DE102020131273A1 - System for placing an auxiliary joining element in at least one component - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a system, in particular a punch rivet system, with a setting tool for setting an auxiliary joining element (7) in at least one component (1, 3, 5), the setting tool having a tool carrier (9), in particular a C-frame, on which a Setting unit (15) and a parameterizable die unit (19) are mounted, and in order to set a counterforce (FG) that can be applied via the die unit (19), a die stamp (25) of the die unit (19) can be stroke-adjusted by means of a reciprocating piston (29), which Is part of a hydraulic unit (23) with which the lifting piston (29) can be driven. According to the invention, the hydraulic unit (23) is mounted on the tool carrier (9), in particular a pressure booster (67), a proportional pressure regulator (73), a directional control valve (71) and a hydraulic line (75) with a pressure sensor of the hydraulic unit (23).

Description

The invention relates to a system for setting an auxiliary joining element in at least one component according to the preamble of claim 1 or a setting tool according to the preamble of claim 8.

From the DE 10 2016 120 681 A1 a generic setting device for setting an auxiliary joining element is known. In the setting device, at least one component is arranged between a setting unit and a die unit for a setting operation. In the setting process, the auxiliary joining element is driven into the component with a setting force by means of the setting unit. To set a counterforce that can be applied via the die unit, a die stamp of the die unit can be adjusted in stroke by means of a reciprocating piston, which is part of a hydraulically operated piston-cylinder unit in which the reciprocating piston is guided in a die housing in an adjustable manner along a setting axis.

From the DE 10 2012 005 491 A1 a joining device is known. From the DE 10 2016 215 450 A1 is a jointing pliers known. From the DE 60 2004 001 199 T2 a riveting device is known.

In current car body construction, different joining techniques are used depending on the joining task. In addition to resistance spot welding, one of the most commonly used connection techniques is semi-tubular punch riveting. With this fully automated riveting process, it is possible to connect materials of the same type or of different types using a semi-tubular punch rivet. Depending on the type of joining task, different punch rivet elements and punch rivet matrices are used for the connection. These dies are rotationally symmetrical turned parts, which have a die shank and a corresponding die head, which has a die contour that is characteristic of the joining task. The punch rivet dies are held in a C-frame via the die shank coaxially to the setting drive.

Typical punch riveting systems therefore consist of a C-frame with a mount for a setting drive and a coaxially arranged mount for a rotationally symmetrical punch rivet die, designed as a turned part, consisting of a die shank and a die head, which has a die contour adapted to the joining task.

The setting drive is designed as an electric motor, pneumatic, hydraulic or as a combination of electric motor and hydraulics. The setting drive is mounted on the C-frame via an adapter, which is either integrated directly into the C-frame (one-piece C-frame) or is mounted on the C-frame with a positive and non-positive fit.

The receptacle for the punch rivet die on the side of the C-frame opposite the setting drive is designed in such a way that the setting axis of the setting drive and the axis of the die receptacle are aligned coaxially. Due to the accessibility of the joint on the assembly to be joined, a wide variety of geometric designs of the lower C-bar leg are required here. For example, versions without a die base and with a die base are used in production. Due to the matrix substructure, it is possible to display different working areas (gripper windows) via the C-frame and to mount the matrix in a fixed position within the working area on the working axis of the setting drive.

The state of the art here is matrix substructures, which are integrated in one piece in the C-frame or are mounted on the lower leg of the C-frame. In a multi-part configuration, the parting plane is orthogonal to the working axis of the setting drive. Current punch rivet setting systems also consist of a rivet feed for at least one type of rivet and a corresponding system control.

The object of the invention is to provide a device for setting an auxiliary joining element which, compared to the prior art, requires less installation space and is easy to maintain and/or has a simple construction.

The object is solved by the features of claim 1 or 8. Preferred developments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.

According to the characterizing part of claim 1, in addition to the setting unit and the die unit, the hydraulic unit can be securely mounted on the tool carrier. In this way, a holistic setting system is provided, in which the riveting tool has a preferably modular C-frame, on which the parameterizable die unit and/or the setting unit as well as components of the hydraulic unit (i.e., among other things, pressure intensifier, proportional controller, directional control valve, pipeline with pressure sensor ), a setting drive and a rivet feed are mounted.

A rivet separator is assigned to the rivet feeder. This is not mounted on the tool carrier (i.e. on the C-frame), but can be positioned freely.

According to the characterizing part of claim 8, the matrix housing has an assembly access on its housing side facing away from the setting unit in the axial direction. The reciprocating piston can be removed from the die housing or mounted in the die housing via the assembly access. According to the invention, the reciprocating piston is always mounted from a side of the die housing that faces away from the setting unit. As a result, the assembly and disassembly of the reciprocating piston is less subject to disruptive contours in comparison to the prior art. With the assembly access according to the invention, the accessibility of the joints on vehicle bodies is ensured.

The subject matter of the invention is a punch rivet system with the following properties: The punch rivet system consists of a riveting tool, the rivet feed for at least one rivet type and a rivet control. The riveting control includes all control functions that are usual in the state of the art and an additional control function for the control of a parameterizable matrix concept. The riveting tool consists of a C-frame, a setting unit and a die unit. The setting unit corresponds to the currently customary embodiments and is identical to the prior art. The C-frame has a modular design. This means that at least the parameterizable die unit according to the invention can be assembled and disassembled via an interface on the C-frame base body. Likewise, the mount for the setting drive can also be designed via an interface on the C-frame base body.

In addition, the self-piercing riveting system has an additional unit for operating the parameterizable die concept, consisting of a hydraulic unit, an equalization and storage tank, a proportional pressure regulator and a valve for controlling the pressure build-up, as well as a unit for generating hydraulic pressure. This can be designed, for example, as a pneumohydraulic pressure booster. The configurable die unit and the unit for generating the hydraulic pressure can be connected to one another by means of a hydraulic line.

A pressure sensor for recording the hydraulic pressure is integrated in the area of the parameterizable die unit, consisting of the die housing, the unit for generating the hydraulic pressure and the hydraulic line. The unit for operating the configurable die concept can be mounted directly on the setting device, consisting of a C-frame, setting drive and configurable die unit, or variably at another position as an independent unit, whereby there is always a connection to the configurable die unit via the hydraulic line.

According to the invention, the C-frame can be made of metal as a solid material, as a framework construction or a combination, produced as a milled part or cast part. Furthermore, the C-frame can be made of a fiber composite material.

The configurable die unit can be made of a metallic material (steel) and can be mounted on the C-frame with a force fit, a form fit, or both a force fit and a form fit Has working axis of the setting drive.

According to the invention, the die substructures customary in the prior art are fully integrated into the parameterizable die unit. The parameterizable die unit consists of a die sleeve, a die punch and a hydraulic unit. The hydraulic piston works within the matrix substructure, which forms the housing of the hydraulic cylinder and is used for adaptation to the C-frame. The working space of the hydraulic cylinder is decoupled from the die sleeve and die punch in such a way that the die punch and sleeve have no contact with the hydraulic medium.

In addition, the die sleeve and the die stamp are designed to be removable and can be replaced if they are worn. Both the die sleeve and the die stamp are preferably captively mounted in the setting tool. On the one hand, this can be done via a bayonet lock of the die sleeve, which will be described later. On the other hand, the die stamp can be held in position securely using a die sleeve geometry, which will be described later, so that there are no restrictions with regard to the working positions.

The punch riveting system according to the invention can be operated in a stationary or robot-guided manner. There are no restrictions on work positions.

In one embodiment, the interface to the C-frame can be generated via a combination of a screw connection (example four screws) and a key, with the key itself being integrated into the die body, i.e. a non-positive and positive connection. The interface is preferably located as close as possible to the setting axis to minimize stress on the interface. With this interface, the screw connections are arranged in the C-frame opening direction.

The configurable die unit can be mounted on the C-frame in any suitable way will. In one embodiment variant, the parameterizable die unit can be mounted on the C-frame via a simple interface with two socket pins arranged perpendicularly to the plane of the C-frame with a corresponding fit and via retaining rings. In this embodiment, too, the parting plane on the die side of the C-frame is not perpendicular to the setting axis.

A significant advantage of a riveting system with a parameterizable die unit is the flexibility of the overall system. With the help of parameterization via the applied hydraulic pressure, which can be flexibly adjusted from joining point to joining point and can theoretically even be changed during joining, it is possible to adapt the die unit to the respective joining task. In conventional designs with a rigid die, this is only possible to a very limited extent, so that there is a great variety of different die variants in current body construction. In the prior art, this variance is attempted to be reduced to the possible minimum by means of a great deal of planning effort.

1. a) Nutzung der vorhandenen Versorgungsmedien (das heißt Druckluftversorgung) im Karosseriebau. Das heißt, dass zur Erzeugung des Hydraulikdrucks zunächst auf die ohnehin vorhandene Druckluftversorgung zurückgreifbar ist. Die Druckluft wird bei aktuellen Nietsystemen generell bereits benötigt, um die Förderung (Zuschießen) der Nietelemente in den Setzkopf und den anschließenden Setzprozess zu ermöglichen. Das heißt, dass unabhängig von der Art der Nietbereitstellung (konventionell über Vereinzelung aus einem Feeder mit Schüttgut und Zublasen des Nietes über einen Zuführschlauch, oder die Bereitstellung über ein entsprechendes Magazin) aktuell bereits für die Nietlogistik schon Druckluft als Medium am Nietsystem vorhanden ist, auf welche auch für den Betrieb der parametrierbaren Matrize zurückgreifbar ist. Daher wird in einer bevorzugten Ausführungsvariante ein Druckübersetzer genutzt, der die vorhandene Druckluft auf einen deutlich höheren Hydraulikdruck übersetzt. Die Übersetzung kann beispielhaft von maximal 6bar Pneumatikdruck auf maximal 1000bar Hydraulikdruck erfolgen. Das Hydrauliksystem ist in sich geschlossen und kommt daher mit einer Minimalmenge an Hydrauliköl aus. Das Hydrauliksystem kann bevorzugt nur mit einer Ölsäule mit einem charakteristischen Hydraulikdruck ausgeführt sein, welche im System verschoben wird. Die Verschiebung der Säule erfolgt durch den Setzprozess des Nietes und den maximal möglichen Weg des Hydraulikstempels. Beispielhaft kann der maximal mögliche Weg des Hydraulikstempels 3,0mm betragen. Alternativ dazu kann ein Weg von 1,5mm genutzt werden. Dies bietet ein hohes Maß an Flexibilität. Die maximale Geometrie der Matrizen lässt sich über die Matrizenhülse und den Matrizenstempel einmalig definieren. Beispielhaft sind hier Durchmesser des Stempels und damit des Matrizenbodens bis maximal 15mm sinnvoll. Vorzugsweise liegen diese bei Durchmessern bis zu 12mm.
2. b) Möglichkeit, den C-Bügel und die über die Schnittstelle am C-Bügel montierbare, parametrierbare Matrizeneinheit getrennt voneinander zu fertigen. Das bietet zum einen den Vorteil, dass die Fertigungsaufwendungen für beide Komponenten optimiert und minimiert werden können. So ist es beispielsweise nicht notwendig, die hohen Anforderungen an die Hydraulikkomponente am kompletten C-Bügel umzusetzen. Zudem ist es möglich, über einen C-Bügelgrundkörper und unterschiedliche geometrisch ausgeführte parametrierbare Matrizen eine größere Varianz unterschiedlicher Zangenfenster darzustellen. Durch die Schnittstelle ist es weiterhin möglich, C-Bügel in unterschiedlicher Gestaltungsform zu verwenden. So können C-Bügel aus Vollmaterial, als Fachwerkkonstruktion, oder aus unterschiedlichen Werkstoffen verwendet werden (zum Beispiel CFK). Zudem sind metallische C-Bügel aus unterschiedlichen Halbzeugen möglich, zum Beispiel gefräste C-Bügel und Guss-C-Bügel.
3. c) Möglichkeit zur Realisierung sowohl eines stationär und robotergeführten, als auch eines handgeführten Nietsystems, das unabhängig von der Fügeposition verwendet werden kann. So sind alle denkbaren Nietpositionen darstellbar, bei gleichzeitig hoher Flexibilität durch die Parametrierbarkeit der Matrizenausführung.
4. d) Montage eines Komplettsystems der parametrierbaren Matrizeneinheit inklusive Druckübersetzer, Ventil, Ausgleichsbehälter, Rohrleitung und Drucksensor, sowie Proportionaldruckregler an dem C-Bügel, so dass der C-Bügel auch für die Kombination mit Roboterdocking geeignet ist, also mit anderen Komponenten am Roboter gewechselt werden kann und keine zusätzliche Trennung im Bereich der Dockingkupplung benötigt wird.

In addition, the die unit according to the invention offers the following structural advantages:

1. a) Use of the existing supply media (i.e. compressed air supply) in body construction. This means that the compressed air supply that is already available can be used to generate the hydraulic pressure. The compressed air is generally already required in current riveting systems in order to enable the conveying (injecting) of the riveting elements into the setting head and the subsequent setting process. This means that regardless of the type of rivet provision (conventional via separation from a feeder with bulk material and blowing the rivet in via a feed hose, or provision via a corresponding magazine), compressed air is already available as a medium on the riveting system for riveting logistics which can also be used to operate the parameterizable matrix. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, a pressure booster is used, which boosts the available compressed air to a significantly higher hydraulic pressure. The translation can take place, for example, from a maximum of 6 bar pneumatic pressure to a maximum of 1000 bar hydraulic pressure. The hydraulic system is self-contained and therefore requires a minimum amount of hydraulic oil. The hydraulic system can preferably be designed with only one oil column with a characteristic hydraulic pressure, which is shifted in the system. The column is moved by the setting process of the rivet and the maximum possible travel of the hydraulic ram. For example, the maximum possible travel of the hydraulic ram can be 3.0 mm. Alternatively, a path of 1.5mm can be used. This offers a high degree of flexibility. The maximum geometry of the dies can be defined once via the die sleeve and the die punch. As an example, diameters of the punch and thus the die base up to a maximum of 15mm are sensible. These are preferably at diameters of up to 12mm.
2. b) Possibility of manufacturing the C-frame and the parameterizable die unit, which can be mounted via the interface on the C-frame, separately from each other. On the one hand, this offers the advantage that the production costs for both components can be optimized and minimized. For example, it is not necessary to implement the high demands on the hydraulic components on the entire C-frame. In addition, it is possible to use a C-frame body and different geometrically designed parameterizable matrices to represent a greater variety of different tong windows. The interface also makes it possible to use C-frames in different designs. C-frames can be made of solid material, as a framework construction, or made of different materials (e.g. CFRP). In addition, metallic C-frames made of different semi-finished products are possible, for example milled C-frames and cast C-frames.
3. c) Possibility of realizing a stationary and robot-guided as well as a hand-guided riveting system that can be used independently of the joining position. In this way, all conceivable riveting positions can be represented, with a high level of flexibility at the same time thanks to the parameterization of the die design.
4. d) Installation of a complete system of the parameterizable die unit including pressure intensifier, valve, expansion tank, pipe and pressure sensor, as well as proportional pressure regulator on the C-frame, so that the C-frame is also suitable for the combination with robot docking, i.e. it can be exchanged with other components on the robot and no additional separation in the area of the docking coupling is required.

1. a) der zu verwendende Niettyp durch die Anwahl des jeweiligen Vereinzelers;
2. b) die Vorgabe für die Parametrierung des Setzantriebes;
   • - Setzkraft, bzw. den Setzweg (abhängig von Kraftsteuerung oder Wegsteuerung), oder auch Energie
   • - sofern einstellbar die Vorgabe für die Niederhalterkraft
3. c) mögliche prozessbeeinflussende Parameter, wie eine Zeit zur Verdrängung von Klebstoffen aus dem Bereich der Fügezone;
4. d) alle notwendigen Parameter für die Prozessüberwachung am jeweiligen Fügepunkt.

In a preferred control concept, a separate joining program can be stored on the controller for each joining point, which is uniquely assigned to the joining point. All the information required for the joining process is stored in this program. So one each specific value for each definable process parameter. Usually these are:

1. a) the rivet type to be used by selecting the respective separator;
2. b) the specification for the parameterization of the setting drive;
   • - Setting force or the setting path (depending on force control or path control), or also energy
   • - if adjustable, the specification for the hold-down force
3. c) possible process-influencing parameters, such as the time it takes for adhesives to be displaced from the area of the joining zone;
4. d) all necessary parameters for process monitoring at the respective joining point.

In the case of the parameterizable die unit, the parameters for the parameterizable die, which are not necessary with the current state of the art due to the die design as a geometrically defined hardware component, are added to these specifications. With the parameterizable die unit, this is the specification of the hydraulic pressure to be set. Since there are constant area ratios in the hydraulic system when designing the die, a corresponding joining force is specified as a parameter, which is calculated from the pressure and areas of the hydraulic system. This has the advantage that, in addition to the joining force, an additional parameter with a known unit is used for the system operator, which increases user-friendliness. In addition, the set pressure is queried via the integrated pressure sensor before the joining process is carried out in order to rule out possible process influences. A pressure loss in the closed overall system due to a leak or possible air in the hydraulic system could affect the process. A tolerance for the pressure specification or force specification can be set separately at each joint point for control purposes.

The selection of the joining point and the actual process flow remain basically comparable to the state of the art.

The process monitoring is identical to the state of the art via the recorded force/displacement curves. In addition, the status of the die unit can also be monitored using process monitoring. For example, the recorded force/displacement curves can be used to draw conclusions about a fault (e.g. leakage of hydraulic fluid or loss of pressure in the hydraulic system) in the closed hydraulic system of the parameterizable die unit. Such an error in the closed hydraulic system has a direct influence on the force/displacement curves and thus on the process monitoring, in which a corresponding error is then output.

Aspects of the invention are highlighted again in detail below: The assembly access according to the invention can be a hollow-cylindrical housing channel with a channel opening on the housing side of the die housing facing away from the setting unit. The hollow-cylindrical housing channel can be outwardly closable with the aid of a closure element, in particular a closure screw. In a structurally simple variant, a pressurizable hydraulic working chamber of the piston-cylinder unit can be formed in the housing channel, namely in the axial direction between a closure element tip and a reciprocating piston end face facing it.

During a setting process, the lifting piston can be stroke-adjustable between a return stroke position and a forward stroke position. In the return stroke position, the piston rod is in contact with a return stroke stop fixed to the housing, while in the pre-stroke position the reciprocating piston is in contact with a pre-stroke stop fixed to the housing.

In a technical implementation that is economical in terms of installation space and structurally simple, the return stroke stop can be formed directly by the tip of the closure element. In contrast, the pre-stroke stop can be implemented as an annular shoulder in the housing channel facing the channel opening. At the annular shoulder, a large-diameter housing channel section facing the channel mouth transitions into a small-diameter housing channel section facing away from it.

The die unit can have a die sleeve on its side facing the setting unit, which moves the stroke-adjustable die stamp. During the setting process, the component is clamped between the die sleeve and a hold-down device on the setting side. In addition, the inner contour of the die sleeve, together with the stroke-adjustable die punch, determines the geometry of the die closing head produced during punch riveting. The die sleeve is preferably fixed in place on the die housing. It is preferred if the die sleeve can be mounted/removed as a wearing part on the die housing without great effort in assembly. Against this background, the die sleeve can be mounted directly on an opening edge area of a channel opening facing the setting unit. The die sleeve can preferably be connected to the die housing via a quick-release fastener, in particular via a bayonet lock be. With a bayonet lock of this type, the die sleeve can be mounted on the die housing and removed from it by means of a plug-and-turn movement, preferably without tools and manually.

In the same way, it is also preferred if the die stamp, as a wearing part, can be easily replaced in terms of assembly: Against this background, the lifting piston can have a blind hole on its end face facing the setting unit, into which the die stamp can be inserted, in particular with a loose fit. In this way, the die stamp (when the die sleeve has already been dismantled) can be released manually and without tools from the face of the reciprocating piston. As already mentioned above, both the die sleeve and the die stamp are captively mounted in the setting tool in the assembled state, so that the setting tool can also be handled in an overhead position without the die stamp falling out of the die sleeve.

In a technical implementation, the reciprocating piston can be positioned completely overlapping within the housing channel of the die housing both in its forward stroke position and in its return stroke position, namely in sliding contact with the inner wall of the housing channel and by an axial offset from that facing the setting unit Channel mouth reset.

In contrast, the die stamp held on the reciprocating piston can protrude beyond the channel mouth facing the setting unit by an overhang. This excess length of the die punch can be guided in the die sleeve, that is to say it can be in sliding contact with the inner wall of the die sleeve.

The locking screw for closing the housing channel can have a screw head which, in the tightened state, is supported on an opening edge area of the channel mouth facing away from the setting unit. With a view to increasing the functionality of the setting device, it is preferred if an axial position of the return stroke stop can be adjusted. Against this background, a spacer can be provided, which can be braced between the screw head of the screw plug and the opening edge area, whereby the axial position of the return stroke stop (implemented by the tip of the screw plug) is shifted in the axial direction.

In order to increase the flexibility of the setting device, it is preferred if the setting unit and/or the die unit can each be mounted as a separate preassembled unit on a setting tool carrier, in particular a C-frame. In this case, the die housing can be attached to the setting tool carrier in a screw connection. Their screw axis can preferably be aligned transversely to the setting axis.

A hydraulic unit can also be assigned to the die unit, by means of which the lifting piston can be pressurized. It is preferred if the hydraulic unit has a pneumohydraulic pressure booster. With the help of the pressure booster, an overpressure provided by compressed air can be translated into a significantly higher hydraulic pressure, with which the lifting piston can be pressurized.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying figures.

• 1 ein Setzwerkzeug;
• 2 eine am Setzwerkzeug montierbare Matrizeneinheit in Schnittdarstellung;
• 3a bis 3c jeweils Detailansichten einer Matrizenhülse sowie eines Matrizenstempels, die in der Matrizeneinheit verbaubar sind;
• 4 eine Detailansicht, anhand der ein Setzvorgang veranschaulicht ist; und
• 5 die an der Matrizeneinheit sowie am C-Bügel ausgebildeten Befestigungskonturen gemäß einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel.

Show it:

• 1 a setting tool;
• 2 a die unit that can be mounted on the setting tool, in a sectional view;
• 3a until 3c detailed views of a die sleeve and a die punch that can be installed in the die unit;
• 4 a detailed view, based on which a setting process is illustrated; and
• 5 the attachment contours formed on the matrix unit and on the C-frame according to a second exemplary embodiment.

In the 1 a setting tool is shown with which a fully automatic semi-tubular punch riveting process can be carried out in which sheet metal parts 1, 3, 5 ( 4 ) using a semi-hollow punch rivet 7 can be connected. The setting tool has a tool carrier implemented as a C-frame 9 . A receptacle 13 for a setting unit 15 is formed on its upper C-frame leg 11, while a die unit 19 is mounted on its lower C-frame 17 via a screw connection 21. Their screw axes are in the 1 oriented at right angles to a C-frame level, for example. Associated with the die unit 19 is a hydraulic unit 23 , which will be described later and is mounted on the upper C-bar limb 11 . The hydraulic unit 23 can be used during a setting process ( 4 ) a stroke-adjustable die stamp 25 of the die unit 19 can be pressurized in order to set a counterforce F _G that can be applied via the die stamp 25 to the setting force Fs, by means of which a setting stamp 27 of the setting unit 15 drives the semi-hollow punch rivet 7 into the sheet metal parts 1, 3, 5.

In the 1 the stroke-adjustable die stamp 25 can be driven by means of a piston rod 29 that can be subjected to hydraulic pressure. This is part of a hydraulically operated piston Cylinder unit in which the piston rod 29 is guided in a housing channel 31 of a die housing 33 in a stroke-adjustable manner.

The housing channel 31 has a channel opening 35 on a die housing side facing away from the setting unit 15 , which is closed with a locking screw 37 . The channel opening 35 forms an assembly access via which the piston rod 29 can be removed from the die housing 33 or mounted in the die housing 33 .

According to the 2 the piston rod 29 is adjustable in stroke between a return stroke stop and a forward stroke stop. The return stroke stop is formed by the locking screw tip 43 , while the forward stroke stop is an annular shoulder 41 in the housing channel 31 facing the channel opening 35 . At the annular shoulder 41, a large-diameter housing channel section 43 facing the channel opening 35 merges into a small-diameter housing channel section 45 facing away from it. A hydraulic working chamber 49 to which hydraulic pressure can be applied is defined between the locking screw tip 39 and a piston rod end face facing it.

How from the 2 further shows that the die unit 19 has on its side facing the setting unit 15 a die sleeve 51 which moves the die punch 25 around. In the setting process, the sheet metal parts 1, 3, 5 are held down with a hold-down force between a hold-down device 53 on the setting side ( 4 ) and the die sleeve 51 are clamped.

Both the die sleeve 51 and the die punch 25 are wearing parts that have to be replaced regularly. A simple change of these wear parts is therefore of great relevance for a maintenance-friendly setting tool: Against this background, according to the invention, the die sleeve 51 is fastened via a bayonet catch 55 to an opening edge area of a channel opening 57 of the housing channel 31 facing the setting unit 15 . The bayonet lock 55 is implemented in such a way that the die sleeve 51 can be mounted on the die housing 33 or removed from it by means of a tool-free manually actuated plug-and-turn movement. For easy handling when changing wearing parts, the outside of the die sleeve has a ribbing 52 ( 3a) on.

Likewise, the die punch 25 can also be removed from the piston rod 29 manually and without tools: a die punch change can be carried out with the die sleeve 51 dismantled: In this case, the die punch 25 has a punch overhang 61 ( 2 ) exposed (ie easily accessible), which protrudes beyond the channel mouth 57 on the upper side of the die housing. The piston rod 29 has a blind hole 49 on its end face facing the setting unit 15, into which the die punch 25 is inserted, preferably with a loose fit, so that the die punch 25 can be released from the end face of the piston rod without tools and manually.

With regard to an overhead positioning of the setting tool, the die stamp 25 is captively mounted in the setting tool via the die geometry as follows: The die stamp 25 is in this way, as in FIG 3c shown, designed as a stepped punch with a large-diameter punch base body 83, which merges into a small-diameter punch head 87 at an annular shoulder 85. Its end face 88 forms the die base. The annular shoulder 85 of the die punch 25 interacts with an annular collar 89 ( 3b) together, the inside diameter of which is reduced compared to the inside diameter of the matrix sleeve. Therefore, the annular collar 89 of the die sleeve 51 forms an axial stop that limits a relative movement of the die punch 25 out of the die sleeve 25 .

With regard to a compact geometry of the die unit 19 is in the 2 the piston rod 29 is guided completely inside the housing channel 31 and set back by an axial offset from the channel opening 57 facing the setting side 15 . As mentioned above, only the die punch 25 protrudes beyond the channel opening 57 facing the setting unit 15 by the die punch overhang 61 . The die punch overhang 61 is guided within the die sleeve 51 .

In the 2 the piston rod 29 is shown in a pre-stroke position in which the piston rod 29 is in contact with the annular shoulder 41 acting as a pre-stroke stop.

How from the 2 further shows that the screw head 63 of the screw plug 37 is supported on the opening edge area of the channel mouth 35 facing away from the setting unit 15, with the interposition of a spacer 65, by means of which a screwing depth of the screw plug 37 - and thus an axial position of the acting as a return stroke stop Locking screw tip 39 - is adjustable.

In the 1 the hydraulic unit 23 has, among other things, a compensating/storage tank 69, a valve 71, a pressure generating unit with a pneumohydraulic pressure booster 67 and a proportional pressure regulator 73. the hyd The hydraulic unit 23 is connected to the die unit 19 via a hydraulic line 75 including a pressure sensor.

In the 5 a connection concept of the matrix unit 19 on the lower C-bar leg 17 according to a second exemplary embodiment is shown. Accordingly, a feather key 77 is formed on the die housing 33 and can be brought into positive engagement with a corresponding counter-contour 79 . In addition, the matrix housing 33 has a total of four screw bolts 81, by means of which the matrix housing 19 can be braced on the lower C-frame arm 17. The screw axes of these screw connections are transverse to the setting axis S ( 4 ) aligned and lie in a C-frame plane.

Reference List

1, 3, 5

components

7

auxiliary joining element

9

tool carrier

11

upper C-bar shank

13

recording

15

setting unit

17

lower C-bar shank

19

die unit

21

screw connection

23

hydraulic unit

25

die punch

27

setting stamp

29

piston rod

31

housing channel

33

die housing

35

canal mouth

37

closure element

39

Closing element tip

41

ring shoulder

43

diameter duct section

45

diameter small channel section

49

working space

51

die sleeve

53

corrugation

53

hold-down

55

bayonet lock

57

canal mouth

59

blind hole

61

Got over

63

screw head

65

spacer

67

pressure intensifier

69

Expansion/storage tank

71

Valve

73

proportional pressure regulator

75

hydraulic line

77

Adjusting spring

79

counter contour

81

bolts

83

large-diameter stamp body

85

ring shoulder

87

diameter small stamp head

88

die floor

89

ring collar

Fs

setting force

FG

counterforce

S

setting axis

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents cited by the applicant was 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.

Patent Literature Cited

• DE 102016120681 A1 [0002]
• DE 102012005491 A1 [0003]
• DE 102016215450 A1 [0003]
• DE 602004001199 T2 [0003]

Claims (24)

System, in particular punch riveting system, with a setting tool for setting an auxiliary joining element (7) in at least one component (1, 3, 5), wherein the setting tool has a tool carrier (9), in particular C-frame, on which a setting unit (15) and a parameterizable die unit (19) are mounted, and wherein a die stamp (25) of the die unit (19) can be stroke-adjusted by means of a lifting piston (29), which is part of a hydraulic unit, in order to set a counterforce (F _G ) that can be applied via the die unit (19). (23) with which the lifting piston (29) can be driven, characterized in that the hydraulic unit (23) is mounted on the tool carrier (9), in particular a pressure booster (67), a proportional pressure regulator (73), a directional control valve ( 71) and a hydraulic line (75) with pressure sensor of the hydraulic unit (23). system after claim 1 , characterized in that the setting unit (15) is assigned a setting drive, a rivet feed with at least one rivet separator and a rivet control. system after claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that a system control with complete software-side integration of the parameterizable die unit (19) is provided, in which a characteristic set of parameters is stored for each joining point. system after claim 3 , characterized in that the system controller has a process monitor with which a setting process can be monitored, and in that the state of the parameterizable matrix unit (19) can be monitored in particular by means of the process monitor. system after claim 4 , characterized in that in the process monitoring, force/displacement curves can be recorded, by means of which the setting process can be monitored, and that in particular from the force/displacement curves, conclusions can be drawn about faults or defects, such as a leak of hydraulic fluid, in the die unit (19). . System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the setting tool has a modular structure, namely from a tool carrier base body to which at least the die unit (19) and/or the setting unit (15) can be connected via a detachable connection. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system has a compressed air supply, by means of which the auxiliary joining element (7) can be conveyed to the setting unit (15) and the subsequent setting process is possible, and in that in particular the hydraulic unit (23) has a pressure booster (67 ) has, by means of which the air pressure provided in the compressed air supply can be converted into a hydraulic pressure. Setting tool, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the setting tool can be used to place an auxiliary joining element (7) in at least one component (1, 3, 5) which is arranged between a setting unit (15) and a die unit (19) in a setting process , wherein the auxiliary joining element (7) can be driven into the component (1, 3, 5) with a setting force (Fs) during the setting process by means of the setting unit (15), and wherein to set a counterforce (F _G ) a die stamp (25) of the die unit (19) can be stroke-adjusted by means of a lifting piston (29), which is part of a hydraulically operated piston-cylinder unit, in which the lifting piston (29) can be stroke-adjusted along a setting axis (S) in a die housing ( 33) . Rizen housing (33) can be dismantled or can be mounted in the die housing (33). setting tool claim 8 , characterized in that the assembly access is a hollow-cylindrical housing channel (31) with a channel opening (35) on the housing side of the matrix housing (33) facing away from the setting unit (15). setting tool claim 8 or 9 , characterized in that the assembly access of the die housing (33) can be closed outwards by means of a closure element, in particular a closure screw (37), and in that in particular a pressurizable hydraulic working chamber (49) of the piston-cylinder unit is located in the axial direction between a closure element - Tip (39) and facing reciprocating end face is defined in the housing channel (31). Setting tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lifting piston (29) can be adjusted between a return stroke position, in which the lifting piston (29) is in contact with a return stroke stop, and a forward stroke position, in which the lifting piston ( 29) is in contact with a pre-stroke stop. setting tool claim 11 , characterized in that the return stroke stop is the closure element tip (39), and / or that the pre-stroke stop is an annular shoulder (41) in the housing channel (31) facing the channel opening (35), and that in particular on the annular shoulder (41) a large-diameter housing channel section (43) facing the channel opening (35) merges into a small-diameter housing channel section ( 45) passes. Setting tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the die unit (19) has a die sleeve (51) on its side facing the setting unit (15), which surrounds the die stamp (25), and/or that in the setting process the component (1 , 3, 5) is supported with a hold-down force on a die sleeve front side, and/or that the die sleeve (51) can be fastened to the die housing (33), in particular to an opening edge area of a channel opening (57) facing the setting unit (15) of the housing channel (31). setting tool Claim 13 , characterized in that the matrix sleeve (51) can be fastened to the matrix housing (33) by means of a quick-release fastener, in particular a bayonet fastener (55), and that in particular in the case of the bayonet fastener (55) the matrix sleeve (51) is secured by a plug-and-turn movement , preferably without tools and manually, can be mounted on the die housing (33) or can be removed from it. Setting tool according to one of Claims 11 until 14 , characterized in that both in the pre-stroke position and in the return stroke position the reciprocating piston (29) completely overlaps the housing channel (31) and/or that in particular the reciprocating piston (29) is axially offset from the channel mouth (57) facing the setting unit (15) is set back. Setting tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lifting piston (29) has a blind hole (59) on its end face facing the setting unit (15), into which the die stamp (25) is inserted, in particular with a loose fit, so that the die stamp (25) can be released manually and without tools from the front end of the piston rod. Setting tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the die punch (25) projects beyond the channel mouth (57) facing the setting unit (15) by a projection (61), and in that in particular the die punch projection (61) is in the die sleeve ( 51) is guided. Setting tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the die stamp (25), in particular with regard to overhead positioning of the setting tool, is mounted captive in the setting tool. setting tool Claim 18 , characterized in that, for captive assembly, the die stamp (25) is designed as a stepped stamp with a large-diameter stamp base body (83) which merges at an annular shoulder (85) into a small-diameter stamp head (87), the end face (88) of which forms the bottom of the die, and that the annular shoulder (85) of the die punch (25) interacts with a die sleeve axial stop (89) which limits a relative movement of the die punch (25) out of the die sleeve (25). setting tool claim 19 , characterized in that the die sleeve axial stop (89) is an annular collar formed on the end face of the die sleeve (51), which has a reduced annular collar inner diameter compared to the die sleeve inner diameter. Setting tool according to one of Claims 10 until 20 , characterized in that the locking screw (37) has a screw head (63) which, in the tightened state, is supported on the opening edge area of the channel mouth (35) facing away from the setting unit (15), and that in particular for setting an axial position of the return stroke stop at least one spacer (65) can be provided, which can be clamped between the screw head (63) and the edge area of the opening. Setting tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the setting unit (15) and/or the die unit (19) can each be mounted as a separate pre-assembly unit on a setting tool carrier, in particular C-frame (9), and that in particular the die housing (33) can be fastened in a screw connection to the setting tool carrier (9), the screw axis of which is preferably aligned transversely to the setting axis. Setting tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the die unit (19) is assigned a hydraulic unit (23) by means of which the lifting piston (29) can be pressurized. setting tool Claim 23 , characterized in that the hydraulic unit (23) has a pneumohydraulic pressure booster (67) which translates an overpressure provided by compressed air into a significantly greater hydraulic pressure.

Images