Accessible assembly station, in particular assembly platform, and method for operating same

Abstract

An assembly station (1) through which a workpiece (13) arranged on a transport device (10) can be moved in a transport direction on a predetermined transport path, the assembly station (1) comprising: - a first conveyor slot (31), which is formed between a first platform (21) and a third platform (23), and a second conveyor slot (32), which is formed between a second platform (22) and the third platform (23), wherein the longitudinal directions of the conveyor slots (31, 32) define the transport path, and - a plurality of holding devices, which can each assume a holding position in which they hold the third platform (23) in position with respect to the first or second platform (21, 22), - wherein the holding devices can be moved into a release position in which they allow the transport device (10) with the workpiece (13) to move through the assembly station.

Description

[0001] Walk-in assembly station, in particular assembly platform, and method for its operation

[0002] The invention relates to an assembly station, in particular an assembly platform, accessible by one or more persons, in particular workers or assemblers, for example in the flow production of motor vehicles. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating such an assembly station. The accessible assembly station can be part of an assembly system in which an autonomous, motorized, driverless transport vehicle delivers a workpiece, for example, a vehicle body, and drives through the assembly station, while the persons can process the workpiece.

[0003] DE 10 2017 103 931 A1 describes an automated guided vehicle that has an assembly platform and can travel through individually different sequences of processing stations.

[0004] DE 10 2019 132 553 A1 discloses a vehicle for the simultaneous transport of workpieces and workers. The vehicle has an assembly platform on which the workers ride. The assembly platform is composed of several movably connected segments, each of which has at least one wheel with which they rest on a running surface during operation.

[0005] DE 10 2019 129 801 A1, DE 10 2006 059 886 A1 and DE 10 2005 034 582 A1 disclose conveyor systems for the simultaneous transport of workpieces and workers.

[0006] A transport system for production lines in which a free space formed between two consecutive assembly platforms is at least partially covered by a bridging element is described in DE 102018 130 221 A1.

[0007] WO 2022 / 162530 A1 proposes a transport system in which a frame carrying an object to be transported is delivered by an autonomously driving, motorized vehicle (AGV, Automated Guided Vehicle) to an unloading station, where it is transferred, for example, to a fixed production line, or loaded at a loading station and transported away from there. Unlike fixed production lines, AGVs can perform flexible transport tasks.

[0008] The invention is based on the object of providing an assembly station that allows the integration of an automated guided vehicle (AGV) into the flow production and assembly process and provides a safely accessible assembly platform. The invention is also based on the object of providing a method for operating an assembly station.

[0009] The objects are achieved with the assembly station according to claim 1 and the method according to claim 23. Advantageous further developments emerge from the dependent claims, the description and the figures.

[0010] The invention is based on an assembly station, in particular an assembly platform, which can be mounted stationary relative to the production building or its floor. A workpiece arranged on a transport device, such as a body part, a chassis of a motor vehicle, a household appliance, or another device to be manufactured or assembled in series production, is moved through the assembly station on a predetermined transport path in a transport direction. The transport device moves relative to the assembly station but is not a component of the assembly station, although the transport device is designed to interact with the assembly station. An assembly system can comprise such an assembly station and at least one such transport device.

[0011] The transport device can be designed as a transport vehicle, in particular as an autonomous or automated, driverless transport vehicle. Such vehicles are generally referred to as AGVs. The vehicle can in particular be a transport vehicle referred to by the applicant as an FFTiGV. The assembly station comprises a first, a second and a third platform, which can be walked on in particular by an assembler or a worker or generally by a person. The first and second platforms can each be supported on the ground via a frame and can be arranged or raised above the ground. From the platform, the assembler or worker can process the workpiece or perform assembly tasks on the workpiece while it moves through the assembly station, i.e. in the transport direction relative to the platforms.The workpiece or a workpiece carrier on which the workpiece is or can be arranged is located above the upper side of the platform, with the transport device itself being located below the platform. The transport device can be connected to the workpiece or the workpiece carrier by means of one or more connecting structures. Where the connecting structure penetrates the platform plane, a distance such as a slot or channel between two adjacent platforms is generally required in order to move the workpiece arranged on the transport device in the transport direction. If only a single such slot is provided, the platforms between which the slot is formed can each be supported on the floor, for example by means of a frame. In such an embodiment, the at least one connecting structure can extend only through this slot from the transport device to the workpiece.The forces and moments exerted on the workpiece during assembly must then be transferred via this connecting structure to the transport device located below the platform. The connecting structure must therefore be stable. Particularly with heavy workpieces or when the workpieces are subjected to one-sided loading, considerable stability requirements are placed on this connecting structure. At the same time, a certain degree of deformation of the connecting structure cannot be easily avoided, causing the workpiece to appear wobbly or prone to vibration, especially if the slot width is to be kept narrow, which requires a narrow design of the connecting structure.

[0012] To increase stability, it would be possible, in principle, to make at least one connecting structure wider or to provide several connecting structures spaced apart transversely to the transport direction. However, this would increase the slot width or make it so wide that it would be impossible for a person to cross the slot or pose a significant risk of injury. It is therefore desirable to keep the slot width small.

[0013] The assembly station therefore contains a first conveyor slot formed between the first and third platforms and a second conveyor slot formed between the second and third platforms. The first conveyor slot and the second conveyor slot are, for example, spaced apart from one another and arranged parallel to one another. The third platform can be located between the conveyor slots. The first conveyor slot is provided for at least one first connecting structure and the second conveyor slot is provided for at least one second connecting structure. The longitudinal directions of the conveyor slots determine the transport path. Since the first and second connecting structures, which project upwards from the transport device, can be arranged spaced apart from one another in a direction transverse to the transport path or transverse to the longitudinal direction of the conveyor slots, the support of the workpiece on the transport device is improved.The connecting structures themselves can therefore be designed to be relatively narrow, which means that the slot width can also be made relatively narrow. The advantage achieved here is that the slots can be crossed easily and without risk of injury, and in particular they comply with safety regulations for accident prevention, such as with regard to step-through safety for worker platforms in accordance with DIN EN ISO 14122 Part. The slot width can, for example, be less than 10 cm or less than 5 cm or approximately 2.5 cm. The slot width is, however, large enough for the respective connecting structure to protrude through, in particular with some play to the slot flanks formed by the first and third platform or the second and third platform. In an example in which the slot width is approximately 2.5 cm, the width of the at least one connecting structure can be less than 2 cm or, for example, approximately1 cm.

[0014] The first, second and third platforms can, for example, be designed so that an assembler can walk around the workpiece on their upper surfaces, in particular they can be plate-shaped or flat.

[0015] Since the third platform is separated from the first and second platforms due to the first and second conveyor slots, and the transport path for the transport device is located below the third platform, it is necessary for the third platform to be held in position. The assembly station has a plurality of holding devices, each of which is configured to be able to assume a holding position in which it is, for example, in a positioning engagement, in which it holds the third platform in position with respect to the first or second platform, in particular with respect to the direction of gravity (z-direction), and / or horizontally transverse to the transport direction (y-direction) and / or in the transport direction (x-direction). For example, the holding devices can cross at least one of the conveyor slots in their respective holding position.In particular, the holding devices can cross at least one of the conveyor slots on the underside of the platforms or underneath the platforms. The holding devices can be arranged between the transport device and the underside of the platforms. Alternatively, it is possible for the holding devices to be arranged in the conveyor slot and / or to cross the conveyor slot in the conveyor slot. The holding devices enable the third platform to be held in position with respect to the first and second platforms, in particular in the x, y, and z directions, and to divert the forces exerted on the third platform into the first and / or second platform or into the at least one frame with which the first and second platforms are supported on the ground.

[0016] Since in embodiments the holding devices in their respective holding positions restrict or block the mobility of the connecting structures through the first and second conveyor slots, a movement of the workpiece on the predetermined transport path in the transport direction would not be possible or would only be possible to a limited extent without further measures.

[0017] The holding devices can each be moved from their holding position into a release position, in which the respective positioning engagement is released. In embodiments, the holding devices can be moved into a release position in which they either release or do not release the conveyor slot, which they traverse into their respective holding position. As a result, the connecting structures can move unhindered in the transport direction where the holding devices are in their release position. The assembly station according to the invention ensures that the workpiece arranged on a transport device, in particular an automated, driverless transport vehicle, can be moved through the assembly station without reloading, in particular from an entrance to an exit of the assembly station, and can be processed during this process.The transport device can therefore be easily integrated into the flow production and the assembly tasks to be carried out on the assembly platform can be carried out safely by the worker or fitter. To improve occupational safety, it is advantageous if the first, second and third walkable platforms or their upper sides lie in a common or at least substantially in a common horizontal plane. This avoids tripping hazards. Furthermore, it is preferred that the first and second conveyor slots have a limited slot width, in particular one of the slot widths specified above. This prevents a worker from getting their foot into the conveyor slot or foreign objects, in particular components, tools, assembly waste or packaging residues, from falling into or through the conveyor slot, which could, for example, disrupt a sensor system of the transport device or for the control of the holding devices.In principle, there is the optional possibility of providing cover elements or elastic elements, such as one or more brushes, in the conveyor slots. These elements, for example, elastically deflect the connecting structure as it moves through the conveyor slot in the transport direction. The elastic elements can additionally cover the conveyor slot, although they do not perform any holding functions for the third platform. By additionally covering the conveyor slot, the elastic elements can be even more effectively prevented from falling into or through the conveyor slot, especially small foreign objects such as chips.

[0018] In further developments, a plurality of holding devices can be provided which, in their holding position, cross the first conveyor slot and hold the third platform in position with respect to the first platform, and in their release position, release or do not cross the first conveyor slot, in particular for the movement of the connecting structure along the longitudinal direction of the conveyor slot. The same can apply analogously to the second conveyor slot. Thus, a plurality of holding devices can be provided which, in their holding position, cross the second conveyor slot and hold the third platform in position with respect to the second platform, and in their release position, release or do not cross the second conveyor slot for the movement of a connecting structure along the longitudinal direction of the second conveyor slot.

[0019] For example, the holding devices, in their respective release position, can enable at least one connecting structure which connects the transport device movable below the third platform along the transport path with the workpiece arranged above the third platform and extends through the first and / or second conveyor slot to move in the conveyor slot or slots along the transport path in the transport direction. In principle, it is possible to connect the workpiece to the transport device via at least one connecting structure which extends only through the first or second conveyor slot, with the other conveyor slot remaining empty. Although this may result in compromises in stability, it does allow a transport device to move flexibly through the assembly station, even if it only has one connecting structure, which can be entirely sufficient, particularly for light workpieces.Optionally, the at least one connecting structure can be moved along the first or second conveyor slot. However, particularly for heavy or unevenly loaded workpieces, at least one connecting structure can be provided that extends through the first conveyor slot, and at least one second connecting structure can be provided that extends through the second conveyor slot.

[0020] The assembly station or the holding devices are configured such that several of the holding devices are always in their holding position simultaneously. This ensures that the third platform is securely held in position with respect to the first and second platforms, in particular even when other holding devices are in their release position. For example, it is advantageous for several holding devices that cross the first conveyor slot in their holding position and several holding devices that cross the second conveyor slot in their holding position to be in their holding position simultaneously, even when other holding devices associated with the first conveyor slot and the second conveyor slot are in their respective release position.For example, the holding devices can be configured such that a maximum of only as many of the holding devices are in the release position or can be moved into the release position as are necessary for the third platform to be held in position, in particular stably, by the holding devices located in the holding position, in particular those assigned to the first conveyor slot and / or the second conveyor slot. This ensures, on the one hand, that the workpiece can be moved along the transport path in the transport direction through the assembly station and, on the other hand, that the third platform can be safely accessed by a worker without the third platform tipping or moving in an undesired manner.

[0021] In further developments, the holding devices or at least some of the holding devices can be linearly movable between the holding position and the release position. More precisely, the holding devices or a part thereof can each have an elongated structure, in particular a piston rod, which can be linearly moved back and forth between the holding position and the release position. Alternatively or additionally, the holding devices or at least some of the holding devices can be pivotable about a pivot axis between the holding position and the release position. More precisely, the holding devices or a part thereof can each have a support, in particular an arm-shaped support, which can be pivoted back and forth about the pivot axis between the holding position and the release position.Mixed forms are also conceivable, in which some of the holding devices or their elongated structures or piston rods are linearly movable between the holding position and the release position, and another part of the holding devices or their, in particular arm-shaped, supports are pivotable between the holding position and the release position about a pivot axis. In particular, the holding devices, regardless of whether they are linearly movable or pivotable, can be moved from the holding position to the release position and from the release position to the holding position.

[0022] The holding devices or at least some of the holding devices can be designed as support devices which, in the respective holding position, support the third platform at least downwards in the direction of gravity (z-direction). This prevents the third platform from falling downwards, i.e., towards the ground. The holding devices, or at least some of the holding devices, can be designed as positioning devices which, in the respective holding position, secure the third platform against movement along and / or transversely to the longitudinal direction of the conveyor slots (xy-direction). This prevents displacement of the third platform in the plane (xy-plane) in which the upper sides of the first, second, and third platforms substantially lie.

[0023] For example, the holding devices can each be designed both as support devices and as positioning devices. As a result, each of the support devices can secure the third platform both downwards in the direction of gravity and against movement along and transversely to the longitudinal axis of the conveyor slots. Such a holding device can, for example, be designed as a (centering) bolt, in particular a slidingly mounted one, which, as a fitting bolt, positively fixes the third platform with respect to the first and / or second platform. Such a holding device can be arranged on each of the first and second platforms, wherein a bolt receptacle is provided on the third platform, in which the bolt engages positively in its respective holding position, wherein the bolt is released from engagement with the bolt receptacle when it is moved into its respective release position.

[0024] Given that the expected loads on the third platform in the direction of gravity (z-direction) are higher than along or across the longitudinal direction of the conveyor slots (xy-direction), it may be advantageous to design some of the holding devices as support devices and others as positioning devices. The holding devices can then be optimized for the respective load case. For example, holding devices designed as support devices and holding devices designed as positioning devices can be arranged alternately along the first conveyor slot and / or the second conveyor slot.

[0025] For each conveyor slot, for example, a holding device designed as a positioning device can be arranged between two holding devices designed as support devices. Alternatively or additionally, a holding device designed as a supporting device can be arranged between two holding devices designed as positioning devices. In further developments, groups of holding devices can be provided that are arranged along the transport slot(s), each group consisting of two holding devices designed as support devices and one holding device designed as a positioning device, which is arranged between the two holding devices designed as support devices of the same group.

[0026] Such arrangements of differently designed holding devices advantageously ensure that the third platform is held securely, even when part of the holding devices is in the release position to enable the movement of the workpiece along the transport path.

[0027] In further developments, at least some of the holding devices, in particular the holding devices depicted as support devices, can have a carrier on which at least one roller is arranged, via which the third platform is supported in the direction of gravity. The roller can, for example, rest on the underside of the third platform and / or roll on the underside of the third platform when the holding device moves from the holding position to the release position or from the release position to the holding position. By rolling, the force required to move the holding device and also wear are reduced. Alternatively or additionally, the holding devices designed as positioning devices can have a carrier or at least one roller, via which the third platform is supported.

[0028] The support, which may be elongated or, for example, arm-shaped, is preferably pivotable about a pivot axis. The pivot axis may in particular be perpendicular or normal to the plane in which the upper side of the platform, to which the holding device is pivotally attached, is arranged. Alternatively, the pivot axis may be arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of the conveyor slots. The pivotable holding device may have a pivot bearing which forms the pivot axis and the connection between the support and the first or second platform. The support may have a first and a second section. The first section and the second section may protrude on either side or opposite sides of the pivot axis. A roller may be arranged on each of the first and second sections.The third platform can be supported by one of the rollers, with the other of the rollers being supported on the first or second platform, i.e. on the platform on which the respective holding device is pivotally arranged, when the holding device is in its holding position. Such support advantageously allows the (gravitational) force exerted by the third platform on one roller to be transmitted via the other roller into the first or second platform, whereby the section of the holding device forming the pivot axis, in particular the pivot bearing, can be designed more simply, since it does not have to absorb any torque or less torque than in a design in which the holding device only protrudes from the pivot axis on one side and the third platform is supported on the support protruding from the pivot axis on one side. Nevertheless, such designs with a support protruding from the pivot axis on one side are conceivable.

[0029] The at least one roller of the holding device can be rotatable about a roller axis relative to the support. The roller axis can be arranged radially to the pivot axis of the holding device and / or to a longitudinal direction of the support, which is in particular arm-shaped. This advantageously ensures that the at least one roller rolls on the third platform or the first or second platform when the holding device or the support is pivoted about the pivot axis.

[0030] In further developments, some of the holding devices, in particular holding devices designed as positioning devices, can have a positioning head which interacts with a positioning receptacle formed on the third platform such that the third platform is secured against movement, in particular along or transversely to the transport direction (x or y direction), when the holding device in question is in its holding position. For example, these holding devices can be movable linearly between the holding position and the release position. In particular, during the movement of the holding device from the release position to the holding position, the positioning head can be moved into engagement with the positioning receptacle. During the movement of the holding device from the holding position to the release position, the positioning head can be moved out of engagement with the positioning receptacle.

[0031] The positioning head can be arranged on an elongated structure, in particular a piston rod, which can be linearly displaced from the holding position to the release position and / or from the release position to the holding position. The holding device can be a piston-cylinder unit with a piston rod that can be extended and retracted from a housing. The positioning head can be arranged on the free, i.e., extendable and retractable, end of the piston rod. When the piston rod extends, it moves into the holding position. When the piston rod retracts, it moves into the release position.

[0032] In general, at least one actuator, in particular one actuator per holding device, can be provided, which is configured to move the respective holding device from the holding position to the release position and / or from the release position to the holding position. In particular, a controller can be provided which is configured to control actuators or the aforementioned actuators such that the holding devices are moved from the holding position to the release position and / or from the release position to the holding position.

[0033] Ideally, the controller is configured such that it causes at least the holding device(s) located in front of a connecting structure in the transport direction to be moved from the holding position to the release position, and / or the holding device past which a connecting structure has moved in the transport direction or which is located behind the connecting structure in the transport direction to be moved from the release position to the holding position. Advantageously, the controller is configured such that it causes the remaining holding devices to be or remain in their respective holding positions during this time. Such a configuration ensures that only those holding devices that would block the movement of the connecting structure are moved from the holding position. The remaining holding structures hold the third platform in position.For example, the movement of the holding device from the holding position to the release position and / or from the release position back to the holding position can be accomplished by means of a sensor or mechanically, by means of a spring or surfaces sliding against one another.

[0034] The assembly station can, for example, comprise a device, in particular at least one sensor or a navigation device, which is adapted to determine a position of the transport device or of a connecting structure extending through at least one of the conveyor slots in the transport direction, wherein the control is adapted, depending on the position in the transport direction, to control individual holding devices or their actuators such that these holding devices are moved from the holding position into the release position and / or from the release position into the holding position. The sensor can, for example, be a magnetic switch, a magnetic contact, a microswitch, an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a light barrier with a photocell or the like.The navigation device may, for example, comprise a so-called indoor GPS or an image processing device, including one or more cameras.

[0035] The holding devices, or at least some of the holding devices, can be configured such that they are moved, in particular mechanically, from the holding position to the release position by an actuating device moving with the transport device and / or from the release position to the holding position. For example, the actuating device can slide with a surface on the holding device or a surface formed thereon, wherein the movement of the actuating device causes the holding device to move from the holding position to the release position. The return to the holding position can also be effected by an actuating device or by an elastic element.

[0036] In further developments, the holding device can have an elastic element, such as a spring or a pre-tensioned spring, which is tensioned or further tensioned when the holding device moves from the holding position to the release position and moves the holding device from the release position back to the holding position, in particular when an actuating device moving with the transport device, which has moved the holding device from the holding position to the release position, releases a movement of the holding device back to the holding position. The spring can, for example, be a mechanical spring, such as a tension or compression spring, a torsion spring, or a gas spring. Advantageously, in addition to the elastic element, the holding device can have a damping element which dampens the movement of the holding device from the release position back to the holding position.This minimizes noise on the one hand and wear and tear on the other.

[0037] For example, the transport device can be designed such that, in particular in addition to being supported on the ground by its wheels, it is supported on the assembly station in such a way that tipping, in particular lateral tipping of the transport device, is prevented. The transport device can expediently be supported upwards for this purpose. The transport device can, for example, be supported on the first and / or second platform or one or more of the holding devices, in particular at least one holding device for the first conveyor slot and / or at least one holding device for the second conveyor slot, for example by means of sliding bearings or roller bearings, while it moves through the assembly station.The transport device can have at least one slide rail, with which it is supported on at least one holding device, in particular designed as a support device, for example on the underside of the holding device. The slide rail can have a contact surface formed from a friction-reducing material, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or generally from a plastic. The transport device can have a first slide rail, with which it is supported on the side of the first conveyor slot, in particular on at least one of the holding devices for the first conveyor slot, and a second slide rail, with which it is supported on the side of the second conveyor slot, in particular on at least one of the holding devices for the second conveyor slot.The additional support frames or guides the transport device between the floor and the assembly station, preventing the transport device from tipping over as it moves through the assembly station.

[0038] The invention further relates to an assembly system with an assembly station described herein and a transport device designed as a vehicle, in particular as an automated driverless, in particular autonomous transport vehicle. The vehicle comprises wheels on which the transport device can travel on a floor or the transport track located below the third platform. The transport device and the workpiece arranged above the third platform are connected to the transport device via at least one connecting structure that extends through the first conveyor slot or through the second conveyor slot or through the first conveyor slot and the second conveyor slot. The holding structures, when in their respective release positions, enable the connecting structures to move in the conveyor slots along the transport track in the transport direction.The support structures, which are in their support position, cause the third platform to be held fixed or immovable with respect to the first and second platforms.

[0039] The invention also relates to a method for operating, in particular, an assembly station or an assembly system described herein. As described above, the assembly station has a plurality of holding devices which, in their respective holding position, hold the third platform in position relative to the first or second platform. One or more of the holding devices are moved from the holding position to a release position while the transport device moves through the assembly station in order to enable the transport device with the workpiece to move through the assembly station. During this time, one or more of the holding devices are in the respective holding position in order to hold the third platform in position. Further developments of the method can be found in the description of the assembly station or the assembly system.

[0040] The invention has been described using several examples and embodiments. An exemplary embodiment is described below with reference to the figures. The features disclosed therein advantageously develop the subject matter of the claims individually and in any combination of features. They show:

[0041] Figure 1 shows an assembly platform together with workpieces and transport equipment in a perspective view,

[0042] Figure 2 shows the assembly platform from Figure 1 in a side view,

[0043] Figure 3 shows the view from Figure 2 without workpiece and transport device,

[0044] Figure 4 shows a holding device designed as a positioning device, Figure 5 shows a holding device designed as a supporting device,

[0045] Figure 6 shows the assembly platform from Figure 1 in a view from below, with the holding devices in their holding positions,

[0046] Figure 7 shows the view from Figure 6, with two of the holding devices in a release position,

[0047] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a further development of the holding device from Figure 4 in a holding position,

[0048] Figure 9 the holding device from Figure 8 in a release position and

[0049] Figure 10 shows a modification of the mounting platform from Figure 1 in a view from below, with the holding devices in their holding positions.

[0050] The assembly station 1 shown in Figures 1 to 3 is designed as an assembly platform and is used for processing a workpiece 13 by workers or assemblers, generally referred to as person P. In the example shown, the workpieces 13 are the body of a motor vehicle, which the person P supplements with further add-on parts. Although the workpiece 13 is depicted as a vehicle body, the invention is not necessarily limited to an assembly station 1 for processing vehicle bodies, but is generally suitable for workpieces that are manufactured in series production, in particular in flow production. These can be, for example, household appliances, heat pumps, oil heaters, gas heaters, pellet heaters, vehicles or the like. The workpiece 13 is connected to a transport device 10 via at least one first connecting structure 11 and at least one second connecting structure 12.The transport device 10 is an autonomous or driverless transport vehicle (Automatic Guided Vehicle; AGV). The transport vehicle 10 has wheels 14 (Figure 2) with which it can travel or roll on a floor 18 or a conveyor track. The transport device 10 typically has a battery, a controller, and extensive sensors for determining its position in space. The transport device 10 can convey the workpiece 13 to an entrance 25 of the assembly station 1, transport it from the entrance 25 to an exit 26 through the assembly station 1, and convey it away from the exit 26 of the assembly station 1. The advantage of this is that the workpiece 13 does not have to be reloaded from the transport device 10 for processing in the assembly station 1, but remains on the transport device 10.

[0051] In the example shown - as can best be seen from Figures 1 and 2 - the workpiece 13 is arranged on a workpiece carrier 15. Optionally, as shown in Figure 1, the workpiece carrier 15 can be vertically adjustable with respect to the assembly station 1 or the transport device 10, for example by means of a scissor joint or generally a lifting device 17. The connecting structures 11, 12 connect the transport device 10 to a base 16, wherein the lifting device 17, covered by a bellows, is arranged between the base 16 and the workpiece carrier 15, with which the workpiece 13 or the workpiece carrier 15 can be raised and lowered relative to the base 16, as can be seen, for example, from Figure 1. In principle, designs are also conceivable in which no height adjustment is required, so that a lifting device 17 can be considered optional.

[0052] The assembly station 1 has a first walkable platform 21, a second walkable platform 22, and a third walkable platform 23. The upper sides of the walkable platforms 21, 22, 23 lie in, or at least approximately in, a common horizontal plane. This allows people P to move on the platforms 21, 22, 23 with a minimized risk of tripping. The platforms 21 and 22 are arranged, for example, via a frame 24, raised or elevated relative to the floor 18 or a conveyor track that can be traveled by the conveyor device 10. This enables the conveyor device 10 to travel under the platforms 21, 22, 23, in particular the third platform 23, from the entrance 25 to the exit 26 on a predetermined conveyor track in the transport direction. The conveyor device 10 moves the workpiece 13 through the assembly station 1.

[0053] The third platform 23 is arranged between the first platform 21 and the second platform 22 (Figures 1 to 3, 6, 7 and 10). A first conveyor slot 31 is formed between the first and third platforms 21, 23. A second conveyor slot 32 is formed between the second and third platforms 22, 23. The longitudinal directions of the conveyor slots 31, 32 determine the transport path. The at least one first connecting structure 11, which connects the workpiece 13 to the transport device 10, extends through the first conveyor slot 31. The at least one second connecting structure 12, which connects the workpiece 13 to the transport device 10, extends through the second conveyor slot 32.The at least one first connecting structure 11 and the at least one second connecting structure 12 are arranged at a distance transversely to the transport direction or transport path in order to increase the stability of the workpiece 13 or the workpiece carrier 15 with respect to the transport device 10. The third platform 23 is provided to enable persons P to safely cross the area between the first connecting structure 11 and the second connecting structure 12 or between the first and second platforms 21, 22. While the transport device 10 moves through the assembly station 1, the at least one first connecting structure 11 moves through the first conveyor slot 31 and the at least one second connecting structure 12 moves through the second conveyor slot 32.Since the third platform 23 is separated from the first and second platforms 21, 22 due to the conveyor slots 31, 32, and there is no possibility of supporting the third platform 23 directly on the floor 18 via a fixed frame due to the transport device 10 passing through it, holding devices 40, 50 are provided (Figures 2 and 3), which are each configured to be able to assume a holding position in which they cross one of the conveyor slots 31, 32 and hold the third platform 23 in position with respect to the first or second platform 21, 22. In the examples shown in the figures, a plurality of holding devices 40, 50 are provided to bridge the first conveyor slot 31 and are movably arranged on the first platform 21. To bridge the second conveyor slot 32, a plurality of holding devices 40, 50 are provided, which bridge the second conveyor slot 32 and are movably arranged on the second platform 22.The holding devices 40, 50 are movably arranged on the underside of the first platform 21 and the second platform 22, respectively, as shown, for example, in Figures 2, 3, 6, 7 and 10.

[0054] In one exemplary embodiment, the holding devices 40, 50 are designed differently depending on their function and the associated load. As best seen in Figures 3, 6, and 7, holding devices are provided that are designed as support devices 40 (Figure 5), which, in the respective holding position, support the third platform at least downwards in the direction of gravity (z-direction). The support devices 40 therefore primarily serve to prevent the third platform 23 from falling or to keep the third platform 23 in a common horizontal plane with the first and second platforms 21, 22.

[0055] Furthermore, holding devices are provided, which are designed as positioning devices 50 (Figure 4), which, in the respective holding position, secure the third platform 23 against movement along the longitudinal direction of the conveyor slots (x-direction) and / or transversely to the longitudinal direction (y-direction) of the conveyor slots 31, 32. The positioning devices 50 serve to prevent movement of the third platform 23 in the horizontal plane (xy-direction) of the first and second platforms 21, 22. Since the expected loads on the third platform 23 in the xy-direction or the horizontal plane are expected to be lower than in the z-direction, the holding devices 40, 50 are optimized for the respective load case.

[0056] The support devices 40 have - as shown in Figure 5 - a pivot axis 41 and a corresponding pivot bearing on the underside of the first platform 21 and the second platform 22, respectively. The support device 40 also has a support 42, in particular an arm-shaped support, which has a first section and a second section. The first section and the second section protrude in opposite directions in the radial direction from the pivot axis 41. A roller 43 pointing towards the platform or upwards is arranged on the first section. Likewise, a roller 44 pointing towards the platform or upwards is arranged on the second section. In the holding position of the support device 40, which is shown, for example, in Figure 2, the third platform 23 is supported in the z-direction via the roller 43 on the support device 40.The torque generated by the distance of the roller 43 with respect to the pivot axis 41 is absorbed by the roller 44, which is supported on the underside of the first platform 21 or the second platform 22, i.e. on the platform to which the respective support device 40 is pivotally attached. The axes of rotation of the rollers 43, 44 are arranged essentially radially, i.e. perpendicular to the pivot axis 41. In order to move the support device 40 from its holding position (Figures 2 and 6) into the release position, the carrier 42 with the rollers 43, 44 is pivoted about the pivot axis 41, whereby the rollers 43, 44 roll on the third platform 23 or the first platform 21 or the second platform 22. Figure 7 shows two support devices 40 (cf. Figure 6) in their release position, with the remaining support devices 40 being or remaining in their holding position.

[0057] When the support devices 40 are moved from their respective holding position to the release position, for example by electric motor, hydraulically or pneumatically or mechanically by means of the transport device traveling through the assembly station 1, the rollers 43, 44 are located below the first platform 21 or the second platform 22, as is the carrier 42. As a result, the support device 40, in its release position, releases the conveyor slot 31, 32 that it traverses in its respective holding position, or no longer traverses this conveyor slot 31, 32. As a result, the connecting structures 11, 12 can be moved through their respective conveyor slot 31, 32 without being blocked by the support device 40. The support devices 40 can be moved back into the holding position, for example, by a spring element tensioned during the movement from the holding position to the release position, or by electric motor, hydraulically or pneumatically.

[0058] An embodiment of a holding device designed as a positioning device 50 can be seen in particular in Figure 4. The embodiment of a holding device 50 shown in Figures 8 and 9 is essentially constructed in the same way as that of Figure 4, with the difference that, with regard to the design of the positioning head 53 and the positioning receptacle 54, it is designed such that, in addition to positioning in the x and y directions, it can also provide support in the z direction.

[0059] The positioning devices 50 are designed as a piston-cylinder unit, with a housing 51 which is fastened to the underside of the first platform 21 for the first conveyor slot 31 or the second platform 22 for the second conveyor slot 32, and a piston rod 52 which can be extended and retracted from the housing 51, in particular pneumatically, alternatively by electric motor or hydraulically. Each positioning device 50 is also assigned a positioning receptacle 54 fastened to the underside of the third platform 23.At the free, i.e., retractable and extendable end of the piston rod 52, a positioning head 53 is arranged, which, when the piston rod 52 is in the extended position, engages the positioning receptacle 54 and is thus in a holding position in which the positioning head 53 interacts with the positioning receptacle 54 such that the third platform 23 is secured at least against movement in the xy direction (Figure 4) or against movement in the x, y, and z directions (Figures 8 and 9). When the piston rod 52 is retracted into the housing 51 from the holding position shown, for example, in Figures 3, 6, 7, and 8 (Figure 9), the engagement of the positioning head 53 with the positioning receptacle 54 is released. When the piston rod 52 is retracted, it releases the conveyor slot 31 or 32, whereby the connecting structures 11, 12 can be moved through their respective conveyor slot 31, 32 in the transport direction.The holding device 50 has at least one connection, such as a first connection 55 and a second connection 56, with which it can be supplied with electrical energy, compressed air or hydraulic fluid. The embodiments shown in Figures 4, 8 and 9 comprise a double-acting piston-cylinder unit, wherein (compressed) fluid (compressed air or hydraulic fluid) is supplied via a first connection 55 and simultaneously fluid is discharged via a second connection 56 when the piston rod is to be extended or moved into its holding position. When the piston rod is to be retracted or moved into its release position, (compressed) fluid is supplied to the piston-cylinder unit via the second connection 56, while simultaneously fluid is discharged via the first connection 56.As can best be seen from Figures 8 and 9, the positioning receptacle 54 has a recess, in particular a bore, for receiving the positioning head 53 designed as a centering body. The positioning head 53 is conical at its end pointing towards the positioning receptacle 54 or tapers towards the free end. This advantageously ensures that the centering head 54 can be moved securely into the recess or into the holding position even when the center axes of the positioning head 53 and the recess are slightly out of alignment, as can be the case, for example, when the platforms are deformed in the z-direction, i.e. the direction of gravity, by a load acting on the platform. In the example shown, the piston rod 52 is forked at the end pointing towards the positioning receptacle 54 to receive the positioning head 53.The positioning head 53 is housed between the legs of the fork and bolted to the legs by means of screw bolts. In further modifications, the holding device 50 shown in Figure 4 in the arrangement of Figures 6 and 7 can be replaced by the holding device 50 shown in Figures 8 and 9. The holding device shown in Figures 8 and 9 can be combined with the holding devices 40.

[0060] In the modification shown in Figure 10, in comparison to the embodiment in Figures 6 and 7, the holding devices 50, such as the holding device 50 shown in Figures 8 and 9, are designed to perform the positioning function in the xy direction and the holding function in the z direction. This modification does not require holding devices 40 specifically designed as support devices, such as those shown in Figure 5, for example.

[0061] The holding devices 40, 50 (Figures 6 and 7) or 50 (Figure 10) are configured or controlled by a controller in such a way that there are always several holding devices 40, 50, in particular several support devices 40 and several

[0062] Positioning devices 50 in the embodiment of Figures 4 and 5 or several holding devices 50 in the embodiment of Figure 10 are in their holding position simultaneously. The holding devices 40, 50, in particular the support devices 40 and / or the positioning devices 50, are configured or controlled by a controller such that a maximum of only as many are in the release position or are moved into the release position as are necessary for the third platform 23 to be securely held in position, i.e., in the x, y, and z directions, by the holding devices 40, 50 in the holding position.

[0063] To prevent lateral tipping, the transport device 10 has, in particular on its side facing upwards or towards the platforms 21, 22, 23, a first slide rail 19a and a second slide rail 19b, with which the transport device 10 is supported upwards on the first platform 21 and the second platform 22 - in addition to being supported on the ground by means of the wheels 14. In the example shown, the slide rails 19a, 19b are supported on the holding devices 40 designed as support devices and in particular indirectly on the first and second platforms 21, 22 (Figure 2). The first slide rail 19a is supported on the holding devices 40 that are assigned to the first conveyor slot 31. The second slide rail 19b is supported on the holding devices 40 that are assigned to the second conveyor slot 32.The slide rails 19a, 19b can slide along the holding devices 40 when the transport device 10 moves through the assembly station 1.

[0064] List of reference symbols

[0065] Assembly station 31 first conveyor slot

[0066] 32 second conveyor slot

[0067] T ransport device first connecting structure 40 Holding device / second connecting structure Support device

[0068] Workpiece 41 swivel axis

[0069] Wheel 42 carrier

[0070] Workpiece carrier 43 roll

[0071] Base 44 roll

[0072] Lifting device

[0073] Base 50 Holding device / a first slide rail Positioning deviceb second slide rail 51 Housing

[0074] 52 Piston rod first platform 53 Positioning head second platform 54 Positioning holder third platform 55 First connection

[0075] Frame 56 second connection

[0076] entrance

[0077] Exit P Person

Claims

Claims 1. Assembly station (1) through which a workpiece (13) arranged on a transport device (10) can be moved along a predetermined transport path in a transport direction, the assembly station (1) comprising: - a first, second and third walkable platform (21, 22, 23), wherein the third platform (23) is arranged between the first platform (21) and the second platform (22), a first conveyor slot (31) formed between the first and third platforms (21, 23), and a second conveyor slot (32) formed between the second and third platforms (22, 23), wherein the longitudinal directions of the conveyor slots (31, 32) define the transport path, and a plurality of holding devices (40, 50) which are each configured to be able to assume a holding position in which they, for example, cross one of the conveyor slots (31, 32) and hold the third platform (23) in position with respect to the first or second platform (21, 22), wherein the holding devices (40, 50) are movable into a release position in which they present the transport device (10) with the workpiece (13) to move through the assembly station, or the conveyor slot (31 ;32), which they may cross, release or not cross in their respective holding positions.; 2. Assembly station (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein a plurality of holding devices (40, 50) in their holding position cross the first conveyor slot (31) and hold the third platform (23) in position with respect to the first platform (21) and in their release position release or do not cross the first conveyor slot (31) and a plurality of holding devices (40, 50) in their holding position cross the second conveyor slot (32) and hold the third platform (23) in position with respect to the second platform (22) and in their release position release or do not cross the second conveyor slot (32).

3. Assembly station (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding devices (40, 50) in their respective release position at least one connecting structure (11, 12) which the transport device (10) which is below the third platform (23) is movable along the transport path, connects to the workpiece (13) arranged above the third platform (23) and extends through the first and / or second conveyor slot (31, 32), to enable it to move in the conveyor slot (31; 32) along the transport path in the transport direction.

4. Assembly station (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding devices (40, 50) are configured such that several of the holding devices (40, 50) are always in their holding position at the same time.

5. Assembly station (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding devices (40, 50) are configured such that a maximum of only so many of the holding devices (40, 50) are in the release position or can be moved into the release position that the third platform (23) is held in position by holding devices (40, 50) located in the holding position.

6. Assembly station (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding devices (40, 50) or at least a part of the holding devices (40, 50) are linearly movable between the holding position and the release position.

7. Assembly station (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding devices (40, 50) or at least a part of the holding devices (40, 50) are pivotable about a pivot axis (41) between the holding position and the release position.

8. Assembly station (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least some of the holding devices (40, 50) are designed as support devices (40) which, in the respective holding position, support the third platform (23) downwards at least in the direction of gravity.

9. Assembly station (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least some of the holding devices (40, 50) are designed as positioning devices (50) which, in the respective holding position, secure the third platform (23) against movement along and / or transversely to the longitudinal direction of the conveyor slots (31, 32).

10. Assembly station (1) according to the two preceding claims, wherein holding devices designed as support devices (40) and holding devices designed as positioning devices (50) are arranged along the first and / or second conveyor slot (31; 32), in particular in each case, alternately.

11. Assembly station (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least some of the holding devices (40, 50), in particular holding devices which are designed as support devices (40), have a carrier (42) on which at least one roller (43) is arranged, via which the third platform (23) is supported.

12. Assembly station (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the, in particular arm-shaped, support (42) is pivotable about a pivot axis (41) and protrudes from the pivot axis (41) with a first and second section on both sides, wherein a roller (43, 44) is arranged on each section, wherein the third platform (23) is supported by one of the rollers and the other of the rollers is supported on the first or second platform (21, 22) when the holding device is in its holding position.

13. Assembly station (1) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the at least one roller (43, 44) is rotatable relative to the carrier (42) about a roller axis arranged in particular parallel to a longitudinal direction of the arm-shaped carrier (42).

14. Assembly station (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least some of the holding devices (40, 50), in particular holding devices designed as positioning devices (50), have a positioning head (53) which cooperates with a positioning receptacle (54) formed on the third platform (23) in such a way that the third platform (23) is secured against movement when the holding device is in its holding position.

15. Assembly station (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the positioning head (53) is arranged on an elongated structure, in particular a piston rod (52), which is linearly displaceable from the holding position into the release position and / or from the release position into the holding position.

16. Assembly station (1) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the holding devices comprise a piston-cylinder unit with a piston rod (52) which can be retracted and extended from a housing (51), wherein the positioning head (53) is arranged on the piston rod (52).

17. Assembly station (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a controller which is configured to control actuators such that the holding devices (40, 50) are moved from the holding position to the release position and / or from the release position to the holding position.

18. Assembly station (1) according to claim 3, further comprising a controller which is configured to control actuators such that at least that one of the holding devices (40, 50) which is located in front of the connecting structure (11, 12) in the transport direction is moved from the holding position into the release position, and / or that holding device past which the connecting structure (11, 12) has been moved or which is located behind the connecting structure (11, 12) is moved from the release position into the holding position.

19. Assembly station (1) according to one of the two preceding claims, further comprising a device, in particular at least one sensor, which is adapted to determine a position of the transport device (10) or of a connecting structure (11, 12) which extends through at least one of the conveyor slots (31, 32) in the transport direction, wherein the control is adapted to control individual ones of the holding devices (40, 50) or their actuators depending on the position in the transport direction such that these holding devices are moved from the holding position into the release position and / or from the release position into the holding position.

20. Assembly station (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding devices (40, 50) or at least a part of the holding devices (40, 50) is configured such that it is moved, in particular mechanically, from the holding position into the release position by an actuating device moving with the transport device and / or is moved from the release position into the holding position.

21. Mounting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding device has an elastic element, for example a spring, which is tensioned during the movement of the holding device (40, 50) from the holding position into the release position and moves the holding device (40, 50) from the release position back into the holding position.

22. Assembly system with an assembly station (1) according to one of the preceding claims and a transport device (10) designed as a vehicle with wheels (14) and connecting structures (11, 12) which connect the transport device (10), which is movable on the wheels (14) below the third platform (23) along the transport path, to the workpiece (13) arranged above the third platform (23), wherein one of the connecting structures (11, 12) extends through the first conveyor slot (31) and another of the connecting structures (11, 12) extends through the second conveyor slot (32), wherein the holding structures (40, 50), when in their release position, enable the connecting structures (11, 12) to move in the conveyor slots (31, 32) along the transport path in the transport direction.

23. Method for operating an assembly station (1), in particular an assembly station (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the assembly station (1) comprises: a first, second and third walkable platform (21, 22, 23), wherein the third platform (23) is arranged between the first platform (21) and the second platform (22), a first conveyor slot (31) formed between the first and third platforms (21, 23), and a second conveyor slot (32) formed between the second and third platforms (22, 23), wherein the longitudinal directions of the conveyor slots (31, 32) predetermine the transport path, and a plurality of holding devices (40, 50) which, in a holding position, hold the third platform (23) in position with respect to the first or second platform (21, 22), wherein one or more of the holding devices (40, 50) are moved from the holding position to a release position in order to enable the transport device (10) with the workpiece (13) to move through the assembly station (1), and one or more of the holding devices (40, 50) are meanwhile in the holding position in order to hold the third platform (23) in position.

Images