Flexible sheet metal processing production line and method with central magazine as center

Abstract

The present application provides a central warehouse as the center of flexible sheet metal processing production line and its method, proposes the processing production solution applied to sheet metal laser blanking and sheet metal bending, so as to be compatible with order production and pre-investment production operation, realize the arrangement of laser and bending unit with the central warehouse as the center, optimize the process matching, ensure the consistency of multi-process route, reduce the transportation frequency and improve the overall production and management efficiency. The flexible sheet metal processing production line with the central warehouse as the center comprises a warehouse storage and transportation unit, a laser cutting unit and a manual bending unit are connected and operated on one side of the warehouse storage and transportation unit, and a robot automatic bending unit and a manual set matching picking unit are connected and operated on the other side of the warehouse storage and transportation unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a processing production line and method centered on a central material warehouse for laser blanking and bending of thin sheet metal, belonging to the fields of automation control and logistics warehousing. Background Technology

[0002] Laser cutting machines and sheet metal bending machines are widely used in sheet metal production and processing, with product logistics handled manually. Although the production line has a certain degree of automation and intelligence, it still requires a certain number of on-site workers, and the participation and labor intensity of manual processing are both relatively high.

[0003] Meanwhile, to facilitate the transfer of products between different processing stages, manual forklift operation is commonly used for external transfer. Materials are mostly stored in floor stacks, which is inconvenient for production management and requires significant manpower and resources to coordinate production. This not only results in lower loading and unloading accuracy but also longer waiting times. If manual transfer is not timely, production line shutdowns are likely to occur, significantly impacting the production efficiency and timeliness of the machining line.

[0004] In view of the above, this patent application is hereby filed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The flexible sheet metal processing production line and method centered on a central material warehouse described in this invention aims to solve the problems existing in the prior art by proposing a processing and production solution for thin sheet metal laser blanking and sheet metal bending. It is intended to be compatible with order production and pre-production operations, and to achieve the goals of arranging laser and bending units around a central material warehouse, optimizing process matching and ensuring the consistency of multiple process routes, as well as reducing the number of transportations and improving overall production and management efficiency.

[0006] To achieve the above design objectives, the flexible sheet metal processing production line centered on the central material warehouse includes a material warehouse storage and transportation unit. A laser cutting unit and a manual bending unit are connected and operated on one side of the material warehouse storage and transportation unit, and a robotic automatic bending unit and a manual kitting and picking unit are connected and operated on the other side of the material warehouse storage and transportation unit.

[0007] Furthermore, the material storage and transportation unit includes a double-row parallel automated storage and retrieval system for storing and transferring goods. At least one stacker crane is provided on the side of the automated storage and retrieval system for transporting goods in and out of the warehouse, at least one raw material receiving trolley is provided for transporting raw materials to the automated storage and retrieval system for storage, and at least one receiving and receiving trolley is provided for connecting goods to the stacker crane.

[0008] Furthermore, the laser cutting unit includes a first integrated machine, at least two laser cutting main units sharing a set of independent automatic feeding and unloading systems; the automatic feeding system transfers materials from the stacker crane via a first feeding trolley, and the automatic unloading system transfers the laser-cut workpieces to the stacker crane via a manual sorting and return trolley to complete the return to the warehouse; a dual-station exchange trolley transports workpieces between the automatic unloading system and the manual sorting area.

[0009] Furthermore, the manual bending unit includes a second integrated machine, at least one manual servo bending machine, an array of first AGV connecting frames for material transfer with AGV trolleys, and a first KBK track system connected to each servo bending machine, and upper and lower bending mold storage; several manual bending area entry and exit trolleys operate between the manual bending unit and the stacker crane; the second integrated machine has a display device to provide logistics and processing information to the workers.

[0010] Furthermore, the robotic automatic bending unit includes a 220T servo bending machine. On one side of the 220T servo bending machine are a robot running on a robot slide, a robot quick-change system including a bending upper and lower die library with robot grippers and a robot gripper frame, a flipping frame, a gravity centering mechanism, a second loading trolley, an unloading trolley, and an array of second AGV connecting frames. A dual-material detection device and a vision detection device are installed on one side of the second loading trolley. The bending upper and lower die library stores various upper and lower dies and die frames compatible with all products. The robot slide uses a servo drive device to provide the robot with movement and positioning along one side of the 220T servo bending machine.

[0011] Furthermore, the manual kitting unit includes a third integrated machine with a display device to provide demand and / or guidance information to the operator, kitting picking area entry and exit trolleys set on both sides of the third integrated machine and respectively connected to stacker cranes to realize the entry and exit transport of workpieces to be picked or completed in the warehouse, and an array of third AGV connecting frames for connecting AGV trolleys; a second KBK track system for realizing workpiece transfer runs between the kitting picking area entry and exit trolleys and the third AGV connecting frames.

[0012] Based on the above structural design of the flexible sheet metal processing production line centered on a central material warehouse, this application also proposes the following flexible sheet metal processing production method centered on a central material warehouse:

[0013] Laser cutting units and manual bending units are set up on both sides of the material storage and transportation unit, as well as robot automatic bending units and manual kitting units. The MES management system automatically identifies the material information on the corresponding location according to the needs of each workstation and effectively organizes the conveying flow.

[0014] The material storage and transportation unit is set up with a double-row parallel automated storage and retrieval system for the storage and transfer of goods. Goods are stored and transferred in the automated storage and retrieval system. Multiple independent flexible processing units and inbound and outbound trolleys are set up on one side of the automated storage and retrieval system. Through the connection with the MES management system, the types and quantities of raw materials such as steel plates and semi-finished products in the process of entering and leaving the warehouse can be tracked and recorded.

[0015] The laser cutting unit is used to complete automated loading and unloading operations, use laser cutting technology for material processing, and transport materials between workstations within the unit. According to the set tray assembly principles, the display device guides the manual sorting, palletizing, and tray assembly operations, and establishes a binding between logistics and information flow.

[0016] In the manual bending unit, the first KBK track system is used to lift the pallet carrying the workpiece to the first manual servo bending machine for manual bending. The processed workpiece is transported back to the automated warehouse buffer by the stacker crane or transported to the first AGV docking rack, where it is handed over to the AGV trolley for transfer to the next process.

[0017] In the robot's automatic bending unit, a 220T servo bending machine is used to automatically perform bending processing. After bending, the robot automatically stacks the finished workpieces into a pallet for later return to the automated warehouse buffer, or transports them to a pallet on the second AGV connecting frame for transfer to the next process by the AGV trolley.

[0018] Based on the material requirements information provided by the MES system, in the manual kitting unit, the manual kitting is carried out by the manual staff according to the requirements and / or guidance information provided by the display device. Empty pallets are transported back to the automated warehouse. After the kitting is completed, the workpieces are carried by the pallets and transferred to the third AGV docking rack via the second KBK track system, so that they can be transported to the next process by the AGV trolley.

[0019] Furthermore, the following inbound and outbound operation process is implemented in the material storage and transportation unit 1:

[0020] Raw materials are received into the warehouse. Manual labor, in coordination with a gantry crane, lifts steel pallets onto the raw material receiving trolley. After verification, the pallets are ready for storage. The raw material receiving trolley transports the pallets carrying the raw materials to the receiving position of the stacker crane. At the same time, the barcode scanner on the raw material receiving trolley binds the material information to the pallet. The stacker crane transports the pallets to the corresponding storage location in the automated warehouse for storage and records the information in the material storage management system to update the material information of the storage location.

[0021] When an inbound task is triggered, empty pallets stored in the automated warehouse are moved out by a stacker crane. Inbound / outbound trolleys transport the empty pallets to the designated unloading position. After the equipment unloads the materials, the inbound / outbound trolleys transfer the pallets carrying the raw materials to the stacker crane. The stacker crane moves the pallets to the automated warehouse according to the storage location information specified by the MES system. The MES system manages and updates the storage location information, completing the inbound operation.

[0022] When an outbound task is triggered, pallets containing raw materials in the automated warehouse are moved out by a stacker crane. Inbound / outbound trolleys transport the pallets to the required workstations. Subsequently, the inbound / outbound trolleys transfer empty pallets to the stacker crane. The stacker crane moves the empty pallets to the automated warehouse according to the storage location information specified by the MES system. The MES system manages and updates the storage location information, completing the outbound operation.

[0023] Furthermore, the following loading / unloading and laser cutting processes are implemented in the laser cutting unit:

[0024] After the stacker crane transports the pallet carrying the raw materials to the laser feeding station, the gantry robot of the automatic feeding system grabs and feeds the materials to the laser cutting host.

[0025] After the steel plate is laser-cut on the laser cutting machine, the automatic unloading system transfers the cut plates to a dual-station exchange trolley, which then transports them to the manual sorting area. Manual workers sort the individual plates. After sorting, workers follow the guidance displayed on the integrated machine to assemble the plates into pallets. The picking process is intelligently guided by the MES system through a display device. Once the pallets are assembled, the overhead crane (KBK) rail system transports them to the manual sorting return trolley, finally completing the workpiece warehousing.

[0026] Furthermore, the automatic bending unit of the robot implements the following automatic bending operation process:

[0027] When the task is triggered, the stacker crane transports the pallet containing the workpieces stored in the automated warehouse to the second loading trolley, which then transfers it to the designated processing position.

[0028] The robot automatically grasps the workpiece based on the recognition and detection results of the vision inspection device, and then transfers the workpiece to the gravity centering mechanism for secondary positioning;

[0029] After being positioned, the workpiece is picked up by the robot and transferred to a 220T servo bending machine for automatic bending.

[0030] After bending, the robot automatically stacks the finished workpieces onto the pallet on the unloading trolley for later return to the warehouse; or, the robot transfers the finished workpieces to the pallet on the second AGV connecting frame, where the AGV trolley transports them to the next process.

[0031] For workpieces that need to be flipped, the robot changes the posture of the parts at the flipping frame to complete the flipping action;

[0032] When switching product models, the robot places the original gripper jaws on the robot gripper frame and then automatically replaces the required new robot gripper using the robot quick-change system.

[0033] In summary, the flexible sheet metal processing production line and method centered on a central material warehouse proposed in this application have the following advantages and beneficial effects:

[0034] 1. This application adopts an overall flexible design scheme, which significantly reduces personnel involvement, thereby achieving a high level of automation, intelligence and flexibility in the entire process of workpiece storage, turnover and processing, and achieving high processing efficiency while ensuring workpiece processing accuracy.

[0035] 2. This application utilizes a central material warehouse to connect various production processes and is compatible with diverse business scenarios involving the production and processing of multiple varieties of small-batch products. All logistics transfers are automated, minimizing logistics transfer routes and significantly saving time.

[0036] 3. This application achieves complete system control over the entire process from raw material warehousing to finished product delivery, including production scheduling and production process, through the factory's MES system, thereby improving product production efficiency.

[0037] 4. The material storage and transportation unit in this application is equipped with a double-column heavy-duty stacker crane to improve transportation efficiency. Furthermore, the material warehouse and each processing unit are transferred using rail-guided trolleys, which have lifting capabilities and are compatible with multiple height adjustments. All trolleys are equipped with weighing and shape detection functions to ensure that the material is not overloaded or exceeds height limits upon entry into the warehouse. All pallets in the material warehouse are equipped with QR codes to trace the quantity, model, and production information of the parts contained in the pallet.

[0038] 5. The laser cutting unit in this application is equipped with a display device at the manual sorting station, which effectively guides the operator to sort and pick according to the set pallet grouping logic, so as to realize the centralized handling of materials with the same attributes and improve the transfer efficiency.

[0039] 6. The manual bending unit in this application is equipped with an integrated machine that integrates software to report work to the entire plant's control system in real time, achieving information management. At the same time, the bending machine is equipped with an automatic compensation function, which greatly improves bending quality and efficiency.

[0040] 7. The robotic automatic bending unit in this application is equipped with 3D vision inspection. Through vision coordination with production tasks, the robot picks up and loads materials. The robot program is bound to the bending machine program to complete the automatic bending process. This unit is equipped with an automatic quick-change fixture gripper system that automatically adapts the fixture grippers according to different workpiece sizes, greatly reducing changeover waiting time.

[0041] 8. The manual kitting and picking unit in this application is equipped with a corresponding display device. It is connected according to the needs of the subsequent process to kit the components. After kitting is completed, the components are transported to the subsequent process via AGV. The subsequent process starts processing after receiving the materials, which greatly reduces the material preparation and integration time of the subsequent process. The kitting of the sheet metal line realizes the rapid processing and production of the entire product process, saving labor costs and time. Attached Figure Description

[0042] The present application will now be further described in conjunction with the following figures;

[0043] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the flexible sheet metal processing production line centered on a central material warehouse, as proposed in this application;

[0044] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the material storage and transportation unit;

[0045] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a laser cutting unit;

[0046] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a manual bending unit;

[0047] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the robot's automatic bending unit;

[0048] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a manual kitting unit;

[0049] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the processing and production flow;

[0050] In the above figures, 1-material storage and transportation unit; 2-laser cutting unit; 3-manual bending unit; 4-automatic robot bending unit; 5-manual kitting unit;

[0051] 1.1 Automated Storage and Retrieval System (AS / RS); 1.2 Stacker Crane; 1.3 Safety Fence; 1.4 Raw Material Receiving Trolley;

[0052] 2.1 Laser cutting host; 2.2 Automatic feeding system; 2.3 Automatic unloading system; 2.4 Dual-station exchange trolley; 2.5 First feeding trolley; 2.6 First integrated machine; 2.7 Manual sorting return trolley;

[0053] 3.1 - First manual servo bending machine; 3.2 - Second manual servo bending machine; 3.3 - First KBK track system; 3.4 - Upper and lower bending die storage; 3.5 - Manual bending area inbound and outbound trolley; 3.6 - Second integrated machine; 3.7 - First AGV connecting frame;

[0054] 4.1-220T Servo Bending Machine; 4.2-Robot; 4.3-Robot Quick Change System; 4.4-Bending Upper and Lower Die Library; 4.5-Robot Fixture; 4.6-Robot Fixture Rack; 4.7-Flipping Rack; 4.8-Gravity Centering Mechanism; 4.9-Robot Slide Table; 4.10-Dual Material Inspection Device; 4.11-Vision Inspection Device; 4.12-Second Loading Trolley; 4.13-Unloading Trolley; 4.14-Second AGV Connector;

[0055] 5.1 - Second KBK track system; 5.2 - Third integrated machine; 5.3 - Warehouse entry and exit trolleys for the picking area; 5.4 - Third AGV connecting frame. Detailed Implementation

[0056] Example 1, as Figure 1 As shown, this application proposes a flexible sheet metal processing production line centered on a central material warehouse. The production line includes a material warehouse storage and transportation unit 1. A laser cutting unit 2 and a manual bending unit 3 are connected and operated on one side of the material warehouse storage and transportation unit 1. A robot automatic bending unit 4 and a manual kitting and picking unit 5 are connected and operated on the other side of the material warehouse storage and transportation unit 1.

[0057] like Figure 2 As shown, the material storage and transportation unit 1 includes a double-row parallel automated storage and retrieval system 1.1 for storing and transferring goods. At least one stacker crane 1.2 is provided on the side of the automated storage and retrieval system 1.1 for transporting goods in and out of the warehouse, at least one raw material receiving trolley 1.4 is provided for transporting raw materials to the automated storage and retrieval system 1.1 for storage, and at least one receiving and receiving trolley is provided for connecting goods to the stacker crane 1.2.

[0058] Based on the above structural design, the automated storage and retrieval system 1.1 is used to store and transfer goods such as empty pallets and pallets carrying raw materials. On one side of the automated storage and retrieval system 1.1, there are multiple independent flexible processing units and inbound / outbound trolleys to automatically and promptly provide raw materials to other sheet metal processing equipment. Through the interface with the MES management system, the types and quantities of raw materials such as steel plates and semi-finished products during the inbound and outbound process can be tracked, recorded and managed.

[0059] Stacker crane 1.2 is used to transport goods to designated storage locations in the automated warehouse for storage, or to move and transfer goods from storage locations according to production orders; raw material receiving trolley 1.4 is used to transport raw materials such as steel plates to the automated warehouse 1.1.

[0060] The aforementioned inbound and outbound trolleys are all equipped with weighing modules and shape detection devices, which are used to connect with stacker crane 1.2 to transport goods in and out of the warehouse, such as transporting empty pallets out of the warehouse or transporting pallets carrying steel pallets into the warehouse.

[0061] Specifically, the following inbound and outbound operation process can be realized in the material storage and transportation unit 1:

[0062] Raw materials are received into the warehouse. Manual labor, in conjunction with a gantry crane, lifts steel pallets onto the raw material receiving trolley 1.4. After verification, the pallets are ready for storage. The raw material receiving trolley 1.4 transports the pallets carrying the raw materials to the docking position of the stacker crane 1.2. Simultaneously, the barcode scanner on the raw material receiving trolley 1.4 binds the material information to the pallet. The stacker crane 1.2 is preferably a 3.5-ton load-bearing double-column single-extension heavy-duty stacker crane. The stacker crane 1.2 transports the pallets to the corresponding storage location in the automated warehouse 1.1 for storage and records the information in the material management system, updating the storage location material information.

[0063] When an inbound task is triggered, empty pallets stored in automated warehouse 1.1 are moved out by stacker crane 1.2. The inbound / outbound trolley transports the empty pallets to the designated unloading position. After the equipment unloads the materials, the inbound / outbound trolley transfers the pallets carrying the raw materials to stacker crane 1.2. Stacker crane 1.2 moves the pallets to automated warehouse 1.1 according to the storage location information specified by the MES system. The MES system manages and updates the storage location information, completing the inbound operation.

[0064] When an outbound task is triggered, pallets containing raw materials in automated warehouse 1.1 are moved out by stacker crane 1.2. Inbound / outbound trolleys transport the pallets to the required workstations, and then the empty pallets are transferred to stacker crane 1.2. Stacker crane 1.2 moves the empty pallets to automated warehouse 1.1 according to the storage location information specified by the MES system. The MES system manages and updates the storage location information, completing the outbound operation.

[0065] like Figure 3 As shown, the laser cutting unit 2 is used to complete automated loading and unloading operations, use laser cutting technology for material processing, and transport materials between workstations within the unit, so as to provide intelligent guidance for manual sorting and establish a binding between logistics and information flow.

[0066] It includes a first integrated machine 2.6 with a display device to provide logistics and processing information prompts to the operator, a laser cutting host 2.1 with a one-to-two working mode, and two laser cutting hosts 2.1 sharing a set of independent automatic feeding system 2.2 and automatic unloading system 2.3; the automatic feeding system 2.2 transfers materials from the stacker crane 1.2 via the first feeding trolley 2.5, and the automatic unloading system 2.3 transfers the laser-cut workpieces to the stacker crane 1.2 via the manual sorting and return trolley 2.7 to complete the return to the warehouse; the dual-station exchange trolley 2.4 transports workpieces between the automatic unloading system 2.3 and the manual sorting area;

[0067] Automatic feeding system 2.2 and automatic unloading system 2.3 are equipped with gantry trusses, X-axis moving beams, Z-axis lifting devices, suction cup components, fork tooth components, cutting and unloading trolleys for entering and exiting the warehouse, raw material trolleys, auxiliary platforms, and other equipment. Automatic feeding system 2.2 and automatic unloading system 2.3 can adopt upper and lower layers or other non-intersecting conveying methods without affecting or interfering with each other.

[0068] Specifically, the following loading / unloading and laser cutting operation process can be realized in laser cutting unit 2:

[0069] After the stacker crane 1.2 transports the pallet carrying the raw materials to the laser feeding station, the gantry robot of the automatic feeding system 2.2 grabs and feeds the materials to the laser cutting host 2.1;

[0070] After the steel plate is laser-cut on the laser cutting host 2.1, the automatic unloading system 2.3 transfers the cut plate to the dual-station exchange trolley 2.4, which then transports it to the manual sorting area. Individual plates are then manually sorted. After sorting, workers follow the pallet assembly instructions displayed on the first integrated machine 2.6 to complete the sorting and palletizing process. The MES system provides intelligent guidance for picking and palletizing via a display device. After palletizing, the suspended lifting device (KBK) rail system transports the pallets to the manual sorting return trolley 2.7, finally completing the workpiece warehousing.

[0071] like Figure 4As shown, sheet metal parts with characteristics such as small batch production and large differences in shape are processed and produced by manual bending. The manual bending unit 3 includes a second integrated machine 3.6, a 110-ton first manual servo bending machine 3.1, a 220-ton second manual servo bending machine 3.2, a set of first AGV connecting frames 3.7 for material transfer with AGV trolleys, and two sets of first KBK (suspended lifting) track systems 3.3 respectively connected to the two sets of servo bending machines, and two sets of upper and lower bending mold warehouses 3.4; several manual bending area inbound and outbound trolleys 3.5 run between the manual bending unit 3 and the stacker crane 1.2; the second integrated machine 3.6 has a display device to provide logistics and processing information to the workers;

[0072] Specifically, the following manual bending operation process can be realized in the manual bending unit 3:

[0073] Upon task triggering, the stacker crane 1.2 transports the pallet with materials stored in the automated warehouse 1.1 to the manual bending area inbound / outbound trolley 3.5; the manual bending area inbound / outbound trolley 3.5 then transports it to the designated loading station; the first KBK track system 3.3 hoists the pallet containing the workpiece to be bent to the first manual servo bending machine 3.1 or the second manual servo bending machine 3.2, where the operator performs the bending process; the bent workpiece is then sent to the designated pallet on the second integrated machine 3.6, where the operator manually operates the first KBK track system 3.3 to transfer the pallet carrying the bent workpiece to the manual bending area inbound / outbound trolley 3.5, and finally, the stacker crane 1.2 transports it back to the automated warehouse 1.1 buffer.

[0074] For products produced on short-run orders, the first KBK track system 3.3 transports the pallet carrying the workpiece to the first AGV docking frame 3.7, where it is handed over to the AGV trolley for transfer to the next process.

[0075] When switching products, the molds are manually changed from the upper and lower bending mold library 3.4; the mold change can adopt a hydraulic quick-change structure, and the mold change time is less than 3 minutes. This reduces the waiting time for product changeover and improves efficiency.

[0076] like Figure 5 As shown, the robot automatic bending unit 4 is used to realize the automatic bending process of the machine. Its material feeding process is compatible with the design of finished product warehousing and finished product not warehousing directly flowing to the next process.

[0077] It has a 220T (220-ton class) servo bending machine 4.1. On one side of the 220T servo bending machine 4.1, there is a robot 4.2 running on a robot slide 4.9, a robot quick change system 4.3 including a bending upper and lower mold library 4.4 with robot clamps 4.5 and robot clamp racks 4.6, a flipping frame 4.7, a gravity centering mechanism 4.8, a second loading trolley 4.12, a unloading trolley 4.13, and an array of second AGV connecting frames 4.14.

[0078] A dual material detection device 4.10 and a vision detection device 4.11 are installed on one side of the second loading trolley 4.12;

[0079] Among them, the robot quick change system 4.3 is designed for different semi-finished sheet metal parts that require different clamping fixtures. Based on the use of the bending upper and lower mold library 4.4, robot clamp 4.5 and robot clamping frame 4.6, it can easily change grippers and clamps to achieve the gripping of all products and can achieve high-precision, high-efficiency and high-stability clamping fixture replacement.

[0080] The upper and lower bending die library 4.4 stores a variety of upper and lower dies and die frames compatible with all products.

[0081] The flipping frame 4.7 is used by robots 4.2 to perform conversion or workpiece flipping on different workpieces and fixtures.

[0082] The gravity centering system 4.8 is used to achieve the initial positioning of sheet metal parts, providing accurate positioning for subsequent high-precision bending operations.

[0083] The robot slide 4.9 adopts a high-precision servo drive device, such as a gear and rack transmission and linear guide structure, to enable the robot 4.2 to move and position along one side of the 220T servo bending machine 4.1.

[0084] Dual-material inspection 4.10 is used for thickness inspection and other items when the robot 4.2 grasps the workpiece.

[0085] The vision inspection device 4.11 is used for 2D vision inspection when the workpiece to be bent is transported to the second loading trolley 4.12. It performs image analysis or comparison recognition by taking planar photos with a camera to identify the workpiece, its position, inspection angle, and size. Based on the feedback results of the vision inspection, the robot 4.2 identifies and picks up the workpiece to be bent.

[0086] The second loading trolley 4.12 and unloading trolley 4.13 are respectively used to connect with the stacker crane 1.2 to transport workpieces to complete the workpiece inbound and outbound operations;

[0087] The second AGV connecting frame 4.14 is used to hand over workpieces that are not put into storage after bending to AGV trolleys, which will then transfer them to the next process for direct processing.

[0088] Specifically, the automatic bending unit 4 of the robot can realize the following automatic bending operation process:

[0089] When the task is triggered, the stacker crane 1.2 transports the pallet containing the workpiece stored in the automated storage and retrieval system 1.1 to the second loading trolley 4.12, which then transfers it to the designated processing position.

[0090] Robot 4.2 automatically grasps the workpiece based on the recognition and detection results of vision inspection device 4.11, and then transfers the workpiece to gravity centering mechanism 4.8 for secondary positioning;

[0091] After being positioned, the workpiece is picked up by robot 4.2 and transferred to 220T servo bending machine 4.1 for automatic bending;

[0092] After bending, robot 4.2 automatically stacks the finished workpieces onto the pallet on the unloading trolley 4.13 for later return to the warehouse; or, robot 4.2 transfers the finished workpieces to the pallet on the second AGV connecting frame 4.14, where they are transported to the next process by the AGV trolley.

[0093] For workpieces that need to be flipped, robot 4.2 performs the part orientation change at flipping frame 4.7 to complete the flipping action;

[0094] When switching the processing product model, robot 4.2 places the original gripper jaws on robot gripper frame 4.6, and then automatically replaces the new robot gripper 4.5 with the new one through robot quick change system 4.3.

[0095] like Figure 6 As shown, the manual kitting unit 5 includes a third integrated machine 5.2 with a display device to provide demand and / or guidance information to the operator; kitting picking area entry / exit trolleys 5.3 arranged on both sides of the third integrated machine 5.2 and respectively connected to stacker cranes 1.2 to realize the entry and exit of workpieces to be picked or completed; and an array of third AGV connecting frames 5.4 for connecting AGV trolleys; a second KBK (suspended crane) rail system 5.1 for realizing workpiece transfer runs between the kitting picking area entry / exit trolleys 5.3 and the third AGV connecting frames 5.4.

[0096] Specifically, the following manual kitting operation process can be implemented in the manual kitting unit 5:

[0097] When the subsequent process of bending sheet metal workpieces is triggered, according to the material requirement information provided by the MES system, the stacker crane 1.2 transports the pallet carrying the workpieces in the automated warehouse 1.1 to the inbound / outbound trolley 5.3 in the kitting picking area.

[0098] The pallet picking area inbound / outbound trolley 5.3 transports the pallets to the designated workstation, where manual picking is performed based on the logistics and processing information provided by the display device of the third integrated machine 5.2. Empty pallets are transported back to the automated warehouse 1.1 by the pallet picking area inbound / outbound trolley 5.3 via the stacker crane 1.2.

[0099] After the complete set picking is completed, the workpiece is transferred from the pallet to the third AGV docking station 5.4 via the second KBK track system 5.1, so that it can be transported to the next process by the AGV trolley.

[0100] Based on the above structural design of the flexible sheet metal processing production line centered on a central material warehouse, this application also proposes the following flexible sheet metal processing production method centered on a central material warehouse:

[0101] Laser cutting unit 2 and manual bending unit 3 are respectively set up on both sides of the material storage and transportation unit 1, as well as robot automatic bending unit 4 and manual kitting unit 5. This can reduce the logistics transfer path, reduce the labor intensity of personnel, improve production efficiency and reduce the floor space. It is also conducive to the MES management system to automatically identify the material information on the corresponding storage location according to the needs of each workstation and effectively organize the transportation flow.

[0102] The material storage and transportation unit 1 is equipped with a double-row parallel automated storage and retrieval system 1.1 for the storage and transfer of goods. Goods are stored and transferred in the automated storage and retrieval system 1.1. Multiple independent flexible processing units and inbound / outbound trolleys are set up on one side of the automated storage and retrieval system 1.1 to automatically and timely provide raw materials to other sheet metal processing equipment. Through the interface with the MES management system, the types and quantities of raw materials such as steel plates and semi-finished products during the inbound and outbound process can be tracked and recorded.

[0103] Laser cutting unit 2 is used to complete automated loading and unloading operations, use laser cutting technology for material processing, and transport materials between workstations within the unit. According to the set tray assembly principle, it guides the manual sorting, palletizing, and tray assembly operations through a display device, and establishes a binding between logistics and information flow.

[0104] In the manual bending unit 3, the first KBK track system 3.3 is used to lift the pallet carrying the workpiece to the first manual servo bending machine 3.1 for manual bending processing; the processed workpiece is transported back to the automated warehouse 1.1 by the stacker crane 1.2 or transported to the first AGV docking frame 3.7, where it is handed over to the AGV trolley for transfer to the next process;

[0105] In the robot automatic bending unit 4, a 220T servo bending machine 4.1 is used to automatically perform bending processing; after bending processing, the robot 4.2 automatically stacks the finished workpieces into a pallet for later return to the automated warehouse 1.1 for buffering, or transports them to a pallet on the second AGV connecting frame 4.14 for transfer by AGV trolley to the next process.

[0106] Based on the material requirements information provided by the MES system, in the manual kitting unit 5, manual kitting is performed by personnel according to the requirements and / or guidance information provided by the display device. Empty pallets are transported back to the automated warehouse 1.1. After the kitting is completed, the workpieces are carried by the pallets and transferred to the third AGV docking rack 5.4 via the second KBK track system 5.1, so that they can be transported to the next process by AGV trolleys.

[0107] As described above, the embodiments given in conjunction with the accompanying drawings are merely preferred solutions for achieving the objectives of this invention. Those skilled in the art can draw inspiration from this and directly derive other alternative structures that conform to the design concept of this invention. Other structural features derived therefrom should also fall within the scope of the solutions described in this invention.

Claims

1. A flexible sheet metal processing production line centered on a central material warehouse, characterized in that: The system includes a material storage and transportation unit. A laser cutting unit and a manual bending unit are connected to one side of the material storage and transportation unit, while a robotic automatic bending unit and a manual kitting unit are connected to the other side. The robotic automatic bending unit has a 220T servo bending machine. On one side of the 220T servo bending machine are a robot running on a robot slide, a robot quick-change system including a bending upper and lower die library with robot grippers and robot gripper frames, a flipping frame, a gravity centering mechanism, a second loading trolley, an unloading trolley, and several second AGV connecting frames. A dual-material detection device and a vision detection device are installed on the side of the second loading trolley. The bending upper and lower die library stores various upper and lower dies and die frames compatible with all products. The robot slide uses a servo drive to provide the robot with movement and positioning along one side of the 220T servo bending machine.

2. The flexible sheet metal processing production line centered on a central material warehouse according to claim 1, characterized in that: The aforementioned storage and transportation unit includes a double-row parallel automated warehouse for storing and transferring goods. At least one stacker crane is provided on the side of the automated warehouse for transporting goods in and out of the warehouse, at least one raw material receiving trolley is provided for transporting raw materials to the automated warehouse for storage, and at least one receiving and exiting trolley is provided for connecting goods to the stacker crane.

3. The flexible sheet metal processing production line centered on a central material warehouse according to claim 1, characterized in that: The laser cutting unit includes a first integrated machine, at least two laser cutting main units sharing a set of independent automatic feeding and unloading systems; the automatic feeding system transfers materials from the stacker crane via the first feeding trolley, and the automatic unloading system transfers the laser-cut workpieces to the stacker crane via a manual sorting and return trolley to complete the return to the warehouse; a dual-station exchange trolley transports workpieces between the automatic unloading system and the manual sorting area.

4. The flexible sheet metal processing production line centered on a central material warehouse according to claim 1, characterized in that: The manual bending unit includes a second integrated machine, at least one manual servo bending machine, an array of first AGV connecting frames for material transfer with AGV trolleys, a first KBK track system connected to each servo bending machine, and upper and lower bending mold storage; several manual bending area entry and exit trolleys operate between the manual bending unit and the stacker crane; the second integrated machine has a display device to provide logistics and processing information to the workers.

5. The flexible sheet metal processing production line centered on a central material warehouse according to claim 1, characterized in that: The manual kitting unit includes a third integrated machine with a display device to provide demand and / or guidance information to the operator; kitting picking area entry and exit trolleys set on both sides of the third integrated machine and respectively connected to stacker cranes to realize the entry and exit of workpieces to be picked or completed; and an array of third AGV connecting frames for connecting AGV trolleys; a second KBK track system for realizing workpiece transfer runs between the kitting picking area entry and exit trolleys and the third AGV connecting frames.

6. A flexible sheet metal processing production method centered on a central warehouse, using the flexible sheet metal processing production line centered on a central warehouse as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: Laser cutting units and manual bending units are set up on both sides of the material storage and transportation unit, as well as robot automatic bending units and manual kitting units. The MES management system automatically identifies the material information on the corresponding location according to the needs of each workstation and effectively organizes the conveying flow. The material storage and transportation unit is set up with a double-row parallel automated storage and retrieval system for the storage and transfer of goods. Goods are stored and transferred in the automated storage and retrieval system. Multiple independent flexible processing units and inbound and outbound trolleys are set up on one side of the automated storage and retrieval system. Through the connection with the MES management system, the types and quantities of raw materials such as steel plates and semi-finished products in the process of entering and leaving the warehouse can be tracked and recorded. The laser cutting unit is used to complete automated loading and unloading operations, use laser cutting technology for material processing, and transport materials between workstations within the unit. According to the set tray assembly principles, the display device guides the manual sorting, palletizing, and tray assembly operations, and establishes a binding between logistics and information flow. In the manual bending unit, the first KBK track system is used to lift the pallet carrying the workpiece to the first manual servo bending machine for manual bending. The processed workpiece is transported back to the automated warehouse buffer by the stacker crane or transported to the first AGV docking rack, where it is handed over to the AGV trolley for transfer to the next process. In the robot's automatic bending unit, a 220T servo bending machine is used to automatically perform bending processing. After bending, the robot automatically stacks the finished workpieces into a pallet for later return to the automated warehouse buffer, or transports them to a pallet on the second AGV connecting frame for transfer to the next process by the AGV trolley. Based on the material requirements information provided by the MES system, in the manual kitting unit, manual kitting is performed by personnel according to the requirements and / or guidance information provided by the display device. Empty pallets are transported back to the automated warehouse. After kitting is completed, the workpieces are transferred from the pallets to the third AGV docking station via the second KBK track system, so that they can be transported to the next process by AGV trolleys.

7. The flexible sheet metal processing production method centered on a central material warehouse according to claim 6, characterized in that: Implement the following inbound and outbound operation processes in the material storage and transportation unit. Raw materials are received into the warehouse. Manual labor, in coordination with a gantry crane, lifts steel pallets onto the raw material receiving trolley. After verification, the pallets are ready for warehousing. The raw material receiving trolley transports the pallets carrying the raw materials to the docking position of the stacker crane. At the same time, the barcode scanning device on the raw material receiving trolley binds the material information to the pallet. The stacker crane transports pallets to the corresponding storage locations in the automated warehouse and records the information in the material management system to update the material information at the storage locations. When an inbound task is triggered, empty pallets stored in the automated warehouse are moved out by a stacker crane. Inbound / outbound trolleys transport the empty pallets to the designated unloading position. After the equipment unloads the materials, the inbound / outbound trolleys transfer the pallets carrying the raw materials to the stacker crane. The stacker crane moves the pallets to the automated warehouse according to the storage location information specified by the MES system. The MES system manages and updates the storage location information, completing the inbound operation. When an outbound task is triggered, pallets containing raw materials in the automated warehouse are moved out by a stacker crane. Inbound / outbound trolleys transport the pallets to the required workstations. Subsequently, the inbound / outbound trolleys transfer empty pallets to the stacker crane. The stacker crane moves the empty pallets to the automated warehouse according to the storage location information specified by the MES system. The MES system manages and updates the storage location information, completing the outbound operation.

8. The flexible sheet metal processing production method centered on a central material warehouse according to claim 7, characterized in that: The following loading / unloading and laser cutting processes are implemented in the laser cutting unit. After the stacker crane transports the pallet carrying the raw materials to the laser feeding station, the gantry robot of the automatic feeding system grabs and feeds the materials to the laser cutting host. After the steel plate is laser-cut on the laser cutting machine, the automatic unloading system transfers the cut plate to the dual-station exchange trolley, which then transports it to the manual sorting area. Manual sorting of individual plates is then performed. After sorting, manual palletizing is completed according to the guidance information displayed on the first integrated machine. The picking process is intelligently guided by the MES system through a display device. After palletizing, the suspended lifting device rail system transports the pallets to the manual sorting return trolley, finally completing the workpiece warehousing.

9. The flexible sheet metal processing production method centered on a central material warehouse according to claim 8, characterized in that: The following automatic bending operation process is implemented in the robot's automatic bending unit. When the task is triggered, the stacker crane transports the pallet containing the workpieces stored in the automated warehouse to the second loading trolley, which then transfers it to the designated processing position. The robot automatically grasps the workpiece based on the recognition and detection results of the vision inspection device, and then transfers the workpiece to the gravity centering mechanism for secondary positioning; After being positioned, the workpiece is picked up by the robot and transferred to a 220T servo bending machine for automatic bending. After bending, the robot automatically stacks the finished workpieces onto the pallet on the unloading trolley for later return to the warehouse; or, the robot transfers the finished workpieces to the pallet on the second AGV connecting frame, where the AGV trolley transports them to the next process. For workpieces that need to be flipped, the robot changes the posture of the parts at the flipping frame to complete the flipping action; When switching product models, the robot places the original gripper jaws on the robot gripper frame and then automatically replaces the required new robot gripper using the robot quick-change system.

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