EP1573144B1 - Planar metal element and profile element - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a sheet metal element according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for its production. Furthermore, the invention is directed to a profile element, which is made of such a sheet metal element.

Flat metal elements of the type mentioned are used for example in the production of profiles. Such profiles can be, for example, uprights, as they are used in particular for interior installation for fixing plate-shaped elements, or corner profiles, which are usually used to protect corners under plaster. In particular, for such plaster profiles, it is necessary that these profiles have material breakthroughs, so that the plaster can penetrate through the profiles and thus a determination of the profiles is guaranteed.

Usually such openings are made by punching operations, so that the punched out parts form waste. This is on the one hand disadvantageous because these parts must either be disposed of or recycled. On the other hand, a significant disadvantage is that the costs in the production of a corresponding profile are predominantly determined by the material costs. A punching of faces is therefore uneconomical, especially if the punched faces must be disposed of as waste.

To avoid this disadvantage, it is already known to produce hole profiles of expanded metal. When expanded metal is used, slots are cut into the metal sheet used to make the profiles so that subsequently the metal sheet is pulled apart on two opposite sides, widening the slots to the desired apertures. The material lying between the apertures is thereby stretched or stretched, whereby the desired deformation and associated material broadening takes place. However, stretching the material creates stresses in the material that can lead to undesirable weakening. Also, the flexural rigidity of expanded metal is reduced so that expanded metal can not be used in many areas. Ultimately, the material broadening achieved with the expanded metal is often insufficient.

From the WO 86/06431 A a metal element of the type mentioned is known. Each of the apertures has on one side in the direction between the two outer edges of the metal element only a connecting portion, so that the metal element has a relatively low rigidity.

It is an object of the present invention, a flat metal element of the type mentioned in such a way that the openings are formed without loss of material, while at the same time substantially no stresses should be present within the material. Furthermore, the metal element should have a high rigidity and it should, compared to the starting material a large material broadening or area expansion be possible.

Starting from a metal element of the type mentioned, this object is achieved by the features of claim 1.

According to the invention, the apertures in the flat metal element are thus not produced by a stretching process, but by a folding over of sections, so that an elongation or an extension within the metal element, as it is present in expanded metal, is avoided. The folded-over sections are arranged so that unfolding of the two outer edge regions of the metal element occurs during the operation, whereby the desired material broadening or expansion is achieved. At the same time is ensured by the folding and the integral formation of the metal element, that the openings in the metal element in an integral manufacturing process can be generated and the desired rigidity and stability are ensured. By arranging a plurality of folded sections arranged one behind the other between the outer edges of the metal element, the rigidity of the metal element is increased.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the outer sections are opposite to each other, that is, folded in opposite directions. In particular, one of the outer sections is at the top of the middle section and the other outer portion folded over to the underside of the central portion. The sections can be folded both facing each other and pointing apart.

In principle, it is also possible for the outer sections to be folded in the same direction relative to one another, that is to say in the same direction. In particular, in this case both outer sections are folded to the same side, that is, both folded either to the top or both to the bottom of the central portion.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a plurality of apertures are formed at least in one of the edge regions. This is particularly useful if the flat metal element has an elongated design extending in the direction of the outer edges, since only through the openings a corresponding broadening of the metal element over its entire length is possible. Advantageously, a plurality of apertures are formed in each of the edge regions. These openings are preferably distributed alternately in the two edge regions, wherein preferably each one section is associated with its folded outer sections at the same time each an opening of the first and an adjoining opening of the second edge region.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention additional openings are formed in the central region. In this case, the apertures formed in the middle region are advantageously designed in accordance with the apertures formed in the edge regions. It is thus possible to achieve an additional broadening of the metal element in that several according to the invention folded portions are provided between the outer edges lying one behind the other.

Advantageously, a portion is formed as a web with mutually parallel side edges. In principle, however, the side edges of the section can also run obliquely to one another or, for example, can also be curved, as long as the folding over of the partial sections according to the invention is not prevented thereby. In particular, at the ends of the sections may be provided deviating from the web shape, for example, laterally projecting surfaces.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the side edges and the webs parallel to each other or obliquely to each other. Again, the geometry is limited only by the fact that a folding of the outer sections and thus a unfolding of the two edge regions is not hindered.

By the invention it is achieved that the distance between the first and the second outer edge with folded-over sections is significantly greater than with unfolded sections. In this way, the desired material broadening is achieved. In particular, it is possible with the invention that the distance with fold-over sections approximately between 1.3 and 4 times, in particular approximately between 2 and 3 times as large as unenfolded sections. Thus, in the case of metal elements formed according to the invention, a significantly greater expansion is possible by the folding according to the invention than can be achieved, for example, when using expanded metal.

Advantageously, the openings are repeated at regular intervals, and this is the case for both in the edge regions Breakthroughs as well as for possibly formed in the middle region openings applies. In principle, the openings can also repeat at irregular intervals.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the edge regions, with the exception of the apertures, have a substantially planar surface. Advantageously, the surface of the metal element with the exception of the openings is substantially flat. This can be achieved, for example, by flat-rolling the material thickenings present due to the folding over. This results in addition to the bending lines and the thin rolled folded sections a strain hardening, so that despite the folding of the material, the rigidity of the folded portions at least equal to the rigidity of the starting material. This is particularly important if the formed for example as webs sections are made relatively thin, since in this case, a high rigidity of the entire metal element is ensured by the work hardening despite these thin connection points between the two edge regions.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the folded outer sections with the middle section in each case close an angle of about 110 ° to 0 °, preferably from about 90 ° to 0 °, preferably from about 45 ° to 0 °, in particular from 10 ° to 0 °. To produce a flat, widened metal element, the outer sections are completely folded over, so that they enclose an angle of approximately 0 ° with the central section. In principle, however, it is also possible that the folding process is not carried out until complete folding, so that three-dimensional Create structures. These can be used, for example, in the production of composites, filters or the like.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, each of the folded outer sections, which is directly connected to an edge region, continuously, in particular just in the associated with him edge region over. As a result, a smooth or even surface of the metal element without edges, bends or the like is achieved in this area.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, in each case another metal section adjoins the first and / or the second outer edge, which forms an angle profile together with the material extending between the first and the second outer edge. In particular, the angle profile may be L-shaped, V-shaped, U-shaped, C-shaped or Z-shaped. With this design, the sheet metal element can be easily used to form a profile. The one or more metal sections may be formed either over the entire surface or, if desired, also be penetrated with openings according to the invention. If, for example, a plaster profile is to be produced, then the angle profile is advantageously designed in the shape of an L, wherein preferably both legs of the profile are provided with apertures according to the invention. If, however, the angle profile, for example, a stand profile, so a C-shaped, U-shaped, T-shaped, I-shaped or Z-shaped configuration is advantageous, the openings in the middle base part, but not in the outer thighs are present. If necessary, the openings can also be formed directly in the bending lines of the angle profiles or only in one or more legs.

In principle, the metal element according to the invention can be used everywhere, where flat metal sections are used, e.g. in all types of open or closed metal profiles, e.g. also tube profiles.

Preferably, the further metal portion or the further metal portions are formed integrally with the remaining part of the metal element, in order to maintain the single-stage manufacturing process in this way.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, in addition to the first and second edge regions, a third and a fourth edge region are present, which lie opposite each other and each extending transversely, in particular perpendicular to the first or second edge region. The formation of the surface of the material web in this case corresponds in one direction from the third to the fourth edge region essentially to the formation of the surface in a direction from the first to the second edge region. In this way, a material widening is thus possible not only in one direction, in particular transversely to the longitudinal extent of the metal element, but for example in two mutually perpendicular directions, for example, one longitudinal to the longitudinal extent and one transverse to the longitudinal extent of the metal element. In this embodiment, therefore, a two-dimensional expansion and material broadening is achieved.

The metal element according to the invention can be used in many ways. For example, the metal element as a profile element, in particular as a corner or upright profile, as a protective grid, as a fence section, as a filter mat, as a soundproofing element, as a trellis, as tread element, as a reinforcing mat, as an insert in composite materials, as a cable duct, as a perforated tape, as an assembly, Acoustic or shading element or as Decorative profile can be used. In this case, it is possible in each case for the corresponding elements to be formed completely by the metal element according to the invention or, as already described, to connect further metal sections to the metal element which contains the openings.

In principle, the invention can be used in all areas in which sheet materials are perforated, perforated, or punched, for example, to achieve a permeability or partial transmission or directional reflection for light, sound or fluids. With the invention it is achieved that, unlike, for example, in the case of a perforation in the production of the perforations, no scrap of material is produced and thus costs can be reduced. Further areas of application may be: use in wire glass, sandwich panels, packaging insulation material, ceiling suspensions, cable support systems, catalyst plates, cable routing systems, perforated plates, perforated strips, mounting strips, mounting brackets, shelf supports, pan strips, shutter profiles, post carriers, profile strips, rail systems, slotted strips, strut connectors, mounting rails or mesh production ,

Typical thicknesses of the material webs used are between about 0.3 mm to 2 mm, in particular between about 0.4 mm and 0.8 mm. As a material, for example, aluminum, zinc sheet, stainless steel or galvanized steel sheet can be used. However, the invention is not limited to these thickness values or materials.

Further advantageous embodiments are specified in the subclaims.

Fig. 1

ein Schnittmuster mit dem ein Metallelement herstellbar ist,

Fig. 2 - 4

drei unterschiedliche Zustände während des Herstellens eines Metallelements nach dem Schnittmuster gemäß Fig. 1,

Fig. 5

ein Schnittmuster zur Herstellung eines erfindungsgemäß ausgebildeten Metallelements,

Fig. 6 - 8

drei Verfahrensschritte zum Herstellen eines erfindungsgemäß ausgebildeten Metallelements nach einem Schnittmuster gemäß Fig. 5,

Fig. 9

ein weiteres Schnittmuster,

Fig. 10 - 12

drei Verfahrensschritte zum Herstellen eines Metallelements nach dem Schnittmuster gemäß Fig. 9,

Fig. 13-15

drei alternative Verfahrensschritte bei der Herstellung des Metallelements gemäß dem Schnittmuster aus Fig. 9,

Fig. 16

ein weiteres Schnittmuster,

Fig. 17

ein erfindungsgemäß ausgebildetes Metallelement, das gemäß dem Schnittmuster nach Fig. 16 hergestellt wurde,

Fig. 18

ein weiteres Schnittmuster,

Fig. 19 - 21

drei Verfahrensschritte zur Herstellung eines Metallelements nach dem Schnittmuster gemäß Fig. 18,

Fig. 22

weitere Varianten unterschiedlicher Schnittmuster,

Fig. 23

eine schematische Darstellung eines Eckprofils gemäß der Erfindung und

Fig. 24

eine schematische Darstellung eines erfindungsgemäß ausgebildeten Ständerprofils.

The invention will be described in more detail below by means of embodiments with reference to the figures, wherein the Fig. 1-4 . 9-15 . 18-22 not embodiments of the invention, but examples that facilitate the understanding of the invention:

Fig. 1

a pattern with a metal element can be produced,

Fig. 2-4

three different states during the production of a metal element according to the cutting pattern according to Fig. 1 .

Fig. 5

a cutting pattern for producing a metal element according to the invention,

Fig. 6-8

three method steps for producing a metal element designed according to the invention according to a pattern according to Fig. 5 .

Fig. 9

another pattern,

Fig. 10 - 12

three method steps for producing a metal element according to the pattern according to Fig. 9 .

Fig. 13-15

three alternative process steps in the production of the metal element according to the pattern from Fig. 9 .

Fig. 16

another pattern,

Fig. 17

a metal element according to the invention, which according to the pattern according to Fig. 16 was produced,

Fig. 18

another pattern,

Fig. 19 - 21

three process steps for producing a metal element according to the pattern according to Fig. 18 .

Fig. 22

other variants of different patterns,

Fig. 23

a schematic representation of a corner profile according to the invention and

Fig. 24

a schematic representation of an inventively designed stator profile.

Fig. 1 shows an elongated material web 1, in particular a metal sheet, in the meandering slots 2, 3 are cut. The slots 2, 3 can be introduced into the material web 1, for example by a punching or cutting process (eg rotary cutting process, laser cutting process) or another suitable process.

The slots 2, 3 are each U-shaped, wherein the two legs 4, 5 run apart to the open side of the U out.

The legs 4 as well as the legs 5 are connected to each other by linear base cuts 6, 7, which are each arranged parallel to each other.

The U-shaped slots 2 are each at the same height, periodically consecutive along the longitudinal axis of the web 1 in a row. Similarly, the U-shaped slots 3 along the longitudinal axis of the web 1 at regular intervals consecutively one behind the other, but the open sides of the U-shaped slots 2 and 3 to the other outer edge 8, 9 of the web 1 show. Here, the U-shaped slots 2, 3 arranged so interlocking that the legs 4, 5 each overlap and between the legs 4, 5 webs 10, 11 are formed.

The material web 1 has a surface 13 with a width 12 which extends from the outer edge 8 to the outer edge 9.

According to the Fig. 2 to 4 is for producing a metal element on the basis of the pattern after Fig. 1 used a folding process. For this purpose, the edge portions of the material web 1 are moved apart in opposite directions according to arrows 14, 15 that the webs 10, 11 are each bent at two bend lines 16, 17 and 18, 19. In a further pulling apart of the material web 1 along the arrows 14, 15, the two by the webs 10, 11 interconnected halves 20, 21 of the material web 1 move apart in a pivoting movement until they turn into the in Fig. 4 shown positions, where they are essentially back in the same plane.

After the complete pivoting and the resulting pulling apart of the halves 20, 21 of the material web 1 are in this, as from Fig. 4 can be seen, openings 22, 23 formed. The before the pulling apart the openings 22, 23 fills Material forms corresponding projections 24, 25 which are connected to each other via two of the webs 10, 11 and, compared to the initial state, are shifted by twice the web length in the withdrawal direction against each other. The shape of the projections 24, 25 is, except for the web areas, complementary to the shape of the openings 22, 23rd

Due to the expansion process, the width 12 of the material web 1 has increased by twice the web length to the width 12 '. Essentially no stretching or bending stresses occur in the material of the material web 1 during the expansion or folding process. Only directly in the fold lines 16, 17, 18, 19 takes place by the refolding a bending of the material. The material expansion is negligible compared to the area enlargement.

In the in Fig. 4 1, the material web 1 has a first edge region 26 adjoining the outer edge 8, a second edge region 27 adjoining the second outer edge 9, and a central region 28 lying between the two edge regions 26, 27, through which the two edge regions 26, 27 are joined together are connected.

The middle region 28 comprises four sections 29, 30 shown in dashed lines, wherein each of these sections 29, 30 consists of three sections 31, 32, 33 and 34, 35, 36. For clarity, in Fig. 4 in each case the outer sections 31, 33 of the section 29 are hatched opposite obliquely to the middle section 32 lying therebetween. Similarly, the outer portions 34 and 36 of the portions 30 are transversely hatched, while the intermediate central portion 35 is longitudinally hatched with respect to the longitudinal direction of the web 1.

How out Fig. 4 can be seen, the outer sections 31, 33, 34, 36 opposite to the middle sections 32, 35 are completely folded in opposite directions so that the outer sections 31, 34 at the top of the middle sections 32, 35 and the outside Subsections 33, 36 abut the underside of the middle sections 32, 35.

It should be noted that the term "outer" sections does not necessarily mean that these sections are closer to one of the outer edges 8, 9, as the middle sections, but that this term describes the division of the sections 29, 30 in three sections , wherein the "outer" sections are each the subsections which are interconnected by a common intermediate section lying between them .

In order to obtain the smoothest possible surface 13, the material web 1 can be guided by a rolling device after completion of the folding process. By correspondingly high pressure during the rolling process, the material which is triple-layered in the middle region 28 is compressed, at the same time resulting in work hardening of the material. The rolling process thus produces, on the one hand, a substantially flat surface 13 and, on the other hand, increased stability of the material web 1 also in the region of the crease lines 16, 17, 18, 19 and the relatively thin webs 10, 11, which form the middle sections 32, 35 form reached.

That in the Fig. 5 to 8 embodiment shown corresponds essentially to the Fig. 1 to 4 described embodiment, see that the same reference numerals as in FIGS Fig. 1 to 4 be used.

The embodiment according to the Fig. 5 to 8 differs from the embodiment according to the Fig. 1 to 4 only in that between the U-shaped slots 2, 3 each have two more obliquely extending slots 37, 38 are provided. Because of these further slots 37, 38, two webs 10, 10 'and 11, 11', which are arranged one behind the other parallel to the direction of expansion according to the arrows 14, 15, are formed.

The folding process is identical to that of the Fig. 2 to 4 described folding process. Advantageous to the embodiment according to the Fig. 5 to 8 is that an even higher stability of the expanded material web 1 is given by the additional webs 10 ', 11'.

Furthermore, in Fig. 8 to recognize that the central region 28 due to the double number of webs 10, 10 ', 11, 11' also twice the number of sections 29, 30 and twice the number of sections 31 to 36 has.

Fig. 9 shows an embodiment in which instead of the U-shaped slots 2, 3 V-shaped slots 37, 38 are cut into the material web 1. Similar to the U-shaped slots 2, 3 and the V-shaped slots 37, 38 are each juxtaposed in the longitudinal direction of the web 1 and offset arranged interlocking. The V-shaped slots 37, 38 have legs 39, 40 which overlap one another, so that in each case webs 10, 11 are formed between the legs 39, 40.

The material web 1 is in accordance with 10 to 12 in an identical way as already to the Fig. 2 to 4 described along two arrows 14, 15 moved apart, so that the width 12 of the web 1 after completion of the folding process to an enlarged width 12 'is expanded.

In the in the 10 to 12 Folding process shown here are the webs 10, 11 as in the Fig. 2 to 4 folded along the fold lines 16, 17, 18, 19, so that due to the V-shaped configuration of the slots 37, 38, the lugs 24, 25 have triangular-shaped tips 41, 42. These are in the in the 10 to 12 shown folding process in a plane with the lugs 24, 25 and each form the outer sections 31, 33, 34, 36th

In contrast, in which in the Fig. 13 to 15 folding process shown, the triangular tips 41, 42 folded together with the webs 10, 11 along creases 43, 44. Except for this changed leadership of the creases 43, 44 is in the Fig. 13 to 15 shown folding process identical to that in the 10 to 12 illustrated folding process.

The resulting width 12 'of the web 1 is identical in both cases, in which the Fig. 13 to 15 Only the number of creases 43, 44 are reduced.

As already to the embodiment according to the Fig. 1 to 4 can also be described in the embodiments according to the Fig. 5 to 15 in each case after complete folding over, the material web 1 is fed to a smoothing device, with which the multilayer material sections are pressed together.

While both in the designs after the Fig. 1 to 4 , the Fig. 5 to 8 , the Fig. 9 to 12 as well as the Fig. 13 to 15 the crease lines have been selected in an identical manner on both sides of the central region 28, it is in principle also possible, for example, the crease lines on one side of the central region 28 according to the embodiment of the 10 to 12 and on the other side of the central region 28 according to the embodiment according to FIGS Fig. 13 to 15 to choose. The same applies to embodiments that have no V-shaped slots 37, 38, but for example, U-shaped slots or other slot shapes. In this case, therefore, the folded-over sections would not be opposite, but folded in the same direction.

With reference to the embodiments according to FIGS Fig. 9 to 15 this would mean that on one side of the central region 28, the triangular-shaped tips 41, as in FIG Fig. 12 shown opposite the webs 10, 11 are folded, while the opposite triangular tips 42, as in Fig. 15 shown, continuous extensions of the webs 10, 11 form.

In the embodiments in which the bending lines of two adjoining outer sections are separated from each other (see, eg Fig. 1-8 . 10-12 . 19-21 ), it is also possible that the two adjoining outer sections are folded over their respective central sections in opposite directions. According to the embodiment Fig. 4 For example, this would mean that the section 29 is folded as shown, whereas in the section 30 the outer section 34 is not as shown in FIG Fig. 4 shown above, but below the central portion 35 is located. Accordingly, the outer portion 36 would not be below, but above the central portion 35. These different folding directions can be regular, for example alternating, or occur irregularly. By these mutually folded portions, the flexural rigidity of the metal element can be improved.

The flexural rigidity can also be increased by arranging successive sections 29, 30 along the length of the metal element not exclusively along a straight line, in particular in the longitudinal direction of the metal element, but rather that at least some sections 29, 30 are arranged laterally offset from one another. While in the embodiment according to Fig. 4 all sections 29, 30 follow one another in a straight line are in the embodiment according to Fig. 8 each lying closer to the outer edge 8 sections 29, 30 arranged laterally offset relative to the closer to the outer edge 9 lying portions 29, 30, so that the embodiment according to Fig. 8 has a greater flexural rigidity than that Fig. 4 , It would also be possible, for example, in the embodiment Fig. 4 to displace the sections 29 laterally relative to the sections 30 or to laterally displace a respective pair of sections 29, 30 relative to the next pair of sections 29, 30, thereby achieving increased flexural rigidity.

Fig. 16 shows the pattern according to Fig. 9 , wherein instead of a single double row of V-shaped slots 37, 38, a plurality of such interlocking V-shaped slots are provided.

In such a series of V-shaped slots 37, 38 results after the expansion of the web ultimately in Fig. 17 illustrated structure of the invention, wherein for simplicity only one embodiment with two adjacent double rows of V-shaped slots 37, 38 is shown.

Similar to the Fig. 5 to 8 described here arise in the expansion direction several, namely in this case three consecutive webs 10, 10 ', 10, 10 "or 11, 11', 11, 11". It is worth noting that in this case the respective central webs 10 'and 11' form a folded, outer subsection for the respective webs forming a central subsection 10 and 10 "or 11 and 11".

Fig. 18 shows a pattern that allows expansion of the web 1 both along the arrows 14, 15 and at the same time along both arrows 45, 46 allows. With this pattern, a material expansion is thus possible not only along one axis, but along two mutually perpendicular axes.

In this case, in addition to webs 10, 10 ', 11, 11', which extend between the outer edges 8, 9 lying behind each other, in addition to these webs arranged perpendicular webs 47, 47 ', 48, 48' is formed, as it is made the Fig. 19 to 21 is apparent. These webs become according to the pattern after Fig. 18 formed by the overlaps of cross-shaped slots 49, 50.

Other possible patterns are in Fig. 22 shown. In this case, as already shown in the sectional patterns, all pointed edges can also be replaced, for example, by corresponding curves. Furthermore, a multiple graduation, as for example Fig. 5 in contrast to Fig. 1 shows, even with the patterns after Fig. 22 possible. Also, a parallel arrangement of several basic patterns parallel to each other, such as Fig. 16 compared to Fig. 9 shows is with the pattern after Fig. 22 possible.

Uniform for all patterns is that the fold lines created during the folding process are always aligned perpendicular to the direction of expansion.

Ultimately, in the FIGS. 23 and 24 two application examples of the invention shown.

Fig. 23 schematically shows a corner profile 51, as used for example as a plaster profile. The corner profile 51 is formed as an L-shaped angle profile, wherein both legs of the angular corner profile 51 are provided with openings 22, 23 according to the invention. Through the openings 22, 23 it is ensured that the plaster used for plastering the corner profile 51 can pass through the corner profile 51 and thus a secure attachment of the corner profile 51 is ensured.

Due to the inventive design of the corner profile 51 by means of an inventively expanded metal element, the material requirement for the production of the corner profile is simultaneously reduced and ensures the required rigidity of the corner profile.

Fig. 24 shows two uprights 52, which are each formed as C-shaped angle profiles. While the two legs 53, 54, to which, for example, a plate 55 is fastened with screws 56 are formed in the usual way as a solid material, the two base portions 57 of the stator profiles 52 are produced as inventively designed metal elements and provided with the corresponding openings 22, 23 , In this way it is ensured that the material consumption for the production of the stator profiles 53 is significantly reduced compared to conventional methods.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

web

2

slots

3

slots

4

leg

5

leg

6

base cuts

7

base cuts

8th

outer edge

9

outer edge

10, 10 '

Stege

11, 11 '

Stege

12, 12 '

width

13

surface

14

arrow

15

arrow

16

fold line

17

fold line

18

fold line

19

fold line

20

Half of the material web 1

21

Half of the material web 1

22

perforations

23

perforations

24

approaches

25

approaches

26

border area

27

border area

28

the central region

29

sections

30

sections

31

outer sections

32

middle sections

33

outer sections

34

outer sections

35

middle sections

36

outer sections

37

V-shaped slots

38

V-shaped slots

39

leg

40

leg

41

triangular tip

42

triangular tip

43

fold line

44

fold line

45

arrow

46

arrow

47, 47 '

Stege

48, 48 '

Stege

49

slots

50

slots

51

Corner profile

52

upright profile

53

leg

54

leg

55

plate

56

screw

57

base section

Claims (29)

1. An areal metal element having a surface (13) which extends from a first outside edge (8) to a second outside edge (9) lying opposite the first outside edge (8), with the region of the metal element adjoining the first outside edge (8) forming a first side region (26) and the region of the metal element adjoining the second outer edge (9) forming a second side region (27), both said side regions being connected to one another by a central region (28) lying between them, and with at least one completely bordered aperture (22, 23) being formed in at least one of the side regions (26, 27), with its border being formed in one part by said side region (26, 27) and in the other part by the central region (28), with the central region (28) including at least two sections (29, 30) which each consist of two outwardly disposed part sections (31, 33, 34, 36) and a central part section (32, 35) lying between them, with the outwardly disposed part sections (31, 33, 34, 36) being folded over with respect to the central part section (32, 35) for the production of the aperture (22, 23), with the sections (29, 30) forming part of the border of the aperture (22, 23), and with the central region (28), including the sections (29, 30), being made in one piece with the two side regions (26, 27) of the metal element,
   characterized in that, in the central region (28), at least one further section (29, 30) is formed for each section (29; 30) and is associated with and of the same type as this section (29; 30), with the sections (29, 29; 30, 30) associated with one another being arranged sequentially in a direction from the first side region (26) to the second side region (27) and with each of the two outwardly disposed part sections (31, 33, 34, 36) of one of these sections (29, 30) being directly connected to the respective corresponding outwardly disposed part section (31, 33; 34, 36) of the other section (29, 30) by an areal region (24, 25) of the metal element.
2. A metal element in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that at least some of the outwardly disposed part sections (31, 33, 34, 36) are folded over in opposite senses to one another, i.e. in directions opposite to one another.
3. A metal element in accordance with claim 2, characterized in that one of the outwardly disposed part sections (31, 34) is folded over toward the upper side of the central part section (32, 35) and the other outwardly disposed part section (33, 36) is folded over toward the lower side of the central part section (32, 35).
4. A metal element in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least some of the outwardly disposed part sections are folded over in the same sense with respect to one another, i.e. facing in the same direction.
5. A metal element in accordance with claim 4, characterized in that both outwardly disposed part sections are folded over toward the same side, i.e. either both toward the upper side or both toward the lower side of the central part section.
6. A metal element in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of apertures (22, 23) are formed in at least one of the side regions (26, 27).
7. A metal element in accordance with claim 6, characterized in that a plurality of apertures (22, 23) are formed in each of the side regions (26, 27).
8. A metal element in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that additional apertures are formed in the central region (28).
9. A metal element in accordance with claim 8, characterized in that the apertures formed in the central region (28) are formed in correspondence with the apertures (22, 23) formed in the side regions (26, 27).
10. A metal element in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a section (29, 30) is formed as a web (10, 10', 10", 11, 11', 11") with side edges extending parallel to one another.
11. A metal element in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the side edges of different webs (10, 10', 10", 11, 11', 11") extend parallel to one another or obliquely to one another.
12. A metal element in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spacing (12, 12') between the first and the second outside edges (8, 9) with folded over part sections (31, 33, 34, 36) is substantially larger than with non-folded over part sections (31, 33, 34, 36).
13. A metal element in accordance with claim 12, characterized in that the spacing (12') with folded over part sections (31, 33, 34, 36) is approximately between 1.3 and 4 times as large, in particular approximately between 2 and 3 times as large, as the spacing (12) with non-folded over part sections (31, 33, 34, 36).
14. A metal element in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the apertures (22, 23) repeat at regular intervals.
15. A metal element in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the material of the metal element is substantially unexpanded, i.e. no stretching of the material takes place for the production of the aperture.
16. A metal element in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the side regions (26, 27) have a substantially planar surface (13) with the exception of the apertures (22, 23).
17. A metal element in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surface (13) of the metal element is substantially planar with the exception of the apertures (22, 23).
18. A metal element in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the folded over, outwardly disposed part sections (31, 33, 34, 36) each include an angle with the central part section (32, 35) of approximately 110° to 0°, preferably from approximately 90° to 0°, advantageously from approximately 45° to 0°, in particular from approximately 10° to 0°.
19. A metal element in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of the folded over, outwardly disposed part sections (31, 33, 34, 36), which is directly connected to a side region (26, 27), merges continuously, in particular in a planar manner, into the side region (26, 27) connected to it.
20. A metal element in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a further metal section (53, 54) respectively adjoins the first and/or the second outside edge (8, 9) and forms an angular section (51, 52) together with the material extending between the first and the second outside edges (8, 9).
21. A metal element in accordance with claim 20, characterized in that the angular section (51, 52) is L-shaped, V-shaped, U-shaped, C-shaped, T-shaped, I-shaped or Z-shaped.
22. A metal element in accordance with one of claims 20 or 21, characterized in that the further metal section (53, 54) or the further metal sections is/are formed in one piece with the remaining part of the metal element.
23. A metal element in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in addition to the first and second side regions (26, 27), third and fourth side regions are present which lie opposite one another and respectively extend transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the first and second side regions (26, 27); and in that the design of the surface (13) in a direction from the third side region to the fourth side region substantially corresponds to the design of the surface (13) in a direction from the first side region to the second side region (26, 27).
24. A metal element in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, to increase the bending stiffness over the length of the metal element, sequential sections (29, 30) are not only arranged along a straight line, in particular in the longitudinal direction of the metal element, but in that at least some sections (29, 30) are arranged laterally offset to one another.
25. Use of a metal element in accordance with any one of the preceding claims as a section element (51, 52), in particular as a corner section or as a holder section, as a protective grid, as a fence section, as a filter mat, as a soundproofing element, as a plant climbing frame, as a step element, as a reinforcement mat, as an insert in composite materials, as a cable duct, as an aperture band, as a fitting element or as a decorative section
26. A method of manufacturing a metal element having the features of any one of the claims 1 to 24, wherein a material web (1) is provided with cuts (2, 3, 37, 38) in accordance with a pre-determined cut pattern for the production of the sections (29, 30) and the respective outwardly disposed part sections (31, 33, 34, 36) are folded over with respect to the central part section (32, 35) for the production of an aperture (22, 23),
    characterized in that, for the folding over of the outwardly disposed part sections (31, 33, 34, 36) with respect to the central part section (32, 35), the side regions (26, 27) of the metal element are moved apart from one another in opposite directions (14, 15) in a pivot movement until they lie substantially in the same plane after a complete pivoting.
27. A method in accordance with claim 26, characterized in that the cuts (2, 3, 37, 38) in the material web (1) are produced by a rotary cutting method or a laser cutting method.
28. A method in accordance with claim 26 or claim 27, characterized in that the metal element is guided through a roll apparatus after the folding over.
29. A method in accordance with claim 28, characterized in that a strain hardening of the material web takes place, in particular in the central region (38), by the roll apparatus.

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