Method and mechanical device for treating a product joint

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for treating a removable product assembly (2) having at least one workpiece part and a remaining grid. The method comprises the step of removing the at least one workpiece part from the remaining grid on a separation station (10) by means of at least one vibration generator (35). In the method, the product joint (2) is fastened to a holding device (27), which grips the product joint (2) on the edge side by means of at least one holding means (28). The release of the at least one workpiece part from the remaining grid takes place on the product joint (2) fixed by means of the retaining device (27). The application also relates to a mechanical device for treating a removable product assembly (2) having at least one workpiece part and a remaining grid, comprising: at least one vibration generator (35) for removing the at least one workpiece part from the remaining grid on a separation station (10) of the mechanical device (1), a retaining device (27) for fixing the product joint (2), the retaining device having at least one retaining means (28) for gripping the product joint (2) on the edge side, the mechanical device being designed to release the at least one workpiece part from the remaining grid on the product joint (2) fixed by means of the retaining device (27).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a method for processing a detachable product assembly having at least one workpiece component and a remaining grid. The method includes: detaching the at least one workpiece component from the remaining grid by means of at least one vibration generator at a separation station. This application also relates to a mechanical apparatus for processing a detachable product assembly having at least one workpiece component and a remaining grid, the mechanical apparatus including: at least one vibration generator for detaching the at least one workpiece component from the remaining grid at a separation station. Background Technology

[0002] In the sectional processing of plate-shaped workpieces, especially sheet metal, using sectional equipment such as laser sectional equipment, workpiece parts are produced as processed products, and a residual grid at least partially surrounds the workpiece parts. To simplify the unloading of processed products from the sectional equipment, it is possible that the workpiece parts are not completely separated from the residual grid during sectional processing. More precisely, micro-joints or nano-joints are retained between the residual grid and the workpiece parts, which enable the residual grid and workpiece parts to be treated as a whole when unloading from the sectional equipment. Furthermore, it is possible that the workpiece parts produced during sectional processing remain in the residual grid after the sectional process due to thermal stress or skew. It is also possible that larger workpiece parts that cannot be overturned are not fixed in the residual grid. The workpiece parts and the residual grid form a detachable product assembly. The detachment of the workpiece parts from the residual grid is carried out immediately following the sectional processing method step.

[0003] DE 10 2021 123 520 A1 describes a method for punching at least one workpiece from a sheet metal, the method comprising the steps of: irradiating the sheet metal along the contour of the workpiece with a laser beam, wherein the sheet metal is cut in a main region of the contour, wherein at least one connecting portion is retained in at least one connecting region of the contour between the workpiece and an adjacent portion of the sheet metal, removing at least one workpiece and the adjacent portion connected thereto from a receiving portion, and separating the at least one workpiece from the adjacent portion.

[0004] In the method described in DE 10 2021 123 520 A1, a group of workpieces can be formed, which are interconnected by a connecting part on at least one common contour line of the workpieces. Upon removal, a removal device can act on one of the workpieces in this group. To separate the workpiece, the removal device can shake or vibrate the corresponding remaining grid portion, i.e., a sudden reciprocating motion. Due to the dynamic load generated therein, the connecting part breaks and the workpiece falls from the remaining grid portion and can be collected, for example, in a capture container.

[0005] JP 2000094057 A describes a mechanical assembly and method for processing stamped workpieces. In a stamping station of the mechanical assembly, a residual grid and a workpiece component are produced from sheet material, the sheet material being rolled out from rollers, wherein the workpiece component is connected to the residual grid via a micro-joint after the stamped workpiece processing is completed. The assembly, consisting of the residual grid and the workpiece component joined thereto, is moved to a separation station, where multiple pairs of rollers are successively aligned with each other in the direction of movement of the residual grid and the workpiece component, and here alternately offset upwards and downwards from each other perpendicular to the direction of movement of the residual grid and the workpiece component. A gap is constructed between the rollers of each pair of rollers. Starting from the stamping station, the residual grid and the workpiece component pass through the gap at multiple pairs of rollers successively aligned with each other in the direction of movement, wherein the residual grid and the workpiece component bend multiple times. Simultaneously, the residual grid and the workpiece component are subjected to vibration perpendicular to the direction of movement. Therefore, the micro-joint retained between the residual grid and the workpiece component during the stamped sheet material processing breaks, and the workpiece component detached from the residual grid falls onto a product storage section.

[0006] EP4257285A1 describes a transport system for separating a skeleton and a product. The transport system includes a gripping device and a lifting device. The gripping device includes multiple long-side grippers for gripping the long sides of the skeleton's outer frame and multiple short-side grippers for gripping the short sides of the skeleton's outer frame. The lifting device relatively raises or lowers the gripping device, which grips the outer frame and the product, thereby separating the outer frame from the product. The transport system may include a pallet and a support that rises or falls relative to the pallet. The pallet may have a pallet frame with multiple support plates, and the support may have multiple lifting plates that rise or fall between the support plates. The workpiece supported by the lifting plates can be gripped at the outer frame by the gripping device.

[0007] Application content

[0008] The objective of this application is to provide a method and apparatus for processing detachable product assemblies, the method and apparatus enabling safe and simple processing of product assemblies, particularly when workpiece components are detached from the remaining grid of the product assembly.

[0009] According to this application, the task is solved by a method of the type mentioned at the beginning, the method further comprising: securing a product assembly to a retaining device, the retaining device gripping the product assembly at an edge side by at least one retaining mechanism, wherein the at least one workpiece component is detached from the remaining grille on the product assembly secured by means of the retaining device.

[0010] The retaining device is used to secure the product assembly in the direction of gravity before or during the detachment of the at least one workpiece component from the remaining grid of the product assembly. The retaining device is also used to secure the remaining grid in the direction of gravity after the at least one workpiece component has been detached from the remaining grid.

[0011] In the method described herein, a retaining device is used to secure the product assembly. This retaining device has at least one retaining mechanism that grips the product assembly at its edge, and the product assembly can be gravitationally secured at its edge by means of the retaining mechanism. Typically, the product assembly of the remaining grille and workpiece components, or simply the remaining grille, is secured vertically at its edge by means of the retaining device.

[0012] The holding mechanism may be, for example, a gripper that grasps the product assembly or remaining grid at its edge. The gripper may press or clamp the product assembly against the base plate of the holding device for securing it. By means of securing or clamping with the holding device, the automated detachment of the workpiece component from the remaining workpiece can be safely implemented using a vibration generator process. The workpiece component is controlled to detach from the remaining workpiece and falls under gravity onto a product storage section arranged below the product assembly.

[0013] In a variant, the product assembly is received by a product pallet at a separation station by means of a holding device. In this case, the holding device secures the product assembly, which lies flat on the product pallet, at the separation station. The product pallet is configured to grip the edge side via the holding mechanism of the holding device. For this purpose, the product pallet has a support element configured to jointly support the at least one workpiece component and the remaining grid along the direction of gravity. The support element may be, for example, a support strip or the like.

[0014] In this configuration, the product assembly is lifted from the product tray by means of a retaining device, so that the workpiece component can be detached from the remaining grid by means of a vibration generator. The workpiece component, detached from the remaining grid by vibration, falls downwards under gravity onto the product holding section arranged on the separation station, while the remaining grid remains on the retaining device.

[0015] It is possible that the product pallet is transported out of the separation station before the workpiece component is detached from the remaining grid and / or the product pallet serves as a product holder for the workpiece component detached from the remaining grid, and the product assembly is received by the product pallet.

[0016] Typically, workpiece components detached from the remaining grid can be placed on any suitable product receiving area, which is either arranged on or positioned on a separation station for this purpose. For example, the product receiving area can form a platform or be constructed as a conveyor belt that moves back and forth between the separation station and the take-out station by means of a transport device to remove the workpiece components, or the conveyor belt can be securely arranged on and extend from the separation station to the take-out station. In the latter case, the workpiece components can fall onto the conveyor belt under gravity in the separation station, which transports the workpiece components to the take-out station.

[0017] In a variation of the method, the product assembly is transported from a transfer station to a separation station by means of a transport device. The transport device for transporting the product assembly from the transfer station to the separation station can be constructed in different ways. The product assembly can, for example, be transported from a segmentation station of a segmentation device, such as a laser segmentation device, to the transfer station. Transporting the product assembly from a placement station of a placement system to the transfer station is also possible. In this case, a suitably constructed transport device, such as a transport device constructed in the form of an unmanned transport system, transports the product assembly from the placement station of the placement system to the transfer station. Partially automated transport to the transfer station is also possible.

[0018] In this extended variant, the product assembly is transported from the transfer station to the separation station by means of a transport device, supported on a product pallet. Preferably, in this case, the product assembly is placed on the product pallet at the transfer station. In this case, the product pallet may have a guiding device, for example in the form of guide rollers, which work in conjunction with the position-fixed guide rails of the transport device to transport the product pallet together with the product assembly supported thereon from the transfer station to the separation station.

[0019] The transport of product assemblies from the dividing station to the transfer station can also be carried out using product pallets, on which the product assemblies are supported. It is possible that different product pallets are used for the transport of product assemblies from the dividing station to the transfer station and for the transport of product assemblies from the transfer station to the separation station. In this case, for example, it is possible that the product assemblies are received at the transfer station by means of a processing device having a receiving portion, such as a rack or the like, that grips the product assemblies and lifts them from a first product pallet used for transporting the product assemblies between the dividing station and the transfer station. In this case, the first product pallet can be replaced by a second product pallet after the product assemblies are lifted, used for transporting the product assemblies from the transfer station to the separation station. In this case, the product assemblies are placed on the second product pallet by the processing device at the transfer station. The processing device may have a lifting device to raise and lower the receiving portion that grips the product assemblies.

[0020] In the extended embodiment, the product pallet has a rectangular pallet frame with two pairs of frame legs. The first pair of frame legs has a first guiding device, which guides the product pallet during transport from the transfer station to the separation station. Alternatively, the second pair of frame legs has a second guiding device, which transports the product pallet from the separation station to the take-out station. For example, a guiding device with guide rollers is considered, which works in conjunction with associated guide rails during the movement of the product pallet. The product pallet is guided along the longitudinal direction of the frame leg pairs, each equipped with a guiding device, during transport from the transfer station to the separation station or from the separation station to the take-out station.

[0021] The transport of product pallets from the transfer station to the separation station can be carried out by means of a guide device on the long side of the frame legs or by means of a guide device on the transverse side of the pallet frame. The pallet frame can be guided from the separation station to the take-out station by means of a guide device on a corresponding additional pair of frame legs. In this way, product pallets can be transported along the long side or along its transverse side by means of two guide devices.

[0022] In another extended embodiment, the product tray has an element unit with a supporting element, the element unit including one pair of frame legs, and a surface unit with a supporting surface, the surface unit including another pair of frame legs. In a first functional state of the product tray, the supporting element of the element unit protrudes upward relative to the supporting surface of the surface unit, and the product assembly is received by means of a retaining device. In a second functional state of the product tray, the supporting element of the element unit does not protrude upward relative to the supporting surface of the surface unit, and the workpiece component detached from the remaining grid is placed on the product tray.

[0023] In this variant, the receiving of the product assembly is achieved by a product tray in a first functional state, in which the holding device grips the product assembly by means of a holding mechanism. Before the workpiece components are separated, the product tray transitions to a second functional state, in which the supporting elements do not protrude upwards beyond the supporting surface of the face unit. In the second functional state, the product tray preferably has a flat supporting surface on its upper side, which largely enables the gentle and orderly placement of the workpiece components detached from the remaining grid.

[0024] To switch from a first functional state to a second functional state, the component units and surface units of the product tray can be selectively adjusted relative to each other in the vertical direction to either a first relative position or a second relative position. A lifting device can be installed on the separation station to adjust the product tray between the two relative positions.

[0025] In the product pallet described herein, a guide device on one pair of frame legs can be used in a first relative position of the component unit and the surface unit, and thus in a first functional state of the product pallet, to transport product assemblies from the transfer station to the separation station. A guide device on the other pair of frame legs can be used in a second relative position of the component unit and the surface unit, and thus in a second functional state of the product pallet, to transport workpiece components laid flat on the support surface of the product pallet after being detached from the remaining grid. At the take-out station, the workpiece components can be automatically or manually sorted from the typically flat support surface of the product pallet.

[0026] In the extended embodiment, the product pallet and the product assembly placed on it are grasped at the transfer station by means of the support portion of a transport device and transported to the separation station. In this variant, the product pallet is grasped fully or, if necessary, partially automated by means of a crane, forklift, or the like, and transported from the transfer station to the separation station and stored there. After the holding device has grasped and secured the product assembly at the edge side at the separation station, the product pallet can be transported back to the transfer station by means of a transport device without the product assembly supported on it, so that additional product assemblies can then be placed on the product pallet. In this extended embodiment, the product pallet typically cannot switch between two functional states; that is, the product pallet is a conventional product pallet with only one functional state in which the support element protrudes upward beyond the support surface to support the product assembly. However, in this case, the use of a product pallet that can theoretically switch between two functional states is also possible.

[0027] In an alternative variation, the product assembly is grasped at the transfer station by a receiving part of a transport device and transported to the separation station lying flat on the receiving part. In this variation, the transport of the product assembly is carried out by means of a transport device that grasps the product assembly by means of a suitable receiving part, such as a rack and pinion or the like. In this case, the product assembly can be grasped at the transfer station by means of a receiving part, lifted from the product pallet, and transported to the separation station.

[0028] Product assemblies can be placed on product pallets at the separation station by means of a transport device, the product pallets having two or only one functional state. Alternatively, the product assemblies may be received at the separation station by a holding device that holds them flat on the receiving portion of the transport device, with at least one holding mechanism of the holding device gripping the product assemblies at the edge. In this case, it is advantageous that the receiving portion of the handling device is constructed in the form of a rack or similar structure, as this simplifies fixation on the holding device.

[0029] In another alternative variation, the product assembly is gripped at the edge by at least one holding mechanism of the holding device at the transfer station and transported to the separation station by means of the holding device. In this case, the holding device forms a transport device. In this case, a product pallet or conveyor belt can be arranged at the separation station as a product storage area, onto which the workpiece parts fall after being released from the remaining grid. The workpiece parts can be transported from the separation station to the take-out station for picking them from the product holding area.

[0030] In all the variations described above, the remaining grille fixed to the retaining device can be released by loosening the fixation and, under gravity, fall into a recess, a remaining grille cart, or the like, for example. For this purpose, the retaining device, together with the remaining grille fixed thereto, can also be transported to a storage station for storing or releasing the remaining grille.

[0031] Another aspect of this application relates to a mechanical device of the type mentioned earlier, the mechanical device further comprising: a retaining device for securing a product assembly, the retaining device having at least one retaining mechanism for gripping the product assembly on an edge side, wherein the mechanical device is configured to detach the at least one workpiece component from the remaining grid on the product assembly secured by means of the retaining device.

[0032] The at least one vibration generator can be used in conjunction with the holding device to construct the separation unit. The vibration generator can cause the holding device and the product assembly to vibrate or vibrate. Due to the vibration of the product assembly, the workpiece component detaches from the remaining grid, typically by the breakage of the micro- or nano-joints retained between the workpiece component and the remaining grid. After the workpiece component detaches, the remaining grid remains on the holding device, while the workpiece component falls under gravity onto the product storage section, located below the holding device at the separation station.

[0033] In one embodiment, the machinery has a transport device for moving product assemblies from a transfer station to a separation station. The transport device can be constructed in different ways.

[0034] In an extended embodiment, the machinery has a product pallet for holding product assemblies, wherein a transport device is configured to transport the product pallet and the product assemblies supported thereon from a transfer station to a separation station. In this embodiment, the transport device typically has a drive mechanism for moving the product pallet along the guide rails of the transport device from the transfer station to the separation station.

[0035] In an extended embodiment, the product pallet has a rectangular pallet frame with two pairs of frame legs. The first pair of frame legs has a first guiding device for guiding the product pallet during transport from the transfer station to the separation station, and / or the second pair of frame legs has a second guiding device for guiding the product pallet during transport from the separation station to the take-out station.

[0036] As described above in conjunction with the method, the guiding device may have or consist of guide rollers that work in conjunction with the guide rails associated with the transport device to move the product pallet. The product pallet is guided along the longitudinal direction of the frame legs, each equipped with a guiding device, during transport from the transfer station to the separation station and / or from the separation station to the take-out station.

[0037] In an extended embodiment, the product tray has component units with supporting elements. Each component unit includes one pair of frame legs and a surface unit with a supporting surface, the surface unit including another pair of frame legs. The component units and surface units can transition from a first functional state to a second functional state. In the first functional state, the supporting element of the component unit protrudes upward relative to the supporting surface of the surface unit. In the second functional state, the supporting element of the component unit does not protrude upward relative to the supporting surface of the surface unit. In the second functional state, the product tray preferably has a flat supporting surface. The transition between the first and second functional states can be achieved by moving the component units and surface units vertically between a first relative position and a second relative position. For movement between the first and second relative positions, the mechanical equipment can, for example, have a lifting device arranged on the separation station.

[0038] In an alternative embodiment, the transport device is configured to allow a product pallet, together with product assemblies supported thereon, to be grasped at a transfer station by a receiving section and transported to a separation station in a manner that places it flat on the receiving section. In this case, the transport device typically has a lifting device configured to raise the receiving section when it grasps the product pallet at the transfer station. The lifting device also serves to store the receiving section, together with the product pallet supported thereon, at the separation station.

[0039] In another alternative embodiment, the transport device has a receiving portion for gripping the product assembly and is configured to transport the product assembly from a transfer station to a separation station in a manner that places it flat on the receiving portion. As described above in conjunction with the method, the receiving portion can be constructed, for example, in the form of a rack or similar device.

[0040] In another alternative embodiment, the transport device is formed by a holding device configured to grasp the product assembly at its edge side at a transfer station via the at least one holding mechanism and transport it to a separation station. The product assembly may be placed flat on a support element of a product pallet at the transfer station, for example, which can be grasped by means of the at least one holding mechanism. Attached Figure Description

[0041] Figure 1 A schematic diagram shows a machine for handling detachable product assemblies, which are placed on a product pallet at a transfer station. The product pallet has two functional states.

[0042] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 A schematic view of the machinery transporting product pallets from the transfer station to the separation station.

[0043] Figure 3 Showing according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The product tray in the first functional state.

[0044] Figure 4 Showing according to Figure 3 The product tray in the second functional state

[0045] Figure 5 Shown in Figure 3 According to the cross-sectional plane V marked in the middle Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the product tray.

[0046] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a separation station with product trays loaded with detachable product assemblies is shown.

[0047] Figure 7 Shown in about Figure 6 The direction of the arrow V in the vertical view according to Figure 6 The separation station, and

[0048] Figures 8 to 12 Shown by according to Figure 6 and 7 Based on the situation Figure 6 and 7 The process at the separation station. Detailed Implementation

[0049] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A mechanical device 1 is shown for processing a detachable product assembly 2, the product assembly having a workpiece component 36 and a residual grid 37 (see [reference]). Figure 11 and Figure 12 The detachable product assembly 2 is manufactured by segmentation processing of the original sheet metal 4 on a laser cutting machine 5. The laser cutting machine 5 forms the segmentation station of the mechanical equipment 1. The detachable product assembly 2 is formed in the segmentation process by retaining a nano-joint between the workpiece component 36 and the remaining grid 37.

[0050] In the workspace of the laser cutting machine 5, the raw sheet material 4 is supported on the product tray 3 during the segmented processing. After the segmented processing is completed, the product tray 3, which is loaded with the detachable product assembly 2, is removed from the workspace of the laser cutting machine 5 and transported to the transfer station 6 of the machinery 1.

[0051] At transfer station 6, product assembly 2 is received by processing device 7 in such a way that the rack and pinion receiving section 8 of processing device 7 grips and lifts product assembly 2 supported on product pallet 3. Then, product pallet 9, which has two functional states, is transported to transfer station 6, as described in more detail below. Processing device 7 places product assembly 2 on product pallet 9, which has two functional states, and rack and pinion receiving section 8 is opened. Then, rack and pinion receiving section 8 is lifted from product pallet 9. Product pallet 9, with product assembly 2 placed thereon, is subsequently transported from transfer station 6 to separation station 10 of machinery 1, as in... Figure 2 As indicated in the document.

[0052] Figures 3 to 5 A product tray 9 with two functional states is shown. The product tray includes component units 11 and surface units 12. The component units 11 of the product tray 9 have a substrate 13 as a base. Figure 5 The component unit 11 is constructed such that the supporting element of the supporting strip 14 protrudes upward on the substrate. With the aid of the substrate 13, the component unit 11 is arranged below the supporting plate 15 of the surface unit 12 of the product tray 9. The supporting plate 15 has a supporting surface 16 on its upper side and a through opening marked by a line on the supporting surface 16 for the supporting strip 14 of the component unit 11.

[0053] The rectangular pallet frame 17 of the product pallet 9 includes two pairs of frame legs 18 and 19, wherein the frame leg pair 18 is a component of the element unit 11 and the frame leg pair 19 is a component of the surface unit 12.

[0054] Each frame leg of the frame leg pair 18 of the component unit 11 is provided with a guiding device in the form of a guide roller 21. The guide roller 21 guides the product tray 9 during the longitudinal movement of the frame leg 20 of the eye component unit 11. Correspondingly, guide rollers 23 as guiding devices are provided on the frame leg 22 of the frame leg pair 19 of the face unit 12 (see...). Figure 6 With the aid of guide rollers 23, the product tray 9 is guided in the longitudinal direction of the frame legs 22 along the surface unit 12.

[0055] The component units 11 and surface units 12 of the product tray 9 are adjustable relative to each other in the vertical direction. Thus, the product tray 9 can be transformed into a first functional state and a second functional state.

[0056] exist Figure 3 In the first functional state shown and present in the first relative position of element unit 11 and surface unit 12, product tray 9 is used to support the product assembly 2 described above in the direction of gravity together by means of the support strip 15 that protrudes upward relative to the support surface 16 of product tray 9.

[0057] In the Figure 4 In the second functional state, and in the second relative position of the associated element unit 11 and surface unit 12, the support strip 15 of element unit 11 does not protrude upward relative to the support plate 15 of surface unit 12 on the product side. Therefore, product tray 9 forms a flat support surface 16 on its upper side, which serves as the sole support for workpiece component 36, detached from the remaining grid 37 in the separation station 10, as described below.

[0058] In combination Figure 2 During the displacement movement from transfer station 6 to separation station 10, the product pallet 9 is in its first functional state. During transport, the product pallet 9 is guided on guide rail 24 by means of guide rollers 23 of component unit 11, which extends to separation station 10. Figure 6 The guide rail 24, together with the guide roller 23 and a drive element (not shown in the figure), forms a transport device 25 for transporting the product pallet 9 from the transfer station 6 to the separation station 10.

[0059] Figures 6 to 9 The diagram shows a separation station 10 and a product tray 9, on which product assembly 2 is placed. Figures 6 to 9 The image shows a separation unit 26 above a product tray 9 containing product assembly 2.

[0060] The separation unit 26 is provided with a holding device 27. The holding device 27 has a holding mechanism in the form of a gripper 28, which remains in its initial position after the product tray 9 carrying the product assembly 2 is moved into the separation station 10, in which the gripper is arranged outside the product assembly 2 in its vertical projection in the plane of the product assembly 2.

[0061] Based on the above, the gripper 28 of the holding device 27 is adjusted to the position in which the gripper grips the product assembly 2 on the edge side. Figure 8 ).

[0062] exist Figures 6 to 8 In this configuration, the product pallet 9 is supported by guide rollers 23 of the frame legs 18 of the component unit 11 along the direction of gravity on a horizontal support 29 of the lifting device 30, which is aligned with the guide rail 24. The horizontal support 29 of the lifting device 30 can be raised and lowered on the load-bearing frame 31 of the separation station 10 via a motor drive.

[0063] exist Figures 6 to 8 In this configuration, the surface unit 12 of the product tray 9 is supported on the base plate 13 of the component unit 11 in the direction of gravity. Here, the frame leg 22 of the surface unit 12, which has guide rollers 23 disposed thereon, is spaced apart from the support member 32 in the vertical direction. The support member is fixedly mounted on the load-bearing frame 31 of the separation station 10.

[0064] According to Figure 8 Based on the situation, the product pallet 9, which is loaded with product assembly 2, and the separation unit 26 are lowered together by means of lifting equipment 30.

[0065] During the descent, the product tray 9 and the guide rollers 23 set on the frame legs 22 of the surface unit 12 are placed on the support member 32 on the load-bearing frame 31.

[0066] During the continued descent of the product tray 9, the component unit 11 of the product tray 9 moves downward relative to the surface unit 12, which is fixedly supported in the direction of gravity. Therefore, a second relative position of the component unit 11 and the surface unit 12 is determined, and a second functional state of the product tray 9 is associated therewith, in which a flat supporting surface 16 is constructed on the upper side of the product tray 9. Figure 9 , 10 ).

[0067] Guide rollers 21 on the frame legs 22 of component unit 11 are spaced apart and positioned above the horizontal support 29 of lifting device 30. Component unit 11 is supported by a stop 33 provided for this purpose on surface unit 12 along the direction of gravity via substrate 13. Figure 5 ).

[0068] When needed, the first relative position of element unit 11 and surface unit 12 can be restored by raising element unit 11 relative to surface unit 12 supported on support member 32.

[0069] During the descent of the product tray 9, the product assembly 2 is pulled or clamped to the underside of the vibrating plate 34 of the separation unit 26 by means of the holding device 27. A vibrator 35, acting as a vibration generator, is arranged on the upper side of the vibrating plate 34, which causes the vibrating plate 34 to vibrate vertically after the product tray 9 transitions to its second functional state. Due to the vibration of the vibrating plate 34, the workpiece component 36 is released from the remaining grid 37, which is still fixed to the separation unit 26 by means of the holding device 27. Under the influence of gravity, the workpiece component 36, separated from the remaining grid 37, is gently and orderly placed on the flat support surface 16 of the product tray 9. Figure 11 ).

[0070] Workpiece components that may be present in the remaining grid 37 are not secured by the holding device 27, and these workpiece components are not engaged to the remaining grid 37 via micro-joints or nano-joints. When the product tray 9 transitions from the first functional state to the second functional state, these workpiece components remain on the support bar 14 and descend together with the support bar 14.

[0071] The guide rail 38 arranged outside the separation station 10 is aligned with the support component 32 on the load-bearing frame 31 of the separation station 10. Figure 12 The product pallet 9, still loaded with workpiece components 36, moves from the separation station 10 to the take-out station 39 via guide rail 38. Here, the product pallet 9 is guided on the guide rail 38 by guide rollers 23 provided on the frame legs 22 of the face unit 12. At the take-out station 39, the workpiece components 36, laid flat on the product pallet 9, are sorted manually or automatically, for example by means of a suction gripper.

[0072] The remaining grille 37, fixed to the separation unit 26, is individually removed from the separation station 10. For this purpose, the gripper 28 detaches from the remaining grille 37, thereby allowing it to be placed by gravity onto a suitable receiving portion, such as a remaining pallet or a recess. The placement of the remaining grille 37 can be performed at the separation station 10 or at another location. For example, the remaining grille 37 can be transported to a warehouse and stored there.

[0073] Instead of transporting the product pallet 9 from the transfer station 6 to the separation station 10 along the guide rail 24 as described above, the processing device 7 described above can also be used as a transport device for the product pallet 9 from the transfer station 6 to the separation station 10. In this case, as described above, the product assembly 2, which is laid flat on the product pallet 3 having only a first functional state, is grasped and lifted by the rack and pinion receiving part 8 at the transfer station 6. Then, the processing device 7 moves from the transfer station 6 to the separation station 10 and places the product assembly 2 on the product pallet 9, which is arranged at the separation station 1. After the product assembly 2 is lowered from the separation station 10, the processing device 7 moves back to the transfer station 6.

[0074] Processing unit 7 can move further from transfer station 6 to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The raw sheet 4 is received at the receiving station 40 shown and placed on the product tray 3, which is arranged at the transfer station 6. In parallel, the process described above is implemented at the separation station 10 to detach the workpiece component 36 from the remaining grid 37. Alternatively, the receiving of the raw sheet can be carried out at the receiving station 40, and the transport to the transfer station 6 can be performed in a manner different from that using the processing device 7, for example, by means of a suction device or similar device.

[0075] When using the processing device 7 to transport the product assembly 2 from the transfer station 6 to the separation station 10, it is also possible that the product assembly 2 is gripped and secured at the edge side by the gripper 28 of the holding device 27, with the assembly lying flat on the rack and pinion receiving portion 8. In this case, the product tray 9 can be eliminated. In this case, any product receiving portion for storing the workpiece component 36, such as a conveyor belt or the like, can be arranged in the separation station 10. The conveyor belt can extend from the separation station 10 to the take-out station 39, for example, where the workpiece component 36 is sorted by the conveyor belt. In this case, the remaining grid 37 can be received by the rack and pinion receiving portion 8 and transported out of or placed on the separation station 10.

[0076] The transport of product assembly 2 from transfer station 6 to separation station 10 can also be carried out by means of holding device 27, which in this case moves between transfer station 6 and separation station 10 by means of a suitable drive. In this case, holding device 27 grips and secures product assembly 2 at the edge side on transfer station 6 by means of gripper 28. Product assembly 2 is transported from transfer station 6 to separation station 10 while secured to holding device 27. In separation station 10, workpiece component 36 is released from remaining grid 37 by means of vibration generator 35 in the manner described above. It is possible that, in this case, product assembly 2 is placed on product tray 9 described above on separation station 10 by means of holding device 27, which changes from a first functional state to a second functional state. Alternatively, other types of product support, such as conveyor belts or the like, can be arranged below holding device 27 on separation station 10. The release of remaining grid 37 from holding device 27 can be carried out in the manner described above.

[0077] Another possibility for transporting product assembly 2 from transfer station 6 to separation station 10 is that... Figure 1 The product pallet 3, showing only the first functional state, along with the product assembly 2 placed on it, is transported from the transfer station 6 to the separation station 10. For this purpose, the product pallet 3 can be lifted from the transfer station 6 by means of a transport device, such as a crane, forklift, or similar means, transported to the separation station 10, and placed there. In this case, the product assembly 2 is also secured to the holding device 27 by means of a gripper 28, and the process described above is implemented to detach the workpiece component 36 from the remaining grid 37. In this case, after the product assembly 2 is secured to the holding device 27 and lifted from the product pallet 3, the product pallet 3 moves out of the separation station 10 and can move back to the transfer station 6, for example, by means of a transport device in the form of a crane, forklift, or similar means. Then, the product pallet 9, having both functional states as described above, or another product holding part, such as a conveyor belt or similar, is arranged on the separation station 10.

[0078] After the workpiece component 36 is released from the remaining grid 37, the vibration generator 35 is activated and the workpiece component 36 falls onto the product pallet 9 or another product holder. The workpiece component 36 is transported to the take-out station 39 by means of the product pallet 9 or otherwise for sorting. Then, the remaining grid 37, which is fixed to the holding device 27, is released by the release of the clamping of the gripper 28 and can be stored, for example, in a recess or a remaining grid cart.

[0079] It is also possible that product assembly 2 is not transported from the cutting station or laser cutting machine 5 to the transfer station 6 of the machinery 1. In this case, product assembly 2 can be automatically or partially automatically retrieved from the warehouse or similar goods and transported to the transfer station 6.

Claims

1. A method for processing a detachable product assembly (2), the product assembly having at least one workpiece part (36) and a remaining grid (37), the method comprising: At the separation station (10), the at least one workpiece component (36) is detached from the remaining grid (37) by means of at least one vibration generator (35). Its features are, The product assembly (2) is secured to a retaining device (27), which grips the product assembly (2) at the edge by at least one retaining mechanism (28), wherein the at least one workpiece component (36) is released from the remaining grille (37) on the product assembly (2) secured by means of the retaining device (27).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the product assembly (2) is received by the product tray (3, 9) at the separation station (10) by means of the holding device (27).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the product assembly (2) is transported from the transfer station (6) to the separation station (10) by means of a transport device (7, 25).

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the product assembly (2) is transported from the transfer station (6) to the separation station (10) by means of the transport device (7, 25) supported on the product pallet (3, 9).

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the product tray (9) has a rectangular tray frame (17) having two pairs of frame legs (18, 19), wherein, The first frame leg pair (18) of the frame leg pair has a first guide device (21) by means of which the product pallet (9) is guided when transported from the transfer station (6) to the separation station (10), and / or, wherein the second frame leg pair (19) of the frame leg pair has a second guide device (23) by means of which the product pallet (9) is transported from the separation station (6) to the take-out station (39).

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the product tray (9) has an element unit (11) having a supporting element (14) and a surface unit (12) having a supporting surface (16), the element unit including one of the frame leg pairs (18), and the surface unit including the other frame leg pair (19), wherein, In the first functional state of the product tray (9), the supporting element (14) of the component unit (11) in the product tray protrudes upward relative to the supporting surface (16) of the surface unit (12), and the product assembly (2) is received by means of the holding device (27). In the second functional state of the product tray (9), the supporting element (14) of the component unit (11) in the product tray does not protrude upward relative to the supporting surface (16) of the surface unit (12), and the workpiece component (36) detached from the remaining grid (37) is stored on the product tray (9).

7. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the product pallet (3, 9) together with the product assembly (2) supported thereon is picked up by the receiving part of the transport device at the transfer station (6) and transported to the separation station (10) in such a way as to be laid flat on the receiving part.

8. The method according to claim 3, wherein the product assembly (2) is picked up at the transfer station (6) by the receiving part (8) of the transport device (7) and transported from the transfer station (6) to the separation station (10) in a manner that it is laid flat on the receiving part (8).

9. The method according to claim 3, wherein the product assembly (2) is gripped at the edge side by at least one retaining mechanism (24) of the retaining device (27) at the transfer station (6) and transported to the separation station (10) by means of the retaining device (27).

10. A machine (1) for processing a detachable product assembly (2), the product assembly having at least one workpiece part (36) and a remaining grid (37), the machine comprising: At least one vibration generator (35) for detaching the at least one workpiece component (36) from the remaining grid (37) at the separation station (10), Its features are, A retaining device (27) is provided for securing the product assembly (2), the retaining device having at least one retaining mechanism (28) for gripping the product assembly (2) on the edge side, wherein the mechanical device (1) is configured to detach the at least one workpiece component (36) from the remaining grille (37) on the product assembly (2) secured by means of the retaining device (27).

11. The mechanical equipment according to claim 10, further comprising: Transport devices (7, 25) are used to transport the product assembly (2) from the transfer station (6) of the machinery (1) to the separation station (10).

12. The mechanical equipment according to claim 11, further comprising: Product pallets (3, 9) are used to hold the product assembly (2), wherein the transport device (25) is configured to transport the product pallets (3, 9) together with the product assembly (2) supported thereon from the transfer station (6) to the separation station (10).

13. The mechanical equipment according to claim 12, wherein, The product pallet (9) has a rectangular pallet frame (17) with two pairs of frame legs (18, 19), wherein the first pair of frame legs (18) has a first guide (21) for guiding the product pallet (9) when transported from the transfer station (6) to the separation station (10), and / or wherein the second pair of frame legs (19) has a second guide (23) for guiding the product pallet (9) when transported from the separation station (6) to the take-out station (39).

14. The mechanical equipment according to claim 13, wherein, The product tray (9) has an element unit (10) with a supporting element (14) and a surface unit (12) with a supporting surface (16). The element unit includes one frame leg pair (18) of the frame leg pair, and the surface unit includes another frame leg pair (19). The element unit (11) and the surface unit (12) can switch from a first functional state to a second functional state. In the first functional state, the supporting element (14) of the element unit (11) protrudes upward relative to the supporting surface (16) of the surface unit (12). In the second functional state, the supporting element (14) of the element unit (11) does not protrude upward relative to the supporting surface (16) of the surface unit (12).

15. The mechanical equipment according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein, The transport device is configured to pick up the product pallet (3, 9) together with the product assembly (2) supported thereon at the transfer station (6) by means of a holding part and transport it to the separation station (10) in such a way that it is laid flat on the holding part.

16. The mechanical equipment according to claim 11, wherein, The transport device (7) has a receiving part (8) for gripping the product assembly (2) and is configured to transport the product assembly (2) from the transfer station (6) to the separation station (10) in such a way that it is laid flat on the receiving part (8).

17. The mechanical equipment according to claim 11, wherein, The transport device is formed by the holding device (27), which is configured to grip the product assembly (2) at the edge side by the at least one holding mechanism (28) at the transfer station (6) and transport it to the separation station (10).

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