Control method and control device for a rivet setting tool, and rivet setting tool

Abstract

The invention relates to a control device for a rivet setting appliance comprising a first comparison unit, a second comparison unit and an output unit, wherein the control device provides a first operating mode in which: the first comparison unit is configured to compare a current operating current of the rivet setting appliance with a predetermined first current threshold value during a movement of a transmission of the rivet setting appliance from a starting position to an end position, a first signal being generated when the current operating current is higher than the first current threshold value; the second comparison unit is configured to compare the current operating current of the rivet setting appliance with a predetermined second current threshold value in response to the first signal, a second signal being generated when the current operating current is lower than the second current threshold value; and the output unit is configured to output a fallback signal in response to the second signal such that the transmission of the rivet setting appliance is moved back to the starting position. The invention further relates to a control method for a rivet setting appliance and to a rivet setting appliance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of rivet installation control, and more specifically, to a control method, control device, and rivet installation tool for rivet installation. Background Technology

[0002] Some riveting tools are known that can achieve riveting installation. For example... Figure 1 The rivet 100 shown (consisting of a rivet sleeve 110 and a rivet core 120) is installed on the mounting piece by means of an actuating device (e.g., a motor) that causes a transmission device therein to exert a pulling force on the rivet core 120 until the rivet core 120 breaks and disengages from the rivet sleeve 110.

[0003] When using existing riveting tools, users often rely solely on subjective judgment to determine whether the rivet core and rivet head have detached, then manually release the tool's switch to instruct the transmission device to stop pulling on the rivet core. Limited by factors such as user experience, this judgment is often inaccurate. On the one hand, judging too early may result in stopping pulling before the rivet core is fully detached, leading to operational errors; on the other hand, judging too late leads to wasted operating time and electricity, as well as reduced operational efficiency.

[0004] Therefore, it is desirable to provide an improved control scheme for rivet mounting tools. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To solve or at least alleviate at least one of the above-mentioned problems and other problems, the present invention provides the following technical solution for a riveting installation tool.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a control device for a rivet mounting tool is provided, comprising a first comparison unit, a second comparison unit, and an output unit, wherein the control device provides a first operating mode in which: the first comparison unit is configured to compare a current operating current of the rivet mounting tool with a predetermined first current threshold during movement of a transmission device of the rivet mounting tool from an initial position to a final position, and generate a first signal when the current operating current is higher than the first current threshold; the second comparison unit is configured to compare the current operating current of the rivet mounting tool with a predetermined second current threshold in response to the first signal, and generate a second signal when the current operating current is lower than the second current threshold; and the output unit is configured to output a retraction signal in response to the second signal, causing the transmission device of the rivet mounting tool to retract to the initial position.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present invention, a control method for a rivet mounting device is provided, the method comprising: a first operating mode, wherein during the movement of a transmission device of the rivet mounting device from an initial position to a final position, comparing a current operating current of the rivet mounting device with a predetermined first current threshold, and generating a first signal when the current operating current is higher than the first current threshold; in response to the first signal, comparing the current operating current of the rivet mounting device with a predetermined second current threshold, and generating a second signal when the current operating current is lower than the second current threshold; and outputting a retraction signal in response to the second signal, causing the transmission device of the rivet mounting device to retract to the initial position.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present invention, a rivet mounting device is provided, which includes the control device for a rivet mounting device as described above.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, an automatic control mode (i.e., a first operating mode) is provided to the user, which realizes automatic detection of the disengagement of the rivet core and rivet sleeve based on changes in the current operating current. Based on the detected disengagement, a retraction signal is output, causing the transmission device to retract to the initial position instead of moving towards the termination position. This automatic control mode avoids the inaccuracy of manual judgment of disengagement by the user, improves operating efficiency, and saves operating time.

[0010] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, two working modes can be provided to the user: automatic control mode and manual control mode. The user can flexibly switch between the two modes using the human-machine interface according to the actual situation. Attached Figure Description

[0011] The above and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more fully clear from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar elements are indicated by the same reference numerals.

[0012] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a rivet 100 installed by a rivet mounting device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0013] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of a rivet mounting device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0014] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the control device 210 of a rivet mounting tool 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0015] Figure 4 A graph showing the operating current of a rivet mounting device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0016] Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 The diagrams illustrate the workflow of the automatic control mode provided by the control device for riveting installation tools according to an embodiment of the present invention in different scenarios.

[0017] Figure 9 and Figure 10 The diagrams illustrate the workflow of the manual control mode provided by the control device for riveting installation tools according to an embodiment of the present invention in different scenarios.

[0018] Figure 11 A flowchart of a control method 500 for a rivet mounting device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention clearer, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and not intended to limit it.

[0020] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," "possessing," and similar expressions are intended to indicate non-exclusive inclusion unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0021] It should also be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the invention and not all of them. Before discussing exemplary embodiments in more detail, it should be mentioned that some exemplary embodiments are described as processes or methods depicted as flowcharts. Although the flowcharts describe the operations (or steps) as sequential processes, many of the operations may be performed in parallel, concurrently, or simultaneously. Unless otherwise explicitly stated or obvious from the context, the order of the operations may be rearranged. The process may be terminated when its operation is completed, but may also have additional steps not included in the drawings. The process may correspond to a method, function, procedure, subroutine, subprogram, etc.

[0022] Furthermore, the devices, units, or similar expressions disclosed and described herein refer to logical boundaries between such devices, units, or similar expressions. However, in accordance with software or hardware engineering practice, the described devices, units, or similar expressions and their functions can be executed on a machine by a computer-executable medium having a processor capable of executing program instructions stored thereon, which are either monolithic software structures, stand-alone software modules, or modules using external programs, code, services, etc., or any combination thereof, and all such execution schemes may fall within the scope of this disclosure.

[0023] In the following, control schemes for riveting installation devices according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of a rivet mounting device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2 As shown, the rivet mounting device 200 includes a control device 210, an actuation device 220, and a transmission device 230. Optionally, the rivet mounting device 200 may also include a power supply device 240.

[0025] The power supply device 240 is charged using an external power source 300 to power the rivet mounting device 200, enabling the rivet mounting device 200 to operate wirelessly, via battery power. Alternatively, the power supply device 240 can also directly supply power to the rivet mounting device 200 using the external power source 300, allowing the rivet mounting device 200 to operate wired, via electricity. The control device 210 uses the power supplied by the power supply device 240 to send an actuation signal (e.g., actuation direction, phase, etc.) to the actuator 220 (e.g., actuation direction, phase, etc.), causing the actuator 220 to begin rotating. The actuator 220 applies torque to the transmission device 230 through rotation, causing the transmission device 230 to move between an initial position and a final position.

[0026] Before installation, connect rivet 400 to transmission device 230. For example, place the rivet core of rivet 400 into the nozzle of transmission device 230. Figure 2(Not shown in the image). At this time, the transmission device 230 is in the initial position. During installation, the actuating device 220 applies a positive torque to the transmission device 230, causing the transmission device 230 to pull the rivet core of the rivet 400 backward, thereby disengaging the rivet core from the rivet sleeve. During this period, the transmission device 230 moves backward from the initial position, and the transmission device 230 can move backward to a preset end position at most. After installation is completed, the actuating device 220 applies a counter torque to the transmission device 230, causing the transmission device 230 to retract forward, and the transmission device 230 can retract to the initial position at most. It can be seen that during the operation of the rivet installation tool 200, the transmission device 230 moves between the initial position and the end position.

[0027] It should be noted that, in the context of this application, the "initial position" of the transmission device is closer to the rivet connected to the mounting fixture than the "terminal position". "Move backward" and "pull backward" are intended to mean moving or pulling away from the rivet, while "move forward" and "pull forward" are intended to mean moving or pulling closer to the rivet.

[0028] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the control device 210 of the rivet mounting tool 200 is further shown. The control device 210 includes a first comparison unit 211, a second comparison unit 212, and an output unit 213. The control device 210 is capable of providing an automatic control mode (which may also be referred to as the first operating mode in the context of this application).

[0029] The functions of each unit in the control device 210 in automatic control mode are described in detail below.

[0030] During the movement of the transmission device 230 from the initial position to the final position, the first comparison unit 211 compares the current operating current of the rivet mounting device 200 with a predetermined first current threshold. If the current operating current is higher than the predetermined first current threshold, a first signal is generated.

[0031] The current operating current can be, for example, the bus current of the actuation device 220 (i.e., the motor) of the rivet mounting tool 200. Furthermore, this bus current can be detected once every 1 ms (or other suitable time interval) and transmitted to the control device 210. Figure 4 A graph showing the operating current of a rivet mounting device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided. The operating current is sampled 100 times every 1 ms to obtain the current operating current. A first current threshold I1 is set to 12.5 A, and a first signal is generated when the current operating current exceeds this current threshold I1 (i.e., at time t3).

[0032] The comparison result that the current operating current is higher than the first current threshold indicates that the transmission device 230 in the rivet mounting fixture 200 is pulling the rivet core backward, and the rivet core has not yet disengaged from the rivet sleeve. Here, the first current threshold can be, for example, 12.5A as shown in the example above, or it can be 13A, 14A, 15A, 16A, or any other current threshold that can reflect the above-mentioned pulling state.

[0033] The second comparison unit 212 compares the current operating current of the rivet mounting device 200 with a predetermined second current threshold in response to the first signal generated by the first comparison unit 211. When the current operating current is lower than the predetermined second current threshold, a second signal is generated.

[0034] refer to Figure 4 In response to the first signal generated at time t3, the current operating current is compared with a second current threshold I2, where I2 is 10A. When the current operating current is lower than I2 (i.e., at time t4), the second signal is generated.

[0035] At this point, the comparison result that the current operating current is lower than the second current threshold indicates that the transmission device 230 in the rivet mounting fixture 200 has pulled the rivet core and rivet sleeve apart. Here, the second current threshold can be, for example, 10A as in the example above, or it can be 7A, 8A, 9A, or any other current threshold that can reflect the above-mentioned separation state.

[0036] Output unit 213 outputs a retraction signal in response to the second signal generated by second comparison unit 212, causing the transmission device 230 of rivet installation tool 200 to retract to its initial position. In other words, the control device automatically detects when the rivet core and rivet sleeve disengage based on the current operating current of the installation tool. This is more accurate than relying on the user's subjective judgment, avoiding both premature judgment leading to installation failure and delayed judgment reducing operational efficiency, wasting time, and wasting power.

[0037] In one embodiment, the control device 210 may further include a timing unit ( Figure 3 (Not shown in the image). The timing unit starts timing when the transmission device 230 begins to move from the initial position to the final position. Furthermore, the first comparison unit 211 only begins to compare the operating current with a first current threshold when the timing in the timing unit reaches a predetermined time threshold.

[0038] This is because the operating current of the rivet mounting device 200 may fluctuate significantly when it first starts working. Waiting for the aforementioned time threshold before the comparison operation can avoid such fluctuations interfering with the comparison results. (Reference) Figure 4The riveting installation tool starts working at time t1, and timing begins at time t1. Only when the timing reaches a predetermined time threshold t2-t1 (i.e., at time t2) does the comparison between the current operating current and the first current threshold I1 begin. Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the predetermined time threshold t2-t1 is 250ms. It should be noted that the predetermined time threshold in this invention is not limited to this example, but can also be 200ms, 300ms, 400ms, 500ms, or any suitable time threshold that can avoid the aforementioned interference.

[0039] In one embodiment, output unit 213 further generates a retraction signal in response to receiving a third signal and a fourth signal, causing the transmission device 230 of the rivet mounting device 200 to retract to its initial position. The third signal indicates that the transmission device 230 has been pulled to its final position. As an example, the third signal can be sensed by a sensor (e.g., a Hall sensor) located at the final position and transmitted to output unit 213. The fourth signal indicates that the switch of the rivet mounting device 200 is in the off state. For example, the fourth signal can indicate that the user has released the switch of the rivet mounting device 200.

[0040] In one embodiment, the output unit 213 further generates a holding signal in response to receiving the third and fifth signals, causing the transmission device 230 of the rivet mounting device 200 to remain in the terminated position. The fifth signal indicates that the switch of the rivet mounting device is in the closed state. For example, the fifth signal may indicate that a user has pressed the switch of the rivet mounting device 200.

[0041] Optionally, in addition to the automatic control mode described above, the control device 210 of the rivet installation tool 200 can also provide a manual control mode (also referred to as a second operating mode in the context of this application). The rivet installation tool 200 may include, for example, a human-machine interface that allows the user to switch between different operating modes.

[0042] In manual control mode, during the movement of the transmission device 230 of the rivet mounting device 200 from the initial position to the final position, the output unit 213 generates a retraction signal in response to receiving the aforementioned fourth signal, causing the transmission device 230 of the rivet mounting device 200 to retract to the initial position. In other words, as soon as the switch of the rivet mounting device 200 is detected to be released, the transmission device 230 begins to retract until it reaches the initial position. In manual control mode, the output unit 213 also generates a holding signal in response to the aforementioned third and fifth signals, causing the transmission device 230 to remain in the final position. In other words, if the transmission device 230 has moved backward to the final position while the switch is still pressed, the transmission device 230 will not continue to retract and will remain in the final position.

[0043] To better illustrate the technical solutions and advantages of the present invention, the following will describe in detail how the control device (e.g., control device 210) of the rivet mounting tool (e.g., rivet mounting tool 200) can be applied to different scenarios in automatic control mode.

[0044] It should be noted that, in the context of this application, a "long press" switch is intended to indicate that the switch is still pressed or otherwise closed when the transmission device reaches the end position; a "short press" switch is intended to indicate that the switch has been released or otherwise disconnected before the transmission device reaches the end position. Furthermore, in the context of this application, "intermediate position" is intended to mean any position between the "initial position" and the "end position".

[0045] Scenario 1: Automatic control mode, no load, long press the switch.

[0046] In this scenario, the user switches the rivet installation tool's control device to automatic control mode and presses and holds the switch to change the rivet installation tool's nozzle. Since the user is not installing rivets, no rivet load is connected to the nozzle.

[0047] like Figure 5 As shown, the transmission device is in its initial position before the user presses the installation switch. When the user presses the switch (e.g., ... Figure 5 (As shown by the middle arrow ①), the actuator (i.e., the motor) rotates forward (as shown by the middle arrow ①). Figure 5 (As shown by arrows ② and ③) to apply a positive torque to the transmission device, causing it to move backward from its initial position A. Since no rivet is attached to the nozzle in this scenario, the control device will not detect the detachment of the rivet core from the rivet head (as shown by arrows ② and ③). Figure 5 As indicated by arrow ④, no reversal signal will be generated, and the transmission device will continue to move backward to the termination position C. When the transmission device reaches the termination position C, the control device will receive the aforementioned third signal.

[0048] If the control device receives a fifth signal indicating that the switch of the rivet mounting tool is closed (i.e., the switch is pressed), the output unit generates a holding signal in response to the third and fifth signals, causing the motor to stop rotating without applying torque to the transmission device, thereby holding the transmission device in the terminated position C. Holding the transmission device in the terminated position C provides the user with sufficient time to calmly change the nozzle.

[0049] When the user completes the nozzle replacement and releases the switch (e.g.) Figure 5 (As shown by arrow ⑤), the control device receives a fourth signal indicating that the switch of the rivet mounting tool is in the off state. At this time, the output unit generates a reversal signal in response to the third and fourth signals, causing the motor to reverse (as shown by arrow ⑤). Figure 5(As shown by arrows ⑥ and ⑦) to apply a reverse torque to the transmission device, causing the transmission device to retract from the termination position C to the initial position A until it returns to the initial position A, at which point the motor stops rotating. Figure 5 As indicated by the middle arrow ⑧.

[0050] Scenario 2: Automatic control mode, no load, short press of switch

[0051] In this scenario, the user neither connected a rivet load to the nozzle nor held down the switch; they only briefly pressed it. This is typically a case of accidental switch activation.

[0052] like Figure 6 As shown, when the user presses the switch (e.g.) Figure 6 (As shown by the middle arrow ①), the motor of the actuating device rotates in the forward direction (such as...). Figure 6 (As shown by arrows ② and ③) a positive torque is applied to the transmission device, causing it to move from the initial position A to the final position C. Since no rivet is attached to the nozzle in this scenario, the control device will not detect the detachment of the rivet core from the rivet head (e.g., ...). Figure 6 As indicated by arrow ④, no reversal signal will be generated, and the transmission will continue to move backward to the termination position C. When the transmission reaches the termination position C, the control device will receive the aforementioned third signal.

[0053] Because the switch is only briefly pressed in this scenario, it is in the off state when the transmission device reaches the termination position C. In other words, when the output unit receives the third signal indicating that the transmission device has reached the termination position, it has already received a signal indicating that the switch of the rivet mounting device is in the off state (i.e., the switch has been released, as shown in the image). Figure 6 The fourth signal (indicated by arrow ⑤). At this time, the output unit generates a reversal signal in response to the third and fourth signals, causing the motor to reverse (as shown by arrow ⑤). Figure 6 (As shown by arrows ⑥ and ⑦) to apply a reverse torque to the transmission device, causing the transmission device to retract from the termination position C to the initial position A until the initial position A is reached, at which point the motor stops rotating (as shown by arrows ⑥ and ⑦). Figure 6 (As shown by arrow ⑧). That is to say, when the switch of the rivet mounting tool is accidentally touched briefly, the transmission device will move backward from the initial position A to the final position C and then back from the final position C to the initial position A under no-load conditions.

[0054] Scenario 3: Automatic control mode, under load, long press or short press the switch.

[0055] In this scenario, the user switches the rivet installation tool's control device to automatic control mode and presses and holds or briefly presses the switch to install the rivet. In this scenario, the rivet installation tool's operating status is independent of the press-and-hold operation.

[0056] Figure 7 and Figure 8 Examples are shown respectively after a user presses and holds the switch for a long time and then presses it briefly. Before the user presses the switch, the actuator is in the initial position A. When the user presses the switch (e.g., Figure 7 and 8 (As shown by the middle arrow ①), the motor of the actuating device rotates in the forward direction (such as...). Figure 7 and 8 (As shown by arrow ②) A positive torque is applied to the transmission device, causing the transmission device to pull the rivet core from the initial position A to the final position C. When the transmission device pulls the rivet core backward to a certain intermediate position B, the rivet core disengages from the rivet sleeve. At this time, the timing unit, the first comparison unit, and the second comparison unit in the control device detect the disengagement state of the rivet core and the rivet head through the above timing and comparison operations, and output a retraction signal, such as... Figure 7 and 8 As shown by arrow ③. The reversal signal causes the motor to reverse (e.g., ...). Figure 7 and 8 (As shown by arrow ④) Apply a reverse torque to the transmission device, causing it to retract from the intermediate position B until it returns to the initial position A, at which point the motor stops rotating. Figure 7 As indicated by arrow ⑤.

[0057] Compare Figure 7 and Figure 8 It can be seen that, Figure 7 In the illustrated "long press" embodiment, the switch is not released when the transmission device reaches the middle position B; while... Figure 8 In the illustrated "short press" embodiment, when the transmission device reaches the middle position B, the switch is in the released state, as shown. Figure 8 As shown by arrow ⑥. However, the states of the actuator and control device are similar in the "long press" and "short press" embodiments when the position of the transmission device changes. This is because, regardless of whether it is a long press or a short press, the control device will detect the disengagement of the rivet core from the rivet sleeve when the transmission device is in the middle position B, thereby issuing a retraction signal, causing the transmission device to stop moving backward and instead retract to the initial position A.

[0058] Therefore, the transmission device of the rivet installation tool retracts to the initial position immediately after the rivet core separates from the rivet sleeve, instead of continuing to move backward to the end position to complete the entire stroke, and does not wait for the user to manually judge the separation status. This reduces the installation operation time, improves the operation efficiency, and saves the power of the installation tool.

[0059] The following will describe in detail how the control device (e.g., control device 210) of the rivet installation tool (e.g., rivet installation tool 200) can be applied to different scenarios in manual control mode.

[0060] Scenario 4: Manual control mode, with or without load, press and hold the switch.

[0061] In this scenario, the user presses and holds the switch, and the control device uses the user's command to determine when the transmission device stops moving backward and returns to its initial position.

[0062] like Figure 9 As shown, the transmission device is in its initial position A before the user presses the installation switch. When the user presses the switch (e.g., ... Figure 9 (As shown by the middle arrow ①), the motor of the actuating device rotates in the forward direction (such as...). Figure 9 (As shown by arrows ② and ③) a positive torque is applied to the transmission device, causing it to move from the initial position A to the final position C. Since the user has pressed and held the switch down for an extended period—meaning the switch remains pressed even as the transmission device moves backward to the final position C—the control device receives a third signal indicating the transmission device is at the final position C and a fifth signal indicating the switch is closed. The output device generates a holding signal in response to the third and fifth signals, holding the transmission device at the final position C until the control device receives a fourth signal instructing the user to release the switch. When the switch is released (e.g., ...), ... Figure 9 (As shown by arrow ④), the output device generates a reversal signal in response to the fourth signal, causing the motor to reverse (as shown by arrow ④). Figure 9 (As shown by arrows ⑤ and ⑥) to apply a reverse torque to the transmission device, thereby causing the transmission device to retract from the termination position C to the initial position A, until it returns to the initial position A, at which point the motor stops rotating (as shown by arrows ⑤ and ⑥). Figure 9 (As indicated by the middle arrow ⑦).

[0063] Scenario 5: Manual control mode, with or without load, short press of the switch.

[0064] In this scenario, when the user briefly presses the switch, the control device determines when the transmission device stops moving backward and returns to its initial position based on the user's command.

[0065] like Figure 10 As shown, the transmission device is in its initial position A before the user presses the installation switch. When the user presses the switch (e.g., ... Figure 10 (As shown by the middle arrow ①), the motor of the actuating device rotates in the forward direction (such as...). Figure 10 (As shown by arrow ②) Apply a positive torque to the transmission device, causing it to move backward from the initial position A. A short press of the switch refers to the user releasing the switch before the transmission device reaches the final position A, such as... Figure 10 As shown by arrow ③. Therefore, when the transmission device moves to an intermediate position B before reaching the final position C, the output unit receives the fourth signal indicating that the indicator switch is in the off state and generates a reversal signal, causing the motor to reverse (as shown by arrow ③). Figure 10(As shown by arrow ④), thus causing the transmission device of the rivet mounting tool to retract from the intermediate position B to the initial position A, and the motor to stop (as shown by arrow ④). Figure 10 (As shown by arrow ⑤). When the installation device is under load, the user releasing the switch usually indicates that they believe the rivet core has disengaged from the rivet sleeve. In other words, the manual control mode allows the user to decide whether the transmission device should move backward or backward based on their own judgment of the disengagement status.

[0066] By providing a manual control mode in addition to the automatic control mode, the aforementioned control device allows users to flexibly select the appropriate operating mode according to the actual situation. For example, novice users can choose the automatic control mode to avoid misjudging the out-of-state situation, while experienced users can choose the manual control mode for maximum operational flexibility.

[0067] Figure 11 A flowchart of a control method 500 for a rivet mounting device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The method includes an automatic control mode (i.e., a first operating mode). In the automatic control mode, in step S510, during the movement of the transmission device of the rivet mounting device (e.g., the aforementioned transmission device 230) from an initial position to a final position, the current operating current of the rivet mounting device is compared with a predetermined first current threshold. If the current operating current is higher than the first current threshold, a first signal is generated. Then, in step S520, in response to the first signal, the current operating current is compared with a predetermined second current threshold. If the current operating current is lower than the second current threshold, a second signal is generated. Finally, in step S530, in response to the second signal, a retraction signal is output, causing the transmission device of the rivet mounting device to retract to the initial position.

[0068] Similar to the above, the current operating current can be, for example, the bus current of the actuation device (i.e., motor) of the rivet mounting tool. This bus current can be detected every 1 ms (or other suitable time interval) and transmitted to the control device. A first current threshold can be, for example, 14A, 15A, 16A, or any other current threshold that reflects that the drive 230 is pulling the rivet core backward and that the rivet core has not yet disengaged from the rivet sleeve; a second current threshold can be, for example, 8A, 9A, 10A, or any other current threshold that reflects that the rivet core has disengaged from the rivet sleeve.

[0069] In one embodiment, the method 500 in automatic control mode further includes starting a timer at the moment the transmission device begins to move from the initial position to the final position, and only starting the comparison between the current operating current and the first current threshold in step S510 when the timer reaches a predetermined time threshold. Similarly, the operating current of the rivet mounting device may fluctuate significantly when it first starts working. Waiting for the aforementioned time threshold before the comparison operation can avoid such fluctuations interfering with the comparison results. The predetermined time threshold can be, for example, 0.25s, 0.5s, or any suitable time threshold that can avoid the aforementioned interference.

[0070] In one embodiment, the method 500, in automatic control mode, further includes generating a holding signal in response to receiving a third signal and a fifth signal, such that the transmission of the rivet mounting device remains in the terminated position, wherein the third signal indicates that the transmission of the rivet mounting device has reached the terminated position; and the fifth signal indicates that the switch of the rivet mounting device is in the closed state. That is, in automatic control mode, if the transmission moves backward to the terminated position and no rivet core is detected disengaging from the rivet sleeve, and the switch is still not released, the actuator stops rotating, and the transmission remains in the terminated position.

[0071] In one embodiment, the method 500, in automatic control mode, further includes generating a retraction signal in response to receiving a third signal and a fourth signal, causing the transmission mechanism of the rivet mounting device to retract to the initial position. The fourth signal indicates that the switch of the rivet mounting device is in an open state. That is, in the aforementioned holding state, when the switch is released, the transmission mechanism ends the holding state and begins to retract from the termination position to the initial position.

[0072] Optionally, the control method 500 can also be switched to a manual control mode (i.e., a second operating mode). In the manual control mode, during the movement of the transmission mechanism of the rivet mounting tool from the initial position to the final position, a retraction signal is generated in response to the receipt of a fourth signal, causing the transmission mechanism of the rivet mounting tool to retract to the initial position. That is, in the manual control mode, once the switch is released, the transmission mechanism retracts to the initial position regardless of whether the rivet mounting tool is under load. The manual control mode also includes generating a holding signal in response to a third and a fifth signal, causing the transmission mechanism of the rivet mounting tool to remain in the final position. That is, when the transmission mechanism moves backward to the final position before the switch is released, the transmission mechanism is held in the final position until the switch is released.

[0073] In summary, the control scheme for rivet installation tools according to this application provides users with an automatic control mode. In this mode, the disengagement of the rivet core from the rivet sleeve can be detected based on changes in the current operating current, thereby outputting a retraction signal to stop the transmission device from moving backward and instead return it to the initial position. This automatic detection avoids the inaccuracies of manual judgment by the user, improving operational efficiency and saving operation time. Furthermore, the control scheme of this application can also provide different operating modes for users to choose from through a human-machine interface, allowing users to flexibly switch between automatic and manual control modes according to actual needs.

[0074] Although the foregoing specification describes only some embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will understand that the invention can be implemented in many other forms without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, the examples and embodiments shown are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive, and the invention may encompass various modifications and substitutions without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A control device for a rivet mounting tool, characterized in that, It includes a first comparison unit (211), a second comparison unit (212), and an output unit (213). The control device provides a first operating mode, in which: The first comparison unit (211) is configured to compare the current operating current of the rivet mounting device with a predetermined first current threshold during the movement of the transmission device of the rivet mounting device from the initial position to the final position, and generate a first signal when the current operating current is higher than the first current threshold. The second comparison unit (212) is configured to compare the current operating current of the rivet mounting device with a predetermined second current threshold in response to the first signal, and generate a second signal when the current operating current is lower than the second current threshold; and The output unit (213) is configured to output a retraction signal in response to the second signal, causing the transmission device of the rivet mounting tool to retract to the initial position. In the first working mode: The output unit (213) is further configured to generate the retraction signal in response to receiving the third and fourth signals, causing the transmission device of the rivet mounting tool to retract to the initial position. The third signal indicates that the transmission device of the rivet mounting tool has reached the termination position. The fourth signal indicates that the switch of the rivet mounting device is in the off state.

2. The control device for a rivet mounting tool according to claim 1, wherein, It also includes a timing unit, in the first operating mode: The timing unit is configured to start timing at the moment when the transmission device begins to move from the initial position to the final position, and The first comparison unit is further configured to begin comparing the current operating current with the first current threshold only when the timing reaches a predetermined time threshold.

3. The control device for a rivet mounting tool according to claim 1, wherein, The current operating current of the rivet mounting device is the bus current of the motor in the rivet mounting device.

4. The control device for a rivet mounting tool according to claim 1, wherein, In the first working mode: The output unit (213) is further configured to generate a holding signal in response to receiving the third and fifth signals, such that the transmission device of the rivet mounting tool is held in the terminated position. The fifth signal indicates that the switch of the rivet mounting device is in the closed state.

5. The control device for a rivet mounting tool according to claim 4, wherein, The control device also provides a second operating mode, in which the output unit (213) is configured to: During the movement of the transmission device of the rivet mounting device from the initial position to the final position, the retraction signal is generated in response to receiving the fourth signal, causing the transmission device of the rivet mounting device to retract to the initial position. A holding signal is generated in response to the third and fifth signals, causing the transmission device of the rivet mounting tool to remain in the terminated position.

6. A control method for a rivet installation tool, characterized in that, Including a first working mode, in which: During the movement of the transmission device of the rivet mounting tool from the initial position to the final position, the current operating current of the rivet mounting tool is compared with a predetermined first current threshold. When the current operating current is higher than the first current threshold, a first signal is generated. In response to the first signal, the current operating current of the rivet mounting device is compared with a predetermined second current threshold; and a second signal is generated when the current operating current is lower than the second current threshold; and In response to the second signal, a retraction signal is output, causing the transmission device of the rivet mounting tool to retract to the initial position. In the first operating mode, the retraction signal is also generated in response to receiving the third and fourth signals, causing the transmission device of the rivet mounting tool to retract to the initial position. The third signal indicates that the transmission device of the rivet mounting tool has reached the termination position. The fourth signal indicates that the switch of the rivet mounting device is in the off state.

7. The control method for a rivet mounting tool according to claim 6, wherein, In the first working mode: Timing begins at the moment when the transmission device starts moving from the initial position to the final position, and The comparison between the current operating current and the first current threshold only begins when the timing reaches a predetermined time threshold.

8. The control method for a rivet mounting tool according to claim 6, wherein, The current operating current of the rivet mounting device is the bus current of the motor in the rivet mounting device.

9. The control method for a rivet mounting tool according to claim 6, wherein, In the first operating mode, a holding signal is generated in response to receiving the third and fifth signals, causing the transmission device of the rivet mounting tool to remain in the terminated position. The fifth signal indicates that the switch of the rivet mounting device is in the closed state.

10. The control method for a rivet mounting tool according to claim 9, wherein, It also includes a second operating mode, in which: During the movement of the transmission device of the rivet mounting device from the initial position to the final position, the retraction signal is generated in response to receiving the fourth signal, causing the transmission device of the rivet mounting device to retract to the initial position. A holding signal is generated in response to the third and fifth signals, causing the transmission device of the rivet mounting tool to remain in the terminated position.

11. A rivet installation tool, characterized in that, The control device for a rivet mounting tool as described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

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