METHOD FOR OPERATING A TECHNICAL PLANT AND TECHNICAL PLANT

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating a technical system, wherein an order for manufacturing a product is transmitted to a first mobile assistance system, and components required for manufacturing the product are picked up by the first mobile assistance system. The invention also relates to a technical system for manufacturing a product, which is configured to carry out the method according to the invention.

[0002] A method for operating a production facility and a production facility are known from DE 10 2017 002 964 A1. The production facility has a higher-level control system, workstations, and vehicles. The higher-level control system transmits a respective order to the vehicles, which includes the sequence of workstations to be reached.

[0003] DE 10 2017 002 963 A1 discloses a manufacturing plant and a method for operating a manufacturing plant for producing a product. The manufacturing plant comprises a vehicle on which a robot arm is arranged. The robot arm has several drives connected to a controller. The vehicle with the robot arm acts as an assistant during the assembly of a product.

[0004] DE 10 2015 014 714 A1 discloses a system with multiple load carriers and different modes of transport. The load carriers each have a drive and control system and are capable of automatically switching between different modes of transport.

[0005] The document DE 10 2018 110 074 A1 discloses a method for assigning a mobile locating unit to a digital machining plan for industrial machining of a workpiece assembly.

[0006] Document EP 3 367 315 ​​A1 discloses a production system comprising a machine tool for machining workpieces and flying devices. The flying devices serve, among other things, to transport workpieces.

[0007] WO 2013 / 119942 A1 discloses an order management system for a fleet of autonomous mobile robots. The order management system processes orders in automated environments.

[0008] The document "Production scheduling-rescheduling in flexible manufacturing" describes procedures for planning production orders.

[0009] Document CN 110264120 A describes a method for planning routes for autonomous vehicles in warehouses.

[0010] The document DE 10 2017 120381 A1 discloses a method for assigning a workpiece to be machined to a mobile unit of an indoor positioning system, comprising the step of providing a production control system for the industrial machining of workpieces with a machine tool according to workpiece-specific machining plans.

[0011] The document SUGIURA H ET AL: "Real-time collision avoidance with whole body motion control for humanoid robots", INTELLIGENT ROBOTS AND SYSTEMS, 2007. IROS 2007. IEEE / RSJ INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON, IEEE, PISCATAWAY, NJ, USA, October 29, 2007 (2007-10-29), pages 2053-2058, ISBN: 978-1-4244-0911-2 discloses real-time collision avoidance with whole body motion control for a humanoid robot with neck joints.

[0012] The invention is based on the object of improving a method for operating a technical system and a technical system for producing a product.

[0013] The object is achieved by a method for operating a technical system having the features specified in claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the subclaims. The object is also achieved by a technical system for producing a product having the features specified in claim 3. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the subclaims.

[0014] In a method according to the invention for operating a technical system, an order for manufacturing a product is transmitted to a first mobile assistance system, and components required for manufacturing the product are picked up by the first mobile assistance system. Furthermore, a workstation is determined at which a work step for manufacturing the product can be carried out on the first mobile assistance system. If the order transmitted to the first mobile assistance system is classified as an urgent order, information about the urgent order is transmitted to the determined workstation, and information about the urgent order is transmitted to at least one second mobile assistance system that is waiting in front of the determined workstation for a work step to be carried out.Furthermore, the first mobile assistance system is moved to the identified workstation, and the work step for manufacturing the product is performed on the first mobile assistance system at the identified workstation. After the work step for manufacturing the product has been performed on the first mobile assistance system at the workstation, the second mobile assistance system waiting in front of the identified workstation is moved to the identified workstation.

[0015] According to the invention, each of the mobile assistance systems has a work surface on which the work step for producing the product can be carried out at the workstation, wherein the product can be produced entirely on the mobile assistance system, and wherein each of the mobile assistance systems has a graphic display unit on which assembly instructions for producing the product can be displayed, and wherein each of the mobile assistance systems has a drive device by means of which the graphic display unit is rotatably and translatorily movable, and wherein the drive device is configured to move the graphic display unit into a defined position depending on a travel speed of the mobile assistance system.

[0016] The work step for manufacturing the product is then carried out on the second mobile assistance system at the identified workstation. The first mobile assistance system is moved to another workstation if further work steps still need to be performed.

[0017] The method according to the invention advantageously increases the flexibility of workflows for manufacturing products in a technical plant. The method according to the invention allows orders classified as rush orders to be processed preferentially. Therefore, orders do not necessarily have to be processed according to a predetermined sequence. A predetermined sequence can be changed in the production process by giving priority to mobile assistance systems with rush orders at a workstation compared to mobile assistance systems with standard orders.

[0018] Preferably, if the order transmitted to the first mobile assistance system is classified as a standard order, information about the standard order is transmitted to the identified workstation. Furthermore, the second mobile assistance system, which is waiting in front of the identified workstation for the work step to be performed, is moved to the identified workstation, and the work step for manufacturing the product is performed on the second mobile assistance system at the identified workstation. After the work step for manufacturing the product has been performed on the second mobile assistance system at the workstation, the first mobile assistance system is moved to the identified workstation.

[0019] The work step for manufacturing the product is then carried out on the first mobile assistance system at the identified workstation. The second mobile assistance system is moved to another workstation if further work steps still need to be performed.

[0020] The process thus allows orders classified as standard orders to be processed in a predetermined order. By processing the standard orders in the predetermined order, the predictability of the production process in the technical plant is improved.

[0021] A technical system according to the invention for manufacturing a product is configured to carry out the method according to the invention and comprises at least a first mobile assistance system and a second mobile assistance system. The first mobile assistance system and the second mobile assistance system are each configured as autonomously driving vehicles, each of which has a drive device, an electrical energy storage device for supplying the drive device, and a control unit for controlling the drive device. The product can be manufactured entirely on the mobile assistance system.

[0022] The inventive design of the technical system advantageously increases the flexibility of workflows for product manufacturing. In the inventive technical system, orders classified as rush orders can be processed preferentially. Therefore, orders do not necessarily have to be processed according to a predetermined sequence. A predetermined sequence can be changed in the production process by giving priority to mobile assistance systems with rush orders at a workstation compared to mobile assistance systems with standard orders.

[0023] According to the invention, each of the mobile assistance systems has a graphic display unit on which assembly instructions for manufacturing the product can be displayed. Such assembly instructions advantageously support a worker performing the work step. In particular, the worker has the option of accessing constantly updated assembly instructions for manufacturing the product.

[0024] According to the invention, each of the mobile assistance systems has a drive device by means of which the graphic display unit can be moved in a rotational and translational manner. The drive unit enables the graphic display unit to be positioned for optimal visibility for a worker, for example, depending on the worker's height.

[0025] According to the invention, the drive device is designed to move the graphic display unit into a defined position depending on a driving speed of the mobile assistance system.

[0026] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, each of the mobile assistance systems has a digital computer and a digital data storage device, wherein at least one order for the production of a product can be stored in the digital data storage device. An order stored in the digital data storage device can be classified as an urgent order or a standard order. The digital computer of the transport system provides the appropriate computing power and, in particular, contains software for managing the at least one order.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the mobile assistance systems has communication means for wireless communication with the identified workstation as well as with other mobile assistance systems. The communication means preferably also serve for wireless communication with a server of the technical system.

[0028] Particularly advantageously, each of the mobile assistance systems has at least one controllable light source and at least one light-sensitive sensor as a means of wireless communication. A lighting system of the mobile assistance system can advantageously be used as a controllable light source. Communication between a light source and a light-sensitive sensor does not generate any disruptive electromagnetic radiation and is not susceptible to interference.

[0029] According to an advantageous development of the invention, each of the mobile assistance systems has a sensor for determining a distance to an object and means for detecting a position of the mobile assistance system within the technical system.

[0030] Thus, the mobile assistance system is particularly able to determine a route to the identified workstation.

[0031] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, each of the mobile assistance systems has an assembly assistant, which is designed in particular in the form of a robotic arm. Such an assembly assistant facilitates the execution of the work step at the identified workstation.

[0032] According to an advantageous development of the invention, each of the mobile assistance systems has a tool for performing the work step at the identified workstation. The tool is, for example, an electric screwdriver for tightening screws and nuts with a specified torque. A tool designed in this way facilitates the execution of the work step at the identified workstation.

[0033] Particularly advantageous is that the tool is electrically connected to the mobile assistance system's electrical energy storage device and can be supplied with electrical energy from it. A separate power source to operate the tool is therefore not required.

[0034] For example, when the vehicle is moving, the drive device moves the graphic display unit into a rest position in which the graphic display unit is protected from collisions with other objects, and when the vehicle is stationary, the drive device moves the graphic display unit into a working position in which the graphic display unit is extended and the assembly instructions are visible to the worker.

[0035] According to an advantageous development of the invention, each of the mobile assistance systems has a work surface on which the work step for manufacturing the product can be performed at the workstation. The working height of the work surface above a floor can be adjusted, in particular by means of a scissor frame. The working height of the work surface can thus advantageously be adapted, for example, to the height of the worker performing the work step.

[0036] The invention is not limited to the combination of features in the claims. Further possible combinations of claims and / or individual claim features and / or features of the description and / or the figures will become apparent to those skilled in the art, particularly from the problem and / or the problem posed by comparison with the prior art.

[0037] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings. The drawings only represent the subject matter of the invention schematically. They show: Figure 1 : a schematic representation of a technical system and Figure 2 : a schematic representation of a mobile assistance system.

[0038] Figure 1shows a schematic representation of a technical facility 5. In this case, technical facility 5 is an industrial application, for example, a production plant. Technical facility 5 is used to manufacture products, for example, gears for electric motors.

[0039] Technical facility 5 comprises several storage locations 41, although only one storage location 41 is shown here. Various components required to manufacture a product are available at storage location 41. These components include, for example, gear housings, gears, shafts, or screws.

[0040] The technical system 5 comprises several workstations 51, although only one workstation 51 is shown here. At workstation 51, a work step required to manufacture a product can be performed. This work step may, for example, involve cutting threads in gear housings, inserting gears and shafts into a gear housing, or tightening screws and nuts.

[0041] The technical system 5 also includes several mobile assistance systems 11, 12. A first mobile assistance system 11 and a second mobile assistance system 12 are shown here. The mobile assistance systems 11, 12 are autonomously driving vehicles. The mobile assistance systems 11, 12 are moved, in particular, to the storage locations 41 and to the workstations 51.

[0042] In this case, an order 20 for the production of a product is transmitted to the first mobile assistance system 11. The order 20 contains information about the components required to manufacture the product, as well as the work steps to be performed to manufacture the product. The transmitted order 20 is classified as an urgent order.

[0043] At least one storage location 41 is determined at which components required for the production of the product are available. The first mobile assistance system 11 is moved to the determined storage location 41, and components required for the production of the product are picked up at the determined storage location 41 by the first mobile assistance system 11.

[0044] At least one workstation 51 is also determined at which a work step for manufacturing the product can be performed on the first mobile assistance system 11. Information about the rush order is transmitted from the first mobile assistance system 11 to the determined workstation 51.

[0045] A second mobile assistance system 12 is waiting in front of the identified workstation 51 for a work step to be performed. The second mobile assistance system 12 has an order 20 for the production of a product, which is classified as a standard order. Information about the rush order is also transmitted from the first mobile assistance system 11 to the second mobile assistance system 12.

[0046] The second mobile assistance system 12 then continues to wait in front of the identified workstation 51 for the work step to be performed, and the first mobile assistance system 11 is moved along a first path 21 to the identified workstation 51. The first path 21 is selected such that the first mobile assistance system 11 moves from its current position past the second mobile assistance system 12 to the identified workstation 51.

[0047] Subsequently, when the first mobile assistance system 11 has arrived at the identified workstation 51, the work step for manufacturing the product is performed on the first mobile assistance system 11 at the identified workstation 51. Once the work step for manufacturing the product has been completed, the first mobile assistance system 11 is moved away from the identified workstation 51. If further work steps still need to be performed, another workstation 51 is determined at which such a work step can be performed, and the first mobile assistance system 11 is moved to the further workstation 51.

[0048] After the work step for manufacturing the product has been performed on the first mobile assistance system 11 at workstation 51, and the first mobile assistance system 11 has been moved away from the identified workstation 51, the second mobile assistance system 12 waiting in front of the identified workstation 51 is moved to the identified workstation 51. The work step for manufacturing the product is then performed on the second mobile assistance system 12 at the identified workstation 51.

[0049] If the order 20 transmitted to the first mobile assistance system 11 is classified as a standard order, information about the standard order is transmitted to the identified workstation 51. The second mobile assistance system 12, which is waiting in front of the identified workstation 51 for the work step to be performed, is then first moved to the identified workstation 51, and the work step for manufacturing the product is performed on the second mobile assistance system 12 at the identified workstation 51. Once the work step for manufacturing the product has been performed, the second mobile assistance system 12 is moved away from the identified workstation 51.

[0050] After the work step for manufacturing the product has been performed on the second mobile assistance system 12 at workstation 51, and the second mobile assistance system 12 has been moved away from the identified workstation 51, the first mobile assistance system 11 is moved along a second travel path 22 to the identified workstation 51. The second travel path 22 is selected such that the first mobile assistance system 11 reaches the identified workstation 51 as quickly as possible from its current position. The work step for manufacturing the product is then performed on the first mobile assistance system 11 at the identified workstation 51.

[0051] Figure 2shows a schematic representation of a mobile assistance system 11, 12. The mobile assistance system 11, 12 is particularly configured to transport components for manufacturing a product, as well as a partially manufactured product or a fully manufactured product. The product can thus be manufactured entirely on the mobile assistance system 11, 12. The mobile assistance system 11, 12 has a work surface on which, in particular, the work step for manufacturing the product can be carried out at the workstation 51. The working height of the work surface above a floor can be adjusted by means of a scissor frame (not shown here).

[0052] The mobile assistance system 11, 12 comprises a digital data storage 13 for storing electronic files. The data storage 13 serves, in particular, to store orders 20. The mobile assistance system 11, 12 comprises a digital computer 14, which accesses the data storage 13, in particular an order 20 stored there. Furthermore, the digital computer 14 serves to determine a route 21, 22 to the determined workstation 51.

[0053] The mobile assistance system 11, 12 comprises a drive device 31, which has an electric motor, a transmission, and drive wheels. The mobile assistance system 11, 12 further comprises an electrical energy storage device 32 for supplying the drive device 31 with electrical energy. The mobile assistance system 11, 12 also comprises a control unit 33 for controlling the drive device 31. The control unit 31 communicates with the digital computer 14.

[0054] The mobile assistance system 11, 12 comprises a controllable light source 16 and a light-sensitive sensor 17 as a means of communication. Said means of communication serve, in particular, for wireless communication with the identified workstation 51 as well as with other mobile assistance systems 11, 12. Furthermore, the mobile assistance system 11, 12 comprises a sensor (not shown here) for determining a distance to an object and means (not shown here) for detecting a position of the mobile assistance system 11, 12 within the technical system 5.

[0055] The mobile assistance system 11, 12 also includes a tool 36. In this case, the tool 36 is an electric screwdriver for tightening screws and nuts with a specified torque. The tool 36 serves in particular to perform the work step at the workstation 51. The tool 36 is electrically connected to the electrical energy storage device 32 of the mobile assistance system 11, 12. The electrical energy storage device 32 supplies the tool 36 with electrical energy.

[0056] The mobile assistance system 11, 12 comprises an assembly assistant 35. The assembly assistant 35 is designed, for example, in the form of a robot arm. Additionally, the mobile assistance system 11, 12 comprises a graphic display unit 38. Assembly instructions for manufacturing the product can be displayed on the graphic display unit 38. List of reference symbols

[0057] 5Technical system 11First mobile assistance system 12Second mobile assistance system 13Data storage 14Digital computer 16Light source 17Light-sensitive sensor 20Order 21First travel path 22Second travel path 31Drive device 32Energy storage 33Control unit 35Assembly assistant 36Tool 38Display unit 41Storage location 51Workstation

Claims

1. A method of operating a technical installation (5), wherein an order (20) for manufacturing a product is transmitted to a first mobile assistance system (11) and component parts which are required to manufacture the product are received by the first mobile assistance system (11), wherein there is determined a work station (51) at which a work step for manufacturing the product can be carried out on the first mobile assistance system (11), and when the order (20) transmitted to the first mobile assistance system (11) is classified as a rush order, information about the rush order is transmitted to the determined work station (51), information about the rush order is transmitted to at least one second mobile assistance system (12) which is waiting in front of the determined work station (51) for the carrying out of a work step, the first mobile assistance system (11) is moved to the determined work station (51), the work step for manufacturing the product is carried out on the first mobile assistance system (11) at the determined work station (51), and after the work step for manufacturing the product has been carried out on the first mobile assistance system (11) at the work station (51), the second mobile assistance system (12), waiting in front of the determined work station (51), is moved to the determined work station (51), wherein each of the mobile assistance systems (11, 12) has a work surface on which the work step for manufacturing the product can be carried out at the work station (51), wherein the product can be entirely manufactured on the mobile assistance system (11, 12), and wherein each of the mobile assistance systems (11, 12) has a graphic display unit (38) on which there can be shown an assembly instruction for manufacture of the product, and wherein each of the mobile assistance systems (11, 12) has a drive device by means of which the graphic display unit (38) can be moved in a rotary and translational manner, and wherein the drive device is configured to move the graphic display unit (38) into a defined position, dependent on a travel speed of the mobile assistance system (11, 12).

2. A method according to claim 1, characterised in that when the order (20) transmitted to the first mobile assistance system (11) is classified as a standard order, information about the standard order is transmitted to the determined work station (51), the second mobile assistance system (12), waiting in front of the determined work station (51) for the carrying out of the work step, is moved to the determined work station (51), the work step for manufacturing the product is carried out on the second mobile assistance system (12) at the determined work station (51), and after the work step for manufacturing the product has been carried out on the second mobile assistance system (12) at the work station (51), the first mobile assistance system (11) is moved to the determined work station (51).

3. A technical installation (5) for manufacturing a product, configured to carry out the method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one first mobile assistance system (11) and a second mobile assistance system (12) which are in each case in the form of autonomously driving vehicles which in each case have a drive device (31), an electrical energy store (32) to supply the drive device (31) and a control unit (33) to control the drive device (31), wherein the product can be entirely manufactured on the mobile assistance system (11, 12), and in that each of the mobile assistance systems (11, 12) has a graphic display unit (38) on which there can be shown an assembly instruction for manufacture of the product, and in that each of the mobile assistance systems (11, 12) has a drive device by means of which the graphic display unit (38) can be moved in a rotary and translational manner, and in that the drive device is configured to move the graphic display unit (38) into a defined position, dependent on a travel speed of the mobile assistance system (11, 12).

4. A technical installation (5) according to claim 3, characterised in that each of the mobile assistance systems (11, 12) has a digital computer (14) and a digital data store (13) in which at least one order (20) can be stored.

5. A technical installation (5) according to any one of claims 3 to 4, characterised in that each of the mobile assistance systems (11, 12) has communication means for wireless communication with the determined work station (51) as well as with other mobile assistance systems (11, 12).

6. A technical installation (5) according to claim 5, characterised in that each of the mobile assistance systems (11, 12) has at least one controllable light source (16) and at least one light-sensitive sensor (17) as a communication means for wireless communication.

7. A technical installation (5) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterised in that each of the mobile assistance systems (11, 12) has a sensor for determining a distance from an object and means for detecting a position of the mobile assistance system (11, 12) within the technical installation (5).

8. A technical installation (5) according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterised in that each of the mobile assistance systems (11, 12) has an assembly assistant (35), in particular in the form of a robotic arm.

9. A technical installation (5) according to any one of claims 3 to 8, characterised in that each of the mobile assistance systems (11, 12) has a tool (36) for carrying out the work step at the determined work station (51).

10. A technical installation (5) according to claim 9, characterised in that the tool (36) is connected electrically to the electrical energy store (32) and can be supplied with electrical energy by the latter.

11. A technical installation (5) according to any one of claims 3 to 10, characterised in that each of the mobile assistance systems (11, 12) has a work surface on which the work step for manufacturing the product can be carried out at the work station (51), wherein a working height of the work surface above the ground is adjustable, in particular by means of a scissor table.

12. A technical installation (5) according to any one of claims 3 to 11, characterised in that the drive device moves the graphic display unit (38) into a rest position, in which the graphic display unit (38) is protected from collisions with other objects, upon motion of the vehicle, and in that the drive device moves the graphic display unit (38) into a work position, in which the graphic display unit is extended, when the vehicle is stationary.