EP3021994B1 - Device for crimping two metal sheets by friction and method for implementing same - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a crimping device by folding 180 degrees by friction of a first edge of a first sheet on a second edge of a second sheet.

The invention also relates to a crimping method for the implementation of the crimping device.

Crimping is an assembly process that consists of folding, or folding, an edge of a first sheet called skin, on an edge of a second sheet called lining.

Crimping is frequently used in the automotive industry, to connect two sheets together, in order to form structural elements, such as an opening of a vehicle, or for the purpose of making an opening in the body of a vehicle like an opening for a sunroof.

The crimping operation is generally broken down into two stages: the pre-crimping which consists of bending the edge of the skin at about 90 degrees, and the crimping which consists in folding back the previously folded edge of the skin against the skin 90 degrees. Lining.

A type of crimping device with two-plate rollers is known, which comprises a roller and a roller against which the edge to be folded of a first sheet is interposed, the rollers being driven in displacement along the edge to be folded.

This type of roller device is generally implemented by a crimping method, as the method described and shown in the document EP-A-1420907 , which consists of folding the edge to be folded of the sheet during several successive passes of the rollers, and fold down the edge to be folded by means of an additional crimping tool for crimping the two sheets together.

A disadvantage of this type of roller crimping device and its method of implementation is that they require two separate tools and a method in at least four passes.

In addition, the type of roller device is generally bulky and unsuitable for crimping two sheets in a constrained environment or in a small space.

In particular to overcome these drawbacks, the invention proposes a friction crimping device according to claim 1.

Advantageously, the crimping tool of the crimping device according to the invention is compact and it is suitable for crimping both a straight edge and a curved edge.

The crimping device according to the invention comprises a drive means for moving the crimping tool along the working axis, the drive means being designed to drive the crimping tool in at least a first position of the crimping tool. pre-crimping in which the crimping face folds a first time the first edge to bend the first sheet during a first pass, and in at least a second crimping position in which the tool is rotated angularly around the first working axis, relative to the first pre-crimping position, and wherein the crimping face folds a second time the first edge to be bent of the first sheet during a second pass.

Thus, in two passes, the device can fold the edge of the first sheet to 180 degrees to crimp the two sheets together.

The document JP 2000 117359 discloses a friction crimping device according to the preamble of claim 1.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the drive means for moving the tool is a robot arm which is connected to the crimping tool and which is adapted to drive the crimping tool in the following motion. a predetermined crimping path.

Advantageously, the tool can be driven according to an infinity of trajectories, so that the device can adapt to the crimping of edges of sheets having different geometries.

In order to fold the first edge of the first sheet 180 degrees, the crimping tool is rotated 90 degrees between its first pre-crimping position and its second crimping position.

Similarly, the first upstream portion of the crimping face of the tool is inclined angularly with respect to the second downstream portion of the crimping face around the working axis, at an angle of 90 degrees.

In addition, the crimping tool has a symmetrical design, the tool having the first crimping face arranged on a first portion of the tool, and a second crimping face arranged symmetrically on a second opposite portion of the tool.

This characteristic makes it possible to fold the edge of the first sheet on one side or the other.

Also, the device is equipped with a matrix for supporting the first sheet and the second sheet during crimping.

• une étape de pré-sertissage qui consiste à entraîner l'outil en déplacement suivant l'axe de travail dans une première position de pré-sertissage de façon à plier le premier bord à plier une première fois au cours d'une première passe, et
• une étape de sertissage qui consiste à entraîner l'outil en déplacement suivant l'axe de travail dans une seconde position de sertissage dans laquelle l'outil est pivoté angulairement autour de l'axe de travail par rapport à la première position de pré-sertissage, de façon à plier le premier bord à plier une seconde fois au cours d'une seconde passe.

The invention also relates to a method of friction crimping according to claim 7. for folding a first edge to bend a first sheet on a second edge of a second sheet, said edges being parallel to each other, the method being realized at means of a crimping tool according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method comprises successively at least:

• a pre-crimping step of driving the tool moving along the working axis in a first pre-crimping position so as to fold the first edge to be folded a first time during a first pass, and
• a crimping step which consists in driving the tool in displacement along the working axis in a second crimping position in which the tool is pivoted angularly about the working axis relative to the first pre-crimping position , so as to fold the first edge to fold a second time during a second pass.

• la figure 1 est une vue d'ensemble en perspective de trois quart de dessus, qui illustre l'outil de sertissage dans sa première position de pré-sertissage et dans sa seconde position de sertissage d'une première tôle sur une seconde tôle, selon l'invention ;
• la figure 2 est une vue de détail en perspective, qui illustre l'outil de la figure 1 dans sa première position de pré-sertissage ;
• la figure 3 est une vue de détail en perspective, qui illustre l'outil de la figure 1 dans sa seconde position de sertissage ;
• la figure 4 est une vue de détail de dessous, qui illustre une première face de sertissage et une seconde face de sertissage de l'outil de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 5 est une vue de détail en perspective, qui illustre la première face de sertissage de l'outil de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 6 est une vue de dessus, qui illustre l'outil de sertissage de la figure 1 dans sa première position de pré-sertissage et dans sa seconde position de sertissage ;
• la figure 7 est une vue en section transversale suivant la ligne 7-7 de la figure 6, qui illustre l'outil de sertissage dans sa première position de pré-sertissage ;
• la figure 8 est une vue en section transversale suivant la ligne 8-8 de la figure 6, qui illustre l'outil de sertissage dans sa seconde position de sertissage ;
• la figure 9a est une vue schématique en section transversale, qui illustre une portion amont de la lame de sertissage de l'outil dans sa première position de pré-sertissage, coopérant avec le bord à plier de la première tôle ;
• la figure 9b est une vue schématique en section transversale, qui illustre une portion aval de la lame de sertissage de l'outil dans sa première position de pré-sertissage, coopérant avec le bord à plier de la première tôle ;
• la figure 10a est une vue schématique en section transversale, qui illustre une portion amont de la lame de sertissage de l'outil dans sa seconde position de sertissage, coopérant avec le bord à plier de la première tôle ;
• la figure 10b est une vue schématique en section transversale, qui illustre une portion aval de la lame de sertissage de l'outil dans sa seconde position de sertissage, coopérant avec le bord à plier de la première tôle.

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows for the understanding of which reference will be made to the appended drawings in which:

• the figure 1 is an overall perspective view of three quarters of a top, which illustrates the crimping tool in its first pre-crimping position and in its second crimping position of a first sheet on a second sheet, according to the invention ;
• the figure 2 is a detail view in perspective, which illustrates the tool of the figure 1 in its first pre-crimping position;
• the figure 3 is a detail view in perspective, which illustrates the tool of the figure 1 in its second crimping position;
• the figure 4 is a detail view from below, which illustrates a first crimping face and a second crimping face of the tool of the figure 1 ;
• the figure 5 is a detail view in perspective, which illustrates the first crimping face of the tool of the figure 1 ;
• the figure 6 is a top view, which illustrates the crimping tool of the figure 1 in its first pre-crimping position and in its second crimping position;
• the figure 7 is a cross-sectional view along line 7-7 of the figure 6 which illustrates the crimping tool in its first pre-crimping position;
• the figure 8 is a cross-sectional view along line 8-8 of the figure 6 which illustrates the crimping tool in its second crimping position;
• the figure 9a is a schematic cross-sectional view, which illustrates an upstream portion of the crimping blade of the tool in its first pre-crimping position, cooperating with the edge to be bent of the first sheet;
• the figure 9b is a schematic cross-sectional view, which illustrates a downstream portion of the crimping blade of the tool in its first pre-crimping position, cooperating with the edge to be bent of the first sheet;
• the figure 10a is a schematic cross-sectional view, which illustrates an upstream portion of the crimping blade of the tool in its second crimping position, cooperating with the edge to be bent of the first sheet;
• the figure 10b is a schematic cross-sectional view, which illustrates a downstream portion of the crimping blade of the tool in its second crimping position, cooperating with the edge to be bent of the first sheet.

To clarify the description and the claims, the longitudinal, vertical and transverse terminology will be adopted in a non-limiting manner with reference to the L, V, T trihedron indicated in the figures.

In all of these figures, identical or similar references represent identical or similar organs or sets of members.

Note that in the present patent application, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" must be understood in relation to the direction of advance of the crimping tool, here along a longitudinal axis of work, illustrated by arrows. to the Figures 1, 2, 3 and 6 .

Representatives figures 1 and 6 a friction crimping device 10 designed to crimp a first inner sheet 12 called a liner, and a second outer sheet 14 called a skin, by means of a crimping tool 16.

The crimping tool 16 is driven in displacement along an axis A of work which is here considered to be longitudinal.

The first sheet 12 and the second sheet 14 comprise a first edge 18 and a second edge 20 respectively which define an opening 21, here an opening for a sunroof of a motor vehicle.

As can be seen at figures 2 and 9a the first edge 18 and the second edge 20 each extend vertically upward, parallel to each other, the first edge 18 projecting vertically upwardly relative to the second edge 20 to be folded and folded against the second edge 20 for crimping the first sheet 12 on the second sheet 14.

In addition, the crimping device 10 is provided with a die 22 which extends below the first sheet 12 and the second sheet 14, to support the first sheet 12 and the second sheet 14 during crimping.

The crimping tool 16 has a T shape of symmetrical general design along the plane P of symmetry illustrated in FIGS. Figures 3 and 4 .

By symmetry, according to Figures 2 to 4 , the tool 16 comprises a first portion 24a L defining a first crimping face 26a and a second portion 24b L, arranged symmetrically to the first portion 24a, defining a second crimping face 26b.

In order not to weigh down the description, only the first part 24a and the first associated crimping face 26a are described below.

The first crimping face 26a, illustrated in particular at figure 5 in perspective, extends from upstream to downstream, in the direction of longitudinal advance of the crimping tool 16, from a first upstream portion 28 of attack designed to extend parallel to the first edge 18 to be folded, until a second downstream portion inclined angularly 90 degrees relative to the first portion 28 about the axis A working.

In a complementary manner, the first crimping face 26a comprises a third intermediate bending portion 32 in the form of a helicoid, which connects the first upstream portion 28 and the second downstream portion 30 between them, and which is adapted to progressively fold the first edge 18 of 90 degrees twisting.

In addition, the crimping device 10 comprises a drive means for moving the crimping tool 16, such as a robot arm (not shown), which is connected to the crimping tool 16 and which is designed to drive the crimping tool 16 moving along the working axis A.

The working axis A of the crimping tool 16 is considered to be longitudinal to facilitate the understanding of the description.

However, it should be noted that the crimping tool 16 follows a predetermined crimping path that follows the first edge 18 to bend, that is to say a path comprising a succession of curved portions and straight portion.

The invention also relates to a method of friction crimping to fold and fold 180 degrees the first edge 18 to bend the first sheet 12 on the second edge 20 of the second sheet 14.

For this purpose, the method comprises two successive steps, a pre-crimping step illustrated in FIGS. figures 2 and 7 , to fold the first edge 18 by 90 degrees, and a crimping step illustrated in FIGS. figures 3 and 8 to bend the first edge 18 again by 90 degrees.

The pre-crimping step consists in driving the crimping tool 16 in displacement in a first pre-crimping position in which the tool 16 is laid down, so that the first upstream portion 28 of attack of the face of crimping 26a is in plane support against a face of the first edge 18 to bend the first sheet 12.

As an indication, the crimping face 26a is not shown in plane support against the first edge 18 at the figure 2 , the crimping face 26a being substantially disengaged from the edge 18 so as to illustrate both the face 26a and the first edge 18.

The crimping tool 16 is moved in its pre-crimping position, illustrated in FIGS. figures 2 and 7 during a first pass, along the working axis A, so that the third intermediate helical folding portion 32 exerts a pressure on the first edge 18 the first sheet 12 to fold down 90 degrees to the second edge 20 of the second sheet 14.

Diagrammatically Figures 9a and 9b the work of the crimping face 26a of the tool 16 in its first pre-crimping position.

With reference to the figure 9a the first upstream portion 28 of the crimping face 26a extends vertically and cooperates with the first edge 18.

With reference to the figure 9b the second downstream portion of the crimping face 26a extends horizontally and co-operates with the first edge 18 bent 90 degrees.

Similarly, the crimping step consists in driving the crimping tool 16 in displacement along the working axis A in a second crimping position, illustrated in FIGS. figures 3 and 8 during a second pass, in which the tool 16 is upright, so that the first upstream portion 28 of attack of the crimping face 26a is in plane bearing against the face of the first edge 18 previously folded of the first sheet 12.

The crimping tool 16 is here rotated 90 degrees between its first pre-crimping position and its second crimping position, in order to fold the first edge to be folded by 180 degrees.

Diagrammatically Figures 10a and 10b the work of the crimping face 26a of the tool 16 in its second crimping position.

With reference to the figure 10a the first leading portion 28 of the crimping face 26a extends horizontally and cooperates with the first edge 18 which is bent 90 degrees from its starting orientation, before the first passage of the tool 16 .

With reference to the figure 10b the second downstream portion of the crimping face 26a extends vertically and co-operates with the first edge 18 folded 90 degrees further, the first edge 18 being bent 180 degrees from its starting orientation, before the first pass of the tool 16.

By way of nonlimiting example, the angular inclination between the first upstream driving portion 28 and the second downstream portion of the crimping face 26a may be less than 90 degrees.

Indeed, the angular inclination can be 60 degrees for example, in which case the crimping process would be performed in three passes and include an additional step of pre-crimping, for example.

Claims (7)

1. Device (10) for crimping by friction, of the type comprising at least one crimping tool (16) designed to fold down a first edge (18) to be folded of a first metal sheet (12) on a second edge (20) of a second metal sheet (14), said edges (18, 20) being parallel between them and the tool (16) being moved along a work axis (A) parallel to the first edge (18) to be folded, wherein the tool (16) defines at least one crimping face (26a) that is suitable for cooperating by friction with the first edge (18) to be folded of the first metal sheet (12), and which extends from upstream to downstream in the direction of advance of the tool (16), from a first upstream leading portion (28) designed to extend parallel to the first edge (18) to be folded, to a second downstream portion (30) angularly inclined relative to the first portion (28) around the work axis (A), with the crimping face (26a) comprising a third intermediate folding portion (32) with a helical shape suitable for folding the first edge (18) to be folded by boring characterised in that it comprises a means for moving the crimping tool (16) along the work axis (A), with the means for moving being designed to move the crimping tool (16) into at least one first pre-crimping position wherein the crimping face (26a) folds a first time the first edge (18) to be folded of the first metal sheet (12) during a first pass, and in at least one second crimping position wherein the tool (16) is angularly pivoted around the work axis (A), with respect to the first pre-crimping position, and wherein the crimping face (26a) folds a second time the first edge (18) to be folded of the first metal sheet (12) during a second pass.
2. Device (10) for crimping by friction according to claim 1, characterised in that the means for moving the tool (16) is a robot arm that is connected onto the crimping tool (16) and which is designed to move the crimping tool (16) along a predetermined crimping trajectory.
3. Device (10) for crimping by friction according to claim 1, characterised in that the crimping tool (16) is pivoted 90 degrees between its first pre-crimping position and its second crimping position, in order to fold the first edge (18) of the first metal sheet (12) at 180 degrees.
4. Device (10) for crimping by friction as claimed in any preceding claim, characterised in that the first upstream portion (28) of the crimping face (26a) of the tool (16) is angularly inclined relative to the second downstream portion (30) of the crimping face (26a) around the work axis (A), according to an angle of 90 degrees.
5. Device (10) for crimping by friction as claimed in any preceding claim, characterised in that the crimping tool (16) has a symmetrical design, the tool (16) comprising the first crimping face (26a) arranged on a first portion (24a) of the tool, and a second crimping face (26b) arranged symmetrically on a second portion (24b) opposite the tool.
6. Device (10) for crimping by friction as claimed in any preceding claim, characterised in that it is provided with a matrix (22) for the support of the first metal sheet (12) and of the second sheet (14) during the crimping.
7. Method for crimping by friction for folding down a first edge (18) to be folded of a first metal sheet (12) on a second edge (20) of a second metal sheet (14), said edges (18, 20) being parallel between them, characterised in that the method is carried out by means of a crimping tool (16) according to any of the preceding claims, and in that the method successively comprises at least:

   - one pre-crimping step which consists in moving the tool (16) along a work axis (A) into a first pre-crimping position in such a way as to fold the first edge (18) to be folded a first time during a first pass, and

   - one crimping step which consists in moving the tool (16) along the work axis (A) into a second crimping position wherein the tool (16) is angularly pivoted around the work axis (A) relative to the first pre-crimping position, in such a way as to fold the first edge (18) to be folded a second time during a second pass.

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