Setting tool and method for setting plurality of connecting elements and severing strip of material

Abstract

The invention describes a setting tool for setting a plurality of connecting elements provided by a strip of material, comprising a C-shaped frame; the driving unit is arranged on the C-shaped frame and is provided with a setting head, the setting head can linearly move in the direction of an opposite tool, and the opposite tool is arranged on the C-shaped frame and is opposite to the setting head so as to limit a setting stroke between a setting position and a receiving position; the motor is adjacent to the setting head and is rigidly connected with the setting head; the cutting device is used for cutting off the material strip, is arranged behind the motor and comprises a cutting part with a blade and an actuating part; the cutting part is connected with the setting head, so that the cutting part and the setting head are rigidly arranged; the actuating part is connected with the setting tool, and when the setting tool is operated, the actuating part and the cutting part move relatively; the setting head is movable to a cutting position, which is spaced apart from the receiving position in a direction opposite to the setting position, at which the actuating member is driven in a direction transverse to the material strip feeding direction such that the blade severs the material strip.

Description

1. Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a setting tool for setting a plurality of connecting elements provided by a material strip, and a method for setting a plurality of connecting elements provided by a material strip and cutting the material strip. 2. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, various setup tools for setting multiple connecting elements are known in the prior art, for example, in the automotive manufacturing industry. Such setup tools typically include a C-shaped frame on which a setup head and an opposing tool are mounted.

[0003] Multiple connecting elements are supplied to the setting head, for example via a belt or material belt, wherein the multiple connecting elements are respectively attached to the material belt or belt.

[0004] For example, WO 2018 / 189508 A1 describes a system and various devices and methods for connecting rivet bands. It also describes a riveting clamp comprising an elongated body with a plurality of protrusions extending from one side of the elongated body and having laterally projecting lips.

[0005] In this type of setting tool, the material strip is guided from the output or supply device to the setting head. During the setting process, the setting head detaches the connecting elements from the material strip, so that at this position, there are no longer any connecting elements on the material strip. Subsequently, the material strip moves further, and new connecting elements are fed into the setting head to repeat the above steps.

[0006] Based on this fundamental principle, it can be observed that in the feeding direction of the material strip, material strips without connecting elements (empty material strips) will accumulate behind the head. These material strips typically need to be cut to prevent their disorderly accumulation in space.

[0007] Known methods include manual separation by workers, and separation of the material strip using blades via a pneumatically pressure-based device. However, the latter system has the disadvantage of requiring an additional actuator, thus necessitating a corresponding control system.

[0008] Another system is described in EP0537926A1. This document describes an assembly tool for continuously separating and mounting components arranged on a belt or material strip at an assembly station, where components are continuously separated and ejected from the material strip one after another. The material strip is fitted onto a continuous, wraparound conveyor belt that engages with the material strip in a positive direction and drives the material strip as the conveyor belt advances. The conveyor belt and the assembled material strip pass together through an inlet area (for gripping the material strip) before the assembly position and an outlet area (for removing remaining material strip) after the assembly position. At the assembly position, the conveyor belt deflects in a generally V-shape around the assembly station. Furthermore, the assembly tool is equipped with a cutting device coupled to a reciprocating piston.

[0009] One drawback of this design is that the material strip is cut after each set stroke, thus preventing on-demand separation. Furthermore, the cut material strip fragments accumulate at or near the assembly station, which is also a disadvantage. Finally, the cutting device is located inside the assembly tool housing, which negatively impacts the ease of maintenance and repair.

[0010] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to optimize a known tool for setting multiple connecting elements provided by a material strip, for a material strip cutting device. Another object of the present invention is to provide a corresponding method. 3. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The aforementioned objective is achieved by the setting tool for setting a plurality of connecting elements provided by the material strip as described in independent claim 1, and the method for setting a plurality of connecting elements provided by the material strip and cutting the material strip as described in independent claim 8. Advantageous embodiments and further improvements will be apparent from the following description, drawings, and appended claims.

[0012] An inventive setting tool for setting connecting elements provided by a material strip includes a C-shaped frame; a drive unit arranged on the C-shaped frame and having a setting head, by means of which the setting head is linearly movable along the direction of an opposing tool arranged on the C-shaped frame opposite to the setting head, thereby defining a setting stroke between a setting position for setting the connecting element and a receiving position for receiving subsequent connecting elements from the material strip; a motor, particularly a roller motor for moving the material strip, wherein the motor is arranged adjacent to the setting head and connected to the setting head in a rigidly arranged manner relative to the setting head; and a cutting device for cutting the material strip. The strip cutting device is located behind the motor in the material strip feeding direction and includes a cutting component with blades and an actuating component. The cutting component is connected to a setting head, such that the cutting component is rigidly arranged relative to the setting head. The actuating component is connected to a setting tool, such that there is relative movement between the actuating component and the cutting component during the operation of the setting tool. The setting head can be moved to a cutting position by a drive unit. The cutting position is spaced apart from the receiving position in a direction opposite to the setting position. At the cutting position, the blade of the cutting component cuts the material strip by the actuating component driven transversely to the material strip feeding direction.

[0013] To better understand, the setting tool of the present invention will be described based on its usage. Here, we take a setting tool with the setting head in the receiving position as a starting point, wherein a connecting element is already arranged inside the setting head. For example, a rivet or screw can be used as the connecting element.

[0014] To further understand this, let's first define the terms "setting position" and "receiving position." Starting with the linear movement of the setting head, which is limited by two extreme positions: the fully extended position and the fully retracted position. Regarding the distance between the setting head and its opposing tool, the distance is smallest in the fully extended position and largest in the fully retracted position.

[0015] The setting head's setting position is a location where the connecting element can be positioned into the workpiece or the workpiece to be connected. Therefore, the setting head is in or near its fully extended position. It should be noted that the setting position may vary depending on the specific application.

[0016] In the receiving position, the setting head is arranged in a moving manner from the setting position toward the fully retracted position. Preferably, in this position, a new connecting element is arranged within the setting head. The linear movement between the setting position and the receiving position defines the setting stroke of the setting tool. Therefore, this position can also be referred to as the turning position, rather than the receiving position.

[0017] As noted above, the set travel depends on the specific application. For example, in the case of a longer connecting element, the receiving or turning position is farther from the set position compared to the case of a shorter connecting element. Furthermore, the set travel also depends on the workpiece that the connecting element will be set on.

[0018] The material strip with connecting elements is supplied by an output device (e.g., a reel or supply module), guided through the setting head, then past the motor, and from there to a cutting device located behind the motor in the feed direction of the material strip. Since the motor and the cutting component of the cutting device are connected to the setting head, they move synchronously with the setting head. Therefore, the motor and the cutting component have no relative movement with respect to the setting head and are rigidly arranged relative to it.

[0019] For completeness, it should be noted that the motor used to move the material strip can move the material strip while the setting head is moving back towards the receiving position, or only when it reaches the receiving position. Preferably, a new connecting element has been arranged inside the setting head at the receiving position before the setting head moves back towards the setting position.

[0020] The operation of the setting tool of the present invention will now be described with reference to the initial conditions. The setting head, which has a connecting element for the material strip arranged inside, is linearly moved from the receiving position to the setting position by a drive unit.

[0021] Therefore, the drive unit provides a setting force or torque to cause the setting head to move linearly toward or away from the opposing tool.

[0022] The connecting element is set in the setting position. The setting head then moves back to the receiving position. During or after the movement of the setting head from the setting position to the receiving position, the motor is activated to move the material belt. In this way, the next new connecting element is placed inside the setting head, thus positioning the new connecting element when the setting head is in the receiving position.

[0023] Now, perform the setup of the new connection element using a similar process.

[0024] After performing these steps multiple times, an empty material strip (i.e., a material strip without connecting elements) will appear behind the motor (i.e., behind the cutting device) in the feeding direction of the material strip.

[0025] To cut this strip of material, the drive unit moves the setting head to the cutting position. The cutting position is adjacent to or located in the fully retracted position of the setting head. Therefore, the cutting position is spaced apart from the receiving position in a direction opposite to the setting position. In terms of the setting position, the cutting position is thus farther away from the setting position than the receiving position.

[0026] The setting head moving to the cutting position causes the cutting component of the cutting device, which is rigidly connected to the setting head, to engage with the actuating component of the cutting device. For this purpose, the actuating component is connected to the setting tool, thereby allowing relative movement between the actuating component and the cutting component during operation of the setting tool. The actuating component can be fixed to the housing of the setting head (which is rigidly connected to the C-frame), fixed to the C-frame, or fixed to another position that does not follow the movement of the setting head.

[0027] Due to the engagement of the cutting component and the actuating component, the blade moves towards the material strip and cuts the material strip transversely to the feed direction. For this purpose, the cutting device preferably includes opposing supports in addition to the blade. In this way, compared to a system with only blades, the material strip does not need to maintain tension or possess rigidity.

[0028] Therefore, the setting tool of the present invention employs a mechanical structure with a dual-use drive unit, as it not only drives the setting head to move but also triggers the separation of the material strip. Thus, by utilizing the existing kinetic energy of the setting head, no additional actuator system is required. It is precisely this arrangement of the actuating components relative to the cutting components that makes the setting tool particularly efficient. This will become clearer when described in conjunction with a preferred embodiment.

[0029] For example, when moving to the cutting position, the maximum possible stroke of the setting head can be utilized. Since this maximum stroke is greater than the set stroke, the operation of other mechanisms can be driven from positions beyond the set stroke.

[0030] Furthermore, another advantage of this setting tool is that the material strip can be separated according to specific application conditions, such as at a predetermined time, after a predetermined number of setting operations, and / or by manual command. Therefore, the efficiency of the setting tool is further improved, as processing time is significantly reduced. For example, the setting operation does not need to be interrupted to separate the material strip, nor does it need to be interrupted due to manually cutting the material strip.

[0031] Finally, it is advantageous that after the material strip is cut or separated, there is no need to re-thread it into the cutting device, because the relative position between the cutting component and the setting head of the cutting device remains unchanged due to the rigid connection and synchronous movement of the cutting component and the setting head.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment of the setting tool, the setting tool further includes a control device that can precisely control or position a cutting position away from the receiving position via a drive unit. Particularly advantageous for a setting tool equipped with a control device is that the control device includes: a position detector that can detect the position of the setting head to precisely control or position the cutting position; a counter, according to which the cutting position can be controlled or positioned; and / or a memory for storing the setting tool's program, counter readings regarding the number of setting operations, and / or the position data of the setting head.

[0033] The control device is a drive unit used to control the setting tool. Its advantageous combination with a position detector allows for control of the setting tool based on the precise position of the setting head. This further improves process and equipment efficiency. Furthermore, through this control device, the separation of the material strip can be associated with specific rules, independent of the setting process. Therefore, the number of set connecting elements can be recorded, and the material strip can be cut when a set maximum value is reached. This cutting function can also be triggered individually, for example, non-periodically based on the working process and / or counter readings and / or operating time. For this purpose, a memory is preferably configured to separately store the program and / or counter readings and the position data of the setting tool or setting head.

[0034] In another preferred embodiment of the setting tool, the actuating component includes a cam, and the cutting component includes a protrusion, particularly in the form of a roller, such that as the protrusion moves along the cam, the blade moves along the direction of the material strip and cuts the material strip. The combination of the protrusion and the cam eliminates the need for an additional actuator system and provides a particularly robust mechanical system for separating material strips. This system is particularly robust to environmental impacts compared to systems configured with separate actuator systems and / or sensor data detection.

[0035] In designs with cams and protrusions, it is particularly advantageous that the cutting component comprises a plate with blades, one end of which has a rotating shaft and the other end connected to a roller, thereby cutting the material strip by the pivoting motion of the blades. The pivotable arrangement of the blades utilizes a lever effect. Furthermore, when using such blades, opposing supports are preferably included, so the material strip does not need to be kept under tension or have rigidity compared to cutting systems that use only blades.

[0036] As an alternative to pivotally arranged blades, rotary arranged blades are also preferred, as this method can achieve particularly efficient separation of material strips. To achieve this design, the protrusion in the form of a roller is preferably configured as a toothed roller, with teeth arranged on a portion of the roller's circumference. The cam on the actuating component is replaced by a rack that matches the teeth of the roller. Therefore, when the toothed roller engages with the rack on the actuating component, the blade positioned at another circumferential position on the toothed roller will perform a rotational motion.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment of the setting tool, the actuating component can move independently of the setting head, preferably perpendicular to the direction of movement of the setting head, thereby preventing interaction between the actuating component and the cutting component at the cutting position. With this preferred configuration, the actuating component can move between a rest position and an engaged position. In the rest position, the actuating component is not in the movement path of the cutting component, while in the engaged position, it is arranged in the movement path of the cutting component. In other words, in the rest position, the distance between the actuating component and the cutting component prevents, for example, cam and protrusion, or tooth and rack, from engaging.

[0038] In particular, this configuration allows the drive unit to move the setting head to the fully retracted position without cutting the material strip, even with large interference profiles. Furthermore, the movable nature of the actuating components allows the cutting position to be varied and adapted to specific applications. Overall, the application range of the setting tool has been further expanded.

[0039] In another preferred embodiment of the setting tool, the setting tool includes a guide device for the cutting component, which consists of a guide rail fixed to the cutting component and opposing guide rails connected to a C-shaped frame. In particular, using a guide rail system as the guiding device can prevent bending of the cutting device (especially for the cutting component and preferably the motor also arranged on the guide device), because in this way a fixed distance can be maintained between the motor and the cutting device, and no additional adjustment is required. This further simplifies the application of the setting tool.

[0040] A method for setting multiple connecting elements provided by a material strip and cutting the material strip according to the present invention (especially by using the setting tool of the present invention) includes the following steps: moving a setting head from a receiving position to a setting position, the setting head having connecting elements of the material strip; setting the connecting elements at the setting position; moving the setting head from the setting position back to the receiving position; activating a motor (especially a roller motor) to move the material strip, the motor being adjacent to and connected to the setting head such that the motor is rigidly arranged relative to the setting head, thereby arranging subsequent connecting elements in the setting head at the receiving position of the setting head, and moving the setting head to a cutting position (the cutting position being spaced apart from the receiving position in a direction opposite to the setting position) by a drive unit; wherein at the cutting position, a cutting device arranged in the material strip feed direction and located behind the motor cuts the material strip transversely to the material strip feed direction. The cutting device includes a cutting component with a blade and an actuating component. The cutting component is connected to a setting head, rigidly arranged relative to the setting head, and the actuating component is connected to a setting tool. This allows for relative movement between the actuating component and the cutting component during operation of the setting tool, and at the cutting position, the blade cuts the material strip transversely to the feed direction of the material strip by the drive of the actuating component. Therefore, the method of the present invention enables the setting of multiple connecting elements provided by the material strip and the cutting of the material strip in a specific application. This method is particularly suitable for use with the setting tool of the present invention, as described above. Furthermore, this method is also applicable to any setting tool that does not require the setting head to reach its maximum stroke with each stroke.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the movement of the setting head to the cutting position is based on: the number of setting strokes between the setting position and the receiving position (where the cutting occurs after two, preferably three, and particularly preferably five setting strokes); the operation time of the setting tool; and / or a manually triggered cutting command. Therefore, this method applied to the setting tool can optimize the control of the setting tool according to specific application scenarios.

[0042] In another preferred embodiment of the setting method, while or before moving the setting head to the cutting position, the method further includes the step of moving the setting tool to a collection container for collecting the cut material strips. This allows the empty material strips to be collected in a single location, thereby reducing processing time.

[0043] Finally, preferably, the setting method further includes the following step: moving the actuating component of the cutting device from the engagement position to a stationary position perpendicular to the direction of movement of the setting head, wherein in the stationary position, interaction between the actuating component and the cutting component at the cutting position is prevented. In this way, the corresponding setting tool can also bring the setting head to the cutting position without performing a cutting operation. This is particularly advantageous when it is necessary to move the setting head to a fully retracted or withdrawn position without cutting the material strip. In addition to movement perpendicular to the direction of movement of the setting head, variable adjustment can also be achieved by moving the actuating component parallel to the direction of movement of the setting head. Therefore, this configuration also has significant advantages. 4. Description of the attached drawings

[0044] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Throughout this document, the same reference numerals denote the same components and / or elements. The drawings are shown below:

[0045] Figure 1 A side view of the setup tool connected to a robot according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 2 according to Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the setting tool in the illustrated embodiment;

[0047] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the first configuration of the cutting device;

[0048] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the second configuration of the cutting device;

[0049] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the setting tool in the receiving position according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 6 according to Figure 5 A partial enlarged view of the cutting device at the indicated location;

[0051] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the setting tool in the setting position according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 8 according to Figure 7 A partial enlarged view of the cutting device at the indicated location;

[0053] Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the setting tool in the cutting position according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 10 according to Figure 9 A partial enlarged view of the cutting device at the indicated location;

[0055] Figure 11 A side view of an embodiment of the cutting device;

[0056] Figure 12 Set the tool to cut the sectional view of the device when it is in the receiving position;

[0057] Figure 13 A cross-sectional view of the cutting device when the tool is in the cutting position;

[0058] Figure 14 A first sectional view of the cutting device, used to show the relative motion between the cutting component and the actuating component;

[0059] Figure 15 A second sectional view of the cutting device, used to show the relative movement between the cutting component and the actuating component;

[0060] Figure 16 The third sectional view of the cutting device is used to show the relative movement between the cutting component and the actuating component;

[0061] Figure 17 A flowchart illustrating a method according to an embodiment of the present invention. 5. Detailed Implementation

[0062] First refer to Figure 1 The diagram illustrates the combination of a setup tool 1 and a robot 3. In a known configuration, the setup tool 1 includes a C-shaped frame 10, on which a drive unit with a setup head 12 and a counter-tool 14 are arranged.

[0063] Reference Figure 2 The assembly structure of the setting tool 1 will now be described by specifically explaining the setting head 12. Multiple connecting elements, such as rivets or screws, are conveyed to the setting head 12 via the material belt 5 by the setting tool 1.

[0064] The material strip 5 with connecting elements is provided by an output device (e.g., a reel or supply module), guided through the setting head 12, then through the motor 16, and from there to the cutting device 20 located in the feed direction of the material strip 5 and behind the motor 16.

[0065] Motor 16 (especially a roller motor) is used to move the material belt 5. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the motor 16 is arranged adjacent to the setting head 12 and is connected to the setting head 12 in a rigid arrangement relative to the setting head 12. In this example, this is achieved by a guide device 50 consisting of a guide rail and an opposing guide rail, which will be described in detail later.

[0066] Finally, the setting tool 1 includes a cutting device 20 for cutting the material strip 5. In the feed direction of the material strip 5, the cutting device 20 is located behind the motor 16 and includes a cutting component 22 with a blade 24 and an actuating component 40.

[0067] The cutting component 22 is connected to the setting head 12, such that the cutting component 22 is rigidly arranged relative to the setting head 12. In this embodiment, this is achieved by a guide device 50, which consists of a guide rail and a counter guide rail. For example, the guide rail is fixed to the cutting component 22, and therefore also to the motor 16, while the counter guide rail is connected to the C-shaped frame 10, the housing of the setting head 12, or other units that do not move with the setting head.

[0068] In particular, using a guide rail system as the guide device 50 can enhance the bending stiffness of the cutting device 20, especially for the cutting component 22 and the motor 16. Another advantage of such a guide device 50 is that it can maintain a fixed distance between the motor 16 and the cutting device 20, thus eliminating the need to consider the problem of distance variation.

[0069] The connection between the actuating component 40 and the setting tool 1 enables relative movement between the actuating component 40 and the cutting component 22 during operation of the setting tool 1. This connection can be achieved by fixing the actuating component 40 to the housing of the setting head 12, the C-shaped frame 10, or other locations that do not move with the setting head 12. The fixing method of the actuating component 40 can be fixed or movable, as long as relative movement between the actuating component 40 and the cutting component 22 is ensured. This feature will be further explained later, particularly with reference to... Figures 14 to 16 .

[0070] Before explaining the functionality of setup tool 1 based on its operation, we will first... Figure 3 and Figure 4 Different embodiments of the cutting device 20 are discussed.

[0071] exist Figure 3 The illustrated embodiments demonstrate Figure 2 An enlarged view of the cutting device 20. In this configuration, the actuating component 40 includes a cam 42. The cutting component 22 includes a plate 32 with a blade 24 and a protrusion 26. One end of the plate 32 is provided with a rotating shaft 34, and the other end is connected to the protrusion 26. Preferably, the protrusion 26 is formed by a roller 28, specifically in conjunction with... Figures 5 to 13 ,in particular Figures 11 to 13 This will be explained later.

[0072] When the protrusion 26 moves upward in the direction of the arrow and engages with the cam 42, the plate 32 and the blade 24 will pivot about the rotation axis 34, thus separating or cutting the material strip 5.

[0073] For ease of operation, opposing supports 36 are provided at the opposite positions of the blades 24. Therefore, unlike cutting systems that only use blades 24, the material strip 5 does not need to maintain tension or be rigid.

[0074] In another embodiment of the cutting apparatus 120, the cutting component 122 includes a roller 128 with teeth 130. The teeth 130 are disposed on a portion of the circumference of the roller 128. The actuating component 140 includes a section with a rack 144. This configuration enables the same function as described above, whereby the roller 128 rotates about the rotation axis 134 when the teeth 130 of the roller 128 engage with the rack 144, thereby cutting the material strip 5.

[0075] Both types of cutting devices 20 utilize the leverage effect. Furthermore, the combination of the protrusion 26 with the cam 42 or the tooth 130 with the rack 144 eliminates the need for additional actuation technology, thus providing a particularly robust mechanical system for separating the material strip 5. This system is significantly more robust to environmental impacts compared to systems equipped with independent actuation technology and / or sensor data detection.

[0076] The drive unit enables the setting head 12 to move linearly toward or away from the opposing tool 14. This linear movement is limited by two extreme positions: a fully extended position and a fully retracted position. The distance between the setting head 12 and its oppositely arranged opposing tool 14 is minimized in the fully extended position and maximized in the fully retracted position.

[0077] The setting head's setting position is a location where the connecting element can be positioned into the workpiece or the workpiece to be connected. Therefore, the setting head 12 is located at or near the fully extended position. It should be noted that the setting position may vary depending on the specific application. In this document, Figure 7 and Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the setting head 12 and the cutting device 20 in the setting position is shown as an example.

[0078] In the receiving position, the setting head 12 is arranged in a moving manner from the setting position toward the fully retracted position. The linear movement between the setting position and the receiving position defines the setting stroke S of the setting tool 1 (e.g., ...). Figure 2 (As shown). Alternatively, the receiving position may also be called the turning position, because the setting head 12 changes its direction of movement here during the setting stroke S. In the receiving or turning position, a new connecting element is specifically arranged within the setting head 12; for illustrative purposes, see [reference needed]. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, schematic diagrams of the setting head 12 and the cutting device 20 in the receiving or turning positions are displayed respectively.

[0079] The setting stroke S depends on the specific application. Therefore, in the case of a longer connecting element, the receiving or turning position is farther from the setting position compared to the case of a shorter connecting element. Furthermore, the setting stroke S also depends on the workpiece or the workpiece to which the connecting element will be set.

[0080] Since the motor 16 and the cutting component 22 of the cutting device 20 are connected to the setting head 12 via the guide device 50, they move synchronously with the setting head 12. Therefore, there is no relative movement between the motor 16 and the cutting component 22, or between them and the setting head 12, and they are rigidly arranged relative to the setting head 12.

[0081] The functions of tool 1 are now as follows (refer to...). Figures 5 to 10 Please provide an explanation.

[0082] Figure 5 This shows that setting tool 1 is in the receiving position. Figure 6 for Figure 5 Enlarged view of the actuating component 40.

[0083] Based on this receiving position, the drive unit first linearly moves the setting head 12, which contains the connecting element of the material strip 5, to the setting position. Therefore, the drive unit provides a setting force or torque to cause the setting head 12 to move linearly along or away from the opposing tool 14.

[0084] exist Figure 7 The setup tool 1 shown and in Figure 8 With the actuating component 40 of the cutting device 20 in the set position, the connection element is set. Since the cutting component 22 moves synchronously with the setting head 12, the cutting component 22 is located away from the actuating component 40 at this time.

[0085] After setup is complete, the setup head 12 moves from the setup position back to the receiving position. During or after the movement of the setup head 12 from the setup position to the receiving position, the motor 16 is activated to move the material belt 5. Therefore, the next new connecting element is arranged within the setup head 12, positioning this new connecting element in the receiving or turning position. The setup of new connecting elements is now performed using a similar process.

[0086] After performing these steps multiple times, an empty material strip 5 (i.e., a material strip without connecting elements) will appear behind the motor 16 (i.e., behind the cutting device) in the feed direction of the material strip 5.

[0087] To cut this material strip 5, the drive unit moves the setting head 12 to the cutting position. For example... Figure 9 The settings tool shown in Figure 1 and Figure 10 The cutting device 20 is shown in the figure.

[0088] The cutting position is adjacent to or located at the fully retracted position of the setting head 12. Therefore, this cutting position is spaced a certain distance from the receiving position in a direction opposite to the setting position. The cutting position is thus farther from the setting position than the receiving position relative to the setting position.

[0089] As described above, the movement of the setting head 12 to the cutting position causes the cutting component 22 connected to the setting head 12 in the cutting device 20 to engage with the actuating component 40 of the cutting device 20.

[0090] Due to the engagement of the cutting component 22 and the actuating component 40, the blade 24 moves toward the material strip 5 and cuts the material strip 5 transversely to the feed direction of the material strip 5.

[0091] Therefore, the setting tool 1 employs a mechanical structure that utilizes a dual-use drive unit, as it now not only drives the setting head 12 to move but also triggers the separation of the material strip 5. Thus, by utilizing the kinetic energy of the setting head 12, no additional actuation technology is required. It is precisely due to the arrangement of the actuating component 40 relative to the cutting component 22 that the setting tool 1 becomes particularly efficient.

[0092] For example, when moving to the cutting position, the maximum possible stroke of the setting head 12 can be utilized. Since this maximum stroke is greater than the set stroke S, the position beyond the set stroke can be used to drive the operation of other mechanisms.

[0093] Another advantage of this setting tool 1 is that it can separate the material strip 5 according to the corresponding application (such as at a predetermined time, after a predetermined number of setting operations, and / or by manual command). Therefore, this further improves the efficiency of the setting tool 1, as it significantly reduces processing time. For example, there is no need to interrupt the setting operation to separate the material strip 5, nor is there a need to interrupt it to manually cut the material strip 5.

[0094] Finally, advantageously, after the material strip 5 is cut or separated, it does not need to be re-threaded into the cutting device 20, because the relative position between the cutting component 22 and the setting head 12 of the cutting device 20 remains unchanged due to the rigid connection and synchronous movement of the cutting component 22 and the setting head 12.

[0095] To fully utilize the performance of the setting tool 1, the setting tool preferably includes a control device driven by a drive unit, thereby enabling precise control or positioning of the cutting position away from the receiving position. Particularly advantageous for the setting tool 1 equipped with this control device are: a position detector, by which the position of the setting head 12 can be detected for precise control or positioning of the cutting position; a counter, according to which the cutting position can be controlled or positioned; and / or, a memory for storing the program of the setting tool 1, counter readings related to the number of setting operations, and / or position data of the setting head 12.

[0096] The control device is preferably a drive unit for controlling the setting tool 1. In particular, its advantageous combination with a position detector enables control of the setting tool 1 based on the precise position of the setting head 12. This further improves the efficiency of the method and apparatus.

[0097] Furthermore, through this control device, the separation of material strip 5 can be associated with specific rules, independent of the setting operation. Therefore, the number of set connecting elements can be detected, and when a set maximum value is reached, material strip 5 can be cut. This cutting function can be activated independently, for example, triggered non-periodically based on the working process and / or counter readings and / or operating time. For this purpose, a memory is configured to separately store the program / rules, and / or counter readings, and the position data of setting tool 1 or setting head 12.

[0098] For ease of understanding, Figures 11 to 13 Different views of the cutting device 20 are shown. Figure 11 A perspective view of the cutting device 20 is provided. Figure 12 A cross-sectional view at the receiving location is shown. Figure 13 A cross-sectional view of the setting head 12 in the cutting position is shown. In this configuration, the protrusion 26 of the cutting member 22 employs a roller 18, which facilitates the movement of the cutting member 22 relative to the actuating member 40.

[0099] Reference Figures 14 to 16 The paper discusses particularly preferred variants of the cutting device 20. These devices share the characteristic that the actuating component 40 is also movable, but not coupled to the movement of the setting head 12. This further enhances the flexibility of the setting tool 1.

[0100] like Figure 14 As shown, the actuating member 40 can move perpendicular to the direction of movement of the setting head 12. This prevents the actuating member 40 from interacting with the cutting member 22 at the cutting position. In other words, the actuating member 40 can move between a stationary position and an engaged position. In the stationary position, the actuating member 40 is not on the movement track of the cutting member 22; while in the engaged position, it is arranged in the movement track.

[0101] Therefore, especially when the workpieces that need to be connected to each other have large interference profiles, the drive unit can move the setting head 12 to the fully retracted position without cutting the material strip 5. This further expands the application range of the setting tool 12.

[0102] In addition to moving the actuating component 40 perpendicular to the direction of movement of the setting head 12, diagonal movement can also be used. For details, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 15 .

[0103] Finally, according to Figure 16 As shown, the actuating component 40 can also be movably mounted on the setting tool 1 in a manner parallel to the direction of movement of the setting head 12. With this arrangement, the cutting position can be advantageously adapted to the specific application.

[0104] Reference Figure 17 This document describes a process flow diagram of a method for setting multiple connecting elements provided by a material strip 5 and cutting the material strip 5. In a first step A, a setting head 12 is moved from a receiving position to a setting position, the setting head 12 containing the connecting elements of the material strip 5; subsequently, in step B, the setting operation of the connecting elements is completed at the setting position.

[0105] After the setup is completed, the setting head 12 moves from the setting position back to the receiving position (step C), and at the same time, the motor 16 for moving the material belt 5 is started (step D). For this purpose, the motor 16 is adjacent to and connected to the setting head 12, so that the motor 16 is rigidly arranged relative to the setting head 12. Through this operation, subsequent connecting elements will be arranged or placed in the receiving or turning position of the setting head 12.

[0106] After repeating the above steps, an empty material strip 5 will be formed behind the motor 16 (also at the location of the cutting devices 20 and 120). In the initial stage, these empty material strips 5 can be collected without cutting or cutting after each setup.

[0107] Finally, in step E, the drive unit moves the setting head 12 to the cutting position, which is located at a distance from the receiving position along a direction opposite to the setting position. This action is triggered by the following conditions: the number of setting strokes S between the setting and receiving positions, wherein the cutting occurs after two, preferably three, and particularly preferably five setting strokes S; the operation time of the setting tool 1; and / or, the setting head 12 is moved to the cutting position by a manually triggered cutting command.

[0108] At the cutting position, the cutting devices 20 and 120, positioned behind the motor 16 in the feed direction of the material strip 5, cut the material strip 5 transversely to the feed direction. For this purpose, the cutting devices 20 and 120 include cutting components 22 and 122 with blades 24, and actuating components 40 and 140. The cutting components 22 and 122 are connected to the setting head 12, such that the cutting components 22 and 122 are rigidly arranged relative to the setting head 12. The actuating components 40 and 140 are thus connected to the setting tool 1, thereby allowing relative movement between the actuating components 40 and 140 and the cutting components 22 and 122 during operation of the setting tool 1. At the cutting position, driven by the actuating components 40 and 140, the blades 24 cut the material strip 5 transversely to the feed direction.

[0109] Advantageously, in step F, the setting tool 1 is moved to the collection container for collecting the cut material strip 5. This can be done simultaneously with or before moving the setting head 12 to the cutting position. In this way, the empty material strip 5 can be collected in a single location, thereby reducing processing time.

[0110] This method enables the setting of multiple connecting elements provided by the material strip 5, and also enables the cutting of the material strip 5 in a specific application. Therefore, this method can be implemented particularly effectively in conjunction with the embodiments of the setting tool 1 of the present invention described above. For this purpose, please refer to the corresponding description above. Optionally, this method is applicable to all setting tools 1 where the setting head 12 does not need to reach its maximum stroke S each time during the setting operation.

[0111] Particularly preferred is that the actuating components 40 and 140 of the cutting devices 20 and 120 are moved from the engaged position to a stationary position along a direction perpendicular to the movement direction of the setting head 12. In the stationary position, the interaction between the actuating components 40 and 140 and the cutting components 20 and 120 at the cutting position is prevented. Therefore, the actuating components 40 and 140 and the cutting components 20 and 120 of the cutting device can only enter the engaged state when the actuating components are in the engaged position. In this way, the corresponding setting tool 1 can also bring the setting head 12 to the cutting position without performing a cutting operation. This is particularly advantageous when it is necessary to move the setting head 12 to a fully retracted or withdrawn position without cutting the material strip 5. In addition to movement perpendicular to the movement direction of the setting head 12, as discussed above, variable adjustment can also be achieved by moving the actuating components 40 and 140 parallel to the movement direction of the setting head 12.

[0112] 6. Explanation of reference numerals in attached drawings

[0113] 1. Setup Tools

[0114] 3 robots

[0115] 5. Material strip

[0116] 10 C-shaped frame

[0117] 12 Setting Header

[0118] 14 Opposing tools

[0119] 16 motors

[0120] 20 Cutting device

[0121] 22 Cutting components

[0122] 24 blades

[0123] 26 protrusions

[0124] 28 rollers

[0125] 32 pieces

[0126] 34 Rotation axis

[0127] 36 Opposing supports

[0128] 40 Actuating components

[0129] 42 Cam

[0130] 50 Guide Device

[0131] 120 cutting device

[0132] 122 Cutting components

[0133] 128 rollers

[0134] 130 teeth

[0135] 134 Rotation axis

[0136] 140 Actuating Components

[0137] 144 rack

[0138] S Set Schedule

Claims

1. A setting tool (1) for setting a plurality of connecting elements provided by a material strip (5), characterized in that, include: a) C-shaped frame (10); b) A drive unit arranged on the C-shaped frame (10) and having a setting head (12), through which the setting head (12) can be linearly moved along the direction of the opposing tool (14), the opposing tool (14) being arranged on the C-shaped frame (10) at a position opposite to the setting head (12), thereby defining a setting stroke (S) between the setting position for setting the connecting element and the receiving position for receiving the subsequent connecting element from the material strip (5); c) Motor (16), particularly a roller motor for moving the material belt (5), wherein the motor (16) is arranged adjacent to the setting head (12) and connected to the setting head (12) in a rigid arrangement relative to the setting head (12); d) A cutting device (20; 120) for cutting the material strip (5), the cutting device (20; 120) being located behind the motor (16) in the feed direction of the material strip (5), and including a cutting component (22; 122) with a blade (24) and an actuating component (40; 140); e) wherein the cutting component (22; 122) is connected to the setting head (12) such that the cutting component (22; 122) is rigidly arranged relative to the setting head (12); f) The actuating component (40; 140) is connected to the setting tool (1) such that during operation of the setting tool (1), there is relative movement between the actuating component (40; 140) and the cutting component (22; 122); in g) The setting head (12) can be moved to the cutting position by the driving unit. The cutting position is spaced apart from the receiving position in a direction opposite to the setting position. At the cutting position, the blade (24) of the cutting member (22; 122) cuts the material strip (5) by the driving of the actuating member (40; 140) in a direction transverse to the feeding direction of the material strip (5).

2. The setting tool (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a control device through which the cutting position, which is far from the receiving position, can be precisely controlled using the drive unit.

3. The setting tool (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The control device further includes: a) Position detector, which can be used to detect the position of the setting head (12) in order to precisely control the cutting position; b) A counter, wherein the cutting position can be controlled according to the counter; and / or c) A memory for storing the program of the setting tool (1), counter readings of the number of setting operations, and / or the position data of the setting head (12).

4. The setting tool (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The actuating component (40) includes a cam (42), and the cutting component (22) includes a protrusion (26), particularly in the form of a roller (28), such that as the protrusion (26) moves along the cam (42), the blade (24) moves along the direction of the material strip (5) and cuts the material strip (5).

5. The setting tool (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The cutting component (22) includes a plate (32) with the blade (24), wherein one end of the plate (32) is provided with a rotating shaft (34) and the other end is connected to the protrusion (26), so that the material strip (5) can be cut by the pivoting movement of the blade (24).

6. The setting tool (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The actuating component (140) includes a section with a rack (144), and the cutting component (122) includes a roller (128) with the blade (24), a portion of the circumference of the roller (128) being toothed (130) such that when the teeth (130) of the roller (128) mesh with the rack (144), the blade (24) rotates along the direction of the material strip (5) and cuts the material strip (5).

7. The setting tool (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The actuating component (40; 140) can move independently of the setting head (12), particularly perpendicular to the direction of movement of the setting head (12), to prevent the actuating component (40; 140) from interacting with the cutting component (22; 122) at the cutting position.

8. The setting tool (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Includes a guide device (50) for the cutting component (22; 122), the guide device (50) consisting of a guide rail fixed on the cutting component (22; 122) and a counter guide rail connected to the C-shaped frame (10).

9. A method for setting a plurality of connecting elements provided by a material strip (5) and cutting the material strip (5), particularly by using the setting tool (1) as described in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: a) Move the setting head (12) from the receiving position (step A) to the setting position, wherein the setting head (12) has a connecting element for the material strip (5); b) Install the connecting element (step B) at the specified location; c) Move the setting head (12) from the setting position (step C) back to the receiving position; d) Activate (step D) the motor (16), particularly the roller motor, to move the material belt (5), the motor (16) being adjacent to and connected to the setting head (12) such that the motor (16) is rigidly arranged relative to the setting head (12), thereby arranging subsequent connecting elements within the setting head (12) at the receiving position of the setting head (12); and e) The setting head (12) is moved (step E) to the cutting position by the drive unit. The cutting position is spaced apart from the receiving position in a direction opposite to the setting position. At the cutting position, a cutting device (20; 120) arranged behind the motor (16) in the material strip (5) feeding direction cuts the material strip (5) transversely to the material strip (5) feeding direction. The cutting device (20; 120) includes a cutting component (22; 122) with a blade (24) and an actuating component (40; 140). (22; 122) is connected to the setting head (12) such that the cutting component (22; 122) is rigidly arranged relative to the setting head (12), and the actuating component (40; 140) is connected to the setting tool (1) such that during operation of the setting tool (1), there is relative movement between the actuating component (40; 140) and the cutting component (22; 122), and at the cutting position, driven by the actuating component (40; 140), the blade (24) cuts the material strip (5) transversely to the feed direction of the material strip (5).

10. The setting method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The setting head (12) is moved to the cutting position based on: f1) The number of setting strokes between the setting position and the receiving position, wherein the cut-off occurs after two, preferably three, and particularly preferably five setting strokes; f2) The operation time of the setting tool (1); and / or f3) Manually triggered cut-off command.

11. The setting method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The following steps are included, either simultaneously with or before moving the setting head (12) to the cutting position: g) Move the setting tool (1) (step F) to the collection container for collecting the cut material strip.

12. The setting method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that, The method further includes the step h) moving the actuating component (40; 140) of the cutting device (20; 120) relative to the setting head (12), preferably moving it from the engagement position to the rest position in a direction perpendicular to the movement direction of the setting head (12), wherein in the rest position, interaction between the actuating component (40; 140) and the cutting component (22; 122) is prevented at the cutting position.

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