WO2002018801A1 - Procede et appareil pour jonctions - Google Patents

Procede et appareil pour jonctions Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2002018801A1
WO2002018801A1 PCT/US2000/023467 US0023467W WO0218801A1 WO 2002018801 A1 WO2002018801 A1 WO 2002018801A1 US 0023467 W US0023467 W US 0023467W WO 0218801 A1 WO0218801 A1 WO 0218801A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
plane
fingers
mating surface
lying
finger
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2000/023467
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Stephen A. Rosenthal
Robert L. Du Fresne
Original Assignee
Rosenthal Stephen A
Fresne Robert L Du
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Rosenthal Stephen A, Fresne Robert L Du filed Critical Rosenthal Stephen A
Priority to AU2000270772A priority Critical patent/AU2000270772A1/en
Priority to PCT/US2000/023467 priority patent/WO2002018801A1/fr
Publication of WO2002018801A1 publication Critical patent/WO2002018801A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B5/00—Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them
    • F16B5/07—Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them by means of multiple interengaging protrusions on the surfaces, e.g. hooks, coils
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
    • B21D—WORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS OR PROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
    • B21D39/00—Application of procedures in order to connect objects or parts, e.g. coating with sheet metal otherwise than by plating; Tube expanders
    • B21D39/03—Application of procedures in order to connect objects or parts, e.g. coating with sheet metal otherwise than by plating; Tube expanders of sheet metal otherwise than by folding

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device for joining seams of material.
  • U.S. patent 5,558,458 discloses a first sheet with an upwardly bent tab that has a downwardly bent catch that can be locked into an opening in a second sheet.
  • U.S. Patents 4,805,592 and 5,678,946 disclose tongues in a first sheet that are upwardly bent such that an opening is formed under each tongue. The edge of a second sheet is positioned against the upwardly-bent tongues such that the second sheet covers the opening under each tongue. A pressing operation is performed on the two sheets such that the tongues are flattened onto portions of the second sheet that are press-fitted into the openings in the first sheet.
  • the joints disclosed in these patents require some overlap of the sheets to be joined.
  • U.S. patent 3,482,289 discloses a connection designed to fasten the ends of a locking- ring that is used in underwater masks (not sheet metal).
  • a single tongue in a first element extends through an opening in a second element into a position wherein a detent near the distal end of the tongue is received in a slot formed in the second element.
  • U.S. patents related to joint support beams for example U.S. patents: 3,297,345; 3,898,784; 3,928,950; and 4,531,340.
  • the connections disclosed in these patents generally include a tongue extending from the end of each beam.
  • Each tongue typically lies in a plane that is offset from that of the beams so the beams will be connected in an edge-to-edge manner when the tongues are connected.
  • the connection between tongues is typically maintained by a lip that extends from each tongue and catches behind an edge of the other tongue.
  • U.S. patent 2,497,523 shows an electrical cable connection that employs a tongue extending from each of the two elements to be connected. Each element has one tongue that extends generally away from the element to which it will be connected.
  • STJMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a seam in material comprising a pair of mating surfaces, with one mating surface terminating in an edge from which extends a plurality of spaced fingers lying in a first plane and each having a projection extending away from the first plane.
  • the other mating surface terminates in an edge from which extends a plurality of spaced fingers lying in a second plane and each having a cavity adapted to receive a projection of a finger lying in said first plane.
  • a further object of the invention is to provide a system and method for connecting surfaces of materials having the steps of providing a first surface with a connecting edge comprising multi-planar finger means with engaging detent means, and providing a second surface with a connecting edge comprising multi-planar finger means with engaging detent means, aligning the first and the second surfaces as desired, and pressing the first and second surfaces into locking engagement.
  • Figure 1 is a plan view of two unjoined seams of one embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 2 is a plan view of the seams shown in Figure 1 but depicted as a joined seam
  • Figure 3 is a section view of the seams of the embodiment depicted in line 3-3 of Figure 1;
  • Figure 4 is a section view of the seams of the embodiment depicted in line 4-4 of Figure 2;
  • Figure 5 is a perspective exploded view of a bracket embodiment of the invention, including front and rear views of a mountable bracket;
  • FIG 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention, pre-mountable to another surface but shown with only a partial portion of a seam of the invention
  • Figure 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the . invention
  • Figure 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 11 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention.
  • DET AILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a novel method and apparatus for joining seams. In particular, seams or abutting portions of sheets of material are joined in an improved manner through use of the teachings of this invention as described herein. Although various efforts to improve joining technology have been undertaken, none have realized the benefits or promise of this seam invention device and technique.
  • one embodiment is particularly useful for joining coplanar sheets of rigid material, such as metal, and more particularly sheet metal.
  • making seams in sheet metal has always been difficult.
  • the mating edges of sheet metal workpieces occasionally are rolled together to form the seam, as with a tin can.
  • the seam is welded, with the additional welding material then being ground off.
  • the mating edges may overlap slightly and screws or other fasteners may be employed to hold them together.
  • one object of the present invention is to provide a mechanical seam between mating edges of sheet metal workpieces, the respective edges being provided with a configuration that enables them to be pushed together and then locked to one another.
  • neither one of the workpieces has a fastener protruding from it, which creates attendant advantages in manufacture, shipping, storage, and use.
  • a typical assembly of a metallic enclosure for an electronic component might require the steps of punching or otherwise obtaining the metal part from a larger piece of metal, assembling or forming the punched part into the shape of the final assembly, apply one or usually more welds to the final assembly, send the assembly to a parts plater for plating, receive and inspect the plated assembly, and then deliver the assembly to the purchaser for further processing.
  • the present invention eliminates several of these process steps. Instead of the above process, the current invention allows the manufacturer of the assembly to punch or otherwise obtain the metal part from a larger piece of pre-plated metal, assemble or form the punched metal part into the shape of the final assembly by use of the seam technology disclosed herein, and then deliver the assembly to the purchaser for further processing.
  • the elimination of the post-processing steps of plating the locations of welds allows for exceptional cost savings of possibly greater than 25% to 40% or more depending on the part. In an era of reduced size and availability of workers, increased energy costs, confined workspaces, and environmental pollution concerns, the teachings of this invention have enormous impact and advantage.
  • seam 10 of the invention there is shown a first embodiment of the seam 10 of the invention.
  • Seam 10 shown here prior to joining the mating surfaces 13, 16, comprises the mating surfaces each having at least one edge portion 21 having at least one finger 26 (also referred to as a tab or petal) configured and positioned for providing interlocking engagement with an opposing finger on another mating surface.
  • a series or plurality of interlocking fingers 26 formed to allow mutual locking engagement with opposing fingers.
  • Alternate fingers are offset from the plane P (shown in Figure 3) of the mating surfaces 13, 16, and are provided with raised detents 32 receivable in corresponding recesses 35 formed in each of the non-offset fingers of the other mating surface.
  • Figure 1 shows the two mating surfaces 13, 16 arranged to be joined in a co-planar fashion.
  • Mating surface 13 has a plurality of fingers 26 of which certain ones, labeled A, extend downwardly in the plane of the mating surfaces, and each finger A has a recess 35 formed therein.
  • the recesses may be formed in various ways, such as for example by small holes punched in the fingers or through other techniques such as etching or other means.
  • Alternating with the fingers A are fingers labeled B. These fingers are offset from the plane P of the mating surfaces. As shown in this figure, fingers B are offset away from the viewer.
  • Each of the fingers B has a raised detent portion 32.
  • Mating surface 16 has an edge portion 21 which is similarly configured to that of mating surface 13, with upwardly extending fingers A in the plane of the mating surfaces. These fingers A alternate with fingers B that are recessed away from the viewer. The fingers A of mating surface 16 have relieved areas or recesses 35 and the fingers B have raised detent portions 32. When the two mating surfaces are to be joined, they are oriented so that the fingers A of surface 13 align with fingers B of surface 16. The edge portions of the mating surfaces are then urged or forced into locking engagement along force lines F 1 and F 2 .
  • Figure 3 is the section view of mating surfaces 13, 16 taken along line 3-3 of Figure 1 showing the seam 10 elements prior to joining.
  • Figure 4 is the section taken along line 4-4 of Figure 2, after the seam is fully formed or joined.
  • the planar-offset element of finger B at portion 42 is illustrated in both Figures 3 and 4, as is shown the detent and recess interaction.
  • FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view, with a portion in alternate perspective.
  • This figure shows a bracket 63 which is to be attached to a panel 66 without use of welding or • adhesives. It is recognized these elements may be made of different materials, e.g. metal, plastic, etc.
  • a seam is formed by individual pairs of fingers 26 on the bracket and the panel. These individual pairs of fingers 26 function as described above in relation to Figures 1-4, but with fewer fingers comprising a seam.
  • the fingers of the bracket interfit with the fingers of the panel so that once the bracket is pushed into place, it can no longer be removed.
  • an opening 71 was formed in the panel material distally of the fingers to enable proper fit when the panel and bracket are mated or joined.
  • Figure 6 shows a box 78 or enclosure, such as a metal drawer or component housing, having the seam 10 of the invention.
  • the back wall 80 of the box is bent upwardly as part of the assembly step so as to come into contact with the side walls 83, all of which have fingers 26 manufactured or placed therein.
  • the placement may be, optionally, configured to form the seam at an angle to the perpendicular I order to facilitate simultaneous bonding or joining with the bending step.
  • Optional adhesive applications 92 may be combined with the invention herein, as appropriate, to effect further advantages and savings.
  • Figure 7 shows another enclosure or box 96 illustrating the means by which the inventive seam 10 permits adding an internal panel 97 in a location which may have been prohibitively costly or very difficult to accomplish using conventional forming techniques.
  • Figure 8 shows a workpiece 101 having fingers 26 which have been attached thereto by any of various means, and configured to receive a mating portion (not shown) attached to another workpiece or element in order to form a joined seam. This feature allows objects to be mounted at any location on a workpiece or object without having the seam exposed on the opposing surface or backside 105 of the workpiece.
  • Figure 9 illustrates a box 110 or enclosure with extensive seam applications, achieving the advantage described in relation to Figure 6 but at many times the effect, for applications utilizing a combined bending and joining step, as well as other uses, it may be advantageous to bevel, radius, or miter the edges of the fingers 26 to allow greater joining tolerance while maintaining the integrity and strength of the seam 10 once joined. Indeed, in such a combined step it may be possible to intermesh a dielectric or other form of emission shielding material into the joined seam or adjacent thereto.
  • FIGS 10 and 11 show uses for alternate embodiment seam 122 which may be formed be mating surfaces on individual materials, such as materials 131, 133 or 135, 137 in combination with a clip mating surface element 140, 144. These embodiments may, of course, also be combined with an edge clip element 148, such as that shown in Figure 10.
  • Such a manufacturing process may include various metal or plastic manufacturing processes, including without limitation presses, dies, punchs, progressive tooling, various types of casting, and hand held. Additional techniques may include without limitation, molding, machining, inserts, and formables.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Connection Of Plates (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne une jonction (10) en matériau comprenant une paire de surfaces complémentaires (13, 16), l'une des deux surfaces complémentaires (13) se terminant par un bord sur lequel prennent naissance plusieurs doigts espacés (26) dans un premier plan et comportant chacun une saillie s'écartant de ce premier plan. L'autre surface complémentaire (16) se termine par un bord sur lequel prennent naissance plusieurs doigts espacés dans un second plan et comportant chacun une cavité (35) conçue pour recevoir la saillie (32) d'un doigt dudit premier plan.
PCT/US2000/023467 2000-08-25 2000-08-25 Procede et appareil pour jonctions WO2002018801A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2000270772A AU2000270772A1 (en) 2000-08-25 2000-08-25 Method and apparatus for joining seams
PCT/US2000/023467 WO2002018801A1 (fr) 2000-08-25 2000-08-25 Procede et appareil pour jonctions

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2000/023467 WO2002018801A1 (fr) 2000-08-25 2000-08-25 Procede et appareil pour jonctions

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2002018801A1 true WO2002018801A1 (fr) 2002-03-07

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PCT/US2000/023467 WO2002018801A1 (fr) 2000-08-25 2000-08-25 Procede et appareil pour jonctions

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AU (1) AU2000270772A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2002018801A1 (fr)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1923577A1 (fr) * 2006-11-17 2008-05-21 Reinz-Dichtungs-Gmbh Élément comportant plusieurs parties, en particulier écran thermique comportant plusieurs parties
WO2013132318A1 (fr) * 2012-03-07 2013-09-12 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Structure de positionnement de pièce à travailler et méthode de positionnement de pièce à travailler
JP2014009469A (ja) * 2012-06-28 2014-01-20 Ｙｋｋ Ａｐ株式会社 中空角材及びカーポート
DE102017127839A1 (de) * 2017-11-24 2019-05-29 Benteler Automobiltechnik Gmbh Hohlbauteil, Verfahren zur Herstellung eines Hohlbauteils, Kraftfahrzeugbauteil und Verwendung eines Hohlbauteils
EP3771622A1 (fr) * 2019-07-30 2021-02-03 CliXBond GmbH Procédé de fabrication d'un profilé composite, système de profilé et composant composite
WO2023115160A1 (fr) * 2021-12-23 2023-06-29 Lios Systems Pty Ltd Agencement de liaison, liaison réversible formée à partir de celui-ci et élément, système et procédé comprenant un agencement de liaison ou une liaison réversible

Citations (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2497523A (en) 1947-03-14 1950-02-14 Herman S Warkentin Electrical cable disconnect
CH329133A (de) * 1956-05-26 1958-04-15 Ducati S A Verfahren zum gegenseitigen Verbinden zweier Randpartien mindestens eines Flächengebildes aus bleibend verformbarem Material
GB831824A (en) * 1957-04-24 1960-03-30 Greenman Ltd S Improvements in or relating to mounting and supporting devices
GB1009297A (en) * 1963-07-10 1965-11-10 Commissariat Energie Atomique Tubular element, method of assembly and disassembly of said element and device for the application of said method
DE1217252B (de) * 1961-05-12 1966-05-18 Grisebach Hans Theodor Als Hohlkoerper ausbildbares Bauspielelement
US3297345A (en) 1964-02-13 1967-01-10 Donn Prod Inc Interlocking beam connectors
US3482289A (en) 1967-10-09 1969-12-09 Giuseppe Stradella Band separable fastener
US3898784A (en) 1973-02-20 1975-08-12 Roblin Hope S Ind Inc Beam splice connection
US3928950A (en) 1974-05-17 1975-12-30 Preston Metal & Roofing Prod Structural member with end connector
US4531340A (en) 1982-08-24 1985-07-30 Donn Incorporated Beam splice for supporting grid systems
US4805592A (en) 1987-02-17 1989-02-21 Enami Seiki Mfg. Co., Ltd. Joint construction for metal sheets
FR2693771A1 (fr) * 1992-07-20 1994-01-21 Schlumberger Cie Dowell Pompe comportant un piston partiellement creux, et ses applications notamment dans l'industrie pétrolière.
US5558458A (en) 1995-02-21 1996-09-24 Stanley Mechanics Tools Connector
US5678946A (en) 1994-08-05 1997-10-21 Enami Seiki Mfg. Co., Ltd. Joint structure for metal plates

Patent Citations (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2497523A (en) 1947-03-14 1950-02-14 Herman S Warkentin Electrical cable disconnect
CH329133A (de) * 1956-05-26 1958-04-15 Ducati S A Verfahren zum gegenseitigen Verbinden zweier Randpartien mindestens eines Flächengebildes aus bleibend verformbarem Material
GB831824A (en) * 1957-04-24 1960-03-30 Greenman Ltd S Improvements in or relating to mounting and supporting devices
DE1217252B (de) * 1961-05-12 1966-05-18 Grisebach Hans Theodor Als Hohlkoerper ausbildbares Bauspielelement
GB1009297A (en) * 1963-07-10 1965-11-10 Commissariat Energie Atomique Tubular element, method of assembly and disassembly of said element and device for the application of said method
US3297345A (en) 1964-02-13 1967-01-10 Donn Prod Inc Interlocking beam connectors
US3482289A (en) 1967-10-09 1969-12-09 Giuseppe Stradella Band separable fastener
US3898784A (en) 1973-02-20 1975-08-12 Roblin Hope S Ind Inc Beam splice connection
US3928950A (en) 1974-05-17 1975-12-30 Preston Metal & Roofing Prod Structural member with end connector
US4531340A (en) 1982-08-24 1985-07-30 Donn Incorporated Beam splice for supporting grid systems
US4805592A (en) 1987-02-17 1989-02-21 Enami Seiki Mfg. Co., Ltd. Joint construction for metal sheets
FR2693771A1 (fr) * 1992-07-20 1994-01-21 Schlumberger Cie Dowell Pompe comportant un piston partiellement creux, et ses applications notamment dans l'industrie pétrolière.
US5678946A (en) 1994-08-05 1997-10-21 Enami Seiki Mfg. Co., Ltd. Joint structure for metal plates
US5558458A (en) 1995-02-21 1996-09-24 Stanley Mechanics Tools Connector

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1923577A1 (fr) * 2006-11-17 2008-05-21 Reinz-Dichtungs-Gmbh Élément comportant plusieurs parties, en particulier écran thermique comportant plusieurs parties
WO2008058765A1 (fr) * 2006-11-17 2008-05-22 Reinz-Dichtungs-Gmbh Composant à parties multiples, en particulier pare-chaleur à parties multiples
WO2013132318A1 (fr) * 2012-03-07 2013-09-12 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Structure de positionnement de pièce à travailler et méthode de positionnement de pièce à travailler
CN104145124A (zh) * 2012-03-07 2014-11-12 丰田自动车株式会社 工件定位结构和工件定位方法
US9726207B2 (en) 2012-03-07 2017-08-08 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Workpiece positioning structure and workpiece positioning method
JP2014009469A (ja) * 2012-06-28 2014-01-20 Ｙｋｋ Ａｐ株式会社 中空角材及びカーポート
DE102017127839A1 (de) * 2017-11-24 2019-05-29 Benteler Automobiltechnik Gmbh Hohlbauteil, Verfahren zur Herstellung eines Hohlbauteils, Kraftfahrzeugbauteil und Verwendung eines Hohlbauteils
DE102017127839B4 (de) 2017-11-24 2023-07-27 Benteler Automobiltechnik Gmbh Hohlbauteil, Verfahren zur Herstellung eines Hohlbauteils und Kraftfahrzeugbauteil
EP3771622A1 (fr) * 2019-07-30 2021-02-03 CliXBond GmbH Procédé de fabrication d'un profilé composite, système de profilé et composant composite
WO2023115160A1 (fr) * 2021-12-23 2023-06-29 Lios Systems Pty Ltd Agencement de liaison, liaison réversible formée à partir de celui-ci et élément, système et procédé comprenant un agencement de liaison ou une liaison réversible

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
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