Mounting device for blind rivet nuts

Abstract

The invention relates to a mounting device for a blind rivet element, comprising an axially displaceable pulling spindle having a working end with an external thread for screwing on a blind rivet nut and a driving end with a coupling structure by means of which a releasable torque-proof connection can be established with a spindle drive; the mandrel driver can be used for rotating and pulling the mandrel through the driving end; the linear tension driver is in operation connection with the traction mandrel and can be used for realizing linear deformation displacement of the traction mandrel in the direction of the driving end so as to deform the blind rivet nut; the pulling mandrel penetrates through the sleeve nozzle, and the sleeve nozzle can linearly move parallel to and independent of the pulling mandrel, so that the mounting state of the blind rivet nut at the working end of the pulling mandrel can be detected through the linear movement of the sleeve nozzle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an installation device for blind rivet nuts, which can be realized by a handheld device or an automatic installation machine. In addition, the present invention also relates to an installation method for installing blind rivet nuts in a component opening using the installation device. Background Art

[0002] Blind rivet elements are usually configured as blind rivet nuts or blind rivet bolts / screws. Blind rivet nuts usually have a rivet rod with an internal thread and a rivet head. A bolt with an external thread is provided inside the rivet rod of the blind rivet bolt. The rivet rod is inserted into a component opening, and the blind rivet nut or bolt is fixed in this opening. After positioning the blind rivet nut or bolt in the component opening, an axial tensile force is applied to the rod of the blind rivet nut or bolt, thereby compressing the rivet rod and fixing it in the component opening. Subsequently, the pulling mandrel is screwed out from the blind rivet rod or the rivet bolt.

[0003] Although the fixing process of the blind rivet nut in the component opening remains unchanged, the technologies of the installation devices are different. These different technologies are described, for example, in EP3144079B1, DE4406946A1, US5,605,070, EP2093024B1, and DE1945820U1. The technologies of these disclosed installation devices support different methods for installing blind rivet nuts in component openings. According to EP3144079B1, the blind rivet nut is first manually screwed onto the pulling mandrel of the installation device, and then the installation process begins. Therefore, the manual preparation step of the installation process is inefficient and time-consuming.

[0004] Some other technologies tend to automatically screw the blind rivet nut onto the pulling mandrel before starting the installation process. As described in EP2093024B1, when the trigger of the installation device is pressed, the blind rivet nut is screwed onto the pulling mandrel. In this way, the blind rivet nut can be quickly tightened onto the pulling mandrel.

[0005] This pre-installation step is fast and efficient. However, it often causes the worker's finger to be pinched between the blind rivet nut and the nose piece of the installation device. This kind of injury will lead to delays in the work process and a reduction in the applicability of the installation device.

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an installation device for blind rivet nuts to prevent harm to the health of workers using the installation device. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The above problems are solved by the installation device for blind rivet elements described in independent claim 1. In addition, the above problems are also solved by the method for installing blind rivet elements with a pulling mandrel having an external thread or an internal thread at the outer working end described in independent claim 9. Further preferred embodiments, improvements and modifications of the present invention can be derived from the following description, drawings and claims to be examined.

[0008] An installation device for rivet elements, comprising the following features: an axially movable pulling mandrel and a mandrel drive for rotating the pulling mandrel, the pulling mandrel having a working end and a drive end, wherein the working end includes an external thread for screwing on a blind rivet element configured like a blind rivet nut; or includes an internal thread for screwing into a blind rivet element configured like a blind rivet bolt, the drive end having a coupling structure through which a releasable torque-proof connection can be established with the mandrel drive; a linear tension drive operatively connected to the pulling mandrel, capable of effecting a linear deformation displacement of the pulling mandrel in the direction of the drive end, so that the blind rivet element is plastically deformed, and a hollow cylindrical mouthpiece, passing through the pulling mandrel, the mouthpiece being linearly displaceable parallel to and independently of the pulling mandrel, so that the installation state of the blind rivet element at the working end of the pulling mandrel can be detected by the linear displacement of the mouthpiece.

[0009] The configurations of blind rivet elements, such as blind rivet nuts and blind rivet bolts, are widely used and well-known in the construction field. They are installed by manually or automatically operated installation devices. These installation devices use a pulling mandrel. By rotating the pulling mandrel, the blind rivet nut is screwed onto the working end having an external thread. Alternatively, the pulling mandrel has a hollow working end with an internal thread into which the blind rivet bolt can be screwed. The rotation of the pulling mandrel is achieved by a first drive, such as an electric motor. The pulling movement of the pulling mandrel is achieved by a second drive, which moves the pulling mandrel in a straight line direction. For example, an electric drive or a hydraulic drive generates the pulling force for pulling the pulling mandrel.

[0010] The operation of the installation device should preferably ensure the safety of the worker and monitor the installation process of the blind rivet nut (or the blind rivet nut, which is generally referred to as a blind rivet element). For this purpose, simply pressing a trigger or gently pushing the pulling mandrel within the installation device does not unconditionally screw the blind rivet element onto or into the pulling mandrel.

[0011] The installation device has a linearly movable mouthpiece, which can move parallel to the pulling mandrel. The mouthpiece is hollow cylindrical, such that the pulling mandrel can pass through the mouthpiece. By inserting the blind rivet nut or the blind rivet bolt onto the working end of the pulling mandrel, the pulling mandrel can be moved or pushed within the installation device. The movement of the pulling mandrel into the interior of the installation device does not initiate the rotation of the mandrel or the screwing in of the blind rivet nut.

[0012] As a necessary additional condition, a blind rivet element, in particular a blind rivet nut or a blind rivet bolt, must contact the nozzle on the basis of its movement along the direction of the installation device together with the pulling mandrel. During the movement in the direction of the installation device, the contact between the blind rivet element and the nozzle preferably enables the nozzle to move towards the installation device together with the blind rivet element. The movement of the nozzle can be detected to confirm that contact has been established between the blind rivet nut and the nozzle.

[0013] Preferably, the operation of screwing the blind rivet nut onto the pulling mandrel or screwing the blind rivet bolt into the pulling mandrel is not started until the gap between the blind rivet element and the nozzle is closed. Thus, the tight on-screwing connection between the blind rivet element and the nozzle can prevent any situation of pinching or jamming the worker's finger.

[0014] In addition, the operation process preferably ensures that the blind rivet element is accurately and controllably positioned before being screwed onto or into the pulling mandrel. This operation control supports taking out the blind rivet element from a magazine or installing a pre-positioned blind rivet element at the opening of a component. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it can be used in combination with a handheld installation device and an automatic installation machine.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment of the installation device, the nozzle is spring-preloaded in the direction away from the installation device.

[0016] The hollow cylindrical nozzle can move bidirectionally and is parallel to the pulling mandrel. In order to make the nozzle contact the blind rivet element inserted onto the pulling mandrel, the nozzle is axially pushed away from the fixing device by a corresponding pre-tightening force (e.g., achieved by a spring). Under the action of the pre-tightening spring, the nozzle is positioned at the outermost side in the initial position and has no contact with the blind rivet nut or bolt.

[0017] Further preferably, the pre-tightening force of the nozzle supports close contact with the blind rivet element. Although contact is established between the blind rivet element and the nozzle, linear movement of the nozzle and the blind rivet element in the direction towards or away from the installation device may also occur. According to the preferred movement range covered by the linear mobility of the nozzle, the nozzle can move away from the installation device with the blind rivet element within this movement range. For this purpose, the spring or pre-tightening force pushes the nozzle against the blind rivet element to maintain the required contact between them.

[0018] According to another preferred embodiment of the installation device, the nozzle is guided within the pulling mandrel and / or the housing of the installation device, and the relative movement between the nozzle and the housing can be detected by a sensor or a switch.

[0019] Further preferably, the installation device is connected to a control device which analyzes the sensor signals and sends control commands to the installation device based on these sensor signals (see above).

[0020] As described above, the contact between the movable nozzle and the blind rivet element inserted on the movable pulling mandrel constitutes a preferred starting condition for screwing or screwing the blind rivet element onto or into the working end of the pulling mandrel.

[0021] Compared with the installation devices of the prior art, the pulling mandrel cannot push a switch or initiate the rotation of the pulling mandrel by its axial movement.

[0022] Based on the structure of the installation device according to the invention, the necessary contact between the pulling mandrel and the blind rivet element inserted on the pulling mandrel enables the screwing-in or screwing-out rotation of the pulling mandrel to be initiated. This contact is preferably sensed by the movement of the nozzle towards the installation device.

[0023] According to another preferred embodiment, the contact can be sensed if the nozzle moves to a specific position against the preloading of the spring, i.e., towards the installation device.

[0024] The position and / or movement of the nozzle is monitored by sensors (such as position sensors, Hall sensors, optical sensors, etc.). According to another preferred embodiment, a switch is used and activated by the movement of the nozzle.

[0025] Preferably, the sensors and the switch generate electrical signals according to the position of the nozzle. These electrical signals are transmitted to the control unit of the installation device for evaluation. In response, the control unit sends commands to the corresponding actuators of the installation device to control the operation of the installation device.

[0026] Preferably, the installation device is a hand-held device or an automatic installation machine.

[0027] The invention has a compact structure. It is preferably used for hand-held devices or automatic installation machines. The preferred variability of the installation device stems from the fact that the controlled pre-installation of the blind rivet element onto or into the pulling mandrel is advantageous for both the process using a hand-held device and the automatically implemented process.

[0028] For hand-held installation devices, safety measures can be easily implemented. Thus, employees are protected and the operation process is improved. For automatic installation machines, the efficiency of the processing chain is higher. This benefits from the self-control effect of the movable nozzle, whose position is sensed and reported to the control unit. In response, the installation process of the blind rivet nut is accelerated and its reliability is improved.

[0029] According to different preferred embodiments of the present invention, the linear pulling actuator is a hydraulic piston-cylinder actuator, and its piston can move along the direction of the driving end against the axial spring pre-tension force. Alternatively, preferably, the linear pulling actuator is a linear motor, through which the pulling mandrel moves along the driving end direction in a torque-free manner against the axial spring pre-tension force.

[0030] The present invention also discloses a method for installing a blind rivet nut, in particular using the installation device described in any of the above, the installation device having a pulling mandrel with an outer thread or an inner thread at the working end, and the installation method comprising the following steps: inserting a blind rivet element at the outer working end of the pulling mandrel; axially moving the non-rotating pulling mandrel and the blind rivet element inserted thereon along the direction of the installation device; continuing to axially move the non-rotating pulling mandrel and the blind rivet element inserted thereon until the blind rivet element abuts or contacts the axially movable nozzle of the installation device; and axially moving the blind rivet element and the nozzle together with each other along the direction of the installation device; when the movable nozzle has moved a predetermined distance or offset in a determined manner along the direction of the installation device from its initial position, screwing or threading the blind rivet element onto or into the working end of the pulling mandrel; and fixing the blind rivet element in the component opening by crimping the blind rivet element.

[0031] The installation method of the blind rivet element of the present invention is based on the structure and function of the above-mentioned movable hollow cylindrical nozzle. Due to the pre-tightened initial position of the nozzle, the nozzle can initially only move in the direction of the installation device or the automatic installation machine, that is, along the driving end direction of the pulling mandrel.

[0032] According to the preferred structure of the installation device, when the blind rivet element is inserted onto the pulling mandrel, the rotation of the pulling mandrel is not initiated. Even when the pulling mandrel moves within the installation device, the screwing or threading rotation of the pulling mandrel is not initiated. Instead, before starting any screwing or threading process, it is necessary to wait for the determined position where the blind rivet element, especially the blind rivet nut or the blind rivet bolt, contacts the nozzle. For this purpose, the nozzle moves in the direction of the installation device.

[0033] The displacement amount of the nozzle for starting and screwing or threading is determined according to different embodiments of the present invention.

[0034] If the nozzle deviates from the initial position, the pulling mandrel is rotated to screw on the blind rivet nut or thread in the blind rivet bolt.

[0035] If the nozzle has moved a predetermined distance along the direction of the installation device, the pulling mandrel is rotated to screw on the blind rivet nut or thread in the blind rivet bolt.

[0036] Based on the preferred coaxial arrangement of the pulling mandrel and the movable nozzle, the movement of the above-mentioned nozzle is only achieved when the blind rivet nut or the blind rivet bolt contacts or abuts the nozzle.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprises the following steps: detecting the axial movement of the nozzle along the direction of the installation device through a sensor or a switch.

[0038] The change in the position of the nozzle is monitored by a sensor or a switch. Each technical solution can effectively support the initiation of screwing on a blind rivet nut or screwing in a blind rivet bolt based on the corresponding contact with the nozzle.

[0039] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprises the following steps: monitoring the moving position of the nozzle during the process of screwing on a blind rivet nut or screwing in a blind rivet bolt, and terminating the screwing on or screwing in when the moving position exceeds a predetermined tolerance range. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals represent the same elements and components. In addition, the drawings show preferred embodiments of the present invention as well as modifications and further extensions. Shown as:

[0041] Figure 1 For a hand-held installation device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, preferred examples of two configurations of the pulling mandrel are shown: a) the working end has an external thread for screwing on a blind rivet nut, or b) a hollow working end with an internal thread for screwing in a blind rivet bolt;

[0042] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an installation device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 3 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the preferred structure of the installation device according to the present invention;

[0044] Figure 4 A preferred schematic diagram of the combination of a movable nozzle and a slider;

[0045] Figure 5 A preferred cross-sectional view of the present invention, showing the preferred internal structure near the mandrel driver;

[0046] Figures 6 to 12 Different preferred schematic diagrams of the steps of the preferred installation method of the present invention for installing a blind rivet nut in an opening of a component;

[0047] Figure 13 A process diagram of a preferred embodiment of the installation method of the blind rivet nut of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0048] Figure 1 A preferred embodiment of the hand-held installation device 1 is shown. It has a pulling mandrel 10 with a working end 12. The working end 12 of the pulling mandrel 10 is surrounded by a movable nozzle 30. In addition,Figure 1 The preferred handheld installation device 1 in also has a handle 80 for carrying and moving the installation device 1. At one end of the elongated handle 80, the housing 90 of the installation device 1 is in a T-shape. The T-shaped housing part 92 contains structural components for operating the pulling mandrel 10 and the nozzle 30, which will be described in further detail below.

[0049] Figure 1 Two preferred embodiments of the pulling mandrels 10, 10' are shown. According to the preferred alternative a), the working end 12 of the pulling mandrel 10 has an external thread 14 for screwing on a blind rivet nut N. According to another preferred embodiment b), the pulling mandrel 10' has a hollow working end 12' that is preferably in a hollow cylindrical shape. An internal thread 14' is provided inside the hollow working end 12' for screwing a blind rivet bolt B into the hollow working end 14'.

[0050] The handle 80 is opposite to the T-shaped housing part 92 and is connected to the remaining part 94 of the housing 90. Embodiments of the installation device 1 differ, for example, in terms of the drive components that are used to linearly move the pulling mandrels 10, 10' in the pulling direction. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention described in detail below, the pulling drive component is a hydraulic drive. The hydraulic drive accommodates a hydraulic reservoir in the remaining part 94 of the housing 90.

[0051] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the installation device 1 uses at least one electric drive for rotating the pulling mandrels 10, 10'. In addition, an electric linear drive is also used to provide a linear motion for the pulling mandrels 10, 10'. Preferably, the linear drive is connected to the pulling mandrels 10, 10' to achieve plastic deformation of the blind rivet elements, in particular the blind rivet nut N and the blind rivet bolt B that are screwed onto or into the working ends 12, 12' of the pulling mandrels 10, 10'.

[0052] To supply electrical energy to the above-mentioned electric drive components, a battery or a rechargeable battery is accommodated in the remaining part 94 of the housing 90.

[0053] Hereinafter, the installation device 1 of the present invention and the installation method of the blind rivet elements N, B will preferably be described with reference to the combination of the installation device 1 and the blind rivet nut N. The description of the installation device 1 and the installation method for processing the blind rivet nut is illustrative by analogy and also applies to the preferred installation device 1 for the blind rivet bolt B and its corresponding installation method. Therefore, the following detailed description will simultaneously illustrate two implementation manners a), b) of the preferred installation device 1 and their related installation methods.

[0054] Figure 2Shows the preferred internal structure of the installation device 1 of the present invention. This internal structure is used to fix the blind rivet nut N in the opening O of the component C, and it can be used for both the handheld installation device 1 and the automatic installation machine.

[0055] Therefore, the technical elements and their technical functions described below represent the configurations of the handheld device 1 and the automatic installation machine.

[0056] The pulling mandrel 10 is movably arranged in the housing 90. According to Figure 2 the preferred embodiment shown, the pulling mandrel 10 has a longitudinal structure composed of two parts 10A, 10B. Alternatively, the pulling mandrel 10 can also be preferably used as an integral part.

[0057] The pulling mandrel 10 also has a working end 12, on the outside of which there is an external thread 14 for screwing on the blind rivet nut N.

[0058] Opposite to the working end 12, the pulling mandrel 10 has a drive end 16, and the drive end includes a coupling structure 18. The coupling structure 18 forms an anti-torque connection with the mandrel driver 20. The mandrel driver 20 is preferably composed of an electric motor, a pneumatic motor or a hydraulic motor. According to the coupling structure 18, the rotation of the mandrel driver 20 is only transmitted to the pulling mandrel 10 to screw the blind rivet nut N onto or off the working end 12.

[0059] According to an alternative (not shown) of a preferred configuration of the present invention, the mandrel driver 20 is adapted to generate the rotation and linear movement of the pulling mandrel 10. The linear movement is used to plastically deform the blind rivet nut N in the opening O of the component. For this purpose, the coupling structure 18 provides an additional linear coupling to move the pulling mandrel 10 along its longitudinal axis. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the mandrel driver 20 is supported by a linear motor (not shown) to achieve the linear displacement of the pulling mandrel 10.

[0060] As Figure 2 、 3 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the installation device 1 has a hydraulic driver 50 for realizing the linear pulling movement of the pulling mandrel 10. For this purpose, the connection structure 22 of the pulling mandrel 10 establishes an operating connection with the hydraulic piston 52, and the hydraulic piston 52 is guided in the inner cylinder structure 54 in the housing 90. Preferably, the hydraulic piston 52 has a surrounding sealing ring 53 to form a hydraulic chamber in the cylinder structure 54.

[0061] To operate the hydraulic actuator 50, hydraulic fluid is pumped from a hydraulic reservoir 82 within the handle 80 into an inner cylinder structure 54 within the housing 90. The hydraulic reservoir 82 is connected to the inner cylinder structure 54 via a conduit 84. The hydraulic fluid enters the inner cylinder structure 54 to create an internal hydraulic pressure within the inner cylinder structure 54. Under the action of the hydraulic fluid, the hydraulic piston 52 overcomes a piston spring 56 pre-tensioned against the inner cylinder structure 54 and is pushed and moves in the direction of the drive end 16.

[0062] The connection structure 22 of the pull mandrel 10 is preferably formed in a linear operating connection with the piston connection structure 58 so that the inner cylinder structure 54 drags the pull mandrel 10 in the direction of the working end 16 of the pull mandrel 10. The linear pulling force applied by the hydraulic actuator 50 is used to plastically deform a blind rivet nut N within an opening O of a component C during an installation process. As Figure 4 best shown, the mating connection structures 22 and piston connection structure 58 are each provided with an undercut to effectuate the above-described pulling function.

[0063] The pull mandrel 10 has a longitudinal axis L and is movable within the housing 90 along the axis L. Additionally, the pull mandrel 10 can be rotated clockwise and counterclockwise. The preferred movability of the pull mandrel 10 is shown by an arrow in Figure 2 which.

[0064] Although the pull mandrel 10 can be moved along its longitudinal axis L, it is not designed to operate a switch or similar structure by means of the pull mandrel 10. Thus, the pull mandrel 10 preferably effects a mechanical interaction function rather than an electrical function in combination with an electronic component.

[0065] When the blind rivet nut N is inserted onto the working end 12 of the pull mandrel 10, the pull mandrel 10 will be pushed and move in the direction of the drive end 16 of the pull mandrel 10. This longitudinal movement of the pull mandrel 10 does not cause the pull mandrel 10 to start rotating. The pull mandrel 10 is pushed in the direction of the drive end 16 until the blind rivet nut N, preferably its circumferential flange K, contacts a linearly movable nozzle 30. The movable nozzle 30 is composed of one component or a combination of multiple components.

[0066] As Figures 2 - 4 shown, the nozzle 30 is connected to an inner slider 32 within the housing 90. The nozzle 30 is pre-tensioned in the direction of the working end 12 by a spring 34. Additionally, the linear movement of the slider 32, and thus the linear movement of the nozzle 30, is sensed by a sensor 40. If the nozzle 30 is contacted by the blind rivet nut N and moves in the direction of the drive end 16, the sensor 40 generates a qualifying electrical signal which is sent to a control unit U of the installation device 1.

[0067] The sensor 40 can monitor the movement of the nozzle based on different configurations. Preferably, the sensor 40 is a position sensor for sensing the position change of the nozzle 30 and / or the slider 32 relative to the housing 90. According to another embodiment, the sensor is an optical sensor 40 or a Hall sensor 40 capable of monitoring the movement of the nozzle 30 and / or the slider 32.

[0068] According to a further preferred embodiment, the function of the sensor 40 is similar to a switch. According to the displacement of the nozzle 30 and / or the slider 32, the sensor 40 is preferably switched from the off state to the "on" state by the blind rivet nut N being opened, and if no displacement is sensed, it is switched to the "off" state.

[0069] According to the sensor signal sent to the control unit U and confirming that the nozzle 30 and / or the slider 32 move in the direction of the drive end 16, the control unit U can know that the gap G between the nozzle 30 and the blind rivet nut N inserted onto the pulling mandrel 10 and pushed towards the drive end 16 has been closed. Based on the closed gap G, the control unit U activates the mandrel driver 20 to screw the blind rivet nut N onto the external thread 14 of the working end 12 of the pulling mandrel 10.

[0070] Preferably, the control unit U monitors the torque of the mandrel driver 20 while screwing in the blind rivet nut N. If the torque exceeds the preset torque value, the blind rivet nut N will be tightly screwed onto the nozzle 30, and / or the sensor or switch remains activated.

[0071] In this case, the control unit U will stop the rotation of the mandrel driver 20, and the pre-installed blind rivet nut N is ready for plastic deformation or pressing within the opening O of the component C.

[0072] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when screwing the blind rivet nut N onto the pulling mandrel 10, the control unit U monitors the position change of the nozzle 30 and / or the slider 32 through the sensor 40. The purpose of the monitoring is to ensure that the gap G remains closed before the end of the tightening process of the blind rivet nut N. Thus, it is ensured that the operator of the installation device 1 will not get their fingers stuck in the gap G.

[0073] In addition, it is preferably ensured that the blind rivet nut N is optimally positioned for subsequent fixation within the opening O of the component. For this purpose, the tolerance range of the position of the nozzle 30 and / or the slider 32 during the screwing in of the blind rivet nut N is stored in the memory of the control unit U.

[0074] If the sensor 40 is used as a switch, the switch must remain in the "gap closed" state throughout the entire process of screwing in the blind rivet nut N.

[0075] If the sensor 40 indicates to the control unit U that the allowable tolerance range has been exceeded, or the switch has been switched to "gap open", the control unit U stops the rotation of the pulling mandrel 10. Preferably, the blind rivet nut N is repositioned and the process is restarted.

[0076] After the blind rivet nut N is successfully pre-installed on the working end 12 of the pulling mandrel 10, the blind rivet nut N is positioned within the opening O of the component C. Thereafter, the operator of the handheld installation device 1 presses the trigger 70. For an automatic installation machine, the robot reports to the control unit U that the blind rivet nut N has been successfully positioned within the component opening O. Based on the trigger actuation or positioning information, the control unit U activates the hydraulic actuator 50, thereby pulling the pulling mandrel 10 in the direction of the drive end 16. As a result, the blind rivet nut N undergoes plastic deformation and is fastened within the component opening O.

[0077] The installation process of the blind rivet nut N will be described in accordance with Figures 6 to 12 the schematic diagram shown. The reference numerals refer to the same elements as described above.

[0078] Figure 13 A process diagram showing a preferred embodiment of the installation method is shown.

[0079] Figure 6 A schematic general view of the above-described installation device 1 is shown. The general description of the installation method applies equally to the handheld installation device 1 and the automatic installation machine.

[0080] The pulling mandrel 10 is rotated by the mandrel drive 20. Within the housing 90, the pulling mandrel 10 is movable in the direction of the drive end 16 adjacent to the drive 20. The hydraulic piston 52 performs the pulling action of the pulling mandrel 10, and the movable nozzle 30 identifies the presence of the blind rivet nut N pre-positioned on the working end 12. By driving the piston 62, the hydraulic fluid is transferred from the reservoir 60 to the inner cylinder structure 54. The piston 62 is moved by the drive 64.

[0081] First, the blind rivet nut N is inserted onto the working end 12 of the pulling mandrel 10. This is also the case if the blind rivet nut N is taken from the rivet magazine by a robot (not shown) (see Figure 7 , step S1).

[0082] Inserting the blind rivet nut N onto the working end 12 does not initiate the rotation of the pulling mandrel 10.

[0083] After the blind rivet nut N is inserted onto the pulling mandrel 10, the pulling mandrel 10 is pushed or moved in the direction of the drive end 16 (step S2). As a result, the gap G between the blind rivet nut N and the nozzle 30 is reduced (see Figure 8 ).

[0084] After contact is established between the blind rivet nut N and the movable nozzle 30, the nozzle 30 is offset at least slightly towards the drive end 16 (see Figure 9 , step S3).

[0085] The sensor 40 can sense the combined displacement of the blind rivet nut N and the nozzle 30. The sensor 40 transmits a corresponding signal to the control unit U. In response, the control unit U initiates the screwing rotation of the mandrel drive 20, as shown in Figure 9 (step S4).

[0086] When screwing the blind rivet nut N onto the external thread 14 of the working end 12 of the pulling mandrel 10, the sensor 40 preferably monitors the position of the nozzle 30. The sensor signal representing the position of the nozzle 30 is preferably transmitted to the control unit U. If the monitoring shows that the nozzle position is outside the predetermined tolerance range, the control unit U terminates the screwing process of the blind rivet nut N (step S7).

[0087] Otherwise, the blind rivet nut N will be fully screwed onto the external thread 14 and fastened at the nozzle 30.

[0088] Then, the operator or robot positions the blind rivet nut N within the opening O of the component C for fastening.

[0089] Subsequently, the operator presses the trigger 70, or the control unit U initiates the pulling process of the pulling mandrel 10. For this purpose, the hydraulic fluid is pressed from the reservoir 16 into the inner cylinder structure 54 within the housing 92 by the piston 62. The hydraulic piston 52 moves in the direction of the drive end 16. During this movement, the hydraulic piston 52 drags the pulling mandrel 10 in the same direction through the mating connection structure 22 and the piston connection structure 58. The movement of the pulling mandrel 10 is transmitted to the blind rivet nut N, resulting in crimping plastic deformation within the opening O of the component C (step S8, see Figure 11 ).

[0090] Finally, the control unit U reverses the rotational direction of the pulling mandrel 10 to remove the external thread 14 from the fastened blind rivet nut N (see Figure 12 ).

[0091] List of reference numerals

[0092] 1 Handheld installation device

[0093] 10 Pulling mandrel with external thread

[0094] 10' Pulling mandrel with hollow working end and internal thread 14'

[0095] 10A, 10B Parts of the pulling mandrel 10

[0096] 12 Working end

[0097] 14 External thread of working end 12

[0098] 14' Internal thread of pulling mandrel 10'

[0099] 16 Driving end

[0100] 18 Coupling structure

[0101] 20 Mandrel driver

[0102] 22 End connection structure

[0103] 30 Nozzle

[0104] 32 Slide block

[0105] 34 Spring

[0106] 40 Sensor

[0107] 50 Hydraulic driver

[0108] 52 Hydraulic piston

[0109] 53 Surrounding sealing ring

[0110] 54 Internal cylinder structure in housing 90

[0111] 56 Piston spring

[0112] 58 Piston connection structure

[0113] 60 Hydraulic reservoir

[0114] 62 Piston

[0115] 70 Trigger

[0116] 80 Handle

[0117] 90 Housing

[0118] 92 T-shaped housing part

[0119] 94 Reserved part of housing

[0120] B Blind rivet bolt

[0121] N Blind rivet nut

[0122] O Component opening

[0123] C Component

[0124] L Longitudinal axis of pulling mandrel 10

[0125] K Circumferential flange of blind rivet nut N

[0126] U control unit

[0127] G gap

Claims

1. An installation device (1) for blind rivet elements (N, B), comprising the following features: a. An axially movable pulling mandrel (10) and a mandrel drive for rotating the pulling mandrel (10), the pulling mandrel (10) having a working end (12, 12') and a drive end (16), wherein a1. The working end (12, 12') includes an external thread (14) for screwing on a blind rivet element configured as a blind rivet nut (N), or the working end includes an internal thread (14') for screwing into a blind rivet element configured as a blind rivet bolt (B), and a2. The drive end (16) has a coupling structure (18) through which a releasable anti-torque connection can be established with the mandrel drive (20), b. A linear tension drive (50) operatively connected to the pulling mandrel (10, 10'), by means of which a linear deformation displacement of the pulling mandrel (10, 10') in the direction of the drive end (16) can be achieved to deform the blind rivet element (N, B), and c. A hollow cylindrical nozzle (30), c1. The pulling mandrel (10, 10') passes through the nozzle, and c2. The nozzle can move linearly parallel and independently of the pulling mandrel (10, 10'), c3. So that the installation state of the blind rivet element (N, B) at the working end (12) of the pulling mandrel (10, 10') can be detected by the linear movement of the nozzle (30).

2. The installation device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the nozzle (30) is spring-preloaded in the direction away from the installation device (1).

3. The installation device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the nozzle (30) is guided on the pulling mandrel (10, 10') and / or in the housing (90) of the installation device (1), and the relative movement between the nozzle (30) and the housing (90) can be detected by a sensor (70) or a switch.

4. The installation device (1) according to any one of the above claims, which is connected to a control unit that analyzes the sensor signals and sends control commands to the installation device (1) based on these sensor signals.

5. The installation device (1) according to any one of the above claims, which is a handheld device.

6. The installation device (1) according to any one of the above claims, which is an automatic installation machine.

7. The installation device (1) according to any one of the above claims, wherein the linear tension drive (50) is a hydraulic piston-cylinder drive, the piston (52) of which can move in the direction of the drive end (16) against an axial spring preload force.

8. The installation device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6 above, wherein the linear tension drive (50) is a linear motor, by means of which the pulling mandrel (10) can move in the direction of the drive end (16) in a torque-free manner against an axial spring preload force.

9. A method for installing a blind rivet element (N, B), in particular using the installation device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the installation device having a pulling mandrel (10, 10') with an outer working end (12), the outer working end having an external thread (14) or an internal thread (14'), the installation method comprising the following steps: a. Inserting the blind rivet element (N, B) onto the outer working end (12) of the pulling mandrel (10) (S1); b. Axially moving the pulling mandrel (10, 10') and the blind rivet element (N, B) inserted thereon non-rotationally in the direction of the installation device (1) (S2); c. Further axially moving the pulling mandrel (10) and the blind rivet element (N, B) inserted thereon non-rotationally until the blind rivet element (N, B) abuts against the axially movable nozzle (30) of the installation device (1), and causing the blind rivet element (N, B) and the nozzle (30) to axially move relative to each other in the direction of the installation device (1) (S3); d. After the movable nozzle (30) has moved a predetermined distance in the direction of the installation device (1), screwing or threading the blind rivet element (N, B) onto or into the working end (12) of the pulling mandrel (10) (S4); e. Fixing the blind rivet element (N, B) in the component opening (O) by pressing the blind rivet element (N, B) (S8).

10. The installation method according to claim 9 further comprises the following steps: Detecting the axial movement of the nozzle (30) in the direction of the installation device (1) using a sensor (70) or a switch (S5).

11. The installation method according to claim 9 or 10 further comprises the following steps: Monitoring the movement position of the nozzle (30) during the screwing of the blind rivet nut (N) or the threading of the blind rivet bolt (B) (S6); and Terminating the screwing or threading when the movement position exceeds a predetermined tolerance range (S7).

Images