Method for operating a production line or matrix production in industrial production and mobile production transport device for transporting and providing material, equipment and workpieces in the industrial production process

Abstract

A method for operating a production line or matrix production (10) in industrial production, comprising the steps: - Provision of a production line or matrix production (10) for industrial production comprising at least one production workstation (11), a control unit (12) with a communication device (121) for sending and receiving data, a mobile driverless production transport device (1) for material, equipment and workpieces controllable by means of the communication device (121) and a modular storage device (2) comprising different modules (21) for material, equipment and workpieces for coupling to the mobile production transport device (1); - Selection of a module (21) from a selection of different modules (21) for material, equipment and workpieces; - Coupling of the selected module (21) for material, equipment and workpieces to the mobile production transport device (1); and - Provision of the module (21) for material, equipment and workpieces at the manufacturing workstation (11).

Description

[0001] The invention comprises a method for operating a production line or matrix production in industrial production. Furthermore, the invention comprises a mobile production transport device for transporting and providing materials, operating resources, and workpieces in the industrial production process.

[0002] The invention lies in the technical field of internal logistics in an industrial environment indoors, where many goods or stacked pallets and boxes with goods, as well as operating materials and workpieces are transported on movable floor rollers of automated guided vehicles (AGVs).

[0003] Known driverless transport vehicles are omnidirectional, surface-moving vehicles with two drive / steering roller units that can be driven via drive and steering units and one non-driven steering roller unit, with an object recognition system that can recognize objects such as floor rollers, trolleys or the like and, based on these, align and approach itself in a surface-moving manner and can thus pick up and transport the object / floor roller in a precise position.

[0004] These floor rollers are driven under by automated guided vehicles (AGVs), thus serving the automatic transport of goods. For this purpose, the AGVs can also completely raise the floor rollers. In this way, the AGV transports workpieces from one assembly station to the next. This enables the time-saving manufacture of products along an assembly line / production line or matrix production. In a fully automated assembly line / production line or within a fully automated matrix production system, the components are assembled exclusively by machines.

[0005] State-of-the-art AGVs comprise an undercarriage / fork unit connected to the base unit, on which a lifting table is mounted. These AGVs pick up objects such as crates of goods or stacked pallets, as well as shelving systems. The lifting table allows the picked-up object to be completely lifted out and, for example, raised to a specific height in order to set it down again at that height.

[0006] The disadvantage of known AGVs is that they can usually pick up and transport floor rollers or objects such as shelves or roll containers for storing material.

[0007] The present invention is based on the object of providing a method for operating a production line or matrix production in industrial production, which optimizes the automatic transport and provision of various operating resources, materials, and workpieces within the production process. Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a mobile production transport device for transporting and providing materials, operating resources, and workpieces in the industrial production process, which enables the variable provision of various operating resources, workpieces, and materials.

[0008] The method according to the invention is defined by the features of independent claim 1. Furthermore, the object is achieved by a mobile production transport device according to claim 10. Advantageous aspects form the subject matter of the respective subclaims.

[0009] The invention comprises a method for operating a production line or matrix production in industrial production, comprising the steps: - Providing a production line or matrix production for industrial production comprising at least one production workstation, a control unit with a communication device for sending and receiving data, a mobile driverless production transport device for material, operating resources and workpieces that can be controlled by means of the communication device, and a module storage device comprising different modules for material, operating resources and workpieces for coupling to the mobile production transport device; - Selection of a module from a selection of different modules for material, equipment and workpieces; - Coupling the selected module for material, equipment and workpieces to the mobile production transport device; and - Provision of the module for materials, resources, and / or workpieces at the production workstation. This enables the variable provision of various resources by incorporating different modules, thus allowing different materials and resources to be quickly and interchangeably provided for production.

[0010] One advantageous aspect is that the module for materials, resources, and workpieces is permanently available as a connected module at the production workstation during a complete production work order. This turns the mobile production transport device itself into a flexible resource by selecting and deploying a production work order and the module accordingly. After the production work order has been completed, the module can be stored away. This enables almost complete automation of industrial production processes, with human intervention only required in exceptional cases, thus enabling true 24 / 7 operation.

[0011] Another advantageous aspect is that the connected module for materials, resources, and workpieces at the production workstation can be swapped during a complete production work order. This variant allows the production workstation to be configured variably according to the production work order by providing different modules at one location.

[0012] According to a preferred aspect, the production line or matrix production comprises at least two production workstations, and the mobile production transport device is moved between the at least two production workstations. Thus, different modules for materials, operating resources, and workpieces can be provided at the individual production workstations. This allows the number of required modules to be reduced by reusing them.

[0013] It has proven advantageous for the mobile production transport device to connect another module for materials, equipment, and workpieces when moving between at least two production workstations. This eliminates the need for additional AGVs, which would otherwise be required to connect additional modules.

[0014] Advantageously, the mobile production transport device does not require a new module for materials, equipment, and workpieces to be connected when moving between the at least two production workstations. This allows the selected module to be made available to the individual production workstations within a very short time.

[0015] According to an advantageous aspect, the control unit, with a communication device for transmitting and receiving data according to a selection of predetermined manufacturing processes, provides control data for the mobile production transport device. This allows the manufacturing process to be almost completely digitized, and real-time data processing and visualization can be realized.

[0016] It is advantageous if the control unit, with a communication device for sending and receiving data corresponding to current data from a production process, provides control data for the mobile production transport device. This allows the process to be adapted to the current order situation.

[0017] An advantageous aspect provides that the control unit, with a communication device for sending and receiving data according to a predetermined module inventory, provides control data for the mobile production transport device. This allows for optimal utilization of individual modules for optimized processes.

[0018] The invention further encompasses a mobile production transport device for transporting and providing material, operating resources, and workpieces in the industrial production process, comprising a transport unit for moving the production transport device and a receiving unit for receiving a module for material and / or operating resources. This allows various modules to be coupled and exchanged in a variety of ways. The receiving unit can be coupled and detached, so that, depending on the module used, the receiving unit can also be switched off.

[0019] It is particularly advantageous if the module is a material transport unit, a conveyor device, an assembly device, a material supply unit, a robot unit, or a loading and unloading unit. Different operating resources can thus be flexibly exchanged, creating a kind of modular system with diverse application possibilities.

[0020] According to a preferred aspect, the mobile production transport device comprises an AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle). This allows existing AGVs to continue to be used.

[0021] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing.

[0022] They show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a matrix production in industrial production with four production workstations, which is operated with a method according to the invention; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a modular storage facility with different modules for material, operating resources and workpieces for coupling to a mobile production transport device; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a mobile production transport device according to the invention for transporting and providing material, operating resources and workpieces with a receiving unit in the disassembled state; Fig. 4 a schematic representation of a mobile production transport device according to the invention for transporting and providing material, operating resources and workpieces with a receiving unit in the assembled state; Fig. 5 a schematic representation of a mobile production transport device according to the invention with a storage rack; Fig. 6 a schematic representation of a mobile production transport device according to the invention with a roller container; Fig. 7 a schematic representation of a mobile production transport device according to the invention with a floor roller; Fig. 8 a schematic representation of a mobile production transport device according to the invention with a conveyor belt; Fig. 9 a schematic representation of a mobile production transport device according to the invention with a robot arm; Fig. 10 a schematic representation of a mobile production transport device telescopic device according to the invention; Fig. 11 a schematic representation of a mobile production transport device according to the invention with an assembly system; Fig. 12 a schematic representation of a mobile production transport device according to the invention with an assembly system; Fig. 13 a schematic representation of a mobile production transport device according to the invention with an assembly system; Fig. 14 a schematic representation of a mobile production transport device according to the invention with a loading and unloading system for exchanging tool pallets; Fig. 15 is a schematic representation of a mobile production transport device according to the invention with a lifting device; and Fig. 16 a schematic representation of a mobile production transport device according to the invention, in which the receiving unit carries a shooter shelf or an exchange shelf.

[0023] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a matrix production 10 with four production workstations 111, 112, 113, 114 in industrial production, which is operated with a method according to the invention.

[0024] The procedure includes the following steps: - Providing a production line or matrix production 10 for industrial production comprising at least one production workstation 11, a control unit 12 with a communication device 121 for sending and receiving data, a mobile driverless production transport device 1 for material, operating resources and workpieces that can be controlled by means of the communication device 121 and a module storage device 2 comprising different modules 21 for material, operating resources and workpieces for coupling to the mobile production transport device 1; - Selection of a module 21 from a selection of different modules 21 for material, equipment and workpieces; - Coupling the selected module 21 for material, equipment and workpieces to the mobile production transport device 1; and - Provision of module 21 for materials, operating resources and workpieces at production workstation 11.

[0025] It is advantageous if the modules 21 themselves have a control unit 12 with software and a communication device 121. Appropriate software updates ensure that the equipment always has the latest software version.

[0026] The production line 10 comprises at least two production workstations 111, 112, and the mobile production transport device 1 is moved between the at least two production workstations 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the production line or matrix production comprises four production workstations 111, 112, 113, 114. Production workstation 111 is a collaborative workstation. Production workstation 112 is a fully automated workstation with a robot. Production workstation 113 is a semi-automatic workstation (manual workstation). Production workstation 114 is an automated assembly station (e.g., including a test bench).

[0027] It is conceivable that the mobile production transport device 1 couples another module 21 for material, operating resources and workpieces when moving between the at least two production workstations 11.

[0028] It is also possible for the mobile production transport device 1 not to couple a new module 21 for material, operating resources and workpieces when moving between the at least two production workstations 11.

[0029] The control unit 12 with a communication device 121 for sending and receiving data provides control data for the mobile production transport device 1 according to a selection of predetermined manufacturing processes.

[0030] The control unit 12 with a communication device 121 for sending and receiving data provides control data for the mobile production transport device 1 according to current data from a production process.

[0031] The control unit 12 with a communication device 121 for sending and receiving data provides control data for the mobile production transport device 1 according to a predetermined module inventory.

[0032] In Fig. Figure 2 shows a modular storage facility 2 with various modules 21 for material, operating resources, and workpieces for coupling to a mobile production transport device 1. Examples of stored modules are described in more detail below.

[0033] In Fig. 3 shows a mobile production transport device 1 according to the invention with a receiving unit 3 in a disassembled state. This is described in connection with Fig. 4 with the receiving unit 3 in the assembled state.

[0034] Fig. 4 shows a mobile production transport device 1 for transporting and providing material, operating resources and workpieces in the industrial production process, comprising a (motor) transport unit 5 for moving the production transport device 1, a receiving unit 3 for receiving a module 21 for material and / or operating resources.

[0035] To accommodate the module 21, the receiving unit 3 has a standardized interface and is thus able to accommodate and transport modules 21 of various types or, in this way, to become a flexible operating tool itself.

[0036] The mobile production transport device 1 comprises an AGV. The receiving unit (tongue) 3 serves as a type of mechanical tow bar for the modules and can provide an electrical connection.

[0037] It is conceivable that the receiving unit 3 is flanged to the transport unit 5. Depending on the application, the receiving unit 3 has a different length.

[0038] In a first embodiment, the module 21 for material, operating resources and workpieces is permanently provided as a coupled module 21 at the production workstation 11 during a complete production work order.

[0039] Another embodiment provides that the coupled module 21 for material, operating resources and workpieces at the production workstation 11 is exchanged during a complete production work order. It is conceivable that a conveyor belt 21 is initially coupled, as in Fig. 8, which is then replaced by a robot 21.

[0040] Fig. 9 shows a mobile production transport device 1 with a robot arm.

[0041] Module 21 is a material transport unit, a conveyor device, an assembly device, a material supply unit, a robot unit, or a loading and unloading unit. A coupled robot 21 is suitable for stationary and mobile use.

[0042] In Fig. 5 shows a mobile production transport device 1 according to the invention with a shelf / shopping basket 21.

[0043] Fig. 6 shows a mobile production transport device 1 according to the invention with a rolling container 21.

[0044] In Fig. 7 shows a mobile production transport device 1 according to the invention with a transport frame with stackable boxes 21 for supplying materials to an industrial production process.

[0045] Fig. 10 shows a mobile production transport device 1 with a loading and unloading system with integrated conveyor technology 21 with a telescopic element.

[0046] The Fig. 11, Fig. 12 and Fig. 13 show a mobile production transport device 1 with an assembly system 21 with different axes of rotation for the workpieces to be assembled.

[0047] In Fig. 14 shows a mobile production transport device 1 with a loading and unloading system 21 for exchanging tool pallets.

[0048] Fig. 15 shows a mobile production transport device 1 in which the receiving unit 3 is designed as a forklift tine, so that, for example, a pallet 21 can be picked up for transporting material.

[0049] Fig.16 shows a mobile production transport device 1 in which the receiving unit 3 carries a shooter shelf or an exchange shelf.

Claims

[1] Method for operating a production line or matrix production (10) in industrial production, comprising the steps: - Providing a production line or matrix production (10) for industrial production comprising at least one production workstation (11), a control unit (12) with a communication device (121) for sending and receiving data, a mobile driverless production transport device (1) for material, operating resources and workpieces that can be controlled by means of the communication device (121), and a module storage device (2) comprising different modules (21) for material, operating resources and workpieces for coupling to the mobile production transport device (1); - Selection of a module (21) from a selection of different modules (21) for material, operating resources and workpieces; - coupling the selected module (21) for material, operating resources and workpieces to the mobile production transport device (1); and - Provision of the module (21) for material, operating resources and workpieces at the production workstation (11). [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the module (21) for material, operating resources and workpieces is permanently provided as a coupled module (21) at the production workstation (11) during a complete production work order. [3] Method according to claim 1, wherein the coupled module (21) for material, operating resources and workpieces at the production workstation (11) is exchanged during a complete production work order. [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the production line or matrix production (10) comprises at least two production workstations (111, 112, 113, 114) and the mobile production transport device (1) is moved between the at least two production workstations (11). [5] Method according to claim 4, wherein the mobile production transport device (1) couples another module (21) for material, operating resources and workpieces during the movement between the at least two production workstations (11). [6] Method according to claim 4, wherein the mobile production transport device (1) does not couple a new module (21) for material, operating resources and workpieces when moving between the at least two production workstations (11). [7] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (12) with a communication device (121) for sending and receiving data according to a selection of predetermined manufacturing processes provides control data for the mobile production transport device (1). [8] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (12) with a communication device (121) for sending and receiving data corresponding to current data from a manufacturing process provides control data for the mobile production transport device (1). [9] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (12) with a communication device (121) for sending and receiving data corresponding to a predetermined module inventory provides control data for the mobile production transport device (1). [10] Mobile production transport device (1) for transporting and providing material, operating resources and workpieces in the industrial production process, comprising a transport unit (5) for moving the production transport device (1), a receiving unit (3) for receiving a module (21) for material and / or operating resources. [11] Mobile production transport device (1) according to claim 10, wherein the module (21) is a material transport unit, a conveyor device, an assembly device, a material supply unit, a robot unit or a loading and unloading unit. [12] Mobile production transport device (1) according to claim 10 or 11, comprising an AGV.

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