EP0888834B1 - Method of assembling the borders of one or more thin workpieces - Google Patents

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, especially 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 being used 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.

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 corresponding 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 attractive visual appearance Should offer appearance.

Furthermore, methods for producing 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 another edge area are hooked.

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 mentioned and Creation of a method for connecting the edge areas of two thin-walled Components, such as sheet metal, 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.

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 preferably at least partially over each tooth formed with an oversize with respect to its associated recess is placed.

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 the case when processing coated sheets from Importance. Furthermore, components made of different materials and with different Wall thicknesses are connected to each other.

In an advantageous development 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.

Another advantage is achieved if one before the connection of the edge areas 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.

It is also advantageous if each recess 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 for 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 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 after 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 is 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 graphical 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, 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 respect to 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 component 2 is 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 the upper half of the figure and in the lower half 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 component 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 the components 1, 2 in front and in the lower half in the figure 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 (8)

1. Method of connecting the edge regions (4, 5) of one or more thin-walled components (1, 2) of plastic material, such as one or more sheet-metal profiles, in particular for producing a hollow chamber profile, in which method the connection is effected by means of at least one mechanical tooth system, the one edge region (4) being provided with at least one tooth (6), and in each case a recess (7) complementary to the outline of the tooth (6) being formed in the other edge region (5), and each tooth (6), for connecting the edge regions (4, 5), being oriented with regard to its associated recess (7) and then being inserted into the same perpendicularly to the plane of the edge regions (4, 5), characterized in that, after the connection of the edge regions (4, 5), one of the same or the edge region of a further thin-walled component (12) is folded and is placed at least partly over each tooth (6), preferably formed with an oversize relative to its associated recess (7).
2. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that, before its folding, the folded edge region (5) is additionally folded.
3. Method according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the folded edge region (5) is pressed onto each tooth (6).
4. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, before the connection of the edge regions (4, 5), one of the same is bent at an obtuse angle and is folded at the same time as the edge regions (4, 5) are connected.
5. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that each recess (7) is formed as an aperture at a distance from the free edge of the edge region (5).
6. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that each tooth (6) or each recess (7) is formed in a flange (3) formed in an edge region (4).
7. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that each tooth (6), in a manner known per se, is designed to be essentially rectangular, trapezoidal or in the shape of an arc of a circle.
8. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, if a plurality of teeth (6) are formed, these teeth (6) are formed at irregular intervals and/or in various forms and/or in different sizes.

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