Ultrasonic staking device and prior holding unit for use in ultrasonic staking device

Abstract

In the present invention, a prior holding unit employs a prior holding member that surrounds the outer peripheral surface of a tool horn and that has an opening disposed along the axial direction of the tool horn. The prior holding member is configured to have further formed therein a vent hole and to be further provided with a blast means for blowing cooling gas so as to cool the outer peripheral surface of the tool horn that has become hot. By using an ultrasonic staking unit for performing ultrasonic staking on a staking target member by ultrasonically vibrating the tool horn and in a state of pressing the surface of the mounting member by the prior holding member through movement of the prior holding member toward the staking target member and a mounting member, the ultrasonically vibrated tool horn is moved to a boss section of the staking target member, the ultrasonic staking is performed, and cooling gas is blasted onto the tool horn through the vent hole. In addition, after the lifting of the tool horn is initiated upon completion of the ultrasonic staking, the cooling gas is introduced in between the tool horn and the boss section.

Description

Ultrasonic crimping device, advance clamping unit for use in ultrasonic crimping device

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic crimping device and a pre-pressure unit used in an ultrasonic crimping device, and more particularly to an ultrasonic crimping device and a pre-pressure unit used in an ultrasonic crimping device that is provided with a pre-pressure means that presses down the workpiece near the tool horn to prevent it from floating up.

[0002] Conventionally, ultrasonic crimping devices have been known that are provided with a pressing means that applies a pressing force to the overlapping crimping target member and the mounting member to prevent the workpiece near the tool horn from floating up, preventing them from moving relative to each other and bringing the contact surfaces of the crimping target member and the mounting member into tight contact with each other.

[0003] For example, the ultrasonic crimping device shown in Figures 34(a) to (d) has a cylindrical pressing member 95 that is freely movable up and down on the outer periphery of an ultrasonically vibrating tool horn 93, and a spring 92 arranged between the tool horn 93 and the pressing member 95 (see Patent Document 1).

[0004] That is, in a conventional ultrasonic crimping device, as shown in FIG. 34(a), a presser member 95 and a tool horn 93 are lowered above an attachment member 22a placed on a crimping target member 21a. Then, as shown in FIG. 34(b), the attachment member 22a is pressed down by the presser member 95. In this state, the ultrasonically vibrating tool horn 93 is lowered. Then, as shown in FIG. 34(c), the tool horn 93 comes into contact with the surface of the boss portion of the crimping target member 21a. Then, the tool horn 93 is further lowered, and as shown in FIG. 34(d), the boss portion of the crimping target member 21a is crimped. In this way, the attachment member 22a is fixed on the crimping target member 21a.

[0005] In this way, by providing a pressing member 95 that presses the vicinity of the tool horn 93 during ultrasonic crimping, ultrasonic crimping can be performed without the mounting member 22a near the tool horn 93 floating up relative to the crimping target member 21a.

[0006] However, the outer periphery of the tool horn 93 is covered with a cylindrical presser member 95 that is movable up and down. As shown in Figure 35, when the wall 21aa, which is an obstacle, is located immediately near the boss portion 21ab of the crimping target workpiece 21a, the presser member 95 hits the wall 21aa, which is also an obstacle. As a result, the tool horn 93 cannot be moved onto the boss portion 21ab, which is located close to the wall 21aa. This poses a problem in that the crimping operation cannot be performed.

[0007] One way to address this issue is to reduce the thickness and outer diameter of the pressure member 95, thereby moving the tool horn 93 onto the boss portion 21ab immediately adjacent to the wall 21aa. However, if the thickness and outer diameter of the pressure member 95 are reduced, the pressure area of ​​the cylindrical pressure member 95 becomes smaller, as shown by the pressure area 60 around the boss portion in FIG. 35(b). If the pressure area of ​​the pressure member 95 is small, it is only possible to prevent the tool horn 93 from lifting up within a small area immediately adjacent to the tool horn, i.e., a narrow area. Furthermore, even if the pressure force per unit area is the same, a smaller pressure area reduces the pressure force in proportion to the area. If possible, it was required to perform ultrasonic crimping by using a thick and large outer diameter pressing member to apply a large pressing force to the overlapping crimped member and mounting member, firmly pressing a large pressing area so that they would not move relative to each other and by tightly sealing the contact surfaces of the crimped member and mounting member together without any gaps.

[0008] Furthermore, in ultrasonic crimping devices, heat accumulates in the tool horn as ultrasonic crimping continues, causing it to become very hot. To consistently guarantee the quality of ultrasonic crimping, it is necessary to cool the tool horn to within a specified temperature range.

[0009] 36, the outer periphery of a tool horn 96 is covered with a cylindrical cover 97. Cooling is performed by blowing cooling gas onto the surfaces of the crimping target member 21a and the mounting member 22a from above in the space between the outer periphery of the tool horn 96 and the cylindrical cover 97 (see Patent Document 2).

[0010] The outer diameter of the cover 97 needs to be large enough to allow a cooling gas to flow between the outer periphery of the tool horn 96 and the cylindrical cover 97. To accommodate this, the outer diameter of the cover 97 has to be increased accordingly.

[0011] Furthermore, in order to release the heat absorbed from the tool horn 96, it is essential to create a space by separating the lower end of the cover 97 from the surfaces of the crimping target member 21 a and the attachment member 22 a by a certain distance. Since the lower end of the cover 97 is separated from the surfaces of the crimping target member 21 a and the attachment member 22 a, there is a problem in that it is physically impossible for the lower end of the cover 97 to directly press the crimping target member 21 a and the attachment member 22 a.

[0012] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 33, when setting the attachment members 22a to be attached by crimping to the boss portions 21ab of the crimping target member 21a, there is a risk that, due to poor workmanship, the crimping may be performed with multiple attachment members 22a attached as in Figure 33(a), or without any attachment members 22a attached as in Figure 33(b), or the boss portions 21ab of the crimping target member 21a may be broken or chipped, and the crimping may be performed without noticing the defect.

[0013] JP 61-121928 A JP 2003-266378 A

[0014] The first object of the present invention is to apply a large pressing force over a wide area to the overlapping crimping target member and the attachment member, firmly pressing them down so that they do not move relative to each other and so that the contact surfaces of the crimping target member and the attachment member are tightly in contact with each other without any gaps, thereby performing ultrasonic crimping. Furthermore, even if there is an obstacle, such as a wall 21aa or other component, immediately near the boss portion of the crimping target member, which is the workpiece, as shown in Figure 35 , the pressing member 95 will not come into contact with the obstacle, such as the wall 21aa or other component. The present invention also aims to provide an ultrasonic crimping device and a leading pressing unit for use with the ultrasonic crimping device that can crimp a boss portion near the obstacle, such as a wall 21aa or other component.

[0015] The second object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic crimping device and a pre-pressure unit for use with an ultrasonic crimping device that (1) cools the heated outer peripheral surface of the tool horn by blowing cooling gas onto it, (2) cools and solidifies the boss portion and the vicinity of the boss portion of the ultrasonically crimped crimped workpiece by blowing cooling gas onto them, (3) uses a member surrounding the tool horn as a pre-pressure member to press down the surface of the attachment member, and (4) encloses the tool horn, boss portion, and attachment member in a fixed closed space using the pre-pressure member, and sends cooling gas into that fixed closed space to efficiently cool the tool horn, boss portion, and attachment member.

[0016] The third object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic crimping device and a leading clamping unit for use with the ultrasonic crimping device that can prevent crimping defects caused by poor workmanship or defective parts, such as crimping with multiple mounting members attached or without any mounting members attached due to poor workmanship, or crimping work being continued without noticing that the boss portion of the member to be crimped is broken and chipped due to defective parts.

[0017] The fourth object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic crimping device and a leading clamping unit for use with an ultrasonic crimping device that can quickly cut off any pulled threads even if the boss portion of the workpiece to be crimped by ultrasonic crimping melts and the molten material adheres to the tip of the tool horn while the tool horn is raised, causing the threads to be pulled.

[0018] The ultrasonic crimping device of the present invention comprises a leading hold unit, a leading hold member surrounding the outer peripheral surface of a tool horn, the leading hold member having ventilation holes and an opening along the axial direction of the tool horn and further provided with air blowing means for blowing cooling gas into the ventilation holes, the leading hold member having an opening to prevent the leading hold member from hitting an obstacle; an ultrasonic crimping unit that ultrasonically vibrates the tool horn to ultrasonically crimp the workpiece to be crimped; ultrasonic crimping unit moving means that moves the ultrasonic crimping unit relative to the surface of a boss portion of the workpiece to be crimped; a main body frame; main body frame moving means that moves the main body frame; and a control means, the ultrasonic crimping device is constructed by attaching the leading hold unit, the ultrasonic crimping unit, and the ultrasonic crimping unit moving means to the main body frame; the leading hold member of the leading hold unit is moved relative to the surface of the attachment member to press the surface of the attachment member with the leading hold member; The hole of the mounting member is fitted into the boss portion of the crimped workpiece, and the crimped workpiece and the mounting member are stacked so that they do not move relative to each other and their contact surfaces are in tight contact with each other without any gaps.The ultrasonic crimping unit moving means moves the ultrasonically vibrating tool horn against the surface of the boss portion of the crimped workpiece, performing ultrasonic crimping.The cooling gas is blown from the leading pressure member side onto the outer peripheral surface of the tool horn, which has risen in temperature, to absorb heat from the tool horn.The cooling gas that has absorbed the heat is discharged from the opening of the leading pressure member.After the ultrasonic crimping is completed and the tool horn begins to rise, the cooling gas is allowed to flow between the tool horn and the boss portion.

[0019] Furthermore, the leading presser unit used in the ultrasonic crimping device of the present invention is configured as a single unit that can be attached to the ultrasonic crimping device. The leading presser unit of the present invention can be retrofitted to an ultrasonic crimping device that does not have a leading presser unit, allowing the ultrasonic crimping device of the present invention to perform the required ultrasonic crimping. This solves the first problem.

[0020] Furthermore, the ultrasonic crimping device of the present invention is configured such that a ventilation hole is formed in the leading hold member of the leading hold unit, and a blower means for blowing cooling gas through the ventilation hole is further provided, so that the cooling gas is blown from the leading hold member side onto the heated outer peripheral surface of the tool horn, absorbing heat from the tool horn, and the cooling gas that has absorbed the heat is discharged from the opening of the leading hold member. Furthermore, if necessary, the cooling gas is blown onto the boss portion and the vicinity of the boss portion of the ultrasonically crimped crimped workpiece to cool and solidify it. Furthermore, a member surrounding the tool horn is configured as a leading hold member to press the surface of the attachment workpiece. This solves the second problem.

[0021] Furthermore, the ultrasonic crimping device of the present invention includes a leading presser unit having a leading presser member surrounding the outer peripheral surface of the tool horn, an ultrasonic crimping unit that ultrasonically vibrates the tool horn to ultrasonically crimp the crimped material, ultrasonic crimping unit moving means, a main frame, main frame moving means, leading presser unit position detecting means, ultrasonic crimping unit position detecting means, and control means having timing means or pressure detecting means, and is configured to slidably mount the leading presser unit and the ultrasonic crimping unit on the main frame, move the leading presser unit with the main frame moving means, and move the ultrasonic crimping unit with the ultrasonic crimping unit moving means. The control means controls the movement of the leading hold down unit and the ultrasonic crimping unit based on the position information of the leading hold down unit detected by the leading hold down unit position detection means and the position information of the ultrasonic crimping unit detected by the ultrasonic crimping unit position detection means, and information from the timing means or pressure detection means controlled by the control means, the main body frame moving means moves the main body frame so that the leading hold down unit holds down the crimping target member and the attachment member, and in this state, ultrasonically vibrates the tool horn of the ultrasonic crimping unit, and the ultrasonic crimping unit moving means moves the tool horn of the ultrasonic crimping unit toward the crimping target member and the attachment member to perform ultrasonic crimping.

[0022] Furthermore, in the ultrasonic crimping device of the present invention, the cooling gas is caused to flow between the tool horn and the boss portion after the ultrasonic crimping is completed and the tool horn starts to rise, thereby solving the fourth problem.

[0023] The first effect of the present invention is to apply a pressing force to the overlapping crimping target member and the attachment member to firmly prevent them from moving relative to each other and to firmly bring the contact surfaces of the crimping target member and the attachment member into close contact with no gaps, thereby performing ultrasonic crimping. In particular, there is an effect of providing an ultrasonic crimping device and a leading hold-down unit for use with the ultrasonic crimping device that can move the tool horn over the boss portion of the crimping target member and ultrasonically crimp the boss portion even when there are obstacles such as walls or other parts that get in the way of the leading hold-down member pressing down on the periphery of the boss portion of the crimping target member.

[0024] The second effect of the present invention is that (1) cooling gas is blown onto the heated outer peripheral surface of the tool horn to cool it. (2) cooling gas is blown onto the boss portion and the vicinity of the boss portion of the ultrasonically crimped crimped workpiece to cool and solidify it. (3) the lower end of the member surrounding the tool horn serves as a pre-pressure member, applying a direct pressure to the surface of the attachment member to hold down the crimped workpiece and the attachment member. (4) the tool horn, boss portion, and attachment member are enclosed in a fixed closed space by the pre-pressure member, and cooling gas is blown into the fixed closed space to provide an ultrasonic crimping device and a pre-pressure unit for use with the ultrasonic crimping device that efficiently cool the boss portion, attachment member, and tool horn. This effect solves the second problem.

[0025] A third effect of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic crimping device and a advance clamping unit for use with an ultrasonic crimping device that can prevent crimping defects caused by poor workmanship or defective parts, such as crimping with multiple attachment members still attached, crimping with an attachment member forgotten to be attached, or crimping without noticing that a boss portion of the crimping target member is broken or chipped, due to poor workmanship when setting an attachment member on the crimping target member.

[0026] A fourth effect of the present invention is that it provides an ultrasonic crimping device and a leading presser unit for use with an ultrasonic crimping device that can quickly cut off a thread even if the boss of the workpiece to be crimped by ultrasonic crimping melts and the molten material adheres to the tip of the tool horn while the tool horn is raised, thereby solving the fourth problem.

[0027] 1 is a schematic side view showing the overall configuration of an ultrasonic crimping apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 2 is a side view showing the main parts of the ultrasonic crimping apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 3 is an exploded view showing the main parts of the ultrasonic crimping apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 4 is a view showing the "pressing process" of the ultrasonic crimping apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 5 is a view showing the "crimping process" of the ultrasonic crimping apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 6 is an external perspective view showing the main parts of an ultrasonic crimping apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention; 7 is a view showing the state during ultrasonic crimping using the ultrasonic crimping apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention; 8 is a view showing the positional relationship between the boss portion and the "pressing region around the boss portion" pressed by the preceding presser member when using the ultrasonic crimping apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention; 9 is a side view showing the main parts of an ultrasonic crimping apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention; 10 is an external perspective view showing the main parts of the ultrasonic crimping apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention; 11 is a view showing the positional relationship between the boss portion and the "pressing region around the boss portion" pressed by the preceding presser member when using the ultrasonic crimping apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention; and 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the flow of cooling gas in the ultrasonic crimping apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. 1A and 1B are horizontal cross-sectional views of essential parts of an ultrasonic crimping apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention, showing the flow of cooling gas; (a) a view of essential parts showing the structure of a leading hold down member of an ultrasonic crimping apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention and the flow of cooling gas; (b) a view of essential parts showing the structure of another leading hold down member of an ultrasonic crimping apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention and the flow of cooling gas; (a) an exploded view of an exploded view of the structure of yet another leading hold down member of an ultrasonic crimping apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention; (b) a view of essential parts showing the structure of yet ...b) a side view of essential parts of an ultrasonic crimping apparatus according to a modified example of the third embodiment of the present invention, showing several examples of leading hold down members; (c) a view showing a process of ultrasonic crimping according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, in which cooling gas is not blown; (d) a view showing a state in which the ultrasonic vibration of the tool horn is stopped immediately after the ultrasonic crimping according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is completed, and cooling gas is blown to cool the tool horn, the crimped boss portion, and the vicinity of the boss portion, surrounded by a leading hold down member;10A and 10B are diagrams showing a state in which the tool horn and the advance presser member are raised after the time required for the ultrasonically crimped portion to solidify has elapsed after ultrasonic crimping according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11A is a diagram showing a state in which the tool horn is raised and all cooling gas is blown toward the boss portion and the periphery of the boss portion to cool it after the tool horn has cooled to a degree that does not cause stringiness according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12B is a flowchart showing an operation procedure according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13A is a flowchart showing another operation procedure according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14A is a schematic side view showing the overall configuration of an ultrasonic crimping device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14B is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of an ultrasonic crimping device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. (a) and (b) are diagrams showing abnormal operation states that can be detected by the ultrasonic crimping device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14B is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of an ultrasonic crimping device according to a modified example of the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14C is a schematic side view of an ultrasonic crimping device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14C is an exploded view showing the main parts of the ultrasonic crimping device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14C is a schematic side view of an ultrasonic crimping device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. 10A to 10D are cross-sectional views of the main parts of an ultrasonic crimping apparatus according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. 10B are schematic side views of an ultrasonic crimping apparatus according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. 10C are schematic side views of the main parts of an ultrasonic crimping apparatus according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. 10D are schematic side views of the main parts of an ultrasonic crimping apparatus according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. 10C are schematic side views of the main parts of an ultrasonic crimping apparatus according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. 10D are schematic side views of the main parts of an ultrasonic crimping apparatus according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. 10D are schematic side views of the main parts of an ultrasonic crimping apparatus according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. 10C are schematic side views of the main parts of an ultrasonic crimping apparatus according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. 10D ...

[0028] First Embodiment In the ultrasonic crimping device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the structure of the ultrasonic crimping device and an overview of the ultrasonic crimping operation that solves the first to third problems of the present invention will be described. Then, specific details that solve the first to third problems of the present invention will be described using second to eighth embodiments in the order of the problems.

[0029] FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of an ultrasonic crimping device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 particularly shows an embodiment in which an articulated robot hand is used as the main body frame moving means 4. As will be described later, in the first to sixth embodiments, the leading presser unit 1 is attached and fixed to the main body frame 3. Therefore, in the first to sixth embodiments, the robot hand, which is the main body frame moving means 4, functions as the leading presser unit moving means. On the other hand, in the seventh and eighth embodiments, the leading presser unit 1 is suspended from the ultrasonic crimping unit 2, and the leading presser unit 1 is moved together with the ultrasonic crimping unit 2. Therefore, in the seventh and eighth embodiments, the ultrasonic crimping unit moving means 5 functions as the leading presser unit moving means.

[0030] 1, a main body frame 3 is attached to the tip of an arm 4a of a robot hand. A leading presser unit 1, an ultrasonic crimping unit 2, and an ultrasonic crimping unit moving means 5 are attached to the main body frame 3. The robot hand, which is the main body frame moving means 4, uses a robot that can move the tip of the arm 4a to any position in three dimensions on the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, and can rotate the tip of the arm 4a at any angle at that position.

[0031] 2 shows the configuration and arrangement of the main components of the ultrasonic crimping device of the present invention, namely, the leading hold-down unit 1, the ultrasonic crimping unit 2, the main frame moving means 4, the ultrasonic crimping unit moving means 5, the leading hold-down unit position detecting means 6, the ultrasonic crimping unit position detecting means 7, and the air blowing means 10. Also shown below the ultrasonic crimping device of the present invention is an anvil 20. Also shown is the arrangement of a crimping target member 21 having a boss portion 21b on the anvil 20, and an attachment member 22 which is placed on top of the crimping target member 21 and crimped to be fixed integrally thereto.

[0032] To facilitate understanding of the invention, FIG. 3 is an exploded view showing the configuration and arrangement of each unit of the main part of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, each unit of the main part of the present invention is attached to a main body frame 3. In FIG. 3, the leading hold-down unit 1 is shown below the main body frame 3 on the page. The ultrasonic crimping unit 2 is shown to the right of the main body frame 3 on the page. The ultrasonic crimping unit moving means 5 is shown above the main body frame 3 on the page. The main body frame moving means 4, in this case an articulated robot hand, is shown to the left of the main body frame 3 on the page. The leading hold-down unit 1, the ultrasonic crimping unit 2, the main body frame moving means 4, and the ultrasonic crimping unit moving means 5 are attached to the main body frame 3 as indicated by the dashed lines in FIG. 3. The attached appearance is as shown in FIG. 2, which has already been described.

[0033] The structures of the leading hold down unit 1 and the ultrasonic crimping unit 2 will be described further with reference to Figure 3. The leading hold down unit 1 has a leading hold down member 1b attached to a leading hold down frame 1a so that it can slide freely up and down on the surface of the paper in Figure 3. A compression spring 1c is sandwiched between the leading hold down frame 1a and the leading hold down member 1b, and a hanging rod 1d is fixed to the leading hold down member 1b. The hanging rod 1d has a T-shape with a large head. When the leading hold down member 1b is moved downward on the surface of the paper in Figure 3, the lower end of the leading hold down member 1b presses down on the mounting member 22.

[0034] The leading hold member 1b has ventilation holes 1f, and is fitted with air blowing means 10 for blowing cooling gas through the ventilation holes 1f. The air blowing means 10 blows cooling gas from the leading hold member side onto the heated outer peripheral surface of the tool horn 2c, absorbing heat from the tool horn 2c, and expels the cooling gas that has absorbed the heat from the opening 1e of the leading hold member.

[0035] With this structure, when the leading presser unit 1 is moved toward the crimping target workpiece 21 and the mounting member 22, the lower end of the leading presser member 1b comes into contact with the surface of the mounting member 22. As the leading presser unit 1 is further moved toward the mounting member 22, the spring 1c is compressed. The leading presser frame 1a continues to descend. The leading presser unit position detection means 6 attached to the leading presser frame 1a detects the position to which the leading presser member 1b has moved relative to the leading presser frame 1a. When the leading presser unit position detection means 6 detects that the spring 1c has been compressed and the leading presser member 1b has reached a position where it applies a predetermined spring force to the mounting member 22, the movement of the leading presser unit 1, i.e., its descent, is stopped. When the leading presser unit 1 reaches this position, a predetermined pressing force is applied to the mounting member 22, preventing the mounting member 22 and the crimping target workpiece 21 from moving relative to each other and bringing their contact surfaces into tight contact with each other without any gaps.

[0036] The ultrasonic crimping unit 2 has an ultrasonic vibration means 2b with an ultrasonic vibrator attached to an ultrasonic crimping frame 2a. A tool horn 2c is attached to the tip of the ultrasonic vibration means 2b. A protrusion 2d is formed in the center of the lower end surface of the tool horn 2c, and the periphery of the protrusion 2d is flat. When ultrasonic crimping is performed, the protrusion 2d of the tool horn 2c presses down toward the center of the boss portion 21b of the crimping target workpiece 21, and at the same time, the flat surface around the protrusion 2d presses down around the center of the boss portion 21b.

[0037] The ultrasonic crimping frame 2a is slidably supported on the main frame 3 by hanging from an ultrasonic crimping unit moving means 5, specifically, the tip 5a of the actuator shaft of an air cylinder that moves up and down, which has been previously attached and fixed above the main frame 3. An ultrasonic crimping unit position detecting means 7 is attached to the main frame 3 and detects the position to which the ultrasonic crimping unit 2 has moved relative to the main frame 3. Specifically, it detects the position when the lower end of the tool horn 2c of the ultrasonic crimping unit 2 descends and reaches the boss portion 21b of the crimping target workpiece 21, and the position at which the crimping operation of the boss portion 21b of the crimping target workpiece 21 is completed. The ultrasonic vibration drive power supply and ultrasonic vibration control means of the ultrasonic vibration means 2b are located inside or outside the robot hand, but are not shown in the figure.

[0038] 4(a) shows the state of the pressing process in which the lower end of the leading press member 1b of the leading press unit 1 of the ultrasonic crimping device of the present invention presses the surface of the attachment member 22. When the arm 4a of the robot hand, which is the main body frame moving means 4, descends as shown by the arrow, the spring 1c is compressed, and the lower end of the leading press member 1b of the leading press unit presses the attachment member 22 with the spring force.

[0039] FIG. 4B shows a state of a crimping process in which the boss portion 21b of the crimping target member 21 is ultrasonically crimped with the tool horn 2c of the ultrasonic crimping unit 2 of the ultrasonic crimping device of the present invention.

[0040] As explained in Figure 4(a), the arm 4a of the robot hand is lowered so that the lower end of the advance holding member 1b presses the attachment member 22, and then, as shown in Figure 4(b), the tool horn 2c of the ultrasonic crimping unit 2 is ultrasonically vibrated, and the ultrasonic crimping unit moving means 5, specifically the air cylinder, is operated to move the tool horn 2c toward the boss portion 21b of the crimping target member 21, and the ultrasonically vibrating tool horn 2c crimps the boss portion 21b of the crimping target member 21, thereby fixing the attachment member 22 to the crimping target member 21.

[0041] The overall structure of the ultrasonic crimping device of the present invention, the structure of the advance holding unit 1, the structure of the ultrasonic crimping unit 2, and an overview of the ultrasonic crimping operation have been described above. Below, the specific invention content that solves the first to third problems of the present invention will be described in detail using the second to eighth embodiments in order.

[0042] Second Embodiment An ultrasonic crimping device according to a second embodiment of the present invention uses a leading presser member 1b having an opening 1e aligned with the axial direction of a tool horn 2c. Here, the term "axial direction of the tool horn 2c" can also be rephrased as "the vibration direction in which the tool horn 2c ultrasonically vibrates."

[0043] The ultrasonic crimping device according to the second embodiment of the present invention achieves the first object of the present invention, namely, to apply a large pressing force to the overlapping crimping target member 21 and the mounting member 22 so that they do not move relative to each other, and also to firmly press the contacting surfaces of the crimping target member 21 and the mounting member 22 together without any gaps, thereby performing ultrasonic crimping.

[0044] Furthermore, by providing the opening 1e in the leading hold member 1b, even if there is an obstacle such as a wall or other part that gets in the way of moving the tool horn 2c above the boss portion 21b of the crimping workpiece 21, the leading hold member 1b of the leading hold unit 1 does not hit the obstacle, and the tool horn 2c can be moved above the boss portion 21b of the crimping workpiece 21, making it possible to provide an ultrasonic crimping device that can perform ultrasonic crimping and a leading hold unit used in the ultrasonic crimping device. The following will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 7.

[0045] Figure 5 shows an external perspective view of the tool horn 2c of the ultrasonic crimping unit 2, and an opening 1e formed along the axial direction of the tool horn 2c in the columnar portion 1bb of the advance holding member 1b of the advance holding unit 1 that surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the tool horn 2c, with the opening 1e positioned opposite the outer peripheral surface of the tool horn 2c.

[0046] 5, the crimping target member 21 and its boss portion 21b are disposed directly below the tool horn 2c, and the mounting member 22 is placed on top of the crimping target member 21 directly below the columnar portion 1bb of the leading presser member 1b. Reference numeral 20 denotes an anvil on which the crimping target member 21 and the mounting member 22 are placed one on top of the other.

[0047] FIG. 6 is a side view showing the schematic structure of the advance pressing unit 1 of the present invention, and also shows the state in which the boss portion 21ab located immediately adjacent to the wall of the crimping target member 21a is ultrasonically crimped with the tool horn 2c.

[0048] 6, the leading presser frame 1a of the leading presser unit 1 is integrally attached and fixed to the main frame 3 with two screw bolts 90. The leading presser unit moving means for moving the leading presser unit 1 relative to the surface of the attachment member 22a is the main frame moving means 4, specifically, a robot hand, in FIG.

[0049] In the ultrasonic crimping device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, a leading presser unit 1, an ultrasonic crimping unit 2, and an ultrasonic crimping unit moving means 5 are attached to a main frame 3 to constitute the ultrasonic crimping device. The main frame moving means 4 moves the leading presser member 1b of the leading presser unit toward the surface of the attachment member 22a, and the lower end of the leading presser member 1b presses against the surface of the attachment member 22a. In this state, the tool horn 2c is ultrasonically vibrated, and the ultrasonic crimping unit moving means 5 moves the tool horn 2c toward the surface of the boss portion 21ab of the crimping target member 21a, crimping the boss portion 21ab of the crimping target member 21a.

[0050] 6, a wall 21aa of the crimping target member 21a is located immediately adjacent to the boss portion 21ab of the crimping target member 21a, but an opening 1e is formed along the axial direction of the tool horn 2c in the columnar portion 1bb of the leading hold down member 1b of the leading hold down unit 1 that surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the tool horn 2c. The columnar portion 1bb of the leading hold down member 1b is not present in the opening 1e. Therefore, even when crimping the boss portion 21ab of the crimping target member 21a that is located within the range where the outer peripheral surface of the tool horn 2c does not hit the wall 21aa, which is an obstacle, the leading hold down member 1b can hold down the vicinity of the boss portion 21ab.

[0051] As a result, even if there is a wall 21aa or other component that may obstruct the boss portion 21ab of the crimping target member 21a, the outer peripheral surface of the tool horn 2c can be crimped at a position within the range where it does not come into contact with the wall 21aa or other component that may obstruct the crimping target member 21a. The present invention makes it possible to provide such an ultrasonic crimping device and a leading presser unit for use with the ultrasonic crimping device. As described above, the first problem has been solved.

[0052] The shape of the lower end of the leading press member 1b can be made to have a wide cross-sectional area corresponding to the outer shape of the attachment member 22. This allows a large pressing force to be applied to the overlapping crimping target member 21 and attachment member 22, preventing them from moving together and allowing the contact surfaces of the crimping target member and attachment member to be tightly attached with no gaps.

[0053] The leading hold-down member 1b may be detachable from the leading hold-down unit 1, and the shape of the lower end of the leading hold-down member 1b may be changed according to the shape of the area around the boss portion 21b.

[0054] 7 shows the positional relationship between the boss portion 21b of the crimping target member and the pressing area around the boss portion 21b when the surface of the mounting member 22 is pressed with the lower end of a detachable leading presser member 1b of various cross-sectional shapes (not shown). In FIG. 7, the position of the boss portion 21b is indicated by a circle, and the position of the pressing area around the boss portion 21b is indicated by the meshed-line areas 60a to 60h. As shown in the figure, according to the needs of those skilled in the art, a pressing force can be applied to the overlapping crimping target member and mounting member using leading presser members 1b of various different shapes, so that they do not move firmly relative to each other and the contact surfaces of the crimping target member 21 and the mounting member 22 are firmly in close contact with each other without any gaps, allowing ultrasonic crimping to be performed.

[0055] Furthermore, although not shown, a three-dimensional presser member may be attached to the lower end of the leading presser member 1b as a separate, replaceable part, and the mounting member 22 may be held down by the three-dimensional presser member. By attaching a three-dimensional presser member of a different shape to the lower end of the leading presser member 1b, it is possible to press down on various mounting members without changing the shape of the leading presser member 1b. The three-dimensional presser member can have any cross-sectional shape as long as it does not hit any obstacles. Therefore, it is possible to press down on the desired area over a wider area. The crimping target member and the mounting member can be tightly and securely attached without any gaps, preventing them from moving relative to each other.

[0056] Third Embodiment An ultrasonic crimping device according to a third embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 8 to 14. FIG.

[0057] The ultrasonic crimping device according to the third embodiment is further provided with cooling gas blowing means 10 to solve the first and second problems of the present invention.

[0058] That is, in order to solve the second problem in addition to the first problem, the leading hold down member 1b is used as a blowing means for blowing out cooling gas, which is blown from the leading hold down member 1b onto the outer peripheral surface of the tool horn 2c whose temperature has risen, thereby cooling it.

[0059] The ultrasonic crimping device according to the third embodiment is able to provide an ultrasonic crimping device and a leading presser unit for use in the ultrasonic crimping device that solve these two problems at the same time.

[0060] 8 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of an ultrasonic crimping device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In the ultrasonic crimping device according to the third embodiment, a ventilation hole 1f is formed in the leading hold down member 1b, and a blower 10 is further provided for blowing cooling gas through the ventilation hole 1f. The cooling gas is blown from the leading hold down member 1b side onto the heated outer peripheral surface of the tool horn 2c to absorb heat from the tool horn 2c, and the cooling gas that has absorbed the heat is discharged to the right side of the drawing from an opening 1e in the leading hold down member 1b.

[0061] As a result, (1) cooling gas is blown onto the heated outer peripheral surface of the tool horn to cool it, (2) cooling gas is blown onto the boss portion and the vicinity of the boss portion of the ultrasonically crimped crimped part to cool and solidify it, (3) the member surrounding the tool horn is used as a leading pressure member to press down the surface of the attachment part, and (4) the tool horn, boss portion, and attachment part are enclosed in a fixed closed space by the leading pressure member, and cooling gas is sent into that fixed closed space, thereby efficiently cooling the tool horn, boss portion, and attachment part.

[0062] 9 is an external perspective view showing a state in which a ventilation hole 1f is formed in the leading hold member 1b and a cooling gas blowing means 10 is provided in the ventilation hole 1f. The cooling gas blowing means 10 for blowing cooling gas onto the outer peripheral surface of the tool horn 2c is composed of a cooling gas blowing device (not shown), a blowing pipe 10a for blowing the cooling gas, and a blowing pipe connector 10b for connecting the blowing pipe 10a to the ventilation hole 1f formed in the leading hold member 1b. The blowing pipe 10a is pipe-shaped. The blowing pipe connector 10b has a hole for blowing air.

[0063] The shape of the hole in the air duct connecting portion 10b can be selected from a variety of shapes as needed by those skilled in the art, such as the horizontal hole 1fa shown in Fig. 10(a), the L-shaped hole 1fb shown in Fig. 10(b), and the oblique holes 1fc and 1fd shown in Fig. 10(c) and Fig. 10(d). In order to blow cooling gas onto the outer peripheral surface of the tip of the tool horn 2c and the vicinity of the boss portion 21b of the crimping target workpiece 21, it is desirable to use oblique holes as shown in Fig. 10(c) and (d).

[0064] 11(a) and 11(b) are horizontal cross-sectional views showing the leading hold down member 1b, connected to the air blowing means 10, facing the outer peripheral surface of the tool horn 2c. In FIG. 11(a), the left side of the leading hold down member 1b has an outer shape formed by connecting two parallel surfaces, two inclined surfaces, and one vertical surface. The right side of the leading hold down member 1b has an opening 1e formed by hollowing out the vertical surface with a curved surface having a semicircular cross section. A ventilation hole 1f for passing cooling gas is drilled horizontally from left to right on the page.

[0065] In the ultrasonic crimping device shown in FIG. 11(a), the outline of the left side of the preceding pressing member 1b described above is formed into a shape that connects two parallel surfaces, two inclined surfaces, and one vertical surface, and the right vertical surface is scooped out with a curved surface that has a semicircular cross section, that is, the cross-sectional shape indicated by diagonal lines, and the mounting member 22 is pressed by this part.

[0066] This allows ultrasonic crimping to be performed by applying a large pressing force to the crimping target member and the mounting member, firmly preventing them from moving relative to each other, and keeping the contact surfaces of the crimping target member and the mounting member tightly in contact with each other without any gaps.

[0067] In Figure 11(a), the surface of the opening 1e, which is a curved surface with a semicircular cross section, of the leading hold member 1b faces the outer peripheral surface of the tool horn 2c, with a predetermined gap therebetween—a gap large enough to allow the necessary amount of cooling gas to pass through. The dotted arrows in Figures 11(a) and 11(b) indicate the flow of cooling gas. In Figure 11(a), cooling gas is blown onto the outer peripheral surface of the tool horn 2c, and the cooling gas that has absorbed the heat from the tool horn 2c flows between the leading hold member 1b and the tool horn 2c. The cooling gas that has absorbed the heat is then discharged from the opening 1e of the leading hold member 1b to the right side of the page in Figure 11(a).

[0068] 11(b) shows the state when the main frame 3, to which the advance hold unit 1 is attached, is rotated around the tool horn 2c by the robot hand that is the main frame moving means 4, so that the opening 1e of the advance hold member 1b faces diagonally upward to the right of the page. From FIG. 11(b), it can be seen that the cooling gas that has absorbed heat from the tool horn 2c is discharged diagonally upward to the right of the page from between the advance hold member 1b and the tool horn 2c.

[0069] 12(a), even if the cross-sectional shape of the opening 1ea of ​​the leading hold-down member 1bc is U-shaped, the flow of cooling gas is substantially the same as in FIG. 11(a), and the same cooling effect can be obtained. On the other hand, by making the cross-sectional shape of the opening 1ea of ​​the leading hold-down member 1bc U-shaped, the vicinity of the tip of the opening 1ea of ​​the leading hold-down member 1bc extends toward the right side of the page, and therefore a wider area can be held in the vicinity of the boss portion 21b. This increases the effect of applying a large pressing force to the crimping target member and the attachment member to firmly prevent them from moving relative to each other and to firmly bring the contact surfaces of the crimping target member and the attachment member into close contact with each other without any gaps.

[0070] The right end of the leading presser member 1bc does not protrude to the right beyond the outer peripheral surface of the tool horn 2c. This allows ultrasonic crimping to be performed within the limits where the outer peripheral surface of the tool horn 2c does not come into contact with a wall even if the wall is located close to the boss portion 21b of the crimping target workpiece 21.

[0071] As for the shape of the opening 1e of the leading hold down member 1b, even when the tip is widened to form a substantially V-shaped cross section, as long as the right tip of the leading hold down member 1b does not protrude to the right from the outer peripheral surface of the tool horn 2c, the leading hold down member 1b will not hit an obstacle, as explained above.

[0072] Even if there is an obstacle such as a wall near the boss portion 21b of the workpiece 21 to be crimped, the crimping operation can be performed within the limits where the outer peripheral surface of the tool horn 2c does not come into contact with the obstacle such as the wall. To reiterate, the cross-sectional shape of the leading presser member 1b does not have to be a so-called C-shape, and may be a U-shape, V-shape, or any other shape that can exhaust cooling gas, as long as the tip does not protrude to the right from the outer peripheral surface of the tool horn 2c.

[0073] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12(b), the leading hold down member 1bd may be made smaller in size. Even if the angle surrounding the tool horn 2c is small, the cross-sectional shape of the opening 1eb is constricted in a C-shape. The cooling gas is blown onto the outer peripheral surface of the tool horn 2c from the air blowing means 10 attached to the leading hold down member 1bd, and the cooling gas flows from left to right on the page, which is basically the same as in the case of Figure 12(a). There is no change. The cooling effect of the present invention can be obtained in the same way.

[0074] Figure 13 shows an example in which the leading hold down member 1b is composed of two leading hold down members, 1be and 1bf, and the leading hold down member 1bf can be attached at any angle relative to the leading hold down member 1be. Figure 13(a) shows an exploded view of the leading hold down member 1b composed of an outer leading hold down member 1be and an inner leading hold down member 1bf. Figure 13(b) shows the inner leading hold down member 1bf fitted and fixed into the opening of the outer leading hold down member 1be, which is a curved surface with a semicircular cross section.

[0075] In Figure 13(b), leading hold member 1bf is a hollow cylinder having hole 1bh (larger than ventilation hole 1f) through which cooling gas enters from leading hold member 1be and opening 1ed through which cooling gas is discharged. It can be slid circumferentially relative to the other leading hold member 1be, positioned at a desired angle θ, and fixed with, for example, a thumbscrew. Those skilled in the art can change the direction of cooling gas discharge by positioning and fixing at the desired angle θ using any fixing means such as a thumbscrew. If necessary, it can be replaced with another leading hold member having a different opening dimension M of opening 1ed.

[0076] FIG. 13(b) shows that the cooling gas blown from the left side of the drawing flows along the outer peripheral surface of the tool horn 2c and is discharged in the upper right direction of the drawing.

[0077] (Modification of the Third Embodiment) Figure 14 shows another ultrasonic crimping device as a modification of the third embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 14, the upper portion of the leading hold-down member 1b is cylindrical. A ventilation hole 1h is provided at an upper position on the opposite side to the ventilation hole 1f of the leading hold-down member 1b shown in the first and third embodiments. Figure 14 shows a structure in which a cooling gas blowing means 10 is attached.

[0078] 14, the cooling gas sent from the air blowing means 10 flows downward toward the left of the tool horn 2c on the paper, wrapping around the outer peripheral surface of the tool horn 2c. The cooling gas then absorbs heat from the tool horn 2c and is discharged from an opening 1e provided in the advance presser member 1b along the axial direction of the tool horn 2c. This cools the outer peripheral surface of the tool horn 2c, the crimping target member 21, the boss portion 21b, and the mounting member 22 near the boss portion 21b.

[0079] Figure 14 shows a side view of an ultrasonic crimping device as a modified example of the third embodiment of the present invention, along with several examples of advance pressing members 1b each having an opening 1e formed along the axial direction of a tool horn 2c of a different shape.

[0080] Here, the shape of the opening 1e provided along the axial direction of the tool horn 2c may be a constant width opening like the leading hold down member 1b1 shown on the right side of Figure 14, or an opening whose width increases from top to bottom like the leading hold down member 1b2. If necessary, as long as the leading hold down member 1b does not hit an obstacle, the opening at the bottom may be a closed cylindrical shape like the leading hold down members 1b3 and 1b4, forming a partial opening. Furthermore, it has been shown that multiple openings 1e may be provided along the axial direction of the tool horn 2c, like the leading hold down member 1b4.

[0081] (Fourth embodiment) In an ultrasonic crimping device and a leading presser unit used in the ultrasonic crimping device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, the tool horn 2c, the crimped boss portion 21b, and the vicinity of the boss portion 21b can be efficiently cooled. This will be described below with reference to the transition diagrams in Figures 15 to 18 and the flow charts in Figures 19 and 20.

[0082] In the ultrasonic crimping device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the tool horn 2c, the crimped boss portion 21b, and the vicinity of the boss portion 21b are surrounded by the advance holding member 1b, and cooling is performed by blowing cooling gas thereon.

[0083] The operating procedure of the ultrasonic crimping device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is based on the following steps (1) to (4) shown in the flow chart of Figure 19: (1) The leading hold down member is lowered to hold down the attachment member (no cooling gas is circulated). (2) The tool horn is ultrasonically vibrated and lowered, and is placed against the boss portion to crimp (the leading hold down member surrounds the tool horn, the crimped portion, and the attachment member). (3) After crimping, the ultrasonic vibration of the tool horn is stopped, and with the leading hold down member surrounding the tool horn and the crimped portion, cooling gas is circulated to begin (cooling the tool horn, the crimped portion, and the attachment member). (4) After the time required for the crimped portion to solidify has elapsed, the tool horn and leading hold down member are raised.

[0084] FIG. 15 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention in which, without cooling gas flowing, the advance holding member 1b is lowered to hold down the mounting member 22, and the tool horn 2c is ultrasonically vibrated and lowered to contact the boss portion 21b, thereby performing ultrasonic crimping (steps ST31 and ST32 in FIG. 19).

[0085] Then, as shown in FIG. 16, once the crimping is completed, the ultrasonic vibration of the tool horn 2c is stopped, and cooling is started by flowing cooling gas while the tool horn 2c and the crimped portion are surrounded by the advance holding member 1b (step ST33 in FIG. 19).

[0086] Next, as shown in FIG. 17, after the time required for the crimped portion to solidify has elapsed, the tool horn 2c and the advance presser member 1b are raised (step ST34 in FIG. 19).

[0087] Alternatively, a procedure shown in the flow chart of Fig. 20 may be used. In Fig. 20, steps ST31 and ST32 are performed in the same manner as in Fig. 19. In step ST33, the ultrasonic vibration of the tool horn is stopped after crimping, and cooling is performed by flowing cooling gas while the tool horn and the crimped portion are surrounded by a pre-pressing member. Thereafter, in a new procedure, once the tool horn 2c has cooled to the point where it no longer becomes stringy, the tool horn 2c is moved above the boss portion 21b (step ST35 in Fig. 20).

[0088] 18, the ventilation holes 1f of the leading hold member 1b directly face the crimped boss portion 21b and the vicinity of the boss portion 21b. With the leading hold member 1b surrounding the tool horn 2c, the crimped boss portion 21b, and the vicinity of the boss portion 21b, cooling gas is blown onto the ultrasonically crimped boss portion 21b and the vicinity of the boss portion 21b to cool them (step ST36 in FIG. 20). The ultrasonically crimped boss portion 21b and the vicinity of the boss portion 21b are rapidly cooled, and the attachment member 22 is fixed to the crimping target member 21 with great force.

[0089] Thereafter, the advance hold down member 1b is raised, and all the cooling gas is blown onto the tool horn 2c that has already been raised to cool it (step ST37 in FIG. 20). Those skilled in the art can select either procedure as needed.

[0090] The ultrasonic crimping device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention has a feature and unique effect in that cooling gas is blown onto the tool horn 2c, the crimped boss portion 21b, and the vicinity of the boss portion 21b while the preceding hold-down member 1b surrounds the tool horn 2c, the crimped boss portion 21b, and the vicinity of the boss portion 21b. If the preceding hold-down member 1b did not surround the tool horn 2c, the crimped boss portion 21b, and the vicinity of the boss portion 21b, even if cooling gas was blown onto the crimped boss portion 21b and the vicinity of the boss portion 21b, most of the cooling gas would slip through and flow away in all directions.

[0091] However, in the ultrasonic crimping device of the present invention, the advance presser member 1b surrounds the tool horn 2c, the crimped boss 21b, and the vicinity of the boss 21b, forming a single cooling space. Within this single cooling space, cooling gas is blown toward the tool horn 2c, the crimped boss 21b, and the vicinity of the boss 21b, which are to be cooled, and the flow of cooling gas absorbs heat and discharges it to the outside. This is a unique effect of the present invention, in that the tool horn 2c, the crimped boss 21b, and the vicinity of the boss 21b are efficiently cooled.

[0092] (Fifth embodiment) In the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the third object of the present invention is achieved, that is, it is possible to provide an ultrasonic crimping device and a leading clamping unit for use with the ultrasonic crimping device that prevent crimping defects due to defective workmanship, such as attaching and crimping multiple attachment members 22, or crimping without attaching attachment members 22, or crimping defects due to defective parts.

[0093] In the ultrasonic crimping device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the movement of the leading presser unit 1 and the ultrasonic crimping unit 2 is controlled based on the position information of the leading presser unit 1 detected by the leading presser unit position detection means 6 and the position information of the ultrasonic crimping unit 2 detected by the ultrasonic crimping unit position detection means 7.

[0094] Specifically, the main frame 3 is moved by the main frame moving means 4, and the leading presser member 1b of the leading presser unit 1 presses the surface of the attachment member 22 placed on the crimping target member 21. In this state, the tool horn 2c of the ultrasonic crimping unit 2 is ultrasonically vibrated, and the ultrasonic crimping unit moving means 5 controls the tool horn 2c of the ultrasonic crimping unit 2 to move toward the surface of the boss portion 21b of the crimping target member 21, thereby performing ultrasonic crimping.

[0095] In the ultrasonic crimping device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, an embodiment has been shown in which the ultrasonic crimping unit position detection means 7 is attached to the main body frame 3, but the ultrasonic crimping unit position detection means 7 may also be built into the ultrasonic crimping unit 2, and the movement of the ultrasonic crimping unit may be controlled based on the position information of the ultrasonic crimping unit detected by the ultrasonic crimping unit position detection means 7.

[0096] A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 21 to 23. The ultrasonic crimping device according to the fifth embodiment shown in Figure 21 includes a leading presser unit 1 in which a leading presser member 1b surrounding the outer peripheral surface of a tool horn 2c is the leading presser member 1b having an opening 1e along the axial direction of the tool horn 2c, an ultrasonic crimping unit 2 in which an ultrasonic vibration means ultrasonically vibrates the tool horn 2c to ultrasonically crimp a crimping target material 21, a main body frame 3, a main body frame moving means 4, an ultrasonic crimping unit moving means 5, a leading presser unit position detecting means 6, an ultrasonic crimping unit position detecting means 7, and a control means. 8, in which the leading presser unit 1 and the ultrasonic crimping unit 2 are each slidably attached to the main frame 3, the leading presser unit 1 is moved by the main frame moving means 4, the ultrasonic crimping unit 2 is moved by the ultrasonic crimping unit moving means 5, and the control means 8 controls the movement of the leading presser unit 1 based on the position information of the leading presser unit 1 detected by the leading presser unit position detecting means 6 and the position information of the ultrasonic crimping unit 2 detected by the ultrasonic crimping unit position detecting means 7.

[0097] To aid in understanding the invention, the above-mentioned movement control method will be briefly explained. As a specific example, the control means 8 of the ultrasonic crimping device is provided with a timing means for measuring the operation time of the device every moment, and when the advance holding unit 1 or the ultrasonic crimping unit 2 moves, it is confirmed whether each unit reaches a predetermined position at a predetermined timing. If the predetermined position is reached at the predetermined timing, it is determined to be normal, and if not, it is determined to be abnormal.

[0098] Another example is a control method in which the ultrasonic crimping device is provided with a pressure detection means for measuring the pressure received by the leading pressing unit 1 and the ultrasonic crimping unit 2, and when the leading pressing unit 1 or the ultrasonic crimping unit 2 moves, it is confirmed whether the position at which it is detected that a predetermined pressure has been reached is occurring at the predetermined position, and if the predetermined pressure is occurring at the predetermined position, it is judged to be normal, and if it is not occurring, it is judged to be abnormal.

[0099] In the ultrasonic crimping device of the present invention, if it is determined that the leading pressing unit 1 is moving normally, the main frame moving means 4 moves the main frame 3 so that the leading pressing unit 1 presses the mounting member 22, and in this state, the tool horn 2c of the ultrasonic crimping unit 2 is ultrasonically vibrated, and the ultrasonic crimping unit moving means 5 moves the tool horn 2c of the ultrasonic crimping unit 2 toward the surface of the boss portion 21b of the member 21 to be crimped, thereby performing ultrasonic crimping.

[0100] The movement of the ultrasonic crimping unit 2 is also judged to be normal or abnormal in the same manner as the movement of the leading pressing unit.

[0101] FIG. 22 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation procedure of the ultrasonic crimping device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 22, when the ultrasonic crimping operation is initiated (step ST1), the main frame moving means 4 starts moving the main frame 3 attached to the arm 4a of the robot hand and the leading presser unit 1 (step ST2). At this time, the leading presser unit position detecting means 6 detects the position to which the leading presser member 1b of the leading presser unit 1 moves. When the leading presser member 1b of the leading presser unit 1 contacts the mounting member 22, the spring 1c is compressed. When it is detected that the lower end of the leading presser member 1b of the leading presser unit 1 has reached a predetermined position, i.e., the normal position (L1) where the pressing operation is completed, with a predetermined pressure at a predetermined timing (YES in step ST3), the main frame moving means 4 stops descending. This maintains the pressure applied by the leading presser member 1b against the mounting member 22. Then, the ultrasonic crimping unit moving means 5 is operated to start moving the ultrasonic crimping unit 2 (step ST4). The ultrasonic crimping unit position detecting means 7 detects the position to which the ultrasonic crimping unit 2 is moved relative to the main frame 3. When the tool horn 2c of the ultrasonic crimping unit 2 reaches the boss portion 21b of the crimping target workpiece 21 at a predetermined timing, i.e., when the tool horn 2c of the ultrasonic crimping unit reaches the position (L2) where the crimping operation starts at the predetermined timing (YES in step ST5), the tool horn 2c is ultrasonically vibrated, and the ultrasonically vibrating tool horn 2c is moved toward the boss portion 21b of the crimping target workpiece 21 to start the ultrasonic crimping operation (step ST6). When the ultrasonic crimping unit 2 reaches the normal predetermined position (L3) where the crimping operation is completed at the predetermined timing (YES in step ST7), the ultrasonic crimping operation is terminated (step ST8).

[0102] In addition, if movement to the specified position is not detected at the specified timing in each of steps ST3, ST5, and ST7 (NO in step ST3, NO in step ST5, NO in step ST7), it is determined that an abnormal operation is occurring, and the operation is stopped and the abnormality is reported by means of voice, display of text or images, flashing light, etc. (step ST9).

[0103] As a result, as shown in Figure 37 already shown in the conventional example, when ultrasonic crimping is performed in a setting operation of the mounting member 22, when one mounting member 22 is supposed to be overlapped on the crimping target member 21 but multiple mounting members 22 are accidentally overlapped or forgotten to be overlapped, an abnormality is determined at an early stage, the operation is stopped, and an abnormality is notified.

[0104] Furthermore, if the boss portion 21b of the crimping target member 21 is broken and chipped as shown in Figure 23(a), or if the amount of crimping is insufficient due to insufficient movement of the ultrasonic crimping unit moving means 5, for example, insufficient air pressure in the air cylinder as shown in Figure 23(b), an abnormality is determined at an early stage, operation is stopped, and an abnormality is notified.

[0105] 24 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of a modification of the fifth embodiment. In the modification of the fifth embodiment, although not shown, the leading presser unit 1 is further provided with a leading presser unit pressure detection means for detecting the pressure applied to the leading presser member 1b.

[0106] 24, the ultrasonic crimping operation is started (step ST1), the movement of the leading presser unit 1 is started (step ST2), and if an unexpected pressure applied to the leading presser member 1b is detected while the leading presser unit 1 is moving toward the attachment member 22, it is determined whether the leading presser member 1b has hit an obstacle (step ST10). If it is determined that the leading presser member 1b has hit an obstacle (YES in step ST10), the movement of the leading presser unit 1 is stopped and an error is reported (step ST9).

[0107] In particular, when teaching the position and operation of the robot hand or during ultrasonic crimping operation, if the leading presser member 1b hits an obstacle by mistake or for some other reason, the operation can be stopped at an early stage and an abnormality can be reported.

[0108] Furthermore, in the modification of the fifth embodiment, as described above, the preceding hold-down unit pressure detection means is provided, thereby making it possible to detect the pressure with which the preceding hold-down member 1b presses down on the surface of the attachment member 22. This has the effect of making it possible to confirm that the preceding hold-down member 1b is pressing down on the surface of the attachment member 22 with a predetermined pressure. Furthermore, when ultrasonic crimping is performed at multiple locations, it is possible to control the pressure at specific locations to be increased or decreased as necessary.

[0109] Sixth Embodiment In an ultrasonic crimping device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, the main body frame moving means 4 is replaced by a press-type moving means instead of the robot hand shown in the previous embodiments.

[0110] An ultrasonic crimping device according to a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 25 and 26. Figure 25 shows a schematic side view illustrating the structure of the ultrasonic crimping device according to the sixth embodiment. Figure 26 shows an exploded view illustrating the configuration and arrangement of the ultrasonic crimping device according to the sixth embodiment.

[0111] In the exploded view of the ultrasonic crimping device according to the sixth embodiment shown in Figure 26, the leading hold-down unit 1 is shown below the main body frame 3. The ultrasonic crimping unit 2 is shown to the right of the main body frame 3. The ultrasonic crimping unit moving means 5 is shown above the main body frame 3. The main body frame moving means 4e and the frame 30 of the press machine type moving means are shown to the left of the main body frame 3. The leading hold-down unit 1, the ultrasonic crimping unit 2, the main body frame moving means 4, and the ultrasonic crimping unit moving means 5 are attached to the main body frame 3 as shown by the dashed lines in Figure 26.

[0112] Comparing the exploded view of Figure 3 of the first embodiment already described with the exploded view of Figure 26, it can be seen that the only difference is that the main body frame moving means 4 has been replaced with a press machine type moving means, and the advance pressing unit 1, ultrasonic crimping unit 2, ultrasonic crimping unit moving means 5, and main body frame moving means 4 are all the same as when a robot hand is used.

[0113] The ultrasonic crimping device according to the sixth embodiment cannot move in all of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions or rotation angles, but it can move the main body frame 3 in the Y-axis direction, i.e., in the vertical direction on the paper surface. This solves the first to third problems of the present invention.

[0114] In particular, when ultrasonic crimping can be performed simply by moving the main body frame 3 in the vertical direction of the drawing, a press-type moving means can be used, as in the ultrasonic crimping device of the sixth embodiment, instead of the robot hand shown in the first to fifth embodiments. A press-type moving means has the practical advantage of being inexpensive to manufacture and simple to operate and control. Those skilled in the art can select whether to use a robot hand or a press-type moving means as the main body frame moving means 4, as needed.

[0115] (Seventh embodiment) In the ultrasonic crimping device according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figure 27, the leading presser unit 1 is suspended from the ultrasonic crimping unit 2, the leading presser unit 1 is movable relative to the ultrasonic crimping unit 2, and the leading presser unit 1 and the ultrasonic crimping unit 2 are moved in conjunction with each other using an ultrasonic crimping unit moving means 5.

[0116] Figure 28 shows the configuration and arrangement of the main parts of the ultrasonic crimping device according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention, namely, the advance pressing unit 1, the ultrasonic crimping unit 2, the main frame moving means 4, the ultrasonic crimping unit moving means 5, and the air blowing means 10.

[0117] The ultrasonic crimping device according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention includes a leading presser unit 1 that uses a leading presser member 1b that surrounds the outer surface of a tool horn 2c as a leading presser member 1b having an opening 1e along the axial direction of the tool horn 2c, an ultrasonic crimping unit 2 that ultrasonically vibrates the tool horn 2c using an ultrasonic vibration means to ultrasonically crimp the crimped material 21, a main frame 3, an ultrasonic crimping unit moving means 5, a leading presser unit position detecting means 6, an ultrasonic crimping unit position detecting means 7, and a control means 8 (not shown).The leading presser unit 1 is hung from the ultrasonic crimping unit 2 so as to be movable up and down, and the ultrasonic crimping unit 2 is slidably attached to the main frame 3, and the ultrasonic crimping unit moving means 5 moves the ultrasonic crimping unit 2 and the leading presser unit 1 that is hung from it so as to be movable up and down. The control means 8 controls the preceding pressure unit 1 to hold down the mounting member 22 based on the position information of the preceding pressure unit 1 detected by the preceding pressure unit position detection means 6 and the position information of the ultrasonic crimping unit 2 detected by the ultrasonic crimping unit position detection means 7, and in this state causes the tool horn of the ultrasonic crimping unit 2 to vibrate ultrasonically, pressing it against the surface of the member 21 to be crimped and performing ultrasonic crimping.

[0118] The ultrasonic crimping unit moving means 5 is used to move the leading hold-down unit 1 and the ultrasonic crimping unit 2 in conjunction with each other, so the spring 1c continues to be compressed even after the leading hold-down member 1b reaches a predetermined position relative to the mounting member 22. This is different from the first to sixth embodiments already described. However, this is not a problem because the mounting member 22 is pressed with a pressure equal to or greater than a predetermined pressure. The ultrasonic crimping device according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention also solves the first to third problems of the present invention.

[0119] Those skilled in the art can choose, as needed, whether to use the ultrasonic crimping device described in the first to sixth embodiments or the ultrasonic crimping device described in the seventh embodiment.

[0120] (Eighth embodiment) The eighth embodiment is an ultrasonic crimping device and a leading pressing unit used in the ultrasonic crimping device when a press-type moving means is used instead of the main frame moving means 4 using a robot hand as described in the seventh embodiment.

[0121] In the ultrasonic crimping device according to the eighth embodiment shown in Fig. 29, the leading presser unit 1 is movable relative to the ultrasonic crimping unit 2. In Fig. 29, two hanging rods 1da are used to hang the leading presser unit 1 from the ultrasonic crimping unit 2, instead of hanging it from the actuator shaft of the air cylinder, which is the ultrasonic crimping unit moving means 5. This is different from the device shown in Fig. 27, but the function is the same.

[0122] The ultrasonic crimping unit moving means 5 is used to move the leading presser unit 1 and the ultrasonic crimping unit 2 in an interlocking manner, which is the same as the ultrasonic crimping device of the seventh embodiment shown in Figures 27 and 28. Therefore, although there is a difference between the robot hand and the press machine type moving means, the operation and effect of the present invention are the same.

[0123] (Ninth embodiment) In the ninth embodiment of the present invention, the fourth problem of the present invention is solved, that is, an ultrasonic crimping device and a leading clamping unit for use with an ultrasonic crimping device are provided that can quickly cut off the pulled thread even when the boss portion of the workpiece to be crimped by ultrasonic crimping melts and the molten material adheres to the tip of the tool horn while the tool horn is raised, causing the thread to be pulled.

[0124] Figure 30 is a schematic side view showing the main parts of an ultrasonic crimping apparatus according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. The configuration of the ultrasonic crimping apparatus according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention is the same as that of the ultrasonic crimping apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 30 is a view corresponding to Figure 2 showing the main parts of the ultrasonic crimping apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and differs from Figure 2 in that the cooling gas blown from the blowing means 10 is blown not only onto the outer peripheral surface of the tool horn 2c but also onto the tip of the tool horn 2c. As a result, the cooling gas blown from the blowing means 10 flows not only to cover the outer peripheral surface of the tool horn 2c but also to cover the tip of the tool horn 2c.

[0125] In order to make the cooling gas blown from blower 10 flow not only to cover the outer peripheral surface of tool horn 2c but also to cover the tip of tool horn 2c, for example, the flow rate of the cooling gas blown from blower 10 may be changed. Alternatively, as shown in Figures 10(c) and 10(d), the direction of ventilation hole 1f may be oriented obliquely downward so as to be in the same direction as the downward movement of tool horn 2c.

[0126] Figure 31 shows the operational procedure of an ultrasonic crimping apparatus according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 31 corresponds to Figure 19, which shows the operational procedure of the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and differs from Figure 19 in the steps from step ST38 onwards (the same ST numbers indicate the same processing content). The operational procedure of the ultrasonic crimping apparatus according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention is based on the following steps (1) to (6) shown in the flowchart of Figure 31. (1) The leading presser member is lowered to hold down the attachment member (no cooling gas is circulated) (step ST31). (2) The tool horn is ultrasonically vibrated and lowered, and is placed against the boss portion to crimp (the leading presser member surrounds the tool horn, the crimped portion, and the attachment member) (step ST32). (3) After crimping, the ultrasonic vibration of the tool horn is stopped, and with the leading presser member surrounding the tool horn and the crimped portion, cooling gas is circulated to start cooling (cooling the tool horn, the crimped portion, and the attachment member) (step ST33). (4) After a specified time has elapsed, the tool horn starts to rise (step ST38). (5) Cooling gas is blown between the tool horn and the boss (step ST39). (6) The advance presser member is raised (step ST40).

[0127] The operation from step ST31 to step ST33 shown in the flow chart of Fig. 31 is the same as that of Fig. 15 and Fig. 16, which show the operation of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 32 shows the state in which, after ultrasonic crimping is completed and the tool horn 2c starts to rise, cooling gas is caused to flow between the tool horn 2c and the boss portion in the ultrasonic crimping device according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention.

[0128] After the specified time has elapsed in step ST38 of Figure 31 and the tool horn 2c has begun to rise, the air blowing means 10 blows a sufficient amount of cooling gas to cover the tip of the tool horn 2c (step ST39 of Figure 31). At this time, a portion of the cooling gas may be blown onto the outer peripheral surface of the tool horn 2c, as long as a sufficient amount of cooling gas is blown to cover the tip of the tool horn 2c. The blowing of cooling gas may also be started before the tool horn 2c begins to rise, as long as a sufficient amount of cooling gas can be blown to cover the tip of the tool horn 2c after the tool horn 2c begins to rise. Next, once the required time for blowing cooling gas has elapsed, the leading presser member 1b is raised (step ST40 of Figure 31).

[0129] The specified time in step ST38 may be shorter than the time required for the crimped portion to solidify, as shown in step ST34 of Figure 19, a flowchart illustrating the operating procedure of the ultrasonic crimping device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In this way, the ultrasonic crimping device according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention may start raising the tool horn 2c before the time required for the crimped portion to solidify has elapsed. As a result, even if the boss portion of the ultrasonically crimped workpiece melts and the tool horn 2c is raised while the molten material is still attached to the tip of the tool horn 2c, the ultrasonic crimping device according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention can quickly cut the thread by blowing cooling gas between the tool horn 2c and the boss portion.

[0130] As described above, the ultrasonic crimping device according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention can start raising the tool horn 2c before the time required for the crimped portion to solidify has elapsed, thereby shortening the crimping time and increasing the productivity of the crimping process. Furthermore, the ultrasonic crimping device according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention can start raising the tool horn 2c before the time required for the crimped portion to solidify has elapsed. If a string is pulled, cooling gas can be blown between the tool horn 2c and the boss portion to quickly cut the pulled string. This avoids problems such as trouble with the ultrasonic crimping device or staining of the design surface due to the pulled string, and also avoids problems such as a decrease in the amount of molten material from the boss portion used for crimping being pulled as a string, thereby reducing the amount of material actually used for crimping and reducing the weld strength. Furthermore, the cooling gas blown between the tool horn 2c and the boss portion may not only be blown between the tool horn 2c and the boss portion, but may also be blown onto the outer surface of the tool horn 2c or the boss portion, thereby making it possible to cool the boss portion and the tool horn 2c even more efficiently.

[0131] 31 illustrates, as examples, the lifting of the tool horn 2c (step ST38 in FIG. 31), the blowing of cooling gas between the tool horn 2c and the boss (step ST39 in FIG. 31), and the lifting of the leading hold down member 1b (step ST40 in FIG. 31), but the present invention is not limited to these. For example, the leading hold down member 1b may also begin to lift at the same time as the lifting of the tool horn 2c, but the lifting speed of the tool horn 2c may be faster than that of the leading hold down member 1b. In any case, it is sufficient that the cooling gas can be delivered between the tool horn 2c and the boss after the tool horn 2c lifts and separates from the boss.

[0132] (Variation of the Ninth Embodiment) In the ultrasonic crimping device according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention, when the air blowing means 10 blows sufficient air to cover the tip of the tool horn 2c in step ST39 of Fig. 31 , the air blowing means 10 may blow a gas other than the cooling gas (hereinafter referred to as cutting gas). Specifically, the ultrasonic crimping device according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention may cool the tool horn 2c and the crimping portion by flowing cooling gas while the advance presser member 1b surrounds the tool horn 2c and the crimping portion (step ST33 of Fig. 31 ), and after raising the tool horn 2c (step ST38 of Fig. 31 ), may flow cutting gas other than the cooling gas between the tool horn 2c and the boss portion, so that even if a phenomenon of pulling a thread occurs, the pulled thread can be quickly cut (step ST39 of Fig. 31 ).

[0133] In addition, there may be multiple ventilation holes 1f provided in the advance holding member 1b, and one of the multiple ventilation holes may be used as a ventilation hole for cooling gas to flow between the tool horn 2c and the boss portion in step ST39 of Figure 31.

[0134] FIG. 33 shows another example of the ventilation holes 1f of the ultrasonic crimping apparatus according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 33 shows an example in which the leading hold-down member 1b is provided with two ventilation holes 1f, a first ventilation hole 1f-1 and a second ventilation hole 1f-2. The first ventilation hole 1f-1 faces the outer peripheral surface of the tool horn 2c, and the second ventilation hole 1f-2 faces the tip of the tool horn 2c. For example, in step ST33 of the operational procedure shown in FIG. 31 , the ventilation means 10 may blow cooling gas from the first ventilation hole 1f-1 and the second ventilation hole 1f-2, and in step ST39, blow cooling gas only from the second ventilation hole 1f-2. Alternatively, in step ST39, the ventilation means 10 may blow cutting gas only from the second ventilation hole 1f-2.

[0135] In the above-described first to ninth embodiments of the present invention, an ultrasonic crimping device and a leading pressing unit for use with an ultrasonic crimping device have been described in which, even if an obstacle is present immediately adjacent to the boss portion 21b of the crimping target member 21, the leading pressing member 1b does not come into contact with the obstacle, and the leading pressing member 1b presses over a wide area with a large pressing force, preventing the crimping target member 21 and the mounting member 22 from moving relative to each other and ensuring that their contact surfaces are tightly attached without any gaps.

[0136] While the ultrasonic crimping device and the advance clamping unit used in the ultrasonic crimping device have been described above, if necessary, the technical concept of the present invention can be used to configure an ultrasonic welding device that performs ultrasonic welding using an ultrasonic welding tool horn instead of the ultrasonic crimping tool horn 2c. Generally, an ultrasonic welding tool horn has a flat end face at the bottom and does not have a crimping protrusion. Other aspects are the same as those of the ultrasonic crimping device. Although there are differences between ultrasonic crimping and ultrasonic welding, the functions and effects of the present invention can be obtained.

[0137] If necessary, an ultrasonic fusing device for ultrasonic cutting can be constructed using an ultrasonic fusing tool horn instead of the ultrasonic crimping tool horn 2c. Generally, an ultrasonic fusing tool horn has a cutter on the end face at the bottom. Other features are the same as those of an ultrasonic crimping device. Although there are differences between ultrasonic crimping and ultrasonic fusing, the functions and effects of the present invention can be obtained.

[0138] The present invention can be applied to an ultrasonic crimping device and a precedence holding unit used in an ultrasonic crimping device that are provided with a precedence holding means that holds down the workpiece near the tool horn to prevent it from floating up when ultrasonic crimping is performed, in other words, a precedence holding means that applies a pressing force to the overlapping crimping target member and attachment member to prevent them from moving relative to each other and to bring the abutting surfaces of the crimping target member and attachment member into tight contact.

[0139] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Leading presser unit 1b Leading presser member 1e Opening 2 Ultrasonic crimping unit 2c Tool horn 3 Main body frame 4 Main body frame moving means 5 Ultrasonic crimping unit moving means 6 Leading presser unit position detecting means 7 Ultrasonic crimping unit position detecting means 8 Control means 10 Air blowing means 20 Anvil 21 Crimping target member 21b Boss portion 22 Mounting member

Claims

1. A pre-pressing member that surrounds the outer surface of a tool horn has ventilation holes and an opening, and is further provided with a blowing means for blowing cooling gas into the ventilation holes, forming a pre-pressing unit. An ultrasonic crimping unit that ultrasonically crimps a component to be crimped by ultrasonically vibrating the tool horn, An ultrasonic crimping unit moving means for moving the ultrasonic crimping unit relative to the surface of the boss portion of the member to be crimped, The main frame and The system includes a means for moving the main body frame, The ultrasonic crimping device is configured by attaching the preceding retaining unit, the ultrasonic crimping unit, and the ultrasonic crimping unit moving means to the main frame. The leading pressing member of the leading pressing unit is moved relative to the surface of the mounting member, and the leading pressing member presses against the surface of the mounting member. With the mounting member's hole fitted into the boss portion of the crimping target member and stacked on top of it, The ultrasonic crimping unit moving means moves the ultrasonically vibrating tool horn relative to the surface of the boss portion of the member to be crimped, thereby performing ultrasonic crimping. After ultrasonic crimping is completed and the tool horn begins to rise, the cooling gas is flowed between the tool horn and the boss portion. An ultrasonic crimping device characterized by its controllability.

2. A pre-pressing member that surrounds the outer surface of a tool horn has ventilation holes and an opening, and is further provided with a blowing means for blowing cooling gas into the ventilation holes, forming a pre-pressing unit. An ultrasonic crimping unit that ultrasonically crimps a component to be crimped by ultrasonically vibrating the tool horn, An ultrasonic crimping unit moving means for moving the ultrasonic crimping unit relative to the surface of the boss portion of the member to be crimped, The main frame and A means for moving the main frame, Equipped with, The ultrasonic crimping device is configured by attaching the preceding retaining unit, the ultrasonic crimping unit, and the ultrasonic crimping unit moving means to the main frame. The leading pressing member of the leading pressing unit is moved relative to the surface of the mounting member, and the leading pressing member presses against the surface of the mounting member. With the mounting member's hole fitted into the boss portion of the crimping target member and stacked on top of it, The ultrasonic crimping unit moving means moves the ultrasonically vibrating tool horn relative to the surface of the boss portion of the member to be crimped, performs ultrasonic crimping, blows the cooling gas from the leading retaining member side onto the heated outer surface of the tool horn, absorbs heat from the tool horn, and discharges the cooling gas that has absorbed heat from the opening of the leading retaining member. An ultrasonic crimping device characterized by its controllability.

3. The aforementioned opening is The tool horn is provided along the axial direction, The aforementioned pre-pressing unit is, The ultrasonic crimping device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the preceding pressing member is prevented from coming into contact with an obstacle by providing the opening in the preceding pressing member.

4. Pre-pressing unit position detection means, An ultrasonic crimping unit position detection means, Furthermore, The main frame moving means is used to move the preceding retaining unit, The ultrasonic crimping unit is moved by the ultrasonic crimping unit moving means, Based on the position information of the preceding presser unit detected by the preceding presser unit position detection means and the position information of the ultrasonic crimping unit detected by the ultrasonic crimping unit position detection means, the main body frame is moved by the main body frame moving means so that the preceding presser unit presses the surface of the mounting member. In this state, the tool horn of the ultrasonic crimping unit is made to vibrate ultrasonically, The ultrasonic crimping unit moving means moves the tool horn of the ultrasonic crimping unit toward the surface of the boss portion of the member to be crimped. Ultrasonic crimping The ultrasonic crimping device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is controllable in such a way.

5. The preceding retaining member used in the ultrasonic crimping device according to claim 1 or 2, which surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the tool horn, is a preceding retaining member having an opening in the axial direction of the tool horn. Furthermore, the preceding pressing member is provided with ventilation holes and a blowing means for blowing cooling gas into the ventilation holes, thereby providing a preceding pressing unit.