Joining tool unit

Abstract

A joining tool unit (2), wherein the joining tool unit has a clamping device (6), a movable tool (7), a tool corresponding element (4), a drive unit (8), a light source (10) and a control unit (40), wherein the clamping device and the movable tool are located opposite to the tool corresponding element, wherein the clamping device can be moved in the direction of the tool corresponding element by the drive unit, wherein the joining tool unit is configured to join a workpiece (25) arranged on the joining tool unit by moving the movable tool relative to the tool corresponding element, wherein the control unit is configured to control and / or adjust the drive unit, wherein the control unit is configured to control and / or adjust the light source, wherein the joining tool unit is configured to move the clamping device in the direction of the tool corresponding element until a position at which the clamping device and the tool corresponding element are in contact with the workpiece arranged on the joining tool unit, wherein the joining tool unit is configured to start irradiating or illuminating the joining portion of the workpiece with the light of the light source when the clamping device has reached this position.

Description

Background Art

[0001] A joining tool unit is already known, in particular a joining tool unit for press-fit connections. For example, a joining tool unit is known in which the area of ​​the workpieces to be joined is heated by means of a laser beam heat input so that the workpieces are joined in a heated state at this heated area by means of the joining tool unit.

[0002] A disadvantage of known joining tool units is that they have a relatively long joining cycle time. A similar disadvantage is that, due to the use of lasers, it is necessary to ensure that workers are protected from radiation, and the workers can work with the joining tool unit or remain in the area of ​​the joining tool unit. In known joining tool units, for this purpose, the entire joining tool unit is provided with a cover, which is configured to be opaque to the light of the laser beam. Therefore, known joining tool units are relatively expensive and complex to construct. Summary of the invention

[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved joining tool unit. In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved joining tool unit with which a heat-assisted joining process can be carried out.

[0004] This object is achieved by the features of claim 1 .

[0005] Advantageous and expedient embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0006] The present invention relates to a joining tool unit, wherein the joining tool unit has a clamping device, a movable tool, a tool counterpart, a drive unit, a light source and a control unit, wherein the clamping device and the movable tool are located opposite to the tool counterpart, wherein the clamping device can be moved in the direction of the tool counterpart by the drive unit, wherein the joining tool unit is configured to join a workpiece arranged on the joining tool unit by moving the movable tool relative to the tool counterpart, wherein the control unit is configured to control and / or adjust the drive unit, wherein the control unit is configured to control and / or adjust the light source, wherein the joining tool unit is configured to move the clamping device in the direction of the tool counterpart until a position at which the clamping device and the tool counterpart are in contact with the workpiece arranged on the joining tool unit, wherein the joining tool unit is configured to start irradiating or illuminating the joining portion of the workpiece with the light of the light source when the clamping device has reached the position. A relatively short joining cycle time can thereby be achieved. The joining tool unit is thus also configured relatively inexpensively.

[0007] The workpiece comprises, for example, two or more workpiece parts, which can be joined to each other by means of a joining tool unit. The joining tool unit is, for example, configured to place a functional element, such as a punch nut, a rivet nut, a press-in nut, a pin, a screw element on the workpiece and / or for a press connection or a punch connection and / or for placing a rivet, such as a collet rivet, a full self-piercing rivet or a semi-hollow self-piercing rivet. With the help of the joining tool unit, the functional element can be riveted, crimped, punched or pressed into, for example, a workpiece. With the help of the joining tool unit, for example, a plurality of workpiece parts can be connected to each other, for example, by means of a connecting element, such as a rivet, or in the absence of a connecting element, for example, by means of a press connection process.

[0008] It is conceivable that the workpiece also consists of exactly one workpiece part. For example, the functional element is fixed to the workpiece during a joining process. For example, the functional element is fixed to a single workpiece part of the workpiece during a joining process.

[0009] For example, two or more workpiece parts can be arranged between a movable tool and a tool corresponding element, and the workpiece parts are connected to each other by a joining tool unit during the joining process by means of a joining connection. The workpiece parts can be made of different materials. The workpiece parts can, for example, have different metal components or different material hardnesses. Preferably, the workpiece part against which the movable tool abuts during the joining process is harder and / or more brittle than other workpiece parts of the workpiece.

[0010] For example, the joining tool unit is designed so that the workpiece part acted upon by the movable tool can be heated by the light of the light source. Due to the possibility of heating the workpieces to be joined by the joining tool unit, a joining connection between a hard and / or brittle workpiece part and a workpiece part consisting of another, for example, softer material can be established. Due to the possibility of heating the workpieces to be joined by the joining tool unit, it is possible to improve already possible or currently known joining applications.

[0011] For example, the movable tool is present movably along the movement axis of the joining tool unit. For example, the movable tool is present movably only linearly along the movement axis of the joining tool unit. The drive unit comprises, for example, a linear drive, such as a pneumatic-hydraulic, hydraulic, pneumatic and / or electric drive unit.

[0012] For example, the movable tool is configured as a die unit or a punch unit. For example, the tool counter-element is configured as a die unit or a punch unit. It can be configured that the movable tool is configured as a punch unit and the tool counter-element is configured as a die unit, or vice versa. It can also be configured that the joining tool unit has two movable tools, wherein the movable tools are located opposite each other on the joining tool unit.

[0013] The joining tool unit is designed, for example, to join the workpieces by moving the movable tool in the direction of the tool counter element when the workpieces are arranged on the joining tool unit.

[0014] The movable tool and / or the tool counter element has, for example, a joining surface. For example, a workpiece arranged on the joining tool unit is joined at a joining location by means of the joining surface, ie the joining tool unit is in direct contact with the workpiece via the joining surface during the joining process.

[0015] It is conceivable that the joining tool unit is present in such a way that, in a state where the workpiece is arranged on the joining tool unit, before the relative movement of the movable tool with respect to the tool counter-element begins, the movable tool, for example, the joining surface of the movable tool, has a spacing of between 2 cm and 20 cm, between 2 cm and 15 cm or between 2 cm and 10 cm with respect to the part of the workpiece to be joined. For example, before the relative movement of the movable tool with respect to the tool counter-element begins, the movable tool, for example, the joining surface of the movable tool, has a spacing of 2 cm, 2.5 cm, 3 cm, 3.5 cm, 4 cm, 4.5 cm, 5 cm, 6 cm, 7 cm, 8 cm, 9 cm, 10 cm, 15 cm or 20 cm with respect to the part of the workpiece to be joined. The spacing is, for example, the distance between the joining surface of the movable tool and the contact surface of the workpiece, wherein the contact surface of the workpiece is the part that is acted upon by the joining surface of the movable tool during the joining process.

[0016] The maximum speed of movement of the movable tool relative to the tool counterpart is between 0.1 m / s and 2 m / s, for example between 1 m / s and 2 m / s. The maximum speed of movement of the movable tool relative to the tool counterpart is 0.1 m / s, 0.5 m / s, 0.8 m / s, 1 m / s, 1.1 m / s, 1.2 m / s, 1.3 m / s, 1.4 m / s, 1.5 m / s, 1.6 m / s, 1.7 m / s, 1.8 m / s, 1.9 m / s or 2 m / s.

[0017] The light source is designed, for example, as a laser. It is conceivable that the laser can be operated in a pulsed laser mode and / or in a continuous laser mode. The wavelength of the light source is matched, for example, to the maximum absorption rate of the material to be processed of the workpiece, so that heat can be introduced into the workpiece as energy-efficiently as possible by the light of the light source.

[0018] Furthermore, it is proposed that the holding device has a light guide system. As a result, the joining tool unit is relatively simplified, in particular relatively cost-effective. For example, this makes it possible to realize a joining tool unit that does not require an additional housing for radiation protection of workers.

[0019] For example, the light guiding system surrounds the light of the light source along the light beam, thereby shielding the light in an outward radial direction relative to the light beam. For example, the light guiding system of the clamping device shields the light along its light beam outwardly in an outwardly light-tight manner.

[0020] It is also conceivable that the light guide system is formed on the tool counter-element. For example, the holding-down device is present on the joining tool unit opposite the tool counter-element.

[0021] For example, there is a punch unit, which includes a hold-down device and a movable tool. For example, the hold-down device is configured as a punch-hold-down device, and the movable tool is configured as a punch tool. The tool counter-element is present, for example, as a die unit.

[0022] It is also conceivable that there is a bottom die unit, which includes a clamping device and a movable tool. For example, the clamping device is configured as a bottom die-clamping device, and the movable tool is configured as a bottom die. The tool counterpart element is present, for example, as a punch unit.

[0023] It may be provided that the joining tool unit comprises a punch unit and / or a die unit.

[0024] The clamping device is configured to provide a clamping function, for example. For example, the clamping device is movable relative to the tool counterpart, so that the spacing between the clamping device and the tool counterpart can be changed. For example, the relative movement of the clamping device and the tool counterpart is achieved by a drive unit.

[0025] The light-guiding system is preferably configured on the hold-down device in such a way that the light-guiding system surrounds the light of the light source along the beam direction, so that the light is shielded by the light-guiding system in a radial direction outwards relative to the beam.

[0026] For example, a hollow groove of the light guide system is present on the clamping device, in particular a cylindrical hollow groove, wherein the light can be guided along the cylindrical axis of the hollow groove, for example the longitudinal extension of the hollow groove in the direction of the workpiece. The hollow groove is present on the clamping device, for example as a hole, for example as a through hole. It is also conceivable that the hollow groove is present on the clamping device in a tubular shape, for example in the form of a tube. However, it is also conceivable that the light guide system has a glass fiber and the glass fiber is fixed to the clamping device.

[0027] It is likewise proposed that the light guide system is present on the holding down device in such a way that the light beam of the light from the light source strikes the joining point only at an angle greater than 0° relative to the displacement axis of the movable tool.

[0028] Preferably, the light guide system is configured so that the light beam of the light source is incident on the joining part of the workpiece only within an angle range of 5° to 40° relative to the axis of movement of the movable tool. For example, the longitudinal axis of the recess is present on the clamping device within an angle range of 5° to 40° relative to the axis of movement of the movable tool.

[0029] For example, a further, for example a second, empty slot is present on the hold-down device. It is conceivable that the second empty slot is present on the hold-down device in a mirror-symmetrical manner to the first empty slot. Preferably, the mirror axis extends parallel to the axis of movement of the movable tool. If, for example, the axis of movement of the movable tool extends centrally through the hold-down device, the axis of movement preferably corresponds to the mirror axis.

[0030] For example, the first and second slots are configured on the clamping device such that when the clamping device is pressed against the workpiece, the light of the light source is guided along the first slot to the workpiece, and the light of the light source reflected by the workpiece is guided along the second slot. The clamping device includes, for example, a beam catcher or beam trap, in which the reflected light is captured and absorbed. By guiding the light beam along the first and second slots in the clamping device, the protective cabin can be eliminated.

[0031] It is also conceivable that the light guide system has a shutter. For example, the shutter can be used to activate or stop the illumination of the joint by the light of the light source. The shutter is present, for example, as an optical shutter, for example in the form of a mechanical shutter and / or an electronic shutter, for example as a movable element. For example, the shutter can be controlled by means of a control unit.

[0032] Furthermore, it is proposed that the holding-down device can be moved in the direction of the tool counter-element by means of the drive unit. Thus, a relatively compact design of the joining tool unit is achieved.

[0033] The control unit is designed, for example, to move the holding down device in the direction of the tool counter-element, in particular by means of the drive unit, until the holding down device comes into contact with a workpiece arranged on the joining tool unit.

[0034] For example, the clamping device is movable relative to the tool corresponding element. For example, the clamping device and the movable tool are movable independently of each other through a drive unit. For example, the clamping device can be moved toward the direction of the tool corresponding element by the drive unit. It is conceivable that the clamping device and the tool corresponding element are movable relative to each other by the drive unit. For example, the drive unit can move the clamping device and / or the tool corresponding element.

[0035] For example, the clamping device and the tool counter-element can be moved toward each other so that a workpiece arranged between the clamping device and the tool counter-element can be clamped. For example, on the one hand, the workpiece can be fixed for the joining process, and on the other hand, workpiece parts of the workpiece can be clamped to each other, thereby improving the heat transfer from one workpiece part to another workpiece part of the workpiece. It is also conceivable that the area between the clamping device and the workpiece is closed by the state of the clamping device abutting against the workpiece, thereby achieving light shielding of light.

[0036] The maximum displacement speed of the clamping device relative to the tool counter-element is between 0.1 m / s and 2 m / s, for example between 1 m / s and 2 m / s. The maximum displacement speed of the clamping device relative to the tool counter-element is 0.1 m / s, 0.5 m / s, 0.8 m / s, 1 m / s, 1.1 m / s, 1.2 m / s, 1.3 m / s, 1.4 m / s, 1.5 m / s, 1.6 m / s, 1.7 m / s, 1.8 m / s, 1.9 m / s or 2 m / s.

[0037] For example, the clamping device, the light guide system and / or the light source are arranged relative to each other or on each other so that the clamping device, the light guide system and / or the light source can only be moved together. For example, the clamping device, the light guide system and / or the light source are fixed relative to each other.

[0038] Furthermore, it can be provided that the clamping device has a release function. For example, the movable tool moves away from the workpiece relative to the tool counter-element after the joining process of the workpieces has ended. It is conceivable that the workpiece remains attached to the movable tool, wherein the clamping device in this case, for example, is held relative to the tool counter-element in a position in which it rests on the workpiece, so that the workpiece is held in a fixed position due to its clamping state between the clamping device and the tool counter-element and is thus released from the movable tool.

[0039] It is also proposed that the control unit of the joining tool unit is configured to terminate the irradiation or illumination of the joining location of the arranged workpieces with the light of the light source simultaneously with or after the movable tool starts to move, thereby relatively shortening the joining cycle time.

[0040] For example, the control unit is configured to turn off the light source and thereby terminate the irradiation or illumination of the joint of the arranged workpieces with the light of the light source at the same time as the movable tool starts to move or after the movable tool starts to move. It is also conceivable that the control unit is configured to terminate the irradiation or illumination of the joint of the arranged workpieces with the light of the light source and then initiate the movement of the movable tool.

[0041] For example, with respect to the joining process of the workpieces by the joining tool unit, the joining tool unit is configured to start the movement of the movable tool in the direction of the tool corresponding element, and at the same time or after that, the radiation or irradiation of the joining part by light ends. It is also conceivable that with respect to the joining process of the workpieces by the joining tool unit, the joining tool unit is configured to start the movement of the movable tool within a certain time interval after the radiation or irradiation of the joining part by light ends. For example, the interval is between 0 milliseconds (ms) and 100ms, for example, between 0ms and 50ms, for example, between 0ms and 40ms, or for example, between 0ms and 30ms.

[0042] Furthermore, it can be provided that the joining tool unit has a sensor unit, wherein the joining tool unit is configured to detect by means of the sensor unit whether the holding down device is in this position against the workpiece. For this purpose, the sensor unit comprises, for example, a pressure sensor which detects the dynamic pressure inside the holding down device.

[0043] The sensor unit is designed, for example, to determine whether the hold-down device bears against the workpiece in this position to such an extent that the hold-down device together with the workpiece is shielded from light from the light source to the outside in such a way that a danger to workers in the vicinity of the joining tool unit can be eliminated. The sensor unit detects the dynamic pressure between the hold-down device and the workpiece by means of a pressure sensor, for example.

[0044] For example, the joining tool unit checks, in particular the control unit checks, whether the sensor value of the sensor unit is within a predetermined nominal range before the irradiation or illumination of the joining location of the arranged workpieces with the light of the light source begins and / or before the movable tool begins to move. If the sensor value is not within the predetermined nominal range, the joining tool unit, in particular the control unit, prevents the start of irradiation or illumination of the joining location of the arranged workpieces with the light of the light source and / or the start of movement of the movable tool.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the control unit of the joining tool unit is designed to terminate the irradiation or illumination of the joining location of the arranged workpieces with the light of the light source before the movable tool can enter the light beam of the light source when it moves in the direction of the tool counterpart. For example, the control unit switches off the irradiation or illumination of the joining location of the arranged workpieces with the light of the light source shortly before the movable tool enters the light beam of the light source. Thus, heating of the movable tool and thus damage to the movable tool are prevented.

[0046] In an exemplary variant of the joining tool unit, the joining tool unit is configured to move the hold-down device in a first step in the direction of the tool counter-element to a position, to start irradiation or radiation of the joining location by the light source in a second step, to start the movement of the movable tool in a third step, to end the irradiation or radiation in a fourth step and to move the hold-down device away from the position relative to the tool counter-element in a fifth step. Thus, a relatively safe joining process can be achieved, in particular with regard to radiation protection of workers. Preferably, the hold-down device is moved away from the workpiece during operation of the joining tool unit only when it is ensured that the light source, for example a laser, is switched off or deactivated.

[0047] For example, steps one to five are implemented in sequence. For example, the bonding tool unit is configured in the first step so that the clamping device moves to a position in the direction of the tool corresponding element and keeps the clamping device in this position, implements steps two, three and four, and then moves the clamping device back from this position. For example, in a state where the workpiece is arranged on the bonding tool unit, the clamping device contacts or touches the surface of the workpiece in this position. The control unit is configured, for example, to adjust and / or control the above-mentioned method steps. The bonding tool unit is configured, for example, so that the movable tool starts to move in the direction of the tool corresponding element at the same time or after the clamping device touches or contacts the workpiece.

[0048] It is also proposed that the clamping device is constructed so that, when the workpiece is arranged on the joining tool unit, the clamping device is arranged in this position so as to rest against the surface of the workpiece that the clamping device surrounds the joining point of the workpiece, so that a maximum of 20% of the radiation power of the light is emitted outward between the clamping device and the surface of the workpiece.

[0049] For example, the joining tool unit is constructed so that, when the workpiece is arranged on the joining tool unit, the clamping device is arranged in this position so as to rest against the surface of the workpiece that the clamping device surrounds the joining part of the workpiece, so that a maximum of 20% of the radiant power of light arriving in the direct surrounding area of ​​the part to be joined of the workpiece is emitted outwardly between the clamping device and the surface of the workpiece.

[0050] For example, the hold-down device is configured such that, in the position in which the hold-down device bears against the workpiece, 0% to 30%, 0% to 20%, 0% to 25%, 0% to 15% or 0% to 10% of the radiant power of the light is emitted outwardly between the hold-down device and the surface of the workpiece. For example, the hold-down device is configured such that, in the position in which the hold-down device bears against the workpiece, a maximum of 15% or a maximum of 10% of the radiant power of the light is emitted outwardly between the hold-down device and the surface of the workpiece.

[0051] The clamping device comprises, for example, a recess. For example, the recess is arranged opposite to the tool counter-element so that when the workpiece is arranged on the joining tool unit and when the clamping device is in contact with the workpiece, the recess is in the region surrounding the joining part of the workpiece. For example, the first empty slot and the second empty slot each transition into the recess at one end. For example, the movable tool enters into the recess or passes through the recess during the joining process. The recess exists, for example, as a hole on the clamping device.

[0052] The hold-down device is present, for example, in such a way that it surrounds the recess, so that in the ideal case the hold-down device completely surrounds the recess together with the workpiece in the state in which it rests against the workpiece.

[0053] For example, the radiation power of the light generated when the light of the light source is emitted into the region of the recess is regarded as the radiation power of the light of the light source. For example, the radiation power of the light acting on the workpiece arranged on the bonding tool unit is regarded as the radiation power of the light of the light source. For example, the radiation power of the light emitted directly at the light source is greater than the radiation power of the light acting on the workpiece arranged on the bonding tool unit, which is particularly due to the reflection and absorption losses of the light on its path from the light source to the bonding part.

[0054] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is a tool pliers having a tool holder and a joining tool unit as described in any one of the above-listed configurations.

[0055] The tool holder connects the movable tool to the tool counter-element, for example, so that a force fit between the movable tool and the tool counter-element is achieved.

[0056] The tool pliers are configured as, for example, crimping pliers, joining pliers and / or punching pliers. It is also conceivable that the tool pliers exist as semi-tubular riveting pliers and / or self-piercing riveting pliers.

[0057] A process for joining workpieces by means of a joining tool unit is also proposed, for example a process for joining workpieces by means of a joining tool unit according to any of the previously described embodiments, wherein the joining process has the following method steps which follow one another:

[0058] - arranging the workpiece to be processed on the joining tool unit,

[0059] - moving the hold-down device of the joining tool unit relative to the tool counterpart of the joining tool unit to a position in which the hold-down device and the tool counterpart are in contact with the workpiece,

[0060] - Keep the hold-down device in this position

[0061] When the holding down device has reached this position, the irradiation or illumination of the joining location of the workpieces with the light of the light source of the joining tool unit is started.

[0062] It is further proposed that the joining process may include one of the following further method steps:

[0063] - detecting the position of the hold-down device by means of a sensor unit of the engagement tool unit,

[0064] - based on the detection by the sensor unit, a check is made by the control unit of the joining tool as to whether the holding-down device has reached this position,

[0065] - starting to move the movable tool of the joining tool unit in the direction of the joining location of the workpieces to join the workpieces,

[0066] - terminating the irradiation or radiation of the joining part of the workpiece simultaneously with the start of movement of the movable tool of the joining tool unit in the direction of the joining part of the workpiece, after the start of movement of the movable tool of the joining tool unit in the direction of the joining part of the workpiece or before the start of movement of the movable tool of the joining tool unit in the direction of the joining part of the workpiece,

[0067] - checking by means of the joining tool unit whether, during the joining process of the workpieces by means of the movable tool, the irradiation or radiation of the areas of the workpieces to be joined has been completed,

[0068] - Before the hold-down device is moved away from the position, the workpieces are engaged by the movable tool.

[0069] - after the movable tool has started to move in the direction of the region of the workpieces to be joined, moving the holding device away from this position,

[0070] The joining tool unit checks whether the irradiation or radiation of the region of the workpieces to be joined has been completed before the hold-down device is moved away from this position.

[0071] On the one hand, a safety function is thus provided, in particular to exclude danger to workers, and on the other hand, in particular undesirable heating of the movable tool can be controlled thereby. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0072] Details and advantages of an exemplary embodiment will be explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

[0073] In the attached figure:

[0074] Figure 1 A perspective view of a tool pliers having a joining tool unit is shown, viewed obliquely from above.

[0075] Figure 2 A perspective view showing part of a joining tool unit,

[0076] Figure 3Show according to Figure 2 A further perspective view of a portion of a joining tool unit,

[0077] Figure 4 Show according to Figure 1 sectional view of a portion of a joining tool unit, wherein the joining tool unit with a holding-down device and a tool counter element rests on a workpiece, wherein the course of the light beam is shown,

[0078] Figure 5 Show according to Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of an assembly of FIG. 1 , wherein the direction of the liquid flow is shown,

[0079] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view showing a portion of a bonding tool unit with a temperature gauge,

[0080] Figure 7 Show according to Figure 4 and 5 A cross-sectional view of an assembly in which a joining connection is produced on the workpieces,

[0081] Figure 8 The diagram shows the initial position after the joint connection has been established. Figure 4 , 5 and 7 are cross-sectional views of the components. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0082] exist Figure 1 1 shows a tool pliers 1 with a joining tool unit 2. The tool pliers 1 have a tool holder 3, wherein the joining tool unit 2 is arranged on the tool holder 3. The tool holder 3 is preferably designed as a C-frame and can be connected to the tool holder 3, for example, via a connecting element 5. Figure 1 The mechanical arm not shown in the figure is fixed.

[0083] The joining tool unit 2 is provided with a tool counter-element 4, a pressing device 6, a movable tool 7 (see Figure 2 ), a driving unit 8, a light source 10 and a control unit 40.

[0084] The drive unit 8 can be designed as an electric, pneumatic, hydraulic or hydropneumatic drive. The drive unit 8 is connected to the tool holder 3, for example.

[0085] For example, a movable tool 7, a temperature measuring device 24 and a light guide system 9 are arranged on the pressing device 6. The light guide system 9 includes a collimator 11, a first mirror 12, a second mirror 13, a beam catcher 14 or a beam trap and a protective glass 15 (see Figure 4). The light source 10 is configured as a laser, in particular as a fiber laser. The collimator 11 is preferably configured so that a collimated light beam is generated, for example, a collimated laser beam. For example, the light beam of the light source 10 is widened and oriented at least almost parallel to each other. The first mirror 12 can be adjusted, for example, so that the position of the light beam of the light source 10 on the workpiece 25 to be processed can be adjusted. The second mirror 13 is preferably arranged on the joining tool unit 2 in a fixed position. The protective glass 15 forms an isolation point between the optical device or mirror 12, 13 of the light guide system 9 and the collimator 11 and the clamping device 6. The beam diameter of the light beam can also be adjusted by adjusting the element 26 on the outside of the joining tool unit 2. A cooling plate 31 is preferably configured at the end of the beam catcher 14 or the beam trap, which cools the beam catcher 14 or the beam trap. The cooling plate 31 is preferably arranged detachably on the outside of the clamping device 6, so that the cooling plate 31 can be replaced or cleaned, for example, in the event of wear or dirt.

[0086] The joining tool unit 2 preferably has slots 16, 17 so that the light source 10 is coupled to the joining tool unit 2. For example, slots 18, 19 for the suction tube 20 and slots 21, 22 for the inlet 23 are also provided on the joining tool unit, so that the fluid can flow into the inlet 23 or be sucked at the suction tube 20. The fluid is, for example, a gas, such as air, in particular, air that has been cleared of particles. The fluid exists, for example, as a purified, particle-free gas. It is also conceivable that the fluid exists as a specific gas, such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide.

[0087] Standard tool pliers can be equipped with parts of the joining tool unit 2, in particular the clamping device 6 and the light guide system 9, in that the clamping device 6 and the light guide system 9 are connected to the drive device 8, which is preferably arranged on the tool holder 3. The joining tool unit 2 preferably has a fixing element 27 for this purpose, wherein parts of the joining tool unit 2, in particular the part of the joining tool unit 2 that is configured with the slots 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, can be connected to the drive device 8 via the fixing element 27. The clamping device 6 also has a connecting element 29 for connecting to the drive device 8. The fixing element 27 is preferably made of a plate-shaped material, in particular metal. The fixing element 27 can be connected to the drive device 8 via a fixing part 30, such as a screw. A safety switch 28 is arranged on the fixing element 27, for example.

[0088] exist Figure 4 , 5 , 6, 7 and 8 show cross-sectional views of the joining tool unit 2. The light beam of the light source is coupled into the light guide system 9 in the region 41 by the light source 10. The course of the light beam is Figure 4 This is schematically shown by arrow L. A light beam, for example, Figure 41 , the light beam L is reflected by the first mirror 12 and by the second mirror 13 and passes through the protective glass 15 to the holding down device 6. A first recess 32 is formed on the holding down device 6, wherein the first recess 32 is, for example, a hole in the holding down device 6. For example, the light beam L passes through the first recess 32 to the recess 33, which is formed at the workpiece-side end of the holding down device 6. If the holding down device 6 is placed against the workpiece 25, the light beam L is reflected on the preferably metallic workpiece surface 42 of the workpiece 25 and reaches the second recess 34, which is, for example, formed as a hole in the holding down device 6. A beam catcher 14 or a beam trap is formed at the end of the second recess 34, so that the light beam L reflected by the workpiece 25 is received and absorbed in the beam catcher 14 or the beam trap.

[0089] For example, a further hole for the movable tool 7 is provided on the clamping device 6, so that the movable tool 7 can be moved linearly along the displacement axis 35 in the direction of the workpiece 25. The displacement axis 35 preferably extends along the longitudinal extension of the movable tool 7. In addition, the displacement axis 35 extends, for example, centrally through the movable tool 7. The longitudinal axis of the first recess 32 or the second recess 34 is present on the clamping device 6, for example, in an angular range α between 5° and 40° relative to the displacement axis 35 of the movable tool 7. Preferably, the second recess 34 is designed mirror-symmetrically to the first recess 32, wherein the displacement axis 35 is, for example, a component of the mirror plane.

[0090] For example, a part of the light guide system 8 forms a flow channel 38. For example, the first and second recesses 32, 34 and the recess 33 of the light guide system 8 form parts of the flow channel 38. The flow channel 38 extends, for example, mainly along the light guide system 8, wherein the flow channel 38 starts only after the collimator 11. The flow channel 38 also has a further, second recess 36, which is preferably configured as a hole. For example, the second recess 36 is connected to a section of the second recess 34 and extends parallel to the axis of movement 35 of the movable tool 7. The fluid reaches the flow channel 38 via the inlet 23 and can flow along the flow channel 38. For example, the fluid accumulates in the area after the collimator 11 up to the protective glass 15, because the fluid can only flow to the first recess 32 at the outer side of the protective glass 15. Therefore, as long as the fluid flows in through the inlet 23, an overpressure will be generated in the area after the collimator 11 up to the protective glass 15. For example, the fluid flows in continuously via the inlet 23 to keep the optical device or mirror 12, 13 clean. The fluid can flow from the flow channel 38 through the recess 33 and the second outlet 37. The second outlet 37 is preferably arranged at the end of the recess 36, wherein the second outlet 37 is connected to the suction pipe 20, for example, so that the inflowing fluid can be sucked at the end of the recess 36. For example, the suction pipe 20 is arranged on the flow channel 38, through which the fluid can be sucked out of the flow channel 38.

[0091] For example, the fluid enters the flow channel 32 through the inlet 23 during the entire joining process, wherein the fluid flows out of the recess 33 as long as the clamping device 6 does not rest on the workpiece 25. For example, for a joining process, the joining tool unit 2 is first moved in the direction of the workpiece 25 to be processed until the clamping device 6 and the workpiece counter element 4 rest against the workpiece. As soon as the clamping device 6 rests on the workpiece 2, the drive device 8 moves the movable tool 7 along the movement axis 35 in the direction of the workpiece 25 according to the Figure 5 This is the initial position of the movable tool 7. Therefore, the distance between the movable tool 7 and the workpiece 25 is minimized, so that the movable tool 7 has a relatively short stroke relative to the workpiece 25.

[0092] For example, by moving the movable tool 7 by the drive device 8, the spring element is loaded, whereby the clamping device 6 is pressed against the workpiece 25 by the force of the spring element. The clamping device 6 is thereby pressed, in particular, against the workpiece 25, thereby preventing light from being emitted between the clamping device 6 and the workpiece 25. The large clamping force of the clamping device 6 on the workpiece 25 resting against the clamping device 6 can also better transfer heat from a first workpiece part of the workpiece 25 in contact with the clamping device to a second workpiece part of the workpiece 25 resting against the tool counter element 4.

[0093] Then, for example, a check is performed to determine whether the hold-down device 6 is resting on the workpiece 25 as desired. For example, the position of the movable tool 7 is first determined by the control unit 40. For example, the position of the safety switch 28 is also determined, and the position of the hold-down device and the light guide system 9 is checked therefrom. For example, after these two checks, the pressure in the flow channel 38 is determined, providing the expected result and being recognized as correct.

[0094] For example, to determine the pressure, the second outlet 37 or the valve leading to the pump on the suction line 20 is closed (see Figure 4 ). Therefore, when the recess 33 on the hold-down device 6 is covered by the workpiece 25 and when the flow channel 38 or the light guide system 9 is not damaged, the fluid accumulates inside the flow channel 38. For example, the pressure in the flow channel 38 is measured by a sensor (not shown). The pressure measured by the sensor is transmitted to the control unit 40, wherein the control unit 40 compares the pressure measured by the sensor with a predetermined threshold value. The threshold value is preferably selected so that even in the case of a narrow gap between the hold-down device 6 and the workpiece 25, the pressure in the flow channel 38 measured by the sensor cannot exceed the threshold value. It is thus ensured that the light source 10 can be activated only when the hold-down device 6 is expected, for example, vertically placed on the workpiece 25, so that no light radiation is emitted outward.

[0095] For example, after checking the pressure in the flow channel 3, the second outlet and / or the valve of the pump leading to the suction line is opened, so that a flow is generated again in the flow channel 38 (see Figure 5 , arrow). The fluid thus flows from the inlet 23 to the second mirror 13, to the protective glass 15, along the first hollow groove 32 to the second hollow groove 34, along the recess 36 to the second outlet 37 and is drawn out at the second outlet 37. Thus, dirt is removed from the flow channel 38 by the flow in the flow channel 38.

[0096] For example, as soon as a flow is generated in the flow channel 38, the control unit activates the light source 10. For example, the workpiece 25 is heated by the light beam of the light source 10, wherein, in particular when the surface has not yet been heated, a part of the light beam is reflected at the workpiece 25. The reflected light beam reaches the beam catcher 14 or beam trap along the second recess 34. Radiation protection is thereby ensured without an additional radiation protection cabin.

[0097] For example, the temperature on the workpiece is measured by a thermometer 24 (see Figure 6). The thermometer 24 is arranged on the clamping device 6, wherein the hole 39 is constructed on the clamping device 6. For example, the hole 39 is present on the clamping device 6 rotated 90° around the movement axis 35 relative to the first slot 32. Therefore, the thermal radiation of the workpiece can reach the thermometer 24 through the hole 39, thereby determining the temperature of the workpiece 25, in particular the temperature of the workpiece 25 at the joint of the workpiece. For example, the thermometer 24 transmits the measured temperature to the control unit 40, wherein the temperature to be reached is stored in the control unit 40 and compared with the measured value. The control unit has stored, for example, the temperature to be reached for different materials. For example, if the temperature to be reached is reached before a certain duration, the light source 10 is deactivated. If the temperature to be reached cannot be reached within a certain duration, the joining process is first canceled.

[0098] For example, in particular, immediately before or simultaneously with the light source 10 being turned off, the movable tool 7 is started to move in the direction of the tool counter element 4, so that the workpiece 25 is joined at the joining position ( Figure 7 ). The control unit 40 is designed, for example, to check whether the light source 10 and thus the irradiation of the workpiece 25 are deactivated when the movable tool 7 reaches the region of the beam path of the light beam of the light source 10 on its path in the direction of the tool counter element 4. It should thus be prevented that the movable tool 7 is heated undesirably by the radiation of the light beam of the light source 10. The safety of the worker at the joining tool unit 2 should also be ensured. However, it can also be designed that the control unit first checks whether the light source 10 and thus the irradiation of the workpiece 25 are deactivated and only activates the movement of the movable tool 7 after checking that the light source 10 is switched off.

[0099] For example, during the production of the joint connection, a flow in the flow channel 38 is present, in particular continuously, so that dirt generated during the production of the joint connection can be transported away.

[0100] For example, the movable tool 7 moves back to the position according to the Figure 4 The second outlet 37 is then closed, for example. For example, the joining tool unit 2, in particular the holding-down device 6, is then moved away from the workpiece 25 by the drive device 8. For example, the fluid continuously flows through the inlet 23 in the direction of the recess 33, whereby the optical device is not contaminated even during downtime.

[0101] List of Reference Numerals

[0102] 1 Pliers

[0103] 2 Joining tool unit

[0104] 3 Tool Rack

[0105] 4 Tool corresponding components

[0106] 5 Connecting elements

[0107] 6. Clamping device

[0108] 7 Tools

[0109] 8 Drivers

[0110] 9 Light guide system

[0111] 10 Light Source

[0112] 11 Collimator

[0113] 12 Mirror

[0114] 13 Mirror

[0115] 14 Beam Trap

[0116] 15 Protective glass

[0117] 16 slots

[0118] 17 slots

[0119] 18 slots

[0120] 19 slots

[0121] 20 Suction tube

[0122] 21 slots

[0123] 22 slots

[0124] 23 Entrance

[0125] 24 Thermometer

[0126] 25 Workpiece

[0127] 26 Adjustment element

[0128] 27 Fixing elements

[0129] 28 Safety switch

[0130] 29 Connecting elements

[0131] 30 Fixing parts

[0132] 31 Cooling Plate

[0133] 32 empty slots

[0134] 33 Notch

[0135] 34 empty slots

[0136] 35 Moving axis

[0137] 36 Notch

[0138] 37 Exit

[0139] 38 Flow Channels

[0140] 39 holes

[0141] 40 Control Unit

[0142] 41 Area

[0143] 42 Workpiece surface.

Claims

1. A joining tool unit (2), wherein: The joining tool unit (2) comprises a clamping device (6), a movable tool (7), a tool counterpart (4), a drive unit (8), a light source (10) and a control unit (40), wherein the clamping device (6) and the movable tool (7) are located opposite to the tool counterpart (4), wherein the drive unit (8) can move the clamping device (6) in the direction of the tool counterpart (4), wherein the joining tool unit (2) is configured to join a workpiece (25) arranged on the joining tool unit (2) by moving the movable tool (7) relative to the tool counterpart (4), wherein the control unit (40) is configured to control and / or regulate the drive unit (8), wherein the control unit (40) is configured to control and / or regulate the drive unit (8), wherein the control unit (4 0) is constructed for controlling and / or adjusting the light source (10), wherein the joining tool unit (2) is constructed to move the clamping device (6) in the direction of the tool counterpart (4) until a position at which the clamping device (6) and the tool counterpart (4) are in contact with a workpiece (25) arranged on the joining tool unit (2), wherein the joining tool unit (2) is constructed to start irradiating or illuminating the joining part of the workpiece (25) with the light of the light source (10) when the clamping device (6) has reached this position, wherein the clamping device (6) has a light guide system (9), wherein the clamping device (6) includes a beam catcher or a beam trap in which the reflected light is captured and absorbed.

2. The joining tool unit (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that The light guide system (9) is present on the clamping device (6) so that the light beam of the light source (10) is incident on the joining point of the workpiece (25) only at an angle greater than 0° relative to the displacement axis (35) of the movable tool (7).

3. The joining tool unit (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The control unit (40) of the joining tool unit (2) is configured to terminate the irradiation or illumination of the joining location of the arranged workpiece (25) with the light of the light source (10) at the same time as the movable tool (7) starts to move or in time after the movable tool (7) starts to move.

4. The joining tool unit (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The joining tool unit (2) is constructed such that in a first step the clamping device (6) is moved in the direction of a tool counterpart element (4) to a position, in a second step the illumination or radiation of the joining part by the light source (10) is started, in a third step the movable tool (7) is started to move, in a fourth step the illumination or radiation is ended and in a fifth step the clamping device (6) is moved away from the position relative to the tool counterpart element (4).

5. The joining tool unit (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The clamping device (6) is constructed so that, when the workpiece (25) is arranged on the joining tool unit (2), the clamping device (6) is arranged in this position against the surface (42) of the workpiece (25), so that the clamping device (6) surrounds the joining point of the workpiece (25), so that a maximum of 20% of the radiation power of the light is emitted outward between the clamping device (6) and the surface of the workpiece (25).

6. Tool pliers (1) having a joining tool unit (2) and a tool holder (3) according to any of the preceding claims.

7. A joining process of workpieces (25) by means of a joining tool unit (2) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, comprising the following method steps which follow one another: - arranging a workpiece (25) to be processed on the joining tool unit (2), - moving the holding down device (6) of the joining tool unit (2) relative to the tool counter-element (4) of the joining tool unit (2) to a position in which the holding down device (6) and the tool counter-element (4) are in contact with the workpiece (25), - holding the holding device (6) in this position, - when the holding down device (6) has reached this position, the irradiation or illumination of the joining location of the workpiece (25) with the light of the light source (10) of the joining tool unit (2) begins, - Capturing and absorbing the reflected light of the light source (10) by means of a beam catcher or beam trap of the holding-down device (6) of the joining tool unit (2).

8. The joining process according to claim 7, comprising the following further method steps: - starting to move the movable tool (7) of the joining tool unit (2) in the direction of the joining location of the workpieces (25) so as to join the workpieces (25).

9. The joining process according to any one of the preceding claims 7 or 8, comprising the following further method steps: - terminating the irradiation or radiation of the joint of the workpiece (25), - moving the hold-down device (6) away from this position.

10. The joining process according to any one of the preceding claims 7 or 8, comprising the following further method steps: - At the same time as the movable tool (7) of the joining tool unit (2) starts to move in the direction of the joining part of the workpiece (25) or after the movable tool (7) of the joining tool unit (2) starts to move in the direction of the joining part of the workpiece (25), the irradiation or radiation of the joining part of the workpiece (25) is terminated.

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