As a basis a flexible accumulation system with product carriers

Goal

Automatic and flexible transport system, providing empty assembly positions for a multiple robot application and discharging of the assembled semi-finished products.

Issue

The challenge is a logistical handling of empty and full product carriers, which are provided with products (semi-manufactured) by three a-synchronously operating robots, and use a common transport and after processing process. The difficulty in this is due to the continuous supply of parts from a press with a fixed output and the absence of an intermediate buffer. Because the robots do not capture the parts of a common feed conveyor, random picking, they will have to adapt continuously to the varying parts and unloading of components and therefore do not require a fixed and unloading of product carriers.

Scope

• Global preliminary study to supplement the technical specifications.
• Compile the standard modules to realize the desired configuration, as well as add missing functionality with custom designs.
• Concept, technical design, construction and commissioning (Turn-key delivery) complete, including custom designed modules.

Approach

We use buffer positions with empty product carriers with each action robot, with the feed across a parallel path next to the drain path. Because only empty bearers are here, we can fill the buffer positions sequentially because the system is also accumulative. As a result, the carriers do not have to pass each other. With each action robot, a transfer station has now been developed which has a combined function of transferring and centralizing. An empty carrier is pulled out of the buffer position on the conveyor track of filled carriers and pulled straight away as a position for the robot. The road for other filled carriers is also free again and they can pass by. This, in combination with the accumulating function, prevents carriers from waiting for each other to get out of the empty position.