DE102017126533B3 - Method and device for embossing components - Google Patents

Abstract

Method for embossing components in which initially a connection region of a connection element is applied to a contact element and then the connection region is materially connected to the contact element. During the material-locking connection, the surface of the connection region is embossed alphanumerically by means of the connection tool.

Description

The subject matter relates to a method and a tool for embossing components.

The embossing of components, in particular of electrical components, is known. This is from the German Utility Model DE 203 17 289 U1 a device for printing of surfaces known. In this device, an alphanumeric embossment in the form of a film is melted onto a workpiece by means of a sonotrode.

From the DE 10 2013 021278 B3 For example, a method for connecting electric wires by ultrasonic welding is known. In this method, a conductor is welded to a contact element, wherein the conductor is firmly clamped with a tool in the field of insulation. During this clamping of the conductor, an embossing can be introduced into the outer surface of the insulation.

However, it has been shown that such embossing, especially in small spaces, is not always visible. In particular, the part of the insulation into which the embossing was introduced can not always be seen. Therefore, it would be advantageous if an embossing could be introduced in the immediate area of the joint.

However, if this is done in a separate step, this is costly and leads to a reduction in cycle times and a higher machine use.

For this reason, it was the object of the invention to emboss components in a particularly simple manner such that the embossing is always visible.

This object is achieved by a method according to claim 1 and an apparatus according to claim 11.

The inventors have recognized that despite the introduction of an embossment during the cohesive connection, the connection between the connection partners is not weakened. Rather, all process parameters, in particular welding parameters remain unchanged. Only the surface of the connection tool leads to an additional, alphanumeric stamping of the connection. In this case, the connection energy, in particular the welding energy in the joint between the two connecting parts, ie connecting element and contact element, impressed. At the same time, the surface of the connection region of the connecting element facing away from the joint is embossed alphanumerically.

The fact that the embossing is directly in the connection area, this is always visible when using the interconnected parts. In addition, no additional process step is necessary to produce the alphanumeric character. Rather, this is introduced directly during the joining.

According to one embodiment, it is proposed that the connecting tool is formed at least from two parts. The parts can be in particular a pressure punch and an abutment. During joining, the connecting element is placed on the contact element, the two parts are placed on the abutment and then the pressing on the opposite side of the abutment is pressed onto the parts to be joined. In this case, the introduction of the bonding energy, in particular the welding energy, between the parts to be joined takes place and at the same time the embossing is applied to the surface of the connection region. By means of the Anpressstempels the welding energy is entered into the compound. The surface of the contact pressure stamp facing the parts to be joined is shaped in such a way that the embossing in the surface of the connection region can be introduced with it. Thus, the pressure punch not only brings the connection energy, but at the same time the energy for embossing the surface of the connection area.

According to one embodiment, the contact element is an electrical conductor. The contact element is in particular a flat piece. The contact element may preferably be a flat conductor. The contact element is in particular an electrical conductor of solid material or an electrical conductor of a stranded wire. The contact element is formed in particular from aluminum or an alloy thereof. The contact element may also be a bimetallic material, wherein a first metal or a first metal alloy may be provided in the region of the connection and a second metal or metal alloy may be provided in a region remote from the connection region. In particular, a combination of copper or a copper alloy and aluminum or an aluminum alloy is suitable. The contact element has, in particular in the region in which the connecting element is placed on either a copper surface or an aluminum surface and the rest is formed from the respective other material.

According to one embodiment, it is proposed that the connecting element is an electrical conductor. In particular, the connecting element is a conductor coated with an insulation. The connection element is in the connection area freed from isolation. Thus, the metallic region of the conductor can be exposed in the connection region and placed on the contact element.

According to one embodiment, it is proposed that the connecting element is a flat conductor, in particular a flat fabric conductor.

The connecting element is preferably formed from copper or a copper alloy or aluminum or an aluminum alloy. In particular, the connecting element is formed of a same or similar metal as the surface of the contact element in the region of the connection. Thus, in the region of the connection preferably a substantially sorted transition is possible.

In particular, the connecting element is made of copper or a copper alloy and the contact element made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. In particular, the connecting element has a higher modulus of elasticity than the contact element. In this case, a subsequent embossing of the connection would be problematic because then in particular the contact element, which has a lower modulus of elasticity, if necessary, would also be plastically deformed. If embossing is introduced into the connecting element during the connection, in particular using parts of the connecting energy, the connecting part which has the higher modulus of elasticity, here the copper or the copper alloy, can also be plastically deformed.

Both the contact element and the connecting element have a longitudinal extent along a longitudinal axis. The connection between the contact element and the connecting element is in particular produced so that the longitudinal axes are parallel to one another. It is also possible that the longitudinal axis of the connecting element is angled, in particular perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the contact element. This is of particular relevance with regard to the embossing as well as the legibility of the embossing. The embossing is applied in particular so that the axis of the font of the embossing runs perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connecting element.

According to one embodiment, it is proposed that the connection region and the contact element are welded by means of ultrasonic welding or resistance welding. In this case, the pressure punch is formed in particular as a sonotrode and the anvil as anvil.

According to one embodiment, it is proposed that the embossing has an embossing depth of less than 5% of the material thickness of the connecting element. Preferably, the embossing has an embossing depth of less than 8%, particularly preferably less than 5% of the material thickness of the connecting element. This has the advantage that the embossing does not affect the strength of the welded joint. The welding parameters can remain unchanged. The embossing does not mean that the registered in the weld mechanical load is adversely affected by the embossing, if this has only a small embossing depth.

According to one exemplary embodiment, it is proposed that the connection region forms an end region of the connection element or that the connection region is arranged between two end regions of the connection element at a distance from the two end regions. In the latter case, in particular, the connection region is free of the insulation, and between the connection region and the end region there is in each case an insulation region which isolates the conductor.

As already explained, the orientation of the embossing is relevant for its readability. For this reason, it is proposed that prior to the cohesive connection, the connecting tool is aligned with the connecting element depending on a direction of writing of the embossing. This will ensure that the embossing is properly legible.

According to one embodiment, it is proposed that a relief structure with the alphanumeric embossment is introduced into a surface of the connection tool laid on the connection during the connection. Here, the embossing can be provided either as a projection or as a return in the surface. If the embossing is intended as a return, the connection between the connecting parts is less stressed than in the case where the embossment is formed as a projection.

Another aspect is a connection tool with a pressure punch and an abutment. By the Anpressstempel the connection energy is introduced into the compound. On the surface of the Anpressstempels, which is pressed against the workpieces, an alphanumeric relief is marked. This relief causes the pressure stamp to apply an alphanumeric embossment to a surface of a workpiece at the moment of joining the workpieces. The workpieces are in particular contact elements and connecting elements.

• 1a-d Ansichten eines Verbindungswerkzeugs;
• 2 zwei Werkstücke die miteinander verbunden werden sollen;
• 3a, b miteinander verbundene Werkstücke.

The article will be explained in more detail with reference to drawings showing an exemplary embodiments. In the drawing show:

• 1a-d Views of a connection tool;
• 2 two workpieces to be joined together;
• 3a, b interconnected workpieces.

1a shows a schematic view of a connection tool 2 , The connection tool 2 has at least two parts, namely a pressure punch 4 as well as an abutment 6 , The pressure stamp 4 and the counter bearing 6 may be electrodes of a resistance welding device. It is also possible that the pressure stamp 4 as sonotrode and the counter bearing 6 is formed as an anvil. It can be seen that the surface 4a of the pressure stamp 4 with an alphanumeric character 8th is provided.

During the joining of two workpieces, the pressure punch becomes 4 in pressing direction 10 on the counter bearing 6 moved to and between the Anpresstempel 4 and the counter bearing 6 arranged workpieces are joined together materially. At the same time a stamping of the embossing takes place 8th on the surface 4 facing surface of the workpieces.

1b shows the surface 4a with the imprint 8th , The imprint 8th has an orientation 12 along an axis.

The imprint 8th can be considered a relief structure in the surface 4a be formed either as a projection or as a return. This can be seen in the sectional view Ic.

1c shows the sectional view Ic of the Anpressstempels 4 , It can be seen that on the surface 4a the imprint 8th is formed as a projection.

In contrast, the imprint is 8th in the surface 4a according to the 1d formed as a return.

For joining two workpieces, these are, as in the 2 shown, placed on top of each other. A first workpiece may be a contact element 14 be. A second workpiece may be a connecting element 16 be.

The contact element 14 is preferably a flat conductor, in particular an aluminum flat conductor. Also, the contact element 14 be formed as a cable lug, connecting lug or the like. The contact element 14 is in particular a flat part of a solid material.

The contact element 14 is preferably a bimetal component. In particular, the contact element 14 an area 14a made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy and a contact area 14b made of copper or a copper alloy. In particular, the contact area 14b on the area 14a applied by roller cladding. Here is the contact area 14b in the region of a longitudinal or transverse edge of the contact element 14 arranged. The materials of the areas 14a . 14b can also be swapped accordingly.

The connecting element 16 has a ladder 16a and an isolation 16b on.

The leader 16a can be formed as a solid material, as a stranded conductor or as a fabric leader. The material of the conductor 16a corresponds to the material of the contact area 14b , Thus, the leader 16a be formed either of copper or a copper alloy or aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The insulator 16b may be especially PVC or silicone.

The connecting element 16 is in a connection area 16c from the insulator 16b liberated, leaving the leader 16a then the connection area is free 16c on the contact area 14b of the contact element 14 put on and the so positioned to each other workpieces 14 . 16 be between pressing stamp 4 and counter bearing 6 positioned, in particular on the anvil 6 hung up.

In the subsequent connection process is by means of the Anpressstempels 4 a cohesive connection between the connection area 16c and the contact area 14b produced. At the same time, an alphanumeric embossing is impressed on the surface of the conductor 16 , This is in the 3a and b.

3a shows the connection between a contact element 14 and a connection element 16 from above. It can be seen that in the connection area 16c on the surface of the connecting element 16 , especially on the surface of the conductor 16a the embossment is applied. Here is the orientation 12 the imprint 8th perpendicular to a longitudinal axis 14c of the contact element 14 ,

3b shows a further embodiment in which a longitudinal axis 16d of the connecting element 16 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 14c of the contact element 14 runs. In the connection area 16c is the connecting element 16 with his leader 16a on the contact element 14 welded. The imprint 8th is with their orientation 12 parallel to the longitudinal axis 14c of the contact element 14 ,

pressing plunger 4 and the workpieces 14 . 16 are positioned before welding so that the alignment 12 the imprint 8th always in the desired direction.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

2

connection tool

4

pressing plunger

4a

surface

6

thrust bearing

8th

embossing

10

movement direction

12

alignment

14

contact element

14a

Area

14b

contact area

14c

longitudinal axis

16

connecting member

16a

ladder

16b

isolation

16c

terminal area

16d

longitudinal axis

Claims (11)

Method for embossing components in which: - first, a connection region of a connection element is applied to a contact element, - then the connection region is materially connected to the contact element, characterized in that - during surface bonding by means of the connection tool, the surface of the connection region is embossed alphanumerically , Method according to Claim 1 , characterized in that - the embossing is introduced by the part of the connection tool into the surface of the connection area, with which the connection energy is introduced into the connection. Method according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that - the contact element is an electrical conductor. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the connecting element is an electrical conductor and that the connection area is freed from an insulation of the conductor. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the connecting element is a flat conductor, in particular a flat fabric conductor Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the connection region and the contact element are connected by means of ultrasonic welding or resistance welding. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the embossing has an embossing depth of less than 10% of the material thickness of the connecting element. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the connection region forms an end region of the connection element or that the connection region between two end regions of the connection element is arranged at a distance from the two end regions. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - prior to the material-locking connection, the connecting tool is aligned with the connecting element as a function of a direction of writing of the embossing. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a relief structure with the alphanumeric embossing is introduced into a surface of the connection tool that is placed on the connection during the connection. Connecting tool with - a Anpresstempel and - an abutment, wherein two introduced between Anpresstempel and abutment workpieces are integrally joined together by introducing a welding energy, characterized in that - the Anpressstempel is embossed with an alphanumeric relief, so that the Anpressstempel at the moment of connecting the Workpieces apply an alphanumeric embossment on a surface of a workpiece.

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