Method for forming a joint

摘要

A method for forming a joint in at least one high strength sheet steel having a UTS in the range 200 to 1400 MPa using a self-piercing rivet includes the steps of: positioning the sheet material over a die and providing a rivet having a substantially cylindrical shank and a head, the shank having a central blind bore 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. The method also includes positioning a rivet over the sheet material at a position opposite the die and using a punch to set the rivet and force it into the sheet material such that it pierces the upper surface thereof and such that the shank deforms outwardly to interlock with the material but without penetration to the die side of the material.

主权项

1. A method for forming a joint in at least one high strength sheet steel using a self-piercing rivet comprising the steps of: positioning the at least one high strength sheet steel over a die; providing a rivet having a substantially cylindrical shank and a head, the shank having a central blind bore 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; positioning a rivet over the at least one high strength sheet steel at a position opposite the die; using a punch to set the rivet and force the rivet into the at least one high strength sheet steel such that the rivet pierces an upper surface thereof and such that the shank deforms outwardly to interlock with the at least one high strength sheet steel but without penetration to a die side of the at least one high strength sheet steel.