Patent ID: 7367767
Filing Date: 2008-05-06
Classification: B23P,F16B,H01R,Y10T

Abstract:
1. Functional element having, prior to its attachment to a sheet metal part, a head part with an annular contact surface and a tubular rivet section provided at the side of the contact surface of the head part and extending away from the head part, wherein a tubular guide section is arranged concentric to the tubular rivet section and radially within the latter, wherein a ring gap is provided between the guide section and the rivet section and wherein the guide section projects beyond the free end of the rivet section, wherein the free end of the wall of the tubular rivet section, when viewed in an axial section plane, is rounded both at the radially outer side and also at the radially inner side and has a shape as seen in a radial cross section which is one from the group consisting of a semi-circular shape and a shape resembling an arrow tip, wherein said guide section has a free end which is formed as a piercing section and has a circular cutting edge at this free end remote from the contact surface and wherein said tubular rivet section has an inner surface contacting said guide section resulting in said ring gap having a radial dimension of substantially 0 mm.