Setting device and method for setting a blind rivet nut

Abstract

The present invention discloses a setting device (1) for a blind rivet element (N; B), comprising the following features: an axially displaceable pulling mandrel (10) and a mandrel drive to rotate the pulling mandrel (10), the pulling mandrel (10) has a work end (12; 12') and a drive end (16), wherein the work end (12; 12') includes an outer thread (14) to screw-on a blind rivet element configured like a blind rivet nut (N) or an inner thread (14') to screw-in a blind rivet element configured like a blind rivet bolt (B) and the drive end (16) has a coupling structure (18) with which a releasable torque-proof connection with the mandrel drive (20) can be established, a linear pulling drive (50) in an operative connection with the pulling mandrel (10; 10') with which a linear deformation displacement of the pulling mandrel (10; 10') in the direction of the drive end (16) is implementable deforming a blind rivet element (N; B), a hollow-cylindrical mouthpiece (30), which passes the pulling mandrel (10; 10'), which is guided on the pulling mandrel (10; 10') and / or in a housing (90) of the setting device (1), and a relative movement between the mouthpiece (30) and the housing (90) is detectable by means of a sensor (40) or a switch, which is linearly displaceable parallel to and independent of the pulling mandrel (10; 10'), and which is spring preloaded in a direction facing away from the drive end (16), so that a positioning state of a blind rivet element (N; B) within an opening of a component is detectable by means of the sensor (40) or the switch capturing a linear displacement of the preloaded mouthpiece (30) in the direction of the drive end (16) while the blind rivet element (N; B) arranged on / in the work end (12; 12') of the pulling mandrel (30) is pushed into the opening, and a control unit sending a control command at least to the linear pulling drive (50) initiating the starting condition of the setting device (1) in which the linear pulling drive (50) provides an inner clearance (Y) allowing a linear movement of the linear pulling drive (50) together with the mouthpiece (30) in a direction away from the drive end (16).

Description

1. Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a setting device for a blind rivet element, either realized by a handheld device or by an automatic setting machine. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a setting method for a blind rivet element within a component opening by means of a setting device.2. Background of the invention

[0002] A blind rivet element is typically configured like a blind rivet nut or a blind rivet bolt / screw. Blind rivet nuts typically have a rivet shaft that has an internal thread and a rivet head. A blind rivet bolt has a rivet shaft in which a bolt with an outer thread is arranged. The rivet shaft is inserted into a component opening within which the blind rivet nut or bolt is to be fastened. After positioning the blind rivet nut or bolt within the component opening, an axial tension is applied to the shaft of the blind rivet nut or bolt which causes a compression of the rivet shaft and the fastening of the same within the component opening. Thereafter, a pulling mandrel is unscrewed from the blind rivet shaft or the rivet bolt.

[0003] While the fastening process of a blind rivet nut within the component opening remains the same, the technology of the setting devices varies. These different technologies are described for example in EP 3 144 079 B1, DE 44 06 946 A1, US 5,605,070, EP 2 093 024 B1, and DE 19 45 820 U1. The disclosed technologies of the setting devices support different methods for setting a blind rivet nut within the component opening. According to EP 3 144 079 B1, the blind rivet nut is first manually screwed on the pulling mandrel of the setting device, before the setting process is started. As a consequence, the manual preparation step for of the setting process is ineffective and time-consuming.

[0004] A part of the other technologies favors an automatic screwing of the blind rivet nut on the pulling mandrel before starting the setting process of the blind rivet nut. As described in EP 2 093 024 B1, the blind rivet nut is screwed on the pulling mandrel as soon as the trigger of the setting device is pressed. Thereby, the blind rivet nut is quickly screwed on the pulling mandrel.

[0005] After pre-installation of the blind rivet nut on the pulling mandrel, the blind rivet nut is positioned within a component opening. A manual positioning as well as an automatic positioning is often inaccurate resulting in a defective mounting of the blind rivet element within the component opening.

[0006] It is therefore the problem of the present invention to provide an alternative setting method and a alternative setting device for a blind rivet element effectively completing the setting process within a component opening.3. Summary of the invention

[0007] The above problem is solved by a setting device for blind rivet element according to independent claim 1. Furthermore, the above problem is solved by a setting method of a blind rivet element with a setting device having a pulling mandrel with an outer work end with an outer or an inner thread according to independent claim 7. Further preferred embodiments, developments and modifications of the present invention are derivable from the following specification, accompanying drawings as well as the pending claims.

[0008] A setting device for a blind rivet element, comprising the following features: an axially displaceable pulling mandrel and a mandrel drive to rotate the pulling mandrel, the pulling mandrel has a work end and a drive end, wherein the work end includes an outer thread to screw-on a blind rivet element configured like a blind rivet nut or an inner thread to screw-in a blind rivet element configured like a blind rivet bolt, and the drive end has a coupling structure with which a releasable torque-proof connection to a mandrel drive can be established, a linear pulling drive in an operative connection with the pulling mandrel with which a linear deformation displacement of the pulling mandrel in the direction of the drive end is implementable deforming a blind rivet element, and a hollow-cylindrical mouthpiece, which passes the pulling mandrel, which is guided on the pulling mandrel and / or in a housing of the setting device, and a relative movement between the mouthpiece and the housing is detectable by means of a sensor or a switch, which is linearly displaceable parallel to and independent of the pulling mandrel, and which is spring preloaded in a direction facing away from the drive end, so that a positioning state of a blind rivet element within an opening of a component is detectable by means of the sensor or the switch capturing a linear displacement of the preloaded mouthpiece in the direction of the drive end while the blind rivet element arranged on / in the work end of the pulling mandrel is pushed into the opening, and a control unit sending a control command at least to the linear pulling drive initiating a starting condition of the setting device in which the linear pulling drive provides an inner clearance allowing a linear movement of the linear pulling drive together with the mouthpiece in a direction away from the drive end.

[0009] Blind rivet elements configured like blind rivet nuts and blind rivet bolts are widely used in the art and known in construction. They are installed by a setting device which is operated manually or automatically. These setting devices use a pulling mandrel. By rotating the pulling mandrel, the blind rivet nut is screwed on a working end of the pulling mandrel having an outer thread. Alternatively, the pulling mandrel has a hollow working end with an inner thread to screw a blind rivet bolt into the preferred hollow or partly hollow cylindrical working end. The rotation of the pulling mandrel is realized by means of a first drive, e.g. an electric motor. The pulling motion of the pulling mandrel is realized by a second drive displacing the pulling mandrel in a linear direction. For example, an electric drive or a hydraulic drive generates a pulling force for moving the pulling mandrel linearly.

[0010] The operation of the setting device has to preferably guarantee a simple, efficient and reliable installation process of the blind rivet nut or the blind rivet nut generally denoted as a blind rivet element. To this end, the blind rivet element is first screwed on or in the pulling mandrel by pushing a trigger or by slightly pushing the pulling mandrel inside the setting device or automatically while picking the blind rivet element from a respective magazine.

[0011] The setting device has a linearly displaceable mouthpiece which can be shifted parallel to the pulling mandrel. The mouthpiece has a hollow cylindrical shape so that the pulling mandrel extends through the mouthpiece. The pulling mandrel can be shifted or pushed inside the setting device by plugging a blind rivet nut or a blind rivet bolt on the working end of the pulling mandrel.

[0012] The blind rivet element, in particular the blind rivet nut or the blind rivet bolt, has to preferably contact the mouthpiece based on its movement in the direction of the setting device together with the pulling mandrel. The contact between the blind rivet element and the mouthpiece during the motion in the direction of the setting device preferably shifts the mouthpiece together with the blind rivet element to the setting device. The shifting motion of the mouthpiece is detectable to confirm the established contact between the blind rivet nut and the mouthpiece. A screwing on of the blind rivet nut on the pulling mandrel or a screwing-in of the blind rivet bolt into the pulling mandrel preferably starts upon moving the pulling mandrel and / or the mouthpiece in the direction of the drive end of the pulling mandrel and / or upon pulling a trigger to start rotation of the pulling mandrel. Thereby, the tight on-screwing connection between the blind rivet element and the mouthpiece is realized, preferably shifting the mouthpiece in the direction of the drive end and closing an inner mouthpiece clearance (see below).

[0013] According to the inventive setting device, the mouthpiece is spring-preloaded in a direction facing away from the setting device.

[0014] The hollow cylindrical mouthpiece can be shifted bi-directionally and parallel to the pulling mandrel. In order to prepare the mouthpiece for the contact with the blind rivet element plugged on the mandrel, the mouthpiece is pushed resiliently axially away from the setting device by a respective pretension, e.g. realized by a spring. Based on the pretension spring, the mouthpiece is positioned most outwardly in a starting position having no contact with the blind rivet nut or bolt.

[0015] Further preferred, the pretension of the mouthpiece supports close contact to the blind rivet element. Even though contact was established between the blind rivet element and the mouthpiece, a linear shifting of the mouthpiece together with the blind rivet element may take place to or away from the setting device. According to a preferred shifting region covered by a linear moveability of the mouthpiece, the mouthpiece can follow a blind rivet element moving away from the setting device within this shifting region. To this end, the spring or pretension urges the mouthpiece against the blind rivet element keeping a preferred contact therebetween.

[0016] Further according to the invention, the mouthpiece is guided on the pulling mandrel and / or in a housing of the setting device and a relative movement between the mouthpiece and the housing is detectable by means of a sensor or a switch.

[0017] For reliably setting a blind rivet element within the component opening, the setting device has the control unit. The control unit preferably guarantees a linear movability of the mouthpiece in the direction of the drive end before positioning the blind rivet element on the word end on the component opening. The preferred moveability of the mouthpiece is realized based on a mouthpiece clearance generated by linear movement of the pulling drive away from the drive and. The mouthpiece clearance enables the mouthpiece to be pushed and linearly moved in the direction of the drive end against the spring preloading of the mouthpiece. This linear moveability of the mouthpiece against the spring preloading realizes a control option that the blind rivet element is pushed into the component opening while starting the mounting or crimping process of the blind rivet element.

[0018] To this end, the pushed inside position of the mouthpiece is captured by means of a sensor or a switch. As long as the blind rivet element and the mouthpiece are pushed into the component opening, the sensor or the switch captures the respective mouthpiece position closer to the drive end compared to a lack of a pushing action. Based on the captured mouthpiece position, the sensor or the switch sends a corresponding electric signal to the control unit. The electric signal preferably approves the right positioning of the blind rivet element within the component opening so that the crimping process of the blind rivet element is or can be manually or automatically started.

[0019] To assure the presence of movability of the mouthpiece serving as the control option before setting the blind rivet element, the control unit of the setting device is adapted to make the pulling drive return to its starting position after each completed setting process. The starting position of the pulling drive includes an inner drive clearance of the pulling drive.

[0020] The inner drive clearance of the pulling drive defines a preferred positioning of the pulling drive so that it can drive the components connected or coupled to the pulling drive for a small distance in the direction away from the drive end. The small distance preferably covers a linear movability range needed to shift the mouthpiece while arranging a blind rivet element on / in the work end or while positioning the plugged on blind rivet element within the component opening.

[0021] Even if a mouthpiece clearance was closed while arranging a blind rivet element on the work end, the starting position of the pulling drive allows for and enables to reconstitute a needed mouthpiece clearance before positioning the blind rivet element within the opening of the component. To this end, the drive clearance of the pulling drive established by means of the starting position defined in the control unit is preferably reduced or closed. Based on the coupling between the pulling drive and the mouthpiece, reducing or closing the drive clearance of the starting position generates the mouthpiece clearance for positioning the blind rivet element within the component opening.

[0022] Further preferred, the setting device is connected to the control device which analyses electrical sensor or switch signals and sends control commands to the setting device based on these sensor signals (see above).

[0023] In this context, the sensor or switch captures or senses a motion of the mouthpiece in the direction of the drive end. Dependent on the position reached by the mouthpiece, a respective electrical signed is sent to the control unit to initiate the crimping process.

[0024] As emphasized above, the contact between the shiftable mouthpiece and the blind rivet element plugged on the shiftable pulling mandrel forms the preferred starting condition for screwing the blind rivet element on or in the work end of the pulling mandrel.

[0025] Based on the construction of the setting device, the essential contact between the mouthpiece and the blind rivet element plugged on the pulling mandrel qualifies the start of the on-screwing or in-screwing rotation of the pulling mandrel. The contact is preferably sensed by a shifting of the mouthpiece in the direction of the setting device. It is also preferred to start the on / in-screwing of the blind rivet element by pushing a switch or trigger or axially moving / pushing the mandrel in the direction of the drive end.

[0026] According to a further preferred embodiment, the contact is sensed if the mouthpiece occupies a certain position to be reached against the spring preloading of the mouthpiece, i.e. if shifted in the direction of the setting device.

[0027] The positioning and / or shifting of the mouthpiece is monitored by a sensor, e.g. a positioning sensor, a hall sensor, a light sensor or the like. According to another preferred embodiment, a switch is used and activated by a movement of the mouthpiece.

[0028] Preferably, the sensor and the switch generate an electric signal dependent on the mouthpiece position. The electric signal is transmitted to the control unit of the setting device for evaluation. In response thereto, the control unit transmits commands to the respective drives of the setting device to control the operation of the setting device (see above).

[0029] Preferably, the setting device is a handheld device or an automatic setting machine.

[0030] The present invention has a compact construction. It is preferably used in a handheld device or in an automatic setting machine. The preferred variability of the setting device results from the fact, that a controlled pre-installation of the blind rivet element on or in the pulling mandrel is advantageous for processes using handheld devices, and for processes automatically realized.

[0031] With respect to handheld setting devices, quality measures are easily implemented. Thereby, handling processes are improved.

[0032] With respect to automatic setting machines, processing chains are made more efficient. This results from the self-control effect of the shiftable mouthpiece, the position of which is sensed and reported to the control unit. In response, the process of blind rivet element setting is accelerated, and its reliability is improved.

[0033] According to different preferred embodiments of the present invention, the linear pulling drive is a hydraulic piston-cylinder-drive, the piston of which is displaceable in the direction of the drive end against an axial spring-preload.

[0034] Alternatively preferred, the linear pulling drive is a linear motor with which the pulling mandrel is displaceable in a torque-free manner against an axial spring-preload in the direction of the drive end.

[0035] If a preferred hydraulic piston-cylinder-drive is used, the preferred drive clearance denotes a position of the piston within the cylinder allowing for a movement of the piston in the direction away from the drive end. Since the piston is coupled to the mouthpiece, closing the drive clearance leads to a displacement of the mouthpiece away from the drive end. If a linear motor is used as a pulling drive, the drive clearance denotes the possibility of the pulling drive to initiate a mouthpiece clearance.

[0036] The present invention further discloses a setting method of a blind rivet element with a setting device according to one of the above described alternatives, initiating a starting condition of the setting device in which a linear pulling drive of the pulling mandrel provides an inner drive clearance allowing a linear movement of the linear pulling drive together with the mouthpiece in a direction away from the drive end, plugging a blind rivet element on the outer work end of the pulling mandrel, screwing-on of the blind rivet element onto or screwing-in of the blind rivet element into the work end of the pulling mandrel so that the mouthpiece is in contact with the blind rivet element, closing the inner drive clearance of the linear pulling drive by moving the linear pulling drive together with the mouthpiece away from the drive end and thereby generating an inner mouthpiece clearance of the mouthpiece allowing a linear mouthpiece movement directed to the drive end, inserting the blind rivet element into a component opening and thereby shifting the mouthpiece in the direction of the drive end, and capturing the mouthpiece shifting by the sensor or the switch while abutting with the blind rivet element at the component, and fastening the blind rivet element in the component opening by crimping the blind rivet element based on a pulling motion of the hydraulic piston-cylinder.

[0037] The inventive setting method for a blind rivet element is based on the above-described construction and function of the displaceable hollow cylindrical mouthpiece. Due to the pretensioned starting position of the mouthpiece, the mouthpiece can be initially only shifted in the direction of the setting device or the automatic setting machine, i.e. in the direction of the drive end of the pulling mandrel.

[0038] According to the preferred construction of the setting device, the blind rivet element is plugged on the pulling mandrel. Rotation of the mandrel can be started by a trigger or by shifting the mandrel to the drive end or by shifting the mouthpiece to the drive end or automatically by sensing or capturing at least one of the above motions.

[0039] The inventive method for setting a blind rivet element is preferably realized by a preferred embodiment of the described setting device. The setting device has a control unit in which the inventive method is preferably processed and defined by means of an executable computer program or a programmed integrated circuit or the like. Such realizations of a setting method within the setting device are state-of-the-art.

[0040] As follows from the above explanation of the setting device, a preferred mouthpiece clearance is realized by means of a preferred spring preloading of the mouthpiece in the direction away from the drive end. The mouthpiece clearance supports an arrangement of the blind rivet element on / in the work and of a pulling mandrel. Preferably, the arranged blind rivet element abuts the mouthpiece leading to a possible closing of the mouthpiece clearance. This is preferably captured by a sensor or a switch.

[0041] It was noted that defined closing of the mouthpiece clearance is preferably realized by placing the blind rivet element arranged on the work end within a component opening. Based on pushing the blind rivet element into the component opening for reliably mounting, the blind rivet element abutting the mouthpiece pushes the mouthpiece to the drive end thereby closing the mouthpiece clearance within the housing. By means of the above discussed sensor and / or switch, the closed mouthpiece clearance is captured or sensed or monitored by the sensor or the switch signalizing a correct positioning of the blind rivet element within the component opening for reliably setting or crimping the blind rivet element. Such a respective electric signal is sent to the control unit of the setting device.

[0042] In order to guarantee the mouthpiece clearance for making a reliable connection, the starting condition is realized in the setting device. The starting condition requests the drive clearance to be established in the pulling drive. The preferred drive clearance of the pulling drive is not changed by arranging a blind rivet element on / in the work end of the putting mandrel (see above). It is not changed by closing of the mouthpiece clearance against the spring preloading of the mouthpiece.

[0043] As follows from the construction of the setting device, the pulling drive is coupled to the mouthpiece. Therefore, a movement of the pulling drive is mechanically transferred to the mouthpiece. If the drive clearance of the putting drive is reduced or closed, it results in a corresponding movement of the mouthpiece away from the drive end.

[0044] The initiated starting position realizes a drive clearance of the pulling drive which can be transferred to the mouthpiece if needed.

[0045] Since the mouthpiece clearance supports and assures a reliable pushing positioning of the blind rivet element within the component opening before crimping, the drive clearance of the pulling drive serves as or provides a spare clearance or hedge clearance of the pulling drive which is transferable to the mouthpiece.

[0046] According to a preferred embodiment of the setting method, the fastening step is started based on a continued confirmation signal output by the sensor or the switch, that the mouthpiece is in a shifted position toward the drive end.

[0047] The setting device has a sensor or a switch to be activated by a linear movement of the mouthpiece. Preferably, the sensor or the switch is such arranged that it captures or senses as soon as the mouthpiece arrives in an installation position. The installation position preferably denotes a position in which the mouthpiece is shifted toward the drive end while the blind rivet element is pushed into the component opening. As soon as the mouthpiece reaches the installation position, the sensor or the switch preferably sense a respective electric installation signal to the control unit.

[0048] Preferably, the control unit checks whether the installation signal is preferably permanently present, preferably for a predefined time period. If yes, the pulling drive is activated to fasten the blind rivet element within the component opening.

[0049] Preferably, the starting condition provides an inner clearance of the mouthpiece, allowing a spring-loaded linear mouthpiece movement in the direction of the drive end supporting the screwing step of the blind rivet element.

[0050] As further preferred, the starting condition predefined in the control unit realizes an inner mouthpiece clearance. To this end, the control unit preferably assures that the mouthpiece is not in the installation position pushing a blind rivet element into a component opening. The control unit further assures that the mouthpiece is shifted away from the installation position by the preferred mouthpiece clearance in the direction away from the drive end.

[0051] It is preferred to use the sensor or the switch to indicate that the mouthpiece is not in the installation position, i.e. the mouthpiece clearance is open. To this end, the sensor or the switch preferably sends an electric signal to the control unit indicating an open mouthpiece clearance.

[0052] It is also preferred to use a second sensor or switch adapted to capture or signalize an open mouthpiece clearance.

[0053] As follows from a further preferred embodiment of the setting method, the inner mouthpiece clearance of the mouthpiece is closed while screwing-on of the blind rivet element onto or screwing-in of the blind rivet element into the work end of the pulling mandrel by moving the blind rivet element against the mouthpiece.

[0054] Based on the preferred arranging of the blind rivet element on / in the work end, the blind rivet element is screwed in abutment against the mouthpiece. Thereby, the mouthpiece clearance is preferably closed against the spring pretension of the mouthpiece in the direction away from the drive end.

[0055] The closed mouthpiece clearance is preferably captured by the sensor or the switch and communicated by an electrical signal to the control unit.

[0056] Preferably, the control unit has two information indicating the status or condition of the setting device. The starting position was driven by the control unit resulting in the pulling drive having the inner drive clearance. Further, the mouthpiece clearance was closed by arranging a blind rivet element on the work end of the pulling mandrel. The presence of this status of the setting device indicates that the setting device is prepared for the setting of the blind rivet element within the component opening.

[0057] Based on the notice of the status of the setting device, the control unit preferably triggers the closing of the drive clearance of the pulling drive. Thereby, the drive clearance is closed and the mouthpiece clearance is opened. Thereby, the setting device is preferably prepared to start the positioning process of the blind rivet element within the component opening and the subsequent fastening or crimping of the same.

[0058] Additionally preferred, the setting method comprises the further step: sensing a completion of the fastening step and automatically unscrewing the pulling mandrel from the blind rivet element.4. Short description of the drawings

[0059] In the following, the present invention will be described in detail based on the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference signs denote the same elements and were components. Furthermore, the drawings illustrate preferred embodiments as well as modifications and further developments of the present invention. It shows: Figure 1a handheld setting device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention indicating two preferred mandrel configurations: a) having a work end with an outer thread for screwing-on a blind rivet nut, or b) having a hollow work end with an inner thread for screwing-in a blind rivet bolt, Figure 2a sectional view of the inventive setting device according to a preferred embodiment, Figure 3an enlarged sectional view of a preferred construction of the inventive setting device, Figure 4a preferred illustration of the shiftable mouthpiece combined with a slide, Figure 5a preferred sectional view of the present invention illustrating the preferred inner construction close to the mandrel drive, Figures 6 to 12different preferred schematic illustrations of the steps of the inventively preferred setting method for setting a blind rivet nut within an opening of a component and Figure 13-17further different preferred schematic illustrations of the setting device of the steps of the inventively preferred setting method for setting a blind rivet nut within an opening of a component, and Figure 18a flowchart of a preferred embodiment of the inventive setting method for a blind rivet element. 5. Detailed description of preferred embodiments

[0060] Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment of a handheld setting device 1. It has a pulling mandrel 10 with a working end 12. The working end 12 of the pulling mandrel 10 is surrounded by a shiftable mouthpiece 30. Furthermore, the preferred handheld setting device 1 of figure 1 has a handle 80 for carrying and moving the setting device 1. On one end of the elongated handle 80, the housing 90 of the setting device 1 has a T-shape. The T-shaped housing part 92 contains constructive components for operating the pulling mandrel 10 and the mouthpiece 30 as described in further detail below.

[0061] Figure 1 illustrates two preferred embodiments of the pulling mandrel 10; 10'. According to the preferred alternative a), the working end 12 of the pulling mandrel 10 has an outer thread 14 to screw-on a blind rivet nut N. According to the further preferred embodiment b), the pulling mandrel 10' has a hollow working end 12' which is preferably hollow cylindrically shaped. Within the hollow working end 12', an inner thread 14' is provided to screw-in a blind rivet bolt B into the hollow working end 14'.

[0062] Opposite to the T-shape housing part 92, the handle 80 is connected to a retaining part 94 of the housing 90. The embodiments of the setting device 1 differ for example in the driving component used for linearly moving the pulling mandrel 10; 10' in a pulling motion. According to one preferred embodiment of the present invention as described in greater detail below, the pulling driving component or pulling drive 50 is a hydraulic drive. The hydraulic drive has a hydraulic reservoir retained in the retaining part 94 of the housing 90.

[0063] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the setting device 1 uses at least one electric drive for rotating the pulling mandrel 10; 10'. Additionally, an electric linear drive is used providing a linear motion of the pulling mandrel 10; 10'. Preferably, the linear drive is connected to the pulling mandrel 10; 10' to realize a plastic deformation or crimping of the blind rivet element, in particular the blind rivet nut N and the blind rivet bolt B, screwed on / in the working end 12; 12' of the pulling mandrel 10; 10'. If the following functions of the setting device 1 are described based on the hydraulic pulling drive 50, these details explain analogously the functioning of the electric pulling drive 50. These constructions and functions are realized in the handheld device as well as in the automatic device.

[0064] In order to supply electric energy to the above-mentioned electric driving component, a battery or a rechargeable battery is retained in the retaining part 94 of the housing 90.

[0065] In the following, the inventive setting device 1 as well as the inventive setting method of the blind rivet element N; B are described with a preferred reference to the setting device 1 in combination with a blind rivet nut N. The description of the setting device 1 and the setting method used for processing a blind rivet nut N are analogously illustrating and explanatory as well as applicable for the preferred setting device 1 adapted to a blind rivet bolt B and the respective setting method. Therefore, the following details illustrate both alternatives a), b) of the preferred setting device 1 and the related setting method.

[0066] Figure 2 shows a preferred inner construction of the inventive setting device 1. The inner construction used for setting blind rivet nuts N within an opening O of a component C is used in the handheld setting device 1 as well as in an automatic setting machine.

[0067] Thus, the technical elements as well as their technical functioning as described in the following represent the configuration of the handheld device 1 and of the automatic setting machine.

[0068] Within a housing 90, the pulling mandrel 10 is movably arranged. According to the preferred embodiment shown in figure 2, the pulling mandrel 10 has an elongated structure which is made of two parts 10A, 10B. Alternatively, it is also preferred to provide the pulling mandrel 10 as a single integral part.

[0069] The pulling mandrel 10 furthermore has the working end 12. On the outside thereof, an external thread 14 is positioned to screw-on a blind rivet nut N.

[0070] Opposed to the working end 12, the pulling mandrel 10 has a driving end 16 comprising a coupling structure 18. The coupling structure 18 makes a torque-proof connection to a mandrel drive 20. The mandrel drive 20 preferably consist of an electric motor or a pneumatic motor or a hydraulic motor.

[0071] According to the coupling structure 18, only a rotation of the mandrel drive 20 is transferred to the pulling mandrel 10 for a screwing-on of the blind rivet nut N on / off the working end 12.

[0072] According to a preferred constructive alternative of the present invention (not shown), the mandrel drive 20 is adapted to generate a rotation and a linear motion of the pulling mandrel 10. The linear motion is used to plastically deform or crimp the blind rivet nut N within the component opening O. To this end, the coupling structure 18 provides an additional linear coupling to displace the pulling mandrel 10 along its longitudinal axis. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the mandrel drive 20 is supported by a linear motor (not shown) realizing the linear displacement of the pulling mandrel 10.

[0073] As shown in figures 2, 3, 5, the setting device 1 has a hydraulic drive 50 realizing the linear pulling motion of the pulling mandrel 10. To this end, a connection structure 22 of the pulling mandrel 10 makes an operative connection to a hydraulic piston 52 which is guided in an inner cylinder structure 54 of the housing 90. Preferably, the hydraulic piston 52 has a surrounding gasket 53 to make a hydraulic chamber within the cylinder structure 54.

[0074] To operate the hydraulic drive 50, hydraulic fluid is pumped from a hydraulic reservoir 82 within the handle 80 into the inner cylinder structure 54 in the housing 90. The hydraulic reservoir 82 is connected via tubes 84 with the inner cylinder structure 54. The hydraulic fluid enters the inner cylinder structure 54 to generate an inner hydraulic pressure within the inner cylinder structure 54. Based on the acting hydraulic fluid, the hydraulic piston 52 is pushed and displaced in the direction of the drive end 16 against a piston spring 56 pre-loading the inner cylinder structure 54.

[0075] The connection structure 22 of the pulling mandrel 10 preferably makes a linear operative connection with a piston connection structure 58 so that the inner cylinder structure 54 drags the pulling mandrel 10 in the direction of the working end 16 of the pulling mandrel 10. The linear dragging force applied by the hydraulic drive 50 is used for plastically deforming the blind rivet nut N within the opening O of the component C during the setting process. As best seen in figure 4, the cooperating connection structure 22 and the piston connection structure 58 each provide an undercut realizing the above dragging function.

[0076] The pulling mandrel 10 has a longitudinal axis L, and it is displaceable arranged along the axis L within the housing 90. Additionally, the pulling mandrel 10 can be rotated clockwise and anticlockwise. The preferred moveability of the pulling mandrel 10 is illustrated by arrows in figure 2.

[0077] Although the pulling mandrel 10 can be displaced along its longitudinal axis L, it is not intended to operate a switch or a similar construction by the pulling mandrel. Therefore, the pulling mandrel 10 preferably realizes mechanical interacting functions, but no electrical function in combination with electric components. According to a preferred embodiment of the pulling mandrel 10, it cooperates with a switch or sensor. The switch or sensor is activated by displacing the pulling mandrel 10 towards the drive end 16 while plugging a blind rivet element N; B on / in the work end 12. Upon activation of the switch or sensor, the pulling mandrel 10 starts to rotate to screw on / in the blind rivet element N; B.

[0078] If a blind rivet nut N is plugged on the working end 12 of the pulling mandrel 10, the pulling mandrel 10 is pushed and displaced in the direction of the drive end 16 of the pulling mandrel 10. No rotation of the pulling mandrel 10 starts by this longitudinal displacement of the pulling mandrel 10. The pulling mandrel 10 is pushed in the direction of the drive end 16 until the blind rivet nut N, preferably the circumferential collar K thereof, makes contact with the linearly displaceable mouthpiece 30. The displaceable mouthpiece 30 is made of a single part or a combination of parts.

[0079] As shown in figures 2-4, the mouthpiece 30 is connected to an inner slide 32 arranged in the housing 90. The mouthpiece 30 is pretensioned by a spring 34 in the direction of the working end 12. Furthermore, a linear displacement of the slide 32, and thus of the mouthpiece 30 is sensed by a sensor 40. If the mouthpiece 30 is contacted by the blind rivet nut N and shifted in the direction of the drive end 16, the sensor 40 generates a qualifying electrical signal which is sent to a control unit U of the setting device 1.

[0080] The sensor 40 may realize the monitoring of the mouthpiece displacement based on different constructions. Preferably, the sensor 40 is a position sensor sensing the position change of the mouthpiece 30 and / or the slide 32 relative to the housing 90. According to another embodiment, it is a light sensor 40 or a hall sensor 40 which is able to monitor the displacement of the mouthpiece 30 and / or the slide 32.

[0081] According to a further preferred embodiment, the sensor 40 performs like a switch. It preferably switches to on based on the displacement of the mouthpiece 30 and / or slide 32 by the blind rivet nut N, or it switches to off if no displacement is sensed.

[0082] The sensor 40 and the switch generate electric signals indicative of the captured situation which are sent to the control unit U of the setting device 1 for processing.

[0083] Based on the sensor signal transmitted to the control unit U and qualifying a displacement of the mouthpiece 30 and / or the slide 32 in the direction of the drive end 16, the control unit U learns that a gap G is closed between the mouthpiece 30 and a blind rivets nut N plugged on the pulling mandrel 10 and pushed in the direction of the drive end 16. Based on the closed gap G, the control unit U starts the mandrel drive 20 in order to screw the blind rivet nut N on the external thread 14 of the working end 12 of the pulling mandrel 10.

[0084] According to a further preferred method step of the present invention, the shifting of the mouthpiece 30 in the direction of the drive end 16 is used to confirm a correct positioning of the blind rivet element N; B within the component opening O before plastically deforming or crimping or fastening the blind rivet element N; B. This method step is preferably used independently of or in combination with the above method steps considering the gap G closing.

[0085] After arranging the blind rivet element N; B on / in the work end 12 of the pulling mandrel 10, it abuts the mouthpiece 30 thereby shifting the same in the direction of the drive end 16. Thereby, a mouthpiece clearance X between the mouthpiece 30 and the housing and in particular between the slide 32 and the housing moving the mouthpiece 13 is closed (see figure 15 in comparison to figures 13, 14).

[0086] To confirm the correct positioning of the blind rivet element N; B within the component opening O while pushing the blind rivet element N; B into the opening O, the mouthpiece clearance X must be present while starting a correct positioning, and it must be closed after completion of the correct positioning. To this end, the interpretable mouthpiece clearance X is specifically opened before starting the positioning of the blind rivet element N; B by closing an inner drive clearance Y of the pulling drive 50 (see figures 14, 15). The drive clearance Y is generated by initiating a starting condition of the setting device 1 as described below.

[0087] For initiating the starting position, the control unit U triggers or controls the pulling drive 50 so that the inner drive clearance Y is realized. For comparison, figure 13 shows a preferred reset position of the setting device 1. The reset position of the setting device 1 is preferably realized after completion of the setting process. In the reset position, the pulling drive 50 shows no clearance Y. Based on the existing spring load of the spring 34, the slide 32 has forced the mouthpiece 30 away from the drive end 16 thereby opening the mouthpiece clearance X (see figures 3, 4, 13).

[0088] If the starting position is triggered by the control unit U, the piston 52 within the hydraulic cylinder 54 formed by the housing of the setting device 1 is moved a pre-defined distance in the direction of the drive end 16. Thereby, the drive clearance Y is generated as shown in figure 14.

[0089] The axial size of the drive clearance Y or the pre-defined distance to move the piston 52 within the cylinder 54 is preferably stored and adaptable and retrievable in / from the control unit U. Thereby, the setting method including the starting position is adapted to a blind rivet geometry and / or a component geometry.

[0090] After realizing the starting condition of the setting device 1, the mouthpiece clearance X and the drive clearance Y are present in the setting device 1. The respective situation shows figure 14.

[0091] While positioning the blind rivet element N; B on the work end 12, the mouthpiece 30 is shifted in the direction of the drive end 16. Based on the coupling between the mouthpiece 30 and the slide 32, the slide 32 is shifted in the same direction thereby closing the mouthpiece clearance X.

[0092] Separately from the closed mouthpiece clearance X, the drive clearance Y is still open as initially triggered (see figure 15).

[0093] Having the blind rivet element N; B installed on the work end 12, the mouthpiece clearance X is closed. In order to support and start an accurate positioning of the blind rivet element N; B within the opening O of the component C, the control unit U demands or controls the closing of the drive clearance Y of the pulling drive 50. To this and, the piston 52 is triggered to return to its reset position within the cylinder 54. If using a linear motor as a pulling drive 50, the control unity U would control the pulling drive 50 to return to its reset position as shown and discussed in combination with figure 13.

[0094] Based on the closing of the drive clearance Y, the mouthpiece 30 is shifted via the slide 32 away from the drive end 16. Thereby, the mouthpiece clearance X is re-opened as indicated in figure 16. The re-opened mouthpiece clearance X allows for noting a reliable pushing of the blind rivet element N; B into the opening O thereby re-closing the mouthpiece clearance X.

[0095] Preferably, the control unit U monitors the torque of the mandrel drive 20 while on-screwing the blind rivet nut N. If the torque exceeds a predefined torque value, the blind rivet nut N is tightly screwed against the mouthpiece 30 and / or the sensor or switch is still activated.

[0096] According to a further preferred method step, the sensor or switch captures a shifted position of the mouthpiece 30 in the direction of the drive end 16. The shifted piston preferably indicates a correct positioning of the blind rivet element N; B on / in the work end 12. To this end, the sensor and / or the switch captures the position and / or motion of the mouthpiece 30 and / or the slide 32.

[0097] Under this condition, the control unit U stops the rotation of the mandrel drive 20, and the pre-installed blind rivet nut N is ready to be plastically deformed or crimped within the opening O of the component C.

[0098] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control unit U monitors the position change of the mouthpiece 30 and / or the slide 32 by means of the sensor 40 during the on-screwing of the blind rivet nut N on the pulling mandrel 10. The monitoring is intended to guarantee that the gap G remains closed until completion of the on-screwing process of the blind rivet nut N. Thereby, it is assured that the operator of the setting device 1 will not jam his / her fingers in the gap G.

[0099] It is also preferred to realize the present setting method without monitoring the gap G. Thereby, the setting method is preferably shortened to save processing time.

[0100] Further, it is preferably assured that the blind rivet nut N is optimally positioned for later fastening in the component opening O. To this end, a tolerance range of the position of the mouthpiece 30 and / or the slide 32 during on-screwing of the blind rivet nut N is availably stored in the memory of the control unit U.

[0101] If the sensor 40 functions as a switch, the switch has to stay on "gap-closed" for the complete on-screwing process of the blind rivet nut N.

[0102] If the sensor 40 indicates to the control unit U that the permissible tolerance range was left or that the switch turned to "gap-open", then the control unit U stops the rotation of the pulling mandrel 10. Preferably, the blind rivet nut N is re-positioned and the process re-started.

[0103] For realizing the above steps and evaluation of the status of the setting device 1, the control unity U is permanently connected to or integrated into the setting device 1.

[0104] Before use of the setting device 1 or after completion of a setting process including an unscrewing of the work end 12 from the set blind rivet element N; B, a starting condition of the setting device 1 is initiated in step (S1). To realize the starting condition of the setting device 1, a predefined inner drive clearance Y (see figures 13 to 17) is realized in the pulling drive 50 (S2). The pulling drive 50 is coupled to the pulling mandrel 10 to pull the pulling mandrel 10 to the work end 16 for plastically deforming or crimping the blind rivet element N; B within the component opening O.

[0105] The drive clearance Y is exemplarily explained based on the hydraulic-piston-cylinder-drive 50 having the piston 52 moved within the cylinder 54 (see figure 2). As indicated in figures 3, 5, 14, and 15, the drive clearance Y indicates a movability of the pulling drive 50 in the direction away from the drive end 16.

[0106] The pulling drive 50 has the function to apply a pulling force on the pulling mandrel 10 which acts in the direction of the drive end 16. Therefore, a reset position of pulling drive 50 is to guarantee the longest pulling way of the pulling drive 50 for crimping. That means preferably that any clearance is prevented in the pulling drive 50 in the reset position.

[0107] After the successful pre-installation of the blind rivet nut N on the working end 12 of the pulling mandrel 10 (S3), and the closing of the drive clearance Y (S4), and the re-opening of the mouthpiece clearance X (S5), the blind rivet nut N is positioned in the opening O of the component C (S6).

[0108] While pushing the blind rivet element N; B into the opening O (S6), the mouthpiece 30 and the slide 32 are shifted in the direction of the drive end 16. If a predefined shifting position is realized by the mouthpiece 30 and / or the slide 32, the position change is captured by the sensor 40 or by the switch and reported to the control unit U by sending a respective electrical signal.

[0109] Preferably, the control unit U demands for confirmation for a certain time period (S7) that the mouthpiece 30 is in the shifted position. This is preferably interpreted by the control unit U that the blind rivet element N; B is permanently or still pushed into the component opening O.

[0110] Based on the correct positioning of the blind rivet element N; B including a pushing force into the opening O, the setting process is started. To this end, the control unit U triggers a pulling motion of the pulling drive 50 to plastically deform the blind rivet element N; B within the opening O (S8). Thereby, the pulling mandrel 30 is pulled towards the drive end 16 thereby opening a mandrel clearance Z as shown in figure 17.

[0111] The setting process may be started automatically by the control unit U or by pulling a trigger 70 by an operator according to different preferred embodiments of the present invention. With respect to the automatic setting machine, a robot informs the control unit U about the completed positioning of the blind rivet nut N in the component opening O. The sensor signal preferably confirms this information. Based on the trigger actuation or the positioning information, the control unit U starts the hydraulic drive 50 so that the pulling mandrel 10 is pulled in the direction of the drive end 16. Thereby, the blind rivet nut N is plastically deformed and fastened within the opening O.

[0112] As soon as the setting or crimping step is completed (S8), the work end 12 of the pulling mandrel 10 is automatically unscrewed from the blind rivet element N; B (S9). To this end, a force sensor or a torque sensor or the like monitored the force applied by the pulling drive 50 to the blind rivet element N; B. The change of force dependent on time illustrates the stages of the setting process to the control unit U.

[0113] Thereafter, the setting device 1 preferably returns to its reset position (S10).6. List of reference signs

[0114] 1handheld setting device 10pulling mandrel with outer thread 10'pulling mandrel with a hollow working end and an inner thread 14' 10A, 10Bparts of the pulling mandrel 10 12working end 14external thread of the working end 12 14'inner thread of the pulling mandrel 10' 16drive end 18coupling structure 20mandrel drive 22ended connection structure 30mouthpiece 32slide 34spring 40sensor 50hydraulic drive 52hydraulic piston 53surrounding gasket 54inner cylinder structure within the housing 90 56piston spring 58piston connection structure 60hydraulic reservoir 62piston 70trigger 80handle 90housing 92T -shaped housing part 94retaining part of the housing Bblind rivet bolt Nblind rivet nut Ocomponent opening Ccomponent Llongitudinal axis of the pulling mandrel 10 Kcircumferential collar of the blind rivet nut N Ucontrol unit Ggap Xmouthpiece clearance Ydrive clearance Zmandrel clearance

Claims

1. A setting device (1) for a blind rivet element (N; B), comprising the following features: a. an axially displaceable pulling mandrel (10) and a mandrel drive to rotate the pulling mandrel (10), the pulling mandrel (10) has a work end (12; 12') and a drive end (16), wherein a1. the work end (12; 12') includes an outer thread (14) to screw-on a blind rivet element configured like a blind rivet nut (N) or an inner thread (14') to screw-in a blind rivet element configured like a blind rivet bolt (B) and a2. the drive end (16) has a coupling structure (18) with which a releasable torque-proof connection with the mandrel drive (20) can be established, b. a linear pulling drive (50) in an operative connection with the pulling mandrel (10; 10') with which a linear deformation displacement of the pulling mandrel (10; 10') in the direction of the drive end (16) is implementable deforming a blind rivet element (N; B), c. a hollow-cylindrical mouthpiece (30), c1. which passes the pulling mandrel (10; 10'), which is guided on the pulling mandrel (10; 10') and / or in a housing (90) of the setting device (1), and a relative movement between the mouthpiece (30) and the housing (90) is detectable by means of a sensor (40) or a switch, c2. which is linearly displaceable parallel to and independent of the pulling mandrel (10; 10'), and which is spring preloaded in a direction facing away from the drive end (16) c3. so that a positioning state of a blind rivet element (N; B) within an opening of a component is detectable by means of the sensor (40) or the switch capturing a linear displacement of the preloaded mouthpiece (30) in the direction of the drive end (16) while the blind rivet element (N; B) arranged on / in the work end (12; 12') of the pulling mandrel (30) is pushed into the opening, and d. a control unit sending a control command at least to the linear pulling drive (50) initiating the starting condition of the setting device (1) in which the linear pulling drive (50) provides an inner clearance (Y) allowing a linear movement of the linear pulling drive (50) together with the mouthpiece (30) in a direction away from the drive end (16).

2. The setting device (1) according to claim 1, which is connected to the control unit which analyses sensor signals and sends control commands to the setting device (1) based on these sensor signals.

3. The setting device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, which is a handheld device.

4. The setting device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, which is an automatic setting machine.

5. The setting device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, in which the linear pulling drive (50) is a hydraulic piston-cylinder-drive, the piston (52) of which is displaceable in the direction of the drive end (16) against an axial spring preload.

6. The setting device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, in which the linear pulling drive (50) is a linear motor with which the pulling mandrel (10) is displaceable in a torque-free manner against an axial spring preload in the direction of the drive end (16).

7. A setting method of a blind rivet element (N; B) with a setting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the setting method comprises the following steps: a. initiating a starting condition of the setting device (1) in which a linear pulling drive (50) of the pulling mandrel (10) provides an inner drive clearance allowing a linear movement of the linear pulling drive (50) together with the mouthpiece (30) in a direction away from the drive end (16), b. plugging a blind rivet element (N; B) on the outer work end (12) of the pulling mandrel (10), c. screwing-on of the blind rivet element (N; B) onto or screwing-in of the blind rivet element (N; B) into the work end (12) of the pulling mandrel (10) so that the mouthpiece (30) is in contact with the blind rivet element (N; B), d. closing the inner drive clearance (Y) of the linear pulling drive (50) by moving the linear pulling drive (50) together with the mouthpiece (30) away from the drive end (16) and thereby generating an inner mouthpiece clearance of the mouthpiece (30) allowing a linear mouthpiece movement directed to the drive end (16), e. inserting the blind rivet element (N; B) into a component opening and thereby shifting the mouthpiece (30) in the direction of the drive end (16), and capturing the mouthpiece shifting by the sensor (70) or the switch while abutting with the blind rivet element (N; B) at the component, and f fastening the blind rivet element (N; B) in the component opening (O) by crimping the blind rivet element (N; B) based on a pulling motion of the hydraulic piston-cylinder (50).

8. The setting method according to claim 7, in which the fastening step is started based on a continued confirmation signal output by the sensor (70) or the switch, that the mouthpiece (30) is in a shifted position toward the drive end (16).

9. The setting method of at least one of the preceding claims 7 to 8, in which the starting condition provides an inner clearance (X) of the mouthpiece (30), allowing a spring-loaded linear mouthpiece movement in the direction away from the drive end (16) supporting the screwing step of the blind rivet element (N; B).

10. The setting method of claim 9, in which the inner clearance (X) of the mouthpiece (30) is closed while screwing-on of the blind rivet element (N; B) onto or screwing-in of the blind rivet element (N; B) into the work end (12; 12') of the pulling mandrel (10) by moving the blind rivet element (N; B) against the mouthpiece (30).

11. The setting method of at least one of the claims 7 to 10, comprising the further step: sensing a completion of the fastening step and automatically unscrewing the pulling mandrel (10) from the blind rivet element (N; B).

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