Fastening tool with an adjusting tool and fastening system

Abstract

The invention relates to a fastening tool (1) for applying fastening elements (2, 3, 4) to a workpiece, comprising a striking tool (5) configured to convey one fastening element at a time along a striking axis (6) from a loading position (7) within the fastening tool to a workpiece, wherein the fastening tool is configured to receive a magazine (8) in which a plurality of fastening elements are arranged one after the other along a loading track (9) in a conveying direction (10) towards the loading position, comprising an adjusting tool (11) having at least one adjusting surface (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e) which is guided movably against the conveying direction of the fastening elements such that it engages in the loading track, wherein at least one adjusting surface is configured toThe invention relates to the application of force to a fastening element to move it into a target position (14) against the conveying direction and / or in at least one direction perpendicular to the conveying direction and / or to hold it in a target position. The invention further relates to an adjustment tool, a magazine, a fastening system, and a method for conveying fastening elements arranged one behind the other within a magazine (8) of a fastening tool (1). The invention is intended to make the processing of fastening elements faster and more trouble-free.

Description

[0001] The invention lies in the field of mechanical engineering and manufacturing and assembly technology. It offers particular advantages for assembly processes in automotive engineering.

[0002] A wide variety of fasteners are known for fastening or connecting different components or elements. Some can be applied manually in individual applications, while many can be installed using automated production machines. Many fasteners hold components together through frictional engagement, while others use positive engagement. Examples of fasteners include wire pins and clamps.

[0003] A particular challenge is the rapid application of several fasteners in succession using a single tool, whereby the fasteners are usually arranged one behind the other in a magazine and fed automatically.

[0004] For example, US Patent 7,111,767 B2 discloses a fastening tool that combines fasteners in the form of angled plates with nails. These are automatically conveyed to a position from which they are fastened to a component by a striking element. During conveying in the tool's magazine, each fastener is individually held by a fixing element before reaching this position, until the path to the striking element is clear. Document US 2012 / 012635 A1 discloses a fastening tool according to the preamble of claim 1, and document EP 1 162 035 B1 discloses an adjustment tool according to the preamble of claim 11.

[0005] Against the background of the prior art, the present invention is based on the objective of creating a fastening tool, an adjustment tool and a fastening system that enable the rapid processing of fastening elements one after the other and ensure that the fastening elements can be used reliably and without malfunctions.

[0006] The problem is solved by the features of the invention according to the independent claims. The dependent claims present possible implementations of the invention.

[0007] Accordingly, the invention relates to a fastening tool for applying fastening elements to a workpiece, comprising a striking tool configured to convey one fastening element at a time along a striking axis from a loading position within the fastening tool to a workpiece, wherein the fastening tool is configured to receive a magazine in which a plurality of fastening elements are arranged one after the other along a loading track in a conveying direction towards the loading position, wherein an adjusting tool having at least one adjusting surface is provided which is guided movably against the conveying direction of the fastening elements such that it engages in the loading track, wherein at least one adjusting surface is configured to displace a fastening element into a target position in at least one direction perpendicular to the conveying direction by applying force to it.

[0008] The loading path refers to the area that the fasteners travel on their way to their target position. The loading path can be straight or curved and, in the area of ​​the target position, always runs parallel to the conveying direction. The loading path can be defined by one or more rails on which the fasteners are mounted so as to slide one behind the other, as well as by the space that the fasteners traverse or occupy during their movement on a rail. The rails can be dimensioned and positioned such that the fasteners are guided in the rail(s), but are allowed limited movement perpendicular to their conveying direction to accommodate manufacturing tolerances that result in varying sizes of the fasteners.

[0009] The fastening elements are advanced along the loading track, for example, by the force of a spring located at the end of the loading track. The target position can be positioned on the loading track before the loading position, so that after adjustment, when the adjusting tool is moved into the release position, one fastening element at a time is advanced from the target position to the loading position.While the fasteners can rest directly against each other without gaps during their conveyance to the target position in a magazine, it may be necessary to move the fastener in the target position a short distance away from the fastener in the loading position in the conveying direction. This prevents the fastener struck by the impact tool, and the impact tool itself, from colliding or generally interacting with the penultimate fastener located in the target position before the loading position. Therefore, it may be possible to advance the fasteners in the conveying direction after each actuation of the impact tool and then push the penultimate fastener back a short distance against the conveying direction using the adjusting element to create a gap from the loading position.

[0010] The fastener can accommodate a magazine for fasteners or directly contain a magazine that can be filled with fasteners.

[0011] An advantageous embodiment of the invention may provide that the adjustment tool is pivotably arranged between an adjustment position and a release position, wherein the adjustment tool is engaged with the displaced and / or to be held in the target position in the adjustment position, and wherein the adjustment tool releases the movement of the fastening elements along the loading path towards the loading position in the release position.

[0012] The adjusting tool can be moved, in particular pushed, into the adjusting position by the movement of the striking tool as it advances a fastener towards a workpiece. In this process, a part of the striking tool, or a part mechanically connected or coupled to it, can act directly on the adjusting tool and move it.

[0013] When the impact tool moves back from the workpiece, it can release the adjusting tool, allowing it to be moved into the release position, for example by a spring drive.

[0014] An adjustment tool in the form of a stationary, pivotally mounted lever is particularly suitable for being pivoted into and out of the loading lane, in the opposite direction to the conveying direction. The lever / adjustment tool can be moved into the adjustment position, i.e., into the loading lane, by spring force and pivoted out of it by a drive mechanism, or vice versa. The impact tool can be blocked by a mechanical lock until the adjustment tool has been moved into the adjustment position. The impact tool can then be released in this position.

[0015] Furthermore, the adjusting tool may be provided with one or more adjusting surfaces in the form of inclined surfaces, which are configured to interact with parts of a fastening element and exert a displacement force on them perpendicular to the conveying direction. One or more of the inclined surfaces of the adjusting tool may be oriented such that, when the adjusting tool is displaced against the conveying direction, they engage with a portion of a fastening element and, by means of a wedge effect, displace the fastening element in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction. All inclined surfaces of the adjusting tool may be designed at least partially as flat surfaces, but also at least partially as curved surfaces.

[0016] The fastening tool is designed to process fasteners with a base and two legs attached to the base, and the adjusting tool has at least two adjusting surfaces in the form of lateral inclined surfaces oriented opposite each other such that each inclined surface comes into contact with one leg of a fastener. For example, at least two adjusting surfaces in the form of lateral inclined surfaces can be oriented relative to each other such that they, or their imaginary extensions, intersect in a line that, in the adjusting position of the adjusting tool, is perpendicular to the conveying direction.

[0017] In cases where the fastening tool is used to process fasteners with two legs attached to a base, such as metal or wire clips or sheet metal clips, two lateral inclined surfaces on the adjusting tool can be oriented such that, when the adjusting tool is moved into the adjustment position, they slide into the space between the legs of the next fastener and act on the legs from this space, centering the respective fastener. If only two such inclined surfaces are provided opposite each other, the centering can be achieved along an axis that runs transversely to the conveying direction, for example, perpendicular to the conveying direction.In many cases, the fastening elements move within a rail and rest on the rail due to gravity, so adjustment is primarily necessary perpendicular to the direction of gravity. However, in many cases, adjustment in several directions perpendicular to the conveying direction can also be useful.

[0018] To achieve the aforementioned two inclined surfaces, it can be provided, for example, that at least two adjustment surfaces, when the adjustment tool is in the adjustment position, are arranged in the form of lateral inclined surfaces, mirror-symmetrical to a symmetrical surface in which both the impact axis and the conveying direction run. The lateral inclined surfaces can be oriented relative to each other like the roof slopes of a gable roof, with the upper edge of the roof truncated. However, the inclined surfaces can also be oriented at an angle to each other in order to generate, in addition to centering, a resulting contact force on the fastening elements in the direction of a bearing surface on which the fastening elements rest on the rail.

[0019] Another embodiment provides that the adjusting tool has an adjusting pyramid, which is designed in particular as a truncated pyramid, and more specifically as a 5-sided truncated pyramid, and is bounded by adjusting surfaces in the form of inclined surfaces. In the adjusting position of the adjusting tool, the adjusting pyramid faces the target position of the fastening elements. In addition to two lateral inclined surfaces, two adjusting surfaces in the form of two upper inclined surfaces can be provided as boundary surfaces of the pyramid, which converge in the shape of a ship's bow and, in the area where they abut each other, form an edge of the pyramid that faces the free, pivotable end of the adjusting tool.In the release position of the adjustment tool, this edge faces the last adjusted fastener in its target position. In this position, the fastener is moved from its target position to the loading position and guided further by the upper inclined surfaces during this movement. Opposite this edge, the adjustment pyramid can be bounded by another surface adjacent to the two lateral inclined surfaces.

[0020] In principle, the adjusting tool can have a raised section instead of an adjusting pyramid. This raised section, when the adjusting tool is in its adjustment position, faces the target position of the fasteners and has various inclined surfaces oriented differently. These inclined surfaces can be rounded, but they can also advantageously have flat inclined areas or be designed as completely flat inclined surfaces that interact with areas of a fastener being adjusted.

[0021] The invention can be further advantageously implemented by the fact that the adjusting tool has at least one adjusting surface in the form of a stop surface which, in the adjusting position of the adjusting tool in which it is engaged with a fastening element to be moved in its intended position, is oriented perpendicular to the conveying direction and which is arranged such that it abuts a surface or edge of the fastening element, in particular oriented perpendicular to the conveying direction.

[0022] The stop surface thus serves to push back the fastening element closest to the adjustment tool a short distance against the direction of conveying and / or to hold it in a position spaced away from the loading position.

[0023] It may also be provided that the adjusting tool has the form of a pivoting lever and tapers towards its free end in the area of ​​the stop surface, particularly in its projection onto a surface that is perpendicular to the conveying direction in the adjusting position of the adjusting tool.

[0024] This lever can be pivotally mounted on a pivot axis that is spaced apart from the loading track and runs transversely to the conveying direction, particularly perpendicular to the conveying direction. It can then be pivoted into the loading track from outside the track in such a way that its movement in the area immediately before reaching the adjustment position is completely or nearly parallel to the conveying direction. In this adjustment position, the adjusting tool obstructs the fastening elements and can move each subsequent fastening element laterally and in the conveying direction into a desired position. From this adjusted position, a fastening element can then be moved into the loading position as soon as the adjusting tool clears the path by pivoting back.In this release position, the inclined surfaces can still, and in particular only, protrude into the loading lane, so that the upper inclined surfaces in particular, but also possibly the lateral inclined surfaces, can cause a movement of a fastening element towards the loading position, so that the adjustment in the directions perpendicular to the conveying direction is maintained.

[0025] The fastening tool may, for example, be configured to process fasteners with a base and two legs attached to the base, wherein the longitudinal directions of extension of the legs of a fastener enclose an angle of less than 180 degrees, in particular less than 135 degrees, and further, in particular less than 90 degrees. Often, the legs of a fastener, or at least their longitudinal directions of extension, viewed in the conveying direction, will be parallel or nearly parallel to each other, or will only enclose an acute angle with each other, particularly when the fasteners are designed as fastening clips.

[0026] The fastening tool can also be configured to process fasteners with a base and two legs attached to the base, wherein both the base and the legs are each formed by sheets that extend in the conveying direction in the intended position of the fasteners.

[0027] The greatest longitudinal extent of the sheets or the longest side can be oriented parallel to the conveying direction.

[0028] In this embodiment, where the fastening elements consist of bent or angled sheet metal sections, each leg may also have a sheet metal tab partially punched out of the sheet metal, which is bent outwards towards the opposite leg. These sheet metal tabs may each form stop surfaces that, together with a stop surface of the adjusting tool, serve to adjust the fastening element in the conveying direction.

[0029] The invention relates not only to a fastening tool of the type described above, but also to an adjustment tool, according to claim 11, for a fastening tool for applying fastening elements to a workpiece, wherein the fastening tool has a striking tool which is designed to convey one fastening element at a time along a striking axis from a loading position within the fastening tool to a workpiece, wherein at least one fastening element in the fastening tool is displaceable in a conveying direction towards the loading position and wherein the adjustment tool has several adjustment surfaces in the form of inclined surfaces for adjusting a fastening element.

[0030] The adjusting tool can be movable in a direction opposite to the conveying direction, in particular pivotable. In an adjustment position, the inclined surfaces of the adjusting tool can serve to adjust a fastening element in one or more directions perpendicular to the conveying direction. Furthermore, the adjusting tool can be designed as a pivotable lever with a projection, in particular in the form of a pyramid, especially a pentagonal pyramid or a truncated pyramid, on a side surface facing the fastening elements. This projection is bounded by adjustment surfaces in the form of inclined surfaces. In the position of the adjusting tool in which it engages with a fastening element, two lateral inclined surfaces of the projection are oriented symmetrically to each other such that their surface normals run horizontally in the adjustment position of the adjusting tool.

[0031] In the position of the adjusting tool, where it engages with a fastening element, two upper inclined surfaces of the protrusion are oriented such that their surface normals run obliquely upwards at an acute angle to the conveying direction, so that the two upper inclined surfaces form the shape of a ship's bow. This bow can point upwards in the adjusting position and towards the target position of the fastening elements in the release position.

[0032] In a release position, the adjusting tool can release the movement of a fastener from an adjustment position to a loading position. The raised section on the side of the adjusting tool can still extend into the path of movement of the fastener and guide its movement towards the loading position, so that at least the adjustment in directions perpendicular to the conveying direction is maintained.

[0033] In addition to a fastening tool and an adjustment tool, the disclosure also relates to a magazine for a fastening tool for applying fastening elements to a workpiece, which has a striking tool configured to convey one fastening element at a time along a striking axis from a loading position within the fastening tool to a workpiece, wherein a plurality of fastening elements are arranged one behind the other in a conveying direction towards the loading position in the magazine and wherein the magazine is configured to cooperate with an adjustment tool of the type described above in such a way that the adjustment tool holds a fastening element in a target position in front of the loading position and releases it for conveying into the loading position in the course of a pivoting movement.

[0034] The invention also relates to a fastening system with a fastening tool of the type described above and with a plurality of fastening elements which are arranged to be moved one after the other in a conveying direction in the direction of the loading position.

[0035] Furthermore, the invention also relates to a method, according to claim 13, for conveying fasteners arranged one behind the other within a magazine of a fastening tool in the conveying direction to a loading position, from which each fastener can be conveyed to a workpiece by means of a striking tool, wherein a force is exerted on the fasteners by means of a drive element in the direction of the loading position and wherein each fastener located immediately in front of the loading position is moved into a target position or held in a target position parallel to the conveying direction by an adjusting tool which moves against the conveying direction and is thereby adjusted in particular perpendicular to the conveying direction by at least one adjusting surface in the form of an inclined surface.

[0036] The invention is shown below with reference to exemplary embodiments in figures of a drawing and subsequently explained. Fig. 1 a perspective view of a fastening tool, Fig. 2 a perspective view of a striking tool as well as a rail and fastening elements, Fig. 3 in perspective view a detail of the striking tool and a fastening element, Fig. 4 in a sectional view a part of a striking tool with a fastening tool, Fig. 5 a fastening element in the fastening position, Fig. 6 an adjusting tool in a side view, Fig. 7 the adjusting tool made of Figure 6in a front view, Fig. 8 the adjusting tool in a perspective view, Figs. 9, 10, 11 in a side view several fastening elements and an adjusting element in different positions during operation, Fig. 12 in a view in the conveying direction of the fastening elements a fastening element before adjustment, Fig. 13 in a representation as in Figure 12 a fastening element after adjustment, as well as Fig. 14 in a representation as in the Figures 12 and 13 a fastening element in the release position of the adjusting element.

[0037] In Figure 1 A fastening tool 1 is shown in perspective view. It has a handle 1a and a magazine 8 in which fasteners are stored and conveyed in the direction 10 to a striking position. The striking tool is in Figure 1 not apparent, however in Figure 2The fastening tool, by means of the impact tool, feeds fasteners to a workpiece in the direction of the impact axis 6. The magazine 8 can be interchangeable as a whole, so that a new magazine loaded with fasteners can be attached to the fastening tool 1 each time. However, it can also be provided that the magazine 8 is refilled after the fasteners have been used up.

[0038] In Figure 2 A striking tool 5 is shown, the tip 5a of which is designed to interact with the fasteners 2, 3, 4. The fasteners 2, 3, 4 are shown in an exploded view, arranged sequentially in the conveying direction 10, and are conveyed one after the other into a loading position below the tip 5a of the striking tool 5. The striking tool can then convey one fastener at a time towards a workpiece in the direction of the impact axis 6. Further details are shown in Figure 2A rail 16 is shown, the cross-section of which is designed such that the fastening elements 2, 3, 4 can be arranged one behind the other in it in the conveying direction 10 and are moved in the conveying direction 10 by a drive to the loading position, i.e., in the direction of the impact tool 5. A drive element 15 is shown only symbolically at the end of the rail 16 opposite the impact tool 5 and can, for example, include a compression spring that moves the fastening elements in the direction of the impact tool 5.

[0039] In Figure 3 In perspective, a striking tool 5 is shown, which is moved towards a fastening element 2 in the direction of the striking axis 6 by a drive of the fastening tool (not shown in detail) in order to move the fastening element towards a workpiece 21 and anchor it there. Figure 3Details of the fastening element 2 are shown. This element consists of a bent sheet metal part with a base 2a and two legs 2b, 2c extending from the base, the legs and base forming a U-shape in cross-section. The legs can be approximately parallel to each other, or at least their longitudinal directions can be parallel to each other or at an acute angle to each other. For reasons of stability and to enable a positive fit to a workpiece 21, the legs 2b, 2c are not straight, but are bent into a profile in cross-section. In addition, sheet metal tabs 2d, 2e are punched out of each leg 2b, 2c, which are bent inwards towards the space between the legs.The sheet metal tongues 2d, 2e each form, as will be explained in more detail below, counter surfaces for a stop surface of an adjustment tool for positioning the fastening element in the conveying direction 10.

[0040] Figure 4 Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of part of a striking tool 5 and a fastening element 2. The legs 2b, 2c and the sheet metal tongues 2d, 2e can be seen in this view.

[0041] Figure 5 Figure 1 represents a single fastening element 2 in the fastening position on a workpiece 21, wherein the fastening element is inserted in the direction of the impact axis 6. After one or more fastening elements have been attached to a workpiece, they can serve to connect the workpiece to another component.

[0042] In the Figures 6, 7 and 8Figure 11 shows an adjustment tool in various views with its details. The function of the adjustment tool is then explained below. Figures 9 to 14 explained in more detail.

[0043] The adjusting tool 11 is designed as a lever that is pivotable about an axis 17 on the fastening tool. A longitudinal axis of the adjusting tool 11 is designated 18. The adjusting tool 11 has a drive arm 19 that extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 18 and to which a pivoting drive is attached. On a front side surface, the adjusting tool 11 has a projection 11f in the form of a truncated pyramid, on which various adjusting surfaces 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d are arranged. The adjusting surfaces 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, which are designed as inclined surfaces, are each designed as flat surfaces that are inclined relative to each other. In another embodiment, these surfaces can also be partially rounded and may optionally have flat sub-surfaces.Among the adjustment surfaces 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d designed as inclined surfaces, the inclined surfaces 11a, 11b are referred to here as lateral inclined surfaces, while the inclined surfaces 11c, 11d are referred to in this text as upper inclined surfaces.

[0044] In the area of ​​the free end 20 of the adjusting tool 11, it tapers, as can be seen in Figure 7, and is defined by the chamfers 20a, 20b. It will be explained below that this taper, in the release position of the adjusting tool 11, allows the fasteners to be conveyed past the adjusting tool to the loading position.

[0045] In the area of ​​the taper at the free end 20 of the adjusting tool, an adjusting surface 11e is also provided on its front side surface, where the projection 11f is also located. This surface is designed as a stop surface and, in the adjusting position of the adjusting tool 11, interacts with the inwardly bent sheet metal tongues 2d, 2e of the fastening elements. The two lateral inclined surfaces 11a, 11b are arranged symmetrically to the longitudinal axis 18, as are the upper inclined surfaces 11c, 11d, which converge towards each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis 18 and form the shape of a ship's bow.

[0046] In the Figures 9, 10 and 11 The function of the adjusting tool 11 in singulating the fastening elements 2, 3, 4 in the conveying direction 10 and adjusting the last fastening element not yet conveyed into the loading position in its target position in the conveying direction 10 is to be shown in particular.

[0047] In Figure 9Several fastening elements 2, 3 arranged one behind the other in the conveying direction 10 are shown, lying in a rail 16, as they are, for example, in Figure 2 The fastening elements 2, 3 can, for example, be arranged directly one behind the other without any gap and be pressed by a drive element 15 in the conveying direction 10 towards a loading position 7, which lies along the direction of movement / conveying direction of the fastening elements at the level of the impact axis 6. In the loading position 7, the fastening element located there can then be moved by means of a Figure 9 The impact tool (not shown) is moved towards a workpiece in the direction of the impact axis 6. To ensure that the impact tool can act without interference on the fastening element located in the loading position 7, the other fastening elements (in the Figures 9, 10, 11The components (labeled 2 and 3) are positioned a certain distance from the loading position 7 or at least held in a defined position relative to the loading position 7. The penultimate fastening element 2 can be moved into a desired position for this purpose using the adjusting tool 11.

[0048] In Figure 9The adjusting tool 11 is pivoted into a release position in which its longitudinal axis 18 is almost horizontal. In this position, a fastener can be moved under the adjusting tool in the conveying direction 10 towards the loading position. The chamfers 20a, 20b allow the fasteners to move beneath the adjusting tool 11 without requiring it to be brought into a fully horizontal position. In this way, the adjusting tool 11 can also be pivoted through the fastener that has reached the loading position 7 towards the penultimate fastener 2, which is to be held in a target position.

[0049] The fastening elements 2, 3, which move in the conveying direction 10 along the aforementioned rail in a magazine 8, pass through a space referred to as the loading track 9. The adjusting tool 11 partially engages in this space, i.e., the loading track 9, to adjust the fastening elements 2, 3 in the conveying direction 10 and perpendicular to the conveying direction 10.

[0050] For the sake of clarity, it should be noted that in the Figures 9, 10, 11 The last fastening element located in the area of ​​the impact axis 6 is not shown for the sake of clarity.

[0051] In Figure 10Figure 11 is shown in a position where it is pivoted a short distance against the conveying direction 10 towards the fastening element 2. This movement of the adjusting tool 11 against the conveying direction 10 of the fastening elements into its adjusting position can be achieved, for example, by the impact tool driving the adjusting tool directly or by means of a mechanical coupling element (not shown) during its downward movement. The pivoting of the adjusting tool 11 back into its release position can then be effected, for example, by a spring drive attached to the drive arm 19 of the adjusting tool 11 after the impact tool's reverse movement.

[0052] In Figure 11The adjustment position of the adjusting tool 11 is shown, in which the longitudinal axis 18 of the adjusting tool is oriented fully or almost vertically. In this adjustment position, the adjusting tool 11 holds the fastener 2 in a target position by having its stop surface 11e abut the inwardly bent sheet metal tabs 2d, 2e of the legs 2b, 2c of the fastener 2. The drive force acting on the adjusting tool 11 is sufficient to push the fastener 2 back a short distance against the conveying direction 10 and to space it away from the last fastener located in the loading position 7 (not shown). In this position, the fastener in the loading position can then be conveyed to a workpiece by means of the impact tool.

[0053] In the Figures 12, 13 and 14Viewed in the conveying direction 10, a fastening element 2 and an adjusting tool 11 are shown in different positions. In the Figures 12 and 13 The front side surface of the adjustment tool 11 is shown, on which the adjustment pyramid 11f is located.

[0054] In Figure 12Figure 1 depicts a situation in which the fastening element 2 lies at an angle in the rail 16 without adjustment. In this position, the adjusting tool 11, and in particular the adjusting pyramid 11f, is not yet engaged with the fastening element 2 for adjustment. The various fastening elements arranged one behind the other along the rail can vary slightly in size and shape, and the rail 16 is designed to provide sufficient space for these variations. This allows for certain tolerances during the manufacturing of the fastening elements. However, this also means that the fastening elements are not completely fixed in their lateral position within the rail 16, i.e., in the directions perpendicular to the conveying direction 10.In order to achieve sufficient adjustment when moving the fastening elements into the loading position 7, they should be adjusted in the target position 14 using the adjustment tool 11 both in the conveying direction 10 and in the directions perpendicular to this conveying direction.

[0055] In Figure 13 The adjusting tool 11 is shown in a position in which, as in Figure 11 The fastening element 2 is shown in a nearly vertical position and engaged with its legs 2a, 2b. The lateral inclined surfaces 11a, 11b contact the legs 2b, 2c of the fastening element 2, thus centering it. Additionally, the stop surface 11e abuts the sheet metal tongues 2d, 2e, thereby adjusting the fastening element 2 in the conveying direction 10. In this illustration, the adjusting tool 11 is in its adjustment position, while the fastening element 2 is in its target position.

[0056] In Figure 14Figure 11 is shown in a position where it is largely pivoted out of the loading track 9 and its longitudinal axis 18 is horizontal. Only the adjustment pyramid 11f still projects into the path of movement, but the fastening element 2 can move past it in the conveying direction. The upper inclined surfaces 11c, 11d of the adjustment pyramid act such that they project between the legs of the fastening element 2 and guide them into the loading position, so that the fastening element 2 remains adjusted until it reaches loading position 7. Once the fastening element 2 is in loading position 7, the adjustment tool 11 pivots back and moves the penultimate fastening element located behind the fastening element 2, for example, fastening element 3, into its target position.

[0057] With the described design of the fastening tool and the adjustment tool, as well as the magazine suitable for the fastening tool, the rapid, sequential processing of fasteners can be achieved without interference. Each fastener is adjusted in the desired position for use with a striking tool in a loading position. This design largely prevents misalignment and thus interference during the advancement of the fasteners, which could block the fastening tool.

Claims

1. A fastening tool (1) for applying fastening elements (2, 3, 4) to a workpiece, comprising an impact tool (5) which is configured to convey one fastening element at a time along an impact axis (6) from a loading position (7) within the fastening tool to a workpiece, wherein the fastening tool is configured to accommodate a magazine (8) in which a plurality of fastening elements are arranged one behind the other along a loading path (9) so as to be displaceable in a conveying direction (10) towards the loading position, and comprising an adjustment tool (11) which has at least one adjustment surface (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e) and is movably guided counter to the conveying direction of the fastening elements such that it engages in the loading path, characterized in that at least one adjustment surface is configured to displace a fastening element in at least one direction perpendicular to the conveying direction into a desired position (14) by applying force to it, wherein the fastening tool is configured to process fastening elements (2, 3, 4) with a base (2a) and two legs (2b, 2c) fastened to the base, wherein the adjustment tool (11) has at least two adjustment surfaces in the form of lateral inclined surfaces (11a, 11b) which are oriented opposite each other such that in each case one of the inclined surfaces comes into contact with one leg of a fastening element.

2. The fastening tool according to claim 1, characterized in that the adjustment tool (11) is arranged pivotably between an adjustment position (12) and a release position (13), wherein the adjustment tool, in the adjustment position, is in engagement with the fastening element (2, 3, 4) which has been displaced and / or is to be held in the desired position (14), and wherein the adjustment tool, in the release position, releases the movement of the fastening elements along the loading path (9) towards the loading position (7).

3. The fastening tool according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the adjustment tool (11) has one or more adjustment surfaces (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d) in the form of inclined surfaces which are configured to interact with parts of a fastening element (2, 3, 4) and to exert a displacement force thereon perpendicularly to the conveying direction (10).

4. The fastening tool according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least two adjustment surfaces in the form of lateral inclined surfaces (11a, 11b) are oriented relative to each other in such a way that they or their imaginary extensions intersect in a line which extends perpendicularly to the conveying direction (10) when the adjustment tool (11) is in the adjustment position (12).

5. The fastening tool according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, when the adjustment tool (11) is in the adjustment position (12), at least two adjustment surfaces in the form of lateral inclined surfaces (11a, 11b) are arranged mirror-symmetrically with respect to a symmetry surface in which both the impact axis (6) and the conveying direction (10) extend.

6. The fastening tool according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the adjustment tool (11) has an adjustment pyramid (11f) which is designed in particular as a truncated pyramid, further in particular as a 5-sided truncated pyramid, and is delimited by adjustment surfaces in the form of inclined surfaces (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d).

7. The fastening tool according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the adjustment tool (11) has at least one adjustment surface in the form of a stop surface (11e) which, when the adjustment tool is in the adjustment position (12) in which it is in engagement with a fastening element (2, 3, 4) to be displaced in its desired position (14), is oriented perpendicularly to the conveying direction (10) and which is configured in such a way that it strikes against a surface or edge of the fastening element which is oriented in particular perpendicularly to the conveying direction.

8. The fastening tool according to claim 7, characterized in that the adjustment tool (11) has the shape of a pivoting lever and tapers towards its free end (11g) in the region of the stop surface, in particular in its projection onto a surface which is perpendicular to the conveying direction (10) when the adjustment tool is in the adjustment position (12).

9. The fastening tool according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the fastening tool is configured to process fastening elements (2, 3, 4) with a base (2a) and two legs (2b, 2c) fastened to the base, wherein the longitudinal extension directions of the legs of a fastening element enclose an angle of less than 180 degrees, in particular less than 135 degrees, further in particular less than 90 degrees.

10. The fastening tool according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the fastening tool is configured to process fastening elements (2, 3, 4) with a base (2a) and two legs (2b, 2c) fastened to the base, wherein both the base and the legs are in each case formed by metal sheets which extend in the conveying direction (10) in the desired position (14) of the fastening elements.

11. An adjustment tool (11) for a fastening tool for applying fastening elements (2, 3, 4) with a base (2a) and two legs (2b, 2c) attached to the base to a workpiece, wherein the fastening tool has an impact tool (5) which is designed to convey one fastening element at a time along an impact axis (6) from a loading position (7) within the fastening tool to a workpiece, and wherein at least one fastening element is displaceable in the fastening tool in a conveying direction (10) towards the loading position, wherein the adjustment tool has a plurality of adjustment surfaces (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d) in the form of inclined surfaces for adjusting a fastening element, characterized in that the adjustment tool (11) has at least two adjustment surfaces in the form of lateral inclined surfaces (11a, 11b) which are oriented opposite each other such that in each case one of the inclined surfaces comes into contact with one leg of a fastening element.

12. A fastening system comprising a fastening tool according to any of claims 1 to 10 and comprising a plurality of fastening elements (2, 3, 4) which are configured to be displaced one behind the other in a conveying direction (10) in the direction of the loading position (7).

13. A method for conveying fastening elements arranged one behind the other within a magazine (8) of a fastening system in the conveying direction (10) to a loading position (7), from which a fastening element (2, 3, 4) can be conveyed to a workpiece by means of an impact tool (5), wherein a force is exerted on the fastening elements in the direction of the loading position by means of a drive element (15), characterized in that in each case a fastening element located directly upstream of the loading position is displaced into a desired position (14) or held in a desired position by an adjustment tool (11) according to claim 11 which moves counter to the conveying direction for adjustment parallel to the conveying direction, and is adjusted in particular perpendicularly to the conveying direction by at least one adjustment surface (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d) in the form of an inclined surface.

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