Metal strip

Abstract

The utility model relates to a metal strip, in particular for a motor vehicle, as a gasket for a decorative, sealing or edge protection strip, having a plurality of through-holes, in particular periodically successive one another, in the longitudinal direction of the metal strip, said through-holes extending in the transverse direction of the metal strip, the metal strip has a predetermined fracture line extending in a longitudinal direction of the metal strip.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The utility model relates to a metal strip for use as a backing for a decorative, sealing or edge protection strip, in particular for a motor vehicle, having a plurality of through-holes in the longitudinal direction of the metal strip, in particular periodically, one after the other, which extend in the transverse direction of the metal strip.

[0002] Furthermore, the utility model relates to a method for producing such a metal strip and a method for producing a decorative, sealing or edge protection strip. BACKGROUND

[0003] Metal strips of the type described above are used in particular in the automotive sector as backing for sealing strips that seal the engine compartment, the luggage compartment and the door openings. The continuously produced metal strip is coated with rubber and / or plastic and has through-holes, which in addition in particular allow the sealing material to penetrate into the metal strip, which is not coated with adhesive, so that the rubber or plastic material is anchored to the metal strip. In addition, the through-holes serve to design the flexibility of the metal strip in the desired manner. On the other hand, the metal strip must have a certain tensile strength, since the sheath with the plastic or rubber material is formed by extrusion, where considerable forces occur in the longitudinal extension of the metal strip.

[0004] The metal strip can be bent into a generally U-shaped clamping profile before or after being sheathed with plastic or rubber material, which is clamped to the sealing flange of the opening. In order to conform to the profile of the opening, the clamping profile must generally be flexible both in the horizontal and in the vertical plane. In addition, in certain applications, the clamping profile should be compressible in the longitudinal direction, since the openings to be sealed can have considerable circumferential tolerances, and on-site cutting of the sealing strip would be extremely complex. Sealing strips with compressible clamping profiles can be produced to an unlimited maximum possible length and compressed to the actual length during installation. The gluing or vulcanization of these sealing strips does not have to be carried out on site and therefore also allows a good installation of the sealing strip with a robot. A further requirement of the clamping profile is to exert as great a clamping force as possible.

[0005] In order to produce the metal strip described above, the through-holes are provided on the respective raw material strip by cutting and stretching or stamping. The finished metal strip is wound onto a predetermined packaging unit. The metal strip is then unwound and fed into an extrusion unit, in which the metal strip is sheathed with rubber or plastic. In this case, the unwound metal strip is usually profiled, in particular bent into a U-shaped profile, before being fed into the extrusion device. After the extrusion process, the finished strip is rewound onto the predetermined packaging unit. SUMMARY

[0006] The object of the utility model is to improve the extrusion process. In particular, to improve the utilization of the extrusion device, thereby reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions. At the same time, the quality consistency of the produced sealing, decorative or edge protection strip should be ensured.

[0007] The object is achieved by a metal strip of the above-mentioned type, wherein the metal strip has a predetermined breaking line extending in the longitudinal direction of the metal strip.

[0008] The object is also achieved by a method for producing a metal strip according to one aspect of the application and by a method for producing a sealing, decorative or edge protection strip according to another aspect of the application.

[0009] By providing a predetermined breaking line extending in the longitudinal direction of the metal strip, the metal strip can be divided into two substrips, wherein the two substrips have the same material properties as each other. The two substrips can then optionally be fed parallel to the extrusion device after shaping, in particular after being bent into a U-profile, and be wrapped with rubber or plastic. This leads to the advantage that the capacity of the extrusion device can be better utilized. This means that two strips can be coated with rubber or plastic at the same time, whereby the two resulting strips have the same material properties as each other. This cannot be guaranteed in the case of the simultaneous extrusion of two separately manufactured metal strips due to fluctuations in the raw material.

[0010] The simultaneous extrusion of two metal strips reduces the energy required for the production of a sealing, decorative or edge protection strip. At the same time, this also reduces the emission of CO2.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the utility model, the metal strip has two or more predetermined breaking lines. This allows the production of three or more substrips, which can then be wrapped with rubber or plastic in the extrusion device at the same time. Thus, the extrusion device can be used better, so that the energy requirement for the production of a strip per length can be further reduced.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the utility model, only one predetermined breaking line is located in the middle of the metal strip, the predetermined breaking lines are arranged to be evenly distributed transversely to the longitudinal direction of the metal strip. However, according to another embodiment of the utility model, in the case of only one predetermined breaking line, for example, offset from the center, the predetermined breaking lines can also be arranged unevenly distributed. This makes it possible to produce two or more substrips of different widths.

[0013] According to another embodiment of the utility model, the through holes of the metal strip according to the utility model are produced by cutting and expanding or stamping. This allows the cost-effective production of through holes of suitable size and shape.

[0014] According to a further embodiment of the present utility model, the distance of the through holes on both sides of the predetermined breaking line, in the longitudinal direction of the metal strip, is the same. This has proven to be advantageous for the production of the metal strip. For example, the distance between the through holes following one another can be from about 1 mm to about 9 mm. Particularly preferred is a distance of about 2 mm to about 6 mm.

[0015] According to a further embodiment of the present utility model, the opening width of the through holes on both sides of the predetermined breaking line, in the longitudinal direction of the metal strip, is the same. This has also proven to be advantageous for the production of the metal strip according to the present utility model. For example, the opening width can be from about 0.1 mm to about 6 mm. Particularly preferred is an opening width of about 0.5 mm to 3 mm.

[0016] According to a further embodiment of the present utility model, the predetermined breaking line is produced by correspondingly reducing the material thickness of the metal strip at the appropriate location. The material thickness at the predetermined breaking line is preferably from about 0.05 mm to about 0.5 mm, particularly preferably about 0.1 mm.

[0017] In cross section of the metal strip, the shape of the predetermined breaking line can be triangular, in particular isosceles triangular, semicircular, square or trapezoidal. A free shape can also be provided.

[0018] The predetermined breaking line can be produced both by reducing the material thickness on one side and by reducing the material thickness of the metal strip on both sides. In the case of a reduction in material thickness from both sides of the metal strip, a deviation in the transverse direction of the metal strip can be provided between the material reductions on both sides. The deviation can be, for example, from about 0.05 mm to about 1.5 mm. In particular, from about 0.05 mm to 0.08 mm. The deviation is particularly preferably about 0.15 mm.

[0019] The angle of the isosceles triangle can be in the range of about 15° to about 150°.

[0020] According to a further embodiment of the present utility model, the predetermined breaking line is produced by introducing a recess in the longitudinal direction of the metal strip. Such a predetermined breaking line can advantageously be produced by stamping. Basically, the predetermined breaking line can be produced by laser ablation, cutting, in particular laser cutting, or embossing.

[0021] For a predetermined breaking line produced by a recess, a width of the recess in the transverse direction of the metal strip of from about 0.05 mm to about 1.5 mm has proven to be advantageous. Particularly preferably, the width of the metal strip in the transverse direction is about 0.2 mm.

[0022] Furthermore, it has proven to be advantageous if the distance between two recesses successive to each other in the longitudinal direction of the metal strip of the predetermined breaking line is in the range of about 0.05 mm to about 1.5 mm. The distance is preferably about 0.4 mm.

[0023] The metal strip according to the application can consist of steel, aluminum or stainless steel. The surface of the metal strip can be untreated, i.e. bare, galvanized or coated.

[0024] The method for producing the above-mentioned type of metal strip according to the application comprises the following method steps: providing a flat metal strip, introducing a plurality of through-holes extending in the longitudinal direction of the metal strip, in particular periodically and successive to each other transversely to the longitudinal direction of the metal strip, into the metal strip and producing a predetermined breaking line extending in the longitudinal direction of the metal strip by means of cutting, in particular rotary cutting, and rolling stretching and / or punching. The predetermined breaking line can be produced before or after the introduction of the through-holes. A plurality of predetermined breaking lines can also be produced in the metal strip.

[0025] One or more predetermined breaking lines can be produced before or after the introduction of the through-holes, wherein the introduction of the predetermined breaking line before the production of the through-holes is particularly advantageous when the through-holes are produced by means of cutting and stretching. However, one or more predetermined breaking lines can also be produced after the introduction of the through-holes, in particular when the through-holes are introduced by means of punching or when one or more predetermined breaking lines are produced by means of laser ablation or punching.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the application, the predetermined breaking line can be produced by one flat roller and one counter-embossing roller or by two counter-embossing rollers, wherein the two counter-embossing rollers can also be arranged with a deviation from each other in the transverse direction of the metal strip. A plurality of pairs of rollers can also be arranged successive to each other in the longitudinal direction of the metal strip in order to produce the predetermined breaking line.

[0027] According to the application, the pattern of the through-holes on both sides of the one or more predetermined breaking lines can be designed identically. It is also possible to design the pattern of the through-holes differently on both sides of the one or more predetermined breaking lines. This means that different strips can be produced simultaneously and can be used in a subsequent coating process.

[0028] According to a further embodiment of the application, the metal strip has one or more continuous regions without through-holes in the longitudinal direction of the metal strip, viewed in the transverse direction of the metal strip. Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the application, a plurality of rows of through-holes can be provided over the width of the metal strip, wherein the through-holes of adjacent rows coincide with each other or can be at a distance from each other, viewed in the transverse direction of the metal strip, the distance also being zero.

[0029] According to another embodiment of the present utility model, a through hole can be provided, which merges into one edge of the metal strip. The through hole can also merge into both edges of the metal strip. Likewise, according to another embodiment of the present utility model, through holes can exist in the metal strip, which do not merge into either of the two edges of the metal strip.

[0030] According to another embodiment of the present utility model, a through hole can be provided, which extends on the predetermined breaking line in the transverse direction of the metal strip, i.e. on both sides of the predetermined breaking line. Thus, a substrip with a through hole merging into an edge of the substrip can be produced.

[0031] According to another embodiment of the present utility model, the metal strip can also have one or more rolling tracks extending in the longitudinal direction of the metal strip.

[0032] According to the method for producing a decorative, sealing or edge protection strip according to the present utility model, the decorative, sealing or edge protection strip having a metal strip of the above type as a backing and a sheath made of an extrudable material, in particular plastic or rubber, wrapping the metal strip, the method comprises the following steps: producing the metal strip in the above-described manner, cutting the metal strip at the predetermined breaking line before extrusion, in particular shortly before extrusion, shaping, in particular bending, the substrip cut out into a U-shaped profile, feeding two or more profiles, in particular simultaneously, into an extrusion device, in which the two or more profiles are wrapped with the extrudable material to produce the desired decorative, sealing or edge protection strip.

[0033] This method can be used to produce decorative or sealing strips or edge protection strips while reducing energy consumption. This also reduces CO2 emissions. At the same time, since the metal strip used as a backing comes from one or more identical raw materials, it ensures that the strips produced have the same properties. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0034] Embodiments of the metal strip according to the present utility model are shown in the drawings and described below. They are each shown in the form of a schematic drawing,

[0035] Figures 1 to 9 showing a plan view of a part of a metal strip according to the present utility model before and after separation at the respective one or more predetermined breaking lines,

[0036] Figures 10 to 12 showing a cross-section of a metal strip according to the present utility model in the region of a predetermined breaking line,

[0037] Figure 13 and Figure 14 showing a plan view of a part of a further metal strip according to the present utility model before and after separation at a predetermined breaking line, and

[0038] Figure 15 and Figure 16 A plan view of a portion of the metal strip according to the present invention in the region of a predetermined fracture line is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Figure 1 Figure a shows a metal strip 1 according to the present invention, the metal strip being made of, for example, aluminum or steel. The metal strip has a plurality of periodically successive through holes 2 extending transversely to the longitudinal extension I of the metal strip 1 in the direction of longitudinal extension I. The through holes 2 extend in the transverse direction II of the metal strip 1 and are arranged in three adjacent columns 31, 32, and 33. The through holes 2 of the two outer columns 31 and 33 respectively merge into one of the two edges 4 and 5 of the metal strip 1, while the through holes 2 of the middle column 32 do not merge into either of the two edges 4 and 5 of the metal strip 1. Between the through holes 2 of the two outer columns 31 and 33 and the through holes of the middle column 32, there are regions 6 extending in the longitudinal direction I of the metal strip, in which there are no through holes.

[0040] A predetermined fracture line III is formed at the center of the metal strip 1, extending in the longitudinal direction I of the metal strip. The metal strip 1 is designed identically on both sides of the predetermined fracture line III, thus being symmetrical with respect to the predetermined fracture line III. The predetermined fracture line III is formed here by reducing the material thickness of the metal strip 1. Possible implementations of the predetermined fracture line III include, for example... Figures 10 to 12 As shown.

[0041] Metal strip 1 can be easily cut, for example, broken, along the predetermined fracture line III. Two sub-strips 1a and 1b are formed by cutting metal strip 1 along the predetermined fracture line III, as shown below. Figure 1 As shown in figure b, the two sub-bands 1a and 1b are identical to each other. This is because, as mentioned above, Figure 1 Metal band 1 in a is formed symmetrically with respect to the predetermined fracture line III.

[0042] Both sub-bands 1a and 1b have two rows of through holes 2, namely the first row 31 and the second row 3. 21 Column 33 and Column 3 22 The first column 31 through hole 2 is connected. Figure 1 Left edge of left sub-band 1a in b, column 3, 4. 21 Through hole 2 merges into the new edge 7 of the left sub-band 1a, and through hole 2 of column 33 merges into the right edge 5 of sub-band 1b, column 3 22 The through-hole 2 merges into the new left edge 8 of sub-band 1b. In addition, both sub-bands 1a and 1b have a region 6 between each column of through-holes 2, in which no through-hole exists.

[0043] The two substrips 1a and 1b can be used as a backing for a trim, a sealing or an edge protection strip in an appropriate manner. For this purpose, they are correspondingly bent, for example, into a U-shaped profile, which is then coated with plastic or rubber in an extrusion device. The two substrips 1a and 1b can be fed to the extrusion device at the same time. They have the same properties as each other because they originate from the same metal strip 1.

[0044] Figure 2 Another metal strip 1 with a predetermined breaking line III is shown. In Figure 2 a, the metal strip 1 before being cut along the predetermined breaking line III is shown, while Figure 2 b shows the substrips 1a and 1b formed by cutting along the predetermined breaking line III.

[0045] Figure 2 The metal strip also has three rows 31, 32 and 33 of through-holes 2 and two areas 6 without through-holes. As in Figure 1 The metal strip 1 differs in that Figure 2 the through-holes 2 of the middle row 32 of the metal strip 1 are shorter than Figure 1 the through-holes 2 of the middle row in the metal strip 1 according to Figure 2 Furthermore, Figure 1 the two areas 6 without through-holes in the metal strip 1 are wider than Figure 2 the areas 6 in the metal strip 1 according to The two substrips 1a and 1b according to can be bent into a profile in the same manner and coated with plastic or rubber in an extrusion device to produce a sealing, a trim or an edge protection strip.

[0046] Figure 3 Another embodiment of a metal strip according to the invention is shown. Figure 3 The metal strip 1 has five rows 31 to 35 of through-holes 2, wherein the through-holes 2 of the two outer rows 31 and 35 respectively merge into the left edge 4 and the right edge 5 of the metal strip 1. The through-holes of the middle rows 32 to 34 do not merge into either of the two edges 4, 5 of the metal strip 1.

[0047] Furthermore, Figure 3 The metal strip has a predetermined breaking line III arranged in the middle, by which the metal strip 1 can be divided into two metal strips 1a and 1b. As Figure 3 b shows. Here the two substrips 3a and 3b are also identical to each other because Figure 3 the metal strip 1 to the left and to the right of the predetermined breaking line III in a is designed identically. Figure 3 b the substrips 1a and 1b can further be used in the same manner as the metal strip according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 described above.

[0048] Figure 4Another metal strip 1 according to the present invention is shown. The metal strip has two predetermined break lines III1 and III2. In addition, the metal strip 1 has seven rows of through holes 2 from 31 to 37. The two outer rows of through holes 2 from 31 to 37 respectively merge into one of the two edges 4 and 5 of the metal strip 1, while the through holes 2 from the remaining rows of 32 to 36 do not merge into either of the two edges 4 and 5.

[0049] The through holes 2 in columns 33 and 35 are mirror-symmetrical with respect to one of the two predetermined fracture lines III1 and III2. For example... Figure 4 As shown in b, the section is cut along two predetermined fracture lines III1 and III2. Figure 4 Following metal strip 1, three symmetrical sub-strips 1a, 1b, and 1c are formed. Furthermore, these sub-strips 1a, 1b, and 1c can be further processed and used in the same manner as described above.

[0050] Figure 5 Another metal strip 1 of this invention is shown. The metal strip 1 is designed differently on both sides of the predetermined fracture line III. Figure 5 To the left of the predetermined fracture line III, the metal strip 1 has nine rows of through holes 2, numbered 31 to 39, while... Figure 5 To the right of the predetermined fracture line III, there are only three columns of 3. 10 3 11 and 3 12 Through hole 2. (e.g.) Figure 5 As shown, columns 39 and 3 10 The through holes 2 overlap each other, thus forming a common through hole 2. Figure 5 The metal strip 1 in the figure can be separated along the predetermined fracture line III and processed and used again in the same way as the metal strip 1 in the figure above.

[0051] Another metal strip 1 of this utility model is as follows: Figure 6 As shown. This also features different designs on either side of the predetermined fracture line III. Figure 6 To the left of the predetermined fracture line III, the metal strip 1 has five rows of through holes 2, numbered 31 to 35. Figure 6 On the right side, there are only two columns of through holes 2, 36 and 37. The through holes 2 in columns 35 and 36 also overlap and together form through hole 2. Figure 6 To the left of the predetermined fracture line III, the metal strip 1 also has two rolling tracks 9. These two rolling tracks 9 are located between the through holes 2 of the first column 31 and the second column 32, and between the through holes 2 of the fourth column 34 and the fifth column 35. Figure 6 There is a region 6 to the right of the predetermined fracture line III, in which there is no through hole in the longitudinal direction of the metal strip 1. Region 6 is located between the through holes 2 of columns 36 and 37. Figure 6The metal strip 1 can be further processed and used in the same way as the metal strip described above.

[0052] Figure 7 A further metal strip according to the application is shown. Here, the metal strip to the left and right of the intended breaking line III is also designed differently. In the left-hand side of the intended breaking line III, the metal strip 1 has three rows 31, 32 and 33 of through-holes 2, while in the right-hand side of the intended breaking line III there are four rows 34 to 37 of through-holes 2. The two sub-strips la and lb formed after cutting along the intended breaking line III can be further processed and used in the same way as the strips described above. Figure 7

[0053] A metal strip according to the application is shown in Figure 8 . It is also designed asymmetrically with respect to the intended breaking line III. The metal strip has in the left-hand side of the intended breaking line III three rows 31 to 33 of through-holes 2 and in the right-hand side of the intended breaking line III two rows 34 and 35 of through-holes 2. Furthermore, Figure 8 , the metal strip 1 to the right of the intended breaking line III has a region 6 without through-holes. This region 6 is located between the rows 34 and 35 of through-holes 2. After cutting along the intended breaking line III, the two sub-strips formed can be further processed and used in the same way as the strips described above. Figure 8

[0054] Figure 9 A further metal strip according to the application is shown. It is also designed asymmetrically with respect to the intended breaking line III. In the left-hand side of the intended breaking line III there are three rows 31 to 33 of through-holes 2, while in the right-hand side of the intended breaking line III there are two rows 34 and 35 of through-holes 2. In the right-hand side of the intended breaking line III there is also a region 6 without through-holes introduced. This region 6 is located between the two rows 34 and 35 of through-holes 2. In the left-hand side of the intended breaking line III, Figure 9 , the metal strip also has two rolled tracks 9, which are located between the through-holes 2 of the first row 31 and the second row 32, and between the through-holes 2 of the second row 32 and the third row 33, respectively. The two rolled tracks 9 have no through-holes or other cut-outs. After cutting along the intended breaking line III, the two sub-strips formed can be further processed and used in the manner described above.

[0055] Figure 10 ​​A cross-section of a region of the metal strip 1 with the predetermined breaking line III is shown. It can be seen that the predetermined breaking line III is formed by a reduction of the material thickness of the metal strip 1. The predetermined breaking line III has a triangular shape in cross-section. The opening angle of the triangle can be between about 15° and 150°. The opening width w of the predetermined breaking line III can be about 0.2 mm to about 1.5 mm. Particularly suitably, the opening width w is about 0.3 mm to about 0.8 mm. The remaining material thickness d is about 0.05 mm to about 0.5 mm.

[0056] As shown in Figure 11 , the predetermined breaking line III can also have a triangle on both sides in cross-section of the metal strip 1, wherein the opening angle and the opening width w of the triangle can be the same ranges as Figure 10 described above.

[0057] As shown in Figure 12 , the triangles forming the cross-section of the predetermined breaking line III can also be offset from each other. The offset v can range from about 0.05 mm to 1.5 mm.

[0058] Figure 13 Another metal strip 1 with a predetermined breaking line III according to the present utility model is shown. The metal strip 1 has five rows 31 to 35 of through-holes 2, wherein the through-holes 2 of the middle row 33 extend intermittently over the predetermined breaking line III. Furthermore, the metal strip 1 has a rolled track 9 between each two adjacent rows 31 to 35 of through-holes 2, wherein no through-holes or other cutouts are present.

[0059] After cutting along the predetermined breaking line III, Figure 13 , the metal strip 1 shown in Figure 13 a results in two sub-strips 1a and 1b, as shown in Figure 13 b. The two sub-strips 1a and 1b are identical to each other, since a the metal strip 1 is designed symmetrically with respect to the predetermined breaking line III. Furthermore, the two sub-strips 1a and 1b can be further processed and used in the same way as the metal strip described above.

[0060] Figure 14 Another embodiment of a metal strip 1 according to the present utility model is shown, which has five rows 31 to 35 of through-holes 2 and four rolled tracks 9 between the through-holes 2 of two adjacent rows 31 to 35. Furthermore, according to Figure 14 b, by cutting along the predetermined breaking line III, Figure 14 a the strip shown can be divided into two sub-strips 1a and 1b. Unlike Figure 13 the metal strip 1, the shape of the predetermined breaking line III is different, as described below with reference to Figure 15 and Figure 16 .

[0061] In accordance with Figure 13 and Figure 14 In both embodiments of the metal strip 1, the predetermined breaking line III is produced by stamping the material. To this end, in the longitudinal direction 1 of the metal strip 1, between every two mutually successive rows of through holes 2 of the intermediate row 33, a web 10 is stamped out. In the embodiment according to Figure 13 The stamping is such that in each web 10 a recess 11 is formed which opens into the adjacent through hole 2, wherein the recesses 11 all open in the same direction. In the embodiment according to Figure 14 The stamping of the web 10 is such that two recesses 11 are formed, each of which opens into the adjacent through hole 2. The stamping is carried out in a symmetrical manner with respect to the respective web 10, such that the two recesses 11 have the same size, but point in opposite directions with respect to the longitudinal extension I of the metal strip 1.

[0062] The width A of the recesses 11 can be from about 0.05 mm to about 1.5 mm. Particularly preferred is a width A of about 0.2 mm. The width B of the remaining web 12 can be from about 0.05 mm to about 1.5 mm. Particularly preferred is a width of about 0.4 mm.

[0063] List of reference signs

[0064] 1 metal strip

[0065] 2 through hole

[0066] 3 row of through holes

[0067] 41 edge of 4

[0068] 51 edge of 5

[0069] 6 region

[0070] 71a edge of 7a

[0071] 81b edge of 8b

[0072] 9 roll track

[0073] 10 web

[0074] 11 recess

[0075] 12 remaining web

[0076] I longitudinal extension of 1

[0077] II transverse extension of 1

[0078] III predetermined breaking line

[0079] a angle

[0080] A width of 11

[0081] width of b12

[0082] d remaining material thickness

[0083] w opening width

Claims

1. A metal strip (1) as backing for a decorative, sealing or edge protection strip, having a plurality of through-holes (2) successive to one another in a longitudinal direction (I) of the metal strip (1), which through-holes extend in a transverse direction (II) of the metal strip (1), characterized in that the metal strip (1) has a predetermined breaking line (III) extending in the longitudinal direction (I) of the metal strip (1).

2. The metal strip (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the plurality of through-holes (2) are arranged periodically in the longitudinal direction (I) of the metal strip.

3. The metal strip according to claim 1, characterized in that the metal strip (1) has two or more predetermined breaking lines (III).

4. The metal strip according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that the predetermined breaking lines (III) are arranged to be distributed evenly as seen in the transverse direction (II) of the metal strip (1).

5. The metal strip according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that the predetermined breaking lines (III) are arranged to be distributed unevenly as seen in the transverse direction (II) of the metal strip (1).

6. The metal strip according to claim 1, characterized in that the through-holes (2) are formed by cutting and expanding or stamping.

7. The metal strip according to claim 1, characterized in that the distance between the through-holes (2) successive to one another in the longitudinal direction (I) of the metal strip is the same.

8. The metal strip according to claim 7, characterized in that the distance between the through-holes (2) successive to one another is 1 to 9 mm.

9. The metal strip according to claim 8, characterized in that the distance between the through-holes (2) successive to one another is 2 to 6 mm.

10. The metal strip according to claim 1, characterized in that the opening width (w) of the through-holes (2) in the longitudinal direction of the metal strip (1) is the same as one another.

11. The metal strip according to claim 10, characterized in that the opening width (w) of the through-holes (2) is 0.1 to 6 mm.

12. The metal strip according to claim 11, characterized in that the opening width (w) of the through-holes (2) is 0.5 to 3 mm.

13. The metal strip according to claim 1, characterized in that the metal strip (1) is designed identically on both sides of the one or more predetermined breaking lines (III).

14. The metal strip according to claim 1, characterized in that the metal strip (1) is designed differently on both sides of the one or more predetermined breaking lines (III).

15. The metal strip according to claim 1, characterized in that there is one or more areas (6) as seen in the transverse direction (II) of the metal strip (1), which one or more areas extend continuously in the longitudinal direction (I) of the metal strip (1) and in which there are no through-holes or other cut-outs.

16. The metal strip according to claim 1, characterized in that The metal strip (1) has, viewed in the width of the metal strip (1), a plurality of rows (3) of through-holes (2).

17. Metal strip according to claim 16, characterized in that The through-holes (2) of adjacent rows (3) coincide with one another or have a distance from one another, which can also be zero.

18. Metal strip according to claim 1, characterized in that The metal strip has through-holes (2) which open into the edges (4, 5) of the metal strip.

19. Metal strip according to claim 1, characterized in that The metal strip has through-holes (2) which open into both edges (4, 5).

20. Metal strip according to claim 1, characterized in that The metal strip (1) has through-holes which do not open into either of the two edges (4, 5) of the metal strip (1).

21. Metal strip according to claim 1, characterized in that The metal strip has through-holes (2) which, viewed in the transverse direction of the metal strip, extend on a predetermined breaking line (III).

22. Metal strip according to claim 1, characterized in that The metal strip has one or more rolling tracks (9).

23. Metal strip according to claim 1, characterized in that The material thickness (d) of the metal strip (1) is reduced to 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm along the predetermined breaking line (III).

24. Metal strip according to claim 1, characterized in that The material thickness (d) of the metal strip (1) is reduced to 0.1 mm along the predetermined breaking line (III).

25. Metal strip according to claim 1, characterized in that The predetermined breaking line (III) has a triangular shape, a semicircle, a square, a trapezoid or a free-form cross-section.

26. Metal strip according to claim 1, characterized in that The predetermined breaking line (III) has an isosceles triangular shape cross-section.

27. Metal strip according to claim 1, characterized in that The predetermined breaking line (III) is formed by reducing the material thickness of the metal strip (1) from one side of the metal strip (1) or from both sides of the metal strip (1).

28. Metal strip according to claim 27, characterized in that The reductions in the material thickness of the metal strip (1) on both sides have a deviation (v) from one another.

29. Metal strip according to claim 28, characterized in that The deviation (v) is 0.05 mm to 1.5 mm.

30. Metal strip according to claim 29, characterized in that The deviation (v) is 0.15 mm.

31. Metal strip according to claim 1, characterized in that The predetermined breaking line (III) is formed by a recess (11) which extends in the longitudinal direction (I) of the metal strip (1).

32. Metal strip according to claim 31, characterized in that The width (A) of the recess (11) is between 0.05 mm and 1.5 mm.

33. Metal strip according to claim 32, characterized in that The width (A) of the recess (11) is 0.2 mm.

34. The metal strip of claim 31, characterized in that A remaining web (12) is formed by the recess (11) with a width B of 0.05 mm to 1.5 mm.

35. The metal strip of claim 31, characterized in that A remaining web (12) is formed by the recess (11) with a width B of 0.4 mm.

36. The metal strip of claim 1, characterized in that The predetermined breaking line (III) is formed by stamping, laser or embossing.

37. The metal strip of claim 1, characterized in that The metal strip (1) consists of steel, stainless steel or aluminum.

38. The metal strip of claim 1, characterized in that The surface of the metal strip (1) is coated, galvanized or bare.

39. The metal strip of claim 1, characterized in that The metal strip (1) is used in a motor vehicle.

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