Method and Device for Producing a Composite Sheet-Metal Part with a Metal Edge Region

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing a composite sheet metal part with a metal edge region comprising two outer covering sheets of metal and at least one layer consisting of a plastic arranged between the covering sheets. The method is characterised in that a selected edge region of the composite sheet metal part is heated in such a way that the plastic layer arranged between the outer covering sheets softens, by applying a force to at least one outer covering sheet in the edge region the covering sheets are pressed against one another at some points or regions, so that the plastic layer in the edge region subjected to the force is expelled, and subsequently or at the same time as the application of the force both covering sheets in the compressed edge region are joined to one another at least over some regions or points.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS[0001]This patent application is a continuation of PCT / EP2012 / 070041, filed Oct. 10, 2012, which claims priority to German Application No. 102011054362.7, filed Oct. 10, 2011, the entire teachings and disclosure of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The invention relates to a method for producing a composite sheet metal part with a metal edge region, which comprises two outer covering sheets of metal and at least one layer consisting of a plastic arranged between the covering sheets. In addition, the invention relates to a device for carrying out the method according to the invention.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Composite sheet metal parts are often used in the form of a sandwich sheet, which comprises two outer covering sheets and a non-metallic sheet, normally consisting of a plastic that is arranged between the covering sheets. One reason for the increasing use of composite sheet metal p...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]a selected edge region of the composite sheet metal part is heated so that the plastic layer arranged between the outer covering sheets softens,

[0028]Finally, if a multi-axis arm robot and / or a handling system is provided according to a further arrangement of the device according to the invention, the automation of the production of composite sheet metal parts with a metal edge region can be significantly enhanced. If, for example, the means for the positioning, the means for the heating over some points or regions of an edge region of the composite sheet metal part, the means for the application of a force to the edge region and the means for the joining of the composite sheet metal part over some points or regions are controlled via a multi-axis arm robot or a handling system, a highly automated fabrication of composite sheet metal parts with a metal edge region can be achieved.

Problems solved by technology

The joining methods commonly used with sheets, such as fusion welding and soldering, cause problems, however, on account of their high energy input.

With the high energy input, the composite sheet metal part may be damaged due to the fact that the non-metallic layer or plastic layer arranged between the covering sheets is damaged by the heat input, and as a result a sufficiently good connection between a composite sheet metal part and a metal part can be achieved only with difficulty.

This method is, however, very complicated and can be automated only with difficulty.

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