Method for operating a tool system
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ATLAS COPCO IND TECHNIQUE AB INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT
- Filing Date
- 2017-09-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-23
AI Technical Summary
Existing tool systems in production environments require workers to manually transport tool selectors between workstations, leading to inefficiencies and ergonomic challenges, while also necessitating redundant tool investments.
A tool selector equipped with a locating unit connected to a locating system, allowing flexible and automatic assignment to screwdriving tools across workstations, eliminating the need for manual transport and reducing tool redundancy.
Facilitates ergonomic improvements and reduces production time by enabling flexible, process-reliable screwing processes, minimizing walking distances and tool investments.
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Abstract
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating a tool system in a production environment with a number of workstations, wherein a tool selector is connected to a screwdriver control for data exchange, by means of which at least one screwdriver tool is controlled.
[0002] From DE 20 2011 004 846 U1, a socket set for a screwdriver system is known. The screwdriver system comprises at least one screwdriver controller and at least a plurality of assembly tools controlled by this controller, in particular wireless ones, such as screwdrivers, torque wrenches, or the like. The socket set is connected to the screwdriver controller for data exchange, with the data exchange connection being a wireless communication link.
[0003] Furthermore, EP 1 350 144 B1 describes a machining system and a tool unit for machining workpieces, in particular workpieces arranged on a production line. The machining system comprises a plurality of tool units, each with an electrically controlled machining tool and a holding unit, and a sliding holding device in which the holding units are sequentially mounted, the holding units being slidably mounted in the sliding holding device. The machining system also comprises a plurality of control units, each for setting a respective machining tool to a set of predefined machining parameters for executing a predefined machining operation. Each tool unit includes a position determination unit that determines the position of the respective tool unit along the sliding holding device, the control unit being part of the tool unit.The control unit adjusts the respective machining tool to a respective machining parameter set depending on the position of the tool unit determined by the position determination unit.
[0004] EP 3 106 950 A1 further discloses a tooling system for an assembly plant and a method for a tooling system for an assembly plant. The tooling system comprises at least two tool controllers for controlling a tool element for processing at least one workpiece. The tooling system also includes a first data processing unit for receiving the data generated by the at least two tool controllers during the processing of the at least one workpiece and storing the data in a first database. Furthermore, a second data processing unit is provided for processing the data stored in the first database by the first data processing unit for data analysis and / or the creation of a data visualization.
[0005] Furthermore, EP 3 187 947 A1 discloses a system for controlling an industrial tool by calculating its position in relation to a moving object in an assembly line.
[0006] The invention is based on the objective of providing a method for operating a tool system in a production environment that is improved compared to the prior art.
[0007] The problem is solved according to the invention by the features specified in claim 1.
[0008] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.
[0009] A method for operating a tool system in a production environment with a number of workstations, wherein a tool selector is connected to a screwdriver controller for data exchange, by means of which at least one screwdriver is controlled, provides according to the invention that the tool selector is provided with a locating unit which is coupled to an associated locating system, wherein the tool selector is assigned to a workstation and remains at this workstation or can also be used flexibly, wherein a respective locatable screwdriver used at the corresponding workstation is automatically assigned to the tool selector by the locating system.
[0010] By applying this method, a flexible and process-reliable screwing process sequence is possible across workstation boundaries, whereby the tool selector is no longer permanently assigned to a screwing tool.
[0011] The tool selector can therefore be freely located within the production environment, and is virtually assigned to the respective, also locatable, electronically controlled screwdriving tool in a flexible and process-reliable manner. This enables a worker within a workstation to perform a corresponding screwdriving sequence with automatic operator guidance.
[0012] Since the tool selector remains at the respective workstation, it is not necessary for a worker to transport the tool selector from one workstation to the next. This results in an ergonomic improvement for the worker.
[0013] The worker can, for example, move directly from vehicle to vehicle according to the so-called shopping cart principle, thereby avoiding unproductive, non-value-adding tasks and thus production time in the form of walking distances. Additionally, tool investment costs can be reduced, as one tool can be used for multiple screw applications / work steps.
[0014] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to drawings.
[0015] This shows: Fig. 1 schematically a perspective view of a tool selector with a locating unit and Fig. 2 schematically three workstations in a production environment.
[0016] Corresponding parts are marked with the same reference symbols in all figures.
[0017] Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a tool selector. 1in the form of a socket wrench set, also known as a socket box, containing a number of socket wrenches 2 arranged, which are also called sockets.
[0018] Such a tool selector 1 is part of a tooling system in a production environment with a number of in Fig. 2 workstations shown in more detail A1 until A3 , the number of which is chosen as an example.
[0019] The tool selector 1 is connected for data exchange with a screw controller (not shown in detail), which at least has one in Fig. 2 illustrated screw tool 3 includes, in particular, the tool selector. 1 connected to the screw controller via WLAN.
[0020] Fig. 2 shows an assembly line M with three vehicles F, each with a highlighted screw point Sand three workstations A1 until A3 .
[0021] Such a screwdriver control unit is used, among other things, to query relevant torque data for the screwdriver. 3 , intended for data management and diagnostics, for example for fault diagnosis.
[0022] Is the tool selector 1 at a workstation A1 until A3 arranged, a worker takes 5 the screw tool 3 at hand, whereby a connection between the screwdriver control and the screwdriver tool 3 is known which socket wrench 2 at this workstation A1 until A3 to be used.
[0023] Is the worker stuck? 5 one not for the workstation A1 until A3 intended socket wrench 2 on his screw tool 3This is detected by the screwdriver control and the screwdriver is adjusted accordingly. 3 It is deactivated, so that it is not possible to perform a screw operation with this socket wrench. 2 to carry out.
[0024] Usually, the worker 5 the tool selector 1 from the first workstation A1 to the second workstation A2 and then to the third workstation A3 transported and at the respective workstation A1 until A3 carries out his planned work steps.
[0025] To enable automatic, process-reliable operator guidance within the production environment without a fixed assignment of a tool selector. 1 to a screw tool 3 To make this possible, the tool selector is planned. 1 with a tracking unit 4, in particular to equip a tracking tag that is coupled with a corresponding tracking system.
[0026] The tool selector 1 is then a workstation A1 until A3 , according to the embodiment in Fig. 2 of the second workstation A2 assigned.
[0027] Is the worker leaving? 5 with his screw tool 3 from the first workstation A1 to the second workstation A2 , which is the tool selector 1 The tool selector is assigned. 1 automatically the screwdriver 3 the worker 5 assigned.
[0028] In particular, the assignment only occurs if the screwdriver control indicates the use of the screwdriver tool. 3 at the second workstation A2 provides for.
[0029] The tool selector 1with Wi-Fi and the tracking unit 4 remains at the second workstation A2 and is always assigned to a new screwdriver currently activated for a work step 3 assigned.
[0030] The tool selector 1 is therefore no longer a screw tool 3 permanently assigned and must be from a workstation A1 until A3 to be carried to the next one, but the tool selector 1 remains at a workstation A1 until A3 , in the present embodiment according to Fig. 2 at the second workstation A2 and is assigned to this one.
[0031] The tool selector 1 is by means of the tracking unit 4 and is always locatable by the tracking system and its identification number is reported to the screwdriver control unit, so that it is known which socket wrench 2 at this workstation A1 untilA2 from the screw tool 3 is to be used.
[0032] By applying a procedure described above, a number of screwdriving tools used in the production environment can be used. 3 The number of people connected to the Wi-Fi network will be reduced.
[0033] This in turn can reduce installation effort, enabling better processes and a smaller number of workers. 5 in the production environment, especially on the assembly line M , can be reduced.
[0034] An assignment to the respective screw location S is possible, whereby a utilization of the respective workstation A1 until A3 This can be improved. It is no longer necessary to use a socket wrench after every screw. 2 and / or a screwdriver 3 to change. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION
[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature
[0000] DE 202011004846 U1
[0002] EP 1350144 B1
[0003] EP 3106950 A1
[0004] EP 3187947 A1
[0005]
Claims
[1] Method for operating a tool system in a production environment with a number of workstations (A1 to A3), wherein a tool selector (1) is connected for data exchange to a screwdriver controller by means of which at least one screwdriver tool (3) is controlled, characterized by , that the tool selector (1) is provided with a locating unit (4) which is coupled to an associated locating system, wherein the tool selector (1) is assigned to a workstation (A1 to A3) and remains at it, wherein a respective locatable screwdriving tool (3) used at the corresponding workstation (A1 to A2) is automatically assigned to the tool selector (1) by the locating system. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by , that based on signals sent by the locating unit (4) with associated locating system, the workstation (A1 to A2) at which the tool selector (1) is located is determined. [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the screw tool (3) is controlled according to the requirements of the identified workstation (A1 to A3).