Apparatus, methods, and components for inserting auxiliary couplings into a workpiece.

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus (10) for inserting an auxiliary coupling (22) into a workpiece (8), wherein the auxiliary coupling has a circular circumference in a section to be pressed into the workpiece, the circumference having a maximum first diameter, and a mold (14) for abutting against the underside of the workpiece during the pressing of the auxiliary coupling, wherein the mold has an abutment area (24) and a notch (26) surrounded by the abutment area, wherein the edge (28) of the notch deviates from the circular shape, wherein the radially furthest outer section of the edge of the notch is located on an imaginary circumcircle (34), and wherein the radially furthest inner section of the edge of the notch is located on an imaginary incircle (36), wherein the edge of the notch has at least three protrusions extending into the circumcircle of the notch, and wherein the protrusions touch the incircle, wherein the diameter of the incircle is between 4% and 10% smaller than the first diameter of the auxiliary coupling and wherein the diameter of the circumcircle is between 2% and 5% larger than the first diameter of the auxiliary coupling.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an apparatus for inserting an auxiliary coupling into a workpiece using a punch for pressing an auxiliary coupling into the upper side of a workpiece, wherein the auxiliary coupling has a handle to be pressed into the workpiece, the handle having a circular circumference having a maximum first diameter, and a mattize for abutting against the lower side of the workpiece during pressing of the auxiliary coupling, wherein the mattize has an abutment area and a notch surrounded by the abutment area, wherein the edge of the notch deviates from a circular shape, and wherein the radially furthest outer segment of the edge of the notch lies on an imaginary circumcircle, and wherein the radially furthest inner segment of the edge of the notch lies on an imaginary inscribed circle, wherein the edge of the notch has at least three protrusions extending into the circumcircle of the notch, and wherein the protrusions touch the inscribed circle. Background Technology

[0002] An apparatus for inserting an auxiliary coupling into a workpiece is known from international publication WO 2011 / 009850 A1. The auxiliary coupling has a circular circumference, a head, and a stamped section. The auxiliary coupling is pressed into an unperforated sheet metal by a punch. Here, the surrounding stamped edges of the auxiliary coupling punch out a block (Butzen) from the workpiece. A die, having a notch and a flat abutment area surrounding the notch, abuts against the underside of the workpiece. The notch is constructed as a through hole and accommodates the stamped block generated during the pressing of the auxiliary coupling. The notch has three protrusions extending into an imaginary circumcircle of the notch. The outer diameter of the auxiliary coupling in the stamped section corresponds to the diameter of the circumcircle of the notch. The protrusions touch an imaginary incircle, which is smaller than the outer diameter of the stamped section of the auxiliary coupling. When the auxiliary coupling is pressed in, the protrusions partially deform the stamped edges of the auxiliary coupling. This creates an undercut between the auxiliary connector and the workpiece. The auxiliary connector is used to fasten another workpiece. For example, an auxiliary connector made of steel is punched into an aluminum sheet and fixed there. Another workpiece made of steel can then be welded to the auxiliary connector. A problem with inserting the auxiliary connector into the workpiece using a punch and die is that it is usually impossible to precisely center and orient the auxiliary connector relative to the die. In mass production, a so-called center offset inevitably exists between the auxiliary connector and the die. Such a center offset can cause the auxiliary connector to become unreliably fixed in the workpiece. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention should improve an apparatus, a method, and an assembly for inserting an auxiliary coupling into a workpiece, such that center misalignment between the auxiliary coupling and the mold does not cause disadvantages when the auxiliary coupling is anchored in the workpiece.

[0004] According to the invention, an apparatus is provided for inserting an auxiliary coupling into a workpiece using a punch for pressing the auxiliary coupling into the upper side of the workpiece, wherein the auxiliary coupling has a handle to be pressed into the workpiece, the handle having a circular circumference having a maximum first diameter, and having a die for abutting against the lower side of the workpiece during the pressing of the auxiliary coupling, wherein the die has an abutting area and a notch surrounded by the abutting area, wherein the edge of the notch deviates from a circular shape, wherein the radially furthest point of the edge of the notch located on the outermost imaginary circumcircle, and wherein the radially furthest point of the edge of the notch located on the innermost imaginary circumcircle, wherein the edge of the notch has at least three protrusions extending into the circumcircle of the notch, and wherein the protrusions touch the innermost circumcircle, wherein the diameter of the innermost circumcircle is between 4% and 10% smaller than the first diameter of the auxiliary coupling, and wherein the diameter of the circumcircle is between 2% and 5% larger than the first diameter of the auxiliary coupling.

[0005] Surprisingly, by cleverly determining the size of the mold's notch relative to the diameter of the auxiliary connector, a larger overlap surface between the mold and the auxiliary connector is achieved as the center offset between the auxiliary connector and the mold increases. This allows the auxiliary connector to be reliably anchored in the workpiece despite the center offset. Then, although the anchoring of the auxiliary connector is no longer symmetrical, reliable anchoring of the auxiliary connector can still be achieved because the overlap surface between the auxiliary connector and the mold increases with the center offset. This significantly improves process reliability when using the device for inserting the auxiliary connector into the workpiece.

[0006] In an improved embodiment of the invention, each protrusion is formed between two side boundaries, which are part of the edge of the notch, wherein the side boundaries of each protrusion enclose an angle of 40° to a maximum of 180°.

[0007] The angle is measured at the farthest point inside the protrusion, which is, for example, against the inscribed circle. For example, the angle is measured at the tip of the protrusion, and then the side boundary originates from that point.

[0008] In an improved embodiment of the invention, the side boundary of the protrusion is constructed to be convex.

[0009] For example, the farthest point of the protrusion located inside may be part of a curved line, especially a segment of a circular line. In this particular case, when the farthest point of the protrusion located inside is part of a circular line, the angle between the two side boundaries of the protrusion is 180°.

[0010] In an improved embodiment of the invention, the side boundaries of each protrusion are configured to be concave.

[0011] In an improved embodiment of the invention, the side boundary is a segment of the notch with a polylobular orientation.

[0012] A multi-lobed orientation refers to a non-circular orientation having segments with small radii and large curvature, as well as segments with large radii and small curvature. The number of segments with large and small curvatures is equal, and each segment with large curvature is arranged between two segments with small curvature. For example, a multi-lobed orientation has three regions with large curvature and small radii, and three regions with small curvature and large radii. The three regions with large curvature and small radii are then spaced apart from each other, for example, at 60° when viewed circumferentially, as are the three regions with small curvature and large radii. The three regions with large curvature and small radii then touch the circumcircle, while the three regions with small curvature and large radii touch the inscribed circle of a notch.

[0013] In an improved embodiment of the invention, the edge of the notch is formed by means of multiple adjacent segments of two multi-leaf-shaped circumferential lines.

[0014] Advantageously, the segments of the two multi-lobed circumferential lines, each with a small radius and a large curvature, are placed relative to each other. The edge of the notch is then composed of multiple arcuate segments, which are placed relative to each other and form inwardly projecting protrusions at their connecting points.

[0015] In an improved embodiment of the invention, a segment of a first multi-leaf-shaped circumferential line with a smaller radius and a larger curvature is connected to a segment of a second multi-leaf-shaped circumferential line with a larger radius and a smaller curvature.

[0016] The connecting portion between the segments of the first and second multi-lobed circumferential lines touches the inscribed circle of the notch, thereby forming the farthest protrusion located inside. A protrusion extending inward from the circumscribed circle of the notch appears, having a concave side boundary.

[0017] In an improved embodiment of the invention, the first multi-leaf-shaped circumferential line and the second multi-leaf-shaped circumferential line are offset from each other around the central longitudinal axis of the notch at a predetermined angle, particularly 60°.

[0018] In the improved embodiment of the present invention, the two multi-leaf-shaped circumferential lines each have three regions with large curvature and small radius, and three regions with small curvature and large radius.

[0019] In an improved embodiment of the present invention, each of the two multi-leaf-shaped circumferential lines has an imaginary circumcircle, wherein the diameters of the circumcircles are not equal.

[0020] In the improved version of the present invention, the diameters of the circumscribed circles differ by 3% to 10%.

[0021] For example, the diameter of the circumscribed circle is 10.5 mm and 10.8 mm. In this case, it is advantageous that the maximum diameter of the auxiliary engagement at the shank is 10.5 mm.

[0022] In an improved embodiment of the invention, the side boundary of each protrusion clamps an angle of more than 150°.

[0023] In an improved embodiment of the invention, the diameter of the imaginary circumcircle of the notch is between 10 mm and 11.6 mm, and particularly 10.8 mm.

[0024] In an improved embodiment of the invention, the notch is constructed as a through-hole through the mold and is configured to discharge stamped blocks (Stanzbutzen) generated during the pressing of the auxiliary coupling.

[0025] In an improved embodiment of the invention, the edge of the notch can be pointed, beveled, or rounded. A pointed edge is formed at the transition between two, particularly flat, surfaces. A chamfer can form a beveled edge. A radius of curvature results in a rounded edge.

[0026] In an improved embodiment of the invention, the mold has a stamping ring facing the lower side of the workpiece. Its inner edge forms the edge of the notch, and it protrudes from the remaining upper side of the mold facing the workpiece, and is located at the same height as the upper side of the mold, or is moved back relative to the upper side of the mold.

[0027] By means of such a stamped ring, reliable anchoring of the auxiliary coupling in the workpiece can be achieved. The height of the stamped ring relative to the lower side of the die facing the workpiece is, for example, 0.3 mm, and advantageously falls within the range of 0.1 mm to 1 mm. Within the scope of the invention, the stamped ring may also be flush with the upper side of the die or located below the upper side of the die.

[0028] In an improved embodiment of the invention, the height or level of the stamping ring is constant when viewed from its circumference, and the width of the stamping ring, measured in a radial direction parallel to the upper side of the mold, varies circumferentially.

[0029] For example, the width of the stamping ring varies between 0.4 mm and 1 mm.

[0030] In an improved embodiment of the present invention, the outer edge of the stamping ring is circular.

[0031] The present invention also relates to a method for inserting an auxiliary coupling into a workpiece using the apparatus according to the invention, wherein: a mold is abutted against the lower side of the workpiece, the auxiliary coupling is placed on the upper side of the workpiece, the auxiliary coupling is pressed into the upper side of the workpiece by means of a punch, a punch block is ejected from the workpiece by means of the auxiliary coupling during the pressing of the auxiliary coupling, and the auxiliary coupling is deformed by means of the abutting area of ​​the mold.

[0032] The present invention also relates to an assembly having an auxiliary coupling and a device according to the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Further features and advantages of the invention arise from the claims and the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Individual features of the different embodiments shown and described may be combined herein in any manner without departing from the scope of the invention. This also applies to combinations of individual features without any other individual feature shown or described in association. In the drawings:

[0034] Figure 1 A partial view of the device according to the invention in accordance with a first embodiment is shown.

[0035] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 Magnified details

[0036] Figure 3 Show Figure 2 Another enlarged detail of mold 14

[0037] Figure 4 A side view is shown of an auxiliary coupling for use with the device according to the invention.

[0038] Figure 5 Showing direction Figure 4 Top view of the auxiliary connector.

[0039] Figure 6 Shown from diagonally above Figure 1 A view of the auxiliary coupling parts and mold of the device.

[0040] Figure 7 Show Figure 6 A schematic cross-sectional view of the auxiliary connecting parts and the mold.

[0041] Figure 8 Auxiliary joint and Figure 6 Another cross-sectional view of the mold,

[0042] Figure 9 Showing direction Figure 3 A top view of a section of the mold.

[0043] Figure 10 A top view of a mold according to another embodiment of the invention is shown.

[0044] Figure 11 A top view of a portion of a mold according to another embodiment of the invention is shown.

[0045] Figure 12 Shown from diagonally above Figure 11 A partial view of the mold.

[0046] Figure 13 Showing direction Figure 3 Top view of the mold

[0047] Figure 14 Showing direction Figure 13 The view of the cross-sectional plane AA in the middle.

[0048] Figure 15 Shown in enlarged view Figure 14 Detail X in the middle, and

[0049] Figure 16 Shown in enlarged view Figure 13 Details F in the text. Detailed Implementation

[0050] Figure 1 Partial sections show the areas used for... Figure 1 An auxiliary connector (not shown) is inserted into Figure 1 The device 10 according to the invention is schematically shown in the sheet-like workpiece 8. Sheet material is typically used as the workpiece material. For example, an auxiliary connector made of steel is inserted into the aluminum sheet so that another workpiece made of steel can then be fixed to the auxiliary connector by welding points, thereby enabling the connection between the aluminum sheet and the other workpiece made of steel. The workpiece 8 is typically not pre-drilled.

[0051] The device 10 includes a C-shaped frame 12, which is connected to a machine base (not shown), and in its... Figure 1 The lower support leg shown supports the mold 14, and it is located at its... Figure 1 The upper support leg is connected to the punch 16. The punch 16 is connected via... Figure 1 The cylinder 18, shown only in partial sections, is operated by a pneumatic cylinder, for example. An auxiliary coupling is supplied via a supply device 20 and then pressed into the workpiece 8 using a punch 16. Before the auxiliary coupling is pressed in, the workpiece 8 is arranged between the die 14 and the punch 16.

[0052] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1The magnified details show the mold 14, on which the workpiece 8 is then placed, and the clamping device 6, which descends onto the workpiece 8 after it is pushed in and then holds the workpiece 8 on the mold 14. A through-hole is provided in the clamping device 6, through which an auxiliary engaging member is then pushed by the punch 16 in a direction toward the workpiece 8.

[0053] Figure 3 Partial sections were shown Figure 2 The mold 14 has a notch 26 with an edge 28, wherein the edge 28 is not circular but constructed in a multi-leaf shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the edge 28 is implemented as a trefoil shape. This means that it has three regions with large curvature, which are spaced apart from each other by 120°, and three regions with small curvature, which are also spaced apart from each other by 120°. The regions with large curvature are connected to each other. Inwardly projecting protrusions or edges are formed at the transitions, which... Figure 3 As can be seen, the mold 14 also has a contact area 24 with a protruding stamping ring 40. The stamping ring 40 protrudes beyond the rest of the contact surface and surrounds the notch 26. The outer circumference of the stamping ring 40 is circular, and the inner circumference of the stamping ring 40 is formed by the edge 28. Within the scope of the invention, the stamping ring 40 may protrude beyond a portion of the contact surface on the upper side of the mold, be arranged at the same height as the contact surface, or be arranged below the contact surface.

[0054] Figure 4 The auxiliary coupling 22 is shown, which can be used as... Figure 1 The device is pressed into the workpiece 8. The auxiliary coupling 22 is circular and has a handle 23 and a head 25. The head 25 has a larger diameter than the handle 23. At the end of the handle 23 away from the head 25, a stamped section 27 of the auxiliary coupling 22 is provided, which is cylindrical and forms the maximum diameter of the handle 23. The diameter of the cylindrical, circular stamped section 27 is decisive for the deformation of the auxiliary coupling 22 at the end away from the head by the die 14.

[0055] Figure 5 The auxiliary connector 22 is shown in a top view.

[0056] Figure 6 A mold 14 with an auxiliary engagement member 22 mounted on the mold 14 is shown. It can be seen that the auxiliary engagement member 22 has a head 25 and a handle 23, wherein the head 25 has a larger outer diameter than the handle 23, and wherein both the head 25 and the handle 23 have a circular outer circumference.

[0057] The auxiliary connector 22 is pressed into the un-drilled workpiece 8, specifically an un-drilled sheet metal, by a punch 16. Here, the auxiliary connector 22 punches a through-hole into the workpiece with its shank, and the resulting punch block is received by the notch of the die 14. After the through-hole is punched into the workpiece, the lower end of the shank of the auxiliary connector 22 abuts against the stamping ring 40 of the die 14, where it undergoes further plastic deformation through pressing by the punch. This creates an undercut between the auxiliary connector 22 and the workpiece, thereby reliably connecting the auxiliary connector to the workpiece.

[0058] A more precise explanation of how auxiliary couplings are inserted into sheet-like workpieces can be found in international publication WO 2011 / 009850.

[0059] Figure 7 It shows Figure 6 A schematic cross-sectional view of the die 14 and the auxiliary coupling 22. The cross-section is located directly above the stamping ring 40. The auxiliary coupling 22 and the cross-section are shown as transparent here, so the outer circumference of the auxiliary coupling 22 and the edge 28 of the notch 26 in the stamping section 27 are shown superimposed. It can be seen that three crescent-shaped overlapping surfaces 41 are generally formed between the lower side of the stamping section 27 and the stamping ring 40. These overlapping areas are located radially outside the sections with small curvature of the edge 28. Conversely, in the regions with large curvature of the edge 28, the outer circumference of the stamping section 27 of the auxiliary coupling 22 is located within the edge 28 of the notch. In these regions, the auxiliary coupling 22 is therefore not deformed by the stamping ring 40. Within the scope of the invention, the edge 28 can be pointed, beveled, or rounded.

[0060] Figure 7 The diagram illustrates the case where the auxiliary coupling 22 is precisely centered with the longitudinal axis of the notch 26 of the die 14. If a center offset occurs between the auxiliary coupling 22 and the stamping ring 40 of the die 14 during serial production, which cannot be avoided in all cases, then the numerical overlap between the auxiliary coupling 22 and the stamping ring 40 increases. The crescent-shaped overlap sections are no longer the same size, but different sizes. However, overall, the overlap increases, thus achieving a consistently reliable modification of the auxiliary coupling, and the auxiliary coupling 22 is therefore reliably anchored in the workpiece 8.

[0061] Figure 8 It shows Figure 6 Another cross-sectional view of the mold 14 and auxiliary coupling 22 in their current state. Here, the cross-sectional plane is... Figure 6 The middle extension passes through the central longitudinal axis of the notch 26 in the mold 14, in Figure 6 From bottom left to top right. Figure 8In the middle, mold 14 and auxiliary coupling 22 rotate to show a better perspective of the cross-sectional plane. It can be seen that in the auxiliary coupling 22... Figure 8 At the left edge of the middle section, the stamped section 27 does not touch the edge 28 of the notch 26, and is therefore located within the edge 28. Conversely, at the auxiliary joint 22... Figure 8 At the right end, it can be seen that the auxiliary connecting piece 22 is placed on the stamping ring 40 below the stamping section 27. Figure 8 The image shows a slight penetration of the auxiliary connector 22 and the stamping ring 40, which is only for illustration and would not occur in reality.

[0062] See Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, the maximum diameter of the handle 23 of the auxiliary coupling 22 appearing in the stamping section 27 is therefore between the maximum and minimum lateral dimensions of the edge 28 of the notch 26.

[0063] Figure 9 A partial top view of the section facing the mold 14 is shown. The mold 14 has an abutment region 24 surrounding the recess 26. The recess 26 is configured as a through hole, see also... Figures 13 to 16 It has multiple leaf-shaped edges 28. The multiple leaf-shaped edges 28 have three segments 30, each spaced 120° apart, with large radii of curvature and small curvature, and three segments 32, each spaced 120° apart, with small radii of curvature and therefore large curvature. The segments 30 with small curvature and the segments 32 with large curvature are spaced 60° apart.

[0064] The edge 28 of the notch touches the imaginary circumcircle 34 of the notch, wherein the farthest points of the segment 32 with large curvature that are located on the outside respectively touch the imaginary circumcircle 34. In the embodiment shown, the imaginary circumcircle 34 has a diameter of 10.8 mm.

[0065] The furthest points of the segment 30 with slight curvature, located internally, respectively touch the imaginary inscribed circle 36. Thus, the segment 30 with slight curvature forms a protrusion extending inward into the free space formed by the notch 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the imaginary inscribed circle 36 has a diameter of 10.1 mm.

[0066] Each of the protrusions formed by segment 30 has a point 38 that extends furthest into the interior space of recess 26. Side boundaries are arranged on either side of this point 38, the side boundaries being concave in the multi-leaf-shaped shape of the edge of recess 26. The two side boundaries leading to point 38 have an angle of 180° with each other at point 38.

[0067] Mold 14 is configured for inserting an auxiliary coupling with a circular circumference, see Figure 2The auxiliary coupling member 22. Then, the outer diameter at the shank of the auxiliary coupling member 22 is between the diameters of the imaginary inscribed circle 36 and the imaginary circumscribed circle 34. In the illustrated embodiment, the diameter of the shank of the auxiliary coupling member 22 is 10.5 mm.

[0068] It can be seen that when the auxiliary joint 22 is precisely centered in the middle, it is deformed only by the segment 30 with small curvature. Conversely, the segment 32 with large curvature is mostly located outside the circumference of the auxiliary joint.

[0069] This situation changes when the auxiliary connector is no longer precisely centered relative to the notch 26. As further explained, the overlap between the auxiliary connector and the mold 14 increases with the center offset of the circular auxiliary connector from the mold 14. Even with center offset, reliable anchoring of the auxiliary connector 22 in the workpiece is thus achieved.

[0070] The die 14 has a stamping ring 40, the inner boundary of which is formed by the edge 28 of the notch 26, and its outer circumference is circular. See also Figure 14 and Figure 15 The stamping ring 40 protrudes relative to the rest of the contact surface of the mold 14. The height of the stamping ring 40 relative to the rest of the contact area 24 of the mold 14 is approximately 0.3 mm.

[0071] Figure 10 A partial top view of a mold 44 according to another embodiment of the invention is shown. The mold 44 has a notch 26 with an edge 28 formed by three circular line segments, between which radially inwardly projecting protrusions 46 are arranged. The three protrusions 46 are spaced apart from each other at 120°. The protrusions 46 touch an imaginary inscribed circle 36 at their furthest inwardly projecting points. The imaginary circumscribed circle 34 of the notch 26 is formed by imaginary circular lines connecting the circular line segments and on which the circular line segments lie. In the illustrated embodiment, the imaginary circumscribed circle 34 has a diameter of 10.8 mm. The imaginary inscribed circle 36 has a diameter of 9.7 mm. As in the already explained embodiment, the auxiliary coupling 22, inserted and pressed into the sheet-like workpiece by the mold 44, has a diameter of 10.5 mm and is therefore located between the diameters of the imaginary inscribed circle 36 and the imaginary circumscribed circle 34 of the notch 26.

[0072] The protrusion 46 is rounded at its furthest inward protrusion.

[0073] exist Figure 10 In the embodiment shown, as the center offset between the auxiliary connector and the notch 26 increases, the overlap between the auxiliary connector 22 and the mold 44 also increases.

[0074] Figure 11A partial top view of a mold 54 according to another embodiment of the invention is shown. The notch 26 of the mold 54 has an edge 28 formed by the superposition of two multi-leaf-shaped circumferential lines. The edge 28 is formed by three concave curved sections with large curvature and three concave curved sections with small curvature, wherein the sections are respectively arranged between two sections.

[0075] The first segment 56 forms part of the first multi-leaf-shaped circumference, which has three regions with large curvature and three regions with small curvature. The first segment 56 forms the regions with large curvature of the first multi-leaf-shaped circumference.

[0076] The second segment 58 forms part of the second multi-leaf-shaped circumference, which has three regions with large curvature and three regions with small curvature. The second segment 58 forms the regions with large curvature of the second multi-leaf-shaped circumference.

[0077] from Figure 11 It can be seen that the imaginary circumcircle 34 of the notch 26 touches the first segment 56 but not the second segment 58. At the apex of the first segment 56, they have a radius of 10.8 mm from the central longitudinal axis 60 of the notch 26. At the apex of the second segment 58, they have a distance of 10.5 mm from the central longitudinal axis 60. The mold 54 is provided for inserting an auxiliary coupling 22 with a shaft diameter of 10.5 mm.

[0078] Inwardly projecting protrusions are formed at the transition between the first segment 56 and the second segment 58, with the point 62, where the two segments 56 and 58 are adjacent to each other, being furthest inside. At point 62, the edge 28 of the notch touches the imaginary inscribed circle 36. In the illustrated embodiment, the imaginary inscribed circle 36 has a diameter of 10.1 mm.

[0079] On both sides of point 62, concave side boundaries are arranged respectively.

[0080] Therefore, the edge 28 of the notch 26 generally has six inwardly projecting protrusions, the furthest point of which is formed by point 62. These protrusions are confined on both sides by concave side boundaries. If the auxiliary engagement is accurately centered relative to the notch 26, the auxiliary engagement is deformed only by the mold 54 in the environment around point 62. As the center offset of the auxiliary engagement 22 increases, the overlap between the auxiliary engagement 22 and the mold 54 increases. Thus, even in the case of a (inevitable) center offset of the auxiliary engagement 22 relative to the mold 54, reliable anchoring of the auxiliary engagement 22 in the workpiece can be obtained.

[0081] like Figure 3Like mold 14, mold 54 also has a stamping ring 64, the inner edge of which is defined by the edge 28 of the notch 26, and it has a rounded outer edge.

[0082] As from Figure 11 As can be seen, the width of the stamping ring 64 varies along its circumference. This is even... Figure 3 This is also the case in the case of the stamping ring 40.

[0083] Figure 12 Partial sections are shown in a view from an oblique angle. Figure 11 The mold 54. The total of six inwardly projecting protrusions of the edge 28 of the notch 26 and the apex perpendicular line (Scheitellinien) 66 extending parallel to the central longitudinal axis 60 of the edge 28 of the notch 26 are clearly visible, they are formed by... Figure 11 The location of point 62 in the explanation is limited.

[0084] Figure 12 It can also be seen that the notch 26 is deep enough to accommodate the punched block generated when the auxiliary connector 22 is inserted. Typically, the notch 26 is constructed as a through hole.

[0085] Figures 13 to 16 Another view of mold 14 is shown, which has been based on Figure 3 To explain.

[0086] exist Figure 14 and Figure 15 As can be seen in the view, the stamping ring 40 protrudes relative to the rest of the upper side of the die 14, protruding by 0.3 mm in the illustrated embodiment. The circular outer edge of the stamping ring 40 is beveled, with the bevel having an angle of approximately 45°.

[0087] exist Figure 16 The width variation of the stamping ring 40 can be clearly seen in the top view, when viewed along its circumference.

[0088] As explained, in the cases of molds 14, 44, and 54, the overlap between the circular shank of the auxiliary connector and the contact surface of the mold increases with the increase of the center offset of the auxiliary connector. This is predicated on the following condition: according to the invention, the maximum first diameter of the auxiliary connector, i.e., the maximum diameter of the shank of the auxiliary connector 22, and the diameter of the stamped section at the lower end of the auxiliary connector, are located between the diameter of the imaginary inscribed circle of the edge 28 of the notch and the imaginary circumscribed circle of the notch. According to the invention, the diameter of the inscribed circle is between 4% and 10% smaller than the maximum first diameter of the auxiliary connector, and between 2% and 5% larger than the first diameter of the auxiliary connector 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the first diameter of the auxiliary connector is 10.5 mm. According to... Figure 10In the case of mold 44, the diameter of the hypothetical inscribed circle 36 is 9.7 mm. Figure 9 and 11 In the cases of molds 14 and 54, the diameter is 10.1 mm. In the cases of molds 14, 44 and 54, the diameter of the imaginary circumscribed circle 34 is 10.8 mm.

[0089] The table below shows the values ​​for different directions of center offset or movement and the different geometries of the corresponding notch edges 28 for the overlapping surfaces between the auxiliary joint 22 and the molds 14, 44, 54.

[0090]

[0091]

[0092] As can be seen from the table, the overlap between the shank of the auxiliary connector and the mold increases with the center offset of the auxiliary connector relative to the central longitudinal axis of the notch in the mold, regardless of the direction of the center offset. Therefore, in the case of center offset, the auxiliary connector no longer deforms symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal central axis of the mold. However, due to the increased overlap, deformation is more severe, at least partially, in the edge regions than when the center offset is zero. This ensures that reliable anchoring of the auxiliary connector in the workpiece is always achieved, even when center offset cannot be avoided. Thus, the device and method according to the invention ensure reliable insertion of the auxiliary connector into the workpiece.

Claims

1. A device (10) for inserting an auxiliary coupling (22) into a workpiece (8) using a punch (16) for pressing the auxiliary coupling (22) into the upper side of the workpiece, wherein the auxiliary coupling (22) has a handle (23) to be pressed into the workpiece (8), the handle (23) having a circular circumference having a maximum first diameter, and having a die (14) for abutting against the lower side of the workpiece (8) during the pressing of the auxiliary coupling, wherein, The mold (14) has an abutment area (24) and a notch (26) surrounded by the abutment area (24), wherein the edge (28) of the notch (26) deviates from a circular shape, wherein the radially furthest point of the edge (28) of the notch (26) located on the outermost point lies on an imaginary circumcircle (34), and wherein the radially furthest point of the edge (28) of the notch (26) located on the innermost point lies on an imaginary incircle (36). In the notch (26), the edge (28) has at least three protrusions extending into the imaginary circumcircle (34) of the notch (26), wherein the protrusions touch the imaginary incircle (36), characterized in that the diameter of the imaginary incircle (36) is between 4% and 10% smaller than the first diameter of the auxiliary connector (22), and the diameter of the imaginary circumcircle (34) is between 2% and 5% larger than the first diameter of the auxiliary connector (22).

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each protrusion is formed between two side boundaries, which are part of the edge (28) of the notch (26), wherein the side boundaries of each protrusion enclose an angle of 40 degrees to a maximum of 180 degrees.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The side boundaries of the protrusion are constructed to be convex.

4. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The side boundaries of each protrusion are constructed to be concave.

5. The apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The lateral boundaries of each protrusion clamp an angle of more than 150 degrees.

6. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The lateral boundary is a segment of the edge (28) of the notch (26) with a multi-leaf-shaped orientation.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The multi-leaf-shaped orientation has three regions with large curvature and small radius and three regions with small curvature and large radius.

8. The apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The edge (28) of the notch (26) is formed by multiple adjacent segments of two multi-leaf-shaped circumferential lines.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, The segment of the first multi-leaf circumference with a smaller radius and a larger curvature is connected to the segment of the second multi-leaf circumference with a larger radius and a smaller curvature.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first multi-leaf circumferential line and the second multi-leaf circumferential line are offset around the central longitudinal axis of the notch (26) at a predetermined angle.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that, The two multi-lobed lines are offset from the central longitudinal axis at an angle of 60 degrees.

12. The apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that, Each of the two multi-leaf-shaped circumferences has three regions with large curvature and small radius, and three regions with small curvature and large radius.

13. The apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that, Two multi-lobed circumferential lines each have an imaginary circumcircle, wherein the diameters of the imaginary circumcircles are not equal.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that, The diameters of the imaginary circumcircles differ by 3% to 10%.

15. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The diameter of the imaginary circumcircle (34) of the notch (26) is between 10 mm and 11.6 mm.

16. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The notch (26) is configured as a through hole through the mold (14) and is provided for discharging the punched block generated during the pressing of the auxiliary coupling (22).

17. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The edges (28) of the notch (26) are configured as sharp edges, bevels, or circles.

18. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The mold (14) has a stamping ring (40) facing the lower side of the workpiece (8), the inner edge of which forms the edge (28) of the notch (26) and protrudes relative to the remaining upper side of the mold (14) facing the lower side of the workpiece (8), located at the same height as the upper side of the mold (14) or rearward relative to the upper side of the mold (14).

19. The apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that, The height or level of the stamping ring (40) is constant when viewed on its circumference, and the width of the stamping ring (40), measured in a radial direction parallel to the upper side of the mold (14), varies on the circumference.

20. The apparatus according to claim 19, characterized in that, The outer edge of the stamping ring (40) is circular.

21. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The diameter of the imaginary circumcircle (34) of the notch (26) is 10.8 mm.

22. A method for inserting an auxiliary coupling (22) into a workpiece (8) using an apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 21, comprising the steps of: abutting a mold (14) against the lower side of the workpiece (8), placing the auxiliary coupling (22) on the upper side of the workpiece (8), pressing the auxiliary coupling (22) into the upper side of the workpiece (8) by means of a punch (16), punching a punch block out of the workpiece (8) by means of the auxiliary coupling (22) during the pressing of the auxiliary coupling (22), and deforming the auxiliary coupling (22) by means of the abutting area of ​​the mold (14).

23. An assembly having an auxiliary coupling (22), a workpiece (8), and a device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 21.

Images