Method for holding parts in a transfer position

Abstract

A method for holding a plastic fastener on a holding device in a position for transfer to an assembly tool, the method comprising the steps of: locating the fastening element in proximity to the holding device and oriented so that a thin wall on the fastener is aligned with the axis of a projecting needle on the holding device; pressing the fastening element and the holding device together; piercing the thin wall with the projecting needle; forming an opening through the thin wall; and frictionally engaging the needle with the thin wall edge that defines the opening to thereby hold the fastener on the holding device in the transfer position.

1 . A method for holding a fastening element on a holding device in a transfer position ready for transfer to an assembly tool, wherein the fastening element includes a pierceable thin wall accessible from a first side and the holding device includes a projecting needle defining an axis, and wherein the method of holding the fastening element on the holding device comprises the steps of:
 locating the fastening element in proximity to the holding device and oriented so that the thin wall is aligned with the axis of the projecting needle;   pressing the fastening element and the holding device together;   piercing the thin wall with the projecting needle;   forming an opening through the thin wall, the opening defined by an edge of the pierced thin wall;   frictionally engaging the needle with the thin wall edge that defines the opening; and   holding the fastening element on the holding device in the transfer position.   
     
     
         2 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein: the thin wall of the fastening element is a first thin wall, and the fastening element includes a second thin wall radially separated from the first thin wall; and the projecting needle of the holding device is a first needle defining a first axis, and the holding device includes a second needle radially separated from the first needle and defining a second axis parallel to the first axis; and wherein the method of holding the fastening element on the holding device the step of locating the fastening element in proximity to the holding device includes:
 locating the fastening element in proximity to the holding device and oriented so that the first thin wall is aligned with the first axis of the first projecting needle and the second thin wall is aligned with the second axis of the second projecting needle.   
     
     
         3 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the needle includes a holding recess and the method of holding the fastening element on the holding device further comprises the steps of:
 engaging the thin wall edge that defines the opening into the holding recess of the needle.   
     
     
         4 . A method for removably holding a plastic fastening element on a holding device in a transfer position at the ready for transfer to a tool or for assembly, wherein the fastening element includes a pierceable thin wall section that is accessible from a first side, and the holding device includes a needle with a piercing tip located at a free piercing end, and wherein the method of holding the plastic fastening element on the holding device comprises the steps of:
 pressing the the pierceable thin wall section against the needle;   penetrating the thin wall section with the needle;   deforming the thin wall section plastically and elastically with the needle; and   securing the thin wall section to the needle.   
     
     
         5 . The method as recited in  claim 4 , characterised in that the fastening element is provided with three pierceable wall sections spaced apart from one other and the holding device is provided with three parallel needles spaced a corresponding distance apart from one another. 
     
     
         6 . The method as recited in  claim 4 , wherein the needle includes a holding feature that comprises one of a groove, a recess, and an undercut, and the method of holding the plastic fastening element on the holding device further comprises the steps of:
 engaging the holding feature of the needle with the penetrated and deformed thin wall edge section.   
     
     
         7 . A method for holding a fastener on an apparatus for presenting the fastener in a transfer position to an assembly tool for the start of an assembly procedure, wherein the method of holding the fastening on the presenting apparatus comprises the steps of:
 providing a fastener comprising a flange portion and defining an axis, and the flange portion includes a pierceable thin wall accessible from a first side of the fastener;   providing a presenting apparatus comprising:
 a plurality of holding devices, each holding device including a fixed projecting needle, the needle able to pierce the thin wall of the fastener and support the fastener on the holding device in the transfer position; 
 wherein the plurality of holding devices are arranged as a magazine operable for holding multiple fasteners and movable from a first position, wherein a first holding device is presented to the assembly tool, to a second position, wherein a second holding device is presented to the assembly tool; 
   locating the fastener in proximity to the first holding device and oriented so that the axis of the fastener is substantially parallel to an axis of the projecting needle and the thin wall is aligned with the axis of the projecting needle;   pressing the fastening element and the holding device together;   piercing the thin wall with the projecting needle;   forming an opening through the thin wall, the opening defined by an edge of the pierced thin wall;   frictionally engaging the needle with the thin wall edge that defines the opening; and   holding the fastener on the holding device in the transfer position.