Riveting machine and method for fixing a rivet

Abstract

The invention relates to a riveting machine (1) for riveting a rivet (R) onto a complex support, comprising at least one cylinder (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 displacement of the crimping head (10); 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. The invention also includes a method for attaching a rivet (R) to a complex support to be riveted. Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Riveting machine 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 riveting machine, and a method of fixing a rivet on a complex support to be riveted. State of the art

[0003] In the field of leather goods manufacturing, riveting is known to be used to fasten a set of parts together, particularly when these parts include leather. For this purpose, it is known from the prior art to use a riveting machine, or rivet-setting machine.

[0004] A riveting machine is a machine or tool used to permanently fasten rivets to leather. Rivets generally take the form of metal rods with a flattened head at one end. To fasten together different parts forming a complex support, the rivet is driven into one of the layers of the complex support, which is then pierced by the rod. The riveting machine then crushes the rivet by applying strong pressure to it via the crimping head. As a result, the end of the rod without the head flattens, forming a second head, and thus preventing the rivet from being removed from the leather.

[0005] The riveting is guaranteed by the application of a hydraulic, electric or pneumatic force, which makes it possible to exert effortless the pressure necessary for the proper attachment of the rivet.

[0006] Although such a machine is satisfactory in that it allows for the riveting of a large number of leather articles, its use presents risks, both for the articles being manufactured and for the user. Indeed, depending on the shape and orientation of the article to be riveted, the riveting may be poorly executed: in the wrong place, with too little or too much pressure, or at an inappropriate angle. To resolve this problem, the operators in charge of the riveting operation can manipulate the complex material to be riveted in order to orient it in a suitable direction for fastening.

[0007] Consequently, given the need to apply strong pressure to crush the rivets, it sometimes happens 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 perform an automatic adjustment of the riveting machine, adapted to a series of articles per- in particular, without impacting production output.

[0009] There is therefore a need to provide a riveting machine and a fastening method which allows riveting of any type of leather article, without hindering production yields, while maintaining good safety for the users of the riveting machine.

[0010] Object and invention

[0011] The present invention aims to provide a solution that addresses all or part of the aforementioned problems.

[0012] This goal can be achieved through the implementation of a riveting machine intended to rivet a rivet onto a complex support, the riveting machine comprising: - a crimping head intended to receive the rivet; - at least one cylinder configured on the one hand to apply a first thrust force to move the crimping head along a crimping direction, and configured on the other hand to apply a second thrust force to move the crimping head along 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 displacement actuator configured to actuate the displacement of the crimping head, via said at least one cylinder; and - a control unit configured to control 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 above-described provisions allow for the provision of a riveting machine capable of 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 unintentional activation of the second thrust force if said distance is greater than the width of a user's finger.

[0014] The riveter may also 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 riveting machine includes a configured stop element to prevent the rivet from moving 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 approximately equal to 4 mm.

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

[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, resulting in 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 cylinders 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 inlet 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 inlet at a pressure lower than a second threshold pressure strictly greater 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 permits 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 riveter user.

[0032] In this way, the main displacement actuator allows the riveting of the complex to be carried out 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 carried out by the user if the safety distance is not respected, by a voluntary action of the user.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the main displacement actuator includes a pedal adapted to be operated by the foot of a riveter user.

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

[0035] The object of the invention can also be achieved by implementing a method for fixing a rivet onto a complex support to be riveted, the fixing method being implemented by a riveting machine as described above, the fixing method comprising: - a setup step, in which the complex support is placed opposite the rivet by means of at least one jack; - a measurement step, in which 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 the said measured safety distance is compared to 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 pushing force, and in which the crimping step is carried out by a second pushing force only if the The safety distance is maintained, meaning it is only maintained if the safety distance is less than the predetermined distance value. This allows a user to perform the fastening process while holding the complex support to be riveted with their hands, without the risk of pinching a finger in the riveting cylinder during crimping. The fastening process is thus faster and safer.

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

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

[0039] Thus, the setup step allows the complex support to be placed in a simple way before positioning 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 includes holding the foot on the pedal forming the main displacement actuator.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the setup step is carried out until the distance sensor detects a crimping area.

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

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

[0044] Thus, the stop element 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 includes 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 comprises successively: - 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 in which the displacement actuator is controlled to actuate the displacement of the crimping head by at least one cylinder, so as to compress the rivet on the complex support;

[0047] Thus, it is possible to carry out an 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 displacement actuator includes the release of a press on the displacement actuator followed by a new press on the displacement actuator.

[0049] In the case where the displacement actuator includes a main displacement actuator formed by a pedal, the command of the displacement actuator includes the release of a support followed by a new support of a foot on the pedal.

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

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

[0052] Thus, it is possible to carry out the crimping step even if the measured safety distance is greater than the threshold safety distance. The need for two independent manual commands from the user limits the risk of pinching the user's fingers during the crimping step.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the fastening method includes a withdrawal step implemented after the crimping step, in which at least one cylinder moves the crimping head along the crimping direction, moving the crimping head away from the complex support.

[0054] It is therefore clearly 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 withdrawal 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 its initial position if No actuation instructions are received from the user. This also allows the system to return to its initial position if an error occurs during the setup or comparison step, without the risk of unintentionally riveting or damaging the complex support.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the comparison step includes 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 carry out a redundant measurement of the safety distance, which makes the fastening process more reliable and safe.

[0059] Brief description of the drawings

[0060] Other aspects, objectives, advantages and features of the invention will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof, given by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0061] [Fig-1] Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a riveting machine according to a method of specific application of the invention.

[0062] [Fig.2] Fig.2 is a schematic view of the riveting machine of Fig.1 showing more specifically the positioning of the distance sensors and the cylinders.

[0063] [Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is a schematic view of a fastening method according to a of a particular implementation of the invention. Detailed description

[0064] In the figures and throughout the description, the same reference numerals represent identical or similar elements. Furthermore, the various elements are not drawn to scale in order to enhance the clarity of the figures. Moreover, the different embodiments and variations are not mutually exclusive and may be combined.

[0065] As can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, the invention relates to a riveting machine 1 for riveting a rivet, denoted "R", onto a complex support. Although not limiting, the riveting machine 1 may be a pneumatic riveting machine. Generally, the complex support comprises at least one leather element. For example, the complex support is made of leather.

[0066] The riveter 1 includes, firstly, a crimping head 10 intended to receive the rivet R. Generally, the crimping head 10 is intended to receive the rivet R, or a The first part of rivet R is used to then crimp the complex support. In this case, the complex support can be placed on a work surface on which the second part of the rivet to be crimped is positioned. It is therefore clear that after crimping, rivet R secures the complex support, and the crimping head 10 is ready to receive a new rivet R for further crimping.

[0067] The riveter 1 further includes at least one cylinder 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 embodiment, 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 supply at a pressure lower than a first threshold pressure into said first thrust force. Similarly, the second cylinder 23 may be a pneumatic cylinder configured to convert a fluid supply 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 can be configured to apply a load of 3.5 kg, and the second cylinder 23 can be configured to apply a maximum load of 800 kg.

[0070] The first and second threshold pressures can be defined to allow for rapid, lightly loaded movement of the crimping head 10 when actuated by the first thrust force, and slower, heavily loaded movement of the crimping head 10 when actuated by the second thrust force. All the arrangements described above allow for a simplified dimensioning of the cylinders 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 on the rivet R, in order to rivet the complex support.

[0072] The riveting machine 1 also includes 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, at least one distance sensor 31, 33 may be provided that it 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 perform redundant monitoring of the safety distance d30, by means of two distance sensors 31, 33.

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

[0074] Although not limiting, it is possible that the two manual actuators 43, 45 comprise two levers suitable for operation by the two hands of a riveter 1 user. These levers can be arranged on either side of the crimping head 10. Thus, the riveter user can operate the first manual actuator 43 with their left hand and the second manual actuator 45 with their right hand, while simultaneously controlling the crimping of the complex support by the riveter. Advantageously, placing the two manual actuators 43, 45 at a distance from the crimping head 10 avoids the risk of the user pinching their fingers when simultaneously operating both manual actuators 43, 45. The resulting riveter is safer.

[0075] The riveting machine 1 further includes a control unit 50 configured to control 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 includes two distance sensors 31, 33, it can then be configured to control 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, resulting in a more reliable and safer riveter 1.

[0077] Furthermore, when the riveter includes 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 allows the riveting of the complex to be carried out under the control of the control unit 50, in a rapid manner, and the auxiliary displacement actuator 43, 45 allows the riveting of the complex support to be carried out 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 includes two manual actuators, it is possible to perform 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 include a stop element 60 configured to prevent movement of the rivet R along the crimping direction Z. Thus, it is possible to program the riveter to cease applying crimping force, for example, after a specified time has elapsed. This makes it possible to limit the potential marking of the complex substrate.

[0079] The above-described provisions allow for the provision of a riveting machine 1 capable of 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 unintentional activation 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 for fixing a rivet R onto a complex support to be riveted. The fixing method is carried out by a riveting machine 1 of the type described above.

[0081] The fastening method first comprises a positioning step E10, in which the complex support is placed opposite the rivet R by means of at least one cylinder 21, 23. For example, the positioning step E10 can be implemented by applying the first thrust force when at least one cylinder 21, 23 is actuated by the displacement actuator 41, 43, 45 in a direction approaching the The crimping head 10 of the complex support is positioned. Thus, the setup step E10 allows the complex support to be easily placed before the crimping head 10 is positioned opposite the complex support to be riveted. If the riveter 1 includes two cylinders 21 and 23, the actuation of the first cylinder 21 can be controlled by the main displacement actuator 41 to implement the setup step E10. For example, said actuation of the first cylinder 21 involves holding the foot on the pedal forming the main displacement actuator 41. Therefore, the implementation of the setup step E10 can correspond to the lowering of the crimping head 10 in the crimping direction Z to bring it closer to the complex support, particularly when it is positioned on a crimping table.

[0082] Advantageously, the setup step E10 can be carried out until the distance sensor 31, 33 detects a crimping zone during a measurement step E20 described below. The setup step E10 can also be carried out until the crimping head 10 comes into contact with the uncrimped rivet R.

[0083] The measurement step E20 comprises the measurement, by 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 understood that the distance sensor 31, 33 measures the distance separating the rivet R and the complex support in real time or periodically. As described previously, it is possible for the measurement 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 stored in a memory of the control unit 50.

[0084] The fastening process also includes a comparison step E30, in which the measured safety distance d30 is compared to the predetermined distance value. If the riveting machine includes two distance sensors 31, 33, the comparison step E30 may include comparing the safety distance d30 measured by the first distance sensor 31 and the safety distance d30 measured by the second distance sensor 33 to the predetermined distance value. In this way, a redundant measurement of the safety distance d30 is possible, making the fastening process more reliable and safer.

[0085] The method further includes a crimping step E40 implemented when the measured safety distance d30 is less than the predetermined distance. In the previously mentioned case where the riveting machine includes two distance sensors 31, 33, the crimping step E40 can be implemented when 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 E40 crimping step, 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 can successively comprise: - an authorization step E41 of actuation 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 commanded to actuate the displacement of the crimping head 10 by 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 an 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 displacement actuator 41, 43, 45 may include the release of a press on the displacement actuator 41, 43, 45 followed by a new press on the displacement actuator 41, 43, 45. In the case where the displacement actuator 41, 43, 45 includes a main displacement actuator 41, 43, 45 formed by a pedal, the command of the displacement actuator 41, 43, 45 includes the release of a press followed by a new press of a foot on the pedal.

[0090] According to a non-limiting variant, the crimping step E40 may further include an auxiliary actuation step E43, implemented as follows: - 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 are received from a user of riveter 1.

[0091] In this case, the auxiliary actuation step E43 includes 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 for two independent manual commands from The user from the manual actuators 43, 45, helps to limit the risk of pinching the user's fingers during the crimping step E40.

[0092] According to a non-limiting embodiment in which the riveting machine 1 includes a stop element 60 configured to prevent movement of the rivet R along the crimping direction Z, the crimping step E40 may include a stop step E44 in which the displacement actuator 41, 43, 45 is controlled to stop the application of the second thrust force when the crimping head 10 encounters the stop element 60, so as to stop the compression of the rivet R by at least one cylinder 21, 23. For example, such a stop can be detected by a contact sensor 36, such as an inductive sensor. Thus, the stop element 60 makes it possible to stop the stroke of the second cylinder 23, thereby preventing damage to the complex support. Generally, the stop element 60 includes an adjustable stop height, defining a distance at which the stroke of the crimping head 10 is stopped.

[0093] Finally, the fastening process may include a withdrawal step E50 implemented after the crimping step E40, in which at least one cylinder 21, 23 moves the crimping head 10 along the crimping direction Z, away from the complex support. It is therefore understood that following the crimping step E40, the crimping head 10 is withdrawn 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 retraction step E50 can also be 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. For example, this time period can be between 0.1 s and 1.0 s. In this way, it is possible to reposition the riveter 1 to its initial position if no actuation instructions are received from the user. This also allows a return to the initial position if an error occurs during the setup step E10 or the comparison step E30, without the risk of unintentionally riveting or damaging the complex support.

[0095] The arrangements described above make it possible to propose a method for fixing a rivet R onto a complex support in which the approach of the crimping head 10 is effected by a first pushing force, and in which the crimping step E40 is carried out 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 carry out the fixing method while holding the complex support to be riveted with their hands, without risk of pinching a finger by the Cylinder 21, 23 during crimping. The fastening process is thus faster and safer.

Claims

Demands

1. Riveting machine (1) for riveting a rivet (R) onto a complex support, the riveting machine (1) comprising: • a crimping head (10) for receiving the rivet (R); • at least one cylinder (21, 23) configured on the one hand to apply a first thrust force to move the crimping head (10) along a crimping direction (Z), and configured on the other hand to apply a second thrust force to move the crimping head (10) along 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 displacement actuator (41, 43, 45) configured to actuate the displacement of the crimping head (10), by means of said at least one cylinder (21, 23);and • a control unit (50) configured to control 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, wherein 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. Riveting machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein 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 to be riveted, and a second distance sensor (33) configured to measure the safety distance (d30) separating the rivet (R) and the complex support to be riveted; the control unit (50) being configured to control 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 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 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) permits 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. A method for fixing a rivet (R) onto a complex support to be riveted, the fixing method being carried out by a riveting machine (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 at least one cylinder (21, 23); • a measuring step (E20), in which 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 to 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 fastening method according to claim 6, wherein the positioning step (E10) is implemented by applying the first thrust force when at least one cylinder (21, 23) is actuated by the displacement actuator (41, 43, 45) in a direction approaching the crimping head (10) to the complex support.

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

9. A fastening method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the crimping step (E40) successively comprises: • an authorization step (E41) of actuation from the control unit (50), in which the control unit (50) indicates whether 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 at least one cylinder (21, 23), so as to compress the rivet (R) on the complex support;

10. A fastening method according to claim 9, implemented by a riveting machine (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 an 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 riveting machine (1) are received; the auxiliary actuation step (E43) then includes 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) on the complex support.

11. A fastening method according to any one of claims 6 to 10, comprising a withdrawal step (E50) carried out after the crimping step (E40), wherein at least one cylinder (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 withdrawal 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 riveting machine (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) to 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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