EP3378580B1 - Feed device for feeding a punch rivet to a punch rivet device, punch rivet device for setting a punch rivet with an oscillation assisted setting force and method for punch riveting with such a device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a feed device for feeding a self-piercing rivet to a self-piercing riveting device, a self-piercing riveting device for setting a self-piercing rivet with an oscillation supporting a punch force, which is in particular an ultrasonic vibration, and a method for self-piercing riveting with such a self-piercing riveting device, with which a space-saving and safe positioning of a self-piercing rivet is possible before self-piercing riveting on the self-piercing riveting device.

A punch riveting device is used to connect or join at least one component with a punch rivet. Either the two ends of a component are attached to one another with the aid of a punch rivet or several punch rivets. Alternatively, two or more components can be attached to one another with a punch rivet.

With punch riveting, depending on the material of the component or components, very high process forces have to be applied in order to set the punch rivet correctly. In order to lower the energy demand caused by this when operating the system and to reduce the joining forces, ultrasound support is now used in some cases for punch riveting, such as in the DE 10 2014 224 600 A1 described. As a result, the self-piercing riveting device becomes smaller, leaner and lighter, which in turn is a results in better accessibility to a component flange to be machined or a joint. In addition, there is an improvement in the incision / separation process, a reduction in delamination in punch riveting, specifically in cutting through, of fiber composite materials and an expansion of the range of materials that can be riveted is possible. In addition, there are cost advantages, such as lower consumption costs for the operator of the self-piercing riveting device with ultrasound support. In particular, more cost-effective auxiliary joining elements made of stainless steel can be installed. In addition, the advantages mentioned also result in lower system costs, since robots with a lower payload, possibly from standard robot payload classes, can be used for the lighter punch riveting device.

The supply of self-piercing rivets to the self-piercing riveting device for carrying out a self-piercing riveting process causes problems, for example, with regard to the limited installation space of the self-piercing riveting device. With the feeds that are customary today, the self-piercing rivet is supplied directly to the self-piercing riveting device by mechanical elements. The punch rivet is usually fed in from or in the direction of the punch.

At present, a punch rivet is fixed to a punch riveting device prior to punch riveting by means of mechanical devices in a belt strap or as a loose rivet with the aid of a profile hose.

A disadvantage of such a type of rivet feed is that the punch rivet for punch riveting must be held in its position relative to the punch of the punch riveting device. Correct centering of the self-piercing rivet under the punch also causes difficulties here. DE 10 2013 000 388 A1 shows a feed transversely to the punch axis by means of a turntable which can be rotated between the punch riveting device and the mouthpiece.

In addition, when automating self-piercing riveting with the self-piercing riveting device, it is necessary to reduce the time for feeding a self-piercing rivet to the self-piercing riveting device compared to previous solutions in order to accelerate the joining process as a whole.

Another problem arises from the fact that with ultrasonic self-piercing riveting, vibrational energy is introduced into the feed mechanism. As a result, the self-piercing rivet cannot be held in the intended position without vibration. In addition, the feeding mechanism is stressed more than necessary. This leads to premature wear of the feed mechanism or forces a more complex construction of the feed mechanism.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a feed device for feeding a self-piercing rivet to a self-piercing riveting device, a self-piercing riveting device for setting a self-piercing rivet with an oscillation supporting a punch force and a method for self-piercing riveting with such a self-piercing riveting device, with which the aforementioned problems can be solved . In particular, a feed device for feeding a punch rivet to a punch riveting device, a punch riveting device for setting a punch rivet with an oscillation supporting a punch force and a method for punch riveting with such a punch riveting device are to be provided, in which a simple, safe and quick fixation of a punch rivet on a compact built punch riveting device is possible.

This object is achieved by a feed device for feeding a punch rivet to a punch riveting device according to patent claim 1. The feed device has at least one receiving unit for receiving a self-piercing rivet, and a movement unit for moving the receiving unit between a loading point, at which the receiving unit is loaded with a self-piercing rivet, and a joint, at which the self-piercing rivet into the at least one component is set, the receiving unit being provided at its end facing a hold-down device of the punch riveting device for coupling with the hold-down device, as described in claim 1, and during punch riveting an extension of the hold-down device forms for guiding the punch together with the hold-down device during punch riveting . The described configuration of the feed device for the punch riveting device also prevents vibrational energy from being introduced into the feed mechanism during ultrasonic punch riveting. This makes it possible to hold the self-piercing rivet in the intended position without vibration. In addition, the feeding mechanism is not stressed more than necessary and can therefore be constructed in a less complex manner without being more susceptible to wear as a result.

Advantageous further refinements of the feed device are specified in the dependent claims.

According to one embodiment variant, the movement unit is designed to move the receiving units in a plane transverse to a punch axis of a punch of the punch riveting device between the loading point and the joint. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one receiving unit has a positioning element for positioning the punch rivet in the receiving unit, so that the punch rivet is arranged centered on a punch axis of a punch of the punch riveting device during punch riveting. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one receiving unit is adapted to the shape of the hold-down device at its end facing the feed device. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one receiving unit has a molded part, the shape of which is adapted to a molded part of the hold-down device, in order to form a form fit with the molded part of the hold-down device. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one receiving unit has a magnetic area.

According to a preferred embodiment variant, the movement unit is a rotatable disk on which at least one receiving unit is arranged. Additionally or alternatively, the movement unit is a pivotable arm on which at least one receiving unit is arranged. Additionally or alternatively, the movement unit is a robot which is designed to receive the at least one receiving unit at a loading position in a punch riveting device and to move the self-piercing riveting device together with the at least one receiving unit to the joint.

The aforementioned object is also achieved by a punch riveting device for punch riveting with an oscillation supporting a punch force according to patent claim 7. The punch riveting device has a vibration generating device for generating the vibration which supports the punch force when setting a punch rivet in the at least one component, a punch via which the punch force and / or the vibration is introduced and applied when the punch rivet is set in the at least one component, and a hold-down device which can be coupled to a feed device as an extension of the hold-down device for punch riveting, the feed device being designed to feed a punch rivet to the punch riveting device, the punch being guided in the hold-down device and the feed device during punch riveting.

The punch riveting device achieves the same advantages as those mentioned above with regard to the feed device.

Advantageous further refinements of the punch riveting device are specified in the dependent claims.

According to one embodiment variant, the hold-down device is adapted to the shape of the feed device at its end facing the feed device. Additionally or alternatively, the hold-down device has a molded part whose shape is matched to a molded part of the feed device in order to form a form fit with the molded part of the feed device.

The punch riveting device (2B; 2C) may also have a coil, which is arranged on the hold-down device, and a control device for switching an electrical current on or off for the coil in order to switch a magnetic force on or off for interaction with a magnetic area of the feed device .

The feed device described above and the punch rivet device described above can be part of a system for treating objects, the punch riveting device and the feed device being provided for punch riveting at least one component that is provided for forming at least one of the objects.

According to one embodiment, the system also has a device for moving the punch riveting device in space, a station for storing punch rivets, the device being designed to receive a punch rivet received in a receiving unit with the punch riveting device in front of a punch riveting and the punch riveting device with the receiving unit to a To move the joint on at least one component in order to set the self-piercing rivet at the joint by self-piercing rivets in the at least one component.

The system for the production of vehicle bodies or electrical devices may be designed as objects. As an alternative or in addition, the punch riveting device can be provided for connecting a component which is made of a fiber-reinforced plastic in at least one area with a component which is made of a metal in at least one area.

The object is also achieved by a method for punch riveting with a punch riveting device according to claim 13. The punch riveting device has a hold-down device, a punch and a Vibration generating device for generating a vibration which supports a punch force of the punch when setting the punch rivet in the at least one component. The method has the following steps: loading a feed device with a punch rivet at a loading point, moving the punch rivet with the feed device to the punch riveting device, coupling the feed device with the hold-down device as an extension of the hold-down device, as described in claim 13, and guiding the punch in punch riveting the hold-down device and the feed device to the at least one component.

The method achieves the same advantages as mentioned above with regard to the feed device.

Further possible implementations of the invention also include combinations, not explicitly mentioned, of features or embodiments described above or below with regard to the exemplary embodiments. The person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the invention.

• Fig. 1 bis Fig. 4 jeweils eine schematische Ansicht von verschiedenen Prozesszuständen in einer Anlage beim Durchführen eines Stanznietverfahrens mit einer Stanznietvorrichtung;
• Fig. 5 eine Ansicht eines Stanzniets für eine Stanznietvorrichtung;
• Fig. 6 eine Schnittansicht einer Stanznietvorrichtung und einer Zuführeinrichtung;
• Fig. 7 eine Schnittansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Stanznietvorrichtung und einer erfindungsgemäßen Zuführeinrichtung;
• Fig. 8 eine Schnittansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Stanznietvorrichtung und einer erfindungsgemäßen Zuführeinrichtung;
• Fig. 9 eine schematische Ansicht einer Anlage gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel;
• Fig. 10 eine Draufsicht auf die Zuführeinrichtung gemäß Figur 9;
• Fig. 11 eine Schnittansicht einer Stanznietvorrichtung und einer Zuführeinrichtung gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel; und
• Fig. 12 eine schematische Ansicht einer Anlage gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel.

The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and with the aid of exemplary embodiments. Show it:

• FIGS. 1 to 4 each a schematic view of different process states in a system when carrying out a punch riveting process with a punch riveting device;
• Fig. 5 a view of a punch rivet for a punch riveting device;
• Fig. 6 a sectional view of a punch riveting device and a feed device;
• Fig. 7 a sectional view of a punch riveting device according to the invention and a feed device according to the invention;
• Fig. 8 a sectional view of a punch riveting device according to the invention and a feed device according to the invention;
• Fig. 9 a schematic view of a system according to an embodiment;
• Fig. 10 a plan view of the feed device according to Figure 9 ;
• Fig. 11 a sectional view of a punch riveting device and a feed device according to a further embodiment; and
• Fig. 12 a schematic view of a system according to an embodiment.

In the figures, elements that are the same or have the same function are provided with the same reference symbols unless otherwise specified.

Fig. 1 shows very schematically a system 1 with a punch riveting device 2. The system 1 can, for example, be a production system for objects 3, such as vehicles, furniture, electrical appliances, etc.

The self-piercing riveting device 2 is used to set a self-piercing rivet 5 in, for example, a first component 6 and a second component 7, which lie one above the other on a die 10. After setting the self-piercing rivet 5 in the The self-piercing rivet 5 connects the first and second components 6, 7 to the first and second components 6, 7. The self-piercing rivet 5 creates a rivet connection between the first and second components 6, 7. The first and second components 6, 7 can be components of the object 3. As described above, however, only two edges of one and the same component 6 can be connected to one another with at least one punch rivet 5.

A combination of fiber composite materials or fiber reinforced plastic, preferably carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), with at least one metal, in particular ductile steel, or aluminum or magnesium and alloys of these materials is preferably to be joined with the first and second component 6, 7. The method described below can be used in aircraft construction, in general vehicle construction, in lightweight body construction, etc., especially for the electromobility branch of industry. The following process can be used to produce high-quality joints between dissimilar lightweight materials, in particular with carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP).

With the materials mentioned, the punch rivet 5 can preferably be made of stainless steel or of V2A steel or of V4A steel. The materials mentioned contribute to the fact that when the self-piercing rivet 5 is set, as little harmful dust as possible is produced.

In Fig. 1 For setting the self-piercing rivet 5 in the first and second components 6, 7, a punch 20 with a vibration generating device 21 is provided. The punch 20 is guided in a hold-down device 30 of the punch riveting device 2. The stamp 20 is driven by means of a drive device 40, so that a stamp force F acts on the stamp 20, which is in particular a stamp pressure force. The drive device 40 can be an electric drive and a spindle with a ball, roller or planetary screw drive. In addition, a converter 60 is provided which initiates an oscillation S that supports the punch force F. The vibration S is provided with the aid of the vibration generating device 21 of the punch 20 for the punch rivet 5 and thus the component 6, 7. The Vibration generating device 21 can be, for example, a power ultrasonic vibration system consisting of a piezo converter, booster and sonotrode, which generates ultrasound as the vibration S supporting the punch force F.

In Fig. 1 a state of a punch riveting process carried out by the punch riveting device 2 is shown, in which the punch rivet 5 is arranged between the punch 20 and the first component 6. Then, with the punch 20, the punch force F in the direction of the punch rivet 5 and with the vibration generating device 21, the vibration S supporting the punch force F in a range of, for example, 15 kHz to 20 kHz and an amplitude of, for example, 5 to 50 μm on the punch rivet 5 be applied. In the following, the self-piercing rivet 5 is first cut or punched into the components 6, 7, as in FIG Fig. 2 illustrated. If the punch force F continues and the vibration S supporting the punch force F continues, the punch rivet 5 in the components 6, 7 expands due to the counterpressure from the die 10, as in FIG Fig. 3 shown. In addition, a slug 8 is formed on the punch rivet 5 from the components 6, 7.

When the self-piercing rivet 5 is set in the components 6, 7, as in FIG Fig. 4 shown, the punch force F and the vibration S supporting the punch force F are switched off.

The punch riveting device 2 can then be moved back to the starting position for punch riveting, which is shown in FIG Fig. 1 is shown. A next punch rivet 5 can then be placed in the components 6, 7 or in at least one further component.

The punch riveting device 2 consequently carries out a punch riveting process for setting a punch rivet 5.

Fig. 5 shows as an example a punch rivet 5 in more detail, which has a punch rivet head 51 and a punch rivet foot 52 which are symmetrical to a punch rivet axis 53 are. The punch rivet 5 is fed to the punch riveting device 2, as described below.

According to Fig. 6 a feed device 55 for feeding the punch rivet 5 to the punch riveting device 2 is used before the punch riveting. The feed device 55 has a receiving unit 56 which is designed as a recess. A positioning element 57, on which a punch rivet 5 is positioned, is provided in the receiving unit 56. In addition, the feed device 55 has a movement unit 58. To feed the respective punch rivet 5 to the punch riveting device 2, the punch rivet 5 is not inserted directly into the punch riveting device 2 or into a so-called mouthpiece there. Instead, the self-piercing rivet 5 is fed into the feed device 55, more precisely its receiving unit 56 with the positioning element 57.

The self-piercing rivet 5 is fed into the feed device 55 outside the actual joining point or joining zone at which the at least one component 6, 7 is joined. Since the movement unit 58 is designed as a rotatable and / or pivotable carrier, after the self-piercing rivet 5 has been fed into the receiving unit 56, the movement unit 58 can then be moved or moved between the self-piercing riveting device 2 and component 6, 7, as in FIG Fig. 6 shown. As a result, the punch rivet 5 or the receiving unit 56 with the punch rivet 5 is positioned on the punch riveting device 2, more precisely its hold-down device 30. The movement unit 58 is preferably designed in such a way that the receiving unit 56 is moved at least partially in a plane transverse to a punch axis 25 of the punch 20 between a loading point and a joining point, which are shown in more detail in relation to the further exemplary embodiments. Such a movement causes the feed device 55 to be moved approximately parallel to the at least one component 6, 7.

As in Fig. 6 also shown, in the punch riveting device 2, the die 10 for spreading the punch rivet foot 52 of the punch rivet 5 has a recess 11 which faces the component 7. The The self-piercing riveting device 2 with its hold-down device 30 is attached to the feed device 55, which in turn is attached to the component 6. As a result, the receiving unit 56 forms an extension of the hold-down 30 during punch riveting, so that the receiving unit 56 guides the punch 20 together with the hold-down 30 during punch riveting.

The hold-down device 30, the feed device 55 and the die 10 are arranged axially symmetrically to preferably the same axis, preferably the punch axis 25 of the punch 20. With the positioning element 57, for example as a ring or O-ring, in particular a rubber ring, or at least two on the circumference the receiving unit 56 is designed equidistantly arranged ring segments, the punch rivet 5 can be positioned centered under the punch 20 of the punch riveting device 2 and securely held.

As a result, the punch rivets 5 can be positioned and fixed on the punch riveting device 2 for punch riveting both very easily and safely and quickly and with little space requirement. In this case, with the described configuration on the component 6, 7 itself, installation space can be saved, since the loading of the feed device 55 takes place outside the actual working space or the joint.

Fig. 7 shows very schematically a section through a punch riveting device 2A according to the invention and a feed device 55A according to the invention. The punch riveting device 2A and the feed device 55A are constructed in large parts like the punch riveting device 2 and the feed device 55 according to FIG Figure 6 .

In contrast to the punch riveting device 2 according to FIG Figure 6 In the case of the punch riveting device 2A, a hold-down device 30A is formed at its end, to which the feed device 55A is to be attached, obliquely to the punch axis 25. In Fig. 7 the slope of said end of the hold-down device 30A runs from the inside to the outside as an example. The feed device 55A on its receiving unit is complementary to this 56A. Thus, for the punch riveting, an inclined surface of the hold-down device 30A is to be associated with an inclined surface of the receiving unit 56A. As a result of this mechanical configuration, the hold-down device 30A and the feed device 55A, in particular its receiving unit 56A, can be arranged very easily and quickly with respect to one another. As a result, the correct, axially symmetrical, positioning of the feed device 55A and the punch rivet 5 received therein on the hold-down device 30A and thus the punch riveting device 2A for performing a punch riveting process is always, and therefore very reliably, achievable.

As a result of this design of the punch riveting device 2A, more precisely its hold-down device 30A, and the feed device 55A, the punch rivet 5 is always located centrally under the punch 20 when the punch rivet 5 is positioned on the punch riveting device 2A. Accordingly, the punch rivet axis 53 is always preferably identical to the punch axis 25.

The self-piercing rivet 5 can, as described above with reference to the preceding example, be placed in the components 6, 7 by the further process or method steps described above.

With regard to the description of the further features of the punch riveting device 2A, reference is made to the description of the preceding example.

The punch rivets 5 can also be positioned and fixed on the punch riveting device 2A both very securely and quickly and with little space requirement for punch riveting.

Fig. 8 shows very schematically a section through a punch riveting device 2B according to the invention and a feed device 55B according to the invention.

The punch riveting device 2B and the feed device 55B are largely constructed like the punch riveting device 2 according to FIG Figure 6 .

In contrast to the punch riveting device 2 according to FIG Figure 6 In the case of the punch riveting device 2B, a hold-down device 30B is formed at its end, to which a feed device 55B is to be attached, with a form-fit element 31. In the example of Fig. 8 the form-locking element 31 is designed as a recess in the hold-down device 30B. In particular, the form-fit element 31 is designed as a triangular contour, as in FIG Fig. 8 shown as an example. The form-fit element 31 is designed, for example, as an annular groove running around the entire hold-down device 30 or as at least one separate element on the hold-down device 30. Complementary to this, the feed device 55B is formed on its receiving unit 56B and has a form-locking element 561. The form-locking element 561 is accordingly a projection on the receiving unit 56B that is adapted to the shape of the recess in the form-locking element 31.

If the hold-down device 30B and the feed device 55B are also arranged next to one another with the aid of a movement device 58A, as in FIG Fig. 8 shown, a releasable form fit is formed between them. Of course, it is alternatively possible to design the form-fit element 31 as a projection and the form-fit element 561 as a recess.

Thus, for punch riveting, the form-fit element 31 of the hold-down device 30B must be assigned to the form-fit element 561 of the feed device 55B. As a result of this mechanical configuration, the hold-down device 30B and the feed device 55B can be arranged very easily and quickly with respect to one another. As a result, the correct positioning of the feed device 55B and the punch rivet 5 received therein on the hold-down device 30B and thus the punch riveting device 2B for carrying out a punch riveting process can always and therefore very reliably be achieved.

The punch rivet 5 is also located through the design of the punch riveting device 2B, more precisely its hold-down device 30B, and the feed device 55B always centrally under the punch 20 when the self-piercing rivet 5 is positioned on the self-piercing riveting device 2B. Accordingly, the punch rivet axis 53 is always preferably identical to the punch axis 25.

As in Fig. 9 As shown, the punch riveting device 2B is arranged on a device 70 as a further difference to the preceding exemplary embodiments. The punch riveting device 2B is arranged on a C-bracket 71 of the device 70. The punch riveting device 2B can be moved freely in space with the device 70. The device 70 can be designed as a robot. Alternatively, the device 70 is designed as a hand-held frame. In addition, the punch rivets 5 are fed to the punch riveting device 2B with the movement unit 58A, which can be used as an alternative or in addition to a movement unit 58. The moving unit 58A moves the receiving unit 56B in a plane transverse to the punch axis 25 of the punch 20 between a loading point 85 and a joining point 65, which in FIG Fig. 10 are shown in a plan view of the movement unit 58A.

According to Fig. 10 the movement unit 58A is designed as a rotatable disk or magazine that is rotatably mounted about an axis 582. The moving unit 58A accommodates a plurality of receiving units 56B, as in FIG Fig. 10 illustrated more clearly. The receiving units 56B are each arranged at the same distance from the center point of the disk, which is formed by the axis 582. The receiving units 56B are also each arranged at the same distance from one another close to the edge of the pane.

The punch rivets 5 are, for example, on one side of the movement unit 58A, which is the right side in FIG Figures 9 and 10 corresponds to the receiving units 56B. This side of the movement unit 58A can also be referred to as the loading position or loading point 85. On another side that is in Figures 9 and 10 is arranged on the left side, the punch riveting device 2 is at the joining position or Joint 65 arranged. This allows the loading of the movement unit 58A to be separated from the joining process.

Optionally, at least one of the receiving units 56B can be designed as an interchangeable part. As a result, the movement unit 58A can be equipped with receiving units 56B for the required rivet size or rivet shape of the punch rivet 5 as required.

The receiving units 56B also preferably have a positioning element 57, even if this is shown in FIG Figures 9 and 10 is not shown.

With the movement unit 58A it is possible, for example, to bring the receiving units 56B preloaded with a punch rivet 5 to the punch riveting device 2B and to process several joining processes from the preloaded receiving units 56B on the movement unit 58A. The punch riveting device 2B and / or the movement unit 58A can move relative to one another between the individual joining processes. This enables joining tasks to be processed very quickly.

With the self-piercing riveting device 2B in conjunction with the feed device 55B, the self-piercing rivets 5 can be fed to the self-piercing riveting apparatus 2B at the joint, positioned and set there, both very reliably and quickly and with little space requirement.

In the self-piercing riveting device 2B, too, the self-piercing rivet 5, as described above with reference to the previous example, can be placed in the components 6, 7 by the further procedure or method steps described above.

Fig. 11 shows very schematically a section through a punch riveting device 2C and a feed device 55C according to a further embodiment. The self-piercing riveting device 2C and the feeding device 55C are largely constructed like the punch riveting device 2B and the feed device 55B.

In contrast to the punch riveting device 2B according to FIG Figure 8 In the case of the punch riveting device 2C, a coil 35 is additionally provided on a hold-down device 30C, through which an electric current I flows, depending on requirements, by being controlled by a control device 37. As a result, a magnetic force F _{M is formed} , which acts on a feed device 55C, more precisely a magnetic area 562 of its receiving unit 56C. Thus, with the help of the coil 35, the control device 37 and the magnetic area 562, a magnetic force F _M , which is in particular a magnetic attraction force, can be switched on or off, due to which the hold-down device 30C and the receiving unit 56C magnetically move at their mutually facing ends attract.

The receiving unit 56C can, for example, also be designed as an interchangeable part with a short service life or durability if only small forces are exerted by the self-piercing riveting device 2C on the parts to be joined, i.e. the components 6, 7, via the receiving unit 56C and the actual joining process is carried out by the punch 20 and / or the vibration generating device 21 takes place. Here, the receiving unit 56C can advantageously be made of plastic, which has the magnetic area 562 as a magnetic insert at its end facing the punch riveting device 2C.

In a modification of the movement unit 58 for the feed device 55C, the movement unit 58 can alternatively be dispensed with, as in FIG Fig. 12 shown.

According to Fig. 12 In the case of the system 1, a device 70 is designed to pick up the receiving units 56 equipped or loaded with self-piercing rivets 5 from a magazine 80 and to move them to a joint 65 with the self-piercing riveting device 2. After setting the self-piercing rivet 5 in at least one of the components 6, 7, the device 70 moves the receiving units 56 back, so that the receiving units 56 can be fitted or loaded with punch rivets 5 again. Thus, the device 70 moves the punch riveting device 2C and additionally one of the receiving units 56 with or without a punch rivet 5 in space, in particular between the component 6 on which the at least one joint 65 is arranged and the magazine 80 in which the punch rivets 5 are stored . The device 70 is thus a moving unit for moving the individual receiving units 56. As in the previous exemplary embodiment, the device 70 can be designed as a robot. Alternatively, the device 70 is designed as a hand-held frame. In the present exemplary embodiment, the device 70 is thus part of the feed device for feeding the punch rivets to the punching device 2C.

To pick up the respective receiving unit 56, the coil 35 is energized in each case, so that a magnetic force F _M acts between the punch riveting device 2C and the receiving unit 56C, as described above. If the receiving unit 56 is returned to the magazine 80, the current I for the coil 35 can be switched off again, so that no more magnetic force of attraction acts between the punch riveting device 2C and the receiving unit 56C.

With the self-piercing riveting device 2C in conjunction with the device 70, the self-piercing rivets 5 can be fed to the self-piercing riveting device 2 at the joint, positioned and set there, both very safely and quickly and with little space requirement. In this way, too, joining tasks can be processed very quickly.

With regard to the description of the further features of the punch riveting device 2C, reference is made to the description of the preceding examples.

All of the above-described configurations of the system 1, the punch riveting devices 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, the punch rivet 5, the

Feed devices 55, 55A, 55B, 55C, the movement units 58, 58A, 70 and the method for setting a punch rivet 5 with an oscillation supporting a punch force can be used individually or in all possible combinations. In particular, all of the features and / or functions of the exemplary embodiments described above can be or can be combined as desired. In addition, the following modifications in particular are conceivable.

The parts shown in the figures are shown schematically and may differ in the exact configuration from the forms shown in the figures, as long as their functions described above are guaranteed.

For example, it is possible to combine the moving units 58 and 58A. That is, a rotating disk as the moving unit 58A is mounted on a pivotable arm as the moving unit 58. As a result, several punching processes in the vicinity of a joint 65 can be carried out even more quickly and very efficiently.

The configurations of the feed devices 55, 55A, 55B, 55C, in particular the shapes of their receiving devices 56, 56A, 56B, 56C can be combined as desired. In particular, a further receiving device can be constructed which has designs of at least two of the receiving devices 56, 56A, 56B, 56C, for example the receiving device 56A in a first area of the further receiving device and the receiving device 56B or 56C in a second area of the further receiving device.

It is conceivable that the coil 35 and the magnetizable area 562 are provided in each of the punch riveting devices 2, 2A, 2B, 2C. Thus, in the fourth exemplary embodiment, any of the punch riveting devices 2, 2A, 2B, 2C and feed devices 55, 55A, 55B, 55C can be used.

In one embodiment variant, it is also possible for the device 70 in the fourth exemplary embodiment to accommodate a multiplicity of receiving devices 56, 56A, 56B, 56C. In particular, the device 70 can accommodate the movement unit 58A or movement unit 58.

The punch riveting devices 2, 2A, 2B, 2C of all exemplary embodiments can also be a punch riveting device with suspension that can be maneuvered by the user, in particular to be able to vary a horizontal position of the punch riveting device 2 in space as required. The suspension can also make the respective punch riveting device 2, 2A, 2B, 2C adjustable vertically or in height for all exemplary embodiments. In general, the position of the punch riveting device 2, 2A, 2B, 2C can be varied in space for all exemplary embodiments.

It is also possible for the self-piercing riveting device 2, 2A, 2B, 2C to be designed for manual operation with a battery, in particular a rechargeable battery, for all exemplary embodiments.

The punch force F and the vibration S need not both be applied to the punch rivet 5 via the punch 20. The punch force F and the vibration S can also be applied to the punch rivet 5 from opposite sides.

Claims (15)

1. Feed device (55A; 55B; 55C) for feeding a punch rivet to a punch riveting apparatus (2A; 2B; 2C), wherein the feed device (55A; 55B; 55C) has at least one receiving unit (56A; 56B; 56C) for receiving a punch rivet (5), and a movement unit (58A; 70) for moving the receiving unit (56A; 56B; 56C) between a loading point (85), in which the receiving unit (56A; 56B; 56C) is loaded with a punch rivet (5), and a joining point (65) at which the punch rivet (5) is to be set into the at least one component (6; 6, 7), wherein the receiving unit (56A; 56B; 56C) is provided, at its first end, which is to face a hold-down means (30A; 30B; 30C) of the punch riveting apparatus (2A; 2B; 2C), for coupling to the hold-down means (30A; 30B; 30C), wherein, for coupling to the hold-down means (30B; 30C), the first end has a mechanical configuration in the form of an oblique surface and/or of a form-fitting element (561) for axisymmetrical positioning of the receiving unit (56A; 56B; 56C) on the hold-down means (30A; 30B; 30C) for carrying out a punch riveting operation in such a way that the hold-down means (30A; 30B; 30C) and the receiving element (56A; 56B; 56C) are positioned axisymmetrically to the same axis, wherein the mechanical configuration is configured to be complementary to the shape of the hold-down means (30B; 30C), wherein the form-fitting element (561) is configured to form a releasable form-fitting engagement with the hold-down means (30B; 30C), and wherein the receiving unit (56A; 56B; 56C) is configured, at its second end, for placement on the at least one component (6; 6, 7), with the result that, for punch riveting, the punch riveting apparatus (2) is placed with its hold-down means (30) on the feed device (55A; 55B; 55C), which in turn is placed on the at least one component (6; 6, 7), and, during punch riveting, the receiving unit (56A; 56B; 56C) thereby forms an extension of the hold-down means (30A; 30B; 30C) for guiding the punch (20) together with the hold-down means (30A; 30B; 30C) during punch riveting.
2. Feed device (55A; 55B; 55C) according to Claim 1, wherein the movement unit (58; 58A; 70) is configured to move the receiving units (56A; 56B; 56C) between the loading point (85) and the joining point (65) in a plane transverse to a punch axis (25) of a punch (20) of the punch riveting apparatus (2A; 2B; 2C), and/or wherein at least one receiving unit (56A; 56B; 56C) has a positioning element (57) for positioning the punch rivet (5) in the receiving unit (56A; 56B; 56C), with the result that, during punch riveting, the punch rivet (5) is arranged centred with respect to a punch axis (25) of a punch (20) of the punch riveting apparatus (2A; 2B; 2C).
3. Feed device (55A; 55B; 55C) according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the form-fitting element (561) has a projection or recess which is adapted in terms of shape to a form-fitting element (31) of the hold-down means (30B; 30C) in order to form a form-fitting engagement with the form-fitting element (31) of the hold-down means (30B; 30C), and/or wherein the at least one receiving unit (56B; 56C) has a magnetic region (562).
4. Feed device (55A; 55B; 55C) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the movement unit (58A) is a rotatable disc on which at least one receiving unit (56A; 56B; 56C) is arranged.
5. Feed device (55A; 55B; 55C) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the movement unit (58A) is a pivotable arm on which at least one receiving unit (56A; 56B; 56C) is arranged.
6. Feed device (55A; 55B; 55C) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the movement unit (70) is a robot which is configured to receive at least one receiving unit (56A; 56B; 56C) at a loading position (85) into a punch riveting apparatus (2A; 2B; 2C) and to move the punch riveting apparatus (2A; 2B; 2C) together with the at least one receiving unit (56A; 56B; 56C) to the joining point (65).
7. Punch riveting apparatus (2A; 2B; 2C) for punch riveting with a vibration (S) supporting a punching force (F), having a vibration-generating device (21) for generating the vibration (S) that supports the punching force (F) when setting a punch rivet (5) into the at least one component (6; 6, 7), having a punch (20), via which the punching force (F) and/or the vibration (S) is introduced and applied when setting the punch rivet (5) into the at least one component (6; 6, 7), and having a hold-down means (30A; 30B; 30C) which, for punch riveting, can be coupled to a feed device (55A; 55B; 55C) as extension of the hold-down means (30A; 30B; 30C), wherein the feed device (55A; 55B; 55C) has a receiving unit (56B; 56C) for receiving the punch rivet (5), wherein the hold-down means (30B; 30C) has a mechanical configuration in the form of an oblique surface and/or of a form-fitting element (31) for coupling to a first end of the receiving unit (56A; 56B; 56C) for axisymmetrically positioning the receiving unit (56A; 56B; 56C) on the hold-down means (30A; 30B; 30C) for carrying out a punch riveting operation in such a way that the hold-down means (30A; 30B; 30C) and the receiving unit (56A; 56B; 56C) are positioned axisymmetrically to the same axis, wherein the mechanical configuration is configured to be complementary to the shape of the first end of the receiving unit (56A; 56B; 56C), wherein the receiving unit (56A; 56B; 56C) is configured, at its second end, for placement on the at least one component (6; 6, 7), and wherein, during punch riveting, the punch (2) is guided in the hold-down means (30A; 30B; 30C) and the receiving unit (56A; 56B; 56C) which forms the extension of the hold-down means (30A; 30B; 30C).
8. Punch riveting apparatus (2B; 2C) according to Claim 7, wherein the form-fitting element (31) has a projection or recess which is adapted in terms of shape to a form-fitting element (561) of the feed device (55B; 55C) in order to form a form-fitting engagement with the form-fitting element (561) of the feed device (55B; 55C).
9. Punch riveting apparatus (2B; 2C) according to Claim 7 or 8, additionally having a coil (35), which is arranged on the hold-down means (30C), and a control device (37) for switching on or off an electric current (I) for the coil (35) in order to switch on or off a magnetic force (F_M) for interacting with a magnetic region (562) of the feed device (55C).
10. Installation (1) for treating objects (3), having a feed device (55A; 55B; 55C) according to one of Claims 1 to 5, and a punch riveting apparatus (2A; 2B; 2C) according to one of Claims 6 to 8, wherein the punch riveting apparatus (2A; 2B; 2C) and the feed device (55A; 55B; 55C) are provided for punch riveting at least one component (6; 6, 7) which is intended to form at least one of the objects (3).
11. Installation (1) according to Claim 10, additionally having an apparatus (70) for moving the punch riveting apparatus (2) in space, and a magazine (80) for storing punch rivets (5), wherein the apparatus (70) is configured so as, with the punch riveting apparatus (2), before a punch riveting operation, to receive a punch rivet (5) received in a receiving unit (56A; 56B; 56C) and to move the punch riveting apparatus (2) with the receiving unit (56A; 56B; 56C) to a joining point (65) on at least one component (6; 6, 7) in order to set the punch rivet (5) at the joining point (65) by punch riveting into the at least one component (6; 6, 7).
12. Installation (1) according to Claim 10 or 11, wherein the installation (1) is configured for manufacturing vehicle bodyshells or electrical devices as objects (3).
13. Method for punch riveting with a punch riveting apparatus (2; 2A; 2B; 2C) which has a hold-down means (30), a punch (20) and a vibration-generating device (21) for generating a vibration (S) which supports a punching force (F) of the punch (20) when setting the punch rivet (5) into the at least one component (6; 6, 7), wherein the method comprises the steps of loading a feed device (55; 55A; 55B; 55C) with a punch rivet (5) at a loading point (85), moving the punch rivet (5) with the feed device (55; 55A; 55B; 55C) to the punch riveting apparatus (2; 2A; 2B; 2C), coupling the feed device (55; 55A; 55B; 55C) to the hold-down means (30; 30A; 30B; 30C) as extension of the hold-down means (30) using a mechanical configuration of the hold-down means (30; 30A; 30B; 30C) and of the feed device (55; 55A; 55B; 55C) in such a way that, for punch riveting, the punch riveting apparatus (2) is placed with its hold-down means (30) on the feed device (55), which in turn is placed on the at least one component (6; 6, 7), and, during punch riveting, guiding the punch (20) in the hold-down means (30; 30A; 30B; 30C) and the feed device (55; 55A; 55B; 55C) to the at least one component (6; 6, 7).
14. Method according to Claim 13, wherein, during punch riveting, a component (6), which has been manufactured in at least one region from a fibre-reinforced plastic, is connected to a component (7) which has been manufactured in at least one region from a metal.
15. Method according to Claim 13 or 14, wherein, for the coupling step, the hold-down means (30B; 30C) and the receiving unit (56A; 56B; 56C) have a mechanical configuration in the form of an oblique surface and/or of a form-fitting element (31), by means of which surface/element the receiving unit (56A; 56B; 56C) is positioned on the hold-down means (30A; 30B; 30C) for carrying out a punch riveting operation in such a way that the hold-down means (30A; 30B; 30C) and the receiving unit (56A; 56B; 56C) are positioned axisymmetrically to the same axis.

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