Method for producing a component, and component produced by means of the method

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing a component (1) which has a first portion (3) and a second portion (5) and which comprises aluminium, wherein the method comprises the following steps: Heating the first portion (3) of the component (1), and forming the first portion (3) of the component (1). The invention further relates to a component (1) which is produced by means of the method.

Description

[0001] Method for producing a component and component produced by the method

[0002] The present invention relates to a method for producing a component and a component produced by means of the method.

[0003] Methods for manufacturing components are known from the prior art. For example, each component of these components forms one of the following components or forms a section of the following components: shielding system, housing element, in particular for electrical energy storage, on-board power system, electric drive, housing of an electrical storage cell, subsystem of an electrical storage cell, electrical energy storage system, housing of components for electrical drives or on-board power systems.

[0004] In general, it is desirable for processes for manufacturing a component that the process can be used flexibly and adapted to the desired properties of the manufactured component.

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method that can be used flexibly and is adaptable to the desired properties of the manufactured component.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the invention, the stated object is achieved by a method for producing a component in claim 1. The method is provided for producing a component. The component has a first section and a second section. Furthermore, the component comprises aluminum. The method further comprises the following steps: heating the first section of the component and forming the first section of the component.

[0007] As already described, the method is provided for manufacturing the component. The component is preferably one of the following components or forms a section of the following components: shielding system, housing element, in particular for electrical energy storage, on-board power system, electric drive, housing of an electrical storage cell, subsystem of an electrical storage cell, electrical energy storage system, housing of components for electrical drives or on-board power systems.

[0008] As already described, the component has the first section and the second section. The fact that the component has the first section and the second section ensures that the component can be subjected to the method section by section. As already described, the component comprises aluminum. The fact that the component has aluminum ensures that the component is particularly well suited for one forming step or for several forming steps. Preferably, the component is made of aluminum. Alternatively, the component is preferably made of an aluminum alloy. Alternatively, the component is preferably made of a first section made of aluminum and a second section made of an aluminum alloy.In particular, in the context of the present invention, the term "the component comprises aluminum" means that the component either consists of aluminum or consists of aluminum and other components, such as, for example, alloying elements provided in an aluminum alloy. As also already described, the method comprises the following steps: heating the first section of the component and forming the first section of the component. The fact that the method comprises the steps of heating the first section of the component and forming the first section of the component ensures that, for example, either the first section of the component is first formed and then heated, or the first section of the component is first heated and then formed.If the first section of the component is first formed and then heated, it is ensured that mechanical stresses introduced into the first section by the forming process can be reduced during the heating process. If the first section of the component is first heated and then formed, it is ensured that only low forming forces are required for the forming process and that the ductility of the material is improved. The method according to the invention is therefore flexible and adaptable to the desired properties of the manufactured component.

[0009] In summary, it can be stated that the method according to the invention can be used flexibly and can be adapted to the desired properties of the manufactured component.

[0010] In one embodiment, the first section is first formed and then heated. By first forming the first section and then heating the first section, it is ensured that the mechanical stresses generated during the forming of the first section (e.g., due to strengthening of the grain structure during a forming process) in the first section can be reduced by heating the first section.

[0011] In one embodiment, the first section is first heated and then the first section is formed. Heating the first section first and then forming the first section ensures that the forming force required to form the first section can be reduced by heating the first section.

[0012] In one embodiment, during heating of the first section, the second section has a lower temperature than the first section. The fact that during heating of the first section, the second section has a lower temperature than the first section ensures that only partial heating of the component takes place, which can also be referred to as local heating of the component. This process can also be referred to as partial tempering of the component or local tempering of the component. It has been found that the manufactured component, and in particular the first section of the component, is crack-free.

[0013] In one embodiment, the second section is heated while the first section is heated. Heating the second section while the first section is heated ensures that cracks in the component can be specifically prevented. Crack prevention can be achieved particularly gently for the entire component, since not the entire component needs to be subjected to the tempering step, but only precisely defined sections of the component.

[0014] In one embodiment, the first section of the component comprises a plurality of sheet metal sections that are heated during heating of the first section. Because the first section of the component comprises a plurality of sheet metal sections that are heated during heating of the first section, it can be ensured that one or more insulating layers can be provided between the plurality of sheet metal sections. These insulating layers are not heated or are only slightly heated when the plurality of sheet metal sections are heated, so that the thermal stress on the insulating layer or layers can be kept particularly low.In one embodiment, the plurality of sheet metal sections comprise a first sheet metal section and a second sheet metal section, wherein the first sheet metal section and the second sheet metal section each comprise aluminum, wherein an insulating layer is provided between the first sheet metal section and the second sheet metal section, wherein both the first sheet metal section and the second sheet metal section are heated during heating of the first section. The plurality of sheet metal sections therefore comprise the first sheet metal section and the second sheet metal section, wherein the first sheet metal section and the second sheet metal section each comprise aluminum. Because the first sheet metal section and the second sheet metal section each comprise aluminum, the first sheet metal section and the second sheet metal section are particularly well suited for a forming step. As described, the insulating layer is provided between the first sheet metal section and the second sheet metal section.The insulating layer provided between the first and second sheet sections ensures that the insulating layer is not formed directly by a forming tool, but rather indirectly with the help of the two sheet sections. This means that the insulating layer is formed but not exposed to direct contact with the forming tool. This ensures a particularly gentle forming process for the insulating layer. As described, both the first and second sheet sections are heated during the heating of the first section.By heating both the first sheet metal section and the second sheet metal section during heating of the first section, it can be ensured that the insulating layer provided between the first sheet metal section and the second sheet metal section is not heated or is heated slightly, so that the temperature load on the insulating layer can be kept particularly low.

[0015] In one embodiment, the heating of the first section of the component and the forming of the first section of the component are followed by forming the first section of the component. The fact that the heating of the first section of the component and the forming of the first section of the component are followed by forming the first section of the component ensures that particularly complex shapes of the component, and in particular of the first section of the component, can be achieved using multiple forming steps.

[0016] In one embodiment, heating of the first section of the component and forming of the first section of the component are followed by heating of the first section of the component. The fact that heating of the first section of the component and forming of the first section of the component are followed by heating of the first section of the component ensures that thermal hardening of the component or at least a section of the component can be carried out by means of the renewed heating of the first section of the component. According to a second aspect of the invention, the stated object is achieved by a component having the features of patent claim 10. The component is produced using a method according to the first aspect of the invention.The features, technical effects and / or advantages described in connection with the method according to the first aspect of the invention also apply at least analogously to the component according to the second aspect of the invention, so that a corresponding repetition is omitted at this point.

[0017] Even if the method steps are described in a specific order, the present invention is not limited to this order. Rather, the individual method steps can be performed in any meaningful order, in particular at least partially in parallel.

[0018] Further features, advantages, and possible applications of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the exemplary embodiments and the figures. All described and / or illustrated features, individually and in any combination, constitute the subject matter of the invention, regardless of their composition in the individual claims or their references. In the figures, the same reference numerals continue to represent the same or similar objects.

[0019] Figures 1 to 6 each show a schematic view of an embodiment of a method according to the invention, and

[0020] Figures 7 to 13 each show a schematic view of a section of a component according to the invention which is or has been produced by means of the method according to the invention.

[0021] Figures 1 to 6 each show a schematic view of an embodiment of a method according to the invention, and Figures 7 to 13 each show a schematic view of a section of a component 1 according to the invention that is or has been produced using the method according to the invention. Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the method according to the invention, Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of the method according to the invention, Figure 3 shows a third embodiment of the method according to the invention, Figure 4 shows a fourth embodiment of the method according to the invention, Figure 5 shows a fifth embodiment of the method according to the invention, and Figure 6 shows a sixth embodiment of the method according to the invention. The first embodiment of the method according to the invention shown in Figure 1 is intended for producing the component 1.In the first embodiment of the method according to the invention, a sheet metal section is separated from a coil (sheet metal strip) in a first method step 101. The sheet metal section consists of a wrought aluminum alloy. Because the sheet metal section consists of a wrought aluminum alloy, it is particularly well suited for a forming step. Once the component 1 has been manufactured, the sheet metal section forms a first section 3 of the component 1. The component 1 therefore comprises aluminum.

[0022] In the first embodiment of the method according to the invention, the first section 3 of the component 1 is formed in a second method step 102. A cold forming tool is used for this purpose. The first section 3 of the component 1 is thus formed using the cold forming tool. The forming in the second method step 102 preferably takes place at a temperature of 20 °C, which can also be referred to as cold forming.

[0023] In the first embodiment of the method according to the invention, the first section 3 of the component 1 is heated in a third method step 103, which in the first embodiment of the method according to the invention can also be referred to as tempering or tempering. In the third method step 103, while the first section 3 is being heated, a second section 5 of the component 1 is heated. In the third method step 103, the entire component 1 is heated, which can also be referred to as full-surface tempering of the component 1. Preferably, the component 1 is heated to a temperature of 400°C to eliminate work hardening. The full-surface tempering of the component 1 preferably takes place in a heated forming tool. Preferably, the full-surface tempering of the component 1 takes place inductively between several forming stages, namely between the second method step 102 and the fourth method step 104.In addition, the full-surface tempering of the component 1 preferably takes place in a furnace, in particular in a continuous furnace. In the first embodiment of the method according to the invention, the second method step 102 is carried out first, followed by the third method step 103. Thus, the first section 3 is formed first, and then the first section 3 is heated. By first forming the first section 3 and then heating the first section 3, it is ensured that the mechanical stresses generated in the first section 3 during the forming of the first section 3 can be reduced by heating the first section 3. In the first embodiment of the method according to the invention, the first section 3 of the component 1 is formed in a fourth method step 104.The forming of the first section 3 of the component 1 in the second method step 102 and the heating of the first section 3 of the component 1 in the third method step 103 are therefore followed by forming of the first section 3 of the component 1 in the fourth method step 104. The fact that the heating of the first section 3 of the component 1 and the forming of the first section 3 of the component 1 are followed by forming of the first section 3 of the component 1 ensures that particularly complex shapes of the component 1 and in particular of the first section 3 of the component 1 can be achieved with the help of several forming steps. Preferably, the first section 3 of the component 1 is first cooled and then the first section 3 of the component 1 is formed. A cold forming tool is used for forming. The first section 3 of the component 1 is therefore formed using the cold forming tool.Preferably, the forming in the fourth process step 104 takes place at a temperature of 20 °C, which can also be referred to as cold forming.

[0024] It has been found that by means of the first embodiment of the method according to the invention, the manufactured component 1 and in particular the first section 3 of the component 1 is crack-free.

[0025] The second embodiment of the method according to the invention, shown in Figure 2, is intended for producing component 1. In the second embodiment of the method according to the invention, a sheet metal section is separated from a coil (sheet metal strip) in a first method step 101. The sheet metal section consists of a wrought aluminum alloy. Because the sheet metal section consists of a wrought aluminum alloy, it is particularly well suited for a forming step. Once component 1 has been produced, the sheet metal section forms a first section 3 of component 1. Component 1 therefore comprises aluminum.

[0026] In the second embodiment of the method according to the invention, the first section 3 of the component 1 is formed in a second method step 102. A cold forming tool is used for this purpose. The first section 3 of the component 1 is thus formed using the cold forming tool. The forming in the second method step 102 preferably takes place at a temperature of 20 °C, which can also be referred to as cold forming.

[0027] In the second embodiment of the method according to the invention, the first section 3 of the component 1 is heated in a third method step 103, which in the second embodiment of the method according to the invention can also be referred to as tempering or tempering. In the third method step 103, while the first section 3 is being heated, a second section 5 of the component 1 is heated. In the third method step 103, the entire component 1 is heated, which can also be referred to as full-surface tempering of the component 1. Preferably, the component 1 is heated to a temperature of 400°C to eliminate work hardening. The full-surface tempering of the component 1 preferably takes place in a heated forming tool. Preferably, the full-surface tempering of the component 1 takes place inductively between several forming stages, namely between the second method step 102 and the fourth method step 104.Furthermore, the full-surface tempering of component 1 preferably takes place in a furnace, in particular in a continuous furnace. In the second embodiment of the method according to the invention, the second method step 102 is carried out first, followed by the third method step 103. Thus, the first section 3 is formed first, and then the first section 3 is heated. By forming the first section 3 first and then heating the first section 3, it is ensured that the mechanical stress generated in the first section 3 during the forming of the first section 3 can be reduced by heating the first section 3.

[0028] In the second embodiment of the method according to the invention, the first section 3 of the component 1 is formed in a fourth method step 104. The forming of the first section 3 of the component 1 in the second method step 102 and the heating of the first section 3 of the component 1 in the third method step 103 are therefore followed by forming the first section 3 of the component 1 in the fourth method step 104. The fact that the heating of the first section 3 of the component 1 and the forming of the first section 3 of the component 1 are followed by forming the first section 3 of the component 1 ensures that particularly complex shapes of the component 1, and in particular of the first section 3 of the component 1, can be achieved with the aid of several forming steps. Preferably, the first section 3 of the component 1 is first cooled and then the first section 3 of the component 1 is formed.A cold forming tool is used for forming. The first section 3 of component 1 is thus formed using the cold forming tool. Forming in the fourth process step 104 preferably takes place at a temperature of 20 °C, which can also be referred to as cold forming.

[0029] It has been found that, with the aid of the second embodiment of the method according to the invention, in particular with the aid of the first method step 101, second method step 102, third method step 103, and fourth method step 104, the manufactured component 1, and in particular the first section 3 of the component 1, is crack-free. In the second embodiment of the method according to the invention, the component 1 is thermally hardened in a fifth method step 105. Thus, the forming of the first section 3 of the component 1 in the second method step 102 and the heating of the first section 3 of the component 1 in the third method step 103 are followed by heating of the first section 3 of the component 1.Thus, after the second method step 102 and after the third method step 103 and after the fourth method step 104, in the fifth method step 105, thermal hardening of the component 1 or at least a section of the component 1 can be carried out by heating the first section 3 of the component 1. Preferably, in the fifth method step 105, the component 1 is artificially aged, for example, at a temperature of 200°C, or artificial ageing is carried out on the component 1 at 200°C, which leads to precipitation hardening. Subsequent quenching is also conceivable. After the fifth method step 105, the component 1 is manufactured using the second embodiment of the method according to the invention. It has been found that, using the second embodiment of the method according to the invention, the manufactured component 1, and in particular the first section 3 of the component 1, is crack-free and mechanically particularly robust.

[0030] The third embodiment of the method according to the invention, shown in Figure 3, is intended for producing component 1. In the third embodiment of the method according to the invention, a sheet metal section is separated from a coil (sheet metal strip) in a first method step 101. The sheet metal section consists of a wrought aluminum alloy. Because the sheet metal section consists of a wrought aluminum alloy, it is particularly well suited for a forming step. Once component 1 has been produced, the sheet metal section forms a first section 3 of component 1. Component 1 therefore comprises aluminum.

[0031] In the third embodiment of the method according to the invention, the first section 3 of the component 1 is formed in a second method step 102. A cold forming tool is used for this purpose. The first section 3 of the component 1 is thus formed using the cold forming tool. The forming in the second method step 102 preferably takes place at a temperature of 20 °C, which can also be referred to as cold forming.

[0032] In the third embodiment of the method according to the invention, the first section 3 of the component 1 is heated in a third method step 103, which in the third embodiment of the method according to the invention can also be referred to as tempering or tempering. In the third method step 103, while the first section 3 is being heated, the second section 5 has a lower temperature than the first section 3. Preferably, the second section 5 is not heated. The fact that the second section 5 has a lower temperature than the first section 3 during the heating of the first section 3 ensures that only partial heating of the component 1 takes place, which can also be referred to as local heating of the component 1. This process can also be referred to as partial tempering of the component 1 or local tempering of the component 1.Based on the forming of the first section 3 of the component 1 carried out in the second method step 102, sections of the component 1 are determined with the aid of a computer program in which mechanical stresses greater than a predetermined stress threshold exist, in particular due to the forming of the first section 3 of the component 1 carried out in the second method step 102. These sections are then locally heated in the third method step 103. Preferably, the first section 3 of the component 1 is heated to a temperature of 400°C to eliminate work hardening. The partial or local tempering of the component 1 preferably takes place in a, in particular partially or locally, heated forming tool. The partial or local tempering of the component 1 preferably takes place inductively between several forming stages, namely between the second method step 102 and the fourth method step 104.In the third embodiment of the method according to the invention, the second method step 102 is performed first, followed by the third method step 103. Thus, the first section 3 is formed first, and then the first section 3 is heated. By forming the first section 3 first and then heating the first section 3, it is ensured that the mechanical stresses generated in the first section 3 during the forming process can be reduced by heating the first section 3.

[0033] In the third embodiment of the method according to the invention, the first section 3 of the component 1 is formed in a fourth method step 104. The forming of the first section 3 of the component 1 in the second method step 102 and the heating of the first section 3 of the component 1 in the third method step 103 are therefore followed by forming the first section 3 of the component 1 in the fourth method step 104. The fact that the heating of the first section 3 of the component 1 and the forming of the first section 3 of the component 1 are followed by forming the first section 3 of the component 1 ensures that particularly complex shapes of the component 1, and in particular of the first section 3 of the component 1, can be achieved with the aid of several forming steps. Preferably, the first section 3 of the component 1 is first cooled and then the first section 3 of the component 1 is formed.A cold forming tool is used for forming. The first section 3 of component 1 is therefore formed using the cold forming tool. The forming preferably takes place in the fourth method step 104 at a temperature of 20°C, which can also be referred to as cold forming. It has been found that, using the third embodiment of the method according to the invention, the manufactured component 1, and in particular the first section 3 of component 1, is crack-free. With the aid of the computer program, the sections of component 1 that are to be subjected to a tempering step can be determined and then subjected to a tempering step, so that cracks in component 1 can be specifically avoided. Crack prevention can be achieved particularly gently for the entire component 1, since not the entire component 1 needs to be subjected to the tempering step, but only precisely defined sections of component 1.

[0034] The fourth embodiment of the method according to the invention, illustrated in Figure 4, is intended for producing component 1. In the fourth embodiment of the method according to the invention, a sheet metal section is separated from a coil (sheet metal strip) in a first method step 101. The sheet metal section consists of a wrought aluminum alloy. Because the sheet metal section consists of a wrought aluminum alloy, it is particularly well suited for a forming step. Once component 1 has been produced, the sheet metal section forms a first section 3 of component 1. Component 1 therefore comprises aluminum.

[0035] In the fourth embodiment of the method according to the invention, in a second method step 102 the first section 3 of the component 1 is heated, which in the fourth embodiment of the method according to the invention can also be referred to as tempering or tempering. In the second method step 102, while the first section 3 is being heated, a second section 5 of the component 1 is heated. In the second method step 102, the entire component 1 is heated, which can also be referred to as full-surface tempering of the component 1. In order to reduce the necessary forming force, the component 1 is preferably heated to a temperature of 200 °C, for example, in the third method step 103 following the second method step 102. The full-surface tempering of the component 1 preferably takes place in a heated forming tool.The full-surface tempering of component 1 preferably takes place inductively before the forming stage, namely before the third method step 103. Furthermore, the full-surface tempering of component 1 preferably takes place in a furnace, in particular in a continuous furnace. In the fourth embodiment of the method according to the invention, the second method step 102 is carried out first, followed by the third method step 103. Thus, first the first section 3 is heated, and then the first section 3 is formed. By first heating the first section 3 and then forming the first section 3, it is ensured that the forming force required for forming the first section 3 can be reduced by heating the first section 3. In the fourth embodiment of the method according to the invention, the first section 3 of component 1 is formed in a third method step 103.Here, the component 1 heated in the second method step 102 is formed in its heated state. The first section 3 of the component 1 is thus formed in the heated state. The forming in the third method step 103 preferably takes place at a temperature of 200°C, which can also be referred to as hot forming. The forming in the third method step 103 preferably takes place while the component 1 is arranged in a heated forming tool and has a temperature of 200°C. The forming of the component 1 preferably takes place while the component 1 is inductively held at a temperature of 200°C. Furthermore, the forming of the component 1 preferably takes place while the component 1 is arranged in a furnace, in particular in a continuous furnace.

[0036] In the fourth embodiment of the method according to the invention, the first section 3 of the component 1 is formed once again in a fourth method step 104. Thus, the heating of the first section 3 of the component 1 in the second method step 102 and the forming of the first section 3 of the component 1 in the third method step 103 are followed by forming the first section 3 of the component 1 in the fourth method step 104. The fact that the heating of the first section 3 of the component 1 and the forming of the first section 3 of the component 1 are followed by forming the first section 3 of the component 1 ensures that particularly complex shapes of the component 1, and in particular of the first section 3 of the component 1, can be achieved with the aid of several forming steps. The component 1 heated in the second method step 102 and formed in the third method step 103 is formed again in its heated state.The first section 3 of the component 1 is thus formed once again in the heated state. Forming in the fourth method step 104 preferably also takes place at a temperature of 200°C, which can also be referred to as hot forming. Forming in the fourth method step 104 preferably takes place while the component 1 is arranged in a heated forming tool and has a temperature of 200°C. Forming of the component 1 preferably takes place while the component 1 is inductively held at a temperature of 200°C. Furthermore, forming of the component 1 preferably takes place while the component 1 is arranged in a furnace, in particular in a continuous furnace.

[0037] In an alternative embodiment of the method according to the invention, which corresponds to the fourth embodiment of the method according to the invention except for the fourth method step 104, the first section 3 of the component 1 is formed in the fourth method step 104. The forming of the first section 3 of the component 1 in the second method step 102 and the heating of the first section 3 of the component 1 in the third method step 103 are therefore followed by forming the first section 3 of the component 1 in the fourth method step 104. The fact that the heating of the first section 3 of the component 1 and the forming of the first section 3 of the component 1 are followed by forming the first section 3 of the component 1 ensures that particularly complex shapes of the component 1 and in particular of the first section 3 of the component 1 can be achieved with the aid of several forming steps.Preferably, the first section 3 of the component 1 is first cooled and then the first section 3 of the component 1 is formed. A cold forming tool is used for forming. The first section 3 of the component 1 is thus formed using the cold forming tool. The forming in the fourth method step 104 preferably takes place at a temperature of 20 °C, which can also be referred to as cold forming.

[0038] It has been found that with the aid of the fourth embodiment of the method according to the invention and with the aid of the alternative embodiment of the method according to the invention, the manufactured component 1 and in particular the first section 3 of the component 1 is crack-free and a forming of the component 1 with comparatively low forces is ensured.

[0039] The fifth embodiment of the method according to the invention, shown in Figure 5, is intended for producing component 1. In the fifth embodiment of the method according to the invention, a sheet metal section is separated from a coil (sheet metal strip) in a first method step 101. The sheet metal section consists of a wrought aluminum alloy. Because the sheet metal section consists of a wrought aluminum alloy, it is particularly well suited for a forming step. Once component 1 has been produced, the sheet metal section forms a first section 3 of component 1. Component 1 therefore comprises aluminum.

[0040] In the fifth embodiment of the method according to the invention, the first section 3 of the component 1 is formed in a second method step 102. A cold forming tool is used for this purpose. The first section 3 of the component 1 is thus formed using the cold forming tool. The forming in the second method step 102 preferably takes place at a temperature of 20 °C, which can also be referred to as cold forming.

[0041] In the fifth embodiment of the method according to the invention, the first section 3 of the component 1 is heated in a third method step 103, which in the fifth embodiment of the method according to the invention can also be referred to as tempering or tempering. In the third method step 103, while the first section 3 is being heated, a second section 5 of the component 1 is heated. In the third method step 103, the entire component 1 is heated, which can also be referred to as full-surface tempering of the component 1. To reduce the necessary forming force, the component 1 is preferably heated to a temperature of 200°C in the fourth method step 104 following the third method step 103. The full-surface tempering of the component 1 preferably takes place in a heated forming tool.The full-surface tempering of component 1 preferably takes place inductively between a plurality of forming stages, namely between the second method step 102 and the fourth method step 104. Furthermore, the full-surface tempering of component 1 preferably takes place in a furnace, in particular in a continuous furnace. In the fifth embodiment of the method according to the invention, the second method step 102 is carried out first, followed by the third method step 103. Thus, the first section 3 is formed first, and then the first section 3 is heated. By forming the first section 3 first and then heating the first section 3, it is ensured that the mechanical stresses generated in the first section 3 during the forming of the first section 3 can be reduced by heating the first section 3.

[0042] In the fifth embodiment of the method according to the invention, the first section 3 of the component 1 is formed in a fourth method step 104. Thus, the forming of the first section 3 of the component 1 in the second method step 102 and the heating of the first section 3 of the component 1 in the third method step 103 are followed by forming the first section 3 of the component 1 in the fourth method step 104. The fact that the heating of the first section 3 of the component 1 and the forming of the first section 3 of the component 1 are followed by forming the first section 3 of the component 1 ensures that particularly complex shapes of the component 1, and in particular of the first section 3 of the component 1, can be achieved with the aid of several forming steps. The component 1 formed in the second method step 102 and heated in the third method step 103 is formed again in its heated state.The first section 3 of component 1 is thus formed once more in the heated state. Forming in the fourth method step 104 preferably also takes place at a temperature of 200°C, which may also be referred to as hot forming. Forming in the fourth method step 104 preferably takes place while component 1 is arranged in a heated forming tool and has a temperature of 200°C. Forming of component 1 preferably takes place while component 1 is inductively held at a temperature of 200°C. Furthermore, forming of component 1 preferably takes place while component 1 is arranged in a furnace, in particular in a continuous furnace.

[0043] It has been found that with the aid of the fifth embodiment of the method according to the invention, the manufactured component 1, and in particular the first section 3 of the component 1, is crack-free and forming of the component 1 is ensured with comparatively low forces. The sixth embodiment of the method according to the invention, shown in Figure 6, is intended for producing the component 1. In the sixth embodiment of the method according to the invention, in a first method step 101, a first sheet metal section 7 is separated from a coll (sheet metal strip), and a second sheet metal section 9 is separated from the coll (sheet metal strip) or from a further coll (further sheet metal strip). The first sheet metal section 7 and the second sheet metal section 9 each consist of a wrought aluminum alloy.Because the first sheet metal section 7 and the second sheet metal section 9 are each made of a wrought aluminum alloy, both the first sheet metal section 7 and the second sheet metal section 9 are particularly well suited for a forming step. Once the component 1 has been manufactured, the first sheet metal section 7 and the second sheet metal section 9 each form a section of the first section 3 of the component 1. The component 1 therefore comprises aluminum. The first section 3 of the component 1 therefore has a plurality of sheet metal sections, one sheet metal section of the plurality of sheet metal sections being the first sheet metal section 7 and another sheet metal section of the plurality of sheet metal sections being the second sheet metal section 9. Both the first sheet metal section 7 and the second sheet metal section 9 therefore comprise aluminum.In the sixth embodiment of the method according to the invention, in the first method step 101, in addition to providing the first sheet metal section 7 and the second sheet metal section 9, an insulating layer 11 is also provided. The insulating layer 11 ensures electrical and / or thermal insulation between the first sheet metal section 7 and the second sheet metal section 9. The insulating layer 11 preferably comprises a polymer or is formed from a polymer. As an alternative to the insulating layer 11 described in connection with the present invention, a damping layer can also be provided which is designed to dampen mechanical vibrations. The damping layer preferably comprises a polymer or is formed from a polymer.The first sheet metal section 7, the second sheet metal section 9, and the insulating layer 11 are arranged relative to one another such that the insulating layer 11 is arranged between the first sheet metal section 7 and the second sheet metal section 9. An insulating layer 11 is therefore provided between the first sheet metal section 7 and the second sheet metal section 9. Once the first method step 101 has been carried out, the component 1 is in the form of a multi-layer structure from which the manufactured component 1 is manufactured. The multi-layer structure has an inner layer consisting of the first sheet metal section 7 or comprising the first sheet metal section 7, an outer layer consisting of the second sheet metal section 9 or comprising the second sheet metal section 9, and the insulating layer 11, which is arranged between the inner layer and the outer layer.

[0044] In the sixth embodiment of the method according to the invention, the first section 3 of the component 1, and thus also the first sheet metal section 7 and the second sheet metal section 9, are formed in a second method step 102. A cold forming tool is used for this purpose. The first section 3 of the component 1 is thus formed using the cold forming tool. The forming in the second method step 102 preferably takes place at a temperature of 20 °C, which can also be referred to as cold forming.The fact that the first sheet metal section 7 and the second sheet metal section 9 are formed and the insulating layer 11 is arranged between the first sheet metal section 7 and the second sheet metal section 9 ensures that the insulating layer 11 is not formed directly by the forming tool, but rather indirectly with the help of the first sheet metal section 7 and the second sheet metal section 9. So that the insulating layer 11 is formed but is not exposed to direct contact with the forming tool. This ensures a particularly gentle forming process for the insulating layer 11.

[0045] In the sixth embodiment of the method according to the invention, in a third method step 103, the first section 3 of the component 1 is heated, and thus the first sheet metal section 7 and the second sheet metal section 9 are also heated, which in the sixth embodiment of the method according to the invention can also be referred to as tempering or tempering. Thus, while the first section 3 of the component 1 is being heated, the first sheet metal section 7 and the second sheet metal section 9 are heated. Thus, while the first section 3 is being heated, the two sheet metal sections are heated. By heating the first sheet metal section 7 and the second sheet metal section 9, it can be ensured that the insulating layer 11, which is provided between the first sheet metal section 7 and the second sheet metal section 9, is not heated or is only slightly heated, so that the thermal load on the insulating layer 11 can be kept particularly low.In the third method step 103, during the heating of the first section 3, the second section 5 has a lower temperature than the first section 3. Preferably, the second section 5 is not heated. The fact that the second section 5 has a lower temperature than the first section 3 during the heating of the first section 3 ensures that only partial heating of the component 1 takes place, which can also be referred to as local heating of the component 1. This process can also be referred to as partial tempering of the component 1 or local tempering of the component 1.Based on the forming of the first section 3 of the component 1 carried out in the second method step 102, sections of the component 1 are determined with the aid of a computer program in which mechanical stresses greater than a predetermined stress threshold exist, in particular due to the forming of the first section 3 of the component 1 carried out in the second method step 102. These sections are then locally heated in the third method step 103. Preferably, the first section 3 of the component 1 is heated to a temperature of 400°C to eliminate work hardening. The partial or local tempering of the component 1 preferably takes place in a, in particular partially or locally, heated forming tool. The partial or local tempering of the component 1 preferably takes place inductively between several forming stages, namely between the second method step 102 and the fourth method step 104.In the sixth embodiment of the method according to the invention, the second method step 102 is performed first, followed by the third method step 103. Thus, the first section 3 is formed first, and then the first section 3 is heated. By forming the first section 3 first and then heating the first section 3, it is ensured that the mechanical stress generated in the first section 3 during the forming of the first section 3 can be reduced by heating the first section 3.

[0046] In the sixth embodiment of the method according to the invention, in a fourth method step 104, the first section 3 of the component 1 and thus also the first sheet metal section 7 and the second sheet metal section 9 are formed. The fact that the first sheet metal section 7 and the second sheet metal section 9 are formed and the insulating layer 11 is arranged between the first sheet metal section 7 and the second sheet metal section 9 ensures that the insulating layer 11 is not formed directly by the forming tool, but rather indirectly with the help of the first sheet metal section 7 and the second sheet metal section 9, so that the insulating layer 11 is formed but is not exposed to direct contact with the forming tool. Thus, a forming process that is particularly gentle on the insulating layer 11 takes place.The forming of the first section 3 of the component 1 in the second method step 102 and the heating of the first section 3 of the component 1 in the third method step 103 are therefore followed by forming the first section 3 of the component 1 in the fourth method step 104. The fact that the heating of the first section 3 of the component 1 and the forming of the first section 3 of the component 1 are followed by forming the first section 3 of the component 1 ensures that particularly complex shapes of the component 1 and in particular of the first section 3 of the component 1 can be achieved with the help of several forming steps. The component 1 formed in the second method step 102 and partially heated in the third method step 103 is formed again in its partially heated state. The first section 3 of the component 1 is therefore formed once more in the heated state.Preferably, the forming in the fourth method step 104 takes place either at a temperature of 200°C or at a temperature of 400°C, which can also be referred to as hot forming. Preferably, the forming in the fourth method step 104 takes place while the component 1 is arranged in a heated forming tool and has either a temperature of 200°C or a temperature of 400°C. Preferably, the forming of the component 1 takes place while the component 1 is inductively held at a temperature of 200°C or at a temperature of 400°C. Furthermore, the forming of the component 1 preferably takes place while the component 1 is arranged in a furnace, in particular in a continuous furnace.

[0047] It has been found that, using the sixth embodiment of the method according to the invention, the manufactured component 1, and in particular the first section 3 of the component 1, is crack-free. Using the computer program, the sections of the component 1 that are to be subjected to a tempering step can be determined and then subjected to a tempering step, so that cracks in the component 1 can be specifically avoided. Crack prevention can be achieved particularly gently for the entire component 1, since not the entire component 1 needs to be subjected to the tempering step, but only precisely defined sections of the component 1.

[0048] As already described, Figures 7 to 13 each show a schematic view of a section of a component 1 according to the invention that is or has been produced using the method according to the invention. Figures 7 and 8 show a section of a first embodiment of the component 1 according to the invention. Figure 7 shows a section of the component 1 in an undeformed state, and Figure 8 shows a section of the component 1 in a deformed state that corresponds to the manufactured component 1 and that can also be referred to as the manufactured state of the component 1. Figure 9 shows a section of a second embodiment of the component 1 according to the invention, and Figure 10 shows a section of a third embodiment of the component 1 according to the invention. Figure 9 shows a section of the component 1 in an undeformed state, and Figure 10 likewise shows a section of the component 1 in an undeformed state.Figures 11 and 12 show a section of a fourth embodiment of the component 1 according to the invention in a corresponding undeformed state (Figure 11) and a section of a fifth embodiment of the component 1 according to the invention in a deformed state (Figure 12), wherein the deformed state corresponds to the manufactured component 1 and can also be referred to as the manufactured state of the component 1. Figure 13 shows a section of a sixth embodiment of the component 1 according to the invention, which is in a deformed state that corresponds to the manufactured component 1 and can also be referred to as the manufactured state of the component 1.

[0049] The first embodiment of the component 1 according to the invention, shown in sections in Figures 7 and 8, is or was produced using the first embodiment of the method according to the invention. As already described, the component 1 has the first section 3 and the second section 5. In addition to the first embodiment of the component 1 according to the invention, shown in sections in Figures 7 and 8, a seventh embodiment of the component 1 according to the invention is provided, which is or was produced using the second embodiment of the method according to the invention and whose section essentially corresponds to the section of the first embodiment of the component 1 according to the invention shown in Figures 7 and 8. The component 1 according to the seventh embodiment of the component 1 according to the invention therefore also has the first section 3 and the second section 5.In addition, an eighth embodiment of the component 1 according to the invention is provided, which is or was produced using the third embodiment of the method according to the invention and whose section essentially corresponds to the section of the first embodiment of the component 1 according to the invention shown in Figures 7 and 8. The component 1 according to the eighth embodiment of the component 1 according to the invention therefore also has the first section 3 and the second section 5. In addition, a ninth embodiment of the component 1 according to the invention is provided, which is or was produced using the fourth embodiment of the method according to the invention and whose section essentially corresponds to the section of the first embodiment of the component 1 according to the invention shown in Figures 7 and 8.Component 1 according to the ninth embodiment of component 1 according to the invention thus also comprises first section 3 and second section 5. Furthermore, a tenth embodiment of component 1 according to the invention is provided, which is or was produced using the fifth embodiment of the method according to the invention and whose section essentially corresponds to the section of the first embodiment of component 1 according to the invention shown in Figures 7 and 8. Component 1 according to the tenth embodiment of component 1 according to the invention thus also comprises first section 3 and second section 5.

[0050] The second embodiment of the component 1 according to the invention, a section of which is shown in Figure 9, is produced using the sixth embodiment of the method according to the invention, wherein Figure 9 shows a state during production, which can also be referred to as the undeformed state. In the second embodiment of the component 1 according to the invention shown in Figure 9, the insulating layer 11 comprises a polymer that connects the first sheet metal section 7 and the second sheet metal section 9 to one another. In particular, a connection between the first sheet metal section 7 and the second sheet metal section 9 can be ensured by the adhesiveness of the polymer.After the first sheet metal section 7 and the second sheet metal section 9 have been bonded together using the polymer, the first sheet metal section 7 and the second sheet metal section 9 can be formed and at the same time the first sheet metal section 7 and the second sheet metal section 9 remain bonded together using the polymer.

[0051] The third embodiment of the component 1 according to the invention, a section of which is shown in Figure 10, is produced using a seventh embodiment of the method according to the invention, wherein the seventh embodiment of the method according to the invention essentially corresponds to the sixth embodiment of the method according to the invention and Figure 10 shows a state during production which can also be referred to as an undeformed state. In the third embodiment of the component 1 according to the invention shown in Figure 10, the first sheet metal section 7 and the second sheet metal section 9 are directly mechanically connected to one another, so that no great adhesive forces need to be present between the insulating layer 11 and the first sheet metal section 7 on the one hand and the insulating layer 11 and the second sheet metal section 9 on the other.In the third embodiment of the component 1 according to the invention, the direct mechanical connection between the first sheet metal section 7 and the second sheet metal section 9 is provided by means of a flanged connection, i.e., a connection produced by flanging. After the first sheet metal section 7 and the second sheet metal section 9 have been connected to one another by means of the flanged connection, the first sheet metal section 7 and the second sheet metal section 9 can be formed, while at the same time, the first sheet metal section 7 and the second sheet metal section 9 remain connected to one another by means of the flanged connection.In the third embodiment of the component 1 according to the invention, the flanged connection is designed such that the first sheet metal section 7 and the second sheet metal section 9 are formed such that a section of the first sheet metal section 7 rests against a section of the second sheet metal section 9 such that the insulating layer 11 is shielded from the surroundings of the component 1 by the first sheet metal section 7 in an extension direction of the insulating layer 11.

[0052] The fourth embodiment of the component 1 according to the invention, a section of which is shown in Figure 11, is produced using an eighth embodiment of the method according to the invention, wherein the eighth embodiment of the method according to the invention substantially corresponds to the sixth embodiment of the method according to the invention, and Figure 11 shows a state during production which can also be referred to as the undeformed state. In the fourth embodiment of the component 1 according to the invention shown in Figure 11, the first sheet metal section 7 and the second sheet metal section 9 are directly mechanically connected to one another, so that no great adhesive forces need to be present between the insulating layer 11 and the first sheet metal section 7 on the one hand, and the insulating layer 11 and the second sheet metal section 9 on the other.In the fourth embodiment of the component 1 according to the invention, the direct mechanical connection between the first sheet metal section 7 and the second sheet metal section 9 is provided by means of a flanged connection, i.e., a connection produced by flanging. After the first sheet metal section 7 and the second sheet metal section 9 have been connected to one another by means of the flanged connection, the first sheet metal section 7 and the second sheet metal section 9 can be formed, while at the same time, the first sheet metal section 7 and the second sheet metal section 9 remain connected to one another by means of the flanged connection.In the fourth embodiment of the component 1 according to the invention, the flanged connection is designed such that the first sheet metal section 7 and the second sheet metal section 9 are formed such that a section of the first sheet metal section 7 rests against a section of the second sheet metal section 9 such that the insulating layer 11 is shielded from the surroundings of the component 1 by the first sheet metal section 7 in an extension direction of the insulating layer 11.

[0053] The fifth embodiment of the component 1 according to the invention, a section of which is shown in Figure 12, is produced using a ninth embodiment of the method according to the invention, wherein the ninth embodiment of the method according to the invention essentially corresponds to the sixth embodiment of the method according to the invention and Figure 12 shows a manufactured state, which can also be referred to as a deformed state. In the fifth embodiment of the component 1 according to the invention shown in Figure 12, the first sheet metal section 7 and the second sheet metal section 9 are connected to one another using a pressure-sensitive adhesive polymer of the insulating layer, so that sufficiently strong adhesive forces are present between the insulating layer 11 and the first sheet metal section 7 on the one hand and the insulating layer 11 and the second sheet metal section 9 on the other.After the first sheet metal section 7 and the second sheet metal section 9 were bonded together using the polymer, the first sheet metal section 7 and the second sheet metal section 9 were formed, while at the same time the first sheet metal section 7 and the second sheet metal section 9 remained bonded together using the polymer. The first sheet metal section 7 and the second sheet metal section 9 were formed in such a way that the first sheet metal section 7, the second sheet metal section 9, and the insulating layer 11 are S-shaped in the formed state.

[0054] The sixth embodiment of the component 1 according to the invention, a section of which is shown in Figure 13, is produced using a tenth embodiment of the method according to the invention, wherein the tenth embodiment of the method according to the invention essentially corresponds to the sixth embodiment of the method according to the invention and Figure 13 shows a manufactured state, which can also be referred to as a deformed state. In the sixth embodiment of the component 1 according to the invention shown in Figure 13, the first sheet metal section 7 and the second sheet metal section 9 are directly mechanically connected to one another, so that no great adhesive forces need to be present between the insulating layer 11 and the first sheet metal section 7 on the one hand and the insulating layer 11 and the second sheet metal section 9 on the other.In the sixth embodiment of the component 1 according to the invention, the direct mechanical connection between the first sheet metal section 7 and the second sheet metal section 9 is provided by means of a flanged connection. After the first sheet metal section 7 and the second sheet metal section 9 have been connected to one another by means of the flanged connection, the first sheet metal section 7 and the second sheet metal section 9 can be formed and, at the same time, the first sheet metal section 7 and the second sheet metal section 9 remain connected to one another by means of the flanged connection. The first sheet metal section 7 and the second sheet metal section 9 have been formed in such a way, and a section of the first sheet metal section 7 rests against a section of the second sheet metal section 9 in such a way that the insulating layer 11 is shielded from the surroundings of the component 1 by the first sheet metal section 7 in a direction of extension of the insulating layer 11.In addition, the first sheet metal section 7 and the second sheet metal section 9 were formed such that the first sheet metal section 7, the second sheet metal section 9, and the insulating layer 11 are wave-shaped in the formed state. It should also be noted that "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, it should be noted that features described with reference to one of the above embodiments can also be used in combination with other features of other embodiments described above. Reference symbols in the claims are not to be considered as limitations.

[0055] LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0056] 1 component

[0057] 3 first section of the component

[0058] 5 second section of the component

[0059] 7 first sheet section

[0060] 9 second sheet section

[0061] 11 Insulation layer

[0062] 101 first procedural step

[0063] 102 second procedural step

[0064] 103 third procedural step

[0065] 104 fourth procedural step

[0066] 105 fifth procedural step

[0067] 106 sixth procedural step

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. A method for producing a component (1) having a first section (3) and a second section (5) and comprising aluminum, the method comprising the following steps: Heating the first section (3) of the component (1), and forming the first section (3) of the component (1).

2. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein the first section (3) is first formed and then heated.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first portion (3) is first heated and then formed.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein during heating of the first section (3) the second section (5) has a lower temperature than the first section (3).

5. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein during the heating of the first section (3) the second section (5) is heated.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first section (3) of the component (1) has a plurality of sheet metal sections which are heated during the heating of the first section (3).

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of sheet metal sections comprise a first sheet metal section (7) and a second sheet metal section (9), wherein the first sheet metal section (7) and the second sheet metal section (9) each comprise aluminum, wherein an insulating layer (11) is provided between the first sheet metal section (7) and the second sheet metal section (9), wherein both the first sheet metal section (7) and the second sheet metal section (9) are heated during the heating of the first section (3).

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating of the first portion (3) of the component (1) and the forming of the first portion (3) of the component (1) are followed by forming the first portion (3) of the component (1).

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating of the first portion (3) of the component (1) and the forming of the first portion (3) of the component (1) are followed by heating of the first portion (3) of the component (1).

10. Component (1) manufactured using a method according to one of the preceding claims.

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