EP1624983B1 - Device for the removal of dents - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a device for extracting concave dents (12) from sheet metal. The inventive device comprises a basic body (1) that is made of plastic and is provided with several continuous bores into which traction elements (6) made of metallic material are inserted. One end of said traction elements encompasses an enlarged head (7). The forward end (5) of the traction elements protrudes from the basic body (1) at the opposite end when the head (7) rests against the basic body (1). The forward end (5) of the traction elements is welded onto the sheet metal, whereupon the basic body (1) is retracted in order to remove the dent (12).

Description

The invention relates to a device according to the preamble of claim 1, with the aid of concave bumps can be pulled out of sheets, especially from bodies of motor vehicles.

It is known that one can weld in such bumps pins, where you can then pull to pull out the bumps. It is also known to insert several such pins isolated by a metal rail and then to weld. Then, the plurality of pins can be pulled out together by pulling on the rail. After pulling out the bump the pins are removed, which can be done for example by shearing.

In a known, generic device for removing bumps from sheet metal ( EP 11 57 758 ) A metallic receiving body with a plurality of mutually parallel bores for the traction electrodes is present. In each hole an insulating bushing is inserted from the side associated with the sheet metal, which rests with a collar on the receiving body.

The invention is based on the object to provide a device that offers increased use advantages with a simple structure and simple production.

To solve this problem, the invention proposes a device with the features mentioned in claim 1. Further developments of the invention are the subject of dependent claims.

The front of the main body projecting end of the tension element is connected in the device according to the invention with the sheet in the bump. This can be done by welding, for example. The other end, which is accessible, is connected to a welding electrode. As a result, the current can enter the sheet. The main body can serve on the one hand to support the tension element before and during the connection with the sheet, and on the other hand as a means of attack to pull out the bulge with the aid of the tension element fastened in it. The extraction can be done for example with a pair of pliers or other instrument.

In the simplest case, the base body may have a single tension element. Then the main body serves primarily to hold the tension member during attachment. With only one tension element, the tension element can also be fixed, that is to say immovable, connected to the base body.

However, it is also possible and within the scope of the invention that the tension element is held displaceably in its own longitudinal direction in a limited manner relative to the base body. In the case of the limitedly displaceable mounting, the tension element can be in particular spring-loaded. The application takes place in the direction that the tension element is arranged in its one end position in which its front end protrudes as far as possible from the base body. In this position, the connection then also takes place with the metal sheet in the bump.

It is particularly favorable if, in a development of the invention, the base body has at least two tension elements which are mounted so as to be displaceable independently of one another relative to the base body consisting of insulating material. In this way, it becomes possible to weld the tension elements into the bulge, which has an irregular shape, and then jointly remove the bulge by pulling on the base body.

For positive retention in the pulling direction according to the invention, the displaceable tension element having a head, which then rests when pulling on the base body. The head may be similar to a screw.

It is not only possible to weld the tension element with its front end to the sheet, but it is also possible to connect a connecting bolt with the plate, which is then connected to the tension element. This connection between the tension element and the connecting bolt can be, for example, a screw connection. In this way, it is possible to first connect the terminal bolts with the sheet without being disturbed by the body during work. Only then can then be made the connection with the tension elements.

According to the invention may be provided in a development that at least one tension element is rotatably supported in the main body. This rotation can serve on the one hand to produce the screw with the terminal bolt, and on the other hand also to shear off the pulling element by turning the sheet after pulling out the bump. To rotate the tension element, for example, the head of the tension element may have the formation of a screw head, so that then conventional tools can be used.

If the main body has a plurality of tension elements, they may preferably be arranged in a row in a further development, with a rectilinear row being preferred. Often bumps in sheets that need to be pulled out, arranged in a line.

It can also be used with larger numbers of damage body with multiple rows of tension elements, in which the rows, for example, parallel to each other.

In a further development of the invention it can be provided that the attack formation on the base body has at least one, preferably two undercuts. Behind these undercut surfaces can be attacked and pulled with a tension element.

It is particularly favorable if the undercuts are arranged or formed on two sides of the main body facing away from one another. In this case, it is possible, for example, to set a tension adapter so that slipping is not possible.

In particular, it can be provided that the at least one undercut is formed by the flank of a groove.

In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that, with two undercuts, both boundary surfaces adjacent to the undercut surface extend in pairs parallel to one another. As a result, a pull adapter can be attached to the undercut anywhere along the length of the main body.

This is especially true when the body is like a strip, as proposed by the invention in development.

According to the invention may be provided in a development that two basic body can be connected to each other, for example by a mutual telescoping. The connection can be made both side by side and in succession. The insertion can be designed so that it runs transversely to the direction of pull, so that a contiguous in the pulling direction body arises.

In a further development of the invention can be provided that the base body and / or the length of the tension elements are formed such that the front ends of the tension members have a predetermined contour when applied in the pulling direction. This contour is likely to be straightforward in most cases. But there are also cases where a bump is present at a location that even in curvature has a curvature. Here, the base body and / or the tension elements can be dimensioned so that when pulling out this shape.

In a further development can be provided that the main body has a plurality of flexibly interconnected sections, wherein in each section at least one tension element is present. Here it is possible that the plurality of tension elements are connected to the sheet and then individual sections are pulled out, which makes sense especially for larger bumps that can not be pulled out in one go.

The invention proposes a tension adapter which can be connected to the base body and / or the tension elements. In particular, such a pull adapter may have the shape of a square hollow section with a slotted side. Such a Zugadapter can be produced in any length or any brevity and connect to the body. To operate the Zugadapters can serve a pair of pliers, a bench, a slide hammer or the like.

Figur 1

einen Schnitt durch eine Vorrichtung nach der Erfindung in einer die Längsachse eines Zugelements enthaltenden Ebene;

Figur 2

eine Seitenansicht der Anordnung der Figur 1;

Figur 3

die schematische Stirnansicht einer Anordnung mit einer Reihe von Zugelementen;

Figur 4

eine der Figur 3 entsprechende Darstellung bei einem Grundkörper mit zwei Reihen von Zugelementen;

Figur 5

schematisch die Anordnung der Zugelemente bei der Vorrichtung der Figur 4;

Figur 6

eine den Figuren 3 und 4 entsprechende Darstellung bei einem Grundkörper mit drei Reihen von Zugelementen;

Figur 7

die Darstellung eines Grundkörpers mit nur einem Zugelement;

Figur 8

die Seitenansicht eines Grundkörpers mit drei Zugelementen zur Herstellung einer gebogenen Oberfläche;

Figur 9

eine der Figur 8 entsprechende Darstellung einer Vorrichtung zur Bildung einer konkaven Blechoberfläche;

Figur 10

die Stirnansicht einer Vorrichtung mit einem Grundkörper mit drei Reihen von Zugelementen;

Figur 11

die Draufsicht auf die Anordnung der Figur 10;

Figur 12

eine andere Art des Anfassens an der Vorrichtung der Figur 10 und 11;

Figur 13

die Draufsicht auf eine Anordnung mit einem Grundkörper, bei dem die Aufnahmen für die Zugelemente längs eines Halbkreises angeordnet sind;

Figur 14

die Aneinanderreihung zweier Grundkörper in Längsrichtung hintereinander;

Figur 15

die Stirnansicht der Anordnung der Figur 14;

Figur 16

die Seitenansicht eines Grundkörpers mit seitlichen Verbindungseinrichtungen;

Figur 17

die Stirnansicht zweier nebeneinander angeordnete miteinander verbundener Grundkörper;

Figur 18

die Draufsicht auf eine andere Anordnung mit mehreren Grundkörpern;

Figur 19

schematisch die Verbindung zweier Grundkörper unter einem Winkel;

Figur 20

die Anordnung eines Zugadapters an mehreren Vorrichtungen;

Figur 21

eine Seitenansicht der Anbringung eines Zugadapters an einer Vorrichtung;

Figur 22 und 23

Vorrichtungen mit Grundkörpern, die einzelne Abschnitt aufweisen;

Figur 24

die ausgerichtete Anbringung mehrerer Verbindungsbolzen an einer Blechoberfläche;

Figur 25

die Verbindung der Anschlussbolzen der Figur 25 mit einer Vorrichtung nach der Erfindung;

Figur 26

das Anfassen an den Vorrichtungen mit Hilfe einer Zange;

Figur 27

die Seitenansicht der Darstellung der Figur 26.

Further features, details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, the patent claims and the abstract, the wording of which is incorporated by reference into the content of the description, and with reference to the drawing. Hereby show:

FIG. 1

a section through a device according to the invention in a plane containing the longitudinal axis of a tension member;

FIG. 2

a side view of the arrangement of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3

the schematic end view of an arrangement with a series of tension elements;

FIG. 4

one of the FIG. 3 corresponding representation in a main body with two rows of tension elements;

FIG. 5

schematically the arrangement of the tension elements in the device of FIG. 4 ;

FIG. 6

a the FIGS. 3 and 4 corresponding representation in a basic body with three rows of tension elements;

FIG. 7

the representation of a body with only one tension element;

FIG. 8

the side view of a body with three tension elements to produce a curved surface;

FIG. 9

one of the FIG. 8 corresponding representation of a device for forming a concave sheet surface;

FIG. 10

the front view of a device with a main body with three rows of tension elements;

FIG. 11

the top view of the arrangement of FIG. 10 ;

FIG. 12

another way of touching the device FIGS. 10 and 11 ;

FIG. 13

the top view of an arrangement with a base body, in which the receptacles for the tension elements along a semicircle are arranged;

FIG. 14

the juxtaposition of two main body in the longitudinal direction one behind the other;

FIG. 15

the front view of the arrangement of FIG. 14 ;

FIG. 16

the side view of a body with lateral connection means;

FIG. 17

the front view of two juxtaposed interconnected basic body;

FIG. 18

the top view of another arrangement with a plurality of basic bodies;

FIG. 19

schematically the connection of two main body at an angle;

FIG. 20

the arrangement of a Zugadapters to a plurality of devices;

FIG. 21

a side view of the attachment of a pull adapter to a device;

FIGS. 22 and 23

Devices with bases having individual sections;

FIG. 24

the aligned attachment of a plurality of connecting bolts on a sheet surface;

FIG. 25

the connection of the connecting bolts of FIG. 25 with a device according to the invention;

FIG. 26

touching the devices with the help of pliers;

FIG. 27

the side view of the representation of FIG. 26 ,

FIG. 1 shows a sectional view through the device according to the invention. The device includes a main body 1, which consists of plastic. The main body 1 is strip-shaped and has a longitudinal direction in FIG. 2 you can see. The main body has a top 2, which is flat. The opposite front 3 is narrower, since the side surfaces 4 are tapered towards the front 3. As a result, you can see the protruding from the front 3 of the body 1 tip 5 of the tension member 6 better. The tension element 6 has the shape of a pin, which tapers in cross-section in the region of its tip 5. On the opposite side, the tension member 6 includes a head 7 which is formed in the manner of a screw head, that has a slot 8, in which one Can use screwdriver. The from the other direction, see FIG. 1 , the contour to be seen is slightly bent. At this point, the tip of a welding electrode 9 can be used.

From the front side 3 of the main body 1 a stepped bore passes through the base body 1, in which the top 2 associated end portion of the tension element 6 is arranged almost without play. In the widened part of the stepped bore, a compression spring 13 is housed, one end of which is supported on the bottom of the step and whose other reduced diameter end engages in a circumferential groove 14 of the tension member 6.

In both opposing parallel side surfaces 4 of the base body 1, a groove 10 is formed in each case, wherein both grooves 10 have the same cross-sectional shape and cross-sectional size are formed only mirror images of each other. One groove flank 11 forms an undercut for engaging a pulling instrument with the aid of which it is intended to be pulled upwards.

As the FIG. 2 shows, the tension elements 6 are housed parallel to each other in the base body 1.

The device according to the invention is used as follows. The main body 1 is inserted into the bulge 12 with the three tension elements 6 used in the example shown, and the tension elements 6 are welded individually to the plate by means of a welding electrode 9. Subsequently, a tensile adapter is inserted into the two grooves 10 from the front side of the base body 1, which will be explained later. Then, the tension adapter is pulled away from the sheet, which causes the tension members 5 pull out the bulge 12 of the sheet so that the sheet resumes its original shape.

How to get the FIG. 1 can also be seen, the two parallel side surfaces 4 of the base body 1 above the groove 10 parallel to each other, as the groove bottom 15 of a groove 10 parallel to the groove bottom 15 of the other groove 10. In other words, the cross section through the body 1 at all points same size. As a result, a tension adapter can be pushed over the length of the basic body 1. Such a pull adapter is shown schematically in FIG FIG. 3 shown. The Zugadapter 16 has the shape of a square hollow section, one side of which has a slot with parallel edges. As a result, this tension adapter 16 can be slid in the longitudinal direction onto a base body 1, and also be pushed through. The tension adapter 16 may have the same length as the main body 1, it may also be shorter or longer. On the tension adapter 16, a rod 17 is mounted on the opposite side of the slot, on which, for example, a slide hammer can be arranged. Also with the help of a pair of pliers or a lever can be pulled on the rod 17.

FIG. 4 shows a base body 21 with two parallel rows of tension elements 6, wherein now the distance of the groove bottom 15 of a groove 10 of the groove bottom 15 of the other groove is slightly larger than in the base body 1 of FIG. 3 , As a result, another tension adapter 16 is used which has other dimensions. The tension elements 6 can be arranged offset in the two rows, as the FIG. 5 shows.

FIG. 6 shows one of the FIGS. 3 and 4 corresponding simplified representation in which a base body 31 has three rows of tension elements 6. From the upper side 32 of the main body 31, two angled slots lead into the base body 31, so that here too two grooves with a parallel groove base 15 are formed. Here, the same Zugadapter 16 can be used as in the embodiment of FIG. 3 ,

FIG. 7 shows a representation of a simpler embodiment, where a base body 1 has only a single tension element 6. In this case, the tension element 6 need not be displaceable relative to the base body 1.

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment in which the base body 1 is stepped on its upper side 2. In the investment position, in which all tension elements 6 lie with their head 7 on the upper side 2 of the main body 1, the tips 5 of the tension elements lie on a convexly curved line. Such a main body is intended for the case that a bulge in a normally convex curved surface is present. In the abutment position, therefore, the tips 5 of the tension elements lie on a specific contour, which corresponds to the contour of the sheet in undeformed state. This is according to the embodiment FIG. 8 and after FIG. 9 achieved by appropriate design of the body 1. Of course, it would also be conceivable to realize this contour of the tips 5 of the tension elements by tension elements of different lengths.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show the side view and top view of a base body 41 with three rows of three tension elements 6. There are formed between the tension elements 6 crossing undercut slots so that the tension adapter 16 can be inserted from all four sides so that it is one row of tension elements 6 receives between them.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 12 a pull adapter 16 is used, which engages not in two adjacent, but in two separated by a slot undercuts.

The FIG. 13 shows a base body 1, in which are arranged in the tension elements 6 along a semicircle. In the top of the main body a plurality of slots are each arranged with two undercuts, so that one can drive with a pull adapter 16 from several directions forth in the base body 1. This is an example of the fact that you can hold and use for bumps of a particular shape different basic body.

The FIGS. 14 and 15 show a side view and an end view of devices in which the end faces 22 of the base body 1 are not formed smooth. One end face 22 includes a dovetail notch 23 extending transversely to the longitudinal direction, while the other end face 24 includes a dovetail projection 25 oriented in the same direction. In this way, two base body 1 can be connected to each other transversely to the longitudinal direction and transversely to the pulling direction. Since the two base body 1 are formed identically in their cross section, a groove 10 from the one base body passes into the groove 10 of the other body. A Zugadapter 16 can therefore be pushed over the entire length of both base body 1.

The FIGS. 16 and 17 show an evolution of the proposal, as he from the FIGS. 14 and 15 evident. FIG. 16 shows a broken side view of a base body 1 with a groove forming an undercut 10 and extending in the longitudinal direction of the body dovetail projection 26. The other side, in FIG. 16 is not visible, has a longitudinally extending dovetail groove 27 at the same location. This goes out FIG. 17 which correspond to an end view of two interconnected basic body 1 FIG. 16 represents. The dovetail projection 26 is inserted into the dovetail groove 27. In this way, a base body with two rows of tension elements 6 is formed, wherein at the separation point of the two basic body a cross-sectionally T-shaped groove is formed, which together with the corresponding groove on the right or left side can be used for a pull adapter 16. The embodiment according to FIGS. 16 and 17 is designed so that even more rows of basic bodies can be formed.

Such an arrangement is in FIG. 18 shown. Here is a block of three adjacent bodies connected to a same block, and a third block is just added.

FIG. 19 shows that for connecting the end faces of two main body 1, an adapter element 28 can be used, which has only a short length, but with a dovetail-shaped projection 25 and a dovetail notch 23 is provided. This adapter element 28 can also have a shape in which the two end faces do not run parallel to one another. It can be both angling in the longitudinal direction as well as an angulation in the transverse direction or by a double angulation.

FIG. 20 shows a way in which a plurality of base body 1, which are mounted at different locations of a sheet, with the help of a special Zugadapters can be connected together, which is then pulled together. This possibility is used when a more complicated shape of the bump is present, so that it does not seem possible to work with a single body.

In FIG. 21 is connected to a base 1, a first Zugadapter 16, which can then be operated with a second Zugadapter 16 and a rod 17.

The FIGS. 22 and 23 shows a main body, which is composed of individual sections 32. The individual sections are elastic Webs 33 interconnected. Each section 32 contains at least one tension element 6. The sections 32 can also contain several tension elements 6 one behind the other transversely to the plane of the drawing. A pull adapter 16 may be connected to each section 32 to withdraw each section separately from the other.

FIG. 23 shows the same arrangement, this time the Zugadapter 16 is pushed in the longitudinal direction, that is from left to right in the plane of the drawing. at FIG. 22 the tension adapter is pushed transversely to the plane of the drawing.

FIG. 24 shows a way, as with a plate 34, for example, in a longitudinal buckle, several weld studs 35 are connected. The weld bolts 35 are placed in a template 36 and then welded to the sheet 34. They have a short neck with an external thread 37. The template 36 serves to ensure the correct spacing of the weld bolts 35. After the fixed welding, a device 38 is then used, in which the front ends 39 of the tension elements 6 have a blind bore with a thread. By rotation of the tension elements 6, these are then screwed onto the weld bolts 35. Subsequently, the base body can then be tightened in the manner described, whereby then the sheet is pulled upwards. After pulling out the bump the weld bolts can be unscrewed again from the tension members and the weld bolts are then released by a short blow from the plate 34.

FIG. 26 shows a long series of basic bodies 1, which are fixed to a plate 34 by welding the tension members. An adapter 16 is pushed onto the base body, which can then be pulled away from the sheet metal with a pair of hand tongs 40. This is in cross section in FIG. 27 shown. On the main body 1 of the pull adapter 16 engages, which is connected via a rod 17 with the forceps 40. The forceps 40 is supported by feet 42 on the plate 34. The long series of basic bodies 1 can be pulled out one by one at the various points individually.

Claims (21)

1. A device for drawing dents out of sheet metal (34), with
   a base body (1, 21, 31),
   at least one metallic pulling element (6), which
   is held in a form-fitting manner in the base body (1, 21, 31), at least in the pulling direction, and
   projects out of the base body (1, 21, 31) at least in the region of its front end, and with
   an application structure on the base body (1, 21, 31, 41) for attaching a pulling device,
   characterised in that
   the base body (1, 21, 31) consists of plastic.
2. The device according to Claim 1, in which the pulling element (6) is held such that it can be displaced in a limited manner in its own longitudinal direction with respect to the base body (1, 21, 31, 41).
3. The device according to Claim 2, in which the pulling element (6) is spring-loaded.
4. The device according to one of the preceding claims, with at least two pulling elements (6) which are held displaceably independently of each other with respect to the base body (1, 21, 31).
5. The device according to one of Claims 2 to 4, in which the pulling element (6) has a head (7).
6. The device according to one of the preceding claims, in which at least one pulling element (6) can be connected, in particular screw-fastened, to a connecting bolt (35) which is connected to the sheet metal (34).
7. The device according to one of the preceding claims, in which at least one pulling element (6) is held rotatably in the base body (1, 21, 31).
8. The device according to one of the preceding claims, in which a plurality of pulling elements (6) are arranged in at least one row.
9. The device according to one of the preceding claims, in which a plurality of rows of pulling elements (6) are present.
10. The device according to Claim 9, in which, of a plurality of rows, at least two rows run parallel to each other.
11. The device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the application structure has at least one, preferably two undercuts which preferably face away from each other.
12. The device according to Claim 11, in which the at least one undercut is formed by the flank of a groove (10).
13. The device according to Claim 11 or 12, in which, in one undercut, both delimiting faces which bound the undercut face run parallel to each other.
14. The device according to Claim 11 or 12, in which, in two undercuts, both delimiting faces which bound the undercut faces run parallel to each other in pairs.
15. The device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the base body (1, 21, 31) is configured in a strip-like manner.
16. The device according to one of the preceding claims, with a connecting device for connecting at least two base bodies (1), in particular at least two at least partially identically structured base bodies (1), wherein the connection is such that the base bodies are arranged next to each other and/or one behind the other, if appropriate multiply.
17. The device according to Claim 16, in which the connection is such that the undercuts and/or grooves of each two base bodies (1) which are connected to each other are flush with each other.
18. The device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the base body (1) and/or the length of the pulling elements (6) is configured in such a manner that the front ends (5) of the pulling elements (6) have a predefined contour when applied in the pulling direction.
19. The device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the at least one base body has a plurality of sections (32) which are connected flexibly to each other and have in each case at least one pulling element (6).
20. The device according to one of the preceding claims, with a pulling adapter (16) which engages behind the undercut.
21. The device according to Claim 20, in which the pulling adapter can optionally be brought into engagement with one of a plurality of undercuts.

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