Method for joining two objects and corresponding joining element
US7950129B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 6, 2005 |
| Grant date | May 31, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 10, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/477
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A first and a second object (1 and 2) are joined with the aid of a joining element (8) including at least in the region of its distal and proximal ends (8.1 and 8.2) a thermoplastic material. Two blind holes (5 and 6) facing each other are provided in the two objects (1 and 2) and the joining element (8) is positioned in the blind holes such that its distal and proximal ends (8.1) are in contact with the bottom faces of the blind holes and such that there is a gap (9) between the two objects (1 and 2). This assembly is then positioned between a support (3) and a sonotrode (4). The sonotrode (4) and the support (3) are forced towards each other, while the sonotrode (4) is vibrated, thereby liquefying at least part of the material having thermoplastic properties, there, where the joining element ends (8.1 and 8.2) are pressed against the bottom faces of the holes (5 and 6) and allowing the liquefied material to infiltrate into pores of the hole surfaces or unevennesses or openings provided in the hole surfaces.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.