Production plant, method for operating production plant, process module for use in production plant

Abstract

The invention relates to a production device 1 for carrying out a production function on a workpiece, comprising a positioning region 3 for positioning a process module 2 having through-openings 4, the process module having at least one fastening unit 6 for fastening the process module to the positioning region, the fastening unit covering at least one of the through-openings, the monitoring module determines the at least one covered through-opening as at least one selected through-opening and monitors the medium guide therein in such a way that the fastening unit can be fastened to the positioning region by means of the medium in the vacuum state, the process module having at least one supply unit 7 for transferring the medium to the at least one supply receiver 11, the supply unit covers the at least one through-opening, the monitoring module determines the at least one covered through-opening as at least one selected through-opening and monitors the media guide therein, and the supply unit fluidically connects the media guide of the at least one through-opening to the at least one supply receiver.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a production device for realizing a production function, a method for operating the production device, and a process module used in the production device. Background Art

[0002] Production devices are known. They are used to carry out production functions on workpieces. The workpieces are processed into products.

[0003] The publication DE 10 2019 202 495 A1 discloses a production device having a grid-free, vacuum-based fixing unit. The energy supply to the fixed object is carried out by means of induction. Summary of the invention

[0004] The subject matter of the invention is a production device for carrying out a production function having the features of claim 1, a method for operating a production device having the features of claim 12, and a process module for use in a production device having the features of claim 13. Preferred or advantageous embodiments of the invention are apparent from the dependent claims, the subsequent description and the drawings.

[0005] The subject matter of the invention relates to a production device for performing production functions on a workpiece. The production device is particularly configured to manufacture products from the workpiece. Performing production functions on the workpiece preferably includes processing, transporting, measuring, checking, quality assurance, etc. of the workpiece.

[0006] The production device has a positioning area for positioning the process module. The positioning area particularly comprises a surface on which the process module is arranged. The positioning area also comprises a plate or a bottom.

[0007] The positioning region has at least one through-opening. Preferably, the positioning region has a plurality of through-openings, for example more than 20 through-openings. The through-openings are in particular holes in the surface, plate or bottom. The holes end at the surface of the surface. The holes can extend partially or completely through the plate or bottom. Preferably, the plate or bottom has a distance from the surface of the cavity. Particularly preferably, additional mounting devices or connecting devices can be arranged in the cavity.

[0008] The production device has a medium supply device for providing at least one or exactly one gaseous medium. The medium supply device comprises, for example, a pressure vessel for gas with a pump or a compressor for gas. The medium comprises a gas or a gas mixture, for example air. The medium can be under overpressure. The medium can also be under vacuum.

[0009] The medium supply device has at least one vacuum generating component, so that the medium in a vacuum state can be provided as a gaseous medium via the medium supply device. In particular, the vacuum generating component comprises a pressure vessel, in which a negative pressure is generated by a vacuum pump. The negative pressure is provided as a vacuum in the pressure vessel. The medium supply device can have a plurality of, for example, more than 10, vacuum generating components.

[0010] The through-opening is fluidically connected to the medium providing device. In particular, a plurality of through-openings, for example more than 20, in particular more than 200, are connected to the medium providing device. Preferably, a plurality of through-openings, for example more than 10, in particular more than 100, are connected to the vacuum generating component of the medium providing device. Particularly preferably, all through-openings are connected to the vacuum generating component and / or to the medium providing device. In particular, the connection of the medium providing device to a single through-opening is arranged below the bottom as a positioning area in the cavity. Alternatively, the connection of the medium providing device to a single through-opening is arranged within the bottom as a positioning area.

[0011] The medium conduction (Medium flow) in a single through-opening is activatable. In particular, the through-opening connected to the medium supply device is connected to the medium supply device in particular individually and / or selectively in a switchable manner. The switchability makes it possible to activate (activate) or deactivate (deactivate) the through-opening for the medium conduction. When the medium conduction is activated, the through-opening is opened. When the through-opening is open, the medium is transferred (weitergeleitet) through the through-opening. When the through-opening is closed, the medium cannot pass through the through-opening. The closed through-opening forms a closure, so that no medium is transferred. The through-opening comprises, for example, a switchable gas valve.

[0012] The production device has a monitoring module for monitoring the medium conduction. The monitoring module comprises in particular a software on a microprocessor or a computer. The software on the microprocessor or the computer is connected to at least one switchable through-opening. In particular, a plurality of, for example more than 30, switchable through-openings are connected to the monitoring module. The monitoring module switches the through-openings. The monitoring module activates or deactivates the medium conduction of the through-openings.

[0013] The production device has a process module for realizing the production function. In particular, the process module includes a carrier for a machine or a robot. The carrier is preferably movably arranged on the positioning area.

[0014] The process module has at least one fixing unit for fixing the process module on the positioning area. In particular, the fixing unit comprises a section of the process module, with which the process module is fixed on the positioning area. The process module can have, for example, more than 6 fixing units. A plurality of fixing units can be arranged at the corners of a polygon, such as a triangle, rectangle, parallelogram, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, etc., or can be arranged in a circle. Preferably, a plurality of fixing units are spaced apart from each other. In particular, a plurality of fixing units are arranged on the lower side of the process module. Preferably, a plurality of fixing units are arranged near the edge of the process module.

[0015] The fixing unit covers at least one of the through-openings. In particular, at least one through-opening is completely covered. A plurality of, for example more than 10, through-openings can be covered by one or more, for example more than 10, fixing units of the process module.

[0016] The monitoring module is designed to determine at least one covered through-opening as at least one selected through-opening. The monitoring module monitors the medium guide in the at least one selected through-opening so that the medium is in a vacuum state. To fix the process module, the monitoring module activates the medium guide in the at least one selected through-opening. To cancel the fixing of the process module, the monitoring module deactivates the medium guide in the at least one selected through-opening. The fixing unit can be fixed and / or fixed on the positioning area by the medium in a vacuum state.

[0017] In particular, a medium in a vacuum state includes a vacuum. A vacuum can be referred to as a negative pressure. If there is a pressure difference between the environment and the fixing unit, it is sufficient to be a vacuum. When the pressure in the environment is greater than the pressure in the fixing unit, the pressure difference is referred to as a negative pressure or a vacuum. The positioning area and the fixing unit are held together by the pressure of the environment in the presence of a negative pressure.

[0018] In particular, when a medium guide with a medium under vacuum in the through-opening is activated, the fixing unit is fixed to the positioning area. In particular, the fixing unit is designed to be stable as a vacuum with respect to negative pressure. Preferably, the fixing unit maintains a vacuum.

[0019] The process module has at least one supply unit for transferring a medium to at least one supply receiver. In particular, the supply unit comprises a channel. The medium is transferred by means of the channel. In particular, the supply unit has a pipe. Optionally, the channel can be embodied as switchable. The switchability can preferably be realized by means of a valve in the pipe.

[0020] In particular, the supply receiver comprises a machine or a robot. The supply receiver can be arranged on the process module. The supply unit guides the medium through the process module to the supply receiver.

[0021] The supply unit covers at least one of the through-openings. By covering the at least one through-opening with the supply unit, the medium can be transferred to the supply receiver.

[0022] The supply unit connects the medium guide of at least one through-opening to at least one supply receiver in terms of fluid technology. In particular, the medium of the activated medium guide of the through-opening in the positioning area is guided from the through-opening to the supply receiver. In this way, the supply receiver can provide the medium.

[0023] The monitoring module is configured to determine at least one through-opening covered by the supply unit as at least one selected through-opening. The monitoring module monitors the medium guide in at least one selected through-opening. In particular, the medium is in a vacuum state in the through-opening covered by the supply unit.

[0024] The monitoring module activates the medium guide in at least one selected through-opening covered by the supply unit. The supply unit transfers the medium to the supply receiver. In particular, the supply unit transfers the medium under vacuum to the supply receiver. The supply is terminated by deactivating the medium guide of the through-opening covered by the supply unit.

[0025] In particular, if a medium under vacuum is to be supplied to the supply receiver, the through-opening covered by the supply unit and the fixing unit and having an active medium guide with the medium under vacuum enables the supply of the supply receiver and the fixing of the process module. The contribution ratio of the medium guide with the medium under vacuum to the fixing and supply can be adjusted by limiting the medium guide for the supply. Preferably, the limitation of the medium guide is carried out by means of a valve.

[0026] The advantage of a process module having a fixing unit and a supply unit is that the process module can be fixed and at the same time a supply receptacle connected to the process module can be supplied with the medium or another medium.

[0027] In particular, the fixing unit is fluidically connected to the supply unit. The advantage of the fluidic connection is that only one through-opening must be covered by the fixing unit and the supply unit in order to fix the process module and supply the supply receptacle.

[0028] In another embodiment, the supply unit is fluidically separated from the fixing unit. In particular, the fluidic separation is formed by a material section. Preferably, a material section is arranged as a wall between the supply unit and the fixing unit. With the fluidic separation, the fixing unit covers at least one first through-opening and the supply unit covers at least one second channel arrangement. Preferably, the fixing unit covers a plurality of, for example, more than 8 through-openings. Preferably, the supply unit covers a plurality of, for example, more than 6 through-openings.

[0029] The advantage of the fluid-technical separation is that different media or media states can be used for fixing the fixing unit and for supplying the supply receiver. Preferably, a medium in a vacuum state is used to fix the fixing unit. For supplying the supply receiver, the medium present at the through-opening covered by the supply unit is used. The medium guided through the supply unit can be in a vacuum state, a normal state or an overpressure state. In particular, the medium in a vacuum state can be guided from the through-opening via the supply unit to the supply receiver. Preferably, the medium in an overpressure state is guided from the through-opening via the supply unit to the supply receiver.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the medium supply device has a compressed air generating component for providing the medium or another medium in an overpressure state as compressed air.

[0031] In particular, the compressed air generating means comprises a pump, for example a compressor, and a pressure vessel for generating a fluid overpressure. Preferably, the fluid comprises a gas or a gas mixture. The fluid as medium is placed in an overpressure state by means of a pump. The medium under overpressure is guided into a pressure vessel. Preferably, the medium is air. Air with overpressure is referred to as compressed air. Particularly preferably, the pressure vessel provides compressed air as the medium under overpressure.

[0032] The monitoring module monitors the selection of the medium through the individual through-openings.

[0033] In particular, the selection of the medium includes the transfer of a medium in a vacuum state, a normal state or an overpressure state. Preferably, the through opening is provided with two medium interfaces. In particular, a medium in a vacuum state is present in the first medium interface. In particular, a medium in an overpressure state is present in the second medium interface.

[0034] In particular, the monitoring module monitors the selection of a medium for a single through-opening. To select the medium, the first or second media interface is switched for transferring the medium to the through-opening. In addition, the monitoring module monitors the activation or deactivation of the medium guide through the through-opening. Preferably, all through-openings have two media interfaces.

[0035] Providing the medium under overpressure and under vacuum in the through-opening has the advantage that the fixing unit can be fixed to the positioning region with the medium under vacuum and the supply receptacle can be supplied with the medium under overpressure.

[0036] In a further embodiment, the fastening unit and / or the supply unit has a coupling section in the direction of the positioning region for fluidic coupling to the positioning region.

[0037] In particular, the coupling section comprises an area on the lower side of the process module, which has a funnel-shaped opening. The larger opening of the funnel-shaped opening points to the positioning area. The area of ​​the larger opening of the funnel-shaped opening is larger than the area of ​​the through-opening. The funnel-shaped opening can completely cover at least one through-opening. In particular, the smaller opening of the funnel-shaped opening is connected to the fixed unit. The fixed unit has an upper closing portion. In particular, the smaller opening of the funnel-shaped opening is connected to the supply unit. The supply unit is connected to the supply receiver. In particular, the smaller opening of the funnel-shaped opening is connected to the fixed unit and the supply unit. For this purpose, the upper closing portion of the fixed unit is, for example, configured as a switchable valve. The closed valve has an upper closing portion and represents the fixed unit. The opened valve can transfer the medium of the through-opening to the supply receiver and represents the supply unit. In particular, the fixed unit can be converted into a supply unit by means of the valve opening. In particular, the supply unit can be converted into a fixed unit by means of the valve closing.

[0038] The coupling section has the advantage that the through-opening can be covered more easily by an opening having a larger diameter than the through-opening, thereby reducing the requirements on the positioning accuracy of the process module.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the coupling section has a sealing device. In particular, the sealing device comprises a fluidic seal between the coupling section and the positioning area. Preferably, the sealing device comprises an elastic material, for example made of plastic or rubber. The elastic material can cover unevenness of the positioning area. The sealing device is detachably and sealingly connected to the positioning area. The coupling section with the sealing device can be connected to the positioning area in a sealing manner. In the case where the medium guide of the medium under vacuum is activated, the vacuum in the fixing unit can be maintained.

[0040] The coupling section with the sealing device is designed to be connected to the positioning area in a sealing manner. Preferably, the coupling section can be connected to the positioning area in a sealing manner. Preferably, the sealing device is pressure-stable and tension-stable. For media under overpressure, pressure-stable sealing devices are preferred. For media under vacuum, tension-stable sealing devices are preferred. The advantage of the sealing device is that the medium is guided from the through-opening into the coupling section.

[0041] In another embodiment, the coupling section covers a plurality of through-openings. In particular, the coupling section comprises a cavity on the underside of the process module, which covers a plurality of, for example, more than 10 through-openings. Preferably, the coupling section of the fixing unit is separated from the coupling section of the supply unit. In the case of a supply receiver with a medium under vacuum, the coupling section can be connected to the fixing unit and to the supply unit. Preferably, a sealing device is arranged around the cavity of the coupling section.

[0042] The advantage of covering a plurality of through-openings is that the plurality of through-openings can generate a greater force for fixing the fixing unit. The greater force can thus compensate for the reaction force generated by the supply of the medium under overpressure via the supply unit to the supply receptacle.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the coupling section spatially separates the fixing unit from the supply unit. In particular, the coupling section of the fixing unit is separated from the coupling section of the supply unit. Preferably, the separation of the two coupling sections is formed by a wall between the coupling section of the fixing unit and the coupling section of the supply unit. Preferably, a plurality of supply units are arranged side by side. Preferably, a plurality of supply units have a distance from at least one fixing unit.

[0044] In another embodiment, the process module has at least two fixing units. In particular, the two fixing units are arranged near the outer side of the process module. Preferably, at least one supply unit is arranged in the center of the process module.

[0045] The presence of two fixing units has the advantage that the fixing of the process module is distributed more evenly over the surface of the process module. The sealing device must bridge a small vertical distance to the positioning area.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, at least one supply unit is arranged for the process module between two mutually spaced fixing units. In particular, the through-opening covered by the fixing unit contains the medium under vacuum. Preferably, the through-opening covered by the supply unit contains the medium under overpressure. The forces that occur when the medium under overpressure is used to supply the process module would cause the process module to be detached from the positioning area without the fixing unit. The forces that occur when the process module is supplied with the medium under overpressure in the supply unit are compensated by the medium under vacuum in the through-opening covered by the fixing unit.

[0047] The advantage of arranging the supply unit between two mutually spaced fixing units is that better fixing is achieved.By means of the two supports of the fixing unit on the positioning region, the bending of the positioning region and / or the process module can be reduced.

[0048] In another embodiment, the through-openings are arranged in the form of a grid and / or a matrix. In particular, the grid comprises a distributed regular pattern. Preferably, in the pattern, a plurality of spaced-apart, identical polygons are arranged in one face. The pattern forms a geometric arrangement of the through-openings in the corners of the polygons. Polygons include triangles, squares, rectangles, parallelograms, pentagons, hexagons, polygons, etc. Polygons also include chord polygons in which the corners are arranged on circular tracks.

[0049] In particular, the matrix comprises a regular pattern distributed in a surface, composed of a plurality of spaced-apart squares. The through openings are arranged in the corners of the squares.

[0050] An advantage of arranging the through-openings in the form of a grid and / or matrix is ​​a greater distribution of the through-openings in the positioning area. The process modules can thus be universally positioned on the positioning area.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the production device has a positioning module for determining the position of the process module. In particular, the positioning module is used to determine the position and orientation of the process module in the positioning device.

[0052] The advantage of the positioning module is that, after the position of the process module has been determined, the type of medium can be selected for the individual through-openings and the medium guide in the individual through-openings can be activated. For through-openings covered by the fixing unit, the medium guide with the medium under vacuum is preferably activated. For through-openings covered by the fixing unit, the medium guide with the medium under vacuum is preferably activated.

[0053] A further subject matter of the invention relates to a method for operating a production plant.

[0054] In particular, the following steps are performed in this method:

[0055] Determine the position and orientation of the process module in the positioning area,

[0056] activating a medium guide of a single through-opening covered by a fastening unit of the process module with a medium under vacuum,

[0057] The medium guidance of the individual through-openings covered by the supply unit of the process module is activated.

[0058] By determining the position and orientation of the process module in the positioning area, the position of the process module within the production device is known. The process module is fixed before the supply of the process module. For fixing, a medium guide with a medium under vacuum is activated in at least one part of the covered through-opening. Preferably, a medium guide with a medium under vacuum is activated in all through-openings covered by the fixing unit. The fixing process can also be referred to as a clamping process of the process module.

[0059] The supply is preferably introduced after the fixing process. For the through-openings covered by the supply unit, a medium is selected and the medium guide is activated. The medium is a gas in a normal state or an overpressure state, such as air, argon, nitrogen, hydrogen, acetylene, etc., or a medium in a vacuum state, such as air. The activation of the medium guide of the through-openings of the supply unit is monitored in such a way that the force for separating the process module from the positioning area does not exceed the force for fixing the fixing unit. The force limitation is preferably achieved by selecting the number of through-openings to be opened and closed and covered by the process module.

[0060] The advantage of fixing before supply is that the process module is only fixed in position. The supply receiver can then be supplied without having to release the process module again. When the process module is released from the positioning area, production is interrupted. The position of the process module must be determined. Fixing must then be performed. After that, the supply receiver can be switched on.

[0061] A further subject matter of the invention relates to a process module for use in a production plant.

[0062] The process module has at least one fixing unit for fixing the process module on the positioning area via a medium in a vacuum state. In particular, the process module has a plurality of, for example, more than 6 fixing units.

[0063] The process module has at least one supply unit for transferring the medium from the positioning area to at least one supply receiver. In particular, the supply receiver has a machine or a robot. In particular, the process module has a plurality of, for example more than four, supply units.

[0064] The fixing unit and the supply unit have a coupling section in the direction of the positioning area. In particular, the coupling section is arranged on the lower side of the process module. The lower side of the process module points to the positioning area. The coupling section of the process module has a sealing device. The coupling section with the sealing device can be connected to the positioning area in a sealed manner.

[0065] In particular, the process module has its own drive. The process module can be moved autonomously by means of its own drive. In particular, the process module has a travel control device. Preferably, the process module is autonomous and automatically driven.

[0066] In particular, the drive comprises a motor. The motor can be designed as an electric motor. For movement, the process module preferably has wheels. The wheels can be driven by the motor. The control device adjusts the wheels so that the direction can be changed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0067] Other features, advantages and effects of the present invention are derived from a preferred embodiment of the present invention described below and the accompanying drawings. Among them:

[0068] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the production unit is shown from the side;

[0069] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the production plant is shown from above. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0070] Figure 1A very large schematic illustration of an embodiment of a production device 1 is shown from the side. The production device 1 has a process module 2. The process module 2 is arranged on a positioning area 3. The positioning area 3 has through-openings 4. The through-openings 4 are preferably arranged in the form of a grid 5, for example in the form of the corners of a plurality of spaced-apart triangles. Alternatively, the through-openings 4 are arranged in the form of a matrix 5, for example in the form of the corners of a plurality of spaced-apart squares.

[0071] The production device 1 has a medium providing device 12. The medium providing device 12 is a device for providing a gaseous medium. The medium providing device 12 includes a pressure container with an air pump for the gas. The medium includes a gas or a gas mixture, such as air. The medium can be in an overpressure. The medium can also be in a negative pressure as a vacuum state.

[0072] The individual through-openings 4 are connected to the medium providing device 12. Preferably, each through-opening 4 is connected to the medium providing device 12. The individual through-openings 4 can switch the medium guide. The medium guide through the individual through-openings 4 can be activated or deactivated for each through-opening 4. When the medium guide is activated, the medium is transferred through the through-opening 4.

[0073] The medium providing device 12 comprises a vacuum generating component 13. The vacuum generating component 13 provides a medium under vacuum or negative pressure. The connection of the through-opening 4 to the medium providing device 12 results in the connection of the individual through-openings 4 to the vacuum generating component 13. Preferably, all through-openings 4 are connected to the medium providing device 13. In the case of covering an individual through-opening 4 by, for example, a process module 2, the covered object, for example, a process module 2, can be pressed onto the through-opening 4 when the medium guidance in the vacuum state of the covered through-opening 4 is activated. The covered object, for example, a process module 2, is fixed by pressing onto the through-opening 4. The fixing of the covered object, for example, a process module 2, can be referred to as a clamping process.

[0074] The production device 2 has a fixing unit 6. The fixing unit 6 has an upper closing part. The fixing unit 6 can maintain a vacuum. The fixing unit 6 comprises the lower bottom of the process module 2. The lower bottom of the process module 2 can be smooth and flat. Alternatively, the lower bottom can have a recessed portion for improving the stability relative to the negative pressure. The size of the fixing unit 6 is designed so that a plurality of through-openings 4 can be covered. The medium is transferred to the fixing unit 6 when the medium guide of the covered through-opening 4 is activated. The medium transferred to the fixing unit 6 is preferably in a vacuum state. The fixing unit 6 is pressed onto the covered single through-opening 4. The process module 2 is fixed by pressing.

[0075] The process module 2 has at least one supply unit 7 and a supply receiver 11 in addition to the fixing unit 6. The supply receiver 11 is a machine or a robot. The supply receiver 11 is preferably arranged on the upper side of the process module 2. The supply receiver 11 is connected to the supply unit 7.

[0076] Preferably, the process module 2 has a plurality of, for example, more than six, supply units 7. At least one supply unit 7 is arranged on the bottom of the process module 2. The supply unit 7 can cover a through-opening 4. Preferably, at least one supply unit 7 covers a plurality of, for example, more than four individual through-openings 4. The supply unit 7 transfers the medium of the covered through-opening 4 to the supply receiver 11. By activating the medium guide of the individual through-opening 4 covered by the supply unit 7, the medium is present at the supply unit 7. The supply unit 7 can be configured as a tube. The tube connects the opening on the lower side of the process module 2 and the supply receiver 11. Preferably, the tube does not have an upper closing part. The supply receiver 11 forms the upper closing part. The supply receiver 11 is supplied with medium. The medium can lead to the implementation of a function in a machine or a robot, such as as a drive. Optionally, a valve can be arranged in the tube for the medium guide of the switch tube. The medium guide can be activatable to guide the transfer medium, or inactivatable to guide the cutoff medium.

[0077] The fixing unit 6 can be connected to the supply unit 7. Individual through-openings 4, which are covered by the fixing unit 6 or by the supply unit 7, can be activated for medium conduction. The supply unit 7 transfers the medium, while the fixing unit 6 is pressed by the medium onto the corresponding through-opening 4. This pressing causes the process module 2 to be fixed.

[0078] Preferably, the fixing unit 6 is separate from the supply unit 7. In this way, the wall of the fixing unit 6 can be separated from the supply unit 7. This has the advantage that the supply unit 7 can have a different medium than the fixing unit 6.

[0079] Optionally, the medium providing device 12 has a compressed air generating component 14. In addition to the vacuum generating component 13, the compressed air generating component 14 is also present in the medium providing device 12. The compressed air generating component 14 is connected to a single through-opening 4. Preferably, all through-openings 4 are connected to the compressed air generating component 14. This can be done by a connection to the medium providing device 12. Alternatively, a single through-opening 4 is connected to the vacuum generating component 13 by one connection and to the compressed air generating component 14 by another connection. The type of medium in the single through-opening 4 is selectable. The selection of the medium can be done by a switchable valve.

[0080] The lower side of the process module 2 has at least one coupling section 8. A plurality of, for example more than 10, coupling sections 8 can be arranged on the lower side of the process module 2. The coupling section 8 is a cavity 9 which is larger than the diameter of one or more through-openings 4. The through-openings 4 preferably have the same diameter. The cavity 9 can be designed in a funnel shape or in a square shape. Preferably, the cavity 9 covers a plurality of, for example more than 10 through-openings 4. The fixing unit 6 can have a cavity 9 with an upper closure. The supply unit 7 can have a cavity 9 without an upper closure.

[0081] The advantage is that the fixing unit 6 with the cavity 9 can be pressed onto the plurality of through-openings 4 with greater force by means of a vacuum. The cavity 9 of the fixing unit 6 is closed at the top. Optionally, the cavity 9 of the fixing unit 6 has a valve. The advantage of a valve is that, for example, the vacuum can be relieved by ventilation.

[0082] The supply unit 7 has a coupling section 8. Optionally, the coupling section 8 is funnel-shaped or square. The coupling section 8 covers a plurality of, for example, more than 10 through-openings 4. The advantage of separating the fixing unit 6 from the supply unit 7 or separating the coupling section 8 of the fixing unit 6 from the coupling section 8 of the supply unit 7 is that the fixing unit 6 can be fixed using a medium in a vacuum state as a vacuum, and at the same time the supply receiver 11 can be supplied with a medium in an overpressure state as compressed air and / or with a medium in an overpressure state as a vacuum. As a result, a pneumatic drive can be operated in the supply receiver 11. The supply unit 7 is not closed upwards. The supply unit 7 can have a valve for switching medium transfer.

[0083] The coupling section 8 has the advantage that a higher force input, for example caused by a medium under overpressure, can be compensated for fixing by a medium under vacuum distributed over a plurality of covered through-openings 4 .

[0084] Preferably, the process module 2 has a sealing device 10 on the lower side. The sealing device 10 comprises a fluidic seal between the coupling section 8 and the positioning area 3. Preferably, the sealing device 10 comprises an elastic material, for example made of plastic or rubber. The elastic material can cover unevenness of the positioning area 3. The sealing device 10 is detachably and sealingly connected to the positioning area 3. The coupling section 8 with the sealing device 10 can be connected to the positioning area 3 in a sealing manner. When the medium guide of the medium in the vacuum state is activated, the vacuum in the fixing unit 6 can be maintained. The medium in the vacuum state fixes the process module 2 or the object covering the through-opening 4 on the positioning area 3.

[0085] Figure 2 A greatly schematic illustration of a production plant 1 is shown from above.

[0086] exist Figure 2A process module 2 is arranged on a positioning area 3 having through-openings 4 arranged in the form of a matrix 5. The process module 2 has two fixing units 6. Both fixing units 6 have an upper closing portion. Each fixing unit 6 has a common cavity 9 covering a plurality of through-openings 4 as a coupling section 8. The fixing units 6 are arranged in an outer area of ​​the process module 2. The fixing units 6 are arranged spaced apart from each other. A plurality of supply units 7 are arranged in the intervals between the fixing units 6. The surface spanned by each of the four supply units 7 is smaller than half of the surface spanned by the fixing units 6. Optionally, the supply units 7 each have an interface to a supply receiver 11. In a supply unit 7 that is not connected to the supply receiver 11, the medium guide of the covered through-opening 4 can be deactivated.

[0087] The fixing unit 6 and the supply unit 7 cover a plurality of through-openings 4. Individual through-openings 4 can be activated for medium guidance. The medium comprises a medium in an overpressure state as compressed air or a medium in a vacuum state as vacuum. The through-opening 4 covered by the fixing unit 6 is activated for medium guidance with a medium in a vacuum state. Each of the supply units 7 can transfer the medium of the covered through-opening 4 to the supply receiver 11 when the medium guidance is activated. Thus, one supply unit 7 can transfer compressed air and another supply unit 7 can transfer a medium in a vacuum state to the supply receiver 11.

Claims

1. A production device (1) for realizing a production function on a workpiece, A positioning area (3) is provided for positioning the process module (2), wherein: The positioning area (3) has a through opening (4), A medium supply device (12) is provided for supplying at least one gaseous medium, wherein the medium supply device (12) has at least one vacuum generating component (13) for supplying the medium in a vacuum state. The through-openings (4) are fluidically connected to the medium supply device (12), so that the medium conduction in the individual through-openings (4) can be activated. A monitoring module is provided for monitoring the conduction of a medium in a selected through-opening (4), A process module (2) is provided for implementing a production function on a workpiece, The process module (2) has at least one fixing unit (6) for fixing the process module (2) on the positioning area (3). wherein the fixing unit (6) covers at least one of the through-openings (4), wherein the monitoring module is configured to determine at least one covered through-opening (4) as at least one selected through-opening (4) and to monitor the medium guide in the at least one selected through-opening (4), so that the fixing unit (6) can be fixed on the positioning area (3) by the medium in a vacuum state, The process module (2) has at least one supply unit (7) for delivering the medium to at least one supply receiver (11). The supply unit (7) covers at least one of the through-openings (4), the monitoring module is configured to identify at least one covered through-opening (4) as at least one selected through-opening (4) and to monitor the medium guide in the at least one selected through-opening (4), and the supply unit (7) fluidically connects the medium guide of at least one through-opening (4) to the at least one supply receiver (11).

2. The production device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The supply unit (7) is fluidically separated from the fastening unit (6).

3. The production device (1) according to claims 1 to 2, characterized in that The medium supply device (12) has a compressed air generating component (14) for generating a medium under overpressure, wherein the monitoring module is designed to monitor the selection of the medium of the individual through-openings (4).

4. A production plant (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The fixing unit (6) and / or the supply unit (7) has a coupling section (8) in the direction of the positioning area (3) for fluidic coupling with the positioning area (3).

5. A production plant (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The coupling section (8) has a sealing device (10), so that the coupling section (8) can be connected to the positioning area (3) in a sealing manner.

6. The production device (1) according to claims 4 to 5, characterized in that The coupling section (8) covers a plurality of through-openings (4).

7. The production device (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that The coupling section (8) spatially separates the fixing unit (6) from the supply unit (7).

8. A production plant (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The process module (2) has at least two fixing units (6).

9. A production plant (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that At least one supply unit (7) is arranged in the process module (2) between two fixing units (6) which are spaced apart from each other.

10. Production plant (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The through openings (4) are arranged in the form of a grid and / or a matrix, wherein the grid comprises a distributed regular pattern of spaced-apart polygons in the positioning area (3).

11. Production plant (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The production device (1) has a positioning module for determining the position of the process module (2).

12. A method for operating a production plant (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that Follow these steps: determining the position and orientation of the process module (2) in the positioning area (3), activating a medium guide of a through-opening (4) covered by the fixing unit (6) of the process module (2) with a medium under vacuum, A medium guide is activated at a through-opening (4) covered by the supply unit (7) of the process module (2).

13. A process module (2) for use in a production plant (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, It has at least one fixing unit (6) for fixing the process module (2) on the positioning area (3) through a medium in a vacuum state. having at least one supply unit (7) for transferring the medium from the positioning area (3) to at least one supply receiver (11), in, The fixing unit (6) and the supply unit (7) have a coupling section (8) in the direction of the positioning area (3), wherein the coupling section (8) has a sealing device (10) so that the coupling section (8) can be connected to the positioning area (3) in a sealed manner.

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