Manufacturing system for applying at least one identification number to at least one component in a manufacturing process, as well as method and component

Abstract

The invention relates to a manufacturing system (1) for applying at least one identification number (ID) to at least one component (10) in a manufacturing process, which is configured to determine respective identification numbers (ID) for all components (10) and to determine their respective virtual positions on the raw product (12) and / or on the intermediate product in an electronic computing device (2), and, depending on these positions, to apply the identification numbers (ID) to the raw product (12) and / or to the intermediate product by means of an application device (3) of a production plant (6) of the manufacturing system (1) for the production of the raw product (12) and / or to the intermediate product, wherein the components (10) can be manufactured from the raw product (12) and / or on the intermediate product by means of a production plant (8) of the manufacturing system (1).Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating such a manufacturing system (1) and to a component (10) produced by such a manufacturing system (1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a manufacturing system for applying at least one identification number to at least one component in a manufacturing process according to claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating such a manufacturing system and to a component manufactured by such a manufacturing system.

[0002] In production facilities, especially press shops, components, primarily sheet metal parts, are marked with serial numbers (also known as identification numbers, code markings, or serial codes) for serialization. These serial numbers are applied during the first step of the manufacturing process on a coil line. They are primarily identification numbers or codes, usually consisting of letters and numbers, printed onto the coil or flat sheet metal. This makes each assembly, even semi-finished products, easily identifiable, for example, through laser marking.

[0003] The positioning of these identification numbers on the coil or circuit boards must be chosen so that, after the circuit boards have been formed and the components manufactured, the respective code is always located in the same position or area on each component with perfect repeatability. Furthermore, other essential boundary conditions must be considered, which complicate the positioning process. This positioning is usually carried out in a very time-consuming and costly iterative process during manufacturing or production.

[0004] The purpose of the invention is to create a manufacturing system that enables efficient, sustainable or environmentally friendly and at least partially automated serialization of components in order to enable the most reliable and informative traceability of the components possible.

[0005] This problem is solved according to the invention by a manufacturing system having the features of claim 1 and by means of a method according to the invention. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims and the description.

[0006] The manufacturing process described by way of example in the present invention, with its corresponding manufacturing process steps, is presented below. However, this is by no means binding and may vary depending on the manufacturing process, comprising fewer or a large number of manufacturing process steps. - The term "raw construction product" here refers in particular to a sheet metal coil or a semi-finished product which is manufactured and provided for the production of the components. - Various intermediate products can be manufactured from the raw building product, from which the components are later produced after a number of manufacturing process steps. - As an intermediate product, a cut coil can be provided which has been cut or separated into at least two coil parts along an elongated direction of extension. - As an intermediate product, circuit boards or sheet metal boards or a stack of circuit boards that have been cut out of the raw product can also be provided. - Drawn parts can be produced from the circuit boards by drawing these boards into a shape, for example, trough-shaped, using a drawing press. - Cut parts can be cut from the drawn parts by cutting, punching out or removing all unnecessary material from the drawn parts. - The cut parts are then used to manufacture the components as final products, although further refining manufacturing process steps may occur in between. - The component should therefore represent a finished product. In particular, the component could, for example, be a front flap produced by forming, or a front flap outer skin or front flap inner sheet metal cut from a blank of a circuit board.

[0007] This component requires a unique identifier during and / or after the manufacturing process. This is where the identification number comes into play, with a predefined positioning (location for the identification number) and dimensions (size of the identification number). The term "identification number" is used here for a standard variant; however, the terms "identification" or "ID" could also be used. Thus, an identification number can simply be an ID, which, as previously mentioned, can also be a machine-readable code, such as a QR code.

[0008] For serialization purposes, the identification, which in this invention is consistently referred to as the identification number, is to be applied to the respective raw materials and / or intermediate products (depending on the configuration of the manufacturing process). This allows various pieces of information and / or values, such as the dimensions or origin of the raw materials and / or intermediate products, and / or other properties, such as material properties and / or process or manufacturing parameters, to be recorded, and the components to be uniquely assigned accordingly. The information specified in the identification number as a code can be represented, in particular, alphanumerically or using other numbering systems or counting systems.

[0009] Thus, it is possible for the identification number to be provided by concatenating values ​​into an array, the contents of which represent specific information about the component. For example, such an identification number can be generated as an 11-digit alphanumeric array ("H125-646214-5"), where the combination of the eleven digits represents the respective information. Accordingly, it is also intended that the identification number be read by a data acquisition system that uses an algorithm to decode the identification number and thus extract the information.

[0010] Furthermore, the identification number can also contain unencrypted information that can be extracted directly from the identification number, i.e., without the application of an algorithm. A combination of encoded and unencoded or encrypted and unencrypted information within the identification number is also possible.

[0011] In particular, the beginning (the first digit or digits) of the identification number must be recognizable and readable, for example, to understand a sequence of identification numbers and to divide them into groups (e.g., all identification numbers begin with the semi-finished product supplier, therefore "H" is always the first digit, ...354H1256485617H 125364... ->...354-H1256485617-H125364...). This identification number must therefore also be clearly visible and recognizable, for example, by sensors (a detection device or an optical detection device) and the human eye.

[0012] Regarding the identification number, it is also possible to assign it a unique identifier or code number, distinguishing each component from all others. Similarly, each identification number can be assigned its own unique identifier or code number, differentiating it from all other identification numbers. This is important, for example, when at least two identification numbers are to be applied to a single component that would otherwise be indistinguishable because they are on the same component. This means that relevant information can be provided before the identification number is created and applied, information that is later necessary for component traceability and, for example, for assigning components to raw material products.

[0013] Furthermore, it is possible to initially provide only a specific first part of the identification number and, during the application process to the raw construction product and / or intermediate product, generate a second part to complete the identification number before it is applied immediately afterward. This would allow information that only becomes known immediately before application to be integrated into the identification number. For example, a timestamp or an assignment to the meter of the raw construction product on which the identification number is printed. It would also be possible to transmit the incomplete identification number to the application device and only complete it with an incremental digit during application, thus enabling the unambiguous differentiation of, for example, the respective components.

[0014] Alternatively or additionally, information can be subsequently assigned to or linked with the applied identification number. For example, an identification number or serial code can be applied without any specific logic and only later assigned / linked with relevant information from a database of the manufacturing system or even an external database. The identification number itself does not directly reveal any information. Instead, a database is accessed via a link represented by the identification number to retrieve the corresponding information.

[0015] In a particularly simple implementation, the identification number could also be merely an incremental value, used only as a unique link to information from a database, for example, as a unique key or "primary key". In one example, it is known that a unique identifier ("1m") is required for the identification number every 1 meter. Thus, an incremental encoder measures when the next meter-dependent identifier for the identification number needs to be changed. From a sample conveyor belt system, a meter of tape X is then taken in real time, and during the manufacturing process, a higher meter length, such as 1365.5 meters ("1365m"), is used to generate the identification number.In other words, these meter-dependent key figures for the identification numbers, and thus the identification numbers themselves, are provided incrementally.

[0016] Furthermore, in addition to alphanumeric formats, it is also possible to use binary codes, barcodes, QR codes, etc., for example, an endless strip of codes, especially machine-readable codes, as identification numbers, depending on the specific implementation of the invention. This means that the identification numbers do not necessarily have to contain numbers; they only need to allow for a unique assignment.

[0017] As mentioned previously, the dimensions of the identification number must also be considered, which include its length, size, shape, and other dimensional properties. For example, if the identification number has a specific length, this can affect its positioning / placement on the component.

[0018] As mentioned previously, the positioning of the identification number must be precisely determined to ensure both the desired readability and to keep it ideally intact or undamaged, or at least legible, throughout the manufacturing process. For example, if the identification number is poorly positioned, it could be pulled along during the component's drawing process, rendering it illegible and unreadable. Alternatively, it could be cut off during the cutting or die-cutting process, resulting not only in illegibility but also incompleteness. Furthermore, the unique identifier would be lost, which could have serious consequences.

[0019] In addition to applying identification numbers, it is also possible to apply other characters, shapes, classes of markings (drill and cut marks), reference marks, etc., using the application device and virtual positioning on the component. All these examples can be applied to the raw product or coils on a production line using the application device. For example, circles, lines, and shapes for analyzing forming behavior can also be applied to the raw products and / or intermediate products.

[0020] In particular, it is possible to use an application device, for example, with multiple laser beams for application, or multiple application devices with their respective laser beams operating synchronously, depending on the configuration. Furthermore, individual application devices can process the top and / or bottom of the coil. This means that identification numbers and / or other markings can be applied to the top and / or bottom using the application device. It would also be possible to arrange printing devices on the application device to print the identification numbers. When printing identification numbers, there is also the advantageous possibility of providing different colors for distinguishing between them. This differentiation can also be provided for the different tracks, so that each track has its own color (e.g., red / blue).This allows, for example, a machine operator or a person involved in the manufacturing process, or later on, to immediately identify which component it is based on its color. These colors can thus be used to trace markings, indicate the top and / or bottom of the coil, or identify the unit from which the components originated. Different printing devices can print different colors, or a single printing device can use different colors.

[0021] The invention is based on the idea of ​​applying the identification number to the raw product and / or intermediate product as early as possible in the entire manufacturing process. This enables continuous assignment of the component throughout the entire manufacturing process, regardless of the manufacturing stage or process step the component is in. For this to be effective, it is necessary to determine an advantageous positioning that prevents the identification number from being damaged, interrupted, or rendered illegible during the manufacturing process. For example, the identification number is applied to particularly flat and large areas of the component. Therefore, a positioning must be found and defined that ideally remains untouched or unprocessed during the manufacturing process.For particularly small components, this can become a particularly serious problem, as the dimensions of the identification number play an even more important role than for an identification number where the dimensions are particularly small relative to the component. Therefore, the positioning process is now designed to be simplified so that the identification number remains easily readable and detectable throughout the entire manufacturing process and afterwards.

[0022] One aspect of the invention relates to a manufacturing system for applying at least one identification number to at least one component in a manufacturing process. The manufacturing system is configured to determine respective identification numbers for all components and to determine the respective virtual positions of these identification numbers on the raw product and / or on the intermediate product in an electronic computing device. Depending on these positions, the identification numbers can be applied to the raw product and / or on the intermediate product by means of an application device of a production plant of the manufacturing system for the production of the raw product and / or the intermediate product. Finally, the components can be manufactured from the raw product and / or on the intermediate product by means of a production plant of the manufacturing system.

[0023] In other words, the manufacturing system includes, for example, a central electronic computing unit, the application device in the production plant with its own electronic computing unit if necessary, and a manufacturing plant for producing the components.

[0024] The application of the identification numbers takes place, for example, at the production facility of a semi-finished product supplier, while the production of intermediate products (e.g., cutting the blanks on coil lines) and components (on the press lines) takes place at a manufacturer. Thus, the manufacturing system encompasses the entire process from the steel producer or semi-finished product supplier to component production at the in-house manufacturer.

[0025] Furthermore, the manufacturing system has, for example, at least one detection system with a detection device or optical detection device for capturing the identification numbers, as well as one or more databases for providing data that are both linked by an identification number and applicable for uploading and downloading parameters for positioning identification numbers on raw construction products and / or intermediate products.

[0026] The manufacturing system is designed to assign unique identification numbers to all components, even if only partially, in the central electronic computer, and to subsequently extend these numbers with the application device. Furthermore, the respective virtual positions on the raw product and / or the intermediate product are determined in an electronic computer. These positions can then be transmitted to the application device or to the system's own electronic computer, for example, via the database or an intermediary ("man in between").

[0027] Depending on these positions, the identification numbers are applied to the production plant's application device for the manufacture or completion of the raw product and / or intermediate product. The production plant continuously manufactures the raw product or a coil, onto which the identification numbers are then applied "on a continuous basis" using the application device, each according to the positions for the future components. The production plant also includes a detection system with a detection device, such as an optical detection device or an incremental encoder, for the correct positioning of the identification numbers. A laser system and / or inkjet printer, for example, applies the identification numbers to the coil with the aid of the detection device.

[0028] For these positioning, relative distances between adjacent identification numbers can be determined based on the geometric dimensions of the neighboring components. This means that component-specific parameters are calculated and / or defined taking into account the geometric differences between adjacent areas of the structural product.

[0029] The identification numbers can then be used as reference marks for the respective manufacturing process steps of the intermediate products and / or components, which are also produced using the manufacturing plant. This means that the raw product, or the raw product marked with the identification numbers, is transferred to the manufacturing plant, for example, a press shop, from which the intermediate products and / or components are then manufactured. The identification numbers serve as reference points / reference marks for calibrations, referencing, or other process steps during the manufacturing of the components. The manufacturing plant also includes a detection system with a detection device or optical detection device for capturing the identification numbers and for calibrating or referencing the tools or the production plant. Alternatively, orAdditionally, reference marks may have been applied, which can also be used for referencing or calibration.

[0030] Further configurations and integrations of additional components are also possible.

[0031] The manufacturing system is configured to assign a unique identifier or identification number to at least one component and to virtually string these identifiers or identification numbers together in a sequence, maintaining a predetermined relative distance between successive identifiers or identification numbers. Subsequently, the manufacturing system is configured to apply this virtual sequence as an actual track of identification numbers to at least one raw product and / or at least one intermediate product using an application device of the manufacturing system. That is, the sequence is first virtually generated, and then the actual application of the track is carried out.

[0032] The manufacturing system includes an electronic computing device for providing identification numbers or other identifications, for virtually positioning identification numbers on virtual components, and for capturing position parameters / information, which enables the actual application of the identification numbers.

[0033] For this application process, the manufacturing system includes the application device, which manually, semi-automatically, or fully automatically captures and processes all the information required for the precise application of identification numbers. In particular, the electronic computing unit and the application device can be coupled together, or the electronic computing unit can be integrated into the application device. Furthermore, individual application devices can process the top and / or bottom of the coil. This means that identification numbers and / or other markings can be applied to the top and / or bottom of the coil using the application device. When printing identification numbers using a corresponding printing device within the application device, there is also the advantageous option of using different colors to distinguish between identification numbers.

[0034] Furthermore, the manufacturing system includes production facilities for coils, which are designed to carry out the manufacturing process steps depending on the identification number and / or depending on reference marks or references or the identification numbers as reference marks.

[0035] The production plant for manufacturing a coil or for applying identification numbers to the coil, on which the identification numbers or identifiers and, if applicable, reference marks are to be applied or printed in a predetermined arrangement, thus comprises at least the application device and preferably a corresponding electronic computing device for controlling the application device. This electronic computing device arranged on the production plant can also be configured to perform possible virtual representations, adjustments, and / or simulations in order to display and adjust the respective identification numbers on the virtual components.Alternatively, a simpler electronic computing device could be used, designed solely to process position information or similar data and transmit it to the application device, or to control it. Accordingly, the manufacturing system would need to include, in addition to the production plant, at least one further, preferably central, electronic computing device that performs these virtual tasks and has the necessary processor, performance, hardware, and software resources.

[0036] The relationship between this high-performance electronic computing device and the production plant within the manufacturing system can be designed in such a way that a physical and / or spatial separation of the two components is intended.

[0037] The production facility, located at the supplier's site, for example, handles the direct production of the coils. This facility is designed to apply identification numbers and, if applicable, reference marks to the coils according to the customer's specifications. Various application methods can be used to transfer or apply the required information to the coils.

[0038] The other (central) electronic computing unit, however, is located at the customer's site. Its main task is to generate, manage, and, if necessary, adjust the identification numbers and / or the positional data associated with those identification numbers. This electronic computing unit allows for flexible handling of the identification and positioning data and can also be used, for example, for inventory management or product traceability. Communication between the computing unit and the production plant takes place via a data transmission connection (wireless / internet) or manually through an intermediary, enabling the transmission of the necessary information for coil marking.

[0039] This division of tasks between supplier and customer enables a clear structuring of the manufacturing process. The supplier focuses on the physical production of the coils, while the customer retains control over the identification numbers and their relative position data, as well as any reference marks, and can adjust these according to specifications and transmit them to the supplier for application of the identification numbers.

[0040] Furthermore, the manufacturing system also includes, for example, a data acquisition device, which is located, for instance, at the production plant. This device serves to capture the identification number and / or the reference marks that are applicable to the manufacturing process steps.

[0041] The identification number can also be read from the raw product or coil by the internal electronic computing device or by another electronic computing device, for example, in the production plant in combination with the detection device, such as an optical detection device. Additionally, the information contained in and / or linked to the identification number can be verified by retrieving it from a database or by storing or linking further information about this identification number in the database.

[0042] The positioning of the identification number on the component is based on positioning specifications that are stored, for example, in or fed into an external electronic computing device. Initial position parameters on the component relative to a reference point can therefore be virtually determined. This allows for the determination of corresponding second position parameters on the raw product and / or the intermediate product, for example, by means of a feasible backward simulation of the component's manufacturing process up to the raw product and / or the intermediate product. The positioning of the identification number on the raw product and / or the intermediate product is then determined based on these second position parameters.In other words, a reverse simulation of the components is preferably carried out to determine the respective position parameters of the identification numbers and their relative distances to each other on the raw product.

[0043] The second position parameters can then be transmitted to the application device (or the internal electronic computing unit) of the manufacturing system to apply the identification number to the raw product and / or the intermediate product. This transmission can be automated directly via the electronic computing unit or performed by a skilled worker (as a "man in between"), an external entity, or derived from a database. The manufacturing system also includes, for example, a display device (e.g., on the production line, the electronic computing unit, or the application device) with a corresponding user interface and software to virtually display the simulation results and the positioning process of the identification number, as well as to enable manual adjustments, particularly by a user.Furthermore, the manufacturing system also includes, for example, communication modules for data transmission for wired and / or wireless communications and / or for remote data transmission between all components.

[0044] The production plant may also include a holding device designed to hold the raw materials and / or intermediate products relative to a reference point during the application process. The application device may either include the holding device or be coupled to it to enable holding and application relative to the same reference point.

[0045] This holding device is used to precisely position or place identification numbers and / or reference marks on raw or intermediate products. The alignment provided by the holding device allows the application device to operate efficiently and apply the identification numbers exactly where they are needed. In particular, it is possible to apply the identification numbers or codes, for example, in a rolling mill or coil line while the production line is moving. This is made possible by the continuous movement of the raw product or coil as it is moved through the production line.

[0046] In a production plant, such as a rolling mill or coil line, the application device can be configured to apply identification numbers or codes precisely and quickly to the surface of the moving coils or raw product. The application device can be synchronized with the coil's movement to ensure that the markings are placed exactly where desired. In other words, the movement and positioning of the coil during the application of the identification numbers or codes is facilitated by the holding device. This holding device is therefore designed to guide the coil stably as it moves through the manufacturing or production plant.

[0047] Other possible features of the manufacturing system include data storage, input and output devices, and warning devices for sending warning signals to an environment or to a user in the event of a possible emergency.

[0048] Finally, the manufacturing system includes a production facility designed to manufacture components as finished products from the raw material and / or intermediate product. The production of these components is carried out in particular depending on the applied identification numbers and / or reference marks.

[0049] This means that the manufacturing plant is now equipped to produce the intermediate products and / or components step by step, using in particular the identification numbers and / or reference marks as a reference point for manufacturing process steps such as blanking, cutting, and drawing. These reference marks are applied along the longitudinal axis of the raw product during its production and can be used by the manufacturing plant to perform precise steps in the production of the intermediate products and / or components as the final products.

[0050] However, reference marks are not the only marks or reference points that the manufacturing system can use for orientation. It is also possible to use identification numbers, their dimensions, or imprints on the application surface and any points contained therein as reference points. This eliminates the need for constant recalibration of the raw product; instead, it only requires recording the reference marks or identification numbers and calibrating and / or referencing the tool and / or manufacturing process step relative to them.

[0051] The use of reference marks on the raw product or coil enables the calibration and / or referencing of manufacturing process steps, such as cutting the sheets or blanks from the coil into intermediate products and / or components. By capturing the reference marks with a detection device, particularly an optical detection device on the production line, highly precise positioning information can be obtained, which is used for the calibration and / or referencing and alignment of the machines. These reference marks serve as reference points for various manufacturing process steps to ensure that the processing or handling of the material is accurate. Furthermore, the use of reference marks allows deviations in positioning to be detected and corrected.Furthermore, the identification number can be used as a reference mark, from which all other positions of all other identification numbers can be calculated. After the identification number is applied, all further processing steps, such as cutting or machining, are carried out according to the determined positions. From a technical perspective, the identification number is thus used as a central component or marker that enables the recording of information and, through its precise positioning, allows for the accurate processing of the raw product down to the individual components.

[0052] The manufacturing system therefore preferably works as follows: In the external electronic computing device, a component is virtually represented. The positioning of the identification number for this component is determined. Subsequently, the positioning of the next identification number for the next component on a virtual raw product is determined, taking into account at least some manufacturing process steps. This determines the initial position and the distances between the identification numbers of adjacent components on this raw product or coil.

[0053] This information is transmitted to the production plant for manufacturing the coil or raw product. The first identification number is then applied to the raw product / coil using the application and holding devices, according to the previously determined position. Using the now-known spacing for positioning the second identification number, this can also be done. This process can be repeated along the length of the coil / raw product as the coil is manufactured. Reference marks or other markings can also be applied.

[0054] It is also possible to define multiple tracks of consecutively applied identification numbers on the raw product and / or the intermediate product, for example, using an electronic computing device. In this case, it is intended that in addition to the single track, another track, or even multiple tracks, are applied to the raw product and / or the intermediate product. In particular, the application method, and thus the application of the track, is possible multiple times. A large number of tracks can be applied, for example, one above the other or relative to a specific reference point. This flexible arrangement, or rather, this flexible application method, allows various pieces of information to be displayed on the raw product and / or intermediate product without impairing readability.For example, multiple identification numbers or other markings can be applied at different levels, positions, or on different tracks to provide additional detail. Specifically, several components from different production tracks can be created from a raw material and / or an intermediate product, with at least one track of identification numbers being applied to each production track. This allows components to be assigned to their specific production tracks. Therefore, at least one track with identification numbers should be applied to each production track. For this to work, defined areas would need to be established where the respective corresponding identification numbers can be applied.

[0055] The identification numbers that are applied do not need to be known from the outset, but can be redefined during the manufacturing process of the coil / raw product. Finally, the finished raw product, bearing identification numbers and / or reference marks, is handed over to the manufacturing plant. This plant uses the identification numbers and reference marks to enable the calibration and / or referencing of all necessary tools and / or process parameters.

[0056] The end result is a cut, drawn part, a component and thus a finished product, bearing an identification number. This number was applied to the raw product and remained unaffected, legible, and machine-readable throughout the entire manufacturing process, allowing it to be easily detected, for example, by an optical scanning device. This identification number can either contain all the necessary information or serve as a link to a database where further information about the component is stored or can be added later in the component's lifecycle.

[0057] In summary, a manufacturing system is proposed that processes the raw materials into the finished component as the end product. This enables particularly resource-efficient, effective, and reliable traceability of the components and all process steps through the applied identification numbers. The components / end products themselves can, in fact, only be further intermediate products that are joined with other components in a later process step, for example, welded together to form a finished car body.

[0058] A further second aspect of the invention relates to a method for operating a manufacturing system according to the first aspect, in which all process steps can be carried out chronologically or non-chronologically. In the method for operating the manufacturing system for applying at least one identification number to at least one component in a manufacturing process, it is provided that respective identification numbers are determined for all components and respective virtual positions on the raw product and / or on the intermediate product are determined in an electronic computing device.Depending on these positioning, the identification numbers are applied to the raw product and / or the intermediate product by means of an application device of a production plant within the manufacturing system for the production of the raw product and / or the intermediate product, whereby the components are manufactured from the raw product and / or on the intermediate product by means of a production plant within the manufacturing system. Furthermore, a method for positioning identification numbers with the same process steps is also possible, whereby the positioning is achieved, but the application is not mandatory.

[0059] Another aspect of the invention relates to a component manufactured using a manufacturing system according to the first aspect and / or manufactured using a method according to the second aspect, with or without all possible embodiments mentioned.

[0060] Further features of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the figures, and the description of the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown in the figures alone, are not only usable in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own.

[0061] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to a preferred embodiment and the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1 A pictorial diagram illustrating a manufacturing system for applying at least one identification number to at least one component in a manufacturing process with a multitude of manufacturing process steps.

[0062] In the figure, identical and functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0063] Fig. Figure 1 shows a diagram illustrating a manufacturing system 1 for applying at least one identification number (ID) to at least one component 10 in a manufacturing process with a plurality of manufacturing process steps. The manufacturing system 1 comprises at least one central electronic computing unit 2, an application device 3 in a production plant 6, and a manufacturing plant 8 for producing the components 10.

[0064] The production plant 8 comprises various production devices 8a, 8b, and 8c, by which the raw product 12 is first cut into blanks 13 by the first production device 8a. The blanks 13 are then drawn into drawn parts 13a and 13b by the second production device 8b. There is a spatial and temporal separation between the process steps and production devices 8a and 8b. For example, the stacks of blanks remain in storage for several months before being further processed into components 8b and 8c. The drawn parts 13a and 13b are then cut into sections 14 by the third production device 8c, which either already represent the components 10 or can be further refined to form the components 10.

[0065] Manufacturing system 1 is configured to determine the respective identification numbers (ID) and positions for all components 10 and to provide this information to the application device 3. This information can then be transmitted to the application device 3, for example, electronically and automatically or via an intermediary ("man in between").

[0066] Depending on these positions, the identification numbers (ID) are applied by means of the application device 3 of the production plant 6. The production plant 6 continuously manufactures a raw product 12 or a coil, onto which the identification numbers (ID) are then applied "on the assembly line" using the application device 3.

[0067] The labeled, finished raw product 12 is transferred from production plant 6 to manufacturing plant 8. Production plant 6 and manufacturing plant 8 can be spatially separated and, for example, operated by different companies. Manufacturing plant 8 processes the raw product 12, or coil, through several manufacturing steps, which can also be spatially and temporally separated or decoupled, to produce the components 10, the final products. The identification numbers (IDs) remain unaffected or at least legible and / or machine-readable and visible. They also serve, for example, as reference marks for the respective manufacturing process steps of the components 10. This means that the raw product 12, marked with the identification numbers (IDs), is transferred to manufacturing plant 8, for example, a press shop, from which the components 10 are then manufactured.The identification numbers ID can therefore be used as reference points for calibrations and / or referencing or other process steps during the manufacture of the components 10.

[0068] Furthermore, it is also possible that relative distances between adjacent identification numbers ID can be determined for the positioning depending on the geometric sizes of the adjacent components 10.

[0069] Furthermore, it is possible to apply virtually positioned reference marks such as lines, markings or other geometric symbols to the raw product 12 and / or to the intermediate product using the application device 3.

[0070] It is also possible to use the identification numbers ID by means of the manufacturing plant 8 as the reference marks for the respective manufacturing process steps of the respective components 10.

[0071] For example, a reverse simulation implemented by the electronic computing device 2 could be used for the virtual positioning of the respective components 10.

[0072] In order to provide particularly advantageous intercommunication between the main components, the electronic computing unit 2, the production plant 6 and the manufacturing plant 8, for example, have wireless communication, which is extended, for example, via the Internet or via other telecommunications networks.

[0073] It would be advantageous to have a data storage system from which data, particularly concerning the raw materials 12, intermediate products 13, and / or components 10, can be retrieved and / or stored by the electronic computer 2 and / or the production plant 6 and / or the manufacturing plant 8. This means that data, including data on the components 10 and data that may be linked to the respective identification numbers (IDs), are made available in the data storage system. This allows the manufacturing plant 8 and the production plant 6 to retrieve data from the data storage system, and data can be retrieved from the electronic computer 2. For example, a user can enter data into the electronic computer 2, which is then transmitted to the data storage system and made available to the manufacturing plant 8 and the production plant 6.For example, such a data storage system could be designed as a cloud with a corresponding backend.

[0074] Production plant 6 and / or manufacturing plant 8 may each include a data acquisition system for capturing the identification numbers (IDs). Such a data acquisition system for production plant 6 comprises at least one acquisition device, for example, an optical scanning device, by means of which the identification numbers (IDs) can be captured, as well as the raw product itself, on which the identification numbers (IDs) are applied. Such a data acquisition system for manufacturing plant 8 comprises at least one acquisition device, for example, an optical scanning device, by means of which the identification numbers (IDs) and / or reference marks can be captured, as well as the raw product itself, in order to orient or adjust the respective tools, manufacturing parameters, and / or holding devices and / or other components relative to the identification number (ID) or relative to reference marks.

[0075] Furthermore, it is possible to virtually define areas into which the identification numbers (IDs) can be applied. These areas have dimensions in width, length, and height, within which the identification number can be fully applied, particularly with a certain tolerance. The defined areas can also be used as reference markers for the respective manufacturing process steps of the respective components (10) by means of the manufacturing system (8).

[0076] The application device 3 can be configured to apply an endless strip of identification numbers ID (a sequence of identification numbers ID) such that at least one identification number ID can be applied to one of the areas. Thus, it is provided that such an area is defined for each component 10 and that the endless strip is pulled through at the same height by means of the application device 3, whereby at least one identification number falls completely within the area. Reference symbol list 1 Manufacturing system 2 electronic computing devices 3. Application device 6 Production plant 8 Production plant 8a Manufacturing device 8b Manufacturing device 8c Manufacturing device 10 components 12 Shell construction product 13a, 13b Drawn parts, intermediate products 14 cut pieces, intermediate products ID Identification number

Claims

[1] Manufacturing system (1) for applying at least one identification number (ID) to at least one component (10) in a manufacturing process, which is designed to determine respective identification numbers (ID) for all components (10) and to determine respective virtual positioning on the bodyshell product (12) and / or on the intermediate product in an electronic computing device (2), and depending on these positionings, to apply the identification numbers (ID) to the bodyshell product (12) and / or to the intermediate product by means of an application device (3) of a production plant (6) of the manufacturing system (1) for producing the bodyshell product (12) and / or to the intermediate product, wherein the components (10) can be produced from the bodyshell product (12) and / or on the intermediate product by means of a manufacturing plant (8) of the manufacturing system (1). [2] Manufacturing system (1) according to claim 1, characterized bythat for the positioning, relative distances between adjacent identification numbers (ID) can be determined depending on geometric sizes of the adjacent components (10). [3] Manufacturing system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that virtually positioned reference symbols can be applied to the bodyshell product (12) and / or to the intermediate product by means of the application device (3). [4] Manufacturing system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one reference symbol is applicable for calibrations, referencing and / or other process steps during the manufacture of the components (10). [5] Manufacturing system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the identification numbers (ID) can be used by the manufacturing plant (8) as reference symbols for respective manufacturing process steps of the respective components (10). [6] Manufacturing system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a backward simulation implemented by the electronic computing device (2) for the respective components (10) can be used for the virtual positioning. [7] Manufacturing system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the electronic computing device (2), the production plant (6) and the manufacturing plant (8) have wireless communication. [8] Manufacturing system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a data memory is provided from which data, in particular about the components, can be acquired and / or in which data can be stored by means of the electronic computing device (2) and / or by means of the production plant (6) and / or by means of the manufacturing plant (8). [9] Manufacturing system (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterized bythat the production plant (6) and / or the manufacturing plant (8) each comprise a recording system for recording the identification numbers (ID). [10] Manufacturing system (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterized by that defined areas in which the identification numbers (ID) can be applied can be virtually determined. [11] Manufacturing system (1) according to claim 9, characterized by that the defined areas can be used by means of the manufacturing plant (8) as reference symbols for respective manufacturing process steps of the respective components (10). [12] Manufacturing system (1) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized by that the application device (3) is designed to apply an endless band of identification numbers (ID) in such a way that at least one identification number (ID) can be applied in one of the areas. [13] Method for operating a manufacturing system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, in which at least one identification number (ID) is applied to at least one component (10) in a manufacturing process, wherein respective identification numbers (ID) are determined for all components (10) and respective virtual positioning on the bodyshell product (12) and / or on the intermediate product is determined in an electronic computing device (2), and depending on these positionings, the identification numbers (ID) are applied to the bodyshell product (12) and / or to the intermediate product by means of an application device (3) of a production plant (6) of the manufacturing system (1) for producing the bodyshell product (12) and / or to the intermediate product, wherein the components (10) are manufactured from the bodyshell product (12) and / or on the intermediate product by means of a manufacturing plant (8) of the manufacturing system (1). [14] Component (10) manufactured by means of a manufacturing system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12.

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