EP2245320A1

EP2245320A1 - Assembly method

Info

Publication number: EP2245320A1
Application number: EP08785369A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Paul Nava; Andreas Wohlfahrt
Original assignee: Flagsol GmbH
Current assignee: Fraunhofer Gesellschaft zur Forderung der Angewandten Forschung eV; Flagsol GmbH
Priority date: 2008-02-25
Filing date: 2008-08-06
Publication date: 2010-11-03
Also published as: ZA201005980B; WO2009106103A1; WO2009106103A8; IL207740A; CN102007306A; IL207740A0; DE102008010884B4; DE102008010884A1; US8533951B2; US20110113629A1; AU2008351622A1; MA32188B1

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly method for the permanent mechanical connection of two components to be assembled, said method being simplified and improved in relation to the compensation possibility of the dimensional variations of the components to be assembled. To this end, the assembly method comprises the following steps: a) a first and a second assembly component (1, 4) are aligned in a precise manner, in an assembly position, forming an assembly gap (7) between the assembly surfaces (3, 3a; 6, 6a) of the components (1, 4) to be assembled; b) the components (1, 4) to be assembled are at least temporarily fixed in this assembly position; the assembly gap (7) is filled with a fluid assembly medium (8), and d) the assembly medium (8) is hardened in the assembly gap (7) to form a permanent connection generating cohesion and adhesion forces, transmitting said forces between the components (1, 4) to be assembled.

Description

joining methods

The invention is directed to a joining method for the permanent mechanical connection of two joining components with each other.

In order to be able to arrange and fix joining components in a desired joining position relative to one another, different techniques are used. It is known to add aligned and fixed parts by screwing and riveting. This then results adjustment by the formation of slots or training specifically designed recesses. This is a frictional, in particular frictional connection. Here, adjusting devices can be provided with threaded elements, which allow the realization of linear tension and Druckeinstellbewegungen and the realization of rotational compensating movements by further provided joints. By placing underlay of compensating elements such as shims, adjustment foils or spacers unwanted gaps can be compensated. The application of clampable adjustment elements, z. B. clampable pipe sleeves, allows the realization of rotatable and / or linear compensating joints. In the case of laminar bonds, tolerance-compensating joint connections can be realized within the scope of the displaceability of the adhesive surfaces relative to each other.

In these methods, problems occur when the joining components to be joined together have tolerance deviations in their dimensions and in the arrangement of the joining components in their relative joining position to each other a tolerance compensation must be made. Since the joining components are free in the Space are positionable, there are six degrees of freedom or adjustment directions or options in which a tolerance compensation may need to be possible. In the known methods, this is only possible by iterative, successive multiple application or series connection of the individual process steps. In the mechanical fixing by means of clamping and / or frictional engagement also arise in the tensions in the components that can trigger unwanted deformations or train. There is also the risk that, when the clamping forces are applied, the joining components aligned with one another, for example due to elastic deformation of the components or one of the joining components, slip.

The invention is based on the object to provide a solution with which a with respect to the possibility of compensation of Fügebauteilmaßabweichungen improved and simplified joining method is provided.

In a joining method of the type described above, this object is achieved according to the invention by a joining method for the permanent mechanical connection of two joining components with one another, which comprises the steps:

a) positionally accurate alignment of a first and a second joining component to each other in a joining position to form a joint gap between the joining surfaces of the joining components; b) at least temporary fixing of the joining components in this joining position; c) filling the joint gap with a fluid joining medium and d) curing the joining medium in the joint gap to form a permanent cohesive and adhesive force and the forces occurring between the components transmitting connection.

Likewise, the above object is achieved in the method described at the outset by a joining method for the permanent mechanical connection of two joining components with one another, comprising the steps:

al) providing a first joining member having a receiving surface comprising and filled with liquid joining medium; bl) positionally accurate alignment of the first and a second joining component to one another in a joining position in which joining surfaces of the second joining component immerse in the liquid joining medium in the receiving container of the first joining component and a joint gap is formed between the joining surfaces of the first and second joining component; cl) at least temporary fixing of the joining components in this joining position and d) hardening of the joining medium in the joint gap to one

Cohesive and adhesive forces forming permanent and the forces occurring between the components transmitting connection.

Refinements and developments of the subject invention will become apparent from the dependent claims 1 and 4 dependent claims.

By the invention, a joining method is provided which can transmit forces and in particular for the connection of

Joining components is suitable, which should be precisely joined in a defined position to each other, their joining position and in particular do not have correspondingly accurate fitting and joining surfaces. The necessary precision of the assemblies to be created from the two joining components is achieved by Alignment of joining components to be joined to each other and optionally necessary at least temporary fixing of the joining components in this joining position, for example by means of appropriate receiving devices, and the subsequent stress-free joining achieved by means of the first liquid and then curing joining medium. In this case, the joining position of the joining components during curing and thus then not changed in the cured state of the joining medium. The existing due to dimensional inaccuracies component tolerances in this case only lead to the proposed joint gap the Maß- and possibly tolerance deviations of the joining components in its dimensioning larger or smaller, but in total the dimensional deviations are compensated that the liquid medium during curing to the adapts given geometric conditions and then forms by cohesion a cohesive and adhesive forces forming connection between the joining components. Overall, therefore, a method for compensating component tolerances in the assembly of individual joining components to possibly highly precise structures or overall components by stress-free joining using an initially fluid medium and its subsequent curing is created.

The method can be used in a variety of applications. Particularly advantageous, this method is suitable for cost-effective production of solar collector, whose efficiency depends crucially on the optical precision and thus on the precise alignment of the components of the mechanical collector structure to each other. As a result, it is possible to arrange the mirror elements and the support structure of a solar collector element precisely aligned with each other in a joining position and position and then permanently to connect firmly with each other, this attachment of the two joining components is formed free of tension with each other. Parabolic solar collector consists of several collector elements, for example, have a Parabelöffnungsweite of about 6 m and a length of about 12 m. The parabolic troughs are formed by mirror elements and in the focal line runs an absorber tube, on which the solar radiation is concentrated and to which the collected heat energy is released. The precision with which the mirror elements are aligned with each other and the focal line, is essential, since it depends on the energy yield and thus the efficiency of such a solar thermal system. This precision is determined by the positioning and fixing of the mirror elements on the respective supporting structures of the solar panels. Here, a method is now provided by the invention, which creates a permanent, stable and firm connection of the joining components in their joining position, which makes it possible to move the components freely in the joining position and then about existing Maß- and / or

Precision deviations of the joining components with respect to their joining surfaces compensates. Overall, a cost minimization in the production of solar collector elements is thereby achieved, since the complex structures of a solar collector element are further aligned and arranged with high precision and precise, while the demands on the dimensional accuracy of the individual joining components can be reduced because dimensional and tolerance deviations by the joining process can still be compensated.

The joining method according to the invention is a six-axis

Tolerance compensation in each case a single active element of a

Joining components, namely in the joining surfaces having joining component, possible. It arises with appropriate Selection of the joining medium, which is advantageously a casting resin, such as polyester resin, polyurethane resin, silicone resin, vinyl ester resin, but especially an epoxy resin, no thermal stress by the hardening casting resin. A possible joining medium is also hot melt adhesive. Thus, a joining medium is used, which is preferably liquid at room temperature or in the range of <100 ⁰ C, or even in the range of <200 ⁰ C. To create the joint connection no joining forces must be applied. Also, no residual stresses are introduced into the joining components to be joined. Any existing corrosion protection layers of the joining components, such as a hot-dip galvanizing, remain intact when joining. With the aid of the method according to the invention, different materials can be connected to one another. A solution of the compound is possible only by destroying the connection, so that unintentional loosening, such as in screw connections, does not occur in the non-destructively non-detachable connection according to the invention.

The invention is explained in more detail below by way of example with reference to the drawing. This shows in

Fig. Ia, Ib in a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the invention

process

2a, 2b in a schematic representation a second embodiment of the method according to the invention,

Fig. 3a, 3b in a schematic representation of the first and second joining component of a

Solar panel element in schematic Representation before positionally accurate alignment of the joining components to each other and in

Fig. 4a, 4b joining components of the solar collector element in a schematic representation in positionally aligned joining position to each other.

1 a shows a schematic representation of a first joining component, on which a reservoir or receiving container 2 is arranged, the joining surfaces 3 of the first joining component 1 being formed by the inner wall surfaces of the receiving container 2. The first joining component 1 is assigned a second joining component 4, which is provided with a rod-shaped anchor element 5, wherein the outer surfaces of the anchor element 5 form the joining surfaces 6 of the second joining component 4. For example, starting from the relative position of first and second joining component 1, 4 shown in FIG. 1 a relative to one another, they are changed and rotated in their spatial position so that they are positioned relative to one another in the positionally accurate alignment illustrated in FIG. In this joining position shown in FIG. 1b, the outer surfaces of the anchoring element 5 forming the joining surfaces of the second joining component are spaced from the inner wall surfaces of the receptacle 3 forming the joining surfaces 3 of the first joining component 1, thereby forming a continuous joint gap 7. This is done as a first step, a positionally accurate alignment of the first and second joining component 1, 4 to each other in the illustrated joining position to form the joint gap 7 between the joining surfaces 6 of the joining components 1, 4. In this joining position, first joining component 1 and second joining component 4 are at least temporarily fixed relative to one another in their relative position. Thereafter, the joint gap 7 is filled with a fluid joining medium 8. In the fluid joining medium it is a casting resin, for example a polyester resin, a polyurethane resin, a silicone resin, a vinyl ester resin, but in particular an epoxy resin or a hot melt adhesive, which are poured into the joint gap 7 in liquid state. This joining medium 8 now hardens in the joint gap 7 and becomes a cohesive and adhesive forces forming permanent and the forces occurring between the first and second joining component 1, 4 transmitting connection. After curing, first joining component 1 and second joining component 4 are thus permanently fixed relative to one another in their relative position determined by the joining position. Therefore, after at least partial curing of the joining medium 8, the initially provided at least temporary fixation of first and second joining component 1, 4 to each other can be canceled. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1a and 1b, the anchoring element 5 only partially dips into the receptacle 2 and only partially into the joining medium 8 filled therein. In this embodiment, therefore, only the areas of the outer surfaces of the anchoring element 5 form the joining surfaces 6, which dip into the joining medium 8. The existing beyond the outer surface region of the anchoring element 5 may indeed be formed and shaped identical to the joining surfaces 6, but do not contribute to the force and optionally positive connection of the first joining component 1 and second joining component 4. The same applies to the joining surfaces 3 of the joining component. 1

In one embodiment, not shown, it may also be possible, for example, the first joining component 1 facing end surface of the anchoring element 5 as almost the inner cross section of the receptacle 2 corresponding plate-shaped formation form, then with only the first joining component 1 facing outer surface with the joining medium 8, which is filled only to the necessary height in the receptacle 2, comes into contact. In this case, the power transmission in the first joining component 1 and second joining component 4 then takes place only via this surface coupling together. This is a possibility that is used when the resulting possible force and torque transmission permanently ensures sufficient mechanical stabilization and fixation of the aligned joining position between the first joining component 1 and the second joining component 4.

The exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 2a and 2b differs from the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 1a and 1b exclusively in that the joining surfaces 3a of the first joining component 1 and the joining surfaces 6a of the second joining component 4 form undercuts which, after solidification of the joining medium 8, lead to between the anchoring element 5 and the receptacle 2 a positive connection is formed. Since the remaining components are identical to those of the embodiment according to FIGS. 1a, 1b and also have the same function and the method identical thereto is also used, they are provided with identical reference symbols in FIGS. 2a and 2b.

Figures 3a, 3b, 4a and 4b illustrate a slightly modified procedure, which is particularly advantageous in the production of solar collector elements application.

In Fig. 3a, a first joining member 9 is shown schematically, which is formed on its concave curved outer surface 10 mirrored. The first joining component 9 thus forms a mirror element 11 of a solar collector element. On the mirrored outer surface 10 facing away (Rear) side, two receptacles 12, 13 are formed and arranged on the first joining component 9. In the receptacles 12, 13 is liquid joining medium 8, which is the same medium as in the embodiments of the figures Ia, Ib, 2a and 2b. The second joining component 14, which is also shown schematically in FIG. 3a, represents a steel and / or supporting structure 15 of a solar collector element, shown schematically in partial view, on which the mirror elements 11 of the solar collector element are fastened and which, as a rule, uniaxial about an axis 16 in the case of application be pivoted following the course of the sun. Anchoring pins or anchoring bolts 17a, 17b protrude from the steel joining and / or supporting structure 15, their outer surfaces analogous to the outer surfaces of the anchoring element 5 according to the embodiment according to FIGS. 1a and 1b, the joining surfaces 18a, 18b of the second joining component 14 training.

FIG. 3 b shows, in a somewhat less schematic representation, a specific embodiment of a subregion of the second joining component 14 according to FIG. 3 a. FIG. 3 b shows a supporting structure arm 15 a of the steel and / or supporting structure 15, on which an anchoring pin or anchoring pin 17 a is arranged protruding. Furthermore, a part of the back of the first joining component 9 is shown, on which with the interposition of a U-shaped bracket member 19, the receptacle 13 is arranged. In the receptacle 13 is the liquid joining medium. 8

Firstly, the first joining component 9 is provided, the joining surfaces 20a, 20b on the inner wall sides of the

Receiving containers 12, 13 has. Here are the receptacles 12, 13 already with the liquid Joining medium 8 filled. This is done, for example, by inserting the mirror element 11 with the mirrored side down into a first receiving device (not shown) and filling the receiving containers 12, 13 with the liquid joining medium 8. Subsequently, a positionally accurate alignment of the first and second joining component 9, 14 takes place relative to one another in a joining position. In this case, for example, in the starting position shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b, the steel and / or supporting structure 15 in the position shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b is arranged in a receiving device arranged above the first receiving device and receiving the mirror element 11 (also not shown) mounted and positioned with its anchoring pins or anchoring bolts 17a, 17b above the receptacles 12, 13. By moving together of the first and second receiving device in the direction of the arrow 21 (see Fig. 4a), the first joining member 9 and the second joining member 14 are then moved towards each other and at the same time in their exact

Aligned joining position. In this joining position then, as can be seen from FIGS. 4a and 4b, the joining surfaces 18a, 18b of the second joining component 14 dip into the liquid joining medium 8 in the receiving containers 12, 13 of the first joining component 9. In this case, in each case a joint gap 22a, 22b is formed between the joining surfaces 18a, 18b of the second joining component 14 and the joining surfaces 20a, 20b of the first joining component 9. In this joining position shown in FIGS. 4 a and 4 b, at least temporary fixing of the joining components 9, 14 and hardening of the joining medium 8 in the joining gaps 22 a and 22 b takes place to form permanent cohesive and adhesive forces and that between the joining components 9, 14 occurring forces transmitting connection. Subsequently, after at least partial curing of the joining medium, the at least temporary 1

Fixing of the first and second joining component 9, 14 repealed in the joining position, so that then alone the fixation of the two components to each other with the help of the compound formed by the now hardened joining medium 8. In the case of the embodiment according to FIGS. 3 a, 3 b, 4 a, 4 b, the formation of the joining gaps 22 a, 22 b and the formation of the permanent, solid connection by dipping the anchoring pins or anchoring bolts 17 a, 17 b into the liquid joining medium provided with the first joining component 9 8 reached.

Claims

1Patentansprüche

1. joining method for permanent mechanical connection of two joining components (1, 4) together comprising the

Steps:

a) positionally accurate alignment of a first and a second joining component (1, 4) to each other in a joining position to form a joint gap (7) between the joining surfaces (3, 3a, 6, 6a) of the joining components (1, 4); b) at least temporary fixing of the joining components (1, 4) in this joining position; c) filling the joint gap (7) with a fluid

Joining medium (8) and d) curing the joining medium (8) in the joint gap (7) to form a cohesive and adhesive forces forming permanent and between the joining components (1,

4) occurring forces transmitting connection.

2. joining method according to claim 1, characterized in that after at least partial curing of the joining medium (8), the cancellation of the at least temporary fixation of step b).

3. joining method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the joining surfaces (3, 3a) of the first joining component (1) form a liquid joining medium (8) receiving reservoir or receptacle (2).

4. Joining method for the permanent mechanical connection of two joining components (9, 14) together comprising the steps:

al) providing a first joining component (9) comprising a joining surface (20a, 20b) and filled with liquid joining medium (8)

Receptacle (12, 13); bl) positionally accurate alignment of the first and a second joining component (9, 14) to one another in one

Joining position in which joining surfaces (18a, 18b) of the second joining component (14) dive into the liquid joining medium (8) in the receiving container (12, 13) of the first joining component (9) and between the joining surfaces (20a, 20b; 18a, 18b) a joint gap (22a, 22b) is formed by first and second joining components (9, 14); cl) at least temporary fixing of the joining components (9, 14) in this joining position and dl) curing of the joining medium (8) in the joint gap (22a, 22b) to form a cohesive and adhesive forces permanent and between the joining components (9, 14) occurring Forces transmitting connection.

5. joining method according to claim 4, characterized in that after at least partial curing of the joining medium

(8) the cancellation of the at least temporary fixation of the step (c1) takes place.

6. joining method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the joining surfaces (6, 6a, - 18a, 18b) of the second joining component (4, 14) in the joining position of Insert components (4, 14) into the reservoir or receptacle (2, 12, 13).

7. joining method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the joining surfaces (3a, 6a) of the

Joining components (1, 4) have undercuts which with the cured joining medium (8) form-fitting

Train connection.

8. joining method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving container (2; 12, 13) having first joining component (1, 9) on its side facing the receptacle (2; 12, 13) side mirrored mirror element (11) a solar panel element is.

9. joining method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second joining component (4, 14) is the steel and / or supporting structure (15) or at least a part of the steel and / or supporting structure (15) of a solar collector element.

10. joining method according to one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that in the receiving container (2; 12, 13) dipping mating surfaces (6, 6a; 18a, 18b) of the second joining component (4, 14) as at the steel and / or support structure (15) protruding anchoring pins or bolts (17a, 17b), in particular profile pins or bolts are formed.

11. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that for forming the at least temporary fixing of the joining components (9, 14) in the joining position, the mirror element (11) with the mirrored side (10) down into a first Receiving device is inserted and the steel and / or support structure (15) is suspended in a second receiving device arranged above and moved first and second receiving device in the joining position and held there.