Joining tool

Abstract

The invention relates to a joining tool (100) comprising a motor (110) configured to drive a shaft (111) of the joining tool (100), a compressed air generation device (120) configured to provide compressed air in order to supply actuators (112) of the joining tool (100), a vacuum generation device (130) configured to provide a vacuum for conveying a connecting element from a connecting element provision device through a supply section (131) to a supply head (113) of the joining tool (100), with the compressed air generation device (120) and the vacuum provision device (130) being mechanically coupled to the motor (110).

Description

[0001] Atlas Copco IAS GmbH, Case: 13N2024PA1054DE

[0002] joining tool

[0003] The present invention relates to a joining tool.

[0004] Technical background

[0005] Joining tools, i.e., mechanical tools with which at least two different elements made of different materials, such as high-strength steel, aluminum, cast iron, magnesium, carbon, or plastics with different strength properties, are joined together, are generally known. A connection can be achieved by gluing, riveting, and / or sewing. Alternatively, a connection between at least two different elements can be achieved by rotating a connecting element, in particular a screw, at high speed through a shaft coupled to a motor and subjecting it to pressure, i.e., by pressing it through the materials of the different elements to be joined.The rapid rotation of the fastener and the pressing motion of the joining tool cause the materials of the different elements to be joined to be melted at specific points, thereby forming a thread in the materials of the elements being joined. Such joining tools are also known as flow drill fastening (FDF) tools.

[0006] A typical joining tool, in particular a flow drilling device, is connected to a central compressed air supply, with the compressed air providing the quantity required for moving the joining tool. Additionally, the compressed air supplied by the central compressed air supply is used to transport the fasteners within and / or to the joining tool from a fastener supply device through a feed section to a feed head of the joining tool.

[0007] Known joining tools, particularly flow drilling devices connected to a central compressed air supply, have the disadvantage that their effectiveness depends heavily on the quality of the compressed air supplied by the central system. Studies have shown that even slight variations in the compressed air supply can lead to significant negative changes in effectiveness. Since a large number of different tools and devices are typically connected to central compressed air systems, such variations in the compressed air supply are common. Furthermore, studies have shown that using compressed air to transport fasteners within the joining tool from a fastener dispensing device through a feed line to the tool's feed head increases the likelihood of blockages in the feed line.These blockages are induced or triggered by the fact that the compressed air pressing on the fasteners causes them to move uncontrollably, which can lead to jamming of the fasteners in the feed path. Consequently, conventional joining tools are very maintenance-intensive and prone to malfunctions. (Atlas Copco IAS GmbH, Case: 13N2024PA1054DE)

[0008] The installation costs for a central compressed air supply are high. Many locations where such tools are used do not have a central compressed air supply.

[0009] Summary of the invention

[0010] It is an object of the present invention to provide a joining tool, in particular a flow drilling device, that does not require a central compressed air supply, thus reliably preventing pressure fluctuations and improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the joining tool. Furthermore, a joining tool can be provided in which blockages in the feed path can be reliably avoided, thereby also increasing effectiveness and efficiency, and reducing susceptibility to malfunctions and maintenance requirements.

[0011] At least one of the problems, or further problems, that arise for a person skilled in the art from the present disclosure are solved by the subject matter of the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims and the description.

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, a joining tool is described. The joining tool comprises a motor, a compressed air generating device, and a vacuum generating device.

[0013] The motor is designed to drive or rotate a shaft of the joining tool.

[0014] The compressed air generation device serves to provide compressed air for supplying the actuators of the joining tool. The compressed air generation device is preferably arranged inside the joining tool. This means it does not require an external compressed air supply.

[0015] The vacuum generation device serves to provide a vacuum for the transport of a connecting element from a connecting element supply device through a feed section to a feed head of the joining tool.

[0016] The compressed air and vacuum generating devices are mechanically coupled to the engine. Atlas Copco IAS GmbH, Case: 13N2024PA1054DE

[0017] According to a further aspect of the invention, a joining tool is described. The joining tool comprises a motor configured to drive a shaft of the joining tool, and a compressed air generating device configured to provide compressed air to supply actuators of the joining tool, or a vacuum generating device configured to provide a vacuum for transporting a fastener from a fastener supply device through a feed section to a feed head of the joining tool, wherein the compressed air generating device or the vacuum generating device is mechanically coupled to the motor.

[0018] That is, a joining tool with a compressed air generating device and a vacuum generating device and another joining tool with a compressed air generating device or a vacuum generating device are specified.

[0019] The term "joining tool" here represents any continuous drilling device in which a connecting element, in particular a screw, is rotated at high speed by a shaft coupled to a motor and pressed through the materials of the different elements to be joined, whereby, due to the strong rotation of the connecting element and the pressing motion of the joining tool, the materials of the different elements to be joined are melted at specific points and a thread is formed in the materials of the different elements to be joined.

[0020] A joining tool may comprise a shaft, a motor configured to drive a shaft, a fastener supply device arranged inside or outside the joining tool, a feed head in which the fasteners are driven through the materials to be joined, a feed path in which the fasteners are guided from the fastener supply device to a feed head, at least one actuator providing movement of the joining tool or pressure or pushing movement of the fastener through the materials to be joined, a compressed air generating device, and a vacuum generating device.

[0021] The term "motor" represents any drive unit configured to drive a shaft of the joining tool. For example, the motor could be an electric motor or a servo motor, but this is not limited to these. The motor can be mechanically coupled or connected to the shaft directly or indirectly via a clutch or gearbox. The motor can also be mechanically coupled or connected to the compressed air and / or vacuum generating device directly or indirectly via a clutch or gearbox. Alternatively, the compressed air and / or vacuum generating device can be mechanically coupled or connected to the shaft directly or indirectly via a clutch or gearbox.In this context, the term "driving" represents the fact that the motor rotates the shaft at a speed and torque, or turns it around a rotational axis of the shaft.

[0022] The term "shaft" here refers to a cylindrical element whose first end is coupled to the motor, in particular mechanically coupled, and whose second end can be connected or coupled to a connecting element, in particular detachably connected or coupled. When the shaft is coupled to the connecting element, the shaft transmits its rotational speed to the connecting element.

[0023] The term "compressed air generating device" represents any device configured to produce, generate, or supply compressed air. The generated compressed air may be used solely for supplying the actuators of the joining tool, but is not limited to this. The compressed air generating device may be located on, attached to, or within the joining tool. The compressed air generating device may include, but is not limited to, a compressed air reservoir and at least one valve. The compressed air reservoir may be rigidly connected to the pressure side of the compressed air generator or connected via a valve. The compressed air generating device may be configured to be activated or deactivated. The activation or deactivation of the compressed air generating device may be linked to the rotational speed of the motor.In detail, compressed air generation can be activated or deactivated by mechanically coupling the compressed air generator to the motor. Alternatively, compressed air generation can be activated or deactivated by the valve on the compressed air reservoir. For example, if the motor's power output is low and its speed is high, such as during the hole-forming phase, the compressed air generator can be activated. Conversely, if the motor's power output is high and its speed is lower, such as during thread-forming or final tightening of the fastener, the compressed air generator can be deactivated. When deactivated, the compressed air generator can run dry, but this is not its only function.The activation and deactivation of the compressed air generation device can be specifically synchronized with the change from high to low speed, so that at least some of the electric motor's kinetic energy can be used for compressed air generation, thus avoiding the need to dissipate or otherwise recover all of the kinetic energy through braking, e.g., via a braking resistor. In other words, compressed air generation can be selectively activated or deactivated depending on the process (e.g., phases of flow drilling), so that compressed air generation occurs in parallel with the ongoing process. (Atlas Copco IAS GmbH, Case: 13N2024PA1054DE)

[0024] The term "actuator" represents any device or element of the joining tool that enables movement within or of the entire joining tool. For example, an actuator can be a pneumatic element that enables the movement of the entire joining tool in all three spatial directions, X, Y, and Z, or a pneumatic element that provides the movement of the connecting element through the materials to be joined. The actuator can be directly connected to or coupled with the compressed air generation device by means of a compressed air connection, in particular a compressed air line.

[0025] The term "vacuum generating device" represents any device configured to create, generate, or provide a vacuum or an intake airflow. The vacuum or intake airflow can only be used to transport a fastener from a fastener supply device through a feed path to a feed head of the joining tool. The vacuum generating device can be located on, attached to, or within the joining tool. The vacuum generating device can be configured to be activated or deactivated.

[0026] The activation or deactivation of the vacuum generating device can be coupled to the speed of the motor.

[0027] In detail, the vacuum generation device can be activated or deactivated by mechanically coupling it to the motor. For example, if the motor's power output is low and its rotational speed is high, such as during the hole-forming phase, the vacuum generation device can be activated. Conversely, if the motor's power output is high and its rotational speed is low, such as during thread-forming or final tightening of the fastener, the vacuum generation device can be deactivated. When deactivated, the vacuum generation device can run without power, but this is not its only function. The activation and deactivation of the vacuum generation device can be specifically synchronized with the change from high to low rotational speed, so that at least a portion of the electric motor's kinetic energy is used for generating a vacuum.This allows the vacuum to be generated using an intake air movement, thus avoiding the need to dissipate or otherwise recover all of the kinetic energy through deceleration, e.g., via a braking resistor. In other words, the generation of the vacuum can be selectively activated or deactivated depending on the process, i.e., phases of the flow drilling, so that the vacuum generation occurs in parallel with the ongoing process. Atlas Copco IAS GmbH, Case: 13N2024PA1054DE.

[0028] The process is underway. The vacuum generation device is directly coupled or connected to the feed line via a vacuum line.

[0029] The term "fastener supply device" refers to any device in which a multitude of fasteners are provided or stored. The fastener supply device can be located inside or outside the joining tool. It is directly connected or coupled to the joining tool, particularly its feed head, via a feed section or line. The feed section or line is configured to supply the fasteners from the fastener supply device to the feed head of the joining tool. The feed section or line can be located inside or outside the joining tool.

[0030] By incorporating or integrating a compressed air generation device into the joining tool, a connection to a central compressed air supply can be eliminated. Furthermore, by integrating a compressed air generation device into the joining tool, the device can be specifically adapted to the tool, reliably preventing pressure fluctuations. This improves the effectiveness and efficiency of the joining tool, as nearly the entire power of the electric motor is available for the joining process.

[0031] Furthermore, the joining tool can be used more flexibly, as it only requires a power supply or electricity for operation; no additional compressed air is needed. By incorporating a vacuum generation device into the joining tool, the vacuum created by the suction of the fasteners reliably prevents clogging of the feed path. This increases the effectiveness and efficiency of the joining tool and significantly reduces its susceptibility to malfunctions and maintenance requirements.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the compressed air generation device and / or the vacuum generation device can be activated or deactivated. The activation or deactivation of the compressed air generation device and / or the vacuum generation device can be linked to the engine speed. Atlas Copco IAS GmbH, Case: 13N2024PA1054DE

[0033] By coupling the activation or deactivation of the compressed air generation device and / or the vacuum generation device to the speed of the motor, the effectiveness or efficiency of the joining tool can be significantly improved.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the compressed air generation device comprises a compressed air reservoir and at least one valve.

[0035] Brief description of the characters

[0036] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to a figure.

[0037] Fig. 1 shows a joining tool according to the invention.

[0038] Detailed description

[0039] Fig. 1 shows a joining tool according to the invention. The joining tool 100 has a motor 110. The motor 110 is configured to drive a shaft 111 of the joining tool 100. The motor is directly mechanically coupled to the shaft 111. The joining tool 100 also has an actuator 112, in particular a pneumatic actuator, which provides a pushing motion of the joining element through the materials to be joined. The actuator 112 is directly coupled to a compressed air generation device 120 by means of a compressed air line. The compressed air generation device 120 is configured to provide compressed air to supply actuators 112 of the joining tool 100. The compressed air generation device 120 is arranged on or attached to the joining tool 100, in particular to an outer surface of the joining tool. The compressed air generating device 120 is directly mechanically coupled to the motor 110.The joining tool further comprises a vacuum generating device 130. The vacuum generating device 130 is configured to provide a vacuum for transporting a fastener from a fastener supply device through a feed section 131 to a feed head 113 of the joining tool 100. The vacuum generating device 130 is arranged or attached to the joining tool 100, in particular to an outer surface of the joining tool. The vacuum generating device 130 is directly coupled or connected to the feed section 131 by means of a vacuum line. The vacuum generating device 130 is directly mechanically coupled to the motor 110.

[0040] Optionally, the compressed air generating device 120 and / or the vacuum generating device 130 can be activated or deactivated, whereby the activation or deactivation of the compressed air generating device 120 and / or the vacuum generating device 130 is coupled to the speed of the motor 110. Atlas Copco IAS GmbH, Case: 13N2024PA1054DE

[0041] Optionally, the compressed air generating device 120 includes a compressed air reservoir 121 and at least one valve 122. The valve 122 is arranged between the compressed air reservoir 121 and the compressed air generating element within the compressed air generating device 120 and is configured to activate or deactivate the compressed air generation of the compressed air generating device 120.

Claims

Atlas Copco IAS GmbH, Case: 13N2024PA1054DE Claims 1. Joining tool (100) comprising: a motor (110) configured to drive a shaft (111) of the joining tool (100); a compressed air generating device (120) configured to provide compressed air to supply actuators (112) of the joining tool (100); a vacuum generating device (130) configured to provide a vacuum for transporting a fastener from a fastener supply device through a feed section (131) to a feed head (113) of the joining tool (100); wherein the compressed air generating device (120) and / or the vacuum supply device (130) are mechanically coupled to the motor (110).

2. Joining tool (100) according to claim 1, wherein the compressed air generating device (120) and / or the vacuum generating device (130) are activatable or deactivatable, wherein the activation or deactivation of the compressed air generating device (120) and / or the vacuum generating device (130) is coupled to the rotational speed of the motor (110).

3. Joining tool (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the compressed air generating device (120) comprises a compressed air reservoir (121) and at least one valve (122).

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