Metal deforming – By relatively movable offset tool-faces – With tool motion in fixed path
Patent
1998-09-16
2000-05-30
Jones, David
Metal deforming
By relatively movable offset tool-faces
With tool motion in fixed path
29243526, 2281145, B21D 905, B21D 3100
Patent
active
060678399
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
The present invention relates to a method for mounting a fastener element, such as a screw or nut in a component, said fastener element being provided with a deformable, cylindrical portion which has an axis of symmetry, said cylindrical portion being inserted into a through-hole in the component, whereafter the cylindrical portion is deformed in its longitudinal direction by means of a compressive force, so that the length of the cylindrical portion is reduced. The invention also relates to a tool for mounting the fastener element in accordance with the method.
In motor vehicle manufacture it is usual that various components such as strips, rails, equipment etc. are fastened to thin-walled components, such as sheet metal or profiles of aluminum, for example. A common method of connecting components is to use a fastener element having a screw thread. Such fastener elements include i.a. screws and nuts. Problems arise, however, if the aluminum sheet metal or profile is to be provided with a threaded hole, since aluminum is a relatively soft metal. This means that the tightening torque for a steel screw in the threaded hole will be very limited, and thus the component mounted by means of the screw can easily loosen.
In order to solve the above mentioned problem, known technology has suggested that a fastener element in the form of a so-called rivet nut be inserted into a circular hole in the component. The rivet nut consists of a cylinder having a through-hole provided with an internal thread. The rivet nut can be made of steel to provide a durable thread. One end of the cylinder is provided with a flange to abut against the surface of the component around the hole. By inserting the cylinder into the circular hole arranged in the component so that the flange abuts against the surface of the component and then deforming the cylinder, a rivet fastener is formed by a bead formed on the cylinder clamping the component between the flange and the bead.
The clamping force on the component weakens, however, with time, due to creep tensions in the component material being evened out. This means that the rivet nut can rotate freely relative to the component, making it very difficult to screw in or out a threaded fastener element in the rivet nut. If the rivet nut can rotate freely relative to the component, a gap is formed between the rivet nut and the component into which moisture can penetrate. This can result in corrosion of the material surrounding the gap.
The main purpose of the present invention is to provide a component with a fastener element which can withstand high torque.
Another purpose of the present invention is to achieve a method of mounting a fastener element in a component, so that a permanent joint between the fastener element and the component is formed.
An additional purpose of the present invention is to mount a fastener element in a component, so that a gas- and liquid-tight joint is formed between the fastener element and the component.
Still another purpose of the present invention is to achieve a tool which makes it possible to mount a fastener element in a component from one side of the component only.
In the method described by way of introduction, this is achieved by virtue of the fact that a torque is applied about the axis of symmetry of the cylindrical portion, that the torque is measured, and that the compressive force is kept constant or is caused to be reduced when the torque, due to the deformation of the cylindrical portion, reaches a predetermined value, about the axis of symmetry of the cylindrical portion so that the fastener element begins to rotate at a predetermined rotational speed, generating friction heat between the contact surfaces of the fastener element and the component, fulfilled, and that the cylindrical portion, by means of compressive force, is thereafter further deformed in its longitudinal direction so that a combined rivet and frictional welding joint between the fastener element and the component is obtained.
In order to mount the fastener element according t
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ABB AB
Jones David
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