Rivets to prevent stacking

Abstract

An anti-alignment rivet is provided that includes a head having an outer edge configured to inhibit alignment in a rivet delivery system, and a shank extending from the head.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a rivet for preventing overlapping arrangement.

Background Art

[0002] Current methods of fastening workpieces together can include, for example, the use of self-piercing rivets or flow drill rivets. Other fastening methods may require automatically feeding the rivets into a resistance spot riveting apparatus. There are problems with the supply of rivets to a resistance spot riveting system of the rivets.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0003] One aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a rivet including a head and a body extending from the head, the head including an outer edge configured to inhibit overlapping arrangement of the rivets in a rivet supply system.

[0004] Another aspect according to the present disclosure is directed to a rivet including a head and a body extending from the head. The head includes a first portion having a first thickness and a second portion having a second thickness. The first thickness is smaller than the second thickness. The first portion is intermediate the second portion and the body, and the head extends around an outer surface of the body.

[0005] Another aspect according to the present disclosure is directed to a rivet including a head and a body extending from the head. The head includes a rounded outer edge that can otherwise inhibit point contact on an inclined edge where welding force can occur and the rivets can become jammed in a high-precision rivet supply track.

[0006] It is to be understood that the invention disclosed and described herein is not limited to the aspects summarized in this "Summary of the Invention". The reader will understand the above details, among other details, when considering the following detailed description of the various non-limiting and non-inclusive aspects according to this specification. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] The features and advantages of this embodiment, as well as the methods for achieving them, will become more obvious and better understood by referring to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a front cross-sectional view of a rivet subjected to overlapping arrangement. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a front cross-sectional view of a non-limiting embodiment of a rivet according to the disclosure, having a cylindrical or shallow tapered outer edge that prevents overlapping in the rivet supply system. [Figure 3A] Figure 3A is a top perspective view of a non-limiting embodiment of a thin rivet for preventing overlapping arrangement according to the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] Figure 3B is a bottom perspective view of the thin, overlap-prevention rivet shown in Figure 3A. [Figure 3C] Figure 3C is a cross-sectional view of a thin, overlap-preventing rivet along line 3C-3C in Figure 3A. [Figure 4A] Figure 4A is a top perspective view of a non-limiting embodiment of a rivet for preventing overlapping arrangement according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4B] Figure 4B is a bottom perspective view of the rivet used to prevent overlapping arrangement shown in Figure 4A. [Figure 4C] Figure 4C is a cross-sectional view of the rivet used to prevent overlapping arrangement along line 4C-4C in Figure 4A. [Figure 5A] Figure 5A is a bottom view of a non-limiting embodiment of the rivet for preventing overlapping arrangement according to the present disclosure. [Figure 5B] Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view of the rivet used to prevent overlapping alignment along the line 5B-5B in Figure 5A.

[0009] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts through several drawings. The examples expressed herein illustrate specific embodiments in one form, and such examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the appended claims in any way. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Various embodiments are described and illustrated herein to provide a comprehensive understanding of the structure, function, and use of the disclosed articles and methods. The various embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting and non-exclusive. Therefore, the invention is not limited by the descriptions of the various non-limiting and non-exclusive embodiments disclosed herein. Rather, the invention is defined solely by the claims. Features and characteristics illustrated and / or described in relation to various embodiments may be combined with features and characteristics of other embodiments. Such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this specification. Accordingly, the claims may be amended to enumerate any features or characteristics explicitly or essentially described herein, or otherwise explicitly or essentially supported by this specification. Furthermore, the applicant reserves the right to amend the claims to positively waive any features or characteristics that may exist in the prior art. The various embodiments disclosed and described herein may include, consist solely of, or essentially consist of, the features and characteristics described herein in various ways.

[0011] Resistance Spot Rivet (RSR®) joining technology is a novel resistance joining technology that enables the joining of various component assemblies manufactured from various combinations of materials. RSR® joining technology utilizes rivets of various shapes and materials (e.g., metal rivets) to provide a solution as an option to suit each joining situation. The rivets are applicable to joints using an improved resistance spot welding gun (e.g., an RDS-compatible welding gun). The welding gun may be paired with a robotic manipulator and / or a pedestal welding machine and may be integrated into a system of auxiliary equipment. Each joint created using RSR® joining technology typically consumes one rivet.

[0012] When rivets are required to join parts, a rivet distribution system can use channels (e.g., supply tracks) of a rivet supply system to transport rivets to a location close to where they will be attached to the parts assembly to be joined. The channels can be configured (e.g., by determining their size and shape) so that rivets can pass through from one end of the channel to the other in a pre-selected orientation in a continuous arrangement, so that the rivets can be fitted into the rivet holders of a resistance spot rivet welding machine. For example, the channels may include substantially T-shaped sides for appropriately receiving and transporting rivets with substantially T-shaped sides. For example, the upper region of the T-shaped cross section of the channel may be sized to accommodate the head of the rivet, and the transverse region of the T-shaped cross section of the channel may be sized to accommodate the body of the rivet.

[0013] Prior art rivets 100a-b have a shape with a head 102 including a narrow leading edge 106 at an angle that can be easily formed on a cold header, but as shown in Figure 1, they can become jammed in the channel 130 due to overlapping arrangement (e.g., overlapping of heads 102 in the upper region of the channel). For example, rivet 100b may come into contact with the channel 130 at points 122 and 120 on which the side surface 102a of the head 102 of rivet 100b can rise, such that the leading edge 106 of rivet 100b (as rivets 100a and 100b move from right to left in the drawing) hits the head 102 of rivet 100a, thereby creating an overlapping arrangement effect 124 (e.g., welding of rivets) that prevents rivets 100a-b from moving further in the channel 130.

[0014] Therefore, the anti-overlap rivets according to the present disclosure may be provided with a rounded outer edge, which may be more difficult to manufacture (as it may be significantly more difficult to form on a cold header, unlike the outer edges of conventional rivets), but the rounded outer edge can inhibit or prevent "point-to-point" contact on the inclined edge of the rivet, which otherwise may result in welding forces and cause clogging in the channel. For this reason, the anti-overlap rivets according to the present disclosure can prevent overlap so that they can always be fitted as intended into the rivet holder of a resistance spot rivet welding machine, and can be supplied by a rivet supply channel in a pre-selected orientation in a continuous arrangement. The rivets according to the present disclosure can be automatically supplied by a cartridge or blow supply device, which does not cause or causes little to no clogging or overlap.

[0015] According to aspects of this disclosure, anti-overlapping rivets 200a and 200b having a head 202 including a cylindrical or shallow tapered outer edge 206 that can not cause overlapping in a rivet supply system (RDS) are described herein and shown in Figures 2, 3A to 3C, 4A to 4C, and 5A and 5B. For example, rivet 200b may contact the channel 230 at points 222 and 220 where the side surfaces 202a of the head 202 of rivet 200b can be slightly raised. However, the shape and configuration of the edge 206 can minimize or prevent overlapping so that rivets 200a and 200b can move through the channel 230 without jamming or overlapping.

[0016] Referring to Figures 3A to 3C, an embodiment of the anti-overlap rivet 300 according to the present disclosure is provided. The anti-overlap rivet 300 can be configured to fasten layers of an assembly together using a resistance spot riveting process. The anti-overlap rivet 300 comprises a head 302 and a body 304 extending from the head 302 along the longitudinal axis A1 of the anti-overlap rivet 300. The head 302 can be configured to be in contact with the electrodes of a resistance spot riveting system. For example, the head 302 can be extended around the outer surface of the body 304 and may include, for example, an annular shape. In various non-limiting embodiments, a cavity 322 can be extended at least partially into the body 304 through the head 302. The cavity 322 can be configured to facilitate contact between the anti-overlap rivet 300 and the electrodes of a resistance spot riveting system. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the cavity 322 may be bowl-shaped.

[0017] The head 302 of the rivet 300 may have an outer edge 306. The outer edge 306 extends away from the body 304 and defines an annular cavity 326. The bottom edge 314 of the head 302 may be configured to contact the layers of the assembly after installation using a resistance spot riveting process. For example, the bottom edge 314 of the head 302 may be configured to engage / contact the layers of the assembly (e.g., apply holding force) and, at a minimum, penetrate through the engaging / contact layers where applicable, while the body 304 may be configured to penetrate and / or fuse through the engaging / contact layers and / or different layers of the assembly during the resistance spot riveting process. Furthermore, the body 304 of the rivet 300 may be metallurgically bonded to the layers of the assembly after installation.

[0018] The head 302 can extend along the longitudinal axis A1 of the anti-overlapping rivet 300 by a distance d1. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the distance d1 can be at least 0.5 mm, such as at least 1 mm, at least 1.5 mm, at least 2 mm, or at least 3 mm. In various non-limiting embodiments, the distance d1 can be 10 mm or less, such as 5 mm or less, 4 mm or less, 3 mm or less, 2 mm or less, or 1.5 mm or less. For example, the distance d1 can be in the range of 0.5 mm to 10 mm, such as 0.5 mm to 5 mm, 2 mm to 4 mm, or 1 mm to 2 mm.

[0019] The body 304 can extend along the longitudinal axis A1 by a distance d4. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the distance d4 can be at least 1 mm, such as at least 3 mm, at least 4 mm, at least 5 mm, or at least 6 mm. In various non-limiting embodiments, the distance d4 can be 30 mm or less, such as 20 mm or less, 10 mm or less, 9 mm or less, 8 mm or less, or 6 mm or less. For example, the distance d4 can be in the range of 1 mm to 30 mm, such as 3 mm to 30 mm, 5 mm to 25 mm, 10 mm to 20 mm, 4 mm to 9 mm, or 5 mm to 8 mm.

[0020] In certain non-limiting embodiments, the body 304 may include a diameter d5 of 10 mm or less, such as 7 mm or less, 6 mm or less, 5 mm or less, 4 mm or less, or 3 mm or less. In various non-limiting embodiments, the body 304 may include a diameter d5 of at least 1 mm, such as at least 2 mm, at least 3 mm, at least 4 mm, at least 5 mm, at least 6 mm, or at least 7 mm. For example, the body 118 may include a diameter d5 in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm, such as 2 mm to 5 mm, 2 mm to 7 mm, or 3 mm to 6 mm. In certain embodiments, the diameter of the body 304 may decrease in a direction away from the head 302. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the diameter d5 of the body 304 can be smaller than the diameter of the electrodes of a resistance spot welding system such that the body 304 can increase the local force applied to the layers of the assembly. In various non-limiting embodiments, the body 304 includes a generally cylindrical shape.

[0021] The outer edge 306 may include a shallow taper thereon with respect to the longitudinal axis A1. The outer edge 306 can minimize or prevent the stacking arrangement of the rivets in the rivet supply channel. For example, the outer edge 306 may be substantially flat and / or substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis A1 of the stacking prevention rivet 300.

[0022] In various non-limiting embodiments, the shallow taper α1 may be less than 15 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis A1, such as less than 14 degrees, less than 10 degrees, less than 8 degrees, less than 6 degrees, less than 5 degrees, less than 4 degrees, or less than 2 degrees, for all with respect to the longitudinal axis A1. In various non-limiting embodiments, the shallow taper α1 may be at least 0 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis A1, such as at least 1 degree, at least 2 degrees, at least 4 degrees, at least 5 degrees, at least 6 degrees, at least 8 degrees, or at least 10 degrees, for all with respect to the longitudinal axis A1. For example, the shallow taper α1 may be in the range of 0 degrees to 15 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis A1, such as 1 degree to 14 degrees, 2 degrees to 14 degrees, 4 degrees to 12 degrees, 5 degrees to 10 degrees, or 6 degrees to 8 degrees, for all with respect to the longitudinal axis A1.

[0023] In various non-limiting embodiments, the shallow taper α1 may be approximately 0 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis A1, and the outer edge 306 may include a cylindrical shape. For example, the outer edge 306 may be approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis A1. In other specific non-limiting embodiments, the shallow taper α1 may be in the range of greater than 0 degrees to 15 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis A1, and may include a frustoconical shape. The outer edge 306 may be approximately flat or curved. For example, the outer edge 306 may include a cylindrical shape, a frustoconical shape, a concave shape, a convex shape, a stepped shape, or other curved shape.

[0024] The outer edge 306 is generally stretchable over a distance d2 in the direction of the longitudinal axis A1 of the rivet 300. In various non-limiting embodiments, distance d2 may be at least 20% of distance d1, such as at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, or at least 80% of distance d1. In certain non-limiting embodiments, distance d2 may be less than or equal to distance d1, such as 90% or less, 80% or less, or 70% or less of distance d1. For example, distance d2 may be in the range of 20% to 100% of distance d1, such as 30% to 80%, 20% to 60%, 30% to 60%, or 30% to 40% of distance d1. In certain non-limiting embodiments, distance d1 may be 0.115 inches (2.9 mm) or more. For example, distance d1 could be 0.115 inches (2.9 mm), and distance d2 could be 35% of distance d1.

[0025] The head 302 of the anti-overlap rivet 300 may include a diameter d3 of at least 4 mm, such as at least 5 mm, at least 6 mm, at least 7 mm, at least 10 mm, at least 12 mm, at least 14 mm, at least 15 mm, at least 16 mm, at least 18 mm, at least 20 mm, at least 22 mm, at least 24 mm, or at least 25 mm. In various non-limiting embodiments, the head 302 of the anti-overlap rivet 300 may include a diameter d3 of 30 mm or less, 25 mm or less, 24 mm or less, 22 mm or less, 20 mm or less, 18 mm or less, or 16 mm or less, such as 15 mm or less, 14 mm or less, 12 mm or less, or 7 mm or less. For example, in certain non-limiting embodiments, the head 302 of the anti-overlap rivet 300 may include a diameter d3 in the range of 4mm to 30mm, such as 5mm to 25mm, 10mm to 18mm, 10mm to 14mm, 14mm to 18mm, 20mm to 25mm, or 12mm to 14mm.

[0026] By manufacturing the anti-overlap rivet 300, the manufacturing difficulties of the outer edge 306 can be balanced with the anti-overlap characteristics of the outer edge 306. For example, manufacturing the anti-overlap rivet 300 with a cylindrical outer edge 306 enhances the minimization or prevention of rivet overlap in a high-precision supply channel, but may also present manufacturing challenges. In other embodiments, the outer edge 306 may have a frustoconical shape and / or a shallow taper that can reduce the manufacturing difficulties of the rivet, but may present challenges in ensuring that the rivets do not jam in the channel or overlap. In various non-limiting embodiments, the outer edge 306 can be optimized for high-speed manufacturing, such as at least 50 rivets / minute, for example, at least 100 rivets / minute, at least 200 rivets / minute, or at least 220 rivets / minute.

[0027] In various non-limiting embodiments, the head 302 may include an underfill region 312 positioned midway between the outer edge 306 and the bottom edge 314, near the bottom edge 314 of the head 302. The underfill region 312 may be intentionally underfilled during the manufacturing of the rivet 300 to minimize or prevent casting by the manufacturing process or other point formation within the underfill region 312, which can impede the movement of the rivet 300 within the channel. Furthermore, the underfill region 312 may be minimized to prevent or avoid the underfill region from becoming an inclined surface that could otherwise cause overlapping arrangements of the rivets.

[0028] In certain non-limiting embodiments, the transition portion 310 can be positioned midway between the outer edge portion 306 and the upper surface 308 of the head portion 302. The transition portion 310 may include, for example, a radial or frustoconical shape.

[0029] The anti-overlap rivet 300 may include a metal or a metal alloy. For example, the anti-overlap rivet 300 may include a conductive material that is adequately resistant to the resistance spot riveting process. In various non-limiting embodiments, the anti-overlap rivet 300 may include at least one of aluminum, aluminum alloys, iron, iron alloys, titanium, and titanium alloys.

[0030] In various non-limiting embodiments, the anti-overlap rivet 300 may be an anti-overlap rivet with wider sides. Referring to Figures 4A to 4C, non-limiting embodiments of alternative configurations for the anti-overlap rivet 400 according to the present disclosure are provided to illustrate embodiments of such anti-overlap rivets with wider sides.

[0031] During a resistance spot riveting process without pilot holes, the inventors of the present disclosure observed that the stiffness of the head of the anti-overlap rivet according to the present disclosure can affect the quality of the welded joint achieved. In certain non-limiting embodiments, reducing the stiffness of the head may be advantageous to adjust the displacement of the head relative to the body. By reducing the stiffness, a portion of the head of the anti-overlap rivet can be moved by the upper electrode of the resistance spot riveting system relative to the welded joint formed during the resistance spot riveting process. As a result, the correction required by the lower electrode of the resistance spot riveting system moving toward the welded joint is reduced, and the fusion of the anti-overlap rivet into the assembly can be more desiredly achieved.

[0032] Referring to the non-limiting embodiments shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the anti-overlap rivet 500 is provided with reduced rigidity of the head 302. Reducing rigidity results in a higher quality welded joint and allows for more desirable integration of the anti-overlap rivet 500 into the assembly compared to substantially identical rivets with insufficient rigidity reduction. To reduce the rigidity of the head 302, the anti-overlap rivet 500 comprises a first portion 518 of the head 302 having a first thickness t1 and a second portion 520 having a second thickness t2. The first thickness t1 is smaller than the second thickness t2, and the difference in thickness reduces the rigidity of the head 302.

[0033] For example, in certain non-limiting embodiments, the first thickness t1 may be at least 0.1 mm smaller than the second thickness t2, for example, at least 0.2 mm smaller than the second thickness t2, or at least 0.3 mm smaller than the second thickness t2. The head 302 may include various alternative shapes to achieve thickness reduction, such as stepped sides, tapered sides, and / or curved sides. The thickness reduction can reduce the stiffness of the head 302 with respect to axial displacement of the body 304 along the longitudinal axis A1, and excessive stress associated with stiffness and high displacement will not cause cracking in the head 302 during the spot riveting process. In various non-limiting embodiments, the anti-overlap rivet comprises a plurality of notches 516 configured to help disperse gas and material during the resistance spot riveting process. In certain non-limiting embodiments, as shown in Figure 5A, the notches 516 may be spaced apart along the bottom edge 314 around the outer surface of the head 302.

[0034] Various aspects of the specific embodiments relating to this disclosure include, but are not limited to, those listed in the numbered clauses below. Article 1 It is a rivet, A head having an outer edge configured to inhibit overlapping arrangement in a rivet supply system, A rivet comprising a body extending from the head. Article 2 The rivet according to Clause 1, wherein the outer edge is cylindrical or has a taper in the range of 0 to 15 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis of the rivet. Article 3 A rivet according to either one of Clauses 1 or 2, wherein the head is extended along the longitudinal axis of the rivet by a first distance, and the outer edge is extended along the longitudinal axis of the rivet by a second distance, the second distance being at least 20% of the first distance. Article 4 The rivet described in Clause 3, wherein the second distance is at least 30% of the first distance. Article 5 The second distance is a rivet specified in either clause 3 or 4, which is within 30% to 40% of the first distance. Article 6 A rivet as described in any one of clauses 1 to 5, the outer edge of which is substantially flat. Article 7 The outer edge is curved, and the rivet is as described in any one of clauses 1 to 6. Article 8 The rivet, as described in any one of Clauses 1 to 7, has a head that includes an underfill region midway between the outer edge and the bottom edge of the head. Article 9 The rivet, as described in any one of Clauses 1 to 8, has a head that includes a transitional portion between the outer edge and the top surface of the head. Clause 10 The transition portion includes a radial or frustoconical shape, as described in Clause 9. Article 11 A rivet according to any one of Clauses 1 to 10, wherein the head extends around the outer surface of the body and comprises a first part having a first thickness and a second part having a second thickness, the first thickness being less than the second thickness, and the first part being midway between the second part and the body. Article 12 A rivet as described in any one of Clauses 1 to 11, wherein the cavity extends at least partially into the body, passing through the head. Article 13 The rivets are those specified in any one of Clauses 1 to 12, which can be automatically supplied without clogging by a cartridge or blow supply device. Article 14 The rivet is a rivet as described in any one of Clauses 1 to 13, configured for use in a resistance spot riveting system. Article 15 A manufacturing method comprising producing at least 50 rivets per minute as described in any of clauses 1 to 14. Article 16 A manufacturing method comprising producing at least 100 rivets per minute as described in any of clauses 1 to 14. Article 17 It is a rivet, A head comprising a first part having a first thickness and a second part having a second thickness, wherein the first thickness is less than the second thickness, and a body extending from the head, The first part is located midway between the second part and the body, and the head is a rivet that extends around the outer surface of the body. Article 18 The rivet described in Clause 17, wherein the first thickness is at least 0.1 mm less than the second thickness t2. Article 19 A rivet according to any one of Clauses 17 and 18, wherein the head includes at least one of stepped sides, tapered sides, and curved sides. Article 20 It is a rivet, A head having a rounded outer edge configured to inhibit point-to-point contact on an inclined edge, thereby inhibiting welding forces that jam rivets in a high-precision feed track, A rivet comprising a body extending from the head.

[0035] Wherever the terms “various embodiments,” “several embodiments,” “one embodiment,” “a certain embodiment,” or similar phrases are used herein, it means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in relation to an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, the use of “various embodiments,” “several embodiments,” “one embodiment,” “a certain embodiment,” or similar phrases in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, a particular described feature, structure, or characteristic may be combined in any suitable way by one or more embodiments. Thus, a particular feature, structure, or characteristic illustrated or described in relation to one embodiment may be combined, without limitation, in whole or in part, with features, structures, or characteristics of one or more other embodiments. Such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this embodiment.

[0036] In this specification, unless otherwise noted, all numerical parameters are understood in all instances to be preceded and modified by the term “approximately,” where the numerical parameter possesses the inherent variability characteristics of the underlying measurement method used to determine the numerical value of the parameter. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter described herein should be interpreted at the very least in light of the published numerical values ​​and in accordance with general rounding techniques.

[0037] Furthermore, any numerical range described herein includes all sub-ranges contained within that range. For example, the range "1 to 10" includes all sub-ranges between (and including) the stated minimum value of 1 and the stated maximum value of 10, i.e., all sub-ranges having a minimum value of 1 or greater and a maximum value of 10 or less. Furthermore, all ranges described herein include the endpoints of that range. For example, the range "1 to 10" includes the endpoints of 1 and 10. Any upper limit numerical value described herein is intended to include all lower limit numerical values ​​contained within it, and any minimum numerical value described herein is intended to include all larger limit numerical values ​​contained within it. Accordingly, the applicant has the right to amend this specification, including the claims, to explicitly describe any sub-ranges contained within the explicitly described ranges. All such ranges are essentially described herein.

[0038] As used herein, the grammatical articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include "at least one" or "one or more" even when explicitly used in certain examples, unless otherwise noted. Therefore, the aforementioned grammatical articles are used herein to indicate one or more (i.e., "at least one") of the particularly identified elements. Furthermore, unless the context requires otherwise, singular nouns are to be included in the plural form, and plural nouns are to be included in the singular form.

[0039] As used herein, a cited element or region that is “intermediate” between two other elements or regions means that the cited element / region is positioned between them but does not necessarily come into contact with the other two elements / regions. For example, a cited element that is “intermediate” between a first element and a second element may or may not be adjacent to or in contact with the first and / or second elements, and the other elements may be positioned between the cited element and the first and / or second elements.

[0040] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the articles and methods described herein, and the accompanying descriptions, are used as examples for the purpose of clarifying concepts, and that various modifications of the configuration are envisioned. As a result, the specific examples / embodiments and accompanying descriptions described herein, as used herein, are intended to be typical examples of their more general category. In general, the use of any particular example is intended to be typical of that category, and the non-inclusion of specific components, apparatus, operations / functions, and purposes should not be interpreted as limiting. While this disclosure describes various specific embodiments for the purpose of illustrating various aspects of this disclosure and / or its potential application, it should be understood that those skilled in the art will conceive of variations. Therefore, the inventions described herein should be understood to be at least equivalent to the scope of the claims and not as narrow as defined by the specific exemplary embodiments described herein. [Explanation of symbols]

[0041] 100a rivets 100b rivets 102 Head 102a side 106 Leading edge 118 Torso 124 Array Action 130 channels 200a, 200b Rivets for preventing misalignment 202 Head 202a side 206 Outer edge 230 channels 300 rivets for preventing misalignment 302 Head 304 Torso 306 Outer edge 308 Top surface 310 Transition Section 312 Underfill Area 314 Bottom edge 322 Cavity 326 Cavity 400 rivets for preventing misalignment 500 rivets for preventing misalignment 518 Part 1 520 Part 2

Claims

1. A rivet, a head having an outer edge configured to inhibit stacking in a rivet delivery system, the head extending a first distance along a longitudinal axis of the rivet and the outer edge extending a second distance along the longitudinal axis of the rivet, the second distance being between 20% and 60% of the first distance; and a body portion extending from the head portion. rivet.

2. 2. The rivet of claim 1, wherein the outer edge is cylindrical or has a taper in the range of greater than 0 degrees and less than or equal to 15 degrees relative to a longitudinal axis of the rivet.

3. The rivet of claim 1 , wherein the second distance is at least 30% of the first distance.

4. The rivet of claim 1, wherein the second distance is in the range of 30% to 40% of the first distance.

5. The rivet of claim 1 , wherein the outer edge is generally flat.

6. The rivet of claim 1 , wherein the outer edge is curved.

7. The rivet of claim 1 , wherein the head includes an underfill region intermediate the outer edge and bottom edge of the head.

8. The rivet of claim 1 , wherein the head includes a transition intermediate the outer edge and an upper surface of the head.

9. The rivet of claim 8 , wherein the transition portion comprises a frustoconical shape.

10. 2. The rivet of claim 1, wherein the head extends around an outer surface of the shank and includes a first portion having a first thickness and a second portion having a second thickness, the first thickness being less than the second thickness, and the first portion being intermediate the second portion and the shank.

11. The rivet of claim 1 , wherein a cavity extends through the head and at least partially into the shank.

12. 10. The rivet of claim 1, wherein the rivet can be automatically fed without jamming by a cartridge or blow-feed device.

13. The rivet of claim 1 , wherein the rivet is configured for use in a resistance spot riveting system.

14. A rivet, a head having a first portion having a first thickness, a second portion having a second thickness, and an outer periphery, the first thickness being less than the second thickness; and a body extending from the head; the first portion is intermediate the second portion and the body, and the head portion extends around an outer surface of the body; A rivet wherein the head extends a first distance along the longitudinal axis of the rivet and the outer edge extends a second distance along the longitudinal axis of the rivet, the second distance being 20% ​​to 60% of the first distance.

15. 15. The rivet of claim 14, wherein the first thickness is at least 0.1 mm less than the second thickness t2.

16. 15. The rivet of claim 14, wherein the head includes at least one of a stepped side, a tapered side, and a curved side.

17. A rivet, a head having a rounded outer edge configured to inhibit point-to-point contact on the beveled edge, thereby inhibiting jamming of the rivet in the feed track; a body portion extending from the head portion, A rivet wherein the head extends a first distance along the longitudinal axis of the rivet and the outer edge extends a second distance along the longitudinal axis of the rivet, the second distance being 20% ​​to 60% of the first distance.

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