DE102010014382A1 - Joint connection i.e. blind rivet connection, manufacturing method for connecting metal sheets, involves inserting joining element into holder unit by transferring transfer device from initial position into transfer position - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves supplying a joining element (19) i.e. blind rivet, to a joining tool (12) i.e. blind rivet tool. The joining element is inserted into a holder unit (32) of the joining tool by transferring a transfer device from an initial position into a transfer position. A joining connection (14) is manufactured by the joining element. The joining element is supplied into transfer units (50) of an adding tool through a supply hose (40) when the transfer units are in a starting position. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) an joining tool for manufacturing an joining connection (2) an adding system comprising a feeding unit for joining elements, which comprise a supply hose connected with a transfer unit.

Description

The present invention relates to a method for producing a joint, in particular for producing a Blindnietverbindung, and relates to a joining tool for performing such a method and a joining system comprising such a joining tool. A known method for producing a joint connection is the blind riveting method. Here are two workpieces, usually two sheets joined together by a blind rivet is inserted from one side through a hole in the workpieces, which has a rivet head and a rivet mandrel. The rivet connection is made by pulling the mandrel against the insertion direction. As a result, an enlarged end of the rivet mandrel deforms a rear protruding part of the rivet head. At a predetermined breaking point, the shaft of the mandrel breaks off as soon as a certain tensile force is exceeded.

For producing such Blindnietverbindungen hydraulically or pneumatically operated Blindnietwerkzeuge are known. These have a holding device for holding the rivet mandrel and an annular mouthpiece, which serves as a counter-holder for the head. The holding device is then withdrawn hydraulically or pneumatically, whereby the necessary setting force and finally the necessary force for separating the predetermined breaking point of the rivet mandrel are generated.

Such blind riveting tools are usually equipped by hand by each of the mandrel of a blind rivet is inserted from the front into the holding device.

It is also known to combine such Blindnietwerkzeuge with automatic feeders. These work, for example, on the principle of a machine gun belt to which a plurality of blind rivets is attached and is cyclically moved to a position in front of the holding device.

In other fields of joining technology, it is known to automatically feed joining elements into a holding device of a joining tool. In so-called stud welding, for example, a joining bolt is not fed from the front but from behind into a holding device. This is usually done via feed hoses through which the joining elements are conveyed by means of compressed air. An example of such a feeder is disclosed in the document US 6,998,564 B2 ,

Since in the blind riveting the holding forces to be applied by the holding device to the rivet mandrel have to be relatively large, the realization of such a feed unit for a blind riveting tool would be relatively expensive.

Accordingly, the object of the invention is to provide an improved method for producing a joint connection, wherein in particular a simple, as far as possible automation of the supply of a joining element is possible. Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to specify a joining tool or joining system suitable for this purpose.

• – Zuführen eines Fügeelementes zu einem Fügewerkzeug;
• – Einführen des Fügeelementes in eine Halteeinrichtung des Fügewerkzeuges; und
• – Herstellen der Fügeverbindung mittels des Fügeelementes; wobei das Zuführen des Fügeelementes einen ersten Zuführschritt, bei dem das Fügeelement durch einen Zuführschlauch hindurch in eine Transfereinrichtung des Fügewerkzeuges zugeführt wird, und einen zweiten Zuführschritt beinhaltet, bei dem die Transfereinrichtung mit dem darin enthaltenen Fügeelement dem Fügewerkzeug von einer Ausgangsposition in eine Übergabeposition versetzt wird, aus der heraus der Schritt des Einführens des Fügeelementes in die Halteeinrichtung erfolgen kann.

The above object is achieved by a method for producing a joint connection, in particular for producing a blind rivet connection, with the steps:

• - feeding a joining element to a joining tool;
• - Introducing the joining element in a holding device of the joining tool; and
• - Making the joint connection by means of the joining element; wherein the feeding of the joining element comprises a first feeding step, in which the joining element is fed through a feed tube into a transfer device of the joining tool, and a second feeding step, in which the transfer device with the joining element contained therein is displaced from a starting position into a transfer position by the joining tool from which the step of inserting the joining element into the holding device can take place.

The above object is further achieved by a joining tool for producing a joint connection, in particular for carrying out the above-mentioned method, with a joining head, at the front end of a holding device for holding a joining element is arranged, and a transfer device, which at the joining head between a starting position and a transfer position is mounted displaceably, wherein the transfer device with a supply hose for supplying joining elements is connectable and has at least one receptacle for a joining element and wherein a received in the receiving joining element in the transfer position of the transfer device from the receptacle out into the holding device is inserted.

Finally, the above object is achieved by a joining system with a joining tool of the type mentioned above, with a feed unit for joining elements, which has a feed tube, which is connected to the transfer device.

In the joining method according to the invention joining elements can be at least largely automated fed to a joining tool. The joining process makes it possible to introduce the joining elements from the front into a holding device of the joining tool.

The joining elements can be separated due to the possibility of feeding via a feed hose at a location independent of the joining tool. It is not necessary to pre-secure the joining elements to a machine gun belt-like element.

The internal structure of the joining tool does not have to be changed here, since a joining element can be introduced into the holding device as in the case of manual assembly.

Furthermore, it is possible to supply joining elements of different sizes, in particular different lengths and diameters.

Overall, it is possible, usually pneumatic or hydraulic or manually working joining tools, in particular Blindnietwerkzeuge equipped with a fully or semi-automatic feeding, which can also be simple and therefore robust and less susceptible to interference and easy to maintain / repair.

The task is thus completely solved.

In the joining method according to the invention, it is of particular advantage if the joining tool has a joining axis and if the joining element contained in the transfer device is moved obliquely to the joining axis when the transfer device is moved into the transfer position in one direction.

In this embodiment, the transfer device in the starting position, in which a joining element can be fed into the transfer device, offset from the joining axis, in particular offset in parallel. By contrast, can be aligned by the oblique offset a recording in the transfer device in the transfer position coaxially with the joining axis and consequently with the holding device of the joining tool. The insertion into the holding device can be done by a simple axial movement of the joining element.

On the one hand, this makes it possible to easily adapt existing joining tool constructions, since the joining element can be transferred substantially outside the actual functional elements of the joining tool into a region in front of the holding device by means of the transfer device. The construction of the holding device can also remain unchanged.

Furthermore, it is preferred if the return of the transfer device to the starting position is detected, preferably by means of a suitable sensor.

For example, the sensor may be a mechanical sensor such as a touch sensor, a switch, or the like, but may also be an electronic sensor such as a Hall sensor.

Since it can be detected when the transfer device is invented in the starting position, it can be ensured that a joining element supplied via the supply hose is fed into a receptacle of the transfer device.

Furthermore, it is possible, on the basis of such a signal, to lock the transfer device to the joining tool in order to ensure that a joining element supplied via the supply hose does not shoot out of its end in an uncontrolled manner.

Consequently, it is advantageous if a joining element of the transfer device is fed via the feed tube only when the transfer device is in the starting position.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the joining element is a blind rivet, wherein the blind rivet is fed with the rivet head ahead into a receptacle of the transfer device.

In this way, the blind rivet is aligned after transfer to the transfer position so that it can be inserted with the rivet mandrel from the front into the holding device of the joining tool.

The insertion of the joining element from the recording of the transfer device in the holding device can be done manually.

However, it is particularly preferred if this process takes place with the aid of compressed air.

Especially with pneumatically operated joining tools compressed air is available anyway. This can then be used to suck the joining element in the holding device or blow by deflection on the transfer device.

Furthermore, the following embodiments of the invention are particularly advantageous.

Thus, the transfer device can be displaced by hand on the joining tool, in the manner of a "pump gun". It is possible to hold the transfer device in the receiving position and / or in the transfer position latching. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the transfer device can be locked in the starting position in order to avoid the uncontrolled ejection of joining elements out of the supply hose. Also it is possible between the Feed tube and the transfer device to provide a closure, for example, automatically sets in front of the end of the feed tube when the transfer device is moved from the starting position to the transfer position.

Furthermore, it is possible to automatically move the transfer device to the joining tool between the positions, for example by means of a pneumatic, hydraulic or electric motor drive.

A handle may be disposed on the transfer device to facilitate manual shifting between positions.

The transfer device is preferably mounted on the joining tool in the region of a mouthpiece thereof. For example, an appropriate mechanical guide for the transfer device can be formed on an outer circumference of the mouthpiece. The transfer device can be either exclusively offset axially or also simultaneously rotated in the transfer from the starting position to the transition position.

The inventive method and the joining tool according to the invention can preferably be used in conjunction with blind rivets, but are also suitable for other joining methods in which other types of joining elements are supplied, such as conventional rivets, punch rivets, welding studs etc. Due to the supply via a supply hose are the Joining elements preferably formed rotationally symmetrical. In general, however, it is also conceivable to supply non-rotationally symmetrical joining elements by means of a correspondingly profiled tube.

It is understood that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained below can be used not only in the particular combination given, but also in other combinations or in isolation, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description. It shows:

1 a schematic representation of a joining system according to the invention.

In 1 is a joining system generally with 10 designated. The joining system 10 has a joining tool 12 on, which in the present case is designed as a blind riveting tool. joining tool 12 is designed as a hand-held tool with a non-descriptive handle and is used to make a joint connection 14 , which is designed as Blindnietverbindung. The blind rivet connection 14 serves to connect two workpieces 16 . 18 , Which are formed here as sheets. The joining element 19 in the form of a blind rivet includes a rivet head 20 which abuts on one side of the workpiece assembly and a bore in the workpieces 16 . 18 penetrates sleeve-like. Furthermore, the blind rivet 19 a rivet thorn 22 on, before putting the rivet through the sleeve-like part of the rivet head 20 passed through. When setting the blind rivet widens a thickened part of the rivet mandrel 22 a protruding end of the sleeve of the rivet head 20 radially, until due to an increased withdrawal force of the rivet mandrel 22 breaks off at a predefined location. This remains a thorn rest 24 in the joint connection 14 while the rivet thorn 22 is disposed of. The withdrawal direction of the rivet mandrel 22 is at 26 shown.

The joining tool 12 has a joining head 30 on, on which a holding device 32 is arranged, which is designed, the rivet mandrel 22 to keep. The holding device 32 is along a joining axis 34 aligned. For performing a blind riveting process is a blind rivet with the rivet mandrel 22 advance from the front into the holding device 32 introduce.

This can in the joining system according to the invention 10 largely automated. For this purpose is a feeder unit 36 intended. The feeder unit 36 has a separating device 38 provided by the occasional rivets, as in 19a is shown. Furthermore, the feed unit 36 a delivery hose 40 on, the singler 38 with the joining tool 12 combines.

The separating device 38 is with a compressed air source 42 connected to the isolated joining element 19a through the supply hose 40 through to the joining tool 12 to promote. Furthermore, the singulator is 38 with a control device 44 connected, which outputs a release signal, as soon as the feeding of the joining element 19a is permissible

At the joining head 30 is a transfer device 50 arranged. The transfer device 50 is at the joining head 30 between a starting position shown in solid lines and a transfer position shown in dashed lines displaceably mounted.

The transfer device 50 has a recording 52 for a joining element, as is the case with 19b is shown. The recording 52 is in the home position with one end of the delivery tube 40 aligned.

In the starting position is the recording 52 in the radial direction relative to the joining axis 34 staggered. The transfer device 50 is for this purpose outside of the joining head 30 arranged. The transfer device 50 is, more specifically, on an outer circumference of a mouthpiece sleeve 54 of the joining head 30 displaceable stored. At the offset of the transfer device 50 from the starting position to the transfer position (at 50 ' shown) is the recording 52 from the radially offset orientation to a position coaxial with the joining axis 34 convicted, as with 52 ' is shown. The offset direction 56 the recording 52 is therefore oblique, that is at an angle greater than 0 and less than 90 ° with respect to the joining axis 34 aligned.

On the outer periphery of the transfer device 50 may also have a handle 57 be provided, by means of which the transfer device 50 by hand "pumpgun" -like is movable.

Furthermore, at the joining head 30 a sensor 58 arranged, which detects when the transfer device 50 is in the starting position.

The process according to the invention preferably proceeds as follows. The transfer device 50 is in the starting position and the recording 52 is empty. The sensor 58 generates a signal to the controller 44 is transmitted, in turn, a release signal for the separating device 38 generated. Then a joining element is provided in isolated form 19a by blowing air through the supply hose 40 towards the joining tool 12 promoted until this is in the recording 52 like it is at 19b is shown.

Subsequently, the transfer device 50 by hand in the offset direction 56 moved to the transfer position, so that the recording 52 coaxial with the joining axis 34 aligned and in front of the holding device 32 is arranged as it is at 52 ' is shown. Subsequently, by a Nietansaugung, as in pneumatic joining tools 12 the designated type is usually present anyway, in the recording 52 ' included joining element 19c along the joining axis 34 in the holding device 32 is introduced.

Subsequently, the transfer device 50 moved back to the starting position. This will in turn be from the sensor 58 captured, so that then a new joining element in the recording 52 can be supplied. Furthermore, this is preferably a release that the actual joining process with the in the holding device 32 introduced joining element can be performed.

This is the rivet head 20 into the hole in the workpieces 16 . 18 introduced and by means of the mouthpiece a holding force on the front of the rivet head 20 exercised. Then, using compressed air or hydraulically, a pull-off force is applied to the rivet mandrel 22 exerted so that its rear end widens the rear projecting part of the Nietkopfhülse until the rivet mandrel 22 interrupted. Subsequently, the joint connection 14 finished, as exemplified in 1 is shown.

Thereafter, the holding device 32 reloaded by the transfer device 50 in turn moved to the transfer position, etc.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 6998564 B2 [0005]

Claims (11)

Method for producing a joint connection ( 14 ), in particular for producing a blind rivet connection ( 14 ), with the steps: - feeding a joining element ( 19 ) to a joining tool ( 12 ); - insertion of the joining element ( 19 ) in a holding device ( 32 ) of the joining tool ( 12 ); and - producing the joint connection ( 14 ) by means of the joining element ( 19 ); wherein the feeding of the joining element ( 19 ) a first feeding step, in which the joining element ( 19 ) through a feed tube ( 40 ) into a transfer device ( 50 ) of the joining tool ( 12 ) and a second feeding step, in which the transfer device ( 50 ) with the joining element contained therein ( 19 ) on the joining tool ( 12 ) is moved from a starting position to a transfer position, out of the step of inserting the joining element ( 19 ) in the holding device ( 32 ). Method according to claim 1, wherein the joining tool ( 12 ) a joining axis ( 34 ) and wherein in the transfer device ( 50 ) joining element ( 19 ) in moving the transfer device ( 50 ) in the transfer position in one direction ( 56 ) obliquely to the joining axis ( 34 ) is moved. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the returning of the transfer device ( 50 ) is detected in the starting position. Method according to claim 3, wherein a joining element ( 19 ) of the transfer device ( 50 ) via the delivery tube ( 40 ) is supplied when the transfer device ( 50 ) is in the starting position. Method according to one of claims 1-4, wherein the joining element is a blind rivet ( 19 ) and wherein the blind rivet with the rivet head ( 20 ) ahead into a receptacle ( 52 ) of the transfer device ( 50 ) is supplied. Method according to one of claims 1-5, wherein the joining element ( 19 ) with the aid of compressed air ( 42 ) from a recording ( 52 ) in the transfer device ( 50 ) in the holding device ( 32 ) is introduced. Joining tool ( 12 ) for producing a joint connection ( 14 ), in particular for carrying out the method according to any one of claims 1-6, with - a joining head ( 30 ), at whose front end a holding device ( 32 ) for holding a joining element ( 19 ), - a transfer device ( 50 ), which at the joining head ( 30 ) is displaceably mounted between a starting position and a transfer position, wherein the transfer device ( 50 ) with a delivery hose ( 40 ) for feeding joining elements ( 19 ) and at least one receptacle ( 52 ) for a joining element ( 19 ) and wherein one in the receptacle ( 52 ) received joining element ( 19 ) in the transfer position of the transfer device ( 50 ) from the recording ( 52 ) out into the holding device ( 32 ) is insertable. Joining tool according to claim 7, wherein the transfer device ( 50 ) on the outside of the joining head ( 30 ) is arranged. Joining tool according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the transfer device ( 50 ) so at the joining head ( 30 ) is mounted displaceably that the receptacle ( 52 ) in the starting position relative to a joining axis ( 34 ) of the joining tool ( 12 ) is arranged offset and in the transfer position with the joining axis ( 34 ) is aligned. Joining tool according to one of claims 7-9, wherein at the joining head ( 30 ) a sensor ( 58 ), which detects when the transfer device ( 50 ) is in the starting position. Joining system with a joining tool according to one of claims 7-10 and with a feed unit ( 36 ) for joining elements ( 19 ), which has a delivery tube ( 40 ) connected to the transfer device ( 50 ) connected is.

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