Autoriv automatic system fhs for assembly of clinch studs bots screws in press. Press automation module for punching forming tool transfer progressive die.

In-Die Installation System for Clinch Studs

Assembly under the press in punching and forming tools

The setting head FHS (Flat Head Stud) is a fully automatic in-die installation system for clinch studs / bolts. The system is suitable for progressive dies and transfer dies. The punching head is installed in the press to insert such fasteners into sheet metal components during the press process.

Depending on the type of the press tool, there are different applications for the punching head:

Progressive dies with or without automatic mode signal from the press
Transfer dies, with or without automatic mode signal from the press and with querying sheet metal in the die or in the gripper

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sheet metal component with clinch studs processed with setting head fhs — Sheet metal component with clinch studs

Advantages of the System

Thanks to the special screw transport system, it is also possible to process clinch studs with a ratio of diameter equal to length of stud. This is not possible with many other systems.

All important functions in the setting head are sensor-monitored with communication to the feeding system to stop the press in case of a malfunction well before top dead center (TDC) and thus avoid die damage.

If a clinch stud is in the setting position and still being processed, the next stud can already be reloaded. The next fastener can therefore be shot into the setting head in parallel with the processing of one fastener. This means that higher processing speeds can be achieved even with long shot hose lengths.

The screw transport only moves to the set position when a clinch stud is to be installed. Transfer die: If there is no workpiece, the feed cylinder does not move to the set position. It moves when a workpiece is present. The empty part sensor is either in the transfer grippers or in the tool itself. Coil change: When a coil change is required, the feed cylinder remains in the home position and the coil can be retracted as if there were no setting head installed in the tool.

The setting head has quick-release couplings for the shot hose and the multifunction hose for communication with the feeding system. There is no need to connect individual cables. This saves time and eliminates connection errors.

Installation and Processing

setting head automation module fhs variants for installation in the press tool — 1. Clinching from above; 2. Clinching from below

The setting head processes screw-type fasteners with a head that are inserted with the shank first.

The punching head can be installed in the tool so that clinch studs can be set in the sheet metal from either top or bottom.

When pressing top-down, the upper part of the tool is needed to adjust a setting head. When pressing from the bottom up, the lower part of the tool is required.

The punching head is ready to use immediately after installation. No initialization routine is required.

Functionality

automatic system fhs installed in the press tool — Setting head FHS in press tool

Setting process

The setting head is connected to the associated feeding system for press applications and is supplied with clinch studs via a shot hose. The punching head contains a slider that holds exactly one clinch stud. This slider moves the fastener to the setting position. A release signal is then sent to the press. Without a release signal, the press stops.

Main process

The main process co-ordinates the part request to the feeding system. It ensures that the clinch studs are moved to the setting position on time and monitors the press strokes by interrogating the press cams.

automatic system fhs for assembly of clinch studs bots screws in press tools — Side view of the setting head FHS

Pressing

The clinch stud is pressed into a sheet metal part from the setting position by the press-in mandrel. At the bottom dead center of the press, the slider moves back. If no workpiece is present during a press stroke, blank sensing allows the slider to remain in the home position. This prevents a clinch stud from moving to the setting position, and the press performs the stroke without clinching a stud.

Air supply

A pneumatic connection on the feed system transfers compressed air to the setting head. This connection supplies the permanent air, the pneumatic cylinder for the slider and, optionally, the press-in mandrel.

Components

Connector plug (1)

The connector plug is used to connect the shot tube to the setting head. The coupling is held in place by a locking pin on the connector plug of the punching head. The clinch stud is transported via the screw feed (bent tube) into the screw transport.

Plunger (2)

The plunger houses the press-in mandrel, which presses the clinch studs into the sheet metal component. The mandrel is actuated by closing the press and transmits the compression force to the fastener. When the press is opened, the mandrel is pneumatically returned to the home position.

Impact piece (3)

The impact piece guides the fastener during the press-in process.

Multifunctional hose connector (4)

All signals are transmitted from the setting head to the feeding system via the multifunctional hose. The multifunctional hose also provides pneumatic supply to the punching head.