Two-stage device and methods for installing a self-clinching fastener

A method of installing a self-attaching fastener on a substrate via a device, said device comprising a punch having inner and outer pins, said inner and outer pins being coaxial along an axis, and a die having an engagement surface, said method comprising:

• positioning the substrate on the engagement surface;
• translating the punch from a first position towards said substrate along the axis;
• piercing a through-hole in the substrate via said inner pin;
• translating said punch towards said first position;
• positioning the self-attaching fastener along said axis;
• translating said punch towards said substrate along said axis such that a contact surface of the punch engages said self-attaching fastener;
• inserting a portion of said self-attaching fastener through said through-hole via translation of said punch;
• and
• attaching said self-attaching fastener to said substrate via said punch.

A method of installing a self-attaching fastener on a substrate via a device, said device comprising:

• a punch including an inner pin and an outer pin, said inner and outer pins being coaxial and translatable along an axis, wherein in a first state of the punch, the inner pin is movable independently of the outer pin, and wherein in a second state of the punch, the inner and outer pins are movable concurrently;
• a magnet provided at an end of said outer pin;
• a loader having a movable caddy;
• a die having an engagement surface configured to receive and support the substrate thereon, wherein an aperture is formed in the die and is coaxial with said axis;
• and
• a guide pin disposed within said aperture, said guide pin being translatable along said axis and having a bore formed at an end thereof, wherein the method comprises:
• positioning the substrate on the engagement surface;
• translating the punch from a first position towards said substrate along the axis;
• piercing a through-hole in the substrate via said inner pin, wherein said punch is in said first state during said piercing;
• translating said punch towards said first position;
• positioning the self-attaching fastener within the caddy;
• moving the caddy such that the self-attaching fastener is aligned with the axis;
• translating said punch towards said substrate along said axis such that the punch engages said self-attaching fastener via magnetic attraction between said magnet and said self-attaching fastener;
• translating said guide pin from a retracted position to an extended position, wherein in said extended position, the guide pin is received within the through-hole;
• inserting the self-attaching fastener within said bore;
• translating said guide pin from said extended position towards said retracted position;
• and
• attaching said self-attaching fastener to said substrate via said punch, wherein said punch is in said second state during said attaching.