Process and apparatus for joining parts by the use of at least one plasticizable joining element

摘要

A socket (1) is heated with a heating element (3) while attached to a rivet head. The head is plasticized while connecting two articles. The heating element is then separated from the socket, allowing the socket to be cooled using gaseous cooling agent, prior to detachment from the rivet head. The agent is flowed through cooling slots (2b) formed on a mounting tube (2). An independent claim is also included for an article connecting device.