WO2021023540A1

WO2021023540A1 - Auxiliary tools for fixing a component for integrally bonded joining, use thereof and methods for fixing a component for integrally bonded joining

Info

Publication number: WO2021023540A1
Application number: PCT/EP2020/071085
Authority: WO
Inventors: Oliver Scharkowski
Original assignee: Auto-Kabel Management Gmbh
Priority date: 2019-08-02
Filing date: 2020-07-27
Publication date: 2021-02-11
Also published as: DE102019120990A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an auxiliary tool (2, 2', 52) for fixing a component (40, 70) for integrally bonded joining, having a rigid frame element (6, 6', 54), having one or more flexible cushion elements (10, 10', 64) that are arranged on one side (8, 8', 56, 58) of the rigid frame element (6, 6', 54), and having a line system (20, 20', 66) configured to fill the one or more cushion elements (10, 10', 64) with a pressurized fluid. The invention also relates to an auxiliary tool (82) for fixing a component (40, 70) for integrally bonded joining, having a rigid frame element (84), having one or more flexible cushion elements (92) that are arranged on one side (86) of the rigid frame element (84) and are filled with a powder (90), and having a line system (94) configured to draw air out of the one or more cushion elements (92), wherein the powder (90) remains in the one or more cushion elements (92). The invention also relates to uses of the auxiliary tools (2, 2', 52, 82) and to methods for fixing a component (40, 70) for integrally bonded joining.

Description

Auxiliary tools for fixing a component for integral joining, their use and method for fixing a component for integral joining

The invention relates to auxiliary tools for fixing a component for integral joining and to their use. The invention also relates to a method for fixing a component for material-locking joining.

For ultrasonic welding of an assembly, for example for welding a connection element to a flat conductor or busbar assembly, the assembly is typically firmly clamped so that the area of the assembly to be joined is arranged in the area of the ultrasonic welding device.

In order to dampen vibrations introduced into the component during ultrasonic welding, auxiliary tools made of vibration-absorbing hard materials are used in the prior art to fix the assembly.

However, this procedure has the disadvantage that these auxiliary tools usually have to be geometrically adapted to the sub-area of the assembly to be damped and are therefore assembly-specific. In addition, the vibration-absorbing properties and often also the heat resistance of the hard materials used are not sufficient to permanently and safely and thus functionally dampen a sub-area of an assembly.

Against this background, the present invention is based on the object of providing auxiliary tools for fixing a component for integral joining, their use and methods for fixing a component for integral joining, with which the above-described problems from the prior art are reduced or can even be fixed. According to a first teaching, this object is achieved according to the invention by an auxiliary tool for fixing a component for integral joining with a rigid frame element, with one or more flexible cushion elements arranged on one side of the rigid frame element, in particular for direct or indirect contact with a component to be fixed, and with a line system which is designed to fill the one or more cushion elements with a pressurized fluid.

In this way, an auxiliary tool is made available which enables components to be fixed in place in a vibration-damping manner. Fluids such as gases or liquids have very high vibration-absorbing properties, so that cushion elements filled with such a fluid are well suited for the vibration damping of components attached to them. In the present case, a component is understood to mean not only individual components but also related assemblies.

The auxiliary tool according to the first teaching has a rigid frame element. The rigid frame element serves as a carrier for the one or more cushion elements and is preferably designed so rigidly that it holds the one or more cushion elements in position upon contact with a component. The frame element can in particular be designed in sheet metal form.

The auxiliary tool according to the first teaching also has one or more flexible cushion elements arranged on one side of the rigid frame element (front side). The one or more cushion elements each have in particular a cushion cover which surrounds an inner space which can be filled with a pressurized fluid via the line system. The inner space can also be limited in sections by the frame element.

The one or more cushion elements are flexible, so that the one or more cushion elements when filled with pressurized fluid, preferably essentially perpendicular to the local plane of the frame element, can deform and / or expand. In this way, a component resting against the one or more cushion elements can be fixed by the one or more cushion elements.

The one or more cushion elements can be glued or welded to the frame element, for example.

The one or more cushion elements serve in particular to rest against a component to be fixed. The contact with the component or the contact with the component can take place directly, so that the one or more cushion elements directly touch the component to be fixed. Alternatively, the contact with the component or the contact with the component can also take place indirectly if a further intermediate element is arranged between the one or more cushion elements and the component to be fixed. The intermediate element can be, for example, an elastic element, for example made of foam. In particular, a protective layer, for example a fiberglass mesh, can be arranged as an intermediate element between the one or more cushion elements and the component to be fixed. By providing such an intermediate layer, for example in the case of sharp-edged components, damage to the one or more cushion elements by the component can be prevented.

The auxiliary tool preferably has a plurality of cushion elements arranged next to one another, which can further preferably be filled with a pressurized fluid independently of one another via the line system. In this way, an auxiliary tool is provided which can be individually adapted for differently shaped components by, for example, filling those cushion elements in the area of which the component is arranged. According to the first teaching, the auxiliary tool preferably has at least nine, more preferably at least sixteen cushion elements. The higher the number of The more uniformly and precisely the differently shaped components can be fixed in place.

If several cushion elements are provided, these are preferably arranged in a regular pattern, for example in regular columns and / or rows.

The auxiliary tool according to the first teaching furthermore has a line system which is designed for filling the one or more cushion elements with a pressurized fluid. In particular, the line system comprises at least one, preferably several feed lines with which fluid can be introduced into the one or more cushion elements.

The line system is preferably arranged on the side of the frame element (rear side) facing away from the one or more cushion elements in order not to hinder the installation of components on the one or more cushion elements. In particular, one or more openings can be provided in the frame element through which a pressurized fluid can be introduced from the rear into the one or more cushion elements on the front.

The fluid can in particular be a gas, for example air, or a liquid, for example water.

The above-mentioned object is achieved according to a second teaching according to the invention by an auxiliary tool for fixing a component for integral joining with a rigid frame element, with one or more flexible cushion elements that are arranged on one side of the rigid frame element and filled with a powder, in particular for direct or indirect use System on a component to be fixed, and with a line system which is designed to suck air from the one or more cushion elements, the powder remaining in the one or more cushion elements. In this way, an auxiliary tool is also made available which enables components to be fixed in place in a vibration-damping manner. Here, too, a component is understood to mean not only individual components but also connected assemblies.

The auxiliary tool according to the second teaching has a rigid frame element. The rigid frame element serves as a carrier for the one or more cushion elements and is preferably designed so rigidly that it holds the one or more cushion elements in position upon contact with a component. The frame element can in particular be designed in sheet form.

The auxiliary tool according to the second teaching furthermore has one or more flexible cushion elements arranged on one side of the rigid frame element (front side). The one or more cushion elements each have, in particular, a cushion cover which surrounds an inner space which is filled with a powder. The inner space can also be limited in sections by the frame element. The powder is preferably a large number of particles with a diameter of less than 0.01 mm.

The one or more cushion elements are flexible, so that the one or more cushion elements can deform when the air is sucked out.

The one or more cushion elements serve in particular to rest against a component to be fixed. The abutment or contact can take place directly, so that the one or more cushion elements directly touch the component to be fixed. Alternatively, the abutment or the contact can also take place indirectly if a further intermediate element is arranged between the one or more cushion elements and the component to be fixed. The intermediate element can be, for example, an elastic element, for example made of foam. In particular, a protective layer, for example a fiberglass mesh, can be arranged as an intermediate element between the one or more cushion elements and the component to be fixed. By providing such an intermediate layer, for example in the case of sharp-edged components, damage to the one or more cushion elements by the component can be prevented.

The auxiliary tool preferably has a plurality of cushion elements arranged next to one another, from which air can further preferably be sucked out independently of one another via the line system. In this way, an auxiliary tool is provided that can be individually adapted for differently shaped components in that air is sucked out of those cushion elements in whose area the component is arranged.

The auxiliary tool preferably has at least nine, more preferably at least sixteen, cushion elements. The higher the number of cushion elements, the more evenly and precisely differently shaped components can be fixed.

The auxiliary tool according to the second teaching furthermore has a line system which is designed to suck air from the one or more cushion elements, the powder remaining in the cushion elements. In particular, the line system comprises at least one, preferably several supply lines with which air can be sucked out of the one or more cushion elements. The line system is preferably arranged on the side of the frame element (rear side) facing away from the one or more cushion elements in order not to hinder the installation of components on the one or more cushion elements. In particular, one or more openings can be provided in the frame element, through which air can be sucked out of the one or more cushion elements on the front side.

By sucking off the air, the powder contained in the one or more cushion elements compacts and thereby brings about an adaptation of the cushion element shape to an adjacent component. In this way, a component can be fixed in a form-fitting manner by the one or more cushion elements.

The powder remains in the one or more cushion elements during suction. For this purpose, one or more membranes are preferably provided on the one or more feed lines for suction, which are air-permeable but retain the powder.

The cushion cover (s) of the one or more cushion elements are preferably air-permeable, so that air can flow into the one or more cushion elements during suction. In this way, better vibration damping can be achieved.

Various embodiments of the auxiliary tool according to the first and second teaching are described below, it also being possible for the individual embodiments to be combined with one another.

In one embodiment of the auxiliary tool according to the first teaching, the line system has one or more supply lines for filling individual cushion elements or groups of cushion elements. In this way, individual cushion elements or groups of cushion elements can be filled in a targeted manner. This enables the auxiliary tool to be better adapted to different component geometries.

The line system can in particular have feed lines for the targeted filling of each individual cushion element. Furthermore, the line system can also have feed lines for the targeted filling of a group of cushion elements. Such a supply line can, for example, branch and lead to several cushion elements. The line system preferably has a feed line for each cushion element, so that each cushion element can be selectively filled. For this purpose, the frame element on the rear side can have a respective opening for each cushion element with a feed line connected to it for the targeted introduction of a pressurized fluid into the respective cushion element. This enables the auxiliary tool to be highly adaptable to different component geometries.

In one embodiment of the auxiliary tool according to the first teaching, the line system is further designed for emptying one or more cushion elements filled with fluid. In this way, a component fixed with the auxiliary tool can be released again. The feed lines of the line system for filling the one or more cushion elements can, for example, also be designed to be suitable for emptying the one or more cushion elements. Alternatively, the line system can also have separate one or more lines for emptying the one or more cushion elements. In particular, it can

Frame element have corresponding one or more openings to the one or more cushion elements, to which separate one or more lines for emptying the one or more cushion elements are connected. On the line system or on the one or more cushion elements, one or more connections for level monitoring of the one or more several cushion elements can be provided, for example for a pressure sensor. Furthermore, a fill level sensor, for example a pressure sensor, can be integrated into or connected to the line system and / or the one or more cushion elements.

In one embodiment of the auxiliary tool according to the first teaching, the auxiliary tool further comprises a filling device which is set up to fill the one or more cushion elements with a pressurized fluid via the line system. The filling device can in particular have a hydraulic or pneumatic system for pressurizing the one or more cushion elements with fluid. The filling device is preferably set up to fill the fluid into the one or more cushion elements with an excess pressure of at least 1 bar, preferably at least 3 bar. In this way, the one or more cushion elements produce a sufficiently high contact pressure for the secure fixation of a component.

The filling device is set up in particular to selectively fill individual cushion elements or groups of cushion elements. In this way, for example, those one or more cushion elements that are in contact with the component to be fixed can be specifically filled with fluid. By specifically filling one or more cushion elements, the auxiliary tool can be specifically adapted to the geometry of the component to be fixed. In addition, the number of cushion elements to be filled is reduced in this way, as a result of which the total pressure required for filling becomes lower or higher pressures are available for the one or more cushion elements to be filled.

For the selective filling of one or more cushion elements, in particular valves controlled by the filling device can be provided, with which a fluid flow through the line system to the cushion elements can be regulated. The filling device is preferably set up to fill one or more cushion elements, in particular a predetermined selection of one or more cushion elements, upon receipt of a corresponding control signal, for example upon receipt of a corresponding user input via a user interface.

In one embodiment of the auxiliary tool according to the first teaching, the filling device is set up to fill one or more cushion elements selected in advance with a fluid. In this way, the auxiliary tool can be specifically adapted to the component to be fixed. The

The filling device can be set up, for example, to fill one or more cushion elements with a fluid, selected in advance via one or more control signals. The control signal can, for example, be a user input via a user interface, via which the user can select, for example, individual cushion elements or predefined groups of cushion elements. This enables the user to easily adapt the auxiliary tool to the component to be fixed.

In one embodiment of the auxiliary tool according to the first teaching, the filling device is designed to include one or more fluid-filled ones

To empty the cushion elements via the pipe system. In this way, a fixed component can be released again. The filling device is preferably set up to effect emptying upon receipt of a corresponding control signal, for example a user input via a user interface.

In one embodiment of the auxiliary tool according to the first teaching, the filling device is set up to control the temperature, in particular to cool it, of the fluid passed into the one or more cushion elements. Fluids such as gases or liquids can easily be tempered, in particular cooled, and therefore allow the auxiliary tool and thus the fixed component to be tempered or cooled. In this way, during a joining process, in particular Ultrasonic welding, heat introduced into the component can be dissipated via the auxiliary tool. For this purpose, the filling device preferably has a temperature control unit or a cooling unit, for example a through-flow cooler. In one embodiment of the auxiliary tool according to the first or second teaching, the one or more cushion elements are made of plastic, in particular fiber-reinforced plastic. A mixture of nitrile and PVC (NP VC) or polyurethane (PU) is particularly suitable as the plastic. The one or more cushion elements are preferably made of fiber-reinforced NPVC or fiber-reinforced PU. In this way, the one or more cushion elements have a high

Resistance force, so that the cushion elements can withstand the possibly high pressures of the fluid and the forces that occur when a component is fixed and do not fail prematurely. In one embodiment of the auxiliary tool according to the first or second teaching, the one or more cushion elements are coated with a heat-resistant material. In this way, damage to the one or more cushion elements by the heat introduced during the joining process, in particular ultrasonic welding, of a fixed component can be prevented.

In one embodiment of the auxiliary tool according to the first or second teaching, the frame element consists of metal. In this way, sufficient rigidity of the frame element is achieved so that it bends only little or practically not at all when a component is fixed.

In one embodiment of the auxiliary tool according to the first or second teaching, the frame element is shaped such that the one or more cushion elements arranged thereon lie in different planes. In this way, a component to be fixed can be fixed from several sides. The frame element is preferably shaped in such a way that at least two, preferably some of the cushion elements arranged thereon lie opposite one another. For example, this can Frame element can be U-shaped for this purpose, pillow elements lying opposite one another being arranged on the two legs of the U-shape, so that they can fix a component arranged between the pillow elements. It is also conceivable that a cushion element extends over a correspondingly shaped frame element in such a way that the cushion element itself lies in several planes and preferably one part of the cushion element is opposite another part of the cushion element.

The frame element can furthermore also be designed in several parts, with preferably two parts of the frame element, on the respective front side of which one or more cushion elements are arranged, being connected via a hinge. The two parts of the frame element connected via the hinge can preferably be folded together in such a way that the one or more cushion elements arranged on the respective front sides of the parts lie opposite one another. In this way, a component in the folded-up arrangement of the frame element is surrounded on both sides by one or more cushion elements and can thereby be fixed on both sides. To stabilize such an auxiliary tool with a multi-part frame element, a securing device, for example with one or more clamps, is preferably provided which fix the parts of the frame element in the folded arrangement, preferably temporarily. The frame element can preferably be brought into an unfolded arrangement around the hinge. This makes it easier to insert and remove a component.

If the cushion elements are only in one plane, for example in the case of a completely flat frame element, a counter bearing, for example a counter bearing made of an elastic material such as foam, rubber or cork, or a second auxiliary tool can be used to fix a component. When using two auxiliary tools, these are preferably fastened relative to one another, for example in a common frame. In this way, it is ensured that the frame elements of the two auxiliary tools do not move when a component is fixed move apart. One of the auxiliary tools can be designed to be movable, for example, so that the distance to the other auxiliary tool can be adjusted. This makes it easier to insert and remove a component between the two auxiliary tools.

In a further embodiment, the frame element and the one or more cushion elements are designed in such a way that the one or more cushion elements surround an area, which is essentially closed in a circumferential direction, for positioning a component to be fixed. In this way, a secure fixation can be achieved with differently shaped components.

The frame element can be designed, for example, in the form of a pipe section, on the inside of which one or more cushion elements are arranged in the circumferential direction, which surround a channel-shaped area for positioning a component to be fixed. To fix a component, it can be inserted into the channel-shaped area. If the one or more cushion elements are then filled with the pressurized fluid via the line system, then the one or more cushion elements expand in the direction of the channel-shaped area and thereby nestle against the component, preferably from essentially all sides in the circumferential direction so that this is fixed.

The above-mentioned object is thus also achieved in particular by a system for fixing a component for integral joining with several of the auxiliary tools described here or embodiments thereof, the auxiliary tools being arranged in relation to one another, in particular by a holding structure such as a scaffold that a component can be embedded and / or fixed between the respective one or more cushion elements of the plurality of auxiliary tools. In such a system, the multiple auxiliary tools can also share a common line system or a common filling device or suction device. In one embodiment of the auxiliary tool according to the first or second teaching or the system, a common supply line of the line system can be provided for two opposite cushion elements. In this way, two opposing cushion elements of one or two auxiliary tools can be filled with fluid at the same time via a supply line or air can be pumped out of both opposing cushion elements via the supply line.

In one embodiment of the auxiliary tool according to the second teaching, the auxiliary tool further comprises a suction device which is set up to suction air from the one or more cushion elements via the line system. The suction device is set up in particular to suction air selectively from individual cushion elements or groups of cushion elements. In this way, for example, air can be specifically sucked out of those cushion elements that are in contact with the component to be fixed. By means of the targeted suction, the auxiliary tool can be specifically adapted to the geometry of the component to be fixed.

For the selective suction of air from the one or more cushion elements, in particular valves controlled by the suction device can be provided, with which the air suctioned off via the line system can be regulated.

The suction device is preferably set up to suck air from the one or more cushion elements, in particular from a predetermined selection of cushion elements, upon receipt of a corresponding control signal, for example upon receipt of a corresponding user input via a user interface.

In one embodiment of the auxiliary tool according to the second teaching, the suction device is set up to suction air from previously selected cushion elements. In this way, a targeted adaptation of the auxiliary tool to the component to be fixed. The suction device can, for example, be set up to suction air from cushion elements selected in advance via one or more control signals. The one or more control signals can be, for example, a user input via a user interface, via which the user can select, for example, individual cushion elements or predefined groups of cushion elements. This enables the user to easily adapt the auxiliary tool to the component to be fixed.

The above-mentioned object is further achieved according to the invention according to the first teaching by a method for fixing a component for integral joining, in which a component is embedded in one or more of the auxiliary tools described above according to the first teaching or an embodiment thereof and in which with the Component in contact one or more cushion elements are filled with a pressurized fluid, so that the component is fixed. In particular, the component can also be embedded in several auxiliary tools of the system described above.

Furthermore, the above-mentioned object according to the second teaching is further achieved according to the invention by a method for fixing a component for integral joining, in which a component is embedded in one or more of the auxiliary tools described above according to the second teaching or an embodiment thereof and in which with air is extracted from one or more cushion elements in contact with the component. In particular, the component can also be embedded in several auxiliary tools of the system described above.

The component of the method according to the first or second teaching can in particular be a flat conductor, in particular a busbar, or an assembly with a flat conductor, in particular a busbar. The integral joining of the method according to the first or second teaching can in particular involve ultrasonic welding. In the method according to the first teaching, the component to be fixed is preferably positioned on the one or more cushion elements of the auxiliary tool before the one or more cushion elements are filled with fluid. In the method according to the second teaching, the component to be fixed is preferably positioned on the one or more cushion elements of the auxiliary tool before air is sucked out of the one or more cushion elements. In this way, a better adaptation of the one or more cushion elements to the component to be fixed can be achieved in each case. In particular, it can be achieved in this way that the one or more cushion elements fix the component in a form-fitting manner. Such a form fit increases not only the better fixation but also the vibration-absorbing properties of the individual one or more cushion elements. In the method according to the first or second teaching, the component is preferably fixed from at least two sides, in particular from all sides, by one or more cushion elements. Several auxiliary tools or one auxiliary tool with one or more cushion elements in more than one plane can be used for this purpose. In this way, a secure fixation of the component with increased vibration damping can be achieved.

In one embodiment of the method, the fixed component is joined in a materially bonded manner, in particular ultrasonic welding. The above-mentioned object is also achieved according to the invention by the

Use of the auxiliary tool described above in accordance with the first or second teaching or an embodiment thereof or the system described above for fixing a component during material-to-material joining, in particular during ultrasonic welding. The component to be fixed can in particular be a flat conductor, in particular a busbar, or an assembly with a flat conductor, in particular a busbar. Further features and advantages of the auxiliary tool, the method and the use result from the following description of exemplary embodiments, reference being made to the accompanying drawings.

Show in the drawing

Fig. La-b an embodiment of the auxiliary tool according to the first teaching, Fig. 2a-b an embodiment of the use of the auxiliary tool from Fig. La-b,

3 shows a further exemplary embodiment of the auxiliary tool according to the first teaching and its use,

4 shows an embodiment of the auxiliary tool according to the second teaching,

5 shows a further embodiment of the auxiliary tool according to the first teaching,

6a-b show a sectional view of the auxiliary tool from FIG. 5 when used for the first time in two different operating states,

7a-b show a further sectional view of the auxiliary tool from FIG. 5 when used for a second time in two different operating states, FIGS. 8a-b show a further sectional view of the auxiliary tool from FIG. 5 when used for a third time in two different operating states, 9 shows a further exemplary embodiment of the auxiliary tool according to the first

Teaching, Fig. 10a-b a sectional view of the auxiliary tool from Fig. 9 when used for the first time in two different operating states and

FIGS. 11a-b show a further sectional view of the auxiliary tool from FIG. 9 in a second use in two different operating states.

Fig. La-b show an embodiment of the auxiliary tool according to the first teaching. Fig. Lb shows a sectional view corresponding to the sectional plane designated in Fig. La with "1b". The auxiliary tool 2 for fixing a component has a rigid, sheet-like frame element 6 made of metal. On one side 8 of the frame element 6 (front side) is a plurality of flexible cushion elements 10. The individual cushion elements 10 each have a cushion cover 12 made of a fiber-reinforced plastic, for example fiber-reinforced NPVC or fiber-reinforced polyurethane, and together with the frame element 6 enclose a respective inner space 14.

In the example shown here, the frame element 6 has a recess 16 for each cushion element 10, wherein the cushion cover 12 of each cushion element 10 can be glued or welded, for example, to the respective side edge 18 of the recess 16, so that the cushion element 10 is firmly attached to the frame element 6 and are fluid-tight on the front side 8 of the frame element 6.

Alternatively, the frame element 6 can also be designed with a flat front side 8 without recesses 16 and the cushion elements 10 can be glued or welded directly to the flat front side 8. The auxiliary tool 2 furthermore has a line system 20 with a number of lines 22 corresponding to the number of the cushion elements 10, which lead through openings 24 provided in the frame element into the cushion elements 10, so that a fluid, for example a gas or a liquid can be filled into the individual cushion elements 10 under pressure.

Furthermore, the auxiliary tool 2 has a filling device 26 which is set up to effect the filling of the individual cushion elements 10 with fluid via the lines 22. For this purpose, the filling device 26 can, for example, have a pressure source 28 for pressurized fluid, for example a pneumatic or hydraulic system, as well as controllable valves 30 in order to conduct the pressurized fluid selectively via the respective lines 22 to the individual cushion elements 10.

Furthermore, the filling device 26 is preferably set up to suck the fluid filled into the cushion elements 10 again from the cushion elements 10 as required. In the present example, lines 22 are again used for this purpose. Instead, separate lines can also be provided for filling and emptying the cushion elements 10, one feed line and one each

Derivation leads through a respective opening in the frame element 6 into the individual cushion elements 10.

The use of the auxiliary tool 2 for fixing a component 40 for integral joining, in particular ultrasonic welding, will now be described with reference to FIGS. 2a-b. FIG. 2b shows a sectional view corresponding to the sectional plane designated by "IIb" in FIG. 2a.

In the present example, the component 40 is an assembly with a flat conductor. To fix the component 40, in the present example, in addition to the auxiliary tool 2, another auxiliary tool 2 'with an identical structure is used. In Fig. 2a, the auxiliary tool 2 'is hidden for the sake of clarity. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, the filling device 26 is hidden in FIG. 2b and the line systems 20, 20 'are shown by arrows.

The line system 20 'of the auxiliary tool 2' can also be connected to the filling device 26, so that the two auxiliary tools 2, 2 'share a filling device.

The two auxiliary tools 2, 2 'are arranged in relation to one another in such a way that the respective front sides 8, 8' with the cushion elements 10 'are opposite one another. The positions of the frame elements 6, 6 'of the two auxiliary tools 2, 2' are fixed to one another, for example by a frame 42 in which the two auxiliary tools 2, 2 'are clamped.

The two auxiliary tools 2, 2 'and the frame 42 correspondingly form a system for fixing a component for integral joining. The cushion elements 10, 10 'are initially emptied and the component 40 is positioned between the two auxiliary tools 2, 2'. By means of a user input on the filling device 26, the user can select the cushion elements 10, 10 'of the auxiliary tools 2, 2' to be filled. The filling device 26 (see FIG. 1b) then, if necessary after a further user input, opens the valves 30 (see FIG. 1b) of the selected cushion elements 10, 10 'or closes the valves 30 of the remaining cushion elements 10, 10' and activates the pressure source 28 (see FIG. 1b), so that a fluid under pressure is directed into the selected cushion elements 10, 10 ′ in a targeted manner. As a result, the cushion elements 10, 10 'expand or deform, so that the component 40 is fixed between the auxiliary tools 2, 2' securely and in a vibration-damping manner. In FIG. 2a, the cushion elements selected and filled with fluid are marked by symbols "x". The component 40 is fixed in such a way that a region 44 of the component 40 to be joined is positioned on an anvil 46 of an ultrasonic welding device, so that the component 40 in the region 44 is brought into contact with a second component 48 and is ultrasonically welded by placing an ultrasonic head of the ultrasonic welding device can. Vibrations transmitted to the component 40 are damped by the cushion elements 10, 10 ′ in contact with the component 40.

Furthermore, the heat introduced into the component 40 during the ultrasonic welding process can be dissipated via the cushion elements 10, 10 ′. For this purpose, the filling device 26 preferably has a cooling unit for cooling the fluid filled into the cushion elements 10, 10 '.

After the end of the ultrasonic welding process, the previously filled cushion elements 10, 10 'are emptied again, preferably by sucking or draining the fluid from the cushion elements 10, 10' again by the filling device 26. In this way, the welded component 40 is released again so that it can be easily removed from the auxiliary tools 2, 2 '.

3 shows a further exemplary embodiment of an auxiliary tool according to the first teaching in a sectional illustration.

The auxiliary tool 52 has a rigid frame element 54 in the form of a U-profile. A flexible cushion element 64 is arranged on each of the opposite inner sides 56, 58 of the legs 60, 62. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, a plurality of flexible cushion elements 64 arranged one behind the other and / or next to one another can also be arranged on the inner sides 56, 58. For example, each leg - similar to FIG. 1 a - has a matrix of cushion elements. The inner sides 56, 58 of the legs 60, 62 form (together with the adjoining side of the web connecting the legs 60, 62) the front side of the frame element 54, which in the present case lies in several planes. The auxiliary tool 52 further comprises a line system 66 (shown in FIG. 3 by arrows) with which the cushion elements 64 can be filled with fluid via respective openings 68 in the frame element 54 or fluid can be drained or sucked out of the cushion elements 64. For this purpose, the line system 66 is connected to a filling device (not shown) which can specifically apply fluid to the individual cushion elements 64 or suck fluid out of the cushion elements 64.

To fix a component 70 with the auxiliary tool 52, it is positioned between the legs 60, 62 of the auxiliary tool 52 when the cushion elements 64 are empty. Then the filling device fills the cushion elements 64 with fluid so that they force the component 70 as shown in FIG. 3 - and preferably fix in a form-fitting manner. If, in an alternative exemplary embodiment, a plurality of cushion elements are each arranged on the legs 60, 62, one or more previously selected cushion elements of the plurality of cushion elements can preferably be filled with fluid by the filling device.

A component 70 fixed in this way with the auxiliary tool 52 can be ultrasonically welded analogously to FIG. 2a. In a further embodiment, to protect the one or more

Cushion elements 64, an elastic protective element (not shown), for example a glass fiber fabric or a thin foam layer, can be arranged between the possibly sharp-edged component and one or more cushion elements 64. In a further exemplary embodiment, instead of a U-shaped frame element, a two-part frame element can also be used, the two parts of the frame element being connected to one another by a hinge. For example, in FIG. 3, a hinge (not shown) could be provided instead of the web of the U-profile connecting the two legs 60, 62. The two legs 60, 62 would then correspond to the two parts of the frame element connected by means of a hinge. In this way, the two parts of the frame element (that is to say the legs 60, 62 in FIG. 3) can be folded apart for inserting and removing the component 70. In order to secure the position of the parts of the frame elements in the folded-up arrangement, a securing device, such as for example a clamp opposite the hinge, can be provided in this case.

Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of the auxiliary tool according to the second teaching in a sectional view.

The auxiliary tool 82 has a rigid frame element 84, on one side 86 (front side) of which a plurality of flexible cushion elements 88 are arranged, which are filled with a powder 90. The cushion cover 92 of the cushion elements 88 is air-permeable. In an alternative embodiment, instead of the multiple cushion elements 88, only a single cushion element can be provided.

The auxiliary tool 82 also has a line system 94 (shown by arrows) with which air can be sucked out of the cushion elements 88 through openings 96 provided in the frame element 84. So that the powder 90 in the

If cushion elements 88 remain, respective air-permeable and powder-impermeable membranes 98 are provided at the openings 96.

The line system 94 is connected to a suction device (not shown) which is set up to suction the air from previously selected cushion elements 88. When air is sucked out of a cushion element 88, the powder 90 in the relevant cushion element 88 is compacted by this air flow, so that the shape of the cushion element 88 solidifies.

The auxiliary tool 82 can, like the auxiliary tool 2 in FIG. Alternatively, like the auxiliary tool 52 in FIG. 3, the auxiliary tool 82 can also be designed with a U-shaped frame element 84.

To fix a component with the auxiliary tool 82, a component is arranged between cushion elements 88 of one or more auxiliary tools 82, analogous to the structure in FIGS. 2 a-b or 3. The cushion elements 88 preferably rest against the component under prestress, so that the cushion elements 88 deform in accordance with the contour of the component (analogous to the cushion elements 64 in FIG. 3).

Air is then sucked out of selected cushion elements 88, so that the powder 90 of these cushion elements 88 compacts and the shape of the cushion elements 88, which partially encloses the component, solidifies. In this way, the component can be securely fixed in a form-fitting manner. In particular, depending on the gas flow during suction, the auxiliary tool 82 can partially or fully enclose the component to be damped with high surface pressure.

The component fixed in this way can then - analogously to FIG. 2a - be subjected to ultrasonic welding. Vibrations transmitted to the component are dampened by the cushion elements 88 filled with powder 90.

In an alternative embodiment, a component can also be fixed with a single auxiliary tool 82 with a flat frame element 84, in particular if this has a single cushion element 88. In this case, the component is embedded in the cushion element so that the component is at least partially enclosed by the cushion element. When sucking the air out of the cushion element solidifies the powder and thus the shape of the cushion element, so that the component is securely fixed in the one cushion element.

The auxiliary tools according to the first or second teaching can be used to mount components for integral joining in a vibration-damping manner. In particular, the auxiliary tools can be adapted to the partial area of the component to be joined to be fixed. This achieves a vibration-damping fixing that is independent of the component or assembly. In particular, one, preferably several previously defined sub-areas of an assembly can be fixed and damped in a permanently secure and thus function-fulfilling manner.

Furthermore, the auxiliary tools according to the first or second teaching enable quick fixation and release of the components, since the cushion elements can be filled or emptied with fluid in a very short time or the suction of air from the cushion elements can be started and ended in a very short time.

Fig. 5 shows a further embodiment of the auxiliary tool according to the first teaching in a schematic plan view. FIG. 6a also shows a sectional view of the auxiliary tool from FIG. 5 corresponding to the sectional plane designated by “VI” in FIG. 5.

The auxiliary tool 102 has a rigid frame element 104 with a tubular part 106, on the inside 107 of which a likewise tubular, flexible cushion element 108 is arranged, which surrounds a channel-shaped, circumferentially closed area 110 for positioning a component 112 to be fixed. The tubular part 106 is arranged in FIG. 6a on a carrier part 113 of the frame element 104 for the secure positioning of the auxiliary tool 102. Furthermore, the auxiliary tool 102 has a line system 114 with an inlet 116 for filling the cushion element 108 with a pressurized fluid, a Outlet 118 for draining the fluid from the cushion element 108 and with a connection 120 for level monitoring, for example a pressure sensor. The inlet and outlet lines of the line system 114 are connected to the inlet and 116 and the outlet 118 (not shown).

5 shows an example of the use of the auxiliary tool 102 to fix the component 112, which in the present case is a conductor 122 stripped at both ends, which is already welded to a connection element 124 at one end and using it at the other end of a joining tool 126 is to be welded to a further connection element 128.

FIG. 6 a shows the auxiliary tool 102, which is arranged in the region of the conductor 122 in which the conductor 122 is stripped and connected to the connection element 124. To fix the component 112, the conductor 122 and the connection element 124 are inserted into the channel-shaped region 110. If now pressurized fluid is introduced into the cushion element 108 via the inlet 116, the cushion element 108 expands and thereby reduces the cross section of the channel-shaped area 110 until the cushion element 108 rests against the component 112 and thereby fixes it. FIG. 6b shows, in a representation corresponding to FIG. 6a, this operating state of the auxiliary tool 102 after the cushion element 108 has been filled.

The design of the frame element 104 and of the cushion element 108 allow the component 112 to be enclosed from practically all sides in the circumferential direction, whereby it can be securely fixed. In addition, this configuration of the frame element 104 and the cushion element 108 has the advantage that differently shaped components 112 or component sections can be securely fixed.

FIG. 5 shows, in dashed lines, an alternative positioning 130 of the auxiliary tool 102 to the component 112, in which a central insulated section of the conductor 122 is arranged in the channel-shaped region 110. Fig. 7a shows the corresponding

Cross section corresponding to the section plane designated "VII" in FIG. 5 7b shows, in a representation corresponding to FIG. 7a, the operating state of the auxiliary tool 102 in the positioning 130 shown in dashed lines in FIG. 5 after the cushion element 108 has been filled with fluid. As can be seen from FIGS. 7a-b, this cross-sectional shape, which is different from that of FIGS. 6a-b, of the component 112 arranged in the region 110 is also securely fixed in the auxiliary tool 102.

8a-b show a representation corresponding to FIGS. 7a-b when an insulated conductor 132 is fixed with a round cross section instead of the flat cross section as in FIGS. 7a-b. This cross-sectional shape can also be securely fixed in the auxiliary tool 102.

Fig. 9 shows a further embodiment of the auxiliary tool according to the first teaching in a schematic plan view. FIG. 10a also shows a sectional view of the auxiliary tool from FIG. 9 corresponding to the sectional plane designated by "X" in FIG. 9.

The auxiliary tool 142 has a rigid frame element 144 with a U-shaped part 146, on the opposite inner sides 147a-b of which two mutually opposite flexible cushion elements 148a and 148b are arranged, between which an area 150 for positioning a component 152 to be fixed is arranged. The U-shaped part 146 is arranged lying on its side in FIG. 10 a on a carrier part 153 of the frame element 144 for the secure positioning of the auxiliary tool 142.

Furthermore, the auxiliary tool 142 has a line system 154 with an inlet 156 for filling the cushion elements 148a-b with a pressurized fluid, an outlet 158 for draining the fluid from the cushion elements 148a-b and with a connection 160 for level monitoring, for example a Pressure sensor. The inlet and outlet lines of the line system 154 are connected to the inlet and 156 and the outlet 158 (not shown). 9 shows an example of the use of the auxiliary tool 142 for fixing the component 152, which in the present case has a structure similar to that of the component 152 with a conductor 162 stripped at both ends, which is welded at one end to a connection element 164 and the other end below Using a joining tool 166 to be welded to a further connection element 168.

FIG. 10 a shows the auxiliary tool 142 which is arranged in the region of the conductor 162 at which the conductor 162 is connected to the connection element 164. To fix the component 152, the conductor 162 and the connection element 164 are arranged in the area 150. If now pressurized fluid is introduced into the cushion elements 148a-b via the inlet 156, the cushion elements 148a-b expand and thereby reduce the height of the area 150 until the cushion elements 148a-b rest on the component 152 and thereby fix it , FIG. 10b shows this operating state of the auxiliary tool in a representation corresponding to FIG. 10a

142 after filling the cushion elements 148a-b.

The design of the frame element 104 and the cushion elements 148a-b allow the component 152 to be enclosed on two opposite sides, as a result of which it can be securely fixed. Different shaped components 152 or component sections can also be securely fixed with this auxiliary tool 142.

9 shows, in dashed lines, an alternative positioning 170 of the auxiliary tool 142 to the component 152, in which a central insulated section of the conductor 162 is arranged in the region 150. FIG. 11 a shows the corresponding cross section corresponding to the section plane designated by “XI” in FIG. 9. Furthermore, Fig.

11b shows, in a representation corresponding to FIG. 11a, the operating state of the auxiliary tool 142 with the positioning 170 shown in broken lines in FIG. 9 after the cushion elements 148a-b have been filled with fluid. As can be seen from FIGS. 11a-b, this cross-sectional shape, which is different from that of FIGS. 10a-b, of the component 152 arranged in the region 150 is securely fixed in the auxiliary tool 142.

Claims

Patent claims

1. Auxiliary tool (2, 2 ', 52, 102, 142) for fixing a component (40, 70, 112, 152) for integral joining, with a rigid frame element (6, 6', 54, 104, 144) with one or more flexible cushion elements (10, 10 ', 64, 108) arranged on one side (8, 8', 56, 58, 107, 147a-b) of the rigid frame element (6, 6 ', 54, 104, 144), 148a-b) and with a line system (20, 20 ', 66, 114, 154) designed to fill the one or more cushion elements (10, 10', 64, 108, 148a-b) with a pressurized fluid is.

2. Auxiliary tool according to claim 1, characterized in that the line system (20, 20 ', 66, 114, 154) has one or more feed lines (22) for filling individual cushion elements (10, 10', 64, 108, 148a-b) or groups of cushion elements (10, 10 ', 64, 108, 148a-b).

3. Auxiliary tool according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the line system (20, 20 ', 66, 114, 154) further for emptying one or more fluid-filled cushion elements (10, 10', 64, 108, 148a-b ) is trained.

4. Auxiliary tool according to one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a filling device (26) which is set up to deliver the one or more cushion elements (10, 10 ', 64, 108, 148a-b) via the line system (20, 20 ', 66) to be filled with a pressurized fluid.

5. Auxiliary tool according to claim 4, characterized in that the filling device (26) is set up to fill one or more cushion elements (10, 10 ', 64, 108, 148a-b) selected in advance with a fluid.

6. Auxiliary tool according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the filling device (26) is set up to supply one or more cushion elements (10, 10 ', 64, 108, 148a-b) filled with fluid via the line system (20, 20 ', 66) to empty.

7. Auxiliary tool according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the filling device (26) is designed to temperature control the fluid passed into the one or more cushion elements (10, 10 ', 64, 108, 148a-b), especially to cool.

8. Auxiliary tool according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the one or more cushion elements (10, 10 ', 64, 108, 148a-b) are made of fiber-reinforced plastic.

9. Auxiliary tool according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the one or more cushion elements (10, 10 ', 64, 108, 148a-b) are coated with a heat-resistant material.

10. Auxiliary tool according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the frame element (6, 6 ', 54, 104, 144) consists of metal.

11. Auxiliary tool according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the frame element (6, 6 ', 54, 104, 144) is shaped such that the one or more cushion elements (10, 10', 64, 108 , 148a-b) lie in different planes.

12. Auxiliary tool according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the frame element (6, 6 ', 54, 104, 144) and the one or more cushion elements (10, 10', 64, 108, 148a-b) such are designed so that the one or more cushion elements (10, 10 ', 64, 108, 148a-b) surround an area essentially closed in a circumferential direction for positioning a component (40, 70, 112, 152) to be fixed.

13. Auxiliary tool (82) for fixing a component (40, 70) for integral joining, with a rigid frame element (84), with one or more flexible ones arranged on one side (86) of the rigid frame element (84) and with a powder ( 90) filled cushion elements (92) and with a line system (94) which is designed to suck air from the one or more cushion elements (92), the powder (90) remaining in the one or more cushion elements (92).

14. System for fixing a component (40, 70) for integral joining, - with several auxiliary tools according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the auxiliary tools are arranged to each other such that a component between the respective one or more cushion elements of the several auxiliary tools can be embedded and / or fixed.

15. A method for fixing a component (40, 70, 112, 152) for integral joining, in which a component (40, 70, 112, 152) is inserted into one or more auxiliary tools (2, 2 ', 52, 82, 102, 142) according to one of claims 1 to 13 or a system according to claim 14, and - in which one or more is in contact with the component (40, 70, 112, 152)

Cushion elements (10, 10 ', 64, 108, 148a-b) with a pressurized fluid be filled, so that the component (40, 70, 112, 152) is fixed, and / or in which air is sucked out from one or more cushion elements (88) in contact with the component (40, 70, 112, 152) .

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that the fixed component (40, 70, 112, 152) is materially joined, in particular is ultrasonically welded.

17. Use of an auxiliary tool (2, 2 ', 52, 82, 102, 142) according to one of claims 1 to 13 or a system according to claim 14 for fixing a

Component (40, 70, 112, 152) during material joining, in particular during ultrasonic welding.