EP1341621B1 - Planishing device and method - Google Patents

Abstract

A planishing device (10) with a pulling element (11) and lever arms (151.1, 151.2) connected in an articulated manner, with bearing elements (12.1, 12.2) for bearing on a material layer (WS), characterised in that the lever arms (151.1, 151.2) in the region of the end (158.1, 158.2) lying opposite their grip are connected in an articulated manner to a joint member (157) connecting the lever arms (151.1, 151.2) at a location (161) distanced from these ends (158.1, 158.2), are supported in an articulated and movable manner via supports (162.1, 162.2) on a supporting element (16) that is interactively connected to the bearing elements (12.1, 12.2). Pulling element (11) is connected to joint member (157) via a rod (154).

Description

The invention relates to a Ausbulvorrichtung according to the preamble of claim 1 and a Ausbeulverfahren according to The preamble of claim 10.

Such a device and such a method are out US-A-4,930,335.

There are various devices for eliminating bump or dellenförmiger deformations known on vehicles. From EP 681 876 a lever device is known which by means of one or more levers supported on a point, a bulging of the Allow interior of a deformed body panel. This device has the Disadvantage that the inside to be machined is usually not exposed and that due the only one point-based lever is a precise handling sword. Basically, single lever devices have the additional disadvantage that forces obliquely introduced to the point to be machined or the support point.

US4,026,139 shows a lever device with a mid-articulated bearing Pair of levers. At the end of each of the levers a suction cap is attached via a joint. in the Hinge point of the lever pair is pivotally hinged a U-shaped tension element, the at the free end also has a suction cap, which is attached to the Dellstelle shall be. This construction has by means of additional holes on the two Although it is possible to adjust the adjustment, it is necessary for the regularly necessary adjustments However, unsuitable, since the corresponding adjustment on the one hand cumbersome, on the other in the handle unequal lever lengths and leverage and unwanted Causes movement paths. On more complex parts this construction is not included sufficient flexibility can be used. In addition, v. A. in larger bumps, during the bulging process, the distance between the two support points is necessarily changed, what the risk of scratch marks or a difficult to control handling result Has.

Various conventional bulking devices, e.g. US4,089,201 and US 3,635,072, show constructions with threaded rods adjustable traction elements by means of Turning wing nuts and the like be Verstelltwerden. These solutions are extreme poorly usable, v. a. when their operation is performed by a single operator should. In addition, unwanted operating forces are required, so that as in US 3,635,072 usually no manual operation is possible.

The devices described above also have their common Disadvantage that the devices are difficult to attach to the material auszubulenden because both support parts and the tensile part of the devices substantially simultaneously must be recognized. A subsequent adjustment is indeed in the mentioned Single lever construction according to EP 681876 possible, but this has the disadvantage that the Support point is in turn too heavily loaded when it attacks directly on the material.

Other devices, e.g. US 4,089,201, are known which penetrate the Dellstelle need to allow their bulging. It is readily apparent that this causes a subsequent, additional repair effort, if possible to avoid. The state of the art of bulging also includes a Single-lever construction, where the area to be excavated is not pressed from the inside but is pulled from the outside, with its tension element by means of adhesive in the bump area is glued. However, even that solution does not ensure a controlled force or a sufficiently fine and precise control of the tensile force exerted therewith and leads to an excessive load on the support point.

It is an object of the invention to provide a dent removal device and a dent removal method which can be handled easily and with minimal operating forces, a safe and secure easy support on the workpiece to be machined allowed, flexibly adjustable, if desired, with an adjustability even during use, and too small Counter-forces at the Auflagestelle leads.

This object is solved by the invention defined in the claims 1 and 10 invention.

The dependent claims are advantageous embodiments to remove the invention.

The invention provides for the first time an apparatus and a method for the repair of dented or gedellt material layers, in particular vehicle bodies made Sheet metal or plastic, which with low operating forces a metered force allow for the Dellstelle to be recovered and at startup as well as, Optionally, when needed, a light and flexible adjustability of the Have device.

The idea of the invention assumes the opposing forces, which of the necessary Counteract dent resistance, on at least two feet of support elements distribute the force over at least two acting on the tension element, adjustable lever at any time substantially uniformly initiated on this.

For this purpose, the Ausbulvorrichtung contains two or more lever arms, which in Area of the opposite end of their handle with a lever arms connecting Joint member are hingedly connected. The lever arms are at one of these ends spaced point articulated and movable on a support member via abutment means supported. The tension element is in turn connected to the hinge member. The carrier element is operatively connected to at least two support elements, the in turn, the bulge device against the workpiece to be machined support.

The lever device of a dent removal device according to the invention preferably has two lever arms with a gear ratio of at least about 3: 1.

Preferably, the working end of the tension element is detachable with a connecting element connected, which has an end surface for connection to the material layer to be processed has. This connection of the end surface with the material layer is in a particularly preferred embodiment by means of a hot melt adhesive causes the the parts connects to each other, but can also be done in a mechanical manner. Conveniently, the adhesive has a strength at ambient temperature; the one for one only plastic deformation of the material layer is sufficient but smaller than the tensile strength at break the material layer to damage the material layer safely turn off. As the hot melt adhesive is preferably one at room temperature solid polymer with polar side groups used, which at temperatures of over 150 ° C softens or melts. Such polymers are known and commercially available, e.g. Copolymers with vinyl acetate, acrylates or acrylic acid, as well as hot melt adhesives based of ionomers.

The inventive method is particularly suitable for use for Body repair of vehicles, wherein the material layer of sheet metal, in particular Sheet steel, and any cover layers prior to bonding with the Connecting element to be removed if their adhesion to the material layer less than the required tensile strength of the bond.

Figur 1

eine halbschematische Darstellung einer erfndungsgemässen Vorrichtung in Seitenansicht;

Figur 2

einen Teil der Vorrichtung von Fig. 1 in der Draufsicht;

Figur 3a

eine erfindungsgemässe Abstützvorrichtung in Seitenansicht;

Figur 3b

eine andere erfindungsgemässe Abstützvorrichtung in Seitenansicht und

Figur 4

die schematische Darstellung einer Klebstelle bei Durchführung des erfindungsgemässen Verfahrens.

Embodiments of the invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. Show it:

FIG. 1

a semi-schematic representation of a erfndungsgemässen device in side view;

FIG. 2

a part of the device of Figure 1 in plan view.

FIG. 3a

an inventive support device in side view;

FIG. 3b

another inventive support device in side view and

FIG. 4

the schematic representation of a bond in carrying out the inventive method.

FIG. 1 shows an inventive dent removal device 10 with two lever arms 151.1, 151.2, a joint member 157, a support element 16 and support devices 162.1, 162.2. The lever arms 151.1,151.2 each have at their free end a handle 163.2, which is shown schematically in the second lever arm 151.2. Each lever arm 151.1, 151.2 is connected at the end opposite the handle 158.1, 158.2 via a joint (in this case an axle joint) to the joint member 157. In addition, the lever arms 151.1, 151.2 are also hingedly connected to the support means 162.1, 162.2 at a distance d1 from these axle joints. In this embodiment, these joints have a mounted in a slot-shaped opening 156 of the lever arms 151.1,151.2 axis or stub axle. In this embodiment, the carrier element 16 is a straight rail on which the supporting devices 162.1, 162.2 designed as carriages are displaceable. These slides can be locked by means of adjusting means 164.1, 164.2, such as wing nuts, in a desired position on the arm. The arm 16 is operatively connected at its ends with support elements 12.1, 12.2, wherein these are height adjustable with respect to the arm 16 here.

The tension member 11 is at least partially threaded therethrough Rod 154 by means of an adjusting head 155 adjustably connected to the hinge member 157. This adjustability causes the ratio of the distance d3 between the support elements 12.1, 12.2 to the maximum distance d2 of the tension element 11 at least 10: 1, preferably at least 20: 1. The tension member or the rod 154 are preferably guided, here by guide slots or a bore 71, so that a defined Force is guaranteed. The inventive arrangement causes that upon actuation of the lever arms 151.1,151.2 in the direction of the workpiece to be machined the traction element 11 moves away from this and a desired part of the maximum distance d2 travels. It is guaranteed that even with uneven Force on the lever arms 151.1, 151.2, the tension element uniform from the Dellstelle is moved away and no unwanted force components in the workpiece be initiated.

The tension element 11 has here at its free working end 68 a coupling device 69 on. This coupling device 69 allows a detachable connection with a Connecting element 13 connectable to the deformable Dellstelle. In this Embodiment, this coupling device 69 by a recess in Area of the working end 68 of the connecting element 13 is formed, preferably a A latching mechanism, for example a groove or a groove, so that the connecting element 13 not only loose can be pushed into this recess, but in it finds a defined stop. If desired, alternative coupling devices, e.g. a firmly latching bayonet connection can be used.

The construction of the arm 16 with the carriages can be clearly seen in the plan view of Figure 2 , which shows a preferred embodiment of the arm 16 with two spaced, straight rail parts 165.1, 165.2. In particular embodiments, the support devices 162.1, 162.2 can additionally be determined at different positions of the carrier element 16, so that their mutual spacing can be varied. A particular advantage of the invention lies in the fact that the bulging device can be adjusted very flexibly and adapted to practically all imaginable workpiece geometries, but that the distance d3 between the bearing elements 12.1, 12.2 remains constant during use of the tool and thus a safe and accurate Support is achieved while avoiding the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, compared to the Einhebelkonstruktionen described above and US 4,026,139 it is clear that the distance d3 may indeed be adjustable, but not undesirable changes in the use of the tool or joint assemblies are required, which make the tool unstable (cf the Achsgelenke 32 in US 4,026,139). In addition, in the solution according to the invention, the distance between the tension element and the support elements 12.1, 12.2 remains constant. As a result, unwanted force components are transversely effected to the material surface, which would affect the use of a bonding member 13 to be bonded due to the shear forces occurring in the adhesion very disadvantageous. The device according to the invention allows that the restoring forces can be introduced substantially perpendicular to the bulge region (B) and a substantially homogeneous force flow is achieved.

In particular embodiments, the support arm may be of the straight rail shape differ. In order to achieve a greater stroke distance d2 (see Figure 1), the carrier arm in the middle area e.g. have a yoke-like, upwardly facing geometry. The Support devices 162.1, 162.2 remain in this case in the manner described above slidable straight rail parts. Such yoke-like transitions can with the Rail parts mechanically connected or formed integrally with these.

FIG . 3 a shows a support element 12 in a lateral view. Particularly favorable is the arrangement of a three-axis joint 51, which is designed here as a ball joint. This makes it possible to spatially move the foot 52 of the support element 12, so that the bulge-out device 10 can also be applied on spatially curved material parts in the desired angular position. According to the invention, the foot 52 of the support element has as large an area as possible, which is approximately 20-30 cm ² in a tool for bulging car bodies and is of circular design here. In a preferred variant of the support element 52 this includes a with the material layer WStemporärverbind and releasable fastening device 55, wiez.B. a magnet or a suction cup.

FIG. 3b shows a further preferred embodiment of a support element 12. In order to achieve a better distribution of the tensile force counteracting opposing forces on the work piece and to ensure a good circulation in curved parts, the support element 12 is here mitzwei feet 52.1, 52.2 provided. Via a ball joint 56, the support element 12 is pivotally connected to the carrier element 16. The two feet 52.1, 52.2 are about adjusting devices 57.1, 57.2, 57.3, 57.4, here for example adjusting nuts, joint and length / Achslagenverstellung (also rotation), arranged movably relative to the support arm. Of course, for each of the feet 52.1, 52.2 a ball joint can be provided as an adjustment. The contact surfaces of each of the feet can be correspondingly smaller compared to the foot shown in FIG. 3a without undue pressure being exerted on the material surface. In addition, this arrangement has the advantage that the tool can be supported against the workpiece even in difficult due to geometric conditions work areas.

With reference to Figure 4 , the inventive method will be explained in more detail. A bump B in a material layer WS, for example the steel sheet of a vehicle body, is to be eliminated. On the material layer WS, approximately in the middle of the dent region B, the connecting element 13 is pressed with its end face 61 onto a hotmelt adhesive 19 liquefied by the previous action of heat. After cooling of the hotmelt adhesive 19, the connecting element 13 is so firmly connected to the material layer WS that pulling this layer in the bump region in the direction of the arrow Z leads to a plastic deformation of the material layer.

The connecting element 13 consists essentially of the end surface 61, a transition piece 62 and a coupling head 63 connected to the coupling means 69 of the Pull element 15 interacts releasably. The coupling head 63 preferably engages in a recess or groove of the coupling device 69, so that under the coupling head 63 is not undesirable from the coupling device 69 is solved. In a preferred embodiment, the coupling head 63 has a Centering geometry, eg. A conical shape, so that the attachment of the tool and the engagement with the coupling device 69 is facilitated. The arrangement of Tension element 11 and connecting element 13 are chosen so that the over the lever arms 151.1, 151.2 (see Figure 1) introduced forces as perpendicular to the material layer WS act to effect a uniform bulging Dellstelle B.

Since the maximum distance d2 (see Figure 1) of the tension element 15 in the direction of arrow Z is limited according to the invention but variably adjustable. To adapt to the depth to reach a bump B, the length d4 can be varied, e.g. by a sentence of Connecting elements 13 are provided with different lengths of the transition piece 62 becomes. As part of the process, a force (F) by pressing the lever arms (151.1, 152.2) are introduced substantially perpendicular to the bulge region (B).

The end surface 61 need not be flat and can be adapted to the shape of a bump be, e.g. by the contact area or virtually all of the element 13 from a material that by cutting or thermal deformation of the be adapted to the respective bulge shape, z. B.dadurch that the contact area a thermoplastic material and in the plastic state before bonding for shape adaptation is pressed into the bump.

The actual bulging process is now as follows. Connecting a connector 13 with the material layer WS is made as described above. Thereafter, the support means 162.1, 162.2 of the lever arms 151.1, 152.2 with respect to a support element and other adjustment parameters, such as adjustable Feet 52 of the support elements, adjusted and aligned. Thereafter, the tension element 11th connected to the connecting element 13 via the coupling 63, 69 and the support elements 12.1,12.2 on the workpiece to be machined at the desired location stated. By actuating the lever arms 151.1, 152.2 is a substantially perpendicularzum Bump area B standing force F exerted on the latter. After the desired Plastic deformation of the bump is usually the first tool by loosening the Coupled off the connecting element 13 and finally the connection between Connection element 13 and material layer WS solved.

The inventive concept also includes embodiments in an obvious way which coordinates the handles of the lever arms 151.1, 151.2 by means of an auxiliary structure be actuated, e.g. a designed in a conventional manner lever device, which also can be guided or supported by the rod 154.

Claims (12)

1. Planishing device (10) with a pulling element (11) and lever arms (151.1, 151.2) connected in an articulated manner as well as bearing elements (12.1, 12.2) for bearing on a material layer (WS), wherein the lever arms (151.1, 151.2) in the region of the end (158.1, 158.2) lying opposite their grip are connected in an articulated manner to a joint member (157) connecting the lever arms (151.1, 151.2), and the lever arms (151.1, 151.2) at a location (161) distanced from these ends (158.1, 158.2) are supported in an articulated and movable manner via support means (162.1, 162.2) on a supporting element (16) interactively connected to the bearing elements (12.1, 12.2), and the pulling element (11) is connected to the joint member (157), characterised in that the supporting element (16) is formed as a rail on which the support means (162.1, 162.2) are mounted in a displaceable and/or lockable manner.
2. Planishing device according to claim 1, characterised in that the pulling element is adjustably connected to the joint member (157) in a manner such that the maximal path (d2) of the pulling element (11) is adjustable.
3. Planishing device according to claim 1, characterised in that the pulling element (11) at its operating end (68) comprises a coupling means (69) which cooperates with a connection element (13) which is in interactive connection with the material (WS) to be treated.
4. Planishing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the bearing elements (12) are arranged on the supporting element (16) such that the foot (52) of the bearing elements (12) is adjustable to the supporting element (16) with regard to the distance (d1) and/or angular position.
5. Planishing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the bearing elements (12) in each case have at least two feet (52).
6. Planishing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one foot (52) of the bearing elements (12) contains a fastening means (55) which is temporarily connectable and releasable to and from the material layer (WS).
7. Planishing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the connection element (13) has an end surface (61) for connection to an adhesive location.
8. Planishing device according to claim 7, characterised in that at least the end surface (61) of the connection element (13) consists of a material which may be bonded by way of a hot-melt adhesive.
9. Planishing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the linkage location of the joint member (157) and of the support means (162) on the lever arms (151) and the grip of the levers arms (163) are distanced from one another in a manner such that the lever arms have a transmission ratio of at least 1:3.
10. Method for planishing material layers (WS) using a planishing device according to one of the claims 1-9, with a pulling element (11) which in the dent region (B) is connected to this, by way of connecting a connection element (13) to the material layer (WS); connecting the pulling element (11) to the connection element (13) via a coupling (63, 69); applying bearing elements (12.1, 12.2) connected to the supporting element (16) on the workpiece to be treated; introducing a force (F) essentially perpendicular to the dent region (B) by actuating the lever arms (151.1, 151.2); releasing the connection between the connection element (13) and the material layer (WS), characterised by an adjusting support means (162.1, 162.2) of the lever arms (151.1, 152.2) with respect to a supporting element (16) before the pulling element (11) is connected to the connecting element (13).
11. Method according to claim 10, characterised in that the connection of the connection element (13) to the material layer (WS) is effected by bonding and that the adhesive location at room temperature has a strength which is sufficient for an only plastic deformation of the material layer (WS) but is smaller that the breaking strength of the material layer (WS).
12. Method according to one of the claims 10 or 11, characterised in that the connection is effected by way of a hot-melt adhesive, in particular a polymer solid at room temperature with polar side-groups or ionomers which soften or melt at temperatures above 150°C.

Images