FACILITY FOR CARRYING OUT WORK PROCESSES ON WORKPIECES OR THE LIKE

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a system for carrying out work processes on workpieces or the like, in which a process station serving to dispense a liquid or pasty medium in the form of a dosing device can be advantageously calibrated or checked with regard to the quantity of medium dispensed. State of the art

[0002] From DE 10 2014 214 696 A1 of the applicant, a system for carrying out work processes on workpieces or the like is known, comprising the features of the preamble of claim 1. The known system serves for filling containers by means of metering devices, wherein the containers are removed from the area of ​​a first conveying device by means of independently movable first transport units driven by electromagnetic drives. After removal of the containers, they are fed by the first transport units to a metering device and, after dispensing a certain quantity of the medium, are transferred from the first transport units to a second conveying device.

[0003] Furthermore, to verify the fill quantities of a dosing device, it is known from US 2004 / 0173284 A1 to arrange calibration stations in the form of weighing stations alongside a conveying line for the containers. The dosing device is designed to move its filling needles between a first position for dispensing the fill material into the containers in the area of ​​the conveying line and a second position in the area of ​​the calibration stations. Disclosure of the invention

[0004] The inventive system for carrying out work processes on workpieces or the like, with the features of claim 1, has the advantage that, in conjunction with metering devices arranged in a fixed position in the area of ​​the work surface, it enables advantageous calibration or verification of the metering devices with regard to the quantities of liquid or pasty medium dispensed by the metering devices.

[0005] The invention is based on the idea of ​​creating the possibility, by means of second transport units that can be moved independently of the first transport units, to collect the medium dispensed by the dosing devices at the location of the dosing devices in the area of ​​the work surface and to measure the quantity of the medium next to the work surface in the area of ​​a weighing device.

[0006] In light of the above explanations, it is therefore provided in an inventive system for carrying out work processes on workpieces or the like with the features of claim 1 that, in addition to the work surface, a weighing device with a measuring cell for weighing a measuring cup that can be released from the measuring cell is arranged, and that, in addition, at least a second, electromagnetically movable transport unit is designed to transport the measuring cup between the area of ​​the measuring cell and the area of ​​the dosing device.

[0007] Advantageous further developments of the inventive system for carrying out work processes on workpieces or the like are listed in the dependent claims.

[0008] Particularly advantageous with regard to the universal applicability of the second transport unit for carrying out different processes that are subordinate to the main processes is if at least one second transport unit is designed to transport other objects into the area of ​​a process station as an alternative to the measuring cup.

[0009] In a preferred further development of such a universally applicable second transport unit, it is particularly provided that the at least one second transport unit has a receiving device with at least one standardized interface for the different objects.

[0010] To keep the work area clear for the first transport units during the actual operation of the system, or to create the largest possible transport areas for these units, it is provided that at least one second transport unit is located in a staging zone within the work area when not in use. This staging zone is typically situated at the edge of the work area, a zone usually used by the first transport units when transporting workpieces or similar items.

[0011] In a preferred design of the weighing device, it has a lifting element for releasing the measuring cup from the load cell and for transferring and receiving the measuring cup to and from the second transport unit.

[0012] To achieve the most accurate weighing result possible, it is also advantageous if the load cell is (mechanically) decoupled from the work surface. This prevents the transmission of vibrations, shocks, or similar influences that could distort the load cell's measurement result.

[0013] In particular, it is provided that the system has dosing devices whose dosing needles are fixedly arranged relative to the plane of the work surface, wherein the dosing needle is arranged separately or together with the dosing device to be raised and lowered in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the work surface.

[0014] To enable the most automated calibration and weighing possible, without the need for manual intervention or an operator, an advantageous embodiment of the weighing device includes an ejection and feed unit for measuring cups. This ejection and feed unit serves to remove a measuring cup filled with the medium from the area of ​​the load cell or weighing device after weighing and replace it with a new, previously unused measuring cup, which can then be transported by the second transport unit to the area of ​​the dosing device for another weighing process.

[0015] To minimize the number of different transport units, it is also advantageous if at least one second transport unit can be created by equipping a first transport unit with a conversion kit. In other words, this means that a first transport unit can be converted into a second transport unit, and a second transport unit into a first transport unit.

[0016] The invention further comprises a method for carrying out a weighing process in a system according to the invention as described above, wherein the method includes at least the following steps: First, a measuring cup is transported from the area of ​​the weighing device by a second transport unit to the area of ​​the dosing device. Subsequently, a target quantity of medium is dispensed into the measuring cup by the dosing device. Then, the measuring cup filled with the medium is transported to the area of ​​the weighing device. The measuring cup is then placed on the load cell of the weighing device and released from the second transport unit. The actual quantity of medium in the measuring cup is then measured by means of the load cell. Finally, the measuring cup filled with the medium is optionally removed from the area of ​​the weighing device, and an empty measuring cup is provided.The disposal of the measuring cup after the weighing process can occur either after each weighing, or preferably (only) when the measuring cup is full. In the latter case, the currently recorded actual quantity can be determined by taking into account the masses of the medium already recorded in the measuring cup from previous weighing processes.

[0017] Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention and from the drawings. Brief description of the drawings

[0018] Fig. 1 shows in a simplified representation a device for carrying out work processes on workpieces or the like, and Figs. 2 to 11 each show in a simplified side view the area of ​​a weighing device during the execution of a weighing process on a dosing device. Embodiments of the invention

[0019] Identical elements or elements with the same function are provided with the same reference numbers in the figures.

[0020] In the Fig. 1 In a highly simplified manner, a system 100 for carrying out work processes on workpieces 1 or the like is depicted. The workpieces 1 can, for example, be housing parts or similar items, which are to be coated with a pasty medium M in a local or defined area using the system 100 for sealing the housing parts, for heat dissipation, or similar purposes.

[0021] The system 100 comprises a horizontally arranged work surface 10, on which several first transport units 12, so-called movers, are located. The first transport units 12 can be individually controlled by a control device (not shown in the figures), and the first transport units 12 are arranged to be freely movable on the work surface 10. This is achieved by electromagnetic drives (not shown in detail), which enable the first transport units 12 to execute any desired first conveying paths 16 to 18.

[0022] For example, the first transport units 12 serve to transport one workpiece 1 or the like within the area of ​​the work surface 10. The workpieces 1 or the like are fed to the system 100 from the side of the work surface 10 by means of a first conveying device 21, which is shown only symbolically and is preferably designed as a linear conveyor, such as a chain conveyor, a belt conveyor, or the like. After the work processes have been carried out within the area of ​​the system 100, the (machined) workpieces 1 or the like are transported away from the area of ​​the work surface 10 or the system 100 by means of a second conveying device 22, also shown only symbolically, which is arranged on the side of the work surface 10 opposite the first conveying device 21. Preferably, the second conveying device 22 is also designed as a linear conveyor.

[0023] Using gripping devices or similar equipment (not shown), the workpieces 1 or the like can be removed from the first conveyor 21 and placed onto the first transport units 12. Likewise, the gripping devices or similar equipment (not shown) serve to lift the workpieces 1 or the like from the first transport units 12 after the work processes have been carried out and to feed them to the second conveyor 22.

[0024] To carry out the work processes, the system 100 has, for example, two first process stations 25 and two second process stations 26 in the area of, and possibly above, the work surface 10. The first process stations 25, which are arranged side by side, are each designed as so-called dispensing stations with a dosing device 28 fixed in the plane of the work surface 10 for dispensing the medium M, each of which has a dosing needle 30 arranged to move vertically perpendicular to the plane of the work surface 10. The second process stations 26 are, for example, testing devices 32 in the form of cameras or similar devices, which serve to monitor the work processes carried out by the first process stations 25 or to check their correct execution.

[0025] The work area 10 has, on either side of the process stations 25 and 26, a first and second staging zone 34, 36, each marked by a dashed border, in which first transport units 12 can be arranged. Furthermore, the exemplary rectangular staging zones 34 and 36, particularly in the area of ​​waiting zones 37, 38, serve to accommodate or park at least one second transport unit 40.

[0026] While the first transport units 12 serve to supply the workpieces 1 or the like to the process stations 25, 26 so that so-called main processes (referred to above as work processes) can take place there, the second transport units 40 serve to carry out secondary processes that are independent of the main processes in terms of time and / or location. The secondary processes include, for example, the calibration, inspection, or cleaning of the process stations 25, 26 by means of at least one testing device 41, calibration device 42, or cleaning device 47. The testing device 41, calibration device 42, and cleaning device 47 are arranged, by way of example, in a strip-shaped area 46 next to the work surface 10. In the exemplary embodiment, a testing device 41 is designed in the form of a weighing device 50.

[0027] The second transport unit 40 has a fork-shaped receiving device 44, designed as an interface 45, for carrying out various secondary processes or for handling different objects required for carrying out the secondary processes. In particular, first transport units 12 and second transport units 40 can each be converted or converted into one another by means of a conversion kit.

[0028] As shown by the Fig. 2 bis 11 As can be seen, the weighing device 50, covered by a cover 51, has a measuring cell 52 arranged in the area of ​​a base 54. The base 54 is preferably mechanically decoupled from the work surface 10 to prevent the transmission of vibrations, shocks, or the like to the measuring cell 52. Furthermore, the weighing device 50 comprises a support structure 56 with a lifting and lowering, for example fork-shaped, lifting element 58, in the area of ​​which a measuring cup 2 can be arranged and which can be raised or lowered by the lifting element 58.

[0029] In addition, it is specifically provided that the weighing device 50 interacts with a changeover device 60, which is not shown in detail and is therefore only represented symbolically. The changeover device 60 serves to remove a measuring cup 2, filled with a medium M and located in the area of ​​the measuring cell 52, from the weighing device 50 after at least one weighing operation and then to supply a new, empty measuring cup 2 to the weighing device 50 in order to carry out another weighing operation. Preferably, however, the exchange of the measuring cup 2 only takes place when it is almost completely filled with medium M (from previous weighing operations).

[0030] It is also mentioned that instead of a changing device 60, it may also be possible to carry out the removal or supply of a measuring cup 2 through the second transport unit 40.

[0031] It is further mentioned that, according to the presentation of the Fig. 6 The metering needle 30 of the metering device 28 is arranged to be raised and lowered in accordance with the direction of the double arrow 62, while otherwise the metering device 28 is arranged in a fixed position with regard to its relative position to the plane of the work surface 10.

[0032] The weighing device 50 serves to weigh a target quantity of liquid or pasty medium M dispensed by the dosing device 28 via its dosing needle 30 before the start of operation of the system 100, after a specific number of dosing operations, or after the end of operation of the system 100, in order to be able to determine the correct quantity or mass of the medium M during the operation of the system 100. For this purpose, the functioning of the system 100 with regard to the weighing device 50 is illustrated by the sequence of figures in the Fig. 2 bis 11 as explained below: According to the Fig. 2 First, a second transport unit 40 is moved from the area of, for example, the staging zone 34 to the area of ​​the weighing device 50. For this purpose, it is specifically provided that the metering needle 30 or the metering device 28 is initially arranged in a raised position, such that the second transport unit 40 can be moved below the metering device 28 without colliding with the metering device 28 or its metering needle 30. Furthermore, based on the Fig. 2 It can be seen that the lifting element 28 has raised a (for example, empty) measuring cup 2 into a raised position spaced away from the measuring cell 52.

[0033] Subsequently, the following will be done according to the description of the Fig. 3 a transfer of the measuring cup 2 from the second transport unit 40 by bringing the holding device 48 into contact with the measuring cup 2. Thereafter, the following occurs according to the Fig. 4 a lowering of the lifting element 58 to release the measuring cup 2 from the lifting element 58. Subsequently, according to the Fig. 5 The measuring cup 2 is moved from the area of ​​the weighing device 50 by the second transport unit 40, and according to the Fig. 6 positioned below the dosing needle 30 of the dosing device 28.

[0034] The dosing device 28 then dispenses the target quantity of medium M into the measuring cup 2, if the dosing needle 30 is lowered. Subsequently, the process proceeds according to the Fig. 7 The measuring cup 2, now filled with medium M, is transported back to the weighing device 50. Prior to this, medium M can be wiped from the dispensing needle tip by wiping the rim of the measuring cup 2 against the needle tip. This is made possible by the highly precise movement of the measuring cup 2 by the second transport unit 40. The transfer of the measuring cup 2 from the second transport unit 40 to the lifting element 58 of the carrier device 56 then takes place according to the following procedure: Fig. 8 The lifting element 58 is raised so that it comes into contact with the measuring cup 2. Once this has occurred, the process continues as shown in the illustration. Fig. 9 a removal of the second transport unit 40 from the area of ​​the weighing device 50.

[0035] Then, according to the Fig. 10 The lifting element 58 lowers the measuring cup 2 onto the measuring cell 52. The lowering action occurs such that the lifting element 58 places the measuring cup 2 onto the measuring cell 52, with no further contact between the measuring cup 2 and the lifting element 58. In this position, the weighing device 50 or the measuring cell 52 performs the measurement process to verify whether the actual quantity of medium M dispensed into the measuring cup 2 corresponds to the target quantity M. The result is used for calibration or for adjusting the dosing device 28.

[0036] Finally, it is according to the Fig. 11 The lifting element 58 is designed to release the measuring cup 2 from the measuring cell 52. In this position, for example, the (partially or completely) filled measuring cup 2 can be disposed of by the exchange device 60 and replaced by a new, empty measuring cup 2.

[0037] The system 100 described so far can be adapted or modified in a variety of ways without deviating from the inventive concept.

Claims

1. Installation (100) for carrying out working processes on workpieces (1) or the like, having a working surface (10) on which first transport units (12) which can be moved independently of one another by electromagnetic drives are arranged, said first transport units being designed to remove the workpieces (1) or the like from a first conveying device (21), to subsequently supply different process stations (25, 26) in order to carry out the working processes on the workpieces (21) or the like, and to lastly transfer the workpieces (1) or the like to a second conveying device (22) after the working processes have been carried out, wherein the process stations (25, 26) comprise at least one metering device (28) having a metering needle (30) or similar element for dispensing a medium (M) to the workpieces (1) or the like, characterized in that, in addition to the working surface (10), there is arranged a weighing device (50) having a measuring cell (52) for weighing a measuring cup (2) which can be released from the measuring cell (52), and in that additionally at least one second, electromagnetically movable transport unit (40) is designed to transport the measuring cup (2) between the region of the measuring cell (52) and the region of the metering device (28).

2. Installation according to Claim 1, characterized in that the at least one second transport unit (40) is designed to transport other objects, alternatively to the measuring cup (2), to the region of a process station (25, 26).

3. Installation according to Claim 2, characterized in that the at least one second transport device (40) has a receiving device (44) having at least one standardized interface (45) for the different objects.

4. Installation according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that when not in use the at least one second transport unit (40) is arranged in a provision zone (34, 36) in the region of the working surface (10).

5. Installation according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the weighing device (50) has a lifting element (58) for releasing the measuring cup (2) from the weighing cell (52) and for transferring and taking up the measuring cup (2) to or from the second transport unit (40).

6. Installation according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the weighing cell (52) is arranged mechanically decoupled from the working surface (10).

7. Installation according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the metering device (28) with its metering needle (30) is arranged in a positionally fixed manner relative to the plane of the working surface (10), and in that the metering needle (30) is arranged so as to be liftable and lowerable separately or together with the metering device (28) in a direction running perpendicularly to the plane of the working surface (10).

8. Installation according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a changer device (60) for measuring cups (2) is assigned to the weighing device (50).

9. Installation according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the at least one second transport unit (40) can be formed by fitting a first transport unit (12) with a conversion kit.

10. Method for carrying out a weighing process for a medium (M) in an installation (100), which is formed according to one of Claims 1 to 9, comprising at least the following steps: - transporting a measuring cup (2) from the region of the weighing device (50) into the region of the metering device (28) by way of a second transport unit (40) - dispensing a setpoint amount of medium (M) into the measuring cup (2) by way of the metering device (28) - transporting the measuring cup (2) filled with the medium (M) into the region of the weighing device (50) - placing the measuring cup (2) onto the weighing cell (52) of the weighing device (50) and releasing it from the second transport device (40) - measuring the actual amount of medium (M) by way of the weighing cell (52) - if necessary discarding the measuring cup (2) filled with the medium (M) from the region of the weighing device (50) and providing an unfilled measuring cup (2).