HIGH-OUTPUT RATE MANUFACTURING CELL

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a manufacturing cell with at least one machining station comprising a support device and a movable tool unit, and with a workpiece transport device comprising a transport track, wherein the workpiece transport device comprises at least one track-bound workpiece carriage and wherein the workpiece transport device has a return track.

[0002] Such a manufacturing cell is known from DE 10 2017 012 077 A1. This cell comprises two machining robots that simultaneously machine a workpiece.

[0003] EP 3 315 270 A1 A1, on which the preamble of claim 1 is based, proposes, in order to increase the productivity of a manufacturing cell, a redundant design of the tool units at the single machining station as well as the temporal overlap of the conveying operations of the workpieces at this machining station.

[0004] EP 1 759 808 A1 discloses a flexible manufacturing cell with a movable workpiece table and movable machining robots. Both machining robots process the workpiece at a single workpiece position.

[0005] The present invention is based on the problem of increasing the productivity of a highly flexible manufacturing cell.

[0006] This problem is solved by the features of the main claim. The manufacturing cell comprises at least one second machining station, each with a second support device and a second movable tool unit. The first and second machining stations are arranged in series in the material flow. Furthermore, the transport track rigidly couples the first and second machining stations. The manufacturing cell has a longitudinally oriented rail support structure on which a guide rail, the transport track, and the return track are arranged, and on which the support devices are mounted. Each support device has at least one clamping unit that is movable perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The clamping unit has two stop bars oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and parallel to the guide rail, which define the side of the clamping unit facing the transport rail and form part of an adhesion area.In addition, a large number of extendable suction cups are arranged in the holding area.

[0007] The manufacturing cell has at least two processing stations arranged in series within the material flow. A shared transport track connects both processing stations. This allows two or more workpieces to be processed simultaneously, depending on the number of processing stations. In multi-stage production, for example, different processing steps can be performed at the individual processing stations, e.g., sequentially. At each processing station, order-specific processing operations can be carried out on the individual workpieces. The workpiece processed at one processing station is then conveyed, for example, at a controlled pace, to the next processing station, where the subsequent processing steps take place.

[0008] It is also conceivable to completely process a workpiece in a single processing station or to skip one or more processing stations in the material flow for the individual workpiece.

[0009] For example, a workpiece that requires a long machining time can be reintroduced into the material flow using a workpiece return system. Subsequently, further workpiece-specific machining operations can be performed on this workpiece.

[0010] Further details of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and the following description of schematically illustrated embodiments. Figure 1: Isometric view of a manufacturing cell; Figure 2: Front view of a manufacturing cell without a robot; Figure 3: Cross-section of the manufacturing cell in the area of ​​the support device; Figure 4: Workpiece trolley; Figure 5: Rear view of the manufacturing cell without a robot; Figure 6: Example of workpiece removal; Figure 7: View of a manufacturing cell with workpiece circulation; Figure 8: Isometric representation of the Figure 7 without robots; Figure 9: Isometric partial rear view of the manufacturing cell made of Figure 8 Figure 10: Detail of the Figure 9 .

[0011] The Figures 1 to 5Figure 1 shows a manufacturing cell (10) and its individual components. The manufacturing cell (10) is, for example, part of a flexible manufacturing system. In the flexible manufacturing system, workpieces (111, 112) are fed to various, unlinked stations for multi-stage processing. After completion of a machining operation, the individual workpiece (111; 112) is conveyed to the next manufacturing cell (10) or manufacturing station, depending on the sequence and type of machining operations required for the workpiece. However, complete machining of a workpiece (111; 112) can also be carried out in a single manufacturing cell (10). The individual machining operation can, for example, be forming, cutting, and / or joining.

[0012] The workpieces (111, 112) processed in the illustrated manufacturing cell (10) are plate- or board-like. The material of the workpiece (111, 112) can be wood, metal, a composite material, glass, plastic, etc. It can have a constant cross-section along its longitudinal length (15). However, it is also conceivable to use, for example, a pre-machined workpiece, an already assembled sub-assembly, etc., as the workpiece (111, 112). In the following, the manufacturing cell (10) with a wooden panel as the workpiece (111; 112) is described. This panel (111; 112) has, for example, a length of three meters, a width of 600 millimeters, and a thickness of 25 millimeters.

[0013] The illustrated manufacturing cell (10) comprises a first machining station (40), a second machining station (60), and a workpiece transport device (80). The two machining stations (40, 60) are connected in series in the material flow. A workpiece (111; 112) can be conveyed from a loading area (31) to the first machining station (40), to the second machining station (60), and to a removal area (101) by means of the workpiece transport device (80). For this purpose, the workpiece (111; 112) is placed in track-bound workpiece carriages (91) of the workpiece transport device (80), which convey the workpiece (111; 112) through the manufacturing cell (10). The manufacturing cell (10) can also have more than two machining stations (40, 60).

[0014] The production cell (10) has a longitudinally oriented (15) rail support body (11) on which a guide rail (12), a transport track (81), and a return track (82) are arranged. In the exemplary embodiment, the rail support body (11) is a structure made of steel sheets. It has two longitudinal beams (13) which are connected by means of a plurality of transverse plates (14). A first longitudinal web (17) arranged on the transverse plates (14) supports the transport track (81). The return track (82) is arranged on a second longitudinal web (18). The two longitudinal webs (17, 18) are arranged parallel to each other on the opposite longitudinal sides of the rail support body (11).

[0015] Both the transport track (81) and the return track (82) are longitudinally oriented (15) straight rails (81; 82) for recirculating ball bearings (92). They have an identical cross-sectional profile. A rack (19) and electrical conductors (21) are arranged below the longitudinal webs (17, 18) of each rail. Turntables (22, 23) are arranged at both ends of the rail support body (11) for transferring the workpiece carriages (91) from the transport rail (81) to the return rail (82) and vice versa. Instead of the turntables (22, 23), parallel displacement of the workpiece carriages (91) between the support rails (81, 82) is also conceivable. A continuous rail (81; 82) is also conceivable with appropriate design of the rail bearings for the workpiece carriages (91).

[0016] The guide grid (12) is, for example, arranged at an angle of 10 degrees to a vertical plane. It can also be arranged vertically. The guide grid (12) maintains a constant distance from the transport rail (81). In the longitudinal direction (15), it is interrupted in the area of ​​two support devices (41, 61). For example, it limits the working area of ​​the processing stations (40, 60) in a transverse direction (16).

[0017] The individual workpiece carriages (91) are identical to one another. Each has a ball bearing shoe (92) that engages the respective support rail (81; 82). Below the support rail (81; 82), the workpiece carriages (91) each have a motor-driven drive pinion (93) that meshes with the rack (19). For power supply, the workpiece carriage (91) has, for example, sliding contacts (94) that contact the electrical conductors (21). The workpiece carriages (91) are self-propelled.

[0018] Above the support rail (81; 82), the individual workpiece carriage (91) has a workpiece holder (95). The workpiece holder (95) is a straight groove into which a workpiece (111; 112) can be inserted. The individual workpiece (111; 112) can be secured in the workpiece holder (95), for example, by means of a clamping device (96).

[0019] A measuring station (24) is also arranged on the rail support body (11). When the workpiece carriage (91) loaded with a workpiece (111; 112) is moved, the length of a workpiece (111; 112) to be processed is determined, for example, by means of a light barrier and the position or speed signal of the workpiece carriage (91). Workpiece release can also take place at the measuring station (24).

[0020] Each individual processing station (40; 60) comprises a support device (41; 61) arranged on the rail support body (11) and a processing robot (51; 71). The individual support device (41; 61) has a frame (42) and a cross slide (43). In the exemplary embodiment, the frame (42) is attached to the rail support body (11). For example, it is welded to it.

[0021] The cross slide (43) is mounted on the frame (42). In the exemplary embodiment, it is guided along guide rails (45) on the frame by means of recirculating ball bearings (44). These guide rails (45) are guided in the transverse direction (16). The cross slide (43) carries a fixing unit (46). This unit can be moved by means of the cross slide (43) between a ready position, in which the cross slide (43) is, for example, in an end-of-operation position, into a working position (47) and back. In the working position (47), see Figure 46. Figure 3The clamping unit (46) rests flat against the workpiece (111; 112). Instead of a cross slide (43), the support device (41; 61) can also have a non-rotating articulated quadrilateral, e.g. a parallelogram, a swivel arm, etc., for moving the clamping unit (46) between the ready position and the working position (47).

[0022] The fixing unit (46) has, for example, two stop bars (48) oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (15) and parallel to the guide grid (12). These limit the side of the fixing unit (46) facing the transport rail (81). The two stop bars (48) are part of an adhesive area (62). In this adhesive area (62), a plurality of, for example, extendable suction cups (49) are arranged in the exemplary embodiment. The suction cups (49) can all be moved together, row by row, or individually. When all suction cups (49) are retracted or when all suction cups (49) are extended, their outer contour is, for example, a plane.

[0023] The suction cups (49) are pneumatically connected, for example, to a pump that reduces the applied pressure, so that in the working position (47) of the clamping unit (46), the pressure between the individual suction cup (49) and the workpiece (111; 112) is lower than the ambient pressure. A workpiece (111; 112) resting against the stop bars (48) is attracted and fixed. To release the workpiece (111; 112), for example, after machining, the pressure in the suction cups (49) is increased, for example, to the ambient pressure.

[0024] Instead of suction cups (49), electromagnets can be used, for example, when processing magnetizable materials. These are energized to hold the workpiece (111; 112). To release the workpiece (111; 112) from the clamping unit (46), the electromagnets are switched off.

[0025] The individual machining robot (51; 71) stands on a base (52) on the hall floor. It carries a tool unit (53; 73) that can be swivelled and moved along multiple axes relative to the transport rail (81). The individual tool unit (53; 73) has several driven tools (54; 74). These are, for example, milling, drilling, and sawing tools. The tool unit (53) of the first machining robot (51) can have different tools (54) than the tool unit (73) of the second machining robot (71). The kinematics of the machining robots (51; 71) can also be configured differently.

[0026] In the presentation of the Figure 1The manufacturing cell (10) includes a workpiece loading system (120). The individual workpiece (111; 112) is provided, for example, in a stack magazine (121). The individual workpiece (111; 112) lies, for example, flat on the stack of workpieces (111; 112) to be processed. It is also conceivable that the workpieces (111; 112) to be processed are positioned vertically in the magazine. In the exemplary embodiment, the stack magazine (121) is mounted on a frame (122). This frame can be fixed on the factory floor or be portable. It is also conceivable to provide the workpieces (111; 112) on a transport cart.

[0027] Next to the stacking magazine (121) and the rail support body (11), a loading robot (123) stands on the hall floor. The loading robot (123) has a workpiece gripping device (124). This device is designed to swivel and move relative to the transport rail (81). The workpiece gripping device (124) can grip the workpiece (111; 112) to be processed pneumatically and / or mechanically. For example, before or during gripping, two reference edges of the workpiece (111; 112) are determined. This can be done optically and / or by means of a mechanical system.

[0028] The one in Figure 1The illustrated manufacturing cell (10) also has a workpiece removal device (130). In the exemplary embodiment, this includes a removal robot (131). The removal robot (131) is constructed similarly to the loading robot (123). The workpieces (111; 112) processed in the manufacturing cell (10) are removed from the work area by means of the removal robot (131) and placed, for example, on a stack (133). To grip the workpiece (111; 112), the removal robot (131) has, for example, a gripping device (132), such as a two-jaw parallel gripper. This gripper has, for example, two steel jaws with plastic inserts, each with a stroke of 13 millimeters. The closing force is, for example, 1920 Newtons.

[0029] The uppermost workpiece (111; 112) prepared for processing in the stack magazine (121) is picked up by means of the workpiece gripper (124) of the loading robot (123). The workpiece (111; 112) is swivelled at least on two axes and inserted in the insertion area (31) at a predetermined angle to a vertical plane into, for example, two waiting workpiece carriages (91).

[0030] It is also conceivable to convey the workpieces (111; 112) to be processed individually or in small batches into the receiving area of ​​the loading robot (123) in a timed manner. This allows the coupling of the production cell (10) with the preceding production stations in the material flow to be influenced. The production cell (10) can also be connected to a preceding production station by means of rails. The workpieces (111; 112) can then, for example, already be conveyed to the production cell (10) on workpiece trolleys (91).

[0031] After being inserted into the workpiece holders (95), the workpiece (111; 112) is secured, for example, by automatically actuating the clamping device (96). The self-propelled workpiece carriages (91) move together with the workpiece (111; 112) to the measuring station (24) downstream of the feeding point in the material flow. Here, in addition to the length measurement described above, a height and / or thickness measurement of the workpiece (111; 112) can also be performed.

[0032] As soon as the first processing station (40) downstream of the measuring station (24) in the material flow is free, the first workpiece (111) is moved into the working area of ​​the first processing robot (51) by means of the workpiece carriages (91). The clamping unit (46) of the first support device (41) is moved to the position against the first workpiece (111) and fixed to it. The clamping unit (46) is now in the working position (47). The support device (41) now supports the first workpiece (111) during the subsequent processing at the first processing station (40).

[0033] To machine this first workpiece (111), the first machining robot (51) swivels and / or moves the tool-equipped tool unit (53) to the first workpiece (111). If through-holes are provided in the workpiece (111), the suction cups (49) behind them can be retracted. After completion of the machining of the first workpiece (111) at the first machining station (40), the tool unit (53) and the support device (41) are returned to their respective starting positions. For example, the first support device (41) is moved back to its ready position. The workpiece carriages (91) move the workpiece (111) to the second machining station (60).

[0034] The processing of the first workpiece (111) at the second processing station (60) is analogous to the processing of this workpiece (111) at the first processing station (40). At this second processing station (60), for example, further recesses are made into the first workpiece (111), fittings are attached, etc. The execution time of the operations at the second processing station (60) largely corresponds to the execution time of the operations on this workpiece (111) at the first processing station (40). The execution time at each individual processing station (40; 60) is defined here as the time interval between the start of the first tool insertion of the processing robot (51; 71) and the completion of the last tool insertion of this processing robot (51; 71) on the individual workpiece (111; 112).

[0035] While the first workpiece (111) is being processed at the first processing station (40), a second workpiece (112) is provided in the insertion area (31), for example by means of the loading robot (123). As soon as the first workpiece (111) is moved from the first processing station (40) to the second processing station (60), which is coupled to it, for example without buffers, the second workpiece (112) is released for processing and conveyed to the first processing station (40).

[0036] The machining of the second workpiece (112) at the first machining station (40) is carried out analogously to the machining of the first workpiece (111) at this machining station (40). The machining operations and tools (54; 74) used for the two workpieces (111; 112) may differ. For example, the execution time of the machining operations performed on the second workpiece (112) at the first machining station (40) is at least approximately equal to the execution time of the machining operations performed on the first workpiece (111) at the second machining station (60). "At least approximately" here means that the execution times differ by a maximum of 10%.

[0037] After the first workpiece (111) has been processed at the second processing station (60), it is conveyed to the unloading area (101) by means of the workpiece carriages (91). The second workpiece (112) is conveyed to the second processing station (60). The processing of the second workpiece (112) at the second processing station (60) is carried out as described above. The tools (74) of the second tool unit (73) used for processing the second workpiece (112) may differ from the tools (74) of this tool unit (73) used for the first workpiece (111). For example, the processing time of the second processing station (60) for processing the second workpiece (112) is at least approximately the same as the processing time used for the first workpiece (111).

[0038] In this embodiment, the workpieces (111; 112) are processed in a clocked manner and output at a largely constant frequency. The output rate, i.e., the number of completed workpieces (111; 112) per unit of time, is thus largely uniformly distributed, e.g., according to a DIRAC distribution.

[0039] It is also conceivable to provide different processing times at the individual processing stations (40; 60). For example, the first processing station (40) or the second processing station (60) could alternately have a longer processing time than the other processing station (60; 40). The output rate can be slightly modified compared to the embodiment described above. The range of variation in the output rate is increased.

[0040] The individual workpiece (111; 112) can also be completely machined at one of the machining stations (40; 60). In this case, two workpieces (111; 112) are provided at each station. The processing time for the individual workpiece (111; 112) is, for example, the same at both machining stations (40, 60). The output rate in this case corresponds to the output rate described in connection with the first embodiment.

[0041] After machining is complete, the individual workpiece (111; 112) is removed by the unloading robot (131). Using the gripping device (132), the robot grasps the workpiece (111; 112) at its upper edge (113), pivots it, and places it, for example, onto a transport cart (134). The finished workpieces (111; 112) can then be conveyed either individually or in batches.

[0042] The empty workpiece trolleys (91) travel from the removal area (101) along the transport rail (81) and arrive, for example, individually at a first turntable (22). Here they are stopped. The turntable (22) pivots 180 degrees, allowing the individual workpiece trolley (91) to move onto the return rail (82) on the opposite side. The same process is repeated for the subsequent workpiece trolleys (91). The workpiece trolleys (91) then travel along the return rail (82) to the second turntable (23), which is located near the insertion area (31). Here, the workpiece trolleys (91) are redirected back onto the transport rail (81). In the insertion area (31), they can then be loaded with new workpieces (111; 112) to be processed. For example, up to 18 workpiece trolleys (91) are in circulation in the production cell (10).

[0043] The Figure 6Figure 1 shows a variant of the removal area (101) with a workpiece removal device (130). The individual workpiece (111; 112) stands vertically in the workpiece carriages (91), which are located on the transport rail (81). Above the workpiece carriages (91), the workpiece (111; 112) is guided in two opposing roller conveyors (102, 103). The return rail (82) runs under a cover (104).

[0044] The removal robot (131) is positioned behind the return rail (82). A robot arm (135) extends over the cover (104). It carries a gripping device (132) mounted on its robot arm (135). This gripping device (132) has, for example, two pairs of clamping jaws (136) arranged one behind the other. These are designed, for example, as described above. Furthermore, the removal robot (131) can have a tool unit for workpiece machining.

[0045] The workpieces (111; 112) removed from the removal area (101) are placed on a holding frame (137). This frame has an inclined holding surface (138) with a multitude of suction cups (139). The individual workpiece (111; 112) temporarily stored on the holding frame (137) can then be conveyed to the next production station by means of another conveying device.

[0046] Figures 7 to 10 show a manufacturing cell (10) with a workpiece return (32). The manufacturing cell (10) is largely constructed like the manufacturing cell (10) shown in connection with the first embodiment. The manufacturing cell (10) shown in Figures 7 to 10 also has two machining stations (40, 60) arranged in series and rigidly coupled without buffers. A measuring station (24) and a workpiece feeder (120) are located upstream of the first machining station (40) in the material flow. A workpiece removal device (130) is located downstream of the second machining station (60) in the material flow. The workpiece feeder (120) and the removal device (130) are, for example, constructed as described in connection with the first embodiment. The material flow of the individual workpieces (111; 112) can also be carried out as described above.

[0047] If increased processing effort is required on a workpiece (111; 112) - this could be, for example, processing of the front (114) and back (115) of the workpiece (111; 112), the material flow is modified.

[0048] In this embodiment, the workpiece (111; 112) to be machined on both sides is also removed by means of the loading robot (123) e.g. from a transport trolley (122) and placed on the workpiece trolley (91) in the insertion area (31).

[0049] After passing the measuring station (24), the workpiece (111; 112) is released and proceeds to the first processing station (40) and / or the second processing station (60). After leaving the second processing station (60), the workpiece carriages (91) convey the workpiece (111; 112) through the unloading area (101) onto a turntable (22). This turntable (22) has, for example, two parallel, straight turntable rails (25). The turntable (22) can also have a single turntable rail (25). The length of these turntable rails (25) is longer than the total length of all workpiece carriages (91) carrying a workpiece (111; 112). In the exemplary embodiment, the length of the turntable rail (25) is between 600 millimeters and 2500 millimeters. Below the turntable rails (25) the turntable (22) has a rack segment (26) and electrical conductor tracks (27).The electrical conductors (27) are supplied, for example, by a central rotary feedthrough. An electric motor (28) is provided for the rotary drive.

[0050] Once all workpiece carriages (91) carrying the workpiece (111; 112) have moved onto the turntable (22) and, for example, come to a stop, the turntable (22) pivots with the workpiece (111; 112) by 180 degrees. Instead of a turntable (22), a sliding device can also be used in this embodiment. The pivoting or traversing movement is completed when the turntable rail (25) is aligned with the return rail (82).

[0051] After swiveling, the workpiece carriages (91) transport the workpiece (111; 112) from the rotary table (22) onto the return rail (82) and further along the return rail (82). Optionally, one or more additional processing stations (40; 60) can be arranged along the return rail (82). A second rotary table (23) is arranged at the end of the return rail (82). This is, for example, constructed in the same way as the first rotary table (22). The workpiece (111; 112) is swiveled 180 degrees by the rotary table (23) and conveyed to the insertion area (31) by the workpiece carriages (91). Here, the workpiece (111; 112) can, for example, be reintroduced into the material flow to the first processing station (40). Alternatively, it can be removed from the workpiece carriages (91) by the loading robot (123) and swiveled. Afterwards, it is reinserted into the workpiece carriage (91), so that the front (114) now faces the guide grid (12).The workpiece (111; 112) can now be machined, for example, on the back side (115), as described above. The workpiece (111; 112) machined on both sides is then removed, for example, by means of the removal robot (131).

[0052] It is also conceivable to reverse the workpiece (111; 112) using the removal robot (131). This ensures that the workpiece (111; 112) is already correctly oriented when it enters the insertion area (31). When the workpiece is transferred using the removal robot (131) and one or more processing stations (40; 60) along the return rail (82), the loading robot (123) can remove the workpiece (111; 112), which has been machined on both sides, and feed it into further processing.

[0053] It is also conceivable to arrange the removal robot (131), for example for the parts machined on both sides, at the end of the return rail (82). In this case, the second turntable (23) can be designed as described in connection with the first embodiment. The transport means (91) also move in a circular motion in this case. Reference symbol list:

[0054] 10 Manufacturing cell 11 Rail support body 12 Guide grid 13 Longitudinal beam 14 Cross plates 15 Longitudinal direction 16 Transverse direction 17 Longitudinal webs, first longitudinal web 18 Longitudinal webs, second longitudinal web 19 Rack 21 Electrical conductors 22 Turntable, first turntable 23 Turntable, second turntable 24 Measuring station 25 Turntable rails 26 Rack segment 27 Electrical conductors 28 Electric motor 31 Insertion area 32 Workpiece return 40 Machining station, first machining station 41 Support device 42 Frame 43 Cross slide 44 Ball bearing shoes 45 Guide rails 46 Fixing unit 47 Working position 48 Stop bars 49 Suction cups 51 Machining robot, first machining robot 52 Base 53 Tool unit 54 Tools 60 Machining station, second machining station 61 Support device 62 Holding area 71 Machining robot 73 Tool unit 74 Tools 80 Workpiece transport device 81 Transport track, transport rail, support rail 82 Return track, return rail, support rail 91 Workpiece trolley, transport device 92 Ball bearing shoes 93 Drive pinion 94 Sliding contacts 95 Workpiece holder 96 Clamping device 101 Dispensing area 102 Roller conveyor 103 Roller conveyor 104 Cover 111Workpiece, first workpiece, plate 112Workpiece, second workpiece, plate 113Upper edge of (111; 112) 114Front 115Back 120Workpiece loading 121Stack magazine 122Frame, transport trolley 123Loading robot 124Workpiece gripping device 130 Workpiece removal device 131 Removal robot 132 Gripping device 133 Stack 134 Transport trolley 135 Robot arm 136 Clamping jaw pairs 137 Holding frame 138 Holding surface 139 Suction cups

Claims

1. A production cell (10) having at least one processing station (40; 60), which has a supporting device (41; 61) and a movable tool unit (53; 73), and having a workpiece transport device (80), which has a transport track (81), wherein the workpiece transport device (80) has at least one track-bound workpiece carriage (91), and wherein the workpiece transport device (80) has a return track (82), wherein - the production cell (10) comprises at least one second processing station (60; 40), which has a second supporting device (61; 41) and a second movable tool unit (73; 53), - the first processing station (40) and the second processing station (60) are arranged in series in the material flow, and - the transport track (81) rigidly couples the first processing station (40) and the second processing station (60), - the production cell (10) has a rail-bearing body (11), which is oriented in the longitudinal direction (15) and on which a guiding grid (12), the transport track (81) and the return track (82) are arranged and at which the supporting devices (41, 61) are arranged, characterised - in that each supporting device (41; 61) has at least one fixing unit (46), which is displaceable normally to the longitudinal direction (15), - in that the fixing unit (46) has two stop bars (48), which are oriented normally to the longitudinal direction (15) and parallel to the guiding grid (12) and delimit the side of the fixing unit (46) facing the transport rail (81) and are part of an adhesion region (62), and - in that a plurality of extendable suction cups (49) are arranged in the adhesion region (62).

2. The production cell (10) according to Claim 1, characterised in that the processing stations (40, 60) are coupled to one another without buffers.

3. The production cell (10) according to Claim 1, characterised in that each tool unit (53; 73) is part of a processing robot (51; 71).

4. The production cell (10) according to Claim 1, characterised in that a loading robot (123) is arranged upstream of the first processing station (40) in the material flow.

5. The production cell (10) according to Claim 1, characterised in that a removal robot (131) is arranged downstream of the last processing station (60) in the material flow.

6. The production cell (10) according to Claim 1, characterised in that a measurement station (24) is arranged upstream of the first processing station (40) in the material flow.

7. The production cell (10) according to Claim 1, characterised in that it comprises a workpiece return (32).