DE10261564B4 - Method for attaching and fixing a reinforcing element for reinforcing a roof frame construction, and fastening device and reinforcing element for carrying out the method - Google Patents

Abstract

Method for attaching and fastening a reinforcing element (10) for reinforcing a roof frame construction, wherein the roof frame construction comprises a roof frame (20), an outer skin (24) attachable to the roof frame (20) and at least one between the roof frame (20) and the outer skin (24 ) fastenable reinforcing element (10), wherein by means of the fastening method, a first region (12) of the reinforcing element (10) with the roof frame (20) and a second region (14) of the reinforcing element (10) with an inner surface region (25) of the outer skin ( 24), characterized in that the fastening method comprises the steps of: a) inserting a holding part into a slot (22, 22 '), wherein the holding part at the first area (12) and the slot (22, 22 ') are arranged on the roof frame (20), or vice versa; b) bending the through the slot (22, 22 ') inserted through holding part, so that the holding part with the inner surface of the roof frame (20) is brought into contact and thus the reinforcing element (10) vertically movable with the roof frame ...

Description

The invention relates to a method for attaching and fixing a reinforcing element for reinforcing a roof frame construction as well as a fastening device and a reinforcing element for carrying out the method.

From the DE 101 58 399 A1 a generic method for attaching and fixing a reinforcing member for reinforcing a roof frame construction is known, wherein the roof frame construction includes a roof frame, an attachable to the roof frame outer skin and at least one attachable between the roof frame and the outer skin reinforcing element. By means of the fastening method, a first region of the reinforcing element is brought into contact and fastened to the roof frame and a second region of the reinforcing element is brought into contact with an inner surface region of the outer skin.

Such a roof frame construction is designed in particular for receiving a motor vehicle roof load carrier and contains a roof frame, an attachable to the roof frame outer skin and at least one attachable between the roof frame and the outer skin reinforcing element, wherein by means of the method, a first region of the reinforcing element to the roof frame and a second Region of the reinforcing element are attached to an inner surface region of the outer skin and / or attached thereto.

It is known to design a roof frame construction in such a way that the outer skin runs downwards on a motor vehicle side with a predetermined curvature, forms an offset in a downwardly directed region and is fastened adjacent to the roof frame in the further course. Thus, there is a gap between the roof frame and the outer skin. The offset is substantially rectilinear and essentially serves to absorb the force of a roof load carrier that can be mounted on the motor vehicle roof. The roof rack used here contains side brackets, which are arranged laterally in the mounted state of the roof rack on the vehicle roof and facing down. Attached to these side brackets are fasteners for securing the roof rack to the motor vehicle. Often these fasteners each contain a clamping screw which is screwed in a thread of the side bracket and contains at its end a support surface. The side bracket is arranged parallel to the offset of the outer skin in the receiving area of the clamping screw, so that when the tensioning screw is turned, the holding surface is pressed flat with the offset, whereby the roof rack is positively connected to the offset. For this purpose, the roof rack each contains two arranged on the sides of the clamping screws which are screwed for safe and secure fastening of the roof rack on the vehicle roof. It is also known that clamping mechanisms can be provided on the side brackets instead of the clamping screws, which each contain a lever which presses a holding surface against the offset by means of a quick and simple tilting movement, whereby the roof rack is positively connected to the motor vehicle. The attachment of the roof rack with the vehicle roof must be sufficiently strong and stable, since the acting on the load of the roof rack, wind, especially during fast trips, exerts high pressure. This results in a direction opposite to the direction of force, which exerts high loads on the fasteners of the roof rack. In addition, the attachment of the roof rack on the vehicle roof must be sufficiently strong and stable so that the roof rack in an accident is not torn from the vehicle roof. The outer skin, against which press the mounts, is usually thin and not designed to absorb high forces. Even at low force effects, the material of the outer skin could yield to the offset (buckling), which can lead to a tearing off of the fasteners and thus the roof rack is torn from the vehicle roof. This can lead to an increased risk of accidents in vehicles following the vehicle, especially in the case of fast driving. It is known that to reinforce the attachment areas on the outer skin (offset) reinforcing elements are provided, which are attached before attaching the outer skin with a first portion of the roof frame. The reinforcing elements are designed and fastened in such a way that, after the attachment of the outer skin, a second region of the reinforcing element abuts against the inner surface of the outer skin. The attached to the roof frame first portion of the reinforcing element is riveted to this usually form-fitting or bolted non-positively or soldered cohesively, welded or glued. On the abutting against the inner surface of the outer skin of the second region of the reinforcing element adhesive is applied as a rule, whereby this area is connected by attaching the outer skin with this cohesively. The known reinforcing elements generally consist of a correspondingly shaped stable sheet steel or plastic. The reinforcing elements are arranged in a region of attachment of the roof rack on the roof frame construction. A roof frame construction, as described above, allows a firm and secure attachment of the roof rack on the vehicle roof. Namely, it is thus by tightening the clamping screw (or by applying the clamping mechanism) caused forces on the brought into contact with the inner surface of the outer skin second region of the reinforcing element. The reinforcing element then forwards these forces to the roof frame. Thus, the forces do not only affect the outer skin but on the usually stable running roof frame.

It has been found to be disadvantageous that often adjusts a gap between the second region of the reinforcing element and the inner surface area of the outer skin after attachment of the outer skin on the roof frame. Thus, fastening forces for attaching the roof rack to the roof frame structure act directly on the outer skin, whereby the outer skin can be dented during mounting and / or the roof rack may be torn off the roof frame structure. Another disadvantage is that the second region of the reinforcing element often protrudes too far down. Thus, when attaching the outer skin, it bulges in the area of the protruding reinforcing elements or at worst can not be used at all. These disadvantages are due to the fact that the second region of the reinforcing element is often not located at the position after the fixing of the first region, the second region should be located in non-contact after the attachment of the outer skin with the inner surface region of the outer skin to step. The second area is often too high or too low. The cause for this in turn can generally be found in manufacturing tolerances of the reinforcing element and / or in tolerances of the arrangement of the fastening hole for fastening the first region and / or the fastening. Often, these detrimental causes can not be resolved at all, or they can be eliminated with increased time and expense.

Against this background, the invention has the object, a method for attaching and securing the reinforcing element in such a way that the second region of the reinforcing element is always safely and reliably brought into contact with the inner surface region of the outer skin. The invention is also based on the object to present a fastening device and a reinforcing element for performing the method.

These objects are achieved with a method for attaching and securing the reinforcing element according to the features of claim 1, a fastening device according to the features of claim 5 and a reinforcing element according to the features of claim 9. The subclaims relate to particularly expedient developments of the invention.

• a) Einstecken eines Halteteils in ein Langloch, wobei das Halteteil an dem ersten Bereich und das Langloch an dem Dachrahmen, oder umgekehrt, angeordnet sind;
• b) Umbiegen des durch das Langloch hindurchgesteckten Halteteils, sodass das Halteteil mit der Innenfläche des Dachrahmens in Kontakt gebracht wird und somit das Verstärkungselement vertikal bewegbar mit dem Dachrahmen befestigt wird;
• c) Anbringen der Außenhaut;
• d) Vertikales Bewegen des Verstärkungselementes mittels eines Spannwerkzeuges, zum Anpressen des zweiten Bereiches des Verstärkungselementes an den Innenflächenbereich der Außenhaut; und
• e) Festes Verbinden des umgebogenen Halteteiles mit dem Dachrahmen.

According to the invention, therefore, it is proposed that the method for reinforcing the roof frame construction is characterized by the steps:

• a) insertion of a holding part in a slot, wherein the holding part on the first region and the slot on the roof frame, or vice versa, are arranged;
• b) bending the holding member inserted through the elongated hole so that the holding member is brought into contact with the inner surface of the roof frame, and thus the reinforcing member is vertically movably attached to the roof frame;
• c) attaching the outer skin;
• d) vertically moving the reinforcing element by means of a clamping tool, for pressing the second region of the reinforcing element against the inner surface area of the outer skin; and
• e) firmly connecting the bent holding member with the roof frame.

A major advantage of this method is that the reinforcing element can be quickly and easily attached to the roof frame, with always secure and firm contact with the inner surface of the outer skin. For this purpose, the at least one holding part of the reinforcing element is first inserted through the slot and then bent. Due to this consisting of holding part and long hole fastening device, the reinforcing element can initially connect vertically movable with the roof frame. Subsequently, the outer skin, for example, mounted on the roof frame, and can also be secured by means of fastening screws or the like. The vertically mounted reinforcing element is now inaccessible from the outside and only from the inside, for example, through an opening to reach. The tensioning tool inserted through these openings can now press down the reinforcing element by applying force to the inner surface of the second region until the outer surface of the second region contacts the inner surface region of the outer skin in a planar manner. It proves to be advantageous if the reinforcing element is first attached to the roof frame in such a way that, after attachment of the outer skin, a distance between the inner surface of the second region and the inner surface region of the outer skin is established, so that the reinforcing element can always be pressed down. An advantage of the bent-over holding element is that the reinforcing element, in particular during pressing, can not fall out and fall into the space formed between the roof frame and the outer skin, from which it can only be taken out awkward again. After the pressing of the reinforcing element, and after the outer surface of the second region, the inner surface region of the outer skin contacted flat, the bent-over holding part is firmly connected to the roof frame. It is advantageous if the solid compound is then formed, while the clamping tool still presses the reinforcing element against the inner surface region of the outer skin. Subsequently, the clamping tool can be pushed out through the openings. Alternatively, the clamping tool can be unplugged before the formation of the fixed connection of the holding part to the roof frame.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, adhesive is applied to the second region of the reinforcing element and / or to the inner surface region of the outer skin prior to attachment of the outer skin. Thus, the reinforcing member is simultaneously fixed to the roof frame and to the inner surface portion of the outer skin. As the adhesive, conventional means for joining metal sheets can be used.

It proves to be particularly useful that for pressing the second region of the reinforcing element to the inner surface region of the outer skin, the clamping tool is inserted through a formed in the reinforcing element first opening and a formed in the roof frame second opening, and then moved substantially vertically downwards becomes. Thus, the not visible from the outside reinforcing element can be reached from the inside by means of the clamping tool and then pressed down.

Particularly expediently, it is found that, for the fixed connection of the holding part to the roof frame, the holding part is soldered, welded or glued to the roof frame. Thus, after the second region of the reinforcing element is pressed against the inner surface region of the outer skin, a firm and permanent fastening of the reinforcing element is ensured.

For carrying out the method, it proves to be particularly advantageous to use a fastening device which contains a holding part and a slot, wherein the holding part at a first region of the reinforcing element and the slot on a roof frame, or vice versa, are arranged. The thus formed fastening device allows in the bent state of the holding part a vertically movable attachment of a reinforcing element to a roof frame. After pressing a second region of the reinforcing element to an inner surface region of an outer skin, the holding part can be firmly connected to the roof frame. Such a trained fastening device proves by the small number of elements as very inexpensive and easy to handle.

It proves to be particularly expedient that the fastening direction is designed such that the reinforcing element is fixed in the inserted and bent state of the holding part with the roof frame substantially vertically movable. Thus, the reinforcing element can be brought to the exact correct position by attaching the outer skin by moving vertically.

Furthermore, it proves to be particularly helpful if the holding part is formed integrally with the reinforcing element. Thus, the reinforcing element can be punched in one piece with the holding part of a sheet and formed, for example by means of a pressing process.

In this case, a design proves to be particularly practical, in which the holding part is designed as a tab which is inserted into the slot and vertically movable therein. It proves to be advantageous if the tabs are each formed on the sides of the reinforcing element. Thus, the reinforcing element in the inserted and bent state of the tabs without tilting, and thus always reliable, vertically moved and guided.

For carrying out the method, it proves to be particularly advantageous to use a reinforcing element which contains a first region, which can be fastened and firmly connected vertically movably to a roof frame, and a second region, which can be brought into contact with an inner surface region of an outer skin , Such a reinforcing element is simple and inexpensive to produce and can be accurately positioned after attaching an outer skin and then firmly connected to a roof frame.

It proves to be a particularly practical embodiment, in which the reinforcing element includes a third region adjoining the second region, which is angled at an angle of substantially 90 ° to the second region upwards. Such a trained reinforcing element is shown to be particularly dimensionally stable and can absorb high, acting from below pressure forces and forward to the roof frame.

It proves to be advantageous if the reinforcing element in one piece by means of punching and Pressing method is formed. For this purpose, in particular the first, second and third region, and the at least one holding part are punched out of a metal sheet and then pressed into shape. A reinforcing element produced in this way proves to be quick and easy to produce and thus cost-effective.

Furthermore, it proves to be particularly helpful if the reinforcing element is formed of sheet metal, in particular of steel or aluminum or magnesium sheet. A trained from one of these materials reinforcing element proves to be particularly stable, easy to manufacture and inexpensive. In particular, when using aluminum or magnesium sheet, a reinforcing element can be produced with low weight.

The invention allows numerous embodiments. To further clarify its basic principle, one of them is shown in the drawing and will be described below. This shows in

1 a reinforcing element in perspective view;

2 a reinforcing element in sectional view to the sectional plane A of 1 ;

3 a reinforcing element in sectional view to the sectional plane B of 1 ;

4 a reinforcing element attached to a roof frame.

1 shows a reinforcing element 10 which is a first area 12 , one to the first area 12 adjacent second area 14 which is at an angle of substantially 90 ° to the first region 12 is angled, and one to the second area 14 adjacent third area 16 which in turn is at an angle of substantially 90 ° to the second region 14 is angled contains. Such formed reinforcing element 10 is particularly excellent for absorbing compressive forces from the bottom to the second area 14 act, trained. At the first area 12 are each side tabs 18 . 18 ' arranged, which protrude laterally and before the A set of reinforcing element 10 in a roof frame 20 (not shown) against the second area 14 be bent vertically. In this embodiment, the reinforcing element 10 with the tabs 18 . 18 ' integrally formed by punching and pressing process. Alternatively, the tabs 18 . 18 also individually at the first area 12 of the reinforcing element 10 be attached. For example, the first area 12 a width of 200 mm, the second area 14 a width of 20 mm and the third area 16 have a width of 40 mm.

2 shows the reinforcing element 10 , the roof frame 20 and an outer skin 24 in sectional view to the sectional plane A of 1 , The reinforcing element 10 is in the roof frame 20 plugged in. These are the tabs 18 . 18 ' of the reinforcing element 10 each in oblong holes 22 . 22 ' , which are arranged in the roof frame, put through. After bending (clips) the tabs 18 . 18 ' at an angle of substantially 90 ° (not shown), the reinforcing element 10 with the roof frame 20 attached and moved vertically up and down. The vertical up and down movement is only through the tabs 18 . 18 ' limited, which against the ends of the slots 22 . 22 ' bump. These are the slots 22 . 22 ' formed and arranged such that the reinforcing element, starting from the in 2 shown position, wherein the second area against an inner surface area 25 the outer wall 24 abuts, for example, can be moved up and down +/- 2.5 mm. The on the roof frame 20 attached outer skin 24 For example, by means not shown fastening devices with the roof frame 20 be attached. It can be seen that the reinforcing element 10 in this state is not visible from the outside and is inaccessible from the outside. Optionally, on the second area 14 Adhesives are applied so that the reinforcing element 10 after attaching the outer skin 24 can be connected to this materially.

3 shows the roof frame 10 , the reinforcing element 10 and the outer skin 24 in a sectional view to the sectional plane B of 1 , In addition, the figure shows a clamping tool 28 , which in each case in the reinforcing element 10 and the roof frame 20 trained openings 26 . 26 is inserted through. The clamping tool exerts a force on the inner surface of the second area 14 the vertically movable reinforcing element 10 out, causing the reinforcing element 10 to the inner surface area 25 the outer skin 24 is pressed. In addition, a cohesive connection with the inner surface area 25 the outer skin 24 be prepared, if previously adhesive to the second area 14 and / or the inner surface area 25 was applied. After pressing, the bent tabs 18 . 18 ' with the roof frame 20 Test connected.

4 shows that in the roof frame 20 used reinforcing element 10 in a perspective view. By means of the arrows shown in the figure, the bending of the tabs 18 . 18 ' towards the inner surface of the roof frame 20 indicated. Thus, the reinforcing element becomes 10 with the roof frame 20 fastened, while at the same time due to the roof frame 20 trained long holes 22 . 22 ' is vertically movable. It proves to be very beneficial in practice, if that is in the middle of the slots 22 . 22 ' used reinforcing element 10 in a range of +/- 2.5 mm down, as well as being movable upwards. That reinforcing element 10 can after a pressing on the inner surface area 25 from the outer skin 24 (not shown) quickly and easily with the roof frame 20 firmly connected by the bent tabs 18 . 18 ' by welding, in particular butt welding, gluing or soldering, in particular MIG soldering, with the roof frame 20 be attached. MIG brazing is very commonly used for welding galvanized steels in the automotive industry and is carried out by pulsed arc on a MIG welding system. Auxiliary substances are argon-rich protective gases such as I1 (welding argon) or M12 (argon + 2.5% CO ₂ ). It was proved by grinding that the base material is not melted, ie the compound corresponds to a soldering with the formation of a diffusion zone.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

reinforcing element

12

first area

14

second area

16

third area

18, 18 '

flap

20

roof frame

22, 22 '

Long hole

24

shell

25

interior

26, 26 '

opening

28

clamping tool

Claims (12)

Method for attaching and fastening a reinforcing element ( 10 ) for reinforcing a roof frame construction, wherein the roof frame construction comprises a roof frame ( 20 ), one to the roof frame ( 20 ) attachable outer skin ( 24 ) and at least one between the roof frame ( 20 ) and the outer skin ( 24 ) fastenable reinforcing element ( 10 ), wherein by means of the attachment method a first region ( 12 ) of the reinforcing element ( 10 ) with the roof frame ( 20 ) and a second area ( 14 ) of the reinforcing element ( 10 ) having an inner surface area ( 25 ) of the outer skin ( 24 ) are brought into contact and fastened, characterized in that the fastening method comprises the steps of: a) inserting a holding part into a slot ( 22 . 22 ' ), wherein the holding part at the first area ( 12 ) and the slot ( 22 . 22 ' ) on the roof frame ( 20 ), or vice versa, are arranged; b) bending over the slot ( 22 . 22 ' ) inserted through holding parts, so that the holding part with the inner surface of the roof frame ( 20 ) and thus the reinforcing element ( 10 ) vertically movable with the roof frame ( 20 ) is attached; c) attaching the outer skin ( 24 ); d) moving the reinforcing element vertically ( 10 ) by means of a clamping tool ( 28 ) for pressing the second area ( 14 ) of the reinforcing element ( 10 ) to the inner surface area ( 25 ) of the outer skin ( 24 ); and e) firmly connecting the bent retaining part to the roof frame ( 20 ). A method according to claim 1, characterized in that steps a) or b) comprise the additional step of applying adhesive to the second area ( 14 ) of the reinforcing element ( 10 ) and / or to the inner surface area ( 25 ) of the outer skin ( 24 ). Method according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that for pressing the second area ( 14 ) of the reinforcing element ( 10 ) to the inner surface area ( 25 ) of the outer skin ( 24 ) the clamping tool ( 28 ) by a in the reinforcing element ( 10 ) formed first opening ( 26 ) and one in the roof frame ( 20 ) formed second opening ( 26 ' ) and then moved vertically downwards. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for firmly connecting the holding part to the roof frame ( 20 ) the holding part with the roof frame ( 20 ) is soldered, welded or glued. Fastening device for carrying out the method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening device is a holding part and a slot ( 22 . 22 ' ), wherein the holding part at a first area ( 12 ) of a reinforcing element ( 10 ) and the slot ( 22 . 22 ' ) on a roof frame ( 20 ), or vice versa, are arranged. Fastening device according to claim 5, characterized in that the fastening device is designed such that the reinforcing element ( 10 ) in the inserted and bent state of the holding part with the roof frame ( 20 ) is mounted vertically movable. Fastening device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the holding part integral with the reinforcing element ( 10 ) is trained. Fastening device according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the holding part as a tab ( 18 . 18 ' ) is formed, which in the slot ( 22 . 22 ' ) can be inserted and vertically movable therein. Reinforcing element ( 10 ) for carrying out the method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the reinforcing element ( 10 ) a first area ( 12 ), which with a roof frame ( 20 ) is vertically movably attachable and firmly connectable, and a second area ( 14 ), which has an inner surface area ( 25 ) an outer skin ( 24 ) can be brought into contact contains. Reinforcing element ( 10 ) according to claim 9, characterized in that the reinforcing element ( 10 ) one to the second area ( 14 ) subsequent third area ( 16 ) which is at an angle of 90 ° to the second region ( 14 ) is angled upwards. Reinforcing element ( 10 ) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the reinforcing element ( 10 ) is integrally formed by punching and pressing process. Reinforcing element ( 10 ) according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the reinforcing element ( 10 ) is formed of sheet metal.

Images