초록 ▼

A riveting system is operable to join two or more workpieces with a rivet. In another aspect of the present invention, a self-piercing rivet is employed. Still another aspect of the present invention employs an electronic control unit and one or more sensors to determine a riveting characteristic an

A riveting system is operable to join two or more workpieces with a rivet. In another aspect of the present invention, a self-piercing rivet is employed. Still another aspect of the present invention employs an electronic control unit and one or more sensors to determine a riveting characteristic and/or an actuator characteristic.

대표청구항 ▼

[ The invention claimed is:] [1.]1. A riveting system comprising:a riveting tool including:(a) an electric motor;(b) a transmission operable to convert rotary motion caused by energization of the electric motor to linear motion;(c) a punch linearly movable in response to actuation by the transmissio

[ The invention claimed is:] [1.]1. A riveting system comprising:a riveting tool including:(a) an electric motor;(b) a transmission operable to convert rotary motion caused by energization of the electric motor to linear motion;(c) a punch linearly movable in response to actuation by the transmission;a die aligned with the punch and spaced away from the punch when the punch is in a retracted position;at least one electronic control unit electrically connected to the riveting tool, the electronic control unit being operable to control energization and deenergization of the electric motor;a self-piercing rivet operably moved toward the die by advancement of the punch, the rivet being operably prevented from directly contacting against the die when the rivet is in an optimum workpiece-engaging position between the punch and the die;a first feeder;a first feed tube coupled to the first feeder, the first feeder and feed tube operably carrying a first size of the rivet;a second feeder;a second feed tube coupled to the second feeder, the second feeder and feed tube operably carrying a second size of the rivet different than the first size; anda selector connected to the first feed tube, the second feed tube and the electronic control unit;the electronic control unit being operable to control which size rivet the selector will transfer to the riveting tool.