METHOD AND DEVICE FOR JOINING A COMPOSITE SHEET METAL COMPONENT TO A FUNCTIONAL ELEMENT

Abstract

In order to further improve a method for joining a multilayer component (10) to another component (11) in a way that allows the multilayer component (10) to be mechanically and electrically joined to other elements, it is provided that an intermediate layer (14) of the multilayer component (10) be displaced in the region of the joining site (32), and that the two outer structural elements (12, 13) of the multilayer component be joined to one another by applying an electric voltage; and that the other component (11) be joined as a fastening element to the multilayer component (10) in the region of the joining site (32).

Claims

1. A method for joining a first component to a second component at a joining site of the first component, the first component comprising at least an essentially planar first structural element, an essentially planar second structural element, and a plastic-containing intermediate layer disposed at least in certain regions between the two structural elements, the method comprising: (a) displacing the intermediate layer in the region of the joining site between the first structural element and second structural element in a way that establishes a contact between the first structural element and the second structural element in the region of the joining site; (b) applying an electric voltage to the first structural element and the second structural element in the region of the joining site until the first structural element and the second structural element adhere to each other in the region of the joining site, or a material-to-material bond is produced between the two structural elements by the melting on of the first structural element and/or of the second structural element; and (c) joining the first component to the second component in the region of the joining site; the second component being in the form of a fastening element for connection to another component or element.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein step a), further comprises detecting when the contact between the first structural element and the second structural element is made in the region of the joining site in order to apply the electric voltage in step b).

3. The method of claim 1, wherein, in step a), to displace the intermediate layer in the region of the joining site, a compressive force is exerted on the first component and/or the second structural element in the region of the joining site, the compressive force being exerted on the first structural element in a way that allows a depression to form on a surface of the first structural element in the region of the joining site; and the compressive force being exerted on the second structural element in a way that allows an essentially plane surface to remain on a surface of the second structural element in the region of the joining site.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein, in step c), the second component in the region of the joining site of the first component being joined to the first component by welding.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the second component is in the form of a nut or bolt.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein, in step c), before the first component is joined to the second component, a hole is bored or punched through the first component in the region of the joining site .

7. The method as recited in claim 6, wherein the second component is inserted into the hole and, in order to be joined to the first component, is locked in position therewith.

8. A structural element composite comprising: a first component and a second component that is joined to the first component at a joining region thereof; the first component having at least an essentially planar first structural element, an essentially planar second structural element, and a plastic-containing intermediate layer disposed at least in certain regions between the two structural elements, wherein the structural element composite was manufactured in accordance with a method according to claim 1.

9. The structural element composite as recited in claim 8, wherein the second component is in the form of a nut or bolt.

10. The structural element composite as recited in claim 8, wherein the second component is welded onto the first component in the region of the joining site or is placed in a hole through the first component that is configured in the region of the joining site.

11. The structural element composite as recited in claim 8, wherein the second component has a maximum width that is smaller than half of a maximum width of the joining site.

12. A device for preparing a joining region on a first component to join the first component to a second component at the joining site of the first component in accordance with a method as recited in claim 1.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0042] The figures show:

[0043] FIG. 1a-1b method steps a) and b) for preparing a joining site on a first multilayer component;

[0044] FIG. 1c the various zones in the region of the joining site;

[0045] FIG. 2a method step c) for joining a first component in the region of the prepared joining site to a second component in the form of a bolt;

[0046] FIG. 2b method step c) for joining first component in the region of the prepared joining site to a second component in the form of a nut;

[0047] FIG. 2c method step c) for joining the first component in the region of the prepared joining site to a second annular component placed in the hole through the first component;

[0048] FIGS. 3a-3c different embodiments of pressure applying means for implementing method steps a) through c); and

[0049] FIG. 4 a device for preparing a joining site.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] FIG. 1a-1b show method steps a) and b) for preparing a joining site 15 on a first component 10. First component 10 has a multilayer form and features two sheet metal-type structural elements 12, 13, as well as an intermediate layer 14 disposed between the two structural elements 12, 13. The intermediate layer is in the form of a plastic-containing layer. To join first component 10 to a second component 11 (not shown in FIG. 1a), the joining method provides that a joining site 15 be prepared before first component 10 is joined to a second component 11. For this purpose, it is essential that intermediate layer 14 be displaced in the region of joining site 15, allowing a contact to be formed between the two structural elements 12, 13 in this region.

[0051] Pressure applying means 26, 27 for exerting the compressive force in step a) may be electrode caps of a welding device, for example. In addition, different tools may be used for individual method steps a) and b). As illustrated in FIGS. 1a and 1b, the same tools, namely pressure applying means 26, 27 are used for method steps a) and b). For this, the two pressure applying means 26, 27 include heating elements 29, as well as connections for connecting an electric voltage 17.

[0052] In a first method step, the two pressure applying means 26, 27, that were heated in advance, are placed on the particular surface of a structural element 12, 13. Pressure applying means 26, 27 are warmed, respectively heated by heating elements 29 to a temperature of between 200 C. and 500 C.

[0053] In a second step, a compressive force 16 is exerted by the two pressure applying means 26, 27 on structural elements 12, 13 until intermediate layer 14 is displaced in the region of joining site 15 to be prepared between first structural element 12 and second structural element 13, and a contact is established between the two structural elements 12, 13.

[0054] As soon as a contact is established between the two structural elements 12, 13 in this region, an electric voltage 17 is applied to the two pressure applying means 26, 27. An electric current is thereby conducted orthogonally through the two structural elements 12, 13. The resistance heating heats the contact region between the two structural elements 12, 13 as a function of the current intensity level.

[0055] FIG. 1a shows the welding of the two structural elements 12, 13. Electric voltage 17 is controlled here in a way that liquefies the material of at least one structural element 12, 13 in the region of joining site 15. Thus, a material-to-material bond is produced between the two structural elements 12, 13. As shown in FIG. 1a, welding in the contact region forms a welding lens 30.

[0056] FIG. 1b shows method step b) without the formation of a welding lens 30. Electric voltage 17 is controlled to not allow the temperature prevailing in the contact region between the two structural elements 12, 13 to exceed a predefined temperature threshold 21. The two structural elements 12, 13 are in the form of sheet metals and have a melting point of approximately 1,530 C. To ensure that the two structural elements 12, 13 are not welded in this range, but are merely attached to each other, temperature threshold 21 is below the melting point of approximately 1,530 C. of the two structural elements 12, 13. Thus, no welding lens is formed by the resistance heating in the contact point region.

[0057] The resistance heating creates a heat flow in intermediate layer 14. This heat flow thermally destroys the material of displaced intermediate layer 14 in a first region 18 thereof, namely in the region directly adjoining joining site 15, in a way that causes the material in this region to lose its fluidity. Also, once pressing tool is released, respectively compressive force 16 is achieved, there is no unwanted return flow of intermediate layer 14 in the region of joining site 15.

[0058] FIG. 1c shows the region of joining site 15. The various regions 18, 19, 20 of displaced intermediate layer 14 around joining site 15 are thereby shown at the top of FIG. 1c. In the region of joining site 15, the material of intermediate layer 14 is completely displaced. In response to the resistance heating and the hereby induced thermal flow through the material of displaced intermediate layer 14, this material is thermally destroyed in a first region 18 in a way that causes it to lose its fluidity. Adjoining first region 18 is second region 19 of displaced intermediate layer 14. In this region, the material of intermediate layer 14 is merely thermally influenced. The material of intermediate layer 14 is not damaged or influenced in the remaining region, in third region 20 of displaced intermediate layer 14, nor in the region of non-displaced intermediate layer 14.

[0059] To prepare joining sites, pressure applying means 26, 27 of the type that merely place a depression 25 in second structural element 13 are used in the example shown in FIG. 1c. Second component 11, for example, may be disposed in this region and joined to first component 10, for example, welded thereto.

[0060] As second component 11, FIG. 1c shows a bolt 23 joined to first component 10. Thus, bolt 23 is configured in depression 25. On the opposite outer surface of first component 10, namely in the region of the surface of second structural element 13, a plane outer surface of first component 10 is retained by a pressure applying means 26 (not shown in FIG. 1c) suited for this purpose.

[0061] Maximum width 42 of joining site 15 is greater than maximum width 43 of second component 11, namely of bolt 23.

[0062] FIG. 2a through 2c show method step c) for joining first component 10 to a second component 11 in the region of prepared joining site 15.

[0063] Using arc stud welding, peg-shaped parts, for example, bolt 23, may be joined, respectively connected to planar first component 10 at prepared joining site 15. The type of arc initiation may be carried out by a tip ignition or a lift ignition. A welding rectifier or converter, welding transformer or condenser may be used as an energy source. The welding current intensity is within the range of from 100 A to 10,000 A. The welding time may be from 10 to 2,000 ms. The material of peg-shaped, second component 11, for example, of bolt 23 may include steel or chromium nickel steel. Second component 11 may thereby be metallically bare, galvanized or feature similar corrosion-inhibiting coatings. In addition, depending on the particular application, second component 11 may feature an oiling, respectively an applied oil coating. A peg-shaped second component 11, for example, a bolt 23, typically has a diameter of between 1 and 14 mm. This diameter typically has a range of between 3 and 8 mm. A peg-shaped second component 11, for example, a bolt 23, may be between 1 and 100 mm in length. Peg-shaped second component 11, for example, bolt 23, may thereby feature an external thread and/or an internal thread in some regions or over the entire length.

[0064] In FIG. 2a through 2c, second component 11 is designed as a functional element, in particular as a fastening element. In FIG. 2a, second component 11, namely the fastening element, is in the form of a bolt 23. In the region of prepared joining site 15, bolt 23 is welded on by arc welding on the surface of first component 10. The welding process may be carried out here under inert gas atmosphere 32 by providing a ceramic ring 33 around bolt 23.

[0065] FIG. 2b shows a second component 11, second component 11 being in the form of a nut 22, namely a projection nut. Nut 22 is thereby placed on the surface of first component 10 in the region of joining site 15 by a circumferentially extending projection 22a disposed at the end face. Projection 22a may be in the form of an annular or segmental projection. A suitable welding device is used to weld nut 22 onto the surface of first component 10 in the region of joining site 15. For this, a welding electrode 35 may have a centering pin 37, for example. To accommodate centering pin 37, a recess may be provided in the region of joining site 15.

[0066] In FIG. 2c, second component 11 is in the form of an annular fastening element, for example, an annular nut 22. In contrast to the configurations in FIGS. 2a and 2b, in FIG. 2c, second component 11 is not joined to first component 10 by a thermal joining method, rather by a mechanical joining method. A hole 24 is thereby placed through first component 10 in the region of joining site 15 before first component 10 is joined to second component 11. Hole 24 may be placed by boring or punching. Second component 11 is inserted into hole 24 in the region of joining site 15 and locked in position with first component 10 by suitable pressure applying means 26, 27.

[0067] FIG. 3a through 3c show different forms of pressure applying means 26, 27 for implementing method steps a) and b). In particular, pressure applying means 26, 27 may have different pressure applying surfaces 28. In FIG. 3a, both pressure applying means 26, 27 have convexly formed pressure applying surfaces 28. Both surfaces of first component 10 are hereby pressed in, so that depressions 25 are formed upon preparing of joining site 15.

[0068] In FIG. 3b, a pressure applying means 26 features a plane, respectively flat pressure applying surface 28. A surface of first component 10 hereby continues to retain a plane, respectively flat surface once joining site 15 has been prepared. Alternatively, both pressure applying means 26, 27 could also have plane pressure applying surfaces 28. A joining site, as shown in FIG. 2b, could be hereby produced.

[0069] FIG. 3c illustrates roll-shaped pressure applying means 26, 27. Such roll-shaped pressure applying means 26, 27 make it possible to place, respectively prepare a strip-like joining site 15 on first component 10.

[0070] FIG. 4 shows a device 200 for preparing a joining site. A device 200 or a plurality of, respectively different devices may be used to implement method steps a) and b) to prepare joining site 15. For this, device 200 features press tools, for example, pressure applying means 26, 27 for heating and displacing intermediate layer 14. For this purpose, a welding installation may be equipped with heating elements 29 in electrodes 35, 36, for example. Additionally provided thermocouple elements 39 may be used to regulate the desired temperature of pressure applying means 26, 27. Tempered pressure applying means 26, 27 may be used for all designs of customary resistance welding installations, such as for C-clamps, X-clamps, machine clamps, stationary and portable installations. Water cooling of the electrodes may thereby be eliminated. The service life of pressure applying means 26, 27, in the form of electrode caps, may be prolonged by providing short process times, in particular for step b) when electric voltage 17 is applied to join the two structural elements 12, 13. In addition, device 200 for dissipating heat may feature cooling bores 41. A regulator 38 may be used for processing temperature signals. By controlling compressed-air valves 40 and heating elements 29, the desired temperature may be adjusted independently of the welding parameters, environmental influences, cycle times and operating conditions.

[0071] In designing device 200 of a resistance spot welding clamp, for example, the temperature profile between pressure applying means 26, 27 and the main body, for example, the main body of the clamp, may be influenced by selectively using copper alloys and chromium nickel steels. The components made of copper alloys (for example, CuCr1Zr or CuNiSiCr) promote the flow of heat from a heating element 29 to pressure applying means 26, 27, for example, the electrode cap. The flow of heat from heating element 29 into the main body of device 200 and into other temperature-sensitive components of device 200 may be reduced by components (for example, the electrode arms of a resistance spot welding clamp) made of a relatively poorly heat-conductive chromium nickel steel. It is also conceivable to use ceramic insulating plates in this region in order to conduct as little heat as possible from pressure applying means 26, 27 to the main body of device 200. An insulating plate may be located between pressure applying means 26, 27 and the main body of device 200, for example.

[0072] Device 200 may also be used for method step c) for joining the first component to a second component in the region of joining site 15 prepared in steps a) and b).

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0073] 100 structural element composite [0074] 200 device for preparing a joining site [0075] 10 first component [0076] 11 second component [0077] 12 first structural element of the first component [0078] 13 second structural element of the first component [0079] 14 intermediate layer [0080] 15 joining site [0081] 16 compressive force [0082] 17 electric voltage [0083] 18 first region of the displaced intermediate layer [0084] 19 second region of the displaced intermediate layer [0085] 20 third region of the displaced intermediate layer [0086] 21 temperature threshold [0087] 22 nut [0088] 22a projection [0089] 23 bolt [0090] 24 hole [0091] 25 depression [0092] 26 first pressure applying means [0093] 27 second pressure applying means [0094] 28 pressure applying surface [0095] 29 heating element [0096] 30 welding lens [0097] 31 adhesive layer [0098] 32 inert gas [0099] 33 ceramic ring [0100] 34 electric arc [0101] 35 first welding electrode [0102] 36 second welding electrode [0103] 37 centering pin [0104] 38 regulator [0105] 39 thermocouple element [0106] 40 compressed-air valve [0107] 41 cooling bore [0108] 42 maximum width of the joining site [0109] 43 maximum width of the second component