in a measuring room. Mounting pins are, in particular, fixed devices on the skid of the skid transport system that can be used to fix the underbody of a motor vehicle body and stabilize it for transport via the skid transport system. They have a precisely defined position and orientation relative to the mounting points of the vehicle body to ensure that the skid can be positioned correctly relative to the vehicle body. A skid is, in particular, a transport or loading device that can be used to move goods or loads. In the automotive industry, skids are used especially as overhead traveling cranes to transport vehicle bodies and position them in different work cells. A skid transport system is, in particular, an automated system for moving transport skids between different work cells or departments in a manufacturing plant. It enables the fast and efficient transport of goods to increase productivity and save time and money. In the automotive industry, the goods to be transported can be, in particular, vehicle bodies. A slotted hole is, in particular, an opening in the design of the skid gauge that can serve to prevent rotation of the skid. It has a longer diameter in one direction than in another, secondary direction. It can therefore be longer than the other holes and can be oriented in one direction. The width can correspond to the width of the precision hole or the width of the oversize hole. In one embodiment, the length can be oriented in one direction towards the width (Y-direction) of the skid. The X-direction can be a length of the skid that can run in one direction of transport along the skid transport system. A precision hole is, in particular, an opening in the design of the skid gauge that closely replicates the negative of the correctly adjusted mandrel. This allows a mandrel to be inserted into the precision hole. It has a predominantly round cross-sectional shape, whereby its diameter may be smaller than the slot (in width, and especially shorter than the slot's length). Oversized holes are openings in the design of the skid gauge that have a larger diameter compared to the receiving mandrels. This allows at least one degree of freedom for the receiving mandrel, enabling it to be positioned relative to the edges of the oversized holes. This also allows at least one degree of freedom relative to a central axis (which can run in the Z-direction as a vertical direction), enabling the central axis of the receiving mandrel, which can be inserted into the oversized hole, to be dissimilar to the central axis of the oversized hole. However, there may be embodiments in which the two axes are parallel to each other, but merely offset relative to one another. A measuring device is, in particular, a measuring tool or system that can be used to check the positioning of receiving mandrels in the respective holes of the skid gauge. The XY plane is, in particular, a plane in which the skid gauge is aligned and on which the skid is reversed. It originates at the front edge of the skid and extends rearward to the rear edge of the skid. The front and rear of this plane are specifically defined in one transport direction of the skid on the skid transport system. The Z-direction, also known as the height direction, is a direction perpendicular to the XY plane. Specifically, it corresponds to the top-to-bottom direction and is used to define the height of the skid relative to the body. A conventional skid gauge can be equipped with a measuring device that allows for dimensional evaluation. For this purpose, the skid gauge can have the following additional functions: It can enable compliance with the 3-2-1 rule for proper positioning. The "3-2-1 rule" refers specifically to the number of measuring devices that can be used in a particular arrangement to enable proper positioning. In this context, it means, in particular, that at least three measuring devices (e.g., measuring devices at the oversize holes) can be used to enable the correct positioning of the skid. Two measuring devices are sufficient, in particular, to determine a rough position, while one measuring device (e.g., the precision hole) is provided for fine adjustment.This allows for precise and efficient positioning of the skid gauge, enabling conclusions to be drawn that the receiving mandrels are in their respective intended positions and / or allows deviations to be determined via the measuring systems. A precision hole can specify the position of a mandrel in the X, Y, and Z directions. Specifically, a precision hole is a special hole used to verify the correct positioning of mandrels on a skid. It can provide position specifications for one of the mandrels in the X, Y, and Z directions. The X direction refers to the horizontal longitudinal direction in the transport direction of the skid, while the Y direction describes the horizontal lateral direction. The Z direction is perpendicular to the plane of the skid and can be referred to as the vertical direction. These specifications enable precise positioning of a mandrel and ensure its correct function within the skid transport system. A slot can specify the position of a further receiving mandrel in the X and Z directions. Rotation around the first receiving mandrel, which may be located in the precision hole, can be locked. A measuring device can also measure the position in the Y direction, as this can represent a degree of freedom within the slot. An oversize hole can be provided for at least one third and / or one fourth mandrel. The position in the Z-direction can be specified. Measuring devices can have at least one degree of freedom in either the X-direction or the Y-direction, as the oversize holes can allow degrees of freedom in these directions. Dial gauges may be used to measure positional deviations relative to a test inspector. In particular, dial gauges are a component of the skid gauge and are used to measure the position of a mandrel relative to the precision hole. They can be flexibly oriented (as a hybrid between orientation in an X and Y direction) and are aligned in at least one of the X or Y directions. The dial gauges enable the test inspector to measure precise positional deviations and assess whether the mandrel pair (in the oversize holes) is correctly positioned and, if not, how far it deviates. This is a step in verifying the skid transport system and ensures that the system functions correctly, or allows verification of how far it deviates from the correct position and in which directions of freedom. Using such a measuring device, qualitative statements can be made about the position of the skid mounts without having to have them measured in a measuring room. One aspect that can be considered is the provision of a laser line projector designed to verify the alignment between the slot and the precision hole. A laser line projector may be used to adjust the alignment. If this is not projected onto the skid center, the first and / or second shots will be out of tolerance. A laser line projector is, in particular, a device used to emit laser beams. In this case, it can be used to verify the alignment between the slot and the precision hole on the skid gauge. It can help check the correct positioning of the receiving mandrels on the skid by projecting the laser line onto a central axis of the skid. Alternatively or additionally, it can be used to project a line onto the slot and the precision hole. If the line does not pass exactly through the slot and the precision hole, this indicates that the skid positioning is incorrect. The same applies to a deviation of a central axis and a corresponding projection. The laser line projector can facilitate a quick and precise check without the need for more complex measuring instruments. One advantage of dial gauges is their flexible orientation. They are a key component of skid gauges and are primarily used to verify the positioning of mandrels. One way to perform this verification is by using flexibly oriented dial gauges. These allow for precise measurement of positional deviations in the X and Y directions, ensuring accurate mandrel positioning. The flexibility of these dial gauges also allows for measurement of mandrel pairs that are not perpendicular. Flexible dial gauges enable efficient verification and reduce the risk of mandrel positioning errors. The term "flexible" refers specifically to the orientation of the dial gauge's measuring direction, which can deviate from a precise alignment along the degrees of freedom in the X and / or Y directions.In particular, it can be provided that the angles are defined relative to these two degrees of freedom. This allows for flexibility in the arrangement. From one perspective, dial gauges can be oriented in at least one of the X or Y directions. These gauges are a key component of the skid gauge and are primarily used to verify the positioning of the mandrels. One way to perform this verification is by using dial gauges oriented in at least one of the X or Y directions. This allows for a more precise determination of the mandrel positions and helps ensure that they are correctly positioned or to identify any deviations from the intended arrangement. Orientation in at least one of these two directions also allows for measurement of mandrel pairs that are not perpendicular. Dial gauges in the X and Y directions enable efficient verification and reduce the risk of errors in mandrel positioning. From one perspective, at least one dial gauge can be provided at a slot and / or a precision hole. Therefore, more or fewer dial gauges can be used if this offers significant advantages for the process. One way the skid gauge can be used is to check the positioning of the mandrels. From this perspective, at least one dial gauge can be provided at a slot and / or a precision hole. The dial gauges make it possible to check the alignment of the skid with respect to the slot and / or the precision hole and to ensure that the mandrels are set in the correct position, or in which direction and by how much they deviate from the correct position. By using dial gauges, efficient verification can be carried out without the need for more complex measuring instruments.The dial gauges can be flexible or aligned in the X and / or Y direction, as described elsewhere herein. From one perspective, dial gauges, especially dial indicator gauges, can be equipped with rollers. These rollers can be arranged at one end of a rod and serve to measure the distance from the dial gauge's insertion point in a receptacle on the skid gauge to the roller's contact point, in this case, on the surface of a mandrel. To increase the stability of the dial gauges / dial indicator gauges, they can be fitted with rollers to allow them to roll, particularly when a mandrel is inserted into the hole where the dial gauge / dial indicator gauge measures, and to prevent mechanical damage, especially to the mandrels and / or the dial gauge / dial indicator gauge itself. One aspect of this is the use of a setting master, which is optimally adjusted and positioned to zero deviation using measuring technology. A setting master is a specialized device for dimensional control during the forming of precision parts, which can be made of steel, aluminum, or other metals. It represents a further development of classic zero gauges, enabling the dimensional relationships of entire workpieces to be combined in a single gauge. The setting master can be equipped with sensors that measure the dimensions of the workpieces as well as their position relative to the gauge. This allows the setting master to perform precise measurement and adjustment of workpieces to ensure they meet the required specifications. There may be a setting master, which is optimally adjusted using measuring technology and positioned at zero deviation. The skid gauge is repeatedly referenced and calibrated using this setting master. Furthermore, in iterative process steps, limit deviations can be defined that still function correctly for the transport process. Exceeding these limits can prevent the skid from being transferred to the automated process. One or more of the described aspects can realize at least one of the following advantages. A simple measuring tool for evaluating the positional deviation of skid mounts can be provided. The skid gauge can be used as a simple measuring tool for evaluating the positional deviations of skid mounts. It is designed to be placed on the skid and the mounting mandrels attached to it. By adhering to the 3-2-1 rule, qualitative statements about the position of the skid mounts can be made without the need for complex measurements. The skid gauge has fixed bushings at the mounting mandrel positions, which can provide the mandrels with precise specifications in the X, Y, and Z directions. Additionally, a dial gauge can be inserted into one or more holes to measure the positional deviations.The skid gauge is therefore a simple and effective measuring instrument for evaluating positional deviations of skid recordings. The skid gauge device developed in this process can be carried by two people. A skid gauge is a special measuring tool used to check the positioning of receiving mandrels on a transport skid. It is specifically a portable device that can be carried by two people. The skid gauge has, as described elsewhere herein, at least one precision hole, at least one slotted hole, and at least one oversize hole, as well as measuring devices such as dial gauges and / or laser line projectors. It is used, in particular, to ensure that the receiving mandrels of the skid are in the correct position or to determine deviations from the desired arrangement of the receiving mandrels. The skid gauge can also be used as a standard inspection tool in the infeed process to provide a rapid assessment of positional deviations of the receiving mandrels.It is a tool used in the automotive industry and other sectors where transport skids are employed. It is advantageous that only two people are needed to lift the skid jig onto the skid, as this simplifies handling, especially since it can be placed on the skid without tools (without a crane or forklift). The skid gauge can be used as a standard inspection tool in the loading process. The loading process is a step in the manufacturing of precision parts, such as vehicle bodies, in which the parts, like a skid, are loaded into the processing equipment, in this case, the skid transport system. Precise positioning of the skid can be crucial to ensure that the vehicle body is correctly positioned for machining. The skid gauge can be used as a standard inspection tool to verify the correct positioning of the skid and the receiving mandrels it positions, ensuring they meet the requirements. Using skid gauges in the loading process can reduce errors and improve product quality. It is possible to read an absolute deviation (measured value). The skid gauge allows the deviations of the mounting mandrels from a fixed standard to be read and measured. By inserting the skid gauge onto the skid, a precise measurement of the positional deviations can be taken, allowing a determination of whether the mounting mandrels are within tolerance or not. The ability to read an absolute deviation (measured value) means that the actual deviation of the mounting mandrels from their standard can be read and measured. This is an important aspect of quality control and monitoring in the manufacturing of transport skids and their components. A decision between OK (iO) and not OK (niO) can be made based on measured values. The skid gauge provides measurements that indicate the positioning of the mandrels relative to the standard. These measurements allow for a decision between OK and not OK. If the measurements fall within a specific range, an OK decision is made, meaning the mandrel positioning is considered correct. However, if the measurements fall outside this range, a not OK decision is made, indicating that the mandrel positioning is incorrect and may require adjustment. This decision can then be used to control the infeed process and ensure that all precision parts are manufactured correctly. It allows for the prevention of system malfunctions. The skid gauge enables the positioning of the mounting pins to be read and measured in relation to the standard. This measurement can be used to determine whether the system is "OK" or "not OK," thus preventing malfunctions. If the measured values ​​meet a fixed standard or are within a tolerance, it can be ensured that all mounting pins are correctly positioned, guaranteeing optimal system operation. For example, the skid will not jam against a vehicle body being mounted. However, if deviations from the standard values ​​are present, these can be interpreted as an indication of potential problems or system malfunctions, particularly before starting operation.Using the skid gauge allows for effective monitoring of the system and ensures its continued optimal operation by maintaining the required tolerances. It also provides direct guidance on how to repair or adjust the mounting mandrels to bring them back within tolerance. In particular, no external power supply is required. The skid gauge is a measuring tool for checking the correct positioning of mounting pins on a skid of a transport skid system. It can serve as a simple measuring instrument for evaluating positional deviations of skid mounts and offers the possibility of making a decision between OK (i.e., "OK") and NOT OK (ni.e., "not OK") based on measured values. The skid gauge is portable and can be carried by two people. It enables the prevention of system malfunctions, and no external power supplies are required, especially since the dial gauges can operate analogously and / or, if necessary, be battery-powered. In particular, no external controls are necessary. With regard to the skid gauge, this means that no additional external controls or monitoring systems are required to operate the measuring tool or interpret the measurement results. It is a self-contained device that provides all necessary functions and measuring ranges internally and therefore requires no external control. It can potentially be integrated into the system or visualization using "smart" dial gauges with a data connection. "Smart" dial gauges are those that have a data connection and software integration within the system or visualization. This allows for real-time acquisition and tracking of measured values, as well as their storage in a central data pool. The dial gauges can also be connected to sensors and actuators to automate the measurement and control of processes. Such integration can help increase production efficiency and accuracy, as well as enable faster identification and resolution of problems. It allows for a low investment volume for implementation. "Investment volume" here refers to the budget or costs required for the introduction and operation of the skid gauge. This means that implementing a skid gauge requires less financial outlay compared to other measurement systems. As a result, companies can use an effective and precise measurement tool without having to pay a high price. Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description can be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. The figures schematically show: Fig. 1 a representation of an embodiment of a skid; Fig. 2 a representation of a combination of a skid with a skid gauge; and Fig. 3 a representation of an embodiment of a skid gauge. Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a skid 14 of a skid transport system 12. The skid 10 has in particular receiving mandrels 18, of which a first receiving mandrel 1, a second receiving mandrel 2, a third receiving mandrel 3 and a fourth receiving mandrel 4 are also for receiving a skid gauge 10 (see Fig. 2 and Fig. 3). Fig. 2 shows a combination of a skid 14 with a skid gauge 10. The skid gauge 10 can be placed on the skid 14. This creates holes on the receiving mandrels 18, in particular the first receiving mandrel 1, the second receiving mandrel 2, the third receiving mandrel 3 and the fourth receiving mandrel 4. Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of a skid gauge 10. A skid gauge 10 is provided, in particular, for a skid transport system 12 for checking the correct positioning of several receiving mandrels 1, 2, 3, 4 of a skid 14. The skid gauge 10 has, in particular, a precision hole 16 into which a receiving mandrel 18 fits exactly. Furthermore, the skid gauge 10 can have an elongated hole 20, which prevents rotation of the skid gauge 10 about a first receiving mandrel 1. The remaining holes of the skid gauge 10 can be designed as oversize holes 22. The oversize holes 22 and the elongated hole 20 can have measuring devices 24 in the spatial directions in which they allow one degree of freedom of the skid gauge 10 on the skid 14. The precision hole 16 can fix, or rigidly define, the arrangement in the X, Y, and Z directions. In particular, virtually no degree of freedom is allowed in any of these defined directions. The Z direction can be defined by a Z-support 30. This also applies accordingly to the other holes. The elongated hole 20 can fix the arrangement in the X and Z directions, while one degree of freedom in the Y direction can be left free. A measuring device 24 can be arranged to measure the displacement or positioning of the receiving mandrel 2. With receiving mandrels 1, 2, 3, 4 arranged according to specifications, the second receiving mandrel 2 will be positioned in the elongated hole 20, in particular at a central position. A laser line projector 26 can be provided, which is specifically designed to verify the alignment between the elongated hole 20 and the precision hole 16. The laser line projector 26 is, in particular, a device that can be used on the skid transport systems 12 to check the alignment of receiving mandrels 18. The laser line projector 26 is specifically designed for verifying the alignment between the elongated hole 20 and the precision hole 16. It generates a laser line L that allows the relationship between these two holes to be determined and ensures that they are in the correct position relative to each other. This allows for efficient verification of positional deviations of receiving mandrels 18 and ensures that the receiving mandrels 18 are correctly positioned. The laser line projector 26 can be flexibly aligned in various directions and offers a fast and precise alignment check. The measuring devices 24 can be dial gauges 28, which can be flexibly oriented. The measuring devices 24, in particular dial gauges 28, can be oriented in at least one direction (X-direction or Y-direction). At least one measuring device 24, in particular a dial gauge 28, can be provided on a slotted hole 20, alternatively or additionally on a precision hole 16. In particular, two measuring devices 24, in particular dial gauges 28, can be arranged on an oversize hole 28. The dial gauges 28 are in particular fine pointer measuring instruments 30. These can be equipped with rollers, in particular at a position where they can interact with the receiving mandrel 18. There can be a setup master who is optimally adjusted using measuring technology and who is positioned at 0 deviation.

Claims

Skid gauge (10) for a skid transport system (12) for checking the correct positioning of several receiving mandrels (1, 2, 3, 4) of a skid (14), characterized in that the skid gauge (10) has a precision hole (16) into which a receiving mandrel (18) fits exactly, and furthermore has an elongated hole (20) which prevents rotation of the skid gauge (10), and wherein the remaining holes of the skid gauge (10) are designed as oversize holes (22), wherein the oversize holes (22) and the elongated hole (20) have measuring devices (24) in the spatial directions in which they allow one degree of freedom of the skid gauge (10) on the skid (14). Skid gauge (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that a laser line projector (26) is provided, configured to verify the alignment between the slot (20) and the precision hole (16). Skid gauge (10) according to at least one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the measuring devices (24) are dial gauges (28) which are in particular flexibly oriented. Skid gauge (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that the dial gauges (28) are aligned in at least one of an X direction or a Y direction. Skid gauge (10) according to at least one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that at least one dial gauge (28) is provided on the elongated hole (20) and / or on the precision hole (16). Skid gauge (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the dial gauges (28), in particular fine indicator measuring instruments (30), are provided with rollers. Skid gauge (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that there is a setting master which is set as far as possible optimally by means of measuring technology and is positioned at 0 deviation.

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