Connection structure and connection method between metal sheets

Abstract

This invention relates to a connection structure and method for connecting metal sheets. A first snap-fit ​​hole is provided on a first sheet, and a first buckle is provided on the inner wall of the first snap-fit ​​hole. A second snap-fit ​​hole is provided on a second sheet, and a riveting part is provided in the middle of the second snap-fit ​​hole. At least two bridges are provided between the riveting part and the second sheet, and a second buckle is provided between adjacent bridges. The upper surface of the head of the first buckle contacts the lower surface of the head of the second buckle, and the contact position of the first buckle head and the second buckle head forms an overlap. The first buckle and the second buckle are connected by stamping to form an overlap. This ensures a tight connection between the first sheet and the second sheet, achieving a mechanical connection. Welding is no longer required; the entire riveting operation can be completed using only stamping equipment, replacing the complex and cumbersome welding process, reducing costs, and making the connection convenient and quick.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of engine gasket manufacturing technology, and in particular to a connection structure and method for connecting metal sheets. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the formation of the highway network has promoted the development of heavy-duty vehicles. The power source of heavy-duty vehicles is provided by heavy-duty diesel engines, which can provide strong power. The cylinder head gasket is used to seal the diesel engine cylinder block. At present, the connection between the layers of the cylinder head gasket is welded (welding the outer layers on both sides of the layer). Since there are many weld points on a single gasket, the efficiency of single-point welding is low. Multi-point welding requires new equipment investment, and the total number of weld points will lead to an increase in welding costs. At the same time, there are also problems with welding difficulties due to different materials used. For example, if low-cost galvanized sheet is used, welding cannot be performed.

[0003] Therefore, mechanical riveting can reduce costs and improve manufacturing feasibility. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to adopt a connection structure and connection method between metal sheets, which eliminates the need for welding for fixing, thereby reducing costs and making the connection convenient and quick.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve its technical problem is as follows: a connection structure between metal sheets is provided on a first sheet and a second sheet. A first snap-fit ​​hole is provided on the first sheet, and an elastic first buckle is provided on the inner wall of the first snap-fit ​​hole. At least two first buckles are distributed on the inner wall of the first snap-fit ​​hole. A second snap-fit ​​hole is provided on the second sheet, and a riveting part is provided in the middle of the second snap-fit ​​hole. At least two bridges are provided between the riveting part and the second sheet and are distributed around the riveting part. An elastic second buckle is provided between adjacent bridges. The upper surface of the head of the first buckle contacts the lower surface of the head of the second buckle. The contact position of the head of the first buckle and the head of the second buckle forms an overlap. The direction of the force exerted by the first buckle on the second buckle at the overlap is towards the direction of the first buckle. The direction of the force exerted by the second buckle on the first buckle at the overlap is towards the direction of the second buckle.

[0006] More specifically, the contact width of the overlap is 1-5mm, and the contact depth of the overlap is 0.2-1.3mm.

[0007] More specifically, a spacer is provided between the first sheet and the second sheet, wherein there is at least one spacer and the total thickness of the spacer is 0.15-1.5 mm.

[0008] More specifically, the thickness of both the first sheet and the second sheet is 0.2-0.5 mm.

[0009] More specifically, the second buckle is arc-shaped, and the chord height of the arc is greater than or equal to the gap between the first sheet and the second sheet.

[0010] More specifically, the first buckle extends radially from the inner wall of the first snap-fit ​​hole, and the second buckle extends radially from the inner wall of the second snap-fit ​​hole and is connected to the riveting part.

[0011] More specifically, the bridging width is greater than 2mm.

[0012] More specifically, a bridging gap is formed between the bridging and the first buckle, and the bridging gap is controlled within 0.3-1mm.

[0013] More specifically, the number of bridges is 5, and the number of the first buckle and the number of the second buckle are both 5.

[0014] More specifically, the first sheet and the second sheet are made of one of the following: fully hardened stainless steel 301, 430 stainless steel, or 304 stainless steel.

[0015] More specifically, the gasket is made of one of the following: 3-series stainless steel, 430 stainless steel, galvanized carbon steel, or aluminized carbon steel.

[0016] A method for connecting metal sheets, wherein the connecting structure between the metal sheets is any one of the connecting structures described above, and the steps of the method are as follows:

[0017] S1. Provide a first sheet and a second sheet, and align the first clip and the second clip;

[0018] S2. The riveting part on the second sheet is pushed towards the first sheet by the stamping equipment until the head of the second buckle passes the head of the first buckle.

[0019] S3. The stamping equipment retracts, and the head of the first buckle overlaps with the head of the second buckle, completing the connection.

[0020] The beneficial effects of this invention are: the overlapping edge formed by the cooperation of the first buckle and the second buckle, and the fact that both the first buckle and the second buckle are elastic, can ensure that the first sheet and the second sheet are tightly connected together, thus achieving a mechanical connection. Welding is no longer required; the overall riveting operation can be completed using only stamping equipment, replacing the complex and cumbersome welding process, reducing costs, and making the connection convenient and quick. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the first sheet and the second sheet of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A structural diagram from another angle;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first buckle on the first sheet of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second buckle, riveting part and bridging on the second sheet of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the first and second snap fasteners of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the connection process between the first and second buckles of the present invention.

[0027] In the figure: 1. First sheet; 11. First snap-fit ​​hole; 12. First buckle; 2. Second sheet; 21. Second snap-fit ​​hole; 22. Riveting part; 23. Bridging; 24. Second buckle; 3. Bridging gap. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0029] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0030] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances. Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of this invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0031] This invention primarily addresses improvements to the cylinder head gasket of heavy-duty diesel engines. By replacing complex and cumbersome welding processes with a mechanical structure design, it enables the riveting of two metal sheets using simple stamping equipment. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The heavy-duty diesel engine cylinder head gasket mainly includes a first sheet 1 at the top, a second sheet 2 at the bottom, and a gasket (not shown in the figure) between the first sheet 1 and the second sheet 2. The first sheet 1 and the second sheet 2 are made of one of the following: hard stainless steel 301, 430 stainless steel or 304 stainless steel. The gasket is made of one of the following: 3 series stainless steel, 430 stainless steel, galvanized carbon steel or aluminized carbon steel.

[0032] like Figures 1-6 The diagram illustrates a connection structure between metal sheets for a cylinder head gasket. The structure is provided on a first sheet 1 and a second sheet 2. The first sheet 1 has a first snap-fit ​​hole 11, and at least two elastic first buckles 12 are evenly distributed on the inner wall of the first snap-fit ​​hole 11. The second sheet 2 has a second snap-fit ​​hole 21, and a riveting part 22 is positioned at the center of the second snap-fit ​​hole 21. A bridge 23 is provided between the second snap-fit ​​hole 21 and the riveting part 22, connecting the riveting part 22 to the second sheet 2. At least two bridges 23 are arranged around the second sheet 2. The riveting parts 22 are evenly distributed, and elastic second buckles 24 are provided on the riveting parts 22. The number of second buckles 24 is the same as the number of first buckles 12. When the first sheet 1 and the second sheet 2 are in the riveting state, the upper surface of the head of the first buckle 12 contacts the lower surface of the head of the second buckle 24. The contact position of the head of the first buckle 12 and the head of the second buckle 24 forms an overlap. Due to its elasticity, the force exerted by the first buckle 12 on the second buckle 24 at the overlap is directed towards the first buckle 12. Due to its elasticity, the force exerted by the second buckle 24 on the first buckle 12 at the overlap is directed towards the second buckle 24.

[0033] In this design, both the first snap-fit ​​hole 11 and the second snap-fit ​​hole 21 are circular. The first buckle 12 is arranged radially along the first snap-fit ​​hole 11 and has a certain angle towards the second sheet 2. The riveting part 22 is circular, and its center is concentric with the center of the second snap-fit ​​hole 21. The bridging part 23 is arranged radially along the riveting part 22 and the second snap-fit ​​hole 21. The number of first buckles 12 and second buckles 24 is 3-6, preferably 5, and there are also 5 second buckles 24, with a one-to-one correspondence between the first buckles 12 and the second buckles 24. The number of bridging parts 23 is also 5, with one second buckle 24 placed between two adjacent bridging parts 23. The diameter of the first snap-fit ​​hole 11 and the second snap-fit ​​hole 21 is controlled to be below 30mm.

[0034] The first buckle 12 is fan-shaped and extends radially toward the center from the inner wall of the first snap hole 11, with the extended end suspended. The second buckle 24 extends radially away from the center from the outer edge of the riveting part 22, with the extended end suspended. The heads of the two extended ends cooperate to form an overlap. The contact width of the overlap is 1-5mm, preferably 2mm, and the contact depth of the overlap is 0.2-1.3mm, preferably 1mm. Using the above parameters, the second buckle 24 can be pressed in by the riveting part 22 and cooperate with the first buckle 12. This facilitates pressing in without affecting the elastic cooperation between the first buckle 12 and the second buckle 24.

[0035] The second buckle 24 is arc-shaped, and the chord height of the arc is greater than or equal to the gap between the first sheet 1 and the second sheet 2. The gap between the first sheet 1 and the second sheet 2 is used to install a gasket. There is at least one gasket, and one, two or three can be set as needed. In actual use, the total thickness of the first sheet 1, the second sheet 2 and the gasket may be 1.2mm, 1.25mm, 1.5mm or 2.0mm. These specifications need to be guaranteed. At the same time, the thickness of the first sheet 1 and the second sheet 2 is between 0.2mm and 0.5mm, preferably between 0.4mm and 0.9mm. The main purpose of the gasket is to make up for the insufficient thickness of the first sheet 1 and the second sheet 2 to meet the overall thickness requirements.

[0036] The following example illustrates the requirement of a total thickness of 1.25mm. The diameters of the first snap-fit ​​hole 11 and the second snap-fit ​​hole 21 are 15mm. The thickness of the first sheet 1 is 0.2mm, and the thickness of the second sheet 2 is 0.3mm. Three gaskets are selected. The total thickness of the first sheet 1 and the second sheet 2 is 0.5mm. Therefore, after assembly, the gap between the first sheet 1 and the second sheet 2 should be 0.75mm. The total thickness of the three gaskets after assembly and compression is 0.75mm. Therefore, the chord height of the second buckle 24 is 0.75mm.

[0037] The main purpose of the bridge 23 is to position and fix the second buckle 24. It needs to have a certain rigidity so that it will not break after assembly and provides a certain supporting force to the second buckle 24. The width of the bridge 23 needs to be greater than 2mm. Its final size needs to be determined according to the diameter of the second snap hole 21 and the number of bridges 23. Taking the above as an example, the diameter of the second snap hole 21 is 15mm, the number of bridges 23 is 5, and the width of the bridge 23 is 2mm.

[0038] Simultaneously, a bridging gap 3 is formed between the bridging 23 and the side of the first buckle 12. The bridging gap 3 is controlled between 0.3-1mm; based on the above example, the bridging gap 3 is 0.4mm. The misalignment can be further reduced by controlling the number of first buckles 12, the bridging gap 3, and the mutual interference between the sheet materials.

[0039] Furthermore, the first buckle 12 and the second buckle 24 are formed by stamping using a stamping machine. A spherical punch is used in the stamping machine to make the connection between the first buckle 12 and the first sheet 1, and the connection between the second buckle 24 and the second sheet 2, both of which are arc-shaped. This reduces the local stress of the first buckle 12 and the second buckle 24 in the narrow space during stamping and improves their fatigue resistance.

[0040] Multiple connection structures can be set as needed. For example, two can be set on both sides of the first sheet 1 and the second sheet 2; three can be set on the upper left corner, upper right corner and lower part of the first sheet 1 and the second sheet 2; four can be set on the four corners of the first sheet 1 and the second sheet 2; furthermore, they can be arrayed on the first sheet 1 and the second sheet 2 according to their size.

[0041] Based on the above connection structure, a method for connecting metal sheets is provided, such as... Figure 6 The steps of the connection method shown are as follows:

[0042] S1. First, a first sheet 1 and a second sheet 2 are provided. The first sheet 1 and the second sheet 2 are provided with the connection structure described above, and the first snap-fit ​​hole 11 and the second snap-fit ​​hole 21 are aligned, and the corresponding first buckle 12 and the second buckle 24 are aligned.

[0043] S2. The stamping head of the stamping equipment pushes the riveting part 22 on the second sheet 2 toward the first sheet 1. At this time, the riveting part 22 drives the second buckle 24 to move. The head of the second buckle 24 contacts the head of the first buckle 12, causing both the first buckle 12 and the second buckle 24 to deform. The deformation of the first buckle 12 and the second buckle 24 can allow the movement trajectory of the second buckle 24. When the head of the second buckle 24 passes the head of the first buckle 12, the two no longer contact each other. Through elasticity, the first buckle 12 and the second buckle 24 return to their original state.

[0044] S3. The stamping equipment retracts, and the head of the first buckle 12 contacts the head of the second buckle 24 to form an overlap, completing the connection between the first sheet 1 and the second sheet 2.

[0045] In summary, the overlapping edge formed by the cooperation of the first buckle 12 and the second buckle 24, and the elasticity of both the first buckle 12 and the second buckle 24, ensures that the first sheet 1, the second sheet 2, and the gasket are tightly connected together, achieving a mechanical connection without the need for welding. The connection method can complete the overall riveting operation using only stamping equipment, replacing the complex and cumbersome welding process, reducing costs, and making the connection convenient and quick.

[0046] It should be emphasized that the above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A connection structure between metal sheets, disposed on a first sheet (1) and a second sheet (2), characterized in that, A first snap-fit ​​hole (11) is provided on the first sheet (1), and a first snap fastener (12) with elasticity is provided on the inner wall of the first snap-fit ​​hole (11). There are at least two first snap fasteners (12) distributed on the inner wall of the first snap-fit ​​hole (11). A second snap-fit ​​hole (21) is provided on the second sheet (2), and a riveting part (22) is provided in the middle of the second snap-fit ​​hole (21). At least two bridges (23) are provided between the riveting part (22) and the second sheet (2) and are distributed around the riveting part (22). A second elastic buckle (24) is provided between adjacent bridges (23). The upper surface of the head of the first buckle (12) contacts the lower surface of the head of the second buckle (24). The contact position between the head of the first buckle (12) and the head of the second buckle (24) forms an overlap. The direction of the force exerted by the first buckle (12) on the second buckle (24) at the overlap is towards the direction of the first buckle (12). The direction of the force exerted by the second buckle (24) on the first buckle (12) at the overlap is towards the direction of the second buckle (24).

2. The connection structure between metal sheets according to claim 1, characterized in that, The contact width of the overlap is 1-5mm, and the contact depth of the overlap is 0.2-1.3mm.

3. The connection structure between metal sheets according to claim 1, characterized in that, A gasket is provided between the first sheet (1) and the second sheet (2), wherein there is at least one gasket and the total thickness of the gasket is 0.15-1.5 mm.

4. The connection structure between metal sheets according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the first sheet (1) and the second sheet (2) is 0.2-0.5 mm.

5. The connection structure between metal sheets according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second buckle (24) is arc-shaped, and the chord height of the arc is greater than or equal to the gap between the first sheet (1) and the second sheet (2).

6. The connection structure between metal sheets according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first buckle (12) extends radially from the inner wall of the first snap hole (11), and the second buckle (24) extends radially from the inner wall of the second snap hole (21) and is connected to the riveting part (22).

7. The connection structure between metal sheets according to claim 1, characterized in that, The width of the bridge (23) is greater than 2 mm.

8. The connection structure between metal sheets according to claim 1, characterized in that, A bridging gap (3) is formed between the bridging (23) and the first buckle (12), and the bridging gap (3) is controlled to be 0.3-1mm.

9. The connection structure between metal sheets according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of the bridge (23) is 5, and the number of the first buckle (12) and the second buckle (24) is 5 each.

10. The connection structure between metal sheets according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first sheet (1) and the second sheet (2) are made of one of the following: hardened stainless steel 301, 430 stainless steel or 304 stainless steel.

11. The connection structure between metal sheets according to claim 3, characterized in that, The gasket is made of one of the following: 3-series stainless steel, 430 stainless steel, galvanized carbon steel, or aluminized carbon steel.

12. A method for connecting structures between metal sheets, characterized in that, The connection structure between the metal sheets is the connection structure between the metal sheets as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, and the steps of the connection method are as follows: S1. Provide a first sheet (1) and a second sheet (2), and align the first buckle (12) and the second buckle (24); S2. The riveting part (22) on the second sheet (2) is pushed toward the first sheet (1) by the stamping equipment until the head of the second buckle (24) passes the head of the first buckle (12); S3. The stamping equipment retracts, and the head of the first buckle (12) overlaps with the head of the second buckle (24) to complete the connection.

Images