EP1738845B1 - Modular riveting device - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a rivet setting device, wherein the rivet setting device has at least one sensor for measuring the force exerted by the pulling device.

Rivet setting devices with a sensor for measuring the force exerted by the device or the distance covered by the pulling device of the device are known. For example, shows the DE 102 48 299 a rivet setting device having a sensor for measuring the force exerted by the pulling device. The EP 0 738 551 A1 shows a Nietsetzgerät with means for measuring the force-displacement curve.

In conventional Nietsetzgeräten, which have a force sensor and a displacement sensor, the sensors usually located at different points of the device. Thus, in the case of the known devices, the force sensor is generally located approximately in the head of the device, while the sensor for measuring the distance covered by the pulling device is located at the rear part of the pulling device. By means of such devices can be deduced by determining the force-displacement or force-time curve on the quality of a riveted joint. Thus, any errors during the setting process can be determined and signaled. A disadvantage of such devices has been shown that the sensors can be prone to failure. Since the sensors are usually integrated in hard to reach places within the traction device, replacement of the sensors is not possible or only with great effort. In addition, the sensors can not subsequently integrate a riveting tool.

The invention is based on the object to provide a Nietsetzgerät, in which a force and / or displacement sensor is arranged and installed so that an easy replacement is possible. Next object of the invention is to provide a device system by a modular design of the device, in which the devices can be easily converted to different requirements. Thus, the devices should be about as easy to equip with other headers or devices should be composable, which have a sensor for force or displacement measurement or other functional modules. The sensor should also be able to be omitted depending on the requirement.

The object of the invention is already achieved by a Nietsetzgerät according to claim 1.

So the sensor can be installed at almost any point in the device, so that it is easily replaceable or allows a slim design of the device. In addition, coupling the sensor to a hydraulic or pneumatic area is considerably less complicated than mechanically coupling a force sensor in the head piece.

In one development of the invention, one sensor can be acted upon by at least one piston with pressure and / or tension.

About such a piston, the pressure in the hydraulic or pneumatic range can be converted into a force. Thus, conventional force sensors can be used which operate much more reliably and accurately than alternatively provided pressure sensors.

Thereafter, a Nietsetzgerät is provided, which is used in particular for setting blind rivets and blind rivet nuts and so-called. Structural bolts, so locking rings and lockbolts.

According to the invention are understood by riveting all types of setting tools, so for example, devices to fasten locking rings, lockbolts, cylinder head rivets or the like. The Rivet setting device includes an upper part with a head piece for receiving rivets. According to the invention, rivets are understood in the broadest sense, so also possibly differently designated components which can be fastened by plastic deformation. Furthermore, the upper part comprises a device for gripping rivets and a pulling device connected to the device for gripping.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a sensor for measuring the force exerted by the traction device force and / or traversed by the traction device is arranged next to the traction device, that is usually outside the diameter of a working piston of the traction device. Such an arrangement of sensors has the advantage that the sensors are arranged outside the moving parts of the pulling device. This makes it easy to replace the sensors.

Preferably, the at least one sensor is arranged below the pulling device, in particular between the grip piece and the upper part. Such a position of the sensor is advantageous because in many devices between handle and upper part anyway space for the integration of other components is available. The sensors are there at a little disturbing place and are arranged at a position of the device which is exposed to at least immediate shocks.

In a further development of the invention, the handle of the device is removable. A removable handle allows easy access to the sensors and also a modular device design.

In a further development of the invention, the rivet setting device comprises a removable module with the at least a sensor. The sensor is thus arranged in a suitable housing and can be easily removed with the housing, for example after loosening a screw. In addition to the sensors, the module may also include other functional elements such as fluid channels.

It is also provided to provide a sensor module which is integrated between the handle part and upper part of the device, in particular form-fitting manner.

A module can include both one sensor and several sensors. For example, the force sensor may be arranged in one module while the other module includes the displacement sensor. As a particularly advantageous embodiment, it is also provided to integrate force sensor and displacement sensor in a single module between the handle part and the upper part of the rivet setting device.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the Nietsetzgerät comprises a displacement sensor, which is connected via at least one preferably opposite to the pulling direction rod with the pulling device. Since the sensor is located outside the traction device, it is necessary to couple the sensor to the traction device. In the case of the displacement sensor, according to the preferred embodiment, this is made possible by means of a rod extending approximately in the direction opposite to the direction of pull. The coupling of the sensor with the traction device in the rear area has the advantage that the device in the front area can be made narrower, which improves the accessibility of the device in tight spots.

In particular, inductive or capacitive sensors are provided as displacement sensors according to the invention. Such Sensors are available as reliable and inexpensive purchased parts.

A development of the invention comprises a sensor for measuring the force exerted by traction device, which is connected by means of at least one channel with a fluid-carrying region of the traction device. The sensor thus measures the pressure at a suitable point in the hydraulic or pneumatic area. Due to the pressure curve in the hydraulic or pneumatic area can then be closed to the force exerted by the pulling force, or the force can be calculated.

The handle preferably comprises at least one actuating device for triggering a Nietsetzvorgangs.

According to one embodiment, a setting device is provided, which comprises two spaced apart actuating devices. Thus, depending on the working position another actuator can be used. In particular, the over-head operation of the device is facilitated.

The handle may also include other functional elements, such as the hydraulically operating device, the supply line for the hydraulic fluid or a motor for generating a fluid flow. Also, the invention covers hydropneumatically operating devices in which a pneumatic piston is disposed within the handle, which forwards the force to a hydraulic piston.

Preferably, the actuation via at least one electrical signal line. An electrical control is much less susceptible to interference than a mechanical actuation, especially in the case of hydraulically operating devices.

In a further development, the Nietsetzgerät on a device for counting the performed setting operations, which is preferably designed as a removable module. The device for counting the setting processes can also be arranged together with the sensors in a module and allows monitoring of the setting processes.

In a further development, the rivet setting device comprises at least one radio module for the wireless transmission of data representing setting processes. Thus, for example, setting cycles, force and / or travel paths of the pulling device, possible errors, etc., can be transmitted to an external unit for monitoring or data processing.

The radio module is designed for wireless transmission of data as a removable module, which may also be part of the module in which the sensor or sensors are arranged.

In order to easily separate head of the device and upper part of each other, the upper part is screwed in a preferred embodiment with the handle.

One embodiment relates to a rivet setting device system, which serves in particular for providing rivet setting devices according to the invention. The system comprises at least one handle and at least one upper part with a head piece for receiving rivets, a device for gripping rivets and a pulling device connected to the device for gripping. According to the invention, various tops can be provided and mounted on the handle.

Depending on the purpose, so different devices can be modularly composed. In particular, it is provided to set tops for different applications, such as tops to blind rivet nuts or blind rivets, set up.

The upper part can be combined with different grips. In particular, hydraulic and hydropneumatically operating grips can be provided. Depending on whether compressed air or pneumatic fluid is available, another handle is used according to the invention.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the rivet setting device comprises mountable sensor modules. These sensor modules can also be adapted to the respective requirement. For example, it is conceivable that for certain tasks no sensor module is required. This can then be omitted. If the measurement of a force-displacement or force-time curve is necessary for the respective application, a corresponding sensor module can be mounted.

The sensor modules are mounted in a preferred manner between the handle and the upper part of a Nietsetzgerätes.

Depending on the application, the sensor can measure both the pressure in the working cylinder of the rivet setting device, as well as at any point of a hydraulic and / or pneumatic line. In riveting with an external station sensors can also be located outside of the device.

In practice, strain-measuring strips (DMS) or piezosensors, which are designed in particular as thin-film sensors, have proven successful in practice. Such sensors are particularly suitable for measuring the force exerted by a piston force.

In one embodiment of the invention, the Nietsetzgerät with an actuator for Triggering a riveting operation. At least two actuating devices for triggering a Nietsetzvorgangs be provided. By means of at least two actuating devices, the device can be optimally actuated in various holding positions.

The actuators are preferably arranged on the handle of the rivet setting device, in particular substantially at the upper end of the handle and at the lower end of the handle. Thus, the device can be optimally operated in particular in the overhead operation by means of the lower actuator.

In a preferred embodiment, the Nietsetzgerät on a handle, the handle shell is ergonomically shaped and in particular comprises an ergonomically shaped recess for manual gripping. Preferably, the ergonomic recess is substantially symmetrically shaped so that the device can be held both in the upside down position and in the normal position. It is envisaged that two actuator units are each operable above and below an ergonomically shaped handle shell with the index finger.

In a further development can be changed by means of a switch between the at least two operating units, in particular it is provided that at least one actuating unit can be deactivated by means of a switch.

Thus, an accidental incorrect operation by pressing the actuator, which is not required in the respective working position, excluded.

For devices with an external station, the switch is preferably located outside the device, in particular at an external station. Thus, only the necessary controls are arranged on the device itself.

For independently operating riveting tools, the changeover switch is arranged on the riveting tool. In this case, in a development of the invention, a lock is provided for blocking the changeover switch in order to avoid an accidental incorrect operation. According to the invention, switches can also be arranged both on the riveting tool and on an external station.

Preferably, the actuators are connected via electrical signal lines.

Fig. 1

zeigt eine schematische perspektivische Ansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Nietsetzgerätes,

Fig. 2

zeigt eine schematische Schnittansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Nietsetzgerätes,

Fig. 3

zeigt eine schematische Schnittansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Nietsetzgerätes, bei dem die einzelnen Gerätemodule auseinandergenommen sind,

Fig. 4

zeigt eine weitere schematische perspektivische Ansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Nietsetzgerätes,

Fig. 5

zeigt schematisch ein an eine externe Station angeschlossenes Nietsetzgerät,

Fig. 6

zeigt schematisch das Funktionsprinzip der Messung der von der Zugvorrichtung ausgeübten Kraft anhand eines Ausführungsbeispiels der Erfindung.

The invention will be described below with reference to FIGS Fig. 1 to Fig. 6 be explained in more detail.

Fig. 1

shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a rivet setting device according to the invention,

Fig. 2

shows a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of a rivet setting device according to the invention,

Fig. 3

shows a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of a rivet setting device according to the invention, in which the individual device modules are taken apart,

Fig. 4

shows a further schematic perspective View of an embodiment of a rivet setting device according to the invention,

Fig. 5

schematically shows a rivet setting device connected to an external station,

Fig. 6

schematically shows the principle of operation of the measurement of the force exerted by the traction device by means of an embodiment of the invention.

In Fig. 1 is an embodiment of a rivet setting device 1 according to the invention to see. The rivet setting device 1 comprises a handle 6 and an upper part 2. Handle 6 and upper part 2 are separated from each other by means of three screws 9. The top comprises a header in which the means for gripping rivets is located (not shown). Furthermore, the upper part 2 comprises a pulling device 4, which comprises a hydraulic piston 5. The hydraulic piston 5 is here in the starting position. The handle 6 includes at the front two spaced-apart actuators 7, 8. In normal operation, the upper actuator 7, which is arranged below the upper part, is used. In overhead operation, the lower actuator 8, which is located at the bottom of the device handle, can be used. The device works hydraulically. The supply of hydraulic fluid extends from below through the handle 6. At a bleed screw 13, the hydraulic system can be vented.

Between the handle 6 and the upper part 2, a force sensor 11 and a displacement sensor 10 is arranged. By means of the displacement sensor 10 and the force sensor 11, a force-WegVerlauf be recorded, which either in the device itself is processed via an electronic system or passed on to an external electronics (not shown). The measured values or the calculated force-displacement curve can also be transmitted to an external unit via a wireless radio link (not shown). The force sensor 11 is connected via a channel 12 with the hydraulics of the traction device 4. About the pressure of the hydraulic system can be closed to the force exerted by the pulling device 4 force. The displacement sensor 10 is connected in the rear region of the rivet setting device 1 with the pulling device. In this embodiment, the force sensor is designed as a strain-measuring strip (DMS) and the displacement sensor 10 as an inductive sensor. Distance sensor 10 and force sensor 11 are integrated in a module and can be easily removed after separation of the handle 6 from the upper part.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic sectional view of a Nietsetzgerätes invention. The embodiment is designed as a purely hydraulic rivet setting device 1. Via two hydraulic lines 15, 16, the traction device 4 via a hydraulic piston 5 is movable in both directions. To perform a rivet setting operation, a rivet is inserted into the gripping device 14. Then the device is attached with its head piece 3 to a bore (not shown). Via the right-hand hydraulic 16, the working space 17 of the hydraulic piston 5 on the right-hand side is pressurized, while on the left-hand side the hydraulic fluid can flow off via a further hydraulic line 15. Between the handle 6 and the upper part 2, a sensor module for measuring a force-displacement curve is arranged (not visible in the sectional view).

Fig. 3 shows a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of a rivet setting device 1 according to the invention, in which the individual device modules are taken apart. To recognize are upper part 2 and handle part 6, those from Fig. 2 correspond. Between the upper part 2 and the handle part 6 is a removable sensor module 18, in which side by side force and displacement sensor are arranged. Since the sensors are arranged next to the fluid lines 15, 16, which likewise extend through the sensor module, they can not be seen in the sectional view.

Fig. 4 shows a further schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a rivet setting device 1 according to the invention, based on the arrangement of the actuating elements is shown primarily. The rivet setting device has an upper actuating device 7 and a lower actuating device 8. The upper actuating device 7 essentially corresponds to rivet setting devices known from practice in their position. The device is held on the handle 6, which has an ergonomically shaped recess 19. In normal operation, the Nietsetzgerät 1 is actuated via the upper actuator 7. According to the riveting device 1 is also particularly suitable for overhead operation. The device is reversed, so taken over head in the hand. The handle 6 is shaped so that it can be equally held in both positions. In over-head operation, the operator (not shown) with the index finger to operate the device via the arranged approximately at the bottom of the handle actuator 8. Thus, a substantially similar operation is ensured both in normal operation and in overhead operation.

Fig. 5 schematically shows an attached to an external station 20 rivet setting 1. The rivet setting device 1 corresponds in terms of its function substantially to the in Fig. 4 Rietsetzgerät shown. It is a hydraulically operated device which is connected via a hydraulic line 22 to an external station 20 and is supplied via the external station 20 with hydraulic fluid. At the external station 20 is, inter alia, a changeover switch 21, by means of which the upper actuator (7 off Fig. 4 ) and lower actuator (8 of Fig. 7) is switched. Depending on the application, therefore, one of the actuators 7,8 is deactivated.

Fig. 6 schematically shows a functional principle of the measurement of the force exerted by the pulling device according to an embodiment of the invention. To see is a working piston 30, by means of which the pulling device (not shown) can be actuated. The device has a second piston 31, on whose working space is connected on both sides via fluid lines 32, 33 with the working space of the working piston. Thus, depending on the pressure distribution, the second piston 31 moves in the two fluid lines or, if the piston is essentially fixed, acts on the piston 31. The second piston 31 is mechanically connected to a sensor 34. The movement of the second piston 31 or the force acting on the second piston 31 is measured via the sensor. By means of the measured values obtained, it is thus possible to easily conclude the force exerted by the pulling device.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

rivet setting

2

top

3

headpiece

4

hitch

5

hydraulic pistons

6

grip

7

upper actuator

8th

lower actuator

9

screw

10

displacement sensor

11

force sensor

12

channel

13

bleed screw

14

Device for gripping rivets

15

hydraulic line

16

hydraulic line

17

working space

18

sensor module

19

handle recess

20

External station

21

switch

30

working piston

31

second piston

32

fluid line

33

fluid line

34

sensor

Claims (29)

1. A riveting device (1), comprising:

   - an upper part (2) including a head piece (3) for receiving rivets;

   - a means for gripping rivets (14);

   - a pulling device (4) connected to said means for gripping rivets (14), which is movable through at least one hydraulic and/or pneumatic section, in particular a hydraulic or pneumatic line;

   - a working piston (30), by means of which the pulling device (4) is operable, and

   - a sensor (34) for measuring the force exerted by said pulling device (4),
   wherein the pressure in at least one pneumatic and/or hydraulic section can be measured by said at least one sensor (34), and the force exerted by said pulling device (4) can be derived from the obtained measurement data, characterized in that

   - the working piston (30) is connected on one side to a hydraulic and/or pneumatic section for operating the pulling device (4) in the pulling direction, and on the other side to a hydraulic and/or pneumatic section for resetting the pulling device, through fluid carrying channels,

   - at least a second piston (31) is connected on one side to said hydraulic and/or pneumatic section for operating the pulling device (4) in the pulling direction, and on the other side to said hydraulic and/or pneumatic section for resetting the pulling device, through fluid carrying channels, wherein

   - the second piston (31) is mechanically coupled with a force sensor (34) which can be used to derive the force exerted by said pulling device (4).
2. The riveting device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor (34) comprises a strain gauge (DMS), and/or a piezo.
3. The riveting device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, further comprising a handle portion, wherein the sensor (34) for measuring the force exerted by the pulling device (4) is arranged substantially adjacent to the pulling device.
4. The riveting device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the sensor (34) is disposed between the handle portion (6) and the upper part (2).
5. The riveting device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor (34) is arranged below the pulling device.
6. The riveting device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor (34) is arranged radially outwards of the diameter of the hydraulic or pneumatic piston (30) of the pulling device.
7. The riveting device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the riveting device has a detachable handle portion (6).
8. The riveting device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the riveting device (1) comprises a removable module including the sensor (34).
9. The riveting device as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein the removable module comprises at least one hydraulic and/or pneumatic line.
10. The riveting device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the riveting device comprises an inductive or capacitive path sensor.
11. The riveting device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the handle portion (6) has at least one actuating means (7, 8) for triggering a riveting operation.
12. The riveting device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the handle portion comprises at least two spaced apart actuating means (7, 8) for triggering a riveting operation.
13. The riveting device as claimed in any of the two preceding claims, wherein actuation is accomplished via at least one electrical signal line.
14. The riveting device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the riveting device includes means for counting the riveting operations carried out.
15. The riveting device as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein said means for counting the riveting operations carried out is configured as a removable module.
16. The riveting device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the riveting device comprises at least one transmitter module for wireless transmission of data representing the riveting operations, in particular riveting cycles, force and/or path of the pulling device.
17. The riveting device as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein the transmitter module for wireless transmission of data is configured as a removable module.
18. The riveting device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the riveting device comprises at least two actuating means (7, 8) for triggering a riveting operation.
19. The riveting device as claimed in claim 18, wherein said actuating means (7, 8) are arranged at the handle of the riveting device.
20. The riveting device as claimed in claim 18 or 19, wherein said actuating means (7, 8) are spaced from each other, in particular by being arranged substantially at the upper end of the handle and at the lower end of the handle, respectively.
21. The riveting device as claimed in any of claims 18 to 20, wherein the actuating means (7, 8) are arranged substantially at the front side of the handle.
22. The riveting device as claimed in any of claims 18 to 20, wherein the handle of the riveting device comprises at least one ergonomically shaped recess for manual gripping.
23. The riveting device as claimed in claim 22, wherein the ergonomic recess has a substantially symmetric shape such that the device can be hold both in an over-head position and in normal position.
24. The riveting device as claimed in claim 22 or 23, wherein the actuating means are arranged above and below the ergonomically shaped recess, so that a respective one of said actuating means (7, 8) can be actuated with the index finger both in over-head position and in normal position.
25. The riveting device as claimed in any of claims 22 to 24, wherein a changeover switch (21) enables to switch between the at least two actuating means.
26. The riveting device as claimed in claim 25, wherein at least one actuating means can be disabled by means of a changeover switch (21).
27. The riveting device as claimed in claim 25 or 26, wherein a changeover switch is arranged at an external station (20).
28. The riveting device as claimed in any of claims 25 to 27, wherein a changeover switch (21) is arranged at the riveting device.
29. The riveting device as claimed in any of claims 25 to 28, wherein the actuating means (7, 8) are connected via at least one electrical signal line.

Images