Method for Joining Sections of at Least Two Components

A method for joining sections of at least two components, particularly vehicle components, includes mutually connecting the joining sections exclusively by the use of a fibrous duroplastic molding compound.

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Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of PCT International Application No. PCT/EP2015/054999, filed Mar. 11, 2015, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 from German Patent Application No. 10 2014 207 565.3, filed Apr. 22, 2014, the entire disclosures of which are herein expressly incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention relate to a method for joining sections of at least two components, particularly vehicle components, and in addition to an assembly having at least two components, particularly vehicle components, each having at least one joining section, the joining sections being joined with one another.

Particularly in the field of automobile production, it is customary to mutually join components, for example, in the form of profiles or shells, by means of a gluing technique. In addition, mechanical connecting devices may be required in order to be able to generate a suitable connection between vehicle components. Two components designed as profiles can be mutually connected by way of a component constructed as an interconnecting shell which, particularly in the case of profiles made of a fibrous composite material, is advantageous with respect to the introduction of force into the profiles that is caused by mounting or operating.

An object of the embodiments of the invention to provide an easily implementable possibility for establishing high-quality connections between components, by means of which complexly constructed assemblies can be produced.

This object is achieved by means of a method for joining sections of at least two components, particularly vehicle components, in which the joining sections are mutually connected exclusively by the use of a fibrous duroplastic molding compound.

As a result of the joining according to the embodiments of the invention, conventional connecting techniques, such as gluing, screwing, riveting and the like, will not be necessary. A formation of process surface areas on the joining sections, arranged on the joining sections to be mutually connected and required for conventional connecting techniques, can be eliminated. In addition, the devices required for implementing the conventional connecting techniques do not have to be used. On the whole, the costs resulting from conventional connecting techniques can therefore be saved.

By using the method according to the embodiments of the invention, more complexly constructed and more integrative assemblies of mutually joined components can therefore be produced than if conventional connection techniques were used. Among others, this is a result of the fact that connection-specific design rules to be observed when using conventional connecting methods, such as the avoidance of a shearing joining of glued connections, can be avoided.

It is a further disadvantage of conventional connecting techniques that material-damaging peeling loads on the connections cannot be avoided as a rule. The occurrence of such peeling loads leads to losses of stiffness and strength of the assemblies of components produced by means of conventional connecting techniques.

When the joining sections are three-dimensional and are at least partially form-lockingly encompassed by the fibrous duroplastic molding compound, composite strengths and composite rigidities can be established that cannot be achieved by conventional connecting techniques. By means of the method according to the embodiments of the invention, relatively large assemblies can be formed of mutually joined components in that the components are joined to one another in a single step.

The fibrous duroplastic molding compound can be formed, for example, as an SMC (“sheet molding compound)).

The components to be mutually joined may be made of metal or of a fibrous composite material. By means of the method according to the embodiments of the invention, three or more components can also be joined with one another, particularly simultaneously. One of the components to be mutually connected may be designed as an interconnecting component to which two or more components are to be joined.

Additionally, at least one cavity is formed on at least one joining section before the joining of the joining sections, The fibrous duroplastic molding compound can flow into the cavity during a pressing operation by means of a pressing tool, whereby a firm bonding between the fibrous duroplastic molding or a joining component formed thereon and the connecting component having the cavity is established, which strengthens the connection between the components. Two or more cavities may also be formed on the joining section. Corresponding cavities may also be formed on all joining sections of components to be mutually connected.

The cavity is advantageously formed as a through hole or a blind hole. A through hole makes it possible that the fibrous duroplastic molding compound flowing during a pressing operation from a first side of a joining section to the second side of the joining section through the through hole will exit from the through hole on the second side and there at least partially encompass the second side, which strengthens the connection between the components. As an alternative, ribs or the like, for achieving an interlocking between a joining section and the fibrous duroplastic molding compound may be formed on the joining section.

Further, at least one undercut extending transversely to the cavity may be formed at the cavity. During the pressing operation by means of a pressing tool, the fibrous duroplastic molding compound can flow into the cavity and its undercut, whereby the connection between the components is further strengthened. The undercut may, for example, be formed as an individual cross hole. As an alternative, at least one cavity can be constructed as a partition, thus as interior walls in the component. Such a cavity can be formed by a hollow space in a foam core of a component.

Additionally, the joining sections to be mutually connected are arranged with respect to one another such that the joining sections are in physical contact with one another. The components can thereby support one another.

Additionally, the joining sections to be mutually connected may be arranged such with respect to one another that the joining sections are arranged at a predefined distance with respect to one another. The gap thereby formed between the joining sections is preferably at least partially filled with the fibrous duroplastic molding compound.

Additionally, the joining sections to be mutually connected are arranged such with respect to one another that a joining section is at least partially surrounded by the joining section to be joined with it. The components can thereby be supported against one another. Moreover, the method may further include the steps of placing the joining sections to be mutually connected in an opened pressing tool; placing a fibrous duroplastic molding compound in the opened pressing tool in the area of the connection to be established between the joining sections; closing the pressing tool, and hardening of the fibrous duroplastic molding compound.

The joining sections can be placed in the opened pressing tool, for example, in a desired position relative to one another. Subsequently, the fibrous duroplastic molding compound, for example, in the form of SMC, can be placed in the opened pressing tool in the area of the joining sections to be joined with one another. Then, the pressing tool can be closed and a pressing operation can be carried while heat is supplied. Optionally, the fibrous duroplastic molding compound can be preheated separately, whereby the flow properties of the fibrous duroplastic molding compound are improved, so that lower applied pressures will be required during the pressing operation. This reduces the risk of damage to the joining partners, thus to the components during the pressing operation by the respectively applied pressure. During the closing of the pressing tool, the joining sections can at least partially be surrounded in an interlocking manner by the fibrous duroplastic molding compound. The hardening of the fibrous duroplastic molding compound can partly or completely take place inside or outside the pressing tool.

Moreover, the method may also include placing a fibrous duroplastic molding compound in a pressing tool in the area of the connection to be established between the joining sections; placing the joining sections to be mutually connected in the pressing tool;

    • closing the pressing tool, and hardening the fibrous duroplastic molding compound.

Accordingly, first the fibrous duroplastic molding compound and subsequently the components to be mutually connected are placed in the pressing tool. In this respect, care should particularly be taken that the components will not be damaged when the pressing tool is closed.

Additionally, the method may include placing a fibrous duroplastic molding compound in a pressing tool in a lower area of the connection to be established between the joining sections; placing the joining sections to be mutually connected in the pressing tool; placing a fibrous duroplastic molding compound in a pressing tool in an upper area of the connection to be established between the joining sections; closing of the pressing tool, and hardening of the fibrous duroplastic molding compound.

Accordingly, first, a fibrous duroplastic molding compound which, when the vehicle is closed, is situated below the joining sections, is placed in the pressing tool. Subsequently, the components to be mutually connected are placed in the pressing tool. Finally, a fibrous duroplastic molding compound situated above the joining sections when the pressing tool is closed is placed in the pressing tool, which may also be called a top surface covering with the fibrous duroplastic molding compound. This has the advantage that the flow paths of the fibrous duroplastic molding compounds for establishing a desired connection between components will not be so far. In particular, also those fibrous duroplastic molding compounds that have poorer flow properties can be used in this case.

Moreover, the assembly may also have at least two components, particularly vehicle components, each having at least one joining section, the joining sections being mutually connected, in which the joining sections are mutually connected exclusively by way of a connecting component made of a hardened fibrous duroplastic molding compound which at least partially interlockingly surrounds the joining sections. This assembly can be produced by using the above-described method. This assembly correspondingly has the above-described advantages mentioned above with respect to the method.

Thus, at least one cavity is formed on at least one joining section, which cavity is at least partially filled with the hardened fibrous duroplastic molding compound. Correspondingly, the assembly has the advantages and further developments mentioned above with respect to the embodiment of the method.

The cavity is advantageously formed as a through hole or blind hole. This assembly has the advantages and further developments mentioned above in connection with the corresponding further development of the method.

Additionally, there may be formed at least one undercut at the cavity, which undercut extends transversely with respect to the cavity. This has the advantages and further developments mentioned above in connection with the corresponding further development of the method.

Accordingly, the joining sections are in physical contact with one another. This has the advantage mentioned above in connection with the corresponding further development of the method.

Additionally, the joining sections may be arranged at a predefined distance from one another. This has the advantage mentioned above in connection with the corresponding further development of the method.

Further, a joining section may be at least partially surrounded by the joining section to be joined with it. This has the advantage mentioned above in connection with the corresponding further development of the method.

Other objects, advantages and novel features of the embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of one or more preferred embodiments when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an an assembly;

FIG. 2 is another schematic view of the assembly;

FIG. 3 is another schematic view of the assembly;

FIG. 4 is another schematic view of the assembly;

FIG. 5 is another schematic view of the assembly;

FIG. 6 is another schematic view of the assembly;

FIG. 7 is another schematic view of the assembly;

FIG. 7A is another schematic view of the assembly;

FIG. 8 is another schematic view of the assembly;

FIG. 9 is another schematic view of the assembly;

FIG. 10 is another schematic view of the assembly;

FIG. 11 is another schematic view of the assembly;

FIG. 12 is another schematic view of the assembly;

FIG. 13 is another schematic view of the assembly;

FIG. 14 is another schematic view of the assembly;

FIG. 15 is another schematic view of the assembly;

FIG. 16 is another schematic view of the assembly;

FIG. 17 is another schematic view of the assembly;

FIG. 18 is another schematic view of the assembly;

FIG. 19 is another schematic view of the assembly;

FIG. 20 is another schematic view of the assembly;

FIG. 21 is another schematic view of the assembly;

FIG. 22 is another schematic view of the assembly;

FIG. 23 is another schematic view of the assembly;

FIG. 24 is another schematic view of the assembly;

FIG. 25 is another schematic view of the assembly;

FIG. 26 is another schematic view of the assembly;

FIG. 27 is another schematic view of the assembly;

FIG. 28 is another schematic view of the assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an assembly 1. The assembly 1 comprises two components 4 and 5, which each have one joining section 2 and 3 respectively and are constructed as profiles. The joining sections 2 and 3 are mutually connected exclusively by way of a connecting component 6 made of a hardened fibrous duroplastic molding compound, which at least partially interlockingly surrounds the joining sections 2 and 3. The joining sections 2 and 3 are in physical contact with one another.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an assembly 1. The assembly 1 comprises two components 4 and 5, which each have one joining section 2 and 3 respectively and are constructed as profiles. The joining sections 2 and 3 are mutually connected exclusively by way of a connecting component 6 made of a hardened fibrous duroplastic molding compound, which at least partially interlockingly surrounds the joining sections 2 and 3. The joining sections 2 and 3 are in physical contact with one another. A cavity 7 is formed at the joining section 2, which cavity 7 is at least partially filled with the hardened fibrous duraplastic molding compound. Two cavities 7 are formed at the joining section 3, which cavities 7 are at least partially filled with the hardened fibrous duroplastic molding compound.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an assembly 1. The assembly 1 comprises two components 4 and 5, which each have one joining section 2 and 3 respectively and are constructed as profiles. The joining sections 2 and 3 are mutually connected exclusively by way of a connecting component 6 made of a hardened fibrous duroplastic molding compound, which at least partially interlockingly surrounds the joining sections 2 and 3. The joining sections 2 and 3 are in physical contact with one another. Two cavities 7 are formed at each joining section 2 and 3 respectively, which cavities 7 are at least partially filled with the hardened fibrous duroplastic molding compound.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an assembly 1. The assembly 1 comprises two components 4 and 5, which each have one joining section 2 and 3 respectively and are constructed as profiles. The joining sections 2 and 3 are mutually connected exclusively by way of a connecting component 6 made of a hardened fibrous duroplastic molding compound, which at least partially interlockingly surrounds the joining sections 2 and 3. The joining sections 2 and 3 are spaced with respect to one another while leaving a gap 8.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an assembly 1. The assembly 1 comprises two components 4 and 5, which each have one joining section 2 and 3 respectively and are constructed as profiles. The joining sections 2 and 3 are mutually connected exclusively by way of a connecting component 6 made of a hardened fibrous duroplastic molding compound, which at least partially interlockingly surrounds the joining sections 2 and 3. The joining sections 2 and 3 are in physical contact with one another. A cavity 7 is formed at each joining section 2, which cavity 7 is at least partially filled with the hardened fibrous duroplastic molding compound. An undercut 9 in the shape of cross holes is formed at each cavity 7. The undercut 9 at joining section 3 is filled with the hardened fibrous duroplastic molding compound that had been pressed into the undercut 9.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an assembly 1. The assembly 1 comprises two components 4 and 5, which each have one joining section 2 and 3 respectively and are constructed as profiles. The joining sections 2 and 3 are mutually connected exclusively by way of a connecting component 6 made of a hardened fibrous duroplastic molding compound, which at least partially interlockingly surrounds the joining sections 2 and 3. The joining sections 2 and 3 are in physical contact with one another. Two cavities 7 are formed at each joining section 2, which cavities 7 are at least partially filled with the hardened fibrous duroplastic molding compound. An undercut 9 in the shape of cross holes is formed at each cavity 7. The undercuts 9 are partially filled with the hardened fibrous duroplastic molding compound that had been pressed into the undercuts 9.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of an assembly 1. The assembly 1 comprises two components 4 and 5, which each have one joining section 2 and 3 respectively and are constructed as profiles and are inserted into one another along a certain length. The joining sections 2 and 3 are mutually connected exclusively by way of a connecting component 6 made of a hardened fibrous duroplastic molding compound, which at least partially interlockingly surrounds the joining sections 2 and 3. The joining section 2 is partially surrounded by the joining section 3 to be joined therewith. A cavity 7 in the shape of a cross hole is formed at each joining section 2, which cavity 7 is filled with the hardened fibrous duroplastic molding compound. The cavities 7 may also be constructed as undercuts 9 corresponding to FIG. 5 or 6 or as partitions.

FIG. 7A is a schematic view of an assembly 1. The assembly 1 comprises two components 4 and 5, which each have one joining section 2 and 3 respectively and are constructed as profiles and are inserted into one another along a certain length. The joining sections 2 and 3 are mutually connected exclusively by way of a connecting component 6 made of a hardened fibrous duroplastic molding compound, which at least partially interlockingly surrounds the joining sections 2 and 3. The joining section 2 is partially surrounded by the joining section 3 to be joined therewith. A cavity 7 in the shape of a cross hole is formed at each joining section 2, which cavity 7 is filled with the hardened fibrous duroplastic molding compound, the cavities 7 being arranged in a mutually aligned manner and in the overlapping area of the joining sections 2 and 3. As a result, the joining sections and the connecting component 6 may have smaller dimensions. The cavities 7 may also be constructed as undercuts 9 corresponding to FIG. 5 or 6 or as partitions.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of an assembly 1. The assembly 1 comprises two components 4 and 5, which each have one joining section 2 and 3 respectively, component 4 being constructed as a profile extending transversely with respect to the plane of the drawing and component 5 being constructed as a shell. The joining sections 2 and 3 are mutually connected exclusively by way of a connecting component 6 made of a hardened fibrous duroplastic molding compound, which at least partially interlockingly surrounds the joining sections 2 and 3. The joining sections 2 and 3 are in physical contact with one another.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of an assembly 1. The assembly 1 comprises two components 4 and 5, which each have one joining section 2 and 3 respectively, component 4 being constructed as a profile extending transversely with respect to the plane of the drawing and component 5 being constructed as a shell. The joining sections 2 and 3 are mutually connected exclusively by way of a connecting component 6 made of a hardened fibrous duroplastic molding compound, which at least partially interlockingly surrounds the joining sections 2 and 3. The joining sections 2 and 3 are in physical contact with one another.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of an assembly 1. The assembly 1 comprises two components 4 and 5, which each have one joining section 2 and 3 respectively, component 4 being constructed as a profile extending transversely with respect to the plane of the drawing and component 5 being constructed as a shell. The joining sections 2 and 3 are mutually connected exclusively by way of a connecting component 6 made of a hardened fibrous duroplastic molding compound, which at least partially interlockingly surrounds the joining sections 2 and 3. The joining sections 2 and 3 are in physical contact with one another. In contrast to assembly of FIG. 8, a cavity 7 in the shape of a through hole is formed on component 5, which through hole is filled with the hardened fibrous duroplastic molding compound.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of an assembly 1. The assembly 1 comprises two components 4 and 5, which each have one joining section 2 and 3 respectively, component 4 being constructed as a profile extending transversely with respect to the plane of the drawing and component 5 being constructed as a shell. The joining sections 2 and 3 are mutually connected exclusively by way of a connecting component 6 made of a hardened fibrous duroplastic molding compound, which at least partially interlockingly surrounds the joining sections 2 and 3. The joining sections 2 and 3 are in physical contact with one another. In contrast to the assembly of FIG. 9, a cavity 7 in the shape of a through hole is formed on component 5, which through hole is filled with the hardened fibrous duroplastic molding compound.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of an assembly 1. The assembly 1 comprises two components 4 and 5, which each have one joining section 2 and 3 respectively, are constructed as profiles and are arranged at an angle with respect to one another. The joining sections 2 and 3 are mutually connected exclusively by way of a connecting component 6 made of a hardened fibrous duroplastic molding compound in the form of an interconnecting component, which at least partially interlockingly surrounds the joining sections 2 and 3. The joining sections 2 and 3 are in physical contact with one another.

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of an assembly 1. The assembly 1 comprises two components 4 and 5, which each have one joining section 2 and 3 respectively, are constructed as profiles and, while forming a bevel, are arranged at an angle with respect to one another. The joining sections 2 and 3 are mutually connected exclusively by way of a connecting component 6 made of a hardened fibrous duroplastic molding compound in the form of an interconnecting component, which at least partially interlockingly surrounds the joining sections 2 and 3. The joining sections 2 and 3 are arranged at a distance from one another while leaving a gap 8 filled with the hardened fibrous duroplastic molding compound.

FIG. 14 is a schematic view of an assembly 1. The assembly 1 comprises two components 4 and 5, which each have one joining section 2 and 3 respectively, are constructed as profiles and are arranged at an angle with respect to one another. The joining sections 2 and 3 are mutually connected exclusively by way of a connecting component 6 made of a hardened fibrous duroplastic molding compound in the form of an interconnecting component, which at least partially interlockingly surrounds the joining sections 2 and 3. The joining sections 2 and 3 are arranged at a distance from one another while leaving a gap 8 filled with the hardened fibrous duroplastic molding compound.

FIG. 15 is a schematic view of an assembly 1. The assembly 1 comprises two components 4 and 5, which each have one joining section 2 and 3 respectively, are constructed as profiles and are arranged at an angle with respect to one another. The joining sections 2 and 3 are mutually connected exclusively by way of a connecting component 6 made of a hardened fibrous duroplastic molding compound in the form of an interconnecting component, which at least partially interlockingly surrounds the joining sections 2 and 3. The joining sections 2 and 3 are arranged at a distance from one another while leaving a gap 8 filled with the hardened fibrous duroplastic molding compound.

FIG. 16 is a schematic view of an assembly 1. The assembly 1 comprises two components 4 and 5, which each have one joining section 2 and 3 respectively, are constructed as profiles and are arranged at an angle with respect to one another. The joining sections 2 and 3 are mutually connected exclusively by way of a connecting component 6 made of a hardened fibrous duroplastic molding compound in the form of an interconnecting component, which at least partially interlockingly surrounds the joining sections 2 and 3. The joining sections 2 and 3 are arranged at a distance from one another while leaving a gap 8 filled with the hardened fibrous duroplastic molding compound.

FIG. 17 is a schematic view of an assembly 1. The assembly 1 comprises three components 4, 5 and 11, which each have one joining section 2, 3 and 10 respectively and are constructed as profiles. The joining sections 2, 3 and 10 are mutually connected exclusively by way of a connecting component 6 made of a hardened fibrous duroplastic molding compound in the form of an interconnecting component, which at least partially interlockingly surrounds the joining sections 2, 3 and 10. The joining sections 2, 3 and 10 are each arranged at a distance from one another while leaving a gap 8 filled with the hardened fibrous duroplastic molding compound.

FIG. 18 is a schematic view of an assembly 1. The assembly 1 comprises three components 4, 5 and 11, which each have one joining section 2, 3 and 10 respectively and are constructed as profiles, the joining section 3 being partially arranged between the joining sections 2 and 10. The joining sections 2, 3 and 10 are mutually connected exclusively by way of a connecting component 6 made of a hardened fibrous duroplastic molding compound in the form of an interconnecting component, which at least partially interlockingly surrounds the joining sections 2, 3 and 10. The joining sections 2 and 3 or 3 and 11 are each arranged at a distance from one another while leaving a gap 8 filled with the hardened fibrous duroplastic molding compound.

FIG. 19 is a schematic view of an assembly 1. The assembly 1 comprises three components 4, 5 and 11, which each have one joining section 2, 3 and 10 respectively and are constructed as profiles. The joining sections 2, 3 and 10 are mutually connected exclusively by way of a connecting component 6 made of a hardened fibrous duroplastic molding compound in the form of an interconnecting component, which at least partially interlockingly surrounds the joining sections 2, 3 and 10. The joining sections 2 and 10 or 3 and 10 are each arranged at a distance from one another while leaving a gap 8 filled with the hardened fibrous duroplastic molding compound.

FIG. 20 is a schematic view of an assembly 1. The assembly 1 comprises three components 4, 5 and 11, which each have one joining section 2, 3 and 10 respectively and are constructed as profiles, the component 11 extending transversely with respect to the plane of the drawing. The joining sections 2, 3 and 10 are mutually connected exclusively by way of a connecting component 6 made of a hardened fibrous duroplastic molding compound in the form of an interconnecting component, which at least partially interlockingly surrounds the joining sections 2, 3 and 10. The joining sections 2 and 10 or 3 and 10 are each arranged at a distance from one another while leaving a gap 8 filled with the hardened fibrous duroplastic molding compound.

FIG. 21 is a schematic view of an assembly 1. The assembly 1 comprises three components 4, 5 and 11, which each have one joining section 2, 3 and 10 respectively and are constructed as profiles, the component 11 extending transversely with respect to the plane of the drawing. The joining sections 2, 3 and 10 are mutually connected exclusively by way of a connecting component 6 made of a hardened fibrous duroplastic molding compound in the form of an interconnecting component, which at least partially interlockingly surrounds the joining sections 2, 3 and 10. The joining sections 2 and 10 or 3 and 10 are in physical contact with one another.

FIG. 22 is a schematic view of an assembly 1. The assembly 1 comprises three components 4, 5 and 11, which each have one joining section 2, 3 and 10 respectively, the components 4 and 5 being constructed as profiles and the component 11 being constructed as a shell, and the component 4 extending transversely with respect to the plane of the drawing. The joining sections 2, 3 and 10 are mutually connected exclusively by way of a connecting component 6 made of a hardened fibrous duroplastic molding compound in the form of an interconnecting component, which at least partially interlockingly surrounds the joining sections 2, 3 and 10. The joining sections 2 and 10 or 3 and 10 respectively are each arranged at a distance from one another while leaving a gap 8 filled with the hardened fibrous duroplastic molding compound. The joining section 10 is partly arranged between the joining sections 2 and 3.

FIG. 23 is a schematic view of an assembly 1. The assembly 1 comprises three components 4, 5 and 11, which each have one joining section 2, 3 and 10 respectively, the components 4 and 5 being constructed as profiles and the component 11 being constructed as a shell, and the component 4 extending transversely with respect to the plane of the drawing. The joining sections 2, 3 and 10 are mutually connected exclusively by way of a connecting component 6 made of a hardened fibrous duroplastic molding compound in the form of an interconnecting component, which at least partially interlockingly surrounds the joining sections 2, 3 and 10. The joining sections 2 and 10 or 3 and 10 respectively are in physical contact with one another. The joining section 10 is partly arranged between the joining sections 2 and 3.

FIG. 24 is a schematic view of an assembly 1. The assembly 1 comprises four components 4, 5, 11 and 13, which each have one joining section 2, 3, 11 and 13 respectively, and are constructed as profiles. The joining sections 2, 3, 10 and 12 are mutually connected exclusively by way of a connecting component 6 made of a hardened fibrous duroplastic molding compound in the form of an interconnecting component, which at least partially interlockingly surrounds the joining sections 2, 3, 10 and 12. The joining sections 2, 3, 10 and 12 respectively are each arranged at a distance from one another while leaving gaps 8 filled with the hardened fibrous duroplastic molding compound. The joining sections 2 and 10 are partly arranged between the joining sections 3 and 12.

FIG. 25 is a schematic view of an assembly 1. The assembly 1 comprises four components 4, 5, 11 and 13, which each have one joining section 2, 3, 11 and 13 respectively, and are constructed as profiles. The joining sections 2, 3, 10 and 12 are mutually connected exclusively by way of a connecting component 6 made of a hardened fibrous duroplastic molding compound in the form of an interconnecting component, which at least partially interlockingly surrounds the joining sections 2, 3, 10 and 12. The joining sections 2, 3, 10 and 12 respectively are each arranged at a distance from one another while leaving gaps 8 filled with the hardened fibrous duroplastic molding compound. The joining section 10 is partly arranged between the joining sections 3 and 12.

FIG. 26 is a schematic view of an assembly 1. The assembly 1 comprises three components 4, 5 and 11, which each have one joining section 2, 3 and 10 respectively, the components 4, 5 and 11 being constructed as profiles, and the joining section 10 being arranged between the two joining sections 2 and 3. The joining sections 2, 3 and 10 are mutually connected exclusively by way of a connecting component 6 made of a hardened fibrous duroplastic molding compound in the form of an interconnecting component, which at least partially interlockingly surrounds the joining sections 2, 3 and 10. The joining sections 2 and 10 or 3 and 10 respectively are each arranged at a distance from one another while leaving a gap 8 filled with the hardened fibrous duroplastic molding compound.

FIG. 27 is a schematic view of an assembly 1. The assembly 1 comprises four components 4, 5, 11 and 13, which each have one joining section 2, 3, 10 and 12 respectively, and are constructed as profiles, the component 11 extending transversely with respect to the plane of the drawing. The joining sections 2, 3, 10 and 12 are mutually connected exclusively by way of a connecting component 6 made of a hardened fibrous duroplastic molding compound in the form of an interconnecting component, which at least partially interlockingly surrounds the joining sections 2, 3, 10 and 12. The joining sections 2, 3, 10 and 12 respectively are each arranged at a distance from one another while leaving gaps 8 filled with the hardened fibrous duroplastic molding compound. The joining section 10 is partly arranged between the joining sections 3 and 12.

FIG. 28 is a schematic and perspective view of an assembly 1. The assembly 1 comprises four components 4, 5, 11 and 13, which each have one joining section 2, 3, 10 and 12 respectively, and are constructed as profiles, the component 11 extending transversely with respect to the plane of the drawing. The joining sections 2, 3, 10 and 12 are mutually connected exclusively by way of a connecting component 6 made of a hardened fibrous duroplastic molding compound in the form of an interconnecting component, which at least partially interlockingly surrounds the joining sections 2, 3, 10 and 12.

Concerning the above-described embodiments, it should be noted that all connecting variants may also be constructed without cavities (7). Furthermore, all embodiments may be constructed for pure shell-shell connections, shell-profile connections in arbitrary combinations or as pure profile-profile connections.

The foregoing disclosure has been set forth merely to illustrate the embodiments of the invention and is not intended to be limiting. Since modifications of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the spirit and substance of the invention may occur to persons skilled in the art, the invention should be construed to include everything within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A method for joining sections of at least two components, particularly vehicle components, the method comprising:

mutually connecting the joining sections exclusively by the use of a fibrous duroplastic molding compound.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein at least one cavity is formed on at least one joining section before the joining of the joining sections.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the cavity is constructed as a through hole or blind hole.

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein at least one undercut extending transversely with respect to the cavity is formed at the cavity.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the joining sections to be mutually joined are arranged with respect to one another such that the joining sections are in physical contact with one another.

6. The method according to claim 4, wherein the joining sections to be mutually joined are arranged with respect to one another such that the joining sections are arranged at a predefined distance from one another.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the joining sections to be mutually connected are arranged such with respect to one another that a joining section is at least partially surrounded by the joining section to be joined with it.

8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising the acts of:

placing the joining sections to be mutually connected in a pressing tool;
placing a fibrous duroplastic molding compound in the pressing tool in the area of the connection to be established between the joining sections;
closing the pressing tool; and
hardening of the fibrous duroplastic molding compound.

9. The method according to claim 7, further comprising the acts of:

placing a fibrous duroplastic molding compound in a pressing tool in the area of the connection to be established between the joining sections;
placing the joining sections to be mutually connected in a pressing tool;
closing the pressing tool; and
hardening of the fibrous duroplastic molding compound.

10. The method according to claim 7, further comprising the acts of:

placing a fibrous duroplastic molding compound in a pressing tool in a lower area of the connection to be established between the joining sections;
placing the joining sections to be mutually connected in the pressing tool;
placing a fibrous duroplastic molding compound in a pressing tool in an upper area of the connection to be established between the joining sections;
closing the pressing tool; and
hardening of the fibrous duroplastic molding compound.

11. An assembly having at least two vehicle components, the assembly comprising:

at least one joining section, wherein the joining sections are mutually connected exclusively by way of a connecting component made of a hardened fibrous duroplastic molding compound which at least partially interlockingly surrounds the joining sections.

12. The assembly according to claim 11, wherein at least one cavity is formed on at least one joining section, which cavity is at least partially filled with the hardened fibrous duroplastic molding compound.

13. The assembly according to claim 12, wherein the cavity is constructed as a through hole or blind hole.

14. The assembly according to claim 12, wherein at least one undercut extending transversely with respect to the cavity is constructed at the cavity.

15. The assembly according to claim 14, wherein joining sections (2, 3, 10, 12) are in physical contact with one another.

16. The assembly according to claim 14, wherein the joining sections are arranged at a predefined distance from one another.

17. The assembly according to claim 16, wherein a joining section is at least partially surrounded by the joining section to be joined with it.

18. The method according to claim 3, wherein at least one undercut extending transversely with respect to the cavity is formed at the cavity.

19. The assembly according to claim 13, wherein at least one undercut extending transversely with respect to the cavity is constructed at the cavity.

Patent History
Publication number: 20170100767
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 19, 2016
Publication Date: Apr 13, 2017
Inventors: Michael BRAUCH (Baldham), Thomas SCHNEIDEWIND (Muenchen)
Application Number: 15/297,573
Classifications
International Classification: B21D 53/88 (20060101); B21D 47/00 (20060101);