Device for attaching an object to a support and method for operating a device for attaching an object to a support

Abstract

Device for attaching an object (30, 32) to a support (34), the device comprising the following: a main body (10); an upper and a lower deformation tool (12, 14) adapted to deform the object, wherein at least one of the deformation tools is movable with respect to the main body in order to approach the other deformation tool, a force limiting device (36) adapted to limit the force (F2) applied to move the movable deformation tool, and a measuring device (16, 20; 18, 22) adapted to measure the position of the movable deformation tool in relation to the main body and / or in relation to the other deformation tool, characterized by a monitoring device (24) adapted to receive an output signal from the measuring device (16, 20; 18, 22) and to perform at least one of the following operations: a) permanent monitoring of the position of the movable deformation tool (12, 14) in relation to the main body (10) and / or the other deformation tool during a process for attaching the object (30, 32) to the support (34), b) Saving the monitored position at at least one predetermined time during the fastening process, c) Determine, at at least one predetermined time during the fastening process, whether the distance (ΔG1 + ΔG2) between the upper and lower deformation tools (12, 14) is below a lower limit, and d) Determine, at at least one predetermined time during the fastening process, whether the distance (ΔG1 + ΔG2) between the upper and the lower deformation tool (12, 14) is above an upper limit, wherein the device is programmable to handle different thicknesses of the support (34) and / or different objects (30, 32) in a predetermined sequence within the same sequence of fastening cycles.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for attaching an object to a support, the device comprising: a main body, upper and lower deformation tools adapted to deform the object, wherein at least one of the deformation tools is movable relative to the main body in order to approach the other deformation tool, a force limiting device adapted to limit the force applied to move the movable deformation tool, and a measuring device adapted to measure the position of the movable deformation tool relative to the main body and / or relative to the other deformation tool. The object can be a single part or consist of two or more parts.

[0002] A device as described above is known from WO 98 / 02 055 A1. In this known device, a contact switch closes when the lower deformation tool is moved upwards beyond a predetermined limit, as this is interpreted as a result of a fault in the fastening process. When the contact switch closes, the device is automatically stopped and a warning signal is emitted. A measuring sensor or a proximity switch can be used instead of the contact switch, which can be helpful for calibration purposes.

[0003] One object of the invention is to improve the aforementioned known fastening device.

[0004] The above problem is solved by a fastening device according to claim 1.

[0005] DE 196 28 679 A1 discloses a fastening device with a contact switch that outputs a signal when an anvil moves downwards beyond a certain point. DE 102 18 480 A1 measures a force acting between a first holder and a second holder. Another relevant fastening device is disclosed in EP 3 527 095 A1.

[0006] With regard to the object to be attached to the support, the invention relates in particular to rivets and buttons. With regard to the support to which the object is to be attached, the invention relates in particular to textiles and leather.

[0007] According to the invention, the result of the measurement performed by the measuring device is used not only for detecting malfunctions and for calibration, but also for detailed monitoring of the fastening process. This makes it possible, for example, to record the fastening process by continuously monitoring the position of the movable deformation tool and saving the monitored position at predetermined times. Such logs can be very helpful for operators, especially considering that the respective positions can change (gradually) when a large number of objects are attached successively.

[0008] Furthermore, monitoring can be used to assess whether the fastening process is being carried out correctly. This can refer not only to a lower limit regarding the distance between the upper and lower forming tools, but also to an upper limit. If the distance is below the lower limit, one of the rivet parts may be missing. If the distance is above the upper limit, one of the rivet parts may not be in the correct position.If the device determines that the distance between the deformation tools is outside the predetermined limits at a predetermined time, the device may warn the operator, for example by emitting a light signal or a sound, or cause the device to cease operation once the deformation tools are in a position that allows the removal of the object and the support.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the measuring device comprises at least one proximity sensor. This is a very practical way to implement the measuring device, since such a proximity sensor can be operated to continuously output the measured distance.

[0010] Preferably, the proximity sensor is held stationary relative to the main body. This eliminates the need to couple moving parts with cables, wires, or the like. Instead, the proximity sensor can be configured to detect or measure the distance to a position indicator (hereinafter simply referred to as the "indicator") whose movement is synchronized with that of the upper and lower deformation tools. The indicator can be implemented in any suitable form, including a blade and a rod.

[0011] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, a preferred predetermined time is the time at which the distance between the upper and lower deformation tools is minimized or at which the fastening process is completed. For this purpose, "completed" means that the process is finished, i.e., that the upper and lower deformation tools have returned to their initial positions as they were before the process was started, regardless of whether the object was successfully fastened or a malfunction occurred. By performing the aforementioned monitoring, in particular storing and / or determining the data at this time, the operator can obtain extremely helpful information about the performance of the device.

[0012] A point in time can be any period limited only by the time required to move the upper and lower deformation tools through the cycle, which begins when they are furthest apart and continues to the point where they are closest together, and ends when they return to their initial positions where they are furthest apart.

[0013] According to the invention, the upper and / or lower limits for the distance between the upper and lower deformation tools are preferably adjustable, particularly depending on the thickness of the support and / or the type of object. This makes it possible to adapt the device very easily to changing circumstances, e.g., with regard to different thicknesses of the support. The same applies to different types and / or sizes of the object to be attached to the support.

[0014] According to the invention, the device is programmable to handle different thicknesses of the support and / or different objects in a predetermined sequence. This allows the device to be operated as a sequence controller, and it is possible to handle the different thicknesses and / or different objects without having to switch or readjust, i.e., without calibrations performed by an operator.

[0015] In addition to the device mentioned above, the invention also relates to a method according to claim 6.

[0016] Preferably, a predetermined time is the time at which the distance between the upper and lower deformation tools is minimized or at which the fastening process is completed.

[0017] Furthermore, it is preferred that the upper limit and / or the lower limit for the distance between the upper and the lower deformation tool are preferably adjustable, in particular depending on the thickness of the support and / or depending on the type of object.

[0018] Finally, according to the invention, it is provided that the step of programming the device to handle different thicknesses of the carrier and / or different objects in a predetermined sequence is included, wherein the objects are to be attached in a predetermined sequence.

[0019] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings. The drawings show: is Fig. 1 a schematic view of the fastening section of a fastening device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, show Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b Details of the device of Fig. 1 on a larger scale, is Fig. 3 a schematic view of the device during a cycle with 2 parts of an object to be fastened, is Fig. 4 the same view as Fig. 3, but at a different point in the cycle where the object is already attached, is Fig. 5 a schematic view of a force limiting device for a preferred embodiment of the fastening device according to the invention, shows Fig. 6 schematically 2 objects that are attached to a support in areas of different thicknesses, is Fig. 7 a diagram of the positions of the upper and lower deformation tools of a preferred embodiment of the fastening device according to the invention during a fastening process, is Fig. 8 a diagram of the relationship between an adjustment distance SP and a carrier thickness (tissue thickness) FT, shows Fig. 9 schematic relative positions of a first and a second sensor and of a first and a second moving part at different times, is Fig. 10 a diagram of the intervals over time, and show Fig. 11a and Fig. 11b a side view or a front view of an embodiment of the fastening device according to the invention.

[0020] Fig. Figure 1 shows an example of a fastening section 100 of a device according to the invention. Fig. Figure 11a) shows a side view of an embodiment of a fastening device 300 with the fastening section 100 according to the invention and Fig. 11b) a front view of the device.

[0021] The fastening device for attaching objects consisting of an upper part 30 and a lower part 32 to a support 34, as shown in Fig. Figure 3 shows a fixed main body 10 comprising the fastening section 100 for attaching objects to the support 34 and a feed section 200 for feeding objects 30, 32 to the fastening section 100.

[0022] According to this embodiment, the object is a button, and the upper part 30 is provided with an engagement section 31 so that it can engage with an engagement element not shown, and the lower part 32 is provided with several engagement claws 32B for fastening the upper part by the carrier 34.

[0023] The feed section 200 is provided with a first hopper 40 for feeding upper parts 30 to the mounting section 100 and a second hopper 41 for feeding alternative lower parts 32 (not shown) to the mounting section 100. Furthermore, the feed section 200 provides chutes 42, 43, each of which is connected from a hopper 40, 41 to a parts feeding device 44. It is understood that more hoppers and chutes may be provided in more complex devices.

[0024] According to Fig. 11 the first funnel 40 is connected to the top of the mounting section 100 by one of the chutes 42 and a top of the parts feeder 44, and the second funnel 41 is connected to the bottom of the mounting section 100 by another chute 43 and a bottom of the parts feeder 44.

[0025] If a plurality of upper parts 30 are provided in the first funnel 40, the upper parts 30 are aligned in the first funnel 40, which is set in rotation by an associated energy source (not shown) so that the upper parts 30 are fed to the chute 42, so that the position of each upper part 30 allows them to run evenly along the chute 42 in order to enter the fastening section 100 in such a way that they are ready to be attached to the lower part 32.

[0026] The upper parts 30 fed from the chute 42 are conveyed to the top of the feeder 44, wherein the upper parts 30 are conveyed by a feeder device such as a pressure device to the top of the fastening section 100, which moves forward and backward between the fastening section 100 and the end of the chute 42 to drive the feeder 44 to the fastening section 100 while maintaining its position.

[0027] This description also applies to the movement of the lower parts 32 from the second funnel 41 to the mounting section 100, wherein the lower parts 30 fed by the chute 43 are conveyed to the underside of the feeder 44, and wherein the lower parts 32 are conveyed to the underside of the mounting section 100 by a feeding device such as a pressure device, which moves forward and backward between the mounting section 100 and the end of the chute 43 to drive the lower part 32 to the mounting section 100 while maintaining its position. A person skilled in the art will recognize that this invention is not limited to this feeding mechanism and that alternative methods for feeding upper and lower parts 30, 32 to the mounting section can replace the mechanism described here.

[0028] The in Fig. The fastening device shown in Figure 1, a cross-sectional view along line AA of Figure 11(a), comprises the stationary main body 10, an upper deformation tool 12, and a lower deformation tool 14, wherein the upper and lower deformation tools 12 and 14 are both movable relative to the main body 10. The upper and lower deformation tools 12 and 14 are connected to a drive source (not shown) with a force-limiting device, which is described in more detail below. The upper and lower deformation tools 12 and 14 move vertically toward and away from each other to fasten the upper parts 30 and lower parts 32.

[0029] Furthermore, the device includes an upper and a lower sensor 16, 18, which are fixedly positioned relative to the main body 10. The upper and lower sensors 16, 18 are proximity sensors that measure the respective distance to upper and lower indicators 20, 22, which are integrally attached to the mounting section 100 in the area of ​​the upper and lower deformation tools, respectively.

[0030] In particular, the indicators 20, 22 are positioned in the plane of the figure in a direction perpendicular to the movement of the deformation tools 12, 14 away from the deformation tools between which the upper and lower sensors 16, 18 are mounted on the main body 10. For this purpose, the upper indicator 20 is synchronized with the upper deformation tool 12, so that its movement is synchronized with the movement of the upper deformation tool 12. In the same way, the movement of the lower indicator 22 is synchronized with the movement of the lower deformation tool 14. On the other hand, the upper and lower sensors 16, 18 are attached to the stationary main body 10 and therefore do not move independently. Thus, the upper and lower sensors 16, 18 each detect the positions of the upper and lower deformation tools 12, 14 with respect to the main body 10 and therefore relative to each other.

[0031] It is understood that, as long as an indicator moves synchronously with the deformation tool to which it is attached, the position of its cooperating sensor on the device is limited only by the sensor's range.

[0032] The sensors 16, 18 and the displays 20, 22 together form the measuring device for measuring the position of the (movable) lower deformation tool 14 relative to the upper deformation tool 12.

[0033] Furthermore, the technical effect achieved by this invention would also be obtained if an indicator were stationary and its cooperating sensor were moved synchronously because it was attached to a deformation tool that moves towards and away from the indicator.

[0034] Thus, for each deformation tool, either an indicator assigns a synchronized movement with this deformation tool towards and away from a stationary sensor, or a sensor assigns a synchronized movement with a deformation tool towards and away from a stationary indicator.

[0035] It should be noted that the expression "towards something and away from something" can encompass tangential movement.

[0036] The output signals from the upper and lower sensors 16, 18 are received by a processor 24. The processor 24 is used as a monitoring device to continuously monitor the position of the (movable) upper and lower deformation tools 12, 14, to store the monitored position, and / or to assess whether the distance between the upper and lower deformation tools 12, 14 is below a lower limit and / or above an upper limit. The processor 24 is coupled to a memory 26 and a display 28. Fig. Figure 2a) shows the upper indicator 20 in two positions relative to the upper sensor 16. The position shown with dashed lines is the position before an object is attached to a carrier (starting position). This is typically also the point in the cycle at which a top part 30 is moved through the feeder 44 into the fastening device 100. The position of the upper sensor 16 shown with solid lines is the position obtained when the upper and lower deformation tools have moved closest to each other and the object is attached to the carrier.

[0037] The position of the upper indicator 20 changes with the movement of the upper deformation tool 12 between the two positions as the fastening process cycle progresses.

[0038] The latter position (shown in solid lines) results when there is a distance ΔG1 between the upper sensor 16 and the upper display 20.

[0039] Fig. 2b) is similar to Fig. Figure 2a) shows the lower sensor 18 and the lower indicator 22 (shown in solid lines), where the distance ΔG2 between the lower sensor 18 and the lower indicator 22 is the distance when the lower indicator and the lower sensor are in their closest position after the object has been attached to the support. The position of the lower indicator 22, shown by dashed lines, is the position of the lower indicator 22 when the lower deformation tool 14 with a lower part 32 is moved from the feed device 44 to the fastening device 100. In general, the position of the lower indicator 22 changes with the movement of the lower deformation tool 14 between the two positions as the fastening cycle progresses.

[0040] Fig. Figure 3 shows the upper deformation tool 12, which holds the upper part 30 of an object to be fastened, and the lower deformation tool 14, which holds the lower part 32 of the object. For the remainder of this description, it is assumed that the object is a button; however, buttons of other types can also be used together with rivets, eyelets, or other objects.

[0041] Fig. Figure 4 shows the upper part and the lower part 30, 32, which are deformed after the respective movement of the upper and lower deformation tools 12, 14 and are attached to the support 34.

[0042] Carrier 34 is in Fig. 3 omitted, but before the object is fastened, it is arranged between the upper deformation tool 12 and the lower deformation tool 14 in a manner that ensures the Fig. The result shown in Figure 4 allows the upper and lower parts to be brought into fastening contact with the intermediate support 34.

[0043] The backing can be a fabric, which can be woven, knitted, or non-woven. It can also be synthetic leather.

[0044] The upper part 30 and the lower part 32 can be the receiving part of a snap fastener, which may be made of a metal material such as an aluminum alloy or a copper alloy. The lower part 32, which is attached to a bottom surface of the carrier 34, comprises an annular section 32A and a plurality of engagement prongs 32B, which project in one piece from the surface of the annular section 32A perpendicular to a diameter of the annular section 32A.

[0045] The engagement prongs 32B are arranged so that they extend at regular intervals from one another parallel to the axis that runs through the center of the lower part 32. The distal end of each engagement prong 32B includes a sharpened tip to enable the prong to penetrate the carrier.

[0046] Referring to Fig. 3 comprises the upper part 30, which is attached to an upper side of the carrier 34, a receiving element 30A, which can engage with a plug element of a male push button (not shown), and a flange 30B, which extends in a ring shape from the receiving element 30A.

[0047] The flange 30B extends outwards from the center of the receiving element 30A; upwards from the lower end of the receiving element 30A, it curves back on itself to provide an annular recessed section 30C. The annular recessed section 30C includes an opening 30D into which the engagement prongs 32B of the lower part 32 are pressed by the movement of the upper and lower deformation tools 12, 14. When the engagement prongs 32B come into resistive contact with the inner surface of the annular recessed section 30C, they are plastically deformed and follow the inner curvature of the annular recessed section 30C.When the engagement claws 32B of the lower part 32 are pressed into the opening 30D after they have penetrated from the underside of the support 34 to the top of the support 34, the lower part 32 is thus attached to the upper part 30 by plastic deformation of the engagement prongs 32B within the annular recessed section 30C.

[0048] The plug-in parts of snap fasteners can engage with corresponding receiving parts of snap fasteners or release the engagement. That is, the shape of a receiving element 30A includes an engagement section 31, which is surrounded by an elastically deformable flange, while the shape of a cooperating plug-in element (not shown) includes an engagement projection.

[0049] Thus, the support 34 within the fastening section 100 can accommodate the fastening of parts 30, 32 by actuating the upper and lower deformation tools 12, 14.

[0050] The upper deformation tool 12 moves back and forth in a vertical direction driven by a drive source (not shown) through a force limiting device, which is described in more detail below.

[0051] In this embodiment, the distal end of the upper deformation tool 12 comprises an engagement element 12C, which corresponds to the shape of a push-button plug and is designed to engage with the receiving element 30A. This enables upper parts 30, provided with the receiving element 30A, to engage with the upper deformation tool 12. That is, the upper part 30 engages with the engagement element 12C when the upper part 30 is received by the top of the feeder 44.

[0052] The holding device used to hold the upper part 30 and the upper deformation tool 12 together can also be configured in other variations. For example, if the upper parts are to be used in forming a male button part or a rivet instead of a female button part, the distal end of the upper deformation tool 12 can be shaped to match the shape of the male button part or rivet.

[0053] In the Fig. In the position of the parts and forming tools shown in Figure 3, the feeder 44 has already fed an upper part 30 to the upper forming tool body 12B. This exemplary feeding method is easily understood when considering the procedure described in WO2018 / 069 980 A1.

[0054] Various configurations are also conceivable for the lower deformation tool 14. In this embodiment, the lower deformation tool comprises a pin 14A, which is inserted into the hole circumscribed by the annular section 32A of the lower part 32, and a pressure section 14B, which rests against the outer circumference of the pin 14A and, by contacting the annular section 32A, presses the lower part 32 towards the upper deformation tool 12.

[0055] The lower deformation tool 14 is surrounded by a seat part 15 on which the support 34 can be arranged, and in which there is a cylindrical section 17 which has a hole through which the cylindrical lower deformation tool 14 can be moved up and down.

[0056] The seat part 15 and the cylindrical section 17 are fixedly attached to the main body 10, and the lower deformation tool 14 moves back and forth in a vertical direction within the seat part 15 and along the cylindrical section 17 by means of a drive source (not shown) through the force limiting device, which is described in more detail below.

[0057] A spring is located between the pin 14A and the pressure section 14B, which allows the pin 14A to move in an up and down direction relative to the pressure section 14B. Although not shown, it is understood that the pin 14A enters the hole defined by the annular part 32A shortly before the upper and lower parts 30, 32 come into contact with the support 34, which is clamped between the distal end of the lowered upper deformation tool 12 and the distal end of the raised lower deformation tool 14 within the annular section 32A of the lower part 32.

[0058] At this point in the cycle, compression of the spring exerts contact pressure on the carrier 34 between the pin 14A of the lower deformation tool 14 and the upper deformation tool 12. Then, the pressure section 14B is pushed upwards, and the upper part 30 is attached to the lower part 32 when the engagement prongs 32B penetrate the carrier 34 and are deformed outwards due to contact with the inside of the annular recessed section 30C. The pin 14A also serves to correct the position of the engagement prongs 32B when the angle between a radius from the center of the hole circumscribed by the annular section 32A and an engagement prong is an acute angle, by restoring a right angle and ensuring that the engagement prong 32B is perpendicular to the plane of the annular section 32A, as well as for clamping the tissue 34 and inserting the lower parts 32.

[0059] The in Fig. Position 3 shown corresponds to the one in Fig. 2 shown position, when indicators 20, 22 are dashed.

[0060] The positions of the upper and lower deformation tools 12, 14, which are in Fig. The positions shown in 4 correspond to the positions indicated by solid lines in Fig. 2 is shown when indicators 20 and 22 are not dashed.

[0061] As can be seen from the drawings, the distance traveled by the indicator 20, which is integrally connected to the upper deformation tool 12, corresponds to the distance traveled by the distal end of the upper deformation tool 12. Conversely, the distance traveled by the indicator 22, which is integrally connected to the lower deformation tool 14, corresponds to the distance traveled by the distal end of the lower deformation tool 14. That is, the measurement of the distance traveled by the respective deformation tools does not relate to the deformation of the elastic element. The object comprising the upper part 30 and the lower part 32 can be a rivet. The support 34 can be a knitted band, a woven fabric, a leather band, or a textile band.

[0062] Fig. Figure 5 shows a compensator, i.e., a force-limiting device adapted to limit the force applied to move the lower deformation tool 14 upwards. The compensator includes a compensator spring 36. When the assembly process is carried out, a drive source (not shown) exerts a driving force F1 in the direction of the arrow on the left side of the figure. Fig. The compensator shown in Figure 5 is removed. This results in a counterclockwise rotation, as indicated by the respective arrows in Figure 5. Fig. Figure 5 shows that this rotation in turn results in a fastening force F2 being exerted to move the lower deformation tool 14 into the position indicated by the respective arrow. Fig. 5 to move in the direction shown. Thus, the lower deformation tool 14 is moved upwards by the driving force F1, which is limited to the fastening force F2 by the compensator spring 36. In other words, the use of the compensator spring 36 in the fastening device according to the invention results in the fastening force F2 being limited to a predetermined value, even if the driving force F1 exceeds the predetermined value.

[0063] Advantageously, the driving force F1 is always higher than the predetermined value, so that the fastening force F2 is constant at least after a corresponding compression of the compensator spring 36.

[0064] Fig. Figure 6 shows the carrier 34 with a first area 34.1 of lesser thickness and a second area 34.2 of greater thickness. The compensator with the compensator spring 36 prevents cutting into the carrier threads due to overpressure, particularly in area 34.2, as well as loose adhesion due to low force, particularly in area 34.1, thus enabling the handling of carriers comprising areas of different thicknesses.

[0065] The diagram of Fig. Figure 7 shows an example of the positions, and thus the movements, of the upper and lower deformation tools 12 and 14 over time during a fastening cycle. According to this diagram, the upper deformation tool 12 is first moved downwards and then upwards back to its starting position. The lower deformation tool 16 is moved upwards in a first part and then downwards in a second part. At t1, the upper and lower deformation tools 12 and 14 have a minimum distance D1 between them. At t2, i.e., when the lower deformation tool 14 is in its uppermost position, the distance D2 between the upper and lower deformation tools 12 and 14 is greater than the distance D1.

[0066] That is, the phase of the cycle at t1 is position D1 with the shortest distance between the distal end of the upper deformation tool 12 and the distal end of the lower deformation tool 14, thus indicating the thickness of the deformed part of the object attached to the support 34.

[0067] It can be seen from the above that the device described above is adapted to continuously monitor the position of the lower (movable) deformation tool 14 in relation to the main body 10 and the upper deformation tool 12 during the entire process of attaching the parts 30, 32 to the support 34. This corresponds to point a) in claims 1 and 7. The monitoring is not limited by any fluctuations in the movement of the deformation tools.

[0068] In the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 is the maximum thickness of the attached part, the distance measured in the vertical direction from the lower surface of the annular part 32A of the lower part 32 to the upper extension of the upper surface of the flange 30B of the upper part 30.

[0069] That is, the maximum height of the fixed knob is the distance measured from the upper surface of the distal end of the pressure section 14B to the lower surface of the distal end of the upper deformation tool 12 when the carrier 34 is under maximum compression.

[0070] With the in Fig. In the embodiment of the fastening device according to the invention shown in Figure 1, diagrams can be found in accordance with the above. Fig. 7. Model diagrams and / or the results of respective measurements taken by the upper and lower sensors 16, 18 are stored and can be saved on the display 28. These model diagrams can be used as the basis for operating the device according to a respective program stored in memory 26 and controlled by the processor 24. The diagrams resulting from the respective measurements taken by the upper and lower sensors 16, 18 can be displayed on the display 28, in particular continuously and / or together with the model diagrams, so that an operator can monitor the entire process.

[0071] Corresponding diagrams are not based on the one in Fig. The diagrams shown in Figure 7 are limited and relate only to the thickness of a single support and to a single type of object to be attached to the support. Rather, in preferred embodiments of the invention, sequences and / or combinations of the respective diagrams can be modified and used to attach a sequence of objects of different types to a support and / or to attach objects to a support with areas of different thicknesses.

[0072] Thus, the described device is adapted to store monitored positions during the fastening process in accordance with lit. b) in claims 1 and 7.

[0073] In particular, to handle different beam thicknesses, the device according to the invention can be programmable by storing relationships between the beam thickness on the one hand and the fastening height SP (adjustment distance) on the other, wherein the fastening height is essentially the distance between the upper and lower deformation tools 12, 14 at the moment when the fastening process is completed. A corresponding example is shown in Fig. 8 shown. According to Fig. 8. There is a linear relationship between the upper and lower limits U, L for the setting distance SP on the one hand and the carrier thickness (fabric thickness) FT on the other. If, after completion of a fastening cycle, the setting distance SP of the fastened object is below the lower limit L, a defect has occurred, for example, the omission of the upper or lower part 30, 32. If the upper limit U is exceeded, a defect has occurred, such as insufficient deformation of the upper part 30 and / or the lower part 32.

[0074] It can be seen from the above that the device described above is adapted to assess during the fastening process whether a distance between the upper and the lower deformation tool 12, 14 is below a lower limit and / or above an upper limit, in accordance with points c) and d) in claims 1 and 7.

[0075] The information gathered via SP and FT, as presented in Fig. 8 shown, can be stored in memory 26 for each type of fastening button and fastening rivet and can be used in respective operating programs stored in memory 26 and controlled by processor 24.

[0076] For example, an operator prepares the information based on the dimensions of the deformed parts and enters it into the memory. The operator can then input information regarding the parts to be fastened using an input device (not shown). As a result, the area enclosed by L and U is defined, within which the thickness of a fastened knob can be judged as a non-defective product.

[0077] In the described device, the upper and lower limits U and L are adjustable, in particular depending on the thickness of the support 34. They can also be adjustable depending on the type of object 30, 32.

[0078] The device described above is programmable to handle, for example, a beam with a first thickness in a first region and a second thickness in a second region. In this case, the device is programmed such that the fastening process is based on a first set of lower and upper limits L and U for handling the first region and on a second set of lower and upper limits L' and U' for handling the second region. Thus, the device can perform the fastening of objects in both regions in a single sequence of cycles, with the cycles being based on different pairs of values ​​L and U.

[0079] The device can also handle different objects in a sequence. As in the case of varying support thicknesses, the device described above can be programmed to use suitable (different) pairs of values ​​L and U according to the sequence of different objects to be fastened. The device is capable of handling a variety of objects and a variety of areas within the same sequence and can manage a range of sequences.

[0080] When a part is attached to a support using this device, the distance between the upper deformation tool 12 and the lower deformation tool 14 (D) is x ) at time (t x) measured in real time, so that if the measurement D1 is not contained within the area enclosed by L and U, it is possible to stop the operation of the machine or to inform the operator, whereupon the operator can immediately search for a defective product.

[0081] Fig. Figure 9 schematically shows the relative positions of the upper and lower sensors 16 and 18 and the upper and lower indicators 20 and 22. For this purpose, it shows Fig. 9a) the initial positions before the assembly process, during Fig. 9b) the position of the elements at t1 ( Fig. 7) shows, i.e., at the moment when the distance D between the upper and lower deformation tools 12, 14 is minimal, i.e., D = D1.

[0082] In Fig. 9. A1 and A2 are the detection ranges of the upper and lower sensors 16, 18, with A1 = A2 = 0 to 4 mm. B1 is the initial distance between the upper sensor 16 and the upper movable part 20. B2 is the initial distance between the lower sensor 18 and the lower movable part 22. The initial distance is the distance before the fastening process begins by moving the upper and lower deformation tools 12, 14, respectively.

[0083] C1 is the distance between the upper sensor 16 and the upper indicator 20 at the moment when the upper indicator 20 is in its lowest position. C2 is the distance between the lower sensor 18 and the lower indicator 22 when the upper indicator 22 is in its highest position.

[0084] The fastening process can be explained using the following example numerical values.

[0085] In the embodiment described above, B1 = 58 mm, B2 = 21 mm, C1 = 2 mm, C2 = 1.5 mm.

[0086] The SP adjustment distance corresponds to G ( Fig. 4) with G = D1 or G = D1 + E. E is an offset with E ≅ -1.5 mm and may or may not be true.

[0087] Fig. Figure 10 shows the distance D = C1 + C2 during the assembly process. According to Fig. 7. The minimum distance D1 does not occur at the end, but before the lower deformation tool 14 reaches its uppermost position. According to Fig. The minimum distance D1 occurs after the lower deformation tool 14 has left its uppermost position. The best results are achieved when the distance D1 occurs at the moment the lower deformation tool 14 is in its uppermost position.

[0088] The features of the invention disclosed in the above description, claims and drawings can be useful for realizing the various embodiments of the invention either individually or in any combination.

[0089] For example, the object may be made at least partially from a material other than metal, such as resin.

[0090] For example, the device of the present invention can be obtained if the upper deformation tool is attached to the main body and does not move in the upper and lower directions, and the lower deformation tool moves in the upper and lower directions with respect to the main body. Conversely, the device of the present invention can also be obtained if the lower deformation tool is attached to the main body and does not move in the upper and lower directions, and the upper deformation tool is able to move in the upper and lower directions with respect to the main body.

Claims

[1] Device for attaching an object (30, 32) to a support (34), the device comprising the following: a main body (10); an upper and a lower deformation tool (12, 14) adapted to deform the object, wherein at least one of the deformation tools is movable with respect to the main body in order to approach the other deformation tool, a force limiting device (36) adapted to limit the force (F2) applied to move the movable deformation tool, and a measuring device (16, 20; 18, 22) adapted to measure the position of the movable deformation tool in relation to the main body and / or in relation to the other deformation tool, characterized by a monitoring device (24) adapted to receive an output signal from the measuring device (16, 20; 18, 22) and to perform at least one of the following operations: a) permanent monitoring of the position of the movable deformation tool (12, 14) in relation to the main body (10) and / or the other deformation tool during a process for attaching the object (30, 32) to the support (34), b) Saving the monitored position at at least one predetermined time during the fastening process, c) Determine, at at least one predetermined time during the fastening process, whether the distance (ΔG1 + ΔG2) between the upper and lower deformation tools (12, 14) is below a lower limit, and d) Determine, at at least one predetermined time during the fastening process, whether the distance (ΔG1 + ΔG2) between the upper and the lower deformation tool (12, 14) is above an upper limit, wherein the device is programmable to handle different thicknesses of the support (34) and / or different objects (30, 32) in a predetermined sequence within the same sequence of fastening cycles. [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the measuring device (16, 20; 18, 22) includes at least one proximity sensor (16, 18). [3] Device according to claim 2, characterized by , that the proximity sensor (16, 18) is held stationary in relation to the main body (10). [4] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the predetermined time is the time at which the distance (ΔG1 + ΔG2) between the upper and lower deformation tools (12, 14) is minimized or at which the fastening process is completed. [5] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the upper limit and / or the lower limit for the distance (ΔG1 + ΔG2) between the upper and the lower deformation tool (12, 14) are preferably adjustable, in particular depending on the thickness of the support (34) and / or depending on the type of object (30, 32). [6] Method for fastening an object (30, 32) to a support (34) using a device comprising a main body (10) and an upper and a lower deformation tool (12, 14), in particular using the device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises the following steps: Moving the upper and / or lower deformation tool to approach the other deformation tool, so that the object is deformed by a force (F2) limited to a predetermined value, wherein the position of the movable deformation tool (12 or 14) is measured in relation to the main body and / or the other deformation tool, and the step of monitoring the fastening process, wherein the monitoring includes at least one of the following operations: a) permanent monitoring of the position of the movable deformation tool (12, 14) in relation to the main body (10) and / or the other deformation tool, b) Saving the monitored position at at least one predetermined time during the fastening process, c) Determine, at at least one predetermined time during the fastening process, whether the distance (ΔG1 + ΔG2) between the upper and lower deformation tools (12, 14) is below a lower limit, and d) Determine, at at least one predetermined time during the fastening process, whether the distance (ΔG1 + ΔG2) between the upper and the lower deformation tool (12, 14) is above an upper limit, characterized by the step of programming the device to handle different thicknesses of the support (34) and / or different objects (30, 32) in a predetermined sequence within the same sequence of fastening cycles. [7] Method according to claim 6, characterized by , that the predetermined time is the time at which the distance (ΔG1 + ΔG2) between the upper and lower deformation tools (12, 14) is minimized or at which the fastening process is completed. [8] Method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by , that the upper limit and / or the lower limit for the distance (ΔG1 + ΔG2) between the upper and the lower deformation tool (12, 14) are preferably adjustable, in particular depending on the thickness of the support (34) and / or depending on the type of object (30, 32).

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