Abstract: A system useful for riveting sheets of metal together. The system having a fastening element having a head on one side and a self-piercing surface on an opposite end, a die having an elastically moveable annular stop and a ring boost, and a ram assembly operably punching the piercing surface into a sheet. The fastening element may be a self-piercing rivet.

Abstract: A system useful for riveting sheets of metal together. The system having a fastening element having a head on one side and a self-piercing surface on an opposite end, a die having an elastically moveable annular stop and a ring boost, and a ram assembly operably punching the piercing surface into a sheet. The fastening element may be a self-piercing rivet.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing, using 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.

Abstract: A riveting system is operable to join two or more workplaces 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.

Abstract: A method and apparatus in which a workpiece is supported on one arm of a C-shaped counterforce structure and is operated upon by a mechanism supported on the other arm of the counterforce structure. The operation causes deformation of the counterforce structure, which is measured, and the operation is adjusted responsive to the measured deformation.

Abstract: A fastening element (1), in particular for blind riveting, has a setting head (4), a deformation segment (2) and a shank end (3). The deformation segment (2) is arranged between the setting head (4) and the shank end (3). The fastening element (1) is hollow, optionally having a mandrel (7) inside the fastening element (1). The mandrel includes a head (23) and a foot (24) at least tension-resistantly connected to the shank end (3). The shank end (3) includes a punching edge (6) extending substantially along the outermost periphery of the shank end (3). Also identified are a process for setting the fastening element (1), a riveted connection to the fastening element (1), a device for setting the fastening element (1), an employment of the riveted connection obtained, and a die suitable for setting the fastening element (1).

Abstract: Computer software for controlling 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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conveyor for elongate components (12) designed with a head and a shank. The conveyor comprises a feed arrangement (7). The feed arrangement (7) comprises a transfer arrangement (8) with a transfer region (15) in which a component (12) can be positioned. In the transfer region (15), a feed duct (11) having a head guiding duct (13) and a shank guiding duct (14) passes into a conveying duct (16). The transfer arrangement (8) comprises at least one catch unit (17). The catch unit (17) comprises at least one catch element (18). The catch element (18) is arranged opposite the head guiding duct (13) and penetrates at least partially therein. It can be deflected from the head guiding duct (13) against a spring force.

Abstract: The invention describes a fastening element (1), in particular for blind riveting, having a sethead (4), a deformation segment (2) and a shank end (3), the deformation segment (2) being arranged between the sethead (4) and the shank end (3), and the fastening element (1) being hollow inside, optionally with a mandrel (7) inside the fastening element (1), comprising a mandrel head (23) and a mandrel foot (24) tension-resistantly connected at least to the shank end (3). The shank end (3) is provided with a punch edge (6) extending essentially along the outermost periphery of the shank end (3) and formed by a peripheral surface (26) and a face (25) of the shank end (3). In the center of the face (25), a projection is provided, protruding from the plane in which the punch edge (6) lies on the side away from the sethead (4). The projection may be formed by a conical or pyramidal surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conveyor for elongate components (12) designed with a head and a shank. The conveyor comprises a feed arrangement (7). The feed arrangement (7) comprises a transfer arrangement (8) with a transfer region (15) in which a component (12) can be positioned. In the transfer region (15), a feed duct (11) having a head guiding duct (13) and a shank guiding duct (14) passes into a conveying duct (16). The transfer arrangement (8) comprises at least one catch unit (17). The catch unit (17) comprises at least one catch element (18). The catch element (18) is arranged opposite the head guiding duct (13) and penetrates at least partially therein. It can be deflected from the head guiding duct (13) against a spring force.

Abstract: The method according to the invention for riveting, or self-piercing, by means of a riveting or self-piercing device (8), having a male die (3) guided by a pick-up device (4), both of which in each case can be moved towards a female die (5) and/or a workpiece (6), wherein the female die (5) and riveting or self-piercing device (8) will be connected to one another via a counterforce structure (9). The relative movement between the pick-up device (4) and the counterforce structure (9) is measured by a first sensor (1), and the relative movement between counterforce structure (9) and male die (3) is measured by a second sensor (2). The depth of the riveting or piercing is adjusted with the aid of the two measured values.

Abstract: The method according to the invention for riveting, or self-piercing, by means of a riveting or self-piercing device (8), having a male die (3) guided by a pick-up device (4), both of which in each case can be moved towards a female die (5) and/or a workpiece (6), wherein the female die (5) and riveting or self-piercing device (8) will be connected to one another via a counterforce structure (9). The relative movement between the pick-up device (4) and the counterforce structure (9) is measured by a first sensor (1), and the relative movement between counterforce structure (9) and male die (3) is measured by a second sensor (2). The depth of the riveting or piercing is adjusted with the aid of the two measured values.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A fastening element (1), in particular for blind riveting, has a setting head (4), a deformation segment (2) and a shank end (3). The deformation segment (2) is arranged between the setting head (4) and the shank end (3). The fastening element (1) is hollow, optionally having a mandrel (7) inside the fastening element (1). The mandrel includes a head (23) and a foot (24) at least tension-resistantly connected to the shank end (3). The shank end (3) includes a punching edge (6) extending substantially along the outermost periphery of the shank end (3). Also identified are a process for setting the fastening element (1), a riveted connection to the fastening element (1), a device for setting the fastening element (1), an employment of the riveted connection obtained, and a die suitable for setting the fastening element (1).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a positioning and/or assembly aid (2) for devices (1) for machining at least one component (3, 4) by using at least one connecting element (5) such as a rivet, punch rivet, blind rivet, rivet nut, weld nut, weld stud, clip or the like and to a process for positioning components (3, 4) in a device (1) for machining at least one component (3) while using at least one connecting element such as a rivet, punch rivet, blind rivet, rivet nut, weld nut, weld stud, clip. The invention has means (6) for producing a light or laser beam (7) alignable from a reference position (11) towards a reference point (12). The present invention is suitable for punch rivet, nut welding, stud welding, weld fast, plastifast, blind rivet, and rivet nut, in particular for corresponding manually operable hand devices in prototype construction.

Abstract: A rotary device for a rivet setting machine for self-punching rivets that includes a rotatable pick-up device (1) having an angle of rotation lock (2), wherein the angle of rotation lock (2) in the open state allows free rotation of the pick-up device (1) relative to a headpiece (12) and in the closed state stops the pick-up device (1) at predeterminable angle positions. An important feature of the present invention is that the pick-up device (1) in the open position permits free rotation, while in the closed position, stops its rotation relative to a headpiece (12) and this can be accomplished in a simple manner, manually and without the use of a separate or special tool.

Abstract: A through-hole self-piercing rivet 30 is assembled with two metal plates 50 and 52 to retain the plates together as a workpiece 54. When the rivet 30 is to be removed, a pin, such as a contact pin 56, is attached to the rivet by fusion, or a pin, such as a threaded mandrel 78, is attached threadedly to the rivet. The contact pin 56 or the threaded mandrel 78 is withdrawn from the workpiece 54 to thereby withdraw the attached rivet 30 from the workpiece. Devices 62 and 84 provide facility for effecting the attachment of the contact pin 56 and the threaded mandrel 78, respectively, with the rivet 30, and for the extraction of the rivet from the workpiece 54.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method as well as an apparatus manufactures a punch riveted joint, wherein at least two layers are pressed by a holding-down device against the die and a rivet, in particular a semitubular rivet, is provided for joining the layers. The holding-down device is connected by a coupling unit to the punch in such a way that during a punch riveting operation a coupling of the holding-down device to the punch may be varied between a substantially rigid coupling state and an uncoupled state.

Abstract: A computer program operably controls a riveting system to join two or more workpieces with a rivet. In another aspect of the present invention, a self-piercing rivet is employed with computer software to sense, measure and/or determine riveting and/or joint characteristics. 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.