Setting system

Abstract

The invention relates to a setting system with a support structure (1), in particular a C-frame, and with a setting device (9) comprising a setting head (13) and a setting drive (11), wherein a setting punch (17) driven by the setting drive (11) is guided in the setting head (13), which, in a setting process, drives an auxiliary joining element (19) along a feed axis (A) in the setting direction into at least one workpiece, and wherein a feed unit (23) located laterally outside the setting device (9) is attached to the setting head (13), by means of which the auxiliary joining element (19) can be guided into the setting head (13). According to the invention, the setting system has an actuator (26) with which the feed unit (23) can be adjusted in a rotational angle about the feed axis (A).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a setting system according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Such a setting system consists of several subsystems, of which the feeding unit and the setting device are particularly important. The feeding unit is associated with a singulation unit, which separates auxiliary joining elements from a bulk quantity of auxiliary joining elements. The auxiliary joining element is transported to the setting device by means of a suitable transport line, usually a plastic hose whose geometry is 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 unit is achieved, for example, by electric motor, pneumatically, or a combination of both.

[0003] Compressed air is typically used to transport the elements to the insertion tool via the feed hose. The elements are accelerated by compressed air and propelled through the hose to the insertion 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 feed unit to the insertion tool, and secondly, so-called magazine systems, in which the elements are transported from the feed unit to a transfer station or filling station, where they are passed on to the insertion tool in defined quantities, separated again, and then processed. These magazine systems thus feature 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 such a setting system, the feeding unit has a rigid, metallic feed arch that runs laterally outside the setting device and is securely attached to the setting head of the setting device. The feed arch is attached, for example, via a bayonet fitting. In the prior art, the feed arch can be mounted once at a freely definable angular position on the setting head using the bayonet fitting. Once its angular position is defined, adjusting the feed arch around a feed axis of the setting punch running in the setting direction is only possible with considerable effort. This means that adjustment is impossible without manually changing the position. This is based on the principle that the angular position of the feed arch is deliberately defined only once to prevent any adjustment during the process and program flow, thus avoiding collisions with components, clamping devices, or other interfering contours.

[0005] When using the placement system for differently positioned joining points, for example in a vehicle body, the following problem arises: The component environment at the various joining points can vary. Due to this varying component environment, the feed unit (i.e., the feed arc on the placement head) may create an interference contour. Therefore, in the prior art, several placement systems with feed units are used, the rotational angle of which is specifically adapted to the component environment of the joining point being processed.

[0006] DE 10 2017 209 118 A1 discloses a setting system of this type, in which the feed unit is adjustable by means of a servo motor within a rotational angle. A similar setting system is known from DE 699 06 308 T2. DE 10 2013 108 882 A1 discloses a positioning device for a rivet setting machine, the setting head and rivet feed unit of which can be variably moved to different setting positions relative to the setting head, wherein the setting head and feed unit are mounted on a rotatably mounted gear which can be rotated into any desired position via a cooperating pinion driven by a motor.

[0007] From DE 601 10 741 T2 a rotary device for a setting machine is known, with a head piece, in particular a C-frame, and a rotatable receiver attached thereto, which receives rivets in order to set them on a workpiece.

[0008] The object of the invention is to provide a setting system in which, compared to the prior art, the manufacturing effort for processing joints with different component environments is reduced.

[0009] The problem is solved by the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.

[0010] The invention relates to a setting system with a support structure, in particular a C-frame, and with a setting device attached thereto. The setting device consists of a setting head and a setting drive. A setting punch, driven by the setting drive, is guided in the setting head. In a setting process, this punch drives an auxiliary joining element along a feed axis in the setting direction into at least one workpiece. The setting system also has a feed unit located laterally outside the setting device, which is attached to the setting head. The feed unit guides the auxiliary joining element into the setting head. According to the characterizing part of claim 1, the following measures are taken to adapt the setting system to joining points with different component environments: For example, an actuator is provided to adjust the rotational angular position of the feed unit, with which the feed unit can be adjusted in a rotational angular position about the feed axis.In this way, depending on the component environment of the joint to be processed, an electronic control unit of the setting system can control the actuator in such a way that the feed unit does not form a disruptive contour during the processing of the joint.

[0011] With the setting system according to the invention, the position of the feed arch, and thus the position of the setting head, can be automatically adjusted for each joining point. Furthermore, virtually any position around the feed axis of the setting drive is possible. The position can be approached with repeatable accuracy using the actuator motor, with a deviation of, for example, less than 2°, and can be monitored and controlled via appropriate sensors to prevent collisions with the component environment or with a clamping device.

[0012] In a first embodiment, the setting head can be rotatably mounted coaxially to the feed axis at a pivot point on the setting drive housing. The setting drive housing, however, is fixed to the support structure. In this case, the actuator is driven by the setting head to change the angular position of the feed unit mounted on the setting head. The setting drive, on the other hand, is fixed to the support structure, for example, via corresponding mounting slots and T-nuts and / or screw connections. In this case, relative movement between the setting drive and the support structure is not possible. The rotation required to change the position of the feed sheet must therefore be achieved by a rotational relative movement of the setting head to the setting drive.

[0013] In a specific embodiment, the setting system can be a closed setting system in which the support structure is a C-frame or C-bracket. This frame has a support leg to which the setting tool is attached and a counter leg on which a die, aligned with the feed axis, is positioned. For example, the actuator can be arranged in a space-saving and interference-free manner within a space spanned between the two legs. In the closed setting system, the C-frame forms a closed force circuit, reliably preventing any counter-movement or springback of the setting tool during the setting process.

[0014] In another embodiment, the setting device can be rotatably mounted at a pivot point of the support structure, particularly the C-frame, while the setting head is fixedly connected to the setting drive. In this case, there is no relative movement between the setting drive and the setting head, but rather relative movement between the setting drive and the C-frame. For changing the angular position of the feed unit, the actuator can be driven by the setting device, particularly the setting drive.

[0015] In the embodiment described above, the support leg of the C-frame can be designed with a bearing eye at its free leg end, in which the setting device is rotatably mounted via a rotary bearing. The setting drive of the setting device can project outwards beyond the outer surface of the support leg of the C-frame by a profile height. An inner corner area is therefore created between the outwardly projecting setting drive and the support leg of the C-frame. According to the invention, the actuator can be positioned in this inner corner area in a space-saving and interference-free manner.

[0016] To achieve reliable control of the rotational position, it is preferred that the actuator is integrated into a control loop, together with an electronic control unit and sensors capable of detecting the actual rotational position of the feeder unit. Depending on the detected actual rotational position and / or a target rotational position, the electronic control unit can control the actuator with a signal so that the feeder unit can assume the desired rotational position. In particular, the control unit can regulate the rotational position of the feeder unit based on the component environment of the joint being machined. The control of the rotational movement can be achieved either solely via the control system of the process device and / or via an industrial robot.When the control system is combined with an industrial robot, this is carried out via a virtual robot axis.

[0017] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0018] They show: Fig. 1 to 4 different views, which illustrate the structure and function of the setting system.

[0019] In the Fig. Figure 1 indicates a setting system to the extent necessary for understanding the invention. The setting system comprises a C-frame 1, which is formed with a support leg 3 and a counter-support leg 5 spaced apart from it. The support leg 3 has a mounting eye 7 at its leg end, in which a setting device 9 is mounted. The setting device 9 can be subdivided into a setting drive 11 and a setting head 13. The setting head 13 is in the Fig. 2 is connected to a hold-down piston 18 of the setting drive 11 by means of a union nut 20 in a rotationally fixed manner. A setting punch 17, driven by a drive piston 15 of the setting drive 11, is guided in the setting head 13. During a setting process, the setting head 13 is first moved downwards in the setting direction along a feed axis A by the hold-down piston 18 of the setting drive 11, and subsequently the setting punch 17 is moved downwards by the drive piston 15 of the setting drive 11, in order to drive an auxiliary joining element 19 into at least one workpiece, which is supported on a die 21 of the counter support leg 5 of the C-frame 1.

[0020] The insertion system also includes a feeding unit 23 with a rigid, metallic feeding arch 25. This is fixedly mounted on the insertion head 13. With the aid of the feeding unit 23, the auxiliary joining element 19 is fed into a position in the Fig. The processing position shown in Figure 2 is transported, in which the auxiliary joining element 19 is located in axial alignment below the setting punch 17. Fig. 1 The feed unit 23 is positioned laterally outside the setting device 9, in a common plane with the C-frame 1, which is designed as a flat profile, and with the setting device 9. In addition, it projects beyond the Fig. 1 the approximately cylindrical setting drive 11 the outside of the support leg 3 of the C-frame 1 with a profile height h.

[0021] A key aspect of the invention is that the setting system for adjusting the rotational angular position of the feed unit 23 about the feed axis A includes an actuator 26. This actuator is connected via a [unclear] in the Fig. 1 and Fig. The gear stage 27 is indicated in relation to the housing 29 of the actuator 11. The actuator housing 29 is in the Fig. 2 with an intermediate rotary bearing 31 in the mounting eye 7 of the support leg 3 of the C-frame 1.

[0022] According to the Fig. In this case, the actuator 26 is integrated into a control loop together with an electronic control unit 33 and a sensor 35 that detects the actual angular position of the feed unit 23. Based on the detected actual angular position and / or a target angular position, the electronic control unit 33 can control the actuator with a control signal y to adjust the feed unit 23 to the desired angular position. In this way, the electronic control unit 33 can set a disturbance-free angular position of the feed unit 23, depending on the specific component environment of the joining point to be machined.

[0023] As from the Fig. 1 and Fig. As further shown in Figure 2, an inner corner area 37 is spanned between the setting drive and the outer side of the support leg 3 of the C-frame 1, in which the actuator 26 is arranged in a space-saving and interference-free manner.

[0024] In the Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 shows a setting system according to a second embodiment. Its construction and function are essentially identical to those of the first embodiment. Therefore, reference is made to the preliminary description. In contrast to the first embodiment, in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. The setting device 9 is not rotatably mounted via a pivot bearing 31 in the mounting eye 7 of the support leg 3 of the C-frame 1, but rather is fixedly mounted in the mounting eye 7. In order to nevertheless allow adjustment of the rotational angle of the feed unit 23, a pivot bearing 31 is provided in the mounting eye 7. Fig. 2 and Fig.3 The setting head 13 is rotatably mounted on the hold-down piston 18 of the setting drive 11 via a rotary bearing 39. The actuator 26 is arranged in a space-saving manner between the support leg 3 and the counter-support leg 5 of the C-frame 1 and is connected to the setting head 13 via a gear stage 27 (only schematically indicated). REFERENCE MARK LIST: 1 C-frame 3 carrying legs 5 Counter-holder legs 7 Mounting eye 9 Setting device 11 Setting drive 13 Set head 15 drive pistons 17 setting stamps 18 hold-down pistons 19 Auxiliary joining element 20 Union nuts 21 die 23 Feed unit 25 feed sheets 26 Actuator 27 gear stage 29 Setting drive housings 31 swivel bearings 33 electronic control unit 35 Sensors 37 Inside corner area 39 swivel bearings A feed axis h Profile height y control signal

Claims

[1] Setting system with a support structure (1), in particular a C-frame, and with a setting device (9) comprising a setting head (13) and a setting drive (11), wherein a setting punch (17) driven by the setting drive (11) is guided in the setting head (13), which in a setting process drives an auxiliary joining element (19) along a feed axis (A) in the setting direction into at least one workpiece, and wherein a feed unit (23) located laterally outside the setting device (9) is attached to the setting head (13), by means of which the auxiliary joining element (19) can be guided into the setting head (13), characterized by , that the setting system has an actuator (26) with which the feed unit (23) can be adjusted in a rotational angle about the feed axis (A). [2] Setting system according to claim 1, characterized by, that the setting head (13) is rotatably mounted coaxially to the feed axis (A) at a pivot point (39) on a setting drive housing (29), while the setting drive housing (29) is fixed to the support structure (1) in a rotationally fixed manner. [3] Setting system according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by , that for a change in the rotational angle position of the feed unit (23) the actuator (26) is in drive connection with the setting head (13). [4] Setting system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the support structure (1) is a C-frame, with a support leg (3) to which the setting device (9) is attached, and with a counter-support leg (5) with a die (21) arranged in line with the feed axis (A). [5] Setting system according to claim 4, characterized by , that the actuator (26) is arranged in a space spanned between the two legs (3, 5). [6] Setting system according to claim 1, characterized by, that the setting device (9) is rotatably mounted on a pivot point (31) of the support structure (1), while in particular the setting head (13) is fixedly connected to the setting drive (11). [7] Setting system according to claim 6, characterized by , that for a change in the rotational angular position of the feed unit (23) the actuator (26) is in drive connection with the setting device (9), in particular with the actuator (11) of the setting device (9). [8] Setting system according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by , that the support leg (3) of the C-frame (1) has a bearing eye (7) at its free leg end in which the setting device (9) is rotatably mounted with a rotary bearing (31) in between. [9] Setting system according to claim 6, 7 or 8, characterized by, that the setting drive (11) of the setting device (9) projects beyond the C-frame (1) on the outside along the feed axis (A) with a profile height (h), and that an inner corner area (37) is spanned between the actuator (11) and the support leg (3), in which the actuator motor (26) is arranged. [10] Setting system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the actuator (26) is integrated into a control loop, namely with an electronic control unit (33) and a sensor (35) which detects an actual angular position of the feed unit (23), and that the electronic control unit (33) controls the actuator (26) with a control signal on the basis of the detected actual angular position and / or on the basis of a target angular position, in order to avoid a collision with the adjacent component environment, in particular during the processing of a joining point, and / or that the electronic control unit (33) adjusts the angular position of the feed unit (23) depending on the component environment of the joining point to be processed.

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