Apparatus and method for separating bonded elements, and equipment including a separating apparatus.

Abstract

A separating device for separating engaging elements includes a housing having an opening and an outlet, and includes a first sliding element and a second sliding element movable between a start position and an end position. The first sliding element includes a recess, and a clamping element of the second sliding element extends into the recess. A channel-forming sidewall of the clamping element and a channel-forming sidewall of the recess cooperate to form a channel. When the first and second sliding elements are in the start position, at least the upper portion of the channel is accessible to the engaging element through the opening in the housing. The sliding elements are operatively connectable to an actuator, such as a linear actuator, such that the sliding elements can be moved relative to the housing between the start and end positions by means of linear movement of the linear actuator. In the end position of the first and second sliding elements, the channel is positioned above the outlet, allowing the engaging element to move through the channel into the outlet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a separating device having two sliding elements defining channels therein for receiving engaging elements, wherein the sliding elements are movable from a starting position to an ending position. Furthermore, this invention relates to an apparatus comprising a separating device, a processing apparatus for processing engaging elements separated by the separating device, and a feeding apparatus for feeding a plurality of engaging elements to the separating device. Additionally, this invention relates to a method for separating engaging elements. Background Technology

[0002] The automated handling of joining components by machines (such as installing rivets, fastening screws, or welding studs) requires rapid and reliable feeding of the joining components to the handling unit. Any interruption in the feeding process will cause production delays and may also result in costly maintenance work.

[0003] EP0922538B1 describes a method in which a joining element in the form of a self-piercing rivet has a head and an axis offset from the head, and is fed by a feeding device through a conveying channel of a loading device arranged on a self-piercing riveting apparatus. The conveying channel has a T-shaped cross-section, which substantially corresponds to the protruding area of ​​the self-piercing rivet. The self-piercing rivet is fed into the feeding channel with its longitudinal axis perpendicular to the feeding direction, and is conveyed to the loading device individually by means of air passing through the feeding channel. In this loading device, the supplied self-piercing rivets are slowed down and held in a suitable starting position for the processing flow by movable positioning sections and blocking elements. The method and apparatus known from the above-mentioned literature have been proven in practice. However, it has been shown that the time required for directly and individually feeding the joining element by the feeding device is disadvantageous for applications requiring fast work cycles and long transport paths.

[0004] EP0511093B1 discloses a method for adjusting and dispensing cylindrical small parts (such as screws or rivets) arranged in rows in the same direction with their axes facing forward in a cylindrical supply tube. The top of the supply tube has an opening for supplying the parts and a compressed air inlet, and the bottom of the supply tube has an outlet connected to a device for intermittently transferring the parts. The cylindrical tube is arranged as multiple coils within a rigid container, forming a rivet box for storing a large number of parts. The inner diameter of the tube is larger than the maximum diameter of the parts in a proportional manner, allowing airflow to flow along the parts through the tube to the outlet. A disadvantage of this known method is that it requires a relatively large space near the processing device. Furthermore, because multiple parts in an entire row must be moved each time parts are dispensed, the energy required for transporting the parts is relatively high. This makes it difficult to switch between parts of different lengths in a short time.

[0005] A device for feeding rivets to a stamping riveting gun is known from DE10064241A1. In this known device, rivets are arranged sequentially and independently in a tubular rivet magazine, which is pressurized and sized to allow a small stream of compressed air to flow through the rivets to the front end of the magazine. The front end of the magazine is provided with a device for rivet separation and transfer, which includes a slider having a rivet receiving opening that can move back and forth at right angles to the main extension of the magazine between a first position and a second position, wherein the first position is for receiving rivets from the magazine and the second position is for releasing the received rivets to the stamping riveting pliers. To remove the rivets from the rivet receiving opening of the slider, compressed air is applied to the second position of the slider, causing the rivets to be fed into the rivet receiving opening of the stamping riveting pliers, where the rivets are held by a vacuum generated at the front end of the rivet punch by means of a hole penetrating the rivet punch. After the rivet is transferred, the tubular rivet cartridge and the device for rivet separation and transfer swing from the rivet transfer position to the riveting position, where the head of the stamped riveting pliers is exposed. This known device is very complex. Switching between two rivet variants cannot be achieved in a short time.

[0006] US2004 / 0022588A1 relates to a method and apparatus for feeding fastening elements (particularly rivets, preferably blind rivets) having a first end and a second end, wherein the fastening element is fed to a joint in a given orientation via a feeding channel, and preferably the first end exits the joint firstly via the first channel or the second end exits the joint firstly via the second channel.

[0007] The problem with known apparatus and methods is that a high level of skill is required to separate the bonding elements, especially since known apparatuses are prone to error due to their complexity and cannot be used for different bonding elements. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a device or method that is simple to construct and can be easily implemented, which does not have the disadvantages of the prior art and is versatile.

[0009] A separation device for separating engaging elements is provided, comprising a housing having an opening and an outlet, and the housing including a first sliding element and a second sliding element movable between a starting position and an ending position.

[0010] The first sliding element includes a recess, and the clamping element of the second sliding element extends into the recess.

[0011] The sidewalls of the forming channel of the clamping element and the sidewalls of the forming channel of the recess cooperate to form a channel. When the first sliding element and the second sliding element are in the initial position, the engaging element can enter the channel through the opening in the housing, such as the channel, the upper part of the channel, or at least the upper part of the channel. That is, when the first sliding element and the second sliding element are in the initial position, the channel, the upper part of the channel, or at least the upper part of the channel can be accessed by the engaging element through the opening in the housing.

[0012] The sliding element is operatively connected to an actuator, such that the first sliding element and / or the second sliding element can move relative to the housing by means of linear movement of the actuator, between the starting position and the ending position.

[0013] Wherein, at the end position of the first sliding element and the second sliding element, the channel is positioned above the outlet, so that the engaging element can move through the channel into the outlet.

[0014] The separation device according to the invention allows for simple and rapid separation of engaging elements. For the purposes of the invention, engaging elements may include, for example, but not limited to, rivets, screws, studs, pins, etc. The separation device specifically includes a channel formed by two sliding elements, wherein the channel is located above the outlet, and the engaging elements are movable into the channel. This allows the separated engaging elements to be automatically released. In a preferred embodiment, when the channel is located above the outlet, the width of the channel increases; that is, in a preferred design, the width of the channel at the end position of the first and second sliding elements may be greater than the width at the beginning position of the first and second sliding elements.

[0015] Furthermore, the separation device can be used to separate various joining elements with different geometries without requiring extensive technical modifications to the device itself. Another advantage of this separation device is its ease of connection to the processing unit used for joining elements. Existing processing units can be retrofitted with this separation device without costly modifications. The cover (preferably designed to be removable) facilitates easy maintenance of the separation device.

[0016] For the purposes of this invention, the actuator may be designed, for example, as a linear driver.

[0017] In one embodiment, the separating device includes a resilient rebound element disposed between the first sliding element and the second sliding element, with a first end supported on the first sliding element and a second end supported on the second sliding element. This can be used to absorb relative movement between the two sliding elements. The rebound element can be designed, for example, as a compression spring, particularly a helical compression spring. However, a resilient rebound element that connects the two sliding elements to each other and has the properties of an elastic material can also be provided.

[0018] The linear actuator moves both sliding elements to their final positions. Particularly preferred is that the second sliding element rests against an axial stop within the housing in the final position. The axial stop can, for example, be formed from the inner surface of the housing wall. A damping device can be provided to prevent the second sliding element from impacting the housing with excessive force. This damping device can, for example, exist as a spring-loaded pin within the housing and be designed to contact the second sliding element.

[0019] In one embodiment, the free end of the second sliding element extends beyond the free end of the first sliding element. The free end refers to the end of the sliding element opposite to the linear actuator, i.e., the free end is not oriented toward the narrow side of the housing that engages with the linear actuator.

[0020] In one embodiment, preferably, the first sliding element is in the intermediate position when the second sliding element is in the end position. In the intermediate position, the first sliding element has not yet reached the end position. Advantageously, the first sliding element can be moved out of the intermediate position (especially overcoming the rebound force of the spring element) and into the end position in a manner relative to the second sliding element. In this preferred embodiment, the fact that the first sliding element can move relative to the second sliding element and that the second sliding element is already installed in the end position allows for a change (especially an increase) in the distance between the sidewalls forming the channel. This advantageous effect can also be achieved in other ways. For example, the first sliding element can be axially fixed in the end position, and the second sliding element can move relative to the first sliding element.

[0021] In one embodiment, the first sliding element is operatively connected to a linear actuator such that both the first and second sliding elements can be moved from a starting position to an ending position relative to the housing via linear movement of the linear actuator. The linear actuator can be designed, for example, as a pneumatic actuator, wherein, for example, the actuator's piston is kinematically connected to the first sliding element. In a design where the first sliding element is kinematically connected to the second sliding element, the linear actuator can be used to move both sliding elements axially within the housing.

[0022] Furthermore, the separation device may include another linear actuator connected to the second sliding element in a motion-transmitting manner, such that the sliding element can be moved from an end position to a start position by linear movement of the second linear actuator. This additional linear actuator may, for example, engage in the housing from the narrow side opposite the first linear actuator. This allows the two sliding elements to move linearly within the housing in a controlled manner. At least one linear actuator (advantageously two linear actuators) is connected to the control device in a data-exchangeable manner. In one embodiment, for example, the sliding element can be moved from a start position to an end position by controlled movement, wherein one of the two sliding elements, such as the first sliding element, reaches the end position before the second sliding element, thus reaching a controlled intermediate position. In subsequent relative movements caused by the linear actuator, the second sliding element can move relative to the first sliding element to the end position. This preferred embodiment also allows the channel width to be larger at the end position than at the start position.

[0023] To guide the second sliding element using the first sliding element, in one embodiment, the second sliding element may have a through-hole through which a guide element axially mounted in the first sliding element can be guided. The guide element may be configured, for example, as a guide screw, which engages particularly with a thread provided in the first sliding element. In one embodiment, the spring-loaded element may be configured as a helical compression spring surrounding the guide element. In another embodiment, the guide element itself may be configured to be elastic. In this embodiment, an elastic spring-loaded element is not required.

[0024] To facilitate the removal of the disengaged engagement element from the separation device, in one embodiment, a hole coaxial with the outlet may be provided in the cover of the housing for connecting a compressed air source. Compressed air can be introduced into the housing by means of the compressed air source (or more precisely, through the hole in the cover). In one embodiment, compressed air can be introduced into the channel in this way. In another embodiment, the first sliding element may have a hole coaxial with the compressed air inlet and outlet when the sliding element is in the initial position. The supply of compressed air then causes the disengaged engagement element, which has fallen from the channel into the outlet, to be conveyed to the downstream processing device.

[0025] The engaging element enters the upper part of the channel from the opening. To facilitate positioning of the engaging element, the sidewalls of the channel forming the recess and the clamping element each have a bevel near the end of the cover, which extends radially toward the longitudinal axis of the channel and forms a cone. This helps to form a stable socket in the channel, especially for engaging elements with flange-like heads.

[0026] The feeding device for feeding the joining elements can be connected to the separating device via a conveying element. This conveying element can be designed, for example, as a rail through which the joining elements are successively fed to the separating device. It has proven advantageous that the sidewalls of the clamping elements have beveled edges pointing towards the opening, extending perpendicularly to the sidewalls of the forming channel of the clamping element and pointing towards the cover. This prevents the joining elements from piling up or standing upright.

[0027] The present invention also relates to an apparatus comprising: a separating device; a processing device for processing the joining elements separated by the separating device; and a feeding device for feeding a plurality of joining elements to the separating device, wherein the separating device, the processing device, and the feeding device are connected to each other via a conveying element for conveying the joining elements. This apparatus allows the joining elements to be fed individually to the processing device. The processing device may be, for example, an installation tool that uses joining elements (especially rivets or blind rivets) to join structural components. The advantages and design of the separating device mentioned in all other aspects can also be similarly applied to this apparatus.

[0028] The device may include a linear driver connected to at least one sliding element, causing the at least one sliding element to move linearly. In another embodiment, another linear driver may be provided.

[0029] It has proven advantageous that when the opening of the separator extends at the height of the sidewall and into the bottom of the housing, there is no bottom within the housing located below the conveying element from the feeding device and leading to the opening. This allows dust and the like to fall out through the opening without damaging the separator.

[0030] The present invention also relates to a method for separating a bonding element, wherein,

[0031] The first and second sliding elements form a channel, and at the initial position of the sliding elements, at least the upper part of the channel allows the engaging element to enter through an opening.

[0032] Several connecting elements are arranged sequentially at the opening.

[0033] Move the coupling element to the upper part of the channel.

[0034] Both sliding elements move linearly from a starting position to an ending position. At the ending position, the channel is positioned above the outlet, allowing the engaging element to fall into the outlet through the channel. This method effectively separates the engaging elements. Specifically, this method can be performed by a separation device. The advantages and design of the aforementioned separation device also apply to this method.

[0035] It has proven advantageous to blow compressed air into the channel when the sliding element is in the initial position. This can accelerate the further transfer of the disengaged engaging element. Attached Figure Description

[0036] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the examples of the invention shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0037] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of a separation device with a linear drive and a feeding mechanism.

[0038] Figure 2 This is a schematic top view of the opened separation device, with the sliding element in the initial position.

[0039] Figure 3 It is cut along AA. Figure 2 Cross-sectional view,

[0040] Figure 4 It was cut along BB. Figure 2 Cross-sectional view,

[0041] Figure 5 This is a schematic top view of the opened separation device, where the second sliding element is in the end position and the first sliding element is in the middle position.

[0042] Figure 6 It is cut along AA. Figure 5 Cross-sectional view,

[0043] Figure 7 It was cut along BB. Figure 5 Cross-sectional view,

[0044] Figure 8 This is a schematic top view of the opened separation device, where both sliding elements are in the final position.

[0045] Figure 9 It is cut along AA. Figure 8 The cross-sectional view, and

[0046] Figure 10 It was cut along BB. Figure 8 Cross-sectional view. Detailed Implementation

[0047] refer to Figures 1 to 4The preferred separation device is explained. The separation device 1 includes a housing 2, which, in the illustrated embodiment, includes a generally rectangular base 3 with a cover 4. The housing 2 can be made of metal, plastic, or a combination thereof. The base 3 defines a cavity within the housing 2. The cover 4 can be reversibly attached to the base 3 by means of a fastening device 5, such as screws. For this purpose, corresponding holes can be provided in the base 3. The base 3 is formed by two relatively narrow sides, two relatively long sides, and a bottom 6. In the illustrated design, the base 3 is manufactured as a single piece. However, it may also be advantageous for the base 3 to be manufactured from several parts that can be connected to each other. The top of the base 3 is open and closed by the cover 4. One sidewall of the base 3, particularly a longitudinal side, has an opening 7, which, in the illustrated design, is a rectangular opening 7 extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the base 3. Of course, the shape and design of the opening 7 can also vary depending on the application. For example, a feeder of a feeding device can be attached to the opening 7. In the illustrated design, the track of the feeding device is visible and can be attached to the opening using screws. For the purposes of this invention, the track may also be referred to as transport element 8.

[0048] The outlet 9 can be configured as a hole, located in the bottom 6 of the base 3, such as... Figure 3 As shown. The outlet 9 forms a passage and can lead to a processing device (not shown). A corresponding connection and conveying element 8 can be provided between the outlet 9 of the separation device 1 and the processing device.

[0049] The connecting hole 10 is integrally formed in the cover 4 and is substantially coaxial with the outlet 9. The connecting hole 10 is designed to connect to a compressed air source, particularly a controllable compressed air source. The corresponding connecting part that can be inserted into the connecting hole 10 is familiar to those skilled in the art.

[0050] Another hole 11 is provided on one narrow side of the substrate 3, and the hole 11 is in Figure 4 As can be seen, the drive portion of the actuator (such as a linear actuator 12) can be guided into the housing 2 through the hole 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the linear actuator 12 is designed as a lifting cylinder, wherein the actuating element 13 in the form of a cylinder piston is guided through the hole 11. The lifting cylinder can be designed, for example, as a pneumatic or hydraulic lifting cylinder. However, an electrically driven actuator can also be provided instead of a lifting cylinder, wherein the actuating element 13 is guided through the hole 11 into the housing 2.

[0051] The housing 2 contains two sliding elements 14 and 15, namely a first sliding element 14 and a second sliding element 15. The first sliding element 14 has a basic rectangular shape formed by two cubic parts connected to each other by a rod. One of the cubic parts is only half-formed and therefore narrower than the other cubic part. A compressed air hole 16 passes through it. Figure 1The cubic component shown on the left has a compressed air port 16 extending transversely across the longitudinal axis of the first sliding element 14. Two cubes are located on either side of a recess 17 that extends across the entire width and height of the first sliding element 14 and terminates at the rod. The first sliding element 14 (or more precisely, one of the two cubical portions) has a connection hole 18 on one side for the actuating element 13. Figure 4 As can be seen, the actuating element 13 of the linear actuator 12 is guided through the housing 2 and engaged in the first sliding element 14 in a motion-transmitting manner. In the illustrated embodiment, the lifting cylinder is shown as the linear actuator 12, wherein the cylinder piston, as the actuating element 13, is guided through the hole 11 on the narrow side of the housing 2 and is axially mounted in the first sliding element 14. To transmit the translational motion of the linear actuator 12 to the first sliding element 14, a corresponding bearing is provided in the first sliding element 14. In the illustrated example, the fastening screw 19 is guided through the first sliding element 14, enters the actuating element 13, and interacts with the threads in the actuating element 13. The fastening screw 19 is axially fixed in the hollow space of the first sliding element 14.

[0052] The second sliding element 15 has a rectangular shape and is designed to be placed between the cubes of the first sliding element 14 and below the rod. The clamping element 20 is also rectangular, and its upper side 21 extends beyond the sides of the rectangular basic shape of the second sliding element 15, from which the clamping element 20 extends. The sliding elements 14 and 15 may be made of metal, plastic, or a combination thereof.

[0053] When the sliding elements 14 and 15 are brought together, the clamping element 20 extends into the recess 17 of the first sliding element 14. One side 22 of the recess 17 (the left side in the illustrated embodiment) faces the side 23 of the clamping element 20 and forms a channel 24. Thus, the channel 24 is formed by the channel-forming side 22 of the recess 17 and the channel-forming side 23 of the clamping element 20. The width of the channel 24 can vary depending on the axial position of the clamping element 20 in the recess 17. Each channel-forming side 22, 23 has an upper end and a lower end, with the lower end arranged near the bottom 6 of the housing 2 and the upper end arranged near the cover 4 of the housing 2. The ends 25 of the clamping element 20 near the cover and the ends 26 of the recess 17 near the cover of the channel-forming sides 22, 23 are radially inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the channel 24, such that the ends 25, 26 of the channel-forming sides 22, 23 near the cover together form a cone. Furthermore, one sidewall 21 of the clamping element 20 has a bevel 27, which is perpendicular to the sidewall 23 forming the channel and faces the cover 4. The bevel 27 points towards the opening 7.

[0054] A through-hole 28 passes longitudinally through a second sliding element 15, which is of a basic rectangular shape. The through-hole is formed by two holes connected by a constriction 29 with a diameter smaller than that of the two side holes. The through-hole 28 itself is pierced by a guide element 30 (in this case, a guide screw). The head of the guide screw, designed as the guide element 30, stops near the shoulder formed by the constriction 29 in the through-hole 28. The end of the guide screw, designed as the guide element 30, engages with a thread in a hole provided in the first sliding element 14. The length of the guide screw, designed as the guide element 30, allows the second sliding element 15 to move axially relative to the first sliding element 14. The two sliding elements 14 and 15 are connected to each other via the guide element 30, thereby allowing relative movement between them. The connection of the sliding elements 14 and 15, which allows movement and guidance, can also be achieved by other technical means, such as guide pins, or retaining members with elastic properties. Alternatively, the sliding elements 14 and 15 can be designed so that they are not connected to each other.

[0055] A spring-loaded element 31 is arranged around a guide element 30 and is designed as a helical compression spring in the illustrated embodiment. The spring-loaded element 31 engages in the through-hole 28 of the second sliding element 15 around the guide element 30, and one end is supported on the shoulder of the contraction portion 29, while the other opposite end is supported on an annular groove 32 provided in the first sliding element 14. The annular groove 32 is arranged around the hole engaging the guide element 30. When the spring-loaded element 31 is in a relaxed state, the distance between the sliding elements 14 and 15 is substantially at its maximum. Conversely, axial movement of at least one of the sliding elements 14 and 15 toward the other causes the spring-loaded element 31 to be compressed until the second sliding element 15 impacts the end face of the first sliding element 14 substantially axially. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the design of the spring-loaded element 31 affects the force required for the sliding elements 14 and 15 to move toward each other. Examples of ways influencing this force include geometric variations or material selection.

[0056] In the illustrated design, the first sliding element 14 and the second sliding element 15 are connected to each other via a guide element 30 (specifically a guide screw), allowing both sliding elements 14 and 15 to move relative to the housing 2 by means of a linear actuator 12. In another embodiment, the connection of the sliding elements 14 and 15 via the guide element 30 can be omitted. In a design not shown, both sliding elements 14 and 15 can be moved by a linear actuator 12 capable of moving in opposite directions. This means that the linear actuator 12 acting on the first sliding element 14 causes both sliding elements 14 and 15 to move in one direction within the housing 2, and a second linear actuator 12 operatively connected to the second sliding element 15 causes the two sliding elements 14 and 15 to move in opposite directions. Alternatively, the sliding elements 14 and 15 can be moved back and forth between a starting position and an ending position by means of the linear actuator 12.

[0057] The following will use... Figures 2 to 10 The description explains how the engaging element 33 is separated by means of a preferred separating device 1. A feeding device (not shown) positions the engaging element 33 at the opening 7 of the housing 2 via a conveying element 8. The conveying element 8 may be, for example, a track-like structure. The engaging element 33 may be, for example, but not limited to, a screw, rivet, blind rivet nut, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the engaging element is a rivet with a head-shaped flange.

[0058] Engaging elements 33 are arranged in series. Sliding elements 14 and 15 are in the initial position, in which at least a portion of the channel 24 is accessible through the opening 7. The channel 24 is in the loading position in the sense of the invention. The engaging element 33 closest to the channel 24 is moved into the channel 24 by the forward movement of the subsequent engaging element 33. Alternatively, the conveying element 8 may be arranged such that the engaging element 33 falls substantially into the channel 24 through the opening 7 under the force of gravity. The engaging element 33 rests against the upper part of the channel 24 and is held in this position by the cones formed by the recess 17 and the sidewalls 22 and 23 of the clamping element 20 forming the channel. The flange of the engaging element 33 engages in the cones of the sidewalls 22 and 23 and does not fall through the channel 24 toward the bottom 6 of the housing. Figure 3 This illustrates how the engaging element 33 is held in place within the channel 24. Furthermore, Figure 3 The diagram shows that at the starting positions of the sliding elements 14 and 15, the connection hole 10 in the cover 4 for connecting the compressed air source, the compressed air hole 16 in the first sliding element 14, and the outlet 9 in the bottom 6 of the housing 2 for connecting the conveying element 8 are coaxially aligned with each other.

[0059] An alternative design with a cone shape is possible to prevent the captured engaging element 33 from moving toward the bottom 6. For example, the upper part of the channel 24 can be tapered and therefore have a wider width than the adjacent lower part of the channel 24. Thus, the engaging element 33 remains only in the upper tapered portion of the channel 24.

[0060] After the engaging element 33 is received in the channel 24, linear movement occurs caused by the linear actuator 12, thereby causing the two sliding elements 14, 15 to move axially together with the engaging element 33 received in the channel 24. As already described, the linear actuator 12 engages with the first sliding element 14 in the illustrated configuration, whereby the optional connection between the first sliding element 14 and the second sliding element 15 also allows the second sliding element 15 to move linearly.

[0061] like Figure 5 As clearly shown, the clamping element 20 prevents the subsequent engaging element 33 from penetrating into the opening 7. However, the engaging element 33 may have already moved in the direction of the clamping element 20 and rested against the inclined edge 27 of the clamping element 20. This prevents the engaging element 33 from moving upwards upon separation. This prevents the engaging element 33 from getting stuck in the conveying element 8. Once the channel returns to its starting position, the engaging element 33 resting against the inclined edge 27 essentially falls into the channel 24. This prevents subsequent engaging elements 33 from accumulating.

[0062] like Figure 6 As shown, the channel 24 is positioned above the outlet 9 by the axial movement of the linear drive 12. A conveying element 8 (e.g., a hose, rail, etc.) can be connected to the outlet 9 in the housing 2 and can lead to a processing device (not shown). For example, the processing device could be a riveting mounting device.

[0063] During the movement of sliding elements 14 and 15 from the starting position to the ending position, the engaging element 33 will not fall out of the channel 24 because the engaging element 33 is prevented from entering the channel 24.

[0064] like Figure 7 As clearly shown, the linear motion of the linear actuator 12 brings the second sliding element 15 to the end position, where the second sliding element 15 strikes a stop formed by the housing wall with its free end 34. In this position, the second sliding element 15 is in the end position, the first sliding element 14 is in the intermediate position, the channel 24 is positioned above the outlet 9, but the engaging element 33 cannot yet move toward the outlet 9.

[0065] In addition, from Figure 7As can be seen, the free end 35 of the first sliding element 14 is designed to be shorter than the free end 34 of the second sliding element 15, meaning the free end 34 of the second sliding element 15 extends beyond the free end 35 of the first sliding element 14. Therefore, although the free end 34 of the second sliding element 15 axially impacts the housing wall, the free end 35 of the first sliding element 14 has not yet impacted it. The first sliding element 14 is in an intermediate position between the starting and ending positions, while the second sliding element 15 is already in the ending position.

[0066] Therefore, the first sliding element 14 can move slightly further than the second sliding element 15 in the direction toward the housing wall forming the stop to reach its ending position. Due to the guide device 30, limited relative movement of the first sliding element 14 relative to the second sliding element 15 is possible. This relative movement is suppressed by the spring-loaded element 31 arranged between the sliding elements 14 and 15. This means that the first sliding element 14 can move out of the intermediate position and into the ending position relative to the second sliding element 15 by means of the force acting on the first sliding element 14 by the linear actuator 12 against the spring-loaded element 31. The first sliding element 14 reaches the ending position after compression of the spring-loaded element 31, as... Figures 8 to 10 As shown. This can be defined, for example, by one end of the second sliding element 15 striking the surface of the first sliding element 14. Furthermore, the wall of the housing 2 can also form an axial stop for the first sliding element 14. In one embodiment, the clamping element 20 can be provided with an axial stop surface 36, which can... Figure 1 As can be seen, when both sliding elements 14 and 15 reach their end positions, the axial stop surface 36 operatively contacts the corresponding surface of the first sliding element 14. This restricts the movement of the sliding elements 14 and 15 relative to each other.

[0067] When the first sliding element 14 moves to the end position, the distance between the sidewalls 22 and 23 forming the channel increases due to the movement of the first sliding element 14 relative to the second sliding element 15. Therefore, the width of the channel 24 is greater at the end position of the two sliding elements 14 and 15 than at the initial position. In the context of this invention, when the channel 24 is released, the channel 24 is in the discharge position, and the engaging element 33 can fall into the outlet 9 through the channel 24.

[0068] Subsequently, sliding elements 14 and 15 are moved back to their starting positions by linear actuator 12. The next engaging element 33 to be separated is pre-positioned by the inclined side 27 of clamping element 20, and once sliding elements 14 and 15 are in their starting positions, i.e., able to access at least a portion of channel 24 through opening 7, the engaging element 33 falls into channel 24. The second sliding element 15 may be configured to have an axial stop surface 37, which can... Figure 1As seen in the diagram, when both sliding elements 14 and 15 reach their initial positions, the axial stop surface 37 operatively contacts the corresponding surface of the first sliding element 14. The axial stop surface 37 restricts the axial movement of the sliding elements 14 and 15 relative to each other. This also prevents the sliding elements 14 and 15 from accidentally colliding with each other.

[0069] Compressed air can be used to facilitate the transport of the already carried-out engagement element 33. A compressed air source connected to the housing 2 can supply compressed air through a compressed air port 16 provided in the first sliding element 14. At the initial position of the sliding elements 14 and 15, the compressed air port 16 leads to the outlet 9 of the bottom 6 of the housing 2. This allows for the efficient feeding of the engagement element 33 to downstream processing equipment.

[0070] Furthermore, a damping device 38 may be provided in the housing 2 to suppress the impact of the sliding elements 14, 15 on the housing 2. This damping device may be, for example, a pressure spring extending from the narrow side of the housing 2. Alternatively, a spring-loaded pin may be provided on the narrow side of the housing 2.

[0071] The separating device according to the invention can be used to separate mating elements in a simple yet effective manner. The separating device can be easily adjusted to separate various mating elements of different geometries. For example, the width of the channel can be adjusted by the design of the guide elements.

Claims

1. A separation device (1) for separating a coupling element (33), comprising a housing (2) having an opening (7) and an outlet (9), and the housing (2) comprising a first sliding element (14) and a second sliding element (15) movable between a starting position and an ending position. in, The first sliding element (14) includes a recess (17), and the clamping element (20) of the second sliding element (15) extends into the recess (17), wherein the sidewall (23) of the clamping element (20) forming a channel and the sidewall (22) of the recess (17) forming a channel cooperate to form a channel (24). When the first sliding element (14) and the second sliding element (15) are in the initial position, at least the upper part of the channel (24) is accessible to the engaging element (33) through the opening (7) of the housing (2). The sliding elements (14, 15) are operatively connected to the actuator (12) such that the first sliding element (14) and / or the second sliding element (15) can move relative to the housing (2) by means of linear movement of the actuator (12) between the starting position and the ending position. Wherein, at the end position of the first sliding element and the second sliding element, the channel (24) is positioned above the outlet (9), so that the engaging element (33) can move through the channel (24) into the outlet (9).

2. The separation device (1) according to claim 1 further includes an elastic rebound element (31) arranged between the first sliding element (14) and the second sliding element (15), wherein a first end of the rebound element (31) is supported on the first sliding element (14) and a second end is supported on the second sliding element (15).

3. The separation device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The second sliding element (15) abuts against the axial stop in the housing (2) at the end position.

4. The separation device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, When the second sliding element (15) is in the end position, the first sliding element (14) is in the middle position.

5. The separation device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first sliding element (14) can overcome the rebound force of the rebound element (31) and move out of the intermediate position and into the end position in a way that moves relative to the second sliding element (15).

6. The separation device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The first sliding element (14) is operatively connected to the actuator (12) such that the first sliding element (14) and the second sliding element (15) can move out of the starting position and into the ending position relative to the housing (2) by the linear movement of the actuator (12).

7. The separation device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The second sliding element (15) has a through hole (28), through which a guide device (30) axially mounted in the first sliding element (14) can be guided.

8. The separation device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The hole (10) for connecting the compressed air source is coaxially disposed in the housing cover (4) with the outlet (9).

9. The separation device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The sidewalls (22, 23) of the recess (17) and the clamping element (20) forming the channel have bevels at the ends (25, 26) near the cover (4), the bevels extending radially toward the longitudinal axis of the channel and forming a cone.

10. The separation device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The sidewall (21) of the clamping element (20) includes a bevel (27) pointing toward the opening (7), the sidewall (21) extending perpendicularly to the sidewall (23) forming the channel of the clamping element (20) and facing the cover (4).

11. An apparatus comprising: Separation device (1); A processing device for processing the joining element (33) separated by the separation device (1); And a feeding device for feeding a plurality of joining elements (33) to the separating device (1); The separation device (1), the processing device and the feeding device are connected to each other by a conveying element (8) for conveying the joining element (33).

12. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The device includes a linear driver (12) connected to at least one sliding element (14, 15) such that the at least one sliding element (14, 15) moves linearly.

13. The device according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The opening (7) of the separating device (1) extends at the height of the sidewall and enters the bottom (6) of the housing (2) such that there is no bottom (6) in the housing (2) below the conveying element (8) from the feeding device and leading to the opening (7).

14. A method for separating a bonding element (33), wherein, The first and second sliding elements (14, 15) form a channel (24). At the starting position of the sliding elements (14, 15), at least the upper part of the channel is open to allow the engaging elements (33) to enter through an opening (7), at which a plurality of engaging elements (33) are arranged in succession. The engaging element (33) is moved to the upper part of the channel (24), and the two sliding elements (14, 15) move from the starting position to the ending position in a linear motion. At the ending position, the channel (24) is positioned above the outlet (9), so that the engaging element (33) falls into the outlet through the channel.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, When the sliding elements (14, 15) are in the initial position, compressed air is blown into the channel (24).

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