Processing station for workpieces that are in the form of vehicle body parts and have stored, exchangeable clamping devices, and method for changing the clamping devices

Abstract

The present invention relates to a processing station (1) for workpieces in the form of vehicle body parts, said processing station comprising: a plurality of carrier elements (2); a magazine (3) having a plurality of magazine planes (31, 32, 33) for storing the carrier elements (2); a work area (5) for processing the workpieces; a first transport device (6) for transporting the carrier elements (2) between the work area (5) and a supply point (34) of the magazine (3); a second transport device (7) for transporting the carrier elements (2) in the magazine (3) in the first magazine plane (31) in a transverse direction (Y); and a third transport device (8) for transporting the carrier elements (2) in a vertical direction (Z) between the magazine planes (31, 32, 33), wherein the third transport device (7) has lifting elements (81, 82) which can be adjusted in the vertical direction (Z) in order to receive the end face of the carrier elements (2), and wherein the lifting elements (81, 82) comprise a fourth transport device (9) for transporting the carrier elements (2) in a magazine plane (32, 33) outside the first plane (4) in a transverse direction (Y). The invention also relates to methods for changing the carrier elements between the work area (5) and a position in the magazine (3).

Description

[0001] thyssenkrupp Automotive Body Solutions GmbH i 221158P10WO thyssenkrupp AG

[0002] Machining station for workpieces designed as vehicle body parts with provided, interchangeable clamping devices and method for changing the clamping devices

[0003] The invention relates to a processing station for workpieces designed as vehicle body parts. The processing station comprises a plurality of carrier elements, a magazine for storing the carrier elements, wherein the magazine has a first magazine level in a first plane, a work area for processing workpieces in the first plane, a first transport device for transporting the carrier elements between the work area and a provision point of the magazine in the first magazine level in a longitudinal direction, and a second transport device for transporting the carrier elements in the magazine in the first magazine level in a transverse direction.

[0004] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for transporting a carrier element from a starting position within the magazine of the processing station into the working area of ​​the processing station and to a method for transporting a carrier element from the working area of ​​the processing station into a target position within the magazine of the processing station.

[0005] Such processing stations are known, wherein the support elements comprise, in particular, clamping devices, furthermore, in particular, clamping frames, with which the workpieces, in particular the body components, are positioned for processing. The vehicle body parts positioned by means of the clamping devices can then be finally joined together at the processing station, for example by a joining process, wherein the joining process can, in particular, be welding, gluing, riveting, or even clinching. A clamping frame, frequently used as a clamping device, is designed as a largely flat support frame on which several actuatable clamps are held, via which the body parts are clamped against one another at predetermined points in order to be joined there.A clamping frame itself is not designed to carry and transport a body part, but merely to bring a body component into a final, structurally predetermined geometry.

[0006] In order to be able to process different body components with one processing station, for example, different body components for different body shapes of a vehicle model, such as a coupe and a sedan, it is known, for example, from EP 3 490 877 B1, that the processing stations have several clamping devices that are stored in a magazine area of ​​the processing station. As needed, these clamping devices are then moved from the magazine area to the work area or from the work area to the magazine area using transport devices of the processing station.

[0007] A disadvantage of the machining station according to EP 3 490 877 B1 is that the number of clamping devices required also increases the space required for the machining station, because each additional clamping device requires an additional magazine area. However, this increase in space requirement is often undesirable.

[0008] Based on this, it is therefore an object of the present invention to improve a processing station, advantageously in such a way that the number of machineable body components is increased while the space requirement remains substantially unchanged.

[0009] To achieve this object, a processing station and method according to the independent claims are proposed. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims and the description, as well as illustrated in the figures.

[0010] The proposed solution provides a machining station for workpieces designed as vehicle body parts, comprising a plurality of support elements, in particular a plurality of support elements for clamping devices, and a magazine for storing the support elements. The magazine comprises a first magazine level in a first level and at least one further magazine level outside the first level, in particular above the first level and / or below the first level. In the first level, the machining station also has a work area for machining workpieces, in particular for machining body components clamped against one another at predetermined points by means of a clamping device of a support element.Furthermore, the processing station comprises a first transport device for transporting the carrier elements between the work area and a provision point of the magazine in the first magazine level in a longitudinal direction, a second transport device for transporting the carrier elements in the magazine in the first magazine level in a transverse direction and a third transport device for transporting the carrier elements in a vertical direction between the magazine levels, wherein the third transport device has, opposite one another, a lifting element which is adjustable in the vertical direction for receiving the carrier elements at the front, and wherein the lifting elements comprise a fourth transport device for transporting the carrier elements in a magazine level outside the first level in a transverse direction.The lifting elements are therefore advantageously used not only for transporting the carrier elements vertically, but are also specifically designed for transporting the carrier elements transversely in the other magazine levels. Because the magazine of the processing device has several stacked magazine levels, more carrier elements and thus more clamping devices can be stored in the processing station while maintaining essentially unchanged space requirements. The carrier elements, especially the fully equipped carrier elements, are advantageously all different and advantageously adapted for different body components.

[0011] The transport devices of the processing station are advantageously controllable, in particular by means of an electronic control unit of the processing station, such that the carrier elements can be exchanged, in particular automatically exchanged, between a storage position in the magazine of the processing station and the work area of ​​the processing station by means of the transport devices. With regard to simple exchange of a carrier element arranged in the work area of ​​the processing station and a carrier element held in the magazine, in particular exchange without intermediate positioning of other carrier elements, it is advantageous if a maximum of two carrier elements are held in one magazine level, in particular one carrier element each to the right and left of the third transport device. Furthermore, it is advantageous if only one carrier element is held in the first magazine level.A further holding position in the first magazine level is then advantageously defined as an alternative position. This alternative position allows carrier elements to be exchanged to be advantageously guided past each other. Furthermore, the alternative position allows the lifting elements that have transported a carrier element from a magazine level outside the first level to the first level to be moved out of the adjustment path in the longitudinal direction by moving the carrier element into the alternative position.

[0012] In particular, it is provided that the additional magazine levels of the magazine are arranged above the first magazine level. However, it is also conceivable that, in a design with an underfloor solution, additional magazine levels are arranged below the first magazine level, although this would require further adjustments to the processing station. According to an advantageous design of the processing station, the fourth transport device comprises at least one drive arrangement with a rack that can be moved in the transverse direction, wherein the rack advantageously has a driver element for coupling to a coupling element of a respective carrier element, and wherein, by moving the rack, a coupled carrier element can be transported in a magazine level outside the first level in a transverse direction. Advantageously, the drive arrangement comprises a drivable pinion that acts on the rack.Furthermore, it is advantageously provided that the drive arrangement of the fourth transport device comprises a rail arrangement which in particular comprises two U-profiles whose openings face one another. On the sides of the rack of the drive arrangement, rollers with axes of rotation extending in the longitudinal direction are advantageously arranged, wherein the U-profiles provide the running surfaces for the rollers when the rack is moved in the transverse direction. In particular, it can be provided that, in addition to the rollers, support rollers with axes of rotation extending in the vertical direction are arranged on the sides of the rack, which can be supported against the U-profile and thus advantageously prevent the rack from becoming tilted. The driver elements of the rack are advantageously each arranged at the ends of the rack. The length of the rack advantageously corresponds to the length of the U-profiles.In particular, the length of the rack essentially corresponds to the length of the lifting element.

[0013] Advantageously, the driver element is designed to be adjustable between a coupling position and a decoupling position. Alternatively or additionally, the coupling element is advantageously designed to be adjustable between a coupling position and a decoupling position. In particular, it is provided that the driver element is designed as an adjustable bolt, in particular a pneumatically adjustable bolt, which can be moved from the decoupling position into the coupling position, in particular to establish an operative connection with the coupling element, which is designed in particular as a receiving opening or as a receiving bushing. To separate this operative connection, the driver element can be moved from the coupling position into the decoupling position.

[0014] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the at least one drive arrangement of the fourth transport device comprises a drive unit, wherein the drive unit is arranged on the lifting element. In particular, an electric motor is provided as the drive unit, wherein the electric motor is advantageously arranged on the lifting element. In particular, it is provided that the drivable pinion is arranged on a motor shaft of the electric motor.

[0015] Preferably, each of the lifting elements has a respective drive arrangement of the fourth transport device. This means that advantageously, each of the lifting elements comprises a rack that can be moved in the transverse direction. The rack advantageously has a driver element for coupling to a coupling element of a respective carrier element. By moving the rack, a coupled carrier element can be transported in a magazine plane outside the first plane in a transverse direction. The racks of the lifting elements are advantageously moved synchronously.

[0016] A further advantageous embodiment provides that the additional magazine levels of the magazine of the processing station each comprise a rail arrangement with running surface sections extending in the transverse direction. Furthermore, it is particularly provided that the lifting elements each comprise a rail with a running surface extending in the transverse direction. The rail of a respective lifting element and the rail arrangement of the additional magazine levels are advantageously coordinated with one another in such a way that the rails of the lifting elements arranged on a magazine level form a continuous transversely extending transport running surface with the rail arrangement of this magazine level.In this embodiment, there is no continuous transverse transport surface on the additional magazine levels where the lifting elements are not arranged, and in particular, no carrier elements can be transported transversely in these additional magazine levels as long as the lifting elements are not moved into the corresponding magazine level to form the continuous transverse transport surface there. The rail of a respective lifting element described in connection with this embodiment is provided in particular in addition to the rail arrangement of a respective lifting element, in which the rack can be guided.

[0017] For transporting the support elements in the transverse direction, it is provided in particular that the support elements comprise transverse rollers arranged on their front sides, each having a rotational axis extending in the longitudinal direction. The support elements can be moved by means of the transverse rollers along the transport running surface, which, as described above, is advantageously formed by the respective rail arrangement on one of the further magazine levels and the respective rail of the lifting elements. According to an advantageous further development, the rail of a respective lifting element is formed by a U-profile, wherein the openings of the U-profiles of the lifting elements are arranged opposite one another, in particular arranged opposite one another at a distance from one another, and the running surfaces of the rails of the lifting elements are each formed by an inner side of a lower outer leg of the U-profile.Advantageously, the rail arrangements of the further magazine levels of the magazine of the processing station also comprise corresponding U-profiles, which can advantageously be seamlessly connected to the U-profiles of the lifting elements by adjusting the lifting elements.

[0018] The U-profiles advantageously provide additional security for the support elements, as they advantageously limit movement of the support elements in the longitudinal and vertical directions.

[0019] Further advantageously, the support elements have support rollers arranged on their front sides, each with a rotational axis extending in the vertical direction. The support rollers are advantageously designed to bear against the inner side of an inner leg of a respective U-profile and, during transport of one of the support elements in the transverse direction in one of the further magazine levels, to roll along the inner side of the inner leg. This advantageously improves the smooth running of the support elements. Furthermore, movement of the support elements in the longitudinal and vertical directions is further restricted.

[0020] A further advantageous embodiment of the processing station provides that the third transport device comprises two lifting columns, each positioned opposite one another. In total, the third transport device thus comprises four lifting columns, of which the two lifting columns arranged on one side of the magazine advantageously form a lifting column pair. The respective lifting element can then be moved vertically between the two lifting columns arranged on one side of the magazine.

[0021] Advantageously, the lifting elements are guided laterally within the lifting columns. This allows the rails of the lifting elements to be precisely inserted into the rail arrangements of the other magazine levels. The rails of the lifting elements and the respective racks are advantageously arranged in front of the lifting columns, with the rack being positioned closer to the lifting columns than the rails.

[0022] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the first transport device of the processing station has a rail arrangement for guiding and supporting the carrier elements and at least one first drive arrangement with two transmission elements aligned parallel to the rail arrangement of the first transport device. The transmission elements can advantageously be coupled independently of one another to the respective carrier element to be transported in order to move the carrier element in a coupled state in the longitudinal direction. With a first transport device designed in this way, the carrier elements can advantageously be moved effectively and efficiently from the work area to the supply location and from the supply location to the work area of ​​the processing station.In particular, it is advantageous to design the first transport device in a manner similar to the transport device described in EP 3 490 877 B1 for transporting the clamping frames in the longitudinal direction, with explicit reference here to the disclosure of EP 3 490 877 B1. The clamping frames according to EP 3 490 877 B1 are, in particular, support elements comprising clamping devices.

[0023] In particular, it is provided that the transmission elements comprise racks for transmitting a travel movement in the longitudinal direction, wherein a toothing of the racks is advantageously directed vertically downwards. Further advantageously, the first drive arrangement of the first transport device comprises respective drives that are operatively connected to the transmission elements. In particular, it is further provided that driver elements for coupling the carrier elements to the transmission elements are arranged at opposite end regions of the transmission elements of the first transport device in the longitudinal direction. It is further advantageous that the first drive arrangement of the first transport device comprises actuating actuators, preferably pneumatically actuated actuating actuators. Via these, the driver elements can advantageously be coupled to the carrier elements in respective takeover positions of the transmission elements.Preferably, the carrier elements have coupling bolts via which the carrier elements can be positively coupled to the driver elements of the transmission elements of the first transport device.

[0024] The first transport device of the processing station extends in particular in the longitudinal direction from the provision point of the magazine, via a transfer area into the work area. The first drive arrangement of the first transport device is preferably arranged in the transfer area. In particular, the rail arrangement of the first transport device forms separate rail sections in the first magazine level and / or in the transfer area and / or in the work area, wherein in particular the rail section arranged in the first magazine level can be moved in the transverse direction by means of a second drive arrangement of the second transport device of the processing station. Furthermore, it can also be provided that the rail section arranged in the transfer area and / or in the work area can also be moved in the transverse direction by means of a further drive arrangement.

[0025] As a further advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the second transport device of the processing station comprises a rail arrangement, wherein the rail arrangement has pairs of rails adjustable in the transverse direction for transporting the support elements, wherein the pairs of rails are formed in particular from U-profiles whose openings lie opposite one another. Further advantageously, the support elements comprise longitudinal rollers arranged on both sides, each with a rotational axis extending in the transverse direction, wherein the support elements can be moved in the longitudinal direction by means of the longitudinal rollers, in particular between the work area and the provision point of the processing station. The longitudinal rollers advantageously roll within the respective U-profile when transporting one of the support elements into or out of the provision point.Advantageously, the U-profiles each have recesses on their upper legs, i.e., the upper outer leg, which are arranged above the longitudinal rollers of one of the support elements when the support element is at the supply point. Advantageously, the support elements can thus be transported vertically out of the rail arrangement of the second transport device, specifically out of the U-profiles, by means of the third transport device of the processing station.

[0026] The further proposed method for transporting a carrier element from a starting position in a magazine of a processing station into a working area of ​​the processing station, wherein the processing station is designed according to the invention and in particular comprises the features set out above individually or in combination, and wherein the carrier elements in particular carry differently designed clamping frames, provides that the carrier element to be transported is arranged as a starting position in a magazine level outside the first level, in particular above the first level, outside the third transport device, and from there is brought into the working area using the transport devices of the processing station.For this purpose, the lifting elements are first moved by means of the third transport device to the magazine level in which the carrier element to be transported is arranged, i.e. to the magazine level in which the starting position of the carrier element to be transported is located. The carrier element to be transported is then transported in the transverse direction by means of the fourth transport device until the carrier element to be transported is arranged at its end in the lifting elements. Furthermore, the carrier element to be transported is transported vertically into the provision point in the first level by means of the third transport device by means of a vertical movement of the lifting elements. In a further step, the carrier element to be transported is transported from the provision point in the transverse direction out of the provision point by means of the second transport device.Subsequently, the lifting elements are moved vertically into a magazine level outside the first level, in particular above the first level, by means of the third transport device, so that the lifting elements no longer block the transport path in the longitudinal direction. The carrier element to be transported is then transported transversely to the staging area by means of the second transport device, and the carrier element to be transported longitudinally from the staging area to the work area by means of the first transport device.

[0027] For the transport of the carrier element in the magazine plane in which the starting position of the carrier element is located, it is provided in particular that a rack of the fourth transport device comprising a driver element is moved in the transverse direction. During the movement, the driver element is advantageously in a decoupling position. The movement of the rack is advantageously stopped when the driver element is at the level of a coupling element of the carrier element to be transported. The driver element is then advantageously moved into the coupling position and in this way the carrier element is coupled to the rack. The rack is then advantageously moved in the opposite direction and thus the carrier element is pulled into the lifting elements or the U-profiles of the lifting elements provided for this purpose.The driver element is then advantageously moved into the uncoupling position and the rack is advantageously moved back into the original position in which the lifting element can be moved in the vertical direction.

[0028] The further proposed method for transporting a carrier element from a work area of ​​a processing station to a target position in a magazine of the processing station, wherein the processing station is designed according to the invention and in particular comprises the features set out above individually or in combination, and wherein the carrier elements in particular carry differently designed clamping frames, provides that the carrier element to be transported is to be arranged as a target position in a magazine level outside the first level, in particular above the first level, outside the third transport device, and is moved there from the work area. For this purpose, the lifting elements are moved vertically into a magazine level outside the first level by means of the third transport device.The carrier element to be transported is then transported longitudinally from the work area to the staging area by means of the first transport device. The carrier element to be transported is then transported transversely from the staging area out of the staging area by means of the second transport device, in particular in such a way that the carrier element to be transported is arranged outside the third transport device. The lifting elements are then moved to the first magazine level by means of the third transport device. Once this has been done, the carrier element to be transported is transported transversely back to the staging area by means of the second transport device until the carrier element to be transported is arranged at its end in the lifting elements.By means of the third transport device, the carrier element to be transported is transported vertically from the provisioning point to the next level, in which the target position for the T to be transported is located, by vertical movement of the lifting elements. Then, by means of the fourth transport device, the carrier element to be transported is transported transversely to the target position.

[0029] For the transport of the carrier element in the transverse direction in the further magazine level in which the target position is located, it is provided in particular that a rack of the fourth transport device comprising a driver element is moved in the transverse direction. During the movement, the driver element is advantageously in a decoupling position. The movement of the rack is advantageously stopped when the driver element is at the level of a coupling element of the carrier element to be transported. The driver element is then advantageously moved into the coupling position and in this way the carrier element is coupled to the rack. The carrier element to be coupled is then advantageously transported to the target position by moving the rack.The driver element is then advantageously moved into the uncoupling position, and the rack is advantageously returned to its original position, in which the lifting element can be moved vertically. Advantageously, the carrier element is secured in the target position. Transporting the carrier elements from the work area to the provision location or from the provision location to the work area by means of the first transport device can be carried out, in particular, as described in EP 3 490 877 B1, which is explicitly referenced in this regard.

[0030] In particular, a combination of the methods described above is also provided. In particular, intermediate displacements of support elements are also provided, thus creating a starting position that allows the methods described above to be carried out.

[0031] Further advantageous details, features, and design details of the invention are explained in more detail in connection with the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures (Fig.: Figure).

[0032] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a processing station designed according to the invention;

[0033] Fig. 2 shows a section of the processing station according to Fig. 1, showing the first transport device and the working area 5;

[0034] Fig. 3 shows a further section of the processing station according to Fig. 1;

[0035] Fig. 4 shows a support element of the machining station according to Fig. 1 without a workpiece holding element;

[0036] Fig. 5 is a plan view of the machining station according to Fig. 1 with only two support elements without showing the workpiece holding elements;

[0037] Fig. 6 shows a section of the processing station according to Fig. 1 with the second transport device 7 and the third transport device 8 without showing support elements;

[0038] Fig. 7 shows a section of the machining station according to Fig. 1 with a lifting element and a support element arranged in the lifting element, without showing a workpiece receiving element; Fig. 8 shows a section of a lifting element of the machining station according to Fig. 1;

[0039] Fig. 9 shows a section of the processing station according to Fig. 1 with the magazine, the second

[0040] Transport device, the third transport device and a part of the first transport device without showing support elements; and

[0041] Fig. 10a shows, on the basis of highly simplified representations, an embodiment of methods designed according to the invention with which a change of a carrier element arranged in a Fig. 101 working area of ​​a processing station with a carrier element arranged in a magazine can be carried out.

[0042] In the various figures, identical parts are generally provided with the same reference symbols and are therefore sometimes explained only in connection with one of the figures.

[0043] Fig. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a processing station 1 designed according to the invention. Further perspectives, sections, and details of this exemplary embodiment are shown in Figs. 2 to 9.

[0044] This processing station 1 is designed for processing workpieces, in particular workpieces designed as vehicle body parts. The processing station 1 comprises a work area 5 in which the workpieces can be processed. When the processing station 1 is used as intended, it is provided in particular that the processing station 1 is arranged within a production plant. In this production plant, robots are preferably used to convey and process workpieces, in particular vehicle body parts. The processing station 1 serves to process the workpieces in a predetermined section of the production plant. The processing of the workpieces can, for example, comprise a joining process, for example welding the workpieces using the welding robot R shown schematically in Fig. 1.In the work area 5 of the processing station, in particular a so-called geobox can be arranged, in which the actual processing of the workpieces takes place and to which a clamping device, in particular a clamping frame, which is currently required, is delivered by transporting a carrier element 2 comprising the clamping device in the transverse direction Y. This means that at least as a design variant, it is provided that the work area 5 comprises a further transport device with which a carrier element 2 can be transported in the work area 5 in the transverse direction Y, wherein this further transport device can in particular be designed like the second transport device. With regard to a possible design of the work area 5 of the processing station, reference is also made to the relevant disclosure in EP 3 490 877 B1.

[0045] In order to be able to process differently shaped workpieces, in particular differently shaped vehicle body parts, in a simple manner using the processing station 1, the processing station 1 in the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 has four support elements 2, each of which is designed to receive differently shaped workpieces. For this purpose, the support elements 2 of the processing station 1 have correspondingly differently configured workpiece holding elements 29, in particular differently configured clamping frames, which are shown in a simplified schematic form as cuboids in the figures. An example of a concrete design of a support element 2 with a workpiece holding element 29* and vehicle body components held by the workpiece holding element 29* is shown by the support element 2 arranged in the work area 5 in Fig. 1. The processing station 1 shown in Fig. 1 is designed for a total of five support elements 2.

[0046] To store the carrier elements 2, the processing station 1 comprises a magazine 3. The magazine 3 comprises, in a first level 4, a first, lowest magazine level 31, which is arranged in the same level 4 as the work area 5. Above the first magazine level 31, the magazine 3 comprises, as further magazine levels, a middle magazine level 32 and an upper magazine level 33. In order to be able to exchange the carrier elements 2 between the work area 5 and the magazine 3, the processing station 1 comprises several transport devices.

[0047] Thus, the processing station 1 has a first transport device 6, with which a carrier element 2 of the processing station 1 can be transported in the longitudinal direction X between the work area 5 and a provision point 34 of the magazine 3. The provision point 34 is located centrally in the first magazine level 31 of the magazine 3. The provision point 34 is a location to which each carrier element 2 must first be brought in order to be transported from the magazine 3 to the work area 5. Each carrier element 2 that is to be moved from the work area 5 to the magazine 3 must also first be transported to the provision point 34. For transporting the carrier elements 2 between the work area 5 and the provision point 34, the first transport device 6 in this exemplary embodiment comprises a rail arrangement 61 for guiding and supporting the carrier elements 2.The rail arrangement 61 comprises running surfaces aligned in the longitudinal direction X, on which the support elements 2 can be moved in the longitudinal direction X by means of longitudinal rollers 24 arranged laterally on the support elements 2. In order to be able to move the support elements 2, the first transport device 6 additionally comprises a first drive arrangement 62 with two transmission elements 63 aligned parallel to the rail arrangement 61. The transmission elements 63 can be coupled independently of one another to the support element to be transported. For this purpose, the transmission elements in particular have correspondingly designed driver elements, which can each be coupled to a correspondingly designed coupling element of a support element 2. By means of the transmission elements 63, a coupled support element 2 can be moved in the longitudinal direction X.To transmit the travel movement in the longitudinal direction X, the transmission elements 63 in this exemplary embodiment comprise racks, which are arranged, in particular, on rollers, in two U-profiles with facing openings. The first drive arrangement 62 of the first transport device 6 also comprises drives 64 operatively connected to the transmission elements 63, which can be designed, in particular, as electric motors and are shown in Fig. 5. The toothing of the racks is preferably directed vertically downward.

[0048] Further details of the processing station 1 with the work area 5 and the first transport device 6 are shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, sections of the processing station 1 from the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 1, in which the carrier element 2 shown is shown without a workpiece holding element 29, as in Fig. 1, in order to make details of the carrier element 2 more visible. Fig. 2 shows a sectional plane E1, with Fig. 3 showing the part of the processing station 1 from the sectional plane E1. In Fig. 3 it can be seen that the rail arrangement 61 comprises U-profiles, along which a carrier element 2 of the processing station 1 can be moved with laterally arranged longitudinal rollers 24, which are shown in Fig. 4. The longitudinal rollers 24 roll over the inside of the lower outer leg 843 of a respective U-profile of the rail arrangement 61.Side support rollers 25 of the support element 2, which can roll on the inside of the inner legs 844 of the U-profiles of the rail arrangement 61, stabilize the support element 2 during travel in the longitudinal direction X. Fig. 3 also shows the transmission elements 63, which are also guided in U-profiles, with the driver elements 631 arranged thereon. With reference to Fig. 3, in the illustration shown, the driver element 631 of the right-hand transmission element 63 is coupled to the coupling element 21 of the support element 2, so that the support element 2 can be transported in the longitudinal direction X by means of the transmission element 63. To uncouple the driver elements 631 from the coupling elements 21 of the support elements 2, the driver elements 631 can be adjusted accordingly.

[0049] For transporting the support elements 2 of the processing station 1 in the transverse direction Y in the first magazine level 31 of the magazine 3, the processing station 1 comprises a second transport device 7, which is shown in more detail in Fig. 6. In this exemplary embodiment, the second transport device 7 comprises a rail arrangement 71, wherein the rail arrangement 71 has adjustable rail pairs 711 for transporting the support elements 2 in the transverse direction Y. In this exemplary embodiment, the rail pairs 711 are formed from U-profiles with two outer legs 843 surrounding an inner leg 844.The U-profiles are arranged such that the openings 842 of the U-profiles are spaced apart from one another, such that the support elements 2, with the longitudinal rollers 24 arranged on both sides, can be moved into such a pair of rails 711 formed from the U-profiles in the longitudinal direction X coming from the work area 5 of the processing station 1. Upon such entry into such a pair of rails 711 or exit from such a pair of rails 711, the longitudinal rollers 24 roll within the U-profile, in particular on the inside of the lower outer leg 843. On the upper outer legs 843 of the U-profiles of these pairs of rails 711, the U-profiles each have recesses 712. These recesses 712 are arranged above the longitudinal rollers 24 of a respective carrier element 2 when the carrier element 2 is completely arranged at the provision point 34.These recesses 712 make it possible for a support element 2 located at the provision point 34 to be moved in the vertical direction Z out of a pair of rails 711 or into a pair of rails 711.

[0050] In order for a carrier element 2 to be transported in the vertical direction Z within the magazine 3 of the processing station 1, the processing station 1 comprises a third transport device 8, details of the third transport device 8 being shown, among other things, in Fig. 6. With the transport device 8, a carrier element 2 can be moved from one magazine level to another magazine level, wherein the movement in the vertical direction Z takes place within the base area defined by the provision point 34. In this exemplary embodiment, the third transport device 8 has two lifting elements 81, 82 that can be adjusted in the vertical direction Z. Furthermore, the third transport device 8 comprises two pairs of lifting columns, wherein a respective lifting element 81, 82 can be moved in the vertical direction Z between the lifting columns 83 of a pair of lifting columns.Each pair of lifting columns is assigned a drive assembly 85, each of which includes, in particular, an electric motor 87. The lifting elements 81, 82 are moved synchronously to the same height. Further details of a lifting element 82 are shown in particular in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8.

[0051] In this exemplary embodiment, the lifting elements 81, 82 of the third transport device 8 of the processing station 1 each comprise a rail 84 formed by a U-profile, which is adjustably connected to the lifting columns 83 via two outriggers 86. The U-profile comprises two outer legs 843 and one inner leg 844, wherein the openings 842 of the U-profiles are arranged opposite one another at a distance such that a carrier element 2 of the processing station 1 can be received at its end by the U-profiles and thus by the lifting elements 81, 82. The inner side of a lower outer leg 843 of a respective U-profile forms a running surface 841 extending in the transverse direction Y. For transporting a carrier element 2 in the transverse direction Y in the middle magazine level 32 or the upper magazine level 33, the running surface 841 forms part of a transport running surface 13 extending in the transverse direction Y.

[0052] For this purpose, the middle magazine level 32 and the upper magazine level 33 of the magazine 3 of the processing station 1 each comprise a rail arrangement 35 with running surface sections 351 running in the transverse direction Y, which, like the rails 84 of the lifting elements 81, 82, are formed by U-profiles. For the design of the rail arrangement 35 of the magazine 3, reference is made in particular to Fig. 9. The rail 84 of a lifting element 81, 82 and the rail arrangement 35 of the middle magazine level 32 and the upper magazine level 33 are coordinated with one another in such a way that the rails 84 of the lifting elements 81, 82 arranged on a magazine level 32, 33 form the continuous transport running surface 13 running in the transverse direction Y with the rail arrangement 35 of this magazine level 32, 33.

[0053] In order for the support elements 2 to be able to move in the transverse direction Y along these transport running surfaces 13, the support elements 2 each comprise transverse direction rollers 22 arranged on the end face, as shown in particular in Fig. 4, which each comprise a rotation axis extending in the longitudinal direction X. By means of these transverse direction rollers 22, the support elements 2 can be moved along the transport running surface 13 formed from the running surface 841 of the rail 84 of a respective lifting element 81, 82 and the running surface sections 351 of a respective rail arrangement 35. In addition to the transverse direction rollers 22, the support elements 2 in this exemplary embodiment each have support rollers 23 arranged on the end face, each with a rotation axis extending in the vertical direction Z. The support rollers 23 are designed to be supported against the inner side of the inner leg 844 of the U-profile of a respective lifting element 81, 82.For this purpose, the support rollers 23 can roll on the middle magazine level 32 or the upper magazine level 33 on the inside of the inner leg 844 when transporting a carrier element 2 in the transverse direction Y.

[0054] In order to be able to move the support elements 2 of the processing station 1 on the middle magazine level 32 or the upper magazine level 33 in the transverse direction Y along the transport running surface 13, the lifting elements 81, 82 comprise a fourth transport device 9, the details of which are shown in particular in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. The fourth transport device 9 comprises two drive assemblies 91, wherein each of the lifting elements 81, 82 has one of the drive assemblies 91 of the fourth transport device 9. The drive assembly 91 of the fourth transport device 9 each comprises a toothed rack 92 that can be moved in the transverse direction Y. To move the respective toothed rack 92, it is provided that the drive assemblies 91 each have a drive unit 911, in particular an electric motor, wherein the drive units 911 are each arranged on one of the lifting elements 81, 82.By means of the respective drive unit 911, the racks 92 can be moved in the transverse direction Y, wherein it is provided in particular that the racks 92 are moved synchronously. To transmit the movement of the racks 92 to the support elements 2, the racks 92 each have a driver element 921 for coupling to a coupling element 21 of a respective support element 2. The driver element 921 can be adjusted between a coupling position 11 and a decoupling position 12, in particular in order to be able to couple a respective rack 92 to a support element 2 in this way. If a support element 2 of the processing station 1 is coupled to the racks 92, the coupled support element 2 can be transported in the middle magazine level 32 or the upper magazine level 33 in the transverse direction Y by moving the racks 92.The racks 92 are each mounted so as to be movable in the transverse direction Y via rollers 923 formed laterally on the racks 92 in a rail arrangement 922 of the fourth transport device 9 formed from U-profiles. In particular, it is provided that the racks of the first transport device 6 are designed and mounted in the same way as the racks 92 of the fourth transport device 9, whereby the variety of parts is advantageously reduced and costs can thus be saved.

[0055] A method for changing a carrier element 2 is explained in more detail below with reference to the schematic representations in Fig. 10a to Fig. 10l. First, with reference to Fig. 10a to Fig. 10f, it is explained how a carrier element 2* is moved from the working area 5 of a processing station 1 to a target position B in a magazine 3 of the processing station 1, and then, with reference to Fig. 10f to Fig. 10l, how a carrier element 2** is moved from a starting position A from the magazine 3 into the working area 5. The processing station 1 can in particular also be designed like the processing station 1 according to the previously explained embodiment.However, in the present case it is provided that the second transport device 7 can also move a single carrier element 2 in the transverse direction Y if two carrier elements 2 are located in the first magazine level 31, and the second transport device 7 can therefore not only move these two carrier elements 2 together in the transverse direction Y, as in the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 1 to Fig. 9. To explain the method with reference to Fig. 10a to Fig. 101, reference numerals from Fig. 1 to Fig. 9 are also used, even if some of them are not shown in Fig. 10a to Fig. 101.

[0056] Fig. 10a to Fig. 10l show a highly simplified representation of the processing station 1 with the magazine 3 and the work area 5. The magazine 3 comprises a first, lower magazine level 31, a second, middle magazine level 32, and a third, upper magazine level 33. The work area 5 is located on the same level as the first, lower magazine level 31. The magazine 3 stores the maximum possible number of four additional carrier elements 2 in this exemplary embodiment. However, additional carrier elements could be stored by providing additional magazines or additional magazine levels in the magazine 3.

[0057] Fig. 10a shows a carrier element 2* which is to be moved from the work area 5 of the processing station 1 to the target position B in the magazine 3 of the processing station 1. The target position B lies in the third, upper magazine level 33 outside the third transport device 8. The intended method steps are represented in Fig. 10a to Fig. 10l by arrows S1 to S14. Fig. 10a shows that in a first step S1 the lifting elements 81, 82 are moved in the vertical direction Z into the second, middle magazine level 32 by means of the third transport device 8. This clears the path for the carrier element 2* so that it can be moved to the provision point 34. In a second step S2 the carrier element 2* to be transported is transported in the longitudinal direction X from the work area 5 to the provision point 34 by means of the first transport device 6.

[0058] Fig. 10b shows that in a third method step S3, the carrier element 2* to be transported is transported from the provision location 34 in the transverse direction Y by means of the second transport device 7 by displacing the carrier element 2* to the right. This clears the path for moving the lifting elements 81, 82 back into the first magazine level 31 in a fourth step S4 by means of the third transport device 8.

[0059] If the lifting elements 81, 82 are again in the first, lower magazine level 31, the carrier element 2* to be transported can be moved back into the processing point 34 in a further method step S5, as symbolically shown in Fig. 10c, such that the carrier element 2* to be transported is arranged at its end in the lifting elements 81, 82. Fig. 10d shows how, in a further method step S6, the carrier element 2* to be transported is transported in the vertical direction Z from the provision point 34 into the third, upper magazine level 33, in which the target position B is located, by vertically moving the lifting elements 81, 82 by means of the third transport device 8.

[0060] In a further method step S7, which is shown in Fig. 10e, the carrier element 2* to be transported is transported in the transverse direction Y into the target position B by means of the fourth transport device 9. In Fig. 10f, the carrier element 2* to be transported is shown in its target position B.

[0061] In addition, Fig. 10f shows a further carrier element 2** which is held in a starting position A, which is located on the left in the second, middle magazine level 32, and from there is to be transported into the work area 5. For this purpose, in a further step S8, the lifting elements 81, 82 are moved from the third, upper magazine level 33 into the second, middle magazine level 32. Fig. 10g shows that in a further method step S9, the carrier element 2** to be transported is transported in the transverse direction Y by means of the fourth transport device 9. The transport in the transverse direction Y continues until the carrier element 2** to be transported is arranged at its end in the lifting elements 81, 82.By means of the third transport device 8, the carrier element 2** to be transported is transported in a further method step S10 in the vertical direction Z into the provision point 34 in the first, lower magazine level 4 by a vertical movement of the lifting elements 81, 82, which is shown in Fig. 10h.

[0062] As shown in Fig. 10i, in a next method step S11, the carrier element 2** to be transported is transported by means of the second transport device 7 from the provision point 34 in the transverse direction Y out of the provision point 34 to the right, so that in a next step S12, which is shown in Fig. 10j, the lifting elements 81, 82 can be moved by means of the third transport device 8 in the vertical direction Z into a magazine level 32, 33 above the first, lower magazine level 31 and thus the path for transport from the provision point 34 in the longitudinal direction X is cleared.

[0063] In a further method step S13, which is also shown in Fig. 10j, the carrier element 2** to be transported is transported in the transverse direction Y to the left into the provision point 34 by means of the second transport device 7. Finally, in a method step S14, the carrier element 2** to be transported is transported in the longitudinal direction X from the provision point 34 into the work area 5 by means of the first transport device 6. Fig. 101 shows the carrier element 2** arranged in the work area 5.

[0064] Advantageously, with the support element 2** now arranged in the work area 5, other vehicle body parts can be machined in the work area 5 than with the support element 2* previously arranged there.

[0065] In particular, an alternative location can also be provided between the working area 5 and the magazine 3, allowing a carrier element 2 to be moved in the transverse direction Y. If a carrier element 2 to be replaced is first moved from the working area 5 to this alternative location, another carrier element 2 can be moved more quickly into the working area 5, and only when the other carrier element 2 is in the working area 5 can the replaced carrier element 2 be moved into the magazine. The exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures and explained in connection with them serve to explain the invention and are not limiting thereof.

[0066] List of reference symbols

[0067] 1 processing station

[0068] 2 support element

[0069] 21 Coupling element

[0070] 22 Transverse roller

[0071] 23 Support roller

[0072] 24 longitudinal rollers

[0073] 25 Side support roller

[0074] 29 Workpiece holder element

[0075] 3 Magazine

[0076] 31 first magazine level

[0077] 32 middle magazine level

[0078] 33 upper magazine level

[0079] 34 Provisioning point

[0080] 35 Rail arrangement of the other magazine levels (32, 33)

[0081] 36 stands for middle and upper magazine levels

[0082] 351 tread section

[0083] 4 first level

[0084] 5 Work area

[0085] 6 first transport device

[0086] 61 Rail arrangement of the first transport device (6)

[0087] 62 first drive arrangement

[0088] 63 transmission element

[0089] 631 Driving element of a transmission element (63)

[0090] 64 Drive of the first drive arrangement (62)

[0091] 7 second transport device

[0092] 71 Rail arrangement of the second transport device (7)

[0093] 711 Pair of rails of the rail arrangement (71)

[0094] 712 recess

[0095] 8 third transport device

[0096] 81 lifting element

[0097] 82 lifting element

[0098] 83 lifting column

[0099] 84 Rail of a lifting element (81, 82) 841 Running surface of the rail (84)

[0100] 842 Opening of a U-profile

[0101] 843 Outer leg of a U-profile

[0102] 844 Inner leg of a U-profile

[0103] 85 Drive arrangement of the third transport device

[0104] 86 booms

[0105] 87 Drive unit of the third transport device

[0106] 9 fourth transport device

[0107] 91 Drive arrangement

[0108] 911 drive unit

[0109] 92 rack

[0110] 921 Driving element of a rack (92) of the fourth transport device (9)

[0111] 922 Rail arrangement of the fourth transport device (9) for guiding a rack (92)

[0112] 923 Roller of a rack (92)

[0113] 11 Coupling position

[0114] 12 Uncoupling position

[0115] 13 Transport surface

[0116] A Starting position

[0117] B Target position

[0118] El cutting plane

[0119] R welding robot

[0120] X Longitudinal direction

[0121] Y transverse direction

[0122] Z vertical direction

[0123] S1 Arrows for symbolic representation of the process steps up to

[0124] S14

Claims

Claims 1. A processing station (1) for workpieces designed as vehicle body parts, comprising a plurality of carrier elements (2), a magazine (3) for holding the carrier elements (2), wherein the magazine (3) comprises a first magazine level (31) in a first level (4), in the first level (4) a working area (5) for processing workpieces, a first transport device (6) for transporting the carrier elements (2) between the working area (5) and a provision point (34) of the magazine (3) in the first magazine level (31) in a longitudinal direction (X), and a second transport device (7) for transporting the carrier elements (2) in the magazine (3) in the first magazine level (31) in a transverse direction (Y), characterized in that the magazine (3) comprises at least one further magazine level (32, 33) outside the first level (4),wherein the processing station (1) comprises a third transport device (8) for transporting the support elements (2) in a vertical direction (Z) between the magazine levels (31, 32, 33), wherein the third transport device (8) has a vertically adjustable lifting element (81, 82) opposite each other for receiving the support elements (2) from the front, and wherein the lifting elements (81, 82) comprise a fourth transport device (9) for transporting the support elements (2) in a magazine level (32, 33) outside the first level (4) in a transverse direction (Y).

2. Processing station (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the fourth transport device (9) comprises at least one drive arrangement (91) with a rack (92) movable in a transverse direction (Y), wherein the rack (92) has a drive element (921) for coupling to a coupling element (21) of a respective carrier element (2), and wherein by moving the rack (92) a coupled carrier element (2) can be transported in a magazine plane (32, 33) outside the first plane (4) in a transverse direction (Y).

3. Processing station (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the drive element (921) and / or the coupling element (21) are adjustable between a coupling position (11) and a decoupling position (12).

4. Processing station (1) according to claim 2 or claim 3, characterized in that the at least one drive arrangement (91) of the fourth transport device (9) each comprises a drive unit (911), wherein the drive unit (911) is arranged on the lifting element (81, 82).

5. Processing station (1) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that each of the lifting elements (81, 82) has a drive arrangement (91) of the fourth transport device (9).

6. Processing station (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the further magazine levels (32, 33) of the magazine (3) each comprise a rail arrangement (35) with running surface sections (351) extending in the transverse direction (Y), and the lifting elements (81, 82) each comprise a rail (84) with a running surface (841) extending in the transverse direction (Y), wherein the rail (84) of a lifting element (81, 82) and the rail arrangement (35) of the further magazine levels (32, 33) are aligned such that the rails (84) of the lifting elements (81, 82) arranged on a magazine level (32, 33) together with the rail arrangement (35) of this magazine level (32, 33) form a continuous transport running surface (13) extending in the transverse direction (Y).

7. Processing station (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the support elements (2) comprise transverse rollers (22) arranged at the end face, each with an axis of rotation extending in the longitudinal direction (X), wherein the support elements (2) can be moved along the transport running surface (13) by means of the transverse rollers (22).

8. Processing station (1) according to claim 6 or claim 7, characterized in that the rail (84) of a respective lifting element (81, 82) is formed by a U-profile, wherein the openings (842) of the U-profiles of the lifting elements (81, 82) are arranged opposite each other and the running surfaces (841) of the rails (84) of the Lifting elements (81, 82) are each formed by an inner side of a lower outer leg (843) of the U-profile.

9. Processing station (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the support elements (2) have end-face arranged support rollers (23) each with a rotation axis extending in the vertical direction (Z), which are designed to support themselves against an inner side of an inner leg (844) of a respective U-profile and, during transport of one of the support elements (2) in the transverse direction (Y), to roll off on the inner side of the inner leg (844) in one of the further magazine levels (32, 33).

10. Processing station (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the third transport device (8) comprises two lifting columns (83) opposite each other, between which the respective lifting element (81, 82) can be moved in the vertical direction (Z).

11. Processing station (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first transport device (6) has a rail arrangement (61) for guiding and carrying the support elements (2) and at least a first drive arrangement (62) with two transmission elements (63) aligned parallel to the rail arrangement (61) of the first transport device (6), wherein the transmission elements (63) can be coupled independently to the respective support element (2) to be transported in order to move the support element (2) in a coupled state in the longitudinal direction (X).

12. Processing station (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second transport device (7) comprises a rail arrangement (71), wherein the rail arrangement (71) has adjustable pairs of rails (711) for transporting the support elements (2) in the transverse direction (Y), wherein the pairs of rails (711) are formed from U-profiles whose openings (842) are opposite each other, wherein the support elements (2) comprise longitudinal guide rollers (24) arranged on both sides, each with an axis of rotation extending in the transverse direction (Y), wherein the support elements (2) can be moved in the longitudinal direction (X) by means of the longitudinal guide rollers (24), wherein the longitudinal guide rollers (24) roll within the U-profile when transporting one of the support elements (2) into or out of the staging point (34), wherein the U-profiles on their upper outer leg (843) each have recesses (712) arranged above the longitudinal rollers (24) of one of the support elements (2) when that support element (2) is located at the provision point (34).

13. Method for transporting a support element (2) from a starting position (A) in a magazine (3) of a processing station (1) to a working area (5) of the processing station (1), wherein the processing station (1) is configured according to one of claims 1 to 12 and the support elements (2) in particular carry differently configured clamping frames, wherein the support element (2) to be transported is arranged as the starting position (A) in a magazine plane (32, 33) outside the first plane (4) outside the third transport device (8), and wherein the lifting elements (81, 82) are moved to the magazine plane (32, 33) in which the support element (2) to be transported is arranged by means of the third transport device (8); and the support element (2) to be transported is transported in the transverse direction (Y) by means of the fourth transport device (9) until the support element (2) to be transported is arranged end-face in the lifting elements (81, 82);The third transport device (8) transports the support element (2) to be transported vertically (Z) to the staging point (34) in the first level (4) by means of a vertical movement of the lifting elements (81, 82); the second transport device (7) transports the support element (2) to be transported from the staging point (34) out of the staging point (34) in the transverse direction (Y); the third transport device (8) moves the lifting elements (81, 82) vertically (Z) to a magazine level (32, 33) outside the first level (4); the second transport device (7) transports the support element (2) to be transported transversely (Y) to the staging point (34); and the first transport device (6) transports the support element (2) to be transported longitudinally (X) from the staging point (34) to the working area (5).

14. Method for transporting a carrier element (2) from a working area (5) of a processing station (1) to a target position (B) in a magazine (3) of the processing station (1), wherein the processing station (1) is configured according to one of claims 1 to 12 and the carrier elements (2) are in particular configured differently The clamping frame is carried, wherein the carrier element (2) to be transported is to be arranged as the target position (B) in a magazine plane (32, 33) outside the first plane (4) and outside the third transport device (8), and wherein the lifting elements (81, 82) are moved vertically (Z) into a magazine plane (32, 33) outside the first plane (4) by means of the third transport device (8); the carrier element (2) to be transported is moved longitudinally (X) from the work area (5) to the staging point (34) by means of the first transport device (6); the carrier element (2) to be transported is moved from the staging point (34) out of the staging point (34) by means of the second transport device (7); the lifting elements (81, 82) are moved to the first magazine plane (31) by means of the third transport device (8);The second transport device (7) transports the support element (2) to be transported in the transverse direction (Y) to the staging point (34) until the end face of the support element (2) is positioned in the lifting elements (81, 82); the third transport device (8) transports the support element (2) to be transported in the vertical direction (Z) from the staging point (34) to the next level (32, 33) where the target position (B) is located by vertically moving the lifting elements (81, 82); and the fourth transport device (9) transports the support element (2) to be transported in the transverse direction (Y) to the target position (B).

Images