Method and device for the resistance welding of sandwich sheets

US10702943B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe AG · DE
• thyssenkrupp AG · DE
• THYSSENKRUPP SYSTEM ENGINEERING GMBH · DE

Inventors

• Azeddine Chergui · Dortmund, DE
• Andreas Niesen · Klausen, DE
• Thomas Ralle · Wadern, DE
• Peter Cornelius · Wilhermsdorf, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 24, 2016
• Grant date: Jul 7, 2020
• Expiry date: Apr 21, 2038

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B23K2103/172
• WIPO field: Machine tools
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

The present disclosure concerns devices and methods for resistance welding sandwich sheets to other components. Many sandwich sheets include a thermoplastic material layer disposed between two metallic cover layers. The sandwich sheet and the other component may be secured relative to one another by a clamping arrangement. A region of the sandwich sheet to be welded may be heated by a preheating current to soften and displace the thermoplastic material layer when the cover layers are pressed together. With respect to the preheating current, a first electrode arrangement may at least temporarily contact an electrically conductive contacting region of the clamping arrangement such that the preheating current can flow via the clamping arrangement. The cover layers may be welded to the other component with a welding current via the first welding electrode of the first electrode arrangement and a second welding electrode of a second electrode arrangement.