EP1079955B1 - Device for placing a mechanical retaining means - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for placing mechanical retaining means, comprising first means for setting, limiting and/or measuring a path or a length or a distance during placement of the retaining means, and second means for setting, limiting and/or measuring at least one force component at the level of the retaining means, which force component is produced either when said path is travelled or exceeded at the retaining means or by the retaining means itself.

Description

The present invention relates to an arrangement device a mechanical holding member, an arrangement for fastening or pressing a clamp, clamp or a press ring, a use of the device or arrangement for arranging, Clamping or pressing of clamps, clips, clamps or Press rings and a method for controlled and monitored Arranging a mechanical holding element.

In the course of company certifications, for example after ISO9000, ISO9001, ISO9002 etc. as well as other standards the aspect of quality control or assurance and monitoring of production and assembly processes increased importance attached.

Especially in the machine and automotive industries it is important that every component or every Part, on the one hand, in terms of the quality of the materials as well as certain with regard to the assembly of the parts Meet quality standards. In addition, it is also important besides the material data also the assembly process at any time, i.e. also at a later time, check and understand to be able to. This especially if damage or accidents occur, so that any defective parts or defective Assembly can be determined to clarify whether this is the cause for the damage or accident.

Material data has been recorded for a long time this by specifying the production data, so-called "batch data or batch data ", or of production units, or but by reference to quality reports, journals and like.

On the other hand, information about assembly is often missing, especially when it comes to Merging several components, which by means of mechanical Holding means, such as clamps, clips and the like, held together, assembled or connected together become.

DE 40 14 221, DE 40 38 653 and DE 298 06 179 describe devices, Procedures and quality assurance procedures related with crimping or shrinking, for example Clamping rings and fittings are described, usually Clamps or compression rings can be shrunk using clamping jaws. US-A-5 410 903 discloses an arrangement for attaching a Holding member with a clamping member for attaching the Retaining member, which has a pincer-like element, which is hydraulically operable.

A shrinking tool is further described in EP 0 463 530, which is electronically controllable and which is suitable is for pressing or shrinking metal parts. The described However, tools are in no way suitable for pressing or arranging clamps or press rings of the input described type.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and propose a method to assemble or Quality control during assembly, especially with mechanical Holding means, such as clips, clamps, press rings and the like took place in production or machining processes to control or monitor and record if necessary.

According to the invention, the object is achieved by means of an arrangement according to the wording of claim 1 and by means of a Method according to the wording of claim 14 solved.

It is proposed that the arrangement according to the invention for Arrange a mechanical holding element first Clamping or pressing element for fastening, clamping or pressing ends Arranging the retaining member has which clamping or Press organ has a plier-like element which is hydraulic, is pneumatically or electromechanically operable. The distance of the jaws during the clamping process, the distance before the clamping process and after the clamping process has ended between the jaws as well as the closing gap, the speed of the clamping process and / or the clamping force adjustable or controllable. The arrangement further points first Means to set, limit and / or measure the distance traveled Path or distance, which when arranging the Retaining organ is covered or overcome and / or on Holding member is noticeable, and second means for adjustment, Limit and / or measure at least one force component on the holding element, which force component when covering or overcoming the distance on the holding member or by the holding organ is built up.

According to a further embodiment variant, there is at least one Drive provided and at least one connected to the drive Processing element for arranging the holding element, the first means for setting, limiting and / or measuring connected to the drive and / or the processing member are such that on the holding element during the machining process a distance or distance is covered or overcome and / or the drive is interrupted when on the holding member a certain length or distance is measured or recorded.

It is also provided that the second means for adjusting Limit and / or measure at least one force component in this way connected to the processing member and / or the holding member are that at least one on the retainer when arranging resulting holding force or restoring force is measurable.

Furthermore, both an actuator for control and Monitoring of the first means for the controlled implementation of the machining process proposed, as well as another Actuator to the force component built up during the machining process limit at a maximum value. In the further are Target / actual comparison arrangements are provided, on the one hand, to the the first mean transmitted setpoint with the effective distance traveled or overcome or measured on the holding organ Compare length or distance as well as order the one at completion force component effectively measured during the machining process on the processing element with the corresponding setpoint to compare.

In a control, measurement and test arrangement, on the one hand, the Machining process by means of correspondingly entered setting values controlled and monitored and on the other hand will be during or after finishing the machining process actual values determined or measured on the processing element recorded and compared with the corresponding target values, whereby if the actual values do not match the setpoints within certain tolerance ranges by means of display elements, such as for example optical or acoustic indicators or signals, any deviations are pointed out.

Further preferred embodiments of the inventive Devices are characterized in the dependent claims.

The proposed arrangement is particularly suitable for that Arranging, jamming or pressing clamps, clamps, Clamping or pressing rings when creating hose or pipe connections, when connecting hoses and pipes for example a connection nipple when arranging protective bellows and the like, and for arranging or fixing of pipes, cables, hoses in engines, machines and the like.

A method for controlled and monitored arrangement of a mechanical retaining member, wherein when arranging or editing the holding member one in advance Defined processing distance covered or overcome and / or the processing process is ended, if on Holding member measured a predetermined length or distance becomes. Furthermore, a force component becomes on the holding organ measured which built up during the machining process becomes.

Once the editing process is complete, both will be effective distance traveled or length or distance measured as well as the one effectively built up during the machining process Force component, which values with corresponding target values are compared within certain tolerance ranges, whereby if the actual and target values of the Operation is shown as unsuccessful.

Both target and actual values are preferably stored in an electronic Control, measuring and test arrangement set or recorded, by means of which arrangement the machining process is controlled and on the other hand the target / actual comparison is carried out, and ultimately are preferably in the Arrangement or storage means coupled to the arrangement is provided, in which both the target and actual values for the respective machining process to be recorded too check the machining process at a later time or to be able to understand.

The invention will now, for example, and with reference to the attached figures explained in more detail.

Fig. 1

schematisch, eine Anordnung zum gesteuerten und überwachten Durchführen eines Bearbeitungsprozesses für das Anordnen einer Rohrklemme;

Fig. 2

schematisch dargestellt, eine Verpresszange für das Anordnen einer Rohrklemme;

Fig. 3

das Bearbeitungsorgan bzw. die Zangenbacken der Verpresszange aus Fig. 2;

Fig. 3a bis 3d

schematisch dargestellt, den Bearbeitungsprozess bzw. den erfinderischen Grundgedanken der Erfindung;

Fig. 4

eine Steuer-, Mess- und Prüfanordnung für das gesteuerte und überprüfte Durchführen eines Verpressvorganges; und

Fig. 5

in Diagrammform, den Verpress- bzw. Klemmvorgang mittels einer Klemmzange, dargestellt in den Figuren 1 bis 3.

Show:

Fig. 1

schematically, an arrangement for the controlled and monitored execution of a machining process for arranging a pipe clamp;

Fig. 2

shown schematically, a crimping tool for arranging a pipe clamp;

Fig. 3

the processing member or the jaws of the pressing tongs from Fig. 2;

3a to 3d

represented schematically, the machining process or the inventive concept of the invention;

Fig. 4

a control, measuring and testing arrangement for the controlled and checked execution of a pressing process; and

Fig. 5

in diagram form, the pressing or clamping process using a clamp, shown in Figures 1 to 3.

Fig. 1 shows schematically an arrangement for the controlled and Verifiable arrangement of a clamping ring, for example when Arranging a plastic or rubber hose on a connection nipple, or for the production of a tube hose connection, for example in hydraulics or at Automobiles.

Various processing parameters are on a control, measuring and testing arrangement 1 adjustable and verifiable, which when arranging a clamp or clamp 33 are essential so that the Hose nipple resp. Hose-pipe connection as required Quality standards can be created reliably. Various lengths or distance values are initially on the arrangement 1 3 adjustable, for example, to cover the journey a distance during processing or by a length or define a distance on the arranged clamp or bracket to be able to. The arrangement also includes 1 setting options of tolerance values 5, within which the distance or length or distance can vary. On a display 9 will finally the effectively covered distance or the measured Length or distance 9 displayed, based on which display a further display 7, for example visually, shows whether the Set value 3 within the tolerances 5 has been reached or not during the machining process. For example, the displays can show 7 red and green lights have green, which lights up in the positive case and in the negative Red trap. Of course, acoustic can also Signals are provided so that it is immediately apparent whether the Setpoint has been reached.

Furthermore, various adjustment buttons 11 are arranged by means of which set the operating conditions during machining can be. So the machining speed that Reset speed etc. selected with the adjustment buttons 11 become.

Furthermore, an input 13 is provided to the setpoint of the Clamping ring or the clamping force or restoring force to be achieved set during the machining process. Again is a tolerance size 15 is provided and displays 17, in which is shown whether the shown in the display 19 and on Clamping ring or the value measured with the setpoint 13 matches.

Via an electrical line 25 and a pneumatic control line 27, the clamping pliers 29 are now controlled by the arrangement 1, which have two jaws or Pliers leg 31 has, for performing the machining or fixing process of the clamp 33 for fastening a hose 37 on a pipe or pipe nipple 39.

2, the clamping pliers 29 are shown enlarged, wherein for example, a release button on the back of this clamp 29 26 can be provided to the clamping or pressing process trigger. Of course, the triggering or Carrying out the clamping or pressing process also by a corresponding one Control take place on the arrangement 1, or that Triggering can take place automatically periodically, in particular if it is an automated or robot-like Way of working.

In the front area 30 of the clamping pliers 29 (not shown) one or more pressure pistons or pressure cylinders arranged, as generally known from the prior art for operation a pair of pliers known. Through these pistons or cylinders a wedge 32 is actuated longitudinally, which at Movement forward drives apart two rollers 38, which for the joining respectively. Pushing the two apart again Forceps leg 31 is responsible. These jaws 31 will be held in the processing head 40 by means of bolts 42.

In Fig. 3, the machining head 40 is enlarged and pulled apart State shown, the longitudinal wedge 32nd from the front section 30 is shown outstanding. In order to after driving the longitudinal wedge 32 forward is driven back into the front section 30 on the one hand, a spacer bush 36 is arranged and one on the spacer bush abutting return spring 34.

By driving the wedge 32 forward, the two roles 38 and thus the clamping legs 31 are driven together, which, as already explained with reference to FIG. 2, on cams or pins 42 are held.

With reference to Figures 3a to 3d is the inventive Machining process shown schematically.

3a shows the two pliers legs 31 in the starting position, i.e. spaced by the value a. By pressing the clamping pliers 29, the two clamping legs 31 are driven together, as shown in Fig. 3b. Through the tax, Measurement and test setup can now be entered after that Machining a clamping ring or a Bride the two clamping legs 31 can be driven together to a final distance b. But it can also be covered by the two clamping legs 31 Way, i.e. the value a-b.

By pressing together an ear area 35, for example a clamping ring or an ear clip 33 as shown in FIG 3c, a restoring or clamping force is of course generated, which acts on the two clamping legs 31. In the initial state, as shown in Fig. 3c, the force is K1, which acts on the two clamping legs 31 through the ear 35, practically zero.

By pressing the two clamping legs 31 together Ear 35 deformed resp. the clamping ring 33 is compressed so far, that a hose is fixed on a bracket. This compression of the ear 35 now creates one Restoring force K3, which is caused on the one hand by the deformation and in particular due to the clamping action of the clamp 33 the outer surface of the hose (not shown) becomes. It is now essential that the two clamping legs 31 are driven together until their distance is equal to b, which is due to the control, measurement and test arrangement has been specified. Now the restoring force is added K3 measured and with the entered in the arrangement 1 Setpoint 13 compared. If both value b (resp. A-b) and the Value K3 with the respective setpoints 3 or 13 within the Tolerance ranges 5 and 15, the press or Clamping process has been successfully carried out. In other words can be assumed that a for example on hose to be arranged according to a nipple or a pipe specified quality standards properly arranged or has been pressed. Of course, this always assumes that also the pipes or nipples and hoses used inside required quality standards, i.e. both material how dimensioning of the to be connected or pressed Materials meet certain requirements.

Finally, it is now possible to use the Actual values measured, as well as the basis of the process Store the setpoint and a respective carried out Assign operation. So it is possible to get one too determine later whether the clamping or pressing process has been carried out properly or not. Advantageous it would be natural if any mistakes were made Pressing or clamping processes reported or visualized immediately or be made acoustically noticeable so that inadequate connections or clamping or pressing processes immediately can be removed from a production process.

Finally, in Fig. 4 is the control, measurement and test arrangement 1 enlarged according to Fig. 1, i.e. the different Adjustment buttons and displays are now clearly recognizable. For example, the distance b be set, the starting position a of the pliers legs 31 as well as a so-called holding position a ', in which, for example, the clamping ear shown in FIG. 3c 35 can already be recorded. This hold position is particularly important in robot processing where a robot arm, including the pipe wrench, initially from a supply a clamp 33 engages the ear 35, this clamp 33 through Swiveling the robot arm moved away and over a pipe or Hose slips, which in turn automatically is put over a nipple or another pipe, whereupon Then the one described according to the invention is automated Process for arranging the clamping ring or the bracket performed becomes. The robot arm is then automated again pivoted away for another machining operation perform.

For all three adjustable setpoints 3 there are corresponding tolerance values 5 adjustable. In addition to setting the tolerance values a display 7 is provided, which shows whether the entered setpoint is maintained or not. The display 9 shows the one measured on the clamping ring or the clamp Value displayed. With the adjustment knobs 11, on the one hand the pressing speed can be set, i.e. the speed, by means of which the wedge 33 is driven forward is to operate the two jaws or wedges 31. Accordingly, an adjustment is also provided by means of which the reopening or retraction of the clamping wedge 32nd can be adjusted.

As already explained with reference to FIG. 1, setpoints 13 are entered for the force to be achieved or set, on the one hand the final clamping force to be achieved K3 can be set, as can the maximum during the pressing force to be applied to the clamping process. The tolerance is again adjustable and ascertainable on the basis of displays 17, whether the actual values correspond to the target values. The actual value in turn is shown on a display 19.

The arrangement further comprises adjusting knobs 21, by means of which the operating mode can be set, i.e. whether, for example the intermediate holding step is inserted during assembly or whether the pliers directly move from distance a Carry out up to distance b.

Finally, a display 23 finally shows whether the entire Clamping or pressing process successful or unsuccessful has been completed.

At the rear of the arrangement 1 there is a plug device 24 provided on which the pressure and control line 25 and 27th can be arranged. This connector 24 or the corresponding Plugs can be coded so that when entered Setpoints in arrangement 1 only one with these Clamping pliers corresponding to the target values can be inserted.

5 is the clamping or pressing process in diagram form shown, with line 51 the pliers path during assembly represents and line 53 between the pliers through the clamping ring or press ring generated clamping force. In area P. pinching the ear 35 as in the figures 3c and 3d. The two jaws of the pliers attach 31 the way shown in Fig. 5 back until the two pliers tips have approached 2.5 mm, for example. Then the machining process is interrupted, at the same time the force component 53 is also measured in this area P. becomes. It clearly shows that the power build-up when Clamping takes place with a slight delay, i.e. when reaching the A distance of 2.5 mm, for example, is not yet the final one Clamping force reached. Ultimately, however, one builds up Clamping force of, for example, 1.0 kN, which then follows with the corresponding setpoint in arrangement 1 is compared. If the two values are within the required Tolerance match, the assembly process will be successful completed rated.

In the arrangements shown in Figs. 1 to 5, clamping and Pressing tools are of course only examples that are intended to serve the present invention to explain in more detail. Basically it is about any kind of mechanical holding or fastening means, the according to the invention defined device or arrangement and that Methods are particularly suitable for arranging clamps, Clamping rings, press rings, clips, cable ties and the like. In this context, reference is made to clamps, as described for example in EP 570 742, EP 591 648, EP 503 609, CH 561 383, CH 555 026, CH 669 642 and the CH 677 010. Ear clips as well as earless clips are also known from a variety of other patents. With regard to a press ring, reference is made to, among other things CH 679 945 and EP 543 338.

The functionality of a pair of pliers is also mentioned refer to EP 591 648.

By means of the above-mentioned invention, the monitored and regulated arrangement, clamping and pressing of any and fasteners possible, the drive both pneumatic, hydraulic and electromechanical can. Regarding measurement technology, sensors, electronic control ect. it should also be mentioned that this is usual in itself Techniques and known knowledge, which one is not to be discussed further here.

Finally, for example, the operation of an ear clamp explained how it works in connection with the clamp, shown in Figs. 1 to 4, can be selected.

A standing electropneumatic pliers based on the Clamping pliers 29, as shown in Fig. 1, is with sensors as well a control and evaluation electronics equipped to physical parameters of the clamping position, the clamping movement and to adjust the force adjustable.

The recorded physical quantities can be adjusted with the Values on the display 1 (FIG. 1, FIG. 4) are compared, and as a result of the comparison, evaluation information can be derived become.

The e.g. Standing pneumatic pliers are cascaded Regulation of a higher priority route control and a subordinate one Force control. The forceps control is indirect Regulation on the basis of a pressure regulation, because forceps = f (inlet pressure x cylinder area).

In the initial state (a), as shown for example in FIG. 3a, the clamp opening position can be adjusted using a position control loop take any position. An optimal condition is given when the clamp opening position is slightly larger than the ear 35 of the ear clip 33. From this position two operating modes for pressing the ear can be selected.

1. Pressing into a pressing position with specification of the set one Pressing force. After firing, the pliers shoot according to their speed specification, from the gun opening position a to the pressing position b.

The force control loop monitors the force curve at all times and prevents the maximum from being exceeded Force. If the maximum force is reached, then either continue to press with this force until the set one Is reached, or, if this is not possible, the remains Pliers are in their position. Will the force, accordingly the forceps unlocks the default, not reached Verpressposition.

2.1 Stopping when holding the ear clip a 'with an adjustable Holding force. 2.2 Pressing to a pressing position with specification of the set one Pressing force. After triggering a, the pliers close, according to their speed specification, from the Pliers opening position to the holding position a '.

This holding position is not a specified size, but rather it results when a holding force is reached, which has to be such that it holds the ear without closing it deform.

Another trigger closes the pliers according to their Speed specification, from the holding position to Pressing position b.

The force control loop monitors the force curve at all times and prevents the maximum from being exceeded Force. If the maximum force is reached, then either continue to press with this force until the set one Is reached, or, if this is not possible, the remains Pliers are in their position. Will the force, accordingly the forceps unlocks the default, not reached Pressing position b.

Optimal compression is achieved when the ear a pressing position corresponding to the data sheet Has reached a defined pressing force.

Tolerance and time monitoring are used to check these values available that comply with the specifications OK signal 23, if the specification is exceeded or undershot generate a non-ok signal 23. The physical quantities the path and the strength are also alphanumeric 9, 19 available at an interface.

Claims (13)

1. An arrangement for securing or compressing a retaining means, such as a clamp, a strap, a cable tie or a pressing ring, having

   a clamping or pressing means for the securing, clamping or pressing arrangement of the retaining means, such as a clamp, a strap, a cable tie or a pressing ring, which clamping or pressing means has an element (31) which is constructed in the manner of a pair of tongs and may be operated hydraulically, pneumatically or electromechanically, it being possible to adjust or control the path travelled by the jaws of the tongs (31) during the clamping procedure, the distance between the clamping jaws before the clamping procedure and after completion of the clamping procedure, and also the closing gap, the speed of the clamping procedure and/or the clamping force,

   first means for adjusting, restricting and/or measuring the path travelled during the clamping procedure or the distance during the clamping procedure, and

   second means for adjusting, restricting and/or measuring at least a clamping force on the clamping or pressing means, said force building up on the retaining means, or as a result of the retaining means, as the path is travelled or covered.
2. An arrangement according to Claim 1, characterised in that at least one drive is provided, which is connected to the clamping or pressing means for the arrangement of the retaining means, the first adjusting, restricting and/or measuring means being connected to the drive and/or the clamping or pressing means, such that a path or distance along the retaining means is travelled or covered during the operating process, and/or a length or distance can be measured along the retaining means after completion of the operating process.
3. An arrangement according to one of Claims 1 and 2, characterised in that the second means for adjusting, restricting and/or measuring at least one force component are connected to the clamping or pressing means and/or the retaining means, such that it is possible to measure at least a retention force generated on the retaining means during the arranging procedure.
4. An arrangement according to one of Claims 2 and 3, characterised in that the drive is hydraulic, pneumatic or electromotive.
5. An arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterised in that at least one actuator is provided for controlling the first means for the controlled execution of the operating process in terms of the path travelled or to be covered, or in terms of the required length or distance along the retaining means, and in that at least one set/actual-value arrangement is provided in order to compare at least one measured force component, which has built up on the retaining means during the operating process, with a set value.
6. An arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterised in that a further actuator is provided in order to restrict the force component which has built up during the operating process to a maximum value, and in that at least one further set/actual-value arrangement is provided in order to compare the path or the length or distance measured upon reaching the maximum force-component value after completion of the operating process with a set value.
7. An arrangement according to one of Claims 5 and 6, characterised in that a control, measuring and checking arrangement is provided in order to control the operating process on the retaining means and to detect the force component and the path or the length or distance measured after completion of the operating process on the retaining means, to compare the values detected with corresponding set values, and finally to indicate whether or not the retaining means is arranged according to the set values.
8. An arrangement according to Claim 7, characterised in that display means, such as numerical, optical and/or acoustic displays, are provided on the control, measuring and checking arrangement in order to show the measured and detected values and/or indicate deviations from the set values.
9. An arrangement according to one of Claims 7 and 8, characterised in that the control, measuring and checking arrangement is electronic and has a memory medium, and/or is connected to a memory medium, in order to store the values measured and detected during repeated operating processes, and optionally also the corresponding set values.
10. An arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the arrangement has at least one measuring device in order to measure the counter force exerted on the clamping jaws by the clamp, strap, pressing ring or cable tie upon execution, or completion, of the clamping or pressing procedure.
11. A use of the arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 10 for arranging, clamping or compressing clamps, straps, clamping rings or pressing rings when forming tube or pipe connections, when attaching tubes and pipes to a connecting nipple, when arranging protective bellows and the like, and when arranging or securing pipes, cables, tubes in motors, machines and the like.
12. A process for the controlled and monitored arrangement of a mechanical retaining means by means of an arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterised in that, in the course of arranging, or operating on, the retaining means, a previously defined operating path is travelled or covered, and/or the operating process is completed if a previously defined length or distance is measured along the retaining means, and in that a force component, which has built up during the operating process, is measured on the retaining means.
13. A process according to Claim 12, characterised in that the operating process is restricted in that the force component measured on the retaining means must not exceed a maximum value, and in that, after completion of the process, the path travelled, or the length or distance, and also the force component measured on the retaining means, is compared in each case with a set value, and in that a display shows whether or not the measured values correspond with the corresponding set values within a pre-determined tolerance range.

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