Quality assurance for assemblies, especially in timber construction, based on measurements of fasteners

Abstract

Manufacturing system (10) for producing an assembly (12) with at least two interconnected components (14), comprising - a control unit (28) which has access to a production data set (24) with a predetermined arrangement of fastening means (20) on the components (14) of the assembly (12) and preferably with predetermined rework options for fastening means (20) which have not been inserted as specified; - at least one fastening device (22) for introducing fastening means (20); - a measuring device (32) for checking whether all fastening means (20) have been inserted as specified; and - at least one, preferably automatic, correction tool (38; 38a; 38b; 38c) for fastening means; wherein the control unit (28) is configured to control the at least one fastening device (22), the measuring device (32) and preferably the at least one correction tool (38; 38a; 38b; 38c; 38d).

Description

Background of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a manufacturing system for producing an assembly with at least two interconnected components.

[0002] For example, in the construction of houses, assemblies are used that consist of several interconnected structural elements, especially beams and slabs. The beams can initially be connected to form a frame.

[0003] The timber frame can then be covered on one or both sides with one or more layers of panels.

[0004] The assemblies can be manufactured using automated solutions (e.g., multifunctional bridges, robots, etc.) from various materials or components (primarily beams and panels). These components can be connected to each other using various fastening materials (e.g., nails, staples, screws, screw nails, etc.).

[0005] It is common practice to drive fasteners using pneumatically driven impact elements. Due to highly inhomogeneous and varying materials, and in particular the anisotropy of wood, it can happen that the fasteners are not driven deep enough or are driven too deep. Process errors can also result in individual fasteners being missing. Furthermore, fasteners can be unintentionally deformed. All of these errors and others can compromise the stability of the assembly. Inadequately driven fasteners, in particular, can impair the further completion of the assembly, for example, by preventing panels from being placed flush.

[0006] The subsequently published DE 10 2024 112 299 describes a measuring device for determining the actual position and / or orientation of a fastening element with which a first component is joined to a second component. An evaluation unit of the measuring device can output a signal if the determined actual position and / or orientation deviates from a target position and / or orientation provided by a control unit. Object of the invention

[0007] It is an object of the invention to ensure and preferably improve the quality of assemblies consisting of several components joined together by fastening means, in particular for house construction. Description of the invention

[0008] This object is achieved according to the invention by a manufacturing plant according to claim 1 and a manufacturing plant according to claim 13. The respective subclaims specify advantageous variants or embodiments.

[0009] The invention relates to a manufacturing system for producing an assembly with at least two interconnected components.

[0010] The manufacturing facility has the following: - a control unit which has access to a manufacturing data set with a predefined arrangement of fastening elements on the components of the assembly and preferably with predefined remedial options for fastening elements which are not installed as specified; - at least one fastening device for inserting fastening materials; - a measuring device to check whether all fastening elements have been installed as specified; - at least one, preferably automatic, correction tool for fasteners.

[0011] The control unit can be located entirely or partially on the production line. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit can be implemented entirely or partially in one or more control computers located spatially separate from the other components of the production line.

[0012] The manufacturing data record can be stored in whole or in part in the control unit. Alternatively or additionally, the manufacturing data record can be stored in whole or in part on a server that can be connected to the control unit.

[0013] The fastening device is preferably an automatic fastening device. The fastening device can have a magazine for a variety of fasteners. The fastening device, or one of the fastening devices, can be a nailer, stapler, or screw driver.

[0014] With the help of the measuring device, it can be determined in particular whether the fastening means are located at their respective target positions and / or target locations or whether a fastening means is present at a target position. In particular, the measuring device can be configured to determine the actual location and / or actual position of a respective fastening means. A comparison of the actual position and / or actual location with the target position or target location can be carried out in the measuring device itself, for which purpose the measuring device can access information provided by the control unit. Alternatively, the comparison of the actual position and / or actual location with the target position or target location can be carried out in the control unit, for which purpose the control unit can access information on the actual position and / or actual location provided by the measuring device.

[0015] The correction tool enables the, preferably automatic, implementation of at least one, advantageously predefined, rework option. For this purpose, the correction tool can manipulate incorrectly inserted fasteners and / or insert additional fasteners. The correction tool can be, for example, a nail pusher or a screwing tool.

[0016] The control unit is configured to at least control the fastening device and the measuring device. The control unit causes the fastening device to insert fasteners into the relatively aligned components in the specified manner. As explained above, errors can occasionally occur in this process. Furthermore, the control unit causes the measuring device to determine the arrangement of the inserted fasteners and compare it with the specified arrangement, or the control unit itself performs the comparison based on the actual arrangement determined by the measuring device.

[0017] Advantageously, the control unit is further configured to control the correction tool to carry out a predefined corrective action in the event of an incorrectly inserted fastener. This allows even the occasional necessary rework to be carried out quickly and in the desired manner with minimal personnel input.

[0018] The manufacturing system can be maintained by upgrading the machining device described in DE 10 2024 112 299, in particular by programming the control unit and retrofitting the correction tool. For further features of the measuring device and the machining device, reference is made to DE 10 2024 112 299.

[0019] The correction tool, or at least one of the correction tools, can have a punch for (further) driving in fasteners. The punch can be used to push fasteners that are not driven deep enough, particularly nails or staples, further into the components. Preferably, the punch is moved in a controlled manner, particularly until it rests against a surface of one of the components, in order to drive the fastener flush. For this purpose, the correction tool can be positioned at a defined distance from the surface.

[0020] Preferably, a contact surface of the punch is configured to engage a surface of one of the components next to the fastener during insertion. The contact surface can project beyond a fastener transversely to the direction of movement during insertion, so that the projecting area abuts the surface of the component. This allows for flush insertion of the fastener. Upon contact of the punch with the surface, its movement can be stopped by the increasing resistance.

[0021] The correction tool, or at least one of the correction tools, can have a pressing device that can be subjected to fluid pressure, in particular with a hydraulic cylinder and / or a pneumatic cylinder. A hydraulic cylinder is particularly suitable for the path-controlled movement of a punch. A pneumatic cylinder enables the use of compressed air, which is usually available in production halls, for the power supply. This can simplify the retrofitting of the correction tool to an existing manufacturing system.

[0022] The correction tool or at least one of the correction tools can have a mechanical pressing device, in particular with a cam and / or a toggle lever mechanism. A cam can be directly applied to the fastener to drive it in further, in particular flush. A toggle lever press is suitable for the path-controlled movement of a punch. The cam and / or the toggle lever mechanism can be driven, for example, by an electric motor, hydraulically, or pneumatically.

[0023] The correction tool, or at least one of the correction tools, can comprise a cutting device, in particular with a pair of pliers, a milling cutter, and / or a scraper. The cutting device can be used to cut off parts of fastening elements that protrude beyond a surface of a component.

[0024] Preferably, the control unit is configured to create a report on the measurement results of the measuring device, in particular wherein the report records whether all fastening means have been inserted and / or improved as specified in the production data record. The report can be used to document the condition of the assembly with the components joined together by the fastening means, in particular providing evidence of proper assembly. The report can be stored as an electronic file in the control unit and / or on a server. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit can be configured to control a printer to print out the report on paper. The report - in particular stored electronically - can be read out to allow the assembly to be shipped.The report, especially if stored electronically, can be made available to a construction monitoring authority to simplify the acceptance of a building with the assembly. A printout of the report can be attached to the assembly to facilitate its inspection before installation in a building.

[0025] The components produced with the manufacturing system can be made entirely or partially of wood or a wood-based material. Gypsum materials, such as plasterboard, plastics, or metallic materials are also possible.

[0026] The arrangement of the fasteners (or, in other words, fastener elements) can be defined in a manufacturing data record of the manufacturing facility. The manufacturing data record can include a technical drawing and / or CAD data, which describes the arrangement of the components relative to each other and the arrangement of the fasteners on the components. Typically, the type of fastener is also described in the manufacturing data record, e.g., nails of a specific size should be used.

[0027] The arrangement of the fasteners includes information about the target position of the fasteners. The target position can indicate the location of a reference point of the respective fastener on the assembly. The target position describes, in particular, the location of one of the fasteners in a first of the components connected to this fastener.

[0028] The arrangement of the fastening means can also include information on the desired position of the fastening means. The position of a fastening means is understood to mean, in particular, its orientation relative to a surface of the first of the components connected to this fastening element. The position describes, in particular, the insertion depth of the fastening means. Typically, a free end of the fastening means should be flush with the surface of the component or driven slightly below the surface. The insertion depth can therefore be expressed via the position of the free or surface-side end of the fastening means relative to the surface of the component. The position can also describe an angle of an elongated section or leg of the fastening means relative to the surface. Fasteners are often intended to be driven perpendicular to the surface.

[0029] Preferably, rework options for the fasteners are also predefined in the control unit. These rework options are applied if a fastener is not inserted correctly. The rework options can be predefined generally for a number of assemblies or for different types of fasteners. Alternatively or additionally, rework options for the assembly can be specified in the production data record; in particular, general rework options can be specified in more detail.

[0030] The fasteners may be, for example, nails, staples, screw nails (which are hammered or pushed in but can be unscrewed) and / or wooden nails (i.e. nails made of wood).

[0031] Nails and staples in particular can be driven in using pneumatic devices or so-called nail pushers.

[0032] The control unit is set up to check whether all fastening elements have been inserted as specified. In particular, it is determined whether the fastening elements are in their respective target positions and / or target locations, and whether all required fastening elements are present. First, the actual position and / or actual location of a respective fastening element can be determined using a measuring device. This actual position and / or actual location can then be compared with the respective target position or target location. Permissible deviations can be predefined for the comparison. The test can be carried out after some or all of the components of the assembly have been connected. The test can advantageously also be carried out while the components are being connected, in particular after each of the fastening elements has been inserted.The latter allows for correction immediately after a fastener has been incorrectly inserted, which can improve the possibilities for correction or avoid work in the case of uncorrectable errors.

[0033] The measuring device can be the measuring device described in DE 10 2024 112 299. Accordingly, the actual positions and / or actual orientations of the fastening means can be determined using the method described in DE 10 2024 112 299 by means of the manufacturing system. The processing device described in DE 10 2024 112 299 can be upgraded to the manufacturing system of the present invention. For features of the measuring device, the processing device, and the method for determining an actual position and / or orientation of a fastening means, in particular using this measuring device, reference is made in full to DE 10 2024 112 299.

[0034] If the inspection reveals that one of the fasteners was not installed correctly, in particular, that it is not in the correct position and / or is not positioned correctly, or that it is missing entirely, the manufacturing facility will make appropriate adjustments. The adjustments will be made using at least one of the specified adjustment options. Depending on the type of defect and the fastener, different adjustment options can be applied individually or in combination.

[0035] Reworking, especially in the specified manner, can ensure that the assembly is manufactured correctly. In particular, it can ensure that the assembly has the required strength properties, which is achieved through the correctly inserted fasteners—at least after reworking. Especially with multi-layer paneling, reworking can prevent production interruptions or the production of rejects due to panels that do not lie flat.

[0036] Preferably, rework is carried out automatically. This reduces personnel requirements in production. Furthermore, automated rework can prevent errors, as an automatic control system reliably applies the specified rework option and executes it in the specified manner.

[0037] After rework, the manufacturing system can be used to check whether all reworked fasteners have been installed as specified. This allows the success of the rework measures to be monitored. If necessary, further measures can be initiated, in particular additional automatic and / or manual rework measures. If the first check is performed immediately after the installation of an individual fastener, the second check of the rework measure can be performed immediately after the respective rework process.

[0038] If, during testing of an initial, particularly automatically performed, rework, it is determined that a fastener has not been reworked as specified, a second, particularly manual, rework can be carried out. It goes without saying that several automatic rework attempts can be made before manual rework is carried out. If an automatic rework attempt fails (possibly multiple times), this may indicate that there is a particular problem that cannot be resolved using standard methods, particularly automatic ones. In these exceptional cases, appropriately qualified production personnel can intervene and carry out a suitable rework, preferably in a specified manner. The manual rework can also be checked. If this test also reveals an unacceptable deviation from the specification, the assembly can be disposed of or recycled.

[0039] If the initial or subsequent inspection determines that all fasteners have been installed correctly, no (or no further) rework is required. Production of the assembly continues if the inspection was performed before all components are secured or after all fasteners have been installed. If the inspection was performed after all components have been fully secured, the assembly is ready for further use.

[0040] Preferably, a report is created by the manufacturing facility, recording the test results. The report can be created for each of the tests. It is particularly preferred that the report is only created or released if the test shows that all fasteners were inserted and / or corrected as specified. The report can be used to document the condition of the assembly with the components joined by the fasteners. In particular, it can provide evidence of proper assembly. The report can be created as an electronic file and / or as a paper printout.

[0041] The manufacturing system is particularly designed to further drive in a fastener that has not been driven deep enough during rework. This allows the fastener to be inserted into the intended position, in particular until it is flush with the surface of one of the components. Re-driving can be performed using fluid pressure, in particular hydraulically or pneumatically. Alternatively or additionally, re-driving can be performed mechanically, in particular using a cam disk and / or a toggle lever mechanism. Screws can be screwed in deeper.

[0042] The manufacturing facility is specifically designed to cut off any section of a fastener that protrudes beyond the surface of one of the components during rework. This prevents this fastener from interfering with the attachment of further components, particularly panels. Cutting off the fastener may be particularly advisable if further driving in is not possible or permissible. Cutting off the fastener can be achieved, for example, by cutting, milling, sawing, or scraping.

[0043] The manufacturing facility is specifically designed to insert an additional fastener during rework in the vicinity of a defectively inserted fastener. This additional fastener can provide the required stability for the assembly in place of the defective fastener, for example, one that was driven too deeply and / or crookedly.

[0044] The manufacturing system is particularly configured to insert the additional fastening means preferably in the range between a specified minimum distance from the defectively inserted fastening means and a specified maximum distance from a target position. The minimum distance ensures that the faulty fastening means does not impair the holding effect of the additional fastening means. The maximum distance ensures that the required stability of the assembly is achieved by inserting the additional fastening means approximately at the intended target position. The minimum distance can be, for example, 2 cm. The maximum distance can be, for example, 5 cm.

[0045] The manufacturing facility is specifically designed to subsequently insert a missing fastener as specified during rework. The fastener is then inserted in the originally desired manner during the rework. This is particularly advisable and possible if, for example, one or more fasteners were not initially inserted due to a malfunction of a fastening device or an exhausted supply of fasteners in a magazine.

[0046] The creation of a protocol on the installation of the fasteners is considered to be a separate invention, even independently of the implementation of any subsequent remedial measures.

[0047] In this respect, the invention also relates to a manufacturing plant for producing an assembly with at least two components fastened to one another, comprising - a control unit that has access to a manufacturing data set with a predetermined arrangement of fasteners on the components of the assembly; - at least one fastening device for inserting fastening materials; - a measuring device for checking whether all fastening means have been inserted as specified; wherein the control unit is configured to control the at least one fastening device and the measuring device, and wherein the control unit is configured to create a protocol of the measurement results of the measuring device.

[0048] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description, the claims, and the drawings. According to the invention, the above-mentioned and further-described features can be used individually or in combination in any convenient way. The embodiments shown and described are not intended to be exhaustive, but rather are exemplary in nature for describing the invention. Detailed description of the invention and drawing

[0049] The invention is illustrated in the drawing and is described using exemplary embodiments. Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a manufacturing system according to the invention when connecting components of an assembly to one another within the framework of a manufacturing process; Fig. 2 shows a schematic diagram of part of a manufacturing system according to the invention with a non-contact measuring device when testing fastening means as part of a manufacturing process; Fig. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a part of a manufacturing system according to the invention with a correction tool comprising a pressure cylinder when correcting an insufficiently driven fastener within the framework of a manufacturing process; Fig. 4 shows a schematic diagram of a part of a manufacturing system according to the invention with a correction tool comprising a cam disk when correcting an insufficiently driven fastener within the framework of a manufacturing process; Fig. 5 shows a schematic diagram of a part of a manufacturing system according to the invention with a correction tool comprising a toggle press when correcting an insufficiently driven fastener within the framework of a manufacturing process; Fig. 6 shows a schematic diagram of a part of a manufacturing system according to the invention with a correction tool comprising a cutting tool and a measuring device with a probe during the execution of a manufacturing process; Fig. 7 shows a schematic flow diagram of a manufacturing process of the manufacturing plant.

[0050] Fig. 1 shows a manufacturing system 10. The manufacturing system 10 is used to produce assemblies 12 from a plurality of components 14, such as beams 16 and / or plates 18. The components 14 are fastened to one another by fastening means 20, here, for example, clamps. For this purpose, the manufacturing system 10 has at least one fastening device 22. A supply of fastening means 20 can be kept ready in a magazine 23 of the fastening device 22.

[0051] An arrangement of the components 14 and an arrangement of the fastening elements 20 is specified in a production data record 24, compare also step 102 in Fig. 7. The manufacturing data record 24 is stored here, for example, on a server 26, to which a control unit 28 of the manufacturing system 10 is connected for data exchange. In this exemplary embodiment, the manufacturing data record 24 contains, in addition to the target configuration of the components 14 and the fastening means 20, additional information on possible rework options that are provided in the event that one of the fastening means 20 is not inserted as specified (see step 104) – this will be explained in more detail below.

[0052] The control unit 28 causes the fastening device 22 to insert the fastening means 20 into the components 14 in a step 106 in the specified manner, for example, by pressing them in here. The specification can include information on positions, angles and / or insertion depths for the fastening means 20. For example, it can be provided that the clamps are to be inserted flush and with legs running perpendicular to the free surface 30 of the components 14. Furthermore, the positions (in other words, locations) on the assembly 12 for the fastening means 20 are predetermined, for example such that a respective one of the fastening means 20 is to be located at a specific point on one of the components 14.

[0053] For example, due to a malfunction of the fastening device 22, it may occasionally happen that one of the fastening means 20 is not inserted. Fig. 1, the absence of the intended fastening means 20 is indicated by a dotted line in the middle left.

[0054] Furthermore, it may happen that, for example, due to inhomogeneities in the material of the components 14, one or more of the fastening elements are not driven deep enough or too deep. Fig. 1 is shown at the bottom right as an example that a bracket protrudes beyond the surface 30 of one of the beams 16.

[0055] Likewise, it may occasionally happen that the fastening means 20 are inserted crookedly. This is Fig. 1 shown bottom left.

[0056] Incorrect positioning of fastening devices 20 may also occur in individual cases, see in Fig. 6 the left nail.

[0057] Incorrectly inserted or missing fasteners 20 can impair the stability of the assembly 10. Furthermore, protruding fasteners 20 can impair the further completion of the assembly 10, for example by preventing the flush arrangement of further components 14, in particular the placement of panels 18.

[0058] Therefore, in a step 108, a measuring device 32 of the manufacturing system 10 is used to check whether all fastening elements 20 have been inserted as specified, in particular at the specified positions, at the specified depth, and / or in the specified orientation. The check also includes determining whether any fastening elements 20 are missing.

[0059] Fig. 2 shows a non-contact measuring device 32, e.g. optical, inductive and / or capacitive. Fig. 6 shows a measuring device 32 with a spring-mounted probe element 34, the deflection of which is detected by the measuring device.

[0060] The control unit 28 causes a movement of the respective measuring device 32 relative to the assembly 10, in particular to the intended positions of the fastening means 20. The measuring devices 32 then determine whether fastening means 20 are present and, if fastening means 20 are present, their respective actual position and / or actual location on the assembly 12.

[0061] In Fig. 2 shows an example of a connection between a plate 18 and three beams 16. The fastening elements 20 used in the example of Fig. 2 nails are used.

[0062] A first fastening means 20 is not driven deep enough so that its head protrudes beyond the surface 30 of the plate 18 (in Fig. 2 on the left). A second fastener 20 is driven too deeply so that its head is located below the surface 30 (in Fig. 2 in the middle). A third fastener, on the other hand, is correctly driven in so that its head is flush with the surface 30.

[0063] If the fasteners 20 are not driven deep enough or too deep, the required stability of the assembly 12 cannot be ensured. Furthermore, the protruding fastener 20 prevents the placement of another plate (not shown in detail) on the existing plate 18.

[0064] In Fig. Figure 6 shows that a (left) fastener 20 was not inserted at the intended target position 36, but too close to the edge of the beam 18. Furthermore, this fastener 20 was not driven deep enough because it encountered an inhomogeneity 37 in the beam 16. Both the position too close to the edge and the incomplete driving impair the stability of the connection.

[0065] The errors described above are each identified by comparing the measured values of the measuring devices 32 with the information contained in the production data set regarding the desired arrangement of the fastening means 20.

[0066] Any fasteners 20 that are not inserted as prescribed, in particular those that are missing or incorrectly positioned or aligned, are corrected in a step 110. For this purpose, the corrective actions specified for the respective assembly 12 in the production data record (see step 104) are applied. For this purpose, the production system 10 has one or more correction tools 38 (see Fig. 1) which are controlled by the control unit 28 in order to automatically carry out a corrective action suitable for the respective error.

[0067] In Fig. 3 shows a first correction tool 38a for correcting the position of fasteners 20 that have not been driven deep enough. Fig. For the sake of clarity, various stages of a subsequent, further driving in of the fastening means 20 are shown side by side in Figure 3.

[0068] The correction tool 38a comprises a pressing device with a pressure cylinder 40, for example, a hydraulic cylinder, and a piston or plunger 42 extendable by fluid pressure. The plunger 42 can be moved, preferably in a controlled manner, by conveying fluid into the pressure cylinder 40. First, the correction tool 38a or its pressure cylinder 40 can be arranged above the fastening means 20 at a defined distance from the surface 30 of the first component 14 / 18. The plunger 42 is then extended until the fastening means 20 is flush with the surface 30.

[0069] A contact surface 44 of the punch 42 may be larger than the head of the fastener 20 to facilitate flush driving.

[0070] Particularly in the case of sufficiently homogeneous materials of the components 14, it is conceivable to detect contact with the surface 30 by controlling the force required to extend the punch 42. Such force-controlled driving can be performed instead of the previously described displacement-controlled driving.

[0071] Fig. 4 shows a second correction tool 38b for correcting the position of fasteners 20 that have not been driven deep enough. Fig. For the sake of clarity, various stages of a subsequent, further driving in of the fastening means 20 are shown side by side in Figure 4.

[0072] The correction tool 38b has a mechanical pressing device with a cam disk 46. An axis 48 of the cam disk 46 is arranged at a defined distance from the surface 30 of the component 14 / 18. The cam disk is then rotated about its axis 48, for example by an electric motor (not shown in detail). Due to the increasing effective radius of the cam disk 46, the initially protruding fastening means 20 is continuously driven in further. The distance of the axis 48 from the surface 30 is preferably set such that the cam disk 46 is suitable for flush driving (over the Fig. 4 (position shown on the right) without sinking the fastener 20 below the surface 30. The distance of the axis 48 from the surface 30 corresponds to the maximum effective radius of the cam disc 46. For easy countersinking of the fastener, the distance could be selected somewhat smaller, if desired in individual cases. The cam disc could also be spring-mounted to exert a defined force on the fastener (not shown in detail).

[0073] Fig. 5 shows a third correction tool 38c for correcting the position of fasteners 20 that have not been driven deep enough. Fig. For the sake of clarity, various stages of a subsequent, further driving in of the fastening means 20 are shown side by side in Figure 5.

[0074] The correction tool 38c has a mechanical pressing device with a toggle lever mechanism 50. A punch 42 is movable relative to a support point 52 via the toggle lever mechanism 50. The support point 52 can be arranged at a defined distance from the surface 30 of the component 14 / 18. The punch 52 is then moved toward the surface 30 of the component 14 / 18 by bringing the laterally opposite lever segments closer together (compare the arrows drawn in the two left-hand partial figures) until its contact surface 44 touches the surface 30. The fastening element 20 is then driven in flush with the surface 30.

[0075] In the example of Fig. 6, the left fastener 20, as already mentioned above, was inserted too close to the edge of the beam 16. Furthermore, this fastener 20 was not fully driven in.

[0076] Further driving in of this fastener 20 is not possible in this case because the inhomogeneity 36 blocks its further movement. Due to the position of the fastener 20 close to the edge, further driving in (if possible) would not ensure the required stability of the connection. The control unit 28 therefore initiates another remedial action.

[0077] First, the portion of the fastening means 20 that protrudes beyond the surface 30 of the component 14 / 18 and is arranged too close to the edge is severed using a correction tool 38d with a pliers-like cutting device 54 close to the surface 30, preferably flush with the surface 30. Instead of a pliers-like cutting device, a milling tool or a scraping blade could also be used (not shown in detail). In special cases, it is also conceivable to remove the incorrectly inserted fastening means 20, for example, by pulling it out with a pliers-like tool (also not shown in detail).

[0078] Then, another fastening means 20 (in Fig. 6 shown to the right of the faulty fastener 20). For this purpose, the control unit 28 can control the fastening device 22 accordingly.

[0079] In this case, the defective fastener 20 was not removed, but only its protruding portion was cut off. Therefore, to achieve the required stability, the additional fastener 20 must be inserted at a specified minimum distance 56 from the defective fastener 20. In this example, the minimum distance 56 is greater than a distance 58 of the defective fastener 20 from its target position. The additional fastener 20 is therefore not driven in at the target position 36, but rather slightly adjacent to it, preferably at the minimum distance 56. A greater distance is also conceivable, as long as a specified maximum distance 60 from the target position 36 is not exceeded.

[0080] In the case of the crookedly inserted fastening means 20 from Fig. 1, a further fastening means 20 can be introduced in a corresponding manner in the area between a minimum distance 58 therefrom and a maximum distance 60 from the desired position 36.

[0081] For the Fig. 1 missing fastener 20, a fastener 20 is inserted at its target position 36 during the repair.

[0082] For this purpose, the control unit 28 also controls the fastening device 22 accordingly.

[0083] The success of the remedial measures can be verified by repeating step 108 using the measuring device 32. This takes into account the fact that some fasteners 20 were inserted at new target positions that differ from the original target position. It is also conceivable that, in individual cases, fasteners 20 other than those originally intended may be used for the remedial measures.

[0084] If the remedial measures were unsuccessful, a further remedial attempt can be made (repeating step 110). This further remedial attempt can again be carried out automatically. However, it is also conceivable to have a second or later remedial attempt carried out by appropriately qualified production personnel.

[0085] If the (original or repeated) inspection in step 108 shows that all fasteners 20 were installed as specified (according to the original specification or according to the specification corrected for rework), this can be logged in a step 112. The log can also contain information on the rework measures performed.

[0086] In Fig. 6 indicates that an electronic protocol 62 is stored on the server 26. The protocol 62 could also be printed out and attached to the assembly 12.

[0087] In summary, the invention relates to the production of an assembly consisting of several components fastened to one another. A check is performed to determine whether the fastening elements have been installed as specified to connect the components. The result of the check can be recorded. If individual fastening elements are not arranged as specified, in particular if they are incorrectly positioned and / or misaligned or are missing entirely, one or more predefined corrective measures can be implemented, preferably automatically. List of reference symbols 10 Manufacturing plant 12 Assembly 14 components 16 bars 18 plate 20 fasteners 22 Fastening device 23 Magazine 24 Manufacturing data record 26 servers 28 Control unit 30 Surface 32 measuring device 34 button element 36 Target position 37 Inhomogeneity 38; 38a; 38b; 38c; 38d Correction tool 40 printing cylinders 42 stamps 44 contact surface 46 cam disc 48 Axis 50 Knee lever mechanism 52 base 54 Cutting device 56 Minimum distance 58 Distance from the target position 60 maximum distance 102 Specify an arrangement of the fasteners on the components Specify 104 of possible improvements 106 Connect 108 Check 110 Improvements 112 Logging QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2024 112 299 [0006, 0018, 0033]

Claims

[1] Manufacturing plant (10) for producing an assembly (12) with at least two interconnected components (14), comprising - a control unit (28) which has access to a production data set (24) with a predetermined arrangement of fastening means (20) on the components (14) of the assembly (12) and preferably with predetermined rework options for fastening means (20) which have not been inserted as specified; - at least one fastening device (22) for introducing fastening means (20); - a measuring device (32) for checking whether all fastening means (20) have been inserted as specified; and - at least one, preferably automatic, correction tool (38; 38a; 38b; 38c) for fastening means; wherein the control unit (28) is configured to control the at least one fastening device (22), the measuring device (32) and preferably the at least one correction tool (38; 38a; 38b; 38c; 38d). [2] Manufacturing system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the correction tool or at least one of the correction tools (38a; 38b; 38c) has a punch (42) for further driving in fastening means (20), in particular wherein a contact surface (44) of the punch (42) is adapted to come into contact with a surface (30) of one of the components (14) next to the fastening means (20) during driving in. [3] Manufacturing plant (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the correction tool (38a) or at least one of the correction tools has a pressing device which can be subjected to fluid pressure, in particular with a hydraulic cylinder and / or a pneumatic cylinder. [4] Manufacturing plant (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the correction tool (38b; 38c) or at least one of the correction tools has a mechanical pressing device, in particular with a cam disc (46) and / or a toggle lever mechanism (50). [5] Manufacturing plant (10) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the correction tool (38d) or at least one of the correction tools comprises a cutting device, in particular with a pair of pliers, a milling cutter, and / or a scraper. [6] Manufacturing system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit (28) is configured to create a protocol (62) on the measurement results of the measuring device (32), in particular wherein the protocol (62) records whether all fastening means (20) have been inserted and / or improved as specified in the production data record (24). [7] Manufacturing plant (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control unit (28) is arranged to check after the reworking whether all the reworked fastening means (20) have been inserted as specified. [8] Manufacturing plant (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control unit (28) is arranged to create a protocol (62) in which the result of the test is recorded, in particular if the test shows that all fastening means (20) were inserted and / or improved as specified. [9] Manufacturing plant (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the control unit (28) is arranged to control the manufacturing plant (10) in such a way that, during reworking, a fastening means (20) which has not been driven in deep enough is driven in further. [10] Manufacturing plant (10) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the control unit (28) is arranged to control the manufacturing plant (10) such that, during reworking, a section of a fastening means (20) projecting beyond a surface (30) of one of the components (14) is severed. [11] Manufacturing plant (10) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the control unit (28) is configured to control the manufacturing plant (10) such that, during rework, a further fastening means (20) is introduced in an environment of a defectively inserted fastening means (20), in particular in the area between a predetermined minimum distance (58) from the defectively inserted fastening means (20) and a predetermined maximum distance (60) from a desired position. [12] Manufacturing plant (10) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the control unit (28) is arranged to control the manufacturing plant (10) in such a way that, during the repair, a missing fastening means (20) is subsequently introduced as specified. [13] Manufacturing plant (10) for producing an assembly (12) with at least two interconnected components (14), comprising - a control unit (28) which has access to a manufacturing data set (24) with a predetermined arrangement of fastening means (20) on the components (14) of the assembly (12); - at least one fastening device (22) for introducing fastening means (20); and - a measuring device (32) for checking whether all fastening means (20) have been inserted as specified; wherein the control unit (28) is configured to control the at least one fastening device (22) and the measuring device (32), and wherein the control unit (28) is configured to create a protocol (62) of the measurement results of the measuring device (62).

Images