Device and method for supplying connecting elements and assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for supplying a connecting element to a press, in which the connecting element is pressed into a workpiece by means of a punch of a press-in head of the press, the connecting element having a head and a shank, and the shank having a smaller diameter than the head, the device has a supply line for conveying the connecting elements and a positioning device for positioning the connecting elements in a press-in region in which at least one connecting element can be acted upon by a punch, the supply line being oriented in the vertical direction directly upstream of its opening into the positioning device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for supplying a connecting element to a press, wherein the connecting element is pressed into a workpiece by means of a punch of a press head, wherein the connecting element has a head and a shank, and wherein the shank has a smaller diameter than the head, the apparatus having a supply conduit for conveying the connecting element and a positioning device for positioning the connecting element in a pressing region, wherein the connecting element can be loaded by the punch in the pressing region.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a component having means for supplying connecting elements and a press for pressing the connecting elements into a workpiece.

[0003] The present invention also relates to a method for supplying a connecting element to a press, wherein the connecting element is pressed into a workpiece by means of a punch of a press head, wherein the connecting element has a head and a shank, and wherein the shank has a smaller diameter than the head, the method having a supply conduit for conveying the connecting element and a positioning device for positioning the connecting element in a pressing region, wherein the connecting element can be loaded by the punch in the pressing region. Background Technology

[0004] In component manufacturing, process time is a critical production metric. One of the biggest challenges lies in providing a reliable and uninterrupted supply and processing system for connecting elements that meets process speeds in the form of strokes per minute and related requirements. Due to electrification and lightweighting in the automotive industry, many components are designed with more compact geometries and can be manufactured at high process or processing speeds on presses. For example, to achieve such processing speeds using progressive dies, these dies are often equipped with low stroke heights. This significantly increases the requirements for the equipment used to supply connecting elements, as it must not only be suitable for the required high process speeds but also be so compact that it can be installed on presses with low stroke heights. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Using this invention, an apparatus for supplying connecting elements, an assembly having an apparatus for supplying connecting elements and a press, and a method for supplying connecting elements to the press should be improved.

[0006] Therefore, according to the present invention, an apparatus having the features of claim 1, a component having the features of claim 14, and a method having the features of claim 17 or 21 are provided. Advantageous improvements of the invention are mentioned in the corresponding dependent claims.

[0007] In an apparatus for supplying a connecting element to a press, wherein the connecting element is pressed into a workpiece by means of a punch of the press, wherein the connecting element has a head and a shank, and wherein the shank has a smaller diameter than the head, a supply line for conveying the connecting element and a positioning device for positioning the connecting element in the pressing area, wherein the connecting element can be loaded by the punch in the pressing area, and wherein the supply line is oriented vertically directly upstream of its inlet in the positioning device.

[0008] The connecting element can be delivered to the positioning device by gravity or gravity-assisted means, directly upstream of the inlet of the supply line into the positioning device, oriented vertically. Here, the connecting element arrives in the positioning device in a vertical position and is then positioned below the punch. Multiple connecting elements can be sequentially arranged in the supply line, with the free shank end of each connecting element positioned above the head of the corresponding preceding connecting element. Importantly, connecting elements are stored upstream or in front of the positioning device, which allows for separation and movement of the connecting elements. This storage also occurs directly upstream of the inlet of the supply line into the positioning device. This storage can be performed independently of the separation and movement of the connecting elements in the positioning unit. Thus, the cycle time of the press (to which the connecting element is supplied) and the replenishment of the connecting elements can be decoupled. This allows for higher cycle times or stroke counts of the press. Monitoring of the loading status at the connecting element upstream of the positioning device is performed using a suitable sensor, which forms part of the query unit. The connecting element is decoupled from the positioning device through separation and movement, as well as from its storage upstream of the positioning device. This allows for flexible operation of the positioning device in response to the press's condition, which also helps achieve higher stroke rates.

[0009] In the positioning device, the connecting element can be moved from the parking position below the supply line to the pressing position below the punch without intermediate stops, or the connecting element can be moved first from the parking position to the intermediate position and then from the intermediate position to the pressing position.

[0010] In an improved embodiment of the invention, the connecting elements are arranged sequentially in the supply pipeline directly upstream of the inlet in the positioning device in the conveying direction, such that the free end of the connecting element located at the rear in the conveying direction is placed on the head of the connecting element located at the front in the conveying direction.

[0011] In an improved embodiment of the invention, the supply pipeline begins at the inlet in the positioning device and has a vertically arranged straight section in the opposite direction of the conveying direction, the section being at least as long as the connecting element, and in particular at least twice the length of the connecting element.

[0012] Therefore, before entering the positioning device, at least one connecting element can be vertically arranged in the supply line, and in particular, at least two connecting elements can be stacked on top of each other in the supply line. This facilitates continued transport by means of gravity or with gravity assistance.

[0013] In an improved embodiment of the invention, the conveying of the connecting element in the supply pipeline or in the feed elbow along the conveying direction is carried out by gravity or by gravity and compressed air, especially by compressed air impact.

[0014] Therefore, the device according to the invention has means for introducing compressed air or compressed air impingement into the supply line. Reliable, rapid, and uninterrupted operation of the device according to the invention is achieved by means of gravity and compressed air, wherein the delivery of connecting devices can also be carried out solely by means of gravity.

[0015] In an improved embodiment of the invention, the supply line has a feed elbow in which multiple connecting elements can be arranged sequentially, and the feed elbow ends at a positioning device, wherein the feed elbow causes the supply line to turn between 45° and 135°, especially 90°.

[0016] With the aid of the feed elbow, the device according to the invention can be very compact and, in particular, constructed with a low height. This is important if the device according to the invention is to be arranged at a press with a low stroke height. In the feed elbow, the supply line is turned and thus the supplied connecting element is also turned, so that the connecting element can be supplied to the positioning device in a vertical orientation and must only be moved horizontally to the punch by the positioning device.

[0017] In an improved embodiment of the present invention, the compressed air pipeline is introduced into the feed pipeline in the area of ​​the feed elbow.

[0018] In this way, the connection components can be safely, quickly, and without interference continued to be transported in the area of ​​the feed bend.

[0019] In an apparatus for supplying a connecting element to a press, the connecting element is pressed into a workpiece by means of a punch of the press. The connecting element has a head and a shank, and the shank has a smaller diameter than the head. The apparatus has a supply line for conveying the connecting element and a positioning device for positioning the connecting element in a pressing region, in which the connecting element can be loaded by the punch. The positioning device is configured to position the connecting element in a resting position below the inlet of the supply line, a pressing position, and an intermediate position between the resting position and the pressing position. In the pressing position, the punch can load the connecting element.

[0020] Here, the positioning device positions the connecting element in an intermediate position such that the connecting element remains stationary for a predetermined time period, i.e., it does not continue to move. Typically, it is also configured such that the connecting element remains stationary in both the parking and pressing positions for very short predetermined time periods. By setting an intermediate position between the parking and pressing positions, time can be saved in the process flow when supplying the connecting element. In particular, the time required to move the connecting element from the intermediate position to the pressing position is significantly shorter than the time required to move the connecting element directly from the parking position to the pressing position. This is because the intermediate position does not need to be positioned below the inlet of the supply line into the positioning device as in the parking position, but is already offset by a distance relative to the parking position in the direction of movement towards the pressing position. Therefore, the travel distance from the intermediate position to the pressing position is shorter for the connecting element, ideally significantly shorter, and at least only half the travel distance required for the connecting element to travel from the parking position to the pressing position. Thus, the supply of the connecting element to the parking position and the processing of the connecting element in the pressing position are decoupled in time and space. The supply is carried out in two stages. First, it is carried out in the first supply area until the feed pipe enters the inlet of the positioning device, and then in the positioning device, in which the connecting element is moved from the parking position to the intermediate position and then to the pressing position, or directly from the parking position to the pressing position.

[0021] In an improved embodiment of the present invention, the positioning device moves the connecting element horizontally from the parking position to the intermediate position and the pressed position. In the parking position, the connecting element is arranged below the inlet of the supply line into the positioning device.

[0022] In an improved embodiment of the present invention, in the intermediate position, the head of the connecting element is arranged directly adjacent to the shank of the punch.

[0023] In the intermediate position, the connecting element remains stationary for a short, predetermined period of time.

[0024] In an improved embodiment of the invention, the connecting element is moved from the resting position to the intermediate position when the punch presses into the previous connecting element, or when the punch returns to its initial position before the start of the pressing stroke after the pressing process.

[0025] Therefore, in the device according to the invention, a time period during the punch movement that is not utilized in conventional devices is used to move the connecting element toward the pressing position, particularly to an intermediate position between the parking position and the pressing position. This allows for a very short cycle time.

[0026] In an improved embodiment of the present invention, a query unit is provided to monitor the presence and / or quantity of connecting elements in the area directly upstream of the inlet of the feed elbow entering the positioning device.

[0027] In this way, it can be ensured that there are always sufficient connecting elements directly upstream of the positioning device.

[0028] In an improved embodiment of the present invention, the vertically arranged section of the feed elbow located directly upstream of the inlet portion into the positioning device forms a reserve section independent of the state of the positioning device.

[0029] Thus, a buffer memory for connecting elements is formed directly upstream of the positioning device.

[0030] In an improved embodiment of the invention, a first supply region for connecting elements is formed by means of a storage section, and a second supply region for connecting elements is formed within a positioning device. The first supply region can be filled with connecting elements regardless of the state of the positioning device, and the movement of connecting elements in the second supply region by means of the positioning device is independent of the number of connecting elements in the first supply region.

[0031] Therefore, the replenishment cycle for filling the first supply area is decoupled from the press-fit cycle of the processing connecting elements. The dividing plane between the first and second supply areas is located at the inlet of the feed pipe into the positioning device.

[0032] In an assembly according to the invention having an apparatus according to the invention and a press for pressing a connecting element into a workpiece, wherein the press has a punch and a positioning device is configured and arranged such that the connecting element moves from a resting position below an inlet in the positioning device into an intermediate position and a pressing position below the punch, wherein in the intermediate position the head of the connecting element is arranged directly adjacent to the shank of the punch.

[0033] Therefore, the intermediate position is arranged as close as possible to the pressing position without obstructing the movement of the punch. Consequently, the time required for the connecting element to move from the intermediate position to the pressing position is significantly shorter than the time required to move from the resting position to the pressing position. Thus, a very short cycle time can be achieved using the device according to the invention.

[0034] In an improved embodiment of the invention, the supply pipeline starts from the inlet in the positioning device and has a straight section in the opposite direction of the conveying direction, which is arranged parallel to the pressing direction of the press.

[0035] In an improved embodiment of the invention, after the punch's pressing stroke begins and before the punch fully returns to its initial position before the pressing stroke begins, the connecting element is moved to the intermediate position and positioned therein.

[0036] In the method according to the invention for supplying connecting elements to a press, wherein the connecting elements are pressed into a workpiece by means of a punch of the press, wherein the connecting elements have a head and a shank, and wherein the shank has a smaller diameter than the head, wherein a supply line for conveying the connecting elements and a positioning device for positioning the connecting elements in the pressing area are provided, wherein the connecting elements can be loaded by the punch in the pressing area, and wherein the connecting elements are arranged sequentially and abutting each other in the supply line, such that in the conveying direction, the free end of the shank of the rear connecting element abuts the head of the front connecting element.

[0037] In this way, the connecting elements can be introduced into the positioning device with the correct orientation and thus, as they are later pressed in by the press. By arranging the connecting elements sequentially and abutting each other, only the minimum space required is needed, since there are no gaps between the individual connecting elements.

[0038] In an improved embodiment of the invention, the connecting element is conveyed in the supply line or feed bend by means of gravity or by means of gravity and compressed air, especially by means of compressed air impact.

[0039] Connecting elements can be delivered very quickly and without interference in the supply line using compressed air and gravity, or gravity alone.

[0040] In an improved embodiment of the invention, the connecting elements are arranged vertically in the section of the supply pipeline entering the positioning device, such that at least two connecting elements are vertically oriented and arranged sequentially upstream of the inlet of the supply pipeline into the positioning device.

[0041] In an improved embodiment of the invention, the connecting element is moved horizontally from the parking position to the pressing position by means of a positioning device.

[0042] In a method for supplying a connecting element to a press, the connecting element is pressed into a workpiece by means of a punch of the press, wherein the connecting element has a head and a shank, and wherein the shank has a smaller diameter than the head, wherein a supply line for conveying the connecting element and a positioning device for positioning the connecting element in a pressing area are provided, wherein the connecting element can be loaded by the punch in the pressing area, and configured such that after the start of the pressing stroke of the punch and before the punch returns to its initial position before the start of the pressing stroke, the connecting element is moved to an intermediate position, which is located between a resting position below the inlet of the feed line into the positioning device and a pressing position below the punch.

[0043] Therefore, using the method according to the invention, the time period during which the punch presses into the connecting element and / or returns to its initial position can be used to move the connecting element toward the pressing position. For example, during this time period, the connecting element can be arranged as close as possible to the pressing position, i.e., directly adjacent to the punch. Only a very short time is required to subsequently move the connecting element from the intermediate position to the pressing position, for example, less than half the time required in conventional equipment to move the connecting element from the resting position to the pressing position. Thus, a very short cycle time can be achieved, and even with very high pressing speeds, a reliable supply of the connecting element within the press cycle can be realized. In particular, the undesirable situation that the press speed (i.e., the time required for the pressing stroke) must be based on the time required to supply the connecting element to the pressing position is avoided.

[0044] Furthermore, during press operation, and therefore during engagement or the upward or downward movement of the press punch, the connecting element can be replenished and stored in the feed elbow. Thus, the engagement cycle of the press and the movement of the connecting element from the parking position to the intermediate position and the pressing position are decoupled from the replenishment loading cycle or the replenishment of the connecting element to the feed elbow. Therefore, the connecting element is stored in front of the positioning device. This allows for a very short cycle time when processing the connecting element while still ensuring a reliable supply of the connecting element.

[0045] In an improved embodiment of the present invention, the presence and / or quantity of connecting elements in the directly upstream region of the inlet portion of the feed elbow entering the positioning device are monitored by means of a query unit.

[0046] In this way, it can be ensured that a buffer storage with connecting elements is formed directly upstream of the feed elbow entering the positioning device, and can be replenished in a timely manner.

[0047] In an improved embodiment of the invention, a first supply area or reserve section for connecting elements is formed by means of a vertically arranged section directly upstream of the feed elbow in the inlet of the positioning device, and the first supply area is filled by connecting elements regardless of the state of the positioning device.

[0048] The first supply area forms a buffer memory for connecting elements and ensures that the processing cycle of connecting elements is decoupled from the replenishment of connecting elements.

[0049] In an improved embodiment of the present invention, the first supply area is filled using a connecting element based on the signal from the query unit.

[0050] In an improved embodiment of the invention, the connecting elements are moved by means of a positioning device regardless of the number of connecting elements in the first supply area.

[0051] Therefore, the positioning device can respond to the machining of connecting elements, especially in the press, or coordinate with the pressing cycle.

[0052] In an improved embodiment of the invention, a second supply area for connecting elements is formed in the positioning device, and the connecting element is moved between a parking position (P) below the inlet portion of the feed pipe entering the positioning device, an intermediate position (Z) between the parking position (P) and the pressing position (E) below the punch, and the pressing position (E) by means of the positioning device in the second supply area.

[0053] In particular, the ability to move the connecting element to the intermediate position is achieved by using the positioning device to respond extremely flexibly to the time flow during the processing of the connecting element, especially the current position of the press punch. Attached Figure Description

[0054] Further features and advantages of the invention are given by the claims and the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings: Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a component according to the invention is shown, the component having a press and means for supplying connecting elements. Figure 2 The first state is shown Figure 1 A schematic partial cross-sectional view of the device. Figures 3 to 9 This illustrates the successive states during component operation. Figure 1 Another schematic cross-sectional view of the device, and Figure 10 It shows the passage through the positioning device Figure 1A schematic cross-sectional view of the device, wherein the positioning device is used to move the connecting element from the parking position through the intermediate position to the pressing position. Detailed Implementation

[0055] Figure 1 A schematic diagram and partial cross-sectional view of component 10 are shown, which has a press 12 for pressing the connecting element 32 into the workpiece 8. The press 12 has... Figure 1 The punch is covered in the middle. The press 12 has a pressing die 14 with a pressing head 16. The pressing die 14 and the pressing head 16 can be part of a continuous compound die.

[0056] A device 18 is provided for supplying the connecting element 32 to the compressor 12. The device 18 has a supply line 20 that leads from the supply device 22 to the device 18. The connecting elements stored in the supply device 22 are supplied to the device 18 via the supply line 20. Here, the supply device 22 may have means for generating a compressed air flow in the supply line 20 to transport one or more connecting elements 32 together to the device 18 via the supply line 20. The supply line 20 is secured to the supply device 22 using a coupling. The supply line 20 may be implemented as a flexible hose.

[0057] At its end facing the device 18, the supply line 20 has a supply elbow 24, which, in the illustrated embodiment, begins with a horizontal orientation when viewed in the conveying direction of the connecting element 32, then curves and ends in a vertical direction. The supply line 20 ends at the positioning device 26; in other words, the supply line 20 leads into the positioning device 26. As already explained, the feed elbow 24, which is part of the supply line 20, is arranged such that a first section of the supply line, in the form of a flexible hose, is connected to the feed elbow 24, and the feed elbow 24 has a vertically arranged section that leads into the positioning device 26. The positioning device 26 is configured to supply the connecting element 32 to the press-fit head 16, particularly arranged below the punch located in the press-fit head 16, so that the pressing stroke of the punch (in) can then be used to supply the connecting element 32 to the press-fit head 16. Figure 1 (From the bottom up) Press the connecting element 32 into the workpiece 8.

[0058] Figure 2 The press-in head 16 is shown in a front view on the right. Section BB is drawn in this front view. Figure 2 In the middle, a magnified view of the cross section BB of the press-in head 16 is shown on the left.

[0059] The press-in head 16 has a punch 30, which is configured to press the connecting element 32a into the... Figure 2In the workpiece not shown. Additional connecting elements 32b, 32c, 32d, and 32e are also arranged in the feed elbow 24 of the remaining supply line 20 (not shown). Connecting element 32b is arranged at the bottom of the supply elbow 24 and is configured for use in the next step (see...). Figure 3 The positioning device 26 takes over the control of the )

[0060] The positioning device 26 has a double-acting pneumatic cylinder 34, whose piston 36 can be compressed with air from both sides via compressed air connections 38, 40. An electrically operated lifting cylinder can also be used within the scope of this invention. Figure 2 In the middle, the piston rod 42, connected to the piston 36, extends to the left from the piston 36. The piston rod 42 is configured to cause the clamp-shaped moving element 44 to move linearly from... Figure 2 Its position begins to move to the right, and then reverses course and moves to the left again. In Figure 2 In this state, the connecting element 32a has moved to the left by the moving element 44 to the pressing position below the punch 30. Then, from... Figure 2 Starting from the pressing position shown, the punch 30 moves downward, its lower side already abutting against the upper side of the head of the connecting element 32a. Here, the connecting element 32a is also moved downward, and pressed into place... Figure 2 For workpieces not shown, see [reference]. Figure 1 The connecting element 32 and the workpiece 8.

[0061] From the moving element 44 Figure 2 Starting from the middle position, the moving element 44 is moved to the right by means of the cylinder 34 until the moving element 44 reaches the position. Figure 3 The position shown. This retraction of the moving element 44 occurs when the punch 30 moves the connecting element 32a downwards and presses it into the workpiece. Once the moving element 44 reaches its final position where it is fully retracted (in... Figure 3 (In the final position after moving to the right), the connecting element 32b can reach the positioning device 16 from the end of the feed elbow. Here, the connecting element 32b moves from the position due to gravity. Figure 2 The location shown reaches at Figure 3In the parking position shown. Here, the weight of connecting element 32b plays a role, and in addition, the weight of connecting elements 32c, 32d, and 32e arranged above connecting element 32b also plays a role, which presses or pushes connecting element 32b downward. The downward movement of moving elements 32b, 32c, 32d, and 32e can be assisted by compressed air impact, which is introduced via compressed air line 46 entering the feed elbow 24. Here, compressed air line 46 enters at the beginning of the bend of the feed elbow 24. Due to the compressed air line 46 entering the inner cavity of the feed elbow 24 at an angle, the compressed air impact introduced via the compressed air line 46 strikes the head of the uppermost connecting element 32e, thereby pushing connecting element 32e through the bend of the feed elbow. As already explained, the movement of the auxiliary connecting elements 32b, 32c, 32d, and 32e thereby allows the lowermost connecting element 32b to be reliably and quickly pushed or pressed into the positioning device 16, where it can occupy the parking position indicated by the connecting element 32b. Within the scope of the invention, the movement of the connecting elements in the feed elbow 24 can also be performed without the assistance of compressed air.

[0062] A query unit 48 is arranged in the area of ​​the feed elbow 24. The query unit 48, implemented using a suitable sensor, can determine whether a connecting element 32c exists in the feed elbow 24 within its detection area. The detection area of ​​the query unit 48 is located in the vertically extending section of the feed elbow 24. Figure 2 In this embodiment, the detection area of ​​the query unit 48 is arranged such that it can be determined whether at least two connecting elements 32b, 32c are still present as reserves in the feed bend directly in front of the inlet portion of the feed bend 24 entering the positioning device 16. The query unit 48 forwards the corresponding signal to the... Figure 2 The control unit, not shown, allows additional connecting elements 32 to be supplied to the feed elbow 24 via the supply line 20 if necessary.

[0063] Immediately following Figure 3 In this state, the punch 30 is pulled back and moved upward again. The pressed-in connecting element 32a remains in place. Figure 3 In the workpiece not shown, and for this reason in Figure 4 Not shown again. The connecting element 32b enters the positioning device 16 from the feed pipe 20 or the feed elbow 24 below the inlet. Figure 3 The parking position shown moves toward the pressing position, wherein the pressing position is in Figure 2 The connecting element 32b is occupied by the connecting element 32a. However, by means of the moving device 44, the connecting element 32b is first moved from its resting position to the position where it is located. Figure 4In the intermediate position shown. In this intermediate position, the connecting element 32b is directly adjacent to the punch 30, in Figure 4 In this state, the punch is still pulled back and thus moves upward.

[0064] exist Figure 4 In the intermediate position, the connecting element 32b remains stationary for a brief, predetermined period of time (i.e., if the punch 30 continues to move upward or is pulled back), until the punch 30 occupies the position. Figure 5 The position shown is where it is fully pulled back. Then, in Figure 5 In this state, the connecting element 32b can be moved from the position of the moving device 44. Figure 5 The middle position shown in the diagram begins to move below the punch 30. Figure 6 In the press-in position shown, the lower side of the punch 30 is either already abutting against the upper side of the head of the connecting element 32b, or arranged at a very small distance from the head of the connecting element 32b.

[0065] exist Figure 6 In the illustration, the pressing element 32b is located in the pressing position below the punch 30. Now, if the punch 30 is moved downwards towards the workpiece (not shown), the connecting element 32b can be pressed in. The connecting element 32b is then pressed into place from... Figure 5 The middle position shown is moved to Figure 6 After being pressed into the position shown, the moving element 44 is immediately pulled back, thereby releasing the feed pipe 20 or feed elbow 24 into the inlet of the positioning device 16. Thus, the subsequent connecting element 32c can move or slide into its parking position within the positioning device 16. As explained, the movement of the connecting element 32c is from... Figure 5 From the position directly above the positioning device to inside the positioning device 16 Figure 6 Movement in the parking position is aided by gravity and, if necessary, by the impact of one or more compressed air from the compressed air line 46. Connecting elements 32d and 32e abut against each other and against connecting element 32c, thereby aiding the movement of connecting element 32c to the parking position.

[0066] Now, from Figure 6 The state begins, causing the punch 30 to move downwards to press in the connecting element 32b, see [link / reference]. Figure 3 Subsequently, when the connecting element 32c has been brought to the intermediate position directly adjacent to the punch 30, the punch 30 is pulled back again, see [reference]. Figure 5 Next, the connecting element 32c is moved from the middle position to the press-in position below the punch 30, thereby achieving... Figure 7 The status. As described above, see [link / reference]. Figure 6Then immediately pull the moving element 44 back again. Figure 7 The feed elbow 24 is pulled back to the right, thereby releasing the feed pipe 20 into the inlet of the positioning device 16. In other words, the feed pipe 20 enters the inlet of the positioning device 16, and the subsequent connecting element 32d can be brought to the parking position.

[0067] Immediately afterwards, the punch 30 moves the connecting element 32c toward the workpiece again, see Figure 8 And at the same time, the connecting element 32d is moved to an intermediate position adjacent to the punch 30. Now, the connecting element 32e is arranged at the end of the supply line 20 or the feed elbow 24 and is therefore arranged directly in front of the inlet of the feed elbow 24 into the positioning device 16.

[0068] exist Figure 8 See the state where. Figure 9 Other connecting elements 32f, 32g, and 32h can be introduced into the feed elbow 24. The connecting elements 32f, 32g, and 32h stop in their movement, that is, the free shank end of the foremost connecting element 32f strikes the upper side of the head of the connecting element 32e.

[0069] After the connecting element 32c is pressed in, from Figure 9 The state begins to pull the punch 30 back again, moving the connecting element 32d from the middle position to the press-in position below the punch 30. The moving element 44 is pulled back until the feed elbow 24 is released into the inlet of the positioning device 16, allowing the connecting element 32e to reach its parking position within the positioning device 16. As the connecting element 32e moves to the parking position, the gravity of the connecting elements 32f, 32g, and 32h, as well as, if necessary, the impact of compressed air from the compressed air line 46, assists in this movement.

[0070] A very short cycle time is achieved using the device according to the invention. This is achieved, in one aspect, by moving the connecting element from the resting position to the intermediate position. The movement of the connecting element from the resting position to the intermediate position also occurs during the process of the corresponding previous connecting element being pressed into the workpiece and / or during the retraction of the punch 30 after pressing is completed. Thus, a significantly shorter time is required to move the connecting element from the intermediate position to the pressing position below the punch, because the travel distance between the intermediate position and the pressing position is already very short compared to the movement of the connecting element from the resting position to the pressing position.

[0071] On the other hand, since the feed line 20 or the feed elbow 24 in the illustrated embodiment leads vertically into the positioning device 16, the movement of the connecting element, which is arranged directly in front of the inlet, into the positioning device 16 is significantly facilitated, as this movement can be carried out by gravity. If necessary, one or more auxiliary compressed air impacts can be introduced into the feed line or feed elbow. The movement of the connecting element, which is arranged directly in front of the inlet, into the positioning device 16 and thus into the parking position is also assisted by a subsequent connecting element, which abuts against the upper side of the head of the connecting element arranged directly in front of the inlet, and thereby presses the connecting element into the parking position by its gravity. Furthermore, during engagement, or during the downward or upward movement of the punch 30, and also during the movement to the intermediate position (Z) or the pressing position (E) by the moving element 44, the connecting element can be supplemented and stored in the feed elbow 24. Thus, the processing cycle of the connecting element is decoupled from the supplementary transport to the feed elbow 24, especially the supplementary transport cycle. This allows for the storage of connecting elements in front of the positioning device 16, and enables a very short cycle time when processing the connecting elements. Reliable supply of connecting elements is also achieved even at high press speeds or with very fast press cycles.

[0072] Figure 10 A schematic cross-sectional view of the positioning device 16 is shown, wherein the cross-section is in... Figure 1 It extends horizontally in the diagram. The moving element 44 is in the fully retracted position, see [reference]. Figure 3 This releases the inlet of the feed pipe 20 into the positioning device 16, allowing the connecting element to reach the parking position within the positioning device 16 from the feed pipe. Figure 10 The letter P indicates the parking position. The punch 30 moves downwards in a straight line, see [reference]. Figure 3 And it covers the connecting element loaded by the punch 30. Figure 10 In the diagram, the pressing position below punch 30 is marked with the letter E. Figure 10 In the diagram, an intermediate position Z is marked between the parking position P and the pressing position E. It can be seen that the intermediate position Z is located between the parking position P and the pressing position E, and therefore the time required for the connecting element to move from the intermediate position Z to the pressing position E is shorter than the time required for the connecting element to move from the parking position P to the pressing position E. This is simply because the travel distance that the moving element 44 must travel between the intermediate position Z and the pressing position E is shorter than the travel distance that must travel between the parking position P and the pressing position E. In the illustrated embodiment, the distance between the intermediate position Z and the pressing position E is approximately half the length of the distance between the parking position P and the pressing position E.

[0073] List of reference numerals 8 workpieces 10 components 12 Press 14 Press-fit mold 16 Press-in head 18 devices 20 Supply Piping 22. Supply equipment 24 Feed elbow 26 devices 30 punches 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, 32e, 32f, 32g, 32h Connecting elements 34 Compressed Air Cylinder 36 Pistons 38,40 Compressed air connection parts 42 Piston Rod 44 Moving elements 46 Compressed air piping 48 Query Unit P Parking location Z middle position E is the pressing position.

Claims

1. An apparatus for supplying a connecting element (32) to a press (12), wherein, The connecting element (32) is pressed into the workpiece (8) by means of the punch (30) of the press head of the press (12), wherein the connecting element (32) has a head and a shank, and wherein the shank has a smaller diameter than the head, the device has a supply line (20) for conveying the connecting element (32) and a positioning device (26) for positioning the connecting element (32) in the pressing area, wherein at least one connecting element (32) can be loaded by the punch, characterized in that the supply line (20) is oriented vertically directly upstream of its inlet in the positioning device (26).

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting elements (32) are arranged sequentially in the supply line (20) directly upstream of the inlet of the supply line (20) into the positioning device (26) in the conveying direction, such that the free end of the connecting element (32) located at the rear in the conveying direction is placed on the head of the connecting element (32) located at the front in the conveying direction.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The supply line (20) starts from the inlet in the positioning device (26) and has a straight and vertically arranged section against the conveying direction, the section being at least as long as the connecting element (32), and in particular at least twice the length of the connecting element (32).

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that, The connection element (32) is conveyed in the supply line (20) along the conveying direction by means of gravity or by means of gravity and compressed air, especially by means of compressed air impact.

5. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The supply line (20) has a feed elbow (24) in which multiple connecting elements (32) can be arranged in succession, and the feed elbow ends at the positioning device (26), wherein the feed elbow (24) causes the supply line (20) to turn between 45 degrees and 135 degrees, especially 90 degrees.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, Compressed air line (46) enters the feed line (20) in the area of ​​the feed elbow (24).

7. An apparatus, particularly an apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The positioning device (26) can position the connecting element (32) in a parking position (P), a pressing position (E) and an intermediate position (Z) between the parking position (P) and the pressing position (E) below the inlet of the supply pipeline, in which the punch (30) can load the connecting element (32).

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The positioning device (26) causes the connecting element (32) to move horizontally from the parking position (P) to the intermediate position (Z) and the pressing position (E), in which the connecting element (32) is arranged below the inlet of the supply line (20) into the positioning device (26).

9. The apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, In the intermediate position (Z), the head of the connecting element (32) is arranged directly adjacent to the shank of the punch (30).

10. The apparatus according to claim 7, 8 or 9, characterized in that, When the punch (30) presses into the previous connecting element (32), or when the punch (30) returns to its initial position before the start of the pressing stroke after the pressing process, the connecting element (32) moves from the parking position (P) to the intermediate position (Z).

11. The apparatus according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, A query unit (48) is provided to monitor the presence and / or quantity of connecting elements (32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, 32e) in the area directly upstream of the feed elbow (24) entering the inlet of the positioning device (16).

12. The apparatus according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The section of the feed elbow (24) that is located directly upstream of the inlet of the feed elbow (24) into the positioning device (16) and is arranged vertically forms a reserve section that is independent of the state of the positioning device (16).

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that, A first supply region for the connecting elements (32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, 32e) is formed by means of the reserve section, and a second supply region for the connecting elements (32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, 32e) is formed within the positioning device (16), wherein the first supply region can be filled with the connecting elements (32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, 32e) regardless of the state of the positioning device (16), and wherein the movement of the connecting elements (32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, 32e) in the second supply region by means of the positioning device (16) is independent of the number of the connecting elements (32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, 32e) in the first supply region.

14. An assembly comprising means for supplying a connecting element (32) according to at least one of the preceding claims and a press for pressing the connecting element (32) into a workpiece (8), wherein, The press (12) has a punch (30), and the positioning device (26) is constructed and arranged such that the connecting element (32) moves from a resting position (P) below the inlet in the supply line (20) into the positioning device (26) to an intermediate position (Z) and a pressing position (E) below the punch (30), wherein, in the intermediate position (Z), the head of the connecting element (32) is arranged directly adjacent to the shank of the punch (30).

15. The component according to claim 14, characterized in that, The supply line (20) starts from the inlet in the positioning device (26) and has a straight section in the opposite direction of the conveying direction, the section being arranged parallel to the pressing direction of the press (12).

16. The component according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, After the punch (30) begins its pressing stroke, and before the punch (30) fully returns to its initial position before the pressing stroke begins, the connecting element (32) is moved to the intermediate position (Z) and positioned in the intermediate position (Z).

17. A method for supplying a connecting element (32) to a press (12), wherein, The connecting element (32) is pressed into the workpiece (8) by means of the punch (30) of the press (12), wherein the connecting element (32) has a head and a shank, and wherein the shank has a smaller diameter than the head, wherein a supply line (20) for conveying the connecting element (32) and a positioning device (26) for positioning the connecting element (32) in the pressing area, wherein the connecting element (32) can be loaded by the punch (30), characterized in that the connecting elements (32) are arranged successively and abutting each other in the supply line (20), such that in the conveying direction, the free end of the shank of the rear connecting element (32) abuts against the head of the front connecting element (32).

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The connecting element (32) is delivered in the supply line (20) by means of gravity or by means of gravity and compressed air, especially by means of compressed air impact.

19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, The connecting element (32) is vertically oriented in the section of the supply line (20) that enters the positioning device (26), so that at least two connecting elements (32) are vertically oriented and arranged sequentially upstream of the inlet of the supply line (20) into the positioning device (26).

20. The method according to claim 17, 18 or 19, characterized in that, The positioning device (26) is used to move the connecting element (32) horizontally from the parking position (P) to the pressing position (E).

21. A method for supplying a connecting element (32) to a press (12), particularly the method according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein, The connecting element (32) is pressed into the workpiece (8) by means of the punch (30) of the press (12), wherein the connecting element (32) has a head and a shank, and wherein the shank has a smaller diameter than the head, wherein a supply line (20) for conveying the connecting element (32) and a positioning device (26) for positioning the connecting element (32) in the pressing area, wherein the connecting element (32) can be loaded by the punch (30), characterized in that after the pressing stroke of the punch (30) begins and before the punch (30) returns to its initial position before the pressing stroke begins, the connecting element (32) is moved to an intermediate position (Z), the intermediate position being located between the resting position (P) below the inlet of the feed line (20) into the positioning device (26) and the pressing position (E) below the punch (30).

22. The method according to at least one of claims 17 to 21, characterized in that, The presence and / or quantity of connecting elements (32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, 32e) in the area directly upstream of the feed elbow (24) entering the inlet of the positioning device (16) are monitored by means of the query unit (48).

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that, A first supply area or reserve section for connecting elements (32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, 32e) is formed by means of a vertically arranged section directly upstream of the feed elbow (24) entering the positioning device (16) from the feed elbow (24), and the first supply area is filled with connecting elements (32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, 32e) regardless of the state of the positioning device (16).

24. The method according to claims 22 and 23, characterized in that, The first supply area is filled using connecting elements (32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, 32e) according to the signal from the query unit (48).

25. The method according to claims 23 and 24, characterized in that, The positioning device (16) moves the connecting elements (32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, 32e) regardless of their number in the first supply area.

26. The method according to at least one of claims 22 to 25, characterized in that, A second supply area for the connecting elements (32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, 32e) is formed in the positioning device (16), and the connecting elements (32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, 32e) are moved in the second supply area by means of the positioning device (16) between a parking position (P) below the inlet of the feed pipe (20) into the positioning device (16), an intermediate position (Z) between the parking position (P) and the pressing position (E) below the punch (30), and the pressing position (E).

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