Setting tool and method for setting fastening elements and for cutting off a material strip

Abstract

The present invention describes a setting tool (1) for setting connecting elements provided with a material strip (5). The setting tool (1) comprises a C-frame (10), a drive unit arranged on the C-frame (10) with a setting head (12) by which the setting head (12) is movable linearly in the direction of a counter tool (14) arranged on the C-frame (10) opposite the setting head (12), thereby defining a setting stroke (S) between a setting position for setting the connecting element and a receiving position for receiving a subsequent connecting element from the material strip (5), a motor (16), in particular a roller motor, for moving the material strip (5), wherein the motor (16) is arranged adjacent to the setting head (12) and is connected to the setting head (12) in such a way that it is rigidly arranged relative to the setting head (12), a cutting device (20;120) for cutting the material belt (5), which is located behind the motor (16) in the conveying direction of the material belt (5) and comprises a cutting part (22; 122) with a blade (24) and a release part (40; 140), wherein the cutting part (22; 122) is connected to the setting head (12), whereby the cutting part (22; 122) is rigidly arranged relative to the setting head (12), and the release part (40; 140) is connected to the setting tool (1) such that, during operation of the setting tool (1), there is a relative movement between the release part (40; 140) and the cutting part (22; 122), wherein the setting head (12) can be moved by the drive unit into a cutting position which is spaced from the receiving position in a direction opposite to the setting position and in which the blade (24) of the Cutting part (22; 122) the material belt (5) due to actuation by the trigger part (40;140) cuts transversely to the conveying direction of the material belt (5). The invention also relates to a method for setting connecting elements provided with a material belt.;

Description

1. Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a setting tool for setting connecting elements provided with a material strip and a method for setting connecting elements provided with a material strip and for cutting the material strip. 2. Background of the invention

[0002] Setting tools for installing fasteners are known in a variety of forms in the prior art and are used, for example, in automotive manufacturing. Such setting tools typically consist of a C-frame to which a setting head and a counter-tool are attached.

[0003] The connecting elements are supplied to the setting head, for example, by means of webbing or material straps, in which the connecting elements are attached to the material strap or webbing accordingly.

[0004] Such a system is described, for example, in WO 2018 / 189508 A1, together with various devices and methods for joining rivet strips. A rivet joining clip is also described therein. This clip has an elongated body provided with a multitude of projections. The projections extend from one side of the elongated body and are provided with laterally projecting lips.

[0005] In these setting tools, the material strip is fed from a feed or supply unit to the setting head. During the setting process, the setting head separates the connecting element from the material strip, leaving the strip without the connecting element at that point. The material strip is then advanced, and a new connecting element is positioned in the setting head, so that the above steps are repeated.

[0006] Based on this basic principle, it can be seen that, in the conveying direction of the material belt, material without connecting elements, i.e., empty material belt, accumulates behind the setting head. To prevent this empty material belt from existing undefined in space, it is usually cut off.

[0007] Known methods include manual cutting by a worker, but pneumatic devices that use a blade to cut the material strip are also known. However, the latter systems are disadvantageous because they require an additional actuator and therefore a corresponding control system.

[0008] An alternative system is known from EP 0 537 926 A1. This describes an assembly tool for removing and applying endlessly arranged elements attached to a belt or strap at an assembly position, in which one element after another is successively separated from the belt and ejected. The belt is placed over a circulating endless conveyor belt, which grips the belt positively and carries it along as the conveyor belt advances. The conveyor belt, together with the loaded belt, passes through an entry section to grip the belt before the assembly position and an exit section to remove the remaining belt after the assembly position. At the assembly position, the belt is deflected around the assembly position in a V-shape. This assembly tool also includes a cutting device coupled to the reciprocating piston.

[0009] One disadvantage of this design is that the material strip is cut after each setting stroke. Application-specific cutting is therefore not possible. Furthermore, the cut pieces of material strip accumulate at or near the assembly position, which is also a disadvantage. Finally, the cutting device is located inside the housing of the assembly tool, which negatively impacts accessibility during maintenance and repair work.

[0010] The object of the present invention is therefore to optimize a known setting tool, in which connecting elements are provided with a strip of material, with regard to a cutting device for the strip of material. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a corresponding method. 3. Summary of the invention

[0011] The above problem is solved by a setting tool for setting connecting elements provided with a material strip according to independent claim 1 and a method for setting connecting elements provided with a material strip and for cutting the material strip according to independent claim 8. Advantageous embodiments and further developments will become apparent from the following description, the drawings and the pending claims.

[0012] An insertion tool according to the invention for inserting connecting elements supplied with a material strip comprises a C-frame, a drive unit arranged on the C-frame with an insertion head, with which the insertion head is linearly movable in the direction of a counter-tool arranged on the C-frame opposite the insertion head, thereby defining an insertion stroke between an insertion position for inserting the connecting element and a receiving position for receiving a subsequent connecting element from the material strip, a motor, in particular a roller motor, for moving the material strip, wherein the motor is arranged adjacent to the insertion head and is connected to the insertion head in such a way that it is rigidly arranged relative to the insertion head, a cutting device for cutting the material strip, which is located behind the motor in the conveying direction of the material strip and comprises a cutting part with a blade and a release part.wherein the cutting part is connected to the setting head, whereby the cutting part is rigidly arranged relative to the setting head, and the release part is connected to the setting tool in such a way that during operation of the setting tool there is a relative movement between the release part and the cutting part, wherein the setting head can be moved by the drive unit into a cutting position which is spaced from the receiving position in a direction opposite to the setting position and in which the blade of the cutting part cuts the material strip transversely to the conveying direction of the material strip due to actuation by the release part.

[0013] For better understanding, the setting tool according to the invention is explained with reference to its use. The starting point is the setting tool in which the setting head is in a receiving position, with a connecting element already arranged in the setting head. Suitable connecting elements include, for example, rivets or screws.

[0014] To further enhance understanding of the operating principle, the terms "setting position" and "receiving position" are first defined. The starting point is the linear movement of the setting head, which is limited by two extreme positions: a fully extended position and a fully retracted or collapsed position. With respect to the distance between the setting head and the counter tool positioned opposite it, this distance is smallest in the fully extended position of the setting head, while it is greatest in the fully collapsed position.

[0015] The setting position of the setting head is the position in which the fastener can be inserted into a component or components to be joined. The setting head is therefore located in or adjacent to the fully extended position. It should be noted that the setting position can vary depending on the specific application.

[0016] In the receiving position, the setting head is offset from the setting position in the direction of the fully retracted position. Preferably, a new connecting element is arranged in the setting head in this position. The linear movement between the setting position and the receiving position defines a setting stroke of the setting tool. Therefore, this position could also be referred to as the reversing position instead of the receiving position.

[0017] As mentioned above, the insertion stroke depends on the specific application. For example, with a longer fastener, the picking or turning position is further away from the insertion position than with a shorter fastener. Furthermore, the insertion stroke depends on the component(s) into which the fastener is to be inserted.

[0018] The material strip with its connecting elements is fed from a dispensing device, such as a spool or a feeding module, guided through the setting head, then passes over the motor, and from there to the cutting device, which is thus located behind the motor in the conveying direction of the material strip. Because the motor and cutting element of the cutting device are connected to the setting head, they follow the movement of the setting head. Therefore, the motor and cutting element do not move relative to each other with respect to the setting head and are rigidly mounted.

[0019] For the sake of completeness, it should be noted that the motor for moving the material strip can move the strip either simultaneously with the return movement of the setting head towards the pick-up position or only upon reaching the pick-up position. Preferably, a connecting element is arranged in the setting head in the pick-up position before the setting head moves again towards the pick-up position.

[0020] Now, referring back to the initial state, the process sequence using the setting tool according to the invention is explained. First, the setting head, with the connecting element of the material strip arranged therein, is moved linearly from the receiving position to the setting position by the drive unit.

[0021] The drive unit therefore provides a setting force or torque to move the setting head linearly towards and away from the counter tool.

[0022] The connecting element is inserted in the setting position. Following this, the setting head is moved back from the setting position to the receiving position. During or after the setting head's movement from the setting position to the receiving position, the motor is activated to advance the material strip. This places another or a new connecting element in the setting head, ensuring it is present in the receiving position.

[0023] The new connecting element is now inserted in the same way.

[0024] After these steps have been performed several times, there is an empty material belt behind the motor and thus also behind the cutting device in the conveying direction of the material belt, i.e. material belt without connecting elements.

[0025] To cut this strip of material, the drive unit moves the setting head into the cutting position. The cutting position is adjacent to or at the fully retracted position of the setting head. Therefore, the cutting position is located in the opposite direction to the setting position from the pickup position. Relative to the setting position, the cutting position is thus farther away than the pickup position.

[0026] The movement of the setting head into the cutting position causes the cutting element of the cutting device, which is rigidly connected to the setting head, to engage with the release element of the cutting device. For this purpose, the release element is connected to the setting tool in such a way that, during operation of the setting tool, there is relative movement between the release element and the cutting element. The release element can be attached to the housing of the setting head, which is rigidly connected to the C-frame, to the C-frame itself, or to another location that does not undergo any movement determined by the setting head.

[0027] The engagement of the cutting element with the release element moves the blade towards the material belt, cutting it perpendicular to the conveying direction. For this purpose, the cutting device preferably also includes a counter-support in addition to the blade. This eliminates the need for tension or stiffness in the material belt, unlike systems using only a blade.

[0028] The setting tool according to the invention therefore utilizes a mechanism for the dual use of the drive unit. This unit now not only moves the setting head but is also used to trigger the cutting of the material strip. This eliminates the need for additional actuators, as the existing kinetic energy of the setting head is utilized. This arrangement of the triggering element relative to the cutting element makes the setting tool particularly efficient, as will be further illustrated below with reference to preferred embodiments.

[0029] When approaching the cutting position, the maximum stroke possible with the setting head is utilized. Since this is greater than the setting stroke, positions outside the setting stroke can be used to actuate other mechanisms.

[0030] Furthermore, another advantage of this setting tool is that the material strip can be cut specifically for each application, for example, at desired times, after a desired number of setting operations, and / or upon manual command. This further increases the effectiveness of the setting tool, as it significantly reduces process time. For example, the setting operations do not need to be interrupted to cut the material strip, nor is there any interruption required for manual cutting of the material strip.

[0031] Finally, it is advantageous that the material strip does not need to be re-threaded into the cutting device after cutting or separating, since the relative position between the cutting part of the cutting device and the setting head does not change due to the rigid connection and the movement of the cutting part with the setting head.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment of the setting tool, the setting tool further comprises a control unit with which the cutting position can be selectively controlled via the drive unit, even if it is located away from the receiving position. With regard to the setting tool equipped with the control unit, it is particularly advantageous that the control unit includes: a position sensor with which the position of the setting head can be detected for selective control of the cutting position; a counter, wherein the cutting position can be controlled depending on the counter; and / or a memory for storing the programming of the setting tool, a counter value relating to the number of setting operations, and / or position data of the setting head.

[0033] The use of a controller serves to control the drive unit of the setting tool. The advantageous combination with position detection enables the setting tool to be controlled based on the precise position of the setting head. This further improves the efficiency of the process and the device. Furthermore, the controller allows the cutting of the material strip to be linked to specific rules, independent of the setting process. For example, the number of set fasteners can be recorded so that the material strip can be cut when a defined maximum value is reached. The cutting function can also be triggered individually, e.g., acyclically, depending on the work process and / or counter value and / or operating time. For this purpose, memory is preferably provided for storing the programming and / or the counter values ​​and positions of the setting tool or the setting head.

[0034] In another preferred embodiment of the setting tool, the triggering part comprises a cam and the cutting part a projection, particularly in the form of a roller, such that when the projection moves over the cam, the blade is moved towards the material strip and the strip is cut. The combination of projection and cam eliminates the need for additional actuators and provides a particularly robust mechanical system for separating the material strip. This system is especially robust against environmental influences compared to systems that have their own actuators and / or sensor data acquisition.

[0035] In the design with cams and projections, it is particularly advantageous that the cutting element includes a plate with the blade. The plate has a pivot axis at one end and is connected to the roller at the other, allowing the material strip to be cut by a pivoting motion of the blade. The pivoting arrangement of the blade utilizes leverage. Furthermore, a counter-support is also preferred when using such a blade, so that no tension or stiffness of the material strip is required, unlike cutting systems using only a blade.

[0036] As an alternative to the pivotally arranged blade, a rotating blade is also preferred. This also allows for particularly efficient cutting of the material strip. To implement this design, it is preferred that the projection, in the form of a roller, is designed as a toothed roller, with the teeth provided over a partial circumference of the roller. Instead of a cam on the release element, a toothed rail is provided that engages with the teeth of the roller. The blade, located at another circumferential position on the toothed roller, therefore performs a rotational movement when it engages with the toothed rail provided on the release element.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment of the setting tool, the release element is movable independently of the setting head, preferably perpendicular to the direction of movement of the setting head, thereby preventing interaction between the release element and the cutting element in the cutting position. With this preferred design, the release element can be moved between a rest position and an engagement position. In the rest position, the release element is not in the path of movement of the cutting element, while in the engagement position it is located in the path of movement. In other words, in the rest position, the release element is so far from the cutting element that, for example, cams and projections or teeth and toothed rails cannot engage.

[0038] This design allows the drive unit to move the setting head to the fully retracted position even when encountering larger interference contours, without cutting the material strip. Furthermore, the cutting position can also be varied and adapted to the specific application thanks to the movable trigger element. Overall, this further expands the range of applications for the setting tool.

[0039] In another preferred embodiment of the setting tool, the setting tool has a guide for the cutting element, consisting of a rail attached to the cutting element and a counter rail connected to the C-frame. The use of a rail system as a guide stiffens the cutting device against bending, particularly with regard to the cutting element and the motor, which is preferably also arranged on this guide. This ensures a defined distance between the motor and the cutting device, eliminating the need for additional consideration. This further simplifies the use of the setting tool.

[0040] A method according to the invention for setting connecting elements provided with a material strip and for cutting the material strip, in particular using the setting tool according to the invention, comprises the steps of: moving a setting head with a connecting element of the material strip arranged therein from a receiving position to a setting position, setting the connecting element in the setting position, moving the setting head back from the setting position to the receiving position, actuating a motor, in particular a roller motor, to move the material strip, which is arranged adjacent to the setting head and connected to the setting head in such a way that it is rigidly arranged relative to the setting head, thereby arranging a subsequent connecting element in the setting head in the receiving position of the setting head, and moving the setting head with the drive unit into a cutting position.the receiving position is spaced in a direction opposite to the setting position, wherein in the cutting position a cutting device arranged behind the motor in the conveying direction of the material belt cuts the material belt transversely to the conveying direction of the material belt, wherein the cutting device comprises a cutting part with a blade and a release part, wherein the cutting part is connected to the setting head, whereby the cutting part is rigidly arranged relative to the setting head, and the release part is connected to the setting tool such that a relative movement exists between the release part and the cutting part during operation of the setting tool, and in the cutting position the blade cuts the material belt transversely to the conveying direction of the material belt due to actuation by the release part. With the method according to the invention, a connecting element that is provided with a material belt is thusThe material strip is set and cut to the application-specific length. This procedure can therefore be implemented particularly effectively in combination with the setting tool according to the invention, so reference is made to the above explanations accordingly. Alternatively, the method can be applied to any setting tool that does not require the maximum stroke of the setting head during setting operation.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment of the setting method, the setting head is moved into the cutting position based on: a number of setting strokes between the setting position and the receiving position, with cutting occurring after two, preferably three, and particularly preferably five, setting strokes; the operating time of the setting tool; and / or a manually triggered cutting command. The method applied to a setting tool thus enables control of the setting tool optimized for the specific application.

[0042] In another preferred embodiment of the setting method, the setting process includes, before or simultaneously with moving the setting head into the cutting position, the following additional step: moving the setting tool to a collection container for the cut-off material strip. In this way, the empty material strip can be collected in one place, which reduces the process time.

[0043] Finally, it is preferred that the setting method includes the further step of moving the release element of the cutting device in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the setting head from an engagement position to a rest position, whereby in the rest position, interaction between the release element and the cutting element in the cutting position is prevented. In this way, a corresponding setting tool can also move to the cutting position with the setting head without a cutting operation being carried out. This is particularly advantageous when the setting head is to be moved to the fully retracted or withdrawn position, but without cutting the material strip. As an alternative to the movement perpendicular to the direction of movement of the setting head, a variable setting can also be achieved by moving the release element parallel to the direction of movement of the setting head. Therefore, this embodiment is also particularly preferred. 4. Brief summary of the drawings

[0044] The present invention is described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Identical reference numerals in the drawings denote identical components and / or elements. The drawings show: Figure 1 shows a side view of an embodiment of a setting tool according to the invention in conjunction with a robot; Figure 2 shows a sectional view of the embodiment of the setting tool according to the invention. Fig. 1 Figure 3 is a sectional view of a first embodiment of a cutting device, Figure 4 is a sectional view of a second embodiment of the cutting device, Figure 5 is a sectional view of an embodiment of the setting tool according to the invention in the receiving position, Figure 6 is an enlarged view of a section of the cutting device in the position according to Fig. 5Figure 7 shows a sectional view of an embodiment of the setting tool according to the invention in the setting position, and Figure 8 shows an enlarged view of a section of the cutting device in the position shown. Fig. 7 Figure 9 shows a sectional view of an embodiment of the setting tool according to the invention in the cutting position, Figure 10 shows an enlarged view of a section of the cutting device in the position according to Fig. 9Figure 11 is a side view of an embodiment of the cutting device, Figure 12 is a sectional view of the cutting device in the receiving position of the setting tool, Figure 13 is a sectional view of the cutting device in the cutting position of the setting tool, Figure 14 is a first sectional view of the cutting device to illustrate the relative movement between the cutting part and the release part, Figure 15 is a second sectional view of the cutting device to illustrate the relative movement between the cutting part and the release part, Figure 16 is a third sectional view of the cutting device to illustrate the relative movement between the cutting part and the release part, Figure 17 is a flowchart for a schematic representation of an embodiment of a method according to the invention. 5. Detailed description of preferred embodiments

[0045] Firstly, referring to Figure 1A setting tool 1 is shown in combination with a robot 3. The setting tool 1 comprises, in a known manner, a C-frame 10 on which a drive unit with a setting head 12 and a counter tool 14 are arranged.

[0046] Now, referring to Figure 2 The construction of the setting tool 1 is explained with particular reference to the setting head 12. The fasteners to be set by the setting tool 1 are fed to the setting head 12 by means of a material strip 5. Suitable fasteners include, for example, rivets or screws.

[0047] The material belt 5 with the connecting elements is provided by a dispensing device, such as a spool or a supply module, guided through the setting head 12, then runs over a motor 16 and from there to a cutting device 20, which is thus located behind the motor 16 in the conveying direction of the material belt 5.

[0048] The motor 16, in particular a roller motor, is intended for moving the material belt 5. As in Fig. 2 As can be seen, the motor 16 is arranged adjacent to the setting head 12 and connected to the setting head 12 in such a way that it is rigidly arranged relative to the setting head 12. In the illustrated example, this is achieved via a guide 50, which consists of a rail and a counter rail, as will also be clarified later.

[0049] Finally, the setting tool 1 has a cutting device 20 for cutting the material belt 5. The cutting device 20 is located behind the motor 16 in the conveying direction of the material belt 5 and comprises a cutting part 22 with a blade 24 and a release part 40.

[0050] The cutting element 22 is connected to the setting head 12, so that the cutting element 22 is rigidly arranged relative to the setting head 12. In the illustrated embodiment, this is achieved by means of the guide 50, which consists of a rail and a counter rail. For example, the rail is attached to the cutting element 22 and thus also to the motor 16, while the counter rail is connected, for example, to the C-frame 10, the housing of the setting head 12, or another unit that does not move with or through the setting head.

[0051] The use of a rail system as a guide 50 stiffens the cutting device 20 against bending, particularly with regard to the cutting element 22 and the motor 16. A further advantage of such a guide 50 is that a defined distance is maintained between the motor 16 and the cutting device 20, and therefore no changes in distance need to be taken into account.

[0052] The release element 40 is connected to the setting tool 1 such that, during operation of the setting tool 1, there is relative movement between the release element 40 and the cutting element 22. This can be achieved by attaching it to the housing of the setting head 12, to the C-frame 10, or to another location that is not moved by the setting head 12 when it moves. The release element 40 can be fixed or movable, as long as relative movement between the release element 40 and the cutting element 22 is possible. This will also be explained later, particularly with reference to the Figures 14 to 16 .

[0053] Before the operation of setting tool 1 is explained using the example of the operation, the following will be discussed: Figures 3 and 4 Various designs of the cutting device 20 were discussed.

[0054] In the embodiment according to Figure 3 Is the cutting device 20 made of Figure 2shown enlarged. In this embodiment, the release part 40 includes a cam 42. The cutting part 22 has a plate 32 with the blade 24 and a projection 26. The plate 32 includes a pivot axis 34 at one end and is connected to the projection 26 at the other end. Advantageously, the projection 26 consists of a roller 28, which will be described later with reference to the Figures 5 to 13 and especially the Figures 11 to 13 This is made clear.

[0055] As soon as the projection 26 is moved upwards in the direction of the arrow and engages with the cam 42, the plate 32 and thus the blade 24 is pivoted around the axis of rotation 34 and the material strip 5 is separated or cut.

[0056] To simplify this process, a counter-holder 36 is provided opposite the blade 24. Therefore, no tension or stiffness of the material strip 5 is required, unlike cutting systems with only a blade 24.

[0057] In the alternative embodiment of the cutting device 120, the cutting part 122 has a roller 128 provided with teeth 130. The teeth 130 are provided over a partial circumference of the roller 128. The release part 140 has a section with a toothed rail 144. This results in the same operating principle as discussed above, because as soon as the teeth 130 of the roller 128 engage with the toothed rail 144, the roller 128 is rotated about the axis of rotation 134, thereby cutting the material strip 5.

[0058] Both embodiments of the cutting device 20 therefore utilize a leverage effect. Furthermore, the combination of projection 26 and cam 42 or teeth 130 and toothed rail 144 eliminates the need for additional actuators and provides a particularly robust mechanical system for cutting the material strip 5. This system is especially robust against environmental influences compared to systems that have their own actuators and / or sensor data acquisition.

[0059] The drive unit allows the setting head 12 to move linearly towards and away from the counter tool 14. This linear movement of the setting head 12 is limited by two extreme positions: a fully extended position and a fully retracted position. The distance between the setting head 12 and the counter tool 14, which is positioned opposite the setting head 12, is therefore smallest in the fully extended position of the setting head 12, while the distance between the setting head 12 and the counter tool 14 is greatest in the fully retracted position of the setting head 12.

[0060] The setting position of the setting head 12 is the position in which the connecting element can be inserted into a component or components to be joined. The setting head 12 is therefore located in or adjacent to the fully extended position. It should be noted that the setting position can vary depending on the specific application. For example, reference is made to the illustration in the Figures 7 and 8 References are made to the figures showing the setting head 12 or the cutting device 20 in the setting position.

[0061] In the receiving position, the setting head 12 is arranged offset from the setting position in the direction of the fully retracted position. The linear movement between the setting position and the receiving position defines a setting stroke S of the setting tool 1, as described in Figure 2This is indicated. Alternatively, the receiving position can also be referred to as the turning position, since at this point the direction of movement of the setting head 12 changes during the execution of a setting stroke S. In the receiving or turning position, a new connecting element is preferably arranged in the setting head 12, with reference to the following for illustration. Figures 5 and 6 Reference is made to the figures showing the setting head 12 or the cutting device 20 in the receiving or turning position.

[0062] The insertion stroke S depends on the specific application. For example, with a longer fastener, the receiving position is further from the insertion position than with a shorter fastener. Furthermore, the insertion stroke S depends on the component(s) into which the fastener is to be inserted.

[0063] Due to the connection of motor 16 and cutting element 22 of the cutting device 20 with the setting head 12 by means of the guide 50, they follow the movement of the setting head 12. Therefore, motor 16 and cutting element 22 do not exhibit any relative movement to each other with respect to the setting head 12 and are rigidly arranged with respect to the setting head 12.

[0064] Now, referring to the Figures 5 to 10 The functionality of setting tool 1 is illustrated.

[0065] Figure 5 shows the setting tool 1 in the pickup position, whereby Figure 6 an enlarged view of the trigger part 40 from Figure 5 shows.

[0066] Starting from this receiving position, the setting head 12, with the connecting element of the material strip 5 arranged within it, is first moved linearly into the setting position by the drive unit. The drive unit therefore provides a setting force or torque to move the setting head 12 linearly towards and away from the counter tool 14.

[0067] In the setting position, which is in Figure 7 for the setting tool 1 and in Figure 8 As shown for the release part 40 of the cutting device 20, the connecting element is set. Since the cutting part 22 is moved together with the setting head 12, the cutting part 22 is located away from the release part 40.

[0068] Following the setting process, the setting head 12 is moved back from the setting position to the receiving position. During or after the movement of the setting head 12 from the setting position to the receiving position, the motor 16 is actuated to reposition the material belt 5. This positions another or a new connecting element in the setting head 12 so that it is in the receiving or turning position. The setting of the new connecting element then takes place analogously.

[0069] After these steps have been carried out several times, in the conveying direction of the material belt 5, there is an empty material belt 5 behind the motor 16 and thus also behind the cutting device 20, i.e. material belt 5 without connecting elements.

[0070] To cut this material strip 5, the setting head 12 is moved from the drive unit into the cutting position. This is in Figure 9 for the setting tool 1 and in Figure 10 shown for the cutting device 20.

[0071] The cutting position is located adjacent to or at the fully retracted position of the setting head 12. Thus, the cutting position is offset from the picking position in a direction opposite to the setting position. Therefore, relative to the setting position, the cutting position is further away than the picking position.

[0072] The movement of the setting head 12 into the cutting position causes the cutting part 22 of the cutting device 20 connected to the setting head 12 to engage with the release part 40 of the cutting device 20, as described above.

[0073] By engaging the cutting part 22 with the trigger part 40, the blade 24 is moved in the direction of the material belt 5 and cuts the material belt 5 perpendicular to the conveying direction.

[0074] The setting tool 1 therefore utilizes a mechanism for the dual use of the drive unit. This unit now not only moves the setting head 12, but is also used to trigger the cutting of the material strip 5. This eliminates the need for additional actuators, as the existing kinetic energy of the setting head 12 is utilized. The arrangement of the release element 40 relative to the cutting element 22 makes the setting tool 1 particularly efficient.

[0075] When approaching the cutting position, the maximum stroke possible with the setting head 12 can be utilized. Since this is greater than the setting stroke S, positions outside the setting stroke S can be used to actuate further mechanisms.

[0076] Furthermore, another advantage of this setting tool 1 is that the material strip 5 can be cut off specifically for the respective application, for example, at desired times, after a desired number of setting operations, and / or upon a manual command. This further increases the effectiveness of the setting tool 1, as the process time is reduced in particular. For example, the setting operations do not need to be interrupted to cut off the material strip 5, nor is an interruption required due to manual cutting of the material strip 5.

[0077] Finally, it is advantageous that the material strip 5 does not need to be re-threaded into the cutting device 20 after cutting or separating, since the relative position between the cutting part 22 of the cutting device 20 and the setting head 12 does not change due to the rigid connection and the movement of the cutting part 22 with the setting head 12.

[0078] To optimally utilize the capabilities of the setting tool 1, a control unit is preferably provided with which the cutting position can be selectively controlled via the drive unit at a distance from the picking position. With regard to the setting tool 1 equipped with the control unit, it is particularly advantageous that the control unit comprises: a position sensor with which the position of the setting head 12 can be detected for selective control of the cutting position; a counter, whereby the cutting position can be controlled depending on the counter; and / or a memory for storing the programming of the setting tool 1, a counter value with respect to the number of setting operations, and / or position data of the setting head 12.

[0079] The use of a control unit is preferably for controlling the drive unit of the setting tool 1. The advantageous combination with a position sensor enables the control of the setting tool 1 depending on the exact position of the setting head 12. This further improves the effectiveness of the method and the device.

[0080] Furthermore, the control system allows the cutting of the material strip 5 to be linked to specific rules, independent of the setting process. For example, the number of set connecting elements can be recorded so that the material strip 5 can be cut or separated when a defined maximum value is reached. The cutting function can also be triggered individually, e.g., acyclically, depending on the work process and / or counter value and / or operating time. For this purpose, memory is preferably provided for storing the programming / rules and / or counter values ​​and positions of the setting tool 1 or the setting head 12.

[0081] To illustrate, the Figures 11 to 13 The cutting device 20 in different views. During Figure 11 a perspective view of the cutting device 20 shows Figure 12 a sectional view in the shooting position and Figure 13 A sectional view in the cutting position of the setting head 12. In this embodiment, a roller 28 is used as a projection 26 on the cutting part 22. This assists the movement of the cutting part 22 relative to the release part 40.

[0082] Now, referring to the Figures 14 to 16 Particularly preferred variants of the cutting device 20 are discussed. These devices have in common that the release element 40 is also movably arranged, but is not coupled to the movement of the setting head 12. This further increases the flexibility of the setting tool 1.

[0083] For example, in Figure 14As shown, the release element 40 is movable perpendicular to the direction of movement of the setting head 12. This prevents interaction between the release element 40 and the cutting element 22 in the cutting position. In other words, the release element 40 can be moved between a rest position and an engagement position. In the rest position, the release element 40 is not in the path of movement of the cutting element 22, while in the engagement position it is located in the path of movement.

[0084] This enables the drive unit to move the setting head 12 to the fully retracted position, even with larger irregular contours of the components to be joined, without cutting the material strip 5. This further increases the application range of the setting tool 12.

[0085] In addition to the movement of the release element 40 perpendicular to the direction of movement of the setting head 12, a diagonal movement is also possible. For this purpose, on Figure 15 referred.

[0086] Finally, and according to the in Figure 16 As shown, the release element 40 can also be arranged on the setting tool 1 so that it is movable parallel to the direction of movement of the setting head 12. This allows the cutting position to be advantageously adapted to the respective application.

[0087] Now, referring to Figure 17 A schematic procedure for setting connecting elements supplied with a material strip 5 and for cutting the material strip 5 is described. In a first step A, a setting head 12 with a connecting element of the material strip 5 arranged therein is moved from a receiving position to a setting position. Then, in step B, the connecting element is set in the setting position.

[0088] After placement, the setting head 12 is moved back from the setting position to the receiving position (step C), and the motor 16 for moving the material belt 5 is actuated (step D). The motor 16 is located adjacent to the setting head 12 and is connected to it in such a way that it is rigidly positioned relative to the setting head 12. This places a subsequent connecting element in the setting head 12 in the receiving or turning position of the setting head 12.

[0089] These steps are now repeated so that empty material strip 5 is present behind the motor 16 and thus also behind the cutting device 20, 120. This material strip 5 can initially be collected so that it is not cut off after each setting operation.

[0090] Only in step E is the setting head 12 moved with the drive unit into a cutting position, which is spaced from the receiving position in a direction opposite to the setting position. This occurs depending on a number of setting strokes S between the setting position and the receiving position, with the cutting taking place after two, preferably three, and particularly preferably five, setting strokes S, the operating time of the setting tool 1, and / or a manually triggered cutting command, at which point the setting head 12 is moved into a cutting position.

[0091] In the cutting position, a cutting device 20, 120, arranged behind the motor 16 in the conveying direction of the material belt 5, cuts the material belt 5 transversely to the conveying direction of the material belt 5. The cutting device 20, 120 comprises a cutting element 22, 122 with a blade 24 and a release element 40, 140. The cutting element 22, 122 is connected to the setting head 12, thus rigidly arranging the cutting element 22, 122 relative to the setting head 12. The release element 40, 140 is connected to the setting tool 1 such that, during operation of the setting tool 1, there is relative movement between the release element 40, 140 and the cutting element 22, 122. In the cutting position, the blade 24 cuts the material belt 5 transversely to the conveying direction of the material belt 5 due to an actuation by the trigger part 40, 140.

[0092] Advantageously, in step F, the setting tool 1 is moved to a collection container for the cut material strip 5. This can be done before or simultaneously with moving the setting head 12 into the cutting position. In this way, the empty material strip 5 can be collected in one place, which reduces the process time.

[0093] The method thus sets a connecting element, which is provided with a material strip 5, and the material strip 5 is cut to the application-specific length. This procedure can therefore be implemented particularly effectively in combination with an embodiment of the setting tool 1 according to the invention, as described above. Reference is therefore made to the above explanations accordingly. Alternatively, the method can be applied to any setting tool 1 that does not require the maximum travel of the setting head 12 during each setting stroke S in the setting operation.

[0094] The release element 40, 140 of the cutting device 20, 120 can preferably be moved from an engagement position to a rest position in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the setting head 12. In the rest position, interaction between the release element 40, 140 and the cutting element 20, 120 in the cutting position is prevented. Accordingly, the release element 40, 140 and the cutting element 20, 120 of the cutting device can only engage when the release element is in the engagement position. In this way, a corresponding setting tool 1 can also move to the cutting position with the setting head 12 without a cutting operation being performed. This is particularly advantageous when the setting head 12 is to be moved to the fully retracted or withdrawn position, but without cutting the material strip 5.As an alternative to the movement perpendicular to the direction of movement of the setting head 12, a variable setting can also be achieved by a movement of the release part 40, 140 parallel to the direction of movement of the setting head 12, as discussed above. 6. List of reference symbols

[0095] 1 Setting tool 3 Robot 5 Material tape 10C-Frame 12Setting head 14Counter tool 16Motor 20Cutting device 22Cutting part 24Blade 26Protrusion 28Roller 32Plate 34Rotary axis 36Counter holder 40Trigger part 42Cam 50 Leadership 120Cutting device 122Cutting part 128Roller 130Teeth 134Rotary axis 140Trigger part 144Tooth rail SSetthub

Claims

1. A setting tool (1) for setting fasteners provided with a material strip (5), comprising: a) a C-frame (10), b) a drive unit arranged on the C-frame (10) with a setting head (12) by which the setting head (12) is movable linearly in the direction of a counter tool (14) arranged on the C-frame (10) opposite the setting head (12), thereby defining a setting stroke (S) between a setting position for setting the fastener and a receiving position for receiving a subsequent fastener from the material strip (5), c) a motor (16), in particular a roller motor, for moving the material strip (5), wherein the motor (16) is arranged adjacent to the setting head (12) and is connected to the setting head (12) in such a way that it is rigidly arranged relative to the setting head (12), d) a cutting device (20;120) for cutting the material belt (5), which is located behind the motor (16) in the conveying direction of the material belt (5) and comprises a cutting part (22; 122) with a blade (24) and a release part (40; 140), e) wherein the cutting part (22; 122) is connected to the setting head (12), whereby the cutting part (22; 122) is rigidly arranged relative to the setting head (12), and f) the release part (40; 140) is connected to the setting tool (1) such that, during operation of the setting tool (1), there is a relative movement between the release part (40; 140) and the cutting part (22; 122), wherein g) the setting head (12) can be moved by the drive unit into a cutting position which is spaced from the receiving position in a direction opposite to the setting position and in which the blade (24) of the cutting part (22; 122) cuts the material belt (5) transversely to the conveying direction of the material belt (5) due to actuation by the trigger part (40; 140).

2. The setting tool (1) according to claim 1, which further comprises a control unit with which the cutting position can be selectively controlled via the drive unit at a distance from the receiving position.

3. The setting tool (1) according to claim 2, wherein the control comprises: a) a position detection system with which a position of the setting head (12) can be detected for targeted control of the cutting position, b) a counter wherein the cutting position can be controlled depending on the counter, and / or c) a memory for storing the programming of the setting tool (1), a counter value with respect to the number of setting operations and / or position data of the setting head (12).

4. The setting tool (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the release part (40) comprises a cam (42) and the cutting part (22) comprises a projection (26), in particular in the form of a roller (28), such that when the projection (26) moves over the cam (42), the blade (24) is moved in the direction of the material strip (5) and the material strip (5) is cut.

5. The setting tool (1) according to claim 4, wherein the cutting part (22) has a plate (32) with the blade (24), wherein the plate (32) has a pivot axis (34) at one end and is connected to the projection (26) at the other end, so that the material strip (5) can be cut by a pivoting movement of the blade (24).

6. The setting tool (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, wherein the release part (140) comprises a section with a toothed rail (144) and the cutting part (122) comprises a roller (128) which has the blade (24) and is provided with teeth (130) on a partial circumference, such that when the teeth (130) of the roller (128) engage with the toothed rail (144), the blade (24) is rotated in the direction of the material strip (5) and the material strip (5) is cut.

7. The setting tool (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the release part (40; 140) is movable independently of the setting head (12), in particular perpendicular to the direction of movement of the setting head (12), thereby preventing interaction between the release part (40; 140) and the cutting part (22; 122) in the cutting position.

8. The setting tool (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a guide (50) for the cutting part (22; 122) consisting of a rail attached to the cutting part (22; 122) and a counter rail connected to the C-frame (10).

9. A method for setting connecting elements provided with a material strip (5) and for cutting the material strip (5), in particular using the setting tool (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps: a) moving (step A) a setting head (12) with a connecting element of the material strip (5) arranged therein from a receiving position to a setting position, b) setting (step B) the connecting element in the setting position, c) moving (step C) the setting head (12) back from the setting position to the receiving position, d) actuating (step D) a motor (16), in particular a roller motor, for moving the material strip (5), which is arranged adjacent to the setting head (12) and is connected to the setting head (12) in such a way that it is rigidly arranged relative to the setting head (12), thereby arranging a subsequent connecting element in the setting head (12) in the receiving position of the setting head (12).and e) Moving (step E) the setting head (12) with the drive unit into a cutting position which is spaced from the receiving position in a direction opposite to the setting position, wherein in the cutting position a cutting device (20; 120) arranged behind the motor (16) in the conveying direction of the material belt (5) cuts the material belt (5) transversely to the conveying direction of the material belt (5), wherein the cutting device (20; 120) comprises a cutting part (22; 122) with a blade (24) and a release part (40; 140), wherein the cutting part (22; 122) is connected to the setting head (12), whereby the cutting part (22; 122) is rigidly arranged relative to the setting head (12), and the release part (40; 140) is connected to the setting tool (1) such that during operation of the setting tool (1) there is a relative movement between the trigger part (40; 140) and the cutting part (22; 122),and in the cutting position, the blade (24) cuts the material belt (5) transversely to the conveying direction of the material belt (5) due to an actuation by the trigger part (40; 140).

10. The setting method according to claim 9, wherein the setting head (12) is moved into the cutting position due to: f1) a number of setting strokes between the setting position and the receiving position, wherein the cutting takes place after two, preferably three and particularly preferably five, setting strokes, f2) the operating time of the setting tool (1), and / or f3) a manually triggered cutting command.

11. The setting method according to claim 9 or 10, which, before or simultaneously with moving the setting head (12) into the cutting position, comprises the further step: g) moving (step F) the setting tool to a collection container for cut material strip.

12. The setting method according to one of claims 9 to 11, comprising the further step: h) moving the release part (40; 140) of the cutting device (20; 120) relative to the setting head (12), preferably in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the setting head (12), from an engagement position and into a rest position, wherein in the rest position an interaction between the release part (40; 140) and the cutting part (22; 122) in the cutting position is prevented.

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