Method and apparatus for applying a seal to a component for a vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for applying a seal (3) to a component (2) for a vehicle, wherein the component (2) is conveyed to an extraction area (5) via the conveying element (4) while the component (2) is held on a retaining element (6) which is separately constructed from the component (2) and separately from the conveying element (4), and held on the conveying element (4) by the retaining element (6). The first robot (9) extracts the component (2) held on the retaining element (6) from the conveying element (4) located in the extraction area (5) and moves it toward a rotating bracket (10). The first robot (9) supports the component (2) on the rotating bracket (10) by the retaining element (6) and thereby arranges it in a region (B1) of the rotating bracket (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for applying seals to components for vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] A device for aligning a door seal when applying it to the door of a motor vehicle is known from WO 2017 / 153154 A1. Furthermore, DE 20 2006 002 159 U1 discloses an application device for mounting a strip element on the edge of a disc-shaped object. Additionally, a method for applying a seal to a sub-surface of a component is known from DE 10 2006 032 138 A1. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus that allows seals to be applied, i.e., installed on vehicle components, in a particularly time- and cost-effective manner.

[0004] Therefore, the present invention proposes a method for applying a seal to a component for use in a vehicle, wherein:

[0005] -While the first component is held on and held on the first conveying element by means of the first holding element, the first component is conveyed to the extraction area by the first conveying element;

[0006] -The first robot extracts the first holding element and, with the aid of the first holding element, the first component held on the first holding element from the first conveying element located in the extraction area and moves it toward the rotating bracket;

[0007] - During the first rotational position of the rotating bracket, the first robot supports the first holding element and, by means of the first holding element, supports the first component held on the first holding element on the rotating bracket and thereby arranges it in the first region of the rotating bracket.

[0008] - Rotate the rotating bracket, and thereby the first retaining element and the first component, from the first rotational position to the second rotational position; and

[0009] -The first seal is applied to the first component by a second robot while the first component is supported on the first retaining element and supported on the rotating bracket by means of the first retaining element, and while the rotating bracket is in the second rotating position.

[0010] The present invention also proposes an apparatus for applying a seal to a component for use in a vehicle, wherein the apparatus is configured to perform the method according to the present invention.

[0011] The first aspect of the invention relates to a method for applying (i.e., installing) a seal, for example, formed of an elastically deformable material, particularly rubber, to a component for use in a vehicle (particularly a motor vehicle preferably configured as a passenger car). In order to apply, i.e., install, the seal onto the component in a particularly time- and cost-effective manner, in the first step of the method, while the component is held on a retaining element constructed separately from the component and from the conveying element, and held on a conveying element by means of the retaining element (i.e., via the retaining element), or while the component is held on a retaining element constructed separately from the component and from the conveying element, and held on a conveying element by means of the retaining element (i.e., via the retaining element), the component is conveyed to an extraction area via the conveying element. For this purpose, for example, the retaining element, also known as the basic element, is reversibly and releasably fixed to the conveying element, i.e., fixed to the conveying element in a non-destructive and releasable manner. In particular, it is conceivable that the retaining element is suspended on or inserted into the conveying element. The feature “the retaining element is held on the conveying element in a non-destructive and releasable manner” should be understood as meaning that the retaining element can be detached from the conveying element and then reattached to the conveying element, thereby remaining on the conveying element without damaging or harming the conveying element or the retaining element.

[0012] For example, the retaining element is a suspension device also known as a basic suspension device. In particular, it can be imagined that a component, for example, constructed as a door, especially a side door, is reversibly and detachably held onto the retaining element, i.e., reversibly and detachably fixed to the retaining element, such that, for example, the component can be detached from the retaining element and reattached to it, i.e., reversibly and detachably fixed to the retaining element, without damaging or harming the retaining element or the component. In particular, when the retaining element is constructed as a suspension device, especially a basic suspension device, the component is, for example, reversibly and detachably held onto the retaining element, i.e., reversibly and detachably connected to the retaining element, such that the component is suspended onto or hooked into the retaining element. Since the component is held, in particular, directly onto the retaining element, and the retaining element is held, in particular, directly onto the conveying element, the component is held onto the conveying element by means of the retaining element. Then, if the conveying element moves, particularly in space and / or relative to the floor of a building with a seal, the retaining element and the component move together with the conveying element, i.e., are conveyed by the conveying element.

[0013] The conveying element is, for example, a traveling mechanism. In particular, the conveying element can be a suspended conveying element, especially a suspended traveling mechanism, wherein the conveying element is, for example, suspended from the roof slab of a building. Here, the roof slab is spaced apart from the floor slab in the vertical direction. In particular, the conveying element can be a traveling mechanism of a suspended track, especially an electrically operated suspended track, such that it can be particularly imagined that the conveying element is electrically moved so that the holding element and components, also referred to as basic elements, are electrically conveyed. For example, components are moved by the conveying element from a region different from and particularly spaced apart from the extraction region to the extraction region. For example, this region and the extraction region are sub-regions of the building's interior space, whose interior space may be vertically bounded upward by the roof slab and vertically bounded downward by the floor slab.

[0014] In the second step of the method, a first robot extracts the holding element, and by means of the holding element (i.e., via the holding element), the component held on the holding element from the transport element located in the extraction area and moves it toward a rotating support also called a turntable or configured as a turntable. For example, the robot acts directly with the holding element, specifically causing the holding element to be directly, reversibly, and detachably, i.e., non-destructively detachably fixed or held on the first robot. Then, if the first robot moves, specifically in space, the holding element, which is reversibly and detachably held on the first robot, moves with the first robot, specifically moving around in space. Since the component is reversibly and detachably held on the holding element, the component moves with the holding element and with the robot, causing the component to move, specifically in space, via the robot and the holding element.

[0015] In the third step of the method, while the rotating support is in its first rotational position, a robot supports a retaining element, and by means of the retaining element, a component held on the retaining element, on the rotating support and thereby arranges it in an area of ​​the rotating support, also known as the first region. The feature “supporting a retaining element, and by means of the retaining element, a component held on the retaining element, on the rotating support” should be understood in particular as, for example, the retaining element being directly supported on the rotating support. Since the component is held on the retaining element, it is thus supported on the rotating support by means of the retaining element. This support may specifically include securing the retaining element and the component by means of the retaining element in a non-destructive, releasable manner, i.e., holding it on the rotating support.

[0016] In the fourth step of the method, the rotating bracket and therefore the retaining element and the member held on the retaining element are rotated from a first rotational position to a second rotational position. In other words, the rotating bracket rotates from the first rotational position to the second rotational position of the rotating bracket, while the retaining element and the member supported on the rotating bracket by the retaining element rotate together with the rotating bracket. By rotating the rotating bracket and therefore the retaining element and therefore the member from the first rotational position of the rotating bracket to the second rotational position, the member is moved, for example, from the pickup area to the application area. For example, the pickup area and the application area are additional sub-regions of the aforementioned interior space.

[0017] In the fifth step of the method, during the period when the component is supported, particularly held on the retaining element and supported by the retaining element, particularly held on the rotating bracket, and during the period when the rotating bracket is in the second rotating position, and particularly during the period when the retaining element and the component held thereon are in the application area, the seal is applied, i.e., installed on the component, by a second robot provided in addition to the first robot. Preferably, the second robot is provided in addition to the first robot and external equipment is provided relative to the first robot, wherein the robots are preferably spaced apart from each other.

[0018] By using two robots and a rotating support, seals can be provided for multiple components in a particularly time- and cost-effective manner. In other words, seals can be applied, i.e., installed, onto the corresponding components in a particularly short period of time. Since the components are handled by retaining elements provided to them, particularly with the retaining elements remaining on the components but not on the robots, the handling of components can be particularly simple and cost-effective. Specifically, it is configured that while the components are held on the conveying element by the retaining elements, the first robot is first separated and spaced apart from both the retaining elements and the components. To move the retaining elements from the conveying element toward the rotating support, especially while the robots are completely spaced apart from the components, i.e., not in contact with the components, the first robot and the retaining elements interact directly. Therefore, the handling of components by the first robot can be performed entirely or solely by the retaining elements. Direct interaction between the first robot and the components is unnecessary and preferably not provided. After, for example, the retaining elements and components are arranged in the area of ​​the rotating support by the first robot, the first robot is separated from the retaining elements again and removed, and then the rotating support is rotated from a first rotating position to a second rotating position. Therefore, it can be seen that the retaining element is not fixedly held on the first robot, but rather is handled together with the component. Specifically, the component is not handled directly by the first robot, but rather the retaining element is handled directly by the first robot, thus the component is handled, i.e., manipulated, by the first robot through the retaining element. This allows for the movement of the same first robot, particularly the same first robot, i.e., the handling of different components or different derivatives or structural variations of the component. Specifically, it allows, for example, a corresponding structural variation of the corresponding component to be handled by the first robot through a corresponding retaining element configured for and specific to that structural variation. Therefore, it avoids the need to use a large number of different grippers specifically provided for and fixed or to be fixed on the first robot to handle the corresponding structural variation. In particular, it avoids, for example, the need to switch from the first gripper fixed on the first robot to the second gripper when the first structural variation has already been handled by the first gripper fixed on the first robot and a second structural variation is subsequently to be handled. For this purpose, the first robot must first be interrupted, then the first gripper must be detached from the first robot, and then the second gripper must be fixed on the first robot. This would be extremely time-consuming and costly, but this can now be avoided through this invention.

[0019] This component is also referred to as the first component, the conveying component as the first conveying component, the holding component as the first holding component, and this area of ​​the rotating bracket as the first area of ​​the rotating bracket. Furthermore, the aforementioned seal is also referred to as the first seal. In particular, the present invention allows the first seal to be mounted on the first component, i.e., applied to the first component, while the rotating bracket is being loaded onto a second component to which a second seal is to be applied, i.e., while the second component is indirectly supported on the rotating bracket, particularly via a second holding element, by a first robot. Therefore, seals can be provided for a particularly large number of components.

[0020] Applying a seal to a component means fixing the seal to the component. In other words, it means providing a seal to the component. For example, the seal is mounted on a corresponding sealing surface of the component, i.e., applied to the sealing surface. For example, the sealing surface is at least a portion of the component surface.

[0021] To apply a seal to a component, for example, a particularly movable application head is arranged on a second robot, which can move around in space, particularly through the second robot. The seal is provided and applied to the component, particularly to a sealing surface, for example, via the application head. For example, since the application head moves in space and relative to the component, particularly while the component is held in a fixed position for seal application, the application head is also called a movable head or movable application head. For example, the seal is applied to the component by adhesive and / or insertion. For example, the seal, particularly the insertion receiving portion of the seal, is inserted into the corresponding flange of the component, the insertion flange. Thus, the flange is at least partially inserted into the insertion receiving portion, thereby allowing the seal to be applied to the component, i.e., mounted on the component. Since the invention eliminates the need for specialized grippers for handling components or different structural variations of components, it allows for gripper-free application of seals to components, thereby enabling the provision of seals for a particularly large number of components in a time- and cost-effective manner.

[0022] In order to apply the seal advantageously in terms of both timing and cost, one embodiment of the invention specifies that, in the sixth step of the method, while the second component is held on a second retaining element constructed separately from and from the second conveying element, and held by means of the second retaining element on the second conveying element, the second component, particularly constructed separately from the first component, is conveyed via a second conveying element spaced particularly apart from the first conveying element to the extraction area, particularly to an area different from or spaced apart from the extraction area. Previous and subsequent embodiments concerning the first component, the first conveying element, and the first retaining element can also be readily transferred to the second component, the second retaining element, and the second conveying element, and vice versa.

[0023] In the seventh step of the method, particularly during the period when the rotating bracket is in the second rotating bracket, the second retaining element, and the second member, which is reversibly and detachably held on the second retaining element, is extracted by the first robot from the second conveying element located in the extraction area and moved toward the rotating bracket. In the eighth step of the method, during the period when the rotating bracket is in the second rotating position and during the period when the first seal is applied to the first member by the second robot, the second retaining element, and the second member held on the second retaining element, is supported on the rotating bracket by the first robot and thus arranged in the second region of the rotating bracket opposite to the first region of the rotating bracket. Therefore, in this embodiment, the steps are performed at least partially and in parallel time, because the second retaining element and the second member are loaded onto the rotating bracket during the period when the first seal is applied to the first member and during the period when the first member is supported by the first retaining element, particularly held on the rotating bracket.

[0024] Another particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention specifies that, in the ninth step of the method, after the first seal is applied to the first member, the rotating bracket is rotated, thereby rotating the first retaining member, the second retaining member, the first member, and the second member from the second rotating position to the first rotating position. In other words, after the first seal is applied to the first member, the rotating bracket rotates from the second rotating position to the first rotating position, thereby causing the retaining element and the member held thereon to rotate together with the rotating bracket.

[0025] In the tenth step of the method, while the second member is held on the second retaining element and held on the rotating bracket by means of the second retaining element, and while the rotating bracket is in the first rotating position, the second seal is applied to the second member by means of the second robot. The embodiments relating to the front and rear of the first seal can be easily transferred to the second seal, and vice versa. It can be seen that, by using the rotating bracket, it is feasible to use the first robot to handle the retaining element and thus the member, and to use the second robot to apply the seal, thus allowing for the advantageous application of each seal, particularly in terms of time and cost.

[0026] In another particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, in the eleventh step of the method, while the second seal is applied, i.e., mounted on the second member, by means of the second robot, the first robot extracts the first holding element and, by means of the first holding element, the first member on which the first seal is applied, from the rotating support in the first rotating position and moves it toward the first conveying element located in a return area different from the extraction area. In the twelfth step of the method, while the first conveying element is in the return area, the first robot arranges the first holding element and / or, by means of the first holding element, the first member on which the first seal is applied, on the first conveying element. Thus, the first holding element and the first member with the first seal can be conveyed away from the return area and to another area via the first conveying element. Preferably, the return area is spaced apart from and / or is a different area from the extraction area, wherein the return area and preferably the other area can be another sub-area of ​​the aforementioned internal space. With this embodiment, further time parallelization of the working steps is feasible, thereby allowing the seals to be applied advantageously in terms of time and cost.

[0027] In another particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, in the thirteenth step of the method, after the second seal is applied to the second member, the support is rotated, thereby rotating the second retaining element and the second member from the first rotating position to the second rotating position. In the fourteenth step of the method, the first robot uses the second retaining element, and by means of the second retaining element, to extract the second member, on which the second seal is applied, from the rotating support in the second rotating position, and moves it to a second conveying element located in a return area different from the extraction area.

[0028] In the fifteenth step of the method, while the second transport element is in the return region, the second holding element is used by the first robot to arrange the second member, on which the second seal is applied, onto the second transport element. The invention allows for the application of seals through at least a substantially continuous process, during which corresponding seals can be applied for different structural variations or derivatives of the member, i.e., different members, without having to use different grippers on the robot, and therefore without having to remove the gripper from the robot and reattach it. Thus, a large number of seals can be applied advantageously in terms of both time and cost.

[0029] Preferably, the steps of the method are performed in the order mentioned, that is, in the order of their naming or counting. Therefore, it is preferably stipulated that the second step is performed after the first step, the third step after the second step, the fourth step after the third step, the fifth step after the fourth step, the sixth step after the fifth step, the seventh step after the sixth step, the eighth step after the seventh step, the ninth step after the eighth step, the tenth step after the ninth step, the eleventh step after the tenth step, the twelfth step after the eleventh step, the thirteenth step after the twelfth step, the fourteenth step after the thirteenth step, and the fifteenth step after the fourteenth step.

[0030] Where references to conveying elements, retaining elements, components, and seals are made below, unless otherwise stated, they shall be understood to refer to the first and second conveying elements, the first and second retaining elements, the first and second components, and the first and second seals. In other words, the preceding and following embodiments of the conveying elements, retaining elements, components, and seals can be readily transferred not only to the first conveying element, the first retaining element, the first component, and the first seal, but also to the second conveying element, the second retaining element, the second component, and the second seal, and vice versa.

[0031] In order to apply the seal in a particularly structurally advantageous, time-advantageous, and cost-advantageous manner, a further embodiment of the invention proposes that the rotating bracket be rotated at least 90 degrees, particularly at least or exactly 180 degrees, in order to rotate the rotating bracket from a first rotating position to a second rotating position and from the second rotating position to the first rotating position.

[0032] Another embodiment is characterized in that a door, particularly a side door, is used as a component. This embodiment is based on the understanding that applying seals to doors, particularly side doors, within the framework of manufacturing, especially mass production, of vehicles such as motor vehicles and, particularly, passenger cars, is a significant challenge and typically involves considerable time and cost. The present invention now allows for the provision of seals, also known as door seals, to doors, such as side doors, in a particularly time- and cost-effective manner, especially when appropriate seals are provided in equipment or in the aforementioned interior space, and here particularly by means of a first robot and by means of a second robot, for different derivatives or structural variations of the door.

[0033] In a further embodiment of the invention, the rotating bracket is specified to rotate about a vertically extending axis of rotation, and the rotating bracket rotates from a first rotating position to a second rotating position and from the second rotating position to the first rotating position. Therefore, the seal can be applied particularly simply and thus time- and cost-effectively.

[0034] Finally, it proved particularly advantageous that the conveying element moved straight, i.e., along a straight line, and preferably horizontally, from the extraction area to the return area. This allowed for the application of seals at a particularly cost-effective rate.

[0035] A second aspect of the invention relates to an apparatus for applying a seal to a component of a vehicle. The apparatus is configured herein to perform a method according to a first aspect of the invention. The advantages and advantageous embodiments of the first aspect of the invention should be considered as advantages and advantageous embodiments of the second aspect of the invention, and vice versa. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Further details of the invention are available in the following description of preferred embodiments using the accompanying drawings. Hereinafter:

[0037] Figure 1 A schematic top view of a device for applying seals to components of a vehicle is shown; and

[0038] Figure 2 The diagram shows a schematic side view of the retaining element of the basic suspension device, illustrating the construction of the device. Detailed Implementation

[0039] In the accompanying drawings, elements that are identical or have the same function are given the same reference numerals.

[0040] Figure 1 A schematic top view of a device 1 for applying seals to components for use in vehicles is shown. This means that a method for applying seals to components is performed by device 1. The corresponding components are used to manufacture the corresponding vehicles. The corresponding vehicles are motor vehicles, particularly passenger cars. The corresponding vehicles, in their fully manufactured state, have a body, particularly constructed as a self-supporting body, which limits at least one door opening, particularly in a lateral direction. Figure 2 A schematic side view of one of the components is shown. (As shown from...) Figure 2 As can be seen, the corresponding component is a door constructed as a side door 2, which is movably, and particularly pivotally, held on the vehicle body and provided with a door opening in the fully manufactured state of the vehicle. In the fully manufactured state of the vehicle, the side door 2 can move, and particularly pivot, between a closed position and at least one open position relative to the vehicle body. In the closed position, at least one sub-area of ​​the door opening is covered by the side door 2 and thus closed. In the open position, the side door 2 releases this sub-area, allowing, for example, a person such as the vehicle driver, to enter the vehicle, particularly the interior space of the vehicle, and to leave the vehicle, particularly the interior space of the vehicle, through this released sub-area.

[0041] exist Figure 2 This can also be seen in Figure 2The seal 3, indicated by the symbol 3, is applied to, or installed on, the side door 2. The seal 3 is a door seal by which the side door 2 is sealed or to be sealed relative to the vehicle body in the closed position. The seal 3 is also called a sealing element or sealing member, and is formed of a material capable of elastic deformation, particularly rubber. Applying the seal 3 to the side door 2 can be understood as installing the seal 3 on the side door 2, i.e., fixing it to the side door 2. For example, during application, the seal 3 is installed onto the corresponding sealing surface of the side door 2, i.e., applied to the sealing surface of the seal. Hereinafter, the method and apparatus 1 are described according to the side door 2 and the seal 3, wherein the side door 2 is also referred to as the first side door, and the seal 3 is also referred to as the first seal.

[0042] While the side door 2 is held on a retaining element that is separate from the side door 2 and the first conveying element 4, and in this example, is constructed as a basic suspension device 6, and is held on the first conveying element 4 by means of the basic suspension device 6, the side door 2 is conveyed to the extraction area 5 of the device 1 by means of the first conveying element 4 of the device 1. Figure 1 The first conveying element 4 is the conveying device 7. Figure 1 The conveying element 4 is a conveying device that can be configured, for example, as a suspended track, particularly an electrically operated suspended track. In particular, the first conveying element 4 is the travel mechanism of the conveying device 7.

[0043] like Figure 1 As indicated by arrow 8, the first conveying element 4 moves, particularly in a linear motion, relative to the base plate and top plate of the device 1, while the base suspension device 6 is held directly on the first conveying element 4 and the side door 2. Thus, the base suspension device 6 and the side door 2 are conveyed to the extraction area 5 via the first conveying element 4. The side door 2 can be a front door or a rear door. For example, at least two oppositely aligned side doors, particularly front or rear doors, are conveyed to the extraction area 5 via the first conveying element 4, one of which is side door 2. Embodiments with respect to the front and rear of side door 2 can also be easily transferred to another oppositely aligned side door and vice versa. The side door 2 is secured to its base suspension device 6, also known as the door base suspension device, by its door hinges and mechanical pressure rollers. In particular, the side door 2 is secured in or to the base suspension device 6. The basic suspension device 6, and therefore not visible in the figure, particularly the additional basic suspension device capable of reversibly and detachably holding the other side door, is suspended, in particular, freely accessiblely, in the first conveying element 4, for example, configured as a travel mechanism, and thus reversibly and detachably, i.e., non-destructively detachable, from the first conveying element 4. Therefore, when the first conveying element 4 moves relative to the floor, the basic suspension device and thus the side door move together with the first conveying element 4 relative to the floor. In this way, the side door can move through the first conveying element 4 into the extraction area 5.

[0044] Since the base suspension device 6 is held directly on the first conveying element 4 and the side door 2 is held directly on the base suspension device 6, the side door 2 is held on the first conveying element 4 by means of the base suspension device 6, such that while the side door 2 is held on the base suspension device 6 and held on the first conveying element 4 by means of the base suspension device 6, the side door 2 is conveyed to the extraction area 5 by the first conveying element 4.

[0045] The first robot 9 of device 1 lifts the base suspension device 6 and, by means of the base suspension device 6, the side door 2, which is held in a non-destructive, detachable manner on the base suspension device 6, from the first conveying element 4 located in the extraction area 5 and moves it to the rotating support 10 of device 1, which is configured as a turntable or also called a turntable. For this purpose, for example, the first robot 9, which is initially separated from and spaced apart from the base suspension device 6, is positioned to interact with the base suspension device 6 in a particularly direct manner. This should be understood in particular as, for example, the first robot 9 being in direct contact with the base suspension device 6. For example, the base suspension device 6 is fixed to the robot 9 in a particularly direct, reversible, and detachable manner, i.e., in a non-destructive, detachable manner. For example, the base suspension device 6 is reversibly and detachably fixed to the manipulator 18 of the first robot 9. Then, if the manipulator 18 moves around in space, the base suspension device 6, which is reversibly and detachably fixed to the manipulator 18, moves around in space via the first robot 9, wherein the side door 2 held on the base suspension device 6 moves together with the base suspension device 6.

[0046] In this way, the first robot 9 moves the base suspension device 6 and the side door 2 via the base suspension device, and here moves from the first conveying element 4 located in the extraction area 5 toward the rotating bracket 10.

[0047] The rotating bracket 10 is located at Figure 1 During the first rotational position shown, the first robot 9 supports the base suspension device 6, and the side door 2, held on the base suspension device 6, onto the rotating bracket 10, such that the base suspension device 6 and the side door 2 are arranged in the first region B1 of the rotating bracket 10. In the first rotational position of the rotating bracket 10, the first region B1 of the rotating bracket 10 is arranged in the transfer region 11, while the second region B2 of the rotating bracket 10, opposite to the first region B1, is arranged in the application region 12. The rotating bracket 10 can rotate around a vertically extending axis of rotation 13, particularly relative to the device 1. Figure 1The base plate, indicated by 14, rotates, specifically at least or exactly 180 degrees. If the rotating bracket 10 rotates 180 degrees relative to the base plate 14 about the rotation axis 13 from the first rotating position, then the rotating bracket 10 rotates from the first rotating position to the second rotating position. In the second rotating position, the second region B2 is located in the transfer region 11, also known as the pickup region, and in the second rotating position, the first region B1 is located in the application region 12. The transfer region 11 and the application region 12 are corresponding sub-regions of the internal space of the device 1, which is vertically bounded downward by the base plate 14 and, for example, vertically bounded upward by the top plate of the device 1. For example, the first conveying element 4 is suspended on the top plate and spaced apart from the base plate 14.

[0048] After the basic suspension device 6 and the side door 2 are arranged in the first region B1 and then in the pickup area (transfer area 11), the rotating bracket 10 rotates 180 degrees about the rotation axis 13, thereby rotating from the first rotation position to the second rotation position. Since the basic suspension device 6 and the side door 2 are arranged in the first region B1 and supported on the rotating bracket 10, and are held on the rotating bracket 10 in a non-destructive and releasable manner, the basic suspension device 6 and the side door 2 rotate together with the rotating bracket 10. Therefore, by rotating the rotating bracket 10 from the first rotation position to the second rotation position, the side door 2 and the basic suspension device 6 move from the transfer area 11, and in particular rotate to the application area 12.

[0049] While the side door 2 is supported on the base suspension device 6 and supported on the rotating bracket 10 by means of the base suspension device 6, and while the rotating bracket 10 is in the second rotating position, the seal 3 is applied to the side door 2 by the second robot 15 while the base suspension device 6 and the side door 2 are in the application area 12.

[0050] The corresponding robot (first robot 9 or second robot 15) is preferably an industrial robot with multiple robot axes articulated to each other, also known as a robotic arm. For example, the corresponding robot (first robot 9 or second robot 15) is held on a base plate 14 via a base 17, such that, for example, the corresponding robot axis of the corresponding robot (first robot 9 or second robot 15) can move relative to the base plate 14, particularly rotationally and / or translationally. For example, the robot axes can move translationally and / or rotationally relative to each other.

[0051] Specifically, it is stipulated that the first robot 9 lifts the base suspension device 6 together with the side door 2 held thereon from the first conveying element 4 and lifts or places it into the rotating bracket 10. For example, on the rotating bracket 10, the base suspension device 6 is first oriented, particularly towards it, so that the side door 2 can subsequently be oriented and tensioned via its outer skin, also known as the door skin. For example, the base suspension device 6 is placed on the centering spindle of the rotating bracket, thereby, for example, orienting the base suspension device 6 and via it, the side door 2 relative to the rotating bracket 10 and / or relative to the base plate 14 and / or in space. For example, at least one feature, such as a fold of the side door 2, is optically identified, particularly during the period when the side door 2 is supported on the rotating bracket 10 via the base suspension device 6 and particularly during the period when the side door 2 is in the application area 12. By identifying this feature, the orientation of the side door 2 in space can be identified, i.e., for example, relative to a preset or predetermined reference position or reference orientation. For example, side door 2 is received by rotating bracket 10 via its folding portion. For example, a retaining element moves upward into the door cutout, such that side door 2 is clamped by the retaining element and thus fixed relative to rotating bracket 10. Specifically, the actual orientation of side door 2, i.e., the actual position of side door 2, can be determined by sensor technology of rotating bracket 10, while side door 2 is in the application area 12, and is fixed in its actual position, for example, particularly relative to rotating bracket 10 and relative to base plate 14, particularly by retaining element. For example, the actual orientation is transmitted to second robot 15. In other words, based on the determined actual orientation of side door 2, seal 3 can be applied to side door 2 by second robot 15. Since side door 2 is supported and held on rotating bracket 10 by means of base suspension device 6, the area of ​​side door 2, for example, constructed as a surface region on which seal 3 is applied, is very easily accessible, allowing seal 3 to be applied to side door 2 without disturbing the contour.

[0052] For example, while the second side door 2 is held on the second base suspension device, which is separate from the second side door and the second conveying element, and is held on the second conveying element by means of the second base suspension device, the second side door is conveyed to the extraction area 5 by the second conveying element of the conveying device 7. In particular, while the rotating bracket 10 is in the second rotating position, the first robot 9 lifts the second base suspension device and, by means of the second base suspension device, the second side door held on the second base suspension device from the second conveying element located in the extraction area 5 and moves it toward the rotating bracket 10. While the rotating bracket 10 is in the second rotating position and while the seal 3 is applied to the side door 2 by the second robot 15, the first robot 9 supports the second base suspension device and, by means of the second base suspension device, the second side door held on the second base suspension device on the rotating bracket 10 and thus arranges it in the second area B2. Therefore, the second base suspension device and the second side door are first arranged in the transfer area 11.

[0053] After the seal 3 is applied to the side door 2, the rotating bracket 10 is rotated 180 degrees relative to the base plate 14 about the rotation axis 13, in particular, rotating the rotating bracket 10, and using the rotating bracket to rotate the base suspension device 6, the second base suspension device, the side door 2, and the second side door from the second rotation position to the first rotation position. Thus, the base suspension device 6 and the side door 2 move from the application area 12, in particular, rotate to the transfer area 11, and the second base suspension device and the second side door move or rotate from the transfer area 11 to the application area 12. Then, particularly during the application of the second seal to the second side door by the second robot 15, the base suspension device 6, and the side door 2 with the seal applied thereon, held on the base suspension device 6 by the first robot 9, are extracted from the rotating bracket 10 in the first rotation position and thus moved from the transfer area 11 to the first conveying element 4 located in the return area 16, which is different from the extraction area 5. While the second side door is held on the second base suspension device and held on the rotating bracket 10 by means of the second base suspension device, while the rotating bracket 10 is in the first rotating position and while the second side door and the second base suspension device are in the application area 12, the second seal is applied to the second side door by the second robot 15.

[0054] While the first conveying element 4 is in the return area 16, the first robot 9 reversibly and detachably arranges the base suspension device 6, on which the side door 2, with a seal applied, is held, on the base suspension device 6, onto the first conveying element 4. For example, the base suspension device 6 is resuspended onto or into the first conveying element 4 and thus connected to the first conveying element 4 in a non-destructive and detachable manner. The side door 2 with the seal 3 and the base suspension device 6 can then be conveyed from the return area 16 to another area of ​​the device 1 via the first conveying element 4.

[0055] It can be seen that during the period when the first side of the rotating bracket 10 faces the robot 15 or is arranged in the application area 12 in the first region B1 and when the rotating bracket 10 is loaded with the second base suspension device and the second side door, the seal 3 is applied to the side door 2 by the second robot 15 during the period when the second side of the rotating bracket 10 facing away from the first side faces the first robot 9 and / or faces the second conveying element or is arranged in the transfer area 11 in the second region B2. Furthermore, during the period when the second seal is applied to the second side door, for example in the application area 12, the side door 2 with the seal 3 is extracted from the rotating bracket 10. For example, after the side door 2 with the seal 3 is extracted from the rotating bracket 10 by the first robot 9, the third side door can be arranged in the first region B1 via the third base suspension device, for example by the first robot 9, so that the third seal can be applied to the third side door as before for the first side door 2.

[0056] After the second seal is applied to the second side door, the rotating bracket 10 is rotated, thereby rotating the second base suspension device and the second side door from the first rotating position to the second rotating position, thereby moving the second side door and the second base suspension device from the application area 12 back to the transfer area 11. Then, the first robot 9 uses the second base suspension device, and by means of the second base suspension device, to lift the second side door, on which the second seal is applied, from the rotating bracket 10 in the second rotating position, and thus moves it from the transfer area 11 toward the second conveying element located in the return area 16.

[0057] While the second conveying element is in the return area 16, the first robot 9 arranges the second base suspension device and, by means of the second base suspension device, the second side door, on which a second seal is applied, onto the second conveying element, thus connecting it to the second conveying element in a non-destructive, detachable manner. Therefore, the second base suspension device and the second side door of the second conveying element can also be conveyed from the return area 16 to another area relative to the base plate 14.

[0058] In summary, it can be seen that the device 1 and the method allow for the application of seals on side doors in a particularly time- and cost-effective manner. Because the respective side doors are handled not by a gripper held and retained on the respective robot (first robot 9 or second robot 15), but via a base suspension device configured for the respective side doors, seals can be applied without a gripper.

[0059] List of reference numerals

[0060] 1 device

[0061] 2 side doors

[0062] 3 seals

[0063] 4 First conveying element

[0064] 5 Extraction Area

[0065] 6. Basic suspension device

[0066] 7 Conveying device

[0067] 8 arrows

[0068] 9 First Robot

[0069] 10 Rotating bracket

[0070] 11. Transfer Area

[0071] 12 Application Area

[0072] 13 Rotation axis

[0073] 14. Base Plate

[0074] 15 The Second Robot

[0075] 16 Return to Area

[0076] 17. Base

[0077] 18. Manipulator

[0078] B1 First Area

[0079] B2 Second Zone

Claims

1. A method for applying a seal to a component for use in a vehicle, wherein: - During the period when the first component (2) is held on and held on the first conveying element (4) by means of the first holding element (6) which is constructed separately from the first component (2) and separate from the first conveying element (4), the first component (2) is conveyed to the extraction area (5) by means of the first conveying element (4); -The first robot (9) extracts the first holding element (6) and the first component (2) held on the first holding element (6) from the first conveying element (4) located in the extraction area (5) and moves it toward the rotating bracket (10). - During the first rotation position of the rotating bracket (10), the first holding element (6) is supported by the first robot (9) and the first member (2) held on the first holding element (6) is supported on the rotating bracket (10) and thus arranged in the first region (B1) of the rotating bracket (10). - Rotate the rotating bracket (10) and thereby the first retaining element (6) and the first member (2) from the first rotating position to the second rotating position; as well as -The first seal (3) is applied to the first member (2) by the second robot (15) while the first member (2) is supported on the first retaining element (6) and supported on the rotating bracket (10) by the first retaining element (6) and while the rotating bracket (10) is in the second rotating position.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: - During the period when the second component is held on and held on the second conveying element by means of the second holding element, the second component is conveyed to the extraction area (5) by means of the second conveying element; -The second holding element is extracted by the first robot (9), and the second component held on the second holding element is extracted from the second conveying element located in the extraction area (5) and moved toward the rotating bracket (10). and - During the second rotation position of the rotating bracket (10) and during the application of the first seal (3) to the first member (2) by the second robot (15), the second retaining element is supported by the first robot (9) and the second member held on the second retaining element is supported on the rotating bracket (10) by means of the second retaining element and thus arranged in the second region (B2) of the rotating bracket (10) opposite to the first region (B1).

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that: - After the first seal (3) is applied to the first member (2), the rotating bracket (10) and thus the first retaining element (6) and the first member (2) are rotated from the second rotating position to the first rotating position; as well as - During the period when the second member is supported on the second retaining element and supported on the rotating bracket (10) by means of the second retaining element and during the period when the rotating bracket (10) is in the first rotating position, the second seal is applied to the second member by the second robot (15).

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that: - During the application of the second seal to the second member by the second robot (15), the first robot (9) lifts the first holding element (6) and, by means of the first holding element (6), the first member (2) on which the first seal (3) is applied, held on the first holding element (6), from the rotating bracket (10) in the first rotating position and moves it toward the first conveying element (4) in the return area (16) which is different from the extraction area (5); and - While the first conveying element (4) is in the return area (16), the first robot (9) arranges the first holding element (6) and the first member (2) on which the first seal (3) is applied by means of the first holding element (6) on the first holding element (6).

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that: - After the second seal is applied to the second member, the rotating bracket (10) is rotated, and thus the second retaining element and the second member are rotated from the first rotating position to the second rotating position; -The first robot (9) extracts the second holding element and, by means of the second holding element, the second component, on which the second seal is applied, from the rotating bracket (10) in the second rotating position and moves it toward the second conveying element located in the return area (16) different from the extraction area (5); and - While the second conveying element is in the return area (16), the first robot (9) arranges the second holding element and the second member on which the second seal is applied by means of the second holding element on the second holding element on the second conveying element.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: Rotate the rotating bracket (10) by at least 90 degrees so as to rotate the rotating bracket (10) from the first rotating position to the second rotating position and from the second rotating position to the first rotating position.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: Rotate the rotating bracket (10) by at least or exactly 180 degrees so as to rotate the rotating bracket (10) from the first rotating position to the second rotating position and from the second rotating position to the first rotating position.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: Using a door as the first component (2).

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: Use a side door as the first component (2).

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The rotating bracket (10) is rotated about the vertically extending rotation axis (13) so as to rotate the rotating bracket (10) from the first rotation position to the second rotation position and from the second rotation position to the first rotation position.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The first conveying element (4) is moved in a straight line from the extraction area (5) to the return area (16).

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that: The first conveying element (4) is moved horizontally from the extraction area (5) to the return area (16).

13. A device (1) for applying seals to components for vehicles, wherein, The device (1) is configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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