WO2022250671A1 - Élément de construction à auto-clinchage et auto-perçage doté d'un pilote polyvalent - Google Patents

Élément de construction à auto-clinchage et auto-perçage doté d'un pilote polyvalent Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022250671A1
WO2022250671A1 PCT/US2021/034548 US2021034548W WO2022250671A1 WO 2022250671 A1 WO2022250671 A1 WO 2022250671A1 US 2021034548 W US2021034548 W US 2021034548W WO 2022250671 A1 WO2022250671 A1 WO 2022250671A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
construction element
pilot
central axis
embossment
self
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2021/034548
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Marc Andrew O'DONNELL
Michael Dacosta
Original Assignee
Rb&W Manufacturing Llc
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 Rb&W Manufacturing Llc filed Critical Rb&W Manufacturing Llc
Priority to KR1020237032519A priority Critical patent/KR20230147714A/ko
Priority to EP21943257.2A priority patent/EP4348067A1/fr
Priority to JP2023557447A priority patent/JP2024513344A/ja
Priority to MX2023014047A priority patent/MX2023014047A/es
Priority to PCT/US2021/034548 priority patent/WO2022250671A1/fr
Priority to CN202180098187.1A priority patent/CN117295900A/zh
Publication of WO2022250671A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022250671A1/fr

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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
    • F16B35/00—Screw-bolts; Stay-bolts; Screw-threaded studs; Screws; Set screws
    • F16B35/04—Screw-bolts; Stay-bolts; Screw-threaded studs; Screws; Set screws with specially-shaped head or shaft in order to fix the bolt on or in an object
    • F16B35/06—Specially-shaped heads
    • 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
    • F16B39/00—Locking of screws, bolts or nuts
    • F16B39/22—Locking of screws, bolts or nuts in which the locking takes place during screwing down or tightening
    • F16B39/28—Locking of screws, bolts or nuts in which the locking takes place during screwing down or tightening by special members on, or shape of, the nut or bolt
    • F16B39/282—Locking by means of special shape of work-engaging surfaces, e.g. notched or toothed nuts

Definitions

  • This application relates generally to self-attaching construction elements, and more particularly, clinch nuts, studs, and non-threaded construction elements (e.g., spacers).
  • Self-attaching construction elements are used in many industries such as, for example, the automotive and appliance industries to secure various components to a metal substrate. During installation, the construction elements must have sufficient rotational resistance to keep them from rotating relative to the metal substrate. Further, during service, the construction elements must have sufficient push-out resistance to keep them from separating from the metal substrate when external forces such as, for example, vibration or other tensile forces are applied.
  • Installing (i.e., attaching) traditional construction elements to conventional metal substrates is generally accomplished by forcing the construction element into the metal substrate (i.e., sandwiching the construction element and the metal substrate between a drive mechanism and an anchoring block) such that material of the metal substrate plastically deforms and conforms to select features and profiles of the construction element.
  • the conventional construction elements and traditional installation techniques are sufficient to yield satisfactory rotational and push-out resistances when the construction element is attached to typical metal substrates, such as relatively thin metal panels.
  • typical metal substrates such as relatively thin metal panels.
  • conventional construction elements and/or their associated installation techniques either yield unsatisfactory resistances or structurally deform the metal substrate such that it is unusable for its intended purpose.
  • a self-clinching construction element for attachment to a plastically deformable metal substrate.
  • the self-clinching construction element includes a body portion with a central axis.
  • the body portion has an outer peripheral surface extending in a direction of the central axis, and an annular-shaped surface extending in a direction perpendicular to the central axis.
  • a punch portion is coaxial with the central axis and extends from the body portion.
  • the punch portion includes an outer peripheral surface extending in the direction of the central axis.
  • a pilot embossment is coaxial with the central axis and extends from the body portion such that the pilot embossment is concentrically disposed between the annular-shaped surface and the punch portion.
  • the pilot embossment is configured to engage and plastically deform the metal substrate such that the metal substrate flows into a recessed pocket defined in the outer peripheral surface of the punch portion.
  • a plurality of spaced lugs axially project outwards from the annular-shaped surface and extend radially outwards from the pilot embossment. The plurality of spaced apart lugs collectively encircle the pilot embossment.
  • a self-clinching construction element for attachment to a plastically deformable metal substrate.
  • the self- clinching construction element includes a body portion with a central axis.
  • the body portion has an outer peripheral surface extending in a direction of the central axis, and an annular shaped surface extending in a direction perpendicular to the central axis.
  • a punch portion is coaxial with the central axis and extends from the body portion.
  • the punch portion includes an outer peripheral surface extending in the direction of the central axis.
  • a pilot embossment is coaxial with the central axis and extends from the body portion such that the pilot embossment is concentrically disposed between the annular-shaped surface and the punch portion.
  • a lug axially projects outwards from the annular-shaped surface and extends radially outwards from the pilot embossment.
  • the pilot embossment and the lug are dimensionally configured such that the metal substrate engages with the pilot embossment prior to engaging the lug.
  • a punch portion is coaxial with the central axis and extends from the body portion.
  • the punch portion includes an outer peripheral surface extending in the direction of the central axis. Further, the punch portion includes first and second perimeter surfaces, and an intermediate surface disposed therebetween. The intermediate surface gradually and continuously inclines from the first perimeter surface to the second perimeter surface in the direction perpendicular to the central axis. The second perimeter surface is radially offset from the first perimeter surface to define a recessed pocket in the punch portion.
  • the self-clinching construction element further includes a pilot embossment that is coaxial with the central axis and that extends from the body portion such that the pilot embossment is concentrically disposed between the annular-shaped surface and the punch portion.
  • the pilot embossment continuously extends about the punch portion in an uninterrupted manner, and includes a perimetric surface and an engagement surface.
  • the perimetric surface extends in the direction of the central axis
  • the engagement surface is annular in shape and extends in the direction perpendicular to the central axis.
  • the engagement surface is configured to engage and plastically deform the metal substrate such that the metal substrate flows into the recessed pocket.
  • a plurality of spaced apart lugs axially project outwards from the annular-shaped surface and extend radially outwards from the perimetric surface of the pilot embossment.
  • the plurality of spaced apart lugs collectively encircle the pilot embossment.
  • One of the lugs has a contact face configured to engage the metal substrate, and the contact face is concave shaped.
  • the pilot embossment and said one of the lugs are dimensionally configured such that the metal substrate engages with the engagement surface of the pilot embossment prior to engaging the contact face.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a self-clinching and self-piercing construction element
  • FIG. 2 is a top view of the construction element depicted in FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the construction element taken along the line 3-3 in FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of detail area “4” depicted in FIG. 3;
  • FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of detail area “5” depicted in FIG. 3;
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a stud including a clinch mounting portion as shown in FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the stud, shown in FIG. 6.
  • FIG. 1 depicts a construction element 100, which includes fasteners, for attachment to a plastically deformable metal substrate (e.g., a plate, a panel, a hollow cylinder, etc.).
  • a plastically deformable metal substrate e.g., a plate, a panel, a hollow cylinder, etc.
  • the construction element 100 described herein is attachable to both conventional metal substrates (e.g., flat, relatively thin metal panels) and non-conventional metal substrates (e.g., hollow-metal tubes), and provides sufficient rotational and push-out resistances.
  • the construction element 100 may be a self-clinching construction element that, during installation to the metal substate, clinches and attaches to a pre-made hole formed in the metal substrate having a thickness of 1 mm or greater.
  • the construction element 100 is a self-piercing and self-clinching construction element that, during installation, both pierces an aperture in the metal substrate and clinches itself thereto. While the illustrated embodiment depicts the construction element 100 as a spacer, sleeve, etc. (i.e., a non-threaded construction element), other self-clinching construction elements such as, for example, self-piercing and/or self-clinching studs (depicted in FIG.
  • self-piercing and/or self-clinching nuts are within the scope of the present invention.
  • construction element 100 as a self- clinching spacer (i.e., a non-threaded construction element), with the understanding that this disclosure likewise applies to self-piercing and/or self-clinching studs and/or nuts, as well as any other types of construction elements.
  • the construction element 100 has a body portion 102 and a multi-purpose pilot or punch portion 104 extending from one end of the body portion 102.
  • a through-hole or bore 106 axially extends through both the body portion 102 and the punch portion 104. While the bore 106 is shown as being a simple through-hole (i.e., having a smooth, uninterrupted circumferential wall), it is contemplated that the bore 106 can be threaded (to yield a self-clinching nut) such that a mating, threaded fastener (e.g., bolt, screw, etc.) can be inserted in the threaded bore for attachment thereto.
  • a mating, threaded fastener e.g., bolt, screw, etc.
  • the punch portion 104 can be solid and contain no through-hole; instead, a threaded or non- threaded stud can extend outwards from the opposite side of the body portion 102, as described below.
  • a fastener e.g., a bolt, threaded screw, etc.
  • a fastener can be inserted into the bore 106 such that a spaced distance is provided between either a head of the fastener and the metal substrate, or a corresponding nut (configured to be attached to the bolt, screw, etc.) and the metal substrate. That is, the construction element 100 provides a predetermined space between two distinct objects (i.e., the metal substrate and a separate fastener).
  • the body portion 102 and the punch portion 104 are coaxial with a central axis ‘X.’
  • the body portion 102 extends to a bottom or first end surface 102a of the construction element 100, corresponding to one axial extremity of the constructional element 100.
  • the first end surface 102a of the construction element 100 is shown as being substantially perpendicular to the central axis “X,” and having a chamfer at a radially, outer periphery thereof.
  • the first end surface 102a may have other geometric configurations; for example, the first end surface 102a may be inclined or declined with respect to the central axis “X.” Said differently, the first end surface 102a may gradually converge radially inwards or diverge radially outwards with respect to an installation direction of the construction element 100.
  • the punch portion 104 extends to a top or second end surface 104a of the construction element 100, corresponding to the other axial extremity of the construction element 100.
  • the second end surface 104a of the construction element 100 is likewise depicted as being substantially perpendicular to the central axis “X,” however, the second end surface 104a could alternatively be angled, as described above with respect to the first end surface 102a.
  • the punch portion 104 is radially smaller than the body portion 102 such that the body portion 102 includes a generally annular-shaped surface 108 encircling the punch portion 104. That is, the punch portion 104 extends from the body portion 102 in a direction of the central axis ‘X,’ and is positioned such that the annular-shaped surface 108 encircles the punch portion 104.
  • the annular-shaped surface 108 extends in a direction perpendicular to the central axis (i.e., extending in a radial direction ‘r’ of the construction element 100, see FIG. 2) and is configured to engage the metal substrate to which the construction element 100 is to be attached to.
  • the construction element 100 includes a pilot embossment
  • pilot embossment 110 axially projecting outwards from the body portion 102 in a direction opposite to the first end surface 102a of the construction element 100.
  • the pilot embossment 110 encircles the punch portion 104. More specifically, the pilot embossment 110 is positioned concentrically between the second end surface 104a of the construction element 100 and the annular-shaped surface 108 (in the radial direction ‘r’). Accordingly, the pilot embossment 110 is radially larger than the punch portion 104 but radially smaller than the body portion 102. Further, the pilot embossment 110 is shown as being generally cylindrical in shape.
  • the pilot embossment 110 may have other geometric configurations, such as a polygonal shape (e.g., a hexagon, octagon, etc.). Moreover, the pilot embossment 110 is shown as continuously extending (circumferentially) about the punch portion in an uninterrupted manner. That is, there are no circumferential gaps formed in the pilot embossment 110. However, in other embodiments, the pilot embossment 110 may be broken up into multiple (discrete) sections and circumferentially spaced, one from the other, about the punch portion 104 such that the multiple sections of the pilot embossment 110 collectively encircle the punch portion 104.
  • a polygonal shape e.g., a hexagon, octagon, etc.
  • the pilot embossment 110 includes a perimetric surface 112 and an engagement surface 114.
  • the perimetric surface 112 of the pilot embossment 110 extends in the axial direction (i.e., parallel to the central axis ‘X’) and the engagement surface 114 is generally annular in shape and extends in the radial direction ‘r,’ as will be further discussed below.
  • the construction element 100 further includes a plurality of spaced apart lugs
  • each of the lugs 116 axially projects outward from the annular-shaped surface 108 in a direction opposite to the first end surface 102a of the construction element 100, and radially projects outward from the pilot embossment 110. More specifically, each of the lugs 116 includes a pair of upstanding side- walls 118 and a contact face 120 extending between said pair of side-walls 118, as will be further described below. In one embodiment, as shown, the plurality of lugs 116 are equally spaced apart, one from the other, and all have the same configuration. Alternatively, the plurality of lugs 116 can be unequally spaced apart about the pilot embossment 110, one from the other, and/or can have varying configurations.
  • the body portion 102 and punch portion 104 include outer peripheral surfaces 122, 124, respectively, that extend in the direction of the central axis ‘X.’
  • the outer peripheral surface 122 of the body portion 102 is planar (in cross-section) and parallel with respect to the central axis ‘X’ to provide a cylindrical shape.
  • the outer peripheral surface 122 of the body portion 102 may have a plurality of flat sides which can be readily used by hand or machine tools.
  • the outer peripheral surface 122 of the body portion 102 may be polygonal-shaped and the plurality of faces may all have the same dimensions (i.e., height and width) such that the outer peripheral surface 122 of the body portion 102 is formed by six or eight faces. Alternatively, a total of four to twelve faces may form the outer peripheral surface 122 of the body portion 102.
  • the outer peripheral surface 122 of the body portion 102 may be curved (in cross-section) with a convex or concave shape and/or non-parallel with respect to the central axis ‘X.’
  • the height (i.e., the axial dimension) and width (i.e., the radial dimension) of the body portion 102 are selected to provide the desired spacing, as mentioned above.
  • the height and width of the body portion 102 can be likewise selected to provide sufficient strength for the stud and any intended mating fasteners.
  • FIG. 4 which is an enlarged detail view of an encircled area of the construction element 100 depicted in FIG. 3, the annular-shaped surface 108 of the body portion 102 lies on a first imaginary horizontal plane ⁇ 1.’ Moreover, the engagement surface 114 of the pilot embossment 110 lies on a second imaginary horizontal plane ⁇ 2.’ Notably, the first and second imaginary horizontal planes ⁇ I,’ ⁇ 2’ are parallel with respect to one another and are both configured such that the central axis ‘X’ is normal thereto.
  • the illustrated example shows the annular-shaped surface 108 of the body portion 102 and the engagement surface 114 of the pilot embossment 110 extending outwards in the same general direction (i.e., in the radial direction ‘r’) and being parallel with respect to one another.
  • annular-shaped surface 108 of the body portion 102 and the engagement surface 114 of the pilot embossment 110 are spaced apart from and connected to one another via the perimetric surface 112 of the pilot embossment 110.
  • an outer radius of the annular-shaped surface 108 meets with (i.e., intersects) the outer peripheral surface 122 of the body portion 102 at a first peripheral edge 126.
  • the annular-shaped surface 108 is coterminous with the outer peripheral surface 122 of the body portion 102 at the first peripheral edge 126.
  • an inner radius of the annular-shaped surface 108 meets with (i.e., intersects) one end (i.e., a lower-most end) of the perimetric surface 112, and an outer radius of the engagement surface 114 meets with (i.e., intersects) the other end (i.e., an upper-most end) of the perimetric surface 112. That is, the perimetric surface 112 is coterminous with the engagement surface 114 at a second peripheral edge 128.
  • annular-shaped surface 108 and the engagement surface 114 are depicted as both lying on respective, imaginary horizontal planes, it is contemplated that the annular-shaped surface 108 and/or the engagement surface 114 may be angled with respect to their corresponding planes.
  • the annular-shaped surface 108 may incline or decline from its inner radius to the first peripheral edge 126 in the radial direction ‘r.’
  • the engagement surface 114 may incline or decline from its inner radius to the second peripheral edge 128 in the radial direction ‘r.’ Accordingly, it is to be understood that the annular-shaped surface 108 and the engagement surface 114 need not be parallel with respect to one another.
  • the annular-shaped surface 108 and the engagement surface 114 are spaced from and connected to one another via the perimetric surface 112.
  • the perimetric surface 112 defines a distance (i.e., height) that the pilot embossment 110 axially extends (i.e., along the central axis ‘X’) from the body portion 102.
  • FIG. 5 is an enlarged detail view of an encircled area of the construction element 100 depicted in FIG. 3, the perimetric surface 112 of the pilot embossment 110 lies on a first imaginary circumferential plane ‘Cl.’
  • the first imaginary circumferential plane ‘Cl’ is coaxial and parallel with the central axis ‘X.’
  • the perimetric surface 112 is perpendicular to both the engagement surface 114 and the annular-shaped surface 108.
  • the perimetric surface 112 need not be perpendicular to the engagement surface 114 and/or the annular-shaped surface 108.
  • the perimetric surface 112 may be angled with respect to the central axis ‘X’ such that a radial distance between the perimetric surface 112 and the central axis ‘X’ gradually increases or decreases in a direction from the annular-shaped surface 108 to the engagement surface 114.
  • the outer peripheral surface 124 of the punch portion 104 has a generally angled configuration. Specifically, the outer peripheral surface 124 of the punch portion 104 comprises a first perimeter surface 130, a second perimeter surface 132, and an intermediate surface 134 disposed therebetween.
  • the first and second perimeter surfaces 130, 132 are generally cylindrical in shape and lie on respective second and third imaginary circumferential planes ‘C2,’ ‘C3.’
  • the second and third imaginary circumferential planes ‘C2,’ ‘C3’ are both coaxial and parallel with the central axis ‘X.’ Accordingly, the first and second perimeter surfaces 130, 132 extend in the axial direction (i.e., along the central axis ‘X’) and are parallel with respect to one another.
  • the second and third imaginary circumferential planes ‘C2,’ ‘C3’ are concentrically arranged.
  • the second imaginary circumferential plane ‘C2’ has a smaller radial dimension than that of the third imaginary circumferential plane ‘C3.’
  • the first perimeter surface 130 is radially offset from the second perimeter surface 132. That is, the first perimeter surface 130 is disposed closer to the central axis ‘X’ in the radial direction ‘r’ than the second perimeter surface 132.
  • the first and second perimeter surfaces 130, 132 are shown as being planar-shaped in cross-section (i.e., as shown in FIG. 5). However, it is contemplated that the first and/or second perimeter surfaces 130, 132 may have a different geometric configuration.
  • the first and/or second perimeter surfaces 130, 132 may be convex or concave-shaped, in cross-section.
  • the intermediate surface 134 is disposed between the first and second perimeter surfaces. More specifically, the intermediate surface 134 gradually and continuously inclines from the first perimeter surface 130 to the second perimeter surface 132 in the radial direction ‘r.’ In other words, a radial dimension of the intermediate surface 134 at a location where the intermediate surface 134 meets with (i.e., intersects) the first perimeter surface 130 is smaller than a radial dimension of the intermediate surface 134 at a location where the intermediate surface 134 meets with (i.e., intersects) the second perimeter surface 132, and the radial dimension of the intermediate surface 134 continuously increases in a direction from the first perimeter surface 130 to the second perimeter surface 132 (along the central axis ‘X’).
  • a recessed pocket 136 is defined in the outer peripheral surface 124 of the punch portion 104, wherein the pocket 136 has a greater (radial) depth adjacent the pilot embossment 110.
  • This recessed pocket 136 is configured to receive and retain deformed material of the metal substrate during installation of the construction element 100 thereto, as will be further described below.
  • the recessed pocket 136 is not constrained to the specific configuration, described above.
  • the recessed pocket 136 can be a simple C-shaped groove formed in the outer peripheral surface 124 of the punch portion 104, and which circumferentially extends about the punch portion 104 in an uninterrupted manner.
  • the C-shaped groove can be broken up into various discrete, circumferential sections, which together form the recessed pocket 136. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the recessed pocket 136 can take any geometric form.
  • the intermediate surface 134 of the outer peripheral surface 124 of the punch portion 104 is shown as being planar-shaped in cross- section (i.e., as shown in FIG. 5). However, it is contemplated that the intermediate surface 134 may have a different geometric configuration. For example, the intermediate surface 134 may have a concave shape or a convex shape in cross-section.
  • the contact face 120 extends between the pair of side- walls 118 (i.e., in a circumferential direction of the construction element 100) and extends in the radial direction ‘r.’ Specifically, as depicted in FIG. 3, the contact face 120 has opposite, first and second (radial) end portions 121a, 121b.
  • the first end portion 121a is disposed adjacent the perimetric surface 112 of the pilot embossment 110, and more particularly, is formed therewith such that the lug 116 directly extends (radially outwards) from the pilot embossment 110.
  • the second end portion 121b extends to and is (axially) aligned with the first peripheral edge 126. That is, the second end portion 121b and the outer peripheral surface 122 of the body portion 102 reside on a common, imaginary circumferential plane (not shown).
  • the contact face 120 has a concave shape. More specifically, the curved nature of the contact face 120 is generally parabolic (in cross- section), such that its lowest point resides at the center of the curve. In another embodiment, the contact face 120 need not be concave shaped.
  • the contact face 120 can be planar in shape, convex shaped, or even have multiple surfaces with varying geometries. Notably, regarding the depicted embodiment, even the lowest point of the contact face 120 is distanced from the annular-shaped surface 108. That is, an entirety of the contact face 120 is axially spaced from the first imaginary horizontal plane ⁇ G in a direction from the first end surface 102a towards the second end surface 104a.
  • a distance between the contact face 120 and the annular-shaped surface 108 (in the axial direction) is greatest at respective junctions between the contact face 120 and the pair of side-walls 118. That is, the side-walls 118 of the lug 116 define a greatest distance (i.e., height) in the axial direction of the lug 116 with respect to the first imaginary horizontal plane ⁇ on which the annular-shaped surface 108 lies.
  • the greatest height of the lug 116 (with respect to the annular-shaped surface 108) is less than the height of the pilot embossment 110 (which is defined by the axial dimension of the perimetric surface 112). This dimensional difference ensures that the pilot embossment 110 engages with the metal substrate prior to the lugs 116 engaging the metal substrate, as will be further discussed below.
  • the contact face 120 can be radially sloped such that at least a portion of the first end portion 121a (e.g., its lowest point) is coterminous with the first peripheral edge 126. That is, the contact face 120 of the lug 116 can be radially sloped, in a declining manner, in a direction radially outwards from the pilot embossment 110. In other embodiments, the contact face 120 of the lug 116 can be radially sloped, in an inclining manner, in a direction radially outwards from the pilot embossment 110.
  • the lug 116 need not extend directly from
  • the lug 116 can be radially spaced from the perimetric surface 112 of the pilot embossment 110 such that a gapped distance is defined therebetween.
  • the lug 116 need not radially extend to the imaginary circumferential plane (not shown) on which the outer peripheral surface 122 of the body portion 102 lies. Rather, the lug 116 can extend to a location that is radially spaced (inwards) from said imaginary circumferential plane (not shown).
  • All the components of the above-discussed construction element 100 are formed integrally with respect to one another. That is, the body portion, 102, the punch portion 104, the pilot embossment 110, and the lug(s) 116 are all formed from the same stock material.
  • the construction element 100 can be manufactured from carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, or other metals.
  • the material of the construction element 100 it is preferable for the material of the construction element 100 to have a hardness greater than that of the metal substrate to which it is to be attached to. Where the construction element is a self- clinching stud, as will now be discussed, the stud would likewise be integrally formed of the same material.
  • the construction element 100 may be a self-clinching stud.
  • the construction element 100 comprises the body portion 102 and the punch portion 104.
  • a shank 138 extends outwards from the second end surface 104a of the construction element 100 along the central axis ‘X.’
  • no bore e.g., bore 106 shown in FIG. 3
  • the shank 138 may extend outwards from the first end surface 102a of the construction element 100 along the central axis ‘X.’
  • a thread 140 is provided about at least a portion of the shank 138.
  • the outer peripheral surface 122 of the body portion 102 is polygon-shaped and includes a plurality of planar-shaped faces, all having the same general dimensions (e.g., height and width). This configuration promotes sufficient engagement between the body portion 102 and a machine or hand tool.
  • the pilot embossment 110 is likewise shown as having a polygon-shape (e.g., octagon-shaped). The pilot embossment 110 having an octagon shape can increase torque performance with respect to the engagement between the construction element 100 and the metal substrate, after installation because the planar-shaped faces will resist rotation when embedded into the metal substrate.
  • the shape of the pilot embossment 110 coincides with the shape of the outer peripheral surface 122 of the body portion 102.
  • the shape of the pilot embossment 110 may be different than the shape of the outer peripheral surface 122 of the body portion 102.
  • the outer peripheral surface 124 of the punch portion 104 again includes the first and second perimeter surfaces 130, 132, and the intermediate surface 134 disposed therebetween.
  • an outer diameter ‘dl’ of the punch portion 104 i.e., an outer diameter of the second perimeter surface 132 is greater than an outer diameter ‘d2’ of the thread 140.
  • a traditional self-clinching construction element when attaching a traditional self-clinching construction element to a conventional metal substrate (e.g., a flat, relatively thin metal panel), the construction element is placed on one side of the metal substrate, while an anchoring block is placed on an opposite side of said metal substrate and aligned with the construction element.
  • a drive mechanism i.e. a press
  • the construction element and the metal substrate would essentially be sandwiched between the drive mechanism and the anchoring block such that the metal substrate would plastically deform and conform to various geometries of the construction element.
  • Such a conventional installation technique is not possible with relatively thicker metal substrates or more complex metal substrates, such as hollow-metal tubes.
  • sandwiching a hollow-metal tube and a corresponding construction element between a drive mechanism and an anchoring block would either completely deform the hollow-metal tube or yield unacceptable push-out results (i.e., push-out being an amount of force required to separate the construction element from the metal substrate).
  • push-out being an amount of force required to separate the construction element from the metal substrate.
  • such conventional construction elements would not permit enough deformed material to flow in order for the metal substrate to fully conform to the specific geometries of the construction element associated with clinching the construction element thereto.
  • the construction element 100 (e.g., the self-clinching spacer) described above has been designed to promote attachment to metal substrates having difficult geometries (e.g., hollow-metal tubes) without the shortcomings of the prior installation techniques.
  • the construction element 100 is disposed adjacent the hollow-metal tube such that the punch portion 104 is coaxial with the pre-made hole formed in the tube.
  • the construction element 100 is axially translated such that the punch portion 104 is received within the pre-made hole and such that a distal-end of the tube engages the pilot embossment 110.
  • the distal-end of the tube engages (i.e., physically contacts) the pilot embossment 110, the distal-end of the tube does not engage with any of the lugs 116 at this stage of the installation.
  • the hollow-metal tube e.g., a drive head physically contacts the first end surface 102a of the construction element 100 and drives the construction element 100 axially into the circumferential wall of the tube. Due to the applied force, the portion of the tube engaging the pilot embossment 110 plastically deforms and flows into the annularly-shaped recessed pocket 136 defined in the punch portion 104. In other words, the applied force from the drive mechanism is transferred via the pilot embossment 110 into the tube (or substrate). As the construction element 100 continues to be driven into the tube in the axial direction, the distal- end of the tube then engages with the respective contact faces 120 of the lugs 116.
  • a drive head physically contacts the first end surface 102a of the construction element 100 and drives the construction element 100 axially into the circumferential wall of the tube. Due to the applied force, the portion of the tube engaging the pilot embossment 110 plastically deforms and flows into the annularly-shaped recessed pocket 136 defined in the punch portion 104.
  • the portion of the tube engaging the lugs 116 plastically deforms and flows to conform to the geometric shapes of the lugs 116.
  • the material of the tube can flow and engage with (i.e., physically contact) the annular-shaped surface 108 of the body portion 102.
  • the construction element 100 can likewise be applied to conventional planar metal substrates having varying thicknesses and materials.
  • the pilot embossment 110 will similarly operate to plastically deform the planar metal substrate so that it flows into the annularly-shaped recessed pocket 136 defined in the punch portion 104 for securing the construction element 100.
  • the construction element 100 is a self-piercing and self-clinching spacer configured to be attached to a conventional, planar metal substrate
  • the construction element 100 is placed on one side of the metal substrate, while an anchoring block is placed on an opposite side of said metal substrate and aligned with the construction element 100.
  • a drive mechanism i.e., a press then forces the construction element 100 into the metal substrate in a direction towards the anchoring block.
  • the construction element 100 in this example is a self-piercing and self-clinching spacer, no pre-made aperture is formed in the metal substrate.
  • the second end surface 104a of the construction element 100 pierces the metal substrate and creates space (i.e., an aperture, through-hole, etc.) to accommodate the punch portion 104 of the construction element 100.
  • space i.e., an aperture, through-hole, etc.
  • relative movement between the construction element 100 and the metal substrate causes a peripheral edge of the second end surface 104a of the construction element 100 to shear into (and through) the metal substrate.
  • material of the metal substrate engages with the pilot embossment 110, which plastically deforms said material such that it flows into the annularly-shaped recessed pocket 136 defined in the punch portion 104.
  • material of the metal substrate engages with the respective contact faces 120 of the lugs 116.
  • said material plastically deforms and flows to conform to the geometric shapes of the lugs 116.
  • the material of the metal substrate can flow and engage with (i.e., physically contact) the annular-shaped surface 108 of the body portion 102 and/or the pair of side-walls 118 of each respective lug 116.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Insertion Pins And Rivets (AREA)
  • Joining Of Building Structures In Genera (AREA)
  • Bolts, Nuts, And Washers (AREA)
  • Connection Of Plates (AREA)

Abstract

Élément de construction à auto-clinchage et auto-perçage destiné à être fixé à un panneau métallique plastiquement déformable. L'élément de construction comporte une partie corps dotée d'un axe central et une partie poinçon qui est coaxiale à l'axe central et s'étend à partir de la partie corps. Un bossage pilote est coaxial à l'axe central et s'étend à partir de la partie corps de telle sorte que le bossage pilote est disposé de manière concentrique entre une surface annulaire de la partie corps et la partie poinçon. Le bossage pilote est conçu pour venir en prise avec le substrat métallique et le déformer plastiquement de telle sorte que le substrat métallique s'écoule dans une poche évidée définie dans une surface périphérique externe de la partie poinçon. Une pluralité de pattes espacées font saillie axialement vers l'extérieur à partir de la surface annulaire et s'étendent radialement vers l'extérieur à partir du bossage pilote.
PCT/US2021/034548 2021-05-27 2021-05-27 Élément de construction à auto-clinchage et auto-perçage doté d'un pilote polyvalent WO2022250671A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
KR1020237032519A KR20230147714A (ko) 2021-05-27 2021-05-27 다목적 파일럿이 있는 셀프-클린칭 및 셀프-피어싱 건축 요소
EP21943257.2A EP4348067A1 (fr) 2021-05-27 2021-05-27 Élément de construction à auto-clinchage et auto-perçage doté d'un pilote polyvalent
JP2023557447A JP2024513344A (ja) 2021-05-27 2021-05-27 多目的パイロットを有するセルフクリンチング及びセルフピアシング構造要素
MX2023014047A MX2023014047A (es) 2021-05-27 2021-05-27 Elemento de construccion con autoafianzamiento y autoperforante con piloto multiproposito.
PCT/US2021/034548 WO2022250671A1 (fr) 2021-05-27 2021-05-27 Élément de construction à auto-clinchage et auto-perçage doté d'un pilote polyvalent
CN202180098187.1A CN117295900A (zh) 2021-05-27 2021-05-27 具有多用途导向件的自锁紧且自刺穿的构造元件

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2021/034548 WO2022250671A1 (fr) 2021-05-27 2021-05-27 Élément de construction à auto-clinchage et auto-perçage doté d'un pilote polyvalent

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2022250671A1 true WO2022250671A1 (fr) 2022-12-01

Family

ID=84230144

Family Applications (1)

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PCT/US2021/034548 WO2022250671A1 (fr) 2021-05-27 2021-05-27 Élément de construction à auto-clinchage et auto-perçage doté d'un pilote polyvalent

Country Status (6)

Country Link
EP (1) EP4348067A1 (fr)
JP (1) JP2024513344A (fr)
KR (1) KR20230147714A (fr)
CN (1) CN117295900A (fr)
MX (1) MX2023014047A (fr)
WO (1) WO2022250671A1 (fr)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20010010789A1 (en) * 1999-03-24 2001-08-02 Pamer W. Richard Self-piercing clinch nut
JP2002257123A (ja) * 2001-03-02 2002-09-11 Nippon Pop Rivets & Fasteners Ltd 圧入式スペーサナット
US20060099047A1 (en) * 2004-11-05 2006-05-11 Pem Management, Inc. Rotatable captivated nut
US9322424B2 (en) * 2009-12-22 2016-04-26 Rb&W Manufacturing Llc Nut with lug flare
US20210018032A1 (en) * 2019-07-15 2021-01-21 Rb&W Manufacturing Llc Self-clinching fastener

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20010010789A1 (en) * 1999-03-24 2001-08-02 Pamer W. Richard Self-piercing clinch nut
JP2002257123A (ja) * 2001-03-02 2002-09-11 Nippon Pop Rivets & Fasteners Ltd 圧入式スペーサナット
US20060099047A1 (en) * 2004-11-05 2006-05-11 Pem Management, Inc. Rotatable captivated nut
US9322424B2 (en) * 2009-12-22 2016-04-26 Rb&W Manufacturing Llc Nut with lug flare
US20210018032A1 (en) * 2019-07-15 2021-01-21 Rb&W Manufacturing Llc Self-clinching fastener

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP2024513344A (ja) 2024-03-25
CN117295900A (zh) 2023-12-26
KR20230147714A (ko) 2023-10-23
EP4348067A1 (fr) 2024-04-10
MX2023014047A (es) 2023-12-15

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