Abstract: A multi-piece die and system for driving a self pierce rivet into a plurality of workpieces. The die includes an anvil and a collar affixed to the anvil. The anvil and collar cooperate to reduce stresses to reduce breaking of the die.

Abstract: Fastening plastic drivers in a washing machine drum having at least two domes on the inside, which comprise a cavity extending along its center line, and are oriented perpendicular to the sheet casing of the drum and which serve to fasten the driver. A hole pattern corresponding to the arrangement of the domes of a driver is punched into the sheet casing of the drum. The driver is placed with its dome ends, which project beyond the contact surface of the driver with the sheet casing, onto the sheet casing so that the dome ends pass through the holes of the hole pattern. Counter holders are inserted from the opposite side into the cavities of the domes. From the fastening side, hold-down elements are driven against the sheet casing. Heated form punches are driven against the dome ends until the dome ends have mushroom-shape ends.

Abstract: In the invention, a joining means having a ram tool, a countertool and a holder with an opening to accommodate the ram tool or the countertool, is described. The two tools are arranged coaxial with each other at different ends of a C-bracket. The invention is distinguished in that the holder comprises at least one plane contact surface arranged on the outer surface of the holder, resting in contact with at least one plane face of the corresponding end of the C-bracket and detachably fastened thereto. Between the contact surface and the face, at least one interlay is arranged, determining the information and/or the distance of the contact surface from the face.

Abstract: Powered tools and interchangeable driver assemblies for removal of fasteners from a host material are disclosed. The tool includes a housing having a chamber operatively associated with an actuator assembly. Interchangeable driver assemblies may be provided that include a plurality of interchangeable particularly configured drive pins and a plurality of interchangeable guide elements, each guide element selectively adapted for use with a different one of the drive pins. The guide element has an elongate central passage therethrough, is receivable by a mount releasably maintained at the housing adjacent the chamber, and may be configured for slidable retention thereat. In such case, the guide element is biased toward a fully extended position and is slidable between the fully extended position and a retracted position.

Abstract: A riveting system is operable to join two or more workplaces with a rivet. In another aspect of the present invention, a self-piercing rivet is employed. Still another aspect of the present invention employs an electronic control unit and one or more sensors to determine a riveting characteristic and/or an actuator characteristic.

Abstract: An assembly of sheet materials in which a first sheet of material and a second sheet of material are disposed in an overlapping relationship, with a plurality of joint portions being formed therebetween by drawing an overlapping part of the first and second sheets of materials at a plurality of positions. The plurality of joint portions includes at least one first joint portion in which the first sheet of material is laterally extruded into the second sheet of material and at least one second joint portion in which the first sheet of material and the second sheet of material are in contact with each other in a cup-like surface configuration.

Abstract: A chain assembling-disassembling structure includes an assembling base, a first clamping component, a second clamping component, a penetrating shaft and a driving shaft. The assembling base has a fixing portion and the fixing portion has a concave edge for receiving a bushing of the chain section. And, the assembling base includes a first portion and a second portion vertically formed at two opposite ends thereof for respectively engaging with the first and second clamping components. Here, the first and second clamping components together clamp and restrict the chain. The second clamping component has a tubular shape for being inserted by the penetrating shaft, and then, the driving shaft can further be locked into the second clamping component. By turning the driving shaft, the penetrating shaft can be forced to push out a pin, which is used for jointing the inner and outer link plates of the chain.

Abstract: A device for assembling and disassembling a bicycle chain comprises a main body, an actuating member, a rod member, a pulling member, and an elastic plate. The rod member, the pulling member and the elastic plate are connected to one another to guide a positioning member to be assembled into the assembling holes in a balance manner, so that the device for assembling and disassembling a bicycle chain makes the assembly of the chain more convenient and simple.

Abstract: A self-piercing rivet includes a substantially cylindrical shank having an outside diameter and a head. The shank has a central blind bore that defines an inside diameter and an annular piercing end spaced from said head. The ratio of the difference between the outside and inside diameters of the shank in the region around the bore to the outside diameter of the shank is in the range 0.47 to 0.52.

Abstract: Provided is a riveting press, which includes a base, a body frame fixed on the base, a riveting and pressing cylinder mounted on the body frame, and a pressing mechanism disposed between the base and the body frame. The pressing mechanism includes a first supporting unit having at least one first receiving hole, a second supporting unit having at least one second receiving hole, an elastic member accommodated into the first receiving hole, and a riveting and pressing punch passing through the second receiving hole. The first supporting unit is connected to the riveting and pressing cylinder. The second supporting unit is removable mounted on the first supporting unit. One end of the riveting and pressing punch is blocked on the first supporting unit and is contact with one end of the elastic member, and the other end of the riveting and pressing punch points to the base.

Abstract: A die for a riveting tool for implementing a punch rivet connection between at least two joined part sections is proposed, the die being used in a state provided in the riveting tool for supporting the joined part sections during a connection procedure and a die front side facing toward a movable punch of the riveting tool, using which a rivet element can be pressed in a punching manner through the joined part sections to be connected, an embossing section of the die protruding in relation to adjacent areas of the die front side and causing an embossment in the die-side joined part section, so that components of the joined part material flow into an external depression on the rivet element. According to the invention, the embossing section is implemented as divided into sections. The invention additionally relates to a riveting tool.

Abstract: A device to rivet two pieces together each having aligned holes comprising a rivet holder body having a cylindrical hole there through, an upper punch and a lower punch coaxially disposed along an axis of a cylindrical hole presented in the rivet holder body; structure for guiding a rivet to the rivet holder body in a selected orientation as well as structure for catching the falling rivet in the cylindrical hole when the upper and lower punches are in a first separated position and to withdraw from the cylindrical hole as the upper punch moves relative to the lower punch to a second riveting position.

Abstract: The blind fastener installation tool also comprises an optional fastener delivery assembly, said optional fastener delivery assembly constituting: (1) a clip-fed fastener delivery system; or (2) a blowline-fed fastener delivery system.

Abstract: A method for assembling at least two elements by a crimping rivet including a head and a stem, and an associated fitting tool including a traction rod. The method includes the following successive steps. A securing step that secures a part of the stem of the rivet by die-stamping on a corresponding part of the traction rod of the fitting tool inserted inside the stem of the rivet. An inserting step that inserts the rivet in corresponding holes of the elements to be assembled. A crimping step that crimps the rivet by the fitting tool. A separating step that separates the fitting tool by radial deformation of the part of the stem on which die-stamping was applied.

Abstract: The press is used for assembling a section of a railing system. It comprises at least one set of tab-bending punch heads designed to bend end tabs provided on pickets. The tabs are inserted through a corresponding opening made in a rail of the section of the railing system before activating the press. Using this press, a plurality of pickets can be simultaneously connected to the rails.

Abstract: Fastening apparatus comprises a frame having a pair of spaced arms supporting respective cooperable fastening members, loading of the frame during a fastening operation tends to spread the arms and cause variation of a desired predetermined relationship between the fastening members. One of the members is mounted on one arm of the frame by a holder constructed to deform elastically and thereby to provide at least partial compensation for the variation.

Abstract: A self-piercing blind fastener comprising a mandrel having an elongate cylindrical shell mounted on a stem of such mandrel and which extends co-axially about a central elongate axis of the blind fastener, the shell having a radially extending flange at one end and a tail-end portion at the opposite end for insertion through a workpiece, the mandrel further having a mandrel head in operative engagement with the tail-end of the fastener for transmitting a setting force thereto during setting of such fastener, the blind fastener further comprising a longitudinally extending indenting member extending co-axial with and away from the tail-end of the blind fastener, which indenting member having a cross sectional area less than the cross sectional area of the shell.

Abstract: A tab is provided, which includes a body having first and second opposing ends, a nose portion disposed at or about the first end of the body, a lift portion disposed at or about the second end of the body of the tab, and a rivet receiving portion disposed proximate the nose portion. The rivet receiving portion includes a generally planar portion, a rivet hole having a perimeter, and an upturned portion extending upwardly from the generally planar portion about the perimeter of the rivet hole. The upturned portion reinforces the rivet hole and has an arcuate cross section profile. An integral rivet extends through the rivet hole and is staked to affix the tab to a can end. The upturned portion is devoid of any corners or edges both before and after the integral rivet is staked.

Abstract: The device for setting rivets is characterized by a robot having a robot arm on which a setting device is held that comprises a supply unit connected to a reservoir of rivets, a feed unit for a respectively selected rivet, and a setting unit for the respective rivet. The device carries out an automatic mounting process with high efficiency and precision and sets the rivets fully automatically.

Abstract: A joint is produced in at least two overlapping workpieces (W1, W2) using a joining tool comprising a punch (16) reciprocally disposed in a cylinder. The workpieces (W1, W2) are disposed between the tool and a die (12) and the tool is used to apply a compressive force to deform the workpieces into a joint at a joining area between the tool and the die. Continuous ultra-sonic energy (A) is applied to at least one of the workpieces in the joining area for at least part of the time during production of the joint so as to increase the ductility of at least one of the workpieces in the joining area. This induces an acousto-plastic effect in the material being formed which temporarily reduces its strength so as to exhibit increased ductility. The joining method is used in self-piercing riveting and enables viable joints to be formed in high strength materials or thick sheets of material.

Abstract: A rivet fastening air tool for rivets includes a supplying actuator, an implanting actuator, and a switching valve. The supply actuator receives a rivet row, tears off a fragile portion of a front-row rivet, and supplies it in a loaded position. The implanting actuator retains a head portion of the rivet supplied in the loaded position, and moves the rivet in a direction of being pulled out of a communicating bore of the rivet. The switching valve is provided in an air supply route which reaches the supplying actuator. When the head portion of the rivet is moved in the direction of being pulled out, the switching valve is switched by the implanting actuator so that the supplying actuator is returned.

Abstract: The invention provides a device that joins together several metal sheets in a single step. The device features a mechanism which simultaneously punctures a plurality of substrates and folds back extrusions produced when the substrates are punctured. The mechanism automatically retracts from the metal sheets once the folding of the extrusions occurs.

Abstract: A reinforcement bar clip applicator includes an applicator body having a handle and a receiver tip. The receiver tip is adapted to receive reinforcement bar clips made of two opposing clasp assemblies. With the second clasp assembly of the bar clip removably affixed to the receiver tip, the assembly forms a bar clip application system adapted to allow the user to remotely attach the first clasp assembly of the bar clip to a reinforcement bar.

Abstract: When assembling longitudinal seams, the shells in the region of overlap are moved together over lining-up drill holes, the shells are fastened and subsequently the pilot holes are transferred. Thereafter, these pilot holes are deburred, which involves temporary moving apart of the shells. According to one embodiment of the present invention a rib clamping device is stated that can be used for the longitudinal seam-structure assembly of an aircraft fuselage and that comprises attachment means and fastening means for non-positive and frictionally-engaged fastening of the shells. There is thus no longer any need to temporarily move the components apart.

Abstract: Method for connecting two or more metal sheets or profile parts, especially of an automobile body segment as well as said automobile body segment. A method is described for joining two or more metal sheets and/or profile parts of which typically one is a high strength steel with the following steps. a) mechanically joining in a force-locking or frictional manner the metal sheets or profile parts at one or more connecting sites and subsequently b) thermally joining the connecting sites by means of pressure welding. With the method according to the invention in particular in the motor vehicle sector automobile body segments can be produced which display qualitatively very high quality point weld joints.

Abstract: Fastener delivery apparatus for automatically selecting and delivering fasteners such as rivets to a setting tool. The fasteners are pre-loaded in a package and dispense via at least one fastener delivery tube that interconnects the setting tool to a fastener feeder device. The fastener feeder device releases selected fasteners from the package into the delivery tube. The fasteners are transportable individually or in groups in the tube from the feeder device to the tool.

Abstract: An apparatus for riveting two or more sheets together that includes a punch and a die. The die has an expandable cavity that is formed by a tip and a plurality of movable blades. The blades are retained on the die, in part, by an elastomeric blade collar that biases the blades inwardly toward the tip. A method of riveting a plurality of sheets together with the apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A rivet system having a rivet and an installation anvil, wherein the rivet has a hollow body portion and a head portion, wherein the hollow body portion has a first and a second ends, wherein the hollow body near the second end is sufficiently designed to pierce work pieces during a joining process, wherein the installation anvil having a head portion which is sufficiently designed so that, when the rivet is pushed toward work pieces, the head portion pushes a slug from each work piece into a cavity of the hollow body of the rivet, and wherein the head portion of the installation anvil is sufficiently designed so that the head portion of the installation anvil forces the second end of the hollow body of the rivet to change its shape.

Abstract: An apparatus for the connection of articles via at least one connection element plasticizable by heat includes a heatable cap, which is movable toward and away from the connection element and which has a shaft, for the forming of a rivet head at the connection element and having means for the direct heating of the cap. In this respect, the means for the direct heating of the cap include at least one ceramic heating element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for placing rivet elements by means of a portable riveting device driven by an electric motor, comprising a placing device, wherein the force of the placing device utilized to place a rivet element is monitored based on the current consumed by the electric motor, wherein the path travelled by the rivet clement during the placement operation and/or travelled by the placing device during the placement operation of the rivet element is repeatedly measured by at least one sensor unit, and wherein the force of the placing device exerted on the respective measuring point is determined at the respective measuring point and is compared to a reference force value range for the respective measuring point, wherein the placement operation of the rivet element is not qualitatively accepted, if at a measuring point the force of the placing device exerted at said measuring point is outside the reference force value range for said measuring point.

Abstract: The apparatus for fixing rivets (4) in structural parts (11) includes a positioning adapter (3) for fixing one end of a rivet in a structural component with the rivet (4) in a riveting position; a riveting adapter (5) for deforming another end of the rivet, which has a movable deforming device (34) for deforming the rivet by impact energy stored in it; and a device for changing or adjusting the impact energy (33) stored in the movable deforming device. A greater flexibility for adjustment of the required impact energy (33) to different boundary conditions is thus possible, which guarantees that a minimal number of working strokes or only a single working stroke is required to fasten a rivet (4) in a structural component (11). This reduces the mechanical stress on the riveting adapter (5) and the working robot (6) guiding it besides reducing the noise level.

Abstract: A rivet setting tool having a motor driven hydraulic pump is disclosed. The rivet setting tool incorporates a fastener setting verification system configured to monitor changes pump drive motor current to determine if a particular fastener set is acceptable.

Abstract: An arrangement for attaching and axially fixing a shaft (1) in a component (2), in particular a housing wall. The axial fixing element is in the form of a swaged bead (5) that can be produced by wobble riveting.

Abstract: A drive chain includes two end chain components and a connecting plate. Each of the end chain components has a pin hole and a connecting pin. The connecting pin includes a main segment inserted into the pin hole and having a diameter, an anchoring end segment axially spaced apart from the main segment and having a diameter, and a constricted neck extending between the main segment and the anchoring end segment. The connecting plate has two spaced anchoring holes each having a diameter that is originally smaller than the diameter of the main segment and larger than the diameter of the anchoring end segment. The main segment of the connecting pin is force-fitted in a corresponding one of the anchoring holes so that the end chain components are joined to each other. A tool device to assemble or disassemble the drive chain is also disclosed.

Abstract: A housing-piston assembly for a coupling device, especially a wet-running, multi-plate clutch or a bridging clutch of a hydrodynamic coupling device, wherein the piston (4) is attached to a housing (2) by means of connecting elements (8) in such a way that it has a certain freedom of movement, and rivets (10, 12) are provided as fastening elements between the piston (4) and the connecting elements (8) and/or between the connecting elements (8) and the housing (2), and wherein at least one support element (20, 36, 70, 86) can be positioned in a riveting position between the piston (4) and the connecting elements (8) and/or between the connecting elements (8) and the housing (2) in such a way that anvil sections (18, 44, 74, 92) of the support element (20, 36, 70, 86) lie behind the set heads (14) of their associated rivets (10, 12). A method of assembling a housing-piston assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A riveting system is operable to join two or more workplaces with a rivet. In another aspect of the present invention, a self-piercing rivet is employed. Still another aspect of the present invention employs an electronic control unit and one or more sensors to determine a riveting characteristic and/or an actuator characteristic.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vibrating rivet tool for pressing and fixing rivets in component holes in component of aircraft. The vibrating rivet tool comprises a rivet receptacle and a drive unit for producing a high static pressing force. According to the invention, the static pressing force is superimposed by a mechanical vibration, of which the amplitude acts substantially in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the rivet. As a result, the force necessary to press and fix the rivet in a component hole is reduced in such a way that the overall size and mass of the vibrating rivet tool according to the invention are smaller/lower in comparison with conventional rivet tools. Due to the small overall size and low weight, the vibrating rivet tool can more easily be integrated in automated riveting processes.

Abstract: A riveting tool with a rivet rod expelling function is disclosed to include a tool body having a base and a grip extended from the base. The base has a rivet passage defined therein and an opening located on the peripheral wall thereof in communication with the passage and adjacent to the grip for quick discharge of each broken rivet rod during the riveting operation.

Abstract: The invention concerns an industrial robot (4) comprising a machining tool (2) attached to one hand (3) of the robot, designed to perform a hydraulic-driven movement relative to the hand (3) and connected therefor to a hydraulic unit (10). The hydraulic unit (10) is placed directly on a mobile part of the robot, in particular directly on the robot hand (3). Therefore there is no more need for hydraulic supply lines along the arm of the robot. Further, when the robot hand (3) changes tool, no separation of hydraulic lines is required. The machining tool (2) is in particular a device for placing blind rivets, thereby enabling an entirely automated process for placing blind rivets.

Abstract: A method of attaching a clinch spacer to a panel including forming a clinch spacer having a body portion including an axial bore, an annular flange portion surrounding the bore and an annular barrel portion integral and coaxially aligned with the flange portion having a diameter less than the flange portion including an end face having an outer lip extending at an angle radially outwardly and axially from the end face; forming an opening in the panel; and driving the barrel portion through the opening in the panel against a die member having a generally V-shaped annular projecting lip which is driven against a second face of the panel, deforming the panel radially inwardly against the outer surface of the barrel portion and deforming the outer annular lip radially outwardly and axially against the panel, forming a secure installation.

Abstract: A sheet fastening apparatus and method are provided. In another aspect of the present invention, a die assembly for forming a joint between sheets of material is disclosed wherein the die assembly includes an anvil, at least one die blade disposed adjacent to and overlapping a punch-side of the anvil, a flexible retainer, and a shield that coaxially and radially surrounds a portion of the anvil and/or die blade.

Abstract: A riveter includes a casing having a passageway therein. A shaft is received in the passageway of the casing for a reciprocation motion. Jaws are received in the passageway of the casing to be moved along with the shaft. A spindle is inserted into a rear end the casing to be spun for driving the shaft for the reciprocation motion. The casing is provided with slots on a sidewall of the passageway, and the shaft is provided with recesses aligned with the slots respectively. In each pair of the slot and the recess, at least a ball is received to reduce a friction of the reciprocation motion of the shaft. The riveter of the present further provides an ejector behind the jaws. When a blind rivet is inserted, it will compress the ejector, and the ejector will eject the residual rivet out.

Abstract: A C-frame for use in association with a fastener setting machine, such as a rivet setting machine. The C-frame is configured such that it can be used as a suspended C-frame or as a pedestal mounted C-frame. Specifically, the C-frame is configured such that it can be easily mechanically mounted on and electrically connected to a pedestal. The pedestal has a docking mechanism and the C-frame has corresponding structure which mates with the docking station to mechanically mount the C-frame to the pedestal. In addition, the pedestal includes an electrical connector which connects to, or mates with, a corresponding electrical connector on the C-frame. Preferably, buttons are provided on both the C-frame and the pedestal and docking the C-frame on the pedestal works to effectively transfer control of the rivet setting machine from the buttons on the C-frame to the buttons on the pedestal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the application of a function or joint element to an elastically deformable planar material or workpiece, the function element having a rivet section on a contact surface, extending beyond said surface, wherein the application of the function element to the planar material is achieved in a jointing and riveting process by introduction of the section into a joint opening and by plastic deformation of the river section in a rivet connection engaging behind the joint opening, wherein, in a boundary region enclosing the joint opening, the planar material is held under tension between the deformed rivet connection and the contact surface of the function element.

Abstract: A method of joining a multiple member work-piece includes stacking the members of the work-piece on a die such that a first of the members rests on the die. Next, a rivet is driven into the second member until the rivet penetrates the members and deforms. The rivet is then welded to the first member to strengthen the riveted joint. Different mechanisms may be used to accomplish the welding. For example, a laser beam may be directed through a passage in the first die to target the area of the riveted joint to be welded. Alternatively, the die set, rivet, and first member may be arranged to form an electrical circuit that welds the joint via resistance heating. An assembly of a multiple member work-piece and a rivet made according to the method is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gun rivet and a device for placing said rivet. The gun rivet contains a rivet head (1) with a collar (3) at one end and a rivet tip (6) at the other. The rivet body contains a cavity (7) in the form of a bore in a sleeve section (22). As with other gun rivets, the gun rivet is shot with a percussive-type action and with the aid of its rivet tip into an opening in two sheets (13, 14) that are to be joined together, until the collar comes to rest on the upper face of the upper sheet. A tensile bolt is then introduced into the cavity and is connected to the base (8) of the latter. This can be achieved by resistance welding. The tensile bolt is then drawn until a rivet head is formed on the opposite side of the two sheets. The tensile bolt is then detached from the gun rivet, for example by shearing. The tensile bolt can be re-used to place another rivet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a blind rivet and a device for placing said rivet. The blind rivet contains a rivet head with a collar at one end and a rivet tip at the other. The rivet body contains a cavity in the form of a bore in a sleeve section. As with other blind rivets, the blind rivet is inserted into an opening in two sheets that are to be joined together, until the collar comes to rest on the upper face of the upper sheet. In a second step, the part of the rivet body or the rivet head that lies on the rear face of the two sheets is deformed with the aid of a hammer or expanding body, which is advanced with a percussive-type action in the same direction. A device for placing a rivet of this type contains a part that can be pushed forwards with a percussive-type action, said part consisting of a hammer for exerting pressure on the expansion body.

Abstract: A riveting system is operable to join two or more workplaces with a rivet. In another aspect of the present invention, a self-piercing rivet is employed. Still another aspect of the present invention employs an electronic control unit and one or more sensors to determine a riveting characteristic and/or an actuator characteristic.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for mechanically-joining components to assemble a composite structure. A first component and a second component may be provided. At least one of the first and second components may comprise a composite component. A hole may be formed in each of the first and second components. A metallic sleeve may be placed in the holes in the first and second components such that the metallic sleeve is in contact with the first and second components, and a composite rivet may be placed in the metallic sleeve. Heat and a deforming force may be applied to the composite rivet to join the first and second components to form an assembled composite structure.

Abstract: A rivet table connected to the nosepiece of a rivet setting apparatus. The rivet table includes an outer sleeve which controllably slides back and forth within the nosepiece and supports opposing jaws pivotally connected to the outer sleeve about spaced transverse pivot axes. The jaws pivot between a closed position and an open position, biased toward the closed position and define a flat transverse distal rivet head receiving surface, and a central mandrel-receiving aperture therebetween to slidably receive a rivet mandrel and to support the rivet head against said rivet head receiving surface during rivet setting. The jaws are momentarily forced into the open position by the mandrel moving laterally into the aperture and being carried on a flexible strip. The exposed surface of the rivet head is thereby substantially free of tool marks after being set.