Tool system for loading inner chamber component with connection clip and tool replacement method

Abstract

The invention relates to a tool system for loading an inner chamber component, in particular an instrument panel or a part thereof, with a connection clip, said tool system comprising the following: a tool (10), which is designed to receive the inner chamber component such that the inner chamber component can be loaded with a connection clip; an ejection and centering unit (20) for receiving the tool (10); wherein the ejection and centering unit (20) has a lifting mechanism (21) for lifting the tool (10) from a working position into a replacement position and a centering mechanism (25) for centering the tool (10) in a position-accurate manner in the working position. The invention also relates to a method for replacing a tool of such a tool system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a tool system for loading an interior component with connecting clips and also to a method for replacing a tool of such a tool system. Background Art

[0002] In order to manufacture the interior components of motor vehicles, different processing methods are used. Usually, the interior components, especially the instrument panel or parts thereof, are injection molded as plastic parts. In order to connect such components to other components in the motor vehicle, different connecting parts are used. Commonly used connecting parts are clamps, especially threaded clamps. Such clamps are mostly molded plate parts, which are inserted into parts or parts of plastic parts and have threads, thereby enabling threaded connection of other components. Therefore, the interior components and especially the injection molded parts can be connected to other vehicle components. In addition, cable bundles and other components can also be connected to the interior components, for example, with the help of such clamps. Threaded clamps are very suitable for this and are low-cost.

[0003] In order to equip such interior components, such as instrument panels, with corresponding threaded clips, so-called automatic clip insertion machines are used. This tool system is specially adapted to the respective interior components, accurately accommodates them in position and then allows the clips to be inserted into the corresponding positions of the interior components by a robot arm. Because high positioning accuracy is important, such tool systems are specially adapted to the interior components to be processed or loaded. Therefore, when the interior components are changed or the production line is replaced, the entire tool system for clip insertion must also be replaced. This is complicated and extremely cost-intensive. In particular, it is difficult to convert the production line to adapt to other vehicle components. Another disadvantage is that when the tool system fails, the downtime of the entire production line is long, because the tool system that is fixedly integrated into the production equipment must be maintained or repaired in a time-consuming manner. Summary of the invention

[0004] Therefore, the task of the present invention is to specify a tool system for loading a connection clip on an inner chamber component, which avoids the aforementioned disadvantages and obtains higher flexibility in particular in a production facility. In addition, the task of the present invention is to specify a method for replacing a tool of such a tool system.

[0005] According to the invention, this object is achieved with regard to the tool system by the subject matter of claim 1 and with regard to the device by the subject matter of claim 14 .

[0006] Therefore, the present invention is based in particular on the idea of ​​specifying a tool system for loading a connection clip on an interior component, in particular an instrument panel or a part thereof, wherein the tool system comprises the following parts:

[0007] a tool which is designed to receive the interior component so that it can be loaded with the connecting clip, and

[0008] - an ejection and centering unit for receiving said tool,

[0009] The ejection and centering unit comprises a lifting mechanism for raising the tool from the working position to the replacement position and a centering mechanism for centering the tool in a positionally accurate manner at the working position.

[0010] Unlike tool systems that have been fixedly integrated into production equipment to date, the present invention provides a tool system in which the tools can be replaced quickly and easily. The function of the tool system that can transfer the tool into a working position, in which the function of loading the inner chamber component with the connecting clamp is achieved, is particularly advantageous. The tool ensures a high positioning accuracy when receiving the inner chamber component, so that the connecting clamp can be inserted with accurate position. For this purpose, the centering device is provided, against which the tool can be lowered into the working position. The tool is thus positioned exactly in the working position, so that there are no disadvantages in this respect compared to tool systems that have been completely integrated into production equipment to date.

[0011] The significant advantage lies in the tool system function of raising the tool to the replacement position by means of the ejection unit, so that the tool leaves the centering mechanism and can then preferably move freely. In the replacement position, the tool can then be transferred to a replacement trolley, for example, so that the tool can be replaced very quickly and easily. This simplifies tool maintenance without long interruptions to the production process, allows rapid replacement of production lines and improves the fault safety of production equipment for interior components. In addition, the present invention is used to increase the flexibility of the production site, because the simple possibility of tool replacement can be used to convert the production equipment in a short time to adapt to the production of other interior components or completely different vehicle production lines. Therefore, the short-term sudden increase in the delivery of components to vehicle manufacturers can be well met.

[0012] Basically, it is preferably provided in the invention that the ejection and centering unit is installed in the production line in a fixed but removable manner, while the tool which receives the inner chamber component and holds it in position for loading the connecting clip is itself replaceable and can be removed from the ejection and centering unit.

[0013] Specifically, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it can be provided that the ejection and centering unit has a lifting base plate for lifting the tool. The lifting base plate can be controlled in such a way that the tool can be lowered onto the centering pins of the ejection and centering unit and the lifting base plate can be separated from the tool. Therefore, the tool can be lowered from the replacement position to the working position with the help of the lifting base plate and raised from the working position to the replacement position in the opposite way. Since the lifting base plate can be further lowered in the working position of the tool, the contact between the lifting base plate and the tool can be released, so that the tool is preferably placed on the centering pins alone. This avoids positional inaccuracies or improves the positional accuracy of the tool in the working position.

[0014] In order to enable a quick and simple tool change, it is advantageous if the ejection and centering unit and in particular the lifting base have rails for receiving and transferring the tool to the change trolley. Preferably, rails are provided on the ejection and centering unit and on the change trolley, which rails can be oriented in alignment with each other. The rails allow a very simple transfer of the tool from the ejection and centering unit to the change trolley and vice versa. In particular, the worker does not bear the weight of the tool.

[0015] It is usually preferred to provide a change trolley. The change trolley can be set up to receive the tool in the change position. The change trolley allows the tool to be received when it is transferred to the change position by the lifting mechanism. The change trolley can then be used to transport the tool into the warehouse. The change trolley can be moved, in particular driven, for this purpose. A plurality of change trolleys can be provided in the tool system, which carry different tools, so that a rapid tool change can be achieved.

[0016] In this context, it should be noted that the tool for clip insertion is quite complex and contains many pneumatic and electrical components. This increases the weight of the tool, wherein the mutually aligned rails on the ejection and centering unit and the change trolley still allow simple and labor-saving tool changes.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the ejection and centering unit has at least one damping element for the tool. The damping element can form an end stop for the tool on the one hand and can also ensure that the tool is slowly decelerated before reaching its final position when it abuts the ejection and centering unit. Damage to the tool is thus avoided. In this regard, it is advantageous if the damping element is arranged in the region of one longitudinal end of the track of the ejection and centering unit.

[0018] The damping element preferably has a front support. The front support is particularly suitable for withstanding the lateral forces that occur when the lifting base is separated from the tool. The tool that is decelerated by the damping element when moving onto the ejection and centering unit abuts against the damping element, in particular its front support, when the lifting base is lowered to the working position. When the tool is placed on the centering mechanism and the lifting base is further lowered to completely release the tool, there is a relative movement between the damping element and the tool. In order to compensate for the lateral forces that act on the damping element at this time, the front support is provided. The front support can be mounted, in particular bolted, on a shock absorber for this purpose. The shock absorber is preferably connected to the damping element or forms part of the damping element. The front support can in particular be a front support pin, which allows an angular misalignment between its tip and the damping element. It is also possible that the front support includes a roller or a rotatably mounted ball, which rolls along the end wall of the tool when the lifting base leaves the tool.

[0019] In addition, the ejection and centering unit can have at least one distance sensor for detecting the position of the tool on the ejection and centering unit, in particular in the region of one longitudinal end of the rail. The distance sensor can be used to ensure that the tool is in the correct position in the exchange position, so that the centering mechanism is well aligned with the corresponding centering hole of the tool when the tool is lowered into the working position and the centering mechanism is in particular not damaged.

[0020] Particularly preferably, two distance sensors arranged in parallel are provided. The tool can have an opening corresponding to at least one of the distance sensors. In this case, the distance sensor can be connected to the control device in such a way that the correct orientation and position of the tool on the ejection and centering unit in the change position can be detected. By means of the two distance sensors arranged in parallel, it is not only possible to detect whether the tool is in the correct position. In particular, in conjunction with the opening in the tool, it can also be determined whether the tool is moved in the correct orientation towards the ejection and centering unit. The distance sensor can be designed as an inductive sensor.

[0021] The tool can have two end faces, which are opposite to each other in the direction of movement of the tool parallel to the track of the ejection and centering unit. In other words, the tool can have an end face that is in front in the direction of movement and an end face that is in the rear in the direction of movement. An opening corresponding to one of the distance sensors is preferably provided on one of the end faces. The opening can be designed as a blind hole in this case in particular. But it can also be a through hole in the end side wall of the tool. If, for example, one distance sensor detects a predetermined distance between the tool and the distance sensor and at the same time another distance sensor detects a greater distance because it is aligned with the opening, it can be assumed that the tool has the correct position and orientation. If, however, both distance sensors indicate the predetermined distance, the tool orientation is incorrect and should be moved again to the ejection and centering unit by rotating 180 degrees around the vertical axis.

[0022] The lifting mechanism for raising the tool from the working position to the replacement position comprises, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one lifting cylinder and a guide mechanism arranged parallel thereto. The lifting cylinder can be, for example, a hydraulic cylinder and / or a pneumatic cylinder. Such a lifting cylinder usually has a limited positioning accuracy. However, in order to still achieve a deflection-free and positionally accurate lifting, a guide mechanism is preferably also provided. It can be designed as a linear guide mechanism and in particular comprises a plurality of linear ball bearings. The linear guide mechanism ensures the linear movement of the lifting mechanism, so that the tool also performs an accurate linear movement relative to the ejection and centering unit.

[0023] The ejection and centering unit and the tool preferably have a unified interface for electrical and pneumatic connection, respectively. For the clamp plug-in connection, a plurality of pneumatic and electrical components are usually integrated in the tool. In order to control the components, an electrical and pneumatic connection of the tool to the corresponding supply source is required, which is usually carried out via a plug interface. In order to be able to change the tool as simply and quickly as possible, it is preferred that the ejection and centering unit as a supply source on the one hand and the tool as a recipient on the other hand each have a unified interface, which combines the pneumatic and electrical connections with each other.

[0024] Therefore, a connecting cable with pneumatic and electrical connecting lines can be provided on the ejection and centering unit, and the connecting cable can be connected to the tool via a single plug-in connection mechanism. Therefore, in order to replace the tool, the tool is first electrically and pneumatically separated from the ejection and centering unit by means of a single plug. The tool can then be raised to the replacement position and moved to the replacement trolley. The new tool can then be moved to the ejection and centering unit via the replacement trolley in the reverse order, slid onto the ejection and centering unit via mutually aligned rails and then lowered onto the centering pin of the ejection and centering unit by means of a lifting mechanism. Subsequently, the connecting cable of the ejection and centering unit is plugged into the tool via a single connector, thereby establishing all electrical and pneumatic connections between the ejection and centering unit and the tool using a manual plug-in process.

[0025] In order to fix the tool on the ejection and centering unit and / or the changing trolley and in particular to prevent the tool from accidentally moving along the track, the tool and / or the ejection and centering unit can have at least one movable, in particular spring-loaded locking element for locking the tool on the ejection and centering unit and / or the changing trolley. Thus, the tool can be locked with a locking element, for example, after being moved to the ejection and centering unit, and then it is lowered to the centering mechanism of the ejection and centering unit by means of a lifting mechanism. This also prevents the tool from slipping during the lowering and perhaps not contacting the centering mechanism exactly.

[0026] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the ejection and centering unit comprises an ejection part having the lifting mechanism and the lifting base plate, and a centering part having the centering mechanism. At least the lifting base plate, in particular the entire ejection part, can preferably be placed on the centering part at two positions rotated 180 degrees around the vertical axis. Since the ejection part, at least the lifting base plate, can be placed in two different positions, in particular can be installed on the centering part, the ejection and centering unit can be integrated into the production equipment in such a way that tool replacement can be performed from different sides. If the lifting base plate is placed on the centering part in the first position, the tool can be moved to the ejection and centering unit from the left side, for example, and if the lifting base plate is placed on the centering part in the second position, movement from the right side is allowed.

[0027] It has also proven advantageous for the high flexibility in the manufacture of interior components to have a plurality of tools for different interior components, which cooperate with the ejection and centering unit and at least one change trolley for tool change. In particular, a plurality of different tools can be provided in the warehouse, which are capable of receiving different interior components to load the connection clamps. Depending on the production requirements, the respective required tools can be moved from the warehouse to the production equipment by means of a change trolley. There, the tool is moved to the ejection and centering unit, wherein the ejection and centering unit is in a change position. After the tool is moved and locked on the ejection and centering unit, the ejection and centering unit is lowered to the working position, wherein the tool is accurately positioned by the centering mechanism. Once the tool is subsequently connected to the production equipment in terms of pneumatic and electrical aspects, the loading of the interior component for which the tool is designated can be started.

[0028] According to a parallel aspect, the invention also relates to a method for replacing a tool system, in particular a tool of the aforementioned tool system, wherein the method comprises the following steps:

[0029] - Raise the lifting base plate to the replacement position through the lifting mechanism of the ejection and centering unit,

[0030] - moving the tool onto the lifting platform,

[0031] - detecting the orientation and position of the tool on the ejection and centering unit by means of distance sensors,

[0032] - positioning the tool at a predetermined distance from the distance sensor,

[0033] - locking the tool on the lifting platform,

[0034] - lowering the lifting base by means of a lifting mechanism until the tool is placed on the centering mechanism, and

[0035] - Lower the lifting platform further to fully release the tool.

[0036] By lowering the lifting base further, the tool is completely released, ensuring a particularly high centering accuracy.

[0037] In the method of the invention, it can be provided that the movement of the tool is slowed down or stopped by at least one damping element. The damping element can also be preloaded for or due to locking the tool on the lifting base, thereby ensuring a high position stability of the tool on the ejection and centering unit.

[0038] Preferably, after the lifting floor is raised and before the tool is moved, the previously inserted tool is removed from the lifting floor, in particular moved to a change carriage.

[0039] The advantages and preferred developments mentioned in connection with the above-described tool system also apply analogously to the method. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] The different exemplary features described above can be combined with one another according to the invention, as long as this makes technical sense and is suitable. This applies regardless of whether the respective feature is disclosed as an apparatus feature and / or a method feature. Further features, advantages and embodiments of the invention are derived from the following description of the drawings and from the embodiments shown in the attached schematic diagrams, which show:

[0041] Figure 1 A perspective view showing a tool and an ejection and centering unit of a tool system according to the invention, wherein the tool is in a working position;

[0042] Figure 2 Show according to Figure 1 A perspective view of the ejection and centering unit of the tool system;

[0043] Figure 3 Show according to Figure 1 A perspective view of the optional replacement trolley for the tool system;

[0044] Figure 4 Show according to Figure 1 Detailed view of the lifting mechanism of the ejection and centering unit of the tool system;

[0045] Figure 5 Show according to Figure 1 Detail of the rail end area of ​​the ejection and centering unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Figure 1 A tool 10 of a tool system is shown, which is set up for receiving an interior component so that the interior component can be loaded with a connection clip. In the tool 10 shown here, a plurality of slots 11 for the interior component and a plurality of mobile units 12 for inserting the connection clip are provided. The tool can receive an interior component, such as an instrument panel, in an accurate position through the slots 11. The mobile unit 12 can be loaded with a connection clip and then the connection clip is fixed to a predetermined position of the interior component. The tool 10 may also not be equipped with a mobile unit 12. Then, loading the interior component with a connection clip can be carried out, for example, by a collaborative robot (so-called "cooperative robot"), which is arranged outside the tool 10.

[0047] If you can Figure 1 As can be seen in the figure, the tool 10 comprises a large number of electronic components 14 for controlling the mobile unit 12. In addition, a plurality of pneumatic components can be provided. They are integrated into the box-shaped housing of the tool 10.

[0048] The tool system also includes an ejection and centering unit 20, in which the tool 10 is Figure 1 The ejection and centering unit 20 comprises in particular a centering mechanism 25 which results in an extremely accurate positioning of the tool 10 on the ejection and centering unit 20 .

[0049] If you can Figure 2 As can be clearly seen in the figure, the centering mechanism 25 of the ejection and centering unit 20 has a centering pin 26. The centering pin 26 can cooperate with the corresponding centering hole 36 on the tool 10 to accurately center the tool 10 on the ejection and centering unit 20. The ejection and centering unit 20 also has a lifting mechanism 21, wherein the lifting mechanism 21 in particular includes a lifting base plate 22, a lifting cylinder 23 and a guide mechanism 24 ( Figure 4 A track 31 is mounted on the lifting base plate 22 , wherein corresponding track wheels are arranged on the tool 10 so that the tool 10 can move on the track 31 .

[0050] In order to ensure that the tool 10 is placed in the correct position of the ejection and centering unit 20, a plurality of damping members 28 are respectively provided at one end of the track 31. The damping members 28 may have compression springs to achieve corresponding damping when the tool 10 abuts against the ejection and centering unit 20.

[0051] The ejection and centering unit 20 can be functionally divided into an ejection part 20a and a centering part 20b. The ejection part 20a includes a lifting mechanism 21 and a lifting base plate 22 and is used to lift the tool. The lifting base plate 22 includes a track 31, a damping member 28 and a distance sensor 29, which will be described in detail later. The centering part 20b includes a centering mechanism 25 with a centering pin 26 and is used to center and hold the tool 10 in the working position.

[0052] The ejection part 20a and at least its lifting base 22 can be separated from the centering part 20b. In particular, the ejection part 20a or the lifting base 22 can be removed from the centering part 20b and can be installed again in a position rotated 180 degrees around the vertical axis. Therefore, the tool 10 can be moved to the ejection and centering unit 20 from different sides.

[0053] A portion of the tool system can optionally be Figure 3 The replacement trolley 30 shown. The replacement trolley 30 includes a platform with a track 31. In order to enable the replacement trolley 30 to move, a plurality of wheels 33 and a handle 34 are provided. The track 31 on the replacement trolley 30 includes a damping stop 32 at one end respectively. The damping stop 32 can be designed to play a damping role, i.e., for example, it has a corresponding compression spring. The track 31 of the replacement trolley 30 is designed and oriented in such a way that they can be aligned and abutted against the track 31 of the ejection and centering unit 20, so that the tool 10 can be moved from the ejection and centering unit 20 to the replacement trolley 30 and reverse movement.

[0054] Figure 4 The lifting mechanism 21 of the ejection and centering unit 20 is shown in detail. The lifting mechanism 21 is fixedly mounted on the ejection and centering unit 20 and is connected to the lifting base plate 22. Specifically, a lifting cylinder 23 and a guide mechanism 24 are provided, wherein the guide mechanism 24 is positioned parallel to the lifting cylinder 23.

[0055] The lifting cylinder 23 allows the lifting base plate 22 to be raised and lowered. The moving distance of the lifting cylinder 23 is specified here so that the lifting base plate 22 can be raised to a sufficient extent so that the tool 10 is disengaged from the centering pin 26, that is, separated from the centering pin 26. On the contrary, the lifting cylinder 23 can lower the lifting base plate 22 to a sufficient extent so that the tool 10 can be lowered onto the centering pin 26. The lifting cylinder 23 can also further lower the lifting base plate 22 so that the lifting cylinder 23 can be positioned about 5 mm below the tool 10. It is therefore ensured that the lifting base plate 22 does not contact the tool 10 in the working position of the tool 10. This prevents the lifting base plate 22 from affecting the position of the tool 10 in the working position.

[0056] When the lifting base 22 is lowered further, there is a relative movement between the damping element 28 and an end face 37 of the tool 10. In order to prevent the damping elements 28 from being damaged, they each have a front support 28a, in particular in the form of a front support pin. The front support 28a allows a tilting movement or a pivoting movement, so that when the lifting base 22 is lowered further, there is an angle between the tip of the respective front support 28a and the damping element 28. In this way, the lateral forces to which the damping element 28 is subjected are eliminated.

[0057] Figure 5 A front support 28a is shown on the damping element 28. It can also be seen that a plurality of distance sensors 29 are arranged parallel to the damping element 28. In particular, two distance sensors 29 are provided, which are preferably designed as inductive sensors. The distance sensors 29 are preferably controlled in such a way that they recognize the correct position of the tool 10, i.e. the state of the tool 10 with respect to the horizontal distance to the distance sensor 29. In addition, the distance sensors 29 can be controlled in such a way that they recognize the correct orientation of the tool 10. The correct orientation refers to the spatial orientation of the tool 10 relative to the ejection and centering unit 20. In the embodiment shown here, the tool 10 is therefore correctly oriented when the end face 37 points to the distance sensor 29 or the damping element 28. If the end face 37 points in the opposite direction, the tool 10 is incorrectly oriented.

[0058] In order to detect the correct orientation of the tool 10, an opening can be formed at the end face 37 in the area opposite one of the distance sensors 39. If the corresponding first distance sensor 39 now detects no distance or detects a distance that is too large due to the opening, and the other second distance sensor 39 detects the predetermined distance for the correct tool position, the tool 10 has a correct position and orientation. If the second distance sensor 39 detects a distance that is greater than the predetermined distance for the correct tool position, and the first distance sensor 39 still does not detect a distance or detects an abnormally large distance that is too large, the tool is correctly oriented but still in the wrong position. If both distance sensors 29 detect the predetermined distance for the correct tool position, the tool 10 is in the correct position but in the wrong orientation. In this case, the tool 10 should be removed from the rail 31 so that it can be rotated 180 degrees about the vertical axis and moved back onto the rail 31 in the correct orientation.

[0059] The replacement of the tool 10 of the tool system of the present invention can be performed as follows:

[0060] First, the tool 10 is moved onto the change trolley 30, wherein the tool 10 is moved by means of rail wheels via rails 31 up to the end stop 32. For this purpose, the tool 10 can have a corresponding handle 13 to facilitate the manual movement of the tool 10. Once the tool 10 abuts against the end stop 32, it can be locked on the change trolley 30 on the opposite side by means of a locking element, for example in the form of a spring-loaded pin. The change trolley 30 can include a corresponding latching opening for the locking element, wherein it can be designed so that the locking element automatically latches into the latching opening due to its spring force. The tool 10 is thus fixed on the change trolley 30.

[0061] The replacement trolley 30 can then be moved to the production plant, in particular close to the ejection and centering unit 20. To this end, the worker can grab the replacement trolley 30 at the handle 34 and move it to the corresponding position via the rotatably articulated wheels 33. The replacement trolley 30 is preferably positioned directly on the ejection and centering unit 20 in alignment with the rails 31 of the ejection and centering unit 20. For this purpose, centering elements 27, 35 are provided, which cause the replacement trolley 30 to be precisely positioned on the ejection and centering unit 20.

[0062] The centering elements 27, 35 include in particular a centering pin 27 arranged on the ejection and centering unit 20. The change carriage 30 has a corresponding centering guide 35, which preferably forms a V-shaped groove. The centering guide 37 can respectively hold a centering pin 27, wherein the centering pin 27 slides along the V-shaped groove of the centering guide 35 and thus serves to align the rails 31 with each other when the change carriage 30 approaches the ejection and centering unit 20.

[0063] Next, the locking element that locks the tool 10 on the change trolley 30 is released. The tool 10 can then be moved from the rails 31 of the change trolley to the rails 31 of the ejection and centering unit 20, in particular the lifting base 22. The lifting base 22 is in a raised position here, so that when the tool 10 is moved onto the lifting base 22, the tool 10 can be moved above the centering mechanism 25, in particular the centering pin 26. Once the end stop 32 on the lifting base 22 is reached, the tool 10 is locked on the lifting base 22 with a locking element.

[0064] Then, the lifting base plate 22 can be lowered, wherein the tool 10 with the centering hole 36 is lowered and abuts on the centering pin 26 and is simultaneously guided to a predetermined position by centering. Once the tool 10 is completely placed on the centering mechanism 25, the lifting base plate 22 is further lowered, preferably until about 5 mm below the tool 10. Now, the tool 10 is in the working position and can be used to load the connecting clips to the inner chamber components.

[0065] Reference numerals list

[0066] 10 Tools

[0067] 11. Container

[0068] 12 Mobile Units

[0069] 13 Handle

[0070] 14 Electronic components

[0071] 20 Ejection and centering unit

[0072] 20a Ejector

[0073] 20b Central

[0074] 21 Lifting mechanism

[0075] 22 Lifting floor

[0076] 23 Lifting Cylinder

[0077] 24 Guide mechanism

[0078] 25 Dingzhong Agency

[0079] 26 Fixed Center Sales

[0080] 27 centering bolt

[0081] 28 Damping element

[0082] 28a Front support

[0083] 29 Distance Sensor

[0084] 30 Replace the trolley

[0085] 31 Track

[0086] 32 Damping stop

[0087] 33 rounds

[0088] 34 Handle

[0089] 35 Centering guide mechanism

[0090] 36 Centering hole

[0091] 37 End face

Claims

1. A tool system for loading a connection clip onto an interior component, in particular an instrument panel or a part thereof, wherein: The tool system includes the following parts: a tool which is designed to receive the interior component so that it can be loaded with the connecting clip, and - an ejection and centering unit for receiving said tool, The ejection and centering unit comprises a lifting mechanism for raising the tool from the working position to the replacement position and a centering mechanism for centering the tool in a positionally accurate manner at the working position.

2. The tool system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ejection and centering unit has a lifting base for lifting the tool, which can be controlled in such a way that the tool can be lowered onto the centering pins of the ejection and centering unit and the lifting base can be separated from the tool.

3. The tool system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The ejection and centering unit, in particular the lifting base, has rails for receiving and transferring the tool to the changing trolley.

4. Tool system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that A replacement trolley is provided for receiving the tool in the replacement position.

5. The tool system according to claim 4, characterized in that: At least one damping element for the tool is arranged in the region of a longitudinal end of the rail of the ejection and centering unit.

6. The tool system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The damping element has a front support for absorbing lateral forces when the lifting base plate is separated from the tool.

7. Tool system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The ejection and centering unit has, in particular in the region of a longitudinal end of the rail, at least one distance sensor for detecting the position of the tool relative to the ejection and centering unit.

8. The tool system according to claim 7, characterized in that: Two distance sensors are arranged in parallel, and the tool has an opening corresponding to at least one of the distance sensors, wherein the distance sensors are connected to the control device signals in such a way that the correct orientation and position of the tool relative to the ejection and centering unit in the replacement position can be detected.

9. Tool system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The lifting mechanism for lifting the tool from the working position to the changing position has at least one lifting cylinder and a guide mechanism arranged parallel thereto.

10. Tool system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The ejection and centering unit and the tool each have a unified interface for electrical connection and pneumatic connection.

11. Tool system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The tool and / or the ejection and centering unit has at least one movable locking element, in particular one that is subjected to spring force, for locking the tool to the ejection and centering unit and / or the change carriage.

12. Tool system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The ejection and centering unit comprises an ejection part with the lifting mechanism and the lifting base plate, and a centering part with the centering mechanism, wherein at least the lifting base plate, in particular the ejection part, can be placed on the centering part in two positions rotated 180 degrees around a vertical axis.

13. Tool system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that A plurality of tools are provided for different interior components, which cooperate with the ejection and centering unit and with at least one changing carriage for changing the tools.

14. A method for changing a tool of a tool system, in particular a tool of a tool system according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps: - Raise the lifting base plate to the replacement position through the lifting mechanism of the ejection and centering unit, - moving the tool onto the lifting platform, - detecting the orientation and position of the tool relative to the ejection and centering unit by means of distance sensors, - positioning the tool at a predetermined distance from the distance sensor, - locking the tool to the lifting platform, - lowering the lifting base by means of the lifting mechanism until the tool is placed on the centering mechanism, and - Lower the lifting platform further to fully release the tool.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein: After the lifting floor is raised and before the tool is moved, the previously installed tool is removed from the lifting floor and, in particular, moved to a replacement trolley.

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