Patent ID: 12227246

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although certain example methods and apparatus have been described herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope of the appended claims either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents. Moreover, those having ordinary skill in the art will understand that reciting “a” element or “an” element in the appended claims does not restrict those claims to articles, apparatuses, systems, methods, or the like having only one of that element, even where other elements in the same claim or different claims are preceded by “at least one” or similar language. Similarly, it should be understood that the steps of any method claims need not necessarily be performed in the order in which they are recited, unless so required by the context of the claims. In addition, all references to one skilled in the art shall be understood to refer to one having ordinary skill in the art.

A method for joining a first component to a second component, as well as a processing station, according to the independent claims are proposed in order to achieve this object. Further advantageous embodiments of the disclosure are described in the dependent claims and the description, and illustrated in the figures.

The proposed solution provides a method for connecting, in particular for joining, a first component to a second component in a processing station, wherein a workpiece holder is moved into a geometry clamping station of the processing station, a clamping jig of the processing station in a first movement, and the workpiece holder moved into the geometry clamping station in a second movement, are in each case moved from a preliminary position to a connecting position, in particular simultaneously from a preliminary position to a connecting position. The first component is then connected to the second component in the connecting position, wherein a first direction of movement of the first movement and a second direction of movement of the second movement are not parallel.

It is provided in particular that the clamping jig in a horizontal movement as the first movement is moved from its preliminary position to the connecting position. The workpiece holder in a vertical movement as the second movement is in particular moved from its preliminary position to the connecting position. The first movement is advantageously carried out at a first velocity, and the second movement is advantageously carried out at a second velocity. It is provided in particular that the first velocity is a velocity different from the second velocity. Furthermore advantageously, an angle is defined at which the clamping jig and the workpiece holder are to attain the connecting position, wherein at a defined first direction of movement and a defined second direction of movement the first velocity and the second velocity are determined such that the clamping jig and the workpiece holder attain the connecting position at the defined angle. The definition of the angle takes place in particular in relation to a previously established reference plane. The floor on which the processing station is set up can in particular be established as the reference plane here.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, a motion sequence is defined according to which the clamping jig and the workpiece holder are to attain the connecting position, wherein at a defined first direction of movement and a defined second direction of movement the first velocity and the second velocity are determined such that the clamping jig and the workpiece holder attain the connecting position according to the defined motion sequence.

Provided in particular for achieving the object mentioned at the outset is a method for connecting, in particular for joining, a first component, in particular a first vehicle body component, to a second component, in particular a second vehicle body component, in a processing station, wherein the first component is moved into a clamping jig of the processing station; the first component is fixed in the clamping jig; the second component on a workpiece holder is moved into a geometry clamping station of the processing station; and the clamping jig that has the first component in a first movement, and the workpiece holder that has the second component in a second movement, are simultaneously moved in each case from a preliminary position to a connecting position, wherein a first direction of movement of the first movement and a second direction of movement of the second movement are advantageously not parallel. In the connecting position, the first component and the second component are advantageously braced in relation to one another and connected; welding can in particular be provided once the connecting position has been attained.

In this embodiment of the method, the first movement of the clamping jig thus advantageously commences so as to proceed from the preliminary position of the clamping jig. The second movement of the workpiece holder advantageously commences so as to proceed from the preliminary position of the workpiece holder. The respective preliminary positions here are advantageously established in advance. The first component can in particular be an outer skin, or a side panel, of a vehicle body. The second component can in particular be a floor assembly of a vehicle body. As a result of the first direction of movement of the first movement and the second direction of movement of the second movement advantageously not being parallel, connecting the first component to the second component advantageously takes place at a connection angle that deviates from 180°. In this way, the first component is advantageously not offered up frontally to the second component, as would be the case with a connection angle of 180°, but the first component is advantageously offered up obliquely to the second component. As a result, it is advantageously made possible that the first component has an undercut and the first component is simply offered up obliquely to the second component, in particular without the second component having to be reoriented in the workpiece holder. The second component can advantageously be disposed so as to be identically oriented in the workpiece holder, independently of the desired connection angle. The workpiece holder, in particular a skit, is advantageously moved into the geometry clamping station by way of a roller track, wherein the workpiece holder here advantageously already supports the second component but in this variant of the method in particular does not support the first component. New geometries in components of a vehicle body arise in particular in the production of electric vehicles because battery trays for receiving battery modules for an electric vehicle render other geometries advantageous or even necessary, said geometries not having been used in vehicles with internal combustion engines, for example.

One advantageous refinement of the method provides that the clamping jig that has the first component in a horizontal movement as the first movement is moved from its preliminary position to the connecting position. It is provided in particular that the clamping jig that has the first component can be moved exclusively in the horizontal movement. By displacing the clamping jig by way of the horizontal movement, the first component is advantageously moved into the geometry clamping station where connecting to the second component takes place in particular. Carrying out the horizontal movement is advantageously easy to implement because such a horizontal movement is also carried out when frontally connecting components of a vehicle body as known in the prior art.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the method, the workpiece holder that has the second component in a vertical movement as the second movement is moved from its preliminary position to the connecting position, in particular by means of a lifting element which advantageously vertically displaces the workpiece holder that has the second component. The first construction element is thus advantageously displaced horizontally in relation to the second construction element, while the second construction element is advantageously simultaneously displaced vertically, as a result of which the first component and the second component are advantageously converged at a connection angle which differs from 180°, thus converged obliquely. The vertical movement is advantageously easy to control. The second component, or the workpiece holder that supports the second component, respectively, advantageously does not have to be tilted in order to attain the desired connection angle.

Furthermore advantageously the first movement is carried out at a first velocity, and the second movement is carried out at a second velocity. The starting point for the respective movement here is the respective preliminary position. The first velocity and the second velocity may be identical or different but in particular such that the first component and the second component attain the connecting position at the same time. A velocity profile, in particular a first velocity profile for the first velocity and a second velocity profile for the second velocity, respectively, can in each case be defined in particular for the first velocity at which the first component is moved by the clamping jig in the first direction of movement, and/or for the second velocity at which the second component is moved by the workpiece holder in the second direction of movement. By carrying out the movements of the first component in the first direction of movement and those of the second component in the second direction of movement, different connection angles can advantageously be achieved solely by adapting the first velocity and/or the second velocity. The first direction of movement and the second direction of movement advantageously remain unchanged in the process, this advantageously simplifying the basic design of the drive units and thus being cost effective.

It is provided in particular that a connection angle is defined at which the first component and the second component are to be converged, wherein at a defined first direction of movement and a defined second direction of movement the first velocity and the second velocity are determined such that the first component and the second component attain the connecting position at the defined connection angle. In the process, the first component is in particular moved at all times in the horizontal direction, and the second component is in particular moved at all times in the vertical direction. Once the connecting position has been attained, the first component and the second component are advantageously connected to one another by a joining process.

It is furthermore provided in particular that a motion sequence is defined according to which the first component and the second component are to be converged, wherein at a defined first direction of movement and a defined second direction of movement the first velocity and the second velocity are determined such that the first component and the second component are moved to the connecting position according to the defined motion sequence. The motion sequence here can be defined in particular by a sequence of points, in particular for a control unit by which the method is controlled. The motion sequence can in particular be a motion curve, a linear motion, or a staged motion. The first component here is in particular moved in the horizontal direction, and the second component is in particular moved in the vertical direction. Once the connecting position has been attained, the first component and the second component are advantageously connected to one another by a joining process.

A further advantageous embodiment provides that, prior to moving to the connecting position, an adhesive is applied to a connecting face of the first component that contacts the second component when connecting the first component to the second component. Alternatively or additionally it is provided that, prior to moving to the connecting position, an adhesive is applied to a connecting face of the second component that contacts the first component when connecting the first component to the second component. Owing to the fact that the connection angle can advantageously be suitably defined, the applied adhesive is advantageously not smudged when the components are being joined.

It is furthermore advantageously provided that the first component is moved into the clamping jig by a robot. In this respect, the first component is in particular not attached to the second component by lashes or clips prior to being connected or joined. The clamping jig is advantageously in a receiving position when the first component is moved into the clamping jig and fixed therein. The clamping jig is then advantageously moved conjointly with the first component from the receiving position to the preliminary position. The receiving position here in spatial terms is advantageously in front of the preliminary position. One variant can also provide that the receiving position coincides with the preliminary position.

A further advantageous embodiment of the method provides that a third component is moved into a further clamping jig of the processing station, and the third component is fixed in the further clamping jig. In order for the third component to be connected to the second component, the same method steps are then carried out in terms of the further clamping jig as have been mentioned in the context of the clamping jig already described, hereunder referred to as the first clamping jig. This means that the further clamping jig that has the third component in particular also in a third movement, and the workpiece carrier that has the second component in a second movement, are simultaneously moved in each case from a preliminary position to a connecting position in which the third component is then connected to the second component, wherein a third direction of movement of the third movement and a second direction of movement of the second movement are in particular not parallel. The further clamping jig is preferably moved in a synchronous manner with the first clamping jig. In this way, a left side panel of a vehicle body and a right side panel of a vehicle body can in particular be connected in a synchronous manner to a body.

Proposed as a further advantageous variant of the disclosure for achieving the object mentioned at the outset is a method for connecting, in particular for joining, a first component, in particular a first vehicle body component, to a second component, in particular a second vehicle body component, in a processing station, wherein the second component and the first component, the latter being provisionally disposed on the second component, form a component assembly which on a workpiece holder is moved into a geometry clamping station of the processing station. A clamping jig of the processing station that has a clamping group in a first movement, and the workpiece holder that has the component assembly in a second movement, are then in each case moved from a preliminary position to a connecting position. A first direction of movement of the first movement of the clamping jig and a second direction of movement of the second movement of the workpiece holder are not parallel. In the connecting position, the clamping jig is fixed by a fixing element or a plurality of fixing elements of the geometry clamping station. In the connecting position, the first component and the second component are advantageously braced in relation to one another and then joined; welding can in particular be provided once the connecting position has been attained. The first component is in particular tentatively positioned on the second component by lashes or else clips as a provisional arrangement. It is provided in particular that the clamping jig can have not only one clamping group but also a plurality of clamping groups. The following explanations pertaining to a clamping jig having a clamping group thus apply in analogous manner to a clamping jig having a plurality of clamping groups, and in particular also having a plurality of pivoting units.

In this embodiment of the method, the first movement of the clamping jig advantageously thus commences so as to proceed from the preliminary position of the clamping jig. The second movement of the workpiece holder advantageously commences so as to proceed from the preliminary position of the workpiece holder. The respective preliminary positions here are advantageously established in advance. The first component can in particular be an outer skin or a side panel of a vehicle body. The second component can in particular be a floor assembly of a vehicle body. As a result of the first direction of movement of the first movement and the second direction of movement of the second movement advantageously not being parallel, converging the clamping group of the clamping jig and the component assembly disposed on the workpiece holder advantageously takes place at an angle that deviates from 180°. In this way, the clamping group is advantageously not moved only frontally towards the component assembly as would be the case at an angle of 180°. Instead, as a result of the overall motion sequence of first movement and second movement, the clamping group is advantageously converged obliquely with the component group. As a result, it is advantageously made possible that a pivoting unit for pivoting the clamping group can be dispensed with because the clamping group as a result of the overall motion sequence of first movement and second movement can advantageously circumvent “obstacles” such as projecting body elements on the way to the connecting position. It is in particular provided that the clamping jig and the workpiece holder are moved simultaneously to the connecting position.

The component assembly can advantageously be disposed so as to be identically oriented in the workpiece holder, independently of the desired angle at which the clamping jig, or the clamping group having the component assembly, are to be converged. The workpiece holder, in particular a skid, is advantageously moved into the geometry clamping station by way of a roller track, wherein the workpiece holder here advantageously already supports the component assembly.

One advantageous embodiment of the method provides that the clamping jig in a horizontal movement as the first movement is moved from its preliminary position to the connecting position. It is in particular provided that the clamping jig can be moved exclusively in the horizontal movement. Carrying out the horizontal movement is advantageously simple to implement because such a horizontal movement is also carried out when connecting components of a vehicle body in a processing station as known in the prior art.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the method, the workpiece holder that has the component assembly in a vertical movement as the second movement is moved from its preliminary position to the connecting position, in particular by means of a lifting element which advantageously vertically displaces the workpiece holder having the component assembly. In this way, the clamping jig that has the clamping group is advantageously moved horizontally into the processing station while the component assembly is advantageously vertically displaced at the same time, as a result of which the clamping jig, or the clamping group of the clamping jig, and the component assembly are advantageously converged at an angle that differs from 180°, thus converged obliquely. The vertical movement is advantageously easy to control. The component assembly, or the workpiece holder that supports the component assembly, respectively, advantageously does not have to be tilted in order to attain the desired angle for converging.

The first movement is furthermore advantageously carried out at a first velocity, and the second movement is carried out at a second velocity. The respective preliminary position is the initial point for the respective movement here. The first velocity and the second velocity can be identical or different. In particular, the first velocity and the second velocity are however determined so that the clamping jig, or the clamping group, and the component assembly attain the connecting position at the same time. A velocity profile, in particular a first velocity profile for the first velocity, and a second velocity profile for the second velocity, can in particular in each case be defined for the first velocity at which the clamping jig is moved in the first direction of movement, and/or for the second velocity at which the component assembly is moved by the workpiece holder in the second direction of movement, respectively. By carrying out the movements of the clamping jig in the first direction of movement and of the component assembly in the second direction of movement, different angles at which the clamping jig, or the clamping group, are converged with the component assembly can advantageously be attained solely by adapting the first velocity and/or the second velocity. The first direction of movement and the second direction of movement advantageously remain unchanged in the process, this advantageously simplifying the basic design of the drive units and thus being cost effective.

It is provided in particular that an angle is defined at which the clamping groups of the clamping jig and the component assembly are to be converged, wherein at a defined first direction of movement and a defined second direction of movement the first velocity and the second velocity are determined such that the clamping group and the component assembly attain the connecting position at the defined angle. The clamping jig here is in particular moved at all times in the horizontal direction, and the component assembly is moved at all times in the vertical direction. Once the connecting position has been attained, the first component and the second component are advantageously connected to one another by a joining process.

It is furthermore particularly provided that a motion sequence is defined according to which the clamping groups of the clamping jig and the component assembly are to be converged, wherein at a defined first direction of movement and a defined second direction of movement the first velocity and the second velocity are determined such that the clamping group and the component assembly attain the connecting position according to the defined motion sequence. The motion sequence here can in particular be defined by a sequence of points, in particular for a control unit by which the method is controlled. The motion sequence can in particular be a motion curve, a linear motion, or a staged motion. The clamping jig here is in particular moved in the horizontal direction, and the workpiece holder having the component assembly is in particular moved in the vertical direction. Once the connecting position has been attained, the first component and the second component are advantageously connected to one another by a joining process.

It is provided in particular that no relative movement in relation to the clamping jig is carried out by the clamping group, thus that the clamping group is in particular not pivoted in addition to the movement of the clamping jig in order to attain the connecting position. A pivoting unit for pivoting the clamping group relative to the clamping jig is thus advantageously dispensable.

A further advantageous embodiment of the method provides that the component assembly comprises a third component which is provisionally disposed on the second component, in particular in that the third component is provisionally disposed on the second component by lashes or clips. In this instance, a further clamping jig of the processing station that has a further clamping group in a third movement from a preliminary position of the further clamping jig, and the workpiece holder that has the component assembly in the second movement from its preliminary position, are moved to a connecting position, in particular moved simultaneously, wherein the further clamping jig in the connecting position is fixed by a further fixing element of the geometry clamping station, and wherein in terms of the further clamping jig the same method steps are carried out as mentioned in the context of the previously mentioned clamping jig, hereunder also referred to as the first clamping jig. This means that the further clamping jig in particular also in a third movement, and the workpiece holder that has the component assembly in a second movement, are in each case moved simultaneously from a preliminary position to a connecting position in which the third component is then joined to the second component, wherein a third direction of movement of the third movement and a second direction of movement of the second movement are in particular not parallel. The further clamping jig is preferably moved in a synchronous manner with the first clamping jig. In this way, a left side panel of a vehicle body and a right side panel of a vehicle body can in particular be connected in a synchronous manner to a body.

The processing station which is furthermore provided for achieving the object mentioned at the outset for connecting, in particular for joining, a first component of a vehicle body to a second component of a vehicle body comprises a geometry clamping station and a clamping jig, wherein the clamping jig is disposed on a mobile support unit which by means of a first drive unit can be moved in a first direction of movement. Moreover, the geometry clamping station has a receptacle unit which is configured to receive a workpiece holder, wherein the receptacle unit is assigned a second drive unit by way of which the receptacle unit can be moved in a second direction of movement. The first direction of movement and the second direction of movement here are not parallel. The processing station is furthermore assigned a control unit which is configured to control the first drive unit and the second drive unit in such a manner that the clamping jig and the workpiece holder are moved to a connecting position.

The support unit by means of the first drive unit is advantageously configured to be moved in a horizontal direction as the first direction of movement. Furthermore advantageously, the receptacle unit by means of the second drive unit is configured to be moved in a vertical direction as the second direction of movement, in particular by means of a lifting unit. The processing station is preferably configured to carry out a method designed according to the disclosure.

Provided in particular for achieving the object mentioned at the outset is a processing station for connecting, in particular for joining, a first component of a vehicle body to a second component of a vehicle body, which processing station comprises a geometry clamping station and a clamping jig. In this variant, the clamping jig is configured to receive the first component and disposed on a mobile support unit, wherein the support unit by means of a first drive unit can be moved in a first direction of movement. A first component received by the clamping jig can thus advantageously be moved in the first direction of movement. In this variant, the geometry clamping station of the processing station has a receptacle unit which is configured to receive a workpiece holder that supports the second component. The receptacle unit here is assigned a second drive unit by way of which the receptacle unit can be moved in a second direction of movement. The first direction of movement and the second direction of movement here are advantageously not parallel. The processing station is furthermore assigned a control unit. It is provided in particular that the processing station comprises the control unit. The control unit here is in particular an electronic control unit which is in particular a correspondingly specified computer unit, in particular a microcontroller unit. The control unit is configured to control the first drive unit and the second drive unit in such a manner that a first component received by the clamping jig and a second component received by the receptacle unit by way of a workpiece holder are moved simultaneously to a connecting position in which the first component is connected, in particular joined, to the second component. The processing station in this way advantageously makes it possible to define different connection angles at which the construction elements are to be moved to the connecting position for subsequent joining of the construction elements. The first construction element is in particular a side panel of a vehicle body, or an outer skin of a side panel of a vehicle body. The second component is in particular the basic body, or a floor assembly of a vehicle body.

According to one advantageous embodiment of this processing station, the support unit by means of the first drive unit is configured to be moved in a horizontal direction as the first direction of movement, in particular to the receptacle unit. A first component received by the clamping jig can thus advantageously be moved into the geometry clamping station in a horizontal movement. It is provided in particular that the support unit is a horizontally displaceable slide.

A further advantageous embodiment of the processing station provides that the receptacle unit by means of the second drive unit is configured to be moved in a vertical direction as the second direction of movement, in particular by means of a lifting unit. It is provided in particular that the receptacle unit is disposed on a lifting unit. The receptacle unit can in particular be part of the lifting unit.

The processing station is advantageously configured to carry out a method configured according to the disclosure. The processing station here can in particular also comprise a user interface for defining a connection angle and/or a motion sequence by a user. The processing station can furthermore particularly also comprise a robot by which a first component can be moved into the clamping jig. The geometry clamping station can furthermore advantageously comprise a roller track or a roller track section by way of which a second component can advantageously be moved into the geometry clamping station. It is provided in particular that the roller track portion here is disposed on the lifting element. The processing station can furthermore particularly comprise at least one further clamping jig by way of which a further component can be disposed on the second component.

Moreover provided for achieving the object mentioned at the outset is a processing station for joining a first component of a vehicle body to a second component of a vehicle body, wherein the second component and the first component, the latter being provisionally disposed on the second component, form a component assembly. This processing station comprises a geometry clamping station, a clamping jig having a clamping group, and at least one fixing element for fixing the clamping jig in a connecting position. It is in particular provided also here that the clamping jig can have not only one clamping group but also a plurality of clamping groups. The clamping jig here is disposed on a mobile support unit, wherein the support unit by means of a first drive unit can be moved in a first direction of movement. The geometry clamping station of the processing station has a receptacle unit which is configured to receive a workpiece holder that supports the component assembly. The receptacle unit here is assigned a second drive unit by which the receptacle unit can be moved in a second direction of movement. The first direction of movement and the second direction of movement here are advantageously not parallel. The processing station is furthermore assigned a control unit. It is provided in particular that the processing station comprises the control unit. The control unit here is in particular an electronic control unit which is in particular a correspondingly specified computer unit, in particular a microcontroller unit. The control unit is configured to control the first drive unit and the second drive unit in such a manner that the clamping group of the clamping jig and a component assembly received by the receptacle unit by way of a workpiece holder are moved to a connecting position, in particular moved simultaneously to the connecting position, wherein the first component can be joined, in particular welded, to the second component in the connecting position. In this way, the processing station advantageously makes it possible to define different angles at which the clamping group and the component assembly are to be converged. The first construction element is in particular a side panel of a vehicle body, or an outer skin of a side panel of a vehicle body. The second component is in particular the basic body, or a floor assembly, of a vehicle body.

According to one advantageous embodiment, the support unit by means of the first drive unit is configured to be moved in a horizontal direction as the first direction of movement, in particular in a horizontal direction in relation to the receptacle unit. It is provided in particular that the support unit is a horizontally displaceable slide.

A further advantageous embodiment of the processing station provides that the receptacle unit by means of the second drive unit is configured to be moved in a vertical direction as the second direction of movement, in particular by means of a lifting unit. It is provided in particular that the receptacle unit is disposed on a lifting unit. The receptacle unit can in particular be part of the lifting unit.

The processing station is advantageously configured to carry out a method configured according to the disclosure. The processing station here can in particular also comprise a user interface for defining an angle at which the clamping group and the component assembly are to be converged, and/or a motion sequence by a user. The processing station can furthermore particularly also comprise a robot by which the components can be tentatively positioned in relation to the component assembly. The geometry clamping station can furthermore advantageously comprise a roller track or a roller track section by way of which a component assembly to be joined can advantageously be moved into the geometry clamping station. It is provided in particular that the roller track section here is disposed on the lifting element. According to an alternative embodiment, the component assembly can also be lifted to the respective height by the roller track, in particular by way of a correspondingly configured clamping mechanism on the lifting element. Furthermore, the processing station can in particular comprise at least one further clamping jig by way of which a further component of the component assembly can be clamped in a connecting position so as to connect the further component and the second component by joining, in particular by welding.

The clamping jig advantageously does not comprise any pivoting unit for pivoting the clamping group relative to the clamping jig. As a result of the displaceability of the clamping jig and the workpiece holder provided according to the disclosure, pivoting units, or pivotable clamping groups, are advantageously dispensable. A clamping jig of reduced weight can advantageously be used in this way. Moreover, installation space is advantageously gained which can be utilized in particular for the use of robotic welding guns. In this way, more welding points advantageously can be implemented when joining the components, which advantageously improves the connection of the components or may be utilized for shortening the cycle time, respectively.

In the various figures, identical parts are typically provided with the same reference signs and are therefore occasionally also explained only in the context of one of the figures. In particular, a first variant of the disclosure is explained with reference toFIG.1atoFIG.4b, and a second variant of the disclosure is explained with reference toFIG.5atoFIG.7e.

Shown inFIG.1ais a processing station1known in the prior art, having a geometry clamping station2and a clamping jig3which is displaceable in the horizontal direction BR1. Here, a side panel101as the first component is attached to a body102as the second component by clips before the construction elements101,102are moved into the geometry clamping station2. In the process, the body using a skid as a workpiece holder4moves into the geometry clamping station2by way of a roller track12having an elevation11. The clamping jig3is then displaced in the horizontal direction BR1towards the geometry clamping station2and on the latter braced on a fixing element13, as is shown inFIG.1b. The clamping jig3then clamps the body102and the side panel101in a connecting position, and a welding process for connecting the side panel101to the body102commences. It is problematic inter alia here that a side panel101having an undercut111, as shown inFIG.4b, cannot be connected in this way to a body102by such a horizontal movement BR1of the clamping jig3at a connection angle VA of 180°, as is shown inFIG.1aandFIG.1b.

This issue can be solved in that a connection angle VA which differs from 180°, as is shown inFIG.4b, is defined, by way of which the side panel101and the body102are connected in a connecting position. A method and a processing station which are suitable for connecting a side panel101as the first component to a body102as a second component, even when such an undercut111is present, will be explained in more detail with reference toFIG.2atoFIG.2c.

FIG.2ahere shows an exemplary embodiment of a processing station1configured according to the disclosure for connecting a first component101to a second component102, wherein in this exemplary embodiment the first component101is a side panel as the body component, and the second component102is a body. The processing station1comprises a geometry clamping station2, also referred to as a geobox, and a clamping jig3which is configured for receiving the first component101. The clamping jig3is disposed on a mobile support unit5. The support unit and thus also the clamping jig3are displaceable in a horizontal direction as the first direction of movement BR1by means of a first drive unit6which here comprises in particular an electric motor. The drive unit6here is controlled by an electronic control unit9of the processing station1.

Only one clamping jig9is illustrated to the left of the geometry clamping station2inFIG.2a, wherein a further clamping jig in particular for attaching side panels to a body can be provided to the right of the geometry clamping station2, wherein the further clamping jig is advantageously controlled in the same way as the clamping jig3so that both clamping jigs advantageously carry out the same method steps, in particular in a synchronous manner.

Shown inFIG.2ais the processing station1in which the clamping jig3is situated in a receiving position PS0. In this receiving position PS0the side panel101is incorporated in the clamping jig3, in particular by means of a robot not illustrated inFIG.2a, and for fixing is clamped in the clamping jig3.

The geometry clamping station2of the processing station1comprises a receptacle unit7which in this exemplary embodiment is configured as a section of a roller track. The receptacle unit7of the geometry clamping station2is configured for receiving a workpiece holder4that supports the body102, wherein the workpiece holder4in this exemplary embodiment is a skid. The body102in this exemplary embodiment is disposed on the workpiece holder4and by way of a roller track system moved into the geometry clamping station2, wherein the workpiece holder4is received by the receptacle unit7. The receptacle unit7here is disposed on a lifting unit10that comprises a second drive unit. By means of this lifting unit10, which is assigned to the receptacle unit7, the receptacle unit7can be moved in a vertical direction as the second direction of movement BR2. The second drive unit, or the lifting unit10, respectively, is likewise controlled by means of the control unit9of the processing station1. InFIG.2a, the workpiece holder4by means of the lifting unit10is lowered and moved to a preliminary position PW1. It may be the case that for incorporating the workpiece holder4the receptacle unit7is initially disposed in a deviating position and the receptacle unit7by means of the lifting unit10is only moved to the preliminary position PW1with the workpiece holder4incorporated. This is suitably controlled by the control unit9. The control unit9is moreover configured to control the first drive unit6and the lifting unit10having the second drive unit in such a manner that the side panel101, which is received by the clamping jig3, and the body102, which by way of the workpiece holder4is received by the receptacle unit7, are moved simultaneously to a connecting position P2. The side panel101is then connected to the body102by joining in the connecting position P2.

To this end, the clamping jig3having the side panel101, proceeding from the receiving position PS0shown inFIG.2a, is initially displaced in a movement B0in the horizontal direction BR1to the geometry clamping station2, to a preliminary position PS1shown inFIG.2b, from which finally the moving of the clamping jig3by way of the motion sequence defined for the clamping jig3commences simultaneously with the moving of the workpiece holder4by way of the motion sequence defined for the workpiece holder4. Proceeding from the preliminary position PS1, or the preliminary position PW1, respectively, the clamping jig3having the side panel101in a further horizontal movement B1, and the workpiece holder4having the body102in a vertical movement B2, are simultaneously moved in each case at a definable connection angle VA or a definable motion sequence BA to the connecting position P2, wherein the clamping jig3in the connecting position P2is fixed to a fixing element13of the geometry clamping station2. To this end, the fixing element13comprises in particular a plurality of tensioning clamps, detents and/or further fixing means for fixing the clamping jig3which are not explicitly shown in the figures. The side panel101and the body102can then be connected to one another in the connecting position P2. The processing station1is shown inFIG.2c, wherein the clamping jig3having the side panel101and the workpiece holder4having the body102have attained the connecting position P2.

A welding process for connecting the side panel101to the body102can then in particular commence in the connecting position P2. However, it can in particular also be provided that, prior to moving to the connecting position P2, an adhesive is applied to a connecting face of the side panel101that contacts the body102when connecting to the body102. Shown by way of example is a connecting face110of a first component configured as the side panel101inFIG.4aandFIG.4b. The connection angle VA for connecting the side panel101to the body102here can be defined such that the adhesive is not smudged by premature mutual friction of faces during connecting. By bracing the body102and the side panel101by means of the fixed clamping jig3, the construction elements101,102are then connected by adhesive bonding in the connecting position P2.

In order to attain a defined connection angle VA at which the side panel101and the body102are to contact one another or to be converged, respectively, the control unit9for the horizontal movement B1from the preliminary position PS1to the connecting position P2specifies to the processing station a first velocity V1, and for the vertical movement B2from the preliminary position PW1to the connecting position P2a second velocity V2, at which the movements B1, B2are subsequently carried out.

Examples of different defined parameters for the velocity V1of the movement B1of the clamping jig3and the velocity V2of the movement B2of the workpiece holder4and resultant added overall motion sequences BA which lead to different connection angles are shown in FIG.3atoFIG.3e. It is assumed here that the displacement distances for the movement from the respective preliminary position PS1, PW1to the connecting position P2are essentially identical. The horizontal movement B1inFIG.3atoFIG.3eis also referred to as the Y-movement and is illustrated as horizontal vector, while the vertical movement B2is also referred to as the Z-movement and illustrated as a vertical vector. The overall motion sequence BA is also referred to as the “resultant movement”. vYis also used for the velocity V1, and vZis also used for the velocity V2.

It applies toFIG.3athat the velocity V1of the movement B1is equal to the velocity V2of the movement B2. InFIG.3btoFIG.3ethe velocity V1is in each case unequal to the velocity V2. InFIG.3bthe velocity V1is lower than the velocity V2, whereby the velocities V1, V2are not constant. InFIG.3c, the velocities V1, V2are substantially constant, whereby the velocity V1is lower than the velocity V2. InFIG.3d, the velocities V1, V2are substantially constant, whereby the velocity V1is higher than the velocity V2. InFIG.3e, the movements B1, B2are stopped in the interim.

Illustrated inFIG.5ais a further processing station1known in the prior art, having a geometry clamping station2and a clamping jig3which is displaceable in the horizontal direction BR1and has a clamping group32. A side panel101as the first component is attached to a body102as the second component by clips, before the construction elements101,102are moved into the geometry clamping station2. In the process, the body having a skid as the workpiece holder4travels across a roller track12with an elevation11into the geometry clamping station2. The clamping jig3is then displaced in the horizontal direction BR1to the geometry clamping station2and on the latter braced on both sides on the fixing element13, as is shown inFIG.5b. The clamping jig3then clamps the body102and the side panel101in a connecting position, and a welding process for connecting the side panel101to the body102commences. It is problematic here inter alia that the clamping jig3having the clamping group32for bracing the components101,102cannot be displaced directly to the connecting position, as shown inFIG.5c. In this way, the clamping group32shown by way of example there for clamping a roof rail component assembly103cannot simply be displaced in the horizontal direction (Y-direction) because the latter may otherwise collide with parts of the body. In order for this to be avoided, the clamping jig3comprises a pivoting unit31by way of which the clamping group32can be pivoted.FIG.5cfor illustrative purposes shows the opened clamping group321by way of which the clamping jig3is moved right up to the component assembly103, and the clamping group322which is pivoted inwards into the working position and in which the component assembly103can be braced and subsequently welded.

A method and a processing station which are suitable for bracing and joining the above-described component assembly103, without having a pivotable clamping group and without a pivoting unit, will be explained in more detail with reference toFIG.6atoFIG.6c.

FIG.6ashows an exemplary embodiment of a processing station1configured according to the disclosure for joining a first component101to a second component102, wherein in this exemplary embodiment the first component101is a side panel as the body component, and the second component102is a body. The second component102and the first component101to which the second component102for a provisional disposal is attached by clips, here form a component assembly103that is to be connected by joining.

The processing station1comprises a geometry clamping station2, also referred to as a geobox, and a clamping jig3having a non-pivotable clamping group32. The clamping jig3is disposed on a mobile support unit5. The support unit5and thus also the clamping jig3by means of the first drive unit6, the latter here comprising in particular an electric motor, are displaceable in a horizontal direction as the first direction of movement BR1. The drive unit6here is controlled by an electronic control unit9of the processing station1. Shown inFIG.6ais the processing station1in which the clamping jig3, or the clamping group32, respectively, is situated in a preliminary position PS1.

While only one clamping jig3is illustrated to the left of the geometry clamping station2inFIG.6a, a further clamping jig can be provided to the right of the geometry clamping station2, in particular for attaching side panels to a body, whereby the further clamping jig is advantageously controlled in the same way as the clamping jig3so that both clamping jigs advantageously carry out the same method steps, in particular in a synchronous manner.

The geometry clamping station2of the processing station1comprises a receptacle unit7which in this exemplary embodiment is configured as a section of a roller track. The receptacle unit7of the geometry clamping station2is configured to receive a workpiece holder4that supports a component assembly103, wherein the workpiece holder4in this exemplary embodiment is a skid. The body102as the second component in this exemplary embodiment is disposed on the workpiece holder4, and the first component101, i.e. the side panel, is attached to the body102by clips. The component assembly103thus formed is then moved into the geometry clamping station2by way of the roller track system, wherein the workpiece holder4is received by the receptacle unit7. The receptacle unit7here is disposed on a lifting unit10that comprises a second drive unit. By means of this lifting unit10, which is assigned to the receptacle unit7, the receptacle unit7can be moved in a vertical direction as the second direction of movement BR2. The second drive unit, or the lifting unit10, respectively, is likewise controlled by means of the control unit9of the processing station1.

InFIG.6a, the workpiece holder4is lowered by means of the lifting unit10and moved to a preliminary position PW1. It may be the case that for incorporating the workpiece holder4the receptacle unit7is initially disposed in a deviating position and the receptacle unit7by means of the lifting unit10is displaced to the preliminary position PW1only with the incorporated workpiece holder4. This is suitably controlled by the control unit9. The control unit9is moreover configured to control the first drive unit6and the lifting unit10having the second drive unit in such a manner that the component assembly received by the clamping jig3having the clamping group32and received by the receptacle unit7by way of the workpiece holder4are moved simultaneously to a connecting position P2. The side panel101is then connected to the body102by joining in the connecting position P2.

To this end, the clamping jig3having the clamping group32, proceeding from the preliminary position PS1shown inFIG.6a, in a movement B1in the horizontal direction BR1is displaced at a velocity V1to the geometry clamping station2, to the connecting position P2. The movement B1here takes place simultaneously with the moving of the workpiece holder4by way of the motion sequence defined for the workpiece holder4. Proceeding from the preliminary position PS1, or the preliminary position PW1, respectively, the clamping jig3having the clamping group32in a horizontal movement B1, and the workpiece holder4having the component assembly103in a vertical movement B2, are moved simultaneously in each case at a definable angle VA and/or a definable motion sequence BA to the connecting position P2. A plane which is parallel to the floor on which the processing station1is set up can be provided in particular as the reference plane for the angle VA herein.

FIG.6bshows the clamping jig3and the clamping group32and the workpiece holder4, and the component assembly103, respectively, in the connecting position P2. The clamping jig3in the connecting position P2is fixed to a fixing element13of the geometry clamping station2. To this end, the fixing element13comprises in particular a plurality of tension clamps, detents and/or further fixing means for fixing the clamping jig3, which are not explicitly shown in the figures. The component assembly103is then braced by means of the clamping group32. The side panel101and the body102are then connected to one another by joining, in particular welded to one another, in the connecting position P2.

Illustrated by way of example inFIG.6cis a motion sequence BA which results from the movement B1of the clamping jig3and from a movement B2of the workpiece holder4, and a resultant angle VA at which the clamping group32and the component assembly103are converged. The workpiece holder4per se is not illustrated inFIG.6c. As a result thereof, the clamping group32and the component assembly103can advantageously be converged without having to pivot the clamping group32. As result of the possibility of moving the clamping jig3and the component assembly103disposed on the workpiece holder, the expensive and heavy pivoting unit as shown inFIG.5ccan advantageously be dispensed with.

In order to attain a defined angle VA at which the clamping group32and the component assembly103are to be converged, the control unit9specifies to the processing station1for the horizontal movement B1from the preliminary position PS1to the connecting position P2a first velocity V1, and for the vertical movement B2from the preliminary position PW1to the connecting position P2a second velocity V2, at which the movements B1, B2are then carried out simultaneously.

Examples of different defined parameters for the velocity V1of the movement B1of the clamping jig3and for the velocity V2of the movement B2of the workpiece holder4and resultant added overall motion sequences BA which lead in particular to different angles VA are shown inFIG.7atoFIG.7e. It is assumed here that the displacement distances for the moving from the respective preliminary position PS1, PW1to the connecting position P2are essentially identical. The horizontal movement B1inFIG.7atoFIG.7eis also referred to as the Y-movement and illustrated as a horizontal vector, while the vertical movement B2is also referred to as the Z-movement and illustrated as a vertical vector. The overall motion sequence BA is also referred to as the “resultant movement”. vYis also used for the velocity V1, and vZis also used for the velocity V2.

It applies toFIG.7athat the velocity V1of the movement B1is equal to the velocity V2of the movement B2. InFIGS.7bto7e, the velocity V1is in each case unequal to the velocity V2. InFIG.7b, the velocity V1is lower than the velocity V2, whereby the velocities V1, V2are not constant. InFIG.7c, the velocities V1, V2are substantially constant, whereby the velocity V1is lower than the velocity V2. InFIG.7d, the velocities V1, V2are substantially constant, whereby the velocity V1is higher than the velocity V2. InFIG.7e, the movements B1, B2stopped in the interim.

The exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures and explained in the context of the latter are intended to explain the disclosure and do not limit the latter.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

1Processing station2Geometry clamping station3Clamping jig31Pivoting unit32Clamping group321Clamping group opened322Clamping group pivoted inwards4Workpiece holderSupport unit6First drive unit7Receptacle unit9Control unitLifting unit11Elevation12Roller track13Fixing element101First component102Second component103Component assembly110Connecting face of the first component (101)111Undercut of the first component (101)B0Movement in the preliminary positionB1First movementB2Second movementBA Resultant overall motion sequenceBR1First direction of movementBR2Second direction of movementPS0Receiving position of the clamping jig (3)PS1Preliminary position of the clamping jig (3)P2Connecting positionPW1Preliminary position of the workpiece holder (4)V1First velocityV2Second velocityVA Connection angle