Rivet d'expansion

Abstract

The present invention describes an expansion rivet (10), comprising: a holding member (200) having a support flange (180) that includes a through opening (150); and an actuating member (100) having a head plate (80) and a shank (20) extending vertically from the head plate (80), the shank (20) being configured to be inserted into the holding member (200) through the through opening (150); wherein the shank (20) includes a projection (22) that is configured to lock the actuating member (100) when fully inserted into the opening (150) of the holding member (200); and wherein the rod (20) has at least two flexible legs having notch protrusions (140) on the inner surface and teeth (124) on the outer surface, these legs (120) being bent outwardly and forming an opening when the actuating element (100) is in the locking position in the holding element (200). (Fig. 1)

Description

[0068] Turning to [Fig. 6], a bottom view of the expansion rivet as illustrated in [Fig. 5] is presented. This view provides a clear perspective of the actuating member 100 and its interaction with the holding member 200. The actuating member 100 includes a head plate 80 and a rod 20 extending vertically from the head plate 80. The rod 20 is configured to be inserted into the holding member 200 through the feed opening 150.

[0069] In this view, the axial concavity 122 on the outer surface of each leg 120 of the rod 20 is also visible. This concavity 122 is a feature that may be present in some embodiments of the expansion rivet. The concavity 122 is formed on the outer surface of each leg 120, extending along the axial direction of the leg 120. This axial concavity 122 may contribute to the flexibility of the legs 120, allowing them to bend outwardly when the actuating member 100 is in the locking position in the holding member 200.

[0070] Referring now to [Fig. 7], a sectional view of the expansion rivet as illustrated in [Fig. 5] along BB is presented. This view provides a detailed perspective of the internal structure of the expansion rivet, in particular the protrusions 140, the concavity 122 and the tooth 124 of the actuating element 100.

[0071] In a specific exemplary implementation of the expansion rivet, the legs 120 of the actuating element 100 have a concavity 122 on their outer surface, preferably an axial concavity 122. This design choice provides additional flexibility to the legs 120, which facilitates several functional advantages during installation and use of the rivet.

[0072] The axial concavity 122 allows the legs 120 to flex more easily when the actuating member 100 is inserted into the holding member 200 through the hole in the support panel. This increased flexibility results in a reduction in the insertion force generally associated with expansion rivets. Ease of insertion is a particularly desirable feature when manual installation is involved or when the installation process must be streamlined for efficiency.

[0073] Additionally, the concavity 122 strategically concentrates the contact between the legs 120 and the backing panel at the edges of the legs 120. This targeted contact creates a stronger retention force because the edges of the legs 120 effectively "bite" into the backing panel material. The enhanced grip provided by the edges can prevent the rivet from loosening or disengaging, even under conditions that might otherwise cause failure of a flat-legged fastener.

[0074] The combination of easier insertion and stronger retention makes this design of the expansion rivet particularly advantageous. The axial concavity 122 of the legs 120 ensures that the rivet can be installed with less effort while providing a secure and robust connection between the support panel and the fastened article. This dual advantage is particularly valuable in applications where both ease of assembly and long-term reliability of the fastener are paramount.

[0075] Overall, the incorporation of axial concavities 122 into the feet 120 of the expansion rivet represents a thoughtful design optimization that improves the functionality and performance of the rivet under a wide range of use conditions.

[0076] The interaction between the cavity 24 of the rod 20 and the detent protrusions 140 of the holding element 200 can provide a secure and reliable connection between the actuating element 100 and the holding element 200. This connection can withstand torsional forces, ensuring that the actuating element 100 remains securely positioned within the holding element 200 even under high stress or load conditions. This feature can be particularly advantageous in applications where the expansion rivet is subjected to high forces or vibrations, such as in the automotive industry.

[0077] Referring now to [Fig. 8], we observe a perspective view of an expansion rivet 10 with the actuating member locked in the holding member. A fastener (not shown) may be attached, with the illustrated expansion rivet 10, to a support panel (not shown) having an opening. According to one embodiment, the holding member 200 of the expansion rivet 10 is first inserted into the opening of the support panel. Then, we introduce the actuating member 100 into the through hole of the holding member, at which time the fastener may be attached between the head plate 80 and / or the support flange 180 and the support panel. With the actuating member 100 locked in the holding member 200, the legs extend outward at the free end, thereby holding the expansion rivet 100 in the support panel.

[0078] To remove the expansion rivet, we can use for example a slotted screwdriver to lift the head plate 80 from the actuating element, then remove the fastener and the holding element 100 from the support panel. As already explained, the expansion rivet according to the present invention is advantageously reusable. LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS Reference sign Designation 10 expansion rivet 100 actuating element 20 rod 22 projection 24 cavity 28 bulge 80 head plate 200 holding element 112 receiving part 120 foot 122 concavity 124 tooth 140 protuberance 150 opening 180 support flange

Claims

Claims

1. An expansion rivet (10), comprising: a holding member (200) having a support flange (180) that includes a passage opening (150); and an actuating member (100) having a head plate (80) and a shank (20) extending vertically from the head plate (80), the shank (20) being configured to be inserted into the holding member (200) through the passage opening (150); wherein the shank (20) includes a projection (22) that is configured to lock the actuating member (100) when fully inserted into the opening (150) of the holding member (200); and wherein the holding member (200) has at least two flexible legs having notch protrusions (140) on the inner surface and teeth (124) on the outer surface, these legs (120) being bent outwardly and forming an opening when the actuating member (100) is in the locking position in the holding member (200).

2. An expansion rivet according to claim 1, wherein the holding member (200) has four flexible legs.

3. An expansion rivet according to claim 1, wherein each of the feet (120) has a concavity (122) on its outer surface, preferably an axial concavity (122).

4. An expansion rivet according to any preceding claim, wherein the notch protrusions (140) of the holding member (200) have a triangular cross-sectional shape oriented in the length direction of the foot, the upper side of the triangular cross-section has a length greater than the lower side.

5. An expansion rivet according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the notch protrusions (140) of the holding member (200) have a W-shaped cross-sectional shape or an arc-shaped cross-sectional shape which is oriented in the length direction of the leg.

6. An expansion rivet according to any preceding claim, wherein the actuating member (100) further comprises a bulge (28) which is configured to hold the actuating member (100) in the holding member (200).

7. An expansion rivet according to any preceding claim, wherein the head plate (80) and / or the support flange (180) has a location for a tool to be placed against it to lift the head plate (80) from the support flange (180).

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