DE102009040764A1 - Magazine, loading station and processing device for fasteners and a method of feeding fasteners to the processing device and magazine - Google Patents

Abstract

Magazine 1; 100 with which a plurality of connecting elements V can be fed to a processing device 200 and which has the following features: a plurality of holding positions 10 arranged at a distance from one another; 110 on each of which a connecting element V can be detachably held, while the holding positions 10; 110 of magazine 1; 100 are refillable and the magazine 1; 100 is interchangeably attachable to processing device 200.

Description

1. Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a magazine with which a plurality of connecting elements can be fed to a processing device. Furthermore, the present invention is directed to a charging station on which the magazine can be loaded with connecting elements. In addition, the present invention relates to a processing device, in particular a setting device, which is used together with the magazine and / or the charging station. Finally, the present invention relates to a feeding method in which fasteners can be supplied to the processing apparatus by means of the magazine, and to a feeding method with which connecting elements can be loaded into the magazine.

2. Background of the invention

In the prior art, for example rivet setting devices are known as processing equipment, which punched rivets are supplied for the connection of components. According to an alternative, the rivets are shot directly to the setting head of the setting device within a channel. This channel can have a profiled cross-section, for example a T-shaped cross-section, so that the collapsed rivets arrive at the setting head in a position-oriented manner. In addition, it is known to feed the rivets individually or in a row adjoining one another to the setting device in such feed channels. According to another alternative, rivets to be processed are fastened to individual positions in a strip which is fed to the setting head of a setting device. The rivets are then placed directly out of the strip into the components to be joined together.

According to another alternative, the in WO 2006/103263 is described to be processed rivets stored in a rotating magazine on setting device. The circulating magazine in the form of a circular disk has along its circumference a plurality of storage chambers for each one connecting element. While a rivet is dispensed in the direction of the set head at a removal position, it is possible via an oppositely arranged feed position to refill an empty chamber of the magazine. The magazine is permanently connected to the setting device and is moved along with it to the respective joints to be operated.

WO 2006/084847 describes a column of individual rivets provided near the setting head. For each setting operation, a rivet is removed at the lower end of the rivet column and fed to the setting head. Here, the permanently attached to the setting tool magazine is thus formed by a channel in which several rivets can accumulate in the form of a rivet column.

WO 2007/031701 describes a magazine construction on the setting tool, which is constructed similar to a rail. Once this magazine construction attaches to a charging station, rivets may be blown into this magazine construction individually or in groups by air blast. The rivets are thus transported contiguously starting from this magazine construction to the setting head, where they can wedge each other and thus prevent further supply of the setting head with rivets. In addition, the magazine is permanently attached to the setting device so that its interference contour has a negative effect on joining joints that are difficult to access.

It is therefore the problem of the present invention to provide an effective alternative for the supply of connecting elements to processing devices, in particular to a setting device, which ensures both a low interference contour of the processing device as well as an efficient operation of the processing device.

3. Summary of the invention

The above problem is solved by a magazine according to independent claim 1, with which a plurality of connecting elements can be fed to a processing device. Furthermore contributes to the solution of the problem, a charging station according to the independent claim 13, to which the above magazine is loaded with connecting elements. In addition, a processing device, in particular a setting device, in combination with the above-mentioned magazine according to the independent claim 17 solves the technical problem posed. Furthermore, the present invention comprises a feeding method of connecting elements to the magazine-processing machine according to independent claim 20 and a feeding method of connecting elements to the magazine according to claim 24. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention will become apparent from the description, the drawings and the appended claims.

The magazine according to the invention, with which a plurality of connecting elements can be fed to a processing device, has the following features: a plurality of holding positions spaced from each other, on each of which a connecting element is releasably durable or fastened, while the holding positions of the magazine are refillable and the magazine is replaceable fastened to the processing device.

The magazine according to the invention is a storage unit for a plurality of fasteners, preferably rivets or bolts, is. This storage unit is not permanently attached to the processing device, but is in the filled state on the processing device, for example, near the setting head, arranged and removed after emptying of the processing device. Due to its limited space, the refillable magazine forms a lower interference contour compared to the prior art, which is connected during operation of the processing device with this. In addition, an efficient operation of the processing device is ensured by the fact that the magazine is just not permanently attached to the processing device and refilled there, but after its emptying against a full magazine is interchangeable. In this way, downtime of the processing device is avoided, since during operation of the processing device based on a full magazine filling of a previously removed from the processing device empty magazine can take place.

Depending on the size of the magazine, a defined number of holding positions for each one connecting element in the magazine is provided. These holding positions are preferably characterized by the fact that the connecting elements in these holding positions are positionally durable preserved or fastened. This bearing orientation facilitates the individual removal of the connecting elements and the further supply to a processing point of the processing device. In addition, the separate holding the connecting elements in the spaced-apart holding positions is advantageous because the stored fasteners are gently held and transported. In comparison, the transport and storage of fasteners that are permanently adjacent to each other, adverse wear on fastener and magazine result. In the following, a rivet setting device is given as an example for a processing device. Nonetheless, the term "processing apparatus" also means a bolt setting device or a device for fastening supplied screws or similar connecting elements.

According to a preferred embodiment, the magazine according to the invention comprises a driven and circumferentially movable toothed belt, wherein the intermediate space between two adjacent teeth each forms a holding position. Furthermore, a sub-head guide is preferably arranged adjacent to the intermediate spaces in order to limit the intermediate spaces forming the holding position in each case on a side facing away from the toothed belt.

In this magazine construction, a toothed belt runs motor-driven, for example in an oval. In each case between two adjacent teeth, a gap is provided which serves to receive a connecting element and in this way forms a holding position. The connecting element is held in that a lower head guide limits the space between the two adjacent teeth relative to the toothed belt. This construction is particularly suitable for fasteners with a head, since the lower head guide forms an undercut for the head of the connecting element. Should the fastener to be fastened not have a head, it is also preferable to limit the holding position between two adjacent teeth of the toothed belt opposite to the toothed belt and at least the lower of the end faces of the gap in each case by a wall. In this way, a chamber-like space is formed between two adjacent teeth, in each of which a connecting element is receivable.

It is further preferred to provide a head guide to limit the holding positions across the gaps, so that fasteners are secured with a head against falling out in any position of the magazine.

This constructive embodiment is used to limit the respective holding position in all three spatial directions, so that a held in the holding position connecting element, regardless of the orientation of the holding position can not fall out of this. In this way, it is ensured that the magazine can also be used, for example, on a setting device in overhead operation. Regardless of the orientation of the magazine thus the fasteners in any position from the magazine can be fed to the setting tool. Since the holding positions are completed in all three spatial directions, gravity just does not lead to unintentionally remove a connecting element from a holding position.

According to a further embodiment, the magazine has a combined removal-loading position or a separate removal position and a separate loading position. In the removal-loading position mentioned as well as in the separate removal position and in the separate loading position, it is possible to remove a connecting element from a specific holding position or to refill or fill this holding position with a new connecting element. The unloading loading position or the separate unloading and loading position are provided, according to a preferred construction, by an aperture or aperture in the above-mentioned sub-head guide to ensure access by a picking mechanism to the holding position respectively located at the aperture. In terms of mentioned alternatives, preferably only such a breakthrough is used, on the one hand to unload the holding positions of the magazine and on the other hand to fill the holding position of the magazine again with new fasteners. However, it is also preferable to provide the removal position and the loading position at different locations of the magazine. In order to be able to selectively control the removal and loading position, the toothed belt is preferably movable such that individual holding positions can be specifically arranged at the combined removal-loading position or the removal and loading positions. This is preferably realized by a clocked drive of the toothed belt. In this context, it is also conceivable to refer to the various holding positions of the magazine, so that different holding positions with different types of fasteners can be equipped and then targeted due to the reference but also targeted.

It is furthermore preferred to provide the magazine with memory planes arranged parallel to one another. For this purpose, the magazine has a plurality of toothed belts running parallel to one another with corresponding holding positions which are movable independently of one another and whose holding positions can be selectively loaded and unloaded. For this magazine, which has at least two levels of holding positions, the same design details are used, which have been nicely described above. Only the construction described above is repeated at each level of the magazine.

Furthermore, the magazine preferably comprises a releasable fastening device with which it can be detachably fastened to the processing device and / or to a charging station.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the magazine has a chain-like arrangement of ring-like guide elements in flexible connection with holding elements, while in each case at least one holding position is formed in the holding elements. These holding elements are equipped according to an embodiment with two oppositely arranged resilient gripping arms for holding in each case a connecting element.

The said ring-like guide elements serve to arrange the magazine in a transport hose. On the one hand, these guide elements realize an advantageous support of the magazine within the transport tube and furthermore they ensure the position of the holding elements. Such a magazine arrangement is transported for example within a standard tube with a round cross-section with the aid of an air blast to the processing device. As soon as it has been received on a processing device in a receiving device, the individual holding positions of the holding elements are selectively dischargeable.

It is also preferred to provide the holding elements with a star-shaped arrangement of at least two holding chambers, in each of which a connecting element can be received.

The present invention also comprises a charging station, to which the magazine described above can be loaded with connecting elements. The loading station has the following features: a feed station for feeding individual fasteners to the magazine, preferably with a feed hose, and a holding arm with a fastening unit, so that the magazine can be detachably fastened and connected to the feed station. Preferably, a holding arm is provided at the loading station, which can be moved back and forth, in particular pivotable, between a transfer position at which a magazine can be taken over by a processing device and a filling position at which the magazine can be filled with connecting elements.

The preferred design of the charging station ensures that an empty magazine can be taken over by the processing device and refilled at the charging station without any loss of time. Simultaneously with the takeover, a full magazine is preferably transferred to the processing device, so that during the filling of the empty magazine, a further setting of connecting elements can take place with the setting device. The transfer of a magazine to be filled from the setting tool to the charging station takes place at the said transfer position, while the magazine is then transferred to the filling position for refilling. To avoid downtime of the setting device, as mentioned above, an empty magazine removed from the setting device and subsequently equipped the setting device with a refilled magazine. For this purpose, the retaining arm of the charging station preferably has at least two fastening units at different ends, so that at least two magazines are durable at the same time by the retaining arm. For example, if the support arm is rotatable or pivotable, swiveling the support arm allows the empty magazine at one end of the support arm to be replaced with a full magazine at the other end of the support arm and fed to the processing device.

In order to realize the refilling of a magazine, the charging station according to one embodiment comprises a linearly movable actuator, with each of which a connecting element of a holding position of the magazine at a loading position or at a combined removal-loading position can be fed.

The present invention also includes a processing device, in particular a setting device, with a magazine, as has already been described above. The processing apparatus has the following features: a receiving device with which the magazine is replaceable fastened to the processing device, a feed device with which the magazine or a removal device or the holding positions in the magazine are movable such that in each case a holding position of the magazine with a connecting element a removal point is positionable to remove with the removal device, the connecting element of the holding position and supply a processing head of the processing device.

The processing device according to the invention uses exchangeable magazines that can be refilled with connecting elements. For this purpose, a full magazine is attached by a receiving device on the processing unit and is released from this again, as soon as the magazine has been emptied. In order to be able to remove the connecting elements from the magazine during operation of the processing device, an advancing device positions the holding positions of the magazine such that connecting elements can be removed from the holding positions at a removal point. For this purpose, either the magazine or the holding positions are moved in the magazine. It is also conceivable that the magazine is held immovably in the receiving device. In this case, the feed device moves a removal device respectively to the holding positions of the non-movable magazine to remove the there stored connection elements. After removal, the fasteners are fed to the processing head of the processing equipment.

According to a preferred embodiment, the removal device of the processing device comprises a removal arm, which is between the holding position and a discharge position for connecting elements back and forth, preferably linearly movable, is. For this purpose, a slide or an air nozzle is provided adjacent to the discharge position for a withdrawn connecting element and opposite to this / this an open end of a discharge channel for connecting elements. Based on this construction, a connection member extracted from a holding position can be transferred from the discharge position to the discharge channel by means of the spool or the air nozzle and then transported to the processing head of the processing apparatus with the discharge channel.

The present invention also discloses a feeding method of connecting elements to the processing apparatus having the above-described magazine construction. This feeding method comprises the following steps: supplying the magazine with a plurality of releasably held in holding positions of the magazine fasteners to the processing device, preferably a setting device, stepwise moving the magazine or the holding position in the magazine or a removal device, whereby each holding position of the magazine with a Connecting element can be positioned at a sampling point, individually removing the fasteners from the magazine by means of the removal device and transferred to a discharge channel for fasteners, with which they are a processing head, preferably a setting head, can be fed and replacing the magazine on the processing device. Preferably, this feeding method is supplemented by the following steps: reciprocating a removal arm as a removal device between the holding position of the magazine and a discharge position for connecting elements and subsequent transfer of the connecting elements by means of slide under air blast from an air nozzle in the discharge channel.

It is further preferred to transport the magazine to a loading station, in which the processing device is moved by means of a robot to the loading station. The loading station then loads the individual holding positions of the magazine, each with a connecting element, and subsequently the refilled magazine is attached to the processing device after the robot has moved the processing device to the loading station.

The present invention also discloses a feeding method of fasteners to a magazine as described above. This feeding method comprises the following steps: Loading the individual holding positions of the magazine, each with a connecting element by reciprocating a loading arm in the form of a movable actuator and in coordination with the movement of the loading arm each delivering an empty holding position to the loading arm, so that the connecting element from Beladearm by the holding position is accepted. In a further preferred embodiment, the feeding method comprises the step of transporting the magazine to a loading station, in particular by moving a processing device by means of a robot to the loading station, as has been described above.

4. Brief description of the accompanying drawings

The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

1 a first preferred embodiment of a magazine without fasteners,

2 the first preferred embodiment of the magazine according to 1 with fastening elements,

3 to 5 preferred embodiments of holding elements of the magazine 1 .

6 a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of another magazine,

7 the magazine off 6 in a sectional view,

8th an enlarged detail according to the in 7 shown section,

9 a schematic representation of the filling of the magazine according to 6 at a charging station,

10 a schematic representation of the unloading of the magazine according to 6 on a processing device,

11 a schematic representation of a preferred charging station with a setting device installed on a robot,

12 the schematic arrangement 11 while the robot takes over the magazine from the charging station or hands it over to the charging station,

13 a preferred arrangement of a setting device with C-bracket, permanently installed drive for a magazine and discharge device with discharge hose,

14 a preferred arrangement of the loading of the charging station 11 .

15 Flowchart illustrating a preferred method of feeding rivets and

16 Flowchart illustrating a preferred loading method for a magazine.

5. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

A first embodiment of a magazine 1 for storing connecting elements V and supplying them to a processing device 200 is in 1 and 2 shown. The group of fasteners V which are magazineable with the magazine solution described herein include screws, bolts, nails, rivets, to name just a few examples. Hereinafter, to simplify the description, only rivets will be referred to as connecting element V.

The magazine 1 according to 1 and 2 consists of a chain-like arrangement of a plurality of ring-like guide elements 30 and a plurality of holding elements 40 , The guide elements 30 and holding elements 40 are flexibly or movably connected. It is preferred, a holding element 40 between two guide elements 30 to arrange. A holding element 40 each represents at least one stop position 10 ready for a rivet V. According to the number of rivets V to be transported in the magazine 1 The length of the magazine is freely selectable and adjustable. For this purpose, the required number of retaining elements 40 with adjacent guide elements 30 combined.

The magazine 1 is preferred in a hose of a charging station 300 or a processing device 200 shot down with the help of a puff of air. While the group of processing equipment 200 Bolt firing devices, riveting tools, screwdrivers, nail guns and the like, will be exemplified hereinafter for processing equipment 200 to a setting tool for setting rivets V reference.

When moving the magazine 1 in a hose (not shown) serve the guide elements 30 the leadership of the magazine 1 inside the hose. The outer contour of the guide elements 30 is therefore preferably adapted to the inner cross-sectional contour of the hose. Although round hoses are widely used, other cross-sectional contours of hoses are also conceivable. Accordingly, then the annular guide element would 30 be adapted in its outer shape to the inner cross-sectional contour of the hose.

The guide elements 30 are movable with the holding elements 40 connected. The flexible connection of the retaining element 40 to the adjacent guide element 30 will about the in 3 realized lateral snap closures realized. These provide a movable connection with appropriately adapted connecting elements on the guide element 30 ago. In addition to the flexibility of these snaps they are also detachable, so the length of a magazine 1 is arbitrarily customizable by adding more guide elements 30 and holding elements 40 be added or removed. The flexibility of the magazine 1 ensures that the magazine 1 despite a certain length, too Can pass through hose bends without getting stuck in the hose. In this movement of the magazine 1 the shape of the magazine fits in the tube 1 to the shape of the hose.

In the 3 to 5 are various preferred embodiments of the retaining element 40 shown. According to an embodiment, in 3 is illustrated includes the retaining element 40 two oppositely arranged resilient gripping arms 42 . 44 , A rivet V is placed between the gripping arms 42 . 44 kept detachable.

According to a further embodiment of the retaining element 40 that in the 4 and 5 is shown, the holding element comprises 40 a plurality of holding chambers 50 , In a holding chamber 50 In each case a rivet V is detachably durable. In addition, it is conceivable, the rivet V from the respective holding chamber 50 with the help of a pin (not shown) to solve. The pin engages for this purpose through an opening at the back of each holding chamber 50 in the holding chamber 50 and thereby pushes the held or stored rivet V out of the holding chamber 50 out.

Preferably, the holding chambers 50 arranged in a star shape. The holding element 40 includes at least two holding chambers 50 while according to 4 and 5 three or four holding chambers 50 are arranged in a star shape.

In the various embodiments of the retaining element 40 the rivet or V are kept oriented position, so they, for example, the setting tool 200 can be fed to the setting head with less effort than would be the case with non-aligned rivets V. The magazine 1 is preferably loaded at a separator for rivets V with rivets V and then in grooved condition by hose the setting tool 200 been shot. It is also preferred, an empty magazine 1 a charging station 300 to shoot there, around the empty magazine 1 to fill. After filling the magazine 1 is preferably an empty magazine 1 at the setting tool 200 against a newly filled magazine 1 replaced. For this purpose, in turn, the subsidy of the newly filled magazine 1 to the setting device 200 by hose and air blast. Through this exchange of an empty magazine 1 against a filled magazine 1 at the setting tool 200 downtime of the setting device 200 reduced compared to the prior art. It is therefore preferred to have at least two magazines 1 in combination with a setting tool 200 to realize the reduced downtime.

Another embodiment of a magazine 100 is in the 6 to 8th shown. The magazine 100 stores in a cassette-like arrangement consisting of the elements 130 . 140 a defined number of rivets V. To provide the individual stop positions 110 for every rivet V is a toothed belt 120 revolving around two gears 170 arranged. The gears 170 are preferably driven by means of a motor (not shown). This is according to different embodiments, an electric servomotor, an electric stepper motor or a pneumatic clock motor. With the help of these motors or similar drive arrangements are the holding positions 110 individually and selectively approachable. A corresponding control takes over the operation of the motor used. In this context, it is also preferable that the different stop positions 110 are referenced. On this basis are the holding positions 110 Approachable directly according to your reference. This allows different types of rivets in referenced holding positions 110 stored and removed from them in a desired order.

According to a preferred embodiment, the drive or motor M is permanent with the magazine 100 connected. Will this construction of engine M and magazine 100 with the setting tool 200 (see below) or the charging station 300 (see below), the magazine becomes 100 corresponding mechanically and the motor electrically, pneumatically or similarly coupled.

It is also preferred, a drive or feed unit, preferably the above drive M, of the magazine 100 permanently on the setting tool 200 and at the charging station 300 provided. Once the magazine 100 at the setting tool 200 or at the charging station 300 coupled, the feed unit (not shown) or the drive M with at least one of the gears 170 of the magazine 100 connected. Based on this connection, the feed unit / drive M moves the toothed belt 120 controlled in the same way as a permanently connected motor would. Therefore, the feed unit / drive M also includes one of the drive alternatives discussed above in connection with the permanently installed engine. Such an arrangement is exemplary in the 13 and 14 shown schematically.

Is preferred only the cassette-shaped magazine 100 without drive on the setting tool 200 ( 13 ) and / or at the charging station 300 ( 14 ), the feed unit / drive M is in each case next to the removal device 230 (see below) of the setting device 200 and / or next to a movable loading arm 360 the charging station 300 Installed. The gear 170 of the magazine 100 preferably couples via a transmission to the existing drive M for the magazine 100 at. In the same way as the engine of the magazine 100 each permanently on the setting device 200 and at the charging station 300 is installed, are also preferred the removal device with takeout 232 and discharge channel 390 (see below) on the setting tool 200 , preferably on the C-frame, as well as the loading device with loading arm 360 and feeding tube 320 at the charging station 300 Installed.

The circumferentially arranged toothed belt 120 includes a plurality of spaces 122 each with two adjacent teeth 124 . 126 , The gap 122 with the neighboring teeth 124 . 126 defines one stop position each 110 for a rivet V. To the rivet V in the holding position 110 to hold is opposite the timing belt 120 preferably a Unterkopfführung 130 arranged (cf. 8th ). The lower head guide 130 as well as the teeth 124 . 126 each form an undercut for the head of the rivet V to this in the holding position 110 to keep. Will the timing belt 120 over the gears 170 moved circumferentially, the heads of the held rivet V slide on the lower head guide 130 along.

Because the magazine 100 preferably in overhead operation on a setting tool 200 is used, is also a head guide 140 similar to a lid in the cassette-like arrangement of the magazine 100 provided (cf. 6 to 8th ). The head guide 140 is arranged adjacent to the heads of the stored rivets V, so that they are not in the overhead operation due to gravity from the stop positions 110 can fall out. It is also conceivable, the magazine 100 without head support 140 to provide when the magazine 100 not used in overhead operation.

The cover-like head guide 140 is about the attachment device 160 on the magazine 100 attached. About the fastening device 160 is also preferably a releasable connection with the setting tool 200 and / or a charging station 300 (see below) can be produced. The releasable fastening device 160 consists of two pins, each with at least one detent recess 162 , so that a releasable locking connection with an arm 320 the charging station 300 or with a suitable holder on the setting tool 200 can be produced.

According to 6 is the circulating, the magazine 100 limiting subheading 130 in at least one position 150 breached. This breakthrough serves as a combined unload-load position 150 , about the rivet V the magazine 100 can be removed and fed. It is also preferred to provide a removal and a loading position separately from each other, for example on opposite longitudinal sides of the magazine 100 (Not shown). Through the controlled movement of the toothed belt 120 are the stop positions 110 individually and specifically for the combined unloading loading position 150 and also movable to the separate loading and unloading positions (not shown) for loading or unloading rivets V.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, not shown, there are at least two cassette-shaped magazines 100 according to 6 arranged one above the other. The several superimposed magazines 100 thus form separate storage levels for rivets V within a combined magazine. The multiple storage levels of the combined magazine include parallel timing belts 120 that have the appropriate stop positions 110 each storage level (see above). The several timing belts 120 are movable together or separately from each other by a common or individual drives (see above) to load and unload the rivet V targeted. Based on this construction, first the storage capacity of the magazine 100 elevated.

In addition, different rivet types can be stored in different levels of a magazine. Since the rivet types are arranged separately, they are also easier or with a lower tax expense for the corresponding joints of the combined magazine removed. Accordingly, depending on the approached joint each of the corresponding rivet from one or the other memory level via a corresponding opening 150 the respective storage level can be removed. According to one embodiment, in this arrangement, each memory level or each cartridge-shaped magazine 100 his own removal device, with the rivets V are removed individually the holding positions. It is likewise preferred to arrange a removal device which can be moved between the storage planes and which accesses the desired storage level in accordance with a connected electronic control. On this design basis, the holding positions can be accessed in all storage levels or in multiple storage levels with only one removal device. In analogy to the removal device described here, it is also preferable to construct the charging device (see below) accordingly, ie one charging device per level or one charging device for all or several levels.

It is also preferred, the removal openings 150 the individual storage levels via a switch with only one discharge hose 390 connect to. The switch is rigid or switchable between the removal openings. Moreover, it is conceivable to open and close individual channels of the switch in a controlled manner. In this way, rivets can already be removed from the holding position and pre-positioned in the switch. At the time of the desired rivet supply, the switch is opened and the rivet in the discharge channel 390 transferred.

The magazine 100 is preferred to a charging station 300 transported (S100) and loaded there, the exemplary in 11 is shown. The charging station 300 includes a supply station 310 , in the rivet V, initially isolated and position-oriented. Below they are via a supply hose 320 continue to the magazine 100 transported. The magazine 100 is preferred on a support arm 330 held. The holding arm 330 includes for this purpose each at its opposite ends 332 and 334 a fixing unit 336 , The fastening units 336 are to the attachment device 160 of the magazine 100 can be coupled to the magazine 100 on the support arm 320 to keep (cf. 11 . 12 . 14 ). It is also preferred, only one end 332 . 334 of the holding arm with a fixing unit 336 equip.

The holding arm 320 is preferably pivotally mounted. On this constructive basis, the ends can 332 and 334 with its attachment unit 336 each from a takeover position 340 in a filling position 350 be pivoted (cf. 11 . 14 ). In the takeover position 340 couples the mounting unit 336 to the fastening device 160 of the magazine 100 and thereby takes over the magazine 100 from the setting tool 200 , In the context of this takeover leads the lever 330 prefers a lifting movement to the magazine 100 from the setting tool 200 to remove (cf. 14 ). Subsequently, the lever pivots 330 the magazine 100 from the takeover position 340 in the filling position 350 and descends there in the opposite direction to the previous stroke movement. By lowering the breakthrough in the circumferentially arranged lower head guide 130 who joined the combined pick-loading position 150 located opposite a loading arm 360 according to 9 arranged.

The loading arm 360 is preferably a linearly movable actuator, while also pivoting or rotating actuators for realizing this function are possible. The loading arm 360 has a U-shaped function end (see 9 ), with which he attacks a supplied rivet V. The rivet V is over the supply hose 320 in the direction of the arrow P1 from the feed station 310 supplied (see 9 ). At the end of the supply hose 320 takes over the loading arm 360 the supplied rivet V. After taking over the rivet V moves the Beladearm 360 through the breakthrough at the loading-unloading position 150 to an empty stop position 110 in the direction of the arrow P2 (S200). The empty stop position 110 was previously by targeted movement of the rotating toothed belt 120 in the direction of arrow P3 at the breakthrough of the loading-unloading position 150 positioned (S300, S7). As soon as the loading arm 360 the rivet V to the stop position 110 has passed, the timing belt moves 120 in the direction of arrow P3 to a stop position 110 further. During this movement of the toothed belt 120 the rivet V becomes the newly loaded stop position 110 taken along by the adjacent Unterkopfführung 130 is closed. The entrainment of the rivet V is possible because the loading arm 360 in the direction of movement of the toothed belt 120 is designed to be open at its U-shaped functional end. After taking over the rivet V by the holding position 110 of the toothed belt 120 the loading arm moves 360 in the direction of arrow P4 back to its starting position (S200) and a new loading process can begin.

After that, the magazine 100 has been fully loaded (see also 16 ), it gets to the setting tool 200 pass (S1 in 13 . 15 ). Preferably, the transfer of the newly loaded magazine takes place 100 together with the takeover of an empty magazine 100 from the setting tool 200 (S100, S6). To do this, the robot moves 400 the setting tool 200 with empty magazine 100 to the takeover position 340 , At the takeover position 340 is through the attachment unit 336 at the end 334 of the support arm 330 the empty magazine 100 from the setting tool 200 accepted. At the same time by the fastening unit 336 at the end 332 of the support arm 330 the newly loaded magazine 100 taken over (cf. 12 ). By a preferred lifting movement of the support arm 330 vertically upwards in 12 become the magazines 100 at the ends 332 and 334 raised. Thereafter, the holding arm pivots 330 preferably around 180 °, so that the magazines 100 in takeover 340 and filling position 350 be exchanged for each other. Finally, the holding arm 330 preferably lowered. This will make the full magazine 100 at the setting tool 200 attached. In addition, in the filling position 350 the breakthrough of the empty magazine 100 at the loading-unloading position 150 opposite the loading arm 360 arranged. While the robot 400 the setting tool 200 Moves to the next joint, the loading process of the empty magazine begins 100 ,

In a similar way as loading the magazine 100 the unloading of the magazine takes place 100 at the setting tool 200 , The unloading or feeding process of rivets V on the setting tool 200 is in 10 illustrated. When attaching the magazine 100 at the setting tool 200 becomes the breakthrough at the loading-unloading position 150 opposite the removal arm 232 the removal device 230 arranged. The removal device 230 includes in addition to the removal arm designed as a linear actuator 232 a slider or an air nozzle 380 and a discharge channel 390 , The discharge channel 390 ends opposite the air nozzle 380 , With the discharge channel 390 The individual rivets V are the setting head of the setting device 200 supplied (see. 11 ).

To a rivet V the setting head on the discharge channel 390 to feed, the removal arm moves 232 in the direction of arrow P6 through the breakthrough at the loading-unloading position 150 in a holding position 110 without rivet V. Then the timing belt 120 in the direction of the arrow P7 moves (S2), so that the removal arm 232 equipped with a rivet V. Once the rivet V from the U-shaped receptacle of the removal arm 232 has been adopted, the removal arm moves 232 in the direction of the arrow P8 (S3, S4). As a result of the movement in the direction of the arrow P8, the rivet V becomes in front of the opening of the discharge channel 390 and the air nozzle or the slider 380 in a discharge position 370 positioned. Now, a movement of the slider or a puff of air from the air nozzle 380 in the direction of the arrow P9, leaving the rivet V over the discharge channel 390 the setting head is supplied (S4, S5). It is also conceivable, for example, when unloading screws from the magazine 100 this from the removal arm 232 by air blast or slider 380 to solve and in 10 drop vertically down into a discharge channel arranged there.

After the rivet V in the discharge channel 390 has been transferred, repeat the steps described above to remove more rivets V from the magazine 100 ,

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 2006/103263 [0003]
• WO 2006/084847 [0004]
• WO 2007/031701 [0005]

Claims (26)

Magazine ( 1 ; 100 ), with which a plurality of connecting elements (V) a processing device ( 200 ) and which has the following features: a. a plurality of spaced apart holding positions ( 10 ; 110 ), to each of which a connecting element (V) is removably durable while b. the holding positions ( 10 ; 110 ) of the magazine ( 1 ; 100 ) are refillable and c. the magazine ( 1 ; 100 ) on the processing device ( 200 ) is replaceable fastened. Magazine ( 1 ; 100 ) according to claim 1, in the holding positions ( 10 ; 110 ), the connecting elements (V) are positionally durable. Magazine ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a driven and revolving toothed belt ( 120 ), in which the intermediate space ( 122 ) between two adjacent teeth ( 124 ; 126 ) each one holding position ( 110 ). Magazine ( 100 ) according to claim 3, comprising a lower head guide ( 130 ) adjacent to the intermediate spaces ( 122 ) to the interspaces ( 122 ) each at one of the toothed belt ( 120 ) side facing away. Magazine ( 100 ) according to claim 3, which has a head guide ( 140 ) to the holding positions ( 100 ) across the gaps ( 120 ), so that fasteners (V) with a head against falling out in any position of the magazine ( 100 ) are secured. Magazine ( 100 ) according to one of claims 3 to 5, which has a combined unloading loading position ( 150 ) or a separate unloading and a separate loading position. Magazine ( 100 ) according to claim 6, whose toothed belt ( 120 ) is movable such that individual holding positions ( 110 ) at the combined unloading loading position ( 150 ) or the removal and loading position can be positioned. Magazine ( 100 ) according to claim 3, comprising a plurality of mutually parallel toothed belts ( 120 ) which are independently movable and their holding positions ( 110 ) are specifically loaded and unloaded. Magazine ( 100 ) according to one of claims 3 to 8, comprising a releasable fastening device ( 160 ) on the processing device ( 200 ) and / or at a charging station ( 300 ) is releasably attachable. Magazine ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, which is a chain-like arrangement ( 20 ) of ring-like guide elements ( 30 ) in flexible connection with retaining elements ( 40 ), while in the holding elements ( 40 ) at least one holding position ( 10 ) is trained. Magazine ( 1 ) according to claim 10, whose retaining element ( 110 ) two oppositely arranged resilient gripping arms ( 42 . 44 ) for holding a connecting element (V). Magazine ( 1 ) according to claim 10, whose retaining element ( 40 ) a star-shaped arrangement of at least two holding chambers ( 50 ), in each of which a connecting element (V) is receivable. Charging station ( 300 ) on which a magazine ( 100 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 can be loaded with connecting elements (V) and which has the following features: a. a feed station ( 310 ) for feeding isolated fasteners (V) to the magazine ( 100 ), preferably with a supply hose ( 320 ), and b. a holding arm ( 330 ) with mounting unit, so that the magazine ( 100 ) releasably attachable and with the feed station ( 310 ) is connectable. Charging station ( 300 ) according to claim 13, the holding arm ( 330 ) between a transfer position ( 340 ) on which a magazine ( 100 ) from a processing device ( 200 ) is acceptable, and a filling position ( 350 ) on which the magazine ( 100 ) is filled with connecting elements (V), reciprocally movable, in particular pivotable, is. Charging station ( 300 ) according to claim 13 or 14, the holding arm ( 330 ) at different ends ( 332 . 334 ) has at least two fastening units, so that at least two magazines ( 100 ) simultaneously by the holding arm ( 330 ) are durable. Charging station ( 300 ) according to claim 13, comprising a linearly movable actuator ( 360 ), with each of which a connecting element (V) of a holding position ( 110 ) of the magazine ( 100 ) at a loading position ( 150 ) can be fed. Processing device ( 200 ), in particular a setting device, with a magazine ( 1 ; 100 ) according to one of claims 1 to 12, which has the following features: a. a receiving device ( 210 ), with which the magazine ( 100 ) exchangeable on the processing device ( 200 ), b. a feed device ( 220 ), with which the magazine ( 1 ) or a removal device ( 230 ) or the holding position in the magazine ( 100 ) is movable such that in each case a holding position ( 10 ; 110 ) of Magazine ( 1 ; 100 ) with a connecting element (V) at a removal point ( 240 ) is positionable, c. with the removal device ( 230 ) the connecting element (V) of the holding position ( 110 ) and a processing head of the processing device ( 200 ). Processing device ( 200 ) according to claim 17, the removal device ( 230 ) a removal arm ( 232 ) between the stop position ( 110 ) and a discharge position ( 370 ) for connecting elements (V) back and forth, preferably linearly movable, is. Processing device ( 200 ) according to claim 18, which is adjacent to the discharge position ( 370 ) a slide or an air nozzle ( 380 ) and opposite to it an open end of a discharge channel ( 390 ) has for connecting elements (V), so that a connecting element (V) from the discharge position ( 370 ) with the help of the slide or the air nozzle ( 380 ) in the discharge channel ( 390 ) and then with the discharge channel to the processing head of the processing device ( 300 ) is transportable. Supply method of connecting elements (V) to a processing device ( 300 ) with a magazine ( 1 ; 100 ) according to one of claims 1 to 12, comprising the following steps: a. Feeding a magazine ( 1 ; 100 ) with a plurality of holding positions ( 10 ; 110 ) of the magazine ( 1 ; 100 ) releasably held connecting elements (V) to the processing device ( 300 ), preferably a setting device, (S1) b. Gradually moving the magazine ( 1 ; 100 ) or holding positions ( 110 ) in the magazine ( 100 ) or a sampling device ( 230 ) (S2), whereby one holding position ( 10 ; 110 ) of the magazine ( 1 ; 100 ) with a connecting element at a removal point ( 240 ) is positionable, c. individual removal of the connecting elements (V) from the magazine ( 1 ; 100 ) by means of the removal device ( 230 ) (S3) and transfer to a discharge channel ( 390 ) for connecting elements (V) (S4), with which they (V) a processing head, preferably a setting head, can be fed and d. Replacing the magazine ( 1 ; 100 ) on the processing device ( 200 ) (S6). The feeding method according to claim 20, further comprising the step of: reciprocating a picking arm (FIG. 232 ) as a sampling device ( 230 ) between the holding position ( 10 ; 110 ) of the magazine ( 1 ; 100 ) and a discharge position ( 370 ) for connecting elements (V) (S4) and subsequent transfer of the connecting elements (V) by means of a slide or air blast from an air nozzle ( 380 ) in the discharge channel ( 390 ) (S5). A feeding method according to claim 20 or 21, comprising a magazine according to claim 3, comprising the further step of: incrementally displacing the revolving toothed belt ( 120 ) (S2), so that in each case a gap ( 122 ) between two teeth ( 124 . 126 ) is positioned at the sampling point. Feeding method according to one of Claims 20 to 22 with a magazine ( 100 ) according to one of claims 3 to 9, with the further step: transporting the magazine ( 100 ) to a charging station ( 300 ) by moving the processing device ( 200 ) by means of robots ( 400 ) to the charging station ( 300 ) (S7), preferably a charging station ( 300 ) according to one of claims 13 to 16, loading the individual holding positions ( 110 ) of the magazine ( 100 ) each with a connecting element (V) (S8) and attaching the refilled magazine ( 100 ) on the processing device ( 200 ) (S9) after the robot ( 400 ) the processing device ( 300 ) has moved to the charging station. The feeding method according to claim 20, further comprising the step of: processing in the holding positions ( 110 ) fasteners (V) of the first magazine ( 100 ) simultaneously with a loading of the holding positions ( 110 ) of a second magazine ( 100 ) with connecting elements (V). Feeding method of connecting elements (V) to a magazine ( 100 ) according to one of claims 3 to 9, comprising the following steps: loading of the individual holding positions ( 110 ) of the magazine ( 100 ) each having a connecting element (V) by reciprocating a loading arm ( 360 ) in the form of a movable actuator (S200) and in coordination with the movement of the loading arm ( 360 ), Each deliver an empty stop position ( 110 ) to the loading arm ( 360 ), so that the connecting element (V) from the loading arm ( 360 ) by the holding position ( 110 ) is acceptable (S300). A feeding method according to claim 25, comprising the further step of: transporting the magazine ( 100 ) to a loading station (S100), in particular by moving the processing device ( 200 ) by means of robots ( 400 ) to the charging station ( 300 ) (S7), preferably a charging station ( 300 ) according to any one of claims 13 to 16.

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