DE102017205263A1 - Set unit for a punch riveting apparatus, punch riveting apparatus and method for operating a punch riveting apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a setting unit (70) for a punch riveting apparatus, in which setting unit (70) a rivet (20) can be held, and with a punch (15), by means of which the rivet (20) can be acted upon with force and in a riveting operation in at least one component (11, 12) is insertable, wherein a holding device (80), by operating the holding device (80) in an initial position (P _A ) and in a holding position (P _H ), in which the rivet (20) by means of the holding device (80) is fixable, can be brought, and wherein the holding device (80) is designed such that by moving from the starting position (P _A ) in the holding position (P _H ) of the rivet (20) by means of the holding device (80) is tangible, and by a movement of the holding position (P _H ) in the initial position (P _A ), the holding device (80) of the rivet (20) is releasable, and a such punch riveting apparatus, a manufacturing facility, and a method of operating a punching machine etvorrichtung.

Description

The present invention relates to a setting unit for a punch riveting apparatus, a punch riveting apparatus with such a setting unit, a production facility with such a punch riveting apparatus and a method for operating a punch riveting apparatus.

State of the art

Joining methods, such as riveting methods, serve for connecting at least two components which are in particular flat in a connecting region (joining partner). A punch riveting method is characterized, for example, by the fact that pre-punching of the components to be joined together is not required. Rather, a rivet as a joining element by means of a joining tool, which includes a stamp, pressed into the at least two components, which can be ensured by a correspondingly shaped counter-holder, for example. In the form of a die, which cooperates with the joining tool, that the rivet or the components deform in a particular manner to produce a positive and positive connection between the components.

Furthermore, for example, from the EP 2 318 161 B1 a so-called ultrasonic punch riveting method in which a vibration generator, such as an ultrasonic generator, is used to cause one or more components to vibrate when connecting the components. By this vibration, for example, the expended force is reduced to push the rivet.

In riveting, it is usually necessary for automated operation, a supply of rivets, and in particular to ensure an automated recording of these rivets in the joining device.

Disclosure of the invention

According to the invention, a setting unit, a punch riveting apparatus, a production facility and a method for operating a punch riveting apparatus with the features of the independent patent claims are proposed. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims and the following description.

The invention is based on a setting unit which is provided for a punch riveting device or which serves for use with a punch riveting device. In the setting unit, a rivet can be held and it has a stamp, by means of which the rivet can be acted upon by force and introduced into at least one component in a riveting operation.

One way of feeding and receiving in the case of punch riveting devices, even with manual processing, is now, for example, the use of a belt or the like, in which a plurality of rivets are held in a predefined position and arranged in a row. Such a belt can then be carried out in accordance with the setting unit, so that, for example, after each riveting a new rivet is placed in front of the stamp. A Gurtnachführung can be coupled, for example, with the movement of the setting unit or made separately.

Another possibility, especially for larger series and automatic processing, is the supply of rivets on a profile hose or the like. In such a profile tube rivets can be performed in a predefined orientation. The profile hose can then be connected at a suitable location in the setting unit, so that in each case a rivet can be fed into the desired position or inserted into the setting unit for a riveting operation.

After the rivet has been introduced into the setting unit, it is generally necessary to hold the rivet in the setting unit until the rivet touches a component during the subsequent riveting operation. The joining tool has in addition to the stamp usually a so-called. Hold-down, which surrounds the punch and serves to guide the rivet during the riveting process. The hold-down is usually on the component, while the punch is moved relative to the hold-down to press the rivet into the components.

To hold the rivet, various measures can now be taken in the holddown. For example, mechanical elements such as spring-loaded half-shells, pressure pieces, rivet slide, flexible fibers, embedded balls or the like may be provided.

In the case of the above-mentioned stamp riveting devices with ultrasound assistance (or with corresponding vibration coupling), however, not only the stamp (or a corresponding sonotrode, from which a section can serve as a stamp and in which the oscillations are transmitted) and the rivet are vibrated offset, but also mentioned, in the hold-down mechanical elements, as these, in order to hold the rivet and to ensure the guidance of the rivet, are in mechanical contact with this, and about the hold-down itself Hold down or arranged therein mechanical elements very high and in particular significantly higher than conventional punch riveting devices.

According to the invention it is now proposed that a holding device is provided for the setting unit, which can be brought by actuation of the holding device in an initial position and in a holding position in which the rivet is fixable by means of the holding device. The holding device is designed in such a way that the rivet can be gripped by means of the holding device by moving it from the starting position into the holding position, and that the holder can be detached from the rivet by moving from the holding position into the starting position is.

Such a setting unit thus makes it possible that the rivet is first gripped and thus fixed in a certain position and is brought in this position together with the setting unit to the desired location on the components to be connected. Meanwhile, the holding device may be in the holding position to fix the rivet in position. If a hold-down is provided, it can be surrounded by the rivet and held in position. The fixture can then be moved to the home position to release it from the rivet. In the preferred case of an ultrasonic punch riveting apparatus having a vibration generator for generating vibrations which can be coupled to the punch, there is already no contact between the holding device and the rivet or the punch (or the sonotrode) when the Stamp touches the rivet. If the punch does not vibrate at this time, fixing the rivet between the punch and the component is also advantageous. During the riveting process coupled to the rivet vibrations are thus not transferred to the fixture and this is exposed to significantly less wear. Likewise, wear on the outer surface of the punch, which was previously performed on the mentioned mechanical elements, avoided. It should be noted that such a holding device allows a simple and quick picking up and positioning of the rivet even with punch riveting devices without vibration coupling.

Preferably, the holding device is mechanically coupled to the punch, that the holding device can be brought by a movement of the punch and / or upon reaching a respective predetermined position of the punch in the holding position and / or in the initial position. For this purpose, a suitable linkage or the like may be provided. Also conceivable are guides along suitable contours or the like. In particular, the holding device for this purpose may comprise at least one spring element, which is actuated by the movement of the punch and / or upon reaching the respective predetermined position of the punch to bring the holding device in the holding position and / or in the initial position. Such a mechanical coupling allows a low-maintenance holding device.

Alternatively, it is preferred if the holding device has at least one actuator, by means of which the holding device can be brought into the holding position and / or into the starting position. Such actuators may be designed as electro-mechanical or as a compressed air-actuated actuator. Here, a control of the actuators by means of necessary electrical signals or compressed air can also be coupled to a movement or position of the punch. However, the operation of the holding device can be made more variable in this way.

Advantageously, the setting unit further comprises a hold-down, which at least partially surrounds the stamp. Thus, on the one hand, the components can be fixed, on the other hand, however, the rivet can be held in position after the holding device has been released from the rivet. The hold-down device may, for example, have suitable recesses for the passage of parts of the holding device in order to bring them up to the rivet.

The invention furthermore relates to a punch rivet device with a setting unit according to the invention, to a production system with such a punch riveting device, and to a method for operating a punch riveting device with such a setting unit.

In the proposed method for operating a punch riveter with a setting unit, in which a rivet can be held, and with a punch, by means of which the rivet can be acted upon by force and in a riveting operation in at least one component can be introduced, the rivet is gripped by means of a holding device and then fixed. Subsequently, the setting unit is moved in the direction of the at least one component, wherein, after the rivet touches one of the components, the holding device is released from the rivet. Subsequently, the rivet is acted upon by means of the punch with force and pressed into the at least one component.

In particular, in the proposed method, a punch riveting apparatus according to the invention is used, in which case the holding device is brought from the starting position to the holding position to grip the rivet, and the holding device is brought into the starting position to remove it from the rivet in particular before the (vibrating) punch touches the rivet or before the punch begins to vibrate. In the latter case would be Also, the fixing of the rivet after releasing the holding device by the punch, which presses the rivet against the component, possible.

With regard to the further refinements and advantages of the punch riveting apparatus, the production plant and the method, reference is made to the above statements on the setting unit according to the invention in order to avoid repetition.

Further advantages and embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the description and the accompanying drawings.

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

The invention is illustrated schematically by means of exemplary embodiments in the drawing and will be described in detail below with reference to the drawing.

list of figures

• 1 shows schematically a punch riveting with a profile hose for supplying rivets.
• 2 shows various possibilities for holding a rivet in a setting unit of a punch riveting device.
• 3 schematically shows an ultrasonic punch riveting apparatus according to the invention in a preferred embodiment.
• 4 schematically shows a manufacturing plant in a preferred embodiment.
• 5 schematically shows a setting unit according to the invention in a preferred embodiment.
• 6 schematically shows a setting unit according to the invention in a further preferred embodiment.

Detailed description of the drawing

In 1 is schematically a conventional punch riveting apparatus 10 ' shown. The punch riveting device 10 ' has a frame 60 on, which is preferably in the form of a C-frame or C-bracket, on which the individual components are arranged in a punch riveting usually in order to take the desired position to each other can. About the frame 60 can the punch rivet device 10 ' for example, be attached to an arm for movement in space.

The punch riveting device 10 ' has a stamp 15 on, by way of example with a round cross-section. The Stamp 15 is from a (sleeve-shaped) hold-down 16 radially surrounded and arranged movable relative to this in the longitudinal direction. The Stamp 15 and the hold-down 16 together form a joining tool 70 ' , The Stamp 15 is with a drive 50 coupled, which serves to one for pressing in the rivet 20 in the two components 11 . 12 required force F to apply. The drive 50 can, for example, by means of the arithmetic unit 95 to be controlled.

At the drive 50 it may be, for example, a drive with ball, roller or planetary screw or the like, which is adapted to a force F for pressing a rivet 20 as a joining element in the components 11 . 12 applied.

Also is the hold down 16 set up against the surface of the stamp 15 facing component 11 with a hold down force. For this purpose, for example, a separate drive can be provided. However, the hold-down may also be coupled (as shown here) to the drive of the punch or to the punch itself, for example by means of a spring.

On the stamp 15 and the hold-down 16 opposite side of the two components 11 . 12 is a counterholder in the form of a die 18 arranged. The Stamp 15 and the matrix 18 are in the vertical direction, as well as the hold-down 16 , movably arranged and movable relative to each other. The hold down 16 and the matrix 18 serve to the two components 11 . 12 between the hold down 16 and the matrix 18 during processing by the stamp 15 clamp or compress.

The rivet 20 , here by way of example a Halbhohlniet, preferably consists of a relation to the materials of the two components 11 . 12 harder material, at least in the area of a rivet shaft. The component 11 facing away, flat top of the rivet is in operative connection with the stamp 15 Arranged at the top of the rivet 20 lies flat.

Furthermore, at the hold-down 16 a profile hose 17 attached, which serves the feeder of the rivets. Rivets can be inserted individually into the joining tool via the profile hose 70 be introduced so that for each new riveting a new rivet is available.

In 2 Different possibilities are shown, like the rivet 20 in the setting unit 70 ' or the hold-down 16 ' can be held. In 2a is the inside of the hold-down 16 ' by way of example with fibers 40 provided that down are directed. The rivet 20 can be kept in this way on the one hand, on the other hand, but also pressed by the punch slightly down and guided it.

In 2 B is the inside of the hold-down 16 ' by way of example with downwardly directed supports 41 provided with springs. The rivet 20 can be held in this way on the one hand, on the other hand, but also pressed by the punch slightly down.

In 2c is on one side of the hold-down 16 ' an example of a rivet slider 42 provided, over which the rivet is pressed laterally into the hold-down. The rivet 20 can be held in this way on the one hand, on the other hand, but also pressed by the punch slightly down.

In 2d is the inside of the hold-down 16 ' by way of example with embedded balls 43 provided, which are made for example of elastomers or polymeric material. The rivet 20 can be kept in this way on the one hand, but on the other hand also pressed and guided by the stamp slightly down.

The in the 2a to 2d shown mechanical elements in the hold-down 16 ' It is common that (at least almost) there is contact between the mechanical elements and the rivet during the entire joining process. In addition, the outer surface of the stamp is in contact with these elements. If now vibrations were coupled into the stamp, so would the mechanical elements vibrated, resulting in increased wear. In addition, there is additional wear due to contact between the punch and mechanical elements.

In 3 schematically is a punch riveting device according to the invention 10 shown in a preferred embodiment, here as ultrasonic punch riveting, which can also be used for a method according to the invention. The ultrasonic punch riveting device 10 corresponds to the basic structure of the in 1 shown conventional punch riveting 10 ' In this respect, reference should also be made to the description there. However, the vibrator is in the form of a vibration converter 30 with a signal generator 32 provided, which together serve the generation of ultrasound.

The ultrasonic punch riveting device 10 has a stamp 15 , which also serves as a sonotrode, on, for example, with a round cross-section. The Stamp 15 is also here of a (sleeve-shaped) hold-down 16 radially surrounded and arranged movable relative to this in the longitudinal direction. In this case, the hold-down device is preferably fastened to a so-called zero-amplitude passage of the punch, ie a position of the punch at which oscillation amplitudes are zero or at least as low as possible, by means of a spring. In particular, the stamp 15 with a drive 50 coupled, which serves to one for pressing in the rivet 20 in the two components 11 . 12 required force F to apply. The drive 50 can, for example, by means of the arithmetic unit 95 to be controlled.

The Stamp 15 is via a so-called booster 31 with the vibration converter 30 operatively connected so that the ultrasonic vibrations on the stamp 15 and with it the rivet 20 are transferable. In particular, ultrasonic vibrations with an amplitude (distance between the maximum positive and negative amplitude of a vibration) between 10 .mu.m and 110 .mu.m (corresponding to an amplitude of 5 .mu.m to 55 .mu.m) and a frequency between 15 kHz and 35 kHz or possibly higher are generated , The signal generator 32 is to the arithmetic unit 95 connected and can be controlled by this.

At the drive 50 is a frame 35 attached to which the vibration converter 30 , the booster 31 as well as the stamp or the sonotrode 15 are arranged, the stamp 15 and the downholder attached to it 16 a set unit 70 form. Furthermore, the setting unit 70 a holding device 80 on, which is shown here only roughly schematically. For a detailed illustration and explanation of the holding device is on this on the 5 and 6 directed.

In 4 is simplified and schematically a production plant according to the invention 100 shown in a preferred embodiment. The production plant can be, for example, an industrial robot, for example for an automobile body shop.

The manufacturing plant 100 in this case has a support structure arranged on a floor 3 and two arms connected and movable thereon 4 and 5 on. At the end of the arm 5 is an ultrasonic punch riveting device 10 as they are for example in 3 is shown in more detail.

Furthermore, a storage container 110 For example, a magazine provided in which rivets can be kept. The ultrasonic punch riveting device 10 can then, for example, over the arms to the storage container 110 be moved to remove a rivet from there.

In 5 schematically a setting unit according to the invention 70 in a preferred Embodiment illustrated by which a method according to the invention is to be explained in a preferred embodiment. The setting unit 70 For example, at the in 3 used punching rivet find use.

The setting unit 70 has - as already mentioned - a holding device 80 on, here again holding elements 83 that has over feathers 83 to the stamp or the sonotrode 15 are connected. By means of springs 84 can the retaining elements 83 now in the direction of the rivet 20 be pressed. The holding elements 83 are exemplified here by suitable openings in the hold-down 16 guided. In the illustration shown above, the holding device is located 80 while in the holding position P _H.

The setting unit 70 can now move in the direction of the components 11 . 12 be guided until the rivet 20 and the hold-down 16 resting on one of the components, as shown in the lower illustration. Here, the hold-down 16 by suitable springs to the component 11 be pressed when the stamp 15 moved in the direction of the components.

In addition, during a movement of the punch 15 over the springs 82 a force on the retaining elements 83 exercised so that they due to the inclined surfaces on the holding elements 83 against the spring force of the springs 84 apart and from the rivet 20 be pushed away. This is the holding device 80 in an initial position P _A , in which they neither the rivet 20 nor the hold-down 16 touched.

Then the riveting process in which the rivet 20 over the stamp 15 subjected to force and in the components 11 . 12 is pressed. Subsequently, the setting unit can be moved away from the components again and, for example, to the in 4 shown storage container 110 be led to pick up a new rivet. For this purpose, the holding device may initially continue to be left in the starting position, and then, as soon as it is suitably placed to the new rivet, be brought into the holding position.

It is understood that the spring forces of the springs 82 and 84 should be suitably matched to each other at a desired position or movement of the punch 15 the holding device 80 to move as desired. It should also be noted that the retaining elements 83 be attached in a suitable manner to the setting unit or possibly also the punch riveting.

In 6 schematically is a setting unit according to the invention 71 in a further preferred embodiment with a holding device 85 shown. The setting unit 71 can, for example, also in the in 3 used punching rivet find use. Compared to the embodiment according to 5 Here, no mechanical coupling of the holding device is provided, but the holding device 85 has electrical actuators 87 on, the retaining elements 88 can move. Instead of the electric actuators, for example, compressed air actuated actuators could be used.

These retaining elements 88 can now be moved by suitable control of the actuators 87so that the holding device 85 can spend in a holding position P _H and an output position P _A. Incidentally, the setting unit 71 as already to the setting unit 70 in relation to 5 explained for a riveting operation. It should also be noted that the actuators 87 and holding elements 88 be attached in a suitable manner to the setting unit or possibly also the punch riveting.

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

• EP 2318161 B1 [0003]

Claims (12)

A setting unit (70, 71) for a punch rivet device (10), in which setting unit (70, 71) a rivet (20) can be held, and with a ram (15), by means of which the rivet (20) with force (F) can be acted upon and in a riveting in at least one component (11, 12) can be introduced, characterized by a holding device (80, 85) by actuation of the holding device (80, 85) in an initial position (P _A ) and in a holding Position (P _H ), in which the rivet (20) by means of the holding device (80, 85) is fixable, can be brought, wherein the holding device (80, 85) is designed such that by moving from the initial position ( P _A ) in the holding position (P _H ) of the rivet (20) by means of the holding device (80, 85) is tangible, and by a movement of the holding position (P _H ) in the initial position (P _A ) the holding device (80, 85) of the rivet (20) is releasable. Setting unit (70) after Claim 1 wherein the holding device (80) is mechanically coupled to the punch (15) such that the holding device (80) by a movement of the punch (15) and / or upon reaching a respective predetermined position of the punch (15) in the holding Position (P _H ) and / or in the initial position (P _A ) is brought. Setting unit (70) after Claim 2 in that the holding device (80) has at least one spring element (82) which is actuated by the movement of the punch (15) and / or upon reaching the respectively predetermined position of the punch (15) in order to place the holding device (80) in the Hold position (P _H ) and / or in the initial position (P _A ) to bring. Setting unit (71) after Claim 1 wherein the holding device (85) has at least one actuator (87), by means of which the holding device (85) in the holding position (P _H ) and / or in the initial position (P _A ) can be brought. Setting unit (71) after Claim 4 , wherein at least one of the actuators (87) is designed as an electro-mechanical actuator. Setting unit after Claim 4 or 5 , wherein at least one of the actuators is designed as a compressed air-actuated actuator. A setting unit (70, 71) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a hold-down (16) at least partially surrounding the punch (15). Punch riveting device (10) with a setting unit (70, 71) according to one of the preceding claims. Punch riveting device (10) after Claim 8 formed as an ultrasonic punch riveting with a vibration generator (30, 32) for generating vibrations which can be coupled to the punch (15) is formed. Production plant (100) with a punch rivet device (10) according to Claim 8 or 9 , Method for operating a punch rivet device (10) having a setting unit (70, 71) in which a rivet (20) can be held, and a ram (15) by means of which the rivet (20) can be acted upon by force (F) and in a riveting operation in at least one component (11, 12) can be introduced, wherein the rivet (20) by means of a holding device (80, 85) is gripped and then fixed, wherein the setting unit (70, 71) then in the direction of at least one component (11, 12) is moved, wherein, after the rivet (12) of one of the components (11) touched, the holding device (80.85) is released from the rivet (20), and then the rivet (20) by means of Stamp (15) acted upon by force (F) and in the at least one component (11, 12) is pressed. Method according to Claim 11 using a punch riveting device (10) Claim 8 or 9 wherein the holding device (80, 85) is brought into the holding position (P _H ) to grip the rivet (20), and wherein the holding device (80, 85) is brought into the initial position (P _A ) to release them from the rivet.

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