Rivet setting tool cycle control

摘要

A rivet setting tool (12) is provided with a cycle control whereby a pressure switch (250,252) or pressure transducer enables the electronic logic controller (34) to monitor tool hydraulic pressure. When the pressure reaches a predetermined threshold and subsequently drops below a second threshold valve the controller deduces that a rivet has been set and removes pressure from the tool (12) so that the tool (12) can be immediately reset, thus reducing the tools cycle time. Upon determining that a rivet (R) has been set, a mandrel collection window is set. The controller (34) monitors whether a mandrel (M) is returned to the mandrel collection system (47) prior to the expiration of the timed window, and if not, the controller (34) provides a fault signal to the operator. Multiple windows are utilized so that more than one mandrel (M) can be in the return tube (49) at one time without delaying operation of rivet setting system (10). The pressure sensors (250,252) can also be utilized to confirm that a rivet (R) has been loaded into the rivet setting tool (12) without the use of a rivet sensor.