Rivet d'expansion

Abstract

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

Description

[0068] Turning to [Fig. 6], a lower view of the expansion rivet as illustrated in [Fig. 5] is shown. This view provides a clear perspective of the actuating element 100 and its interaction with the retaining element 200. The actuating element 100 comprises 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 retaining element 200 through the feed opening 150.

[0069] In this view, the axial concavity 122 on the external surface of each foot 120 of the rod 20 is also visible. This concavity 122 is a feature that may be present in certain embodiments of the expansion rivet. The concavity 122 is formed on the external surface of each foot 120, extending along the axial direction of the foot 120. This axial concavity 122 can contribute to the flexibility of the feet 120, allowing them to bend outwards when the actuating element 100 is in the locked position within the retaining element 200.

[0070] With reference now to [Fig. 7], a cross-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 feet 120 of the actuating element 100 have a concavity 122 on their external surface, preferably an axial concavity 122. This design choice gives additional flexibility to the feet 120, which facilitates several functional advantages during the installation and use of the rivet.

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

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

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

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

[0076] The interaction between the cavity 24 of the rod 20 and the expansion protrusions 140 of the retaining element 200 can ensure a secure and reliable connection between the actuating element 100 and the retaining element 200. This connection can withstand torsional forces, ensuring that the actuating element 100 remains firmly positioned inside the retaining element 200 even under conditions of high stress or load. 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 element locked in the retaining element. A fastener (not shown) can be attached, with the illustrated expansion rivet 10, to a support panel (not shown) having an opening. According to one embodiment, the retaining element 200 of the expansion rivet 10 is first inserted into the opening of the support panel. Then, the actuating element 100 is inserted into the through hole of the retaining element; at this point, the fastener can be secured between the head plate 80 and / or the support flange 180 and the support panel. With the actuating element 100 locked in the retaining element 200, the feet extend outwards at the free end, thus 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 of the actuating element, and then remove the fastener and the retaining element 100 from the support panel. As already explained, the expansion rivet according to the present invention is advantageously reusable. LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0079] Reference sign Designation 10 expansion rivet 100 actuating element 20 stem 22 projection 24 cavity 28 bulge 80 head plate 200 retaining element 112 receiving part 120 foot 122 concavity 124 tooth 140 protrusion 150 opening 180 support flange

Claims

Demands

1. An expansion rivet (10), comprising: a retaining element (200) having a support flange (180) which includes a passage opening (150); and an actuating element (100) having a head plate (80) and a stem (20) extending vertically from the head plate (80), the stem (20) being configured to be inserted into the retaining element (200) through the passage opening (150); wherein the stem (20) includes a projection (22) which is configured to lock the actuating element (100) when it is fully inserted into the opening (150) of the retaining element (200); where the retaining element (200) has at least two flexible feet having notched protrusions (140) on the inner surface and teeth (124) on the outer surface, these feet (120) being bent outwards and forming an opening when the actuating element (100) is in the locked position in the retaining element (200);and in which each of the feet (120) has a concavity (122) on its external surface, preferably an axial concavity (122).

2. Expansion rivet according to claim 1, wherein the retaining element (200) has four flexible feet.

3. Expansion rivet according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the notch protrusions (140) of the retaining element (200) have a triangular cross-section shape oriented along the length of the foot, the upper side of the triangular cross-section having a greater length than the lower side.

4. Expansion rivet according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the notch protrusions (140) of the retaining element (200) have a W-shaped cross-section or an arc-shaped cross-section that is oriented along the length of the foot.

5. Expansion rivet according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating element (100) further comprises a bulge (28) which is configured to retain the actuating element (100) in the retaining element (200).

6. Expansion rivet according to any one of the preceding claims, 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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