Device for deflecting connecting elements, and joining tool having a device of this kind

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (100) for deflecting connecting elements (10), comprising: a feed opening (12) for a connecting element (10); an outlet opening (14) for discharging a connecting element (10); a sleeve (16) which forms a receptacle (18) for a connecting element (10); and an electric drive unit (30), configured to move the sleeve (16) between a feed position of the sleeve (16) and a discharge position of the sleeve (16), wherein in the feed position of the sleeve (16), the receiving opening (20) of the sleeve (16) is arranged in front of the feed opening (12) and in the discharge position of the sleeve (16), the receiving opening (20) of the sleeve (16) is arranged in front of the outlet opening (14). The invention also relates to a joining tool (200) having a joining head (210) and having the device (100).

Description

[0001] Atlas Copco IAS GmbH, Case: 13N2024PA1071DE

[0002] Device for deflecting connecting elements and joining tool with such a device

[0003] The present invention relates to a device for deflecting connecting elements, and a joining tool with such a device.

[0004] Technical 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 by rotating a connecting element, especially a screw, at high speed and under pressure with a screwdriving tool, e.g., 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 connecting element 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, also referred to as flow-drill fastening (FDF). Joining, for example, two metal sheets can also be achieved by self-piercing riveting, in which a fastener, in particular a rivet (self-piercing rivet), serves as a one-way cutting die and is itself deformed in the process. The sheets to be joined are placed on a die. The rivet is fed to the joining point, and the joining point is fixed by applying the hold-down during the feed. In the subsequent joining process, the self-piercing rivet punches through at least the upper sheet metal part and plastically deforms the lower sheet metal part into a rivet head.

[0006] When feeding fasteners, especially flow-drilling screws, they must be transported quickly over long distances. Among other solutions, transport via a feed hose is widely used. To prevent damage to the screw shank and thread, as well as jamming within the feed hose, flow-drilling screws, in particular, are fed head-first. At the end of the feed hose, which is usually located directly at or very close to the fastening tool (screwdriver), the screw is first slowed down in a device and secured with a locking pin. In the next step, the fastener is then transported, for example, by a 90° rotation, to the outlet side of the device. The purpose of this movement is to ensure that the screw shank now points towards the second feed hose connected at the outlet side.The (short) second hose section serves for transport within the joining tool (screwdriver) or for the "last meter" to the joining point. In known joining tools, especially flow drilling devices connected to a central compressed air supply, the rotation of the connecting element is achieved by pneumatic actuators. These are not energy-efficient. A particular disadvantage is the irregular compressed air demand for rotation, holding, and reversing. Another disadvantage, as Atlas Copco IAS GmbH, Case: 13N2024PA1071DE, is that the effectiveness or efficiency is highly dependent on the compressed air supplied by the central compressed air system.

[0007] Summary of the invention

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved device for redirecting connecting elements that does not require a compressed air supply for redirecting the connecting elements, thus improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the device. A device capable of redirecting connecting elements with high precision and speed is also desirable.

[0009] 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.

[0010] According to one aspect of the invention, a device for deflecting connecting elements is described. The device comprises a feed opening for a connecting element and a receiving unit (in particular a sleeve) for receiving a connecting element. The receiving unit forms or comprises a receptacle for a connecting element. The receiving unit has a receiving opening for the receptacle at one (axial) end of the sleeve. In particular, the receiving unit may have an opening (the receiving opening) for the connecting element only at one of two ends that are opposite each other in the axial direction of the receptacle.

[0011] In a feeding position, the receiving unit (or sleeve) is positioned with its receiving opening in front of the feeding opening and can be aligned with the feeding opening. In particular, the axial direction of the receiving unit can run centrally through the receiving opening and / or correspond to a feeding direction of the feeding opening. In the feeding position, the receiving unit is connected to, or connectable to, the feeding opening.

[0012] The device comprises an electric drive unit. This unit is configured to move the receiving unit (including any connecting element it contains) between the receiving unit's feed position and a receiving unit's output position. In the receiving unit's output position, the receiving unit is positioned in front of an output opening of the device and can be oriented towards the output opening. Specifically, the axial direction of the receiving unit can pass centrally through the output opening and / or correspond to an output direction of the output opening. The output opening serves to dispense a connecting element. In the receiving unit's output position, the receiving unit is connected to, or connectable to, the output opening.

[0013] Since the output opening and the feed opening can be connected to the same receiving opening of the receiving unit, when a fastener is redirected, it is positioned in front of the output opening with the end opposite the (other) end with which the fastener entered the feed opening. For example, a flow-drilling screw can be fed into the device with the screw head first and, after redirection, ejected with the shank of the screw first.

[0014] The device may further include a control unit for controlling the electric drive unit and / or the electric actuator.

[0015] Pneumatic valves are no longer needed to redirect the connecting element. Instead, for example, a unit for controlling the electric drive unit (e.g., a moving-coil motor) can be integrated into the joining tool (e.g., a screw tool) or into the fixture (a functional module).

[0016] The device is designed to redirect a single connecting element that is held in the receiving unit. The redirection can include reorientation, displacement / relocation, pivoting, and / or rotation.

[0017] The electric drive unit can be configured to move the receiving unit (sleeve) into a tilting or thrusting motion in order to transfer the receiving unit between the sleeve feed position and the dispensing position.

[0018] The electric drive unit can be configured to perform a linear movement of the receiving unit to transport the connecting element between an inlet position and an outlet position of the receiving unit.

[0019] The inlet and outlet ports can each be configured for connecting a delivery hose (feed hose). The device can include a delivery hose connected to the inlet port and / or a delivery hose connected to the outlet port.

[0020] The feed direction of the feed opening and the output direction of the output opening can have different orientations and / or be offset from each other, for example, running parallel to each other (more precisely: in opposite directions, i.e., antiparallel to each other).

[0021] The device can be configured to allow or cause the insertion of a connecting element by means of compressed air, and / or can be configured to allow or cause the ejection of a connecting element by means of compressed air.

[0022] The device may include a housing. The housing may include the feed opening and / or the output opening. The receiving unit may be movably arranged within the housing. Atlas Copco IAS GmbH, Case: 13N2024PA1071DE

[0023] In some embodiments, the receiving unit is or includes a sleeve.

[0024] In some embodiments, the device further comprises a locking element, for example in the form of a slide, a flap, a pivot lock, or a locking bolt. The locking element is configured to lock the receiving opening (in particular, to prevent a connecting element from being moved out of the receiving unit). The locking element can be arranged on the receiving unit (sleeve). The locking element can be configured to move (move along with) the receiving unit (sleeve). The device can include an electric actuator. The electric actuator can be configured to move the locking element between a locked position (on the receiving unit / sleeve) and a released position. In the locked position (on the receiving unit / sleeve), the locking element locks the receiving opening of the receiving unit. In the released position, the locking element releases the receiving opening of the receiving unit.The locking element secures a connecting element in the receptacle, for example, to prevent unwanted removal and / or retraction. The locking element can be located on the receptacle unit (sleeve). The electrical actuator can be configured to move (move along with) the receptacle unit (sleeve). The locking element can be configured to perform a linear movement (to secure the connecting element in the receptacle unit).

[0025] The term "drive unit" represents any device or element of the device that enables movement of the receiving unit (sleeve) within the device.

[0026] The term "actuator" represents any device or element of the device that enables movement of the locking element within the receiving unit (sleeve) or within the entire device.

[0027] The electric drive unit can comprise an electromechanical drive unit, an electric motor, or a voice coil motor. This enables a highly efficient, controlled, and rapid drive for repositioning the receiving unit (sleeve). The electric drive unit can further include a gearbox.

[0028] The electric drive unit can be electric motor-based, for example comprising an electric motor in combination with a ball screw, or it can comprise a hollow shaft motor, for example with an integrated ball screw.

[0029] The electric drive unit can include a voice coil motor. This offers the advantages of high energy efficiency and fast, precise movements. The voice coil drive can be integrated directly into the supporting structure of the joining tool (e.g., screw system) or the housing of the device. In addition to improved energy efficiency, this also allows for a more compact design. Atlas Copco IAS GmbH, Case: 13N2024PA1071DE

[0030] The electric actuator can comprise an electromechanical drive unit, an electric motor, or a voice coil motor. This enables a highly efficient, controlled, and fast drive for moving the locking element.

[0031] In embodiments, the electric drive unit and / or the electric actuator each comprise an electromechanical drive unit, an electric motor or a voice coil motor.

[0032] To monitor the device's function, the control unit can be configured to detect or monitor the position of the locking element (locking bolt), for example, via the position of the coil (coil of the moving-coil motor). Additional sensors for detecting the end positions are then unnecessary.

[0033] The control unit can be configured to detect the speed of movement of the recording unit and / or the power required to generate that movement. This provides information about the unit's condition, which can be used for maintenance purposes.

[0034] The device may include (integrated into the device) decentralized intelligence for controlling the device and / or for capturing and storing one or more of the following data:

[0035] Serial number

[0036] Number of cycles

[0037] Storage and transmission of product properties (plant configuration)

[0038] Control of the module's basic functions (device)

[0039] Self-test after initial installation and in operation (e.g. daily test)

[0040] Storage of operational data as a basis for later maintenance

[0041] Remote access

[0042] Basis for preventive maintenance of the module (device)

[0043] The device may further include a microelectromechatronic system (MEMS). This can be integrated into the device (i.e., the functional module). With this system, for example, additional operating data such as accelerations and decelerations, and potentially improper handling, etc., can be recorded.

[0044] According to a second aspect of the invention, a joining tool is described, comprising a joining head and a device for redirecting connecting elements. The joining tool is configured to transport a connecting element from the output opening of the device via a feed section to the joining head of the joining tool.

[0045] Brief description of the characters

[0046] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in more detail below with reference to the drawing. Atlas Copco IAS GmbH, Case: 13N2024PA1071DE

[0047] Fig. 1 shows a joining tool with a device for deflecting connecting elements according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0048] Fig. 2 shows a device for deflecting connecting elements according to a further embodiment; and

[0049] Fig. 3 shows a device for deflecting connecting elements according to a further embodiment example.

[0050] Detailed description

[0051] In the figures, identical or corresponding elements are marked with the same reference numerals.

[0052] Fig. 1 shows a joining tool 200 with a device 100 for deflecting connecting elements 10. The device 100 comprises a feed opening 12 for a connecting element 10 and an output opening 14 for dispensing a connecting element 10. The device 100 further comprises a housing 110 and a receiving unit in the form of a sleeve 16, which forms a receptacle 18 for a connecting element 10. At one end of the sleeve 16, which faces the feed opening 12, the sleeve 16 has a receiving opening 20 for the receptacle 18.

[0053] The device 100 further comprises an electric drive unit 30, configured to move the sleeve 16 between a feed position of the sleeve 16, as shown in Fig. 1, and a discharge position of the sleeve 16. In the feed position, the sleeve 16 is arranged with the receiving opening 20 in front of the feed opening 12 and aligned with the feed opening 12. In the discharge position, the sleeve 16 is arranged with the receiving opening 20 in front of the discharge opening 14 and aligned with the discharge opening 14. The electric drive unit 30 is directly connected to the sleeve 16. The electric drive unit 30 is, for example, an electric motor drive unit and is configured to perform a linear movement, thereby moving the sleeve 16 in a linear motion to transport the connecting element between the inlet position at the feed opening 12 and the outlet position at the discharge opening 14.The electric drive unit 30 can, for example, be a moving-coil motor. The repositioning of the sleeve 16 is symbolically represented in Fig. 1 by a double arrow 34. The sleeve 16 is repositioned transversely to its axial direction (longitudinal direction). The feed direction of the feed opening 12 and the output direction of the output opening 14 are parallel to each other and run in opposite directions.

[0054] The device 100 further comprises a locking element 40 configured to lock the receiving opening 20. The locking element 40 is arranged on the sleeve 16 and is moved / moved with it. The device 100 further comprises an electric actuator 42 configured to move the locking element 40 between the locked position on the sleeve 16 shown in Fig. 1 and a release position. The locking element 40 locks the sleeve in the locked position. Atlas Copco IAS GmbH, Case: 13N2024PA1071DE

[0055] 16 the receiving opening 20 of the sleeve 16 and releases the receiving opening 20 of the sleeve 16 in the release position.

[0056] The joining tool 200 further comprises a joining head 210. The joining tool 200 is configured to transport a connecting element 12 from the output opening 14 of the device 100 via a feed section 220 to the joining head 210.

[0057] Fig. 2 shows another embodiment of the device 100. Differences from the embodiment of Fig. 1 are described below. The feed opening 12 is arranged offset by 90° from the outlet opening 14. The sleeve 16 is rotatably mounted in the device 100 and is rotated (reversed) by 90° by the electric drive unit 30.

[0058] Fig. 3 shows another embodiment of the device 100. Differences from the embodiment of Fig. 1 are described below. The feed opening 12 is arranged at an angle to the outlet opening 14. The angle is, for example, less than 90°. The sleeve 16 is pivotably mounted in the device 100 and is pivoted (moved) by the electric drive unit 30.

[0059] By moving the sleeve 16 as in Figure 1, rotating the sleeve 16 or the receptacle 18 in Figure 2, or pivoting as in Figure 3, the direction of the connecting element 10 is changed, i.e., reversed, so that the connecting element 10 is fed to the joining position with the shank leading and the joining tool 100 can act on the connecting element 10 by rotating at the head of the connecting element 10.

Claims

Atlas Copco IAS GmbH, Case: 13N2024PA1071DE Claims 1. Device (100) for deflecting connecting elements (10), comprising: a feed opening (12) for a connecting element (10); an output opening (14) for dispensing a connecting element (10); a sleeve (16) forming a receptacle (18) for a connecting element (10) and having a receiving opening (20) at one end of the sleeve (16); an electric drive unit (30) configured to move the sleeve (16) between a feed position of the sleeve (16) and a dispensing position of the sleeve (16), wherein in the feed position the sleeve (16) is arranged with the receiving opening (20) in front of the feed opening (12) and is aligned with the feed opening (12), and in the dispensing position the sleeve (16) is arranged with the receiving opening (20) in front of the output opening (14) and is aligned with the output opening (14).

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the device (100) further comprises a locking element (40) configured to lock the receiving opening (20), wherein the locking element (40) is arranged on the sleeve (16); and an electrical actuator (42) configured to move the locking element (40) between a locking position on the sleeve (16) and a release position, wherein the locking element (40) locks the receiving opening (20) in the locking position and releases the receiving opening (20) in the release position.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electric drive unit (30) and / or the electric actuator (42) each comprises an electromechanical drive unit, an electric motor, or a voice coil motor.

4. Joining tool (200) with a joining head (210) and with a device (100) for deflecting connecting elements (12) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the joining tool (200) is configured to transport a connecting element (12) from the output opening (14) of the device (100) via a feed section (220) to the joining head (210) of the joining tool (200).

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