US20030101566A1 - Self-piercing element, method of attachment and die member - Google Patents

Self-piercing element, method of attachment and die member Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20030101566A1
US20030101566A1 US10/004,918 US491801A US2003101566A1 US 20030101566 A1 US20030101566 A1 US 20030101566A1 US 491801 A US491801 A US 491801A US 2003101566 A1 US2003101566 A1 US 2003101566A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
panel
annular
piercing
die
face
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US10/004,918
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Harold Ladouceur
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Fabristeel Products Inc
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US10/004,918 priority Critical patent/US20030101566A1/en
Assigned to FABRISTEEL PRODUCTS, INC. reassignment FABRISTEEL PRODUCTS, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: LADOUCEUR, HAROLD A.
Priority to CA002467042A priority patent/CA2467042C/en
Priority to AU2002310254A priority patent/AU2002310254A1/en
Priority to JP2003551434A priority patent/JP3927952B2/ja
Priority to MXPA04005380A priority patent/MXPA04005380A/es
Priority to ES02737316T priority patent/ES2261677T3/es
Priority to BR0214770-0A priority patent/BR0214770A/pt
Priority to DE60210669T priority patent/DE60210669T2/de
Priority to EP02737316A priority patent/EP1461538B1/en
Priority to AT02737316T priority patent/ATE323235T1/de
Priority to PCT/US2002/017249 priority patent/WO2003050425A1/en
Publication of US20030101566A1 publication Critical patent/US20030101566A1/en
Priority to US10/733,704 priority patent/US7047617B2/en
Assigned to SOUTHTRUST reassignment SOUTHTRUST SECURITY AGREEMENT Assignors: WHITESELL INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
Assigned to WHITESELL FORMED COMPONENTS (P/K/A WHITESELL INTERNATIONAL CORP. reassignment WHITESELL FORMED COMPONENTS (P/K/A WHITESELL INTERNATIONAL CORP. RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: WELLS FARGO, N.A.(FORMERLY SOUTH TRUST BANK)
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B37/00—Nuts or like thread-engaging members
    • F16B37/04—Devices for fastening nuts to surfaces, e.g. sheets, plates
    • F16B37/06—Devices for fastening nuts to surfaces, e.g. sheets, plates by means of welding or riveting
    • F16B37/062—Devices for fastening nuts to surfaces, e.g. sheets, plates by means of welding or riveting by means of riveting
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B23P—METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; COMBINED OPERATIONS; UNIVERSAL MACHINE TOOLS
    • B23P19/00—Machines for simply fitting together or separating metal parts or objects, or metal and non-metal parts, whether or not involving some deformation; Tools or devices therefor so far as not provided for in other classes
    • B23P19/04—Machines for simply fitting together or separating metal parts or objects, or metal and non-metal parts, whether or not involving some deformation; Tools or devices therefor so far as not provided for in other classes for assembling or disassembling parts
    • B23P19/06—Screw or nut setting or loosening machines
    • B23P19/062—Pierce nut setting machines
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
    • Y10T29/49826—Assembling or joining
    • Y10T29/49833—Punching, piercing or reaming part by surface of second part
    • Y10T29/49835—Punching, piercing or reaming part by surface of second part with shaping
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
    • Y10T29/49826—Assembling or joining
    • Y10T29/49833—Punching, piercing or reaming part by surface of second part
    • Y10T29/49835—Punching, piercing or reaming part by surface of second part with shaping
    • Y10T29/49837—Punching, piercing or reaming part by surface of second part with shaping of first part
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
    • Y10T29/49826—Assembling or joining
    • Y10T29/49908—Joining by deforming
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
    • Y10T29/49826—Assembling or joining
    • Y10T29/49908—Joining by deforming
    • Y10T29/49915—Overedge assembling of seated part
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
    • Y10T29/49826—Assembling or joining
    • Y10T29/49947—Assembling or joining by applying separate fastener
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
    • Y10T29/49826—Assembling or joining
    • Y10T29/49947—Assembling or joining by applying separate fastener
    • Y10T29/49954—Fastener deformed after application
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/53—Means to assemble or disassemble
    • Y10T29/5343—Means to drive self-piercing work part
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/53—Means to assemble or disassemble
    • Y10T29/53996—Means to assemble or disassemble by deforming

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a self-piercing element, such as a self-piercing stud having a tubular barrel portion, the method of attachment, and a die member for attaching the self-piercing element to a metal panel.
  • Self-piercing and clinching female fasteners such as nuts were developed by the predecessor in interest of the Applicant (Multifastener Corporation) about 50 years ago as disclosed for example in U.S. Pat. No. 2,707,322.
  • Self-piercing and clinching nuts are attached to a metal panel in a die press which may also be used to simultaneously form the panel, wherein generally the upper die platen includes an installation head and the lower die platen includes a die member or die button.
  • Such self-piercing and clinching nuts include a projecting pilot portion which pierces an opening in the panel and the panel metal adjacent the pierced panel opening is then clinched to the fastener with each stroke of the die press.
  • self-piercing and clinching male and female fasteners were developed having a tubular barrel portion as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,555,838 assigned to the assignee of this Application.
  • the self-piercing and clinching fasteners disclosed in this patent include a tubular barrel portion and a radial flange portion.
  • Such self-attaching male fasteners are installed in a die press, as described above, wherein the lower die platen includes a die button having a panel supporting surface, a central die post and an annular die cavity surrounding the die post.
  • the annular die cavity includes a semicircular annular bottom surface, a radial lip portion at the upper extent of the semicircular bottom surface and a generally frustoconical surface extending from the radial lip portion to the end surface of the die button.
  • the generally frustoconical upper die surface includes a plurality of flats which extend from the annular lip to the end or bearing face of the die button which provide anti-rotation means by drawing and slightly deforming the flange of the stud fastener. It is very important in most applications of the self-piercing and riveting male fasteners that the fastener be able to withstand significant torque loads without twisting in the panel which may destroy the fastener and panel assembly. It was found, however, that the anti-rotation means disclosed in this patent was insufficient for many applications, including automotive applications.
  • the die button is relatively complex and therefore expensive to manufacture and has a relatively poor die life, particularly where the die button is utilized to install self-piercing fasteners of the type described herein in relatively high strength metals, such as HSLA steel. It would therefore be desirable to provide improved torque resistance, eliminate deformation or cold working of the flange portion, reduce sensitivity to die press settings and reduce the cost of the die button, while improving die life.
  • the preferred embodiment of the self-piercing and attaching fastener utilized in the method of installation preferably includes a plurality of spaced arcuate radially inwardly concave surfaces or arcuate scallops in the outer side surface of the flange portion.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 6,122,816, assigned to the assignee of the present application discloses a self-riveting stud fastener including a tubular barrel portion and a radial flange portion having a plurality of spaced arcuate radially inwardly concave surfaces on the outer surface of the flange portion which provide torque resistance and the barrel portion has a conical outer surface developed for installation in thicker panels having a preformed panel opening.
  • the method of installation disclosed in this patent preferably includes preforming a panel opening and driving of the barrel portion through the panel opening into a semicircular annular die cavity which deforms the free end of the barrel portion into generally a U- or C-shape as disclosed.
  • a semicircular annular die cavity which deforms the free end of the barrel portion into generally a U- or C-shape as disclosed.
  • the method of attaching a self-piercing element in a panel, self-piercing and clinching male fastener and die member of this invention reduces or eliminates the problems associated with the prior methods of installation and the die member is relatively simple in construction, reducing costs and increasing die life.
  • the self-piercing element utilized in the method of this invention includes a tubular barrel portion having an open free end and a radial flange portion adjacent the tubular barrel portion including an outer surface having a plurality of spaced inwardly concave surfaces or “scallops.”
  • the open free end of the tubular barrel includes an inner chamfer, such that the slug pierced from the panel has an external diameter slightly greater than the internal diameter of the tubular barrel portion.
  • the panel slug is then received in the tubular barrel portion during installation, and the hole formed in the panel has an internal diameter less than the external diameter of the barrel portion, such that the panel portion adjacent the pierced panel opening will be driven into the die member as disclosed for example in the above-referenced U.S. Pat. No. 4,555,838.
  • the female die member or die “button” of this invention includes a generally planar panel-supporting end face, an annular concave die cavity defined in the end face and a central die post projecting from the annular concave die cavity toward the end face including an end surface spaced below the plane of the end face having an outer piercing surface preferably defined by a relatively sharp circular edge.
  • the concave die cavity includes an annular semicircular bottom surface and preferably includes a continuous smooth frustoconical side wall which extends tangentially from the annular semicircular bottom surface to the end face, thereby eliminating the annular lip between the annular semicircular bottom surface and the generally frustoconical outer side wall as disclosed in the above-referenced U.S. Pat.
  • the smooth continuous frustoconical side wall preferably has an included angle of between 5 and 12 degrees, most preferably between about 6 and 10 degrees, which is substantially steeper than the generally frustoconical upper die surface disclosed in the above-referenced U.S. Pat. No. 4,555,838 and the more recent U.S. Pat. No. 5,140,735, also assigned to the assignee of the present Application.
  • the preferred included angle of the smooth continuous frustoconical side wall of the die member will depend upon the diameter of the tubular barrel portion which is determined by the diameter of the stud portion of a male fastener and the thickness of the panel to which the self-piercing element is installed. Further, because in the method of attaching a self-piercing element in a panel of this invention, the panel surrounding the pierced panel opening is deformed into the annular concave die cavity around the intersection of the end face and the continuous frustoconical outer side wall, this intersection is preferably radiused with a radius of less than 0.04 inches, which is less than the preferred radius used in the present die button.
  • the outer surface of the die post or inner surface of the concave die cavity is defined by a frustoconical surface extending tangentially from the semicircular bottom surface to the end surface of the die post, preferably at an angle of about 7 degrees.
  • the piercing surface at the outer edge of the central die post is preferably relatively sharp and may include staking cavities as disclosed in the above-referenced U.S. Pat. No. 5,140,735 to permanently stake the pierced panel slug in the tubular barrel portion.
  • the preferred embodiment of the self-piercing and clinching fastener of this invention is a male fastener having a shank or stud portion, which may be threaded or unthreaded depending upon the application.
  • the stud portion could be the shank of a ball joint.
  • the fastener further includes a radial flange portion integral with the shank portion and a tubular cylindrical barrel portion integral with the flange portion coaxially aligned with the stud portion having an open free piercing end.
  • the outer surface of the flange portion includes a plurality of spaced concave surfaces which receive the panel during installation as described below.
  • the annular bearing surface of the flange portion surrounding the stud portion is preferably flat and preferably has a surface area of at least five times the adjacent area of the concave surfaces measured in the plane of the bearing surface, more preferably at least six times or greater.
  • the width of the concave surfaces measured perpendicular to the shank portion is about 0.75 the width of the flange portion measured to the barrel portion.
  • the outer surface of the flange portion between the concave surfaces is preferably cylindrical and the concave surfaces are preferably spaced from the tubular barrel by a distance equal to or greater than the width of the concave surfaces measured from the outer cylindrical surface.
  • the preferred embodiments of the self-piercing and clinching stud fastener of this invention has a substantially greater bearing area surrounding the stud portion reducing the likelihood of deformation or cold-forming of the flange portion during installation as described below.
  • the concave surfaces on the outer surface of the flange are cylindrical.
  • the method of attaching a self-piercing element in a panel of this invention then includes supporting a panel on the end face of the die button and driving the open free end of the tubular barrel portion of the self-piercing element against the panel and thereby the panel against the end surface of the central die post.
  • Continued driving of the barrel portion of the self-piercing element against the panel pierces a slug from the panel between the open free end of the barrel portion and the central die post, forming an opening through the panel and simultaneously deforming a first panel portion adjacent the pierced panel opening into the annular die cavity around the intersection of the end face and the continuous frustoconical side wall of the die member.
  • the panel As the tubular barrel portion is driven through the pierced panel opening, the panel is drawn into a tube-shape against the cylindrical external surface of the barrel.
  • the method of this invention then includes driving the inside surface of the tubular barrel portion against the semicircular bottom surface of the die cavity surrounding the die post, deforming the free end of the barrel portion into a U-shaped end portion.
  • the panel is simultaneously drawn against the outer surface of the tubular barrel portion and into the developing U-shaped end of the tubular barrel portion.
  • the die member does not include an annular lip between the concave semicircular bottom surface and the frustoconical outer wall as disclosed in the above-referenced U.S. Pat. No. 4,555,838, the panel remains unsupported in the die cavity and the flange portion does not bottom in the die cavity against the panel as described above in regard to the prior method of installation.
  • the method of this invention includes incrementally deforming a second panel portion in the annular die cavity adjacent the end face against the continuous frustoconical side wall and into the spaced inwardly concave surfaces in the outer side surface of the flange portion substantially, but preferably not completely filling the concave surfaces. That is, the frustoconical outer side wall of the die cavity, which is inclined inwardly from the end surface, serves as a wedge, incrementally deforming the surrounding panel radially inwardly into the concave surfaces.
  • This method should be differentiated from the method disclosed in the above-referenced U.S. Pat. No. 6,122,816, wherein the scalloped flange portion is driven into the panel, thereby cutting the panel as described above.
  • the method of this invention substantially eliminates deformation or cold working of the flange portion by the annular punch or plunger which drives the self-piercing element into the die cavity. Further, because of the relative simplicity of the die member, the cost is reduced and die life is improved. Further, because the panel metal is incrementally deformed or “squeezed” into the spaced inwardly concave surfaces on the outer surface of the flange portion, the torque resistance of the self-piercing fastener in the panel is significantly improved, particularly over the method disclosed in the above-referenced U.S. Pat. No.
  • testing indicates that the stud portion will fail normally in torque before rotation of the fastener element in the panel in stud fasteners having a shaft diameter of 6 mm or less. Further, because the entire side surface of the flange is fully supported in the panel, loose connections are substantially eliminated. Finally, the installation method of this invention is less sensitive to the die press setting. That is, an overhit condition will not result in deformation of the flange and the installation is less sensitive to “underhit” conditions.
  • FIG. 1 is an end perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the self-piercing and clinching male fastener of this invention
  • FIG. 2 is an end view of the self-piercing and clinching fastener shown in FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 is a partial side cross-sectional view of the fastener illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2;
  • FIG. 4 is an exploded side view partially cross-sectioned of the fastener illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 aligned for installation to a panel with a die member and driving member;
  • FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view during the initial installation of the fastener illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4 in a preferred embodiment of the die member of this invention.
  • FIGS. 6 to 14 are side cross-sectional views of the fastener and die member of this invention illustrating the installation sequence and the method of installation of this invention.
  • this invention relates to an improved self-piercing and clinching male fastener having significantly improved torque resistance, the method of attaching a self-piercing fastener to a panel and an improved female die member.
  • the drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of this invention, but are not limiting except as set forth in the appended claims.
  • FIGS. 1 to 3 illustrate one preferred embodiment of the self-piercing and clinching fastener 20 of this invention in the form of a male fastener having a threaded shank portion 22 .
  • the stud or shank portion 22 may be threaded or unthreaded and may take various forms.
  • fastener is primarily used to refer to the function of the fastener element, which is to attach a component to the panel or plate to which the self-piercing fastener 20 is attached.
  • self-piercing refers to the function of the fastening element to pierce its own hole in the panel during the fastener installation as described below.
  • the self-piercing fastener 20 further includes a radial flange portion 24 integral with the shank portion 22 and a tubular barrel portion 26 integral with the radial flange portion 24 and coaxially aligned with the shank portion 22 .
  • the preferred embodiment of the tubular barrel portion 26 includes a cylindrical external surface 28 and a cylindrical internal surface 30 as best shown in FIG. 3.
  • the tubular barrel portion includes a free open piercing end 32 having an arcuate annular outer bearing surface 34 and a chamfered internal piercing surface 36 .
  • the chamfered piercing surface 36 centers the fastener on the panel during installation and pierces an opening in the panel having a diameter less than the external diameter of the cylindrical external surface 28 .
  • the radial flange portion 24 includes an annular planar bearing surface 38 surrounding the shank portion 22 and an outer surface 40 includes spaced concave surfaces 42 and outer cylindrical surfaces 44 located between the concave surfaces 42 as best shown in FIG. 2.
  • the outer surfaces 44 may also be flat. The relation between the diameter of the shank portion 22 , the annular bearing face 38 and the concave surfaces 42 are important to the function and improvements provided by the self-piercing fastener 20 and method of this invention is described further below.
  • the self-piercing fastener 20 of this invention is particularly adapted for mass production applications, such as used by the automotive industry to install self-piercing and clinching fasteners in sheet metal parts including brackets, body panels and the like. Such sheet metal parts are typically formed in a die press.
  • the self-piercing fastener of this invention may be installed in the sheet metal panel or plate with each stroke of the die press, wherein the upper platen typically includes an installation head having a reciprocating plunger 52 and the lower die platen includes a female die member or die button 54 as shown in FIG. 4 and described more fully in the above-referenced U.S. Pat. No. 4,555,838.
  • the annular plunger 52 includes a cylindrical bore 56 which receives the shank or stud portion 22 of the fastener and the driving end portion 58 of the plunger is configured to be received against the planer annular bearing face 38 of the radial flange portion 24 as shown in FIGS. 4 et. seq.
  • the female die member or die button 54 includes a planer end bearing face 60 which supports the panel 50 and the panel 50 may be clamped to the bearing face 60 (not shown).
  • the female die member 54 includes an annular female die cavity 62 defined in the bearing face 60 surrounding a central die post 64 .
  • the annular die cavity 62 includes an annular semicircular bottom surface or wall 66 and a frustoconical outer side wall 68 which extends tangentially from the semicircular bottom wall 66 to the bearing face 60 and joins the bearing face 60 in a radius 70 .
  • the smooth continuous frustoconical outer side wall 68 extends tangentially from the annular semicircular bottom wall 66 at an included angle “a” show in FIG. 5 of between 5 and 12 degrees, most preferably between about 6 and 10 degrees and the radius joining the frustoconical outer side wall 68 and the bearing face 60 is preferably less than 0.04 inches.
  • the end surface 76 of the central die post 64 may also include staking cavities to retain the slug pierced from the panel 50 as disclosed in the above-referenced U.S. Pat. No. 5,056,207.
  • the advantages of the unique die button 54 and self-piercing fastener 20 of this invention will be understood from the following description of the method of installation of this invention described below.
  • the self-piercing male fastener 20 , plunger 52 and the die button 54 are aligned by the installation apparatus or “head” (not shown) along the longitudinal axis “b” prior to installation.
  • the self-piercing male fastener element 20 is received in the installation head is generally located in the upper die platen and the shank portion 22 is initially received in the axial bore 56 of the plunger prior to installation.
  • the panel 50 may be clamped to the bearing face 60 of the die button in the lower die platen (not shown).
  • FIG. 5 illustrates the initial step in the installation sequence of the self-piercing fastener 20 in the panel 50 .
  • the driving end 58 of the plunger 52 is driven against the annular bearing face 38 of the radial flange portion 24 , which drives the free open end 32 of the barrel portion 26 against the panel 50 , which deforms the panel 50 against the end face 76 of the die post 64 as shown in FIG. 5.
  • the panel 50 is deformed into the die cavity 62 against the end face 76 of the die post 64 around the arcuate surface 70 as shown.
  • FIGS. 6 to 14 illustrate the sequence of installation of the fastener 20 in the panel 50 , wherein the plunger 52 is replaced by an arrow 52 a for clarity.
  • the chamfered piercing surface 36 cuts the panel against the circular outer sharp piercing edge 74 of the die post 64 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 until a slug 50 a is cut from the panel as shown in FIG. 8.
  • the edge portion of the panel 50 b adjacent the pierced slug 50 a is then received against the cylindrical external surface 28 of the tubular barrel 26 as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, wherein the external surface 28 of the tubular barrel 26 draws the panel portion 50 b into the annular die cavity 26 .
  • the internal surface 30 Of the tubular barrel portion 26 is then received first against the frustoconical surface 72 of the die post 64 as shown in FIG. 9 and then against the annular semicircular bottom wall 66 as best shown in FIG. 10, wherein the free open end 32 of the tubular barrel portion 26 is deformed sequentially against the annular semicircular bottom wall 66 into a U-shape as shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 .
  • the panel portion 50 b remains unsupported in the die cavity 26 and against the outer surface 28 of the tubular barrel. Further, it is important to note that the flange portion 24 is not driven into the panel portion 50 b as shown in FIGS.
  • the panel portion 56 c in the die cavity 26 adjacent the upper radius 70 is then incrementally squeezed between the side wall 68 adjacent the radius 70 and the cylindrical surfaces 44 radially into the spaced concave surfaces 42 until the panel metal substantially fills the concave surfaces 42 as shown in FIG. 14.
  • the flange portion 24 preferably is driven into the die cavity 62 such that the annular bearing surface 38 is slightly spaced below the plane of the panel 50 . This is because the fastener portion, which is the shank portion 22 in the disclosed embodiment, is used to attach a component (not shown) to the panel 50 wherein the component preferably lies flush on the panel.
  • the installation was designed to have the bearing surface 38 flush with the panel, normal tolerance build up would result in some of the installations having a flange portion above the panel 50 .
  • the panel 50 and the free end 32 a of the barrel portion does not contact the frustoconical outer side wall 68 except adjacent the planar bearing face 60 .
  • the frustoconical side wall 68 is not necessary except adjacent the opening a depth equal to the width of the flange portion plus the distance the flange portion is recessed below the plane of the panel 50 .
  • the panel portion 56 c is squeezed or deformed into the spaced concave surfaces 42 to substantially, but not completely fill the concave surfaces 42 to avoid deformation of the flange portion 24 .
  • the frustoconical outer side wall 68 adjacent the bearing face 60 thus serves as a wedge as the flange portion 24 is driven into the die cavity 62 , incrementally deforming the panel portion 56 c into the concave surfaces 42 .
  • the panel slug 50 a is simultaneously driven toward the bottom surface 46 of the radial flange portion and may be retained against the bottom portion as disclosed in the above-referenced U.S. Pat. No. 5,067,207.
  • the flange portion 24 is not driven into the panel as disclosed in the above-referenced U.S. Patents, but is incrementally squeezed radially into the spaced concave surfaces 42 by the cylindrical surfaces 44 between the concave surfaces, thereby providing superior torque resistance particularly in thin panels having a thickness of 0.030 to 0.040 inches while avoiding the problems associated with the prior methods of installation as discussed further below.
  • the shank portion 22 failed during torque testing without any rotational movement of the fastener in the panel assembly.
  • the relationship between the area of the annular bearing face 38 and the spaced concave surfaces 42 is important in the self-piercing fastener 20 and method of installation of this invention.
  • the bearing face 38 must be sufficient to prevent axial deformation or cold working of the flange portion which occurs with the prior methods of installation particularly in an “overhit” condition of the die press although the method of installing the self-piercing fastener 20 in a panel is significantly less press sensitive than the prior methods described in the above-referenced U.S. Patents.
  • the radial flange portion 24 is not driven into the panel 50 and the panel portion 56 c remains unsupported radially in the die cavity 62 .
  • the panel metal does not fill the die cavity 62 even when the installation is complete as shown in FIG. 14.
  • the concave surfaces 42 are cylindrical, other concave surfaces may be employed providing superior torque resistance.
  • the preferred dimensional relationship between the annular bearing surface 38 , the concave surfaces 42 and the tubular barrel 26 of the self-piercing fastener 20 of this invention with the shank portion 22 a integral with the radial portion 24 can best be explained with reference to FIG. 2, wherein the shank portion 22 a is shown in phantom.
  • the area of the annular bearing face 38 surrounding the shank portion 22 a is at least five times the surface area of the spaced concave surfaces or fillets 42 measured in the plane of the bearing surface 38 , more preferably at least six times.
  • the surface area ratio in a 6 mm stud is 6.3
  • the ratio for an 8 mm stud is 7.2
  • the ratio for a 10 mm stud is 8.5
  • the dimension “c” in FIG. 2 measured from the shank portion 22 a to the spaced concave surfaces 42 is at least 70 percent of the dimension “d” measured from the shank portion 22 a to the cylindrical outer surfaces 44 between the spaced concave surfaces.
  • the concave surfaces 42 are also preferably spaced from the cylindrical external surface 28 of the tubular barrel portion 26 a distance equal to about 0.75 than the distance between the cylindrical outer surface 28 of the tubular barrel portion and the cylindrical external surfaces 44 .
  • the self-piercing fastener, method of installation and die member of this invention provide superior torque resistance while avoiding the problems associated with the prior installation methods.
  • the bearing surface 38 of the flange portion 24 is not deformed radially or axially relative to the stud portion 22 by the annular plunger 52 during installation even where the die force is greater than required for installation.
  • the installation is not as press sensitive as the prior methods and because the flange portion is not driven into the panel, stress risers are not created at the concave surfaces or fillets.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Insertion Pins And Rivets (AREA)
  • Drilling Tools (AREA)
  • Perforating, Stamping-Out Or Severing By Means Other Than Cutting (AREA)
  • Slide Fasteners, Snap Fasteners, And Hook Fasteners (AREA)
  • Dowels (AREA)
  • Punching Or Piercing (AREA)
  • Adornments (AREA)
  • Connection Of Plates (AREA)
US10/004,918 2001-12-05 2001-12-05 Self-piercing element, method of attachment and die member Abandoned US20030101566A1 (en)

Priority Applications (12)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/004,918 US20030101566A1 (en) 2001-12-05 2001-12-05 Self-piercing element, method of attachment and die member
PCT/US2002/017249 WO2003050425A1 (en) 2001-12-05 2002-06-03 Self-piercing element, method of attachment and die member
BR0214770-0A BR0214770A (pt) 2001-12-05 2002-06-03 Método para fixação de um elemento autoperfurante em um painel suportado em elemento de matriz, elemento de matriz para fixação de um elemento autoperfurante e elemento prendedor tipo maciio autoperfurante
EP02737316A EP1461538B1 (en) 2001-12-05 2002-06-03 Self-piercing element, method of attachment and die member
JP2003551434A JP3927952B2 (ja) 2001-12-05 2002-06-03 セルフピアシング部品、取付方法及びダイ部材
MXPA04005380A MXPA04005380A (es) 2001-12-05 2002-06-03 Elemento de autoperforacion, metodo de union y elemento de troquel.
ES02737316T ES2261677T3 (es) 2001-12-05 2002-06-03 Elemento autoperforante, procedimiento de fijacion y elemento de esta mpa.
CA002467042A CA2467042C (en) 2001-12-05 2002-06-03 Self-piercing element, method of attachment and die member
DE60210669T DE60210669T2 (de) 2001-12-05 2002-06-03 Selbststanzendes element, befestigungsverfahren und matrizenglied
AU2002310254A AU2002310254A1 (en) 2001-12-05 2002-06-03 Self-piercing element, method of attachment and die member
AT02737316T ATE323235T1 (de) 2001-12-05 2002-06-03 Selbststanzendes element, befestigungsverfahren und matrizenglied
US10/733,704 US7047617B2 (en) 2001-12-05 2003-12-11 Method of attaching a self-piercing element in a panel and die member

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/004,918 US20030101566A1 (en) 2001-12-05 2001-12-05 Self-piercing element, method of attachment and die member

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/733,704 Continuation US7047617B2 (en) 2001-12-05 2003-12-11 Method of attaching a self-piercing element in a panel and die member

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20030101566A1 true US20030101566A1 (en) 2003-06-05

Family

ID=21713174

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/004,918 Abandoned US20030101566A1 (en) 2001-12-05 2001-12-05 Self-piercing element, method of attachment and die member
US10/733,704 Expired - Lifetime US7047617B2 (en) 2001-12-05 2003-12-11 Method of attaching a self-piercing element in a panel and die member

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/733,704 Expired - Lifetime US7047617B2 (en) 2001-12-05 2003-12-11 Method of attaching a self-piercing element in a panel and die member

Country Status (11)

Country Link
US (2) US20030101566A1 (ja)
EP (1) EP1461538B1 (ja)
JP (1) JP3927952B2 (ja)
AT (1) ATE323235T1 (ja)
AU (1) AU2002310254A1 (ja)
BR (1) BR0214770A (ja)
CA (1) CA2467042C (ja)
DE (1) DE60210669T2 (ja)
ES (1) ES2261677T3 (ja)
MX (1) MXPA04005380A (ja)
WO (1) WO2003050425A1 (ja)

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20050111911A1 (en) * 2003-11-21 2005-05-26 Srecko Zdravkovic Self-piercing fastening system
US6979160B2 (en) * 2001-09-25 2005-12-27 Profil Verbindungstechnik Gmbh & Co. Fixing element
US20060026837A1 (en) * 2004-08-03 2006-02-09 Binelli James C Method for making a vehicle seat crossmember
US20060042349A1 (en) * 2004-08-24 2006-03-02 Ford Motor Company Multi-piece self pierce rivet die for improved die life
US20090107205A1 (en) * 2007-10-29 2009-04-30 Gm Global Technology Operations, Inc. Apparatus for Apertured Attachment of Metal Sheets
US20100232906A1 (en) * 2006-06-21 2010-09-16 Sumanjit Singh Punch rivet and die
US20160151825A1 (en) * 2014-11-28 2016-06-02 Newfrey Llc Die, joining tool and die production method
WO2023057736A1 (en) * 2021-10-05 2023-04-13 Atlas Copco Ias Uk Limited Self-piercing rivet

Families Citing this family (20)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20050111934A1 (en) * 2003-11-14 2005-05-26 Ladouceur Harold A. Self-riveting male fastener and panel assembly
US7179034B2 (en) * 2002-10-16 2007-02-20 Whitesell International Corporation Torque resistant fastening element
GB2470144B (en) * 2004-10-26 2010-12-29 Universal Can Corp Can body manufacturing method, can body and can body manufacturing apparatus
US7380326B2 (en) * 2005-11-02 2008-06-03 Whitesell International Corporation Method of attaching a self-attaching fastener to a panel
RU2418206C2 (ru) * 2006-01-05 2011-05-10 Профиль-Фербиндунгстехник Гмбх Унд Ко. Кг Крепежный элемент, узловая сборка, состоящая из крепежного элемента и детали из листового металла, а также способ закрепления крепежного элемента на детали из листового металла
DE102006021499A1 (de) 2006-05-09 2007-11-15 Elringklinger Ag Flachdichtung, insbesondere Zylinderkopfdichtung
CN101210582A (zh) * 2006-12-28 2008-07-02 鸿富锦精密工业（深圳）有限公司 螺柱
CN101210583A (zh) * 2006-12-28 2008-07-02 鸿富锦精密工业（深圳）有限公司 螺柱
JP4560065B2 (ja) * 2007-05-18 2010-10-13 日東精工株式会社 スペーサ
JP5688568B2 (ja) * 2008-07-15 2015-03-25 山野井精機株式会社 被加工金属部材に突起を形成する突起形成方法
US20110003647A1 (en) 2009-07-02 2011-01-06 Fastener Advance Products Pierce nut manufacturing method and apparatus
US8851785B1 (en) * 2009-11-17 2014-10-07 Trw Automotive U.S. Llc Ball joint
JP4824120B2 (ja) * 2010-05-14 2011-11-30 日東精工株式会社 スペーサ
JP5793298B2 (ja) * 2010-12-28 2015-10-14 岡部株式会社 土木用アンカー取付装置
DE102011113436A1 (de) 2011-09-14 2013-03-14 Profil Verbindungstechnik Gmbh & Co. Kg Nietelement
US9126258B2 (en) 2013-02-28 2015-09-08 Robert Rottinghaus Unitary connector pin formed by two-stage cold heading die
US9718157B2 (en) * 2014-02-21 2017-08-01 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Expanding die for clinching and riveting operations
US9680239B2 (en) * 2014-04-23 2017-06-13 Ramco Specialties, Inc. Grounding stud and electrical connections
CN105065406B (zh) * 2015-08-07 2017-12-12 珠海格力电器股份有限公司 铆接结构、铆接模具、铆接工艺及空调
US10576532B2 (en) * 2015-12-14 2020-03-03 GM Global Technology Operations LLC Systems and methods for joining components by riveting

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6546613B2 (en) * 2001-08-29 2003-04-15 Textron Inc. Anvil design for rivet setting machine

Family Cites Families (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2707322A (en) 1952-05-01 1955-05-03 Steward Method and apparatus for connecting clinch nut and panel
DE3003908C2 (de) 1980-02-02 1984-10-18 Profil-Verbindungstechnik Gmbh & Co Kg, 6382 Friedrichsdorf Stehbolzen mit Stanz- und Nietverhalten
US4555838A (en) * 1983-03-28 1985-12-03 Multifastener Corp. Method of installing self-attaching fasteners
US4810143A (en) * 1983-12-21 1989-03-07 Multifastener Corporation Fastener and panel assembly
US5441417A (en) * 1981-01-28 1995-08-15 Multifastener Corporation Electrical grounding stud
US4825527A (en) * 1988-01-25 1989-05-02 Multifastener Corporation Method of attaching an element to a panel
US5140735A (en) * 1990-01-16 1992-08-25 Multifastener Corporation Die member for attaching a self-piercing and riveting fastener
US5056207A (en) 1990-01-16 1991-10-15 Multifastener Corporation Method of attaching a self-piercing and riveting fastener and improved die member
US5020950A (en) * 1990-03-06 1991-06-04 Multifastener Corporation Riveting fastener with improved torque resistance
US5868535A (en) * 1997-08-04 1999-02-09 Multifastener Corporation Self-riveting fastening element

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6546613B2 (en) * 2001-08-29 2003-04-15 Textron Inc. Anvil design for rivet setting machine

Cited By (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6979160B2 (en) * 2001-09-25 2005-12-27 Profil Verbindungstechnik Gmbh & Co. Fixing element
US7032296B2 (en) 2003-11-21 2006-04-25 Newfrey Llc Self-piercing fastening system
US20050111911A1 (en) * 2003-11-21 2005-05-26 Srecko Zdravkovic Self-piercing fastening system
US8091237B2 (en) * 2004-08-03 2012-01-10 Lear Corporation Method for making a vehicle seat crossmember
US20060026837A1 (en) * 2004-08-03 2006-02-09 Binelli James C Method for making a vehicle seat crossmember
US20060042349A1 (en) * 2004-08-24 2006-03-02 Ford Motor Company Multi-piece self pierce rivet die for improved die life
US8196794B2 (en) * 2004-08-24 2012-06-12 Ford Motor Company Riveting system and multi-piece self pierce die for improved die life
US20100232906A1 (en) * 2006-06-21 2010-09-16 Sumanjit Singh Punch rivet and die
US8506228B2 (en) * 2006-06-21 2013-08-13 Sumanjit Singh Punch rivet and die
US9091290B2 (en) 2006-06-21 2015-07-28 Sumanjit Singh Punch rivet and die
US20090107205A1 (en) * 2007-10-29 2009-04-30 Gm Global Technology Operations, Inc. Apparatus for Apertured Attachment of Metal Sheets
US20160151825A1 (en) * 2014-11-28 2016-06-02 Newfrey Llc Die, joining tool and die production method
WO2023057736A1 (en) * 2021-10-05 2023-04-13 Atlas Copco Ias Uk Limited Self-piercing rivet

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2467042A1 (en) 2003-06-19
CA2467042C (en) 2008-11-18
AU2002310254A1 (en) 2003-06-23
BR0214770A (pt) 2004-11-09
EP1461538A1 (en) 2004-09-29
EP1461538B1 (en) 2006-04-12
DE60210669T2 (de) 2007-04-05
US20040130932A1 (en) 2004-07-08
MXPA04005380A (es) 2004-09-27
WO2003050425A1 (en) 2003-06-19
JP3927952B2 (ja) 2007-06-13
JP2005515072A (ja) 2005-05-26
US7047617B2 (en) 2006-05-23
ATE323235T1 (de) 2006-04-15
ES2261677T3 (es) 2006-11-16
DE60210669D1 (de) 2006-05-24

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US7047617B2 (en) Method of attaching a self-piercing element in a panel and die member
US7179034B2 (en) Torque resistant fastening element
US7380326B2 (en) Method of attaching a self-attaching fastener to a panel
EP1645357B1 (en) Torque resistant fastening element
US7287944B2 (en) Self-riveting male fastener and panel assembly
US5020950A (en) Riveting fastener with improved torque resistance
US5564873A (en) Self-attaching fastening element and method of attachment
EP1532373B1 (en) Self-attaching female fastener and method of installation
EP0571930B1 (en) Self-attaching fastening element and method of attachment
US6893198B2 (en) Self-attaching female fastener element and method of attachment
WO2004037462A1 (en) Female fastener element and method of attachment to a panel
EP2088338A2 (en) Self-attaching fastener and panel assembly, method of installation and die member
CA2081690C (en) Self-attaching fastening element and method of attachment
WO2004036061A1 (en) Torque resistant fastening element

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: FABRISTEEL PRODUCTS, INC., MICHIGAN

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:LADOUCEUR, HAROLD A.;REEL/FRAME:012401/0884

Effective date: 20011203

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION

AS Assignment

Owner name: SOUTHTRUST, ALABAMA

Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:WHITESELL INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:015127/0234

Effective date: 20040910

AS Assignment

Owner name: WHITESELL FORMED COMPONENTS (P/K/A WHITESELL INTER

Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:WELLS FARGO, N.A.(FORMERLY SOUTH TRUST BANK);REEL/FRAME:042331/0604

Effective date: 20170421