Handling assembly for positioning and / or guiding workpieces, in particular slat-shaped workpieces, in particular for manufacturing facade elements, manufacturing plant and method for manufacturing a facade element

Abstract

The present invention relates to: a handling assembly (100) for positioning and / or guiding slat-shaped workpieces for manufacturing facade elements (300), comprising a coupling device (1) which is designed to couple the handling assembly (100) to a movement device (101) of a manufacturing plant (10); and a guide device (2) for a workpiece (200a-c). The guide device (2) comprises a base plate (21) and a lateral guide element (22) which is located on the base plate (21) and has a contact portion (221) with which a side surface (202, 203) of the workpiece (200a-c) can be brought into contact, in order to guide the workpiece (200a-c) laterally. Furthermore, the guide device (2) comprises a vertical guide element (24) which is located on or adjacent to the base plate (21) and has a contact portion (241) with which a top surface (201) of the workpiece (200a-c) can be brought into contact, in order to exert a contact pressure on the workpiece (200a-c). A plane which runs substantially parallel to the base plate (21) and in which the contact portion (241) of the vertical guide element (24) is present defines a contact plane (A). As viewed in a transverse direction (Q), on this side (D) of the contact portion (221) of the lateral guide element (22), the handling assembly (100) has an extent in the vertical direction (H), which extends no further than the contact plane (A). A manufacturing plant (10) and a method for manufacturing a facade element (300) are also disclosed.

Description

[0001] Handling unit for positioning and / or guiding workpieces, in particular slat-shaped workpieces, especially for the production of facade elements, production plant and method for the production of a facade element

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] The invention relates to a handling unit for positioning and / or guiding workpieces, in particular slat-shaped workpieces, especially for the production of facade elements, a production plant, especially for the production of facade elements, and a method for the production of a facade element.

[0004] The devices and methods according to the invention are particularly intended for use in industrial prefabricated house construction. In industrial prefabricated house construction, building modules are prefabricated by machine in a central production facility, which can then be assembled into a prefabricated house on a construction site in a time-saving manner. In addition to saving time on the construction site, the machine prefabrication of building modules also offers qualitative advantages as well as significant efficiency gains and thus lower construction costs. In contrast to conventional construction methods, prefabricated house construction generally uses considerably more wood or wood-based materials.

[0005] Due to lower CO2 emissions, an overall positive environmental impact, and cost advantages, prefabricated houses made from wood or wood-based materials are enjoying increasing popularity. Industrial prefabrication based on machine-prefabricated building modules is now used not only for the construction of single-family and multi-family homes, but also increasingly for multi-story residential and commercial buildings.

[0006] Machine-prefabricated building modules primarily consist of wall, roof, and / or ceiling elements. These prefabricated modules typically comprise a frame, i.e., a type of truss with at least one top and bottom chord connected by several studs. The frame can be clad with sheathing that closes and / or seals the cavities within it, known as bays, allowing it to be used, for example, as an interior and / or exterior wall element. Furthermore, the sheathing also serves to increase rigidity and / or may have fire-retardant properties. Optionally, the cavities of the frame can be filled with insulation before sheathing, with the insulating material being blown into the cavities or inserted in the form of pre-molded components.

[0007] The framework, in particular the top chord, the bottom chord, as well as the studs and / or the sheathing material, may comprise or consist of wood or wood-based materials. The components forming the framework may be provided in the form of beams or squared timbers, while the sheathing typically consists of panels.

[0008] P2024-0243-WO The construction of each building module differs depending on its intended use. For wall elements, it is common practice to stretch a vapor barrier over the insulated frame, onto which battens are then attached, which can, for example, serve as a substructure for a drywall interior wall.

[0009] The aforementioned manufacturing steps are already partially automated in prefabricated house production facilities. These facilities utilize production systems that include a support table for the building module being manufactured, on which, for example, a prefabricated frame can be placed. A gantry, movable along the length of the support table, spans this table. Various processing units can be mounted on the gantry and positioned to perform processing steps on the building module. These processing units are mounted on the gantry and are designed to be movable and lowerable, particularly in a transverse direction. Examples of processing units include saws, drills, and fastening tools such as adhesives, nails, and / or staples.Such a manufacturing plant is manufactured and distributed by the applicant under the name “WALLTEQ M-500 Multifunctional Bridge”.

[0010] One step in the industrial prefabricated house construction process that is not yet automated is the production of (exterior) facades. Facades that include or consist of wood or wood-based materials are currently manufactured directly on the construction site with a high degree of manual labor and a correspondingly high time investment. This is disadvantageous not only because of the associated high personnel costs, but also because it is dependent on the weather.

[0011] Facades made of wood or wood-based materials are generally constructed from slat-shaped components, known as formwork battens or sheathing boards, which are attached to an exterior wall element in a predetermined orientation, such as vertically or horizontally. The slat-shaped components are typically installed parallel to one another, with gaps or formwork spacing between adjacent formwork battens, or adjacent formwork battens butted together. Common formwork spacing in facade construction is generally significantly smaller than when producing battens, such as those used for substructures or roofing. For this reason, facades cannot be manufactured automatically using currently available production facilities and / or equipment.

[0012] Although only a small portion of the resources required to construct a building, especially a prefabricated house, are used for the production of facades, the associated time and personnel requirements are disproportionately high due to the largely manual processes, so that at least partial automation promises significant efficiency gains.

[0013] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a handling unit for positioning and / or guiding workpieces, in particular slat-shaped workpieces, especially for the production of facade elements, as well as a production plant, especially for the production of facade elements, which will make it possible to increase the degree of automation in the industrial prefabrication of building modules, especially facade elements.

[0014] P2024-0243-WQ This problem is solved according to the invention by a handling unit with the features of claim 1 and by a production plant with the features of claim 17.

[0015] A further object of the present invention is to create a method for manufacturing a facade element that makes it possible to transfer a work process previously carried out on the construction site with high time and personnel requirements to a central production facility, so that in particular sources of error can be eliminated and the quality of the facade elements produced by the method can be increased.

[0016] This problem is solved according to the invention by a method for manufacturing a facade element with the features of claim 21.

[0017] Preferred embodiments of the devices and the method according to the invention are set forth in the dependent claims.

[0018] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a handling unit for positioning and / or guiding workpieces, in particular slat-shaped workpieces, especially for the production of facade elements. The handling unit comprises a coupling device configured to couple the handling unit to a motion device of a production plant, in particular a production plant for the production of facade elements. Furthermore, the handling unit comprises a guide device for a workpiece, which includes a base plate and at least one side guide element arranged on the base plate, with at least one contact section. A side surface of the workpiece can be brought into contact with the side guide element in order to guide the workpiece laterally during movement of the handling unit.The guide device further comprises at least one height guide element arranged on or adjacent to the base plate, which has at least one contact section against which a top surface of the workpiece can be brought to rest in order to guide the workpiece in the vertical direction during movement of the handling unit, in particular to exert a contact force on the workpiece. According to the invention, a plane extending substantially parallel to the base plate, in which the at least one contact section of the at least one height guide element is located, defines a contact plane. Viewed in a transverse direction, the handling unit has a vertical extension on this side of the contact section of the at least one lateral guide element that reaches at most to the contact plane, in particular excluding structures of a lateral guide element.

[0019] By limiting the vertical extension of the handling unit to the plane of the system—that is, the plane in which a workpiece, particularly a slat-shaped one, is guided during operation—it is possible for the first time to attach slat-shaped workpieces, such as formwork slats, to a frame or wall element at significantly smaller intervals than with previously known slat assembly units. In other words, limiting the vertical extension of the handling unit to the plane of the system ensures that the handling unit does not create any interfering contours in the area located on this side of the system section of at least one side guide element when viewed in the transverse direction.

[0020] P2024-0243-WQ. In particular, the handling unit according to the invention therefore makes it possible to arrange workpieces, especially slat-shaped ones, at a distance of less than 200 mm, especially less than 100 mm, especially less than 50 mm, from one another. Preferably, the handling unit according to the invention even makes it possible to arrange workpieces, especially slat-shaped ones, butt-jointed, i.e., without any gap between them.

[0021] A slat-shaped workpiece is understood to be a workpiece with a pronounced longitudinal extent, whose cross-sectional dimensions can, for example, lie in the following ranges:

[0022] - Width (dimension in transverse direction): 35 mm to 250 mm, in particular 50 mm to 150 mm

[0023] - Thickness (dimension in height direction): 15 mm to 60 mm, in particular 24 mm to 40 mm.

[0024] The width of the workpiece can be dimensioned in particular such that it is at least 1.5 times, and in particular at least 2 times, as large as the thickness.

[0025] The devices according to the invention are particularly designed for processing workpieces made of wood or wood-based materials. Wood is understood to mean, in particular, solid wood, glued laminated timber, and plywood. Wood-based materials contain wood, for example, in the form of fibers and / or particles or flour, but can also include other materials, such as one or more plastics as a matrix. Examples include wood-plastic composites (WPCs) and resin-bonded wood. In principle, however, the devices according to the invention can also be used to process workpieces made of other, non-wood-based materials, for example, weather-resistant plastic materials such as PVC.

[0026] The terms "height," "side," and "length," as well as variations thereof, are to be understood in relation to a cross-section of a workpiece to be processed, particularly a slat-shaped one, and do not imply any specific spatial orientation of the handling unit in three-dimensional space. Rather, the handling unit according to the invention can be used in any spatial position and orientation, for example, in a standing arrangement where the guide device is arranged downwards in the direction of gravity (direction of the weight force) and guides a workpiece, which is, for example, placed on a support table of a production system. However, an arrangement tilted at 90° to the weight force is also conceivable; likewise, an arrangement at any angle between 0° and 90° to the weight force or direction of gravity.Longitudinal direction refers in particular to the longitudinal direction in which a workpiece, especially a slat-shaped one, to be processed by the handling unit extends. The term "base plate" does not imply a separate construction of this device component, but is to be understood structurally, so that it is particularly possible that the base plate of the guide device can be a single unit with other device components of the handling unit.

[0027] The coupling device of the handling unit makes it possible, in particular, to detachably connect the handling unit to a motion device of a production plant. However, it is also possible for the coupling device to provide a non-detachable connection, i.e., for example, a fixed mounting of the handling unit to the motion device. As will be explained later, the motion device could be, for example, a gantry system or a robot. The coupling device is specifically designed to establish a mechanical connection between the

[0028] P2024-0243-WQ is designed to connect the motion device and the handling unit so that the handling unit can be driven along by a movement of the motion device. Preferably, however, the coupling device also has auxiliary interfaces through which energy and / or data can be transferred between the motion device and the handling unit. For example, the coupling device can include at least one pneumatic or hydraulic interface and / or at least one electrical interface. In other words, the coupling device can have a mechanical-electrical and / or mechanical-pneumatic combination connector. In embodiments, the coupling device has at least one rotational degree of freedom that can be controlled by the motion device or another actuator to position the handling device in a desired angular position.This makes it possible, in particular, to position slat-shaped workpieces in any angular orientation on a building module to be manufactured, such as a frame or wall element. The rotational degree of freedom of the coupling device can, in particular, be a rotation about a principal axis or direction of the handling device.

[0029] The coupling device can be selected, in particular, such that the handling unit according to the invention can be retrofitted to existing production plant motion devices. For this purpose, the coupling device can be selected to correspond to a counter-coupling device of a motion device in an existing plant. This makes it possible to upgrade and thus significantly enhance an existing plant for the production of facade elements with manageable investment costs.

[0030] Advantageously, the handling device according to the invention enables an increase in the degree of automation in the industrial prefabrication of building modules, particularly in the production of facade elements. For example, exterior wall elements for prefabricated houses can be fitted with an exterior facade in a central production facility, significantly reducing manual labor on the construction site and making it independent of weather conditions. Furthermore, prefabrication in a central production facility allows the necessary work steps to be carried out much more consistently and precisely, which contributes to increasing the quality of the facade elements. In addition, the work steps performed during the industrial prefabrication of facade elements can be automatically documented.

[0031] In some embodiments, at least one height guide element can rise from the base plate in the vertical direction. In particular, viewed in a transverse direction, the handling unit may not include any device component on this side of the section of the at least one side guide element, especially apart from structures of a side guide element, that rises further from the base plate than the at least one height guide element.

[0032] The limitation "apart from structures of a side guide element" is particularly relevant for embodiments of the invention in which the guide device comprises more than one side guide element, for example, to enable lateral guidance of a workpiece that is effective on both sides with a second side guide element. A possible second side guide device is not to be understood as a component of the handling unit to which the aforementioned limitation of the maximum height extension of the handling unit refers.

[0033] P2024-0243-WQ According to a further development, the handling unit comprises a support structure that has a receiving space for a fastening device, in particular for a nailing, screwing and / or stapling device, wherein an exit opening of the fastening device for a fastener ejectable from the fastening device is arranged adjacent to the base plate. In particular, the base plate has at least one opening that provides a passage area for the fastener ejectable from the fastening device. In particular, the contact section of the side guide element faces the passage area and / or an outer boundary plane of the side guide element faces away from the passage area.

[0034] In embodiments of the handling unit according to the invention, the handling unit comprises a fastening device arranged in the receiving space. The fastening device can, for example, be arranged in the receiving space such that its exit opening is tilted at a predetermined angle about the vertical axis or normal direction of the base plate and / or about the transverse and / or longitudinal direction. This allows fasteners to be driven optimally into the respective workpiece, taking into account anisotropic material properties of the workpieces to be processed, for example, the grain direction in wood.

[0035] The opening in the base plate can be completely closed or open on at least one side. In other words, the opening can be entirely surrounded by material from the base plate or located at the edge. An edge opening can, for example, have a substantially i-shaped cross-section. However, other cross-sectional shapes are also possible, provided that the opening is dimensioned in terms of its shape and dimensions so that a fastener ejected by the fastening device can be driven into the workpiece to be fastened without collision.

[0036] According to a further embodiment, the handling unit can have a receiving interface to which the guide device is detachably coupled, in particular wherein the guide device with its base plate is detachably coupled to the receiving interface. In particular, the receiving interface can comprise a recessed receiving area into which the guide device with its base plate is inserted. In particular, the base plate can be precisely fitted into the recessed receiving area.

[0037] Precise fit refers in particular to a low-play fit of the base plate in the recessed receiving area, preferably enabling a positive-locking force transmission between the base plate of the guide device and the receiving interface in the transverse and / or longitudinal direction. The recessed receiving area can be (slightly) larger than the dimensions of the base plate in the plane of the base plate, and may include means for adjusting the play of the base plate within this recessed receiving area. These means for adjusting the play can, in particular, allow for adjustable play in the transverse and / or longitudinal direction.The means for adjusting the play can include at least one screw, in particular a setscrew and / or a threaded stud, which is screwed into a material body, in particular in the plane of the base plate, in which the recessed receiving area is formed. Alternatively or additionally,

[0038] P2024-0243-WQ The receiving interface shall have at least one fitting means configured to specify a position of the guide device in the receiving interface. The fitting means may, in particular, comprise at least one locating pin extending into the recessed receiving area and engaging in a corresponding recess in the base plate of the guide device. Specifically, the locating pin may extend substantially in the plane of the base plate into the recessed receiving area, and the at least one corresponding recess may be located on a side surface of the base plate. In other words, the recessed receiving area can be understood as a receiving cavity into which the base plate of the guide device is inserted. The receiving cavity may be closed on at least three sides, in particular on a top surface or...The top surface of the base plate is located on the opposite side, as well as on two opposing side surfaces of the base plate. In some embodiments, the base plate can have a substantially rectangular shape. The depth of the recessed receiving area, in particular the depth of the receiving cavity, can be equal to or less than the thickness of the base plate.

[0039] In a further embodiment, at least one fixing device may be arranged at the receiving interface, which is configured to hold the guide device in the receiving interface, wherein the fixing device particularly comprises at least one fixing element extending along the vertical direction. In particular, the fixing element may fix the guide device from a top side of the guide device. The fixing element may comprise at least one screw, in particular a hand-operated screw, and / or a bayonet connection element, in particular a hand-operated bayonet connection element.

[0040] The transmission of operating forces between the base plate and the receiving interface can be achieved primarily through positive locking, particularly by the precise and low-play fit of the base plate within the recessed receiving area. Therefore, the fixing device can be designed primarily to support the weight of the guide device. For this reason, the fixing device can be comparatively compact and / or lightweight. Alternatively or additionally, the fixing device can also include one or more magnets, which may be arranged in the area of ​​the receiving interface. By fixing the base plate from above and / or by means of a fixing element extending along the vertical direction, it can be effectively ensured that sections of the fixing element do not extend beyond the plane of contact.This facilitates a particularly space-saving design with regard to height. The term "top side" refers specifically to a side of the guide device that faces away from the mounting section of the height guide element, in particular a side of the base plate of the guide device with which it is inserted into the receiving interface.

[0041] In a further embodiment, the receiving interface can be formed on an interface plate of the handling device, in particular wherein the interface plate is arranged at a distance from the support structure along the vertical direction. The interface plate can be connected to the support structure via at least one strut. In particular, the distance between the interface plate and the support structure can be dimensioned such that manual intervention in a space formed between them is possible. Optionally, the fixing element can be the base plate of the

[0042] P2024-0243-WO guide device held from the spacer space and / or arranged on the interface plate and / or penetrating the interface plate. In embodiments, the interface plate can be connected to the supporting structure by means of two or more, for example four, struts, wherein the struts may preferably be arranged around a cross-section of the opening of the base plate.

[0043] According to a further development, an additional height guide element with at least one contact section can be arranged on the base plate, wherein the at least one height guide element and the additional height guide element are spaced apart along a longitudinal direction on or adjacent to the base plate. In particular, the at least one height guide element and the additional height guide element are positioned in the transverse direction such that they are located on opposite sides of the passage area of ​​the opening in the base plate along the longitudinal direction. Such an arrangement of the height guide element and the additional height guide element advantageously achieves particularly reliable guidance of a workpiece in the vertical direction and effectively prevents uneven force application to the workpiece, which could lead to its tilting.The longitudinally spaced height guide elements are designed to guide a workpiece along longitudinally spaced support areas in relation to the height direction, in particular to exert a pressing force on the workpiece.

[0044] In a further embodiment, the height guide element and / or the additional height guide element on the support section can comprise at least one sliding body and / or at least one unwinding device, in particular wherein the unwinding device comprises at least one roller. An axis of rotation of the roller can, in particular, run parallel to a plane of the base plate. In some embodiments, the roller can be rotatably mounted on an axle held on the base plate. Alternatively or additionally, the unwinding device can have several rollers, which can, in particular, be arranged side by side and / or be rotatably mounted on a common axle. The unwinding device can, in particular, project beyond the base plate in the vertical direction, wherein the support plane is defined in this case by a plane that is parallel to the base plate and tangent to the unwinding device.In some versions, the rolling device can also include other rolling elements, for example one or more balls.

[0045] According to a further development, an additional lateral guide element with at least one support section can be arranged on the base plate, wherein the at least one lateral guide element and the additional lateral guide element are spaced apart along the transverse direction on the base plate. The at least one lateral guide element and the additional lateral guide element can, in particular, be positioned in the transverse direction such that they are located on opposite sides of the passage area of ​​the opening in the base plate along the transverse direction.

[0046] The additional side guide element comprises, in particular, at least one contact section against which a side surface of the workpiece can be brought to rest, in order to guide the workpiece laterally during movement of the handling unit. The contact section of the additional side guide element runs, in particular, parallel to the contact section of the side guide element. The side guide element and the additional side guide element are arranged, in particular, such that their contact sections are opposite each other. A workpiece to be guided can thus be positioned between the side guide element and the

[0047] P2024-0243-WÖ further side guide element and guided in the transverse direction or laterally. The use of two side guide elements advantageously enables lateral guidance of a workpiece on both sides, which allows for particularly precise positioning of the workpiece and / or corrective movements. Preferably, viewed in a transverse direction, the handling unit extends vertically on this side of the contact section of the further side guide element, extending, apart from structures of the side guide element, at most to the contact plane. This further increases the flexibility when using the handling unit according to the invention for the construction of facade elements.

[0048] In a further embodiment, the side guide element and / or the additional side guide element on the mounting section can comprise at least one sliding element and / or a rolling device, in particular wherein the rolling device comprises at least one roller, and wherein, in particular, an axis of rotation of the roller extends in a normal direction to the base plate. The rolling device can, in particular when viewed transversely, project beyond a structure, such as a base body on which the rolling device is mounted, of the side guide element and / or the additional side guide element. In embodiments, the rolling device can also comprise other rolling elements, for example, one or more balls.

[0049] According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one side guide element and / or the further side guide element comprises at least one guide strip extending longitudinally. In particular, the at least one guide strip can comprise at least one base strip detachably connected to the base plate. Optionally, the guide strip can comprise at least one extension strip stacked vertically on the base strip and / or detachably connected to it.

[0050] Preferably, extension strips of various thicknesses can be kept on hand so that guide strips with virtually any effective thickness can be assembled by means of a specific combination of extension strips. The handling unit according to the invention forms a handling module system with a set of extension strips of different thicknesses. Such a handling module system allows the handling device to be converted cost-effectively while minimizing the number of guide strip components required, in order to guide and / or position workpieces with different thicknesses / heights.

[0051] Alternatively or additionally, the positioning of at least one side guide element and / or the further side guide element on the base plate can be adjustable in the transverse direction. For this purpose, for example, a grid of holes with multiple transversely spaced bores can be provided in the base plate. To enable particularly fine adjustment of the positioning of the side guide element and / or the further side guide element in the transverse direction, the transversely spaced bores can be at least partially overlapping in the transverse direction and offset along the longitudinal direction. Threads can be present in the bores. Alternatively, the at least one side guide element and / or further side guide elements can be guided in a guide rail arrangement on the base plate so that they can be moved along the transverse direction and optionally locked in place.This allows for stepless adjustment of the positioning of the side guide element and / or the additional side guide element in the transverse direction. A locking mechanism for the side guide element is also included.

[0052] The positioning of the P2024-0243-WQ guide element and / or the further side guide element in a desired position in the transverse direction can be achieved, for example, by a clamping element that can be arranged on and / or in the guide rail assembly.

[0053] According to a further embodiment, the at least one guide rail can have a maximum transverse extension of 10 mm, preferably 8 mm. Alternatively or additionally, the guide rail can comprise a thin-walled, open profile body, in particular with an L-profile, wherein the profile body can be made of or consist of a metal material. This makes it possible, in particular, to arrange slat-shaped workpieces with minimal spacing between them, for example, to form a facade element with gap cladding. "Thin-walled" is understood to mean material thicknesses of 1 mm to 7 mm, in particular 2 mm to 5 mm. A guide rail comprising a profile body, in particular with an L-profile, can be connected to the base plate with one leg, while the other leg rises from the base plate.

[0054] According to a further preferred embodiment, the handling unit can comprise at least one additional lateral guide element arranged in a transverse area beyond or outside the base plate, particularly wherein the additional lateral guide element is connected to the interface plate, the base plate, and / or the support structure by a cantilever. This advantageously enables workpieces with a width (transverse extent) greater than the transverse dimension of the base plate of the guide device to be reliably detected laterally. A transverse distance between a lateral guide element arranged on the base plate and an additional lateral guide element arranged beyond or outside the base plate, particularly on the cantilever, can be up to 200 mm, preferably up to 350 mm.

[0055] According to further training, the boom may include at least one strut that is coupled to the interface plate, the base plate, and / or the support structure. The boom may be adjustable, particularly in the transverse direction, to adjust the positioning of the additional lateral guide element in this direction. For this purpose, the at least one strut of the boom may, for example, be slidably guided in the transverse direction within a corresponding strut guide of the interface plate, the base plate, and / or the support structure, and optionally lock in place.

[0056] The strut guide can, for example, have at least one guide bore, aligned with a cross-section of the cantilever strut, which extends in the transverse direction. At least one locking bore can extend into the guide bore, in which a locking element, for example a clamping element in the form of a setscrew, can be received to secure the strut in the guide bore. The locking bore can, in particular, extend in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis of the guide bore. Preferably, the cantilever comprises two struts that are spaced apart longitudinally and that are both connected to the further lateral guide element and each received in corresponding strut guides of the interface plate, the base plate, and / or the support structure. The further section of the assembly is located on either side or...The side guide element arranged outside the base plate runs, in particular, parallel to the contact section of the side guide element arranged on the base plate. The side guide element and the further side guide element are arranged, in particular, such that their...

[0057] P2024-0243-WQ plant sections are opposite each other. Preferably, the further side guide element comprises at least one guide rail that can extend along the longitudinal direction.

[0058] In a further embodiment, the handling unit can include at least one manipulator and / or a gripping device, in particular a suction gripper, to hold a workpiece, especially freely, in space and / or to move it freely in space by means of the handling unit. The manipulator and / or the gripping device can, for example, be arranged along the longitudinal axis of the opening of the base plate, either on or adjacent to the base plate. This allows for a further increase in the degree of automation in the production of facade elements, since workpieces to be assembled, especially slat-shaped ones, can be picked up from a workpiece storage area and made available for processing by means of the manipulator and / or the gripping device of the handling unit.Otherwise, it would also be possible for the workpieces to be processed, especially slat-shaped ones, to be provided by a worker or by a separate, especially robot-assisted, provisioning handling system separate from the handling unit.

[0059] In further developments, the handling unit can have two manipulators or gripping devices, which are arranged, in particular, in an extension of the opening of the base plate along its longitudinal axis, either on or adjacent to the base plate. The manipulators or gripping devices can be located on different sides of the opening, for example, on sides facing away from each other along the longitudinal direction, either on or adjacent to the base plate. "Free in space" means, in particular, that the workpiece, which is usually slat-shaped, can be held and / or moved in a suspended state solely by the manipulator, without contact with a support surface or point.

[0060] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a manufacturing plant, in particular for the production of facade elements. The manufacturing plant comprises a support table for a facade element to be produced, a movement device with a counter-coupling device, and a handling unit according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the handling unit is coupled to the counter-coupling device of the movement device by means of its coupling device.

[0061] The support table can be positioned at a predetermined distance from a surface or floor in a production facility where the manufacturing equipment is located, particularly at a height that allows workers to work ergonomically. Alternatively, the support table can also be provided by a support area located on the floor or with minimal distance from the floor.

[0062] The motion device makes it possible, in particular, to freely position the handling unit on a surface of the support table in order to position and / or align workpieces as desired. The motion device can, in particular, be operationally coupled to a control device, especially a programmable logic controller (PLC).

[0063] P2024-0243-WÖ The counter-coupling device of the motion device enables, in particular, the handling unit to be detachably connected to the motion device. However, it is also possible for the counter-coupling device to provide a non-detachable connection. The counter-coupling device is specifically designed to establish a mechanical connection between the motion device and the handling unit, so that the handling unit is driven by a movement of the motion device. Preferably, however, the counter-coupling device also has auxiliary interfaces through which energy and / or data can be transferred between the motion device and the handling unit. For example, the counter-coupling device can include at least one pneumatic or hydraulic interface and / or at least one electrical interface.In other words, the counter-coupling device can have a mechanical-electrical and / or mechanical-pneumatic combination connector. In some embodiments, the counter-coupling device has at least one rotational degree of freedom, which can be controlled by the motion device itself or by a separate actuator, in order to position the handling device at a desired angular angle. The rotational degree of freedom of the counter-coupling device can, in particular, include rotation about a vertical axis of the support table. This makes it possible, especially with slat-shaped workpieces, to position them in any desired angular orientation on the support table or on a component to be manufactured, such as a frame or wall element.

[0064] The counter-coupling device of the motion device can in particular be a quick-change interface with which - depending on requirements - other processing or handling units besides the handling unit according to the invention can also be coupled.

[0065] The production plant according to the invention allows the degree of prefabrication in the manufacture of building modules for prefabricated houses to be significantly increased by relocating work steps, particularly those related to facade construction, from the construction site to a central production facility. The production plant is preferably installed in an enclosed space, so that the production of the facade elements is possible regardless of weather conditions.

[0066] According to a further embodiment, the motion device can comprise a gantry system and / or a robot, in particular an articulated robot or SCARA robot, especially wherein the gantry system and / or the robot is movable on at least one rail along the support table and / or the support table is movable on at least one rail along the gantry system and / or the robot. Other robot types that can also be used – depending on the dimensions and weight of the workpieces to be handled – include robots with rod or cable kinematics, such robots being used, for example, in combination with a gantry system.

[0067] According to a preferred embodiment, the production plant can include at least one workpiece storage unit in which a plurality of workpieces, in particular slat-shaped workpieces, can be stored. Optionally, the production plant can additionally include a singulation device for workpieces, in particular slat-shaped workpieces, which is configured to provide individual workpieces from the workpiece storage unit. The workpiece storage unit can be arranged next to the support table in a transverse direction. In particular, the workpiece storage unit can be arranged in an area that is transverse to the support table.

[0068] P2024-0243-WQ The workpiece bearing is located between the support table and a rail on which the gantry system or robot is guided. Alternatively or additionally, the workpiece bearing can be arranged in front of and / or behind the support table when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the support table. In particular, the workpiece bearing can be arranged in an area where the support table no longer extends, but which can be reached by the motion device. Preferably, the at least one rail on which the gantry system and / or the robot is guided extends to the workpiece bearing.

[0069] Advantageously, the production system includes at least one workpiece manipulator configured to place at least one workpiece onto a facade element to be manufactured, which can be placed on the support table. In particular, the workpiece manipulator can be configured to pick up at least one workpiece from the workpiece storage or the singulation device and place it onto a facade element to be manufactured, which can be placed on the support table.

[0070] This allows for a further increase in the level of automation in the production of facade elements, as workpieces to be assembled can be automatically placed onto the facade element to be manufactured, which is provided on the support table, by the workpiece manipulator. Alternatively, the workpieces to be processed can also be provided by a worker and placed onto the facade element to be manufactured, which corresponds to partial automation.

[0071] The workpiece manipulator can be provided either by the handling unit itself or by a separate, particularly robot-assisted, provisioning system. A separate, particularly robot-assisted, provisioning system can significantly reduce the cycle time of the production line, as the steps of positioning, guiding, and / or securing a workpiece by the handling unit and providing another workpiece by the provisioning system can be performed at least partially simultaneously.

[0072] A third aspect of the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a facade element. The method can be carried out, in particular, using a handling unit according to the first aspect of the invention and / or a manufacturing plant according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0073] The method according to the invention is carried out at least partially automatically using a handling unit for positioning and / or guiding workpieces, in particular slat-shaped workpieces, wherein the handling unit can be freely positioned on a support surface for a facade element to be manufactured by means of a movement device, in particular in the form of a portal system and / or robot.

[0074] The process includes the following steps:

[0075] a) Providing a framework for a facade element to be manufactured on the support surface, b) Providing a first workpiece, in particular a slat-shaped workpiece, especially a formwork slat, placing the first workpiece on the framework and positioning the first workpiece at a predetermined starting position in a predetermined angular orientation,

[0076] P2024-0243-WOc) Fastening the first workpiece to the frame using fasteners, wherein the fasteners are driven into the workpiece at predetermined fastening positions spaced apart along a longitudinal extent of the workpiece,

[0077] d) Providing a further workpiece, in particular a slat-shaped workpiece, in particular a further formwork slat, placing the further workpiece on the frame and positioning the further workpiece adjacent to a neighboring workpiece already attached to the frame, e) Arranging the handling unit on the further workpiece, wherein at least one contact section of at least one side guide element of the handling unit is brought into contact with a side surface of the further workpiece in order to guide the further workpiece laterally during a movement of the handling unit,

[0078] e1) Positioning the next workpiece at a predetermined formwork distance from the adjacent workpiece already attached to the frame,

[0079] f) Driving at least one first fastening element into the further workpiece at a first predetermined fastening position,

[0080] g) Moving the handling unit by means of the movement device along a direction specified by the predetermined angular orientation along a longitudinal extension of the further workpiece, whereby the further workpiece is guided laterally by the side guide element of the handling unit in order to maintain the predetermined formwork distance,

[0081] h) Driving at least one further fastening element into the further workpiece at at least one further predetermined fastening position, thereby fastening the further workpiece to the frame,

[0082] where steps d) to h) are repeated for a predetermined number of further workpieces until a facade element comprising a predetermined number of workpieces is formed.

[0083] A predetermined angular orientation refers specifically to the orientation of workpieces relative to the longitudinal extent of the support surface. This can, for example, lie between 0° (parallel to the longitudinal extent of the support surface) and +90° (perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the support surface), which is sufficient for the unambiguous angular positioning of workpieces with axially symmetrical cross-sections. In other designs, the angular orientation can be between 0° and + / -90°. 0 This is particularly advantageous when positioning workpieces with non-axisymmetric cross-sections at an angle.

[0084] The term "framework" is to be understood explicitly in a broad sense and encompasses all substructures of a facade element to be manufactured, such as sheathed or unsheathed timber framing, as well as timber framing with battens or the battens themselves. Components of sheathing and / or battens are to be understood here as components of the framework. Therefore, in the relevant process steps, the fasteners can optionally be driven into beams or squared timbers of the timber frame (the so-called chords and / or studs) or into components of battens and / or sheathing.

[0085] By setting a desired angle orientation, facade elements can be produced with a vertical or horizontal formwork orientation, as well as at any angle, e.g. at a 45° angle.

[0086] P2024-0243-WQ The formwork spacing can be zero or non-zero. In principle, it is possible to set both positive formwork spacings (i.e., gaps between adjacent workpieces) and negative formwork spacings (i.e., overlaps between adjacent workpieces). This opens up the possibility of producing a wide variety of facade types, at least semi-automatically, such as gap formwork, tongue-and-groove formwork, shingled formwork, and board-and-batten formwork.

[0087] In some designs, the workpieces, particularly those shaped like slats, can first be attached to the frame with an overhang along their longitudinal direction. The process can then include a final step in which the overhangs of all the workpieces, especially those shaped like slats, are cut to uniform dimensions; this is sometimes referred to as trimming. For trimming, a saw, particularly a circular saw, can be guided along a longitudinal axis of the support surface, cutting off the overhang.

[0088] Steps a) to c) concerning the provision of the first workpiece, its positioning and alignment as well as its attachment to the frame can optionally be carried out as manual work steps by a worker or also at least semi-automatically using the handling unit and / or a workpiece manipulator separate from the handling unit.

[0089] According to a further embodiment, the method can include a further step: Step n) Pressing the further workpiece onto the frame with a contact section of at least one height guide element of the handling unit.

[0090] In particular, step n) can be performed after the next workpiece has been positioned in step e1) at the predetermined formwork distance from the adjacent workpiece already attached to the frame. Alternatively or additionally, step n) can be performed while the handling unit is moving along the longitudinal extent of the next workpiece in step g) in the direction specified by the predetermined angular orientation. Alternatively or additionally, step n) can be performed while fasteners are being driven in in steps f) and / or h).

[0091] In particular, the workpiece is pressed onto the frame at least during the insertion of fasteners, specifically both during the insertion of the first fastener and subsequent fasteners. As the handling unit moves along the longitudinal axis of the workpiece in the direction determined by the predetermined angular orientation, the pressure can be maintained or released, and reapplied at each subsequent fastening position. Pressing the workpiece against the frame improves the fastening quality and prevents unintentional displacement of the workpiece on the frame by creating a frictional connection between the workpiece and the frame.The contact force can, for example, be dimensioned so that the further workpiece rests on the frame in order to form a positive fit after the fasteners have been driven in.

[0092] P2024-0243-WOMoving, especially along the longitudinal extent of the workpiece, is still possible, for example to readjust the positioning of the workpiece on the frame.

[0093] According to a further development of the method, it can be provided that the additional workpiece is guided laterally on only one side in steps e) and / or g), and / or that the additional workpiece is positioned without a gap against the adjacent workpiece already attached to the frame, and / or that the predetermined formwork spacing is zero. In particular, this method produces a facade element with tongue-and-groove formwork. Tongue-and-groove formwork is generally known to those skilled in the art. Tongue-and-groove formwork is characterized by high stability, economical use of fasteners, and a high-quality, seamless appearance.

[0094] In step b), the first workpiece can, for example, be positioned on the frame such that its groove side faces a mounting direction, i.e., the groove side of the first workpiece faces the side to which another workpiece is to be attached. The second workpiece can then, in step d), be positioned on the frame, particularly with its tongue side facing the groove side of the first workpiece. Alternatively or additionally, the workpieces can be mounted starting from the tongue side of the first workpiece, i.e., the mounting direction can be defined by the tongue side of the first workpiece. To create an engagement of the groove of a workpiece to be fastened in a tongue of a workpiece already attached to the frame (or vice versa), the workpiece to be fastened can be pre-drilled before the fasteners are driven in.In particular, in steps e1) and / or g), the workpiece to be fastened is moved in the transverse direction so close to the first workpiece, especially by moving the handling unit, that a corresponding engagement occurs. In particular, a workpiece to be fastened is moved in the transverse direction so close to an adjacent workpiece already fastened to the frame, especially in steps e1) and / or g), that the workpieces are butted together.

[0095] Due to the engagement of the tongue of one workpiece in the groove of an adjacent workpiece, the formwork spacing can be negative in some embodiments of tongue-and-groove formwork.

[0096] According to a further embodiment, the additional workpiece can be guided laterally on both sides in steps e) and / or g), and / or the additional workpiece can be arranged with a gap to the adjacent workpiece already attached to the frame, and / or the predetermined formwork spacing can be different from zero. For example, the formwork spacing can be 1 mm to 50 mm, in particular 1 mm to 30 mm, and in particular 5 mm to 25 mm. In particular, this method creates a facade element with gap formwork. Gap formwork is generally known to those skilled in the art and represents a simple and cost-effective facade construction method, characterized above all by its economical use of workpieces and its wind protection properties.

[0097] "Double-sided lateral guidance" explicitly does not require the permanent attachment of side guide elements or comparable device components to opposite sides of the workpiece. Rather, it is possible and advantageous for the workpiece to be guided by the handling unit with a predetermined clearance in the transverse direction, ensuring both sufficient accuracy in positioning and / or alignment of the subsequent workpiece and

[0098] P2024-0243-WQ when moving the handling unit along the direction specified by the predetermined angular orientation along a longitudinal extension of the further workpiece, no excessive frictional forces occur.

[0099] In a training course, the process may include the following steps:

[0100] i) Providing a further workpiece, in particular a slat-shaped workpiece, in particular a further formwork slat,

[0101] i1) Placing the additional workpiece on at least one of two adjacent workpieces already attached to the frame, particularly in the area of ​​the gap,

[0102] j) Arranging the handling unit on the further workpiece, in particular by bringing contact sections of two side guide elements of the handling unit onto opposite side surfaces of the workpiece,

[0103] j1) Positioning the additional workpiece in such a way that the additional workpiece overlaps the space and has a predetermined overlap with the two adjacent workpieces already attached to the frame,

[0104] k) Driving a first fastener into the workpiece at a first predetermined fastening position,

[0105] l) Moving the handling unit by means of the motion device along a direction specified by the predetermined angular orientation along a longitudinal extension of the further workpiece, wherein the further workpiece is guided by the side guide elements of the handling unit in order to maintain the predetermined overlap,

[0106] m) Driving at least one further fastening element into the further workpiece at at least one further predetermined fastening position, thereby fastening the further workpiece to the frame and / or the two adjacent workpieces already fastened to the frame.

[0107] This method allows, in particular, the creation of a facade element using board-and-batten cladding. Board-and-batten cladding, especially when installed vertically, is characterized by good weather resistance and an attractive appearance.

[0108] The adjacent workpieces, already attached to the frame, on which the next workpiece is placed, are sometimes referred to in practice as lower formwork boards or battens, while the next workpiece is referred to as the upper formwork board or batten. The overlap between the next workpiece and the adjacent workpieces already attached to the frame can, for example, be 1 cm to 5 cm, and in particular 1.5 cm to 3.5 cm.

[0109] Steps i) to m) can be repeated as often as necessary to create a continuous facade cladding. In particular, the aforementioned steps can be repeated for all gaps present in a facade element prefabrication group. An unfinished facade element can be placed under a facade element prefabrication group, as described in step h).

[0110] P2024-0243-WOverstanden, in which gaps exist between adjacent workpieces already attached to the framework (lower formwork boards).

[0111] In some designs, the width and / or height of the cross-section of the next workpiece (upper formwork board) can differ from, and in particular be smaller than, the width and / or height of the cross-section of the adjacent workpieces already attached to the frame (lower formwork boards). Varying the cross-sectional dimensions of the next workpiece can influence both the appearance of the facade element and the amount of material required.

[0112] According to a further embodiment, the provision of the first workpiece in step b) and / or the further workpiece in step d) and / or the further workpiece in step i) can be carried out by a workpiece manipulator, which picks up the respective workpiece, in particular from a workpiece storage or a singulation device, and automatically positions it on the frame. In particular, the workpiece manipulator can be freely positioned on the support surface by the movement device of the handling unit or a workpiece manipulator movement device in the form of a gantry system and / or robot, whereby the workpiece manipulator is moved to provide the respective workpiece. Advantageously, this enables even greater automation, in particular full automation, of the process, which means a significant increase in productivity in facade manufacturing.

[0113] In various configurations, the workpiece manipulator can be provided by a manipulator and / or a gripping device integrated into the handling unit.

[0114] In other embodiments, the workpiece manipulator can be designed separately from the handling unit and, in particular, be moved by a workpiece manipulator motion device that is independent of the handling unit's motion device. A workpiece manipulator designed separately from the handling unit can have a suitable end effector that, in particular, makes it possible to hold and / or move workpieces freely in space. The end effector can, in particular, be a gripping device that may, for example, include one or more suction grippers.

[0115] The advantage of a workpiece manipulator designed separately from the handling unit lies particularly in the fact that cycle times during the process can be significantly reduced, since the work steps of positioning, guiding and / or securing workpieces, as well as providing workpieces, can be carried out at least partially simultaneously. It is therefore easy to understand that this can lead to further increases in productivity.

[0116] Finally, according to a further embodiment of the method, it can be provided that the driving in of fasteners is carried out by a fastening device arranged on the handling unit, in particular a nail, screw and / or staple device, which is received in particular in a receiving space of a support structure of the handling unit.

[0117] P2024-0243-WQ All features, combinations of features, and their advantages disclosed with respect to the devices and the method according to the invention are transferable to the other aspects of the invention. For example, features, combinations of features, and their advantages disclosed with respect to the handling unit according to the invention are equally considered disclosed for the production plant according to the invention and, in particular, disclosed in a procedural form for the method according to the third aspect of the present invention. The individual features described can be implemented individually or in any combination in different embodiments of the invention.

[0118] Preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the figures and explained in more detail in the following description, whereby identical reference numerals may refer to identical or similar or functionally identical device components or process steps. The features shown there, particularly in the schematic figures, are not necessarily to scale and are depicted in such a way as to clearly illustrate the features of the invention.

[0119] They show:

[0120] Fig. 1 is an isometric view of a handling unit according to the invention;

[0121] Fig. 2 shows another isometric view of the handling unit according to the invention;

[0122] Fig. 3 shows a side view of the handling unit according to the invention;

[0123] Fig. 4 shows another side view of the handling unit according to the invention;

[0124] Fig. 5 shows a bottom view of the handling unit according to the invention;

[0125] Fig. 6 shows another isometric view of the handling unit according to the invention with fastening device;

[0126] Fig. 7 shows another isometric view of the handling unit according to the invention;

[0127] Figs. 8a - 8d isometric views of the handling unit according to the invention as shown in detail A of the Fig.

[0128] 7;

[0129] Fig. 9 shows a side view of the handling unit according to the invention;

[0130] Fig. 10 Detail B according to Fig. 9;

[0131] Fig. 11 shows a partial view of Fig. 10 in a state of use of the handling unit;

[0132] Fig. 12 shows an isometric view of a guide device with a boom of a handling unit according to the invention;

[0133] Fig. 13 shows a side view of a guide device with a boom of a handling unit according to the invention in a state of use;

[0134] Fig. 14 Projection views of a guide device of a handling unit according to the invention in a further development;

[0135] Fig. 15 shows a side view of a further development of the handling unit according to the invention with a gripping device;

[0136] Fig. 16 shows a sectional view of a facade element with tongue and groove formwork;

[0137] Fig. 17 shows a sectional view of a facade element with gap formwork;

[0138] Fig. 18 shows a sectional view of a facade element with a board-and-batten formwork;

[0139] Fig. 19 shows an isometric view of a manufacturing plant according to the invention;

[0140] P2024-0243-WOFig. 20 a top view of a further development of the manufacturing plant according to the invention;

[0141] Fig. 21 shows a flow diagram of a first embodiment of a method according to the invention for manufacturing a facade element;

[0142] Fig. 22 shows a flow diagram of a second embodiment of the inventive method for manufacturing a facade element;

[0143] Fig. 23 shows a flow diagram of a third embodiment of the inventive method for manufacturing a facade element;

[0144] Fig. 24 shows a flow diagram of a fourth embodiment of the inventive method for manufacturing a facade element;

[0145] Fig. 25 shows a flow diagram of a fifth embodiment of the inventive method for manufacturing a facade element;

[0146] Fig. 26 shows a flow diagram of a sixth embodiment of the inventive method for manufacturing a facade element and

[0147] Fig. 27 shows a flow diagram of a seventh embodiment of the inventive method for manufacturing a facade element.

[0148] Fig. 1 shows an isometric view of a handling unit 100 according to the invention for positioning and / or guiding workpieces 200a-c, in particular slat-shaped and / or board-shaped workpieces, especially for the production of facade elements 300. The term "slat-shaped" is to be understood explicitly in a broad sense, so that workpieces which in practice are referred to as planks, boards, and / or boards are also included under this term. In Fig. 1, the handling unit 100 is shown in a state of use together with an exemplary workpiece 200a-c to illustrate its operation. The workpiece 200a-c has a substantially constant cross-section along the longitudinal axis L and comprises a first side surface 202, a second side surface 203, a top surface 201, and a base surface 204.

[0149] The handling unit 100 has a support structure 3, at a first end of which a coupling device 1 is provided. The coupling device 1 is configured to couple the handling unit 100 to a motion device of a production plant, in particular to couple it mechanically and / or electrically and / or pneumatically. The support structure 3 comprises, in particular, a first structural element 36, especially a first plate, on which the coupling device 1 is arranged. Furthermore, the support structure 3 comprises a second structural element 37, in particular a second plate, and a third structural element 38, in particular a third plate. The structural elements 36, 37, and 38 are spaced apart from one another in a principal direction of the handling unit 1 and are connected by several connecting rods 35.The structural elements 36, 37, 38 are attached to the connecting rods 35 either by threads in the respective structural element 36, 37, 38, nuts, and / or a clamp. At least one position of the second structural element 37 on the connecting rods 35 can be changed.

[0150] The supporting structure 3 comprises a mounting space 31, which is enclosed in particular by the connecting rods 35, wherein a fastening device 4, in particular a nailing, screwing and / or stapling device, can be arranged in the receiving space 31. The fastening device 4 can in particular be attached to the second structural element 37, so that by displacing the second structural element 37 along the

[0151] P2024-0243-WQ connecting rods 35 also allow the position of the fastening device 4 to be changed along a main direction of the handling unit 100.

[0152] The handling unit 100 further comprises a guide device 2 for the workpiece 200a-c, with a base plate 21 and a side guide element 22 arranged on the base plate 21. The side guide element 22 comprises at least one contact section 221 against which the first side surface 202 of the workpiece 200a-c can be brought to rest in order to guide the workpiece 200a-c laterally during movement of the handling unit 100. In addition, a further side guide element 23 with at least one contact section 231 is or can be arranged on the base plate 21, wherein the second side surface 203 of the workpiece 200a-c can be brought to rest against the contact section 231 in order to guide it laterally on a second side. For this purpose, the side guide element 22 and the further side guide element 23 are spaced apart on the base plate 21 along the transverse direction Q.The distance corresponds in particular to a width (transverse direction) of the workpiece to be guided or positioned 200a-c.

[0153] In some embodiments, however, the guide device 2 can comprise exactly one side guide element 22, so that the additional side guide element 23 is clearly to be understood as optional. Depending on the type of facade to be manufactured, the guide device 2 can therefore have one or two side guide elements 22, 23.

[0154] The side guide element 22 and the further side guide element 23 each comprise in particular one or more rolling devices or rollers 223,233.

[0155] The base plate 21 has an opening 211, which is open at the edges and / or can be substantially U-shaped in cross-section. The opening has a passage area 212 through which a fastener ejectable from the fastening device 4 (see Fig. 6) can be passed and driven into the workpiece 200a-c.

[0156] The guide device 2 further comprises a height guide element 24 arranged on the base plate 21, which has a contact section 241 (see Fig. 5) against which the top surface 201 of the workpiece 200a-c can be brought to rest in order to guide the workpiece 200a-c in the height direction H, for example during movement of the handling unit 100 along the longitudinal direction L, in particular to exert a contact force on the workpiece 200a-c. In addition, a further height guide element 25 with at least one contact section 251 (see Fig. 5) is arranged on the base plate 21. The height guide element 24 and the further height guide element 25 are spaced apart along the longitudinal direction L and, viewed in the transverse direction Q, are positioned such that they are located on opposite sides of the passage area 212 of the opening 211 of the base plate 21 along the longitudinal direction L.

[0157] The handling unit 100 further comprises a receiving interface 5 to which the guide device 2 is detachably coupled, in particular to its base plate 21. A fixing device 52 is arranged at the receiving interface 5, which holds the guide device 2 in the receiving interface 5. The fixing device 52 has one or more fixing elements 53, which extend along the vertical direction H and hold the guide device 2 from a top surface O.

[0158] The fixing elements 53 of P2024-0243-WÖ are, for example, screws. The fixing element(s) 53 are spaced apart, in particular, along the longitudinal direction L.

[0159] Preferably, the receiving interface 5 is formed on an interface plate 32, which is spaced apart from the support structure 3 along the vertical direction H and is connected to the support structure 3 via one or more struts 33. A distance a between the interface plate 32 and the support structure 3 is preferably dimensioned such that manual access to a spacer 34 formed between them is possible. The fixing elements 53 hold the base plate 21 of the guide device 2 away from the spacer 34, in particular by penetrating the interface plate 32 and / or being received in the base plate 21 in corresponding counter-structures, in particular threads. The interface plate 32 can be oriented essentially parallel to at least one of the structural elements 36, 37, 38 of the support structure.In alternative versions, the interface plate 32 can also be connected to the support structure 3 by means of the connecting rods 35.

[0160] In Fig. 2, which also shows the handling unit 100 in an isometric view, but from a different viewing angle, the axis of rotation 225 of the unwinding device or roller 223 of the side guide element 22 is shown, extending in particular in the normal direction N (see Fig. 8d, 10) of the base plate 21. The further side guide element 23 preferably also has an unwinding device or roller 233, the axis of rotation of which is shown, for example, in Fig. 4.

[0161] The side guide element 22 and / or the further side guide element 23 each comprise a guide strip 26 extending in the longitudinal direction L. The guide strip 26 is formed, in particular, by a base strip 261 detachably connected to the base plate 21, and by one or more extension strips 262a, 262b, which are stacked on and / or attached to the base strip 261 in the vertical direction H. The extension strips 262a, 262b may, in particular, have different thicknesses.

[0162] In the side view of Fig. 3, the height guide element 24 and the further height guide element 25 are particularly visible. The height guide element 24 and / or the further height guide element 25 each have a rolling device 242, 252, in particular comprising at least one roller 242, 252. The rollers 242, 252 are rotatably mounted about an axis 244, 254, in particular on the base plate 21. The axes of rotation 244, 254 extend in particular parallel to a plane of the base plate 21, in particular in the transverse direction Q.

[0163] Fig. 4 shows a side view of the handling unit 100 from a side opposite the view in Fig. 3. The unwinding device 233, in particular comprising at least one roller 233, and the further side guide element 23 are particularly visible, the axis of rotation 235 of which extends in particular parallel to the normal direction N of the base plate 21.

[0164] Reference is made below to Fig. 5, which shows a bottom view of the handling unit 100. First, the system sections 241, 251 of the height guide element 24 and the further height guide element 25 can be seen, which, in the version with unwinding devices or rollers 242, 252, are each defined by a contact surface or line, as shown in the operating arrangement of the

[0165] P2024-0243-WQ Handling unit 100 comes into contact with the top surface of the workpiece 200a-c. In other words, the respective system sections 241, 251 are defined by a tangential contact section of the top surface of the workpiece 200a-c with the unwinding devices or rollers 242, 252.

[0166] Furthermore, the passage area 212 of the opening 211 in the base plate 21 can be seen in more detail. The height guide element 24 and the further height guide element 25 are positioned in the transverse direction Q such that they are located on opposite sides of the passage area 212 along the longitudinal direction L. This ensures that a workpiece 200a-c guided between the side guide elements 22, 23 is engaged by both height guide elements 24, 25.

[0167] The side guide element 22 and the further side guide element 23 are positioned, viewed in the transverse direction Q, such that they are located on opposite sides of the passage area 212 along the transverse direction Q. The respective system sections 221, 231 point towards the passage area 212, while the outer boundary planes 222, 232 of the side guide element 22 and the further side guide element 23, respectively, point away from the passage area 212. A direction pointing in the transverse direction Q from a respective system section 221, 231 of the side guide element 23 and / or further side guide element 24 towards the passage area 212 defines a region D on this side of the respective side guide element 23 and / or further side guide element 24 and is illustrated by arrows in Fig. 5.The area D on this side does not end at the passage opening 212, but extends beyond it. In particular, the area D on this side is unlimited on one side and / or ends only beyond structures of the handling unit 100, in particular at least in the transverse direction Q outside the base plate 21 and / or the interface plate 32 and / or one of the structural elements 36, 37, 38 of the supporting structure 3.

[0168] The positioning of the side guide element 22 and / or the additional side guide element 23 on the base plate 21 is adjustable in the transverse direction Q. For this purpose, a grid of holes 213 with a plurality of bores 2131 spaced apart in the transverse direction Q is provided in the base plate 21. The bores 2131 are designed to overlap, at least partially, particularly when viewed in the transverse direction Q, and are offset along the longitudinal direction L, resulting in finer steps for positioning the side guide element 22 and / or the additional side guide element 23 in the transverse direction Q. Threads may be present in the bores 2131. For example, a component of a guide rail 26 of the side guide element 22 and / or of the further side guide element 23 can be screwed to the bores 2131, in particular the base rail 261 (see Fig. 2 to Fig. 4) can be screwed directly to the bores 2131.

[0169] The base plate 21 further comprises, in particular, a scale 215, which may have a plurality of markings, in particular lines, spaced apart in the transverse direction Q. In particular, at least two scales 215 are provided on the base plate, one of which is assigned to the side guide element 22 and the other to the further side guide element 23. The scale 215 allows for time-saving adjustment of the positioning in the transverse direction.

[0170] Figure 6 of P2024-0243-WQIn shows the handling unit 100 with a schematically depicted fastening device 4, which is arranged in the receiving space 31 of the support structure 3. As already explained, the fastening device 4 can, for example, be attached to the second structural element 37. The fastening device 4 has an exit opening 41 for a fastening element that can be ejected from the fastening device 4. The exit opening 41 is arranged, in particular, such that a fastening element exiting the exit opening 41 can pass through the passage area 212 of the opening 211 in the base plate 21 and be driven into the workpiece 200a-c. Suitable fastening elements include, for example, nails, screws, nail bolts, and / or staples.

[0171] An ejection axis, along which fasteners can be ejected from the exit opening 41, can, for example, run in the normal direction N of the base plate 21. Alternatively, the ejection axis can also be tilted about the transverse direction Q and / or longitudinal direction L. Optionally, particularly with non-rotationally symmetrical fasteners, the exit opening 41 can also have a predetermined angular orientation about the vertical direction H.

[0172] In the isometric view of Fig. 7, a detail A is shown, which is depicted in Figs. 8a, 8b, 8c, and 8d. Particular attention should be paid to the receiving interface 5, which comprises a recessed receiving area 51 formed in the interface plate 32 and into which the guide device 2 with its base plate 21 is inserted, in particular wherein the base plate 21 is received precisely in the recessed receiving area 51 in at least one spatial direction. The recessed receiving area 51 forms, in particular, a partially enclosed receiving cavity, which is closed, for example, on three sides, in particular on a side opposite a top surface or upper surface of the base plate 21 and on two opposite side surfaces of the base plate 21. In the vertical direction H, the base plate 21 can be, in particular, fitted, i.e.,without overhang, with a boundary of the receiving cavity. The receiving interface 5 further comprises clearance adjustment means 54, which are designed to limit play of the base plate 21 in the transverse direction Q. The clearance adjustment means 54 comprise, in particular, one or more transverse bores 54 in the interface plate 32, into which, for example, a setscrew can be screwed. While Fig.

[0173] Figure 8a shows the guide device 2 with a side guide element 22 and a further side guide element 23. In the embodiment shown in Figure 8b, the guide device 2 comprises only one side guide element, which has a guide strip 26 comprising a base strip 261 and two extension strips 262a, 262b stacked on it in the vertical direction H. In the embodiment of Figure 8c, the guide strip 26 comprises only the base strip 261 and one extension strip 262a, and in Figure 8d, only the base strip 261 itself.

[0174] In the side view of Fig. 9, a detail B is shown, which is depicted in Fig. 10. For the sake of simplicity, no distinction is made here between side guide element 22 and further side guide element 23, or between height guide element 24 and further height guide element 25, so that, unless otherwise specified, corresponding features can optionally apply to one of the side-height guide elements or to both side-height guide elements.

[0175] P2024-0243-WO In Fig. 10, a contact plane A running parallel to the base plate 21 is shown, in which the contact section 241, 251 of a height guide element 24, 25 is located. In the operating state of the handling unit 100, a workpiece 200a-c to be guided and / or positioned rests against the height guide element 24, 25 in this plane. Viewed in the transverse direction Q, the handling unit 100 extends in the vertical direction H on this side D of the contact section 221, 231 of the side guide element 22, 23, reaching a maximum of the contact plane A. Structures of any further side guide element 22, 23 arranged on the base plate 21 are not considered here. The height guide element 24,25, in particular its rolling device or roller, rises in the height direction H from the base plate 21, i.e., in other words, projects beyond it.The handling unit 100, in particular viewed in the transverse direction Q, has no device component on this side D of the system section 221,231 of the side guide element 22,23 that rises further from the base plate 21 than the at least one height guide element 24,25.

[0176] If the side guide element 22, 23 comprises a rolling device or roller, the contact section 221, 231 can be defined, in particular, by a contact surface or line of the rolling device or roller on a side surface of the workpiece 200a-c. If the side guide element 22, 23 comprises only a sliding body with a sliding surface, the latter can define the contact section 221, 231, both of which are shown schematically in Fig. 10.

[0177] The surprising and technically significant advantages of this substantial further development are clearly illustrated in Fig. 11: Because the handling unit 100 on this side D of the system section 221, 231 of the side guide element 22, 23 has no interfering contours in the vertical direction and / or does not include any device component that rises further from the base plate 21 than the vertical guide element 24, 25, workpieces 200a, 200b to be guided and / or positioned can be arranged adjacent to one another without a minimum distance, and in particular even butt-together, using the handling unit 100 according to the invention. This is particularly important for the at least semi-automated assembly of facades with tongue-and-groove formwork under one-sided workpiece guidance. Furthermore, the absence of interfering contours is also an enabling factor for the at least semi-automated assembly of facades with gap and / or board-and-batten formwork.The handling unit 100 according to the invention can also demonstrate its advantages in the assembly of related building modules, in particular prefabricated houses. For example, using the handling unit 100 according to the invention, battens can be attached at significantly smaller intervals than before.

[0178] Figures 12 and 13 show a further development of the guide device 2 of the handling unit 100, wherein the device components located along the main direction of the handling unit 100 above the interface plate 32 are hidden. The guide device 2 according to this embodiment can be used in particular for guiding and / or positioning workpieces whose width (dimension in the transverse direction Q) is greater than a dimension of the base plate 21 in the transverse direction Q. Accordingly, a further lateral guide element 23 is arranged in an area located outside the base plate 21 in the transverse direction Q, which is connected to the interface plate 32 by a cantilever 27. The cantilever 27 comprises two struts 271, which are slidably guided in the transverse direction Q in a strut guide 272 of the interface plate 32, so that positioning of the further lateral guide element 23 is possible.

[0179] The P2024-0243-WQ is adjustable in the transverse direction Q. The struts 271 are positioned at a predetermined distance from each other in the longitudinal direction L. The strut guides 272 can each include a bore in the interface plate 32, which allows for low-play mounting of the struts 271. In addition, the interface plate 32 can have at least one locking bore 273 associated with each strut guide 272, through which a locking element, for example a clamping element in the form of a setscrew, can be extended into the respective strut guide 272 to lock a strut 271 guided therein. Alternatively or additionally, the struts 271 can also be displaceable on the side of the further lateral guide element 23, wherein the cantilever 27 can, for this purpose, include a base body 275 in which the struts 271 are guided and to which they can be locked, for example by means of a wing nut 274.

[0180] The base plate 21 may have one or more recesses 216, which are spaced apart, in particular, in the longitudinal direction L. A fitting element arranged on the interface plate 32, for example a dowel pin, may extend into each of the recesses 216 to define the position of the guide device 2 in the receiving interface 5.

[0181] In a usage arrangement shown in Fig. 13, one of the side surfaces 202 of a workpiece 200a-c can be brought into contact with the further side guide element 23 arranged outside the base plate 21 in the transverse direction Q, so that a lateral guide effective on both sides is made possible even for comparatively wide workpieces.

[0182] Figure 14 shows a further development of the guide device 2 of the handling unit 100, with the figure containing three projection views. Here, one or more side guide elements 22, 23, in particular comprising a guide rail 26, are guided and optionally lockable in a guide rail arrangement 214 arranged on the base plate 21, allowing stepless positioning of the side guide element in the transverse direction Q. The guide rail arrangement 214 can comprise a guide rail 2141 and a slide body 2142 guided therein, on it, and / or on it. In particular, the guide rail 2141 can be formed on the base plate 21 and the slide body 2142 on the guide rail 26. The guide rail arrangement 214 can, for example, comprise a dovetail guide or a T-slot guide.Other linear guides, particularly those based on rolling elements, can also be used. A locking device can be arranged in or on the guide rail assembly 214, with which one degree of freedom directed in the transverse direction Q can be selectively locked.

[0183] According to the embodiment shown in Fig. 15, the handling unit 100 has one or more manipulators or gripping devices 6, in particular comprising at least one suction gripper 61. The gripping devices 6 make it possible, in particular, to hold a workpiece freely in space and / or to move it freely in space by means of the handling unit 100, for example, to pick up workpieces to be processed from a workpiece storage area and make them available for processing, thereby significantly increasing the degree of automation in the production of building modules, especially for prefabricated houses, and in particular facade elements. The gripping devices 6 are arranged in an extension of the passage area 212 of the opening 211 of the base plate 21 along the longitudinal axis L in a region of the base plate 21, in particular on opposite sides. In particular, the suction grippers 61 of the gripping device 6 are attached to

[0184] P2024-0243-WQ a holding structure 62, which, for example, forms an extension of the interface plate 32, is arranged and / or attached. In other embodiments, however, the gripping devices 6 can also be arranged and / or attached to the base plate 21 of the guide device 2 and / or to the support structure 3.

[0185] Figures 16, 17, and 18 show exemplary facade elements 300, 300a, 300b, and 300c with three different facade types, which can be manufactured using the handling unit 100 according to the invention, the production plant 10 according to the invention, and / or by carrying out embodiments of the method according to the invention. The facade types shown can be manufactured on the basis of an identical or at least similar substructure 400. The substructure can comprise a frame 400 on which a batten 500 is attached, into which the fasteners—for example, nails, screws, nail bolts, and / or staples—are driven, by means of which the workpieces 200a–c, in particular formwork battens or boards, are attached to the substructure.

[0186] Fig. 16 shows a so-called tongue-and-groove formwork, which is composed of formwork battens or boards 200a, b, each of which has a tongue and groove, i.e., a projection or extension, on its opposite side faces. The tongue and groove have a particularly constant cross-section along the longitudinal direction, which here extends into the plane of the image. The workpieces 200a, 200b are arranged and fastened on the substructure 400 such that the tongue of one workpiece 200a engages in the groove of an adjacent workpiece 200b.

[0187] Fig. 17 shows a so-called gap formwork, in which - for example, rectangular in cross-section - formwork strips or boards 200a, 200b are arranged and fastened on the substructure 400 with a gap 300b' between them, whereby a predetermined formwork spacing c is set.

[0188] The board-and-batten formwork shown in Fig. 18 comprises formwork strips or boards 200a-c arranged in two planes. A first plane is formed by lower formwork strips or boards 200a, b, which are arranged and fastened to the substructure 400 at a predetermined spacing ci from one another, leaving a gap between adjacent lower formwork strips or boards 200a, b. Essentially, this plane of lower formwork strips or boards 200a, b is a gap formwork with a greater spacing than that shown in Fig. 27. A second plane is formed by upper formwork strips or boards 200c, which are arranged and fastened to the substructure 400 at a predetermined spacing C2 from one another, leaving a gap between adjacent upper formwork strips or boards 200c. The upper formwork strips are specifically designed for this purpose.The formwork boards 200c are arranged and aligned so that they overlap and close the gaps of the lower level of formwork strips or boards 200a, b. In different versions, the formwork spacings ci and C2 may differ or be identical.

[0189] It can be advantageous to connect the upper formwork strips or boards 200c directly to the substructure 400, in particular the battens 500, so that the upper formwork strips or boards 200c and the lower formwork strips or boards 200a, b can expand independently of each other, which improves the durability of the facade under temperature fluctuations.

[0190] P2024-0243-WQFig. 19 shows an embodiment of a production plant 10 with various handling units 100, 100.1-100.4 for processing building modules, in particular facade elements 300. The handling unit 100 is in particular a handling unit according to the invention, while the further handling units 100.1-100.4 can, for example, comprise processing devices for drilling, sawing, marking, gluing or formatting.

[0191] The production plant 10 comprises a mounting bracket 108 for two or more than two of the handling units 100, 100.1-100.4. The handling units 100, 100.3, 100.4 arranged on the mounting bracket 108 can be used directly for processing a building module, in particular a facade element 300. The mounting bracket 108 includes, in particular, at least one drive spindle for those handling units that require such a drive spindle, such as drilling devices or sawing devices. At least one of the additional handling units 100.1-100.4 can include a tool changer for various processing functions. The mounting bracket 108 includes a counter-coupling device 103 to which the handling unit 100 is detachably coupled. The other handling units 100.3, 100.4 can be coupled to the unit carrier 108 via their own counter-coupling devices.

[0192] Those additional handling units 100.1, 100.2, which cannot be accommodated on the unit carrier 108, can be parked on a magazine 107 of the production plant 10, which is preferably arranged on a surface of the production plant 10, particularly on an end face of a support table 102. The magazine 107 comprises, in particular, two vertical supports 1072 spaced apart in a transverse direction q of the support table 102 and a horizontal support 1071, which is arranged and fastened to the upper ends of the two vertical supports 1072. The magazine 107 further comprises at least one holder 1073 arranged on the horizontal support 1072 for one of the handling units 100, 100.1-100.4. Preferably, several holders 1073 are arranged on the horizontal support 1071. The brackets 1073 can be spaced apart along the transverse direction q of the support table 102 on the horizontal beam 1071.In the illustrated embodiment, the further handling units 100.1, 100.2 are each held removable on their own bracket 1073.

[0193] The aggregate carrier 108 is arranged to be horizontally and vertically movable on a movement device 101 of the production plant 10 by means of corresponding drive devices. The movement device 101 is a portal system 1011. The portal system 1011 comprises two supports 1011 spaced apart along the transverse direction q of the support table 102, to which a bridge 1011' is arranged and attached, extending in the transverse direction q of the support table 102. The aggregate carrier 108 is arranged to be movable on the bridge 1011' in order to be able to approach the machining positions necessary for processing the building module, in particular the facade element 300.

[0194] The portal system 1011 is arranged on a transport device comprising two rails 1012 and is horizontally movable along a longitudinal direction I of the support table 102 by means of a drive device. The rails 1012 are arranged, in particular, laterally to the support table 102. Depending on the size or length of the respective building module to be processed, in particular facade element 300, the production system 10 can also include two or more support tables 102 arranged one behind the other, along which the portal system

[0195] P2024-0243-WQ1011 is movable. The rails 1012 are of such a length that the portal system 1011 can be moved up to above the magazine 107 in order to preferably automatically exchange at least one of the handling units 100, 100.3, 100.4 of the unit carrier 108 for at least one of the further handling units 100.1, 100.2 for an upcoming processing of the building module, in particular facade element 300. For example, another handling unit in the form of a saw can be taken from the magazine to format the facade element.

[0196] As an alternative to a portal system 1011, a robot, in particular a multi-axis robot, can also be used as a motion device 101 of the production plant 10, which can in particular be arranged to be movable on at least one rail along the support table 102.

[0197] The production plant 10 further comprises a protective system 109 for operating personnel of the production plant 10. The protective system 109 comprises, for example, a first protective wall 1091, which is arranged parallel to a first rail 1012 on the first support 1011" of the portal system 1011, and a second protective wall 1092, which is arranged parallel to a second rail 1012 on the second support 1011" of the portal system 1011. In this way, the protective system 109 moves with the portal system 1011 and provides protection wherever processing is currently taking place using the production plant 10.

[0198] The production plant 10 further comprises a control device 600, schematically depicted in Fig. 19, and an operator control unit 601. The operator control unit 601 is, for example, a touch-sensitive screen or a computer with a keyboard and / or mouse as an input device. Information can be exchanged between the control device 600 and the operator control unit 601 via a first control line 602. Information can be exchanged between the control device 600 and the assembly carrier 108 via a second control line 603 in order to control the assembly carrier 108 itself and, in particular, the handling units 100, 100.3, 100.4. Information can be exchanged between the control device 600 and the portal system 1011 via a third control line 604, in particular to move the portal system 1011 to the predefined position and preferably also to report back that the predefined position has been reached.

[0199] The production plant 10 preferably exchanges information with a higher-level production control system, which may be located, for example, in a cloud 606, via a fourth control line 605. The cloud 606 may, for example, be a central server at a production site. The cloud 606 preferably provides production data to the production plant 10, which uses this data to manufacture the building module to be produced, in particular a facade element 300, largely or fully automatically.

[0200] Figure 20 shows a schematic top view of a further development of the production plant 10. The movement device 101 is again provided by a portal system 1011, which is movable on a transport system with two rails 1012 in the longitudinal direction I of the support table 102. The handling unit (not shown) is detachably coupled to an aggregate carrier 108, which is movable in the transverse direction q on the bridge 1011' of the portal system 1011. The features, combinations of features, and their advantages described in connection with Figure 19 can be freely transferred to the embodiment of Figure 20. In particular, the attachment of the handling unit to the aggregate carrier can be modified.

[0201] P2024-0243-WQ108 is designed according to Fig. 19. The decisive factor for the further development shown in Fig. 20 is that the production plant 10 is set up for a further increased degree of automation, since the placement of workpieces 200a-c, in particular slat-shaped workpieces 200a-c, can also be automated.

[0202] For this purpose, the production plant 10 has at least one workpiece storage 104a-d in which a plurality of workpieces 200a-c, in particular slat-shaped workpieces 200a-c, can be stored or are stored. In Fig.

[0203] Figure 19 shows four possible positions for the workpiece bearing 104a-d. The manufacturing device 10 can have one or more workpiece bearings 104a-d.

[0204] The workpiece bearing 104c, d can be arranged next to the support table 102 when viewed in a transverse direction q of the support table 102. In particular, the workpiece bearing 104c, d can be arranged in a region that, viewed in the transverse direction q, lies between the support table 102 and a rail 1012 of the gantry system. Alternatively or additionally, the workpiece bearing 104a, b can be arranged in front of and / or behind the support table 104 when viewed in the longitudinal direction I of the support table 102. In particular, the workpiece bearing 104a, b can be arranged in a region, viewed in the longitudinal direction I, where the support table 102 no longer extends, but which can be reached by the gantry system 1011. Preferably, the at least one rail 1012 on which the gantry system is guided extends to the workpiece bearing 104a,b. In some versions, at least one workpiece bearing 104a-d can be moved along the longitudinal direction together with the portal system 1011.

[0205] Optionally, the production plant 10 can include a singulation device 105 for workpieces 200a-c, in particular slat-shaped workpieces 200a-c, which is configured to provide individual workpieces 200a-c from a workpiece storage 104a-d. Figure 19 shows a singulation device 105 that is operationally coupled to the workpiece storage 104a via a conveying device 105', for example a roller, belt and / or chain conveyor, so that at discrete times a workpiece 200a-c can be removed from the workpiece storage 104a and made available for transfer by the singulation device 105.

[0206] Furthermore, the production system 10 optionally includes at least one workpiece manipulator 106, for example, a robot, in particular a multi-axis robot, especially an articulated-arm or SCARA robot, which is configured to pick up at least one workpiece 200a-c from a workpiece storage 104a-d or from the singulation device 105 and place it on a facade element or facade element pre-assembly to be manufactured, which can be provided or is provided on the support table 102. In some configurations, two or more workpiece manipulators 106 can also be used, for example, to enable access to the entire surface of the support table 102 with structurally simple or cost-effective robot arms and / or to increase throughput. The workpiece manipulator 106 is specifically designed to take over work steps that are performed by operators in a semi-automated production system 10.In particular, the workpiece manipulator 106 positions the workpieces 200a-c to be processed precisely on the facade element or facade element pre-assembly to be manufactured and aligns them according to the specifications. The workpiece manipulator 106 can be operated by the control device 600 (see Fig. 19) or a separate robot controller.

[0207] P2024-0243-WQI In another embodiment of the production plant 10, a handling unit 100 with an integrated manipulator and / or gripping device can be used, as shown, for example, in Fig. 15. A separate workpiece manipulator 106 can then be omitted, since the workpieces 200a-c can be picked up from a workpiece storage 104a-d and / or the singulation device 105 by means of the handling unit 100 moved by the portal system 1011.

[0208] The processing of the building module, in particular facade element 300, preferably by means of the production plant 10, is described below with reference to exemplary embodiments of the inventive method for manufacturing a facade element.

[0209] In a first embodiment, shown in Fig. 21, the method comprises the following steps: a) providing a framework 400 of a facade element 300 to be manufactured or of a facade element prefabrication assembly on the support surface 102, in particular the support table 102,

[0210] b) Providing a first workpiece 200a, in particular a slat-shaped workpiece, especially a formwork slat, placing the first workpiece 200a on the frame 400 and positioning the first workpiece 200a at a predetermined starting position in a predetermined angular orientation, c) Fastening the first workpiece 200a to the frame 400 with fasteners, wherein the fasteners are driven into the first workpiece 200a at predetermined fastening positions spaced apart along a longitudinal extent L of the first workpiece 200a,

[0211] d) Providing another workpiece 200b, in particular a slat-shaped workpiece, in particular another formwork slat, placing the further workpiece 200b on the frame 400 and positioning the further workpiece 200b adjacent to a neighboring workpiece 200a, 200b already attached to the frame 400,

[0212] e) Arranging the handling unit 100, in particular by means of the movement device 101, on the further workpiece 200b, wherein at least one contact section 221, 231 of at least one side guide element 22, 23 of the handling unit 100 is brought into contact with a side surface 202, 203 of the further workpiece 200b in order to guide the further workpiece 200b laterally during a movement of the handling unit 100, in particular by means of the movement device 101, e1) Positioning the further workpiece 200b at a predetermined formwork distance c from the adjacent workpiece 200a, 200b, which is already attached to the frame 400,

[0213] f) Driving at least one first fastening element into the further workpiece at a first predetermined fastening position 200b,

[0214] g) Moving the handling unit 100 by means of the movement device 101 along a direction specified by the predetermined angular orientation along a longitudinal extent L of the further workpiece 200b, whereby the further workpiece 200b is laterally felt by the side guide element 22,23 of the handling unit 100 in order to maintain the predetermined formwork distance c, h) Driving at least one further fastening means into the further workpiece 200b at at least one further predetermined fastening position, whereby the further workpiece 200b is fastened to the frame 400.

[0215] For facade elements 300 with more than one first workpiece 200a and one further workpiece 200b, in particular with two or more further workpieces 200b, steps d) to h) of the procedure can be used.

[0216] P2024-0243-WO will be repeated until the facade element 300 comprises the predetermined number of additional workpieces 200b. This is illustrated in Fig. 22, according to which the process is only terminated when the number of assembled additional workpieces 200b corresponds to the predetermined number of additional workpieces 200b, which is checked in the query branch 700, for example by means of the control device 600 (see Fig. 19).

[0217] Adjacent workpieces 200b are assembled one after the other, particularly in a predefined assembly direction. This assembly direction can be, for example, along a longitudinal direction of the support surface 102 or the support table 102, perpendicular to it (i.e., in the transverse direction q), or at an acute angle to the longitudinal direction I. Starting from the first workpiece 200a attached to the frame 400 or the facade element pre-assembly, the assembly direction can optionally proceed in one direction and / or the other. If it appears advantageous, the method can also be carried out such that, starting from a first workpiece 200a, further workpieces 200b are placed and attached to the frame of a facade element 300 or a facade element pre-assembly to be manufactured in two mutually opposite assembly directions.

[0218] According to further embodiments, the method comprises step n) pressing the further workpiece with a contact section of at least one height guide element of the handling unit onto the frame or a facade element pre-assembly. This is shown in various variants with regard to the execution of step n) in Figs. 23, 24, 25 and 26.

[0219] According to the variant shown in Fig. 23, step n) can be carried out after the further workpiece has been positioned in step e1) at the predetermined formwork distance from the adjacent workpiece, which is already attached to the frame.

[0220] Alternatively or additionally, step n) can be carried out during the movement of the handling unit along the direction specified by the predetermined angular orientation along the longitudinal extent of the further workpiece in step g), as shown in Fig. 24.

[0221] Alternatively or additionally, step n) can be carried out during the driving of fasteners in step f) and / or h), as shown in Fig. 25 and Fig. 26.

[0222] Fig. 27 shows a further embodiment of the method, the additional steps of which are carried out on a facade element prefabrication assembly, in which the further workpieces 200b are each attached to the frame 400 at a non-zero formwork spacing, or a gap exists between the workpieces 200a, b. In other words, a facade element prefabrication assembly with gap formwork (see Fig. 17) forms the basis for carrying out the additional process steps.

[0223] The procedure specifically includes the following additional steps:

[0224] i) Providing a further workpiece 200c, in particular a slat-shaped workpiece, in particular a further formwork slat,

[0225] i1) Placing the further workpiece 200c on at least one of two adjacent workpieces 200a, 200b already attached to the frame 400, in particular in the area of ​​the gap 300b',

[0226] P2024-0243-WQj) Arranging the handling unit 100 on the further workpiece 200c, wherein in particular contact sections 221, 231 of two side guide elements 22, 23 of the handling unit 100 are brought into contact with opposite side surfaces 202, 203 of the further workpiece 200c, j1) Positioning the further workpiece 200c such that the further workpiece 200c overlaps the space 300b' and has a predetermined overlap with the two adjacent workpieces 200a, 200b already attached to the frame 400,

[0227] k) Driving a first fastener into the workpiece at a first predetermined fastening position 200c,

[0228] l) Moving the handling unit 100 by means of the movement device 101 along a direction specified by the predetermined angular orientation along a longitudinal extent L of the further workpiece 200c, wherein the further workpiece 200c is guided by the side guide elements 221, 231 of the handling unit 100 in order to maintain the predetermined overlap, m) Driving at least one further fastening means into the further workpiece (200c) at at least one further predetermined fastening position, thereby fastening the further workpiece 200c to the frame 400 and / or the two adjacent workpieces 200a, 200b already attached to the frame.

[0229] In this embodiment of the method, in particular a facade element 300 is formed with a board-and-batten formwork 300c (see Fig. 18).

[0230] P2024-0243-WOB REFERENCE CHARACTER LIST

[0231] 100 handling units

[0232] 1 coupling device

[0233] 2 Guide device

[0234] 21 Base plate

[0235] 211 Opening

[0236] 212 Passage area

[0237] 213 perforated grid

[0238] 2131 boreholes

[0239] 214 Guide rail arrangement

[0240] 2141 Guide rail

[0241] 2142 Slide body

[0242] 215 scale

[0243] 216 Recess, especially for dowel pin 22 Side guide element

[0244] 221 Plant section

[0245] 222 Outer boundary plane

[0246] 223 Unwinding device / roller

[0247] 225 Rotary axis

[0248] 23 Further side guide element 231 Plant section

[0249] 232 Outer boundary plane

[0250] 233 Unwinding device / roller

[0251] 235 axis of rotation

[0252] 24 Height guide element

[0253] 241 Plant section

[0254] 242 Unwinding device / roller

[0255] 244 Rotary axis

[0256] 25 Further height guide element 251 Plant section

[0257] 252 Unwinding device / roller

[0258] 254 axis of rotation

[0259] 26 Guide rail

[0260] 261 basic sty

[0261] 262a, 262b Extension bar

[0262] 27 outriggers

[0263] 271 Strut

[0264] 272 Strut guide / guide bore 273 Locking bore

[0265] 274 wing nut

[0266] 275 Base bodies

[0267] P2024-0243-WÖ Support structure

[0268] 1 recording room

[0269] 2 Interface plate

[0270] 3 struts

[0271] 4 Spacing space

[0272] 5 connecting rods

[0273] 6 First structural element

[0274] 7 Second structural element

[0275] 38 Third structural element

[0276] Fastening device

[0277] 1 Exit opening

[0278] 5 Recording interface

[0279] 51 Reset recording area

[0280] 52 Fixing device

[0281] 53 Fixing element

[0282] 54 Game adjustment device / grub screw

[0283] 6 Gripping device

[0284] 61 suction grippers

[0285] 62 Mounting structure, in particular extension of the interface plate

[0286] 10 production plant

[0287] 100.x additional handling units

[0288] 101 Motion device

[0289] 1011 Portal System

[0290] 101T Bridge

[0291] 1011 supports

[0292] 1012 rail

[0293] 102 Support table / support surface

[0294] 103 Counter coupling device

[0295] 104a-d workpiece storage

[0296] 105 Singulation device

[0297] 105' Conveyor device

[0298] 106 Workpiece manipulator

[0299] 107 Magazine

[0300] 1071 Horizontal beams

[0301] 1072 vertical beams

[0302] 1073 bracket

[0303] 108 aggregate carriers

[0304] 109 Protection system

[0305] 1091 First protective wall

[0306] 1092 Second protective wall

[0307] 200a-c Workpiece, in particular slat-shaped workpiece, in particular formwork slat 201 Cover surface

[0308] P2024-0243-WO202 First side panel

[0309] 203 Second side surface

[0310] 204 square meters of floor space

[0311] 300 facade elements

[0312] 300a Tongue and groove formwork

[0313] 300b Gap formwork

[0314] 300c floor-to-board formwork

[0315] 300b', 200c' space

[0316] 400 Frame / Substructure

[0317] 500 battens

[0318] 600 Control device

[0319] 601 Control Center

[0320] 602 First control line

[0321] 603 Second control line

[0322] 604 Third Control Line

[0323] 605 Fourth control line

[0324] 606 Production control / Cloud

[0325] 700 queries

[0326] H Altitude

[0327] Q transverse direction / lateral direction

[0328] L Longitudinal direction

[0329] A plant level

[0330] D This side area of ​​the system section of the side guide element

[0331] O Top of the guide device

[0332] a distance between the interface plate and the supporting structure

[0333] N Normal direction of the base plate

[0334] q transverse direction of the support table

[0335] I Longitudinal direction of the support table

[0336] C, Ci formwork spacing

[0337] P2024-0243-WO

Claims

- 37 - P A T EN TA NSPRÜ CHE 1. Handling unit (100) for positioning and / or guiding workpieces (200a-c), in particular slat-shaped workpieces, especially for the production of facade elements (300), comprising - a coupling device (1) designed to couple the handling unit (100) with a motion device (101) of a production plant (10), in particular a production plant (10) for the production of facade elements (300) and - a guide device (2) for a workpiece (200a-c) comprising - a base plate (21), - and at least one side guide element (22) arranged on the base plate (21) with at least one contact section (221) against which a side surface (202,203) of the workpiece (200a-c) can be brought to contact in order to guide the workpiece (200a-c) laterally during a movement of the handling unit (100), - and at least one height guide element (24) arranged on or adjacent to the base plate (21), which has at least one contact section (241) against which a top surface (201) of the workpiece (200a-c) can be brought to contact in order to guide the workpiece (200a-c) during a movement of the handling unit (100) in the vertical direction (H), in particular to exert a contact force on the workpiece (200a-c), - wherein a plane running essentially parallel to the base plate (21), in which at least one system section (241) of the at least one height guide element (24) is located, defines a system plane (A), - and wherein the handling unit (100) seen in a transverse direction (Q) on this side (D) of the plant section (221) of the at least one side guide element (22) has an extension in the vertical direction (H) which extends at most to the plant level (A), in particular apart from structures of a side guide element (22,23).

2. Handling unit (100) according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one height guide element (24) rises in the height direction (H) from the base plate (21), in particular wherein the handling unit (100) seen in a transverse direction (Q) on this side of the system section (221) of the at least one side guide element (22), in particular apart from structures of a side guide element (22,23), does not comprise any device component which rises further from the base plate (21) than the at least one height guide element (24).

3. Handling unit (100) according to claim 1 , comprising a support structure (3) having a receiving space (31) for a fastening device (4), in particular for a nailing, screwing and / or stapling device, wherein an exit opening (41) of the fastening device (4) for a fastening element ejectable from the fastening device (4) is arranged adjacent to the base plate (21), in particular wherein the base plate (21) has at least one opening (211) which provides a passage area (212) for the fastening element ejectable from the fastening device (4), in particular wherein the P2024-0243-WQ system section (221) of the side guide element (22) points to the passage area (212) and / or an outer boundary plane (222) of the side guide element (22) points away from the passage area (212).

4. Handling unit (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a mounting interface (5) with which the guide device (2) is detachably coupled, in particular wherein the guide device (2) is detachably coupled to the receiving interface (5) with its base plate (21), in particular wherein the receiving interface (5) comprises a recessed receiving area (51) into which the guide device (2) with its base plate (21) is inserted, in particular wherein the base plate (21) is received precisely in the recessed receiving area (51).

5. Handling unit (100) according to claim 4, wherein at least one fixing device (52) is arranged at the receiving interface (5) which is configured to hold the guide device (2) in the receiving interface (5), wherein the fixing device (52) in particular has at least one fixing element (53) which extends along the vertical direction (H), in particular wherein the fixing element (53) fixes the guide device (2) from a top side (O) of the guide device, in particular wherein the fixing element (53) comprises at least one screw, in particular a hand-operated screw, and / or a bayonet connection element, in particular a hand-operated bayonet connection element.

6. Handling unit (100) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the receiving interface (5) is formed on an interface plate (32) of the handling device (100), in particular wherein the interface plate (32) is arranged spaced apart from the support structure (3) along the vertical direction (H), in particular wherein the interface plate (32) is connected to the support structure (3) via at least one strut (33), in particular wherein a distance (a) between the interface plate (32) and the support structure (3) is dimensioned such that manual intervention in a spacer space (34) formed between them is possible. in particular wherein the fixing element (53) holds the base plate (21) of the guide device (2) from the spacer space (34) and / or is arranged on the interface plate (32) and / or penetrates the interface plate (32).

7. Handling unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a further height guide element (25) with at least one mounting section (251) is arranged on the base plate (21), wherein the at least one height guide element (24) and the further height guide element (25) are spaced apart along a longitudinal direction (L) on or adjacent to the base plate (21), wherein the at least one height guide element (24) and the further height guide element (25) are positioned in the transverse direction (Q) in particular such that they abut each other along the longitudinal direction (L) P2024-0243-WQ opposite sides of the passage area (212) of the opening (211) of the base plate (21).

8. Handling unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the height guide element (24) and / or the further height guide element (25) on the system section (241 ,251) comprises at least one sliding body and / or at least one rolling device (242,252), in particular wherein the rolling device (242,252) comprises at least one roller (242,252), and wherein in particular an axis of rotation (244,254) of the roller (242,252) runs parallel to a plane of the base plate (21).

9. Handling unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a further side guide element (23) with at least one contact section (231) is arranged on the base plate (21), wherein the at least one side guide element (22) and the further side guide element (23) are spaced apart along the transverse direction (Q) on the base plate (21), wherein the at least one side guide element (22) and the further side guide element (23) are positioned in the transverse direction (Q) in particular such that they are located on opposite sides along the transverse direction (Q) of the passage area (212) of the opening (211) of the base plate (21).

10. Handling unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the side guide element (22) and / or the further side guide element (23) on the system section (221 ,231) comprises at least one sliding body and / or a rolling device (223,233), in particular wherein the rolling device (223,233) comprises at least one roller (223,233), and wherein in particular an axis of rotation (225,235) of the roller (2243,233) extends in a normal direction (N) of the base plate (21).

11. Handling unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one side guide element (22) and / or the further side guide element (23) comprises at least one guide strip (26) extending in the longitudinal direction (L), in particular wherein the at least one guide strip (26) comprises at least one base strip (261) detachably connected to the base plate (21), in particular wherein the guide strip (26) comprises at least one extension strip (262a, 262b) which is stacked in the vertical direction (H) on the base strip (261) and / or detachably connected to it.

12. Handling unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the positioning of the at least one side guide element (22) and / or the further side guide element (23) on the base plate is adjustable in the transverse direction (Q), in particular wherein a grid of holes (213) with a plurality of transversely spaced bores (2131) is provided in the base plate (21) and / or wherein the at least one side guide element (22) and / or further side guide element (23) are displaceable along the transverse direction (Q) in a guide rail arrangement (214) arranged on the base plate (21) P2024-0243-WQ guided and optionally lockable.

13. Handling unit (100) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the at least one guide strip (26) has a maximum transverse extension (Q) of 10 mm, preferably 8 mm, and / or wherein the guide strip (26) comprises a thin-walled, open profile body, in particular with an L-profile, in particular wherein the profile body is made of or consists of a metallic material.

14. Handling unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one further lateral guide element (23) which is arranged in a transverse area (Q) beyond the base plate (21), in particular wherein the further lateral guide element (23) is connected to the interface plate (32), the base plate (21) and / or the supporting structure (3) by means of a cantilever (27).

15. Handling unit (100) according to claim 14, wherein the boom (27) comprises at least one strut (271) which is coupled to the interface plate (32), the base plate (21) and / or the support structure (3), in particular wherein the boom (27) is adjustable in the transverse direction (Q) in order to adjust the positioning of the further lateral guide element (23) in the transverse direction (Q), in particular wherein the at least one strut (271) of the boom (27) is slidably guided in the transverse direction (Q) in a corresponding strut guide (272) of the interface plate (32), the base plate (21) and / or the support structure (3) and is optionally lockable.

16. Handling unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one manipulator and / or gripping device (6), in particular a suction gripper (61), to hold a workpiece (200a-c) in particular freely in space and / or to move it in particular freely in space by means of the handling unit (100), in particular wherein the manipulator and / or gripping device (6) is arranged in an extension of the passage area (212) of the opening (211) of the base plate (21) along the longitudinal axis (L) on or adjacent to the base plate (21).

17. Production plant (10), in particular for the production of facade elements (300), comprising a support table (102) for a facade element (300) to be manufactured, a movement device (101) with a counter-coupling device (103) and a handling unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, which is coupled to the counter-coupling device (103) of the movement device (101) by means of the coupling device (1).

18. Manufacturing plant (10) according to claim 17, wherein the motion device (101) comprises a portal system (1011) and / or a robot, in particular an articulated robot or SCARA robot, in particular wherein the portal system (1011) and / or the robot is mounted on at least one rail (1012) along the P2024-0243-WQ support table (102) and / or the support table (102) is movable on at least one rail along the portal system (1011) and / or the robot.

19. Manufacturing plant (10) according to claim 17 or 18, comprising at least one workpiece storage (104a-d) in which a plurality of workpieces (200a-c), in particular slat-shaped workpieces, can be stored, and in particular a singulation device (105) for workpieces (200 ac), in particular slat-shaped workpieces, which is configured to provide individual workpieces (200 ac) from the workpiece storage (104a-d), in particular wherein the workpiece storage (104a-d) is arranged next to the support table (102) when viewed in a transverse direction (q) of the support table (102) and / or wherein the workpiece storage (104a-d) is arranged in front of and / or behind the support table (102) when viewed in a longitudinal direction (I) of the support table (102).

20. Manufacturing plant (10) according to one of claims 17 to 19, comprising at least one workpiece manipulator (106) which is configured to place at least one workpiece (200 ac) onto a facade element (300) to be manufactured which can be provided on the support table (102), in particular wherein the workpiece manipulator (106) is configured to pick up at least one workpiece (200 ac) from the workpiece storage (104a-d) or from the singulation device (105) and to place it onto a facade element (300) to be manufactured which can be provided on the support table (102).

21. Method for manufacturing a facade element (300), in particular by means of a handling unit (100) according to one of claims 1 to 16 and / or a manufacturing plant (10) according to one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the process is carried out at least semi-automatically using a handling unit (100) for positioning and / or guiding workpieces (200 ac), in particular slat-shaped workpieces, and wherein the handling unit (100) can be freely positioned on a support surface (102) for a facade element (300) to be manufactured by means of a movement device (101), in particular in the form of a portal system (1011) and / or robot, comprising the steps: a) Providing a framework (400) of a facade element (300) to be manufactured on the support surface (102), b) Providing a first workpiece (200a), in particular a slat-shaped workpiece, in particular a formwork slat, placing the first workpiece (200a) on the frame (400) and positioning the first workpiece (200a) at a predetermined starting position in a predetermined angular orientation, c) Fastening the first workpiece (200a) to the frame (400) using fasteners, wherein the fasteners are driven into the first workpiece (200a) at predetermined fastening positions spaced apart along a longitudinal extent (L) of the first workpiece (200a), d) Providing another workpiece (200b), in particular a slat-shaped workpiece, in particular another formwork slat, placing the further workpiece (200b) on the P2024-0243-WQ- 42 - Frame (400) and positioning of the further workpiece (200b) adjacent to a neighboring workpiece (200a, 200b) already attached to the frame (400), e) Arranging the handling unit (100) on the further workpiece (200b), wherein at least one contact section (221, 231) of at least one side guide element (22, 23) of the handling unit (100) is brought into contact with a side surface (202, 203) of the further workpiece (200b) in order to guide the further workpiece (200b) laterally during a movement of the handling unit (100), e1) Positioning a further workpiece (200b) at a predetermined formwork distance (c) from the adjacent workpiece (200a, 200b) already attached to the frame (400), f) Driving at least one first fastening element into the further workpiece (200b) at a first predetermined fastening position, g) Moving the handling unit (100) by means of the movement device (101) along a direction specified by the predetermined angular orientation along a longitudinal extension (L) of the further workpiece (200b), whereby the further workpiece (200b) is guided laterally by the side guide element (22, 23) of the handling unit (100) in order to maintain the predetermined formwork distance (c), h) Driving at least one further fastening element into the further workpiece (200b) at at least one further predetermined fastening position, thereby fastening the further workpiece (200b) to the frame (400), wherein steps d) to h) are repeated for a predetermined number of further workpieces (200b) until a facade element (300) comprising a predetermined number of workpieces (200a, 200b) is formed.

22. Method according to claim 21 , comprising step n) pressing the further workpiece (200b) with a support section (241, 251) of at least one height guide element (24, 25) of the handling unit (100) onto the frame (400), in particular wherein step n) - after the further workpiece (200b) has been positioned in step e1) at the predetermined formwork distance (c) from the adjacent workpiece (200a, 200b) already attached to the frame (400), is carried out and / or - is carried out during the movement of the handling unit (100) along the direction specified by the predetermined angular orientation along the longitudinal extent (L) of the further workpiece (200b) in step g) and / or -is carried out during the driving of fasteners in step f) and / or h).

23. Method according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the further workpiece (200b) is guided laterally only on one side in steps e) and / or g) and / or the further workpiece (200b) is arranged without a gap against the adjacent workpiece (200a, 200b) already attached to the frame and / or the predetermined formwork distance (c) is zero, in particular wherein the method produces a facade element (300) with a tongue and groove P2024-0243-WO- 43 - Formwork (300a) is formed.

24. Method according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the further workpiece (200b) is guided laterally on both sides in steps e) and / or g) and / or the further workpiece (200b) is arranged with a gap (300b') on the adjacent workpiece (200a, 200b) already attached to the frame (400) and / or the predetermined formwork spacing (c) is not zero, in particular wherein the formwork spacing is 1 mm to 50 mm, in particular 1 mm to 30 mm, in particular 5 to 25 mm, in particular wherein the method produces a facade element (300) with a Gap formwork (300b) is formed.

25. Method according to claim 24, comprehensively the steps: i) Providing yet another workpiece (200c), in particular a slat-shaped workpiece, in particular another formwork slat, i1) Placing the further workpiece (200c) on at least one of two adjacent workpieces (200a, 200b) already attached to the frame (400), in particular in the area of ​​the gap (300b'), j) Arranging the handling unit (100) on the further workpiece (200c), in particular by bringing the attachment sections (221, 231) of two side guide elements (22, 23) of the handling unit (100) onto opposite side surfaces (202, 203) of the further workpiece (200c), j1) Positioning the further workpiece (200c) such that the further workpiece (200c) fills the gap (300b) 1 ) overlaps and has a predetermined overlap with the two adjacent workpieces (200a, 200b) already attached to the frame (400), k) Driving a first fastener into the workpiece at a first predetermined fastening position (200c), l) Moving the handling unit (100) by means of the movement device (101) along a direction specified by the predetermined angular orientation along a longitudinal extension (L) of the further workpiece (200c), wherein the further workpiece (200c) is guided by the side guide elements (221, 231) of the handling unit (100) in order to maintain the predetermined overlap, m) Driving at least one further fastening element into the further workpiece (200c) at at least one further predetermined fastening position, thereby fastening the further workpiece (200c) to the frame (400) and / or the two adjacent workpieces (200a, 200b) already fastened to the frame, in particular wherein the method forms a facade element (300) with a board-and-batten formwork (300c). P2024-0243-WO26. Method according to one of claim 25, wherein a width and / or height of a cross-section of the further workpiece (200c) differs from a width and / or height of a cross-section of the adjacent workpieces (200a, 200b) already attached to the frame, in particular is smaller.

27. Method according to any one of claims 21 to 26, wherein the provision of the first workpiece (200a) in step b) and / or the further workpiece (200b) in step d) and / or the further workpiece (200c) in step i) is carried out by a workpiece manipulator (106) which picks up the respective workpiece (200a-c) in particular from a workpiece storage (104a-d) or a singulation device (105) and automatically positions it on the frame (400), in particular wherein the workpiece manipulator (106) can be freely positioned on the support surface (102) by the movement device (101) of the handling unit (100) or a workpiece manipulator movement device in particular in the form of a gantry system and / or robot and the workpiece manipulator (106) is moved to provide the respective workpiece (200a-c).

28. The method of claim 27, further comprising the step Provision of the workpiece manipulator (106) by a manipulator and / or gripping device (6) formed on the handling unit (100).

29. Method according to any one of claims 21 to 28, wherein the driving in of fasteners is carried out by a fastening device (4) arranged on the handling unit (100), in particular a nail, screw and / or staple device, which is in particular received in a receiving space (31) of a support structure (3) of the handling unit (100). P2024-0243-WQ

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