U.S. patent application number 11/916327 was filed with the patent office on 2008-08-28 for method for joining a first component formed of a plastic material to a second component, and joining element and device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Airbus Deutschland GmbH. Invention is credited to Peter Vas, Stephan Vissers.
Application Number | 20080206012 11/916327 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37401802 |
Filed Date | 2008-08-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080206012 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Vas; Peter ; et al. |
August 28, 2008 |
Method for Joining a First Component Formed of a Plastic Material
to a Second Component, and Joining Element and Device
Abstract
This invention firstly relates to a method for joining a first
component made of a plastic material, in particular a thermoplastic
and/or thermosetting plastic material, to a second component by
applying a joining element on the first component, wherein the
joining element has a supporting plate formed of a thermoplastic
and/or thermosetting plastic material and comprising a connecting
means and a supporting plate bore. The method comprising the steps
of incorporating a bore into the first component; welding the
supporting plate to the first component; and joining the first
component and the second component by incorporating a joining means
arranged on the second component into the connecting means. Due to
welding of the supporting plate to the first component, a rivet
joint, otherwise generally required for joining the supporting
plate to the first component, can be omitted, whereby the
production of a junction by means of the inventive joining means is
considerably simplified. Moreover, weakening of the first component
as well as formation of corrosion processes due to different
materials used for riveting being adjacent can be avoided. In
addition, the invention relates to a joining element for creating a
junction in accordance with the method. Furthermore, the invention
relates to a device, in particular for performing the method.
Inventors: |
Vas; Peter; (Bremen, DE)
; Vissers; Stephan; (Bremen, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CHRISTOPHER PARADIES, PH.D.
FOWLER WHITE BOGGS BANKER, P.A., 501 E KENNEDY BLVD, STE. 1900
TAMPA
FL
33602
US
|
Assignee: |
Airbus Deutschland GmbH
Hamburg
DE
|
Family ID: |
37401802 |
Appl. No.: |
11/916327 |
Filed: |
April 5, 2006 |
PCT Filed: |
April 5, 2006 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP06/03093 |
371 Date: |
December 28, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60694753 |
Jun 28, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
411/171 ;
156/499; 156/73.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B29C 65/561 20130101;
B29C 66/8322 20130101; B29C 66/9516 20130101; F16B 37/061 20130101;
F16B 33/006 20130101; B29C 65/0627 20130101; B29K 2101/10 20130101;
B29K 2307/04 20130101; B29K 2071/00 20130101; B29C 66/71 20130101;
B29C 66/45 20130101; B29K 2307/00 20130101; B29K 2063/00 20130101;
B29C 66/7394 20130101; B29K 2079/085 20130101; B29C 66/71 20130101;
B29C 65/56 20130101; B29K 2101/12 20130101; B29K 2063/00 20130101;
F16B 37/046 20130101; B29K 2071/00 20130101; B29C 65/562 20130101;
B29C 66/7212 20130101; B29C 66/1122 20130101; B29C 66/73941
20130101; B29C 65/0618 20130101; B29C 65/04 20130101; B29K 2079/085
20130101; B29C 66/472 20130101; B29C 66/71 20130101; B29C 66/7392
20130101; B29C 66/9513 20130101; B29C 66/71 20130101; B29C 65/08
20130101; B29C 66/47 20130101; B29C 66/9517 20130101; B29C 66/9512
20130101; B29C 66/7212 20130101; B29C 65/0672 20130101; B29C
66/73921 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
411/171 ;
156/73.5; 156/499 |
International
Class: |
F16B 37/06 20060101
F16B037/06; B29C 65/06 20060101 B29C065/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 1, 2005 |
DE |
10 2005 025 096.3 |
Claims
1. A method for joining a first component formed of a plastic
material, in particular a thermoplastic and/or thermosetting
plastic material, to a second component by applying a joining
element on the first component, wherein the joining element has a
supporting plate formed of a thermoplastic and/or thermosetting
plastic material, and wherein the supporting plate comprises an
connecting means and a supporting plate bore, the method comprising
the steps of: incorporating a bore into the first component;
welding the supporting plate to the first component; and joining
the first component and the second component by incorporating a
joining means arranged on the second component into the connecting
means.
2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of:
providing the first component formed of a thermosetting plastic
material with an interface layer, in particular a layer of
thermoplastic plastic material, at least in a joining region,
before being welded to the supporting plate.
3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein welding the
supporting plate to the first component and incorporating the bore
into the first component takes place substantially at the same
time.
4. The method according to any of claims 1 to 3, further comprising
the step of: incorporating and fastening the connecting means into
the supporting plate only after the supporting plate has been
welded to the first component.
5. The method according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the
supporting plate is welded to the first component by friction
welding.
6. A joining element for creating a junction in accordance with the
method according to any of claims 1 to 5 between a first component
and a second component, the joining element comprising: a
supporting plate, which is adapted to be fastened to a first
component and which comprises a supporting plate bore; and a
connecting means, which in configured to be received in the
supporting plate; wherein the connecting means is configured for
incorporating a joining means arranged at the second component, so
as to establish a junction with the second component, wherein the
first component is formed of a plastic material, in particular a
thermoplastic and/or thermosetting plastic material, wherein the
supporting plate is configured to be weldable to the first
component.
7. The joining element according to claim 6, wherein the supporting
plate and/or the connecting means are formed of a thermoplastic
and/or a thermosetting plastic material.
8. The joining element according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the
supporting plate and/or the connecting means have a fiber
reinforcement.
9. The joining element according to any of claims 6 to 8, wherein
the supporting plate and/or the connecting means are formed of
polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and/or polyetherimide (PEI).
10. The joining element according to any of claims 6 to 9, wherein
the connecting means is removably received in the supporting
plate.
11. The joining element according to any of claims 6 to 10, wherein
the supporting plate has at least two retaining cams, arranged
laterally with respect to the supporting plate bore, respectively
comprising one recess, wherein the recesses can receive a fastening
means, in particular a spring element or the like, for detachably
fastening the connecting means.
12. The joining element according to any of claims 6 to 11, wherein
the connecting means is a screw nut.
13. The joining means according to any of claims 6 to 12, wherein
the joining means is a stud, which is configured to be screwed into
the screw nut, for producing the solid junction between the first
and second component.
14. A device, in particular for performing the method according to
any of claims 1 to 5, for creating a junction between a first
component formed of a plastic material, in particular a
thermoplastic and/or thermosetting plastic material, and a second
component by means of a joining element, wherein the device is
configured for producing a weld joint between the first component
and the joining element.
15. The device according to claim 14, further comprising: a drive
unit comprising a clamping device for receiving the joining
element.
16. The device according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the clamping
device is configured to be actuated by the drive unit in a linearly
and/or rotationally oscillating movement in order to obtain a weld
between the supporting plate of the joining element and the first
component.
17. The device according to any of claims 14 to 16, wherein the
device is configured to press the supporting plate of the joining
element on a top side of the first component by means of the
clamping device at a defined pressure.
18. The device according to any of claims 14 to 17, wherein by
means of a counter piece arranged in the region of a bottom side of
the first component, deformation of the first component due to
pressure is largely avoided.
19. The device according to any of claims 14 to 18, wherein the
clamping device has a pilot pin for guiding and centering the
joining means during the welding operation in the bore in the first
component.
20. The device according to any of claims 14 to 19, wherein the
pilot pin is additionally realized as a boring fixture for
incorporating the bore into the first component during the welding
operation.
21. The device according to any of claims 14 to 20, further
comprising: a control and regulation device, which is configured to
control the frequency and/or amplitude of the linearly and/or
rotationally oscillating movement imparted by the drive unit to the
clamping device.
22. The device according to any of claims 14 to 21, wherein the
control and regulation device has at least one signal transmitter
for displaying proper termination of the welding operation.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of
German Patent Application No. 10 2005 025 096.3 filed Jun. 1, 2005,
the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to a method for joining a first
component formed of a plastic material, in particular of a
thermoplastic and/or thermosetting plastic material, to a second
component by applying a joining element on the first component,
wherein the joining element has a supporting plate formed of a
thermoplastic and/or thermosetting plastic material and comprising
a connecting means and a supporting plate bore.
[0003] In addition, the invention relates to a joining element for
creating a junction in accordance with the method, with a
supporting plate that can be fastened to a first component and
comprises a supporting plate bore, and a connecting means that can
be received in the supporting plate and is realized for
incorporating a joining means arranged on a second component in
order to establish a junction with the second component, wherein
the first component is formed of a plastic material, in particular
of a thermoplastic and/or thermosetting plastic material.
[0004] Furthermore, the invention relates to a device, in
particular for performing the method for creating a junction
between a first component formed of a plastic material, in
particular a thermoplastic and/or thermosetting plastic material,
and a second component by means of a joining element.
TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND
[0005] Joining plate-shaped components, which only have low
material thickness with respect to superficial extent, to other
components or components also realized in plate-shape proves to be
costly, because on many occasions, due to the low material
thickness, joining screws, rivets, or the like, cannot be inserted
directly into the components.
[0006] To provide such junctions, e.g. so called plate nuts are
implemented in the aircraft or automotive industry. Known
embodiments of plate nuts have a base plate with a substantially
rectangular basis, which tapers at both end regions. The base plate
has a center bore, arranged approximately in the middle. In both
end regions of the base plate, respectively one fastening bore is
incorporated. The longitudinal edges of the base plate are flanged
in the region of the center bore for receiving a fastening nut.
Herein, the fastening nut is received in the base plate so that an
equalization of tolerances is possible in two spatial directions,
in parallel to the base plate.
[0007] Alternatively, it is also possible to provide a fastening
spring for connecting the fastening nut to the base plate. The
fastening spring is then e.g. held by retaining cams with recesses,
arranged on both sides in parallel to the longitudinal sides of the
base plate. For replacing the fastening nut, the fastening spring
can be taken out of the recesses. In this variant as well, an
equalization of tolerances is possible due to the fastening nut
received by means of the fastening spring to be movable in two
spatial directions in parallel to the base plate.
[0008] For producing a junction between a first and second
component, the plate nut is initially fastened on the first
component. For this purpose, initially two holes are incorporated
into the first component, substantially coincidently with the
fastening bores in the base plate. Afterwards, the base plate with
the first component is joined to the second component by two rivets
inserted into the fastening bore. Afterwards, in the region of the
center bore of the plate nut another bore is incorporated into the
first component, which bore is e.g. for passing a stud. This bore
can be incorporated before fastening the plate nut on the first
component. Finally, e.g. a stud or the like is guided through a
bore in the second component, the stud being screwed down with the
fastening nut for the effective junction of the first component
with the second component.
[0009] Other methods or joining means for producing such junctions
can get by with one center bore in the first component. Fastening
of the plate nut is herein performed by expanding a sleeve
surrounding the center bore of the plate nut inside the bore of the
first component, similarly to fastening a so called "pop rivet".
Expanding the sleeve can then be performed e.g. by a disposable
drift pin, which is drawn through the sleeve by means of a tool.
During the production process of the joining element, this drift
pin can be inserted into the sleeve. Alternatively, expanding can
also be performed by a separate pin, which is inserted into the
sleeve only when the joining element is mounted, and which is
removed at the end of the expanding operation and can be reused. As
a result of the central fastening of the plate nut in the first
component, it is not necessary in either variant to join the plate
nut to the first component by two separate rivets.
[0010] Due to a plurality of steps, the above mentioned methods or
joining means require relatively intensive installation work.
Furthermore, in particular in components with fiber reinforced
plastic materials, there is the risk of delaminations in the region
of the junctions. Such delaminations can occur e.g. in regions
wherein a mechanical load of the material is produced in parallel
to the preferred fiber orientation, as is the case in particular in
rivet joints, screw joints, or when expanding sleeves in bores in
fiber reinforced plastic materials. Both the rivets for fastening
the plate nut and the expansible sleeve for central fastening of
the plate nut moreover imply the risk of corrosion processes
because components made of different materials are adjacent.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] Amongst other things, it may be an object of the invention
to provide a method, a joining element, and a device for simple and
fast production of junctions between in particular plate-shaped
components, wherein at least one component may be formed in
particular of a thermoplastic plastic material. Moreover, it may be
an object of the invention to reduce delaminations as well as
corrosion processes in the region of the junctions produced.
[0012] The object of the invention may initially be achieved by a
method in accordance with patent claim 1.
[0013] The inventive method for joining a first component, formed
of a plastic material, in particular a thermoplastic and/or
thermosetting plastic material, to a second component by applying a
joining element on the first component, wherein the joining element
has a supporting plate formed of a thermoplastic and/or
thermosetting plastic material and comprising a connecting means
and a supporting plate bore, comprises the steps of: [0014]
incorporating a bore into the first component, [0015] welding the
supporting plate to the first component, and [0016] joining the
first component and the second component by incorporating a joining
means arranged on the second component into the connecting
means.
[0017] By producing a weld joint between the first component,
formed in particular of a thermoplastic and/or thermosetting
plastic material, and a supporting plate of the joining element,
both components can be joined to each other rapidly and easily,
wherein only the incorporation of a bore into the first component
is required. Herein, it is assumed that the first component is
formed of a thermoplastic and/or thermosetting plastic material,
which can also have fiber reinforcement, wherein a thermosetting
plastic material must be provided with an interface layer,
preferably formed of a thermoplastic plastic material, at least in
the region of the weld joint to be produced, so as to enable the
weldability with the supporting plate of the joining element.
[0018] The weld joint between the first component and the retaining
plate of the joining element allows for a connection with high
mechanical load capacity of the joining element to the first
component without significant weakening of the material or the risk
of delaminations to occur. Moreover, the risk of corrosion
processes to occur is decreased because at least in the region of
the weld joint, only materials of the same kind are adjacent.
[0019] Moreover, the object of the present invention may be
achieved by a joining means in accordance with claim 6.
[0020] In that the supporting plate is realized so as to be
weldable to the first component, a simple and fast production of a
junction between a first component, formed of a thermoplastic
and/or thermosetting plastic material, to a second component may be
ensured. Moreover, as a result of the supporting plate being
weldable to the first component, the risk of the formation of
delaminations and corrosion processes may decrease due to a
reduction of the number of bores required for fastening. Also, the
supporting plate of the joining element can be joined solidly to
the first component without the risk of material weakening as a
result of the incorporation of bores or rivets for fastening.
Eventually, because of the welding operation, the joining element
becomes an integral part of the first component.
[0021] In addition, the objective of the present invention may be
achieved by a device in accordance with claim 14.
[0022] In that the junction for producing a weld joint is realized
between the first component and the joining element, it is possible
to produce junctions between two components, in particular
plate-shaped ones, simply and rapidly with the advantages already
mentioned above.
[0023] Other configurations of the method, the joining element, and
the device are exposed in the other patent claims.
SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] In the drawing:
[0025] FIG. 1 shows a top view of the inventive joining
element;
[0026] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a supporting plate of the
joining element; and
[0027] FIG. 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional illustration of the
device for creating a junction with the joining element.
[0028] In the drawings, identical structural elements respectively
are provided with the same reference symbols.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0029] FIG. 1 shows a top view of the inventive joining
element.
[0030] The joining element 1 comprises among other things a
supporting plate 2, preferably realized to be circular, into which
a supporting plate bore 3 is incorporated approximately in the
middle. The supporting plate 2 can also have a geometric shape
which differs from the circular shape. The supporting plate 2 is
joined to the first component 4 by a weld joint.
[0031] In order to enable a weld joint between the first component
4 and the supporting plate 2 of the joining element 1, the
supporting plate 2 is formed according to the invention of a
thermoplastic plastic material, which additionally can have fiber
reinforcement. The supporting plate 2 can e.g. be formed of a
plastic material, such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK),
polyetherimide (PEI), or the like.
[0032] Alternatively, it is also possible to form the supporting
plate 2 of a thermosetting material, wherein a bottom side of the
supporting plate 2, which cannot be illustrated in FIG. 1, in this
case has to have an interface layer formed of a thermoplastic
plastic material in order to enable the weldability with the first
component 4.
[0033] The interface layer can be made e.g. by spreading, gluing,
rolling, baking, pressing, burning a thermoplastic plastic material
with the underlying thermosetting base material. If the
thermosetting base material has fiber reinforcement, then the fiber
reinforcement can be realized so that a plurality of fibers
protrude from the surface of the base material and thus allow for
intimate interleaving with the interface layer applied. Preferably,
for forming the interface layer, the same plastic materials are
implemented as are also used in the production of the supporting
plate of the joining means 1, i.e. for instance
polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherimide (PEI), or the like.
[0034] The first component 4 can be formed of a thermoplastic
and/or thermosetting plastic material, which can additionally have
fiber reinforcement. The second component can be formed of a
metallic material, a thermoplastic and/or thermosetting plastic
material or the like. If required, also the second component can
have fiber reinforcement.
[0035] If the first component 4 is formed of a thermosetting
plastic material, then in order to enable the weldability with the
supporting plate 2, the first component 4 must be provided at least
in a joining region 5 between the first component 4 and the
supporting plate 2 with an interface layer of thermoplastic plastic
material, not represented in FIG. 1. The spatial extent of the
joining region 5 herein corresponds preferably at least to the
circular area of the supporting plate 2. Depending on the
mechanical strength properties to be obtained for the weld joint,
the interface layer can also be applied only locally in the joining
region 5.
[0036] In addition, on both sides of the supporting plate bore 3,
retaining cams 6, 7 are arranged. In the retaining cams 6, 7
recesses not represented in FIG. 1 are incorporated. The recesses
are for detachably receiving a spring element 8 having a
substantially square peripheral outline for forming a detachable
fastening means for a screw nut 9 to be received in the joining
element 1. The screw nut 9 has a bore 10 with an internal thread.
Into the internal thread, a stud not represented in FIG. 1 can be
screwed for joining to a second component, also not represented in
FIG. 1. Before the components are effectively tightened together,
the screw nut 9 is slightly movable in two spatial directions in
parallel to a top side 11 of the supporting plate 2 so that some
equalization of tolerances is possible between the first component
4 and the second component by means of the inventive joining
element 1.
[0037] Both the screw nut 9 and the stud can be formed of a
metallic material and/or a plastic material and can additionally
have fiber reinforcement for increasing mechanical load
capacity.
[0038] In the sample embodiment shown here, the stud functions as a
joining means which can be incorporated into the screw nut 9
forming the connecting means for creating the mechanical junction
as such between the first component 4 and the second component.
[0039] Instead of the connecting means in the form of a screw nut
9, as well as a joining means in the shape of a stud, other
connecting means and joining means can be provided. E.g. the
junction of the second component with the joining element 1 can
also be formed by a detachable clamping joint or the like, wherein
a latch arranged at the second component can be latched preferably
so as to be detachable again with a latching member formed
correspondingly and arranged between the retaining cams 6, 7.
[0040] The spring element 8 is received in the recesses so as to be
removable therefrom. E.g. if the screw nut 9 is damaged during the
mounting process, it can easily be exchanged and replaced with a
new one by taking out the spring element 8. Afterwards, the spring
element 8 is again inserted into the recesses, so that it engages
the recesses. Thereby, for exchanging the screw nut 9, it is no
longer required to detach the supporting plate 2, welded to the
first component 4, of the joining element 1 from the first
component 4.
[0041] For locking by means of the spring element 8, the screw nut
9 has a substantially rectangular base plate 12. The base plate 12
has at both ends approximately circular recesses. The base plate 12
rests on the top side 11 of the supporting plate 2 under the spring
element 8. Thus, the screw nut 9 is solidly tightened by the spring
element 8, so that the latter cannot lift off vertically from the
top side 11 of the supporting plate 2. The spring element 8
nevertheless allows for the screw nut 9 to be movable in parallel
to the top side 11 of the supporting plate 2 between the retaining
cams 6, 7 for minor equalization of tolerances.
[0042] The supporting plate 2 as well as the retaining cams 6, 7
are realized preferably integrally and produced by injection
molding with one of the thermoplastic plastic materials already
mentioned before, so that a cost-effective mass manufacturing of
the joining element 1 is possible. The supporting plate bore 3 can
likewise be formed in the course of the injection molding process
or be subsequently incorporated into the supporting plate 2.
Alternatively, it is possible for the screw nut 9 to be realized
directly during the injection molding process, in particular if it
is formed of a thermoplastic plastic material. However, in this
case, no equalization of tolerances and no exchange of the screw
nut 9 in case of possible damage of the same is possible anymore
without detaching the complete supporting plate 2 from the first
component 4.
[0043] FIG. 2 represents a perspective view of the supporting plate
2. For better clarity of the drawing, the spring element 8 as well
as the screw nut 9 are not represented.
[0044] The supporting plate 2 comprises the retaining cams 6, 7.
Preferably approximately in the middle, the supporting plate bore 3
is incorporated into the supporting plate 2. As already explained
before, a bottom side 13 of the supporting plate 5 is mechanically
joined solidly to the first component 4, according to the invention
by a weld joint. In the sample embodiment shown of the supporting
plate 2, the recesses 14, 15 have a substantially rectangular
shape. Unlike the rectangular shape, represented in FIG. 2, of the
recesses 14, 15, they can have a shape different therefrom, e.g.
trapezoid or oval. The recesses 14, 15 are meant to receive and
lock the spring element 8 in a resilient or latching way for
fastening the screw nut 9 on the supporting plate 2. The second
component 16 is joined to the first component 4 by means of the
stud 17. For this purpose, the stud 17 is screwed into the screw
nut 9, so that the components 4, 16 are solidly tightened together.
Instead of the stud 17 and the screw nut 9, it is also possible to
implement other joining systems, e.g. latching or clamping
joints.
[0045] Subsequently, the inventive method for joining the first
component 4 to the second component 16 through the inventive
joining means 1 shall be explained in further detail.
[0046] Initially, a bore, preferably having a diameter
approximately corresponding to an external diameter of the stud 17
or a diameter of the supporting plate bore 3, is incorporated into
the first component 4. This bore in the first component 4 is
substantially meant for guiding and centering the tool or the
device for producing the weld joint.
[0047] Thereafter, according to the invention, the weld joint
between the bottom side 13 of the supporting plate 2 of the joining
element 1 and the first component 4 is produced. This weld joint
can be produced by means of known plastic welding processes. E.g.
the joining element 1 can be joined to the first component 4 by
ultrasonic welding, high frequency welding, electric resistance
welding, electric induction welding, vibration welding, or the
like. Basically, any process is appropriate that effects sufficient
thermal energy input in the joining region 5 so as to enable the
material in the region of a top side 18 of the first component 4
and in the region of the bottom side 13 of the supporting plate 2
to be at least superficially melted open for a proper welding
operation.
[0048] Herein, as already explained in the description of the
joining element 1, it is assumed that the first component 4 is
formed at least in the joining region 5 and the bottom side 13 of
the supporting plate 2 of the joining element 1 is formed at least
locally of a thermoplastic plastic material, in particular a
material of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and/or a material of
polyetherimide (PEI), in order to enable intimate and also
mechanical load bearing thermal welding. Both the first component 4
and the supporting plate 2 can herein also have fiber
reinforcement.
[0049] If the first component 4 is formed of a thermosetting
plastic material, e.g. a carbon fiber reinforced epoxy resin (CFK)
or the like, then it is necessary before the application of the
joining element 1 to provide at least in the joining region 5 at
least locally an interface layer, i.e. to apply it on the top side
18 in the joining region 5. The interface layer is formed of a
thermoplastic plastic material, in particular of a material of
polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and/or a material of polyetherimide
(PEI), and enables intimate and thus high mechanical load bearing
thermal welding of a component 4 formed of a thermosetting plastic
material with the supporting plate 2 of the joining element 1, the
plate being also formed of one of the above-mentioned thermoplastic
materials at least in the region of the bottom side 13.
[0050] In another step, for fastening the stud 17 in the second
component 16, another bore is incorporated into the second
component 16. For completing the junction, the second component 16
is then screwed together with the screw nut 9 in a known manner by
means of the stud 17.
[0051] For further simplification and rationalization of the
joining operation, instead of a screw joint, also clamping or
latching joints of any kind can be provided. In addition, it is not
essential for a bore to be incorporated into the first component 4
right at the start of the inventive process sequence. In accordance
with an alternative procedure, this bore can also be formed with an
appropriate tool during the welding operation, whereby the process
sequence is simplified. Likewise, if required, it is not necessary
for the supporting plate 2 to be provided with the supporting plate
bore 3 during the production process as this as well can be
incorporated during the welding operation.
[0052] FIG. 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional illustration of a
exemplary embodiment of a device for creating a junction by means
of the joining element in accordance with the inventive method.
[0053] Among other things, the device 19 comprises a drive unit 20
as well as a clamping device 21 for non-positive seating of the
joining element 1. The clamping device 21 has clamping members not
represented in detail, by means of which the joining element 1 is
clamped securely. The clamping device 21 is preferably realized for
receiving a plurality of different types of joining elements having
various dimensions and/or geometric shapes. In addition, in a
preferred embodiment, the clamping device 21 has a pilot pin 22 for
guiding and centering the joining element 1 with respect to the
first component 4.
[0054] For performing the inventive welding operation between the
joining element 1 and the first component 4, the clamping device 21
is actuated by means of the drive unit 20 in linearly and/or
rotationally oscillating movements or vibrations. The spatial
orientation of such linearly and/or rotationally oscillating
movements or vibrations in space is indicated by the arrows 23 to
25. Herein, the arrows 23, 24 symbolize the rotationally
oscillating reciprocations of the clamping device 21 relatively to
the top side 18 of the first component 4, whereas the arrow 25
represents the linearly oscillating reciprocations relatively to
the top side 18.
[0055] For the rotational movements, the term "oscillating" means
that the clamping device 21 does not perform complete rotations in
the direction of the arrows 23, 24, but is vibratingly moved by the
drive unit 20, respectively only by small angular increments around
a vertical rotational axis. Accordingly, the clamping device 21
together with the joining element 1 non-positively received therein
vibrates substantially in parallel to the arrow 25 towards the
first component 4 in small longitudinal increments. The amplitude
of such linearly and/or rotationally oscillating movements of the
clamping device 21 is a maximum of 1 mm. However, the movements or
vibrations of the clamping device 21 are taking place herein at a
comparatively high frequency, e.g. in the order of up to 100
kHz.
[0056] In addition to the linearly and/or rotationally oscillating
movements of the clamping device 21, which are illustrated by the
arrows 23 to 25, the drive unit 20 can also move the clamping
device 21 vibratingly up and down in the vertical direction, i.e.
substantially perpendicularly to the top side 18 of the first
component 4, as indicated by the four lines 26. The amplitude of
this up and down movements of the clamping device 21 also only
reaches relatively small increments, e.g. of a maximum of 0.1 mm.
The frequency of the up and down movements can herein be of up to
200 kHz. The vibratory up and down movements, which are taking
place substantially perpendicularly to the top side 18 of the first
component 4, effect in particular an intensification of the welding
operation between the joining element 1 and the first component 4
due to higher energy input.
[0057] Herein, the linearly oscillating movements, the rotationally
oscillating movements, as well as the vertically vibratory
movements of the clamping device 21 can also be generated by the
drive unit 20 simultaneously or successively in any possible
combination.
[0058] The pilot pin 22 is mainly for guiding the device 19 and/or
the joining element 1 for incorporation thereof into a bore 27
previously incorporated into the first component 4. The pilot pin
22 then penetrates the supporting plate bore 3 in the joining
element 1. If the bore 27 in the first component 4 in the joining
element 1 has not been previously incorporated, then the clamping
device 21 can comprise a boring fixture, not represented, for
incorporating the bore 27 into the first component 4.
Correspondingly, it is also possible to incorporate the supporting
plate bore 3 into the supporting plate 2 only when mounting the
joining element 1. In another alternative embodiment, the pilot pin
22 can at the same time be realized as a boring fixture and thus
combine therein the guiding and centering function as well as the
boring function. Preferably, a pilot pin 22 realized as a boring
fixture may comprise a small centering tip, which at the beginning
ensures secure guiding or positioning of the device 19 on the top
side 18 of the first component 4.
[0059] According to another alternative embodiment, the boring
fixture as well as the device 19 for creating a junction between
the first component 4 and the joining element 1 can also be
functionally separate from each other. In this case, at the
beginning of the welding operation, a bore 27 is not required in
the first component 4, and the pilot pin 22 can be omitted. The
bore 27 is only incorporated into the joining element 1 and the
first component 4 after complete termination of the welding
operation being performed between the joining element 1 and the
first component 4.
[0060] In addition, for performing the welding operation, a counter
piece, not plotted in the illustration of FIG. 3, can be provided,
which largely prevents a deflection of the first component 4. For
this purpose, the counter piece is at least locally adjacent to a
bottom side 28 of the first component 4.
[0061] During the welding operation, the drive unit 20 is
controlled by a control and regulation device, not represented. By
means of the control and regulation device, in particular the
amplitude and/or frequency of the linearly and/or rotationally
oscillating movements of the clamping device 21 can be controlled.
This applies similarly to the vertically vibratory movements of the
clamping device 21, which are indicated by the family of lines 26.
The control and regulation device has operating elements as well as
signal transmitters, not represented in further detail, by means of
which e.g. the welding operation can be triggered and the proper
termination thereof can be displayed. In addition, by means of the
control and regulation device, the amplitude and/or frequency of
the linearly and/or rotationally oscillating movements can be
preselected easily by parameterization, depending on the quality of
material of the first component 4 and the joining element 1, and
monitored during the welding operation in order to ensure at all
times optimal execution of the welding operation independently of
the present combination of materials. This applies similarly to the
amplitude and frequency of the vertical vibratory movements of the
clamping device 21.
[0062] In addition, it can be provided for a user to specify simple
abbreviations or material designations in full text for the
materials of the supporting plate 2 and the first component 4, and
for the control and regulation device then to automatically selects
from a characteristic diagram the above-mentioned parameters of the
welding operation, in particular frequency and amplitude of the
linearly and/or rotationally oscillating movements and the
vibratory movements of the clamping device 21, for optimal
execution.
[0063] Finally, by means of the control and regulation device, if
necessary, it is also possible to set and monitor the pressure by
means of which the joining element 1 is pressed by the clamping
device 21 onto the top side 18 of the first component 4 during the
welding operation.
[0064] The device 19, schematically represented in FIG. 3, for
performing the welding operation between the joining element 1 and
the first component 4 only represents a sample embodiment enabling
a welding operation by friction welding. Alternatively, it is also
possible to envisage devices by means of which e.g. a junction
between the joining element 1 and the first component 4 can be
formed by high frequency welding, ultrasonic welding, electric
resistance welding, electric induction welding, vibration welding,
or the like.
[0065] It should be noted that the term "comprising" does not
exclude other elements or steps and the "a" or "an" does not
exclude a plurality. Also elements described in association with
different embodiments may be combined.
[0066] It should also be noted that reference signs in the claims
shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.
REFERENCE LIST
[0067] 1 joining element
[0068] 2 supporting plate
[0069] 3 supporting plate bore
[0070] 4 first component
[0071] 5 joining region
[0072] 6 retaining cam
[0073] 7 retaining cam
[0074] 8 spring element
[0075] 9 screw nut
[0076] 10 bore (screw nut)
[0077] 11 top side (supporting plate)
[0078] 12 base plate (screw nut)
[0079] 13 bottom side (supporting plate)
[0080] 14 recess
[0081] 15 recess
[0082] 16 second component
[0083] 17 stud
[0084] 18 top side (first component)
[0085] 19 device
[0086] 20 drive unit
[0087] 21 clamping device
[0088] 22 pilot pin
[0089] 23 arrow
[0090] 24 arrow
[0091] 25 arrow
[0092] 26 lines
[0093] 27 bore (first component)
[0094] 28 bottom side (first component)
* * * * *