CLEARANCE HOLE FOR SELF-PIERCING RIVET

摘要

A system for attaching layers of material together comprised of a self-piercing rivet, a layer having a clearance hole through which the self-piercing rivet passes on assembly, and a layer free of a clearance hole and into which the self-piercing rivet is at least partially inserted. The system may include a third layer free of a clearance hole. The system may also include three layers wherein the clearance hole is formed in the middle layer. If the clearance hole is formed in the middle layer, the width of the hole may be greater than the diameter of the self-piercing rivet to avoid contact between the rivet and the middle layer. The layer having the clearance hole may be a hard material such as steel. One or more of the layers may be material that is difficult to pierce or can be damaged if pierced.

主权项

1. A system for attaching layers of material together comprising:
a self-piercing rivet; a layer having a clearance hole through which said self-piercing rivet passes during assembly; and a layer free of a clearance hole and into which said self-piercing rivet is at least partially inserted.