Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting element for pressing into or embedding in a component, having a shank which extends along a longitudinal central axis of the connecting element, wherein the shank is provided with ribs extending in a radial direction with respect to the shank and wherein the shank has, at least partially, a polylobular cross section, wherein the periphery of the polylobular cross section is convexly curved along its entire length, is arranged between a circumscribed circle and an inscribed circle, and, as seen in the radial direction, has regions with a larger radius and regions with a smaller radius, wherein an angular position of the regions with a smaller radius and of the regions with a larger radius changes along the shank, as seen along the longitudinal central axis.

Abstract: Device (10) for manufacturing a component compound by resistance welding, comprises a welding electrode (12) for transmitting an electric current to a joining element (17) and for exerting a joining force onto the joining element (17) along a joining direction (22) in order to establish a connection of the joining element (17) with a structural element by resistance welding; as well as a positioning device (20) for positioning at least one joining element (17) on the axis of the joining direction (22) in order to contact and particularly apply a force to the joining element (17) by means of the welding electrode (12). The positioning device (20) comprises a retention device (30) for exerting a retention force onto the joining element (17), wherein the retention device (30) is movably arranged.

Abstract: The invention relates to a securing means for a screw having an annular sleeve for insertion in a through-hole in a workpiece, characterized in that the annular sleeve is provided with at least one plate-like resilient tongue which extends from the annular sleeve and which projects in the direction toward a longitudinal center axis of the sleeve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a screw for cutting a thread into a component, having a shank which at least in portions is provided with a thread, a screw head having a drive configuration, the latter being adjoined by the shank, wherein, proceeding from an end of the shank that is opposite the head, first a cutting portion and then a holding portion are disposed, wherein the cutting portion and the holding portion are provided with a thread, wherein the holding portion has a larger external diameter in relation to the cutting portion, characterized in that a truncated-cone-type intermediate portion that is provided with a thread is disposed between the holding portion and the cutting portion, and in that the cutting portion has a truncated-cone-type attachment portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connecting element for non-detachably connecting at least two components by means of friction welding when the connecting element is rotated about a longitudinal axis of the connecting element. The connecting element includes a stem formed along the longitudinal axis with a stem face at a free end of the stem for penetrating at least one component, and a head connected to the stem for transmitting a torque about the longitudinal axis from a turning tool to the stem. The stem face has a stem end face which has a convex envelope with a blunt shape.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connection element for interconnecting at least two workpieces, having a shaft; a connection-element head, radially protruding beyond the external side of the shaft, at the one end of the shaft; a drive configuration on the connection-element head and a front shaft end, wherein in a holding portion of the shaft that emanates from the lower side of the connection-element head at least one pair of closed annular protrusions are disposed thereon, of which at least one annular protrusion is not completely disposed in a plane that runs perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the shaft; and the spacings between the two annular protrusions of the pair along the circumference are of dissimilar size, or the two annular protrusions of the pair of annular protrusions are disposed so as to be mutually parallel; wherein the front end of the shaft is configured as a tapered hole-forming portion, and wherein a maximum external diameter of the hole-forming portion is between 3% and 10% smaller,

Abstract: A connecting element, the use thereof and a method for connecting plate shaped workpieces are proposed. The connecting element comprises a multiplicity of closed encircling annular projections, which are arranged in such a way that the spacing between adjacent annular projections changes along a circumference or that adjacent annular projections are arranged parallel to one another or obliquely to the longitudinal axis. The connecting element is rotated and pressed into contact to produce a hole and, after the production of the hole, is subjected only to axial contact pressure and is then twisted to lock.

Abstract: A screwdriver drive design for a screwdriver features an engagement end that is complementary to a fastening element drive design for a fastening element to be screwed. The fastening element drive design includes at least two drive surfaces formed on the fastening element for transmission of a torque suitable for rotation with a tool in a first rotation direction and transition surfaces disposed between these drive surfaces. The transition surfaces form a guide surface for the tool when rotating the tool in the first rotation direction and upon engagement of the tool in the other rotation direction causes an axial outward displacement of the tool, wherein the transition surfaces are formed as outside surfaces, and wherein the outside of the fastening element, outside the transition surfaces and the drive surfaces, lies in a cylindrical jacket forming a recess.

Abstract: A screw with a polygonal cross section comprises a threaded section and a non-threaded section that extends from the threaded section to a front, rounded screw tip. The sideline of the non-threaded section runs smoothly and without interruption from the threaded section to the tip at a constant curvature. The screw is used to attach an element to a panel component, wherein the screw itself produces the hole in the panel component and forms the threads.

Abstract: A press-fit component is proposed, which can be both press-fitted into an existing hole in a sheet metal component and also punched into sheet metal where there is no hole. The press-fit component exhibits a head with a bearing surface and a shaft which emanates from the bearing surface. The shaft has a trilobular cross-section and may be provided with knurling over at least part of its length. The shaft may be provided with a threaded through-hole. As a result of the trilobular form, the shaft and with it the press-fit element is secured against turning, without deformation of the sheet metal from a plane taking place during press-fitting.

Abstract: A screw having a polygonal cross section exhibits a threaded section and a forming section adjoining the threaded section and extending as far as a front rounded end of the screw and, if necessary, being free of threads. The lateral line of the forming section, if necessary free of threads, runs smoothly and without interruption from the threaded section as far as the tip at a constant curvature. The screw serves for the attachment of an element to a sheet metal component, whereby said screw engages in an existing hole in the sheet metal component and forms the thread itself. Said screw is thereby also capable of enlarging the hole and forming a raised rim hole.

Abstract: A screwdriver drive design for a screwdriver features an engagement end that is complementary to a fastening element drive design for a fastening element to be screwed. The fastening element drive design includes at least two drive surfaces formed on the fastening element for transmission of a torque suitable for rotation with a tool in a first rotation direction and transition surfaces disposed between these drive surfaces. The transition surfaces form a guide surface for the tool when rotating the tool in the first rotation direction and upon engagement of the tool in the other rotation direction causes an axial outward displacement of the tool, wherein the transition surfaces are formed as outside surfaces, and wherein the outside of the fastening element, outside the transition surfaces and the drive surfaces, lies in a cylindrical jacket forming a recess.

Abstract: A drive design for a fastening element in-stalled using screws, in particular, a screw or a nut, comprises drive surfaces (13) disposed at least approximately in radial planes and transition surfaces (15) disposed between said drive surfaces. In one embodiment of the outside of the surfaces, the surfaces form a saw shape, In this way, when rotation is in one direction in which a tool en-gages with the drive surfaces (13), torque-application results, whereas in the opposite rotational direction a force component is produced that acts on the tool without engaging with the screw drive design. A tool is designed to be complementary to the screw drive design. The screw drive design can be an inner shaping as well an outer shaping. The same applies for a nut. This drive design is intended for designing a screw connector in such a way that it can be tightened once, but cannot be loosened any longer.