METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DISCONNECTING A CONNECTION

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for releasing a connection comprising at least two components, a first component and a second component, and at least one adhesive layer between the components by which the at least two components are connected to each other, wherein at least the first component is electrically conductive, according to the preamble of claim 1, and a device designed and configured for releasing the connection according to the preamble of claim 7.

[0002] Such a method or device is known from DE 10 2005 055 611 A1. There, a bond comprising two components and a thermally releasable adhesive layer arranged between them is broken by a superposition of mechanical and thermal stress on the adhesive layer. The thermal stress on the adhesive layer is applied by means of an electromagnetic heat source, and the mechanical stress by means of a static load applied to the two components. The thermal stress softens, weakens, or thermally destroys the adhesive layer. A suitable additional device is required to apply the static load to the components. Furthermore, the thermal softening or destruction of the adhesive layer generates fumes that pose health risks, so the process must take place in an enclosed cabin and the fumes must be extracted.Furthermore, remnants of the adhesive layer, destroyed by the temperature, remain on the components, impairing their reuse.

[0003] In JP 4 552066 B2 and DE 20 2008 016180 U1, a generic method and a generic device are each disclosed. To address the problem that heating the components bonded together by the adhesive layer—in this case, a golf club head and a golf club shaft—can damage them, JP 4 552066 B2 proposes a separating device for separating a golf club head bonded to a golf club shaft by adhesive. In this device, the adhesive layer is heated to a specific temperature that just melts the adhesive layer, and then a mechanical force is applied by the separating device to separate the golf club head from the golf club shaft. DE 20 2008 016180 U1 discloses an induction device for breaking adhesive bonds, wherein the breaking of the adhesive bond is based on an adhesive (thermal) destruction of the adhesive bond.

[0004] The present invention is based on the objective of providing a method and a device by which, or by which, an environmentally friendly and component-friendly loosening of the connection is possible using simple means.

[0005] This problem is solved according to the invention by the features of claims 1 and 7. Disclosure of the invention

[0006] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a method for breaking a connection comprising at least two components, a first component and a second component, and at least one adhesive layer between the at least two components, by which the at least two components are connected to each other, wherein at least the first component is electrically conductive, comprising a step of heating at least the first component by means of an electromagnetic field. In other words, at least the first component of the connection is heated electromagnetically.

[0007] According to the invention, the first aspect provides that the heating of at least the first component, or in particular essentially only the first component, is carried out by means of the electromagnetic field in such a way that a thermal expansion gradient ΔX and / or a temperature gradient ΔT arises between the at least two components, which causes relative movements between the at least two components and, in particular, consequently mechanical stresses that exclusively mechanically destroy the at least one adhesive layer. In particular, only the first component is heated by means of the electromagnetic field.

[0008] Therefore, if under the influence of the electromagnetic field the first component experiences a first thermal expansion X1 and the second component experiences a second thermal expansion X2, the thermal expansion gradient ΔX is given by: ΔX = X 1 − X 2

[0009] Similarly, if under the influence of the electromagnetic field the first component has a first temperature T1 and the second component has a second temperature T2, then the temperature gradient ΔT is: ΔT = T 1 − T 2

[0010] It is clear that the temperatures Ti and the thermal expansions Xi are time-dependent quantities that change depending on the start of the activation and the duration of the electromagnetic field. In the preferably exclusively mechanical destruction of the at least one adhesive layer, the first heating rate ΔT1 / t of the first component and / or the second heating rate ΔT2 / t can also play a role, as will be explained further below.

[0011] In contrast to the prior art mentioned at the outset, the objective of heating primarily, and optionally also the second, component by the electromagnetic field is not to thermally weaken or destroy the at least one adhesive layer, but rather to induce mechanical stresses between the components, particularly through targeted and rapid heating primarily, and exclusively, of the first component. These stresses then mechanically destroy the at least one adhesive layer through a forced adhesion failure. Such relative movements and mechanical stresses between the components are based, in particular, on differing thermal expansion coefficients Xi of the components resulting, for example, from local heating of only the first component.Then an additional device for applying a mechanical load to the components can be dispensed with, because the mechanical load on the components or between the components arises solely due to the (targeted) electromagnetic heating of the connection.

[0012] The duration t and / or the extent of the electromagnetic heating (amplitude A and / or frequency f of the electromagnetic radiation or electromagnetic field), the resulting initial temperature T1 of the first component, optionally also the second temperature T2 of the second component, and / or the heating rate(s) (temperature change per unit time, ΔT1 / t, ΔT2 / t) of the first component and / or the second component can be (pre-)programmed in a controller or programmable or adjustable via a human-machine interface interacting with the controller. This programming or adjustment is carried out in such a way that a thermal expansion gradient and / or a temperature gradient is created between the components, which ensures the purely mechanical destruction of the at least one adhesive layer, but avoids thermal destruction of the at least one adhesive layer.

[0013] Therefore, at least one adhesive layer is destroyed exclusively mechanically, while thermal softening or destruction of the (entire) adhesive layer is avoided. This has the advantage that no toxic fumes are produced during the process or application of the device as a result of undesirable thermal damage or destruction of the adhesive layer, thus eliminating the need for a gas-tight process chamber with extraction. Furthermore, the components are separated gently, particularly because the temperature required to generate the mechanical stresses that cause the mechanical destruction of at least one adhesive layer is significantly lower than the temperature required for adhesive pyrolysis.

[0014] Therefore, according to the invention, at least the first component, and optionally also the second component, is heated by means of the electromagnetic field with a temperature T1 or T2 and / or with a heating rate ΔT1 / t or ΔT1 / t (temperature increase per unit of time), by which a) on the one hand, the thermal expansion gradient ΔT and / or the temperature gradient ΔT arises between the at least two components, which causes the mechanical stresses and relative movements between the at least two components that destroy the at least one adhesive layer exclusively mechanically, but by which b) on the other hand, thermal destruction of the at least one adhesive layer is avoided.

[0015] This can be achieved, for example, by ensuring that the heating rate ΔT / t exceeds a predetermined limiting heating rate that is greater than zero. Furthermore, the heating time Δt, during which at least the first component, and optionally also the second component, is heated, is preferably shorter than a predetermined limiting heating time Δtlimit that is greater than zero.

[0016] Preferably, at least the first component is heated with a short heating time Δt, i.e., at a high heating rate, which leads to a rapidly established high temperature gradient ΔT between the components. In this case, the time is insufficient for the heat generated primarily in the first component to reach or penetrate the adhesive layer, thus preventing its thermal softening or thermal deterioration. This effect occurs particularly when the first component is made of a material with a high coefficient of thermal expansion, such as metals like aluminum or steel.

[0017] At least the first component is electrically conductive so that it can be heated by the electromagnetic field. Furthermore, at least the first component can consist of at least one ferromagnetic material, such as a ferromagnetic metal, or at least comprise a ferromagnetic material, such as a ferromagnetic metal. Additionally, the second component can also be electrically conductive and, in particular, consist of at least one ferromagnetic material, such as a ferromagnetic metal, or at least comprise a ferromagnetic material, such as a ferromagnetic metal. The second component can also consist of any material other than a ferromagnetic material, since for the generation of relative motions and stresses described above, it is entirely sufficient if, in particular, essentially only the first component expands as a result of heating by the electromagnetic field.

[0018] For example, the components can be planar, plate-shaped components, and the mechanical stresses can include shear stresses that cause shear forces acting in or parallel to the at least one adhesive layer and / or relative movements between the planar components. The components can, in particular, be or comprise metal sheets.

[0019] Alternatively, the components can be, at least in the area of ​​the at least one adhesive layer, in particular coaxially interlocking tubular, cylindrical, or conical components, or components with a polygonal cross-section, and the mechanical stresses can include tensile stresses acting radially between the components, which cause tensile forces and / or relative movements between the components perpendicular to the at least one adhesive layer. Interlocking components means, for example, that the second component projects at least partially into an opening of the first component, or that the first component projects at least partially into an opening of the second component.In particular, the at least one adhesive layer can be circumferential in cross-section and arranged radially between a radially inner surface of the second component and a radially outer surface of the first component, or radially between a radially inner surface of the first component and a radially outer surface of the second component, or adhesively bond these surfaces together. In particular, the first component can also at least partially enclose, surround, or incorporate the second component.

[0020] To create radial tensile stresses, in particular, between such tubular or cylindrical components, or components with a polygonal cross-section, the first component can, for example, be a radially outer component and the second component a radially inner component. As a result of, for example, the exclusive heating of the first component, the radius of the radially outer first component increases, while the radially inner second component, which is not affected by the heating or is affected to a lesser extent, is essentially not heated or is heated less, so that the radius of the second component essentially remains unchanged.

[0021] According to another possible embodiment, the first component can be plate-shaped and the second component can be tubular, cylindrical, conical, or have a polygonal cross-section. Conversely, the second component can be plate-shaped and the first component can be tubular, cylindrical, conical, or have a polygonal cross-section.

[0022] The method according to the invention is therefore used to break a connection in which at least the first component is electrically conductive and in particular consists of at least one ferromagnetic material such as a ferromagnetic metal or comprises at least one ferromagnetic material such as a ferromagnetic metal.

[0023] Preferably, the electromagnetic field is generated by means of an induction device comprising at least one inductor. The inductor is preferably arranged exclusively on or in the region of the first component, and the induction device is controlled such that the electromagnetic field is coupled substantially all the way into the first component. In other words, there is then substantially no coupling of the electromagnetic field emanating from the inductor into the at least one adhesive layer and / or into the second component. Due to the substantially complete coupling of the electromagnetic field into the first component, the first component then forms a kind of shield against the adhesive layer and / or against the second component.For example, it cannot be ruled out that, as a result of the electromagnetic field, at most a boundary layer of the adhesive layer directly adhering to the first component is thermally destroyed. "At most" means that the remaining adhesive layer, which differs from the boundary layer, does not experience thermal softening or destruction as a result of heating by the electromagnetic field. Furthermore, the inductor can be arranged, and the induction device controlled, in such a way that essentially only the first component is inductively heated, while the second component experiences essentially no heating by the inductor. This can be achieved, for example, by arranging the inductor directly or indirectly on or in the vicinity of the first component, by contacting the first component, or by connecting it to the first component.

[0024] A second aspect of the invention according to claim 7 relates to a device for carrying out the method described above, comprising a heating device controlled or regulated by a control unit, which is designed and configured to generate the electromagnetic field and to heat at least the first component and in particular only the first component by means of the electromagnetic field.

[0025] The second aspect of the invention relates to a device designed and configured for releasing a connection, comprising at least two components, a first component and a second component, and at least one adhesive layer between the at least two components, by which the at least two components are connected to each other, wherein at least the first component is electrically conductive, comprising a heating device controlled or regulated by a control unit, which is designed and configured to heat at least the first component by means of an electromagnetic field.

[0026] In the second aspect, the invention provides that the heating device (10) is controlled or regulated by means of the control unit in such a way that, as a result of the heating of at least the first component by means of the electromagnetic field, a thermal expansion gradient ΔX and / or a temperature gradient ΔT is created between the at least two components, which causes relative movements and mechanical stresses between the at least two components, which destroy the at least one adhesive layer exclusively mechanically.

[0027] The device can be designed and configured for releasing a connection in which the components are plate-shaped components, wherein the mechanical stresses include shear stresses which cause shear forces and / or relative movements between the components acting in the at least one adhesive layer or parallel to the at least one adhesive layer, which are parallel to the components.

[0028] The device can also be designed and configured for releasing a connection in which the components are tubular or cylindrical components or components with a polygonal cross-section that project into one another, at least in the area of ​​the at least one adhesive layer, wherein the mechanical stresses include tensile stresses acting in a radial direction between the components, which cause tensile forces and / or relative movements between the components acting perpendicular to the at least one adhesive layer and which run in a radial direction with respect to the components.

[0029] The device can also be designed and configured for releasing a connection in which one component is tubular, cylindrical, conical, or has a polygonal cross-section, and the other component is planar or plate-shaped.

[0030] In particular, the heating device can comprise an induction device with at least one inductor, which is configured and set up to inductively heat at least or substantially exclusively the first component. The inductor can comprise at least one alternating current-powered induction coil for heating at least or substantially exclusively the first component by means of the electromagnetic field. The induction device can also include a generator that supplies the alternating current to the at least one induction coil. Furthermore, the induction device can include a programmable controller that controls the generator in order to, in particular, adjust or vary the frequency and / or amplitude of the alternating current and / or the electromagnetic radiation, and / or the duration of the generation of the alternating current and / or the electromagnetic radiation.

[0031] In this device, the induction unit can be controlled by the control system, and the inductor can be arranged at the connection in such a way that essentially only the first component is inductively heated by the inductor, while the second component experiences essentially no heating by the inductor. The advantages of such a measure were explained above in connection with the method.

[0032] According to a further training measure, the device can be designed and configured to release a connection comprising a golf club head as the first component and an end of a golf club shaft as the second component, as well as an adhesive layer formed radially between the end of the shaft projecting into an opening of the head and the opening of the head.

[0033] Similarly, in the method according to the first aspect, the first component used is the head of a golf club, and the second component is the end of the shaft of the golf club, with the adhesive layer being formed radially between the end of the shaft projecting into an opening in the head and the opening of the head. Only with the device or method according to the invention is it then possible to remove a short, broken-off shaft from the golf club head. Otherwise, the broken-off part of the shaft remaining in the golf club head would have to be drilled out.

[0034] The device may, in particular, include a receiving device for the golf club, which interacts with the control system in such a way that the heating device is only activated when the golf club is held in the receiving device. The receiving device may be designed to hold the golf club securely, e.g., in a clamping mechanism, or loosely, i.e., with a certain amount of play.

[0035] The device may also have an electrical switch arranged in such a way and cooperating with the control system that when the golf club is picked up by the receiving device or is picked up in the receiving device, the electrical switch is automatically actuated or switched to a first position in which the control system activates the heating device to heat the connection electromagnetically.

[0036] The electrical switch can be actuated by an actuator. This actuator can, for example, include a retractable push button. The push button can be spring-loaded into the extended position. By switching between the extended and retracted positions of the push button, the electrical switch can be actuated or toggled from one position to the other. When the golf club is in or being inserted into the holder, the push button can be moved into the retracted position by the golf club. Conversely, when the golf club is removed from the holder, the push button automatically moves into the extended position, primarily due to the spring tension.The actuating element of the electrical switch can be designed in any way and, for example, can include a lever instead of a push button.

[0037] The electrical switch and the receiving device may further be arranged and designed such that when the golf club is received in the receiving device, or is received in the receiving device, the weight of the golf club at least contributes to actuating or switching the electrical switch to the first position. Alternatively, the switching or actuation of the electrical switch to the first position may be caused solely by the weight of the golf club.

[0038] The switch can also interact with the control unit in such a way that when the golf club is removed from the holder, the switch is moved or flipped to the second position, in which the control unit deactivates the heating device or puts it into an inactive state. Removing the golf club from the holder can be a sufficient or necessary condition for the control unit to deactivate the heating device or put it into an inactive state.

[0039] The control system can also be configured to automatically deactivate or inactive the heating device after a stored heating program has elapsed. This program specifies a duration for activating the heating element or heating the connection. In this case, the heating element is activated when the golf club is inserted into the holder, but the heating duration is independent of when the golf club is removed.

[0040] The method and device according to the invention can be used to loosen or debond any type of connection, in particular to debond or debond a connection comprising sheets bonded together by an adhesive layer, especially sheets of a vehicle body. drawing

[0041] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawing below and explained in more detail in the following description. The drawing shows Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a device according to the invention, designed and configured for releasing a connection comprising two flat, plate-shaped components, a first component and a second component, and at least one adhesive layer between the components; Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a further embodiment of the device according to the invention, designed for releasing a connection of tubular components; Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a golf club; Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of a further embodiment of a device according to the invention, designed for releasing a connection of the golf club from Fig. 3 is designed with the golf club held in a receiving device of the apparatus; Fig. 5A a side view of the receiving device of Fig. 4 ; Fig. 5 Legs Top view of the receiving device of Fig. 4 Fig. 6 shows a diagram illustrating the temperature T1 of the first component of Fig. 1 dependent on time t illustrated. Description of the exemplary implementations

[0042] In Fig. 1 A schematic embodiment of a device 1 is shown, designed and configured for releasing a connection 9, which here, for example, comprises two flat, plate-shaped components, a first component 3 and a second component 4, and an adhesive layer 5 between the two components 3 and 4. Here, for example, both components 3 and 4 are flat and plate-shaped, arranged parallel to each other, and both consist, for example, of a ferromagnetic material, in particular, each as a sheet of steel from a vehicle body. Alternatively, only the first component 3 can consist of a ferromagnetic material, while the second component 4 consists of a material other than a ferromagnetic material, for example, aluminum or plastic.

[0043] The adhesive layer 5 firmly bonds the two components together. It may be desirable to separate the two components 3 and 4, for example, if individual body parts need to be replaced after a vehicle accident and the intervening adhesive layer 5 needs to be removed or destroyed.

[0044] The device 1 comprises, for example, an induction unit 10 with a plate-shaped inductor 2 as a heating device. The inductor 2 comprises, for example, an alternating current-powered induction coil for heating the connection 9 by electromagnetic radiation. The induction unit 10 also includes a generator 11 that supplies the alternating current to the inductor 2 via a cable 12. The generator 11 has a programmable controller 8 for setting, adjusting, or varying heating parameters, in particular the frequency and / or amplitude of the alternating current and / or the duration of the alternating current generation. Heating parameters can be stored in one or more different heating programs of the controller 8.According to one embodiment, heating parameters can be set or changed via a human-machine interface 13 interacting with the controller 8, for example, a user interface of the generator 11. The human-machine interface 13 can also be part of an application running on a smartphone, in which case the smartphone can be wirelessly connected to the controller 8 to set at least one heating parameter.

[0045] For example, a specific heating program can be selected from a plurality of heating programs via the human-machine interface 13, with the plurality of heating programs being implemented in a memory of the controller 8. The heating power and / or the heating duration can also be set via the human-machine interface 13.

[0046] How Fig. 1 As shown, inductor 2 is arranged flat and directly adjacent to, or in contact with, the first component 3. The heating of, for example, only the first component 3 of the connection 9 by the induction device 10 is carried out, for example, by a heating program stored in the memory of the controller 8. Since inductor 2 directly contacts the first component 3, the electromagnetic field emitted by the inductor is essentially coupled exclusively into the first component 3, while the adhesive layer 5 and the second component 4 are shielded from the electromagnetic field by the first component 3. Therefore, neither the adhesive layer 5 nor the second component 4 can be heated by the electromagnetic field.Appropriate programming or setting of the control 8 or the heating program with regard to heating parameters such as amplitude and / or frequency and / or heating duration (acting time of the electromagnetic field emitted by the inductor 2) can also contribute to ensuring that essentially only the first component is heated by the electromagnetic field, but not the adhesive layer 5 and the second component 4.

[0047] Due to the (almost) exclusive (rapid) heating of the first component 3 by the inductor 2, a thermal expansion gradient ΔX = X1 - X2 arises between the two components 3 and 4, particularly within a short time period Δt. The first component experiences a relatively large initial thermal expansion X1, while the second component experiences a relatively small secondary thermal expansion X2. Furthermore, a large temperature gradient ΔT = T1 - T2 also develops within a short time period Δt, as the first component reaches an initial temperature T1 and the second component reaches a comparatively lower secondary temperature T2. In other words, the first component 3 is heated rapidly by the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the inductor 2, while the adhesive layer 5 and the second component 4 are not heated, only minimally, or very slowly.

[0048] Fig. 6 Figure 1 illustrates the time-dependent, and preferably rapid, heating of the first component 3. It is assumed that at time t = t0, the first component has a temperature T1 ≥ 0 and the induction device 10 is activated to generate an electromagnetic field via the inductor. This field is defined by parameters preset, for example, in the controller 8. These parameters preferably specify that the electromagnetic field affects only or primarily the first component 3 and that it is then heated rapidly and intensely. At time t1, the electromagnetic field is deactivated by the controller 8, at which point the first component 3 has a temperature T1 ≥ 1. Thus, with respect to the heating time Δt = t1 - t0, the initial heating rate of the first component 3 is ΔT1(T1 ≥ 1 - T1 ≥ 0) / Δt.However, the heating time Δt specified by the controller 8 is preferably too short for the heat inductively generated in the first component 3 to be transferred to the (entire) adhesive layer 5 and the second component 4. Instead, the adhesive layer 5 is mechanically destroyed beforehand due to the resulting mechanical stresses caused by the different thermal expansions X1 and X2 of the two components 3 and 4. Since the two components 3 and 4 are also separated in the process, heat transfer between them is prevented or hindered.

[0049] The thermal expansion gradient ΔX and the temperature gradient ΔT are thus formed in a plane perpendicular to the adhesive layer 5 or to the planes of the two components 3 and 4. Depending on the coefficient of thermal expansion of the first component 3, it expands due to the temperature increase resulting from the (exclusive) inductive heating, while the second component 4 does not expand or expands only negligibly. This causes mechanical stresses and relative movements between the two components 3 and 4, which mechanically damage the adhesive layer 5. The mechanical stresses and relative movements between the two components 3 and 4 then lead to a forced adhesion failure of the adhesive layer 5. The two components 3 and 4 can then be separated from each other without significant force.

[0050] In some unclaimed embodiments, however, even with targeted heating of only the first component 3 by the inductor 2, it cannot be avoided that a boundary layer 6 of the adhesive layer 5 adhering directly to the first component 3 is thermally softened or destroyed. However, softening or thermal destruction of the remaining adhesive layer 5 should preferably be avoided.

[0051] In the present example of Fig.1 The mechanical stresses caused by the thermal expansion gradient ΔX and the temperature gradient ΔT between the components 3, 4, which are connected by an adhesive layer 5, include in particular shear stresses which cause shear forces acting in the adhesive layer 5 or parallel to the adhesive layer 5 between the components 3, 4.

[0052] With reference to Fig. 1 In the following further embodiments of the device 1, identical or similarly acting elements are marked with the same reference numerals.

[0053] In Fig. 2 Another embodiment of the device 1 is shown, which is designed for releasing a connection between tubular components 3 and 4. In the present case, for example, the first component 3 encloses the second component 4, with the adhesive layer 5, including its interface 6 with the first component 3, arranged radially between the components 3 and 4. The adhesive layer 5 then bonds a radially inner circumferential surface of the first component 3 to a radially outer circumferential surface of the second component 4. For example, the first component 3 and the second component 4, as well as the circumferential adhesive layer 5, are coaxial with respect to a common central axis of the connection 9.

[0054] The inductor 2 is also tubular in shape and completely encloses the connection 9 with a radially inner circumferential surface, where the radially inner circumferential surface of the inductor 2 is slightly spaced from the radially outer circumferential surface of the first component 3.

[0055] Analogous to the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 1 Here, essentially only the first component 3 is heated by the induction device 10 or its inductor 2, without the adhesive layer 5 and the second component 4 being heated. This is because these components of the connection 9 are shielded from the electromagnetic field by the first component, which is essentially entirely coupled into the first component 3. The heating is also carried out by a heating program stored in the memory of the controller 8 with predetermined heating parameters. For example, the heating program can be selected from a number of predefined programs.

[0056] As a result of the (almost) exclusive heating of the radially outer component 3, it expands circumferentially depending on its coefficient of thermal expansion, thereby increasing its radius, while the radius of the unheated radially inner component 4 remains unchanged. Consequently, tensile stresses acting radially arise between components 3 and 4, which induce tensile forces acting perpendicular to the adhesive layer 5 and cause radial relative movements between components 3 and 4. Shear forces can also arise between components 3 and 4, which then act tangentially with respect to the adhesive layer 5. These forces ensure that the adhesive layer 5 is destroyed purely mechanically, thus causing the

[0057] The components can be easily separated from each other. As described in the previous embodiment, the heating by the inductor 2 can also encompass a maximum of the boundary layer 6 of the adhesive layer, but without thermally destroying it.

[0058] In Fig. 3 A golf club 13 is shown, with a head 14 made, for example, of a ferromagnetic metal and a shaft 15 made, for example, of a plastic. A free end of the shaft 15 of the golf club 13 projects into an opening 20 of a neck of the head 14 and is bonded there by means of an adhesive layer 5. The connection 9, which can also be released inductively, then comprises the head 14, the shaft 15, and the, for example, radially circumferential adhesive layer 5 between them, whereby the neck of the head 14 and the shaft 15 in the area of ​​the connection 9 are also cylindrical or tubular components. In practice, it sometimes happens that the shaft 15 of the golf club 13 breaks and then has to be replaced with a new shaft.

[0059] In Fig.4 Another embodiment of the device 1 is then shown, which is used for releasing the connection of the golf club 13 from Fig. 3 is designed with the golf club 13 held in a horseshoe-shaped receiving device 16 of the apparatus 1, for example in cross-section. The apparatus 1 is in Fig. 4 shown in the position of use, with the direction of the acceleration due to gravity, from which the weight force of the golf club 13 originates, being indicated by the arrow g.

[0060] In Fig. 4 is the cross-section of the golf club 13 along the line IV-IV of Fig. 3 shown in the area of ​​the connection 9. The receiving device 16 is designed and configured to hold the golf club 13, and in particular the connection 9, in a position favorable or necessary for releasing the connection 9. For this purpose, the connection 9 of the golf club 13 rests on a base or crossbar 17 of the receiving device 16, which is, for example, horseshoe-shaped, while it is radially enclosed by two cheeks 18 projecting perpendicularly from the base 17.

[0061] In the receiving device 16, for example, an inductor is mounted in each of the cheeks 18 and / or the base 17. This inductor serves, for example, to heat only the neck of the head 14 in order to generate, as described above, tensile and shear stresses between the end of the shaft 15 and the neck of the head 14. These stresses then mechanically destroy the adhesive layer 5 and loosen the connection 9. The heating of the neck of the head 14, essentially exclusively by means of the electromagnetic field generated by the inductors, is achieved here (also) by the partial outer enclosure of the neck of the head 14 by the inductors. In this way, the electromagnetic field is essentially coupled completely into the neck of the head 14, thereby shielding the adhesive layer 5 and the shaft 15 from the electromagnetic field and preventing them from heating up, or at least causing negligible heating.

[0062] Fig. 5A shows a side view of the recording device of Fig. 4 without the golf club 13 and Fig. 5B A top view of the receiving device 16. Accordingly, a push button 19, which can be extended from and retracted into the opening, is located in, for example, a central opening in the base 17 of the receiving device 16. The push button 19, by its extension or retraction movement, can actuate an electrical switch (not visible here). The electrical switch is connected to an electrical circuit of the control unit 8 of the generator 11. ( Fig.1, Fig. 2 ). The button 19 is moved from the spring-loaded extended position to the retracted position when the golf club 13 is inserted into the holding device 16, for example, solely by the weight of the golf club 13. ( Fig. 4 ),which causes the electrical switch to change and thereby activates the control 8 of the generator 11 in order to heat, for example, only the neck of the head 14 by means of the electromagnetic field emitted by the inductors, based on a pre-programmed and stored heating program, thereby breaking the connection 9.

[0063] The stored heating program specifies, for example, a duration for activating the induction device 10 or heating the connection 9, whereby the induction device 10 is automatically deactivated or put into an inactive state after this specified duration has elapsed. In this case, the induction device 10 is activated by inserting the golf club 13 into the holder 16, but the heating duration is then preferably independent of the removal of the golf club 13 from the holder, at which point the button 19 automatically moves into the extended position because it is then relieved of the weight of the golf club 13. Bezugszeichenliste

[0064] 1 Device 2 Inductor 3 First component 4 Second component 5 Adhesive layer 6 Boundary layer (adhesion layer) 7 Pushbutton 8 Control 9 Connection 10 Induction device 11 Generator 12 Cable 13 Golf club 14 Head 15 Shaft 16 Mounting device 17 Base 18 Cheeks 19 Pushbutton 20 Opening g Acceleration due to gravity T1 First temperature T2 Second temperature X1 First thermal expansion X2 Second thermal expansion ΔT Temperature gradient ΔX Thermal expansion gradient

Claims

1. Method for releasing a connection (9), which has at least two components, a first component (3) and a second component (4), and at least one adhesive layer (5) between the at least two components (3, 4), through which the at least two components (3, 4) are connected to one another, wherein at least the first component (3) is electrically conductive, comprising a step of heating at least the first component (3) by means of an electromagnetic field, wherein heating at least the first component (3) by means of the electromagnetic field occurs such that a thermal expansion gradient (ΔX) and / or a temperature gradient (ΔT) is created between the at least two components (3, 4), which causes relative movements and mechanical stresses between the at least two components (3, 4), which only mechanically destroy the at least one adhesive layer (5), wherein at least the first component (3) is heated by means of the electromagnetic field at a temperature (T1) and / or at a heating rate (temperature increase over time, (ΔT1 / t), by means of which, a) on the one hand, the thermal expansion gradient (ΔX) and / or the temperature gradient (ΔT) is created between the at least two components (3, 4), which causes the relative movements and the mechanical stresses between the at least two components (3, 4), which only mechanically destroy the at least one adhesive layer (5), but through which, b) on the other hand, thermal destruction of the at least one adhesive layer (5) is prevented.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least two components are flat, even or uneven components or plate-shaped components and the mechanical stresses comprise shear stresses, which cause shear forces acting in the at least one adhesive layer (5) or parallel to the at least one adhesive layer (5) and / or relative movements between the components.

3. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the components (3, 4) are tubular or cylindrical or conical components or components with a polygonal cross-section that are inserted into one another, at least in the region of the at least one adhesive layer (5), and the mechanical stresses comprise tensile stresses acting in a radial direction between the components, which cause tensile forces acting perpendicular to the at least one adhesive layer and / or relative movements between the components.

4. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that a head (14) of a golf club (13) is used as the first component and an end of a shaft (15) of the golf club (13) is used as the second component, wherein the at least one adhesive layer (5) is designed radially between the end of the shaft (15) inserted into an opening (20) of the head (14) and the opening (20) of the head (14).

5. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electromagnetic field is generated by means of an induction apparatus (10), which comprises at least one inductor (2).

6. Method according to claim 5, characterized in that the inductor (2) is arranged on the first component (3) and the induction apparatus (10) is controlled such that the electromagnetic field is substantially completely coupled into the first component (3).

7. Device (1) for releasing a connection (9), which has at least two components, a first component (3) and a second component (4), and at least one adhesive layer (5) between the at least two components (3, 4), by means of which the at least two components (3, 4) are connected to one another, wherein at least the first component (3) is electrically conductive, comprising a heating apparatus (10) controlled or regulated by a controller (8), which is designed and configured to heat at least the first component (3) by means of an electromagnetic field, wherein the heating apparatus (10) is controlled or regulated by means of the controller (8) such that, as a result of heating at least the first component (3) by means of the electromagnetic field, a thermal expansion gradient (ΔX) and / or a temperature gradient (ΔT) is created between the at least two components (3, 4), which causes relative movements and mechanical stresses between the at least two components (3, 4), which only mechanically destroy the at least one adhesive layer (5), wherein the heating apparatus (10) is controlled or regulated by means of the controller (8) such that at least the first component (3) is heated by means of the electromagnetic field at a temperature (T1) and / or at a heating rate (temperature increase over time, (ΔT1 / t), by means of which, a) on the one hand, the thermal expansion gradient (ΔX) and / or the temperature gradient (ΔT) is created between the at least two components (3, 4), which causes the relative movements and the mechanical stresses between the at least two components (3, 4), which only mechanically destroy the at least one adhesive layer (5), but through which, b) on the other hand, thermal destruction of the at least one adhesive layer (5) is prevented.

8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that it is designed and configured to release a connection (9), in which the components (3, 4) are flat, even or uneven components or plate-shaped components, wherein the mechanical stresses comprise shear stresses, which cause shear forces acting in the at least one adhesive layer (5) or parallel to the at least one adhesive layer (5) and / or relative movements between the components (3, 4), which are substantially parallel to the components (3, 4).

9. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that it is designed and configured to release a connection (9), in which the components (3, 4) are tubular or cylindrical or conical components or components with a polygonal cross-section that are inserted into one another, at least in the region of the at least one adhesive layer (5), wherein the mechanical stresses comprise tensile stresses acting in a radial direction between the components (3, 4), which cause tensile forces acting perpendicular to the at least one adhesive layer (5) and / or relative movements between the components (3, 4), which extend in a radial direction relative to the components (3, 4).

10. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that it is designed and configured to release a connection (9), which comprises a head (14) of a golf club (13) as the first component and an end of a shaft (15) of the golf club (13) as the second component, as well as at least one adhesive layer (5), which is formed radially between the end of the shaft (15) inserted into an opening (20) of the head (14) and the opening (20) of the head (14).

11. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that it has a holding apparatus (16) for the golf club (13), which interacts with the controller (8) such that the heating apparatus (10) is automatically activated in particular only if and when the golf club (13) is received in the holding apparatus (16).

12. Device according to claim 11, characterized in that the holding apparatus (16) has an electrical switch arranged and interacting with the controller (8) such that, when the golf club (13) is received by the holding apparatus (16) or received in the holding apparatus (16), the electrical switch is automatically actuated or switched into a first position, in which the controller (8) activates the heating apparatus (10), in order to electromagnetically heat the connection (9).

13. Device according to claim 12, characterized in that the electrical switch and the holding apparatus (16) are arranged and designed such that when the golf club (13) is received by the holding apparatus (16) or is received in the holding apparatus (16), the weight of the golf club (13) at least contributes to actuation or switching of the electrical switch into the first position.

14. Device according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the switch interacts with the controller (8) such that when the golf club (13) is removed from the holding apparatus (16), the switch is actuated or switched into a second position, in which the controller (8) deactivates the heating apparatus (10) or places it in an inactive state.

15. Device according to any one of claims 7 to 14, characterized in that the heating apparatus (10) comprises an induction apparatus with at least one inductor (2).

16. Device according to claim 15, characterized in that the inductor (2) is designed and configured to be arranged on the first component (3) or in the region of the first component (3) such that the electromagnetic field is substantially completely coupled into the first component (3).