Manufacturing system and production module for executing manufacturing system

Description of the invention

The subject of the invention is a production system intended for continuous assembly of devices composed of several parts, in particular temperature sensors, which are assembled and possibly checked during many phases of the production process, and a technological module for the implementation of the production system.

During the multiphase production of devices, there are machines and devices designed for a given purpose on individual production sections, which form the production chain through which each of the manufactured devices passes. Each chain member is provided with the device components from an upstream machine belonging to this chain, these components being further processed in a given process phase or new components added to the device components supplied, as a result of which it increases continuously in the subsequent process phases. the degree of finishing of the instrument. The element of the device formed in a given phase is transferred to the next machine in the production chain. Thus, each production unit of this chain is directly coupled to the preceding production unit, so the batch of device components that comes out of it must be processed on an ongoing basis by the next production unit.

In the case of the production of complex devices, a large number of individual production phases is needed and for each of them it is necessary to construct its own machine or device, which takes over the performance of operations on the components of the device. Such phases consist, in particular, in adding individual parts to the respective device element, in which operations such as welding, screwing, soldering, riveting, stamping or the like are used. However, control and regulation phases may also occur between these operations in order to ensure compliance with production tolerances and fault-free operation of the manufactured devices.

Due to the sequential mode of operation, the failure of one part of the production chain affects the entire chain and production is stopped, because the device that is not in production cannot process the components supplied to it, and therefore there is a surplus of components produced on the preceding devices of the chain, for which there is no accumulation in chain designed for continuous production

The object of the invention is to offer a production system of the above-mentioned type with which the equipment for the individual phases of the process can be standardized and which makes it possible to reduce system downtime or to continue production in the event of failure of equipment essential for the individual phases of the production process.

A further object of the invention is to propose a production system which makes it possible to increase production capacity in a simple manner.

For the construction of the production system according to the invention, in principle one technological module uniform in essential parts is required, which can be easily adapted to the currently required production phase for which it is intended. The previously known technological modules could only be used for a very limited number of different production processes.

Therefore, another object of the invention is to offer a technological module that allows the greatest possible unification and can be widely used.

According to the invention, the object of the invention with regard to a production system of the type described is solved in that a plurality of separate technological modules and the magazines coupled thereto are provided for the implementation of the phases of the production process, for the collection and transport of the device elements formed in these phases, the structure and / or the hardware equipment. technological modules can be adapted to the appropriate phases of the production process. As a result, the entire production chain can be assembled and, if necessary, extended on the basis of individual technological modules.

A further configuration of the production assembly system can be that the process modules have an essentially identical basic structure.

Because in individual stages of the process, for example, the same technological modules can always be used, or such modules only need to be structurally and / or hardware-adapted to a given phase of the process, basically only one construction of the technological module is needed, which, compared to known systems, makes it much easier. replacement of modules provided for individual phases of the process. This avoids the costly development and construction of special machines for individual process phases. Due to the modular structure of the system according to the invention, the number and type of phases of the production process can be effectively changed.

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The magazines coupled with technological modules enable each module to produce in stock until the failure of another technological module in the production chain is removed. By selecting the size and number of magazines, it is possible to compensate for load fluctuations in the system according to the invention.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that each technology module is designed to carry out a corresponding one phase of the production process. As a result, the entire production system can be adapted to the current production needs at every stage of the process. It also simplifies the exchange of the technology module.

According to a further feature of the invention, the magazines can be moved between separate process modules. Thus, the elements of the device processed in technological modules are placed in the magazines and transferred to the next module in the production chain. However, within the scope of the invention, these magazines may be transported in other ways. In the event of a failure of one of the technological modules, the elements of the device produced in other modules can be put back into the existing magazines until production is started in the stationary module, and the number of available magazines can be adjusted accordingly to such failures.

According to one variant of the invention, the capacity of the magazines can be varied to a great extent in that they consist of pallet magazines with loosely stacked pallets.

The object of the invention in the field of a technological module for implementing the production system according to the invention is solved in that such a module comprises at least one device for connecting and / or fixing device elements and at least one robot.

Thus, each of the technological modules according to the invention has a device that enables the assembly and / or fastening of the components of the device and the robot. Each phase of the process relating to the assembly or inspection of the device components thus comes down to the operation of connecting and / or fixing the device components as well as manipulating the device components or the supplied parts. The joining and / or clamping device is adapted to the respective phase of the process and the robot is set in the program for the necessary movements. It is possible to significantly reduce the costs of building the production line, since the special structure is needed only for specific main elements of the technological module according to the invention. The operation and maintenance of the technology modules can also be improved thanks to the largely unified structure of the technology module according to the invention. You can easily multiply the production capacity in individual phases of the process, according to the requirements of the work cycle.

In addition, according to the invention, there is provided a base plate on which at least one device for connecting and / or fixing device elements and at least one robot are arranged. It makes it possible to fix the connection and / or fastening device or the robot in the technology module according to the invention.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the technology module comprises a measuring and control system for checking and adjusting the elements of the device.

In order for the technological module according to the invention to be as widely applicable as possible, a further embodiment of the invention consists in forming a cavity for a supply module, for example a supply module for an electrical, pneumatic, vacuum, cooling or the like.

The technological modules according to the invention are controlled and monitored by independent electronic systems that can be networked for the analysis of the process parameters. Therefore, a development of the invention can be that the technology module according to the invention comprises an independent control and monitoring system that can be networked with other technology modules for the analysis of process parameters.

In order to be able to connect several process modules into a group of modules, a further measure of the invention is that the process module according to the invention comprises connecting means for connection to other process modules.

A further feature of the invention is that a cover is provided for the technological module according to the invention, which protects this module against external influences and, if necessary, can act as an acoustic insulation.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the technological module can have a means of transport with which it can change its position without the use of an overhead crane. This allows the technology module according to the invention to be moved quickly.

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Finally, according to a further characteristic of the invention, connection to other devices important for the production of the device components can be facilitated by the provision of standard connectors and / or connectors for external devices.

A further feature of the invention is that the technological module is divided on a grid into functional compartments with a raster size (R), each such compartment being assigned a specific function or a group of specific functions, for example a warehouse lift, a part feeder or the like, and the raster functional compartments cooperating with each other via at least one robot or the like. As a result, a structure is created that is independent of other functional groups, and functional elements within the raster compartment can be developed without mutual interference with other functional groups of the technological module. So you can quickly and easily design a technological module by combining individual raster functional compartments. The raster division creates a clear layout for the distribution of functions and the dimensions of the technological module can be easily determined. Moreover, by determining the unit costs of raster functional compartments, it is possible to quickly determine the overall investment outlays for technological modules and production equipment.

The invention is illustrated by exemplary embodiments in the accompanying drawing, in which Fig. 1 schematically shows an embodiment of a production system according to the invention; 2 is a front view of the process module according to the invention in an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 3 is a plan view of the process module according to the invention in a further embodiment; and Fig. 4 is a plan view of the process module according to the invention in a further embodiment.

Fig. 1 shows a production system for assembling multi-component devices, in particular temperature sensors, which are combined and possibly checked during multiple phases of the manufacturing process.

According to the invention, several separate process modules 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 are provided for the implementation of the process phases and a plurality of magazines 10 to be coupled thereto for the accumulation and transport of the device elements produced in the individual process phases, the technological modules 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 have a structural and / or hardware basic structure that can be adapted to the appropriate phase of the production process. The process phase is understood to mean each phase necessary for the production of the device. This definition also includes the assembly and inspection phases. Such a basic structure may be identical for each module, and may be expanded by using or replacing or supplementing hardware or software adapted to the process phase. Alternatively, individual accessories can also be replaced or supplemented with other accessories.

Thus, after passing through the individual technological modules 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, a device is formed from the various elements, which is then brought to the final inspection and packaging station 19, where the finished devices are checked and finally packed. Some of the devices produced that do not meet the inspection criteria are discharged into the container 20. Such scrap containers 20 can also be provided within each process module 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.

The magazines 10 filled with the device elements can be moved, for example transferred, between the separate process modules 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, which can also take place automatically. But they can also be moved differently between technology modules 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.

In order to be able to adapt to the number of pieces currently produced, it is advisable to equip the magazines 10 with the possibility of flexible changing their capacity. This can easily be done by creating pallet magazines with loosely stacked pallets. This allows any number of pallets to be assembled in the magazine 10. But it is also possible to imagine magazines having any other structure known to the skilled person.

The individual technology modules 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 are shaped differently, so that, firstly, they can form a freely shaped production chain, and secondly, two or more technology modules can be combined into one module. Thus, in Fig. 1, the technology modules 3, 4 are connected to each other by connecting elements and together form a common technology module. The parts needed for production are delivered by conveyors 8, 9 to the technological module 4.

Preferably, each technological module 1, 2, 5, 6, 7 and the combined modules 3, 4 are provided for the implementation of a given phase of the process. Each of these modules has a magazine input 14 and a magazine output 15 with which the magazines 10. This can be done using mechanisms known to the skilled person.

Through the input 14, from the magazines 10 to each technological module, those parts of the device that were prepared in the preceding module located in the production chain are supplied. After the treatment in a given phase of the process is completed, the components of the device are led through the exit 15 to the magazines 10, which, after filling, are moved to the input 14 of the next technological module in the production chain and transfer the partially manufactured devices to it. A possible failure of the technology module 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 does not cause downtime of the entire production chain, but the active modules can continue to produce on the magazines 10 located at their outputs 15 until the immobilized technology module starts working again.

Figures 2, 3 show the structure of technological modules 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 in two exemplary embodiments.

The box-shaped bottom part of the process module according to Fig. 2 has a recess 17 housing a power module, for example a power module for electrical, pneumatic, vacuum, cooling or the like. Through such a module, the machines or devices necessary for production in a given technological module can be adequately supplied 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. The box bottom part of the technological module 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 is finished at the top with a plate base 11. Preferably, each technological module has a means of transport, for example wheels on the underside, with retainers enabling stationary operation.

The entire technological module 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 is surrounded by a transparent cover 25 protecting the worker from being injured by the moving parts of the device. On the one hand, this cover has a sound-absorbing effect and, on the other hand, prevents, for example, dust particles or chips from entering the processing module 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. The cover 25 also prevents such particles from the processing module from entering the environment.

Alternatively or in addition to the above, the design of the technological modules can be adapted to the process phase carried out by a given module.

The hardware of the process module 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 includes, for example, a device for connecting and / or fixing the components of the device 18, 22 and a robot 12 for manipulating these components or other parts, and the hardware is placed on plate base 11. In addition, a further robot can be provided. 13. If necessary, any number of robots can be arranged in the technology module.

The device for connecting and / or fixing the device elements in FIG. 2 is formed by a fixed and movable die 18. The device element 16 is fixed on supports 22. Instead of the die 18, for example, a welding, soldering, threading or the like device may be provided. similar, but also a measurement and control system.

Depending on the hardware equipment, the technology modules can be used, for example, for assembling or checking the components of the device. Robot 13, for example, takes a piece of tool 16 from the magazine 10 and transfers it to the supports 22. The robot 12 in turn takes the piece from the magazine 39 and places it on the piece of tool 16. Then it is pressed with a moving die 18. After extrusion is finished, the piece 16 is deposited. to the next magazine 10.

In Fig. 1, the process modules 1, 2, 5 and 3 and 4 are used as assembly units and the process modules 6, 7 are control units, the joining and / or fastening device being modified according to the respective production step. Finally, each technology module 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 has an independent control and monitoring system that can be networked with other technology modules to analyze process parameters.

In a further embodiment according to FIG. 3, a central device 18 'for connecting and / or fastening of the device elements is provided, which is provided from the linear feeder 37 with the parts needed for production from two magazines 38, 39. A magazine 10 is provided in each case at the magazine entrance. 14 and exit 15. From the magazine 10 at the input 14, the robot 13 takes a device element supplied from another technological module and transfers it to the device 18 'for connecting and / or clamping the device elements in order to carry out the process phase associated with this module. After the parts have been delivered from the magazines 38, 39, the proper phase of connecting these parts to the device element is carried out. After completion of this phase, the device element is transferred to the magazine at the output 15 and waits there for further transport to the next technological module in the production chain.

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In order to extend the production possibilities, in the technological modules 1, 2 standard connectors and / or connections for external devices 40 are also formed, through which these external devices 40, which may be distribution boxes, mains connections, special aggregates or the like, are connected to technology module.

Fig. 4 shows a development of the invention in that the technological module 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 is divided into raster functional compartments 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78 with a raster scale ( R), wherein each of these functional compartments is assigned a detail function or a group of detail functions, e.g. a warehouse lift, a part feeder or the like, and the raster functional compartments 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76 , 77, 78 they cooperate with each other via a robot 13. The function of the robot 13 can also be taken over by other functional compartments with comparable operability. Within the scope of the invention, it is also possible to divide only one or more process modules into raster functional compartments.

In the embodiment according to Fig. 4, a total of nine raster functional compartments 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78 are connected to each other into one technological module, each of which in the plan view is formed of a square with a length of on the R side. However, another suitable number of raster functional compartments can also be combined in the module. Each of the compartments 70, 72 is a part feeder 37 ', 37, the compartments 76, 78 are a magazine entrance 14 or a magazine exit 15. A robot 13 is disposed therebetween 77 and serves the other compartments 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78. In addition, a central joining device 18 is provided in the compartment 84. There is also a measuring device 80 integrated in the compartment 71. The height of the compartments 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78 is also preferably standardized, and if necessary, they can also be displaced. As a result, the structure of the technological module can be changed quickly, efficiently and in any way.