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

Abstract

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

1 . Method for producing a composite sheet metal part with a metal edge region, which comprises two outer covering sheets of metal and at least one layer arranged between the covering sheets consisting of a plastic, the method comprising the steps of:
 heating a selected edge region of the composite sheet metal part in such a way that the plastic layer arranged between the outer covering sheets softens,   applying a force to at least one outer covering sheet in the edge region such that the covering sheets are pressed against one another at some points or regions so that the plastic layer in the edge region subjected to a force is expelled, and   joining, subsequently or at the same time as the application of the force, both covering sheets in the compressed edge region to one another at least over some regions or points.   
     
     
         2 . Method according to  claim 1 , wherein the plastic expelled in the edge region is at least partially removed mechanically and/or by means of a suction device. 
     
     
         3 . Method according to  claim 1 , wherein the heating of the edge region of the composite sheet metal part takes place by at least one of convectively, conductively, inductively, by friction or by using electromagnetic radiation. 
     
     
         4 . Method according to  claim 1 , wherein the application of the force takes place using at least one or more rollers. 
     
     
         5 . Method according to  claim 1 , wherein the edge region is welded over some points or regions using one or more rollers. 
     
     
         6 . Method according to  claim 1 , wherein the compressed edge region of the composite sheet metal part sheets for thickness compensation are arranged at least over some regions on one or both sides. 
     
     
         7 . Method according to  claim 1 , wherein the force exerted during the heating and expulsion of the plastic layer is greater than during the joining of the two covering sheets. 
     
     
         8 . Method according to  claim 1 , wherein the composite sheet metal part is joined at the same time to a further metal part. 
     
     
         9 . Method according to  claim 8 , wherein the composite sheet metal part comprises only one outer covering sheet of metal and a plastic layer arranged on the covering sheet, and a second metal covering sheet is provided by the metal part to which the composite sheet metal part is to be joined. 
     
     
         10 . Device for carrying out a method according to  claim 1  comprising:
 means for positioning a composite sheet metal part, 
 means for warming an edge region of the composite sheet metal part over some points or regions of an edge region of the composite sheet metal part, 
 means for applying a force by means of at least one covering sheet of the composite sheet metal part in the heated edge region in order to press this covering sheet against a further metal sheet so that the heated and soft plastic layer arranged on the covering sheet is expelled from the edge region, and 
 means for joining the covering sheet at least over some regions or points to the metal sheet in the compressed edge region of the composite sheet metal part. 
 
     
     
         11 . Device according to  claim 10 , wherein there are provided one or more rollers for applying a force and/or for heating and/or for joining the edge region of the composite sheet metal part and also means for effecting a relative movement between the composite sheet metal part and rollers. 
     
     
         12 . Device according to  claim 10 , wherein an abrasive device and/or a suction device is provided to remove the expelled plastic. 
     
     
         13 . Device according to  claim 10 , wherein a first and a second pair of rollers are provided wherein the first and the second pair of rollers are arranged behind one another viewed in the longitudinal direction of the edge region of the composite sheet metal part, wherein the first pair of rollers is used for heating and compressing the edge region of the composite sheet metal part and the second pair of rollers is used for joining, over some points or regions, the edge region of the composite sheet metal part. 
     
     
         14 . Device according to  claim 10  wherein a multi-axis arm robot and/or a handling system is/are provided.