GB2562222A - Improvements in or relating to heat staking - Google Patents

Improvements in or relating to heat staking Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2562222A
GB2562222A GB1707305.7A GB201707305A GB2562222A GB 2562222 A GB2562222 A GB 2562222A GB 201707305 A GB201707305 A GB 201707305A GB 2562222 A GB2562222 A GB 2562222A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
heat
forming tip
staker
heating element
tip
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB1707305.7A
Other versions
GB201707305D0 (en
Inventor
Thorpe Laurence
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
ATM AUTOMATION Ltd
Original Assignee
ATM AUTOMATION Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by ATM AUTOMATION Ltd filed Critical ATM AUTOMATION Ltd
Priority to GB1707305.7A priority Critical patent/GB2562222A/en
Publication of GB201707305D0 publication Critical patent/GB201707305D0/en
Publication of GB2562222A publication Critical patent/GB2562222A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/56—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using mechanical means or mechanical connections, e.g. form-fits
    • B29C65/60—Riveting or staking
    • B29C65/606—Riveting or staking the rivets being integral with one of the parts to be joined, i.e. staking
    • B29C65/607—Riveting or staking the rivets being integral with one of the parts to be joined, i.e. staking the integral rivets being hollow
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
    • B21J—FORGING; HAMMERING; PRESSING METAL; RIVETING; FORGE FURNACES
    • B21J15/00—Riveting
    • B21J15/02—Riveting procedures
    • B21J15/08—Riveting by applying heat, e.g. to the end parts of the rivets to enable heads to be formed
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
    • B29C65/18—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated tools
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
    • B29C65/18—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated tools
    • B29C65/24—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated tools characterised by the means for heating the tool
    • B29C65/242—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated tools characterised by the means for heating the tool the heat transfer being achieved by contact, i.e. a heated tool being brought into contact with the welding tool and afterwards withdrawn from it
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
    • B29C65/18—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated tools
    • B29C65/24—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated tools characterised by the means for heating the tool
    • B29C65/30—Electrical means
    • B29C65/305—Electrical means involving the use of cartridge heaters
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/56—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using mechanical means or mechanical connections, e.g. form-fits
    • B29C65/60—Riveting or staking
    • B29C65/606—Riveting or staking the rivets being integral with one of the parts to be joined, i.e. staking
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
    • B29C66/03—After-treatments in the joint area
    • B29C66/034—Thermal after-treatments
    • B29C66/0342—Cooling, e.g. transporting through welding and cooling zone
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
    • B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
    • B29C66/10—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint cross-sections
    • B29C66/11—Joint cross-sections comprising a single joint-segment, i.e. one of the parts to be joined comprising a single joint-segment in the joint cross-section
    • B29C66/112—Single lapped joints
    • B29C66/1122—Single lap to lap joints, i.e. overlap joints
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
    • B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
    • B29C66/20—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint lines, e.g. of the weld lines
    • B29C66/21—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint lines, e.g. of the weld lines said joint lines being formed by a single dot or dash or by several dots or dashes, i.e. spot joining or spot welding
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
    • B29C66/349—Cooling the welding zone on the welding spot
    • B29C66/3494—Cooling the welding zone on the welding spot while keeping the welding zone under pressure
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/40—General aspects of joining substantially flat articles, e.g. plates, sheets or web-like materials; Making flat seams in tubular or hollow articles; Joining single elements to substantially flat surfaces
    • B29C66/41—Joining substantially flat articles ; Making flat seams in tubular or hollow articles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/70—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material
    • B29C66/73—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset
    • B29C66/739—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset
    • B29C66/7392—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the material of at least one of the parts being a thermoplastic
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
    • B29C66/81—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps
    • B29C66/814—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps
    • B29C66/8141—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the surface geometry of the part of the pressing elements, e.g. welding jaws or clamps, coming into contact with the parts to be joined
    • B29C66/81411—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the surface geometry of the part of the pressing elements, e.g. welding jaws or clamps, coming into contact with the parts to be joined characterised by its cross-section, e.g. transversal or longitudinal, being non-flat
    • B29C66/81421—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the surface geometry of the part of the pressing elements, e.g. welding jaws or clamps, coming into contact with the parts to be joined characterised by its cross-section, e.g. transversal or longitudinal, being non-flat being convex or concave
    • B29C66/81423—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the surface geometry of the part of the pressing elements, e.g. welding jaws or clamps, coming into contact with the parts to be joined characterised by its cross-section, e.g. transversal or longitudinal, being non-flat being convex or concave being concave
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
    • B29C66/81—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps
    • B29C66/814—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps
    • B29C66/8141—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the surface geometry of the part of the pressing elements, e.g. welding jaws or clamps, coming into contact with the parts to be joined
    • B29C66/81427—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the surface geometry of the part of the pressing elements, e.g. welding jaws or clamps, coming into contact with the parts to be joined comprising a single ridge, e.g. for making a weakening line; comprising a single tooth
    • B29C66/81429—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the surface geometry of the part of the pressing elements, e.g. welding jaws or clamps, coming into contact with the parts to be joined comprising a single ridge, e.g. for making a weakening line; comprising a single tooth comprising a single tooth
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
    • B29C66/81—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps
    • B29C66/814—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps
    • B29C66/8141—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the surface geometry of the part of the pressing elements, e.g. welding jaws or clamps, coming into contact with the parts to be joined
    • B29C66/81431—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the surface geometry of the part of the pressing elements, e.g. welding jaws or clamps, coming into contact with the parts to be joined comprising a single cavity, e.g. a groove
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
    • B29C66/81—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps
    • B29C66/818—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the cooling constructional aspects, or by the thermal or electrical insulating or conducting constructional aspects of the welding jaws or of the clamps ; comprising means for compensating for the thermal expansion of the welding jaws or of the clamps
    • B29C66/8181—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the cooling constructional aspects, or by the thermal or electrical insulating or conducting constructional aspects of the welding jaws or of the clamps ; comprising means for compensating for the thermal expansion of the welding jaws or of the clamps characterised by the cooling constructional aspects
    • B29C66/81811—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the cooling constructional aspects, or by the thermal or electrical insulating or conducting constructional aspects of the welding jaws or of the clamps ; comprising means for compensating for the thermal expansion of the welding jaws or of the clamps characterised by the cooling constructional aspects of the welding jaws
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
    • B29C66/81—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps
    • B29C66/818—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the cooling constructional aspects, or by the thermal or electrical insulating or conducting constructional aspects of the welding jaws or of the clamps ; comprising means for compensating for the thermal expansion of the welding jaws or of the clamps
    • B29C66/8182—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the cooling constructional aspects, or by the thermal or electrical insulating or conducting constructional aspects of the welding jaws or of the clamps ; comprising means for compensating for the thermal expansion of the welding jaws or of the clamps characterised by the thermal insulating constructional aspects
    • B29C66/81821—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the cooling constructional aspects, or by the thermal or electrical insulating or conducting constructional aspects of the welding jaws or of the clamps ; comprising means for compensating for the thermal expansion of the welding jaws or of the clamps characterised by the thermal insulating constructional aspects of the welding jaws
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
    • B29C66/83—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof characterised by the movement of the joining or pressing tools
    • B29C66/832—Reciprocating joining or pressing tools
    • B29C66/8322—Joining or pressing tools reciprocating along one axis
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/90—Measuring or controlling the joining process
    • B29C66/91—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux
    • B29C66/914—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux
    • B29C66/9161—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the heat or the thermal flux, i.e. the heat flux
    • B29C66/91641—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the heat or the thermal flux, i.e. the heat flux the heat or the thermal flux being non-constant over time
    • B29C66/91643—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the heat or the thermal flux, i.e. the heat flux the heat or the thermal flux being non-constant over time following a heat-time profile
    • B29C66/91645—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the heat or the thermal flux, i.e. the heat flux the heat or the thermal flux being non-constant over time following a heat-time profile by steps
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
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    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/70—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material
    • B29C66/74—Joining plastics material to non-plastics material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/90—Measuring or controlling the joining process
    • B29C66/91—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux
    • B29C66/919—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux characterised by specific temperature, heat or thermal flux values or ranges
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B5/00—Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them
    • F16B5/04—Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them by means of riveting
    • F16B5/045—Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them by means of riveting without the use of separate rivets

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Lining Or Joining Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

In the field of heat staking there is provided a heat staker (10), for deforming a boss (44) on a component part (46), that comprises a staker housing (12) which has a forming tip (14) at a distal end (16) thereof. The forming tip (14) defines an engagement face (18) to in use engage with a boss (44) on a component part (46). The forming tip (14) is also arranged in communication in use with a cooling medium to selectively cool the forming tip (14). The heat staker (10) also includes a heating element (26) which is selectively moveable relative to the staker housing (12) between first and second positions. The heating element (26) in the first position lies in contact with the forming tip (14) to transfer heat directly to the forming tip (14). The heating element (26) in the second position is spaced from the forming tip (14) to inhibit the transfer of heat to the forming tip (14). More particularly the heating element may be slidably received within the staker housing. The forming tip may also define a cooling chamber (20) which, in use, receives a cooling medium. More particularly, the cooling chamber is arranged in fluid communication with a cooling medium reservoir (not shown) by a fluid conduit (22). A preferred form of heating element is a cartridge heater (42).

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO HEAT STAKING
This invention relates to a heat staker, a heat staker assembly comprising a plurality of such heat stakers, and to a method of heat staking.
Staking is the process of connecting two component parts by creating an interference fit between the two parts. Typically one part has a hole in it while the other has a boss that fits within the hole. In heat staking, heat is used to deform the boss, i.e. expand the boss radially and compress it axially, in order to form a head which mechanically locks the two parts together, i.e. creates the required interference fit.
Heat staking is a versatile technique which benefits from being quick, economical and consistent. Moreover, unlike welding, heat staking has the capacity to join dissimilar materials to one another, and it avoids the need for consumables such as rivets and screws.
According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a heat staker, for deforming a boss on a component part, comprising: a staker housing having a forming tip at a distal end thereof, the forming tip defining an engagement face to in use engage with a boss on a component part, and the forming tip being arranged in communication in use with a cooling medium to selectively cool the forming tip; and a heating element selectively moveable relative to the staker housing between first and second positions, the heating element in the first position lying in contact with the forming tip to transfer heat directly to the forming tip, and the heating element in the second position being spaced from the forming tip to inhibit the transfer of heat to the forming tip.
The inclusion of a heating element that is moveable between the first and second positions recited above selectively permits the rapid heating of the forming tip, e.g. as required to provide a desired heat/dwell/cool processing cycle to satisfactorily deform the boss on a component part, using a relatively simple (and therefore inexpensive) heating element that need only remain on, e.g. during multiple processing cycles.
In particular, the ability to leave the heating element on during one or more processing cycles avoids the need for high current and/or voltage to rapidly raise the heating element to its working temperature, and therefore reduces the complexity and cost of the heating element.
Preferably, while the heating element is in the second position, a thermal insulator lies between the heating element and the forming tip.
Having a thermal insulator lie between the heating element and the forming tip while the heating element is in the second position, i.e. while the heating element is spaced from the forming tip, helps to further impede the transfer of heat from the heating element to the forming tip, and so assists in allowing the temperature of the forming tip to be reduced.
Optionally the location of the second position can be varied.
The velocity with which the heating element is moved between the first and second positions in at least one direction may be varied.
The foregoing features help to tailor the rate of heating and/or cooling of the forming tip according to the requirements of the particular processing cycle being carried out. A heat staker according to another preferred embodiment of the invention further includes an actuator to selectively move the heating element between the first and second positons.
An actuator is able reliably and repeatedly to move the heating element between the first and second positions in a manner which is easy to control.
In a still further preferred embodiment of the invention the actuator is spaced from the staker housing by a thermally insulating body.
Spacing the actuator from the staker housing using a thermally insulating body desirably helps to protect the actuator from being damaged by the heat produced by the heating element.
Preferably the heating element is or includes a cartridge heater.
Cartridge heaters are relatively inexpensive and suitably compact while still having a sufficient heating density to rapidly heat the forming tip when moved into direct contact therewith.
Optionally the forming tip is or includes a thermally conductive material.
Such a feature helps to ensure that the temperature of the engagement face of the forming tip rapidly reaches a desired operating temperature when the heating element is moved into contact with the forming tip.
The forming tip may define a cooling chamber to in use receive a cooling medium.
The provision of a cooling chamber permits a cooling medium to directly act upon the forming tip to rapidly reduce its temperature and thereby desirably define a required cooling period during a processing cycle.
In yet another preferred embodiment of the invention the cooling chamber is arranged in fluid communication with a cooling medium reservoir.
Arranging the cooling chamber in such a manner advantageously permits the ready and controllable supply of cooling medium to the forming tip during use of the heat staker.
The cooling chamber may include a vent to atmosphere.
Including a vent to atmosphere allows for the removal of the cooling medium from the immediate vicinity of the forming tip once it has carried out its cooling function.
Optionally the forming tip includes a temperature sensor.
The inclusion of a temperature sensor in the forming tip allows the movement of the heating element between the first and second positions to be controlled in a manner that helps to ensure the forming tip remains at a desired temperature.
According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a heat staker assembly comprising a plurality of heat stakers as described herein above.
Such a heat staker assembly shares the individual advantages associated with the specific features of each heat staker, while at the same time also permitting a reduction in the cycle time of a heating staking operation by staggering the operation of each individual heat staker.
According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of heat staking a boss on a component part, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a heat staker including a staker housing having a forming tip at a distal end thereof, the forming tip defining an engagement face and being arranged in communication in use with a cooling medium, and the heat staker further including a heating element selectively moveable relative to the staker housing between first and second positions, the heating element in the first position lying in contact with the forming tip, and the heating element in the second position being spaced from the forming tip; (b) engaging the engagement face of the forming tip with a boss on a component part; (c) moving the heating element to the first position to transfer heat directly to the forming tip; (d) moving the heating element to the second position to inhibit the transfer of heat to the forming tip; and (e) using a cooling medium to cool the forming tip.
The method of the invention shares the benefits associated with the heat staker of the invention.
There now follows a brief description of preferred embodiments of the invention, by way of non-limiting examples, with reference being made to the following figures in which;
Figure 1 shows a schematic, cross-sectional view of a heat staker according to a first embodiment ofthe invention having a heating element arranged in a first position;
Figure 2 shows the heat staker shown in Figure 1 with the heating element arranged in a second position;
Figure 3(a) shows a schematic view of an enlarged portion ofthe heat staker shown in Figure 1 at a first point in a heat staking cycle; and
Figure 3(b) shows the enlarged portion of the heat staker shown in Figure 3(a) at a second subsequent point in the heat staking cycle. A heat staker according to a first embodiment of the invention is designated generally by reference numeral 10, as shown in Figures 1 and 2.
The heat staker 10 includes a staker housing 12 which has a forming tip 14 at a distal end 16 thereof.
The forming tip 14 defines an engagement face 18 and is formed from a thermally conductive material such as, e.g. copper or chromed copper.
The forming tip 14 also defines a cooling chamber 20 which, in use, receives a cooling medium. More particularly, the cooling chamber 20 is arranged in fluid communication with a cooling medium reservoir (not shown) by a fluid conduit 22.
In the embodiment shown the cooling chamber 20 takes the form of an annulus, although other shapes and configurations of cooling chamber are also possible. Meanwhile, the cooling medium preferably is air, and more preferably compressed air, although other gases or fluids may also be used.
In addition the cooling chamber 20 includes a vent 24 to atmosphere, i.e. an exhaust conduit, for the cooling medium, i.e. the compressed air.
The forming tip 14 also includes a temperature sensor (not shown), which preferably is arranged in close proximity to the engagement face 18.
In addition to the foregoing, the heat staker 10 also includes a heating element 26 that is selectively moveable relative to the staker housing 12 between a first position, as shown in Figure 1, and a second position, as shown in Figure 2. More particularly the heating element 26 is slidably received within the staker housing 12 which, in the embodiment shown, is substantially cylindrical, although this need not necessarily be the case.
In the first position the heating element 26 lies in contact with the forming tip 14. Meanwhile, in the second position the heating element 26 is spaced from the forming tip 14 such that a thermal insulator 28, in the form of an air pocket 30, lies between the heating element 26 and the forming tip 14.
The location of the second position, i.e. the extent to which the heating element 26 is spaced from the forming tip 14 can be varied. In addition, the velocity with which the heating element 26 is moved between the first and second positions, both towards and away from the forming tip 14, can also be varied. In particular, the heating element 26 can be moved between the first and second positions at different constant velocities as well as with different degrees of acceleration and deceleration.
To that end the heat staker 10 further includes an actuator 32, and more particularly a linear actuator (although other types of actuator may be used) to selectively move the heating element 26 between the first and second positions.
The actuator 32 is spaced from the staker housing 12 by a thermally insulating body 34 which, in the embodiment shown, takes the form of a plurality of individual thermally insulating blocks 36 that are fastened to one another. Other ways of providing a thermally insulating body may however be employed. The thermally insulating body 34 further includes a pair of mounting formations 38 which desirably facilitate ready fixing of the heat staker 10, e.g. within a component part assembly apparatus. A rigid connecting rod 40 couples the actuator 32 and the heating element 26 to one another, although they may be coupled in a different manner. A preferred form of heating element 26 is a cartridge heater 42, although other types of heating element may also be used.
In use, the heat staker 10 may be used to heat stake a boss on a component part and, more particularly and by way of example only, the heat staker 10 may be used to heat stake a boss 44 on a first component part 46 which fits within a hole 48 in a second component part 50, as illustrated schematically in Figures 3(a) and 3(b). The first component part 46 preferably is a plastics material, and more preferably still is a thermoplastic material, while the second component part 50 may or may not be a plastics material.
Such heat staking involves the step of engaging the engagement face 18 of the forming tip 14 with the boss 44 on the first component part 46, i.e. as shown in Figure 3(a).
Thereafter, the actuator 32 moves the heating element 26, i.e. the cartridge heater 42, to the first position to transfer heat directly to the forming tip 14, i.e. again as shown in Figure 3(a). By way of example, in such a position the portion of the heating element 26 lying in contact with the forming tip 14 may have a temperature of around 250°C and, following a rapid transfer of heat via thermal conduction to the forming tip 14, the engagement face 18 may reach a temperature of 170°C.
Such a temperature typically is sufficient to soften the boss 44, whereby forcing the heat staker 10 towards the first and second component parts 46, 50 causes the boss 44 to deform, and more particularly causes the boss 44 to expand radially and compress axially so as to form a head 52 (as shown in Figure 3(b)) which mechanically secures the first and second component parts 46, 50 to one another.
In this manner, the foregoing steps constitute ‘heat’ and ‘dwell’ portions of a heat staking processing cycle.
Following satisfactory deformation of the boss 44, the actuator 32 then moves the heating element 26 to the second position, as shown in Figure 3(b), to inhibit the transfer of heat from the heating element 26 to the forming tip 14. In this regard, the air pocket 30 now occupying the space between the heating element 26 and the forming tip 14 acts as a thermal insulator because it exhibits poor thermal conductivity, and so impedes considerably (even if it does not prevent completely) the transfer of heat from the heating element 26 to the forming tip 14. In other embodiments ofthe invention, the inhibition of heat transfer from the heating element to the forming tip may amount to the complete prevention of any heat transfer to the forming tip.
At the same time cooling medium, i.e. compressed air, is injected from the cooling medium reservoir, through the cooling chamber 20 within the forming tip 14, and out through the vent 24 in the forming tip 14 to cool the forming tip 14. This allows the heat staking to be’ repeated with respect to another boss.
These latter steps constitute a ‘cool’ portion of a heat staking processing cycle.
Typically, and by way of example only, the complete heat staking processing cycle described hereinabove, i.e. constituting respective heat, dwell and cool portions, might last approximately 10 seconds.

Claims (14)

CLAIMS:
1. A heat staker, for deforming a boss on a component part, comprising: a staker housing having a forming tip at a distal end thereof, the forming tip defining an engagement face to in use engage with a boss on a component part, and the forming tip being arranged in communication in use with a cooling medium to selectively cool the forming tip; and a heating element selectively moveable relative to the staker housing between first and second positions, the heating element in the first position lying in contact with the forming tip to transfer heat directly to the forming tip, and the heating element in the second position being spaced from the forming tip to inhibit the transfer of heat to the forming tip.
2. A heat staker according to Claim 1 wherein while the heating element is in the second position a thermal insulator lies between the heating element and the forming tip.
3. A heat staker according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the location of the second position can be varied.
4. A heat staker according to any preceding claim wherein the velocity with which the heating element is moved between the first and second positions in at least one direction can be varied.
5. A heat staker according to any preceding claim further including an actuator to selectively move the heating element between the first and second positons.
6. A heat staker according to Claim 5 wherein the actuator is spaced from the staker housing by a thermally insulating body.
7. A heat staker according to any preceding claim wherein the heating element is or includes a cartridge heater.
8. A heat staker according to any preceding claim wherein the forming tip is or includes a thermally conductive material.
9. A heat staker according to any preceding claim wherein the forming tip defines a cooling chamber to in use receive a cooling medium.
10. A heat staker according to Claim 9 wherein the cooling chamber is arranged in fluid communication with a cooling medium reservoir.
11. A heat staker according to Claim 9 or Claim 10 wherein the cooling chamber includes a vent to atmosphere.
12. A heat staker according to any preceding claim wherein the forming tip includes a temperature sensor.
13. A heat staker assembly comprising a plurality of heat stakers according to any preceding claim.
14. A method of heat staking a boss on a component part, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a heat staker including a staker housing having a forming tip at a distal end thereof, the forming tip defining an engagement face and being arranged in communication in use with a cooling medium, and including a heating element selectively moveable relative to the staker housing between first and second positions, the heating element in the first position lying in contact with the forming tip, and the heating element in the second position being spaced from the forming tip; (b) engaging the engagement face of the forming tip with a boss on a component part; (c) moving the heating element to the first position to transfer heat directly to the forming tip; (d) moving the heating element to the second position to inhibit the transfer of heat to the forming tip; and (e) using a cooling medium to cool the forming tip.
GB1707305.7A 2017-05-08 2017-05-08 Improvements in or relating to heat staking Withdrawn GB2562222A (en)

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE202024101377U1 (en) 2023-03-22 2024-03-25 GOLDMAX SERVICES s.r.o. Device for thermal joining of plastics

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JP2001150555A (en) * 1999-11-26 2001-06-05 Pearl Kogyo Kk Thermal caulking device
US20020017744A1 (en) * 2000-08-04 2002-02-14 Kiefel Technologies, Inc. Method and apparatus for connecting objects by means of plastically deformable connecting bodies
US20100319173A1 (en) * 2009-05-06 2010-12-23 Maschinenfabrik Spaichingen Gmbh Apparatus for the connection of articles via at least one plasticizable connection element
DE102012021836A1 (en) * 2012-11-08 2014-05-08 3Con Anlagenbau Gmbh Hot stamper riveting fixture used for deforming e.g. plastic material, has cooling device that is provided for cooling down deformed rivets, and provided with cooling element that is movable between contact and non-contact position

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2001150555A (en) * 1999-11-26 2001-06-05 Pearl Kogyo Kk Thermal caulking device
US20020017744A1 (en) * 2000-08-04 2002-02-14 Kiefel Technologies, Inc. Method and apparatus for connecting objects by means of plastically deformable connecting bodies
US20100319173A1 (en) * 2009-05-06 2010-12-23 Maschinenfabrik Spaichingen Gmbh Apparatus for the connection of articles via at least one plasticizable connection element
DE102012021836A1 (en) * 2012-11-08 2014-05-08 3Con Anlagenbau Gmbh Hot stamper riveting fixture used for deforming e.g. plastic material, has cooling device that is provided for cooling down deformed rivets, and provided with cooling element that is movable between contact and non-contact position

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE202024101377U1 (en) 2023-03-22 2024-03-25 GOLDMAX SERVICES s.r.o. Device for thermal joining of plastics

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