Method for operating a manufacturing line or a matrix production in industrial production, mobile production transport device for transporting and providing material, equipment, and workpieces in the industrial production process, and method for coupling a module to a mobile production transport device

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a manufacturing line or a matrix production (10) in industrial production, having the steps of: - providing a manufacturing line or a matrix production (10) for an industrial production, comprising at least one manufacturing workspace (11), a control unit (12) with a communication device (121) for transmitting and receiving data, a mobile driverless production transport device (1), which can be controlled by means of the communication device (121), for material, equipment, and workpieces, and a module support device (2) comprising different modules (21) for material, equipment, and workpieces, said module support device being designed to be directly coupled to a receiving unit (3) of the mobile production transport device (1); - selecting a module (21) from a selection of different modules (21) for material, equipment, and workpieces; - directly coupling the selected module (21) for material, equipment, and workpieces to the receiving unit (3) of the mobile production transport device (1); and - providing the module (21) for material, equipment, and workpieces at the manufacturing workspace (11).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Method for operating a production line or matrix production in industrial production, mobile production transport device for transporting and providing material, operating resources and workpieces in the industrial production process and method for coupling a module to a mobile production transport device

[0003] The invention comprises a method for operating a production line or matrix production in industrial production. Furthermore, the invention comprises a mobile production transport device for transporting and providing materials, operating resources, and workpieces in the industrial production process. Furthermore, the invention comprises a method for coupling a module to a mobile production transport device.

[0004] The invention lies in the technical field of internal logistics in an industrial environment indoors, where many goods or stacked pallets and boxes with goods, as well as operating materials and workpieces are transported on movable floor rollers of automated guided vehicles (AGVs).

[0005] Known driverless transport vehicles are omnidirectional, surface-moving vehicles with two drive / steering roller units that can be driven via drive and steering units and one non-driven steering roller unit, with an object recognition system that can recognize objects such as floor rollers, trolleys or the like and, based on these, align and approach itself in a surface-moving manner and can thus pick up and transport the object / floor roller in a precise position.

[0006] These floor rollers are driven under by automated guided vehicles (AGVs), thus serving the automatic transport of goods. For this purpose, the AGVs can also completely raise the floor rollers. In this way, the AGV transports workpieces from one assembly station to the next. This enables the time-saving manufacture of products along an assembly line / production line or matrix production. In a fully automated assembly line / production line or within a fully automated matrix production system, the components are assembled exclusively by machines.

[0007] State-of-the-art AGVs comprise an undercarriage / fork unit connected to the base unit, on which a lifting table is mounted. These AGVs pick up objects such as crates of goods or stacked pallets, as well as shelving systems. The lifting table allows the picked-up object to be completely lifted out and, for example, raised to a specific height in order to set it down again at that height.

[0008] The disadvantage of known AGVs is that they can usually pick up and transport floor rollers or objects such as shelves or roll containers for storing material.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide a method for operating a production line or matrix production in industrial production, with which the automatic transport and provision of various operating resources, materials, and workpieces within production is optimized. Furthermore, the object of the present invention is to provide a mobile production transport device for transporting and providing material, operating resources, and workpieces in the industrial production process, which enables the variable provision of various operating resources, workpieces, and material. Furthermore, the object of the present invention is to provide a method for coupling a module to a mobile production transport device, which optimizes the variable provision of various operating resources, workpieces, and material.

[0010] The inventive method for operating a production line or matrix production in industrial production is defined by the features of independent claim 1. Furthermore, the object is achieved by a mobile production transport device according to claim 12. Furthermore, the object is achieved by the coupling method according to claim 20. Advantageous aspects form the subject matter of the respective subclaims.

[0011] The invention comprises a method for operating a production line or matrix production in industrial production, comprising the steps:

[0012] - Providing a production line or matrix production for industrial production comprising at least one production workstation, a control unit with a communication device for sending and receiving data, a mobile driverless production transport device for material, operating resources and workpieces that can be controlled by means of the communication device, and a module storage device comprising different modules for material, operating resources and workpieces for direct coupling to a receiving unit of the mobile production transport device;

[0013] -Selection of a module from a selection of different modules for material, equipment and workpieces;

[0014] - direct connection of the selected module for material, resources and

[0015] Workpieces to the receiving unit of the mobile production transport device; and

[0016] - Provision of the module for materials, resources, and / or workpieces at the production workstation. This enables the variable provision of various resources by incorporating different modules, thus allowing different materials and resources to be quickly and interchangeably provided for production.

[0017] One advantageous aspect is that the module for materials, resources, and workpieces is permanently available as a connected module at the production workstation during a complete production work order. This turns the mobile production transport device itself into a flexible resource by selecting and deploying a production work order and the module accordingly. After the production work order has been completed, the module can be stored away. This enables almost complete automation of industrial production processes, with human intervention only required in exceptional cases, thus enabling true 24 / 7 operation.

[0018] Another advantageous aspect is that the connected module for materials, resources, and workpieces at the production workstation can be swapped during a complete production work order. This variant allows the production workstation to be configured variably according to the production work order by providing different modules at one location.

[0019] According to a preferred aspect, the production line or matrix production comprises at least two production workstations, and the mobile production transport device is moved between the at least two production workstations. Thus, different modules for materials, operating resources, and workpieces can be provided at the individual production workstations. This allows the number of required modules to be reduced by reusing them.

[0020] It has proven advantageous for the mobile production transport device to connect another module for materials, equipment, and workpieces when moving between at least two production workstations. This eliminates the need for additional AGVs, which would otherwise be required to connect additional modules.

[0021] Advantageously, the mobile production transport device does not require a new module for materials, equipment, and workpieces to be connected when moving between the at least two production workstations. This allows the selected module to be made available to the individual production workstations within a very short time.

[0022] According to an advantageous aspect, the control unit, with a communication device for transmitting and receiving data according to a selection of predetermined manufacturing processes, provides control data for the mobile production transport device. This allows the manufacturing process to be almost completely digitized, and real-time data processing and visualization can be realized.

[0023] It is advantageous if the control unit, with a communication device for sending and receiving data corresponding to current data from a production process, provides control data for the mobile production transport device. This allows the process to be adapted to the current order situation.

[0024] An advantageous aspect provides that the control unit, with a communication device for sending and receiving data according to a predetermined module inventory, provides control data for the mobile production transport device. This allows for optimal utilization of individual modules for optimized processes.

[0025] A further advantageous aspect provides that at least one module of the modular storage facility is a module for an operating device, which is (actively) operable and is (actively) operated by means of the direct coupling to the receiving unit. If the operating device is, for example, powered by current, pressure, or hydraulics, the receiving unit has corresponding power, compressed air, or hydraulic connections.

[0026] A further advantageous aspect is that the different modules of the modular storage facility are selected from the following modules for material and workpieces:

[0027] - storage rack;

[0028] - Roll containers;

[0029] - floor rollers;

[0030] - Shooter shelf or replacement shelf;

[0031] - pallet; and the following modules for operating resources:

[0032] - Conveyor belt; - Robot arm;

[0033] - Telescopic device;

[0034] - mounting system;

[0035] - Loading and unloading system for exchanging tool pallets;

[0036] - Lifting device.

[0037] The receiving unit of the mobile production transport device can be designed as a standardized interface suitable for all of these modules in order to ensure a particularly high level of modularity.

[0038] The invention further encompasses a mobile production transport device for transporting and providing material, operating resources, and workpieces in the industrial production process, comprising a transport unit for moving the production transport device and a receiving unit for receiving and / or coupling a module for material and / or operating resources. This allows various modules to be coupled and exchanged in a variety of ways. The receiving unit can be coupled and uncoupled, so that, depending on the module used, the receiving unit can also be switched off.

[0039] It is particularly advantageous if the module is a material transport unit, a conveyor device, an assembly device, a material supply unit, a robot unit, or a loading and unloading unit. Different operating resources can thus be flexibly exchanged, creating a kind of modular system with diverse application possibilities.

[0040] According to a preferred aspect, the mobile production transport device comprises an AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle). This allows existing AGVs to continue to be used.

[0041] According to a further preferred aspect, the receiving unit comprises a coupling unit and a counter-coupling unit that can be attached or is attached to the module. The counter-coupling unit is designed to complement the coupling unit in such a way that it can be releasably coupled to the coupling unit along a coupling direction. The coupling unit comprises a first coupling element and a second coupling element, wherein the first coupling element and the second coupling element are spaced apart from one another in a transverse direction.

[0042] The coupling unit and the counter-coupling unit allow a particularly fast and at the same time stable or rigid mounting and / or coupling of a module by or to the mounting unit.

[0043] By spacing the first coupling element and the second coupling element apart from each other in a transverse direction, a pivoting movement of the coupling unit relative to the counter-coupling unit along a pivoting direction a located in a plane of the transverse direction can be blocked. Advantageously, the transverse direction can be perpendicular to the coupling direction. This allows for a rotationally fixed coupling in the plane of the coupling direction.

[0044] To ensure the coupling is particularly rigid and stable, the distance between the coupling elements in the transverse direction (and preferably perpendicular to the coupling direction) can be at least 5 cm, preferably at least 10 cm, and particularly preferably at least 15 cm. The greater the distance, the more torque can be transferred via the coupling elements.

[0045] A further advantageous aspect provides that the first coupling element and the second coupling element are each designed as a pin with a ball head, and wherein the counter-coupling unit has a first recess which is designed to at least partially enclose the ball head of the first coupling element, and wherein the counter-coupling unit has a second recess which is designed to at least partially enclose the ball head of the second coupling element.

[0046] Because the coupling elements have a ball head, the coupling unit can be pivoted relative to the counter-coupling unit along a pivoting direction y located in a plane of the coupling direction. Such a pivoting movement can compensate for unevenness of the ground at the coupling during travel of the mobile production transport device, for example, when driving over a ramp.

[0047] A further advantageous aspect provides that the first recess and the ball head of the first coupling element have the same diameter, and wherein the second recess has at least one diameter which is larger than a diameter of the ball head of the second coupling element.

[0048] Because the first recess and the ball head of the first coupling element have the same diameter, there is no play between the first recess and the ball head of the first coupling element during coupling. Because the second recess has at least one diameter (directed along the transverse direction) that is larger than the diameter of the ball head of the second coupling element, there is play between the second recess and the ball head of the second coupling element in at least one direction. This play simplifies coupling.

[0049] A further advantageous aspect provides that the coupling unit has a projection arranged between the first coupling element and the second coupling element. This allows the coupling unit to be pivoted relative to the counter-coupling unit along a pivoting direction ß located in a plane perpendicular to the coupling direction. Such a pivoting movement can compensate for unevenness of the ground at the coupling during travel of the mobile production transport device, for example, when negotiating an inclined ramp.

[0050] A further advantageous aspect provides that the coupling unit can be controllably displaced relative to the transport unit in a stroke direction. This allows for easy coupling and uncoupling of the coupling unit with the counter-coupling unit by means of a stroke movement.

[0051] The invention further comprises a method for coupling a module (for material and / or operating resources) to a mobile production transport device comprising the steps: - providing a mobile production transport device as described above;

[0052] - Providing a module for material and / or operating resources, wherein the module has a counter-coupling unit attached thereto for coupling to the coupling unit of the receiving unit of the mobile production transport device, and wherein the module has at least two front wheels and at least two rear wheels; and either

[0053] - Positioning the coupling unit on the counter-coupling unit in such a way that by a first lifting movement of the coupling unit relative to the transport unit in the lifting direction, the coupling unit is brought into contact with the

[0054] Counter-coupling unit is coupled and the at least two front wheels and the at least two rear wheels of the module maintain ground contact; or

[0055] - Positioning the coupling unit on the counter-coupling unit in such a way that by a first lifting movement of the coupling unit relative to the transport unit in the lifting direction, the coupling unit is brought into contact with the

[0056] Counter-coupling unit is coupled and by a second lifting movement the at least two front wheels of the module lose contact with the ground and the at least two rear wheels of the module retain contact with the ground, wherein the at least two rear wheels of the module are designed as castors.

[0057] In the first alternative of the coupling method, the stroke of the first lifting movement is just large enough that the coupling unit is coupled to the counter-coupling unit and neither the at least two front wheels nor the at least two rear wheels of the module are lifted. If both the at least two rear wheels and the at least two front wheels of the module are designed as castors, then an omnidirectional travel of the mobile production transport device with the module coupled to it is possible. In the second alternative of the coupling method, the first lifting movement is followed by the second lifting movement, the stroke of which is so large that the at least two front wheels are lifted while the at least two rear wheels of the module retain contact with the ground. The module and the mobile production transport device are thus rigidly coupled to one another.An omnidirectional driving of the mobile production transport device with the module coupled to it is also possible, since at least two rear wheels of the module, which have ground contact, are designed as swivel castors.

[0058] If the coupling unit is pivotable relative to the counter-coupling unit as described above, then there is the additional advantage that with the coupling method according to the invention, uneven ground can be compensated during travel and thus, for example, driving up ramps is improved, especially with heavy loads.

[0059] This method for coupling a module to a mobile production transport device can be used as a method step of the method described above for operating a production line or matrix production in industrial production.

[0060] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing.

[0061] They show:

[0062] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a matrix production in industrial production with four production workstations, which is operated with a method according to the invention;

[0063] Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a modular storage facility with different modules for material, operating resources and workpieces for coupling to a mobile production transport device;

[0064] Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a mobile production transport device according to the invention for transporting and providing material, operating resources and workpieces with a receiving unit in the disassembled state;

[0065] Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of a mobile production transport device according to the invention for transporting and providing material, operating resources and workpieces with a receiving unit in the assembled state;

[0066] Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of a mobile production transport device according to the invention with a storage rack;

[0067] Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of a mobile production transport device according to the invention with a rolling container;

[0068] Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of a mobile production transport device according to the invention with a floor roller;

[0069] Fig. 8 is a schematic representation of a mobile production transport device according to the invention with a conveyor belt;

[0070] Fig. 9 is a schematic representation of a mobile production transport device according to the invention with a robot arm;

[0071] Fig. 10 is a schematic representation of a mobile production transport device telescopic device according to the invention;

[0072] Fig. 11 is a schematic representation of a mobile production transport device according to the invention with an assembly system;

[0073] Fig. 12 is a schematic representation of a mobile production transport device according to the invention with an assembly system;

[0074] Fig. 13 is a schematic representation of a mobile production transport device according to the invention with an assembly system;

[0075] Fig. 14 is a schematic representation of a mobile production transport device according to the invention with a loading and unloading system for exchanging tool pallets; Fig. 15 is a schematic representation of a mobile production transport device according to the invention with a lifting device; and

[0076] Fig. 16 is a schematic representation of a mobile production transport device according to the invention, in which the receiving unit carries a shooter shelf or an exchange shelf;.

[0077] Fig. 17 is a schematic representation of another mobile production transport device according to the invention;

[0078] Fig. 18 is a schematic representation of the mobile production transport device from Fig. 17 with a roll container as a module;

[0079] Fig. 19a - g various schematic sectional views of a coupled coupling unit and counter-coupling unit from Fig. 17 and Fig. 18;

[0080] Fig. 20 schematic plan view of the counter-coupling unit from Fig. 19a - g;

[0081] Fig. 21 schematic side view of the first and second coupling elements from Fig. 19a - g; and

[0082] Fig. 22a - c schematic side views of a mobile production transport device from Fig. 17 and a module during a coupling process.

[0083] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a matrix production 10 with four production workstations 111, 112, 113, 114 in industrial production, which is operated with a method according to the invention.

[0084] The procedure includes the following steps:

[0085] - Providing a production line or matrix production 10 for industrial production comprising at least one production workstation 11, a control unit 12 with a communication device 121 for sending and receiving data, a mobile driverless production transport device 1 for material, operating resources and workpieces that can be controlled by means of the communication device 121 and a module storage device 2 comprising different modules 21 for material, operating resources and workpieces for coupling to the mobile production transport device 1;

[0086] - Selection of a module 21 from a selection of different modules 21 for material, equipment and workpieces;

[0087] - Coupling the selected module 21 for material, equipment and workpieces to the mobile production transport device 1 ; and

[0088] - Provision of module 21 for material, operating resources and workpieces at the production workstation 11 .

[0089] It is advantageous if the modules 21 themselves have a control unit 12 with software and a communication device 121. Appropriate software updates ensure that the equipment always has the latest software version.

[0090] The production line 10 comprises at least two production workstations 111, 112, and the mobile production transport device 1 is moved between the at least two production workstations 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the production line or matrix production comprises four production workstations 111, 112, 113, 114. Production workstation 111 is a collaborative workstation. Production workstation 112 is a fully automated workstation with a robot. Production workstation 113 is a semi-automatic workstation (manual workstation). Production workstation 114 is an automated assembly station (e.g., including a test bench).

[0091] It is conceivable that the mobile production transport device 1 couples another module 21 for material, operating resources and workpieces when moving between the at least two production workstations 11.

[0092] It is also possible for the mobile production transport device 1 not to couple a new module 21 for material, operating resources and workpieces when moving between the at least two production workstations 11.

[0093] The control unit 12 with a communication device 121 for sending and receiving data provides control data for the mobile

[0094] Production transport device 1 ready.

[0095] The control unit 12 with a communication device 121 for sending and receiving data provides control data for the mobile production transport device 1 according to current data from a production process.

[0096] The control unit 12 with a communication device 121 for sending and receiving data provides control data for the mobile production transport device 1 according to a predetermined module inventory.

[0097] Fig. 2 shows a modular storage facility 2 with different modules 21 for material, operating resources, and workpieces for coupling to a mobile production transport device 1. Examples of stored modules are explained in more detail below.

[0098] Fig. 3 shows a mobile production transport device 1 according to the invention with a (motor) transport unit 5 and a receiving unit 3 in the disassembled state. This will be described in connection with Fig. 4 with the receiving unit 3 in the assembled state.

[0099] Fig. 4 shows a mobile production transport device 1 for transporting and providing material, operating resources and workpieces in the industrial production process, comprising a (motor) transport unit 5 for moving the production transport device 1, a receiving unit 3 for receiving a module 21 (shown in Fig. 5 - 15) for material and / or operating resources.

[0100] To accommodate the module 21 (shown in Fig. 5 - 15), the receiving unit 3 has a standardized interface and is thus able to accommodate and transport modules 21 (shown in Fig. 5 - 15) of various types and in this way to become a flexible operating tool itself.

[0101] The mobile production transport device 1 comprises an AGV. The receiving unit (tongue) 3 serves as a type of mechanical coupling for the modules and can provide an electrical connection. It is conceivable that the receiving unit 3 is flanged to the transport unit 5. Depending on the application, the receiving unit 3 has a different length.

[0102] In a first embodiment, the module 21 (shown in Fig. 5 - 15) for material, operating resources and workpieces is permanently provided as a coupled module 21 (shown in Fig. 5 - 15) at the production workstation 11 during a complete production work order.

[0103] Another embodiment provides that the coupled module 21 (shown in Figs. 5-15) for material, operating resources, and workpieces at the production workstation 11 is exchanged during a complete production work order. It is conceivable that a conveyor belt 21 is initially coupled, as shown in Fig. 8, which is then exchanged for a robot 21, as shown in Fig. 9.

[0104] Modules 21 (shown in Fig. 5 - 15) include, for example, a material transport unit, a conveyor device, an assembly device, a material supply unit, a robot unit or a loading and unloading unit.

[0105] In Fig. 5, a mobile production transport device 1 according to the invention with a shelf / shopping basket 21 is shown.

[0106] Fig. 6 shows a mobile production transport device 1 according to the invention with a rolling container 21.

[0107] In Fig. 7, a mobile production transport device 1 according to the invention is shown with a transport frame with stackable boxes 21 for supplying materials to an industrial production process.

[0108] Fig. 8 shows a schematic representation of a mobile production transport device 1 comprising a (motor) transport unit 5 for moving the production transport device 1, a receiving unit 3 for receiving the module 21, which in the example shown is a conveyor belt 21.

[0109] Fig. 9 shows a schematic representation of a mobile production transport device 1 comprising a (motor) transport unit 5 for moving the production transport device 1 and a receiving unit 3 for receiving the module 21, which in the example shown is a robot 21 with a robot arm. A coupled robot 21 is suitable for stationary and mobile use.

[0110] Fig. 10 shows a mobile production transport device 1 with a loading and unloading system with integrated conveyor technology 21 with a telescopic element.

[0111] Figs. 11, 12 and 13 show a mobile production transport device 1 with an assembly system 21, each with different axes of rotation for the workpieces to be assembled.

[0112] Fig. 14 shows a mobile production transport device 1 with a loading and unloading system 21 for exchanging tool pallets.

[0113] Fig. 15 shows a mobile production transport device 1 in which the receiving unit 3 is designed as a forklift tine, so that, for example, a pallet 21 for transporting material can be picked up.

[0114] Fig. 16 shows a mobile production transport device 1 in which the receiving unit 3 carries a shooter shelf or an exchange shelf.

[0115] Fig. 17 shows a further advantageous embodiment of a mobile production transport device 1 for transporting and providing material, operating resources and workpieces in the industrial production process, comprising a (motor) transport unit 5 for moving the production transport device 1 and a receiving unit 3 for receiving and / or coupling a module 21 (shown in Fig. 5 - 15 and Fig. 17) for material and / or operating resources.

[0116] The receiving unit 3 has a coupling unit 31 and a counter-coupling unit 32 that is attachable or attached (see Fig. 18) to the module 21 (shown in Figs. 5-15 and Fig. 17). The counter-coupling unit 32 is designed to complement the coupling unit 31 in such a way as to be releasably coupled to the coupling unit 31 along a coupling direction R. Their coupled state is shown in detail in Figs. 19a-e. The coupling unit 31 and the counter-coupling unit 32 allow a particularly fast and simultaneously stable or rigid receiving and / or coupling of a module 21 (shown in Figs. 5-15 and Fig. 17) by or to the receiving unit 3.

[0117] Fig. 18 shows a schematic representation of the mobile production transport device from Fig. 17. The counter-coupling unit 32 is fastened to the module 21, which is a roll container, and the counter-coupling unit 32 is detachably coupled to the coupling unit 31.

[0118] Figures 19a - g show various schematic sectional views of the fully coupled (Fig. 19a - e and Fig. 19g) or incompletely coupled (Fig. 19f) coupling unit 31 and counter-coupling unit 32 from Fig. 17 and Fig. 18. Fig. 19a shows a top view, Fig. 19b a side view, Fig. 19c a sectional view in the sectional plane AA indicated in Fig. 19a, Fig. 19d a sectional view in the sectional plane BB indicated in Fig. 19b, and Fig. 19e a sectional view in the sectional plane CC indicated in Fig. 19b. Figs. 19f - g show schematic sectional views during the coupling of the coupling unit 31 to the counter-coupling unit 32 by a lifting movement along the lifting direction H. Figures 19a - g are described together below.

[0119] The coupling unit 31 has a first coupling element 312a and a second coupling element 312b, wherein the first coupling element 312a and the second coupling element 312b are spaced apart from each other by 10 cm in a transverse direction Q. The transverse direction Q is perpendicular to the coupling direction R.

[0120] By spacing the first coupling element 312a and the second coupling element 312b from each other in this way, a pivoting movement of the coupling unit 31 relative to the counter-coupling unit 32 along a pivoting direction a located in a plane (view plane of Figs. 19a and 19d) of the transverse direction Q can be blocked during coupling (see Fig. 19d). The first coupling element 312a and the second coupling element 312b are each formed as a pin 315 with a ball head 316a, 316b (see Fig. 22). Since the coupling elements 312a, 312b have a ball head 316a, 316b, the coupling unit 31 can be pivoted relative to the counter-coupling unit 32 along a pivoting direction y located in a plane (view plane of Fig. 19e) of the coupling direction R during the coupling (see Fig. 19e).

[0121] The counter-coupling unit 32 has a first recess 321a, which is designed to at least partially enclose the ball head 316a of the first coupling element 312a. A second recess 321b of the counter-coupling unit 32 is also designed to at least partially enclose the ball head 316b of the second coupling element 312b.

[0122] The coupling unit 31 further comprises a projection 313 arranged halfway between the first coupling element 312a and the second coupling element 312b. This projection rests against the counter-coupling unit 32 when fully coupled. Thus, the coupling unit 31 can be pivoted relative to the counter-coupling unit 32 by a rocker mechanism during coupling along a pivoting direction ß located in a plane (view plane of Fig. 19c) of the transverse direction Q and perpendicular to the coupling direction R (see Fig. 19c).

[0123] In particular, during coupling by a lifting movement of the coupling unit 31 in the lifting direction H as shown in Fig. 19f - g, it is advantageous that, in the embodiment shown there, the first recess 312a has a clearance 314 along the transverse direction Q at a lower portion. This allows the first coupling element 312a to engage the first recess 312a more easily, resulting in a simplified coupling.

[0124] Fig. 20 shows a schematic plan view of the counter-coupling unit 32 from Figs. 19a-g. As can be seen from Fig. 21, the first recess 321a and the ball head 316a of the first coupling element 312a have the same diameter D1, wherein the second recess 321b has at least a diameter D2 that is larger than a diameter D1 of the ball head 316b of the second coupling element 312b.

[0125] Fig. 21 shows a schematic side view of the first and second coupling elements 312a, 312b from Fig. 19a-g. These are each designed as a pin 315 with a ball head 316a, 316b.

[0126] Fig. 22a-c show schematic side views of a mobile production transport device 1 from Fig. 17 and a module 21 during a coupling process. The module 21 has a counter-coupling unit 32 attached thereto (as in Fig. 19a-g) for coupling to the coupling unit 31 (as in Fig. 19a-g) of the receiving unit 3 of the mobile production transport device 1. Furthermore, the module 21 has two front wheels 211a and two rear wheels 211b, wherein the two rear wheels 211b are designed as swivel casters and the two front wheels 211a are rigid.

[0127] In Fig. 22a, the coupling unit 31 is positioned below the counter-coupling unit 32.

[0128] In Fig. 22b, a first lifting movement of the coupling unit 31 relative to the transport unit 5 occurs in the lifting direction H such that the coupling unit 31 is coupled to the counter-coupling unit 32. The two front wheels 211a and the two rear wheels 211b of the module 21 maintain ground contact, with the ground indicated by a dashed line.

[0129] In Fig. 22c, after the first lifting movement Fig. 22b, a second lifting movement takes place such that the two front wheels 211 a of the module 21 lose contact with the ground and the two rear wheels 211 b of the module 21 retain contact with the ground.

[0130] The module 21 and the mobile production transport device 1 are rigidly coupled to one another; however, omnidirectional travel of the mobile production transport device 1 with the coupled module 21 is possible because the two rear wheels of the module 21, which are in contact with the ground, are designed as castors. Furthermore, the coupling unit 31 is pivotable relative to the counter-coupling unit 32, as described above with reference to Fig. 19c and Fig. 19e. This provides the additional advantage that, in the coupled state, uneven ground can be compensated for during travel, thus improving, for example, ramp travel, especially with heavy loads.

Claims

CLAIMS 1 . A method for operating a production line or matrix production (10) in industrial production, comprising the steps: - Providing a production line or matrix production (10) for industrial production comprising at least one production workstation (11), a control unit (12) with a communication device (121) for sending and receiving data, a mobile driverless production transport device (1) for material, operating resources and workpieces that can be controlled by means of the communication device (121), and a module storage device (2) comprising different modules (21) for material, operating resources and workpieces for direct coupling to a receiving unit (3) of the mobile production transport device (1); - selecting a module (21) from a selection of different modules (21) for material, operating resources and workpieces; - direct coupling of the selected module (21) for material, operating resources and workpieces to the receiving unit (3) of the mobile production transport device (1); and - Provision of the module (21) for material, operating resources and workpieces at the production workstation (11).

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the module (21) for material, operating resources and workpieces is permanently provided as a coupled module (21) at the production workstation (11) during a complete production work order.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the coupled module (21) for material, operating resources and workpieces at the production workstation (11) is exchanged during a complete production work order.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the production line or matrix production (10) comprises at least two production workstations (111, 112, 113, 114) and the mobile production transport device (1) is moved between the at least two production workstations (11).

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the mobile production transport device (1) couples another module (21) for material, operating resources and workpieces when moving between the at least two production workstations (11).

6. The method according to claim 4, wherein the mobile production transport device (1) does not couple a new module (21) for material, operating resources and workpieces when moving between the at least two production workstations (11).

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (12) with a communication device (121) for sending and receiving data according to a selection of predetermined manufacturing processes provides control data for the mobile production transport device (1).

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (12) with a communication device (121) for sending and receiving data corresponding to current data from a manufacturing process, provides control data for the mobile production transport device (1).

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (12) with a communication device (121) for sending and receiving data corresponding to a predetermined module inventory, provides control data for the mobile production transport device (1).

10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one module (21) of the module storage device (2) is a module (21) for an operating means which is operable and operated by means of the direct coupling to the receiving unit (3).

11. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the different modules (21) of the module storage device (2) are selected from the following modules (21) for material and workpieces: - storage rack; - Roll containers; - floor rollers; - Shooter shelf or replacement shelf; - pallet; and the following modules (21 ) for operating resources: - conveyor belt; - robot arm; - Telescopic device; - mounting system; - Loading and unloading system for exchanging tool pallets; - Lifting device.

12. Mobile production transport device (1) for transporting and providing material, operating resources and workpieces in the industrial production process, comprising a transport unit (5) for moving the production transport device (1), a receiving unit (3) for receiving and / or coupling a module (21) for material and / or operating resources.

13. Mobile production transport device (1) according to claim 12, wherein the module (21) is a material transport unit, a conveyor device, an assembly device, a material supply unit, a robot unit or a loading and unloading unit.

14. Mobile production transport device (1) according to claim 12 or 13, which comprises an AGV.

15. Mobile production transport device (1) according to one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the receiving unit (3) has a coupling unit (31) and a counter-coupling unit (32) which can be fastened or is fastened to the module (21), and wherein the counter-coupling unit (32) is designed to be complementary to the coupling unit (31) in order to be detachably coupled to the coupling unit (31) along a coupling direction (R), and wherein the coupling unit (31) has a first coupling element (312a) and a second coupling element (312b), and wherein the first coupling element (312a) and the second coupling element (312b) are spaced apart from one another in a transverse direction (Q).

16. Mobile production transport device (1) according to claim 15, wherein the first coupling element (312a) and the second coupling element (312b) are each designed as a pin (315) with a ball head (316a, 316b), and wherein the counter-coupling unit (32) has a first recess (321a) which is designed to at least partially enclose the ball head (316a) of the first coupling element (312a), and wherein the counter-coupling unit (32) has a second recess (321b) which is designed to at least partially enclose the ball head (316b) of the second coupling element (312b).

17. Mobile production transport device (1) according to claim 16, wherein the first recess (321a) and the ball head (316a) of the first coupling element (312a) have a same diameter (D1), and wherein the second recess (321b) has at least one diameter (D2) which is larger than a diameter (D1) of the ball head (316b) of the second coupling element (312b).

18. Mobile production transport device (1) according to claim 17, wherein the coupling unit (31) has a projection (313) arranged between the first coupling element (312a) and the second coupling element (312b).

19. Mobile production transport device (1) according to one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the coupling unit (31) is controllably displaceable relative to the transport unit (5) in a lifting direction (H).

20. Method for coupling a module (21) to a mobile production transport device (1) comprising the steps: - Providing a mobile production transport device (1) according to one or more of claims 15 to 18 and according to claim 19; - Providing a module (21) for material and / or operating resources, wherein the module (21) has a counter-coupling unit (32) attached thereto for coupling to the coupling unit (31) of the receiving unit (3) of the mobile production transport device (1), and wherein the module (21) has at least two front wheels (211a) and at least two rear wheels (211b); and either - Positioning the coupling unit (31) on the counter-coupling unit (32) in such a way that the coupling unit (31) is coupled to the counter-coupling unit (32) by a first lifting movement of the coupling unit (31) relative to the transport unit (5) in the lifting direction (H). and the at least two front wheels (211a) and the at least two rear wheels (211b) of the module (21) maintain ground contact; or - Positioning the coupling unit (31) on the counter-coupling unit (32) in such a way that the coupling unit (31) is coupled to the counter-coupling unit (32) by a first lifting movement of the coupling unit (31) relative to the transport unit (5) in the lifting direction (H) and by a second lifting movement the at least two front wheels (211a) of the module (21) lose contact with the ground and the at least two rear wheels (211b) of the module (21) retain contact with the ground, wherein the at least two rear wheels (211b) of the module (21) are designed as steering rollers.

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