Setting system and feeding device for such a setting system

Abstract

Setting system with at least one feeding device (3) in which, in a feeding process, at least one auxiliary joining element (9) can be fed in a feeding line (21) to a setting device (1) in which the auxiliary joining element (9) can be driven into at least one workpiece (5) in a setting process, wherein the auxiliary joining element (9) is accelerated to a feeding speed (v) in the feeding process by means of at least one acceleration unit (15) controllable by an electronic control unit (16). ist) is accelerating, with which the auxiliary insertion element (9) can be guided to a processing point (V) of the setting device (1) from which the setting process starts, wherein the feeding device (3) has a monitoring module (28) with at least two switching elements (29, 31), wherein the switching elements (29, 31) are arranged one behind the other along the feed line (21) at a distance (s), wherein the switching elements (29, 31) generate a switching signal (S1, S2) when the auxiliary insertion element (9) passes by, and wherein the monitoring module (28) concludes that there is a faulty element feed if at least one of the switching signals (S1, S2) is not present, characterized in that the electronic control unit (16) is integrated into a control loop (R) with which the feeding process can be controlled, and that the feeding speed (v) is controlled by means of the control loop (R) in a first feeding process ist) or a correlated parameter can be recorded as an actual value, so that in a subsequent second feeding process the control unit (16) is based on the recorded actual value (v ist ) the acceleration unit (15) is controlled to ensure error-free element feeding, that in the feeding process the switching elements (29, 31) generate the switching signals (S1, S2) with a time offset, and that the control unit (16) has a timing module (35) that detects the time offset (t) in the signal generation of the switching signals (S1, S2), and a calculation module (37) that calculates the feeding speed (v) based on the time offset (t) and the distance (s) between the two switching elements (29, 31). ist ) determined.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a setting system according to the preamble of claim 1 and a feeding device for such a setting system according to the preamble of claim 8.

[0002] Such a setting system consists of several subsystems, of which the feeding device and the setting tool are particularly important. The feeding device is associated with a singulation unit that separates auxiliary joining elements from a bulk quantity of auxiliary joining elements. The auxiliary joining element is transported to the setting tool by means of a suitable transport line, usually a plastic hose whose geometry is geometrically adapted to the respective element. Various hose geometries are available, for example, hoses with a T-profile, rectangular profile, or round hose. Typical processing systems are those for processing self-piercing rivets, nuts, bolts, or screws. The singulation of the elements from the bulk material within the feeding device is achieved, for example, electrically or pneumatically, or a combination thereof.

[0003] Compressed air is typically used to transport the elements to the setting tool via the feed hose. The elements are accelerated by compressed air and propelled through the hose to the setting tool, where they are decelerated so that the element can be positioned and processed at a defined point. In the current state of the art, there are two main concepts for these systems. Firstly, so-called blowfeed systems, in which transport occurs directly from the feeder to the setting tool, and secondly, magazine systems, in which the elements are transported from the feeder to a transfer station or filling station, where they are passed on to the setting tool in defined quantities, separated again, and then processed. In these magazine systems, there is a deliberate separation within the feed hose.Both system variants use compressed air to transport the components, with compressed air being supplied to each processing system via a central compressed air supply. These processing systems can be robot-guided or stationary.

[0004] In a feeding device, at least one auxiliary joining element is fed to a setting tool via a feed line during a feeding process. The auxiliary joining element fed into the setting tool is then driven into at least one workpiece during a subsequent setting process. During the feeding process, the auxiliary joining element is accelerated by at least one acceleration unit, controllable by an electronic control unit, to a feeding speed sufficient to guide the auxiliary joining element to a processing point within the setting tool. The setting process then begins from this processing point. An incorrect feeding speed results in an incorrect element feed towards the processing point in the setting tool.

[0005] To ensure flawless element feeding, a calibration or adjustment process is performed before the setting system is put into operation. This process sets the required feeding speed for proper element feeding. The adjustment process is labor-intensive.

[0006] A generic setting system is known from US 2020 / 0 406 407 A1. Further setting systems are known from DE 10 2018 132 966 A1, DE 10 2021 115 209 A1, DE 10 2007 061 803 B3, DE 699 06 308 T2, WO 2022 / 180 400 A1, WO 2023 / 086 052 A1 and WO 2016 / 069 189 A1.From DE 10 2018 123 215 A1, a setting system with an element feeder is known, which has the following features: a setting device that is attached to a holding structure, in particular a C-frame or a robot, an element storage unit in which joining elements are held, a receiving unit that is arranged on the setting system and with which joining elements can be received from the element storage unit without the receiving unit and the element storage unit being permanently or connectably connected via an element feeder line, an alignment unit that is connected to the receiving unit and with which joining elements fed from the receiving unit can be automatically aligned into a defined orientation, and a singulation unit with which joining elements fed from the receiving unit can be singulated so that they can be fed individually to the joining device.

[0007] From DE 10 2013 206 547 A1, a riveting device for riveting components in a lap joint is known, comprising an upper tool for driving a rivet into a rivet hole penetrating the components and a lower tool as a counter-holder, which has a deformation section for plastically deforming a rivet shank end driven through the rivet hole. The riveting device has a magazine with a feeding device for feeding a rivet into a firing channel of the upper tool, an actuator for accelerating the rivet introduced into the firing channel of the upper tool towards the components, and an adjustment system for aligning the firing channel with the rivet hole.

[0008] DE 10 2008 018 428 A1 discloses a feeding device that uses either a strip magazine or a rotary magazine. The feeding of the fasteners is carried out stepwise by means of a movable carriage, while when using the rotary magazine, simultaneous loading and unloading of the rotary magazine at different positions is ensured. DE 10 2014 011 608 A1 discloses a transport device for feeding fasteners to a tool for processing the fasteners. The transport device comprises a guide element, which has at least one guide track for at least partially receiving the fasteners, and a movement element by means of which the fasteners can be moved along the guide track relative to the guide element. The movement element has at least one magnetic element by means of which magnetic forces can be provided for moving the fasteners.

[0009] The object of the invention is to provide a setting system and a feeding device for such a setting system in which a flawless element feeding can be ensured in a simple process-technical manner.

[0010] The problem is solved by the features of claim 1 or 8. Preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.

[0011] The invention relates to a setting system with at least one feeding device, in which at least one element or auxiliary joining element can be fed to a setting device via a feed line during a feeding process. The auxiliary joining element fed into the setting device is driven into at least one workpiece during a setting process. During the feeding process, the auxiliary joining element is accelerated by means of at least one acceleration unit, controllable by an electronic control unit, to a feeding speed at which the auxiliary joining element can be guided to a processing point within the setting device. The setting process starts from this processing point. An incorrect feeding speed, i.e., an excessively high or excessively low feeding speed, can result in an incorrect element feeding. According to the characterizing part of claim 1, the electronic control unit is integrated into a control loop.Using the control loop, the feed rate or a correlated parameter is recorded as an actual value in a first feeding process. Based on this recorded actual value, the control unit can then control the acceleration unit in a subsequent second feeding process to adjust the feed rate or the correlated parameter as needed to ensure error-free element feeding.

[0012] In a technical implementation, the control unit can include an evaluation module. This module compares the measured actual value with a target value or setpoint that can be stored in the control unit. Based on this target / actual value comparison, the evaluation module generates a control signal that is used to actuate the acceleration unit.

[0013] Preferably, the actual feed rate of the auxiliary joining element during the feeding process is recorded as a reference value. Against this background, the control loop can include a speed sensor with which the feed rate can be recorded as an actual value.

[0014] In addition to the control loop according to the invention, the control unit comprises a monitoring module with at least two switching elements, in particular initiators. The switching elements can be arranged one behind the other along the feed line at a distance from each other. When the auxiliary joining element passes by during the feeding process, each of the switching elements generates a switching signal. If at least one of the switching signals is missing, the monitoring module concludes that the feeding process is faulty. During the feeding process, the switching elements generate the switching signals with a time delay.

[0015] In a structurally simple implementation, the speed sensor system of the control loop is set up as follows: The control unit has a timing module that detects the time delay in the generation of the switching signals. In addition, the control unit has a calculation module that determines the feed rate based on the measured time delay and the distance between the switching elements.

[0016] Conventionally, the acceleration unit uses an air pressure source to accelerate the auxiliary joining element up to the feeding speed. However, it has been shown that integrating the air pressure source – particularly due to its reduced response sensitivity – into the control loop according to the invention is problematic, especially when several feeding processes occur in quick succession.

[0017] In this case, an optimal feeding speed may only be set after a larger number of feeding and setting operations have been carried out in a calibration / adjustment process.

[0018] Against this background, it is preferable if the acceleration unit does without compressed air and instead generates an electromagnetic or electromechanical acceleration force.

[0019] The following describes different design variants for a feeding device that can be operated without compressed air and that can be used for both blowfeed systems and systems with magazine technology.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the acceleration unit of the feeding device can have a roller drive. The roller drive accelerates the metallic elements so that they can be transported via the feed hose from the singulation device to the setting device.

[0021] For example, the acceleration unit can have a roller drive in which the auxiliary joining element can be accelerated by means of at least one drive roller. The drive roller can be driven by an electric motor, which can be controlled by the control unit. To start the acceleration process, the drive roller presses the auxiliary joining element against a counter-holder with a clamping force. While rotating, the drive roller accelerates the auxiliary joining element up to the feed speed.

[0022] The counter-support can be a sliding contour along which the drive roller accelerates the auxiliary joining element. Alternatively, the counter-support can be designed as a second drive roller, aligned axially parallel to the first drive roller and spaced from it by a roller gap. At the start of the acceleration process, the auxiliary joining element is positioned in this roller gap. The electric motor can be driven by both the first and second drive rollers via a gear stage. The two drive rollers rotate in opposite directions during the acceleration process.

[0023] The acceleration of the individual element (rivet element) is achieved via at least one roller driven without compressed air (e.g., by an electric motor), or a pair of rollers driven without compressed air, or several rollers or pairs of rollers arranged in series and driven without compressed air. When using pairs of rollers, their direction of rotation is opposite and oriented so that the element is accelerated from the feeding device to the setting device. When using several pairs of rollers arranged in series, the rotational speed of the roller pairs must be selected so that the element is further accelerated. The speed of the second pair of rollers must therefore be at least equal to, or greater than, the rotational speed of the first pair. The geometry of the rollers is adapted to the geometry of the element being conveyed, so that it can be geometrically guided and accelerated accordingly.

[0024] The roller(s) themselves can be made of a single piece or multiple pieces. In multi-piece rollers, the inner part consists of a primary material and serves to absorb the force from the roller drive. The second, outer section can be made of a second material and serves to transmit the force from the rotating roller to the element. To improve the transmission of force between the roller and the element being accelerated, the part of the roller that contacts the element can be designed, for example, with a rubber coating, to create maximum friction between the roller and the element, ensuring that the element is guided and accelerated with minimal slippage.

[0025] The power transmission between the roller drive and the rotating roller can be direct or via a gear ratio, so that the acceleration of the element can be continuously adjusted via the roller speed.

[0026] The element is transported via standard hose lines. It should be possible to continuously adjust the speed of the rollers or roller pairs in a coordinated manner. Options for this include selecting the appropriate drive motor, using a suitable gear ratio between the motor and the drive roller(s), and incorporating a controller for stepless speed adjustment of the drive motor. This allows for stepless regulation of the speed of the connecting element and its delivery to the setting device at a defined speed.

[0027] In summary, the roller accelerator essentially consists of a power source, at least one drive motor, a switch and at least one drive roller which is geometrically matched to the contour of the connecting element.

[0028] The feed velocity at the outlet of the feed line, and thus at the inlet to the setting head on the setting machine, can be between 5 m / s and 40 m / s, preferably between 10 m / s and 25 m / s, ideally between 10 m / s and 22 m / s, with the acceleration unit (e.g., the roller drive) being controlled to this feed velocity. The feed velocity can be detected at the hose outlet and used to control the coil accelerator. The control can be automated, e.g., implemented as a self-learning system. The rotational speed of at least one drive roller is continuously and precisely adjustable via the speed of the drive motor and a possible gear ratio, e.g., via a potentiometer or a speed controller. This allows the acceleration force acting on the element to be precisely adjusted and controlled. In the case of a pair of rollers, the direction of rotation of the rollers is opposite, so that the element is accelerated towards the setting machine.

[0029] In a roller drive, the drive rollers can be manufactured as a single piece or in multiple pieces. The surface of the rollers can be designed to accelerate the element with minimal slippage. This can be achieved through the surface material or the geometric design of the surface. The hose assembly can have a length of up to 50 m, preferably between 1 m and 35 m, more precisely between 5 m and 25 m.

[0030] Furthermore, a combination of at least one roller drive with a pressureless air flow generated directly at the system is possible. The pressureless air flow reduces the sliding friction between the element and the inner wall of the supply line.

[0031] For example, the hose assembly can be made of plastic (PA, PE, or similar) and have a cross-sectional profile adapted to the element, such as a T-profile, rectangular profile, or round profile. The systems can be designed similarly to a blowfeed system or a magazine system. Changing the setting devices can be facilitated by a suitable docking system. The overall system can also have multiple feeding devices that can then transfer the elements into the feed line via a diverter valve. The setting system can be robot-guided or stationary (same speed at the hose outlet regardless of hose routing and bending radii).

[0032] In another embodiment, the acceleration unit can be a piston / cylinder unit with a single piston. The piston is guided in a piston housing and can be tensioned by a preload spring. The piston also defines an air compression chamber within the piston housing. To initiate the acceleration process, the auxiliary joining element is positioned at the piston housing outlet. The spring-tensioned piston is then abruptly released, generating a burst of compressed air in the air compression chamber. This burst of compressed air accelerates the auxiliary joining element up to the feed velocity. An electric motor, controllable by the control unit, can be assigned to the piston / cylinder unit. The electric motor allows adjustment of spring parameters of the preload spring acting on the piston, such as the spring travel or the spring characteristic.By adjusting these spring parameters, the feed rate of the auxiliary joining element is adapted to the setpoint stored in the electronic control unit within the control loop.

[0033] In the piston / cylinder unit described above, the elements are accelerated by a piston, precisely matched to the element geometry, and a corresponding piston housing in which the piston is accelerated and decelerated. The piston's acceleration is achieved via a spring. The feed hose is attached to the end of the piston housing. Here, the element is transferred from the piston housing to the transport line. The piston is connected to the piston spring. By tensioning the spring, the piston is moved into a defined starting position. In this state, the riveting element can be inserted into the piston housing. The spring is tensioned without compressed air, for example, by an electric motor. The electric motor can tension the spring directly or via a mechanical tensioning mechanism, such as a gearbox, a tensioning lever, or similar device.

[0034] A sudden release of the spring accelerates the piston in the piston housing (barrel) towards the element, transferring the resulting kinetic energy to the element. The accelerated element is then transferred at the end of the piston housing to the flexible feed hose and conveyed to the setting tool or the magazine filling station on the setting tool. The acceleration of the element can be precisely controlled via the spring, its spring characteristic, and its travel, ensuring that the element is transferred to the setting tool at the desired speed and subsequently processed.

[0035] The spring and piston are positioned in a defined location behind the element and are under tension. The transport line is attached to the piston housing in such a way that, upon exiting the piston housing, the element is transferred to the transport line and subsequently conveyed via the feed line to the setting device.

[0036] In summary, the spring piston essentially consists of a power source, at least one drive motor, a spring, a piston, a piston housing, and optionally, a mechanical component (lever, gears). Furthermore, a combination of several spring pistons within the feed section is possible (stop station with re-acceleration of the element via a second spring piston). Additional accelerators can be arranged along the feed line (for example, divided into segments) such that the element is decelerated to a standstill and then re-accelerated from a defined position via another spring piston.

[0037] The kinetic energy of the spring piston is adjustable via the spring, the spring travel, and the spring characteristic curve. This allows the acceleration of the element to be precisely adjusted and controlled via the spring travel (the distance traveled to compress the spring). The velocity at the hose outlet is measured and used to control the compression travel, with the control process being automated, e.g., as a self-learning system.

[0038] In another embodiment, the acceleration unit can be an electromagnetic accelerator with at least one electrical coil. The auxiliary joining element can be accelerated by a magnetic field generated by the coil. The current flow through the coil can be adjusted, for example, by means of a current regulator controllable by the control unit.

[0039] The coil of the electromagnetic accelerator can therefore generate a magnetic field with which the metallic element can be accelerated, so that it can be transported via the feed hose from the singulation device to the setting device.

[0040] The magnetic field in the electrical coil can be generated using a capacitor. The element, for example a rivet, a semi-hollow rivet, a nut, a bolt, or a screw, is attracted by the electromagnetic force and thereby accelerated. The acceleration depends on the strength of the magnetic field.

[0041] Transport is achieved via standard hose lines. It is possible to combine several units consisting of a power source, capacitor, coil, switch, and optionally a potentiometer, to accelerate the element to a defined speed and feed it to the setting device.

[0042] In summary, the electromagnetic accelerator can essentially consist of a power source, at least one electrical coil, at least one capacitor, and a switch. Furthermore, a combination of several electromagnetic accelerators can be used within the feed line, which together can accelerate and / or decelerate the element in a defined manner (the speed can be regulated to a specific velocity at the end of the hose to ensure reliable processing). Additional accelerators can be arranged along the feed line (divided into segments).

[0043] In another embodiment, the acceleration unit can be an electromagnetic rail accelerator. The current flow through the rail accelerator can be adjusted by means of a current regulator controllable by the control unit.

[0044] According to another embodiment, the acceleration unit of the feeding device can be an electromagnetic rail accelerator. In this case, acceleration occurs via two adjacent current-carrying rails that attract or repel each other depending on the direction of the current. The metallic auxiliary joining element is positioned between the two current-carrying rails (conductors). The rails are geometrically adapted to the element's geometry and guide it, enabling transfer into the feed hose for transport from the feeding device to the insertion tool. The metallic connecting element between the two conductors, which are geometrically adapted to the element's geometry, closes the circuit, thereby generating a current flow and, consequently, a magnetic field perpendicular to the surface between the rails.The current flows through the element perpendicular to the magnetic field, generating a constant force perpendicular to both the current-carrying element and the magnetic field, accelerating the element in the direction of the force. The acceleration depends on the strength of the magnetic field.

[0045] The transport is carried out via conventional hose lines. The current intensity, and thus the resulting magnetic field and the acceleration force on the element, can be precisely adjusted using a potentiometer.

[0046] This makes it possible to continuously regulate the speed of the element and feed it to the setting device at a defined speed. A capacitor or a flywheel generator can be used as the power source.

[0047] By applying a time-controlled current to the rail accelerator, the current flow is closed via the element, accelerating the element in the area of ​​the rail accelerator and then transporting it to the setting device via the supply line.

[0048] In summary, the rail accelerator essentially consists of a power source, at least one capacitor or flywheel generator, a switch, and two rails geometrically matched to the contour of the connecting element, one of which carries a positive current and the other a negative current, with the current flow between the two rails being established via the element.

[0049] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying figures. These show: Fig. Figures 1 to 7 show different views, illustrating the structure and function of the setting system according to the invention.

[0050] In the Fig. Figure 1 indicates a setting system to the extent necessary for understanding the invention. The setting system comprises a setting device 1 with which an auxiliary joining element 9 (for example, a semi-tubular punch rivet) can be driven into a sheet metal assembly 5 in an indicated setting process. For this purpose, the setting device 1 has a setting punch 7 which drives an auxiliary joining element 9 into the component assembly 5 in the setting direction. In the Fig. In section 1, the auxiliary joining element 9 is positioned axially below the setting punch 7 in a processing point V of the setting device 1. In processing point V, the element head of the auxiliary joining element 9 is engaged by retaining clips, of which in the Fig. Figure 1 shows only a retaining detent 57. The spring-loaded retaining detent 57 is pressed towards the release position by the element head of the auxiliary joining element 9 during the setting stroke. The component assembly 5 is also supported on its side facing away from the setting side on a die 10 of the setting device. In addition, the setting device 1 presses the component assembly 5 with a holding force F by means of a hold-down sleeve 11. N against the die 10. In the setting process, the auxiliary joining element 9 is accelerated in the direction of the component assembly 5 by means of the setting punch 7 within the hold-down sleeve 11.

[0051] As from the Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the setting system comprises, in addition to the setting device 1, a feeding device 3 with an acceleration unit 15 and a singulation unit 17. In preparation for a feeding process, the singulation unit 17 separates the auxiliary joining elements 9 from a bulk material 19, which consists of a plurality of auxiliary joining elements 9. The separated auxiliary joining element 9 is conveyed to the acceleration unit 15. In the acceleration unit 15, the auxiliary joining element 9 is accelerated to a feeding speed v. ist The material is accelerated and guided via a plastic hose 21 to a metal feed elbow 23 of the setting device 1. Directly after the elbow outlet of the metal feed elbow 23, a locking pawl 25 reducing the conductor cross-section is located in the setting head and is pressed into its locking position by a spring element 27. The processing point V is located according to the Fig. 1 in axial alignment above the hold-down sleeve 11.

[0052] The following errors are possible during element feeding: If the feeding speed is excessively low v ist The auxiliary joining element 9 to be supplied cannot overcome the locking pawl 25, so that the auxiliary joining element 9 cannot be inserted into the Fig. The processing point V of the setting device 1 shown in the diagram can be reached. If the feed rate v is excessively high, the material may enter the device. ist The auxiliary joining element 9 does indeed force the locking pawl 25 into its release position. However, in the subsequent movement, the auxiliary joining element 9 strikes the inner wall of the retaining sleeve 11 with excessive kinematic energy and rebounds from there in the opposite direction. The rebounding auxiliary joining element 9 can therefore, if the locking pawl 25 is still in its release position, be flung back into the metal feed loop 23.

[0053] As from the Fig. As further shown in Figure 1, the acceleration unit 15 can be controlled by means of an electronic control unit 16, whose program modules are described later. The control unit 16 has a monitoring module 28, which is in signal communication with two ring initiators 29, 31. The two ring initiators 29, 31 are arranged one behind the other along the plastic hose 21 at a distance s. Each of the two ring initiators 29, 31 generates a switching signal S1, S2 when the auxiliary joining element 9 passes by. If at least one of the switching signals S1, S2 is absent, the monitoring module 28 concludes that there is a faulty feeding process. By way of example, if one of the two switching signals S1, S2 is absent, the monitoring module 28 generates a stop signal S. stopp , with which the acceleration unit 15 can be deactivated and / or with which a corresponding warning message can be generated in a warning display 33.

[0054] To ensure a flawless element feed to the setting device 1, the following measures have been taken: The electronic control unit 16 is integrated into a control loop R, which controls the feed rate v. ist during the element feed, automatically adjusts to a target value v s is customizable.

[0055] With regard to a simple measurement of the feed rate v ist The switching signals S1, S2 from the two ring initiators 29, 31 are fed to a timing module 35 of the electronic control unit 16. The timing module 35 detects a time offset t in the signal generation of the two switching signals S1, S2. The electronic control unit 16 also includes a calculation module 37. This module determines the feed rate v based on the time offset t and the distance s between the two ring initiators 29, 31. ist The feed rate v istThe data is fed to an evaluation module 39 of the electronic control unit 16. The evaluation module 39 compares the measured actual feed rate v. ist with the target specification v s , which is stored in a target specification block 42 of the electronic control unit 16. Based on this target / actual comparison, the evaluation block 39 generates a control signal S, which can be used to control the acceleration unit 15 during the subsequent feeding process, in order to adjust the feeding speed v if necessary. ist to adjust it so that error-free element feeding is ensured.

[0056] In the Fig. 2, Fig. 3 and Fig. Figures 5, 6a, and 6b indicate different embodiments of the acceleration unit 15. The [examples of embodiments] are shown in the Fig. The acceleration units 15 indicated in 2 to 5 as well as 6a and 6b each operate without compressed air; rather, an electromagnetic or electromechanical acceleration force is exerted on the auxiliary joining element 9.

[0057] In the Fig. 2 The acceleration unit 15 has a roller drive in which the auxiliary joining element 9 can be accelerated by a drive roller 41. The drive roller 41 is driven by an electric motor 40, which can be controlled by the electromechanical control unit 16 with the control signal S. At the start of the acceleration process, the drive roller 41 presses the auxiliary joining element 9 against a sliding contour 43. With rotational movement of the drive roller 41, the auxiliary joining element 9, which is clamped between the drive roller 41 and the sliding contour 43, is accelerated up to the feed speed v. ist accelerated.

[0058] In the Fig. Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment in which the counter-support is not designed as a sliding contour 43, but rather as a second drive roller 45, which is aligned axially parallel to the first drive roller 41 and spaced from the first drive roller 41 by a roller gap. To start the acceleration process, the auxiliary joining element 9 is clamped in the roller gap of the drive roller pair.

[0059] In the Fig. In figures 4a to 4c, the acceleration unit 15 is implemented as a spring piston or as a piston / cylinder unit, specifically with a spring-loaded piston 49 guided in a piston housing 47, which defines an air compression chamber 51 in the piston housing 47. To start the acceleration process, the auxiliary joining element 9 is positioned at a piston housing outlet axially opposite the piston 49 ( Fig. 4a). In addition, the piston 49 is brought into its cocked state ( Fig. 4b). Under sudden relaxation of piston 49 ( Fig. 4c) A burst of compressed air is generated in the air compression chamber 51. The compressed air burst moves the auxiliary joining element 9 up to the feed velocity v. ist accelerated.

[0060] The piston / cylinder unit is also assigned an electric motor (not shown) which can be controlled by the control unit 16 with the control signal S, with which spring parameters of the preload spring 53 acting on the piston 49 can be adjusted, such as a spring travel and / or a spring characteristic curve.

[0061] In the Fig. The acceleration unit 15 is implemented as an electromagnetic accelerator with at least one electrical coil 55. The auxiliary joining element 9 is accelerated by a magnetic field generated by the coil 55. The current flow through the coil 55 is controlled by a current regulator that can be controlled by the electronic control unit 16.

[0062] Alternatively, in the Fig. 6a and Fig. 6b The acceleration unit 15 is implemented as an electromagnetic rail accelerator. The current flow through the rail accelerator is adjustable by means of a current regulator controllable by the electronic control unit 16.

[0063] The rail accelerator has two adjacent current-carrying rails 59, which attract or repel each other depending on the direction of the current. The metallic auxiliary joining element 9 is positioned between the two current-carrying rails 59 (i.e., conductors). The rails 59 are geometrically adapted to the element geometry and guide the element 9 in such a way that transfer into the feed hose 21 for transport to the setting device 1 is possible. The metallic auxiliary joining element 9 between the two geometrically adapted rails 59 closes the circuit, thereby generating a current flow and, consequently, a magnetic field perpendicular to the surface between the rails 59. The current flows orthogonally through the auxiliary joining element 9, generating a constant force perpendicular to both the current-carrying auxiliary joining element 9 and the magnetic field, and moving the auxiliary joining element 9 in the direction of the force F ( Fig. 6a) accelerates. The acceleration depends on the strength of the magnetic field.

[0064] In the Fig. Figure 7 indicates a setting system according to a further embodiment. The structure and function of the system described in the Fig. The 7 settling system shown is essentially identical in structure and function to the one shown in the Fig. 1. Therefore, reference is made to the preliminary description. In contrast to the Fig. 1 is in the Fig. 7 the feeding device 3 of the setting system a self-learning system in which, prior to commissioning the system, at least one teaching feeding process is carried out based on a teaching target specification v s,0 is carried out. In the Fig. 7 The electronic control unit 16 additionally has a correction module 61, with which the learning target value v s,0 after the training and input process has been completed, a correction target specification is set v s,Kis correctable. This allows a subsequent feeding process to be carried out based on the correction target value. s,K be performed.

[0065] Correction module 61 is connected to a test module 63. This module checks the feeding result during the teach-in feeding process, i.e., it verifies whether the auxiliary joining element 9 is correctly positioned in the processing location V of the setting device 1. Based on the feeding result detected by test module 63, correction module 61 generates the target correction value v. s,K . REFERENCE MARK LIST: 1 setting device 3 Feeding device 5 Sheet metal composite 7 setting stamps 9 Auxiliary joining element 10 die 11 Hold-down sleeve 15 Acceleration unit 17 singulation units 19 Bulk goods 21 plastic hose assembly 23 metal feed arches 25 Locking pawl 27 Spring element 28 Monitoring module 29, 31 Ring initiators 33 Warning indicator 35 Timing module 37 Calculation module 39 Evaluation module 40 electric motor 41 Drive roller 42 Target specification module 43 Sliding contour 45 second drive roller 47 Piston housing 49 pistons 51 Air compression chamber 53 Preload spring 55 Coil 57 retaining clips 59 rails 61 Correction module 63 test unit V ist Actual feed rate s distance v s Target specification t time offset S1, S2 switching signals S control signal Stop signal R control loop F N Suppressing force V Processing point F Acceleration force

Claims

[1] Setting system with at least one feeding device (3) in which, in a feeding process, at least one auxiliary joining element (9) can be fed in a feeding line (21) to a setting device (1) in which the auxiliary joining element (9) can be driven into at least one workpiece (5) in a setting process, wherein the auxiliary joining element (9) is accelerated to a feeding speed (v) in the feeding process by means of at least one acceleration unit (15) controllable by an electronic control unit (16). ist) is accelerating, with which the auxiliary joining element (9) can be guided to a processing point (V) of the setting device (1) from which the setting process starts, wherein the feeding device (3) has a monitoring module (28) with at least two switching elements (29, 31), wherein the switching elements (29, 31) are arranged one behind the other along the feed line (21) at a distance (s), wherein the switching elements (29, 31) generate a switching signal (S1, S2) when the auxiliary joining element (9) passes by, and wherein the monitoring module (28) concludes that there is a faulty element feed if at least one of the switching signals (S1, S2) is not present, characterized by , that the electronic control unit (16) is integrated into a control loop (R) with which the feeding process can be controlled, and that by means of the control loop (R) the feeding speed (v) can be controlled in a first feeding process ist) or a correlated parameter can be recorded as an actual value, so that in a subsequent second feeding process the control unit (16) is based on the recorded actual value (v ist ) the acceleration unit (15) is controlled to ensure error-free element feeding, that in the feeding process the switching elements (29, 31) generate the switching signals (S1, S2) with a time offset, and that the control unit (16) has a timing module (35) that detects the time offset (t) in the signal generation of the switching signals (S1, S2), and a calculation module (37) that calculates the feeding speed (v) based on the time offset (t) and the distance (s) between the two switching elements (29, 31). ist ) determined. [2] Setting system according to claim 1, characterized by , that the control unit (16) has an evaluation module (39) which displays the recorded actual value (v ist ) with a target value that can be stored in the control unit (16) (vs ) compares, and that the control unit (16) generates a control signal (S) on the basis of this comparison, with which the acceleration unit (15) can be controlled. [3] Setting system according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by , that the feeding device (3) is a self-learning system, and that the self-learning system includes at least one training feeding process based on a training setpoint (v s,0 ) is feasible, and that the electronic control unit (16) has a correction module (61) with which the learning setpoint (v s,0 ) after the training input process has been carried out, into a target correction specification (v s,K ) is correctable, so that a subsequent feeding process can be carried out based on the correction target specification (v s,K) is feasible, and that the correction module (61) is in signal connection with a test module (63) which checks a feeding result of the teach-in feeding process, i.e. the position of the auxiliary joining element (9) in the processing point (V) in the setting device (1), and that the correction module (61) determines the correction target value (v) based on the feeding result detected by the test module (63). s,K ) generated. [4] Setting system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the acceleration unit (15) generates an electromagnetic or electromechanical acceleration force (F), and that the acceleration unit (15) is provided in combination with a preferably pressureless air volume flow by means of which the sliding friction between the auxiliary joining element (9) and the inner wall of the supply line (21) can be reduced. [5] Setting system according to claim 4, characterized by, that the acceleration unit (15) has a roller drive in which the auxiliary joining element (9) can be accelerated by means of at least one drive roller (41), and that the drive roller (41) can be driven by means of an electric motor (40) which can be controlled by the control unit (16) with the control signal (S), and that in the acceleration process the drive roller (41) presses the auxiliary joining element (9) - transversely to the direction of acceleration - against a counter-holder (43, 45) and, under rotational movement, up to the feed speed (v ist) accelerates, and / or that the counterholder (43, 45) is a sliding contour (43) along which the drive roller (41) accelerates the auxiliary joining element (9), or that the counterholder (43, 45) is a second drive roller (45) which is aligned axially parallel to the first drive roller (41) and is spaced from the first drive roller (41) by a roller gap in which the auxiliary joining element (9) is clamped to start the acceleration process. [6] Setting system according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by, that the acceleration unit (15) is a piston / cylinder unit with a spring-loaded piston (49) guided in a piston housing (47), which defines an air compression chamber (51) in the piston housing (47), that the auxiliary joining element (9) is arranged at the piston housing outlet to start the acceleration process, that a burst of compressed air can be generated in the air compression chamber (51) by sudden relaxation of the piston (49), with which the auxiliary joining element (9) is brought up to the supply velocity (v ist ) is accelerating, and that the piston / cylinder unit is assigned an electric motor that can be controlled by the control unit (16), which can be adjusted by means of the spring parameter of the preload spring (53) acting on the piston (49), such as spring travel, spring characteristic. [7] Setting system according to claim 4, characterized by, that the acceleration unit (15) is an electromagnetic accelerator with at least one electrical coil (55), and that the auxiliary joining element (9) can be accelerated via a magnetic field generated by the coil (55), and that the current flow through the coil (55) is adjustable by means of a current regulator controllable by the control unit (16), or that the acceleration unit (15) is an electromagnetic rail accelerator, and that the current flow through the rail accelerator is adjustable by means of a current regulator controllable by the control unit (16). [8] Feeding device (3) for a setting system, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, in which feeding device (3) the at least one auxiliary joining element (9) can be fed in a feeding process in a feed line (21) to a setting device (1) in which the auxiliary joining element (9) can be driven into at least one workpiece (5) in a setting process, wherein the auxiliary joining element (9) is accelerated in the feeding process by means of at least one acceleration unit (15) controllable by an electronic control unit (16) to a feeding speed (v ist) is accelerating, with which the auxiliary joining element (9) can be guided to a processing point (V) of the setting device (1) from which the setting process starts, wherein the feeding device (3) has a monitoring module (28) with at least two switching elements (29, 31), wherein the switching elements (29, 31) are arranged one behind the other along the feed line (21) at a distance (s), wherein the switching elements (29, 31) generate a switching signal (S1, S2) when the auxiliary joining element (9) passes by, and wherein the monitoring module (28) concludes that there is a faulty element feed if at least one of the switching signals (S1, S2) is not present, characterized by , that the electronic control unit (16) is integrated into a control loop (R) with which the feed rate (v) is controlled in a first feeding process. ist) or a correlated parameter can be recorded as an actual value, and that in a subsequent second feeding process the control unit (16) is based on the recorded actual value (v ist ) the acceleration unit (15) is controlled to ensure error-free element feeding, that in the feeding process the switching elements (29, 31) generate the switching signals (S1, S2) with a time offset, and that the control unit (16) has a timing module (35) that detects the time offset (t) in the signal generation of the switching signals (S1, S2), and a calculation module (37) that calculates the feeding speed (v) based on the time offset (t) and the distance (s) between the two switching elements (29, 31). ist ) determined.

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