Patent ID: 8689431
Filing Date: 2014-04-08
Classification: B21J,B29C,B29K,Y10T

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for connecting articles via at least one connection element plasticizable by heat, the apparatus comprising: a heatable cap, which comprises a shaft; at least one ceramic heating element configured to directly heat the cap, wherein the ceramic heating element is generally annular, is attached to the shaft, and is in direct contact with a body of the cap; and a cap carrier, wherein the ceramic heating element is clamped between the body of the cap and the cap carrier, wherein the shaft comprises an external thread and is screwed into an internal thread of the cap carrier; wherein the apparatus is movable from a first position, remote from the connection element, to a second position, at which the cap is in contact with the connection element, wherein the apparatus is further configured such that, when the cap is in contact with the connection element and when the ceramic heating element heats the cap, the cap plasticizes the connection element and thereby forms a rivet head at the connection element.