Connecting element for the permanent connection of at least two components and composite arrangement

Abstract

Connecting element (10) for the permanent connection of at least two components (12.1, 12.2) by means of friction welding when rotating the connecting element (10) about a longitudinal axis (10.1) of the connecting element (10), comprising - a shaft (10.2-10.4) formed along the longitudinal axis (10.1) with a shaft end (10.2) at a free end of the shaft (10.2-10.4) for penetrating at least one component (12.1), and - a head (10.5) connected to the shaft (10.2-10.4) for transmitting a torque about the longitudinal axis (10.1) from a turning tool to the shaft (10.2-10.4), wherein the shaft end (10.2) has a shaft end face (10.21) which has a convex envelope (10.22) with a blunt profile, wherein the shaft end face (10.21) has a plurality of depressions and elevations, and wherein the shaft end face (10.21) is designed such that the shaft end face (10.21) does not produce any material waste during friction welding for the permanent connection of at least two components (12.1, 12.2).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a connecting element for the permanent connection of at least two components by means of friction welding, as well as to a composite arrangement with at least one connecting element which connects at least two components by means of friction welding.

[0002] In the automated joining technology of metallic materials or components, processing time and processing speed represent a crucial productivity and cost factor. The demand for shorter processing times is therefore widespread. However, this requirement can conflict with technical constraints, such as high axial forces on the joining element when joining using friction welding, which results in an increase in processing time, or with the requirement to reduce the amount of metal chips when rotating the joining element.

[0003] DE 10 2009 006 775 A1 discloses a joining element for joining two adjacent workpieces. A penetration section of the joining element has a spherical projection with a shape intended to facilitate penetration of the joining element into the first workpiece, such as an annular edge, a cutting edge, or a gap-shaped recess.

[0004] The protrusion of the penetration section results in machining of the workpieces. Such machining is associated with problems such as an increase in the amount of metal chips when rotating the joining element and insufficient strength of the resulting joint.

[0005] DE 10 2010 017 550 A1 discloses a connecting element for creating a friction-welded joint between at least two plate-like components. The connecting element has a thread-like, non-circular profile, which is intended to guide displaced material away in a targeted manner.

[0006] There are problems associated with such machining, such as an increase in the amount of metal chips when turning the fastener and an increase in processing time due to an increase in the force required and applied to the fastener.

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to eliminate, or at least partially eliminate, the disadvantages described above in a connecting element or joining element. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a connecting element for permanently connecting at least two components by friction welding, as well as a composite assembly with at least one connecting element, wherein the strength of the produced connection is improved and / or the production of the connection becomes more efficient, and preferably a reduction in the material waste generated during the connection and / or the processing time is achieved.

[0008] The above object is achieved by the independent patent claims. Accordingly, the object is achieved by a connecting element for permanently connecting at least two components by friction welding, having the features of claim 1, and by a composite arrangement having at least one connecting element that connects at least two components by friction welding, having the features of claim 11. Further features and details of the invention emerge from the subclaims, the description, and the drawings. Features and details described in connection with the connecting element also apply in connection with the composite arrangement, and vice versa, so that with regard to the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention, reference is always made to each other.

[0009] According to a first aspect, the problem is solved by a connecting element for permanently connecting at least two, in particular plate-shaped, components by means of friction welding while rotating the connecting element about a longitudinal axis of the connecting element. The connection is to be understood as joining, and the connecting element is a joining element or a friction-welded connecting element.

[0010] The connecting element includes: - a shaft formed along the longitudinal axis with a shaft end at a free end of the shaft for penetrating at least one component, and - a head connected to the shaft for transmitting a torque about the longitudinal axis from a turning tool to the shaft.

[0011] The shaft end face has a shaft end surface facing an outer region, which has a convex envelope and / or a convex shape. The envelope has a blunt profile, or the shaft end face has a blunt profile.

[0012] In this context, the terms "shaft end" and "shaft end face" are used interchangeably with respect to the shape of the shaft end or the shaft end face, or refer to the same object. However, unlike the shaft end face, the shaft end can refer to an interior area of ​​the object in question. If reference is made to the shape of the shaft end face, this refers to a spatial 2D shape.

[0013] The envelope of the shaft end face is to be understood as a surface that envelops the shaft end face and whose points connect relative maxima of the shaft end face. A relative maximum of the shaft end face is preferably a mountain-shaped or hill-shaped elevation of the shaft end face, wherein the shaft end face can have a plurality of relative maxima. The relative maxima are preferably support points of a 2D interpolation surface, wherein the interpolation is preferably formed linearly or by splines. The 2D interpolation surface preferably connects the relative maxima or support points and can thus form the envelope.

[0014] The envelope of the shaft end face is convex if, in a sectional plane through the envelope, it can be represented by a convex function. The sectional plane is preferably a longitudinal sectional plane encompassing the longitudinal axis or a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A function is convex if the following conditions are met for the entire domain of the function: - a line segment between any two points in the graph of the function lies above the graph, i.e. in an inner region of the shaft end or the envelope, and - the second derivative of the function is greater than zero.

[0015] A surface, preferably the shaft end face or its envelope, has a blunt profile if it is not pointed, angular, or sharp-edged. A surface preferably has a blunt profile if, in the longitudinal section plane or cross-sectional plane, the surface is represented or can be represented by a continuous function whose first derivative is continuous between the edges of the function.

[0016] A surface with a blunt profile can be considered a blunt surface. A shaft end face with a projection that has an annular edge, a cutting edge, or a slit-like recess is considered to have an edge or sharp edge and does not have a blunt profile. In particular, the envelope of such a shaft end face does not have a blunt profile.

[0017] According to a second aspect, the object is achieved by a composite arrangement comprising at least two components and at least one connecting element according to the invention, according to the first aspect, by which the components are permanently connected by means of friction welding.

[0018] The components are preferably plate-shaped and / or sheet-shaped. However, the components can also be designed differently. For example, a first component, which is first penetrated by the connecting element, can be plate-shaped. A second component, onto which the first component is placed flat and connected by the connecting element, can be cuboid-shaped or cube-shaped, or can be of any shape, provided it has a partially flat surface against which the first component can rest.

[0019] When creating the connection, the connecting element can first be screwed into at least one first component by rotation and axial pressure, moved through it, and pressed into a subsequent component without penetrating it. The friction created during screwing and pressing causes the connecting element and the contacted, surrounding component material to become hot, which makes the component material deformable and displaces it from the advancing connecting element, so that the connecting element is firmly bonded to the corresponding components while the components are held in contact with one another.

[0020] The shape of the connecting element surface, which contacts the components, rubs against them, softens, deforms, and penetrates them, in particular the shape of the shaft end face and / or an outer shaft surface of the penetrating shaft area, is largely responsible for generating friction between the connecting element and the components and thus for the efficiency of the friction welding. The feature, wherein the shaft end face i) has a convex shape with a blunt profile and / or ii) a convex envelope with a blunt profile, advantageously causes - during the production of the connection, due to the surface structures or surface shapes, which cause an increase in friction, a higher heat input occurs during contact between the shaft end face and the component to be welded, thereby achieving a reduction in the process time. - a reduction in the material waste generated during the production of the connection, because the absence of edges, especially sharp edges, or points reduces or even prevents the generation of chips when screwing in the connecting element, and - improved strength of the produced connection, because the displaced component material is not ejected in the form of flying chips, but is produced in the form of material with reduced flow stress, which strengthens the connection between the connecting element and the components after cooling.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the shaft end face has a blunt surface shape, which has a surface structure that differs from a spherical shell segment and includes friction-increasing elements. The shaft end face preferably comprises at least one of the following friction-increasing elements: - The shaft end face has a plurality of depressions and elevations, for example in the form of mountains, hills and valleys, which are evenly or possibly unevenly distributed. - The shaft face is shaped like a golf ball. The term "golf ball" describes a surface structure (golf ball structure) with depressions and elevations, which can preferably have an envelope formed as a spherical shell segment. The depressions and elevations can, for example, be uniformly formed and / or periodically repeat. - The shaft end face has a wavy outline in the longitudinal and / or cross-sectional plane. A wavy outline can be a sinusoidal shape, a sawtooth shape (triangular shape) with truncated or obtuse corners, or a rectangular shape with truncated or obtuse corners.

[0022] The described surface structures or surface shapes increase the friction or the coefficient of friction between the shaft end face and the components. The increased friction, in turn, causes increased heat generation at the contact surface or friction surface and / or a stronger abrasion effect. This can advantageously facilitate the penetration of the fastener, increase the efficiency of the friction welding process, and reduce the processing time or cycle time without generating material waste, such as chips.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the envelope of the shaft end face has a round or curved contour in the longitudinal section plane. This advantageously reduces the material waste generated during the production of the connection because the absence of edges, especially sharp edges, or points reduces or even eliminates the generation of chips when screwing in the connecting element.

[0024] Overall, the round or blunt shape of the sections of the connecting element that penetrate into the components, including the shaft end face and the outer surface of the forming area as well as the friction-increasing elements provided in these sections, ensures that increased friction and consequently increased efficiency of the friction welding are achieved and at the same time jamming of the penetrating sections is avoided.

[0025] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the envelope of the shaft end face is rotationally symmetrical about the longitudinal axis and / or has a circular outline in the cross-sectional plane. This advantageously facilitates production and reduces manufacturing costs (a rotationally symmetric element is easier and cheaper to manufacture than a non-rotationally symmetric element).

[0026] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the envelope of the shaft end face in the longitudinal section plane has a circular, parabolic, or elliptical outline. In conjunction with the rotationally symmetrical shape, such an outline has the advantageous effect of good friction while simultaneously avoiding material waste, while simultaneously being easy to manufacture and low in cost.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the shaft comprises at least two sections, including a shaped section extending from the free end of the shaft and a holding section extending from the head of the shaft. The holding section forms an upper part of the shaft, which holds the head, and the shaped section forms a lower part of the shaft, which adjoins the shaft end and, together with the shaft end, contributes to generating increased friction between the connecting element and components, thus increasing the friction welding effect.

[0028] In a preferred development of the invention, the shaped section has a polygonal, i.e. polygonal or multi-cornered, outline with rounded corners in the cross-sectional plane, wherein preferably the distances between the corners i) are of equal length in order to effect a uniform rotational movement during friction welding, and / or ii) are straight and / or curved in regions in order to effect increased friction between the connecting element and components while simultaneously avoiding waste.

[0029] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the polygonal outline of the molded section has at least three, four, or six corners. This advantageously results in increased friction between the connecting element and components while simultaneously avoiding waste and reducing manufacturing costs for the connecting element.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, an outer surface of the mold section is partially flat, with the outer surface of the mold section preferably comprising at least three flat or approximately flat surface sections. An approximately flat shape is to be understood as a slightly curved shape that deviates only slightly from the flat shape. This advantageously results in a blunt contour of the outer surface or contact surface and, at the same time, increased friction between the connecting element and components while simultaneously avoiding waste.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mold section is cylindrical or approximately cylindrical. A cylindrical shape is defined as one in which the outline of the mold section runs parallel or approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis in a longitudinal section plane, whereby the mold section may not necessarily be rotationally symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis.

[0032] Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the shaped section has an outline in the cross-sectional plane that is partially arcuate or rectilinear. Preferably, the shaped section has an outline in the cross-sectional plane that is alternately rectilinear and arcuate in some areas. The largely round shape, which nevertheless deviates from a circular shape, can advantageously increase friction while simultaneously reducing the material waste generated during the connection process.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the outer surface of the molded section is profiled around the longitudinal axis in the circumferential direction and, in particular, has radial grooves, notches, or depressions. Such a profile is characterized in the cross-sectional plane by corresponding radial fluctuations of the circumferential contour. The profiling, including depressions of any kind, preferably has a rounded shape or contour in the cross-sectional plane. The largely round shape, which nevertheless has friction-increasing elements, can advantageously increase friction while simultaneously reducing the material waste generated during the connection process.

[0034] Alternatively, the outer surface of the mold section is preferably smooth in the circumferential direction around the longitudinal axis. This can further reduce the material waste generated during the connection process and / or ensure uniform force transmission across the outer surface of the mold section, resulting in a reliable friction welded connection with short cycle times.

[0035] According to a further preferred development of the invention, the outer surface of the molded section is tripolygonal. Tripolygonal here means, in particular, that the outer surface of the molded section comprises three polygonal surfaces, preferably four corner surfaces or rectangular surfaces. This advantageously causes rolling in the first component and thus increased frictional heat and improved screwing behavior of the connecting element. Furthermore, it can preferably be provided that the connecting element, excluding the tip, i.e., the shaft end face, is galvanically coated.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, an outer surface of the retaining section is cylindrical or approximately cylindrical or conical and, in particular, smooth. This advantageously facilitates the screwing or penetration of the connecting element and the further transfer of the plasticized component material.

[0037] Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a transition between i) the shaft end face and the outer surface of the molding section and / or ii) between the molding section and the holding section is rounded. This additionally results in a rounded or blunt shape of the sections of the connecting element that penetrate the components. This advantageously ensures that no edges or points are present on the relevant area of ​​the shaft's outer surface.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, an underside of the head facing the shaft has a circumferential groove. This design corresponds to a fillet and advantageously allows for the absorption of displaced or deformed component material during the connection process, so that an outer edge on the underside of the head rests flatly on the upper part of the connected components, additionally sealing the resulting friction-welded connection against moisture penetration.

[0039] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, an upper side of the head facing away from the shaft has a torque coupler for transmitting the torque from the turning tool to the head of the connecting element during friction welding. The torque coupler preferably has radial grooves, indentations, or elevations. This advantageously enables efficient torque transmission to the head as well as simple and cost-effective production of the entire connecting element. A torque coupler designed in this way is particularly suitable for automated applications because the turning tool does not need to be positioned particularly precisely when lowering onto the head of the connecting element in order to ensure effective torque transmission to the connecting element.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the connecting element is made of a steel alloy, preferably a screw-hardening material, or of a manganese- and / or boron-containing steel, in particular 20MnB4, 23MnB4, or 22MnB5. Alternatively, the connecting element is made of a Ti alloy. In particular, the connecting element has a martensitic structure. Alternatively, the connecting element has an austenitic structure, which is known to have high strength. The surface of the connecting element is preferably hardened, for example, by carburizing, which creates a particularly resistant penetration layer.

[0041] A connecting element having a surface coating is also preferred. This coating is preferably applied by galvanization, a chemical nickel process, plasma spraying, kinetic cold gas compaction, flame spraying, hard chromium plating, or physical vapor deposition. For particularly high hardness, the connecting element comprises, at least in some areas, high-carbon steel, in particular with a cementitious structure.

[0042] According to a further preferred development of the invention, at least the shaft end face, optionally also the shaft including the forming area and the holding area, is galvanized, with a layer of a material comprising zinc or a zinc-nickel compound preferably being electrochemically applied at least to the shaft end face. This advantageously allows a particularly hard or resistant layer to be created on the shaft end face and / or the forming area. Ideally, the entire connecting element is completely galvanized. A bare tip, i.e., a shaft end face that is not galvanized, also enables reliable welding.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the length of the molded section is approximately two to three times smaller than the length of the shaft. This advantageously allows for short cycle times during friction welding, while ensuring reliable sealing through the holding section with a circular cross-section.

[0044] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, each component is formed from a metal or a metal alloy. This advantageously enables friction welding.

[0045] According to a further preferred development of the invention, at least one of the components, in particular at least a first component penetrated by the connecting element, is made of a material that comprises a non-ferrous metal, preferably copper, aluminum, or brass, and / or has a lower material hardness than the connecting element. It is also preferred if at least one of the components is made of plastic, in particular thermoplastic or thermosetting plastic. This advantageously facilitates the penetration of the connecting element into the components, friction welding can be performed efficiently, and cycle times can be shortened.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the components are each formed as metal sheets or metal plates. Preferably, the components can each be unperforated or can have holes that have a smaller diameter than i) the largest diameter of the shaped section and / or ii) the diameter of the holding section. This advantageously ensures that a hole created during friction welding and / or filled by the connecting element is reliably sealed by the holding section of the shaft extending from the head after the friction-welded connection has been completed. For this purpose, the holding section can have a larger diameter than a maximum diameter of the shaped section.

[0047] According to a preferred development of the invention, the material of the at least one first component has a lower hardness than the material of the other components.

[0048] This advantageously facilitates the penetration of the connecting element into the components, friction welding can be made more efficient and cycle times can be shortened.

[0049] Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one of the components not arranged as the first component is made of steel. This advantageously increases the strength of the composite assembly, while nevertheless not hindering or impairing the penetration of the connecting element during friction welding.

[0050] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the total thickness of the components is at most equal to the length, i.e., the axial extent, of the holding area of ​​the connecting element. This advantageously ensures complete penetration of the components by the connecting element if the front area of ​​the connecting element, including the shaft end and the shaped section, is ground or melted during friction welding.

[0051] Connecting elements according to the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. They show schematically: Fig. 1 a first embodiment of the connecting element in a side view, Fig. 2 a first embodiment of the connecting element in a plan view, Fig. 3 a first embodiment of the connecting element in a bottom view, Fig. 4-7 the manufacturing steps of a composite assembly with two components and a composite element by friction welding, Fig. 8 the first embodiment of the connecting element in a longitudinal sectional view through the shaft end, Fig. 9 the first embodiment of the connecting element in a cross-sectional plane sectional view through the shaft end, Fig. 10 a second embodiment of the connecting element in a cross-sectional plane sectional view through the shaft end, Fig. 11 a third embodiment of the connecting element in a side view, Fig. 12 shows a third embodiment of the connecting element in cross-sectional views through the holding section and the forming section, and Fig. 13 a third embodiment of the connecting element in a longitudinal sectional view.

[0052] Elements with the same function and mode of operation are shown in the Fig. 1 to 13 are each provided with the same reference numerals.

[0053] Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of the connecting element 10, which is used for the permanent connection of two components 12.1,12.2 by means of friction welding, which is shown in the Fig. 4-7, when rotating the connecting element 10 about a longitudinal axis 10.1 of the connecting element 10.

[0054] The connecting element 10 comprises: - a shaft 10.2-10.4 formed along the longitudinal axis 10.1 with a shaft end 10.2 at a free end of the shaft 10.2-10.4 for penetrating a component 12.1, and - a head 10.5 connected to the shank 10.2-10.4 for transmitting a torque about the longitudinal axis 10.1 from a turning tool to the shank 10.2-10.4.

[0055] The shaft end 10.2 has a shaft end surface 10.21, which has a convex envelope 10.22 with a blunt shape. The envelope 10.22 of the shaft end surface 10.21 is to be understood as a surface that envelops the shaft end surface 10.21 and whose points are relative maxima of the shaft end surface 10.21 (see Fig. 8-10). The relative maxima form support points of a 2D interpolation surface connecting the relative maxima or support points, which represents the envelope 10.22.

[0056] In the Fig. 1, the envelope 10.22 coincides with a contour of the shaft end face 10.21. In contrast, in the front view of the connecting element 10 shown in Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 shown sectional views through the shaft end 10.2, the envelope 10.22 differs from the contour 10.21 of the shaft end 10.2 and is thus clearly recognizable.

[0057] In the Fig. The top view of the connecting element 10 shown in Figure 2 shows the head 10.5, wherein an upper side of the head 10.5 facing away from the shaft 10.2-10.4 has a circular, flat pressure surface 10.53 in its center and a torque coupler 10.52 around its outside for transmitting the torque from a turning tool to the head 10.5 during friction welding. In the present case, the torque coupler comprises radial grooves or indentations 10.52, in which a corresponding counterpart of the turning tool (not shown), for example radial projections of a face of the turning tool, interacts with the torque coupler or engages in the radial grooves when the turning tool is axially lowered to rotate the connecting element 10. The flat pressure surface 10.53 is provided for axial pressure on the connecting element 10.

[0058] In the Fig. In the bottom view of the connecting element 10 shown in Fig. 3, the shaft end face 10.21 can be seen, which has wave crests or elevations 10.23 and wave troughs or depressions 10.24, which form friction-increasing elements of the shaft end face 10.21.

[0059] The shaft end face 10.21, shown as an example in Fig. 8, Fig. 9, has a blunt shape in that it is neither pointed nor angular. In other words, the shaft end face 10.21 is in the longitudinal section plane ( Fig. 8) or cross-sectional plane ( Fig. 9) can be represented or represented by a continuous function whose first derivative is continuous between the edges of the function, which are also edges of the shaft end face 10.21.

[0060] Fig. Figure 8 shows, in a longitudinal sectional view through the shaft end face 10.2, a first configuration of the shaft end face 10.21 with friction-increasing elements. It can be seen that the contour 10.21 of the shaft end face 10.2 has a plurality of elevations or wave crests 10.23 and depressions or wave troughs 10.24 that are evenly distributed. Fig. 9, in which the contour of the shaft end 10.2 or the shaft end surface 10.21 is shown in a cross-sectional plane sectional view through the shaft end 10.2, similar friction-increasing elements (uniformly distributed elevations 10.23 and depressions 10.24) are visible. Generally, the shaft end 10.2 has a wave-shaped contour 10.21 in sectional views through the shaft end 10.2, whereby the height or amplitude of the wave is exaggerated in the present figures for illustrative purposes, i.e., larger than according to a real scale.

[0061] Fig. Figure 10 shows a longitudinal sectional view through the shaft end face 10.2 of a further configuration of the shaft end face 10.21 with friction-enhancing elements. In this configuration, the contour 10.21 of the shaft end face 10.2 has a wave-like profile with a rectangular shape, with the corners truncated or blunt.

[0062] The Fig. The embodiments of the connecting element 10 shown in Figures 8-10 develop a significant friction welding effect due to the blunt profile of the shaft end face 10.21 and / or the envelope 10.22 in conjunction with the shaft end face 10.2, which has a surface structure with friction-increasing elements 10.23, 10.24.

[0063] A similar effect (friction, heating, material melting, no waste generation) is also created by a golf ball structure (not shown) of the shaft end face 10.21.

[0064] In the Fig. From the side view of the connecting element 10 shown in Figure 11, it can be seen that the shaft 10.2-10.4 comprises a shaped section 10.3 extending from the free end of the shaft and a holding section 10.4 extending from the head 10.5 of the shaft. The holding section 10.4 thus forms an upper part of the shaft, which holds the head 10.5, and the shaped section 10.3 forms a lower part of the shaft, which adjoins the shaft end 10.2 and, together with the shaft end 10.2, contributes to generating increased friction between the connecting element 10 and components 12.1, 12.2 and thus to an increased friction welding effect.

[0065] The Fig. 11, Fig. The shaft end face 10.2 shown in Figure 13 has a blunt shaft end face 10.21 without a wave-like shape, but with a fine-grained, friction-increasing surface structure, which produces the desired effect of an improved friction weld.

[0066] The Fig. The holding section 10.4 shown in Figure 11 has a larger diameter than a maximum diameter of the shaped section 10.3. This advantageously ensures that a hole (through hole) created or widened in the first component 12.1 during friction welding or a drilled hole created in the second component 12.2 is reliably sealed after completion of the friction weld connection by the holding section 10.4 extending from the head 10.5. In contrast, the Fig. 1, the connecting element 10 has a shaft 10.2-10.4 in which the forming section 10.3 and the holding section 10.4 do not differ from each other or differ only insignificantly.

[0067] In the Fig. From the cross-sectional views shown in Figure 12 through the holding section 10.4 (section AA) and through the forming section 10.3 (section BB), it can be seen that the holding section 10.4 has a cross-section with a circular contour 10.41, and the forming section 10.3 has a cross-section with a contour 10.31 that is not circular but slightly wavy. The cross-sectional contour 10.31 of the forming section 10.3 increases friction and thus improves friction welding and shortens cycle times. Furthermore, it can be seen that the largest diameter of the forming section contour 10.31 is larger than the diameter of the holding section contour 10.41. As a result, after the production of a friction welded connection, the outer circumference of the holding section 10.3 lies flat against a surf of a hole produced in the upper component 12.1 and thus ensures a secure sealing of the produced friction welded connection.

[0068] In the Fig. The overall structure of the connecting element 10 can be seen in the longitudinal sectional view through the connecting element 10 shown in Figure 13. The shaft 10.2-10.4, formed along the longitudinal axis 10.1, has a curved and blunt shaft end 10.2 and is connected to a head 10.5. The shaft 10.2-10.4 has a shaping region 10.3 in a lower part connected to the shaft end 10.2 and a holding region 10.4 in an upper part connected to the head 10.5. An underside of the head 10.5 facing the shaft 10.2-10.4 has a circumferential groove 10.51. This design corresponds to a fillet and advantageously allows for the absorption of component material melted during friction welding, so that an outer edge on the underside of the head 10.5 rests flat on the upper 12.1 of the interconnected components 12.1, 12.2 and additionally seals the resulting friction weld connection against the ingress of moisture.

[0069] In the Fig. 4-7, the connecting element 10 is first screwed into a first component 12.1 by rotation and axial pressure ( Fig. 4), which is made of aluminum, is moved through it and pressed into a subsequent, second component 12.2 made of steel without penetrating it ( Fig. 5). Due to the friction created during screwing and pressing in, the connecting element 10 and the contacted, surrounding component material become hot, whereby the yield stress of the component material is reduced and the material is displaced from the connecting element 10 ( Fig. 6), so that the connecting element 10 is firmly bonded to the components 12.1, 12.2, while the components 12.1, 12.2 are held in contact with one another. The molten component material rises up the side of the connecting element 10 and penetrates into the circumferential groove 10.51 on the underside of the head 10.5. Finally, by means of rotation and axial pressure, the shaft 10.2-10.4 is compressed, whereby the head 10.5 of the connecting element 10 is brought into a final position on the first component 12.1 ( Fig. 7). List of reference symbols 10 Connecting element 10.1 Longitudinal axis of the connecting element 10.2 Shaft end of the connecting element 10.21 Shaft end face, contour of the shaft end face 10.22 Envelope of the shaft end face or shaft end 10.23 Elevation, wave crest of the shaft end face or shaft end 10.24 Depression, wave trough of the shaft end face or shaft end 10.3 Shaped section of the connecting element 10.31 Contour of the mold section 10.4 Holding section of the connecting element 10.41 Contour of the holding section 10.5 Head of the connecting element 10.51 circumferential groove on the underside of the head 10.52 Torque coupler, radial groove on the top of the head 10.53 Pressure area on the top of the head 12.1 first component to be connected 12.2 second component to be connected

Claims

[1] Connecting element (10) for the permanent connection of at least two components (12.1, 12.2) by means of friction welding when rotating the connecting element (10) about a longitudinal axis (10.1) of the connecting element (10), comprising - a shaft (10.2-10.4) formed along the longitudinal axis (10.1) with a shaft end (10.2) at a free end of the shaft (10.2-10.4) for penetrating at least one component (12.1), and - a head (10.5) connected to the shaft (10.2-10.4) for transmitting a torque about the longitudinal axis (10.1) from a turning tool to the shaft (10.2-10.4), wherein the shaft end (10.2) has a shaft end face (10.21) which has a convex envelope (10.22) with a blunt profile, wherein the shaft end face (10.21) has a plurality of depressions and elevations, and wherein the shaft end face (10.21) is designed such that the shaft end face (10.21) does not produce any material waste during friction welding for the permanent connection of at least two components (12.1, 12.2). [2] Connecting element (10) according to claim 1, comprising the following feature: - the shaft end face (10.21) is shaped like a golf ball. [3] Connecting element (10) according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the envelope (10.22) of the shaft end face (10.21) has a round or arcuate outline in the longitudinal section plane. [4] Connecting element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one of the following features: - the shaft (10.2-10.4) comprises a forming section (10.3) extending from the free end of the shaft (10.2-10.4) and a holding section (10.4) extending from the head (10.5) of the shaft (10.2-10.4); - the shaped section (10.3) has a polygonal outline (10.31) with rounded corners in the cross-sectional plane; - the polygonal outline (10.31) of the mold section (10.3) has at least three corners; - a diameter of the holding section (10.4) is larger than a largest diameter of the forming section (10.3). [5] Connecting element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the shaped section (10.3) has an outline (10.31) in the cross-sectional plane which is alternately straight and arcuate in some areas. [6] Connecting element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one of the following features: - a flat surface section of the mold section (10.3) is polygonal, wherein each polygon is preferably triangular or quadrangular; - the outer surface of the mold section (10.3) is profiled around the longitudinal axis in the circumferential direction of the mold section (10.3); - the outer surface of the mold section (10.3) is tripolygonal; - the outer surface of the mold section (10.3) i) has radial grooves, notches or depressions or ii) is smooth. [7] Connecting element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one of the following features: - the holding section (10.4) is cylindrical or approximately cylindrical or conical and in particular an outer surface of the holding section (10.4) is smooth; - a transition between i) the shaft end (10.2) and the forming section (10.3) and / or ii) between the forming section (10.3) and the holding section (10.4) is rounded. [8] Connecting element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one of the following features: - an underside of the head (10.5) facing the shaft (10.2-10.4) has a circumferential groove (10.51); - an upper side of the head (10.5) facing away from the shaft (10.2-10.4) has a torque coupler (10.52) for transmitting the torque from the turning tool to the head (10.5); - the torque coupler (10.52) comprises a plurality of radial grooves, indentations or elevations. [9] Connecting element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one of the following features: - the connecting element (10) is made of a steel alloy, preferably of a screw-hardening material, in particular 20MnB4; - at least the shaft end face (10.21) is galvanized, wherein preferably a layer of a material comprising zinc or a zinc-nickel compound is electrochemically applied at least to the shaft end face (10.21); - a length of the mold section (10.3) is about two to three times smaller than a length of the shaft (10.2-10.4). [10] Connecting element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting element (10) is galvanically coated, except for the shaft end face (10.21). [11] Composite arrangement comprising - at least two components (12.1, 12.2) and - at least one connecting element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, by means of which the components (12.1, 12.2) are permanently connected by means of friction welding. [12] Composite arrangement according to claim 11, comprising at least one of the following features: - a respective component (12.1, 12.2) is made of a metal or a metal alloy; - at least one of the components (12.1, 12.2), in particular at least a first component (12.1) penetrated by the connecting element (10), is made of a material which comprises a non-ferrous metal, preferably copper, aluminium or brass and / or has a lower material hardness than the connecting element (10); - at least one of the components not arranged as first components (12.2) is made of steel; - a total thickness of the components (12.1, 12.2) is at most as large as a length of the holding area of ​​the connecting element (10),

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