A rivet, a combination connector and a riveting method

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of riveting components, and more specifically, to a rivet, a combined connector, and a riveting method. The invention provides a rivet, comprising: a rivet head and a rivet leg. The rivet head has a frustum structure, smaller at one end and larger at the other. A wave-shaped groove is provided on the circumferential outer wall of the rivet head. A connecting groove is provided at the larger end of the rivet head, and an internal thread is provided inside the connecting groove. One end of the rivet leg has a rivet leg, and the other end connects to the smaller end of the rivet head. An external thread is provided on the circumferential outer wall of the rivet leg between the wave-shaped groove and the rivet leg. This invention provides a rivet and designs various combined connectors based on this rivet, which can be applied to the connection of dissimilar metal double-layer plates and triple-layer plates, increasing the number of connection layers during riveting and enhancing the connection strength and functionality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of riveting components, and more specifically, to: 1. a rivet; 2. a combined connector suitable for dissimilar metal double-layer plates and its riveting method; 3. a combined connector suitable for dissimilar metal triple-layer plates and its riveting method. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, with the rise of new energy vehicles, "lightweighting" has become a development trend, and high-strength steel, aluminum, and magnesium alloys are widely used in body-in-white. For joining dissimilar metal materials, self-piercing riveting can replace traditional welding to achieve better connection results.

[0003] Existing riveting fittings are generally only suitable for connecting dissimilar metal double-layer plates (typically, the two layers are made of steel and aluminum; or CFRP and aluminum), and cannot connect dissimilar metal triple-layer plates (typically, the three layers are made of aluminum alloy, CFRP, or steel / magnesium / titanium alloy). Furthermore, existing riveting fittings are prone to loosening. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a rivet, a combination connector, and a riveting method to address the problem that existing riveting components cannot simultaneously handle the connection of dissimilar metal double-layer plates and dissimilar metal triple-layer plates.

[0005] This invention is achieved using the following technical solution:

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention discloses a rivet, comprising: a rivet head and a rivet leg.

[0007] The rivet head has a frustum-shaped structure, smaller at one end and larger at the other. A wave-shaped groove is provided on the circumferential outer wall of the rivet head. A connecting groove with internal threads is provided at the larger end of the rivet head. One end of the rivet leg has a rivet leg, and the other end connects to the smaller end of the rivet head. External threads are provided on the circumferential outer wall of the rivet leg between the wave-shaped groove and the rivet leg.

[0008] This type of rivet implements the method or process according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0009] Secondly, the present invention discloses a combined connector suitable for dissimilar metal double-layer plates, comprising: rivets and end-cap screws disclosed in the first aspect. The rivets are used to rivet the dissimilar metal double-layer plates together under external force. The end-cap screws are used to seal the connecting groove after the rivets have riveted the dissimilar metal double-layer plates together.

[0010] This type of combined connector, applicable to dissimilar metal double-layer plates, implements the method or process according to embodiments of this disclosure.

[0011] Thirdly, the present invention discloses a riveting method applicable to dissimilar metal double-layer plates, which uses the combined connectors disclosed in the second aspect.

[0012] This riveting method, applicable to dissimilar metal double-layer plates, implements the method or process according to embodiments of this disclosure.

[0013] Fourthly, this invention discloses a first type of combined connector suitable for dissimilar metal three-layer plates, comprising: a rivet and a stud disclosed in the first aspect. The rivet is used to rivet the dissimilar metal three-layer plates together under external force; wherein the dissimilar metal three-layer plates include a first plate, a second plate, and a third plate. The stud is used to connect the third plate to the first plate after the first plate and the second plate are riveted together by the rivet.

[0014] This type of combined connector, applicable to dissimilar metal three-layer plates, implements the method or process according to embodiments of this disclosure.

[0015] Fifthly, the present invention discloses a riveting method applicable to three-layer plates of dissimilar metals, using the combined connectors disclosed in the fourth aspect.

[0016] This riveting method, applicable to dissimilar metal three-layer plates, implements the method or process according to embodiments of this disclosure.

[0017] In a sixth aspect, the present invention discloses a second type of combined connector suitable for dissimilar metal three-layer plates, comprising: a riveting assembly and a head screw. The riveting assembly is used to rivet the dissimilar metal three-layer plates under external force; wherein, the riveting assembly includes: a rivet as disclosed in the first aspect and an extension member. The rivet and the extension member are detachably screwed together; one end of the extension member is provided with a threaded post for a screw-connected groove; the circumferential outer wall of the extension member is provided with an external thread; the other end of the extension member is provided with a threaded groove; and the outer edge of the other end of the extension member is also provided with a locking head. The head screw is used to be screwed into the threaded groove after the riveting assembly rivets the dissimilar metal three-layer plates to seal the threaded groove.

[0018] This type of combined connector, applicable to dissimilar metal three-layer plates, implements the method or process according to embodiments of this disclosure.

[0019] In a seventh aspect, the present invention discloses a riveting method applicable to three-layer plates of dissimilar metals, using the combined connector disclosed in the sixth aspect.

[0020] This riveting method, applicable to dissimilar metal three-layer plates, implements the method or process according to embodiments of this disclosure.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0022] This invention provides a rivet and designs various combination connectors based on the rivet, which can be applied to the connection of dissimilar metal double-layer plates and triple-layer plates. It can increase the number of connection layers during riveting and enhance the connection strength and functionality of the riveting. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the rivet in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the combined connector for dissimilar metal double-layer plates in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 For use Figure 2 A diagram showing the entire process of riveting dissimilar metal double-layer plates using combined connectors;

[0026] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the first type of combined connector for dissimilar metal three-layer plates in Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 5 For use Figure 4 A diagram showing the entire process of riveting dissimilar metal three-layer plates using combined connectors;

[0028] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the second type of combined connector for dissimilar metal three-layer plates in Embodiment 4 of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 7 For use Figure 6 The diagram shows the entire process of riveting dissimilar metal three-layer plates using combined connectors.

[0030] The attached diagram lists the components represented by each number as follows:

[0031] 1. Rivet head, 2. Rivet leg, 3. Wave groove, 4. Connecting groove, 5. Rivet leg, 6. Head screw, 7. Double-ended stud, 8. Clamping plate, 9. Extension piece, 10. Threaded post, 11. Threaded groove, 12. Clamping head, 13. Plate 1, 14. Plate 2, 15. Rotary feed device, 16. Concave bottom mold, 17. Pressure ring, 18. Plate 3. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. 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.

[0033] It should be noted that when a component is said to be "installed on" another component, it can be directly on the other component or it may be in a component that is centered on it. When a component is said to be "set on" another component, it can be directly set on the other component or it may also be in a component that is centered on it. When a component is said to be "fixed to" another component, it can be directly fixed to the other component or it may also be in a component that is centered on it.

[0034] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the specification of this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The term "or / and" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0035] Example 1

[0036] Please see Figure 1 This embodiment 1 provides a rivet. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the rivet includes: rivet head 1 and rivet leg 2.

[0037] The rivet head 1 has a frustum structure with one end smaller than the other. The outer wall of the rivet head 1 is machined with a wave groove 3.

[0038] The use of the corrugated groove 3 design has several advantages: First, it can prevent waste material generated from tapping the external thread of the rivet leg 2 from accumulating on the surface of the plate, thus affecting the sealing performance of the riveted joint; Second, in ordinary self-piercing riveting, there is a gap between the rivet and the plate at the edge of the rivet head 1. The corrugated groove 3 can eliminate the gap between the rivet and the plate, better isolate the interior of the joint from air, reduce the electrochemical reaction inside the joint, make the joint more adaptable to the hydrochloric acid corrosion environment, and increase the sealing performance of the riveted joint; Third, the corrugated groove 3 design can increase the contact area between the rivet and the plate, increase the friction force, and thus increase the strength of the connection between the rivet and the plate.

[0039] The large end of the rivet head 1 is machined with a connecting groove 4, and the connecting groove 4 has internal threads. In this way, the connecting groove 4 can be connected to a rotary feed device to realize the riveting of the rivet, and can also be extended to connect different components to form different connectors to achieve different connection methods. For the purpose of force application and connection reliability, the connecting groove 4 is generally set coaxially with the frustum structure.

[0040] One end of the rivet leg 2 is machined with a rivet leg 5, and the other end is connected to the small end of the rivet head 1. The rivet leg 5 can deform and open outward during riveting, so that the rivet and the plate form a mechanical interlock.

[0041] The outer wall of the rivet leg 2 is machined with external threads corresponding to the corrugated groove 3 and the rivet leg 5. In this way, during riveting, the plate is subjected to force not only from the vertical pressure formed by the self-locking of the rivet head 1 and the rivet leg 5, but also from the threaded connection between the rivet and the plate. Furthermore, the threaded connection can greatly improve the shear strength and peel strength of the rivet leg 2.

[0042] Additionally, it is recommended that the external thread of the rivet leg 2 be set such that the end of the external thread of the rivet leg 2 near the rivet leg 5 is flush with the end of the rivet leg 5 near the rivet head 1. This length limitation prevents deformation of the external thread of the rivet leg 2 after the rivet leg 5 self-locks into the sheet metal. Alternatively, it can be set such that there is a small gap between the end of the external thread of the rivet leg 2 near the rivet leg 5 and the end of the rivet leg 5 near the rivet head 1.

[0043] Example 2

[0044] Please see Figure 2 This embodiment 2 provides a combined connector suitable for dissimilar metal double-layer plates. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the combined connectors suitable for dissimilar metal double-layer plates include: the rivets and end cap screws 6 disclosed in Example 1.

[0045] Rivets are used to rivet dissimilar metal double-layer plates together under external force. Head screws 6 are used to seal the connecting groove 4 after the dissimilar metal double-layer plates have been riveted together.

[0046] See Figure 3 The illustrated riveting process diagram, in this embodiment 2, also discloses a riveting method suitable for dissimilar metal double-layer plates, which uses the aforementioned combined connector suitable for dissimilar metal double-layer plates, and includes the following steps:

[0047] Step 1: Pre-treat the dissimilar metal double-layer plate.

[0048] The dissimilar metal double-layer plate includes plate one 13 and plate two 14. The pretreatment method is to machine a through hole one into plate one 13. The inner diameter of the through hole one is the thread pitch diameter of the external thread of the rivet leg 2.

[0049] Step two, attach plate 13 and plate 24 together, rotate the rivet at high speed and push it into plate 13, as shown. Figure 3 As shown in a and b.

[0050] It should be noted that the rivet can be rotated at high speed and moved synchronously using a rotary feed device 15. The rotary feed device 15 can be a high-speed motor mounted on a controllable telescopic device. A threaded post 10 is installed on the output end of the high-speed motor and then screwed into the connecting groove 4, thereby connecting the rivet to the high-speed motor. In this way, the high-speed motor can drive the rivet to rotate at high speed, and the controllable telescopic device can control the rivet to advance towards the plate 13.

[0051] Alternatively, a pressure ring 17 can be set to cover the through hole and the rotary feed device 15 can be installed inside the pressure ring 17. This provides an installation position for the rotary feed device 15 and also prevents particles from splashing during riveting. The pressure ring 17 can be removed after the riveting is completed.

[0052] A concave bottom mold 16 is provided on the side of plate 2 14 away from plate 13, and the concave bottom mold 16 is positioned in the rivet pushing direction. The concave bottom mold 16 is used to guide the subsequent deformation of the rivet leg 5, so that the rivet leg 5 deforms and forms a rivet.

[0053] Step 3: Control the rivet leg 2 to pass through the through hole 1 and, in conjunction with the concave bottom mold 16, insert it into the plate 2 14.

[0054] Since the rivet leg 2 is also rotating at high speed, it will generate heat by friction with the plate 14 after contacting it, thereby locally heating the plate 14 and softening it; at the same time, the external thread of the rivet leg 2 rotates and contacts the through hole 1, that is, it taps and achieves threaded connection.

[0055] As the rivet continues to advance, the rivet head 1 gradually applies pressure to plate 13, causing it to deform inwards. The rivet leg 5 presses into the softened plate 14, causing it to undergo plastic deformation. The rivet leg 5 then pushes plate 14 into the concave mold 16, where it also deforms and opens outwards, forming a rivet and creating a mechanical internal lock between it and plate 14. Furthermore, due to the softening of plate 14, the rivet leg 5 also forms a solid-state connection with plate 14, achieving a mechanical-solid-state composite connection between dissimilar materials.

[0056] Once the rivet head 1 is flush with plate 13, stop advancing the rivet. Figure 3 As shown in c. At this point, the rivet has completely connected the two plates, and the rotary feed device 15 can be separated from the rivet.

[0057] Step four, screw the end cap screw 6 into the connecting slot 4. At this time, the connecting slot 4 of the rivet is empty. After screwing in the end cap screw 6, as shown... Figure 3 As shown in d, it can increase the integrity of the rivet, as well as increase the strength of the rivet and enhance its sealing performance.

[0058] Example 3

[0059] Please see Figure 4 This embodiment 2 provides a first type of combined connector suitable for dissimilar metal three-layer plates. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the first type of combined connector suitable for dissimilar metal three-layer plates includes: the rivet and double-ended stud 7 disclosed in Example 1.

[0060] Rivets are used to rivet together three layers of dissimilar metals under external force. The three layers of dissimilar metals include plate 13, plate 24, and plate 38. Double-ended studs 7 are used to connect plate 38 to plate 13 after plate 13 and plate 24 have been riveted together.

[0061] See Figure 5 The diagram showing the entire riveting process also discloses a riveting method suitable for dissimilar metal three-layer plates in this embodiment 3. This method utilizes the aforementioned first type of combined connector suitable for dissimilar metal three-layer plates and includes the following steps:

[0062] Step 1: Pre-treat the dissimilar metal three-layer plate.

[0063] The pretreatment method is to machine through hole 1 on plate 13 and threaded hole on plate 318.

[0064] The inner diameter of the through hole 1 is the mean diameter of the external thread of the rivet leg 2; the threaded hole corresponds to the size of the double-ended stud 7.

[0065] Step two, attach plate 13 and plate 24 together, rotate the rivet at high speed and push it into plate 13, as shown. Figure 5 As shown in a and b.

[0066] Similar to Embodiment 2, the rivet can be rotated at high speed and moved synchronously using a rotary feed device 15, which will not be described again here. Of course, a pressure ring 17 can also be provided, in a manner similar to Embodiment 2, which will not be described again here.

[0067] A concave bottom mold 16 is provided on the side of plate 2 14 away from plate 13, and the concave bottom mold 16 is positioned in the rivet pushing direction. The function of the concave bottom mold 16 is explained in Embodiment 2, and will not be repeated here.

[0068] Step 3: Control the rivet leg 2 to pass through the through hole 1 and, in conjunction with the concave bottom mold 16, insert it into the plate 2 14.

[0069] Once the rivet head 1 is flush with plate 13, stop advancing the rivet. Figure 5 As shown in c. At this point, the rivet has completely connected plate 13 and plate 14, and the rotary feed device 15 can be separated from the rivet.

[0070] Step 4: Screw one end of the double-ended stud 7 into the connecting groove 4 and the other end into the threaded hole to complete the connection between plate 3 18 and plate 1 13.

[0071] Additionally, a retaining plate 8 can be machined on the outer wall of the middle section of the double-ended stud 7 to limit the maximum screwing depth of the double-ended stud 7.

[0072] like Figure 5 As shown in d, the external plate 18 is realized by using the double-ended stud 7, thereby completing the connection of the three-layer plates of dissimilar metals.

[0073] Example 4

[0074] Please see Figure 6 This embodiment 4 provides a second type of combined connector suitable for dissimilar metal three-layer plates. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the second type of combined connector suitable for dissimilar metal three-layer plates includes: a riveting assembly and a head screw 6.

[0075] A riveting assembly is used to rivet three-layer plates of dissimilar metals under external force. Specifically, the riveting assembly includes: the rivet disclosed in Embodiment 1 and the extension member 9. The rivet and the extension member 9 are detachably screwed together. One end of the extension member 9 is provided with a threaded post 10 for screwing into the connecting groove 4; the circumferential outer wall of the extension member 9 is provided with external threads; the other end of the extension member 9 is provided with a threaded groove 11; and the outer edge of the other end of the extension member 9 is also provided with a locking head 12.

[0076] It should be noted that the function of the threaded groove 11 in this embodiment 4 can be referred to the function of the connecting groove 4 in embodiment 2.

[0077] The head screw 6 is used to seal the threaded groove 11 after the dissimilar metal three-layer plates are riveted together by the riveting assembly.

[0078] See Figure 7 The diagram showing the entire riveting process also discloses a riveting method suitable for dissimilar metal three-layer plates in this embodiment 4. This method utilizes the second type of combined connector for dissimilar metal three-layer plates described above, and includes the following steps:

[0079] Step 1: Pre-treat the dissimilar metal three-layer plate.

[0080] Among them, the dissimilar metal three-layer plate includes plate 13, plate 24, and plate 38.

[0081] The pretreatment method is to machine through hole one on plate 13 and through hole two on plate 3 18. The inner diameter of through hole one is the thread pitch diameter of the external thread of rivet leg 2; the inner diameter of through hole two is the thread pitch diameter of the external thread of expansion part 9.

[0082] Step 2: Place board 13 between board 214 and board 318 to make the three boards fit together; wherein, through hole 1 and through hole 2 are concentric;

[0083] The riveting assembly is rotated at high speed and advanced towards plate 3-18, as follows: Figure 7 As shown in a and b.

[0084] Similar to Embodiment 2, the riveting assembly can be achieved by using a rotary feed device 15 to achieve high-speed rotation and synchronous movement, which will not be described again here. Of course, a pressure ring 17 can also be provided, in a manner similar to Embodiment 2, which will not be described again here.

[0085] It should be noted that since the rivet and extension 9 are detachably screwed together, the direction of high-speed rotation should be to avoid separating the two.

[0086] A concave bottom mold 16 is provided on the side of plate 2 14 away from plate 13, and the concave bottom mold 16 is positioned in the rivet pushing direction. The function of the concave bottom mold 16 is explained in Embodiment 2, and will not be repeated here.

[0087] Step 3: Control the rivet leg 2 to pass through through hole 2 and through hole 1, and cooperate with the concave bottom mold 16 to pass into plate 2 14.

[0088] Since the rivet leg 2 also rotates at high speed, it will generate heat through friction with the plate 14 after contacting it, thus locally heating the plate 14 and softening it. At the same time, the external thread of the rivet leg 2 rotates and contacts the through hole 1, that is, it taps and achieves threaded connection, increasing the sealing and strength of the connection. The external thread of the extension 9 rotates and contacts the through hole 2, also tapping and achieving threaded connection, increasing the sealing and strength of the connection.

[0089] As the riveting assembly continues to advance, the locking head 12 of the extension piece 9 gradually approaches plate three 18; the rivet head 1 gradually applies pressure to plate one 13, causing plate one 13 to undergo inward deformation; the rivet leg 5 presses into the softened plate two 14, causing plate two 14 to undergo plastic deformation; the rivet leg 5 squeezes plate two 14 into the concave bottom mold 16, and also deforms and opens outward, thereby forming a rivet and creating a mechanical internal lock between it and plate two 14. Furthermore, due to the softening of plate two 14, the rivet leg 5 also forms a solid-state connection with plate two 14, realizing a mechanical-solid-state composite connection of dissimilar materials.

[0090] When the clamp head 12 presses against plate 3 18, stop advancing the riveting assembly, as follows. Figure 7 As shown in c. At this point, the riveting assembly has been fully connected to plate 13, plate 2, and plate 3, and the rotary feed device 15 can be separated from the riveting assembly.

[0091] Step four: Screw the end cap screw 6 into the threaded groove 11. At this time, the threaded groove 11 of the extension part 9 is empty. After screwing in the end cap screw 6, as shown... Figure 7 As shown in d, the integrity of the extension 9 can be increased, as well as the strength of the extension 9 and the sealing performance of the extension 9 can be enhanced.

[0092] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0093] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of this invention patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A connector suitable for combining three layers of dissimilar metal plates, characterized in that, include: A riveting assembly is used to rivet three-layer plates of dissimilar metals under external force; wherein the riveting assembly includes: a rivet and an extension member; the rivet and the extension member are detachably screwed together; one end of the extension member is provided with a threaded post for a screw-connected groove; the circumferential outer wall of the extension member is provided with external threads; the other end of the extension member is provided with a threaded groove; and the outer edge of the other end of the extension member is also provided with a locking head; The rivet includes: a rivet head and a rivet leg; the rivet head has a frustum structure with one end smaller than the other; a wave-shaped groove is provided on the circumferential outer wall of the rivet head; a connecting groove is provided at the larger end of the rivet head, and an internal thread is provided inside the connecting groove; one end of the rivet leg is provided with a rivet leg, and the other end is connected to the smaller end of the rivet head; an external thread is provided on the circumferential outer wall of the rivet leg corresponding to the wave-shaped groove and the rivet leg; and Head screws are used to seal the threaded grooves after riveting dissimilar metal three-layer plates together in a riveting assembly.

2. The combined connector for dissimilar metal three-layer plates according to claim 1, characterized in that, The external thread of the rivet leg is flush with the end of the rivet leg that is close to the rivet head.

3. The combined connector for dissimilar metal three-layer plates according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting groove is coaxially arranged with the frustum structure.

4. A riveting method applicable to three-layer plates of dissimilar metals, characterized in that, The combined connector as described in any one of claims 1-3 was used; The riveting method applicable to dissimilar metal three-layer plates includes the following steps: Step 1: Pre-treat the dissimilar metal three-layer plate; The dissimilar metal three-layer plate includes plate one, plate two, and plate three; The pretreatment method is to machine through hole one on plate one and through hole two on plate three; the inner diameter of through hole one is the thread pitch diameter of the external thread of the rivet leg; the inner diameter of through hole two is the thread pitch diameter of the external thread of the expansion piece. Step 2: Place plate 1 between plate 2 and plate 3 to make the three plates fit together; wherein, through hole 1 and through hole 2 are concentric; The riveting assembly is rotated at high speed and pushed towards plate three; A concave bottom mold is set on the side of plate two away from plate one, and the concave bottom mold is positioned in the rivet pushing direction; Step 3: Control the rivet leg to pass through through hole 2 and through hole 1, and cooperate with the concave bottom mold to pass through plate 2; Once the clamp head presses against plate three, stop advancing the riveting assembly; Step 4: Screw the end cap screw into the threaded groove.

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