HEAT STAKE JOINING OF ADHESIVELY BONDED THERMOPLASTIC COMPONENTS

摘要

A method of joining a first thermoplastic component with a second thermoplastic component includes abutting a joint surface of the first thermoplastic component against a joint surface of the second thermoplastic component. The first thermoplastic component includes a thermoplastic protrusion extending from the joint surface, and the joint surface of the second thermoplastic component defines a receiving pocket adapted to receive the thermoplastic protrusion. Abutting a joint surface of the first thermoplastic component against a joint surface of the second thermoplastic component further includes inserting the thermoplastic protrusion into the receiving pocket. Once abutted, thermal energy is applied to a heat-apply surface of the second thermoplastic component, that is opposite the joint surface. The thermal energy is sufficient to melt a portion of the thermoplastic protrusion and a portion of the joint surface of the second thermoplastic component.

主权项

1. A thermoplastic joint assembly comprising:
a first plate formed from a thermoplastic material, the first plate having a first joint surface and including a thermoplastic protrusion extending from the first joint surface; a second plate formed from the thermoplastic material, the second plate including:
a second joint surface configured to mate with the first joint surface; anda heat-apply surface opposite the second joint surface;wherein the second plate defines a receiving pocket extending from the second joint surface into the second plate, the receiving pocket not extending through the heat-apply surface;wherein the receiving pocket is adapted to receive the protrusion of the first plate when the first joint surface abuts the second joint surface; a thermal die having a temperature above the melting point of the thermoplastic and configured to contact a portion of the heat-apply surface of the second plate and conduct thermal energy into the second plate; and wherein the conducted thermal energy is sufficient to melt a portion of the second plate proximate the receiving pocket and to melt the protrusion of the first plate such that the second plate and first plate locally fuse together when the thermal energy is removed.