Riveter and method of fastening a rivet

Abstract

The invention relates to a riveting machine (1) for riveting a rivet (R) onto a complex support, and comprising at least one jack (21, 23) configured to move a crimping head (10), at least one distance sensor (31, 33) capable of measuring a safety distance (d30); at least one displacement actuator (41, 43, 45) configured to actuate the movement of the crimping head (10); and a control unit (50) configured to control the at least one displacement actuator (41, 43, 45) to enable the application of the second thrust force when the safety distance (d30) measured by said at least one distance sensor (31, 33) is less than a predetermined distance. The invention also comprises a method for fixing a rivet (R) onto a complex support to be riveted. Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Riveter and method for fixing a rivet Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of crimping tools on complex supports including, for example, leather.

[0002] More particularly, the invention relates to a riveter, and a method of fixing a rivet to a complex support to be riveted. State of the art

[0003] In the field of manufacturing leather goods, it is known to use riveting to fix a set of parts together, in particular when these parts comprise leather. For this, it is known from the state of the art to use a riveter, or rivet setting machine.

[0004] A riveter is a machine or tool for permanently setting rivets on leather. Rivets generally take the form of metal rods, which have a flattened head on one end. In order to fix together different parts forming a complex support, the rivet is planted in one of the layers of the complex support which is then pierced by the rod. The riveter then crushes the rivet by applying strong pressure on it via the crimping head. As a result, the end of the rod which does not have a head flattens, forming a second head, and then preventing the rivet from coming out of the leather.

[0005] The crushing of the rivets by the riveter is guaranteed by the application of a hydraulic, electric or pneumatic force, which makes it possible to exert without effort the pressure necessary for the correct attachment of the rivet.

[0006] Although such a machine is satisfactory in that it allows a large number of leather articles to be riveted, it generates risks in its use, either with regard to the articles to be made or with regard to the user. Indeed, depending on the shape and orientation of the article to be riveted, it may happen that the riveting is poorly executed: in the wrong place, with too little or too much pressure, or at an inappropriate angle. To solve this problem, the operators in charge of the riveting operation can resort to manipulating the complex support to be riveted to orient it in a suitable direction to carry out the fixing.

[0007] Consequently, given the need to apply strong pressure to crush the rivets, it can happen that a user injures himself if he lets his fingers pass between the crimping head and the complex support to be riveted.

[0008] Furthermore, given the diversity of articles to be riveted, it is not possible to carry out automatic adjustment of the riveter, adapted to a series of articles par- particular, without affecting production efficiency.

[0009] There is therefore a need to provide a riveter and a fastening method which makes it possible to rivet any type of leather article, without affecting production yields, while maintaining good safety for users of the riveter.

[0010] Object of the invention

[0011] The present invention aims to propose a solution which responds to all or part of the aforementioned problems.

[0012] This aim can be achieved by implementing a riveter intended to rivet a rivet onto a complex support, the riveter comprising: - a crimping head intended to receive the rivet; - at least one jack configured on the one hand to apply a first thrust force to move the crimping head in a crimping direction, and configured on the other hand to apply a second thrust force to move the crimping head in the crimping direction, said second thrust force being strictly greater than the first thrust force; - at least one distance sensor capable of measuring a safety distance separating the rivet and the complex support intended to be riveted; - at least one movement actuator configured to actuate the movement of the crimping head, via said at least one cylinder; and - a control unit configured to control the at least one displacement actuator to enable the application of the second thrust force when the safety distance measured by said at least one distance sensor is less than a predetermined distance.

[0013] The arrangements described above make it possible to propose a riveter for riveting a complex support quickly and safely. The presence of the distance sensor makes it possible to control the distance separating the rivet from the complex support to be riveted and to prevent the untimely actuation of the second thrust force, if said distance is greater than the width of a user's finger.

[0014] The riveter may further have one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the complex support comprises at least one leather element. For example, the complex support is made of leather.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the riveter is a pneumatic riveter.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the riveter comprises a stop member configured to block movement of the rivet along the crimping direction.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the predetermined safety distance is substantially equal to the thickness of a user's finger. For example, the predetermined safety distance is between 0 mm and 4 mm, and in particular substantially equal to 4 mm.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the second thrust force is at least 200 times greater than the first thrust force, and in particular 228 times greater than the first thrust force.

[0020] In other words, the second threshold pressure is at least 200 times greater than the first threshold pressure, and in particular 228 times greater than the first threshold pressure.

[0021] Thus, the first threshold pressure and the second threshold pressure are defined so as to allow a rapid and lightly loaded movement of the crimping head when it is actuated by the first thrust force, and a slower and heavily loaded movement of the crimping head when it is actuated by the second thrust force.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the at least one distance sensor comprises a first distance sensor configured to measure the safety distance separating the rivet and the complex support intended to be riveted, and a second distance sensor configured to measure the safety distance separating the rivet and the complex support intended to be riveted; the control unit then being configured to control the at least one displacement actuator to allow the application of the second thrust force, when the safety distance measured by the first distance sensor, and when the safety distance measured by the second distance sensor are both less than the predetermined distance.

[0023] Thus, the pneumatic riveter allows for redundant control of the safety distance, which makes it possible to have a more reliable and safer riveter.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the at least one cylinder comprises a first cylinder configured to apply the first thrust force and a second cylinder configured to apply the second thrust force.

[0025] Thus, the dimensioning of the jacks is simplified.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the first cylinder is configured to apply a load of 3.5 kg.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the second cylinder is configured to apply a maximum load of 800 kg.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the first cylinder is a pneumatic cylinder configured to convert a fluid supply at a pressure lower than a first threshold pressure into said first thrust force.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the second cylinder is a pneumatic cylinder configured to convert a fluid supply at a pressure lower than a second threshold pressure strictly higher than the first threshold pressure, into said second thrust force.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the first cylinder is configured to bring the crimping head close to the complex support to be riveted, and the second cylinder is configured to apply strong pressure to the rivet, in order to rivet the complex support.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the at least one displacement actuator comprises a main displacement actuator, and an auxiliary displacement actuator; where the main displacement actuator is configured to actuate the first cylinder, or to actuate the second cylinder when the control unit allows it; and where the auxiliary displacement actuator is configured to actuate the second cylinder independently of the control unit, when it receives two independent manual commands from a user of the riveter.

[0032] In this way, the main displacement actuator allows the riveting of the complex to be implemented under the control of the control unit, in a rapid manner, and the auxiliary displacement actuator allows the riveting of the complex support to be implemented by the user if the safety distance is not respected, by a voluntary action of the user.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the main movement actuator comprises a pedal capable of being actuated by the foot of a user of the riveter.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the auxiliary movement actuator comprises two levers capable of being actuated by two hands of a user of the riveter.

[0035] The object of the invention can also be achieved by implementing a method for fixing a rivet to a complex support to be riveted, the fixing method being implemented by a riveter as described above, the fixing method comprising: - a positioning step, in which the complex support is placed opposite the rivet by means of at least one jack; - a measuring step, in which the at least one distance sensor measures the safety distance separating the rivet and the complex support, and transmits this safety distance to the control unit; - a comparison step, in which said measured safety distance is compared with the predetermined distance value; - a crimping step implemented in the case where the measured safety distance is less than the predetermined distance, in which the rivet is riveted to the complex support, by compression, by applying the second thrust force.

[0036] The arrangements described above make it possible to propose a method for fixing a rivet to a complex support in which the approach of the crimping head is carried out by a first thrust force, and in which the crimping step is implemented by a second thrust force only if the safety distance is respected, that is, only if the safety distance is less than the predetermined distance value. In this way, it is possible for a user to implement the fastening process by holding the complex support to be riveted with his hands, without the risk of pinching a finger by the jack during crimping. The fastening process is thus faster and safer.

[0037] The fixing method may further have one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the positioning step is implemented by applying the first thrust force when the at least one jack is actuated by the displacement actuator in a direction approaching the crimping head of the complex support.

[0039] Thus, the positioning step makes it possible to position the complex support in a simple manner before arranging the crimping head opposite said complex support to be riveted.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the actuation of the first cylinder is controlled by the main displacement actuator. For example, said actuation of the first cylinder comprises holding the foot on the pedal forming the main displacement actuator.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the positioning step is implemented until the distance sensor detects a crimping zone.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the positioning step is carried out until the crimping head comes into contact with the uncrimped rivet.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the riveter comprises a stop member configured to block a movement of the rivet along the crimping direction, and the crimping step comprises a stopping step, in which the movement actuator is controlled to stop the application of the second thrust force, when the crimping head encounters the stop member, so as to stop the compression of the rivet by the at least one jack.

[0044] Thus, the stop member makes it possible to stop the stroke of the second cylinder, which makes it possible to avoid marking the complex support.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the stop member comprises an adjustable stop height, defining a distance at which the stroke of the crimping head is stopped.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the crimping step successively comprises: - an actuation authorization step from the control unit, in which the control unit indicates that an application of the second thrust force is permitted or prohibited; - a main actuation step, implemented if the control unit indicates that an application of the second thrust force is permitted, in which the displacement actuator is controlled to actuate the displacement of the crimping head by the at least one cylinder, so as to compress the rivet onto the complex support;

[0047] Thus, it is possible to carry out automatic control of the safety distance, to prevent compression of the rivet when the passage of a user's finger is possible.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the command of the movement actuator comprises the release of a pressure on the movement actuator followed by a new pressure on the movement actuator.

[0049] In the case where the movement actuator comprises a main movement actuator formed by a pedal, the command of the movement actuator comprises the release of a pressure followed by a new pressure of a foot on the pedal.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the crimping step further comprises an auxiliary actuation step, implemented: - if the control unit indicates that actuation of the second cylinder by the displacement actuator is prohibited, and - if two independent manual commands from a riveter user are received;

[0051] the auxiliary actuation step then comprising the control of the movement actuator to actuate the movement of the crimping head by the second cylinder, so as to compress the rivet onto the complex support.

[0052] Thus, it is possible to implement the crimping step even if the measured safety distance is greater than the threshold safety distance. The need to require two independent manual controls from the user makes it possible to limit the risk of pinching the user's fingers during the crimping step.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the fixing method comprises a removal step implemented at the end of the crimping step, in which the at least one jack moves the crimping head along the crimping direction, moving the crimping head away from the complex support.

[0054] It is therefore well understood that following the crimping step, the crimping head is removed from the complex support, the rivet then being fixed to the complex support. In this way, it is possible to stop the crimping process once the complex support is riveted.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the removal step is implemented if a time period elapses between the comparison step and an actuation step chosen from the main actuation step and the auxiliary actuation step, said time period being between 0.1 s and 1.0 s.

[0056] In this way, it is possible to reposition the riveter in the initial position if no actuation instructions are received from the user. This also allows for a return to an initial position if an error occurs during the setup step or the comparison step, without the risk of unwanted riveting or damage to the complex support.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the comparison step comprises comparing the safety distance measured by the first distance sensor and the safety distance measured by the second distance sensor to the predetermined distance value, the crimping step then being implemented in the case where the safety distance measured by the first distance sensor, and the safety distance measured by the second distance sensor are both strictly less than the predetermined distance.

[0058] In this way, it is possible to perform a redundant measurement of the safety distance, which makes the fixing process more reliable and safer.

[0059] Brief description of the drawings

[0060] Other aspects, aims, advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear better on reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof, given by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0061] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a schematic view of a riveter according to a method of rea particular use of the invention.

[0062] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic view of the riveter of [Fig.l] showing more precisely the positioning of the distance sensors and cylinders.

[0063] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic view of a fixing method according to a mode particular embodiment of the invention. Detailed description

[0064] In the figures and in the remainder of the description, the same references represent identical or similar elements. In addition, the different elements are not shown to scale so as to enhance the clarity of the figures. Furthermore, the different embodiments and variants are not mutually exclusive and can be combined with each other.

[0065] As can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, the invention relates to a riveter 1 intended to rivet a rivet denoted “R” on a complex support. Although this is not limiting, it is possible for the riveter 1 to be a pneumatic riveter 1. Generally, the complex support comprises at least one leather element. For example, the complex support is made of leather.

[0066] The riveter 1 firstly comprises a crimping head 10 intended to receive the rivet R. Generally, the crimping head 10 is intended to receive the rivet R, or a first part of the rivet R which then allows the complex support to be crimped. In this case, the complex support can be placed on a work table on which the second part of the rivet to be crimped is placed. It is therefore clearly understood that after crimping, the rivet R fixes the complex support, and that the crimping head 10 is ready to receive a new rivet R to carry out a new crimping.

[0067] The riveter 1 further comprises at least one jack 21, 23, configured on the one hand to apply a first thrust force to move the crimping head 10 in a crimping direction denoted “Z”, and configured on the other hand to apply a second thrust force to move the crimping head 10 in the crimping direction Z.

[0068] According to a non-limiting variant, the at least one cylinder 21, 23 comprises a first cylinder 21 configured to apply the first thrust force and a second cylinder 23 configured to apply the second thrust force. For example, the first cylinder 21 is a pneumatic cylinder configured to convert a fluid inlet at a pressure lower than a first threshold pressure into said first thrust force. In the same way, the second cylinder 23 may be a pneumatic cylinder configured to convert a fluid inlet at a pressure lower than a second threshold pressure into said second thrust force.

[0069] The second thrust force is strictly greater than the first thrust force. For example, the second thrust force is at least 200 times greater than the first thrust force, and in particular 228 times greater than the first thrust force. In other words, the second threshold pressure is at least 10 times greater than the first threshold pressure, and in particular 228 times greater than the first threshold pressure. For example, the first cylinder 21 may be configured to apply a load of 3.5 kg, and the second cylinder 23 may be configured to apply a maximum load of 800 kg.

[0070] The first threshold pressure and the second threshold pressure can be defined so as to allow a rapid and lightly loaded movement of the crimping head 10 when it is actuated by the first thrust force, and a slower and heavily loaded movement of the crimping head 10 when it is actuated by the second thrust force. All of the arrangements previously described make it possible to propose a simplified dimensioning of the jacks 21, 23.

[0071] It is therefore well understood that the first cylinder 21 is configured to bring the crimping head 10 close to the complex support to be riveted, and the second cylinder 23 is configured to apply strong pressure to the rivet R, in order to rivet the complex support.

[0072] The riveter 1 also comprises at least one distance sensor 31, 33 capable of measuring a safety distance d30 separating the rivet R and the complex support intended for to be riveted. Advantageously, it may be provided that the at least one distance sensor 31, 33 comprises a first distance sensor 31 configured to measure the safety distance d30 separating the rivet R and the complex support intended to be riveted, and a second distance sensor 33 configured to measure the safety distance d30 separating the rivet R and the complex support intended to be riveted. Thus, it is possible to carry out a redundant control of the safety distance d30, by means of two distance sensors 31, 33.

[0073] The riveter 1 further comprises at least one movement actuator 41, 43, 45 configured to actuate the movement of the crimping head 10, by means of said at least one jack 21, 23. As can be seen in [Fig.l], the at least one movement actuator 41, 43, 45 may comprise a main movement actuator 41, and an auxiliary movement actuator 43, 45. The main movement actuator 41 may for example take the form of a pedal capable of being actuated by the foot of a user of the riveter 1. The auxiliary movement actuator 43, 45 may for its part take the form of two manual actuators 43, 45.

[0074] Although this is not limiting, it is possible for the two manual actuators 43, 45 to comprise two levers capable of being actuated by two hands of a user of the riveter 1. These levers can be arranged on either side of the crimping head 10. Thus, the user of the riveter can use the first manual actuator 43 with his left hand, and the second manual actuator 45 with his right hand, while controlling the crimping of the complex support by the riveter. Advantageously, the placement of two manual actuators 43, 45 at a distance from the crimping head 10 makes it possible to avoid the risk of pinching the user's fingers when he simultaneously actuates the two manual actuators 43, 45 with his hands. The riveter thus obtained is safer.

[0075] The riveter 1 further comprises a control unit 50 configured to control the at least one displacement actuator 41, 43, 45 to allow the application of the second thrust force when the safety distance d30 measured by said at least one distance sensor 31, 33 is less than, and generally strictly less than, a predetermined distance. Advantageously, the predetermined distance is substantially equal to the thickness of a user's finger. For example, the predetermined distance is between 0 mm and 4 mm, and in particular substantially equal to 4 mm.

[0076] In the case where the riveter comprises two distance sensors 31, 33, it can then be configured to control the at least one displacement actuator 41, 43, 45 to allow the application of the second thrust force, when the safety distance d30 measured by the first distance sensor 31, and when the safety distance d30 measured by the second distance sensor 33 are both less than at the predetermined distance. Thus, riveter 1 allows for redundant control of the safety distance d30, which allows for a more reliable and safer riveter 1.

[0077] Furthermore, when the riveter comprises a main displacement actuator 41, and an auxiliary displacement actuator 43, 45, the main displacement actuator 41 can be configured to actuate the first cylinder 21, or to actuate the second cylinder 23 when the control unit 50 allows it; and the auxiliary displacement actuator 43, 45 can be configured to actuate the second cylinder 23 independently of the control unit 50, when it receives two independent manual commands from a user of the riveter 1. In this way, the main displacement actuator 41 makes it possible to implement the riveting of the complex under the control of the control unit 50, in a rapid manner, and the auxiliary displacement actuator 43, 45 makes it possible to implement the riveting of the complex support by the user if the safety distance d30 is not respected, by a voluntary action of the user.Advantageously, when the auxiliary displacement actuator 43, 45 comprises two manual actuators, it is possible to carry out the crimping of the complex support without control from the control unit 50, but while maintaining safety against pinching the user's fingers.

[0078] Finally, the riveter 1 may comprise a stop member 60 configured to block a movement of the rivet R along the crimping direction Z. Thus, it is possible to program the riveter so that it stops applying a crimping force, for example when a given time has elapsed. It is thus possible to limit the potential marking of the complex support.

[0079] The arrangements described above make it possible to propose a riveter 1 for riveting a complex support quickly and safely. The presence of the distance sensor makes it possible to control the distance separating the rivet R from the complex support to be riveted and to prevent the untimely actuation of the second thrust force, if said distance is greater than the width of a user's finger.

[0080] As can be seen in [Fig.3], the invention also relates to a method of fixing a rivet R on a complex support to be riveted. The fixing method being implemented by a riveter 1 of the type described above.

[0081] The fixing method firstly comprises a positioning step E10, in which the complex support is placed opposite the rivet R by means of the at least one jack 21, 23. For example, the positioning step E10 can be implemented by applying the first thrust force when the at least one jack 21, 23 is actuated by the displacement actuator 41, 43, 45 in a direction approaching the crimping head 10 of the complex support. Thus, the positioning step E10 makes it possible to position the complex support in a simple manner before arranging the crimping head 10 opposite said complex support to be riveted. In the case where the riveter 1 comprises two jacks 21, 23, the actuation of the first jack 21 can be controlled by the main displacement actuator 41 so as to implement the positioning step E10. For example, said actuation of the first jack 21 comprises holding the foot on the pedal forming the main displacement actuator 41. Thus, the implementation of the positioning step E10 can correspond to the descent of the crimping head 10 in the crimping direction Z to bring it closer to the complex support, in particular when it is positioned on a crimping tablet.

[0082] Advantageously, it may be provided that the positioning step E10 is implemented until the distance sensor 31, 33 detects a crimping zone, during a measurement step E20 described below. The positioning step E10 may also be implemented until the crimping head 10 comes into contact with the uncrimped rivet R.

[0083] The measuring step E20 comprises the measurement, by the at least one distance sensor 31, 33, of the safety distance d30 separating the rivet R and the complex support. The distance thus measured is transmitted to the control unit 50. It is therefore clearly understood that the distance sensor 31, 33 measures in real time, or periodically, the distance separating the rivet R and the complex support. As described previously, it is possible for the measuring step E20 to be implemented simultaneously with the positioning step E10, and for the positioning step E10 to be stopped when the distance sensor 31, 33 detects the presence of a crimping zone. For example, this detection of a crimping zone may correspond to a predetermined initial value, for example recorded in a memory of the control unit 50.

[0084] The fastening method also comprises a comparison step E30, in which said measured safety distance d30 is compared with the predetermined distance value. In the case where the riveter comprises two distance sensors 31, 33, the comparison step E30 may comprise comparing the safety distance d30 measured by the first distance sensor 31 and the safety distance d30 measured by the second distance sensor 33 with the predetermined distance value. In this way, it is possible to perform a redundant measurement of the safety distance d30, which makes the fastening method more reliable and safer.

[0085] The method further comprises a crimping step E40 implemented in the case where the measured safety distance d30 is less than the predetermined distance. In the case cited above where the riveter comprises two distance sensors 31, 33, the crimping step E40 can be implemented in the case where the safety distance d30 measured by the first distance sensor 31, and the safety distance d30 measured by the second distance sensor 33 are both strictly less than the predetermined distance.

[0086] During the crimping step E40, the rivet R is riveted to the complex support, by compression, by applying the second thrust force.

[0087] As illustrated in [Fig.3], the crimping step E40 may successively comprise: - an actuation authorization step E41 from the control unit 50, in which the control unit 50 indicates that an application of the second thrust force is permitted or prohibited; - a main actuation step E42, implemented if the control unit 50 indicates that an application of the second thrust force is permitted, in which the displacement actuator 41, 43, 45 is controlled to actuate the displacement of the crimping head 10 by the at least one cylinder 21, 23, so as to compress the rivet R on the complex support, by applying the second thrust force;

[0088] Thus, it is possible to carry out automatic control of the safety distance d30, to prevent compression of the rivet R when the passage of a user's finger is possible.

[0089] For example, the command of the movement actuator 41, 43, 45 may comprise the release of a pressure on the movement actuator 41, 43, 45 followed by a new pressure on the movement actuator 41, 43, 45. In the case where the movement actuator 41, 43, 45 comprises a main movement actuator 41, 43, 45 formed by a pedal, the command of the movement actuator 41, 43, 45 comprises the release of a pressure followed by a new pressure of a foot on the pedal.

[0090] According to a non-limiting variant, the crimping step E40 may further comprise an auxiliary actuation step E43, implemented: - if the control unit 50 indicates that actuation of the second cylinder 23 by the displacement actuator 41, 43, 45 is prohibited, and - if two independent manual commands from a user of riveter 1 are received.

[0091] In this case, the auxiliary actuation step E43 comprises the command of the displacement actuator 41, 43, 45 to actuate the displacement of the crimping head 10 by the second cylinder 23, so as to compress the rivet R onto the complex support. Thus, it is possible to implement the crimping step E40 even if the measured safety distance d30 is greater than the threshold safety distance d30. The need to require two independent manual commands from the user from the manual actuators 43, 45, makes it possible to limit the risk of pinching the user's fingers during the crimping step E40.

[0092] According to a non-limiting variant in which the riveter 1 comprises a stop member 60 configured to block a movement of the rivet R along the crimping direction Z, the crimping step E40 may comprise a stopping step E44 in which the movement actuator 41, 43, 45 is controlled to stop the application of the second thrust force, when the crimping head 10 encounters the stop member 60, so as to stop the compression of the rivet R by the at least one cylinder 21, 23. For example, such a stop may be detected by a contact sensor 36, such as an inductive sensor. Thus, the stop member 60 makes it possible to stop the stroke of the second cylinder 23, which makes it possible to avoid marking the complex support. Generally, the stop member 60 comprises an adjustable stop height, defining a distance at which the stroke of the crimping head 10 is stopped.

[0093] Finally, the fixing method may comprise a removal step E50 implemented at the end of the crimping step E40, in which the at least one jack 21, 23 moves the crimping head 10 along the crimping direction Z, moving the crimping head 10 away from the complex support. It is therefore clearly understood that following the crimping step E40, the crimping head 10 is removed from the complex support, the rivet R then being fixed to the complex support. In this way, it is possible to stop the crimping process once the complex support is riveted.

[0094] Optionally, the removal step E50 may also be implemented if a time period elapses between the comparison step E30 and an actuation step chosen from the main actuation step E42 and the auxiliary actuation step E43. For example, said time period may be between 0.1 s and 1.0 s. In this way, it is possible to reposition the riveter 1 in the initial position if no actuation instructions are received from the user. This further makes it possible to return to an initial position if ever an error has occurred during the positioning step E10 or during the comparison step E30, without risking riveting or damaging the complex support in an unwanted manner.

[0095] The arrangements described above make it possible to propose a method for fixing a rivet R on a complex support in which the approach of the crimping head 10 is carried out by a first pushing force, and in which the crimping step E40 is implemented by a second pushing force only if the safety distance d30 is respected, that is to say only if the safety distance d30 is less than the predetermined distance value. In this way, it is possible for a user to implement the fixing method by holding the complex support to be riveted with his hands, without the risk of pinching a finger by the jack 21, 23 during crimping. The fastening process is thus faster and safer.

Claims

Claims

1. Riveter (1) intended to rivet a rivet (R) on a complex support, the riveter (1) comprising: • a crimping head (10) intended to receive the rivet (R); • at least one jack (21, 23) configured on the one hand to apply a first thrust force to move the crimping head (10) in a crimping direction (Z), and configured on the other hand to apply a second thrust force to move the crimping head (10) in the crimping direction (Z), said second thrust force being strictly greater than the first thrust force; • at least one distance sensor (31, 33) capable of measuring a safety distance (d30) separating the rivet (R) and the complex support intended to be riveted; • at least one movement actuator (41, 43, 45) configured to actuate the movement of the crimping head (10), via said at least one jack (21, 23);and • a control unit (50) configured to control the at least one displacement actuator (41, 43, 45) to allow the application of the second thrust force when the safety distance (d30) measured by said at least one distance sensor (31, 33) is less than a predetermined distance.;

2. Riveter (1) according to claim 1, in which the second thrust force is at least 200 times greater than the first thrust force, and in particular 228 times greater than the first thrust force.

3. Riveter (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the at least one distance sensor (31, 33) comprises a first distance sensor (31) configured to measure the safety distance (d30) separating the rivet (R) and the complex support intended to be riveted, and a second distance sensor (33) configured to measure the safety distance (d30) separating the rivet (R) and the complex support intended to be riveted; the control unit (50) then being configured to control the at least one displacement actuator (41, 43, 45) to allow the application of the second thrust force, when the safety distance (d30) measured by the first distance sensor (31), and when the safety distance (d30) measured by the second distance sensor (33) are both less than the predetermined distance.

4. Riveter (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one cylinder (21, 23) comprises a first cylinder (21) configured to apply the first thrust force and a second cylinder (23) configured to apply the second thrust force.

5. Riveter (1) according to claim 4, wherein the at least one displacement actuator (41, 43, 45) comprises a main displacement actuator (41), and an auxiliary displacement actuator (43, 45); wherein the main displacement actuator (41) is configured to actuate the first cylinder (21), or to actuate the second cylinder (23) when the control unit (50) allows it; and wherein the auxiliary displacement actuator (43, 45) is configured to actuate the second cylinder (23) independently of the control unit (50), when it receives two independent manual commands from a user of the riveter (1).

6. Method for fixing a rivet (R) on a complex support to be riveted, the fixing method being implemented by a riveter (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the fixing method comprising: • a positioning step (E10), in which the complex support is placed opposite the rivet (R) by means of the at least one jack (21, 23); • a measuring step (E20), in which the at least one distance sensor (31, 33) measures the safety distance (d30) separating the rivet (R) and the complex support, and transmits this safety distance (d30) to the control unit (50); • a comparison step (E30), in which said measured safety distance (d30) is compared with the predetermined distance value;• a crimping step (E40) implemented in the case where the measured safety distance (d30) is less than the predetermined distance, in which the rivet (R) is riveted to the complex support, by compression, by applying the second thrust force.;

7. A fixing method according to claim 6, wherein the positioning step (E10) is implemented by applying the first thrust force when the at least one jack (21, 23) is actuated by the displacement actuator (41, 43, 45) in a direction approaching the crimping head (10) of the complex support.

8. A fastening method according to any one of claims 6 or 7, wherein the riveter (1) comprises a stop member (60) configured to block a movement of the rivet (R) along the crimping direction (Z), and wherein the crimping step (E40) comprises a stopping step (E44), in which the movement actuator (41, 43, 45) is controlled to stop the application of the second thrust force, when the crimping head (10) encounters the stop member (60), so as to stop the compression of the rivet (R) by the at least one jack (21, 23).

9. A fixing method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the crimping step (E40) successively comprises: • an actuation authorization step (E41) from the control unit (50), in which the control unit (50) indicates that an application of the second thrust force is permitted or prohibited; • a main actuation step (E42), implemented if the control unit (50) indicates that an application of the second thrust force is permitted, in which the displacement actuator (41, 43, 45) is controlled to actuate the displacement of the crimping head (10) by the at least one jack (21, 23), so as to compress the rivet (R) onto the complex support;

10. A fastening method according to claim 9, implemented by a riveter (1) according to claim 5, wherein the crimping step (E40) further comprises an auxiliary actuation step (E43), implemented: • if the control unit (50) indicates that actuation of the second cylinder (23) by the displacement actuator (41, 43, 45) is prohibited, and • if two independent manual commands from a user of the riveter (1) are received; the auxiliary actuation step (E43) then comprising the control of the movement actuator (41, 43, 45) to actuate the movement of the crimping head (10) by the second cylinder (23), so as to compress the rivet (R) on the complex support.

11. A fixing method according to any one of claims 6 to 10, comprising a removal step (E50) implemented at the end of the crimping step (E40), in which the at least one jack (21, 23) moves the crimping head (10) along the crimping direction (Z), moving the crimping head (10) away from the complex support.

12. A fixing method according to claim 11 and according to any one of claims 9 or 10, wherein the removal step (E50) is implemented if a time period elapses between the comparison step (E30) and an actuation step selected from the main actuation step (E42) and the auxiliary actuation step (E43), said time period being between 0.1 s and 1.0 s.

13. A fastening method according to any one of claims 6 to 12, implemented by a riveter (1) according to claim 3, wherein the comparison step (E30) comprises comparing the safety distance (d30) measured by the first distance sensor (31) and the safety distance (d30) measured by the second distance sensor (33) with the predetermined distance value, the crimping step (E40) then being implemented in the case where the safety distance (d30) measured by the first distance sensor (31), and the safety distance (d30) measured by the second distance sensor (33) are both strictly less than the predetermined distance.

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