Riveting dies and punches for fasteners

Abstract

The utility model relates to a riveting die for fasteners, the riveting die comprises a fastener punch and a die base equipped with the fastener punch, wherein the riveting die comprises: a pressure sensor arranged in the fastener punch, the pressure sensor is configured to detect the punching force and generate a measurement signal; a PLC controller connected to the pressure sensor signal, the PLC controller is configured to receive and forward the measurement signal from the pressure sensor; and an industrial computer connected to the PLC controller signal, the industrial computer is configured to receive the measurement signal from the PLC controller, and the industrial computer is configured to determine whether the punching force detected by the pressure sensor is within a predetermined threshold range, and trigger an alarm signal when the punching force is outside the predetermined threshold range. The utility model also relates to a stamping device, the stamping device comprises the riveting die for fasteners.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a riveting die for fasteners and a punching device. Background Art

[0002] When riveting fasteners on a workpiece, after the fasteners are riveted to the workpiece by a riveting die, it is usually necessary to test the riveting torque and quality of the riveted fasteners, for example, to check whether the riveting torque of the fasteners meets the standard, or to check whether the fasteners are damaged. For this purpose, personnel are generally required to use a torque wrench to test the riveted fasteners. However, during manual testing, due to efficiency and cost considerations, only spot checks can be performed on the riveted fasteners, and it is impossible to conduct a comprehensive inspection of all the riveted fasteners, which may miss fasteners with unqualified riveting quality, causing quality problems.

[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a solution that can efficiently and comprehensively monitor the riveting quality of fasteners on workpieces. Utility Model Content

[0004] The utility model aims to provide a riveting die and a punching device for fasteners, which can efficiently and comprehensively monitor the riveting quality of the fasteners on the workpieces.

[0005] The first aspect of the utility model relates to a riveting die for a fastener, the riveting die comprising a fastener punch and a die base equipped with the fastener punch, characterized in that the riveting die comprises:

[0006] a pressure sensor disposed in the fastener punch, the pressure sensor being configured to detect a punching force and generate a measurement signal;

[0007] A PLC controller connected to the pressure sensor signal, the PLC controller being configured to receive and forward the measurement signal from the pressure sensor; and

[0008] An industrial computer is connected to the PLC controller signal, the industrial computer is configured to receive the measurement signal from the PLC controller, and the industrial computer is configured to determine whether the punching force detected by the pressure sensor is within a predetermined threshold range, and trigger an alarm signal when the punching force is outside the predetermined threshold range.

[0009] According to the utility model, the fastener can be a rivet, bolt, nut, etc. to be fixed on the workpiece by the riveting die. The fastener can be used as a rivet to directly connect two or more workpieces to each other, or it can be riveted to one or more workpieces as a bolt or nut, so that the one or more workpieces can be threadedly connected to other workpieces via the fastener as a bolt or nut. The fastener can be divided into self-piercing, pre-processed, rolled and extruded fasteners according to the riveting method. The workpiece can be, for example, a sheet metal part, a stamping part, etc., and the workpiece is particularly a body, door, engine hood, seat frame, dashboard, etc. of a motor vehicle.

[0010] Generally speaking, when the riveting is performed by the riveting die, the punching force applied to the fastener is closely related to the riveting quality of the fastener. When the punching force is too low, the fastener may not be well riveted to the workpiece, which may cause the fastener to loosen or fall off, thereby affecting the quality and reliability of the assembly. In addition, the insufficient connection strength between the fastener and the workpiece may reduce the bearing capacity of the overall structure, so that the riveted connection may fail during use. In the case of excessive punching force, excessive punching force may cause deformation, cracks or even fracture of the workpiece and / or fastener, which will also affect the quality and reliability of the assembly and may cause the failure of the riveted connection. In addition, high punching force may also cause impact vibration, causing additional loads on the equipment and molds, shortening their service life. Therefore, it is generally desired to keep the punching force applied to the fastener within an appropriate range. For this reason, the utility model proposes that instead of detecting the riveting torque after processing as in the prior art, the punching force closely related to the riveting quality is detected during the processing process so as to monitor the riveting quality.

[0011] In the utility model, by integrating a pressure sensor into a riveting die for fasteners, the punching force applied to the fasteners can be detected by the pressure sensor during each riveting, and the detected punching force can be transmitted to the industrial computer through the PLC controller. The industrial computer can trigger an alarm signal when the punching force is outside the predetermined threshold range by means of software and hardware modules and programming means known in the prior art. In this way, the riveting quality of the fasteners on the workpiece can be efficiently and comprehensively monitored. The predetermined threshold range can be set according to specific application scenarios and requirements. Exemplarily, the predetermined threshold range can be 370N to 420N. Here, the industrial computer is particularly constructed in the form of an integrated circuit. For example, the industrial computer can be configured as an operational amplifier circuit for comparing an analog quantity with a reference value, and the high and low levels output by the operational amplifier circuit are used as alarm signals.

[0012] The alarm signal can be transmitted by the industrial computer to an external device, for example, to perform corresponding processing and / or notify on-site staff. In response to the alarm signal, the corresponding riveting die can be stopped manually, mechanically, and / or electronically, and the workpieces and fasteners with unqualified riveting quality can be removed from the riveting die, and the corresponding riveting die can be inspected and repaired.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the utility model, the fastener punch includes a shell, in which are provided: an introduction groove, the introduction groove is configured to introduce the fastener into the fastener punch; and a push rod, the push rod is configured to press the fastener out of the fastener punch, wherein the pressure sensor is arranged in the shell.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the housing comprises a guide housing and a guide plate, the introduction groove is configured in the guide plate, and the push rod extends through the guide plate and the guide housing.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the utility model, the guide housing includes a guide housing body and a guide housing cover, and the pressure sensor is arranged between the guide housing body and the guide housing cover. By arranging the pressure sensor between the guide housing body and the guide housing cover, the punching force can be well transmitted to the pressure sensor, so that the punching force when the fastener is pressed onto the workpiece by the riveting die can be reliably detected by the pressure sensor.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the utility model, the PLC controller includes a filter and / or an analog-to-digital converter, thereby enabling the PLC controller to pre-process the measurement signal of the pressure sensor.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the utility model, the pressure sensor is configured as a flexible film sensor. The flexible film sensor can be easily integrated between rigid components of the riveting die, and is not prone to failure under repeated impacts. The thickness of the flexible film sensor can be less than 2 mm, preferably less than 1 mm, and particularly preferably less than 0.5 mm. Such a flexible film sensor can be conveniently integrated into the housing of the fastener punch, in particular, arranged between the guide housing body and the guide housing cover, without affecting the normal function and working accuracy of the fastener punch.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the utility model, the industrial computer is connected to a signal device, and the signal device is configured to output an alarm signal. The signal device may include, for example, a speaker and / or a signal light. Thus, on-site staff can conveniently learn about the riveting quality of the corresponding riveting die, and thus make timely responses.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the utility model, the signal device is configured as a speaker or a signal lamp; and / or the signal device is configured as a display device, and the display device is further configured to output the punching force detected by the pressure sensor. The punching force can be displayed, for example, in the form of a pressure-time curve, so that the operation status and riveting quality of the corresponding riveting die can be intuitively seen.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the utility model, the industrial computer includes a memory, and the memory is configured to record the punching force detected by the pressure sensor. The recorded punching force can provide data support for improving the quality of the riveting process, analyzing the deterioration trend of the riveting die, etc.

[0021] A second aspect of the utility model relates to a stamping device, wherein the stamping device comprises a riveting die for fasteners according to the first aspect of the utility model.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the utility model, one of the fastener punch and the die base of the press riveting die is integrated in the upper die of the stamping device, and the other of the fastener punch and the die base of the press riveting die is integrated in the lower die of the stamping device. Specifically, the fastener punch of the press riveting die can be integrated in the upper die of the stamping device, and the die base of the press riveting die is integrated in the lower die of the stamping device. Alternatively, the fastener punch of the press riveting die can be integrated in the lower die of the stamping device, and the die base of the press riveting die is integrated in the upper die of the stamping device. The fastener punch and the die base of the press riveting die can respectively follow the movement of the upper die or the lower die of the stamping device, so as to realize the riveting of the fastener on the workpiece at the same time when the upper die and the lower die of the stamping device are closed.

[0023] The embodiments, functions, advantages and effects according to one aspect of the invention also apply in a corresponding manner to the other aspects of the invention.

[0024] Other features of the utility model are derived from the drawings and the specific embodiments. All the features and feature combinations mentioned above in the specification and the features and feature combinations mentioned below in the specific embodiments and / or shown separately in the drawings can be used not only in the corresponding given combination, but also in other combinations, or can be used alone. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing an embodiment of a riveting die for fasteners according to the utility model;

[0026] Figure 2 Shown in accordance with Figure 1 An exploded view of the fastener punch of the riveting die;

[0027] Figure 3 A schematic block diagram showing a pressure sensor, a PLC controller and an industrial computer according to an embodiment of a riveting die for fasteners of the utility model;

[0028] Figure 4 An exemplary graph showing the punching force detected by the riveting die for fasteners according to the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate several embodiments of the present invention. However, it should be understood that the present invention can be presented in a variety of different ways and is not limited to the embodiments described below; in fact, the embodiments described below are intended to make the present invention more complete and fully illustrate the scope of protection of the present invention to those skilled in the art. It should also be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein can be combined in various ways to provide more additional embodiments.

[0030] It should be understood that the terms used herein are only used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. All terms (including technical terms and scientific terms) used herein have the meanings commonly understood by those skilled in the art unless otherwise defined. For the sake of simplicity and / or clarity, well-known functions or structures may not be described in detail.

[0031] Herein, the term "A or B" includes "A and B" and "A or B" rather than exclusively including only "A" or only "B", unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0032] In this document, the term "exemplary" means "used as an example, instance or illustration". Any implementation described as an example here is not necessarily to be interpreted as being preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Moreover, the present invention is not limited by any stated or implied theory given in the above technical field, background technology, content of the utility model or specific implementation.

[0033] It should also be understood that when the term "include / comprise" is used in this article, it indicates the existence of the indicated features, integrals, steps, operations, units and / or components, but does not exclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, units and / or components and / or their combinations. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) are used in this article according to their general meaning in the field to which the examples belong.

[0034] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of a riveting die 1 for fasteners according to the utility model. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the riveting die 1 includes a fastener punch 2 and a die base (not shown) configured with the fastener punch 2. The riveting die 1 includes: a pressure sensor 3 (see Figure 2 ), which is configured to detect the punching force and generate a measurement signal; a PLC controller 4 connected to the pressure sensor 3 signal, the PLC controller is configured to receive the measurement signal from the pressure sensor 3 and forward it; and an industrial computer 5 connected to the PLC controller 4 signal, which is configured to receive the measurement signal from the PLC controller 4, and the industrial computer 5 is configured to determine whether the punching force detected by the pressure sensor 3 is within a predetermined threshold range, and trigger an alarm signal when the punching force is outside the predetermined threshold range.

[0035] The riveting die 1 for fasteners according to the utility model can realize efficient and comprehensive monitoring of the riveting quality of the fasteners on the workpieces. The fasteners can be riveted rivets, riveted bolts, riveted nuts, etc. to be fixed on the workpieces by the riveting die 1. The fasteners can be used as rivets to directly connect two or more workpieces to each other, or can be riveted to one or more workpieces, such as bolts or nuts, so that the one or more workpieces can be threadedly connected to other workpieces via the fasteners as bolts or nuts.

[0036] The fasteners can be divided into self-piercing, pre-processing, rolling and extrusion fasteners according to the riveting method. Specifically, in the connection of self-piercing fasteners, the fasteners themselves have sufficient ability to penetrate the workpiece, so there is no need to perforate the workpiece in advance. In contrast, in the connection of pre-processing fasteners, the workpiece has been perforated by mechanical or other means before the connection and preformed if necessary. During the connection process, the fastener is connected to the workpiece through a hole pre-set on the workpiece. In the connection of rolling fasteners, riveting is achieved by rolling up the fasteners and / or the workpiece, while in the connection of extrusion fasteners, riveting is achieved by extrusion deformation of the fasteners and / or the workpiece. The riveting die 1 for fasteners according to the utility model can be used for any type of fasteners mentioned above or other types of fasteners. The workpiece can be, for example, a sheet metal part, a stamping part, etc., and the workpiece is particularly a body, a door, a hood, a seat frame, a dashboard, etc. of a motor vehicle.

[0037] When riveting, the workpiece, which may be pre-processed (such as perforated and / or formed), is first placed between the fastener punch 2 and the die base of the riveting die 1, in particular on the die base. Subsequently, the fastener punch 2 and the die base move toward each other, and the fastener is pressed from the fastener punch 2 to the workpiece, so that the fastener and / or the workpiece undergo plastic deformation and engage and lock with each other, thereby achieving a fixed connection of the fastener on the workpiece.

[0038] As described in detail in the utility model content of the present utility model, during the riveting process of the fastener, it is expected that the punching force applied to the fastener is kept within an appropriate threshold range in order to ensure the quality of the riveting. Here, by integrating the pressure sensor 3 into the riveting die 1 for the fastener, the punching force applied to the fastener can be detected by the pressure sensor 3 each time the riveting is performed. The detected punching force can be transmitted to the industrial computer 5 through the PLC controller 4, and the industrial computer 5 can determine whether the detected punching force is within a predetermined threshold range. The predetermined threshold range can particularly include a predetermined upper threshold and a predetermined lower threshold. When the detected punching force, in particular the maximum value of the punching force, is between the predetermined upper threshold and the predetermined lower threshold, the industrial computer 5 can determine this situation as the riveting quality is qualified. When the detected punching force, in particular the maximum value of the punching force, is outside the predetermined threshold range, that is, the detected maximum value of the punching force is greater than the predetermined upper threshold or less than the predetermined lower threshold, the industrial computer 5 can determine this situation as the riveting quality is unqualified and trigger an alarm signal. This enables efficient and comprehensive monitoring of the riveting quality of the fasteners on the workpiece. The functions and working logic of the industrial computer 5 as described above can be easily implemented using software and hardware modules and programming methods known in the prior art.

[0039] The following will refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The structure of the fastener punch 2 of the riveting die 1 according to the utility model is described in more detail. The fastener punch 2 may include a housing 21, in which the housing 21 may be provided with: an introduction groove (not shown) configured to introduce the fastener into the fastener punch 2; and a push rod 22 configured to press the fastener out of the fastener punch 2. The pressure sensor 3 is provided in the housing 21.

[0040] More specifically, if Figure 2 As shown, the housing 21 of the fastener punch 2 may include a guide housing 23 and a guide plate 24. The fastener punch 2 may be attached to an actuating mechanism, such as an upper die or a lower die of a robot or a punching device, via the guide housing 23, for example, by bolts 29, and follow the movement of the actuating mechanism. An introduction groove for introducing a fastener into the fastener punch 2 may be configured in the guide plate 24.

[0041] The push rod 22 can be supported in the guide housing 23 by two springs 28 and extend through the guide plate 24, so that the push rod 22 can move axially relative to the guide plate 24. The fastener punch 2 can also include a guide cylinder 26 fixedly connected to the guide plate 24 and a spring 27 arranged in the guide cylinder 26. The guide cylinder 26 extends through the corresponding through hole in the guide housing 23, so that the guide plate 24 and the guide cylinder 26 can also move axially relative to the guide housing 23. When the fastener punch 2 of the riveting die 1 is directed toward the corresponding die seat (in Figure 1 and Figure 2 When the push rod 22 moves downward (in the middle), the push rod 22 can overcome the elastic force of the springs 27 and 28 and move downward relative to the guide plate 24, thereby pushing the fastener out of the opening 25. The pressure sensor 3 can be configured to measure the force of the push rod 22 in the axial direction.

[0042] In addition, if Figure 2 As can be seen most clearly, the guide housing 23 can include a guide housing body 231 and a guide housing cover 232, and the pressure sensor 3 can be arranged between the guide housing body 231 and the guide housing cover 232. As a result, the punching force when the fastener is pressed onto the workpiece can be well detected by the pressure sensor 3. The pressure sensor 3 can be configured as a flexible film sensor and has a thickness of, for example, less than 2 mm, preferably less than 1 mm, and particularly preferably less than 0.5 mm. Such a flexible film sensor can be conveniently integrated into the housing 21 of the fastener punch 2, in particular, arranged between the guide housing body 231 and the guide housing cover 232, without affecting the normal function and working accuracy of the fastener punch 2.

[0043] Figure 3 A schematic block diagram of a pressure sensor 3, a PLC controller 4, and an industrial computer 5 according to an embodiment of a pressure riveting die 1 for fasteners of the utility model is shown. The PLC controller 4 can be configured to pre-process the measurement signal from the pressure sensor 3, and for this purpose, the PLC controller 4 can, for example, include a filter 41 and / or an analog-to-digital converter 42. The measurement signal from the pressure sensor 3 can be transmitted to the industrial computer 5 after being pre-processed by the PLC controller 4 when necessary.

[0044] In order to evaluate the measured punching force, the industrial computer 5 may include a comparator 51 for determining whether the punching force is within a predetermined threshold range. In particular, the comparator 51 may be configured to compare the punching force with a predetermined upper threshold and a predetermined lower threshold. The comparator may exist, for example, in the form of a software module and / or a hardware module. The industrial computer 5 may trigger an alarm signal according to the comparison result of the comparator 51. The alarm signal may be provided by the industrial computer 5 to a signal device 6 connected to the industrial computer 5, and the signal device 6 may be configured to output the alarm signal, for example, acoustically (for example, by a speaker) and / or visually (for example, by a signal light). The signal device 6 may be configured as a speaker and / or a signal light. The signal device 6 may also be configured as a display device, which may be configured to output the alarm signal visually on the one hand, and on the other hand, the display device may be configured to display the detected punching force (for example, in real time). The detected punching force may be shown, for example, in the form of a pressure-time curve. In the case where there are multiple riveting dies 1, the alarm signal may include, for example, information related to the number and position of the riveting dies with unqualified punching force, so that the riveting dies with problems can be located quickly and accurately.

[0045] In some embodiments, the industrial computer 5 can be configured to transmit an alarm signal to an actuating mechanism of the press riveting die 1, such as a manipulator or a punching device carrying the fastener punch 2 and / or die base of the press riveting die 1, so as to stop the actuating mechanism. On-site staff or loading and unloading robots can, for example, remove the corresponding workpiece and fastener from the press riveting die 1 after receiving the alarm signal, and can inspect and maintain the corresponding press riveting die 1 if necessary.

[0046] In addition, the industrial computer 5 may further include a memory 52, which is configured to record the punching force detected by the pressure sensor 3. In the case where there are multiple riveting dies 1, the detected punching force is recorded in the memory 52 in a manner that is particularly matched with the corresponding riveting dies. The recorded punching force can provide data support for improving the quality of the riveting process, analyzing the deterioration and trend of the riveting dies 1, etc.

[0047] Figure 4 An exemplary curve diagram of the punching force detected by the pressure sensor of the riveting die 1 for fasteners according to the utility model is shown. Generally speaking, during the riveting process, the punching force may experience the stages of pressure rise, pressure holding and pressure drop. Of particular interest to the utility model is the pressure holding stage of the riveting process. Therefore, the PLC controller and / or the industrial computer can, for example, only evaluate the punching force measured within a limited time window. In the case of Figure 4In the case shown, the limited time window can be, for example, 5 to 25 seconds after the start of the riveting process. It is also conceivable that the pressure sensor is controlled, for example, by a PLC controller, so that the pressure sensor is only connected and measures within the limited time window. In other embodiments, measurements can also be taken and recorded during the entire riveting process to further process the measurement signal, such as integration, averaging, etc., or to provide data support for process optimization.

[0048] Figure 4 exemplarily shows the punching force measured by the pressure sensor 3 when four fasteners are riveted by the riveting die 1. In this embodiment, the rated punching force in the pressure holding stage should be, for example, between 370N and 420N. It can be seen that when the first fastener to the third fastener are riveted, the punching force measured in the pressure holding stage is basically between 370N and 420N, while when the fourth fastener is riveted, the punching force measured in the pressure holding stage is only basically 350N and is therefore outside the above-mentioned threshold range of 370N to 420N. Therefore, during the riveting process of the fourth fastener, the industrial computer 5 will trigger an alarm signal when it determines this situation.

[0049] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown, but includes or extends to all technical equivalents that fall within the effective scope of the appended claims. The position descriptions selected in the specification, such as top, bottom, left, right, etc., refer to the direct description and the drawings shown and can be transferred to the new position according to the meaning when the position changes.

[0050] Although the utility model has been disclosed as above in the form of a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the utility model. Any technical personnel in this field can make possible changes and modifications to the technical solution of the utility model by using the methods and technical contents disclosed above without departing from the spirit and scope of the utility model. Therefore, any simple modifications, equivalent changes and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the utility model without departing from the content of the technical solution of the utility model are within the protection scope of the technical solution of the utility model.

Claims

1. A riveting die for a fastener, the riveting die (1) comprising a fastener punch (2) and a die base associated with the fastener punch, characterized in that: The riveting die comprises: A pressure sensor (3) disposed in the fastener punch, the pressure sensor being configured to detect punching force and generate a measurement signal; A PLC controller (4) connected to the pressure sensor signal, the PLC controller being configured to receive and forward the measurement signal from the pressure sensor; and an industrial computer (5) connected to the PLC controller (4) by a signal, the industrial computer being configured to receive a measurement signal from the PLC controller (4), and the industrial computer (5) being configured to determine whether a punching force detected by a pressure sensor is within a predetermined threshold range, and triggering an alarm signal when the punching force is outside the predetermined threshold range; The fastener punch comprises a housing (21), in which are arranged: an introduction groove, which is configured to introduce a fastener into the fastener punch, and a push rod (22), which is configured to press the fastener out of the fastener punch; the housing comprises a guide housing (23) and a guide plate (24), the introduction groove is configured in the guide plate, and the push rod (22) extends through the guide plate (24) and the guide housing (23), wherein the guide housing (23) comprises a guide housing body (231) and a guide housing cover plate (232), and the pressure sensor (3) is arranged between the guide housing body (231) and the guide housing cover plate (232).

2. The riveting die for fasteners according to claim 1, characterized in that: The PLC controller (4) comprises a filter and / or an analog-to-digital converter.

3. The riveting die for fasteners according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressure sensor (3) is configured as a flexible thin film sensor.

4. The riveting die for fasteners according to claim 1, characterized in that: The industrial computer (5) is connected to a signaling device (6), and the signaling device is configured to output an alarm signal.

5. The riveting die for fasteners according to claim 4, characterized in that: The signaling device is configured as a loudspeaker or a signaling lamp; and / or the signaling device is configured as a display device, which is further configured to output the pressing force detected by the pressure sensor.

6. The riveting die for fasteners according to claim 1, characterized in that: The industrial computer comprises a memory configured to record the punching force detected by the pressure sensor.

7. A punching device, characterized in that: The punching device comprises a riveting die for a fastener according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The punching device according to claim 7, characterized in that One of the fastener punch and the die holder of the riveting die is integrated in the upper die of the punching device, and the other of the fastener punch and the die holder of the riveting die is integrated in the lower die of the punching device.

Images