Joining tool for joining at least two elements and method using such a tool

Abstract

The invention relates to a joining tool (10) for joining at least two elements (20, 22), comprising a tool head (12), a frame (14) and an abutment (16), the tool head (12) and the abutment (16) being arranged on the frame (14), and a working chamber (18), in which a workpiece (20, 22) arranged in the working chamber (18) can be acted upon by the tool head (12) and the abutment (16). The joining tool (10) can be adjusted between a first and a second arrangement. The invention further relates to a method for joining at least two elements (20, 22) by means of at least two joins produced by a joining tool (10), comprising: a step of producing at least one join with the joining tool (10) in the first arrangement; and a step of producing at least one join with the joining tool (10) in the second arrangement.

Description

[0001] Atlas Copco IAS GmbH, Case: 13N2024PA1063DE

[0002] Joining tool for joining at least two elements and method using such a tool

[0003] The present invention relates to a joining tool for connecting at least two elements, wherein the joining tool is adjustable between a first and a second arrangement which enable different types of connection, and a method for connecting at least two elements by such a joining tool in both arrangements.

[0004] background

[0005] Joining tools, i.e., mechanical tools used to connect at least two different elements made of different materials, such as steel (e.g., high-strength steel), aluminum, cast iron, magnesium, carbon, or plastics with differing strength properties, are generally known. A connection, particularly between at least two different elements, can be achieved, for example, by rotating a fastener, especially a screw, at high speed and under pressure with a screwdriving tool, such as a motor with a coupled shaft and screwdriver attachment. This rotational force is pressed through the materials of the elements to be joined. The rapid rotation of the fastener and the pressing motion of the joining tool cause localized melting of the materials of the different elements to be joined, thereby forming a thread in the materials of the elements being joined.Such joining tools are also known as flow drilling devices, or flow-drill fastening (FDF). Joining, for example, two metal sheets can also be achieved by self-piercing riveting, in which a connecting element, in particular a rivet element (self-piercing rivet), serves as a one-way cutting die and is itself deformed in the process. Such self-piercing rivets are also called "seif piercing rivets (SPR)."

[0006] Appropriate tools and processes are used particularly in the automotive industry. Common joining methods can be performed as one-sided or two-sided joining processes. A one-sided joining process refers to the joining tool engaging the elements to be joined from only one side, while a two-sided joining process refers to the joining tool engaging the elements to be joined from two opposite sides. For example, sheet metal panels to be joined can be engaged from one side only, allowing only minimal pressure to be applied to the panels to prevent unintentional bending during the joining process. This one-sided approach allows for the creation of joints in areas that are difficult or impossible to access from both sides.The same sheets can be attacked from both sides in other areas, enabling connections to be made even in situations where a single-sided attack would not provide sufficient force, or where particularly high demands are placed on the quality of the connections. For example, Atlas Copco IAS GmbH, Case: 13N2024PA1063DE, uses a two-sided attack when flow drilling screws, allowing the use of longer screws because less material is required to prevent breakage due to the deformation that forms during the drilling process.

[0007] Separate joining tools are required for one-sided and two-sided attacks, which, in addition to a lack of flexibility, also increases complexity and costs in areas where both connections are necessary or advantageous.

[0008] Summary of the invention

[0009] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a joining tool and a method that enable both one-sided and two-sided joining. Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide a joining tool that allows joining under varying stresses on the joining elements. Finally, it is an object of the invention to provide a joining tool and a method that allow for a high degree of flexibility in the possible joining locations and joining methods.

[0010] These and other problems arising for the person skilled in the art from the present disclosure are solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims and the description.

[0011] According to one aspect of the invention, a joining tool for connecting at least two elements comprises a tool head, a frame, and a counter bearing, wherein the tool head and the counter bearing are arranged on the frame; and the joining tool further comprises a working space in which a workpiece arranged in the working space can be engaged by the tool head and the counter bearing; wherein the joining tool is adjustable between a first and a second arrangement; wherein in the first arrangement the tool head and the counter bearing can engage a workpiece arranged in the working space, and wherein the tool head is arranged on a first side of the working space and the counter bearing is arranged on a second side of the working space opposite the first, and the working space is bounded by the first and the second side and further bounded by a first part of the frame on at least a third side;and wherein in the second arrangement the counter bearing and at least the first part of the frame are arranged such that the working space is limited only on the first side by the tool head and only the tool head can engage a workpiece arranged in the working space.

[0012] The term "workpiece" encompasses at least two elements to be joined; these terms are used interchangeably below. The first arrangement therefore allows for a two-sided attack on the workpiece by both the tool head and the counter bearing. However, even in the first arrangement, only the tool head can perform a one-sided attack. The frame is designed to provide the necessary tension for a two-sided attack. This means it positions the counter bearing relative to the tool head in such a way that the workpiece is properly supported by the counter bearing. This allows, for example, a high tension to be applied to the workpiece when the tool head engages, without causing it to bend or slip unintentionally. This tension is also referred to as preload (Atlas Copco IAS GmbH, Case: 13N2024PA1063DE).The joining tool according to the invention makes it possible to use joining methods that require different preloads. For example, a one-sided preload can comprise a force of 1-3 kN, and a two-sided preload a force of >3 kN, but is not limited to these ranges, but depends on the workpiece and joining method.

[0013] Such a joining tool makes it possible, for example, to create joints at the edges of workpieces, such as at the edges of a casting, using a two-sided attack in the first configuration, and to create joints in the center of the casting's base using a one-sided attack in the second configuration with the same tool. This is primarily due to the fact that the working area in the second configuration is no longer limited by the frame and the counter bearing. This allows access to surfaces or points that are inaccessible to the frame or the counter bearing, or that would require a large frame or a dedicated counter bearing on a second tool.

[0014] Further advantages lie in the flexible production capabilities of the joining tool according to the invention and the ability to optimize connections. For example, with a joining tool using a flow drilling device as the tool head, the use of the counter bearing for support, i.e., by a two-sided attack, can prevent breakage and deformation. Alternatively, this can also allow the screw to penetrate deeper into the elements to be joined.

[0015] According to one aspect of the invention, the tool head is a flow drilling device. According to another aspect of the invention, the tool head is a rivet setter for self-piercing rivets.

[0016] According to one aspect of the invention, the tool head comprises at least two different tools, one of which is used in the first arrangement and one in the second arrangement. This allows various joints with and without a required counter bearing to be produced with a single joining tool.

[0017] According to one aspect of the invention, in the second arrangement, the first part of the frame and the counter bearing are arranged separately from the joining tool. This means that the joining tool is adjustable such that, when switching between the first and second arrangements, the first part of the frame and the counter bearing can be separated from or connected to the joining tool. This allows the first part of the frame and the counter bearing to be positioned differently from the rest of the joining tool. This changes the available working space as described. Likewise, the first part of the frame and the counter bearing can be connected to or separated from a second joining tool according to the invention. This makes it possible to perform one-sided or two-sided operations with a plurality of joining tools, thus reducing material and maintenance costs.The joining tools can each have different tool heads and share the first part of the frame and the counter bearing. Atlas Copco IAS GmbH, Case: 13N2024PA1063DE.

[0018] According to one aspect of the invention, in the second arrangement, the first part of the frame and the counter bearing are displaced, tilted, or rotated relative to their position in the first arrangement on the joining tool. The joining tool comprises suitable means for this purpose. For example, the joining tool can include a joint or hinge that allows the first part of the frame and the counter bearing to rotate or tilt. Furthermore, for example, the joining tool can include a guide that allows the first part of the frame and the counter bearing to be displaced. For example, in the second arrangement, the first part of the frame and the counter bearing are displaced, tilted, or rotated such that they define the working space on the first side. That is, they define the working space on the same side as the tool head.In particular, the first part of the frame and the counter bearing in the second arrangement are displaced, tilted, or rotated in such a way that they no longer limit the working space on the second and third sides. The joining tool may include means for fixing the first part in both the first and second arrangements.

[0019] According to one aspect of the invention, the frame is a C-frame. Here, the first part of the frame comprises at least a part of the side part or stand of the C-frame and the base plate or base of the C-frame.

[0020] According to one aspect of the invention, the counter bearing comprises a support die. This enables more precise shaping or support of the workpiece in the area where it is engaged from the second side by the counter bearing. For example, this can limit deformation that forms on the workpiece.

[0021] According to one aspect of the invention, in the second arrangement where the first part of the frame and the counter bearing are arranged separately from the joining tool, the frame comprises a first and a second part, wherein the first and second parts are separable from one another to produce the second arrangement of the joining tool and can be joined together to produce the first arrangement of the joining tool. For example, in a C-frame, the first and second parts can be separated from one another or joined together at the side part or upright of the C-frame. The frame includes corresponding means designed to separate or join the first part and the second part (hereinafter referred to as the parts). In this context, "separating" or "joining" means that the processes are reversible.

[0022] For example, the parts include a dovetail joint that allows them to be joined and separated. This joint is designed, for instance, such that it is perpendicular to the side member of the frame where the parts abut each other, and can be slid into and out of each other with a corresponding movement. Atlas Copco IAS GmbH, Case: 13N2024PA1063DE

[0023] For example, the parts further include means for securing the first part to prevent unintentional separation of the parts. These can, for example, be designed as locking pins. In an embodiment with a dovetail joint as described, the locking pins can lock the dovetail joint perpendicular to it; they can be movably and spring-loaded.

[0024] For example, the first part includes means for mounting the first part and the counter bearing in the second separate arrangement in a docking station. These means could, for example, be grooves in the first part.

[0025] According to one aspect, the invention further comprises a robot with a joining tool according to one of the described embodiments. The joining tool is preferably designed such that automated adjustment between the first arrangement and the second arrangement is ensured. This enables automated changeover as required.

[0026] The invention further comprises a method for joining at least two elements by means of at least two connections using a joining tool according to one of the described embodiments, comprising a step of producing at least one connection with the joining tool in the first arrangement; and a step of producing at least one connection with the joining tool in the second arrangement.

[0027] This method allows for the production of joints with one-sided and two-sided engagements. This improves the flexibility of the process and accelerates production without increasing the costs of additional tooling or maintenance. Furthermore, this method enables the production of joints with varying required preloads.

[0028] The process can include any number and sequence of the respective steps, depending on the type, arrangement, and number of connections required.

[0029] Brief description of the characters

[0030] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in more detail below with reference to the drawing.

[0031] Fig. 1 shows a schematic joining tool according to the invention in a first and second embodiment in a first arrangement;

[0032] Fig. 2 shows the joining tool according to the invention of the first embodiment in a second arrangement;

[0033] Fig. 3 shows the joining tool of the second embodiment according to the invention in a second arrangement. Atlas Copco IAS GmbH, Case: 13N2024PA1063DE

[0034] Description of the characters

[0035] Fig. 1 shows a schematic joining tool 10 according to the invention in a first arrangement. This tool comprises a tool head 12, a frame 14, and a counter bearing 16. The tool head 12 and the counter bearing 16 are arranged opposite each other on the frame 14. They define the first and second sides of a working area 18 (shown in dashed lines for clarity only), which is bounded on a third side by the frame 14. The tool head 12 and the counter bearing 16 are designed to join the elements 20 and 22 together. These elements constitute the workpiece; therefore, the terms are interchangeable, and the workpiece is also designated by the reference numerals 20 and 22. For joining, the tool head 12 engages the workpiece 20 and 22 on the first side, and the counter bearing 16 engages the workpiece 20 and 22 on the second side opposite the first, in order to create a two-sided connection.The attack is not limited to such a two-sided attack; the tool head 12 can also attack the workpiece 20, 22 from only the first side to create a one-sided connection. The tool head 12 can, for example, be a flow drilling device with which a one-sided or two-sided connection can be created, depending on the accessibility of the workpiece 20, 22 and the requirements of the connection.

[0036] The frame 14 is a C-frame, although the invention is not limited to such a frame. The frame 14 comprises a first part 24 and a second part 26. These are connected in the illustrated first arrangement by a connecting element 28. The first part 24 of the frame 14 forms the lower part of the side panel and the base of the frame 14 and supports the counter bearing 16. The second part 26 forms the upper part of the side panel and the head of the frame 14 and supports the tool head 12.

[0037] Figure 1 shows a first and a second embodiment of the invention. In the first embodiment, the connecting element 18 is designed as a joint or hinge, while in the second embodiment, the connecting element 18 is designed as a dovetail joint (see Figures 2 and 3, respectively).

[0038] In the first depicted arrangement, the tool head 12 can only engage in an area 30 of the workpiece 20, 22, since the working area 18 is limited on the third side by the side part of the frame 14. Access to area 32 is therefore limited by the projection of the frame 14.

[0039] Figure 2 shows a joining tool 10 of the first embodiment according to the invention in a second arrangement. In this arrangement, the connecting element 18 is designed as a joint or hinge such that the first part 24 of the frame 14 can be rotated or pivoted around the connecting element 18 in such a way that the working space 18 is no longer limited by the first part 24, as shown. This allows the joining tool 10 to engage the workpiece 20, 22 on one side with its tool head 12, and can also engage in the area 32 that was not accessible in the first arrangement of Figure 1. This allows connections to be made in the area 32 as well. The embodiment can include means for rotating or pivoting around the connecting element 18 and means for fixing the first part 24 in the first and second arrangements (not shown in each case).

[0040] In the second arrangement shown, a joining tool 10 according to the invention can also engage a workpiece which is not accessible to the working space 18 in the first arrangement shown in Fig. 1 due to its size or shape.

[0041] Figure 3 shows a joining tool 10 of the second embodiment according to the invention in a second arrangement. In this arrangement, the connecting element 18 is configured such that the first part 24 and the second part 26 of the frame 14 are separated from each other to form the second arrangement. The first part 24 and the counter bearing 16 are arranged separately in such a way that the working space 18 is no longer laterally limited by the frame 14. The illustrated arrangement of the first part 24 and the counter bearing 16 is merely an example; depending on the application, it can be arranged separately from the second part 26 or the tool head 12 as desired.

[0042] Due to the separate arrangement of the second assembly of the joining tool 10, the joining tool 10 can engage the workpiece 20, 22 from one side with its tool head 12, and can also engage in the area 32 that was not accessible in the first arrangement of Fig. 1. This allows connections to be made in the area 32 as well.

[0043] In the second arrangement shown, a joining tool 10 according to the invention can also engage a workpiece which is not accessible to the working space 18 in the first arrangement shown in Fig. 1 due to its size or shape.

[0044] The connecting element 28 can, for example, comprise a dovetail guide, which includes a complementary part on the first part 24 and on the second part 26, thereby enabling them to be connected (not shown). Furthermore, the connecting element can include means for fixing the first part 24 in the first and the second arrangement (not shown in each case). Such an embodiment makes it possible to ensure safe and even automated separation and connection.

[0045] The invention is of course not limited to the embodiment shown, but includes any embodiment falling under the claims.

Claims

Atlas Copco IAS GmbH, Case: 13N2024PA1063DE Patentansprüche 1. Joining tool (10) for joining at least two elements comprising a tool head (12), a frame (14) and a counter bearing (16), wherein the tool head (12) and the counter bearing (16) are arranged on the frame (14); and a working space (18) in which a workpiece (20, 22) arranged in the working space (18) can be engaged by the tool head (12) and the counter bearing (16); wherein the joining tool (10) is adjustable between a first and a second arrangement;wherein in the first arrangement the tool head (12) and the counter bearing (16) can engage a workpiece (20, 22) arranged in the working space (18) and wherein the tool head (12) is arranged on a first side of the working space (18) and the counter bearing (16) is arranged on a second side of the working space (18) opposite the first and the working space (18) is bounded by the first and the second side and further bounded by a first part (24) of the frame (14) on at least a third side; and wherein in the second arrangement the counter bearing (16) and at least the first part (24) of the frame (14) are arranged such that the working space (18) is bounded only on the first side by the tool head (12) and only the tool head (12) can engage a workpiece (20, 22) arranged in the working space (18).

2. Joining tool (10) according to claim 1, wherein in the second arrangement the first part (24) of the frame (14) and the counter bearing (16) are arranged separately from the joining tool (10).

3. Joining tool (10) according to claim 1, wherein in the second arrangement the first part (24) of the frame (14) and the counter bearing (16) are displaced, tilted, or rotated on the joining tool (10) relative to their position in the first arrangement.

4. Frame (14) for a joining tool (10) according to claim 2, wherein the frame (14) comprises a first part (24) and a second part (26), wherein the first part (24) and the second part (26) can be separated from each other to produce the second arrangement of the joining tool (10) and can be joined together to produce the first arrangement of the joining tool (10). Atlas Copco IAS GmbH, Case: 13N2024PA1063DE 5. Method for joining at least two elements (20, 22) by means of at least two connections produced by a joining tool (10) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, comprising a step of producing at least one connection with the joining tool (10) in the first arrangement; and a step of producing at least one connection with the joining tool (10) in the second arrangement.

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