Method for delivering fasteners via an intermediate buffer

摘要

Fastener delivery apparatus for automatically selecting and delivering fasteners such as rivets to a setting tool. The fasteners are pre-loaded in a package and dispense via at least one fastener delivery tube that interconnects the setting tool to a fastener feeder device. The fastener feeder device releases selected fasteners from the package into the delivery tube. The fasteners are transportable individually or in groups in the tube from the feeder device to the tool. A transfer station attached to the tool or the delivery tube transfers a fastener from the delivery apparatus into the tool, transfer station is adjacent to the tool so that a delivered fastener may be inserted by the transfer station into the tool and a second position in which it is clear of the tool so as to permit the tool or a portion thereof to move towards a workpiece to insert a smooth, rapid and reliable delivery of fasteners of various sizes and types to the nose of a setting tool in any particular order and provides all the fastener types for any particular work cycle.

主权项

1. A method for delivering and setting rivets, the rivets being delivered to a tool via at least one intermediate buffer for the temporary storage of rivets, the at least one intermediate buffer being mounted on the rivet setting tool and having an outlet that is connectable to the tool, comprising selectively transporting rivets from a reservoir of rivets, individually or in groups, through at least one delivery tube towards the at least one intermediate buffer by using compressed air, moving the at least one delivery tube and/or the at least one intermediate buffer from a position where the tube and intermediate buffer are separated to a position in which they are connected and in which a rivet path between the at least one delivery tube and the at least one intermediate buffer is established, transferring the rivets from the at least one delivery tube into the at least one intermediate buffer by using compressed air, temporarily storing at least some of the rivets in the at least one intermediate buffer, selectively releasing a rivet from an outlet of the at least one buffer and delivering the released rivet to the tool, advancing a punch of the tool to insert the rivet into a workpiece such that the rivet is upset by a rivet upsetting die that is disposed opposite the tool, wherein the at least one delivery tube and at least one intermediate buffer are separated during insertion of the rivet.