Method and manufacturing plant for manufacturing vehicles and surface treatment plant

Abstract

In a method for manufacturing a vehicle, a vehicle body (10) is transported through a plurality of treatment devices (20.i-j; 66, 66', 66'') for carrying out a plurality of work steps (12.i, 14.i, 18.i, 20.i), in two successive work steps different types of work being carried out on the vehicle body (10). In a surface treatment plant (16) for surface treatment of a vehicle body (10), the vehicle body (10) is at least partially transported from a corrosion protection treatment to a final assembly with an unmanned transport system (22) comprising a plurality of trajectory-controlled transport vehicles (28) which travel on a travel surface (30), each with its own drive system (40) and are driven and moved independently of one another. Furthermore, a surface treatment plant is proposed for surface treatment of a vehicle body (10) with a plurality of treatment devices, and a manufacturing plant for manufacturing a vehicle having the surface treatment plant (16).

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on June 12, 2018, with application number 201880040773.9 and entitled "Method and manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing vehicles and surface treatment apparatus for vehicle body surface treatment". Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a vehicle, wherein the vehicle body is transported through multiple processing devices to perform multiple work steps, and different types of work are performed on the vehicle body in two successive work steps.

[0003] The present invention also relates to a surface treatment apparatus that uses multiple processing devices to perform surface treatment on a vehicle body.

[0004] In addition, the present invention relates to a manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing vehicles, which has a surface treatment device. Background Technology

[0005] After the body is assembled from individual parts in the body-in-white equipment and treated with anti-corrosion equipment (particularly by electrophoretic immersion), it undergoes surface treatment before reaching the final assembly equipment in the surface treatment equipment. This surface treatment comprises a relatively large number of individual processing steps and typically begins with dry electrophoretic immersion. Therefore, the pre-body stage work, i.e., the various stages of assembling the body, is performed in the body-in-white equipment; while the post-body stage work, i.e., the various stages of assembling components and parts into and onto the finished body, is performed in the final assembly equipment. In this context, both the pre-body stage and the post-body stage fall under the term "body." Regarding the body-in-white, the body can be understood as the first sheet metal and all intermediate structures up to the final body.

[0006] Therefore, many different work steps are performed in the factory used to produce car bodies. These steps must be experienced by the car body in a certain sequence, and different types of work are carried out on the body. Such work includes both measures that actively affect the car body or modify or supplement it, such as measures taken during the assembly of parts in the body-in-white or during final assembly, and during the application of paint materials or drying of the car body. It also includes measures that are not actively applied to the car body, such as body inspection or evaporation. Within this scope of work, the car body is treated in different ways in different equipment areas within the surface treatment equipment.

[0007] For each work step, there is a working device, which is used or performed within the working device to perform the corresponding work. In surface treatment equipment, such a working device is correspondingly designed as a processing device.

[0008] In body-in-white equipment, for example, sheet metal parts are connected to each other in different ways at different work steps.

[0009] Electrophoretic immersion treatment for corrosion protection in corrosion-resistant equipment can only be performed as a single step. Even when electrophoretic immersion treatment for corrosion protection is performed, the entire treatment for corrosion protection typically involves multiple steps. Other such steps include, for example, pretreatment, which can also be performed via immersion. Depending on the chosen technology for implementing corrosion protection—whether it is not an immersion treatment or only an immersion treatment—multiple steps are also required.

[0010] The different working steps of surface treatment equipment can be basically divided into application steps, temperature control steps and functional steps. For each working step in the surface treatment equipment, one or more processing devices may be required and provided.

[0011] In the application step, a coating or material is applied to the vehicle body. This includes, for example, applying filler, primer, or topcoat, or applying materials for protection of the underbody or for sealing joints, as well as insulating materials.

[0012] The temperature control process involves controlling the vehicle body temperature. "Temperature control" of the vehicle body refers to bringing it to a specific temperature that it did not initially possess. This could involve either increasing or decreasing the temperature. Within the scope of "temperature control," evaporation from the vehicle body is also considered a process.

[0013] The functional steps include measures that support the entire process and workflow. For example, this includes performing audits and post-processing of surface areas of the vehicle body that may not meet required quality standards. Another functional step is, for example, measures for temporarily storing and / or pre-holding the vehicle body in storage.

[0014] In the final assembly equipment, different work steps are performed, which are necessary for assembling the vehicle after the body surface treatment.

[0015] In known manufacturing equipment for vehicles, and particularly in surface treatment equipment, the car body is transported through various work steps via a tracked transport system. The car bodies are transported throughout the factory in largely unchanging order, much like pearls arranged on a string. In this tracked transport system, the predetermined sequence and processing flow can only be altered when transfer devices are present. Corresponding branch lines must be maintained, resulting in very high structural costs and associated expenses. Different transport systems that can be used in different work or processing units include, for example, chain conveyors, roller conveyors with or without lateral transfer frames, rotary tables, and monorail conveyors. As they are known, the car body can be temporarily secured to so-called skids. Summary of the Invention

[0016] The object of the present invention is to provide a method, surface treatment apparatus, and manufacturing apparatus of the aforementioned type that takes into account this idea.

[0017] The objective of the aforementioned type of method is achieved by, at least partially, utilizing an unmanned transport system in a surface treatment facility for surface treatment of a vehicle body to transport the vehicle body from the anti-corrosion treatment to the final assembly. This transport system comprises multiple trajectory-controlled transport vehicles that travel on the driving ground, each with its own drive system and driven and moved independently of each other.

[0018] According to the present invention, it is at least possible to realize the cooperation between the processing device and the unmanned transportation system in the surface treatment equipment, by means of which the vehicle body can be transported with high flexibility and independently, thereby realizing short-term changes in the manufacturing process or personalized production process of individual vehicles.

[0019] What is particularly effective is that the vehicle body is transported by an unmanned transport system during all the work steps performed in the surface treatment equipment.

[0020] What is particularly advantageous for the overall equipment is that the vehicle body is transported in the body-in-white equipment and / or in the corrosion protection equipment and / or in the assembly equipment using the same unmanned transport system as in the surface treatment equipment.

[0021] Therefore, unlike known equipment, this manufacturing equipment enables collaboration between a single working technology or processing unit and an unmanned transport system for all working and processing technologies, ideally in all cases. For example, the same transport system can be used in the body-in-white equipment and the surface treatment equipment, but not in the corrosion protection equipment. This has already provided a considerable advantage, namely that the transport systems in the body-in-white and surface treatment do not have to be designed differently.

[0022] Of particular advantage is that the transport vehicle used includes a transport vehicle running mechanism and a fixing device for at least one body, the transport vehicle running mechanism and the fixing device being connected to each other by a connecting device.

[0023] The following transport system is particularly well-suited for use in transporting a vehicle body through at least one processing unit to perform at least one work step. This processing unit includes a housing containing a processing tunnel and a travel space for a vehicle travel mechanism, separate from the processing tunnel. The processing tunnel and the travel space are connected by a connecting passage, allowing the vehicle travel mechanism to move within the travel space. Fixed devices within the processing tunnel are actuated, and connecting devices pass through the connecting passage. This separates the processing area from the transport area. Depending on the type of processing, this separation is not always necessary. If necessary, separation can be achieved simply by the corresponding bottom surface, without needing to restrict the area above that bottom surface by its own side walls or top plate.

[0024] Preferably, at least one processing device is used, which has a tunnel bottom with a connecting passage, in which a travel space is arranged below the processing tunnel.

[0025] Alternatively or supplementally, at least one processing device is advantageously used, wherein a driving space housing is disposed in the processing tunnel, the driving space housing defining a driving space at least partially within the processing tunnel and having connecting passages.

[0026] Alternatively or as a supplement, at least one processing unit may be used, wherein the driving space housing is provided with insulation. This is particularly advantageous if the processing unit is a dryer.

[0027] A particular advantage is the use of a transport vehicle with an omnidirectional drive system, which enables the transport vehicle to move in any direction from a stationary position.

[0028] For example, using this omnidirectional drive, transport vehicles can rotate or turn in place. They can also be moved laterally without turning. This allows for space-saving removal from the production line to travel to a specific work or processing unit or to allow following transport vehicles to overtake. Conversely, transport vehicles can be controlled so that a first transport vehicle overtakes a second transport vehicle while the second transport vehicle is in the work or processing unit.

[0029] The above objective is achieved in the surface treatment equipment of the type described at the beginning as follows: an unmanned transport system is provided, which includes multiple trajectory-controlled transport vehicles, on which corresponding bodies can be fixed and the transport vehicles travel on the driving ground, each transport vehicle having its own drive system and being able to be driven and moved independently of each other.

[0030] The advantages obtained in this way correspond to the advantages described above for this method.

[0031] Each transport vehicle preferably includes a transport vehicle running mechanism and a fixing device for at least one body, the transport vehicle running mechanism and the fixing device being connected to each other by a connecting device.

[0032] Accordingly, it is advantageous that the vehicle body can be transported by means of a transport system through at least one processing device to perform at least one working step. The processing device includes a housing in which a processing tunnel is housed, and the processing device includes a travel space for a transport vehicle travel mechanism, which is separate from the processing tunnel. The processing tunnel and the travel space are connected to each other by a connecting channel, allowing the transport vehicle travel mechanism to move in the travel space, wherein a fixed device in the processing tunnel is driven, and a connecting device passes through the connecting channel.

[0033] Depending on the work steps to be performed, it is advantageous that at least one processing device has a tunnel bottom with connecting passages, and a driving space is arranged below the processing tunnel.

[0034] Alternatively or supplementarily, it may be advantageous to include, in at least one processing device, a travel space housing disposed within a processing tunnel, the travel space housing defining a travel space at least partially within the processing tunnel and having connecting passages.

[0035] Similarly, alternatively or additionally, in at least one processing device, the driving space housing is provided with insulation.

[0036] As mentioned above, the transport vehicle has an advantage in that it has an omnidirectional drive system, by which it can move in any direction from a stationary state.

[0037] The aforementioned objectives are achieved in manufacturing equipment of the type mentioned at the beginning, namely, surface treatment equipment that possesses some or all of the aforementioned features. Its advantages correspond to those described in combination with the method and surface treatment equipment.

[0038] Advantageously, in a corresponding manner, the same transport system for the vehicle body exists in the corrosion protection equipment as in the surface treatment equipment.

[0039] If there is also body-in-white equipment and / or corrosion protection equipment and / or final assembly equipment, it is advantageous that there is the same driverless transport system for the body as that in the surface treatment equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0040] Embodiments of the present invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings: Figure 1The sequence of work steps in motor vehicle manufacturing is illustrated schematically, with particular emphasis on surface treatment equipment for the vehicle body, in which the vehicle body is treated in different ways in multiple work steps with different functions.

[0041] Figure 2 A perspective view of a trajectory-controlled transport vehicle for an unmanned transport system for a vehicle body is shown, wherein the transport vehicle's driving mechanism is connected to a fixing device for the workpiece via a connecting device.

[0042] Figure 3 A perspective view of an improved transport vehicle with an environmental sensor system for an unmanned transport system for the vehicle body is shown.

[0043] Figure 4 A cross-section of a processing apparatus for one working step is shown, the processing apparatus being in accordance with... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The transportation system works together, wherein a processing tunnel is shown, the bottom of which has a connecting passage complementary to the connecting device, the connecting passage leading to a travel space for a transport vehicle driving mechanism, wherein the fixed device in the processing tunnel and the transport vehicle driving mechanism are arranged in the travel space.

[0044] Figure 5 A cross-section of an improved processing device is shown, which has a travel space built into the processing tunnel for the transport vehicle's travel mechanism.

[0045] Figure 6 A cross-section of the spray booth used for applying the step is shown, the spray booth being in accordance with... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The transportation system works together, with a driving space integrated into the paint tunnel for the vehicle's driving mechanism.

[0046] Figure 7 The layout of equipment for producing motor vehicles is schematically shown, based on... Figure 2 and 3 The transportation system is capable of achieving this. Detailed Implementation

[0047] Figure 1 A manufacturing apparatus 8 for producing an object is schematically shown, with apparatus 8 for producing a vehicle body 10 shown here. Apparatus 8 further includes various devices 12, 14, 16, and 18. The vehicle body 10 enters the anti-corrosion device 14 after the body-in-white device 12, and then passes through the surface treatment device 16. The vehicle body 10 then enters the final assembly device 18, where a drivable motor vehicle is assembled. For clarity, only one vehicle body 10 is shown with reference numerals.

[0048] Different work steps can be performed sequentially in equipment 12, 14, 16, and 18. The different work steps in the body-in-white equipment 12, the anti-corrosion equipment 14, and the assembly equipment 18 are indicated by the corresponding equipment's reference numerals followed by the designation ".i", i.e., 12.i, 14.i, and 18.i. Only the different work steps in the surface treatment equipment 16 have their own reference numeral 20.i. The designation ".i" should indicate that i = 1 to n work steps must be performed, where n represents the total number of work steps 12.i, 14.i, 18.i, and 20.i performed in different ways to process the body 10. If only one work step needs to be performed, then n is always equal to 1. If two work parts follow each other, their designations are "i" and "i+1".

[0049] In the body-in-white equipment 12, sheet metal parts produced in the stamping workshop are assembled to form the body 10. This can be accomplished in different body-in-white steps 12.i using different known techniques. Examples include spot welding, web welding, pressure joining, riveting, and bonding. Therefore, the body 10 is operated continuously here.

[0050] The vehicle body 10 undergoes corrosion protection treatment in the corrosion protection device 14. Various corrosion protection steps 14.i are performed in the corrosion protection device 14; the corrosion protection device 14 can be designed as a device known per se for electrophoretic impregnation. This is the case in this embodiment, such as... Figure 1 The KTL immersion bath 14A is schematically shown in the diagram. However, other corrosion protection treatments can also be performed, such as applying corrosion protection by spraying or misting. The corrosion protection equipment 14 typically also includes at least one treatment device for pretreatment.

[0051] In assembly equipment 18, in work step 18.i, the body 10 is equipped with the necessary components and parts to form a driving-ready vehicle.

[0052] Here, multiple different work steps 20.i are performed in the surface treatment equipment 16, wherein the body 10 is treated in different ways, and may include multiple work processes if necessary. The different work steps 20.i are performed in... Figure 1 It is enclosed in a dashed line.

[0053] Therefore, different, successive working steps 20.i are identified by reference numerals 20 with successive numerical designations ".i", namely 20.1, 20.2, 20.3, etc. The processing device required for working step 20.i is indicated by the reference numeral 20.i followed by the numerical designation "-j". If a working step 20.i requires only a single processing device, its reference numeral is 20.i-1; if a working step 20.i has multiple processing devices, there are corresponding processing devices 20.i-1, 20.i-2, etc.

[0054] In other devices 12, 14 and 18, there are working or processing devices for the relevant working steps 12.i, 14.i and 18.i, which are not shown separately or are provided with reference numerals here.

[0055] In the surface treatment apparatus 16, the vehicle body 10 is processed in two successive working steps 20.i and 20.i+1 in different ways. This means that there must be multiple working steps 20.i within the sequence of working steps 20.i, in which the vehicle body 10 is processed in the same way. Here, the difference between the two steps 20.i and 20.i+1 that follow each other in the sequence is defined by changing the processing type. In the sense of the above classification, a change in processing type occurs during the transition between the application step, the temperature control step, and the functional step.

[0056] In this embodiment, as an example, the following working steps 20.i are performed in the relevant processing apparatus 20.ij in the surface treatment apparatus 16: 20.1 First Temperature Control Step 20.1-1KTL Dryer 20.1-2KTL Cooling Unit 20.1-3KTL Evaporation Unit 20.2 First Functional Steps 20.2-1 Review / Grinding Device 20.2-2 Storage device 20.3 First application step 20.3-1 Bottom Protection (PVC) - Application Device 20.3.2 Joint Sealing (NAD) - Application Device 20.4 Second Temperature Control Step 20.4-1 PVC Dryer 20.5 Second application step 20.5-1 Packing application device 20.6 Third temperature control step 20.6-1 Packing Dryer 20.7 Second Functional Steps 20.7-1 Audit / Grinding Device 20.8 Third application step 20.8-1 Primer (BC) Coating Apparatus 20.9 Fourth Temperature Control Step 20.9-1BC-Dryer 20.10 Fourth application step 20.10-1 Topcoat (CC) - Painting Equipment 20.11 Fifth temperature control step 20.11-1 CC Dryer 20.12 Third Function Step 20.12-1 Memory.

[0057] The vehicle body 10 is transported from one work step 20.i to the next work step 20.i+1, and is transported by means of the same transport system 22 when performing individual work steps 20.i, i.e., 20.1, 20.2, ..., 20.n, where n represents the number of work steps to be performed. In this embodiment, n = 12. For this purpose, the transport system 22 and the processing device 20.ij are consistent with each other, as will become clear below.

[0058] A transfer device 24 exists between the immersion bath 14A of the anti-corrosion equipment 14 and the first temperature control step 20.1, by means of which the car body 10 to be treated can be transferred from the transport system of the anti-corrosion equipment 14 to the transport system 22 of the surface treatment equipment 16. Correspondingly, a transfer device 26 exists between the third functional step 20.12—that is, the final working step of the surface treatment equipment 16—and the final assembly equipment 18, by means of which the treated car body 10 can be transferred from the transport system 22 of the surface treatment equipment 16 to the transport system of the final assembly equipment 18.

[0059] If the transport system in the corrosion protection equipment 14 and / or the final assembly equipment 18 is the same transport system 22 as the transport system in the surface treatment equipment 16, then there is no transfer device 24 and / or transfer device 26. If the same transport system as in the corrosion protection equipment 14 is not used in the body-in-white equipment 12, then as in the case of the KTL immersion bath 14A, there is a transfer device between the two equipment that is not shown separately here.

[0060] Transportation system 22 is an unmanned transportation system that has multiple trajectory-controlled transport vehicles 28 on which the vehicle body 10 is transported. Figure 1 and Figure 7 Only one transport vehicle 28 is shown with reference numerals. The transport vehicle 28 can travel on the driving surface 30. In the prior art, the operation and control of unmanned transport systems are basically known. In this sense, the device 8 includes a higher-level central control system (not specifically shown), means for determining and acquiring the location of the transport vehicle 28, means for data transmission, and suitable infrastructure that allows the transport vehicle 28 to move.

[0061] The vehicle body 10 may also be transported using the same transport system, such as a monorail system, during the electrophoretic immersion treatment in the anti-corrosion equipment 14 and the associated drying process, i.e., during the first temperature control step 20.1, which is different from the driverless transport system 22. In this case, there is a corresponding transfer station (not shown here) between the first temperature control step 20.1 and the first functional step 20.2.

[0062] Here, Figure 2 and Figure 3 Individual transport vehicles 28 according to different safety concepts are shown. Each transport vehicle 28 includes a fixing device 32 to which the vehicle body 10 can be secured. For this purpose, the fixing device 32 includes a support profile 34 with support bolts, which work in a manner known per se with mating elements on the vehicle body 10 to secure the vehicle body 10 to the fixing device 32. The fixing device 32 may also have multiple sets of such support bolts, which are suitable for different vehicle bodies 10 with different sizes and constructions, so that the fixing device 32 can be flexibly used for different types of vehicle bodies.

[0063] Therefore, the fixing device 32 directly receives the vehicle body 10, which is not fastened to a workpiece support, such as a skid as is known in itself. However, in a variant not specifically shown, the fixing device may also be designed to accommodate such a skid, which in turn carries the vehicle body 10.

[0064] The transport vehicle 28 includes a transport vehicle running mechanism 36 that extends on the driving surface 30 and supports the fixing device 32. The transport vehicle running mechanism 36 is connected to the fixing device 32 via a connecting device 38 in the form of two upwardly erected support rods 38a. Figure 2 and 3 In the middle, only support rod 38a can be seen.

[0065] exist Figure 5 and 6 As shown, the transport vehicle driving mechanism 36 may be equipped with visually conspicuous warning paint or warning labels.

[0066] Each transport vehicle 28 has its own drive system 40, so that the transport vehicles 28 can be driven and moved independently of each other.

[0067] The drive system 40 is omnidirectional, so the transport vehicle 28 can move in any direction from a stationary state. For this purpose, the omnidirectional drive system 40 includes a driving rotation module 42, which is known per se, or alternatively, omnidirectional wheels or Mecanum wheels, known in the prior art, may also be present.

[0068] The driving rotation module 42 includes a drive unit 44, which is connected to a downwardly projecting drive wheel 46 such that the drive wheel 46 can not only be driven to push the transport vehicle 28, but also rotate about the vertical rotation axis 48.

[0069] If all the drive wheels 46 of the rotating driving module 42 are in a position relative to their vertical axis 48 Figure 2 and 3 As shown in the rotation position, when the drive wheel 46 rotates, the transport vehicle 28 moves along its longitudinal direction, such as... Figure 2 As indicated by the middle arrow. If all drive wheels 46 have rotated 90° relative to their vertical axis 48, the transport vehicle 28 can leave the parking position, i.e., travel perpendicular to its longitudinal direction 50 without prior turning, as shown. Figure 2 As indicated by arrow 52. The rotating travel module 42 can also be rotated in place or traveled diagonally by corresponding manipulation. This allows them to be removed from the production line in a space-saving manner for travel to a specific work step 20.i and for maneuvering in confined spaces. For example, if some processing units are only located on one side, the transport vehicle 28 in the processing unit can rotate 180°.

[0070] exist Figure 2 The transport vehicle 28 shown includes mechanical protection devices 54 at both the front and rear along the direction of travel. These protection devices are designed as impact damping devices 56. If the first transport vehicle 28 collides with the second transport vehicle 28 or another obstacle, the impact damping device 56 will buffer the impact and prevent damage to the transport vehicle 28 and the vehicle body 10 it carries.

[0071] Figure 3 The transport vehicle 28 shown includes an environmental sensor system 58, which has sensors 60 mounted in the forward and backward directions of the transport vehicle's travel mechanism 36 in the direction of travel. This environmental sensor system 58 can detect obstacles in the travel path of the transport vehicle 28, whether they are other transport vehicles 28 or other objects appearing in the travel area of ​​the transport vehicle 28, and transmit this information to the aforementioned central control system. The central control system calculates alternative routes to the destination of the transport vehicle 28 and forwards corresponding control commands to the transport vehicle 28.

[0072] To provide energy for the transport vehicles 28, they carry an autonomous energy supply device 62. This can be understood as an energy supply device that ensures the energy supply to the rotating module 42 and other electrical loads independently of external energy sources during operation, i.e., during the movement of the transport vehicles 28.

[0073] In the current embodiment, the energy supply device 62 is designed to have a rechargeable energy storage device 64 for electrical energy, which can be provided in the form of a battery or capacitor. Alternatively, a compressed gas storage device can also be provided as an energy source for the compressed gas drive device.

[0074] According to the processing device 66, Figure 4 The basic concept of a working or processing apparatus is shown, which is used in devices 12, 14, 16, and 18 for a single working step. Processing apparatus 66 particularly has processing device 20.ij, which can be disposed in surface treatment apparatus 16 for one of temperature control steps 20.1, 20.4, 20.6, 20.9, and 20.11 or for applying one of steps 20.3, 20.5, 20.8, and 20.10. Therefore, processing apparatus 66 exemplarily represents processing device 20.ij present in this embodiment, as well as other working and processing apparatuses of devices 12, 14, and 18 not specifically shown.

[0075] The components of the processing apparatus 78 described below only reflect the basic functions of that component. For example, the housing of the dryer and the housing of the paint spray booth have different known designs.

[0076] The processing device 66 includes a housing 68 that defines a processing tunnel 70 and includes sidewalls 72, a top plate 74, and a tunnel bottom 76. The tunnel bottom 76 has a connecting passage 78 that complements the connecting device 38 of the transport vehicle 28 and leads to a travel space 80 for the transport vehicle travel mechanism 36, which is arranged below the processing tunnel 70.

[0077] exist Figure 1 The separation of the processing tunnel 70 from the travel space 80 in the processing unit 20.ij is shown by corresponding dashed lines. The processing unit 20.ij is functionally constructed according to the aforementioned processing unit. For clarity, reference numerals are only used for the processing unit 66, processing tunnel 70, and travel space 80 in the KTL dryer 20.1-1. For example, in the audit / grinding units 20.2-1 and 20.7-1, the separation of the travel space and processing tunnel is not shown. This can always be omitted if there is no risk to components and parts of the transport system 22 during processing.

[0078] The driving space 80 can be open to the surrounding environment of the processing unit 78; under no circumstances is a separate housing for the driving space 80 required. Figure 4Only the support column 84 on one side of the driving space 80, which supports the housing 68, is shown. In a variant not specifically shown, the driving space 80 extending below the processing tunnel 70 is defined by a separate housing. Alternatively, the sidewalls 72 of the housing 68 may also extend downwards over the tunnel bottom 76, thus defining the driving space 80 laterally.

[0079] When the transport vehicle 28 carrying the vehicle body 10 enters the processing unit 66, the connecting device 38 of the transport vehicle 28 is also incorporated into the connecting channel 78 at the bottom of the tunnel 76. Then, when the vehicle body 10 is transported through the processing tunnel 70, the transport vehicle travel mechanism 36 moves in the travel space 80 and brings the fixing device 32 along with it into the processing tunnel 70, wherein the connecting device 38 (i.e., support rods 38a and 38b in this embodiment) extends through the connecting channel 78 in the bottom of the tunnel 76.

[0080] from Figure 4 As can be seen, in this embodiment, the connecting channel is designed as a vertical through-slot 82 to match the support rods 38a and 378. In this case, without appropriate countermeasures, the tunnel gas environment can flow unimpeded from the processing tunnel 70 into the travel space 80 through the connecting channel 78.

[0081] In the dryer, the tunnel gas environment carries solvents. In the painting apparatus, the tunnel gas environment carries, in particular, excess paint, which may then deposit on the transport vehicle's traveling mechanism 36.

[0082] To prevent leakage of the tunnel gas environment from the processing tunnel 70, an additional shielding component 84 is provided, which at least reduces the contact between the transport vehicle travel mechanism 38 and the tunnel gas environment passing through the connecting passage 90. This also reduces gas inflow from the travel space 92 into the processing tunnel 82, thus maintaining a stable gas environment in the processing tunnel 82. In a variant, the travel space 80 may also be under slight overpressure.

[0083] The ground 30 for the transport vehicle 28 to travel on is based on Figure 4 The processing device 66 is arranged at a height level below the processing tunnel 70 or below the bottom of the tunnel 76.

[0084] Figure 5An improved processing apparatus 66' is shown, wherein the travel surface 30 of the transport vehicle 28 is arranged at the same height level as the processing tunnel 70 or its tunnel bottom 76. For this purpose, a travel space housing 86 is provided in the processing tunnel 70, which restricts the travel space 80 within the processing tunnel 70. In this case, instead of the tunnel bottom 76, the travel space housing 86 has a connecting channel 78 (in the form of a vertical through slot 82). Specifically, if the processing apparatus 66' is a dryer, the travel space housing 86 provides an insulation device 88 by which the travel space 80 is thermally insulated from the processing tunnel 70.

[0085] Figure 6 Another improved processing apparatus 66'' is shown using spray booth 90 as an example, in which application steps 20.3, 20.5, 20.6, 20.8, and / or 20.10 can be performed. A spray painting robot 92, known per se, is arranged in the processing tunnel 70 of spray booth 90. The top plate 74 of the processing tunnel 70 is designed in a conventional manner as the lower boundary of an air input space 94 with a filter top plate 96. Chamber air enters the processing tunnel 70 from the air input space 94 and absorbs excess paint downwards in its flow path before flowing into the region 98 below the processing tunnel 70 through the permeable tunnel bottom 74. A separation device 100 is present in region 98, by means of which the entrained excess paint is removed from the chamber air. This clean chamber air can then—if necessary, after predetermined conditioning—be guided back into the air input space 94 in the loop. Such a separation device is known per se and therefore requires no further explanation.

[0086] In the paint booth 90, the travel space 80 is also confined by the travel space housing 86 arranged in the processing tunnel 70. However, in the case of the paint booth 90, the travel space housing 86 does not need to be designed as an insulation device, but only needs to be provided with a protective cover 102.

[0087] As described above, the processing unit 20.ij is conceptually designed in the same manner as processing units 66, 66', or 66'', such that the connecting device 38 of the transport vehicle 28 can work together with the tunnel bottom 76 or the driving space housing 86 and the shielding components 84 respectively located therein. The devices required for each processing step can exist independently of each other in the respective processing unit 20.ij. These include, for example, application robots, painting robots, and / or handling robots for the application step in the application device, or related lighting devices in the review / sanding device, and technologies required to operate the processing unit 20.ij, such as air balancing technology for the paint booth.

[0088] The unmanned transport system 22, which has a trajectory-controlled transport vehicle 28, enables the vehicle body 10 fixed to the transport vehicle 28 to move independently, and its transport path is independent of the transport paths of other vehicle bodies 10.

[0089] In commercially available equipment with tracked transport vehicles, for each work step 20.i, there are one or more separate processing units 20.ij along the transport route, specifically for that work step 20.i. Therefore, in such equipment, this results in… Figure 1 Each work step 20.i shown defines a corresponding spatial work area of ​​a surface treatment device with one or more associated processing devices 20.ij, which must be passed through by the transport vehicle 28 and the vehicle body 10 fixed thereon in a predetermined order.

[0090] On the other hand, the unmanned transport system 22 enables the use of the same corresponding processing device for similar processing steps 20.j that must be performed at different times in the processing flow. This is particularly possible for temperature control steps 20.1, 20.4, 20.6, 20.9, 20.11 and functional steps 20.2, 20.7, and 20.12. It is also possible for application steps 20.3, 20.5, 20.8, and 20.10.

[0091] according to Figure 7 The equipment layout illustrates this concept. There, the surface treatment equipment 16 includes a single temperature control device 104, in which temperature control steps 20.1, 20.4, 20.6, 20.9, and 20.11 are performed. For this purpose, the temperature control device 104 includes corresponding temperature ranges and evaporation ranges.

[0092] The surface treatment apparatus 16 also includes a unique audit / polishing device 106 and a unique storage device 108 for working steps 20.2, 20.7 and 20.12.

[0093] The vehicle body 10 is transferred to the transport vehicle 28 of the transport system 22 via the transfer device 24 after being immersed in the KTL bath 14A, and is guided by the transport vehicle through the temperature control device 104, which in this case serves as the KTL dryer 20.1-1, as the KTL cooling device 20.1-2, and as the KTL evaporator 20.1-2 for the first temperature control step 20.1.

[0094] Then, the transport vehicle 22 transports the body 10 to the inspection / polishing device 106, which then provides inspection / polishing device 20.2-1 for the first functional step 20.2. If the body 10 is temporarily stored in this step, the storage device 108 is used as storage device 20.2-2 for this functional step 20.2.

[0095] Here, the first application step 20.3 is performed in the bottom protection (PVC) application device 20.3-1 and the joint sealing (NAD) application device 20.3.2.

[0096] In order to perform the second temperature control step 20.4, the vehicle body 10 is moved back into the temperature control device 104, which is used here as a PVC dryer 20.4-1.

[0097] Subsequently, in the second application step 20.5, the filler in the filler application device 20.5-1 is applied.

[0098] Here, the vehicle body 10 is again transported to the temperature control device 104 for the third temperature control step 20.6, which here serves as the filler dryer 20.6-1.

[0099] Then, for the second functional step 20.7, the body 10 is brought into the inspection / polishing device 106 for the second time, which is used here as inspection / polishing device 20.7-1.

[0100] For the third application step 20.8, the vehicle body 10 is transported on the transport vehicle 28 to the primer (BC) coating unit 20.8-1, and then moved for the fourth time to the temperature control device 104 for the fourth temperature control step 20.9, in which case the temperature control device is used as the BC dryer 20.9-1.

[0101] Here, the fourth application step 20.10 is performed in the topcoat (CC) painting device 20.10-1, and then the body 10 is guided for the fifth time through the temperature control device 104 for the fifth temperature control step 20.11; thus the function of the CC dryer 20.11-1 is realized.

[0102] Before the vehicle body 10 is transferred to the assembly equipment 18 via the transfer device 26, it can be temporarily stored for the second time in the storage device 108 in the third functional step 20.12, in which case the storage device assumes the function of memory 20.12-1.

[0103] In one variant, application steps 20.3 (PVC / NAD), 20.5 (filler), 20.8 (BC), and 20.10 (CC) are performed in a single, correspondingly flexible multi-functional application device 110. The multi-functional application device 110 then fulfills the functions of the application device and the painting device 20.3-1, 20.3-2, 20.5-1, 20.8-1, and 20.10-1, and is subsequently traversed by the vehicle body 10 times accordingly.

[0104] Multifunctional application device 110 Figure 7 The dashed rectangles in the middle enclose processing devices 20.3-1, 20.3-2, 20.5-1, 20.8-1 and 20.10-1.

[0105] In one variant, the multi-functional application device 110 can house the various application and painting devices 20.3-1, 20.3-2, 20.5-1, 20.8-1, and 20.10-1 within a common housing; these can also be designed as batch processing chambers rather than interconnecting chambers. The application and painting devices 20.3-1, 20.3-2, 20.5-1, 20.8-1, and 20.10-1 can then be arranged along a transport path passing beside them, and a transport vehicle 28 subsequently drives along this path to the desired application and painting device 20.3-1, 20.3-2, 20.5-1, 20.8-1, and 20.10-1.

[0106] To coordinate the (processing) sequence specifically for vehicle body 10, each vehicle body 10 is equipped with, for example, a data storage device that stores product characteristics and work steps to be performed. This data can be read by a transport vehicle 28 on which the vehicle body 10 is fixed; for this purpose, each transport vehicle 28 carries a corresponding data transmission / storage unit.

[0107] The transport vehicle 28 can communicate directly with the corresponding processing device 20.ij to be driven to for specific work steps 20.i. In the application device 20.i, the corresponding coating material is supplied to the device according to the data transmitted by the transport vehicle 28; in addition, in the paint booth 90, for example, the paint robot 92 obtains its application program, which determines the movement flow of the paint robot 92 and the application parameters for the application process.

[0108] The use of the unmanned transport system 22 firstly allows for the integration of equipment systems and their controls into Concept Facility 4.0, in which industrial production processes are linked to modern information and communication technologies. The unmanned transport system 22 allows for a high degree of flexibility in processing flows; simultaneously, due to the variability of the transport vehicle 28's routes, changes to the processes for a specific vehicle body 10 or changes to the processing sequence of different vehicle bodies 10 are also possible.

[0109] The arrangement of the various processing units 20.ij can be largely arbitrary; for example, the location of the processing unit 20.ij in the equipment can be coordinated, in particular, at its base equipment, taking into account the required and supplied media (e.g., paint, water, air, etc.) or the required equipment components (e.g., components for maintaining air or components for generating high pressure, etc.).

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a vehicle, wherein a vehicle body (10) is transported through a plurality of processing devices (20.ij; 66, 66', 66'') for performing a plurality of work steps (12.i, 14.i, 18.i, 20.i) in two successive work steps (12.i, 12.i+1; 14.i, 14.i+1; 20.i) 18.i, 18.i+1; In 20.i, 20.i+1), different types of work are performed on the vehicle body (10), characterized in that, in the surface treatment equipment (16) for surface treatment of the vehicle body (10), at least partially, an unmanned transport system (22) is used to transport the vehicle body (10) at least from the anti-corrosion treatment to the final assembly, the transport system comprising a plurality of trajectory-controlled transport vehicles (28) that travel on the driving ground (30), each with its own drive system (40) and are driven and moved independently of each other; The transport vehicle (28) used includes a transport vehicle driving mechanism (36) and a fixing device (32) for at least one body (10), the transport vehicle driving mechanism and the fixing device being connected to each other by a connecting device (38); For performing at least one work step (12.i, 14.i, 18.i, 20.i), the transport vehicle (10) passes through at least one processing device (20.ij; 66, 66', 66''), which includes a housing (68) in which a processing tunnel (70) is disposed, and the processing device includes a travel space (80) for a transport vehicle travel mechanism (36), which is separate from the processing tunnel (70), and the processing tunnel (70) and the travel space (80) are connected to each other by a connecting channel (78) such that the transport vehicle travel mechanism (36) moves in the travel space (80), wherein a fixing device (32) in the processing tunnel (70) is driven, and a connecting device (38) passes through the connecting channel (78).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In all the work steps (20.i) performed in the surface treatment equipment (16), the vehicle body (10) is transported by means of an unmanned transport system (22).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The car body (10) is transported in the body-in-white equipment (12) and / or in the anti-corrosion equipment (14) and / or in the assembly equipment (18) using the same unmanned transport system (22) as in the surface treatment equipment (16).

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Using at least one processing device (20.ij; 66) having a tunnel bottom (88) with a connecting passage (78) in which a travel space (80) is arranged below the processing tunnel (70).

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Using at least one processing device ( 20.ij, 66', 66''), wherein a driving space shell (86) is provided in the processing tunnel (70), the driving space shell defining the driving space (80) at least partially within the processing tunnel (70) and having a connecting passage (78).

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, At least one processing device (20.ij, 66') is used, wherein the driving space housing (86) is provided with insulation (88).

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, Using a transport vehicle (28) with an omnidirectional drive system (40), the transport vehicle (28) can move in any direction from a stationary state.

8. A surface treatment apparatus for surface treatment of a vehicle body (10) using a plurality of treatment devices (20.ij; 66, 66', 66'), characterized in that, An unmanned transportation system (22) is provided, which includes multiple trajectory-controlled transport vehicles (28), on which corresponding bodies (10) can be fixed and the transport vehicles travel on the driving ground (30). Each transport vehicle (28) has its own drive system (40) and can be driven and moved independently of each other. Each transport vehicle (28) includes a transport vehicle driving mechanism (36) and a fixing device (32) for at least one body (10), the transport vehicle driving mechanism and the fixing device being connected to each other by a connecting device (38); To perform at least one work step (12.i, 14.i, 18.i, 20.i), the vehicle body (10) can be transported by means of a transport system (22) through at least one processing device (20.ij; 66, 66', 66''), which includes a housing (68) in which a processing tunnel (70) is disposed, and the processing device includes a travel space (80) for a transport vehicle travel mechanism (36), which is separate from the processing tunnel (70), and the processing tunnel (70) and the travel space (80) are connected to each other by a connecting channel (78) so that the transport vehicle travel mechanism (36) can move in the travel space (80), wherein a fixing device (32) in the processing tunnel (70) is driven, and a connecting device (38) passes through the connecting channel (78).

9. The surface treatment equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that, At least one processing device (20.ij; 66) has a tunnel bottom (88) with a connecting passage (78) and a travel space (80) arranged below the processing tunnel (70).

10. The surface treatment apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, In at least one processing device (20.ij; 66', 66''), a driving space housing (86) is disposed in a processing tunnel (70), the driving space housing defining a driving space (80) at least partially within the processing tunnel (70) and having a connecting passage (78).

11. The surface treatment apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that, In at least one processing device (20.ij; 66'), the driving space housing (86) is provided with insulation (88).

12. The surface treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that, The transport vehicle (28) has an omnidirectional drive system (40) by means of which the transport vehicle (28) can move in any direction from a stationary state.

13. Manufacturing equipment for manufacturing vehicles, the manufacturing equipment having surface treatment equipment (16), characterized in that, The surface treatment apparatus (16) is the surface treatment apparatus (16) according to any one of claims 8 to 12.

14. The manufacturing equipment according to claim 13, characterized in that, Additionally, the same unmanned transport system (22) for the body (10) as that in the surface treatment equipment (16) is provided in the body-in-white equipment (12) and / or anti-corrosion equipment (14) and / or final assembly equipment (18).

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