EP0888834A1 - Method of assembling the borders of one or more thin workpieces - Google Patents

Abstract

The profiles are connected via a tooth on one profile edge, which is inserted into an aperture in the other profile. After connection of the profile edges (5), one of the edge sections, or the edge section of an additional profile, is folded over and placed at least partially over each tooth (6). The teeth are over-dimensioned relative to the associated apertures (7). Each tooth is fitted into its aperture by pressure, which is applied in a direction at right angles to the plane of the edge sections. Cold forming takes place simultaneously.

Description

The invention relates to a method for connecting the edge areas of a several thin-walled components made of plastic material, such as one or several sheet metal profiles, in particular for the production of a hollow chamber profile, in which method the connection by means of at least one mechanical Gearing takes place, the one edge area with at least one Tooth is provided and one in the other edge area to outline the Tooth complementary recess is formed and for connection the edge regions of each tooth are aligned with respect to its associated recess and then perpendicular to the plane of the edge areas in the same is used.

The invention further relates to a method for connecting the edge regions one or more thin-walled components made of plastic material, such as one or several sheet metal profiles, in particular for the production of a hollow chamber profile, in which method the connection by means of at least one mechanical gearing takes place, the one edge area with at least one tooth is provided and in the other edge area one for the outline complementary recess of the tooth is formed and wherein for connection the edge areas of each tooth with respect to its associated recess aligned and then perpendicular to the plane of the edge areas is inserted into the same and the edge areas in the area of the butt joint be cold worked between each tooth and each recess.

So far, for construction parts that require high torsional rigidity arrives, so-called hollow chamber profiles are used, such as shaped pipes made of metal, usually in an endless process, such as drawing, pressing, continuous casting, Extrude or the like or from strip materials by rolling or folding and then welding or gluing the edge areas become. Such processes have the disadvantage that for the production of Hollow chamber profiles of different cross-sections, each with appropriate tools or machines or a time-consuming retrofitting of the same are. On the other hand, there are constructive tools and machines Limitations in the choice of cross sections. This means at small quantities an excessive amount of time and work and therefore low economy. Aftertreatment of the manufactured ones is usually also Products required, e.g. the post-processing of welds, which at the processing of pretreated materials, such as coated sheets leads to further problems if the products have an appealing optical Should offer appearance.

Furthermore, methods for the production of hollow chamber profiles are known which the edge areas are connected by folding. This procedure have the disadvantage that the connection is only frictional and the hollow chamber profiles therefore have only low torsional rigidity.

DE 40 07 161 A1 describes a method for connecting the edge areas two plate-shaped components in at least two steps, namely the positive interlocking of the components and a subsequent cold deformation at least one of the components along the butt joint.

GB 2 244 015 A relates to the connection of two edge areas, a cold deformation on the butt joint with the help of a mandrel and a Roller is provided to close gaps at the butt joint.

US 518 767 A shows a method in which teeth from the plane of a thin-walled component bent out and then in recesses be hooked to another edge area.

DE 1 263 668 teaches a method for producing a hollow profile, in which an edge area is compressed, but neither recesses, nor in this inserted teeth are provided.

DE 95 361 C describes a method for connecting the edge regions of a Thin-walled component shown, with teeth in the plane of the component in inserted their assigned recesses and deformed in this plane become.

The aim of the invention is to eliminate the disadvantages and the Creation of a method for connecting the edge areas of two thin-walled Components, such as metal sheets, in particular for the production of hollow chamber profiles, a high with little time and effort Torsional rigidity of the connection or the hollow chamber profile is achieved. In addition, hollow chamber profiles should be used with the method without great effort of different cross sections can be produced and a post-treatment the connection points can be dispensed with.

On the one hand, this goal is achieved with a procedure of the beginning set out achieved in that according to the invention after the connection of Edge areas of one of them or the edge area of another thin-walled Component folded and at least partially preferred over each tooth formed with an oversize with respect to its associated recess is placed.

On the other hand, the goal set is followed by a procedure that starts at the second The process mentioned is achieved in that, according to the invention, each tooth is formed with excess in its recess that use of the tooth in its associated recess by perpendicular to the plane of the Edge areas directed pressure is carried out and that the cold deformation at the same time in one work step by applying this pressure as well is carried out directly at the butt joint.

In this way, the invention provides a method that is not only because of positive and frictional connection the production extremely torsionally rigid Hollow chamber profiles, but also a practically unlimited choice of cross-section the same enables. Furthermore, the connection can usually be made on the same Folding machine are carried out on the starting material of each desired cross section is given, so that additional tools or Machines are unnecessary. Another advantage is that because of the mere mechanical connection reworking of manufactured products are unnecessary and the products have a visually appealing appearance demonstrate. This is particularly true when processing coated metal sheets from Meaning. Furthermore, components made of different materials and with different Wall thicknesses are interconnected.

In an advantageous development of the first variant of the invention, the folded over edge area are additionally folded over before it is folded over, whereby the gearing is not visible from both sides and an extreme stable connection is achieved.

The folded edge area can be pressed onto each tooth, which increases the mechanical strength perpendicular to the surface of the components becomes.

A further advantage is achieved if a the same bent over an obtuse angle and at the same time with the connection the edge areas are folded over because this simplifies production, namely the manufacture on a press brake.

In an advantageous further embodiment of the second variant of the invention during the application of pressure to insert the tooth into its associated Recess material of the tooth can be pressed over the butt joint, whereby in addition to the positive connection, a positive connection is achieved.

In both variants, it is also advantageous if each recess is in one Distance from the free edge of the edge area is formed as an opening. Hollow chamber profiles with a continuous edge can thus be produced, the breakthrough can be punched out.

Furthermore, each tooth or recess can be in an edge area trained flange are provided. This makes it possible to assemble the components to manufacture on a press brake.

Advantageously, each tooth essentially becomes in a manner known per se rectangular, trapezoidal or circular arc shaped.

Finally, it is favorable if in the case of the formation of several teeth these irregular intervals and / or different shapes and / or different Sizes are formed because in this way the correct mutual alignment of the components is achieved before the connection.

The invention is described below on the basis of preferred exemplary embodiments of the Products produced according to the invention explained in more detail in the drawings are shown schematically; 1 shows a graphical View of two components before their connection, Fig. 2 is a perspective view these components according to their connection or the hollow chamber profile produced, Fig. 3 in the upper half of the picture a partial longitudinal section through the Edge areas of the components shown in FIG. 1 and one in the lower half of the figure partial longitudinal section through the edge of the hollow chamber profile according to FIG. 2, 4 shows a diagrammatic view of two differently designed components before they are connected, 5 is a perspective view of the hollow chamber profile produced with the same, Fig. 6 in the upper half of the picture a partial longitudinal section the edge areas of the components shown in FIG. 4 and in the lower half of the figure a partial longitudinal section through the edge of the hollow chamber profile Fig. 5, Fig. 7 in a diagrammatic view two other differently designed components before their connection, Fig. 8 in a diagrammatic view, that produced with the same Hollow chamber profile, Fig. 9 in the upper half of the picture a partial longitudinal section through the edge areas of the components shown in Fig. 7 and in the lower half of the picture a partial longitudinal section through the edge of the hollow chamber profile 8, Fig. 10 to 12 top views of different Tooth shapes, Fig. 13 in a diagrammatic representation another variant of the 14, the folding of a one-piece component in front of the Connection of its edge areas, Fig. 15 shows the operations to complete this component, Fig. 16 pressing the teeth into the Recesses, Fig. 17 shows the operations for completion a similar to the hollow chamber profile shown in Fig. 5, Fig. 18 in a graph View three components before their connection, Fig. 19 is an illustration of Operations for connecting these components to a three-part hollow chamber profile, Fig. 20 is an illustration of those occurring under torsional stress Forces and deformations and Fig. 21 in a diagrammatic view Hollow chamber profile produced according to the invention together with the torsional stress occurring forces and its dimensional stability.

Fig. 1 shows two components made of sheet metal 1 and 2, of which the first component 1 is designed as a U-profile and its edge regions 4 are rectangular have flanges 3 bent outwards, on which teeth 6 are provided. The second component 2 is band-shaped and has in its edge areas 5 to the teeth 6 complementary recesses 7, which with respect the teeth 6 have an undersize. Advantageously, before Connection of the two components 1, 2 to the edge areas 5 of the second component 2 bent through an obtuse angle, as shown in Fig. 1.

To connect the two components 1, 2, they are arranged one above the other in such a way that the edge regions 4 of the first component 1 on the second component 2 rest, the teeth 6 being aligned with the recesses 7. The edge regions 5 of the second component 2 are then folded over, thereby the teeth 6 are pressed into the recesses 7 and the finished hollow chamber profile 8 according to FIG. 2 is achieved. It is understood that the marginal areas 5 of the second component 2 can also be folded over in a single operation can.

After arranging the first component 1 on the second component 2, wherein the teeth 6 are aligned with the recesses 7 (Fig. 3 upper Half of the picture), the edge areas 5 of the second component 2 are pressed down and thus folded over, whereby the teeth 6 are pressed into the recesses 7 become. In addition, the teeth 6 are now from the edge areas 5 of the second Component 2 covered and therefore not visible.

The undersize of the recesses 7 is dimensioned such that when pressed in the teeth 6 material of the same begins to flow and finally the press joint covered (see Fig. 3, lower half of the picture) and also cold welding spots formed can be, which increases the strength of the mechanical connection and also a mechanical locking of the teeth 6 against pulling out perpendicular to the surface of the components 1, 2 is obtained.

Fig. 4 shows two other components 1 and 2. The first component is also a U-profile designed and at its edge areas 4 with outwards under teeth 6 protruding at right angles. The second building is 2 band-shaped and in its edge areas 5 at a distance from the free edge provided with recesses 7, which are complementary to the teeth 6 are. After aligning the teeth 6 with respect to the recesses 7 Edge area 5 of the second component 2 on the teeth 6 of the first component 1 pressed down, whereby the teeth 6 in a single operation Recesses 7 pressed and the edge area 5 is folded. With that produced hollow chamber profile 8 (Fig. 5), the toothing is largely covered.

6 shows the components 1, 2 in front and in the lower half in the upper half of the figure Half of the picture after the connection.

In Fig. 7 are the same component 1 as before and a variant of the second Component 2 shown. The second building 2 has a double fold Edge area 5, whereby the finished hollow chamber profile 8 according to FIG Gearing covered on both sides and therefore not visible. Thereby it is also sufficient that the teeth 6 fit snugly into the recesses.

Fig. 9 shows in the upper half of the picture the components 1, 2 in front and in the lower Half of the picture the components 1, 2 after the connection.

10 to 12 show different shapes of the teeth 6, etc. Fig. 10 rectangular and Fig. 11 trapezoidal teeth 6, which has the advantage that in the Machining the edge areas 4 and 5 of the two components 1 and 2 the same Tools such as punching, milling, nibbling or laser cutting devices are used can be. 12 shows teeth 6 delimited in a circular arc.

In Fig. 13 a variant of the hollow chamber profile 8 is shown, which in principle with the same process steps as previously explained, and shows that the invention does not apply to the above-described embodiments is limited.

In Fig. 14 it is indicated how a strip material or a board to one one-piece component 1 is folded as an intermediate, which is then on the manner illustrated in FIG. 15 for the hollow chamber profile 8 is closed, whereupon the edge area 5 of the component 1 is pressed down and thus the teeth in the recesses are pressed.

16 and 17 show this pressing down and pressing in on a hollow chamber profile, which is made of two components 1 and 2 and a similar cross section such as that shown in Figs. 2 and 5.

Finally, it is shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 that several components, in In this case, three, can be connected to form a hollow chamber profile 8 the third component 12, preferably provided with a flange, is either one has smooth edge area or is also provided with teeth 13, wherein then the edge area 5 of the second component 2 with additional ones Recesses associated with teeth 13 or according to FIG. 19 with corresponding larger recesses 7 is formed.

20 shows an exaggerated representation of a hollow chamber profile 9 under torsional stress (Arrows 11). The forces acting on the connecting seam and Deformations are indicated by the arrows 10. Due to the low resistance the connection seam against these forces occurs with thin-walled Hollow chamber profiles not only for twisting the hollow chamber profile, but also there is also the risk that the, for example, spot-welded connecting seam tears.

In contrast, according to FIG. 21, the hollow chamber profile produced according to the invention 8 much more torsional stiffness because of the recesses teeth pressed in under torsional stress (arrows 11) predominantly compressive forces (Arrows 10) and from the flanks of the teeth 6 or Recesses 7 are added and the thrust and Shear forces are much lower.

Claims (10)

Method for connecting the edge areas of one or more thin-walled Components made of plastic material, such as one or more sheet metal profiles, in particular for the production of a hollow chamber profile, at which method the connection by means of at least one mechanical Gearing takes place, the one edge region with at least one tooth is provided and one in the other edge area for the outline of the tooth complementary recess is formed and wherein to connect the Edge areas of each tooth aligned with its associated recess and then perpendicular to the plane of the edge areas in the same is used, characterized in that after the connection of the edge regions (4, 5) one of the same or the edge area of another thin-walled Component (12) folded over and at least partially preferred over each formed with excess in relation to its associated recess (7) Tooth (6) is placed (Fig. 16). Method for connecting the edge areas of one or more thin-walled Components made of plastic material, such as one or more sheet metal profiles, in particular for the production of a hollow chamber profile, at which method the connection by means of at least one mechanical Gearing takes place, the one edge region with at least one tooth is provided and one in the other edge area for the outline of the tooth complementary recess is formed and wherein to connect the Edge areas of each tooth aligned with its associated recess and then inserted perpendicular to the plane of the edge areas in the same and the edge areas in the area of the butt joint between each Tooth and each recess are cold worked, characterized in that each tooth (6) with its associated recess (7) with oversize is formed that the insertion of the tooth (6) in its associated Recess (7) through perpendicular to the plane of the edge areas (4, 5) Pressure is applied and that the cold deformation at the same time in one step through this pressure and directly on the Butt joint is carried out. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the folded Edge area is additionally folded before it is folded. A method according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that the folded Edge area is pressed onto each tooth (6). Method according to one of claims 1, 3 or 4, characterized in that that before connecting the edge areas (4, 5) one of them by one obtuse angle bent and simultaneously with the connection of the edge areas (4, 5) is folded. A method according to claim 2, characterized in that during the Apply pressure to insert the tooth (6) into its associated recess (7) Material of the tooth (6) is pressed over the butt joint. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that each recess (7) at a distance from the free edge of the edge area (5) is formed as a breakthrough. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that each tooth (6) or each recess (7) in one in an edge region (4) trained flange (3) is formed. Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that each tooth (6) in a manner known per se essentially rectangular, trapezoidal or is designed in a circular arc. Method according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that in the case of the formation of several teeth (6) these at irregular intervals and / or different shapes and / or different sizes become.

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