Assembly system

Abstract

An assembly system for assembling a product (100) comprising a first and a second component (101, 102) comprises a feed system (2) for feeding the first and second components (101, 102) superposed on each other along an assembly path (P); the feed system (2) comprises a conveying working unit (4) provided with a seat (6) for the first and second components (101, 102); the conveying working unit (4) is movable between a first operating position for conveying and a second operating position for fastening the first and second components (101, 102); the assembly system comprises a fastening station (9) arranged along the assembly path (P) and the conveying working unit (4) is positionable in the fastening station; the fastening station (9) comprises an upper opposing element (22) movable between a raised position and a lowered position configured to hold, at least at the respective lowered position, the first and second components (101, 102) in a predefined position in (6); the fastening station (9) comprises a the pusher (25) movable between a lowered position and a raised position, a first limit stop (28) and a second limit stop (29); the fastening station (9) is configured so that the pusher (25) pushes the conveying working unit (4) and the upper opposing element (22) until they abut against the first limit stop (28) and against the second limit stop (29), respectively, when it reaches the respective raised position; the fastening station (9) comprises a lower punch (30) movable between a lowered position and a raised position shaped to deform at least part of the first component (101) when it is at the respective raised position.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] ASSEMBLY SYSTEM

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The present invention relates to an assembly system and in particular relates to an assembly system in which a first and a second component are coupled by exploiting a deformation of the first component.

[0005] Background art

[0006] Plants for producing complex items are known, such as in the field of electronic cigarettes, where numerous stations follow one another along an assembly path to complete different assembly steps for the items.

[0007] A criticality of the known assembly systems is maintenance of the components to be assembled, especially if of very small in size, in the correct mutual position during assembly, in particular during the application of the forces necessary for the deformation of one of the two components.

[0008] In fact, in such a circumstance, the mechanical clearances in the system also affect the correct execution of all the assembly operations which could end up not being entirely accurate.

[0009] Another critical issue is the sizing of known systems which, to support the stresses to which they are subjected during the assembly of the components, may have to be oversized and excessively heavy in order to oppose the forces applied to the components.

[0010] Therefore, there is a need for simple and reliable, but not necessarily oversized, assembly systems.

[0011] Object of the invention

[0012] In this context, an assembly system is suggested, capable of overcoming at least some of the drawbacks of the prior art described above and satisfying the aforesaid need.

[0013] In particular, it is the object of the present invention to provide a reliable and relatively compact component assembly system.

[0014] Such an object is achieved by an assembly system comprising the technical features set out in one or more of the accompanying claims. The dependent claims correspond to possible different embodiments of the invention.

[0015] In accordance with a first aspect, the present invention relates to a system for assembling a product or item comprising a first and a second component coupled together.

[0016] For example, the item to be assembled may comprise a first plastic component, for example a support, and a second metal component, for example a metal sheet.

[0017] The assembly system comprises a feed system for feeding, along an assembly path, the first and second components superposed on each other.

[0018] The feed system comprises a conveying working unit movable along the assembly path and provided with a seat in which the first and second components are housed.

[0019] The feed system comprises a support for the conveying working unit, for feeding it along the assembly path.

[0020] The second component is preferably positioned below the first component in the seat of the feed system.

[0021] Preferably, the conveying working unit comprises an arm in which the seat for the first and second components is formed. The arm extends away from the support of the conveying working unit.

[0022] The conveying working unit is movable with respect to the support between a first operating position for conveying and a second operating position for fastening the first and second components.

[0023] The conveying working unit is movable according to a vertical direction perpendicular to the assembly path and to the respective support to pass from the first operating position for conveying and the second operating position for fastening. The assembly system comprises a fastening station arranged along the assembly path and the conveying working unit is positionable therein.

[0024] The fastening station comprises an upper opposing element movable between a raised position and a lowered position.

[0025] The upper opposing element is configured to hold down the first and second components at a predefined position, in particular when the conveying working unit of the movement system is in the fastening station and the upper opposing element is at the respective lowered position.

[0026] The fastening station comprises a pusher arranged on the opposite side of the upper opposing element with respect to the conveying working unit.

[0027] The pusher is positioned below the conveying working unit, in particular when the conveying working unit is in the fastening station.

[0028] The pusher is movable between a lowered position and a raised position.

[0029] The arm in which the seat is formed is positioned, in the fastening station, between the upper opposing element and the lower punch.

[0030] The assembly system is configured so that, from a configuration in which the opposing element is in the lowered position, the pusher pushes the conveying working unit and the upper opposing element upwards, via the conveying working unit itself, when it passes from the respective lowered position to the respective raised position.

[0031] The fastening station comprises a first limit stop and a second limit stop and is configured so that the pusher pushes the conveying working unit and the upper opposing element upwards until they abut against the first limit stop and against the second limit stop, respectively.

[0032] In practice, the assembly system is configured so that the passage of the pusher from the lowered position to the raised position causes the passage of the conveying working unit and opposing element from the respective lowered positions to the respective raised positions.

[0033] The fastening station comprises a lower punch arranged on the opposite side of the upper opposing element with respect to the conveying working unit and movable between a lowered position and a raised position. The first and second components are between the lower punch and the upper opposing element when the conveying working unit in which they are moved is in the fastening station.

[0034] The punch is shaped to deform at least one part of the first component. The deformation of the part of the first component causes the locking of the second component to the first component.

[0035] The part of the first component which is deformed passes through the second component. The first and second components are shaped so that the part to be deformed passes through the second component to be crushed between the opposing element and the punch without damaging the second component.

[0036] The assembly system is configured so that an action of the lower punch is opposed by the second limit stop via the upper opposing element.

[0037] The assembly system is configured so that the punch passes from the respective lowered position to the respective raised position when the pusher, the conveying working unit and the lower opposing element are at the respective raised positions.

[0038] The punch deforms the first component without stressing either the conveying working unit or the upper opposing element which abut against the respective limit stops. Advantageously, thereby, it is not necessary to oversize the movement system. The upper opposing element can also be loaded with a relatively small force to keep the first and second components in position since the force of the punch, which corresponds to the deformation force, is instead opposed by the first limit stop.

[0039] Preferably, the upper opposing element, the lower punch and the pusher are movable according to the vertical direction. Advantageously, this simplifies holding the first and second components in the seat of the conveying working unit.

[0040] Preferably, the assembly system comprises a first elastic element coupled to the upper opposing element. The fastening station is configured so that the opposing force applied to the first and second components by the upper opposing element at the respective lowered position is caused by the first elastic element.

[0041] Thereby, advantageously, the opposing element locks or holds in position the first and second components with a force calibrated by the elastic element.

[0042] Preferably, the fastening station comprises an upper unit comprising the upper opposing element and a lower unit comprising the pusher and the punch.

[0043] The upper unit and the lower unit are preferably movable symmetrically along the vertical direction.

[0044] The upper unit and the lower unit are preferably symmetrically movable relative to the conveying working unit, when the conveying working unit is in the fastening station.

[0045] Advantageously, an architecture with opposing units simplifies the fastening station and can also make it more compact.

[0046] Preferably, the assembly system comprises a drive system for the upper unit and the lower unit, of the link rod and crank type which is a relatively simple mechanism.

[0047] Preferably, the drive system comprises a crank which is rotatable, preferably oscillating, about an axis of rotation, a first link rod operatively active between the crank and the upper unit and a second link rod operatively active between the crank and the lower unit.

[0048] The second link rod is attached to the crank on the opposite side of the first link rod with respect to the axis of rotation of the crank.

[0049] Preferably, a first end of the first link rod is attached to a first end of the crank and a first end of the second link rod is attached to a second end of the crank. The second end of the crank is on the opposite side of the first end of the crank with respect to the axis of rotation.

[0050] The axis of rotation is defined by a shaft rotated by an electric motor. Advantageously, only one motor can drive both the upper unit and the lower unit at the same time. The upper unit comprises an upper slider driven by the first link rod and movable according to the vertical direction.

[0051] The upper slider is preferably attached to a second end of the first link rod. The upper opposing element is attached to the upper slider and sliding with respect thereto.

[0052] The first elastic element is interposed between the upper opposing element and the upper slider.

[0053] The lower unit comprises a lower slider driven by the second link rod and movable according to the vertical direction.

[0054] Preferably, the upper slider and the lower slider symmetrically move with respect to the conveying working unit so that the assembly system is balanced.

[0055] The lower slider is preferably attached to a second end of the second link rod.

[0056] The pusher is attached to the upper slider and sliding with respect thereto.

[0057] A second elastic element is interposed between the pusher and the lower slider.

[0058] The punch is fastened to the lower slider and movable therewith.

[0059] Thereby advantageously, all the components of the upper and lower units are driven by a single mechanism, as will be better clarified below.

[0060] Preferably, the feed system comprises a third elastic element to oppose a movement of the conveying working unit from the first operating position to the second operating position.

[0061] Preferably, the feed system is configured so that the third elastic element pushes the conveying working unit from the second operating position to the first operating position.

[0062] Preferably, the third elastic element is operatively active between the support of the conveying working unit and the conveying working unit itself.

[0063] Advantageously, at least one movement of the conveying working unit along the vertical direction is delegated to the third elastic element without the need for a sophisticated movement system.

[0064] According to an aspect, the present invention relates to an assembly method for assembling a product comprising a first and a second component to be joined together.

[0065] Preferably, the assembly method is carried out with an assembly system according to the previous aspect but can also be implemented with a different system.

[0066] The method comprises feeding via a feed system the first and second components superposed on each other and arranged in a seat formed in a conveying working unit of the feed system, in which the second component is arranged under the first component.

[0067] The method comprises positioning the conveying working unit in a fastening station.

[0068] The method comprises holding, in the fastening station, the first and second components in a predefined position inside the seat, by means of an upper opposing element.

[0069] The method comprises pushing the conveying working unit and the upper opposing element upwards, until they abut against a first limit stop and a second limit stop, respectively.

[0070] The method comprises raising at least one lower punch to deform at least one part of the first component by crushing it between the upper opposing element and the lower punch.

[0071] The method comprises opposing an action of the lower punch by means of the second limit stop via the upper opposing element.

[0072] In practice, when the lower punch pushes the first component to deform it, the thrust is opposed by the upper opposing element which is stopped against the respective limit stop.

[0073] The conveying working unit, being abutted against the respective limit stop, is not subject to the deformation forces to which the first component is subjected.

[0074] Any mechanical clearance between the parts of the assembly system is substantially zeroed and the deformation of the first component is precise. Preferably, holding the first and second components in the seat comprises lowering the upper opposing element. Advantageously, the first and second components are kept in position during the raising of the conveying working unit from the upper opposing element which is then lowered and raised from the lower pusher via the conveying working unit. Further features and advantages of the aforesaid aspects will become more apparent from the indicative, and thus non-limiting, description of at least one preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of an assembly system.

[0075] Brief description of the drawings

[0076] Such a description will be presented below with reference to the accompanying drawings, provided by way of mere and thus non-limiting indication, in which:

[0077] Figure 1 shows an assembly system in accordance with the description in a first operating configuration, in a diagrammatic perspective with some parts removed for greater clarity;

[0078] Figure 2 shows an assembly system in accordance with the description in a first operating configuration, in a sectional view with some parts removed for greater clarity;

[0079] Figure 3 shows the assembly system of Figure 1 in a second operating configuration, in a diagrammatic sectional view with some parts removed for greater clarity;

[0080] Figure 4 shows the assembly system of Figure 1 in a third operating configuration, in a diagrammatic sectional view with some parts removed for greater clarity;

[0081] Figure 5 shows the assembly system of Figure 1 in a fourth operating configuration, in a diagrammatic sectional view with some parts removed for greater clarity;

[0082] Figure 6 shows a first and a second component intended to form an assembled item in an assembly system according to the description in an exploded diagrammatic perspective view before assembly.

[0083] Figure 7 shows the first and second components of Figure 6 in a superposed configuration in a diagrammatic perspective view;

[0084] Figure 8 shows an example item formed by the first and second components of Figures 6 and 7 coupled together in a diagrammatic perspective view;

[0085] With reference to Figures 1 to 5, the numeral 1 indicates an assembly system overall in accordance with the description.

[0086] The assembly system 1 is intended for assembling a product or item 100, shown for example in Figure 8.

[0087] Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

[0088] The item 100 comprises a first component 101 and a second component

[0089] 102 coupled together.

[0090] In the example shown, the first component 101 comprises a main body

[0091] 103 and a set of three pins 104 projecting from the main body 103.

[0092] The second component 102 has a main body 105 which has a set of three holes 106 in which the pins 104 are or will be inserted.

[0093] As will be clarified below, a deformation of the pins 104 in the holes 106, diagrammed in Figure 8, causes the fastening of the second component 102 to the first component 101 .

[0094] Preferably, the holes 106 are blind and have a conical concavity.

[0095] In the example shown, the first and second components 101 , 102 are coupled by three pins 104 but in alternative embodiments any number of pins and respective holes can be included, for example as a function of the dimensions of the item 100.

[0096] Preferably, the pins 104 have a countersink or concavity 107 that facilitates the deformation thereof.

[0097] The assembly system 1 comprises a feed system 2 for feeding the first and second components 101 , 102 along an assembly path P orthogonal to the plane of Figures 2 to 5.

[0098] The feed system 2 is hereinafter described limited to the parts necessary for understanding the present invention.

[0099] The feed system 2 comprises a support 3, movable according to the assembly path P. The support 3 can be, for example, a motorized conveyor or part of a motorized conveyor, of a carriage and / or of a train of carriages or other.

[0100] The feed system 2 comprises a plurality of conveying working units 4, of which only one is visible in the accompanying drawings and to which explicit reference will be made without losing generality, since all conveying working units 4 can be understood as being equal to each other, movable along the assembly path P.

[0101] The conveying working unit 4 is attached to the support 3.

[0102] The conveying working unit 4 comprises an arm 5 extending away from the support 3.

[0103] The arm 5 has a seat 6 in which the first and second components 101 , 102 are positionable superposed on each other.

[0104] The seat 6 is shaped so that the first component 101 is positionable above the second component 102 so that the pins 104 are inserted into the holes 106 and project downwards, observing Figures 1 to 5.

[0105] The arm 5 has an opening 7 on the bottom of the seat 6 at least at the pins 104.

[0106] The conveying working unit 4 is movable between a first operating position for conveying, visible for example in Figures 1 and 2, and a second operating position for fastening the first and second components 101 , 102, visible for example in Figures 4 and 5.

[0107] The conveying working unit 4 is movable between the first operating position for conveying and the second operating position for fastening along a vertical direction D perpendicular to the assembly path P.

[0108] The conveying working unit 4 is slidably attached with respect to the support 3 and movable between the first operating position for conveying and the second operating position for fastening along the vertical direction D relative to the support 3 which is stopped along the vertical direction D.

[0109] The feed system 2 comprises an elastic element 8 interposed between the support 3 and the conveying working unit 4. The elastic element 8 is for example a compression spring to which explicit reference will also be made in the following without losing generality.

[0110] The feed system 2 is configured so that the elastic element 8 opposes a movement of the conveying working unit 4 from the first operating position to the second operating position. The feed system 2 is configured so that the elastic element 8 pushes the conveying working unit 4 from the second operating position to the first operating position.

[0111] In this respect, in Figures 1 to 3 the spring 8 is in an elongated configuration and in Figures 4 and 5 it is shown in a compressed configuration.

[0112] The assembly system 1 comprises a fastening station 9 arranged along the assembly path P.

[0113] The assembly system 1 can comprise other operating stations arranged along the assembly path P, for example a station for positioning the first and second components 101 , 102 in the seat 6 arranged upstream of the fastening station 9 and / or an unloading station of the item 100 arranged downstream of the fastening station 9 or others.

[0114] The assembly system 1 is configured so that the conveying working unit 4 is positionable in the fastening station 9 as shown in Figures 1 to 5.

[0115] The fastening station 9 comprises a frame 10.

[0116] The fastening station 9 comprises a first limit stop 28 supported by the frame 10.

[0117] The first limit stop 28 is positioned above the conveying working unit 4 in the fastening station 9.

[0118] The conveying working unit 4 in the second operating position for fastening abuts against the first limit stop 28, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. The fastening station 9 comprises an upper unit 11 slidably attached to the frame 10.

[0119] The upper unit 11 is movable according to the vertical direction D.

[0120] The fastening station 9 comprises a lower unit 12 slidably attached to the frame 10.

[0121] The lower unit 12 is movable according to the vertical direction D.

[0122] The upper unit 11 and the lower unit 12 delimit an operating area 13 in which the conveying working unit 4, in particular the arm 5 of the conveying working unit 4 with the seat 6, can be positioned.

[0123] The lower unit 12 and the upper unit 11 are arranged on opposite sides of the seat 6 along the vertical direction D.

[0124] The assembly system comprises a drive system 14 to move the upper unit 11 and the lower unit 12 along the vertical direction D.

[0125] The drive system 14 is of the link rod and crank type and comprises a crank 15 rotatable about an axis of rotation R.

[0126] The axis of rotation R is defined, for example, by a shaft 16 rotated by an electric motor 17.

[0127] The electric motor 17 is preferably driven so that the crank 15 is oscillating about the axis of rotation R.

[0128] The drive system 14 comprises a first link rod 18 operatively active between the crank 15 and the upper unit 11 .

[0129] The drive system 14 comprises a second link rod 19 operatively active between the crank 15 and the lower unit 12.

[0130] The second link rod 19 is attached to the crank 15 on the opposite side of the first link rod 18 with respect to the axis of rotation R of the crank 15.

[0131] In the example shown, a first end of the first link rod 18 is attached to a first end of the crank 15 and a first end of the second link rod 19 is attached to a second end of the crank 15. The second end of the crank 15 is opposite the first end of the crank 15 with respect to the axis of rotation R.

[0132] The upper unit 11 comprises an upper slider 20 driven by the first link rod 18 and movable according to the vertical direction D between a raised position, visible for example in Figure 2, and a lowered position, visible for example in Figure 5.

[0133] The upper slider 20 is preferably attached to a second end of the first link rod 18.

[0134] The lower unit 12 comprises a lower slider 21 driven by the second link rod 19 and movable according to the vertical direction D between a lowered position, visible for example in Figure 2, and a raised position, visible for example in Figure 5.

[0135] The lower slider 21 is preferably attached to a second end of the second link rod 19.

[0136] A first rotation of the shaft 16 causes a lowering of the upper slider 20 and a simultaneous raising of the lower slider 21 .

[0137] A second rotation of the shaft 16, in the opposite direction to the first rotation of the shaft, causes a raising of the upper slider 20 and a simultaneous lowering of the lower slider 21 .

[0138] An oscillation of the shaft 16 causes a lowering of the upper slider 20 and a simultaneous raising of the lower slider 21 and vice versa.

[0139] The upper slider 20 and the lower slider 21 move symmetrically with respect to the operating area 13.

[0140] In practice, the upper slider 20 and the lower slider 21 are symmetrically movable relative to the conveying working unit 4.

[0141] The upper unit 11 comprises an upper opposing element 22 movable between a raised position, shown for example in Figure 4, and a lowered position, shown for example in Figure 3.

[0142] The upper opposing element 22 comprises an end portion 23 configured to hold down, at least with the upper opposing element 22 at the respective lowered position, the first and second components 101 , 102 in a predefined position in the seat 6.

[0143] The upper opposing element 22 is attached to the upper slider 20 and slidable with respect thereto.

[0144] The upper slider 20 and the upper opposing element 22 are shaped so that a passage of the upper slider 20 from the respective raised position to the respective lowered position translates the upper opposing element 22 into the respective lowered position.

[0145] As will be clarified below, the upper opposing element 22 reaches the respective lowered position before the upper slider 20 reaches the respective lowered position.

[0146] The upper unit 11 comprises an elastic element 24 interposed between the upper slider 20 and the upper opposing element 22. The elastic element 24 is for example a compression spring to which explicit reference will also be made in the following without losing generality.

[0147] The upper slider 20 and the upper opposing element 22 are configured so that the elastic element 24 pushes the end portion 23 away from the upper slider 20 downwards in the accompanying drawings.

[0148] In this respect, in Figures 2 and 3, the spring 24 is in an elongated configuration and in Figures 4 and 5 it is shown in a compressed configuration.

[0149] The fastening station 9 comprises a second limit stop 29 supported by the frame 10.

[0150] The second limit stop 29 is positioned above the upper opposing element 22 and aligned therewith in the fastening station 9.

[0151] The upper opposing element 22 at the respective raised position abuts against the second limit stop 29, as shown in Figures 4 and 5.

[0152] The lower unit 12 comprises a pusher 25 having an end portion 26.

[0153] The pusher 25 is movable between a lowered position, shown in Figure 2, and a raised position, shown for example in Figure 4 and 5.

[0154] The pusher 25 is slidably attached to the lower slider 21 and movable relative thereto.

[0155] The lower slider 21 and the pusher 25 are shaped so that a passage of the lower slider 21 from the respective lowered position to the respective raised position translates the pusher 25 into the respective raised position. As will be clarified below, the pusher 25 reaches the respective raised position before the lower slider 21 reaches the respective raised position. The lower unit 12 comprises an elastic element 27 interposed between the lower slider 21 and the pusher 25. The elastic element 27 is for example a compression spring to which explicit reference will also be made in the following without losing generality.

[0156] The lower slider 21 and the pusher 25 are configured so that the elastic element 27 pushes the end portion 26 away from the lower slider 21 , upwards in the accompanying drawings.

[0157] In this respect, for example in Figure 2, the spring 27 is in an elongated configuration and in Figure 5 it is shown in a compressed configuration.

[0158] The assembly system 1 is configured so that the pusher 25 pushes the conveying working unit 4 and the upper opposing element 22 upwards, by means of the conveying working unit 4, until they respectively abut against the first limit stop 28 and against the second limit stop 29, when it reaches the respective raised position.

[0159] The lower unit 12 comprises a lower punch 30 arranged on the opposite side of the upper opposing element 22 with respect to the conveying working unit 4.

[0160] The lower punch 30 is shaped to deform at least one part of the first component 101 , in particular the pins 104.

[0161] For example, the lower punch 30 comprises three cusps 31 , preferably with a conical profile, of which only two are visible in the accompanying drawings.

[0162] Each cusp 31 is aligned according to the vertical direction D to a corresponding pin 104 when the conveying working unit 4 is in the fastening station 9 and the first and second components 101 , 102 are in the seat 6.

[0163] The lower punch 30 is movable between a lowered position, shown for example in Figures 1 and 2, and a raised position, shown for example in Figure 5.

[0164] The cusps 31 deform the corresponding pins 104 when the lower punch 30 is in the raised position.

[0165] An action of the lower punch 30 on the pins 104 is opposed by the second limit stop 29 via the upper opposing element 22.

[0166] A further object of the present invention is an assembly method for assembling the product 100 which, for simplicity, is described below with reference to the assembly system 1 .

[0167] A use of the assembly system 1 exemplifies an assembly method according to the invention.

[0168] In use, the first and second components 101 , 102 superposed on each other and arranged in the seat 6 are fed along the assembly path P.

[0169] The first and second components 101 , 102 are in the configuration of Figure 7 with the second component 102 arranged under the first component 101 or on a bottom of the seat 6 and the pins 104 inserted in the corresponding holes 106.

[0170] The conveying working unit 4 carrying the first and second components 101 , 102 is positioned in the fastening station 9 with the arm 5 inserted in the operating area 13 between the upper opposing element 22 and the lower punch 30, as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0171] The upper slider 20 is lowered and at the same time the lower slider 21 is raised.

[0172] The fastening station 9 is configured so that the upper opposing element 22 arrives against the conveying working unit 4 with the end portion 23 thereof to hold the first and second components 101 , 102 in the aforesaid predefined position in the seat 6.

[0173] Substantially simultaneously with the arrival of the end portion 23 of the upper opposing element 22 in the seat 6, the end portion 26 of the pusher 25 comes against the conveying working unit 4 as shown in Figure 4.

[0174] As the upper slider 20 continues to lower and the lower slider 21 to rise, the pusher 25 pushes the conveying working unit 4 upwards, compressing the spring 8 until bringing it to abut against the first limit stop 28, as shown in Figure 4. The upper opposing element 25 is useful so that the first and second components 101 , 102 superposed on each other do not disassemble during the raising of the seat 6.

[0175] The pusher 25, by means of the conveying working unit 4, also pushes the upper opposing element 22 upwards, compressing the spring 24, until it brings it to abut against the second limit stop 29, as shown in Figure 4.

[0176] Advantageously, the force exerted by the upper opposing element 22 on the first and second components 101 , 102 in the seat 6 is a function of the spring 24.

[0177] While the upper slider 20 continues to lower and the lower slider 21 to rise, the spring 27 is compressed, the conveying working unit 4, the upper abutment 22 and the pusher 25 being blocked against the first and second limit stops 28, 29.

[0178] The punch 30 instead continues to rise together with the lower slider 21 until the cusps 31 , through the opening 7, deform the pins 104 which, by expanding, lock the first and second components 101 , 102 together, as shown in Figure 8.

[0179] From the configuration of Figure 5, the upper slider 20 rises and the lower slider 21 lowers until the upper and lower units 11 , 12 are brought into the configuration of Figures 1 and 2, also by virtue of the elastic elements 8, 24 and 27 that elongate.

[0180] The elastic features of the elastic elements 8, 24 and 27, the first limit stop 28 and the second limit stop 29 determine the strokes of the conveying working unit 4, of the upper opposing element 22 and of the pusher 25.

[0181] The feed system 2 feeds the item 100 to subsequent processing stations. In the embodiment shown by way of example, the upper opposing element 21 is movable via the upper slider 20.

[0182] In alternative embodiments not shown, the upper opposing element 21 can be moved with other systems, for example with a linear electric motor. Similarly, the pusher 25 and the punch 30 can be driven in the strokes thereof in a manner different from that shown.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . An assembly system for assembling a product (100) comprising a first and a second component (101 , 102) coupled to each other, said assembly system comprising a feed system (2) for feeding the first and second components (101 , 102) superposed on each other along an assembly path (P), said feed system (2) comprising at least one support (3), movable along the assembly path (P) and at least one conveying working unit (4) attached to said support (3), said conveying working unit (4) being provided with a seat (6) for said first and second components (101 , 102), said second component (102) being positionable under the first component (101 ) in said seat (6), said seat (6) having at least one opening (7), said conveying working unit (4) being movable relative to said support (3) between a first operating position for conveying and a second operating position for fastening the first and second components (101 , 102), said assembly system comprising a fastening station (9) located along the assembly path (P), said conveying working unit (4) being positionable in said fastening station, said fastening station (9) comprising an upper opposing element (22), movable between a raised position and a lowered position and configured, at least at the respective lowered position, to hold down the first and second components (101 , 102) at a predefined position in said seat (6); a pusher (25), disposed on the opposite side of the upper opposing element (22) with respect to the conveying working unit (4), said pusher (25) being movable between a lowered position and a raised position, said fastening station (9) comprising a first limit stop (28) and a second limit stop (29) and being configured so that said pusher (25) pushes said conveying working unit (4) and said upper opposing element (22) until they abut respectively against the first limit stop (28) and against the second limit stop (29) when the pusher (25) reaches the respective raised position, said fastening station (9) comprising at least one lower punch (30)disposed on the opposite side of upper opposing element (22) with respect to the conveying working unit (4) and being movable between a lowered position and a raised position, said lower punch (30) being shaped to deform at least part of said first component (101 ), when it is at the respective raised position, through said opening (7), the assembly system being configured so that an action of the lower punch (30) is opposed at least by the second limit stop (29) via the upper opposing element (22).

2. The assembly system according to claim 1 , comprising at least a first elastic element (24) coupled to the upper opposing element (22), a force exerted by the upper opposing element (22) on the first and second components (101 , 102) in said seat (6) being a function of said first elastic element (24).

3. The assembly system according to claim 2, wherein the fastening station (9) comprises an upper unit (11 ) and a lower unit (12), both movable relative to said conveying working unit (4), said upper unit (11 ) comprising said upper opposing element (22) and said lower unit (12) comprising said pusher (25) and said punch (30).

4. The assembly system according to claim 3, comprising a drive system (14) for driving the upper unit (11 ) and the lower unit (12), said drive system (14) comprising a crank (15) rotatable about an axis of rotation (R), a first link rod (18) operatively active between said crank (15) and said upper unit (11 ), and a second link rod (19) operatively active between said crank (15) and said lower unit (12), said second link rod (19) being attached to said crank (15) on the opposite side of the first link rod (18) with respect to the axis of rotation (R) of the crank (15).

5. The assembly system according to claim 4, wherein said upper unit (11 )comprises an upper slider (20) driven by said first link rod (18), and a lower slider (21 ) driven by said second link rod (19).

6. The assembly system according to claim 5, wherein said upper opposing element (22) is slidably attached to said upper slider (20) and said upper unit (11 ) comprises said first elastic element (24) interposed between said upper slider (20) and said upper opposing element (22).

7. The assembly system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein said pusher (25) is slidably attached to said lower slider (21 ) and said lower unit (12) comprises a second elastic element (27) interposed between said lower slider (20) and said pusher (25).

8. The assembly system according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein said punch (30) is attached to said lower slider (21 ).

9. The assembly system according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein said upper slider (20) and said lower slider (21 ) are movable symmetrically relative to said conveying working unit (4).

10. The assembly system according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein said upper slider (20) and said lower slider (21 ) are movable in a vertical direction (D).11 . The assembly system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said upper opposing element (22), said lower punch (30) and said pusher (25) are movable in a vertical direction (D).

12. The assembly system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said feed system (2) comprises at least a third elastic element (8) located between said support (3) and said conveying working unit (4) tooppose a movement of said conveying working unit (4) from the first operating position to the second operating position.

13. The assembly system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said conveying working unit (4) comprises an arm (5) in which said seat (6) is formed, said arm (5) being positionable, in said fastening station (9), between said upper opposing element (22) and said lower punch (30).

14. An assembly method for assembling a product (100) comprising a first and a second component (101 , 102), said assembly method comprising: via a feed system (2), feeding the first and second components (101 , 102) superposed on each other and located in a seat (6) which is formed in a conveying working unit (4) of the feed system (2), the second component (102) being located under the first component (101 ); positioning the conveying working unit (4) in a fastening station (9); in the fastening station (9), holding the first and second components (101 , 102) at a predefined position in said seat (6) by means of an upper opposing element (22); pushing said conveying working unit (4) and said upper opposing element (22) until they abut a first limit stop (28) and a second limit stop (29), respectively; raising at least one lower punch (30) to deform at least part of said first component (101 ), an action of the lower punch (30) being opposed by the second limit stop (29) via said upper opposing element (22), the first and second components (101 , 102) being located between the lower punch (30) and the upper opposing element (22).

15. The assembly method according to claim 14, wherein holding the first and second components (101 , 102) in said seat comprises moving saidupper opposing element (22) towards said conveying working unit (4).

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