WO2018100081A1 - Joining station and joining method - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a joining station (2), in particular a framing station, and to a method for joining workpieces (44), in particular bodywork parts, at a process location (3) by means of interchangeable clamping frames (10) which are fed along a curved transporting path (12) by means of a transporting device (6) having a guide device (17) and a supporting means (18). The workpieces (44) are transported along a transfer line by a conveying means (45) and are fed into the joining station (2) of the process location (3), wherein the joining station (2) has a process device (5) with a processor (36) in the region of the process location (3). A processor (36) and/or a feeding device (40) for further components (9) are/is arranged in a region (46) between the conveying means (45) and the curved conveying path (12), said region being adjacent to the process location (3).

Description

 Joining station and joining method

DESCRIPTION

The invention relates to a joining station and a

Joining method with the features in the preamble of

Process and apparatus main claim.

Such a joining station is known from DE 20 2004 013 687 Ul. The clamping frames have on their underside each a pair of rotatable and pivotable rollers, with which they roll in a bottom curved guide rail and are guided on an upper separate guide rail.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a

show improved joining technology.

The invention solves this problem with the features in the method and device main claim.

The claimed joining technique, i. the joining station and the associated method have different advantages.

A process device of the process device and / or a supply device for further components are in an area adjacent to the process area between the

Conveyor and arranged for the workpieces and the bent conveyor track for the clamping frame. This area joins the transfer line to the

Process station on or to the local station frame and can in this direction in front of or behind the Be arranged process point. Here, the curved shape of the conveyor track can be advantageously exploited, which is located just after the process site laterally from the conveyor line and thereby opens a wedge-shaped space or a so-called. Gusset in this area. A process device arranged in this region can optimally reach the front or rear part of the workpiece and can, in particular, reach close to the station frame or to the process station. This is also for a feeder in this

Range of advantage. This can be normal

Work area of the joining or handling robot at the process end. About the feeder additional components of the process site can be supplied and processed there in a particularly favorable and effective manner. In particular, this also allows the area above the processing station to be kept free for the supply of roof bows or other components and for other purposes, e.g. for gantry robots.

The claimed in a further independent inventive idea training the transport device with a movable along the transport path

Means with a support for a tenter and the associated method have the advantage that the clamping frame can be accurately and safely guided and transported and positioned at a process location. The guide can be formed between the curved transport path and the means of transport and defined exactly. The clamping frame position on the means of transport or on the Carrier can be specified and maintained exactly.

As a result, high positioning accuracy and high process reliability can be achieved at a joining station, in particular at a framing station. A combination of the guide device and the

 Support for the means of transport offers a further improvement of the guiding and positioning accuracy. In addition, space can be saved by this combination and the accessibility at the process site can be significantly improved over the prior art.

 In particular, a one-sided guidance and support of the clamping frame via the transport is possible.

The transport means may be a single carrier or a carrier train having a plurality of coupled carriers

exhibit. In addition, several can be on the transport path

Be arranged transport. This offers the advantage that transport with tenter independent

can be moved from each other. This is favorable for a possible assembly of the clamping frames with components, in particular side walls of a vehicle body, which can be supplied together with the clamping frame of the process station. The component assembly can be carried out independently of the joining process. Furthermore, an arrangement of further process stations on the transport path is possible, at which additional processes can be carried out.

These can be temporally overlapped with the joining process. As a result, the joining station can achieve particularly high efficiency and economic efficiency. Furthermore, there are advantages for the flexibility. A carrier train can accommodate several different clamping frames that can be brought to the process site as needed. In this way, when changing the type of workpieces, in particular the body parts, also quickly and easily a type change of the respectively required and type-related clamping frame can be performed. On the other hand, the clamping frame located on the carrier train or a single carrier can be exchanged as needed via other process stations on the transport path. This allows the storage capacity and flexibility of the clamping frame technology on the

Joining station can be extended almost limitless.

For the delivery of a tenter at the process and joint, the carrier can be a uniaxial or

multi-axis adjusting device, which can in particular perform a transversely or radially directed to the curvature of the transport path movement. The clamping frame can be transferred to a station rack and docked there in a suitable manner and positioned. For this purpose, the receptacle can release the clamping frame as needed and / or the setting device can have one

Degree of freedom for a possible position correction of the transferring and docked clamping frame have. The transport path preferably has a circular shape. Accordingly, the guide means and optionally the support may be circular or arranged. For the design of the transport path, the

Guidance device and support there

various possibilities. For one thing is one

Rail guide for a sliding or rolling

Transport means possible, e.g. as a multi-lane

 Track guide is formed. This is especially for a tip-safe guidance of the transport of

Advantage. The rail guide can extend without interruption over the length of the transport path. The

Transport path may have an open arch shape or a closed ring shape.

In a particularly favorable embodiment with

independent inventive significance has the

Leadership facility several discrete, along the

Transport path with a mutual distance relatively stationary arranged guide and support elements. The transport bridged while the distance, with several guide and support elements each

Guide transport locally and support its weight. This arrangement is also possible without its own means of transport and without a carrier, wherein the clamping frame can be guided and supported directly on the guide and support elements and also bridges the said distance between the guide and support elements. In this case, a corresponding bent

 Guide element and supporting support element can be arranged. The length of this guide element and

Support element is preferably greater than twice the distance of the relatively stationary guide and

Support elements. The said distance formation has the advantage that a clearance between the relatively stationary guide and support elements can be formed, which allows a crossing of the transport path. This is particularly beneficial to process sites within of the curved one

Guided track enclosed area from the outside

can be reached without constraint and supplied and disposed of. In particular, this is for carrying out additional processes in this area and for optimal area utilization with increased

 Performance and economy of advantage.

At the process and joint of the joining station, a process device is arranged. This has one or more process devices, in particular industrial robots on. These lead the joining processes and possibly

Handling processes. This can e.g.

Tack welding processes in a framing station, with which the Zufuegenden workpieces are brought into a defined position to each other and stabilized by the HeftSchweißverbindungen or other joints in this position. Another joining station can as

Deflecting be formed in the

the aforementioned tacking compound is further completed and stabilized. The joining station is connected to a transfer line and a conveyor for the supply of workpieces. Several of the claimed

Joining stations and optionally one or more other stations may be along the transfer line

be strung together and together form a manufacturing plant. In the subclaims further advantageous embodiments of the invention are given.

The invention is illustrated by way of example and schematically in the drawings. 1 shows a schematic representation of a joining station, a variant of a joining station in a schematic plan view, an end view of the joining station of FIG. 2, a detail of FIG

 Transport device with a

 Means of transport and discrete guidance and support elements and

Figures 5 and 6: a transport with a transverse

 movable recording and one

 Adjustment device for a tenter.

The invention relates to a joining station (2), a

Joining method and a production line (1) with such a joining station (2).

Figure 1 and Figure 2 and 3 show a joining station (2) in different variants. The joining station serves to join workpieces (44) to a process station (3). The workpieces (44) are transported along a transfer line with a conveyor (45) and fed into the joining station (2) and discharged again after carrying out the joining process. The joining of the workpieces (44) at the processing station (3) takes place with the aid of exchangeable clamping frames (10), which are replaced by a

Transport device (6) are supplied and discharged.

The workpieces can be of any type, number and size. Preferably, it is body components of a vehicle body shell, e.g. around a floor group and around side wall parts and roof parts. The workpieces (44) can on the conveyor (45) on a pallet, a Skid or the like. Tragmittel be supplied. The

Workpieces (44) may be single and loose or in an already pre-oriented and provisionally stapled layer, e.g. as a floor group with employees and

stapled side walls, be supplied.

For joining the workpieces (44) and / or her

Carrying means on a station frame (47) of the joining station (2) of positioning means accurately positioned, the workpieces (44) are possibly lifted off the transport. By means of the one or both sides supplied clamping frame (10), the workpieces (44) are brought into a joint-appropriate position to each other, stretched and then by means of a processing device (5), in particular a joining device, joined. The

Joining station (2) is also called stitching station or

Framing station called. In one or more

following and possibly similarly constructed

Joining stations (2) can then be added to the prefabricated workpieces (44).

The joining process can be done in any suitable way

be educated. The joining can be done, for example, by welding, Soldering, gluing, clinching or the like respectively. The

Joining device (5) is designed accordingly. In the joining station (2), further processes may take place, e.g. Handling and / or machining processes on the workpieces (44).

In addition, further components (9) can be fed into the joining station (2) and to the processing station (3) and optionally joined to the workpieces (44). This can

Body panels, e.g. Roof parts or

Sidewall parts. The supply of these components (9) can be done by means of or the clamping frame (10).

Alternatively or additionally, one or more

Feeding devices (40) at the processing station (3)

be connected or arranged. The joining station (2) can have one or more others

 Having process stations (4) to which further processes, e.g. Handling and / or machining processes to be performed on the other components (9). Here, e.g. the components (9) are made, assembled by provisions (42), or otherwise processed and then brought to the process station (3), e.g. by the process device (5).

One or more further process stations (4) can be connected to the transport device (6). A local process may involve the loading of the clamping frames (10) with one or more components (9), an exchange of clamping frames or the like. The process or joining device (5) has several in the process area (s) (3,4) arranged

Process devices (36). At least part of the

Process devices (36) is as programmable

Industrial robot trained. This can e.g.

 Joining robot (37) and / or handling robot (38). They may be floor-bound or stationary on the ground or arranged on a driving axle or feeding device. Alternatively or additionally is also a hanging

Arrangement on the station frame (47) possible. The

 Joining station (2) may have a controller (11) to which the process devices (36) may be connected.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a process device (36) and / or a feed device (40) for further components (9) is arranged in a wedge-shaped or gusset-like region (46) between the transfer line or the transfer line

Conveyor (45) and the bent conveyor track (12) arranged. This free space or region (46) adjoins the process station (3) or the station station (47) in the direction of the transfer line. It can be arranged before and / or after the process station (3) as well as on one or both sides of the transfer line. A process device (36) can be tied to a lane and / or on

Station frame (47) can be arranged and can reach the front ^¬ or rear end of the workpiece (44) optimally.

This is also advantageous for a feed device (40) in this region (46). It can be normal

Work area of the joining or handling robot (37, 38) at the process station (3). About the feeder (40) additional components (9) can be supplied to the process site and processed there. At the

Feeding device (40) can also be a process device (36), in particular a handling robot (38), arranged to be movable. It can effect the transport and transfer of the components (9) at the front of the process station (3). It can also cooperate with a rear supply (42) for the components (9).

The transporting device (6) for the clamping frames has a guide device (17) and a support (18) as well as a curved transport path (12) and a traversable along the transport path (12)

Transport means (13) with a carrier (14) for a clamping frame (10). The transport (13) can move on the transport path (12) rotating or reversing. For the movement of the transport means (13), the transport device (6) has a drive device (19). On the means of transport (13) or on the

Carrier (14) one or more clamping frames (10) fixed or detachable, in particular changeable, can be arranged. The transport path (12) is preferably bent in a circular manner.

The guide device (17) and the support (18) for the transport means (13) are preferably combined. When guiding the transport (13) can be supported at the same time. The combined leadership and

Supporting device may be formed in different ways. It ensures a tip-safe guidance and support of the means of transport (13) on the

Transport track (12). The transport means (13) may comprise a single carrier (14). It may alternatively comprise a carrier train (16) with a plurality of mutually rigidly or movably coupled carriers (14). These are along the

Transport path (12) arranged one behind the other and connected to each other via possibly releasable couplings. On the transport path (12) a plurality of transport means (13) can be arranged, which are moved together or optionally independently along the transport path (12).

In the variants of FIGS. 1 to 3, the joining station (2) has two transport devices (6), which are arranged on both sides of the transfer line and the processing station (3). As a result, clamping frames (10) can be attached to the processing station (3) and the workpieces (44) on both sides.

be supplied, possibly with said components (9). In another and not shown embodiment, a single transport device (6) may be provided and arranged only on one side of the process station (3) or the transfer line.

Furthermore, it is possible to have several, e.g. two or three, transport means (6) to be arranged one above the other.

In this case, a one-sided or two-sided arrangement at the process station (3) or at the transfer line is likewise possible in each case.

The transport path (12) can according to Figure 1 have an open arch shape or a closed ring shape. The transport device (6) can accommodate a plurality of clamping frames (10). It can also form a tenter frame movable along the transport path (12). On one Transport means (13), in particular a carrier train (16) can be arranged a plurality of clamping frames (10). The clamping frames (10) are preferably formed differently. You can choose different

Workpieces (44) adapted.

The workpieces (44), in particular body parts, can vary in various ways. You can e.g. of the same kind and different in type.

Different types of vehicles are e.g. as a sedan, coupe, caravan, convertible or the like. educated. You can have a common platform or floor group, with the side walls and the

Different roof construction depending on the type. The

Tensioning frames (10) are corresponding to the

Body types are adapted and are in turn different in type.

In a manufacturing plant (1) different body types can be manufactured in any number and order. Accordingly, at the

Process station (3) the suitable clamping frame types

provided and if necessary by means of

Transport device (6) changed. The respective

Transport means (13) moves along the

Transport track (12), with the replaced

Clamping frame type (10) removed from the process station (3) and needed for the next joining process

Clamping frame type (10) brought to the process station (3) and provided there. The transport device (6) has only one

indicated positioning device (20) for the

Positioning of a transport means (13), in particular a carrier (14), at the processing station (3, 4). The positioning device (20) may e.g. have a positive and controllable stakeout. Alternatively, a positioning can be carried out without contact via a displacement measurement or in any other suitable manner.

A tensioning frame (10) on the means of transport (13) may contain energy and / or other resources, e.g.

 Fluids are fed in an appropriate manner. This is e.g. by a media coupling (not shown) at the process site (s) (3,4) that is manually or automatically actuated. On the other hand, energy and other resources may be carried on the means of transport (13) or otherwise supplied externally, e.g. over a tow cable.

Furthermore, the transport device (6) may have a sensor system (not shown) for monitoring the various components and functions. The sensor can e.g. Displacement or angle sensors, force sensors,

Position sensors or the like. The

Sensor is connected to the controller (11). This can be e.g. the drive device (19) and the

Control device (22) are controlled.

On the support (14) is preferably a single

Receiving (21) arranged for a single clamping frame (10). Alternatively, the carrier (14) several

Have recordings (21). Furthermore, on one Recording (21) a plurality of clamping frames (10) fixed or detachable.

The receptacle (21) can be rigid or movable on the

Carrier (14) can be arranged. It can also be designed and arranged changeable and, if necessary, allow a replacement or a change in position of the clamping frame (10). Furthermore, an adjustability along the carrier (14) can be given in the web direction. This can e.g. be supported by a grid arrangement of mounting locations. The means of transport (13) thereby receives a high degree of functional and constructive flexibility. It can be adapted to different process requirements. A receptacle (21) can be attached to a clamping frame (10)

be specially adapted. It can alternatively be designed universally and in particular can accommodate different types of clamping frame (10).

By means of a movable receptacle (21) of the

Tensioning frame (10) as needed relative to the carrier (14) to be moved. It can in particular be delivered by the carrier (14) to the process station (3,4) and to the station frame (47) and brought back again. Of the

Carrier (14) can for this purpose have a single-axis or multi-axis adjusting device (22) for a movable receptacle (21). The actuator (22) may e.g. when

Sled, turntable, swingarm or other

be suitably trained. Preferably, the adjusting device (22) has a transverse to the curvature of

Transport path (12) directed movement axis. This is, for example, aligned radially to the transport path (12). For their movements, the adjusting device (22) on a controllable drive.

The receptacle (21) or the adjusting device (22) can be locked in one or more operating positions, if necessary. It can be manually adjusted between the different operating positions. The

Actuator (22) may also be a preferred

have controllable drive.

The carrier (14) may be in any suitable manner

be educated. For the movement along the curved, preferably arcuate, transport path (12), the carrier (14) can also be bent, in particular

be concentric curved. He can e.g. be formed as an arc segment (15) according to Figure 4 and 5. The carrier (14) or the arc segment (15) is preferably formed rigid. The bending stiffness is in the embodiments in all directions.

The guide device (17) and the support (18) for the transport means (13) can be designed in different ways. In a not shown

Variant they are designed as a rail guide for a sliding or rolling transport (13). The rail guide may e.g. a one-lane or

be multi-lane track guidance on which the

Transport means (13) rolls with a chassis. The

Drive device (19) can be arranged on the transport means (13). Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a fragmentary other transport means (6). Their components are shown in more detail in FIG.

The guide device (17) serves to guide the

Transport means (13) along the transport path (12). The guide device (17) has a plurality of discrete and along the transport path (12) with a mutual distance (a) relatively stationary arranged guide and support elements (27). The discreet leadership and

Support elements are preferably arranged individually and each independently and preferably stationary. The guide and support elements (27) are relatively stationary relative to the movable transport means (13).

The movable transport (13) bridges the

Distance (a). It is self-supporting and preferably rigid at least in the vertical.

Several of the relatively stationary leadership and

Support elements (27) locally carry the means of transport (13) and support its weight. When driving the

Transport means (13) along the transport path (12) each lead at least two of the existing in larger numbers guide and support elements (27)

Transport means (13) and support his weight. The transport (13) is kept floating and at a distance above the ground. Due to the local guide ^¬ and support connection with said leadership and

Supporting elements (27), the transport means (13) at two or more spaced apart in the web direction

Junctions with local boundary, especially punctiform, guided and supported by weight. While his journey comes the means of transport (13) again and again with other relatively stationary leadership and

Support elements (27) in leadership and support connection.

The guide means (17) and the support (18) for the transport means (13) are combined. The said guiding and supporting elements (27) combine the relatively stationary local guiding and supporting function. Alternatively, the functions may be performed separately and discretely provided along the transport path (12) discrete guide elements and support elements.

The transport (13), in particular the

Guide device (17), has a guide element (23) and a supporting support member (24) on the movable

Transport means (13). These elements (23, 24) can be present singly or multiply. They can be arranged separately or combined with each other.

The guide and support elements (23,24) are each formed like a strip and bridge the distance (a). They are at least two relatively stationary

Guide and support elements (27) in a local

 Operatively connected. The guide element (23) and optionally the support element (24) and the guide and support elements (27) preferably cooperate in a multi-sided positive connection. The transport (13) is thereby guided on all sides and can only in the direction of the transport path

(12) move. In addition, any reaction forces are supported at the process site or stations (3, 4). The transport device (6) moves the transport means (13) along the curved transport path (12). The

Guide means (17) and the support (18) also have a curvature. The curvature is preferably circular arc-shaped.

In the exemplary embodiments shown, the relatively stationary guide and support elements (27) are arranged in an arc, in particular circular arc. This can be an open or finite bow or a closed bow or ring. The guide element (23) and the

Have support element (24) on the transport (13)

also a curved, in particular circular arc, shape. The said bow assembly and the

Element curvatures can be concentric. The guide and support elements (23,24) extend along the transport means (13) and the transport path (12). The length of the guide element (23) and the

Supporting element (24) is each greater than twice the distance (a) of the relatively stationary guide and

Support elements (27). The guide element (23) and the support element (24) thereby come into contact with each other during travel and in the state of the transport means (13) with at least two relatively stationary guide and support elements (27). On the support (14), the guide element (23) and the support element (24) are arranged. The carrier (14) and the guide and support elements (23,24) can

be designed and arranged differently. In the exemplary embodiments, the carrier (14) has a rigid frame (25). This preferably flat frame (25) is formed by two parallel frame-side and along the transport path (12) extending frame elements, which are connected by other frame elements, for example in the form of a framework, transversely. The peripheral frame members may form the support member (24). They are designed as spars (26) or rails that

are formed rigid at least in the vertical and preferably in the other directions. Of the

Frame (25) is self-supporting and can be used in the

aforementioned manner at two or more support points of said support and guide elements (27) in the

Vertical be supported. He can have the concentric circular arc shape shown.

The strip-like guide element (23) can be arranged at any point of the carrier (14) or frame (25). It is e.g. at one edge

Frame member and projects upright from this and / or below. It can be arranged on the inside or outside of the frame element. The strip-like guide element (23) is e.g. when

thin-walled sword or designed as a rail. The support member (24) may alternatively or additionally have a guiding function and cooperate with said guiding and supporting elements (27). In Figure 4, the outer side of a peripheral frame member is formed and used as a guide surface.

In the embodiment of Figures 1 and 4 are the

discrete and relatively stationary leadership and Support elements (27) arranged floor bound. They have a base (30), which is attached to a substrate each independently and in any way. The base (30) has a slim shape and is aligned transversely or obliquely to the transport path (12). It may be formed, for example, as an elongated, strip-like and flat base plate.

The relatively stationary guide and support elements (27) also each have a roller guide with support and guide rollers (28,29). The roller guides may be the same or different. The support and guide rollers (28,29) act with the guide and support elements

(23,24) in a multi-sided form-fit together.

 Alternatively or additionally, a sliding guide is possible. The guide element (23) is gripped by e.g. on both sides lateral guide rollers (29) in pairs. The support element (24) is supported and held from below and possibly from above by support rollers (28). It may also be guided laterally by guide rollers (29). The drive device (19) acts with a

 Guide element (23) and / or a support element (24) on the transport means (13) together. She has several

Drive elements (33), which are each arranged on a relatively stationary guide and support member (27). The drive elements (33) act locally there

driving on the guide element (23) and / or

Support element (24). The drive element (33) can each influence the formation of the aforementioned roller guide. A drive element (33) may be arranged on all or only a few relatively stationary guide and support elements, for example on every other along the

Transport track (12). The drive elements (33) are distributed along the transport path (12) such that the

Means of transport (13) in all positions on the

Transport path (12) with at least one, preferably two, drive element (s) (33) is in drive connection. The transport device (6) can have one in FIG. 1

schematically indicated control (11), which is connected to the drive device (19). The

Drive device (19) can be controlled automatically. It can be controlled in such a way that the

Drive elements (33) for the drive connection with the transport means (13) corresponding to

 Transport means movement along the transport path (12) alternately activated and deactivated. The

Drive device (19) can be connected to the controller (11) and program according to the

 Process requirements are controlled.

The drive device (19) can be designed in any suitable manner and act on the transport means (13) driving. This can be done with traction and / or positive locking. Preferably, the

Drive device (19) designed as a friction wheel drive. It can act on the transporting means (13), in particular on the carrier (14), via the guide element (23). Alternatively or additionally, an attack on the support element (24) is possible. The drive elements (33) each have drive means (34, 35). A drive means (34) can be designed, for example, as a controllable and optionally controllable electric motor. Another drive means (35) can eg as

Friction wheel be designed. In another embodiment, gears and toothed racks can be used.

Instead of an electric motor can be any other drive motor or other driving

Drive means (34) are used. The abortive drive means (35) may be part of the aforementioned roller guide.

In the illustrated embodiment of Figure 4, the roller guide two spaced transversely to the transport path, freely rotatable support rollers (28) on the base (30) on which rest the edge-side frame members. Furthermore, at least one lateral guide roller (29)

be present, which is rigidly or movably arranged on the base (30) and stored. A guide roller (29) may e.g. from a spring or another

Actuator applied and against the carrier (14), e.g. against an outer side surface of a peripheral frame member to be pressed. The counter-hold may be via another guide roller (29) located elsewhere in the carrier (14), e.g. on the guide element (23) attacks. Furthermore, it is possible for two friction wheels (35) acting on both sides of the guide element (23) to assume a guiding function and to replace one or more freely rotatable lateral guide rollers (29).

4, all relatively stationary guide and support elements (27) independently and independently arranged and fastened. The between adjacent leadership and

Support elements (27) existing distance (a) can as

Free space (32) may be formed, which allows a crossing of the transport path (12). If no

 Transport means (13) located at this point, the guide means (17) and the support (18) are in

Area of the free space (32) interrupted. The open space

(32) offers an unobstructed passageway. In Figures 1 to 3 variants of the transport device (6) are shown. Figure 1 corresponds to the arrangement of Figure 4, wherein the guide means (17) only discrete and along the transport path (12) not interconnected relatively stationary floor-bound guide and support elements (27).

Figures 2 and 3 show a variant in which the relatively stationary guide and support elements (27) on a stand (31) are arranged hanging. They float at a distance above the ground. The clamping frame (10) is also suspended on the transport means (13) or the

Carrier (14) arranged. The guide device (17) and the support (18) are as a hanging guide and

Hängeabstüt tion trained.

In this variant, support rollers (28) can be located below and above the support element (24). The uprights (31) can be free-standing and arranged independently of one another. They may alternatively be connected together in the direction of the transport path (12). The drive elements

(33) are also on the stand (31) and its upper Arranged yoke, in which also the other parts of the

Transport device (6) are suspended.

In another, not shown embodiment, the relatively stationary guide and support elements (27) and the transport means (13) standing on a

Stand (31) can be arranged. The stands (31)

allow in the various variants each a multi-level arrangement of several

Transport devices (6) on top of each other. In a variant, not shown, the carrier

(14) be designed as a single spar. The spar also forms the supporting support element. The guide element in this case is e.g. arranged hanging on the spar and protrudes down. The spar can be a rectangular one

Have cross-sectional shape. He may have the aforementioned curved, in particular circular arc-like shape.

Modifications of the shown and described

Embodiments are possible in various ways. In particular, the characteristics of the various

Embodiments and said modifications in any suitable manner combined with each other and optionally also reversed. REFERENCE SIGN LIST

manufacturing plant

 2 joining station, framing station

 3 process station

 4 process station

 5 process device, joining device

6 transport facility

 7

 8th

 9. component

 10 clamping frames

 11 control

 12 Transport ahn

 13 means of transport

 14 carriers movable

 15 arc segment

 16 carrier train

 17 management device

 18 support

 19 drive device

 20 positioning device, stake out

21 Holder for clamping frame

 22 adjusting device, slide, rocker

23 guide element, movable

 24 support element

 25 frame of carrier

 26 spar of carrier

 27 Guide and support element, stationary

28 roller, support roller 29. Role, leadership role

 30. Base

 31. Stand

32. Freiraum

33. Drive element

 34. Drive means, engine

 35. Drive means, friction wheel

 36. Process device

 37. Industrial robots, joining robots 38. Industrial robots, handling robots 39.

 40. Feeding device

41st

 42. Provision

43rd

 44. Workpiece

 45. Subsidies

 46th area, gusset

 47. Station rack a distance

Claims

Joining station, in particular framing station, for joining workpieces (44), in particular body parts, to a process station (3) by means of interchangeable clamping frames (10), which by means of a Transport device (6) with a  Guiding device (17) and a support (18) are fed along a curved transport path (12), wherein the workpieces (44) along a transfer line with a conveying means (45). transported and into the joining station (2) of the Process station (3) are supplied, and wherein the joining station (2) has a process device (5) with a process device (36) in the region of the process station (3), characterized in that a process device (36) and / or a  Feeding device (40) for further components (9) in a region (46) adjacent to the process station (3) between the conveying means (45) and the bent conveyor track (12) is arranged. Joining station according to claim 1, characterized marked that the area wedge-shaped or gusseted formed Joining station according to claim 1 or 2, characterized characterized in that the region (46) in the direction of the transfer line to the process station (3) or to the local station frame (47) closes. Joining station according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the region (46) in front of and / or behind the processing station (3) and / or on one or both sides of the transfer line is arranged. Joining station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a process device (36) floor bound and / or on a station rack (47) is arranged. Joining station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at the Feeding device (40) a process device (36), in particular a handling robot (38), is arranged to be movable. Joining station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the Transport device (6) along the Transporting track (12) movable transport means (13) having a carrier (14) for a clamping frame (10). Joining station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the Guide means (17) and the support (18) for the transport means (13) are combined and for a tip-safe guidance and support of the Transport means (13) on the transport path (12) provide. 9.) joining station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the  Transport path (12) is bent circular. 10.) joining station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the  Transport means (13) comprises a single carrier (14) or a carrier train (16) with a plurality of coupled carriers (14). 11.) joining station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the  Transport path (12) a plurality of transport means (13) are arranged. 12.) joining station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the  Transport track (12) an open or closed Has ring shape. 13.) joining station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the  Transport device (6) receives a plurality of clamping frames (10) and forms along the transport path (12) movable clamping frame magazine. 14.) joining station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the  Transport device (6) a positioning device (20), in particular a stake out, for the Positioning a transport means (13) at a process station (3,4). Joining station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier (14) has a rigid or movable receptacle (21) for a clamping frame (10). 16) joining station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier (14) has a uniaxial or multi-axis actuating device (22), in particular a carriage, a turntable or a rocker, for a movable receptacle (21) of a clamping frame (10). having. 17.) joining station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the  Setting device (22) has a transverse, in particular radial, to the curvature of the transport path (12)  directed movement axis has. Joining station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the  Actuating device (22) has a controllable drive. 19.) joining station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier (14) as a preferably rigid arc segment (15)  is trained. 20) joining station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier (14), in particular the arc segment (15), as a frame (25) or as a spar (26) is formed. 21.) joining station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the  Transport device (6) has a circular curved guide device (17), a support (18) and a drive device (19) for the  Has transport means (13). 22.) joining station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the  Guide device (17) and the support (18) floor bound to a ground or floating Stands (31) are arranged. 23.) joining station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the  Guide means (17) a plurality of discrete, along the transport path (12) with a mutual Distance (a) arranged relatively stationary guide ^¬ and support elements (27), wherein the  Transport means (13) or the clamping frame (10) bridges the distance (a) and in each case a plurality of guide and support elements (27) the transport means (13) or guide the clamping frame (10) locally and support its weight. 24) joining station according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that along the transport path (12) at least two guide ^¬ and supporting elements (27) the means of transport (13) locally lead and support its weight. 25.) joining station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the  Guide device (17) has a guide element (23) and a supporting support element (24) on the movable transport means (13), in particular on the carrier (14), or on the clamping frame (10), which are each formed like a strip, the distance (a) bridge and with at least two relative  stationary guide and support elements (27) are in a local operative connection. 26.) joining station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the length of the guide element (23) and the support member (24) each greater than twice the distance (a) of the relatively stationary guide and support elements (27). 27.) joining station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distance (a) between adjacent relatively stationary guide and support elements (27) as a free space (32)  is formed, which allows a crossing of the transport path (12). 28.) joining station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the relatively stationary guide and support elements (27) are arranged individually and stationary. 29) joining station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the relatively stationary guide and support elements (27) are arranged in a circular arc. 30.) joining station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the  Drive device (19) for the transport means (13) is arranged relatively stationary. 31.) joining station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the  Drive device (19) with a guide element (23) and / or a support element (24) on  Transport means (13) cooperates. 32.) joining station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the  Guide element (23) on the transport means (13) is designed as an upright rail or sword. 33.) joining station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the  Drive device (19) a plurality of drive elements (33), each at a relative  fixed guide and support element (27) are arranged. 34.) joining station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the  Drive elements (33) so along the  Transport path (12) are distributed that the  Transport means (13) with at least one  Drive element (33) is in drive connection. 35.) joining station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the  Drive device (19) is controlled such that the drive elements (33) are activated and deactivated for the drive connection according to the transport means movement. 36.) joining station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the  Drive device (19) as a friction wheel drive  is trained. 37.) joining station according to one of claims 1 to 23,  characterized in that the  Guide means (17) and the support (18) as a rail guide for a sliding or rolling Transport means (13) are formed. 38.) joining station according to claim 37, characterized  in that the rail guide is designed as a multi-track track guide. 39.) joining station according to claim 37 or 38, characterized in that the drive device (19) is arranged on the transporting means (13). 40.) joining station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that several,  in particular two, transport devices (6) are arranged at a distance one above the other. 41.) joining station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on both sides of the process station (3) circularly curved  Transport tracks (12) and transport means (6) for clamping frames (10) are arranged. 42.) joining station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at the  Transport lanes (12) one or more more  Process stations (4) are arranged for one or more further processes. 43.) joining station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the joining station (2) to a transfer line and a conveying means (45) for the supply of workpieces (44) is connected. 44.) joining station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the joining station (2) at a process station (3,4) a  Process device (5), in particular a Joining device, with a plurality of process devices (36). Joining station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the Process devices (36) as industrial robots, in particular as a joining robot (37) and / or as Handling robot (38) are formed. Method for joining workpieces (44), in particular body parts, at one Process station (3) of a joining station, in particular framing station, by means of exchangeable clamping frames (10) which are fed by means of a transport device (6) with a guide device (17) and a support (18) along a curved transport path (12), the workpieces ( 44) along a transfer line with a conveying means (45) transported and in the joining station (2) of the  Process station (3) are supplied, and wherein the joining station (2) has a process device (5) with a process device (36) in the region of the process station (3), characterized in that the Workpiece (44) with a process device (36) is processed, which in one of the Process station (3) adjacent region (46) between the conveyor (45) and the bent conveyor track (12) is arranged and / or one or more further components (9) of a in the region (46) arranged feeding device (40) are supplied. A method according to claim 46, characterized in that at the feed device (40) a process device (36), in particular a handling robot (38) is moved.