EP2801447A1 - Trigger lock for a setting device for setting a fixing element - Google Patents

Abstract

A triggering mechanism (130) for initiating the setting of a fastener (66) in a target object (62, 64) by means of a setting device (30), the triggering mechanism (130) having a trigger actuating element (58) and a securing actuator (60) and being arranged in that a drive unit (94) for providing drive energy for setting the fastening element (66) can be activated by means of actuation of the triggering actuating element (58), by means of, in particular subsequent, actuation of the securing actuating element (60) a trigger lock (96) which activates the triggering Setting the fastener (66) by again pressing the trigger actuator (58) locks before unlocking the trigger lock (96) is unlocked, and by pressing the Abzugssbetätigungselements (58) after unlocking the trigger lock, the setting of the fastener (66) can be triggered.

Description

The invention relates to a triggering mechanism for triggering the setting operation of a fastener in a target object by means of a setting device, a setting device, a setting arrangement and a method for triggering the setting of a fastener in a target object by means of a setting device.

For setting fasteners such as nails, bolts or the like, it is known to use devices in which a plunger is driven forward jerky, which acts on the fastener and this drives into the ground. So that the plunger can transmit a sufficient for the driving of the fastener pulse, it should be accelerated on the one hand to a high speed and on the other hand provided with a sufficiently large mass or connected. To achieve the high speed, different types of drives are known, for example, explosion-powered devices in which a propellant charge is ignited. Also known are devices in which a rotating flywheel is connected to the plunger via a coupling. For all types of drives, the plunger must be moved back to its original position, in order then to carry out a next fastening operation can. This backward movement can be realized by mechanical connections, in explosion-powered devices by diverting a portion of the drive gases, or manually by hand. To trigger a setting process, a user actuates a corresponding actuating element.

EP 2,429,768 discloses a setting device for the sudden setting of nails, bolts or the like, which has a striking body with a striking mass, which acts via a plunger on the head of the bolt element to be set and drives this into the ground. For driving the impactor a drive is provided, which consists of two a passage between them forming flywheels, which rotate in opposite directions about two parallel axes of rotation. The inserted between these flywheels impactor is slightly larger than the distance of the flywheels in the transverse direction from each other, so that they attack with great force on the surface of the impactor and accelerate it in the direction of the bolt to be set. After leaving the flywheels, the plunger strikes the bolt. To allow the striker to return between the two flywheels without removing them, the striker is rotated about its longitudinal axis to a position where its transverse extent is less than the distance between the two flywheels. As a result, he can be pulled back with little effort by a rubber band to its original position, where it is rotated back to the original angular position.

DE 10 2009 028 312 A1 discloses a wrapping device for setting a fastener into a workpiece, the setting being triggered as follows: First, a user presses a work contact against the workpiece, thereby rotating a rotating arm. As a result, an engagement part of the rotary arm rotates out of a stop slot of a trigger. This subsequently allows the previously locked trigger to be rotated by a user. When the trigger is pressed against a switch, energy is caused to be delivered from a battery to a motor. This energy is transferred to a flywheel, which in turn transfers energy to a driver member, whereby an anvil abuts the fastener to seat into the workpiece.

US 2010/0116863 A1 discloses an electric drive tool having an electric motor for driving a nail into a material. A handpiece contains a trigger in the form of a lever and a blocking lever. Actuation of the trigger is detected generating a sensor signal. The operability of the trigger is limited by the blocking lever in that in a blocking state of the blocking lever, the trigger can not be operated and in a non-blocking state of the blocking lever of the trigger can be actuated. A flip-over of the blocking lever generates a corresponding sensor signal. A contact sensor is biased toward the material and is displaced against the material as the drive tool is pressed against the rest of the drive tool to produce a sensor signal. If, while the contact sensor is pressed against the material, setting the locking lever with the fingertip of the non-blocking state is generated, a sensor signal is generated, which starts the electric motor (on the other hand, when the blocking lever is in the blocking state, the electric motor is not started even if the contact sensor is pressed against the material). By turning the locking lever in the non-blocking state also an operability of the shutter is made possible. Then, when the trigger is operated, an electromagnetic actuator is turned on, and the nail is driven by a driver and thereby driven into the material.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a further improved fastener placement system.

This object is solved by the objects with the features according to the independent claims. Further embodiments are shown in the dependent claims.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a triggering mechanism for triggering setting of a fastener (for example, a rivet) in a target object by means of a setting apparatus, the triggering mechanism having a trigger operation member (particularly a trigger operation key) and a backup operation member (in particular, a backup operation key) and so on is set up by means of actuation of the trigger actuating element, a drive unit (in particular a drive motor, which in particular can drive flywheels for accelerating a plunger of the setting device) for providing drive energy for setting the fastener activated (in particular switchable, so that by activating a supply Drive energy begins), by means of (in particular subsequent) actuation of the fuse actuation element, a trigger lock, which is the triggering of the setting the fastener by means of repeated actuation of the trigger actuator locks before unlocking the trigger lock, is unlocked, and by repositioning the trigger actuator after unlocking the trigger lock setting the fastener is triggered.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a setting device for setting a fastening element is provided, wherein the setting device has a drive unit for driving a movable tappet for Setting the fastener into a target and a trigger mechanism having the features described above for triggering the setting of the fastener.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a setting arrangement is provided, which has a setting device with the above-described features for setting a fastening element and the fastening element, which in particular can be mounted ready for setting on or in the setting tool.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method for triggering the setting of a fastening element into a target object by means of a setting device is provided, wherein in the method a trigger actuating element of the setting device is actuated for activating a drive unit for providing drive energy for setting the fastening element (in particular hereinafter) a securing actuator of the setting device for unlocking a trigger lock is actuated, which locks the triggering of setting the fastener by re-pressing the trigger actuator before unlocking the trigger lock, and the trigger actuator after unlocking the trigger lock to trigger the setting of the fastener is operated again.

According to the invention, the triggering of a setting process for setting a fastening element, such as a rivet, is made possible with a high level of security and at the same time a high level of operating convenience, with energy-saving operation of the setting device, which is often designed as a hand-held device, being enabled simultaneously with a short setting time. The high level of security can be achieved by triggering the setting process is only possible when a user has triggered a trigger lock by pressing the fuse actuating element before triggering by means of the trigger actuation element, whereby an unintentional triggering is prevented. The high ease of use is achieved in that the combinational actuation of trigger actuator and safety actuator is implemented in an extremely intuitive manner to the setting device. Furthermore, since the starting of the drive unit already takes place during a first actuation of the triggering actuating element upstream in time, the setting time is short, since the drive motor has already been set in motion when the actual setting process is triggered. By the temporally upstream starting of the drive motor are on this in an energy-saving manner Peak loads of an associated power supply unit (in particular of a rechargeable battery) avoided because the drive motor is slower hochfahrbar without this would extend the set time, since before enabling the setting of the setting user still yes the security barrier is overcome. A safely operable and at the same time user-friendly setting device can thus be realized with few components.

A setting device, which drives rivets highly dynamically, should meet the highest safety requirements in order to preclude an unintentional and dangerous triggering of a setting process. It is ensured according to the invention that the setting process is triggered only when the user deliberately actuates the trigger mechanism. The conscious triggering operation according to the invention via two independent actuators (in particular keys or switches). In this case, a safety actuating element is to be actuated (in particular to press a safety button), so that a trigger actuation element (in particular a trigger / trigger button) is released to trigger the setting process, i. a preferably mechanically acting release lock is overcome. During the drive-in process, the user should press the setting device as short as possible to the application or to a target object into which the fastening element is to be set. For physical reasons, however, the drive motor needs a certain period of time to start up to the highest speed level. At the same time, the preferably battery-powered setting tool should draw as little energy as possible in order to maximize battery life. Separated from the trigger actuator is a locking member which blocks the trigger actuator until the backup actuator is actuated. If the safety operating element is not pressed, the user can start the drive motor by tapping the trigger actuating element. A release for starting the drive-in process takes place only when the backup actuator has been pressed and then the trigger actuator is pressed again.

In the following, additional exemplary embodiments of the triggering mechanism, the setting device, the setting arrangement and the method will be described.

According to one embodiment, the triggering mechanism may be configured such that only upon continuous actuation of the trigger actuation element over a time interval exceeding a predetermined first threshold, the drive unit is activated. For example, a brief tap on the trigger may start or start the drive motor. For example, the first time interval may be between 0.1 seconds and 2 seconds. By a relatively short actuation of the trigger actuator, the engine can be started so that the setting device for a subsequent setting process is ready to use.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the triggering mechanism can be set up such that when the triggering element is actuated again over a time interval that exceeds a predetermined second threshold which is in particular greater than the first threshold value, the drive unit is again deactivated (in particular switched off, ie from a power supply) separated). The second threshold may be, for example, between 2 seconds and 5 seconds, and may, when the drive motor is turned on, bring it back to a deactivated state when a user wishes to turn off the setting device. This sequence can preferably be made dependent on that the repeated actuation of the trigger actuating element must be made before pressing the fuse actuating element to trigger the deactivation.

The starting process of the drive motor should be triggered according to the described embodiment with short-term pressing, with renewed prolonged pressing, the setting tool should turn off again. The setting device then only receives energy for a short time, ie it does not run continuously and can therefore be operated in an energy-efficient manner. Due to the different time intervals, a user-defined control of the drive motor is made possible without the need for a separate button. In addition, a shutdown after a predetermined period, such as 20 seconds, take place if no setting process was triggered.

According to one embodiment, the triggering mechanism may be configured such that a first actuating stroke (ie, a first distance over which the trigger actuating element must be pressed to complete the first actuating process to achieve the first actuating success - activating the drive) a user that Trigger actuator actuated to activate the drive unit is less than a second actuation stroke (ie a second distance over which the trigger actuator must be pressed to complete the second actuation process to achieve the second actuation result - initiation of the set process) a user actuates the trigger actuator to trigger the setting of the fastener. For example, a first switch for switching on the drive unit can be switched by means of mere tapping of the trigger actuation element, whereas a second switch for set triggering is only switched when the trigger actuation element is fully depressed. As a result, a very small number of actuators can be combined with an intuitive user guidance, in particular with a haptic feedback to a user.

According to one embodiment, the trigger actuator and the backup actuator may be two separately operable actuators. These can then allow several functions for controlling the setting device. With a double-seed system, the entire release of the setting device can thus be realized. Although not functionally independent of each other, the two actuators are provided as separate physical bodies, such as buttons or buttons or lever switching elements. According to an embodiment, the trigger actuator and the backup actuator may be arranged to be operable by a user with only one hand when the user holds the setting tool. Then the user has the other hand free to work. All operating or operating elements are arranged, for example, around the handle of the setting device. Thus, the configuration of a handle of the setting device can be anatomically realized so that the hand of an average adult user can comfortably reach both actuators. As a result, the second hand of the user is free.

According to one embodiment, the trigger actuator and the backup actuator may be configured such that re-actuation of the trigger actuator to initiate setting of the fastener is mechanically enabled only when the fuse actuator is simultaneously maintained actuated. This causes a particularly high degree of security.

According to one embodiment, the release lock may be a mechanically acting release lock. By the trigger or trigger lock is designed as a mechanical blocking device, for example, two mutually mechanically mutually blocking parts of the two actuators, a fault-proof functioning of the trigger lock is ensured even in case of failure of a power supply or the like. However, according to other embodiments, the trigger lock can be realized with other than a mechanical force, for example by means of an electric force, a magnetic force or the like or by a software or electronic circuit.

In one embodiment, the securing actuator may be selectively slidable between a stable first home position and a stable second home position, wherein the safing actuator is operable from each of the first and second home positions for unlocking the trip lock. Thus, in particular, a switchover possibility of the security key for left and right handed people can be provided. Stable home positions can be understood to mean those positions of the safety actuating element in which it remains held in a locked or otherwise defined state, and from which a user can perform the unlocking operation. The two starting positions may for example be associated with a left-handed position and a right-handed position which is adapted to the anatomy of the corresponding hand. Since the setting device can be used by left- and right-handed people, the safety button should be switchable, for example, protrude left or right out of the device housing.

Thus, according to one embodiment, the first starting position may be a left-handed position in which a user can operate the securing actuator with the thumb of the left hand. The second home position may be a right-handed position in which a user can operate the lock actuator with the thumb of the right hand. A user may manipulate the trigger actuator with one or more other fingers of the hand, such as the index finger and / or the middle finger of the respective hand.

According to one embodiment, a displacement direction, along which the securing actuating element is displaceable between the first starting position and the second starting position, may be oriented substantially perpendicular to an actuating direction along which the securing actuating element and / or the triggering actuating element can be actuated. By means of a simple and intuitively vornehmbaren sliding movement of the fuse actuating element, the left-handed or right-handed position can be adjusted easily and user-friendly. By decoupling the triggering direction from the displacement direction, an undesired sequence of operation by a user can be reliably avoided.

According to one embodiment, the triggering mechanism may include a first switch element (eg, a first microswitch) that activates the drive unit upon actuation of the trigger actuation element. It may further comprise a second switch element (for example, a second microswitch) which triggers the setting of the fastener in the subsequent actuation of the fuse actuation element and in the repeated actuation of the trigger actuation element. Both switch elements can be triggered by pressing the trigger actuating element. For example, the first switch element can be freely released at any time by operating the trigger actuation element independently of the fuse actuation element. In contrast, for example, the second switch element can be triggered by pressing the trigger actuating element only when previously the fuse actuating element has been transferred from a blocking position to a release position. The switch elements may be electromechanical components which respond to a mechanical actuation on the part of the trigger actuating element and then turn on the drive motor in one case and trigger the setting process in the other case. Thus, the switches can translate the mechanical actuation commands of a user into corresponding electrical control signals. The arrangement of the switching elements relative to the actuators can be such that the one switching element by the trigger actuator at any time, ie in any operating condition, is switchable, whereas the other switching element by the Discharge operation element is mechanically switchable only when simultaneously the backup actuator is actuated.

According to one embodiment, the trigger actuating element and the securing actuating element can be set up such that by releasing the triggering trigger again, the setting of the fastening element can be triggered by accelerating the plunger into a setting position, in which the plunger exerts a setting force on the fastening element by releasing the triggering actuating element. According to such an embodiment, for example, the plunger may be driven by means of flywheels, which in turn are driven by the actual drive element, i. a drive electric motor, are set in motion. By the first actuation of the trigger actuation element thus the drive motor and in consequence the flywheels are activated, i. set the flywheels in motion. In this state, the flywheels can still be out of engagement with the plunger, so that no setting process can be triggered. Only in a state in which the safety actuating element is actuated and the trigger actuation element is actuated again, then the flywheels can be moved up to the plunger to set this in motion and thereby trigger a setting operation by a front end of the plunger back to a back End of a setting element, such as a blind rivet, is accelerated towards.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the triggering mechanism can be set up in such a way that the setting of the fastening element can not be triggered until a pressing of the setting device against a target object has been determined by means of a contact pressure detection unit. Thus, the release for triggering can optionally be made impossible even with already effected unlocking of the release lock until, for example, a muzzle-side arranged Anpressdetektiereinheit has determined the correct pressing of the setting device against a target object. This additionally increases the operational safety.

According to one embodiment, the setting device may have a handle on which the securing actuating element and the triggering actuating element are arranged. Thereby, a user can simultaneously perform these functions of holding the setting device and controlling the same by operating the two operating elements.

The setting device can be designed according to an embodiment as a handheld device, in particular with wireless power supply. In particular, in a wireless power supply, for example, in a setting tool, which is operated with a battery or a battery pack, the economical use of energy is particularly important to ensure a long use time of the setting before a power supply unit must be replaced or recharged. The setting of the timing upstream activation of the drive motor, which allows a relatively slow startup while waiting for the unlocking of the locking member is therefore particularly advantageous in such, designed as a wireless hand-held setting tool.

According to one embodiment, in the setting tool, the drive unit may include a first motor for rotating flywheels to provide drive energy for driving a ram structure and a separate second motor for moving at least one of the flywheels over the other of the flywheels to deliver the flywheels to the ram structure , Thus, the first motor is used to drive the flywheels rotatory, said drive energy subsequently accelerates the plunger on the blind rivet out. Before this acceleration process, the second motor translates the flywheels toward each other until they engage the ram structure. This attack uses the kinetic energy of the rotating flywheels to accelerate the plunger.

• Fig. 1 zeigt einen Auslösemechanismus zum Auslösen des Setzens eines Befestigungselements in ein Zielobjekt mittels eines Setzgeräts gemäß einem exemplarischen Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung.
• Fig. 2 zeigt schematisch einen Schnitt durch ein Setzgerät gemäß einem exemplarischen Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung.
• Fig. 3 bis Fig. 8 zeigen Querschnittsansichten eines Setzgeräts gemäß einem exemplarischen Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung in unterschiedlichen Betriebszuständen.
• Fig. 9 zeigt eine räumliche oberseitige Ansicht des Setzgeräts gemäß Fig. 3 bis Fig. 8 und eine Ansicht von einzelnen Baugruppen dieses Setzgeräts.
• Fig. 10 zeigt eine räumliche, unterseitige Ansicht des Setzgeräts 30 gemäß Fig. 3 bis Fig. 9.
• Fig. 11 bis Fig. 21 zeigen einen Auslösemechanismus eines Nietsetzgeräts gemäß einem exemplarischen Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung.
• Fig. 22 bis Fig. 25 zeigen unterschiedliche Ansichten eines Auslösemechanismus zum Auslösen des Setzens eines Niets mittels des Setzgeräts gemäß Fig. 3 bis Fig. 21 gemäß einem exemplarischen Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung.
• Fig. 26 und Fig. 27 zeigen unterschiedliche Ansichten eines Auslösemechanismus gemäß einem anderen exemplarischen Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung.
• Fig. 28 zeigt den Auslösemechanismus gemäß Fig. 26 und Fig. 27 in einer Linkshänderstellung.
• Fig. 29 zeigt den Auslösemechanismus gemäß Fig. 26 und Fig. 27 in einer Rechtshänderstellung.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the following figures.

• Fig. 1 shows a trigger mechanism for triggering the setting of a fastener in a target object by means of a setting device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
• Fig. 2 schematically shows a section through a setting tool according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
• Fig. 3 to Fig. 8 show cross-sectional views of a setting device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention in different operating conditions.
• Fig. 9 shows a spatial top-side view of the setting device according to Fig. 3 to Fig. 8 and a view of individual assemblies of this setting device.
• Fig. 10 shows a spatial, underside view of the setting device 30 according to Fig. 3 to Fig. 9 ,
• Fig. 11 to Fig. 21 show a triggering mechanism of a rivet setting device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
• FIGS. 22 to 25 show different views of a trigger mechanism for triggering the setting of a rivet by means of the setting device according to Fig. 3 to Fig. 21 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
• FIGS. 26 and 27 show different views of a triggering mechanism according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention.
• Fig. 28 shows the triggering mechanism according to FIGS. 26 and 27 in a left-handed position.
• Fig. 29 shows the triggering mechanism according to FIGS. 26 and 27 in a legal position.

The same or similar components in different figures are provided with the same reference numerals.

Fig. 1 10 shows components of a rivet setting apparatus 30, and more particularly a triggering mechanism 130 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, for triggering the setting of a blind rivet 66 into two metal plates 62, 64 to be joined together.

A plunger 10 is operatively connected to a striker 9 and can be accelerated by means of flywheels 13. If the plunger 10, starting from the in Fig. 1 shown operating state accelerates to the left, so meets an end 11 of the plunger 10 on a rear end face of the blind rivet 66, whereby this is driven into the metal plates 62, 64 to be fastened together. The flywheels 13 can be rotated by means of a drive motor block 94, as illustrated by arrows 14. The flywheels 13 can (as in Fig. 1 shown) may be arranged at a distance from the impactor 9 and then do not act on the striker 9. But the flywheels 13 can also be driven towards each other and then accelerate the impactor 9 and consequently the plunger 10th

In the schematic view in Fig. 1 is accomplished by the drive motor block 94 (which may be a group of multiple drive motors, see also Fig. 2 ) Both the translational delivery of the flywheels 13 and their rotation. More specifically, in the embodiment described, the prime mover block 94 has a first motor 8 which serves to rotate the flywheels 13. A second motor 18 serves to move the flywheels 13 against each other such that they are delivered to the striker 9. This motor 18 can also be used for mandrel pulling.

As in Fig. 1 is schematically shown, the trigger mechanism 130 exactly two actuators or release buttons 5, namely a trigger actuator 58 and a fuse actuator 60. Both actuators 58, 60 are mechanically actuated by the hand of a user and can be configured as buttons or buttons or lever switching element ,

By actuating the trigger actuation element 58, the drive motor block 94 can be activated to drive the flywheels 13 and thus to provide drive energy for accelerating the ram 10. For this purpose, the trigger actuation element 58 must be actuated so that it acts on a first microswitch 102 which depending on the actuation time of the trigger actuation element 58, the drive motor block 94 (in the embodiment shown, an arrangement of two electric motors) selectively on or off. By means of a second microswitch 104, a setting process can be triggered by actuation of the trigger actuation element 58, that is, an action of the drive energy of the drive motor block 94 on the impactor 9 and thus the plunger 10 is made possible. In order to enable the triggering of the setting process, but before a trigger lock in the form of a mechanically acting locking member 96 to overcome, unlock or transfer to an unlocked. As will be described below, this is only possible by a very specific concerted actuation of the trigger actuation element 58 and the safety actuation element 60 by a user. In total, a three-stage actuation process is to be executed by a user to trigger a setting process:

In a first operating step, the in Fig. 1 1), the trigger actuator 58 is actuated to energize the prime mover block 94 to provide electrical drive energy for setting the blind rivet 66. In other words, the drive motor block 94 is activated and consequently the flywheels 13 are set in motion by operating the trigger actuator 58 for a period Δt greater than a first threshold value T ₁ . For example, the first threshold T _{1 may be} 0.5 seconds.

In an in Fig. 1 Then, after step (1), the securing operation member 60 is operated with the operation step (2). Thereby, the locking member 96, which has previously prevented the triggering of the setting of the blind rivet 66, unlocked. Only by the fact that step (2) has been carried out, the user-side performing a subsequent operation step (3) allows, which then the actual setting process can be triggered.

This means that by re-activating the trigger actuation element 58 after unlocking the trigger lock in the form of the locking member 96 by performing step (2), the setting of the blind rivet 66 is made possible. By the actuating step (3) the previously already set in motion flywheels 13 are moved so that they can act laterally on the released for a movement impact body 9, whereby the impactor 9 according to Fig. 1 is accelerated to the left, whereby the plunger 10 in turn strikes the blind rivet 66 and thereby the setting of the blind rivet 66 is performed in the metal plates 62, 64 to be fastened to each other.

If a user has set the drive motor block 94 in motion by carrying out the actuation step (1), but the user does not want to perform a setting process or switch off the setting device 30 again, the user can actuate the withdrawal actuation element 58 again without simultaneously actuating the safety actuation element 60 for a period .DELTA.t> T ₂ = 3 s stop the drive motor block 94 again or disconnect from its power supply. Of course T _{2 can} also take other values.

The described mechanism for initiating the setting process combines a high degree of safety with a user-friendly operating comfort and an energy-saving mode of operation. Because by the Drive motor block 94 early, ie already long enough before the actual setting process, set in motion, this can ramp up to operating speed over a relatively long period of time, since the actual setting still the release of the mechanical locking member 96 can be waited by a user. Thus, although the drive motor block 94 is activated relatively early, peak load intervals during operation of the drive motor block 94 can be avoided. As a result, total operating energy can be saved.

In Fig. 1 2, it is schematically shown that the triggering mechanism 130 is arranged such that a short first actuating stroke 118 (surmountable by momentary actuation), with which a user must operate the trigger actuator 58 to activate at least one of the motors 8, 18 of the drive motor block 94, becomes smaller is as a longer second actuating stroke 120 (surmountable by full push), with which a user must operate the trigger actuator 58 to trigger the setting of the fastener 66. Thus, a user can intuitively define on the basis of the respective actuation path, which function is to be triggered, without the need for a separate further actuation element (of course apart from the safety actuation element 60).

In the Fig. 1 The arrangement shown also shows a contact pressure detector 112. By means of the contact pressure detector 112 it is detected whether the blind rivet 66 mounted on the rivet setting device 30 is properly pressed against the metal plates 62, 64 to be fastened to each other before setting. The pressure detector 112 has a pressure sensor 122 (for example a pressure or force sensor) which is set up to detect whether the blind rivet 66 is pressed against the metal plates 62, 64 with sufficient contact pressure. The decision criterion can be, for example, whether the contact pressure exceeds a predefinable contact pressure threshold.

Furthermore, the in Fig. 1 only partially shown setting device 30 on the muzzle side a shape feature detection flange 116 which is shaped so that it allows the Anpresssensor 122 due to a mechanical shape recognition mechanism, the detection of the contact pressure only when the mounted on the Formmerkmalerkennungsflansch 116 blind rivet 66 fulfills a predetermined shape feature. The blind rivet 66 has an annular setting head 114, which only then against the Anpresssensor 122nd and thus can activate the Anpresssensor 122 for generating a sensor signal when the setting head 114 on the one hand large enough not to be passed through the narrow right-hand central bore of the Formmerkmalerkennungsflanschs 116 and on the other hand, the setting head 114 is small enough to larger in the left side Central opening of the feature recognition flange 116 to be introduced. This can ensure that only correct blind rivets 66 are processed with the rivet setting device 30. As a result, the reliability is further increased.

If the contact pressure sensor 122 detects that the blind rivet 66 is pressed against the metal plates 62, 64 with a sufficiently large force, it signals a signal to a processor or a control unit 110. The control unit 110 then activates the drive motor block 94, provided that the actuation elements simultaneously 58, 60 are operated as described above.

Fig. 2 schematically shows a setting tool according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, which has a housing 1. The housing 1 has a front end 2, in which a holder 3 is arranged for a bolt to be set or a blind rivet to be set. The housing 1 contains a handle 4, on which a user can attack. On the handle 4 is a shutter button 5 or more shutter buttons 5 are arranged, with the help of which the user can initiate a setting process and thus perform. From the front end 2 of the housing 1, a connecting piece 6 connected to the holder 3 protrudes, which is pressed against a base on which an attachment is to be made, in order thereby to overcome a triggering lock. At the foot of the handle 4 and on an underside of the housing 1, a receptacle 7 for a power supply unit (for example, an accumulator, a battery or a power adapter) is attached.

This in Fig. 2 The setting tool shown contains two motors:

A first motor 8 serves to set two flywheels 13 in rotation. If the flywheels 13 set in rotation act on a striking body 9 and subsequently on a plunger 10, the actual acceleration process of the plunger 10 is triggered on a blind rivet inserted into the holder 3 or the connecting piece 6. The first motor 8 may be formed as an electric motor connected via a V-belt (not shown in FIG Fig. 2 ) sets the flywheels 13 in rotation.

A second motor 18 serves to move the two flywheels 13 against each other such that they are delivered to the striker 9 out. This means that in the example shown, the upper of the two flywheels 13 is subjected to a translation in the direction of the impactor 9, so that subsequently the two flywheels 13 engage opposite surfaces of the impactor 9, which - when the first motor 8 the flywheels 13 rotational energy prepares - the setting process triggers. The second motor 18 is also used, in another operating state of the setting device, to deduct a residual mandrel from the blind rivet after retracting a blind rivet into sheet metal plates or the like and to withdraw it into the interior of the setting device. The second motor 18 may have an electric motor and act on a spindle driven thereby as the actual drive.

The impactor 9 is under the influence of the flywheels 13 in the housing 1 along its own longitudinal direction movable and has at its front end to the plunger 10, the end 11 to hit the head of a Setzniets or bolt, which is attached to the bracket 3 and the nozzle 6 is mounted.

The striking body 9, the rear end in Fig. 2 is still visible, is stored and guided in a guide 12, which determines his path. The guide 12 passes between the two flywheels 13 therethrough. The flywheels 13 are by means of parallel, perpendicular to the plane of the Fig. 2 stored extending axes and are driven in the direction of arrows 14 by the motor 8 in opposite directions. Their distance from each other is matched to the impactor 9, that this, when it is arranged in a first position between the two flywheels 13, is touched by the surfaces of both flywheels 13. As a result, the flywheels 13 are able to convert their rotary motion into a linear movement of the impactor 9. The distance is further adapted to the impactor 9, that this, when it is arranged in a second position between the two flywheels 13, is spaced from the surfaces of the flywheels 13. A transfer of the setting device between the two positions accomplished the motor 18th

To set a bolt mounted in the holder 3 or the socket 6 into a target object, a user presses the socket 6 with an inserted one Bolt against the target object and press the release button (s) 5. The engine 8, see also Fig. 10 , now drives the flywheels 13. The impactor 9 and the flywheels 13 are brought into operative connection by means of the motor 18, whereby the plunger 10 is accelerated in the direction of the bolt. Thereby, the plunger 10 exerts a driving force on the bolt, which is consequently driven into the target object.

After driving the bolt, for which the plunger 10 is transported with its end 11 on the head of the bolt, which is housed in the socket 6, the striker 9 can be pushed back or withdrawn. For this purpose, a tension element 21 can serve, which is fastened, for example, at the rear end of the impactor 9 and, for reasons of saving space, is guided around the housing 1 by one and optionally a plurality of deflection rollers (s) 20. Again by means of the motor 18, the residual mandrel is pulled, which is then fully conveyed into the housing 1.

In the following, reference is made to Fig. 3 to Fig. 21 a fully automatic riveting tool 30 for direct assembly of blind rivets according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention described.

First show Fig. 3 to Fig. 8 Cross-sectional views of Rietsetzgeräts 30 in different operating conditions. Based on this, a rivet setting cycle will be described below.

Fig. 3 shows the Nietsetzgerät 30 in a starting position. This initial position corresponds to an operating condition that is assumed after a blind rivet 66 (shown in FIG Fig. 4 ) into two metal plates 62, 64 (shown in FIG Fig. 4 ) has been driven. In this case, a front Blindnietteil remains with a positive closing head in the metal plates now secured to each other 62, 64, by means of retraction of a residual mandrel 32 of the blind rivet 66 after its driving into the metal plates 62, 64 at a predetermined breaking point 34 of the remaining mandrel 32 is separated from the front Blindnietteil , whereby the blind rivet 66 is divided into two separate rivet parts. The residual mandrel 32 remains within the rivet setting device 30, as in FIG Fig. 3 shown. The predetermined breaking point 34 of the blind rivet 66 forms the transition between the in Fig. 3 Restdorn shown 32 and the already driven front Blindnietteil.

According to Fig. 3 inserted from a previous setting nor the remaining mandrel 32 secured in a collet 36 of the holder 3. The collet 36 points Clamping jaws 38 for engaging the residual mandrel 32, wherein corresponding profilings on abutting surfaces of the clamping jaws 38 on the one hand and the remaining mandrel 32 on the other hand ensure a secure mutual grip.

In the in Fig. 3 shown operating state further triggering a Nietsetzung is prevented. By means of an Anpressdetektiereinheit 46 can be detected whether a blind rivet 66 inserted into the holder 3 by a user against a target object, in particular a metal plate 62, 64, is pressed or not. For safety reasons, a subsequent setting process is made possible only upon successful detection of such pressing by means of the contact pressure detection unit 46. If the rivet setting device 30 is pressed against a target object without inserted blind rivet 88, a safety sleeve 88 is not completely pressed on - there is a gap between a cover 90 and the safety sleeve 88. However, pressing contacts of the contact pressure detection unit 46 are only closed if the safety sleeve 88 fits into the Deepening of the lid 90 is pressed. This is mechanically impossible without inserted blind rivet 66. A rivet setting can not be triggered in this state without inserted blind rivet 66, since a solenoid 40 (best seen in Fig. 4 ) locks the trigger mechanism until the contact between contact elements on the pressure detecting unit 46, which are operatively coupled to the safety sleeve 88, is closed. Fig. 3 further shows a return spring 92 for returning the safety sleeve 88 to a home position when a pressing is terminated. According to Fig. 3 but a contact on the safety sleeve 88 is interrupted, the solenoid 40 is in a locking position.

The plunger 10 is according to Fig. 3 by means of an indicated with reference numeral 42 plunger lock, which may be formed as a latch mechanism secured. Furthermore, according to Fig. 3 the flywheels 13 in an open state. The associated flywheel drive is switched off.

A tappet feed 52 is designed to guide the tappet 10 or the impact body 9 interacting with the tappet 10. On the plunger feed 52 tension springs 54 are provided, which can be tensioned during the later process of a spindle 50 and relaxed during rivet driving to the plunger 10 against engagement with the flywheels 13th vorzubeschleunigen. The spindle 50 can be driven by means of a motor 18 (in particular an electric motor) in order to carry out a linear spindle movement for triggering a riveting operation.

A speed selection switch 56 is user-operable to set a desired operating or target speed of the drive motor 8. Fig. 3 Incidentally, there is also a V-belt 55 of the driver 8. The rotational speed may be adjusted based on characteristics (for example, material, thickness, number) of the components to be connected to each other by a rivet connection, in the example shown, the metal plates 62, 64.

In order to prepare a subsequent setting process after a previous setting operation, a riveting rivet 66 can be inserted into the riveting setting device 30.

Fig. 4 shows the rivet setting device 30 in an operating state in which the new blind rivet 66 has been inserted into socket 6, the remaining mandrel 32 has already been transferred to a collecting container and the rivet setting device 30 at two metal plates 62, 64 to be fastened together by forming a riveted joint as a target object for the blind rivet 66 is pressed.

• Bevor ein nachfolgender Nietsetzvorgang begonnen werden kann, wird zunächst der Restdorn 32 in eine Dornentsorgungseinheit 44 überführt, wo er gemeinsam mit einer Vielzahl von anderen Restdornen gelagert werden kann. Hierfür wird ein neuer Blindniet 66 in die Halterung 3 nachgeschoben, womit dieser Blindniet 66 den Restdorn 32 zu einem Magnethalter der Dornentsorgungseinheit 44 vorschiebt, welcher Magnethalter Magneten zum Unterstützen der Dornentsorgung hält.

As the rivet setting device 30 in the in Fig. 4 will be described in the following:

• Before a subsequent Nietsetzvorgang can be started, the remaining mandrel 32 is first transferred to a mandrel disposal unit 44, where it can be stored together with a variety of other residual thorns. For this purpose, a new blind rivet 66 is pushed into the holder 3, whereby this blind rivet 66 advances the remaining mandrel 32 to a magnet holder of the mandrel disposal unit 44, which magnet holder holds magnets to support the mandrel disposal.

Now a in Fig. 4 Trigger 5, not shown, is actuated (eg, tapped) by a user a first time to start rivet setting device 30, thereby causing flywheels 13 to move. The flywheels 13 are set to a user-side set speed in rotation. The displacement of the flywheels 13 in rotation thus takes place when the trigger 5 has been actuated for the first time, since this triggers the starting of the drive motor 8 for driving the flywheels 13. The trigger 5, which has a trigger actuating element 58 and a securing actuating element 60, which is used for triggering a riveting operation for reasons of Operational safety both must be pressed in Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 shown.

By pressing the rivet setting apparatus 30 against the metal sheets 62, 64 with sufficient force, the contact in the pressing detection unit 46 is closed in operative connection with the safety sleeve 88, and the solenoid 40 outputs the lock or triggering mechanism 232 (FIG. Fig. 15 ) free. If a blind rivet 66 is inserted into the rivet setting device 30, the safety sleeve 88 is pressed into the recess in the cover 90 when the rivet setting device 30 is pressed against the metal plates 62, 64. The Anpresskontakt is closed and the solenoid 40 unlocks the trigger mechanism. The actual settlement can now be triggered via the trigger 5.

For this purpose, the user operates after the first actuation of the trigger actuation element 58, the safety actuation element 60 and thereby unlocks a mechanical release lock, which has previously prevented the full pressing of the trigger actuation element 58. Only after this unlocking a further or further actuation of the trigger actuation element 58 is mechanically enabled, whereby it comes to triggering a Nietsetzvorgangs.

As a result of the repeated actuation of the trigger actuation element 58 after the unlocking, a first phase of a spindle stroke of the spindle 50 is moved forward (ie in accordance with FIG Fig. 4 to the left), for which the motor 18 provides drive energy. This advancement of the spindle 50 causes, if by a previous Nachschieben a new blind rivet 66 of the remaining mandrel 32 has been advanced to the magnet holder, that the residual mandrel 32 is further pulled by magnets of the magnet holder into the magnet holder inside.

In a subsequent second phase of the spindle stroke of the spindle 50 to the front of the remaining mandrel 32 is held in the magnet holder. Further, a plunger carriage is pulled forward and the tension springs 54 are biased. With energy from this bias, the plunger 10 can be pre-accelerated later by relaxing the tension springs 54 before the plunger 10 is subjected to a main acceleration by means of the flywheels 13. The flywheels 13 can be closed with or via Spindelhub, ie moved toward each other to subsequently act on the striker 9 of the plunger 10 can. Release lever of the Trigger mechanism can be preloaded. The release levers are pivotally mounted and cooperate with other levers when releasing the plunger 10 to trigger the setting process.

If the spindle 50 has reached its foremost position, the remaining mandrel 32 is disposed of in the mandrel disposal unit 44 in a third phase of the spindle stroke. The magnet holder, during the spindle stroke, guided by a guided in turn in a slide guide 74 guide member 76 down and releases a Eintreibbahn along which then the plunger 10 can be moved to the newly inserted blind rivet 66 in the metal sheets 62, 64th collect. The slotted guide 74 has a guide recess in which the guide element 76 can be inserted, which in turn acts on the magnet holder. Thus, the guide member 76 is a body which can be guided in the slotted guide 74 and thereby activates or deactivates the forward movement of the plunger 10 by controlling the magnetic holder and on the other hand contributes to the residual mandrel disposal.

The plunger 10 is then pre-accelerated by relaxing the tension springs 54. If the plunger 10 or its impact body 9 comes into the sphere of influence of the compressed flywheels 13, they accelerate the pre-accelerated plunger 10 to such a speed that the plunger 10 drives the new blind rivet 66 into the metal sheets 62, 64.

Fig. 5 5 shows the rivet setting device 30 in an operating state in which the blind rivet 66 inserted into the holder 3 is driven into the metal plates 62, 64 to be joined by the end 11 of the ram 10 coming back onto the blind rivet 66.

When the spindle 50 has been moved sufficiently far forward, the rivet initiation is triggered by means of a triggering mechanism (see also FIG Fig. 11 ) or trigger 70. As a result, the plunger 10 is released, and the driving operation is carried out. Immediately after the riveting process, the flywheels 13 are again in an open state, ie, they no longer act on the ram 9.

The plunger or the plunger feed 52 is then retracted back to the starting position. The retraction of the plunger 10 to the starting position is effected by means of the spring 54 (and by means of springs 228, 224, see, for example Fig. 15 ), carried out. An associated ram repeating system 72 is shown in FIG Fig. 9 designated by reference numeral 72. The ram repeating system 72 provides for returning the plunger 10 to the initial state after a riveting operation has been performed. The ram repeating system 72 includes the pulleys 20 and the tension member 21 which is attachable to the shock body 9 at one end and which is deflected over the pulleys 20 on the principle of a cable. By providing these pulleys 20, the ram repeating system 72 and consequently the entire riveting tool 30 can be made compact.

Fig. 6 shows the Nietsetzgerät 30 in a state in which the plunger 10 is braked and the residual energy of the plunger 10 is dissipated. This over-energy of the plunger 10 is reduced by means of a plunger brake 48, which is formed in the described embodiment as an elastomeric brake. The plunger brake 48 can receive kinetic energy of the plunger 10 when moving the plunger 10 for driving the blind rivet 66 and thus act as an attenuator.

As a result of the drive-in path resulting when the blind rivet 66 is driven in, which the setting device 30 travels in the direction of the metal sheets 62, 64 and to the latter, the setting tool 30 must now be attached to the metal sheets 62, 64 or be tracked to this, in order to pull of the remaining mandrel 32 perform.

Fig. 7 shows how the Rietsetzgerät 30 is postponed. By repositioning the contact on the safety sleeve 88 is closed again. Meanwhile, the plunger 10 and the impact mass or the impactor 9 have already been repeated by the tension member 21 formed as a string (for example, an inelastic nylon cord or an elastomeric cord), that is, according to FIG Fig. 7 transported to the right, and secured at the respective starting position. Now a mandrel process is triggered, the result Fig. 8 shows.

Fig. 8 shows the rivet setting device 30 in forming a closing head. The spindle 50 moves back. The jaws 38 become wedged in a profiled portion of the blind rivet 66 such that the residual mandrel 32, ie, the rear portion of the blind rivet 66, is torn off by restoring movement from the remainder of the blind rivet 66 (remaining in the metal plates 62, 64). The residual mandrel 32 is thus pulled and formed the closing head. The mandrel break takes place at the predetermined breaking point 34. In the mandrel drawing process, the rivet setting device 30 thus applies a Fig. 8 to the right acting force on the driven blind rivet 66 from to break at the predetermined breaking point 34 of the blind rivet 66 so cause only the residual mandrel 32 remains inside the rivet setting device 30, whereas the front Blindietietteil, which causes the actual fastening function remains within the metal plates 62, 64 to be joined. In the rivet setting process described, a closing head is produced on the part of the blind rivet 66 remaining within the metal plates 62, 64 and thus a form-locking connection which holds the metal plates 62, 64 together.

A comparison between FIGS. 7 and 8 shows that in the final phase of the setting process, the guide element 76 is guided within a guide recess of the guide slot 74. The spindle 50 moves after the mandrel pulling back to the front to the starting position. After this process, the rivet setting device 30 is again in the in Fig. 3 shown starting position.

Fig. 9 shows a three-dimensional view and individual assemblies of the rivet setting 30th

Shown is, inter alia, a drive-in unit 78, which makes it possible to drive the blind rivet 66 into the components to be connected to one another by activating the triggering mechanism mentioned above and described in more detail below.

To the drive-in unit 78, the plunger feed 52 and a rocker 80 with a spring assembly 82 are connected. The rocker 80 with the spring assembly 82 serves as a lever mechanism for opening and closing the flywheels 13 for space-saving transfer of force to the storage of the flywheels 13 to move them toward each other or move away from each other. As a result, the adjustment of a mutual axial distance between the flywheels 13 is made possible to accelerate the plunger 10 by the flywheels 13 either for rivet driving or not. A bias of at least one of the flywheels 13 against the plunger 10 ensures the exercise of a sufficiently high frictional force of the flywheel or wheels 13 on the plunger 10, wherein the degree of interaction can be adjusted by adjusting the frictional force. By interposing a lever mechanism in the form of the rocker 80 between acting as a biasing spring spring assembly 82 and the flywheels 13, a realization of the drive mechanism is possible even under tight space conditions.

The mandrel removal unit 44 can be mounted on a mandrel tractor unit 84. The mandrel disposal unit 44 serves to dispose of a residual mandrel 32 of a Blind rivet 66, which residual mandrel 32 is demolished during the setting process of the blind rivet 66 and remains within the Nietsetzgeräts 30. In this case, an undesirable jamming or tilting of the remaining mandrel 32 in a channel between a mounting location (where the blind rivet 66 is mounted before or for setting) and a residual mandrel receptacle (which can accommodate many remaining mandrels 32, which are then disposed of batchwise or in groups can) avoided. This takes place in that the channel is at least and preferably partially provided or lined with a frictional positive guide structure, in particular an elastomer hose, along which the residual mandrel 32 is moved by means of friction tight and without Ausweichmöglichkeit along. Thus, the free mobility or the number of degrees of freedom of movement of the remaining mandrel 32 is specifically restricted, thus preventing a jamming or tilting promoting sideways and / or sliding movement of the remaining mandrel 32.

The drive-in unit 78 and the mandrel unit 84 are loosely inserted into each other. On the drive-in unit 78 there are eccentric clamping levers 79, which can be transferred for clamping the drive-in unit 78 and mandrel unit 84. After tilting the clamping lever the driving unit 78 is pulled over a housing in the direction Dornzugeinheit 84. The mandrel unit 84 is thereby pressed against the housing. The driving unit 78 and the mandrel unit 84 may alternatively be coupled together in other ways, for example by means of a screw connection.

A controller 86 may include a processor that controls the rivet setting operation of the rivet setting device 30. The control unit 86 is executed in the embodiment shown as a control board.

The ram repeating system 72 is based on an inelastic but flexible tension member 21 (in particular a cord) in combination with an in Fig. 9 not shown and separate, during setting process clamping energy receiving clamping element (in particular a tension spring). Thus, a low-wear ram repeating system 72 is provided for retrieving the plunger 10 after a setting operation in an initial position for preparing a subsequent further setting process. The inelastic but flexible tension member 21 has favorable sliding friction properties, whereas the tension member can effectively build a clamping force when the plunger 10th moved away during the setting process from its initial position. This allows the repetition of the mass of ram 10 and striker 9 over a large distance.

With the trigger 5, an unintentional and dangerous triggering a setting process can be excluded by ensuring that the setting process is triggered only when the user deliberately actuates the trigger mechanism. The deliberate release operation according to the invention via two independent actuators 58, 60. In this case, the backup actuator 60 is to operate so that the trigger actuator 58 is fully released to trigger the setting process, i. a preferably mechanically acting release lock can be overcome. Separated from the trigger actuator 58 is a locking member which blocks the trigger actuator 58 until the backup actuator 60 is actuated. If the safety operating element 60 is not actuated, the user can start the drive motor by tapping the trigger actuation element 58. Release for starting the drive-in process takes place only when the safety actuation element 60 has been actuated and subsequently the trigger actuation element 58 is actuated once more.

Fig. 10 shows a bottom view of the setting device 30 according to Fig. 3 to Fig. 9 ,

In the following, reference is made to Fig. 11 to Fig. 21 a trigger mechanism 232 of the setting device 30 described in more detail.

Fig. 11 first shows the portion of the setting device 30, which forms the trigger mechanism 232.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show the triggering mechanism 232 in a locked state. The rear of the plunger 10 arranged impactor 9 is held by means of a locking pawl 214. The locking pawl 214 engages in the locked state in a designated as a locking recess 212 groove in the striker 9 a. Thus, in the illustrated locked state, the plunger 10 is not yet movable. The spring-loaded latch pawl 214 is operatively coupled to a ram lock lever 222 which performs the function of the trip lock. The plunger locking lever 222 is locked as long as by a solenoid 40 as unlocking blockage until the setting device 30 is muzzle side, that is pressed at the location of the inserted blind rivet 66, to metal sheets 62, 64 and thus a safety circuit is closed. As further in Fig. 12 can be seen, acts the plunger lock lever 222 by means of a gate-guided lever mechanism with a release lever 208 to which a tension spring 228 is mounted, and with a clamping lever 220 together. Fig. 13 shows that the locking pawl 214 is biased by means of a coil spring as a pawl suspension 234 in the direction of the locking recess 212.

FIGS. 14 and 15 show the triggering mechanism 232 in a first operating condition. Prior to actuation of a trigger actuation element 58, the trigger mechanism is in the in FIGS. 14 and 15 shown position. A plunger slide 236 is in a rearward position and is locked via the plunger locking lever 222, which also holds the plunger 10 and the striker 9 in the rearward position. The solenoid 40 locks the plunger locking lever 222 and thus prevents disengagement of the plunger 10 and the impactor 9. The release lever 208 is held with the tension spring 228 in the starting position. The clamping lever 220 is spring-loaded with a leg spring as a torsion spring 224 in the clockwise direction and is pressed against a stop 240. An attack angle is in Fig. 15 designated by reference numeral 238.

FIGS. 16 and 17 show the triggering mechanism 232 in a second operating condition. If the riveting tool 30 is pressed correctly against metal sheets 62, 64 and the actuators 58, 60 are actuated, the drive spindle 50 (not shown in FIG FIGS. 16 and 17 ) moved forward. The solenoid 40 is actuated (when the setting tool is pressed with inserted blind rivet 66 against metal sheets 62, 64) and unlocks the plunger locking lever 222. The spindle 50 also drags the plunger slide 236 with. As a result, the compression springs 54 are compressed, which builds up bias. The trigger lever 208, which is rotatably mounted on this, is pulled under the stop angle 238 along. In this case, the tension lever 220 is rotated counterclockwise downwards over a curve on the trigger lever 208. The leg spring 224 is thus biased and pushes over the tensioning lever 220 the release lever 208 against the stop angle 238 upwards.

FIGS. 18 and 19 show the triggering mechanism 232 in a third operating condition.

If the spindle 50 has reached the front position, the clamping lever 220 is biased to the maximum. The trigger lever 208 was pulled out from the stop angle 238. The leg spring 224 may now relax and urge the release lever 208 upward counterclockwise against the ram lock lever 222. If by this time the setting device 30 is still pressed, the plunger lock lever 222 is not locked by the solenoid 40 and thus can be pivoted, which releases the plunger 10 and the striker 9.

FIGS. 20 and 21 show the triggering mechanism 232 in yet another mode of operation.

In this operating state, the trigger lever 208 has been rotated by the torsion spring 224 via the tension lever 220 and has opened the plunger lock lever 222. The impactor 9 has been pushed between the flywheels 13. As soon as a carriage hook 242 disengages the plunger carriage 236, it is pulled to the right via the tension spring 228. The trigger lever 208 is pulled up over the stop bracket 238 until it reaches the home position again.

• Zunächst wird nach einem vorherigen Setzvorgang ein neuer Blindniet 66 in eine Mündung des Nietsetzgeräts 30 eingesetzt, womit dieser Blindniet 66 einen Restdorn 32 zu einem Magnethalter der Dornentsorgungseinheit 44 schiebt. Sollte kein vorheriger Setzvorgang stattgefunden haben, wird ein erster Blindniet 66 in die Mündung des Nietsetzgeräts 30 eingesetzt.

By means of in Fig. 3 to Fig. 21 the rivet setting device 30 shown, the following operating method can be performed:

• First, after a previous setting operation, a new blind rivet 66 is inserted into an opening of the rivet setting device 30, whereby this blind rivet 66 pushes a remaining mandrel 32 to a magnet holder of the mandrel removal unit 44. If no previous setting process has taken place, a first blind rivet 66 is inserted into the mouth of the rivet setting device 30.

Then the trigger actuator 58 is actuated for the first time to activate the motor 8 and bring the flywheels 13 into rotation and operating speed.

Now the rivet setting device 30 is pressed with inserted blind rivet 66 to the metal sheets 62, 64 to control the solenoid 40 for releasing the locking of the plunger structure 9, 10 upon successful detection of pressing by the Anpressdetektiereinheit 46.

The user then actuates the lock actuator 60, thereby unlocking a mechanical trip lock, thus allowing the trigger actuator 58 to actuate the rivet setting operation again.

This results, by a spindle movement and a lever mechanism, for moving in the remaining mandrel 32 further into the rivet setting device 30, for biasing a force acting on the plunger 10 biasing spring to close the flywheels 13, for transferring the remaining mandrel 32 in a mandrel box, for pre-accelerating Tappet 10 and the impactor 9 by relaxing the previously biased biasing springs and finally to further accelerate the plunger 10 by interacting with the rotating, closed flywheels 13th

The setting process is initiated by the plunger 10 impinges on the muzzle 66 used rivet and this drives into the metal sheets 62, 64. Excess energy of the plunger 10 is received by the plunger brake 48 made of an elastomeric material.

Immediately after the riveting process, the flywheels 13 are returned to an open state.

The plunger structure 9, 10 is retracted by means of a ram repeating system 72 back to the starting position.

After repressing the rivet setting device 30, a mandrel drawing process is triggered, i. retracting the driven blind rivet 66 in the direction of the setting device 30, whereby a front piece of Blindniets 66 remains under the formation of a closing head in the metal plates 62, 64 and holds this form-fitting together, whereas a residual mandrel 32 is torn from the front piece at the predetermined breaking point 34 and remains in the rivet setting device 30.

Now the described process can be repeated cyclically.

FIGS. 22 to 25 show different views of a trigger or release mechanism 130 for the setting device 30 from FIGS. 3 to 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 22 and 23 show spatial views of the trigger mechanism 130 which is partially disposed under a housing member 132 and hidden by this.

Fig. 24 FIG. 12 shows another spatial view of the triggering mechanism 130 without the housing member 132.

Fig. 25 shows a sectional view of the triggering mechanism 130 accordingly Fig. 24 ,

FIGS. 22 to 25 show that the trigger actuator 58 and the backup actuator 60 can be formed in a common handle of the jig 30 and thus can be held and operated by a single user's hand. By providing two operating portions (ie, a first unlocking key 124 and a second unlocking key 126) of the backup operating member 60 on both sides of the triggering actuating member 58, the backup operating member 60 is conveniently operated by both left-handed and right-handed users. A trigger slide 106 serves as a mechanical guide for actuating the triggering mechanism 130 and thus defines an actuating direction, in particular of the trigger actuating element 58.

To provide a trigger guard, the trigger actuator 58 may not be fully pulled unless one of the two unlatch buttons 124, 126 of the backup actuator 60 is depressed. A detent stop 128, which is held by a spring in a central position and can be pushed by the release buttons 124, 126 to the side, blocks the trigger actuator 58. If not unlocked, the trigger slide 106, which is connected to the trigger actuator 58, after a short Way, for example 2 mm, blocked.

Hereinafter, the starting of the engine or the drive motor block 94 will be described. If the trigger actuator 58 is actuated without depressing any of the unlatch buttons 124, 126 left or right, the trigger actuator 58 will move 2mm. The trigger slide 106 thus triggers a first microswitch 102, which gives a signal to start the machine. The release lever and trigger slide 106 are reset by springs (home position).

The triggering of the setting process will be described below. When the trigger actuator 58 is actuated after one of the unlatch buttons 124, 126 has been depressed left or right, the trigger actuator 58 may be pulled back a longer distance, such as 5mm. In the rearward position, the trigger actuator 58 pushes on a second microswitch 104 which is secured to the trigger housing and thus initiates the setting operation.

FIGS. 26 to 29 show different views of a trigger mechanism 130 according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 26 shows a spatial view and Fig. 27 shows a side view of the trigger mechanism 130th

Fig. 28 shows a detail of the triggering mechanism 130 in a left-handed position 98, whereas Fig. 29 a detail of the trigger mechanism 130 in a right-handed position 100 shows.

In particular, show FIGS. 26 to 29 a biasing spring 108 that biases the fuse actuator 60 in a locked position. In other words, corresponding lugs of the locking member 96 are preset to the trigger actuator 58 on the one hand and on the fuse actuator 60 on the other hand, by the biasing spring 108 in a mutually blocking state. However, if a user actuates the securing actuator 60 and thereby overcomes the biasing force of the biasing spring 108, the trigger lock is overcome and the locking member 96 is unlocked by effectively separating the two corresponding tabs on the actuators 58, 60 thereby enabling the setting process to be initiated.

Especially FIGS. 28 and 29 show that fuse actuation element 60 is selectively connected between left-handed position 98 in FIG Fig. 28 and a right-handed position 100 according to Fig. 29 can be moved so that when selectively grasping the trigger mechanism 130 with the left hand or with the right hand a comfortable operation of the securing actuator 60 is possible. A user can then operate with the thumb of the respective hand, the safety actuator 60 and can operate with the index finger, optionally also with the middle finger, the ring finger and / or the little finger, the trigger actuation element 58. The shifting direction for transferring the securing operation member 60 between the left-wheeled position 98 according to FIG Fig. 28 and the right-handed position 100 according to Fig. 29 is orthogonal to a release direction, along which the actuators 58, 60 for performing the reference to Fig. 1 be operated procedure described.

Below the trigger actuation element 58 is the locking member 96 (in Fig. 27 circled) which blocks the trigger actuator 58 until the fuse actuator 60 is pushed down. The fuse actuator 60 is laterally displaceable in the setting device 30 and locks depending on the position to allow a left or right handed operation. If the safety operating element 60 is not pressed, the user can start the drive motor block 94 by tapping the trigger actuation element 58 via a first microswitch 102. When pressed again longer, the drive motor block 94 switches off again.

A release for Eintreibprozess takes place only when the fuse actuating element 60 has been pressed and then on the trigger actuation element 58, a second micro-switch 104 is actuated.

In addition, it should be understood that "no other elements or steps are excluded and" a "or" an "are not meant to exclude a plurality." Further, it should be understood that features or steps described with reference to any of the above embodiments are also incorporated in Combination with other features or steps of other embodiments described above may be used, and reference signs in the claims are not intended to be limiting.

Claims (15)

A trigger mechanism (130) for initiating the setting of a fastener (66) in a target object (62, 64) by a setting device (30), the trigger mechanism (130) comprising: a trigger actuator (58); and a securing actuator (60); wherein the triggering mechanism (130) is arranged such that: by actuating the trigger actuating element (58), a drive unit (94) for providing drive energy for setting the fastening element (66) can be activated; by means of, in particular subsequent actuation of the securing actuating element (60), a release lock (96) which blocks the triggering of the setting of the fastening element (66) by repressing the trigger actuating element (58) before the trigger lock (96) is unlocked; and by re-activating the trigger actuation element (58) after unlocking the trigger lock, the setting of the fastener (66) can be triggered. A triggering mechanism (130) according to claim 1, wherein the triggering mechanism (130) is arranged such that only upon continuous actuation of the trigger actuation element (58) over a time interval (Δt) exceeding a predetermined first threshold (T ₁ ), the drive unit (94 ) is activated. A triggering mechanism (130) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the triggering mechanism (130) is arranged such that upon a repeated actuation of the trigger actuation element (58) over a time interval (Δt) exceeding a predetermined second threshold value (T ₂ ), in particular greater when the first threshold (T ₁ ) is exceeded, the drive unit (94) is deactivated again. A trigger mechanism (130) according to claim 3, wherein the triggering mechanism (130) is arranged such that the drive unit (94) is again deactivated if the repeated actuation of the trigger actuation element (58) takes place before the actuation of the safety actuation element (60). A trigger mechanism (130) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the trigger mechanism (130) is arranged such that a first actuating stroke (118) by which a user actuates the trigger actuator (58) to activate the drive unit (94), less than a second actuation stroke (120) that a user uses to actuate the trigger actuator (58) to initiate the setting of the fastener (66). A trigger mechanism (130) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the securing actuator (60) is selectively slidable between a stable first home position (98) and a stable second home position (100), the safing actuator (60) starting from each of the first home positions (98) and the second home position (100) for unlocking the trigger lock (96) is actuated. A triggering mechanism (130) according to claim 6,
wherein the first home position (98) is a left-handed position in which a user can operate the lock actuator (60) with the left-hand thumb;
wherein the second home position (100) is a right-handed position in which a user can operate the lock actuator (60) with the thumb of the right hand;
wherein a user can operate the trigger actuation element (58) with at least one other finger, in particular the index finger, of the respective hand. A trigger mechanism (130) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein a shift direction along which the lock operating member (60) is slidable between the first home position (98) and the second home position (100) is perpendicular to an operating direction along which the lock operating member (60 ) and / or the trigger actuation element (58) can be actuated. A triggering mechanism (130) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising at least one of the following features: the triggering mechanism (130) has a first switch element (102) which activates the drive unit (94) upon actuation of the trigger actuation element (58), and has a second switch element (104) which acts upon actuation of the safety actuation element (60) and upon actuation of the trigger actuation element (58), actuation of the fastening element (66) is triggered, in particular wherein the safety confirmation element (60) forms a mechanical lock in particular between the switch elements (102, 104); the trigger actuation element (58) and the safety actuation element (60) are set up in such a manner that the actuation of the trigger actuation element (58) can be triggered by accelerating the plunger (10) into a set position by unlocking the trigger lock (96) is, in which the plunger (10) exerts a setting force on the fastening element (66); the triggering mechanism (130) is set up in such a way that the setting of the fastening element (66) can not be triggered until a pressing of the setting device (30) against a target object (62, 64) has been determined by means of a contact pressure detector (112); the trigger actuator (58) and the backup actuator (60) are two separately operable actuators; the trigger actuator (58) and the backup actuator (60) are arranged to be operable by a user with only one hand when the user holds the setting device (30), for example, by a corresponding spatial proximity of the two actuators (58, 60 ); the trigger actuator (58) and backup actuator (60) are configured such that re-actuation of the trigger actuator (58) to initiate setting of the fastener (66) is mechanically possible only while the fuse actuator (60) is kept actuated; The release lock (96) is a mechanically acting release lock. Setting device (30), in particular rivet setting device, for setting a fastening element (66), wherein the setting device (30) has: a drive unit (94) for driving a movable plunger (10) for setting the fastener (66) in a target object (62, 64); a trigger mechanism (130) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 for triggering the seating of the fastener (66). Setting tool (30) according to claim 10, comprising a handle (4) on which the securing actuating element (60) and the triggering actuating element (58) are arranged. Setting device (30) according to claim 10 or 11, designed as a handheld device, in particular with wireless power supply. A setting tool (30) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the drive unit (94) comprises: a first motor (8) for rotating flywheels (13) to provide drive energy for driving a ram structure (9, 10) having the ram (9); and a second motor (18) for moving at least one of the flywheels (13) relative to the other of the flywheels (13) to deliver the flywheels (13) to the ram structure (9, 10), and optionally to pull a mandrel. Setting arrangement, comprising: a setting device (30) according to any one of claims 10 to 13 for setting a fastening element (66); the fastening element (66), in particular ready to be mounted on or in the setting device (30). A method of initiating placement of a fastener (66) into a target (62, 64) by means of a setting device (30), the method comprising: Actuating a trigger actuation element (58) of the setting device (30) to activate a drive unit (94) to provide drive energy for setting the attachment element (66); Actuating, in particular subsequently actuating, a securing actuating element (60) of the setting device (30) for unlocking a triggering lock (96) which activates the setting of the fastening element (66) by again actuating the triggering actuating element (58) before unlocking the triggering barrier (96) locks; and again actuate the trigger actuator (58) after unlocking the trigger lock (96) to trigger the setting of the fastener (66).

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