Fastening element with adhesive, method of use and method of manufacture thereof

Abstract

A method of manufacturing a fastening element (10, 10 '), a method of using a fastening element (10, 10') and a fastening element for gluing to a workpiece (16), the fastening element comprising:-at least one fastening portion (12, 12 ') and-a contact surface (14, 14') wherein a first region (20) of the contact surface is applied with a permanent adhesive (24, 24 ') and the contact surface further comprises a second region (22) different from the first region, wherein a fixing wax (26, 26 ') is applied to a second region (22), which is different from the first region, and a release agent (30) is applied to the fixing wax.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a fastening element pre-applied with bonding material, and its manufacturing and usage methods. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of fastener joining to workpieces, it is known, for example, to weld metal bolts to metal workpieces. This method is called "stud welding" and is particularly used in the automotive industry to weld bolts to body panels, wherein a retaining clip made of plastic is fixed and connected to the bolt, while cables, wires, etc. are fixed to the retaining clip.

[0003] With the increasing use of non-metallic or difficult-to-weld composite materials such as plastics and fiber composites in vehicle body manufacturing, adhesive bonding technology has gradually become a method for joining vehicle body panels. Unlike welding bolts and other fasteners to workpieces, in adhesive bonding technology, bolts and other fasteners are bonded (or glued) to the workpiece using adhesives.

[0004] Such fastening elements, including fastening portions and contact surfaces, are glued to, for example, automotive body parts or workpieces. A second component to be secured to the vehicle body can then be fastened to the fastening portion of the fastening element.

[0005] Adhesives used to hold fasteners to workpieces are typically applied in a fluid state to the contact surfaces of the fasteners. The fasteners are then placed on the workpiece. In this case, the fasteners need to be held on the carrier component until the adhesive hardens to ensure it provides the required holding force. Depending on the accessibility of the fastening location and the materials used, in certain cases, additional measures may be required to accelerate hardening (e.g., using ultraviolet light), or the fasteners may need to be held on the workpiece for an extended period until fully hardened. Such methods are time-consuming and undesirable. Mechanically holding fasteners increases assembly costs.

[0006] Specifically, EP2802785A1 describes a fastening element comprising a contact adhesive for initially holding the fastening element to a carrier component and a permanent adhesive for permanently holding the fastening element in place. The adhesive strength of the contact adhesive is insufficient to securely hold the fastening element to the carrier component during operation. This is provided by the permanent adhesive, which, upon curing, provides a stronger bond than the contact adhesive. However, the adhesive strength of the contact adhesive is sufficient to securely hold the fastening element in its designated position on the carrier component during the curing of the permanent adhesive. However, a risk remains that the two different adhesives may interfere with each other. Furthermore, both adhesives (or bonding agents) must be applied to the fastening element in the field, and the fastening element cannot be transported in an adhesive-coated state.

[0007] Therefore, there is still a need to provide a fastening element that is easy to assemble, use, and transport to be glued to the workpiece. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Accordingly, the present invention provides a fastening element. More specifically, the fastening element includes at least one fastening portion and a contact surface, the contact surface being opposite to the at least one fastening portion, wherein a permanent adhesive is applied to a first region of the contact surface, and the contact surface further includes a second region different from the first region, wherein a fixing wax is applied to the second region different from the first region, and an anti-sticking agent is applied to the fixing wax.

[0009] Fixative wax is a sticky wax, such as THOWAX STICK-ON-WACHS wax sold by YETI-DENTAL®.

[0010] A permanent adhesive is a type of glue. It is not a wax. It can be an epoxy resin adhesive, a polyurethane resin adhesive, or an adhesive resin component comprising methacrylate monomers, amines, and additional rubber and toughening agents. Permanent adhesives can also be used as structural adhesives, adhesives for low-energy surfaces, thermally and / or electrically conductive adhesives, flexible adhesives, and / or adhesives compliant with FST (fire, smoke, and toxic retardant) standards. More generally, a permanent adhesive can be any non-heat-curing adhesive. In other words, a permanent adhesive can be any cold-curing adhesive.

[0011] Fixing waxes are typically used for temporary bonding or securing of objects or materials. They provide temporary retention and are easy to remove or reposition. Permanent adhesives, on the other hand, are designed to form a strong, lasting bond between materials, making them difficult to separate once bonded.

[0012] Fixing wax provides immediate retention of fasteners (unlike adhesives, which may require several seconds to achieve their holding function). At ambient temperature, the wax is solid. Furthermore, it is malleable at ambient temperature and melts at a specific threshold temperature, generating cohesive strength. Therefore, using fixing wax instead of fixing adhesives or glues is particularly advantageous. The fixing wax is coated with an anti-stick agent. This anti-stick agent facilitates bulk transportation of fasteners with fixing wax and prevents fasteners from sticking together. For example, during the transportation of fasteners, the fixing wax is coated with an anti-stick agent to eliminate its stickiness.

[0013] In one embodiment, the contact surface includes a groove in which the fixing wax is disposed. The groove forms a buffer volume, reservoir, or tank, ensuring that the fixing wax does not extend beyond the intended surface and does not contaminate the permanent adhesive. The bottom of the groove forms a second region.

[0014] In one embodiment, the groove is an annular groove, and the retaining wax is disposed within the annular groove. For example, the contact surface may be annular. In one embodiment, the fastening element may be a glued nut.

[0015] In an alternative embodiment, the fastening portion is a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis and includes a flange extending laterally relative to the shaft, wherein the contact surface is the top surface of the flange facing away from the shaft, and the groove is a circular groove centered on the flange. Therefore, this fastening element is a so-called glued stud.

[0016] In one embodiment, the volume of the retaining wax is smaller than the internal volume of the groove. Therefore, the retaining wax is held within the groove.

[0017] In one embodiment, the anti-stick agent is an anti-stick coating. This coating is easy to apply and covers the wax layer. The fixing wax is then coated with the anti-stick coating to eliminate the stickiness of the fixing wax.

[0018] In one embodiment, the anti-stick coating is a resin layer or a paint layer. It can be any type of resin layer or paint layer. For example, any spray paint can be used. In a particular embodiment, a UV-curable paint, varnish, or resin that dries rapidly under ultraviolet light after spraying can be used.

[0019] In one embodiment, the anti-stick coating extends across the entire contact surface. In an alternative embodiment, a mask may be used to apply the anti-stick coating only to the fixing wax. In one embodiment, the anti-stick coating is a glass sphere or glass bead disposed on the fixing wax. The fixing wax is coated with glass beads to eliminate the stickiness of the fixing wax and enhance specific adhesion of the contact surface. More specifically, multiple glass beads may be used to cover (coat) the fixing wax. The diameter of each glass bead may be, for example, up to 0.3 mm.

[0020] In one embodiment, the anti-stick coating is a silicon or silicon dioxide layer (SiOx, such as Pyrosil®) or a polymer layer. The anti-stick coating can also be applied by a plasma polymerization process.

[0021] In one alternative embodiment, the anti-stick agent is an anti-stick foil or anti-stick film suitable for completely or at least partially covering the fixing wax. For example, the anti-stick foil is aluminum foil. Other materials may also be used for the foil or film.

[0022] In one embodiment, a permanent adhesive surrounds a retaining wax. Thus, the retaining wax is disposed inside the permanent adhesive, and the middle or center of the contact surface is initially secured, after which the permanent adhesive permanently secures the fastening element near the edge of the contact surface.

[0023] This disclosure also relates to a method for securing fastening elements to a workpiece, comprising the following steps:

[0024] - Provide fastening elements as described above;

[0025] -Provide the workpiece;

[0026] - Arrange the contact surfaces of the fastening elements facing the workpiece;

[0027] - Pressing the fastener onto the workpiece compromises or destroys the integrity of the anti-sticking agent, and the fixing wax contacts the surface of the workpiece to initially hold the fastener onto the workpiece, while the permanent adhesive used to permanently hold the fastener onto the workpiece is squeezed out.

[0028] Therefore, by utilizing the retaining wax that comes into contact with the workpiece after being pressed against it, the fastening element is initially held directly on the workpiece. Thus, initial holding is achieved without additional steps. The material used to provide the non-stick coating may be partially damaged or displaced, exposing the underlying wax. For example, if the anti-stick is a coating, the coating may crack. If the anti-stick is a sheet or film, the film may be damaged or the sheet or film may displace to at least partially expose the wax.

[0029] Finally, this disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing fasteners, comprising the following steps:

[0030] - Provide an element having at least one fastening portion and a contact surface facing away from said at least one fastening portion;

[0031] - Apply a fixing wax to the second region of the contact surface;

[0032] - Apply the fixing wax with an anti-adhesive agent;

[0033] - Apply a permanent adhesive to a first area of ​​the contact surface, the first area being different from the second area.

[0034] The manufacturing process is easy to implement, and components with a fixing wax and coating are easy to transport before a permanent adhesive is applied.

[0035] In one embodiment, the contact surface includes a groove in which the retaining wax is applied. Therefore, the retaining wax remains within the groove and does not contaminate other areas of the contact surface.

[0036] In one embodiment, the permanent adhesive is automatically applied by the device after the application of the fixing wax and the anti-stick coating. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0038] Figure 1 A perspective view of a fastening element according to a first embodiment is shown. The fastening element includes a shaft and a flange having a contact surface, a permanent adhesive is provided on a first region of the contact surface, and a retaining wax is provided on a second region of the contact surface.

[0039] Figure 2A A side view of a fastening element according to a second embodiment is shown. The fastening element is presented in the form of a nut and has a contact surface. The contact surface includes a permanent adhesive disposed on a first region of the contact surface and a retaining wax disposed on a second region of the contact surface. The retaining wax is covered with an anti-stick agent.

[0040] Figure 2B for Figure 2A A perspective view of the fastening element shown, wherein the permanent adhesive is not shown;

[0041] Figure 2C for Figure 2A The side view shows that some of the anti-adhesive has been partially damaged or destroyed, resulting in at least partial exposure of the wax;

[0042] Figure 3A and Figure 3B An apparatus for applying a permanent adhesive to the contact surface of a fastening element is schematically shown;

[0043] Figure 4 The diagram schematically illustrates a device for attaching fastening elements to a workpiece.

[0044] Unless otherwise stated, the same reference numerals in the figures denote the same or similar parts. Detailed Implementation

[0045] Figure 1 A fastening element 10 is shown, comprising a fastening portion 12 and a contact surface 14. The fastening portion 12 is a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis X. For example, the shaft may be a threaded shaft. The shaft is adapted to be connected to a component (not shown) to reliably engage a workpiece 16 to that component. Figure 1 The fastening element 10 shown also includes a flange 18 formed on and extending radially to the end of the shaft. The flange 18 may be a circular flange having a flange diameter. The flange 18 is defined radially by an outer edge and includes a top surface forming a contact surface 14. The fastening element 10 is a stud (or glued stud).

[0046] The contact surface 14 includes a first region 20 and a second region 22 that is different from the first region 20.

[0047] The first region 20 is used to contain the permanent adhesive 24. A two-component system of medium to high viscosity or a moisture-curing single-component system may be used as the permanent adhesive 24. Therefore, the fastening element 10 is fixed solely by the tack and toughness of the uncrosslinked adhesive. The permanent adhesive 24 may be, for example, an epoxy resin adhesive, a polyurethane resin adhesive, or an adhesive resin component containing methacrylate monomers, amines, and additional rubber and toughening agents. The permanent adhesive 24 may also be an adhesive for low-energy surfaces (polyurethane resin adhesive, polypropylene adhesive), a thermally conductive and / or electrically conductive adhesive, a flexible adhesive, and / or an adhesive conforming to FST (fire retardant, smoke retardant, and toxic retardant) standards. More generally, the permanent adhesive can be any cold-curing adhesive.

[0048] The first region 20 is, for example, annular, and the permanent adhesive 24 is arranged in the form of annular beads or annular protrusions. The first region 20 is planar. The first region 20 extends, for example, generally near the edge of the flange.

[0049] The second region 22 is used to contain the fixing wax 26. The fixing wax 26 is a viscous wax. As viscous wax is a type of wax, it is easily deformed at ambient temperature, but unlike ordinary wax, it has a viscous surface when solid. The fixing wax 26 may be, for example, a wax similar to THOWAX STICK-ON-WACHS sold by YETI-DENTAL®. The fixing wax has sufficient adhesive strength to hold the fastening element 10 to the workpiece 16 during the curing of the permanent adhesive 24. Figure 1 The second region 22 is shown located in the middle of the flange 18. A groove 28 is provided in the middle of the contact portion or flange 18, and the retaining wax 26 is disposed within the groove 28. In other words, the bottom of the groove 28 forms the second region 22. The retaining wax 26 may extend in a droplet form within the groove 28. The volume of the retaining wax is, for example, smaller than the volume of the groove 28. However, the wax droplet protrudes from the groove 28, such that a portion of the retaining wax 26 is above the plane formed by the first region 20. More specifically, the retaining wax 26 protrudes from this plane by at least 0.3 mm. In any case, the retaining wax 26 is above the extruded permanent adhesive 24 (described in detail below).

[0050] Therefore, the first region 20 surrounds the second region 22. Therefore, the permanent adhesive 24 is arranged around the fixing wax 26.

[0051] Figure 2A and Figure 2BA second embodiment of the fastening element 10' according to the invention is shown. The fastening element 10' includes a fastening portion 12' presented in the form of a hole (e.g., a threaded hole). For example, the fastening element 10' includes a shank with a hole (particularly a through hole). The fastening element 10' is, for example, a nut or a glued nut. The fastening element may also be a bushing (with a non-threaded hole), a spacer, a retainer, etc. The contact surface 14' is annular and extends around the hole.

[0052] The contact surface 14' includes a first region 20' surrounding the second region 22'. Both the first region 20' and the second region 22' are annular, with the second region 22' disposed within the first region 20'.

[0053] As described above, the first region 20' is used to accommodate the permanent adhesive 24', and the second region 22' is used to accommodate the fixing wax 26'. The first region 20' is similar to the first region 20 in the first embodiment. The second region 22' is formed by the bottom of an annular groove or annular recess 28'. The fixing wax 26' is disposed within the annular recess 28'. More specifically, as Figure 2B Ideally, multiple retaining wax droplets are arranged within the annular groove 28'. For example, two or more retaining wax droplets are arranged within the annular groove 28'. The volume of the wax droplets is smaller than the volume of the annular groove. Nevertheless, all wax droplets protrude from the groove 28', such that a portion of the retaining wax is above the plane formed by the first region 20'. More specifically, the retaining wax 26' protrudes from this plane by at least 0.3 mm.

[0054] In the first and second embodiments, the fixing waxes 26, 26' are coated with anti-tack means 30, so the stickiness of the fixing wax does not function when transporting or operating the fastening elements 10, 10' which are provided with fixing wax (but without permanent adhesive). In one embodiment, only the fixing waxes 26, 26' are coated with anti-tack means 30. In another embodiment, the entire contact surface 14, 14' may be coated, provided that the anti-tack means 30 does not affect the performance of the permanent adhesives 24, 24'.

[0055] The anti-stick agent 30 is, for example, an anti-stick coating. This anti-stick coating can be a paint layer applied only to the fixing waxes 26, 26'. To apply the paint or resin layer only to the fixing waxes 26, 26' (i.e., covering only the fixing waxes 26, 26' and not the other parts of the contact surfaces 14, 14'), a mask can be placed on the contact surfaces such that only the fixing waxes 26, 26' are visible (the mask covers the rest of the contact surfaces and has holes (one or more) only where the fixing wax is applied). Paint, resin, or varnish is applied to the masked contact surfaces, and then the mask is removed. Thus, only the fixing waxes 26, 26' are coated. Varnishes are generally suitable for this purpose, especially UV-cured varnishes, which dry faster under UV light, so that fasteners with fixing wax and an anti-stick coating (but no permanent adhesive) can be packaged in just a few minutes.

[0056] Alternatively, a layer of paint, resin, or varnish may be applied to the entire contact surface 14, 14'.

[0057] The anti-stick coating 30 can also be a thin metal layer applied by a physical vapor deposition process (as is known in plastic metallization).

[0058] Glass beads can also be used as an anti-stick coating 30. The glass beads are only applied to the fixing wax. Fastening elements 10, 10' with fixing wax 26, 26' (but without permanent adhesive 24, 24') can be immersed in a glass bead bath (similar to glass beads used as spacers in adhesives). The glass beads adhere to the fixing wax (or adhesive wax) 26, 26', leaving the surface feeling dry. When the fastening elements are removed from the bath, the remaining glass beads detach from the fastening elements.

[0059] Alternatively, glass beads can be sprinkled onto fasteners 10 and 10' from above, or sprayed onto fasteners 10 and 10' using a low-pressure spraying method similar to glass bead sandblasting. However, this method carries the risk of glass beads adhering to unintended areas and contaminating packaging and subsequent installation equipment.

[0060] Alternatively, glass spheres can be coated with fixing wax 26 and 26'.

[0061] The non-stick coating 30 can also be prepared using a powdering process with fillers. Sol-gel processes, PVD (physical vapor deposition), CVD (chemical vapor deposition), thermal spraying, or cold air spraying can also be applied to non-stick coatings.

[0062] In another possible embodiment, the anti-stick coating 30 can be applied using a flame treatment process with a silicate oxide (SiOx, such as Pyrosil®). In this case, the anti-stick coating 30 is a silicate layer. Preferably, the burner flame is directed to sweep rapidly across the fixing wax. For example, a dense silicate (or silica) layer only a few nanometers thick is deposited on the fixing wax. Since extremely brief exposure to the coating flame is sufficient, only a modest temperature rise is expected.

[0063] In another possible embodiment, a thin polymer layer can be deposited on the fixative wax by plasma flame or plasma polymerization to form an anti-stick coating 30. This method is very similar to the Pyrosil® flame method, but with even lower thermal stress.

[0064] In another alternative embodiment, the anti-sticking agent is a film or foil. For example, the anti-sticking agent is aluminum foil. The size of the foil or film is defined by the size of the fixing wax. The foil is arranged to cover each wax droplet formed by the fixing wax.

[0065] The fastening elements 10 and 10' are implemented as follows.

[0066] The first step involves providing an element comprising fastening portions 12, 12' and contact surfaces 14, 14'. Fixing wax 26, 26' is applied to second regions 22, 22' of the contact surfaces 14, 14'. For example, a single heated droplet of fixing wax 26, 26' (or multiple droplets as described in the second embodiment) is applied to the second regions 22, 22'. Subsequently, as described above, the fixing wax 26, 26' is covered with an anti-sticking agent 30. More specifically, the anti-sticking agent 30 is applied to the fixing wax once it is at ambient temperature and is solid or semi-solid (rather than in a liquid state obtained by heating the fixing wax).

[0067] Once the components 10 and 10' with the fixing wax 26, 26' and their anti-sticking agent 30 are produced, they can be transported and delivered to the place where they are assembled with the workpiece 16.

[0068] Permanent adhesive 24, 24' is applied to the first regions 20, 20' only before assembling the fastening elements 10, 10' with the workpiece 16. For example, permanent adhesive 24, 24' can be used as... Figure 3A and Figure 3B The device 32 shown (e.g., adhesive device 32) is applied automatically. Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 4 The illustrated device 32 has a fastening element 10 according to the first embodiment. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that a similar device can be applied in a similar manner to the fastening element according to the second embodiment or any similar fastening element.

[0069] The device 32 includes, for example, a chuck 34, a linear drive 36, and a rotary module 38. The chuck 34 is adapted to receive the fastening portion 12 of the fastening element, and the rotary module 38 is adapted to drive the chuck 34 to move and rotate in a linear manner, thereby driving the fastener 10 when the fastening portion 12 is received by the chuck 34.

[0070] Figure 3A The device 32 with chuck 34 is shown in the rest position. To load the fastening device 10, the chuck 34 can be moved forward, for example, in the direction of arrow A, until the chuck 34 extends outside the housing 40 of the device 32. The fastening portion 12 can then be inserted and held in the chuck.

[0071] A fastening element feeder 42 may be provided to supply fastening elements 10. The fastening element feeder 42 may have a loading pin adapted to contact the flange or contact surface of the fastening element 10. The loading pin pushes the flange or contact surface of the fastening element 10, causing the fastening portion to be inserted into the chuck 34 until it reaches the end position.

[0072] Ultimately, the chuck 34 can be rotated to secure the fastening portions 12, 12', especially when the fastening portions are threaded. The chuck 34 with the fastening element can then be moved back into the housing 40 or enclosure of the device 32 to minimize environmental disturbance.

[0073] The movable housing 40 is positioned to allow the permanent adhesive 24 to be applied to the first region 20 of the fastening element 10. For example, the housing 40 may be rotated and the chuck 34 translated to a position where the contact surface 14 (more specifically, the first region 20 of the contact surface) faces the adhesive metering outlet 44. For example, a second rotation module R2 may be provided to rotate the housing (and the chuck) about a second axis.

[0074] like Figure 3B As shown, a permanent adhesive 24 can be applied to the contact surface 14 (more specifically, the first region 20 of the contact surface). The adhesive can be applied by an adhesive applicator including a metering outlet (or nozzle) 44 for applying the adhesive. During the application of the permanent adhesive 24, the contact surface or flange can be eccentrically aligned with the nozzle or metering outlet 44. Furthermore, the longitudinal axis X can form an angle between 10 degrees and 90 degrees with the nozzle axis Xn. Ultimately, the adhesive applicator and the fastening element feeder 42 can be part of the same unit.

[0075] During the application of the permanent adhesive 24, the fastening element 10 rotates about its axis or longitudinal axis X, which allows for a more uniform redistribution of the permanent adhesive 24. This rotation of the fastening element 10 prevents the permanent adhesive 24 from moving in a single direction or even dripping from the fastening element due to gravity. This rotation also prevents the bonding device 32 from becoming contaminated by the permanent adhesive 24.

[0076] Once the permanent adhesive 24 is applied to the first region 20, the fastening element 10 can be bonded to the workpiece 16, such as Figure 4 As shown schematically. For example, the device 32 moves onto the workpiece 16 and reaches the area where the fastening element 10 needs to be secured. The device 32 (more specifically, the housing 40 with the clamp 34) is, for example, rotatable to align the fastening element and the workpiece 16. The fastening element 10 is aligned such that the longitudinal axis X is substantially orthogonal to the plane formed by the workpiece 16.

[0077] The fastening element 10 can ultimately continue to rotate as the housing 40 rotates to maintain good redistribution of the adhesive in the first area.

[0078] The chuck 34 is moved to the workpiece, so that the contact surface 14 faces the workpiece, and then contacts the workpiece 16. Through contact with the workpiece 16 and under the action of thrust, the retaining wax 26 is compressed, resulting in damage to the integrity of the anti-stick 30 (more specifically, for example, cracking of the anti-stick coating). During the cracking of the anti-stick coating, the underlying retaining wax 26 comes into contact with the surface of the workpiece 16, while the permanent adhesive 24 is compressed. In an alternative embodiment, when the anti-stick 30 is a foil or film, the foil or film can also be pressed in before bonding (e.g., using a tool such as a screwdriver) to better expose the wax (e.g., ...). Figure 2C (Illustrative illustration). The above process can be performed manually or by equipping the device with tools for shifting or altering the integrity of the foil or film.

[0079] Once exposed, the retaining wax 26 immediately holds the fastening element 10 on the workpiece 16, so that the device 32 can immediately release the fastening element 10 and perform the next action using another fastening element 10.

[0080] With the retaining wax 26 firmly holding the fastening element 10 in a predetermined position on the workpiece 16, the permanent adhesive 24 can then harden without the need for further (e.g., mechanical) holding measures. Once the permanent adhesive 24 has fully hardened, its holding effect is significantly greater than that of the retaining wax 26.

[0081] Since the use of fixing waxes 26 and 26' makes the crosslinking speed of permanent adhesives 24 and 24' irrelevant, a slow adhesive system with a longer pot life can be used as the permanent adhesive.

[0082] As described above, the fastening element may be a stud, nut, retainer, spacer, cable clamp, or any type of fastener including at least one fastening part and contact surface.

[0083] Figure Labels

[0084] Fastening elements 10, 10'

[0085] Fastening parts 12, 12'

[0086] Contact surfaces 14, 14'

[0087] Longitudinal axis X

[0088] Workpiece 16

[0089] Flange 18

[0090] Zone 1, 20, 20'

[0091] Second region 22, 22'

[0092] Permanent adhesive 24, 24'

[0093] Fixing wax 26, 26'

[0094] Groove 28, 28'

[0095] Anti-stick coating 30

[0096] Device 32

[0097] 34 chucks

[0098] Linear drive device 36

[0099] Rotary module 38

[0100] Casing 40

[0101] Fastening component feeder 42

[0102] Adhesive metering feed outlet 44

[0103] Nozzle axis Xn

[0104] Adhesive device

[0105] Second rotating module R2

Claims

1. A fastening element (10, 10') for gluing to a workpiece (16), comprising: - at least one fastening portion (12, 12'); and - a contact surface (14, 14'), wherein a first area (20) of the contact surface is provided with a permanent adhesive (24, 24'), and the contact surface further comprises a second area (22) different from the first area, characterized in that a second area (22) different from the first area is provided with a fixing wax (26, 26'), and the fixing wax is provided with a release agent (30).

2. The fastening element (10, 10') according to claim 1, wherein the contact surface (14, 14') comprises a recess (28, 28'), and the fixing wax (26, 26') is arranged in the recess (28, 28').

3. The fastening element (10') according to claim 2, wherein the recess (28') is an annular recess, and the fixing wax (26, 26') is arranged in the annular recess.

4. The fastening element (10) according to claim 2, wherein the fastening portion is a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis, and comprises a flange (18) extending transversely relative to the shaft, wherein the contact surface is a top surface of the flange facing away from the shaft, and wherein the recess (28) is a circular recess in the middle of the flange.

5. The fastening element (10, 10') according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the volume of the fixing wax (26, 26') is smaller than the inner volume of the recess (28, 28').

6. The fastening element (10, 10') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the release agent (30) is a release coating (30), and wherein the release coating is a layer of resin or a layer of paint.

7. The fastening element (10, 10') according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the release agent (30) is a foil or a film.

8. The fastening element (10, 10') according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the release agent extends over the entire contact surface (14, 14').

9. The fastening element (10, 10') according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the release agent is provided by a plurality of glass beads arranged on the fixing wax.

10. The fastening element (10, 10') according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the release agent is a layer of silicate or a layer of polymer.

11. The fastening element (10, 10') according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the permanent adhesive (24, 24') surrounds the fixing wax (26, 26').

12. A method of fixing a fastening element (10, 10') to a workpiece, comprising the steps of: - providing a fastening element (10, 10') according to any one of claims 1 to 11; - providing a workpiece (16); - arranging the contact surface of the fastening element towards the workpiece; - pressing the fastening element against the workpiece such that the integrity of the anti-adhesive is affected and the securing wax contacts the surface of the workpiece to preliminarily hold the fastening element on the workpiece while the permanent adhesive for permanently holding the fastening element on the workpiece is pressed.

13. A method of manufacturing a fastening element (10, 10') comprising the steps of: - providing an element having at least one fastening portion (12, 12') and a contact surface (14, 14'); - applying a securing wax (26, 26') to a second region of the contact surface; - covering the securing wax with an anti-adhesive (30); - applying a permanent adhesive (24, 24') to a first region of the contact surface, the first region being different from the second region.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the contact surface comprises at least one recess and the securing wax (26, 26') is applied within the at least one recess.

15. The method according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the permanent adhesive is applied automatically by a device after the application of the securing wax (26, 26') and the anti-adhesive (30).

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