Visual System

Abstract

Visual system for displaying or reporting functional states of an automation system, namely a work cell (10) comprising a plurality of work stations (40, 42), characterized in that the visual system consists of a combination of at least one visual display (48) assigned to the work cell (10) as a whole and a plurality of visual displays (50) assigned to individual work stations, wherein a control device is provided which controls the visual displays (48, 50) depending on the functional states of the work stations (40, 42), wherein the visual display (48) assigned to the work cell (10) as a whole displays the functional state of the work cell (10) as a whole depending on the visual displays assigned to the individual work stations (40, 42), and wherein the visual display (50) assigned to a work station (40, 42) displays the functional state of this work station (40, 42), wherein each visual display (48,50) has at least one luminous element which, depending on the functional state to be displayed, emits a pulsating, flashing, running or static light in a predetermined color and brightness, wherein the visual display (50) assigned to a workstation (40, 42) is integrated in an adapter plate (44) for illuminating the same, wherein the adapter plate (44) forms the basis for the further construction of the workstation (40, 42), in particular of a tool or actuator.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a visual system for displaying or reporting functional states of an automation system, namely a work cell comprising several workstations.

[0002] It is known to equip a system, for example, an automation or production system, comprising several workstations or work areas with a traffic light-like signal lamp that indicates the functional status of the system as a whole. The workstations or work areas of the system belong to a work group or functional circuit, which is controlled and / or regulated by a programmable logic controller (PLC).

[0003] The signal light, designed like a traffic light, indicates, for example, the following functional states of the system as a whole, as listed in the table below: Signal light A FLASH OUT OF Green System OK Participant not ready System not ready Yellow logistical disruption critical component fill level reached System OK Red System malfunction EMERGENCY OFF of the system System OK

[0004] In the event that the system as a whole is malfunctioning or not operational, a fault diagnosis must be performed, which is usually very time-consuming. Fault diagnosis involves the following steps: 1. Visual inspection of the entire system condition 2. Checking the PLC error logs 3. Detailed software and / or hardware diagnosis of the actuator causing the error 4. Troubleshooting

[0005] Successful fault diagnosis and troubleshooting require a particularly skilled system operator who is familiar with the system in detail.

[0006] Such fault diagnosis and troubleshooting is time-consuming and disadvantageously leads to high downtimes of the system, especially if the operator lacks specialist knowledge of the system.

[0007] DE 26 22 120 A1 discloses a method and device for the automatic monitoring of industrial plants, particularly by analyzing dynamic signals such as vibrations. Using a computer and special signal processing, it checks whether unusual conditions occur based on predefined thresholds. This helps identify problem areas early and initiate appropriate measures – even in plants that must remain in operation, such as nuclear power plants.

[0008] DE 101 45 939 A1 concerns a method and a system with which states or errors of system components (e.g., controllers, sensors) can be easily and efficiently detected, interpreted, and displayed to the user. For this purpose, so-called event information, which describes, for example, an error, is forwarded to an interpreter component. This interpreter component compares the information with a database of known states (status codes) and creates short or long messages that are displayed to the user as text or graphics.

[0009] DE 199 33 924 A1 discloses a compact and cost-effective microsystem that contains sensors for recording relevant physical variables (e.g. temperature, vibration, current, voltage), evaluates, stores and classifies the measured data locally (e.g. into "normal", "pre-warning", "alarm"), offers a local display and / or communication interfaces for forwarding to a control room, enables trend monitoring and remaining service life estimation, in particular for rolling bearings and electric motors, and also allows a long-term analysis of the condition development through a multi-level storage concept (with data compression).

[0010] EP 0 810 557 A2 describes a method and system for monitoring a larger system. The values ​​of various component parameters are determined, checked for abnormalities, these parameters are classified into different categories, and then specific components and categories with abnormal parameters are graphically highlighted and visualized. Parameters are measured and checked for abnormalities. Abnormal parameters are classified into categories. Selected components and categories with abnormal parameters are graphically displayed, visually differentiated for easy identification.

[0011] DE 10 2015118 198 A1 discloses a signal-generating, device-specific monitoring unit for an actuator, which is controlled in particular from a control room. The monitoring unit comprises a signal receiver, a display for outputting a signaling code, and processing electronics external to the actuator electronics that evaluates operating information and assigns the signaling code accordingly.

[0012] Based on this prior art, the invention is based on the object of improving the error diagnosis and error elimination in an automation system, namely a work cell comprising several work stations.

[0013] This object is achieved by a visual system according to the preamble of claim 1 by the characterizing features of claim 1. Further developments and advantageous embodiments of the invention emerge from the subclaims.

[0014] The visual system according to the invention for displaying or reporting functional states of an automation system, namely a work cell comprising a plurality of workstations, is characterized in that the visual system consists of a combination of at least one visual display assigned to the system as a whole and a plurality of visual displays each assigned to individual workstations, wherein at least one control device is provided which controls the visual displays depending on the functional states of the workstations.

[0015] The combination of visual displays allows the system operator not only to register the occurrence of an error, but also to assign this error to a workstation in the system in a surprisingly simple way so that it can then be quickly eliminated.

[0016] Workstations can be processing, machining, testing stations or the like with the necessary equipment, such as robots, testing or measuring devices, carriers or linear systems.

[0017] The visual indicator assigned to the system as a whole generally alerts the operator to a system error. Because visual indicators are also assigned to specific workstations, the error can also be assigned to the faulty workstation. The visual indicator assigned to this workstation indicates the malfunction.

[0018] The visual displays can indicate different functional states. This does not necessarily have to involve an error or malfunction at individual workstations and thus at the entire system. The visual displays assigned to the workstations can also represent individual process sequences or a process status, for example. In other words, the visual displays intuitively guide an operator to the problem area, display the current production progress, for example, using different colors, and indicate the system status. Accordingly, the system can be described as "Intelligent Operator Guidance."

[0019] It can be advantageous if the control device is a PLC device for a bound control or a freely configurable controller for an unbound control.

[0020] It is advantageous to use a PLC device with a modular design, allowing the system or production line to be easily expanded with additional workstations and associated visual displays, based on a modular system. The visual system according to the invention is extremely flexible.

[0021] Due to the aforementioned modularity, the visual system can advantageously be an integrated component of both smaller machines and complex systems.

[0022] According to the invention, the visual display assigned to the system as a whole indicates the functional status of the system as a whole depending on the visual displays assigned to the individual workstations. This ensures that, in the event of a fault at a workstation, the visual display of the corresponding workstation indicates the changed functional status, and subsequently, the visual display of the system as a whole indicates the changed functional status.

[0023] According to the invention, the visual display assigned to a workstation initially shows the functional status of that workstation.

[0024] According to the invention, each visual display comprises at least one luminous element that emits a pulsating, flashing, continuous, or static light in a predetermined color and brightness depending on the functional state to be indicated. Thus, each functional state can be predetermined by the type of visual display, preferably in such a way that the system operator intuitively recognizes a malfunction.

[0025] The visual display assigned to the system as a whole can also be referred to as global lighting if it has at least one light element. The visual displays assigned to the workstations in a system can also be collectively referred to as workspace lighting if they each have at least one light element.

[0026] The following illustrates various functional states of a system comprising multiple workstations, where global lighting and workspace lighting are provided. As already mentioned, workspace lighting is the collective term for all visual displays assigned to the individual workstations. If reference is made below to a specific visual display of a workstation, this visual display is referred to as the "respective area" of the workspace lighting. The other visual displays of the workstations are then referred to as "other areas" of the workspace lighting. System is OK, process is running Global lighting and workspace lighting glow statically green Operator intervention imminent Global lighting and workspace lighting (respective area) glow static yellow; all other areas of the workspace lighting glow dimmed green Operator intervention required Global lighting and workspace lighting (respective area) flash yellow; all other areas of the workspace lighting light up dimmed green Mistake Global lighting and workspace lighting (respective area) light up statically red; all other areas of the workspace lighting light up dimmed green Neighboring station to the system not working properly Global lighting and workspace lighting glow dimmed green Emergency stop was triggered Global lighting flashes red and workspace lighting dims green

[0027] It can be advantageous if the light-emitting element is a light-emitting diode.

[0028] According to the invention, the system is an automation system, namely a work cell.

[0029] According to the invention, the visual display assigned to a workstation is integrated in an adapter plate for illuminating the same, wherein the adapter plate forms the basis for the further construction of the workstation, in particular a tool or actuator.

[0030] It may be advantageous if the system is a work cell for production, handling and / or testing of workpieces, which comprises a rectangular, horizontally arranged table top, wherein the table top has a grid of through holes.

[0031] Such a work cell can be used variably and individually equipped.

[0032] The tabletop, designed with a hole pattern, enables flexible and material-free placement and assembly of workstations, especially processing, testing, and / or production components, such as image processing systems, conveyors, separators, gantry systems, inspection units, as well as robots or linear axis systems. In other words, the work cell can be individually equipped with various workstations without mechanical processing, i.e., without drilling, grinding, or welding, and can be reconfigured, i.e., re-equipped, or adapted at any time.

[0033] The holes can be used to accommodate fasteners for securing the workstations. Where desired, the workstations can also be easily wired to a system control system. The corresponding cables are routed through the holes to the workstations from below.

[0034] The work cell advantageously allows for the free arrangement of various workstations, especially actuators, within the geometric build space. The base area of ​​the geometric build space, i.e., the base area of ​​the tabletop, consists of several surfaces, each measuring 100 mm x 100 mm and each with a hole.

[0035] It may be advantageous if the table top preferably has a length of 1200 mm to 2500 mm, particularly preferably 1800 mm, and preferably a width of 800 mm to 1800 mm, particularly preferably 1200 mm.

[0036] Such a large table surface has proven particularly suitable for using the work cell as a stand-alone solution on the one hand and for integrating it into a production process on the other.

[0037] The optimal base area of ​​the table top of 1200 mm x 1800 mm enables the advantageous use of both floor-standing and overhead multi-axis robots, for example tripods, Scara or 4 - 6 axis robots.

[0038] Due to the dimensions mentioned above and below, the work cell can also be used for complex automation applications in the industrial production environment.

[0039] It can be advantageous if the tabletop's hole pattern has a 12 x 18 hole pattern, with each row having 12 holes across the width of the tabletop and 18 holes across the length. This hole pattern has proven optimal for the individual arrangement of workstations on the tabletop.

[0040] It may be advantageous if at least one long side and / or at least one wide side of the table top is at least partially connected to at least one rectangular side plate which is aligned orthogonally to the table top and has a grid of through holes, wherein the side plate preferably does not protrude beyond the upper side of the table top.

[0041] Thanks to at least one side plate, the work cell can be quickly connected to one or more additional work cells without having to reconfigure the work cell. This allows complex machining, production, and / or testing lines to be advantageously constructed from multiple work cells. Furthermore, the work cell can be used in various production processes and coupled with other devices or machines for conveyor technology and processing. This enables fast and reliable integration into production processes.

[0042] The coupling is preferably achieved via the hole pattern. Preferably, one hole per 100 mm x 100 mm is provided.

[0043] The work cell can therefore be used as a stand-alone solution, linked with other work cells, or integrated into existing production systems.

[0044] It may be advantageous if the holes have a diameter of 20 mm to 30 mm, preferably 28.5 mm. The holes are preferably round.

[0045] It may be advantageous if the longitudinal side plate has a length of 1200 mm to 2500 mm, particularly preferably 1800 mm, and preferably a width of 150 mm to 200 mm, particularly preferably 185 mm.

[0046] It may be advantageous if the broad side plate has a length of 800 mm to 1800 mm, particularly preferably 1200 mm, and preferably a width of 150 mm to 200 mm, particularly preferably 185 mm.

[0047] It can be advantageous if the hole pattern of the long side plate has 3 x 18 holes, with the individual rows having 3 holes each across the width of the long side plate and 18 holes each across the length of the long side plate.

[0048] It can be advantageous if the hole pattern of the broadside plate has 3 x 12 holes, with the individual rows having 3 holes each across the width of the broadside plate and 12 holes each across the length of the broadside plate.

[0049] It can be advantageous if the side panel is connected to the tabletop by a material, force, and / or form-fitting connection. A material-to-material welded connection has proven particularly advantageous.

[0050] It may be advantageous if the table top and / or side panel are made of metal, preferably steel.

[0051] It may be advantageous if the table top has a thickness of 10 to 20 mm, preferably 15 mm. It may be advantageous if the side panel has a thickness of 10 to 20 mm, preferably 15 mm.

[0052] It may be advantageous if at least one cross member is arranged beneath the table top, which cross member is preferably connected to the table top and / or to two opposing side panels in a form-fitting, force-fitting and / or material-fitting manner for stiffening purposes, preferably in an area of ​​the table top and the side panels which has no holes.

[0053] It may be advantageous if the cross member is made of metal, preferably steel. The connection to the table top and side panels is preferably made by welding.

[0054] It can be advantageous if the table top is connected to a hood which comprises a horizontally aligned, square frame corresponding to the length and width of the table top, which is formed by four profiles made of metal, preferably aluminum, and four vertically downward-aligned legs which are arranged at a distance from one another in the corners of the frame and are each formed by a profile made of metal, preferably aluminum, wherein the legs of the hood stand on the corners of the table top and are connected to it. Aluminum profiles which have straight grooves, preferably with undercuts, in their side surfaces have proven to be particularly advantageous. Such profiles can be connected to one another and to the table top particularly easily.They are very stable and are suitable as supports for covering the hood, for example with openable viewing windows, but also for other elements, such as lighting elements, camera elements or the like.

[0055] It can be advantageous if the hood legs have a length of 1000 mm to 2000 mm, preferably approximately 1200 mm. This creates a space above the tabletop in which workstations commonly used in work cells, such as robots, have sufficient space. It can be advantageous if the hood, consisting of the frame and legs, has a height of 1000 mm to 1400 mm.

[0056] It can be advantageous if the table top rests directly and / or via the side panels on a table frame and is connected to it.

[0057] It may be advantageous if the table frame has four legs, each of which is connected to a corner of the tabletop and / or to the side panels located in a corner of the tabletop by a form-fitting, force-fitting, and / or material-fitting connection. The table legs are connected and stabilized by horizontally aligned cross braces. The table frame itself can be covered.

[0058] It can be advantageous if the table legs have a length of 500 mm to 800 mm, preferably 590 - 600 mm.

[0059] It can be advantageous if the table legs have a height-adjustable foot of up to 100 mm at the end closest to the floor. This makes it easy to compensate for uneven flooring.

[0060] It may be advantageous to have stacking lugs arranged on the wide sides and / or preferably on the long sides below the table top and / or the side panels. These lugs are preferably made of metal, particularly preferably steel. Such stacking lugs enable the easy transport of a work cell to its intended installation location.

[0061] It may be advantageous if selected or all holes are provided with reversibly removable caps, preferably made of plastic.

[0062] It may be advantageous if selected holes are provided with at least one luminous element, preferably with at least one light-emitting diode. This makes it easy to create a visual display associated with a workstation or the work cell as a whole. It may be advantageous if the LEDs are arranged in predefined, transparent caps.

[0063] It can be advantageous if the illuminated adapter plate is arranged on the table top of the work cell.

[0064] It may be advantageous if the work cell is connected to one or more other work cells of the same type.

[0065] In summary, the work cell is characterized by a so-called "Configure to Order" concept. Because the work cell can be individually equipped or equipped without the need for any mechanical processing, it can be kept in stock and delivered to the user at short notice. Changes that arise from changing project requirements can be easily implemented without requiring any mechanical processing of the work cell. The basic structure and the intended panels remain unchanged.

[0066] The work cell enables the efficient implementation of customer-specific requirements. This allows a production chain with one or more work cells to be adapted to any requirement, virtually using a modular system.

[0067] The invention is explained below using an exemplary embodiment illustrated in the drawing. In the drawing: Fig. 1 in perspective view a work cell with a visual system during the display of a functional state, Fig. 2 in perspective view a work cell with a visual system during the display of another functional state, Fig. 3 in perspective view a work cell with a visual system during the display of another different functional state, Fig. 4 a plan view of the table top and side panels of a work cell, Fig. 5 a side view of a section of the long side of a work cell, Fig. 6 a side view of a cross member to be arranged below the table top and Fig. 7 a perspective view of the hood of a work cell without cladding.

[0068] Where the same reference symbols are used in the figures, they designate the same parts, so that in order to avoid repetition, it is not necessary to refer to an element already described in each description of the figure.

[0069] Fig.1 - 3 each show a perspective view of a work cell 10 having a panel 34 with a visual system during the display of various functional states of the work cell 10, wherein the work cell 10 has several work stations 40, 42. The work stations 40, 42 are a robot 40 and a receiving station 42a and a delivery station 42b. The receiving and delivery stations 42 each have a container. In the present case, for example, workpieces can be removed from the delivery station 42a by means of the robot 40, rotated, and placed in the receiving station 42b in a new orientation. If necessary, the workpieces are subjected to an inspection during this process.

[0070] The visual system consists of a combination of several visual displays 48 assigned to the work cell 10 as a whole, which are arranged in the form of light strips on the outside of the work cell 10, and several visual displays 50 assigned to individual work stations 40, 42, which are arranged within the work cell 10, wherein a control device (not shown here) is provided which controls the visual displays 48, 50 depending on the functional states of the work stations 40, 42.

[0071] The visual displays 48 assigned to the work cell 10 as a whole indicate the functional status of the work cell 10 as a whole depending on the visual displays 50 assigned to the individual work stations 40, 42. The visual display 50 assigned to a work station 40, 42 indicates the functional status of this work station 40, 42.

[0072] Each visual display 48, 50 has at least one light-emitting element, preferably at least one LED, which, depending on the functional state to be displayed, emits a flashing or static light in a predetermined color “green,” “yellow,” and “red” at a specific brightness in a predetermined manner.

[0073] The visual display 50 assigned here to a work station 40, 42 is integrated in an adapter plate 44 for illuminating the same, wherein the adapter plate 44 forms the basis for the further construction of the work station 40, 42, in this case a robot 40 or of receiving and dispensing stations 42 in the form of containers.

[0074] Fig. 1 - 3 show examples of different functional states of the work cell 10 as a whole and of the individual work stations 40, 42.

[0075] The visual displays 48 assigned to the work cell 10 as a whole can be referred to here as global lighting. The visual displays 50 assigned to the workstations 40, 42 in the work cell 10, or the respective areas, can also be collectively referred to as workspace lighting.

[0076] If reference is made below to one or more specific visual indicators 50 of a workstation 40, 42, this visual indicator 50 will be referred to as the "respective area" of the workspace lighting. The other visual indicators 50 of the workstations 40, 42 will then be referred to as "other areas" of the workspace lighting.

[0077] In Fig. 1 shows the following functional state: System is OK, process is running Global lighting and workspace lighting glow statically green

[0078] In Fig. 2 shows the following functional state: Operator intervention required Global lighting and workspace lighting (respective area) flash yellow; all other areas of the workspace lighting light up dimmed green

[0079] In this context, "operator intervention required" can mean, for example, that the containers at the pick-up and drop-off stations need to be replaced. This functional status is reported to the operator generally by the visual indicators 48 assigned to the work cell 10 as a whole, with the need for intervention being signaled to the operator specifically at the workstations 42 by means of the visual indicators 50 provided there. Since the visual indicator 50 assigned to the robot 40 illuminates a dim green, it is immediately clear to the operator that there is no error at this workstation 40.

[0080] In Fig. 3 shows the following functional state: Mistake Global lighting and workspace lighting (respective area) light up statically red; all other areas of the workspace lighting light up dimmed green

[0081] In contrast to the Fig. 2 displayed functional status is in Fig.3, an error occurs at workstation 50, i.e., at the robot. This functional state is reported to the operator generally by the visual indicators 48 assigned to the work cell 10 as a whole, which glow statically in red. The error is reported to the operator specifically at workstation 40 by means of the visual indicator 50 provided there. Since the visual indicators 50 assigned to the pick-up and drop-off stations 42 glow a dim green, it is immediately clear to the operator that there is no error at these workstations 42.

[0082] The Fig. The work cell 10 shown in Figures 1 - 3 is suitable for the production, handling and / or testing of workpieces and comprises a rectangular, horizontally arranged table top 12, which is Fig. 4, which shows a plan view of the table top 12 and the side plates 16, 18 of the work cell 10, is shown in detail.

[0083] The tabletop 12 has a grid of through-holes 14. The holes 14 enable the flexible and thus individual equipment of the work cell 10 with work stations or functional elements, for example, actuators, robots 40, and pick-up and drop-off stations 42. The work cell 10 can be easily converted and adapted to new or modified processes. It is not necessary to mechanically machine the tabletop in any way. The holes 14 serve for the attachment of fastening devices, in particular for securing predetermined work stations 40, 42 or the aforementioned adapter plates 44 and / or for routing cables that are in contact with the predetermined work stations 40, 42 and their adapter plates 44 on one side and with a control system, for example, a PLC device, on the other side.Holes 14 which are not used, for example, can be provided with reversibly removable closure caps (not shown here), which are preferably made of plastic.

[0084] Selected holes 14 can be provided with LEDs to form the visual indicators 48 for indicating the functional status of the work cell as a whole, wherein the LEDs are preferably arranged in predetermined closure caps which are transparent. Accordingly, the Fig. 1 - 3 in the cladding 34 of the work cell 10.

[0085] A table top 12 with a length of 1800 mm and a width of 1200 mm has proven to be optimal. As in Fig.4, the hole pattern of the table top 12 has 12 x 18 circular holes 14, with the individual rows each having 12 holes 14 across the width of the table top 12 and 18 holes 14 across the length of the table top 12.

[0086] The two long sides and the two wide sides of the table top 12 are each connected to a rectangular side plate 16, 18 aligned orthogonally to the table top 12. The side plates 16, 18 are in Fig. 4 not yet connected to the table top and therefore not yet positioned perpendicular to the table top. Fig.5, which shows a side view of a section of the long side of the work cell 10, the orthogonal alignment to the table top 12 can be better seen. The side plates 16, 18 do not protrude beyond the top side of the table top 12. This allows several work cells to be arranged next to each other and connected to each other, with their table tops 12 forming a plane without the adjacent side plates 16, 18 forming an undesirable obstacle between the table tops 12. In a work cell 10, as shown in the Fig. 1 - 3, the installation space can be expanded very easily by connecting this 10 to another work cell 10, whereby the respective side panels of the work cells 10 can be removed without great effort on the connecting sides.

[0087] Each side plate 16, 18 also has a grid of through holes 14. This allows several work cells 10 to be easily connected to create a larger work area.

[0088] The holes 14 of the table top 12 and the side plates 16, 18 have a diameter of 28.5 mm.

[0089] Assuming a tabletop length of 1800 mm for table top 12, the long side panel 16 has a corresponding length of 1800 mm. The optimal width for the long side panel 16 has been found to be 185 mm.

[0090] Assuming a tabletop width of 1200 mm for table top 12, the wide side panel 16 has a corresponding length of 1200 mm. The optimal width for the wide side panel 16 has been found to be 185 mm.

[0091] The hole pattern of the long side plate 16 has, as shown in Fig.4, has 3 x 18 holes, wherein the individual rows each have 3 holes 14 across the width of the long side plate 16 and 18 holes 14 across the length of the long side plate 16.

[0092] The hole pattern of the wide side plate 18 has, as shown in Fig. 4, 3 x 12 holes 14, wherein the individual rows each have 3 holes 14 across the width of the broad side plate 18 and 12 holes 14 across the length of the broad side plate 18.

[0093] The table top 12 and the side plates 16, 18 are advantageously made of metal, wherein the table top 12 and the side plates 16, 18 are integrally connected to one another by welding.

[0094] To stiffen the structure consisting of table top 12 and side panels 16, 18, several steel cross members 20 are arranged beneath the table top 12. These cross members are integrally welded to each other, to the table top 12, and to the opposing side panels 16, 18. The cross members are arranged in an area of ​​the table top 12 and the side panels 16, 18 that does not have holes 14. Fig. 6 shows a cross member in side view which is arranged centrally between the broad side plates 18.

[0095] The work cell 10 also has a hood 22 which is connected to the table top 12. Fig. Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the hood 22 or its basic frame, which can of course be covered, for example, by openable panes. A covering 34 is shown in Fig.1 - 3. The basic structure of the hood 22 comprises a horizontally oriented rectangular frame 24, somewhat smaller than the length and width of the table top 12, formed by four aluminum profiles 24a, 24b, 24c, and 24d, and four vertically downwardly oriented legs 26, spaced apart from one another in the corners of the frame 24 and each formed by an aluminum profile. The legs 26 of the hood 22 are, as shown in Fig. 1 - 3, on the corners of the table top 12 or in the area of ​​the corners on the table top 12 and are connected to this 12.

[0096] The legs 26 of the Fig. The hood 22 shown in Figure 7 has a length of 1220 mm.

[0097] As in Fig.5, the table top 12 rests on a table frame 28 comprising four table legs 30 via the side plates 16, 18, wherein each table leg 30 is connected to the side plates 16, 18, which are located in particular in a corner of the table top 12, via an intermediate plate not shown here, wherein the table legs 30 are connected to one another and stabilized by horizontally aligned cross braces 36.

[0098] Forklift lugs 46 for transporting the work cell 10 are arranged on at least two opposite cross braces 36.

[0099] The table legs 30 have a length of 590 - 600 mm.

[0100] To compensate for unevenness, the table legs 30 each have a foot 32 at their end pointing towards the floor 38, the height of which can be adjusted by up to 100 mm. List of reference symbols 10 work cell 12 Table top 14 holes 16 Longitudinal side panel 18 Broadside plate 20 cross members 22 hood 24 frames 26 Leg 28 Table frame 30 table leg 32 feet 34 cladding 36 Cross bracing 38 Floor 40 robots 42 reception and drop-off stations 42a Reception station 42b Drop-off station 44 adapter plate 46 Forklift lug 48 visual display (work cell as a whole) 50 visual display (workstation)

Claims

[1] Visual system for displaying or reporting the operating states of an automation system, namely a work cell (10) comprising several workstations (40, 42), characterized by, that the visual system consists of a combination of at least one visual display (48) assigned to the work cell (10) as a whole and several visual displays (50) each assigned to individual workstations, wherein a control unit is provided which controls the visual displays (48, 50) depending on the functional states of the workstations (40, 42), wherein the visual display (48) assigned to the work cell (10) as a whole displays the functional state of the work cell (10) as a whole depending on the visual displays assigned to the individual workstations (40, 42), and wherein the visual display (50) assigned to a workstation (40, 42) displays the functional state of that workstation (40, 42), wherein each visual display (48, 50) has at least one light element which, depending on the functional state to be displayed, pulses, flashes,emits running or static light in a predetermined color and brightness, wherein the visual display (50) assigned to a workstation (40, 42) is integrated into an adapter plate (44) for illuminating the same, the adapter plate (44) forming the basis for the further assembly of the workstation (40, 42), in particular a tool or actuator. [2] Visual system according to claim 1, characterized by , that the control unit is a PLC device for a bound control system or a freely configurable controller for an unbound control system. [3] Visual system according to claim 1, characterized by that the lighting element is a light-emitting diode.

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