Method for clinching thick metal workpieces, use of a clinching tool, and steel structural element produced accordingly

US8555479B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• INVENTIO AG · CH

Inventors

• Andreas Trojer · Wien, AT
• David Krampl · Wien, AT
• Michael Matheisl · Lurnfeld, AT
• Richard Schütz · Wien, AT
• Thomas Novacek · Gratwein-Straßengel, AT
• Markus Israel · Dresden, DE
• Reinhard Mauermann · Dresden, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 12, 2009
• Grant date: Oct 15, 2013
• Expiry date: Dec 8, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T403/4991
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A method of producing a load-bearing steel construction connection, wherein a clinch connection (13) connecting a first metal workpiece (6.1, 6.2) with a second metal workpiece (6.3, 6.4) is formed by local deformation by means of a die tool (20) and a counter-tool (30). In that case initially the first metal workpiece (6.1, 6.2) and the second metal workpiece (6.3, 6.4) are placed one on the other on a processing surface of the counter-tool and aligned. The die of the die tool is then advanced and sunk into the two metal workpieces (6.1, 6.2; 6.3, 6.4) placed one on the other until the clinch connection (13) has been formed by plastic deformation. The first metal workpiece (6.1, 6.2) has a first workpiece thickness (t1) and the second metal workpiece (6.3, 6.4) has a second workpiece thickness (t2), which together give a total workpiece thickness (tt) which is thicker than 8 millimeters. The die is designed to be rotationally symmetrical with respect to its rotational axis (24) and has a conically shaped transition region (21, 22) narrowing at an angle (W, W1, W2) in the direction of sinking-in of the die.