Riveting structure and riveting method

Abstract

The present application provides a riveting structure (10) and a riveting method. The riveting structure (10) is used for connecting a first part (20) to a second part (30); the riveting structure (10) comprises a connection hole (100) formed in the first part in a penetrating manner and a protrusion (200) provided on the second part; the protrusion (200) is of an elastic structure, and has a hollow portion (210) for forming the elastic structure; and the maximum width of the protrusion (200) in a first direction after stamping is greater than the maximum width of the protrusion (200) in the first direction before stamping, so that the protrusion (200) can pass through the connection hole (100) before stamping, and is snap-fitted to the first part (20) after stamping.

Description

Riveting structure and riveting method

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 202311719694.X filed on December 14, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the field of mechanical processing, and in particular to a riveting structure and a riveting method. Background Art

[0004] Sheet metal is a thin, flat metal material, typically steel, aluminum, copper, or other metals. Sheet metal thickness typically ranges from a few millimeters to tens of millimeters. Sheet metal can be processed through cutting, bending, stamping, or welding to create a variety of components and structures. Sheet metal parts are components or structures made from sheet metal. Sheet metal parts have long been connected using welding, screwing, or riveting.

[0005] Riveting is commonly used to join thin metals or other materials, particularly where welding might be impractical or inconvenient. This joining method is widely used in many fields, including aerospace, automotive, construction, communications, and manufacturing. However, as sheet metal thicknesses decrease, defects caused by conventional riveted structures are becoming increasingly apparent, such as rivet marks, loose rivets, and surface bulges.

[0006] Therefore, proposing a riveted structure that can avoid the above-mentioned defects has become a technical problem that needs to be solved urgently. Summary of the Invention

[0007] An embodiment of the present application provides a riveted structure, which is used to connect a first part and a second part. The riveted structure includes a connecting hole that is arranged through the first part and a protrusion that is arranged on the second part. The protrusion adopts an elastic structure, and the protrusion has a hollow portion that forms the elastic structure. The maximum width of the protrusion along the first direction after stamping is greater than the maximum width along the first direction before stamping, so that the protrusion can pass through the connecting hole before stamping and engage with the first part after stamping.

[0008] An embodiment of the present application also provides a connection method for riveting a first part and a second part, wherein the first part and the second part are connected through the above-mentioned riveting structure; the riveting method includes: passing the protrusion through the connecting hole; and punching the protrusion until the protrusion engages with the first part. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present application will become apparent and easily understood from the description of the embodiments in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0010] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of riveting a first component and a second component in the related art.

[0011] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of a riveted structure before stamping according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0012] FIG3 is a side view of a riveted structure before stamping according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0013] FIG4 is a structural schematic diagram of the protrusion of the riveting structure according to the embodiment of the present application in contact with the stamping part during stamping.

[0014] FIG5 is a schematic structural diagram of a protrusion of a riveted structure according to an embodiment of the present application being arranged on a second part.

[0015] FIG6 is a structural schematic diagram of a stamping part adapted for a riveted structure according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0016] Explanation of the main component symbols: 1. First component; 2. Second component; 10. Riveted structure; 20. First part; 30. Second part; 40. Stamping part; 41. Extrusion protrusion; 50. Mounting seat; 100. Connecting hole; 200. Protrusion; 210. Hollow part; 220. Arc bar; 221. Middle section; 222. Edge section. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The embodiments of the present application are described in detail below, and examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present application, and should not be understood as limiting the present application.

[0018] Commonly used riveting structures in the related art may include solid rivets, hollow rivets, button rivets, expansion rivets, threaded rivets, or rivet nuts. Solid rivets are passed between two parts and form a solid connection by compressing or hammering the two ends. Expansion rivets are a special type of button rivet, usually installed by a pressure tool or a manual press, where one end of the rivet expands to form a solid head in the connection. Threaded rivets are provided with internal threads and can be used in conjunction with nuts to provide a secure connection. Rivet nuts are a special riveting structure that are similar to threaded rivets, but they are nuts embedded in the base material, providing a threadable hole.

[0019] Similarly, Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the riveted connection between a first component 1 and a second component 2 in the related art. Referring to Figure 1 , the riveted structure used in the related art to connect the first component 1 and the second component 2 includes a rivet provided through the first component 1 and a through-hole provided through the second component 2. The rivet is inserted into the through-hole to connect to the second component 2, thereby achieving the connection between the first component 1 and the second component 2. The riveted structure shown in Figure 1 requires the rivet to penetrate the first component 1 and the second component 2, which can easily become loose.

[0020] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present application proposes a riveted structure 10, which is used to connect a first part 20 and a second part 30. Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram of the riveted structure 10 of an embodiment of the present application before stamping. Figure 3 is a side view of the riveted structure 10 of an embodiment of the present application before stamping. Figure 4 is a structural schematic diagram of the protrusion 200 of the riveted structure 10 of an embodiment of the present application in contact with the stamping part 40 during stamping. Referring to Figures 2 to 4, the riveted structure 10 includes a connecting hole 100 and a protrusion 200. The connecting hole 100 is set through the first part 20, and the protrusion 200 is set on the second part 30.

[0021] The protrusion 200 adopts (has) an elastic structure. The protrusion 200 has a hollow portion 210 forming an elastic structure so that the protrusion 200 can pass through the connecting hole 100 before stamping. The maximum width of the protrusion 200 along the first direction (X direction in Figures 2 and 4) after stamping is greater than the maximum width along the first direction before stamping, so that the protrusion 200 is engaged with the first part 20 after stamping. In some embodiments, the first direction X is parallel to the surface of the second part 300 forming the protrusion 200, and is perpendicular to the direction in which the protrusion 200 passes through the connecting hole 100 or the direction in which the protrusion 200 is stamped. As for the position in which the protrusion 200 is engaged with the first part 20 after stamping, it is not specifically limited here. For example, the protrusion 200 can be engaged inside the connecting hole 100 after stamping, or it can be engaged outside the connecting hole 100.

[0022] It should be noted that the hollow portion 210 of the protrusion 200 allows the protrusion 200 to deform under force during stamping. When the protrusion 200 is subjected to pressure toward the connecting hole 100, the elastic structure formed by the hollow portion 210 can deform toward the connecting hole 100, so that the maximum width of the protrusion 200 along the first direction after stamping is greater than the maximum width along the first direction before stamping, thereby engaging with the first part 20. Because the elastic structure on the protrusion 200 of the embodiment of the present application is composed of the hollow portion 210, compared to a solid elastic structure (the elastic structure formed by the hollow portion 210 can be considered hollow), on the one hand, the elastic structure can be deformed by compressing the hollow portion 210, achieving the engagement of the riveted structure without transmitting pressure to the second part 30, thereby increasing the service life of the second part 30. On the other hand, the elastic structure formed by the hollow portion 210 provides a margin for deformation of the elastic structure, avoiding errors caused by machining that may cause the protrusion 200 to fail to engage with the first part 20 after stamping. These two aspects cannot be achieved by solid elastic structures.

[0023] In some embodiments, hollow portion 210 is disposed through the thickness of protrusion 200. In other words, as shown in Figures 2 and 3 , the through-holes of hollow portion 210 penetrate protrusion 200 in a direction perpendicular to the width (L2) (X-direction) and height (L3) of protrusion 200. When protrusion 200 is disposed on second component 30, protrusion 200 may have a C-shaped structure with its opening facing second component 30.

[0024] In response to the problem that rivets in riveted structures in related technologies are prone to loosening, the present application proposes a riveted structure 10. Unlike the traditional connection method that relies on rivets, the riveted structure 10 disclosed in the present invention achieves a firm connection by mutual locking between structures, avoiding the risk of rivet loosening. This riveted structure not only improves the stability of the connection, but also reduces the strength reduction and vibration problems caused by loosening. The protrusion 200 in the riveted structure 10 is clamped to the first part 20 after stamping, making the connection between the first part 20 and the second part 30 more uniform, avoiding adverse effects on thinner sheet metal, and providing better deformation resistance. Since it no longer relies on rivets, this riveted structure also simplifies the assembly and maintenance process, bringing more reliable, economical and sustainable solutions to materials and engineering applications.

[0025] In some embodiments, the first part 20 may be a first plate, and the second part 30 may be a second plate. Specifically, both the first plate and the second plate are flat plates. The first part 20 is riveted perpendicular to the second part 30. Conventional riveted structures 10 are often used to connect two parallel plates. If mutually perpendicular plates are connected, it is usually necessary to bend one of the plates to achieve the connection, which increases manufacturing complexity and material costs. The riveted structure 10 of the embodiment of the present application can directly connect two mutually perpendicular plates, thereby simplifying the structure and saving materials. It can solve the problem that the conventional riveted structure 10 needs to bend one of the plates when connecting two mutually perpendicular plates.

[0026] In some embodiments, the maximum width L2 of the protrusion 200 in FIG. 2 can be greater than or equal to 6 mm and less than or equal to 10 mm. The height L3 can be greater than or equal to 1 mm and less than or equal to 5 mm. In one specific example, L2 in FIG. 2 can be 7.96 mm, and L3 can be 3 mm. It should be understood that the above specific examples are merely illustrative and not limiting.

[0027] In this embodiment, the protrusion 200 provided on the second part 30 can pass through the connection hole 100 provided on the first part 20 before stamping, and the protrusion 200 provided on the second part 30 can be snapped into the first part 20 after stamping, thereby achieving a firm connection between the first part 20 and the second part 30. The riveted structure 10 is cleverly designed to allow the two plates to be directly connected in the vertical direction without the need for additional bending of the plates, thereby reducing the processing steps for the plates, reducing manufacturing costs, and reducing the complexity of the overall structure. The riveting method of the embodiment of the present disclosure ensures the firmness and stability of the connection by snapping. Compared with the traditional method, it not only maintains the structural strength, but also effectively reduces material consumption. In addition, the riveted structure 10 has demonstrated excellent adaptability in practical applications and is suitable for various vertical plate connection scenarios, such as construction, machinery manufacturing and other fields. By reducing the thickness requirements of the two-layer plate, the structure is more in line with the engineering design pursuit of lightweight, high efficiency and economy.

[0028] In some embodiments, the maximum width of the protrusion 200 along the first direction before stamping is greater than the width of the connecting hole 100 along the first direction, thereby improving the success rate of the protrusion 200 being engaged with the first part 20 after stamping.

[0029] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG5 , the protrusion 200 includes a curved strip 220. The two ends of the curved strip 220 are connected to the second part 30. The two ends of the curved strip 220 are arranged opposite each other in a first direction so that the two ends of the curved strip 220 are on the same horizontal line, facilitating processing. The curved strip 220 is used to form the hollow portion 210.

[0030] In some embodiments, the thickness of the curved strip 220 remains substantially constant along its extension direction to improve the uniformity of force applied to the protrusion 200 during stamping. The thickness of the curved strip 220 is configured such that, after stamping, the protrusion 200 not only engages with the first part 20 but also lies completely within the connecting hole 100, with the hollow portion 210 deformed into a seamless structure.

[0031] FIG5 is a schematic structural diagram of the protrusion 200 of the riveted structure 10 according to an embodiment of the present application, which is disposed on the second part 30. Referring to FIG5 , in some embodiments, the arcuate strip 220 includes a middle section 221 and two edge sections 222, with the two edge sections 222 located on either side of the middle section 221. One end of each edge section 222 is connected to one end of the middle section 221, and the other end is connected to the second part 30. Furthermore, the end of the edge section 222 connected to the second part 30 is located on the inner side of the end connected to the middle section 221. It can also be understood that the distance between the ends of the two edge sections 222 connected to the second part 30 is closer than the distance between the ends connected to the middle section 221, so that each edge section 222 can be more easily compressed and overlapped during stamping of the arcuate strip 220.

[0032] In some embodiments, referring to FIG2 , the connecting hole 100 includes a gradually expanding hole section whose width along the first direction increases gradually as the protrusion 200 passes through the connecting hole 100 , and the edge portion of the protrusion 200 after stamping engages with the hole wall of the gradually expanding hole section.

[0033] The angle α between any two opposing inner hole walls in the gradually expanding section is greater than or equal to 60° and less than or equal to 120°. It is understood that if the angle between the two opposing inner hole walls in the gradually expanding section in the first direction is too small, it will be difficult to stamp the protrusion 200; if the angle between the two opposing inner hole walls in the gradually expanding section in the first direction is too large, the edge portion of the protrusion 200 will not be securely connected to the hole wall of the gradually expanding section after stamping. Therefore, the angle α between the two opposing inner hole walls in the gradually expanding section in the first direction is greater than or equal to 60° and less than or equal to 120°. As shown in Figure 2, 60°≦α≦120° in Figure 2. In particular, the angle between the two opposing inner hole walls in the gradually expanding section in the first direction is 90°, that is, α=90° in Figure 2.

[0034] The protrusion 200 is completely located in the connecting hole 100 after stamping. In particular, the surface of the protrusion 200 after stamping is flush with the surface of the connecting hole 100 on the first part 20 around the surface.

[0035] The embodiment of the present disclosure addresses the problem of rivet heads generally protruding from the outer surface of parts after stamping in the riveting method commonly used in the related art, and proposes a riveted structure 10. Traditional riveted structures 10 for thinner parts usually require the rivet heads to be placed on the outer surface, which not only affects the appearance but also takes up space in the riveting mechanism. To this end, the present disclosure proposes a riveted structure 10, including a protrusion 200 and a connecting hole 100. After stamping, the protrusion 200 can be completely located in the connecting hole 100, so that the protrusion 200 does not protrude outside the connecting hole 100, thereby hiding the protrusion 200 in the connecting hole 100, so that the outer surface of the part remains flat and is no longer interfered with by the rivet head. The protrusion 200 is embedded in the connecting hole 100 by stamping and ensures that it is consistent with the surface of the part. Not only does it make the overall appearance more beautiful, but it also effectively avoids the problem of rivet heads protruding in traditional riveted structures.

[0036] Furthermore, the concealed design of the protrusion 200 after stamping does not affect the robustness and stability of the riveted structure 10. On the contrary, by cleverly utilizing the structure of the connection hole 100, the protrusion 200 is more securely fixed therein, providing a reliable connection between the first part 20 and the second part 30. This riveted structure 10 is both aesthetically pleasing and practical, making it widely applicable in various riveting applications, particularly in fields requiring high aesthetic standards, such as automotive manufacturing and electronic equipment. This riveted structure 10 not only enhances the product's appearance and quality, but also optimizes the riveting process, providing a more flexible, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing solution for the manufacturing industry.

[0037] In some embodiments, the first part 20 is a first plate, the second part 30 is a second plate, the connecting hole 100 passes through the first plate along the thickness direction of the first plate, and the protrusion 200 is provided on the side of the second plate.

[0038] In some embodiments, the side of the second plate provided with the protrusion 200 abuts against the first plate (after riveting) to improve the reliability of the connection between the first part 20 and the second part 30 .

[0039] Traditional box structures typically require the partitions to be bent before being riveted flat to the cover. This manufacturing method has several limitations, including additional material and process requirements, as well as restrictions on the overall structure during the connection process. To overcome these issues, the riveted structure 10 of the aforementioned embodiment of the present application can be employed, eliminating the need to bend the partitions, allowing them to be directly riveted to the cover. The riveted structure 10 enables direct connection of partition components without bending. By employing the C-shaped protrusion 200, the partitions can be directly connected to the cover without sacrificing stability and strength, reducing the need for material bending, simplifying the manufacturing process, and lowering production costs. Compared to traditional methods, the riveted structure 10 of this embodiment fully utilizes the space between the upper and lower panels, providing more space and flexibility for mounting components. Furthermore, the riveted structure 10 of this embodiment offers a more compact and optimized design, suitable for a variety of scenarios, particularly those with limited space. This structure not only improves manufacturing efficiency but also offers more flexible design options, providing engineers and designers with more possibilities in product design and manufacturing.

[0040] FIG6 is a schematic structural diagram of a stamping part 40 adapted for use with a riveted structure 10 according to an embodiment of the present application. Referring to FIG6 , the protrusion 200 is stamped using the stamping part 40 shown in FIG6 , and the dedicated mounting base 50 shown in FIG4 can also be used to cooperate with the stamping part 40, which facilitates automation and improves processing efficiency.

[0041] In some embodiments, the stamping part 40 includes two spaced-apart extrusion protrusions 41. Each extrusion protrusion 41 includes two opposing inclined walls. The angle β between the two inclined walls can be 90°. The spacing L4 between the two extrusion protrusions 41 can be selected based on the size of the protrusion 200. For example, when L2 is 7.96 mm and L3 is 3 mm, L4 is 7 mm and L1 is 0.3 mm. It will be understood that the numerical values ​​in the above embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting.

[0042] The present disclosure also provides a riveting method for riveting a first part 20 to a second part 30. The first part 20 and the second part 30 are connected using the riveting structure 10 of the above-described embodiment. The riveting method includes: passing a protrusion 200 through a connection hole 100; and punching the protrusion 200 until the protrusion 200 engages with the first part 20.

[0043] The above riveting method is explained below using an exemplary processing process.

[0044] First, a sheet metal blanking method is used to process the first part 20. A long strip-shaped connecting hole 100 is formed on the first part 20. This blanking method is based on a simple and efficient cutting process. Through precise cutting of the raw material, the cover shape that meets the design requirements is obtained.

[0045] Secondly, the second part 30 is also manufactured using sheet metal blanking. The structure shown in Figure 2 is obtained through blanking of the second part 30. This blanking process involves cutting, stamping, and other steps to ensure that the shape and size of the second part 30 meet the design requirements. This process provides a high degree of flexibility in the manufacture of the second part 30, allowing the shape of the second part 30 to be adjusted as needed.

[0046] In order to complete the riveting tool, the stamping part 40 and the mounting base 50 in Figure 6 are manufactured, and their size and shape are consistent with the design requirements. The production of these riveting tools is to provide the necessary support and positioning for the effective connection of the first part 20 and the second part 30.

[0047] During the actual riveting process, initial positioning is first performed, with the protrusion 200 of the second part 30 passed through the connection hole 100 of the first part 20. The riveting tool (stamping part 40 and mounting base 50) is then used to punch the protrusion 200 into the connection hole 100, thereby engaging the first part 20. Riveting can also be performed using a common method and can be performed on ordinary riveting equipment. This process not only simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces production costs, but also ensures the firmness and efficiency of the riveting. The design and steps of the entire processing and riveting process are aimed at achieving efficient component manufacturing and assembly, providing a feasible and efficient solution for product production.

[0048] The riveting method proposed in the disclosed embodiment utilizes a simpler and more economical blanking process, rather than traditional plastic deformation processing (such as die forming by threading). This makes the production of protrusion 200 and connection hole 100 more intuitive and efficient, requiring only a blanking process. This process simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces production costs, and eliminates the need for specialized molds, reducing the need for equipment and tools.

[0049] Traditional plastic deformation processing typically requires the creation of molds tailored to specific shapes, increasing manufacturing complexity and cost. In contrast, the riveting method proposed in the disclosed embodiments utilizes a blanking process, eliminating the need for complex molds and requiring only simple cutting and shaping to the designed dimensions. This manufacturing approach improves processing flexibility, shortens production cycles, and facilitates the manufacture of the riveted structure 10.

[0050] Furthermore, the elimination of the need for plastic deformation molds reduces material requirements during manufacturing. Since the blanking process does not introduce additional stress and deformation, a wider range of materials can be selected, including thin plates, to suit different engineering needs.

[0051] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "installed," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections, electrical connections, or mutual communication; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; they can refer to internal communication between two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application based on specific circumstances.

[0052] The disclosure below provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing different structures of the present application. In order to simplify the disclosure of the present application, the parts and settings of specific examples are described below. Of course, these are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present application. In addition, the present application may repeat reference numbers and / or reference letters in different examples. Such repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself indicate the relationship between the various embodiments and / or settings discussed.

[0053] Throughout this specification, reference to terms such as "one embodiment," "certain embodiments," "illustrative embodiments," "examples," "specific examples," or "some examples" means that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in conjunction with an embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present application. In this specification, illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0054] It is understood that the above embodiments are merely exemplary embodiments for illustrating the principles of the present application, and the present application is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art may make various modifications and improvements without departing from the spirit and substance of the present application, and such modifications and improvements are also considered to be within the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A riveting structure for connecting a first part and a second part, the riveting structure comprising a connecting hole provided through the first part and a protrusion provided on the second part; The protrusion adopts an elastic structure, and the protrusion has a hollow portion forming the elastic structure. The maximum width of the protrusion along the first direction after stamping is greater than the maximum width along the first direction before stamping, so that the protrusion can pass through the connecting hole before stamping and engage with the first part after stamping.

2. The riveted structure according to claim 1, wherein: The maximum width of the protrusion along the first direction before punching is greater than the width of the connecting hole along the first direction.

3. The riveted structure according to claim 1, wherein: The protrusion includes an arc-shaped strip, two ends of which are connected to the second part, and the two ends of the arc-shaped strip are arranged opposite to each other in the first direction.

4. The riveted structure according to claim 3, wherein: The arc strip includes a middle section and two edge sections respectively located on both sides of the middle section, one end of each edge section is connected to one end of the middle section, and the other end is connected to the second part, and the end of the edge section connected to the second part is located on the inner side of the end connected to the middle section.

5. The riveted structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The connecting hole comprises a gradually expanding hole section, the width of which along the first direction increases gradually along the direction in which the protrusion passes through the connecting hole, and the edge portion of the protrusion after stamping is engaged with the hole wall of the gradually expanding hole section.

6. The riveted structure according to claim 5, wherein: The included angle between any two opposite inner hole walls in the gradually expanding hole section is greater than or equal to 60° and less than or equal to 120°.

7. The riveted structure according to claim 1, wherein: The protrusion is completely located in the connecting hole after stamping.

8. The riveted structure according to claim 1, wherein: The first part is a first plate, the second part is a second plate, the connecting hole penetrates the first plate along the thickness direction of the first plate, and the protrusion is arranged on the side of the second plate.

9. The riveted structure according to claim 8, wherein: The side surface of the second plate component provided with the protrusion abuts against the first plate component.

10. A riveting method for riveting a first part and a second part, wherein the first part and the second part are connected by a riveting structure according to any one of claims 1 to 9; the riveting method comprises: Passing the protrusion through the connecting hole; The protrusion is punched until the protrusion is engaged with the first part.

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