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WO2021156164A1 - Assembly assistant in the body in white production - Google Patents

Assembly assistant in the body in white production Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2021156164A1
WO2021156164A1 PCT/EP2021/052233 EP2021052233W WO2021156164A1 WO 2021156164 A1 WO2021156164 A1 WO 2021156164A1 EP 2021052233 W EP2021052233 W EP 2021052233W WO 2021156164 A1 WO2021156164 A1 WO 2021156164A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
sheet
assembly assistant
assistant
assembly
sheets
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/EP2021/052233
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Frédéric DEGOUTTE
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Zephyros Inc
Original Assignee
Zephyros Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Zephyros Inc filed Critical Zephyros Inc
Publication of WO2021156164A1 publication Critical patent/WO2021156164A1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D65/00—Designing, manufacturing, e.g. assembling, facilitating disassembly, or structurally modifying motor vehicles or trailers, not otherwise provided for
    • B62D65/02—Joining sub-units or components to, or positioning sub-units or components with respect to, body shell or other sub-units or components
    • B62D65/024—Positioning of sub-units or components with respect to body shell or other sub-units or components
    • B62D65/026—Positioning of sub-units or components with respect to body shell or other sub-units or components by using a jig or the like; Positioning of the jig
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D25/00—Superstructure or monocoque structure sub-units; Parts or details thereof not otherwise provided for
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D27/00—Connections between superstructure or understructure sub-units
    • B62D27/02—Connections between superstructure or understructure sub-units rigid
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D29/00—Superstructures, understructures, or sub-units thereof, characterised by the material thereof
    • B62D29/001—Superstructures, understructures, or sub-units thereof, characterised by the material thereof characterised by combining metal and synthetic material
    • B62D29/002—Superstructures, understructures, or sub-units thereof, characterised by the material thereof characterised by combining metal and synthetic material a foamable synthetic material or metal being added in situ

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an assembly assistant to prefix a first- and a second sheet, prior to a connection, preferably a material bond.
  • the present invention further relates to a method to prefix a first and a second sheet relative to each other with a guiding- and positioning means.
  • an assembly assistant to prefix a first- and a second sheet, prior to a connection, preferably a material bond, characterized in, that it comprises a carrier, a guiding means and a positioning means for the first sheet and fixing- and positioning means for the second sheet.
  • inventive assembly assistant also applies to the inventive method and vice versa.
  • inventive assembly assistant can be included in claims related to the inventive method and vice versa.
  • the present invention relates to an assembly assistant to prefix a first- and a second sheet, prior to a connection, for example a material bond.
  • the sheets are preferably part of a body in white, which is nowadays produced highly automated.
  • the sheets are preferably handled by robots and the material bonds are, more preferably, also executed by a robot or the like.
  • the sheets are preferably metal sheets and can be part of a larger unit.
  • One of the sheets is preferably fixed, while the other sheet is moved to take the desired position relative to the se first sheet.
  • the material bond is preferably a weld, but can also be an adhesive connection. Prior to the material bond, the two sheets being connected, must be in three directions in space in an exact position.
  • the positioning in two directions in space is provided by the inventive guiding- and positioning means, which a carrier.
  • the carrier provides the mechanical stability of the part and allows the handling, so that it can, for example, be automatically placed at one of the sheets.
  • the guiding means guide one sheet, the moving sheet, to the desired position.
  • the positioning means maintain the sheets in their desired position.
  • the positioning means fix the relative position of the two parts at least in two directions in space.
  • the assembly assistant is preferably made from a plastic material, for example nylon.
  • the assembly assistant is preferably one single piece, which is preferably molded, for example injection molded.
  • the assembly assistant preferably stays in place even after the two sheets have been material-bonded.
  • the guiding means and a positioning means is one single element.
  • this element is a V-shaped groove.
  • the legs of the V guide the moving sheet to its final position.
  • the bottom of the V fixes the two sheets in their final desired position.
  • the carrier, the guiding means and a positioning means are one single piece, preferably produced by molding
  • the assembly assistant comprises at least one positioning- and fixing means, which positions and fixes the assembly assistant in an exactly defined position at one sheet.
  • the position is preferably fixed in three directions in space.
  • the connection between the assembly assistant and the sheet is preferably a snap-connection.
  • the connection preferably preloads the assembly assistant towards the sheet it is connected to.
  • the sheet preferably comprises one or more, preferably two, recess(es) which extend through the entire thickness of the sheet which each take up a positioning- or a fixing means.
  • An example for a recess is a hole, e.g. drilled or stamped out.
  • the assembly assistant comprises an expandable layer, which is preferably overmolded onto the carrier.
  • the expandable layer preferably expands under the influence of heat and preferably expands after the two sheets have been finally connected.
  • Another subject matter of the present invention is a method to prefix a first and a second sheet relative to each other with the inventive assembly assistant, wherein the assembly assistant is fixed at the second sheet and that the first sheet is lowered into the guiding- and positioning-means.
  • the disclosure made regarding the inventive method also applies to the inventive assembly assistant and vice versa. Subject matters disclosed regarding the inventive method can be included in claims related to the inventive assembly assistant and vice versa.
  • the fixing- and positioning means is inserted into at least one, preferably two, recesses in the second sheet. More preferably, the assembly assistant is snapped into a recess of the second sheet and pretensioned in its position. The assembly assistant is preferably not removed, but stays in the final product.
  • the recess is filled with an expandable material after the sheets have finally been fixed to each other.
  • the expandable material preferably seals the recess for example against air - and/or moisture.
  • the expandable material can suppress noise.
  • Figure 1 shows the inventive assembly assistant.
  • Figures 2 and 3 show the assembly assistant after connection to the two sheets.
  • FIG. 1 shows the inventive assembly assistant 1 , which is in the present case a preferably molded plastic part.
  • the assembly assistant comprises a carrier 2, which is in the present case essentially rectangular.
  • guiding means 3 and positioning means 4 are provided, which are, in the present case, provided as a V-shaped groove.
  • the legs of the V are the guiding means 3 and the bottom of the V is the positioning means.
  • a sheet, preferably a sheet-metal that is inserted into the V is guided by the legs towards the bottom into the final position, in which it is fixed by the positioning means 3, here the bottom of the V.
  • positioning means 7 and fixing means 6, here designed as two parts and spaced apart from each other are provided.
  • Both means 6, 7 are preferably inserted into two separate recesses in one of the sheets, as will be further explained below.
  • the circumference of the positioning means 7 is in contact with the inner circumference of recess, here a circular recess, that takes the means 7 up and positions the assembly assistant in two directions of space.
  • the fixing connection fixes the assembly assistant 1 at the sheet.
  • the fixing means is here designed as a snap connection, here with two elastic arms, which can also press the assembly assistant against the sheet.
  • a preferred expandable layer 5 is provided at the carrier and preferably at the same surface as the positioning- and fixing means 6, 7.
  • the expandable layer can be overmodled onto the carrier or connected via an adhesive.
  • the expandable layer preferably expands under the influence of heat, but preferably not during a welding step that attaches the two sheets permanently together, but in a subsequent step.
  • the assembly assistant may comprise one or more spacer(s), here three spacers 8.
  • Each spacer 8 spaces the surface of the carrier away from the sheet to which it is connected.
  • the spacer may be advantageous during a coating step of the sheets and/or to improve the expansion of the expandable material.
  • Figures 2 and 3 show the assembly carrier 1 connected to the second sheet 10, which is in the present case stationary and comprises two recesses 11 which take up the means 6, 7.
  • the first sheet 9 is moved into the V of the guiding means 3 and then guided by one or both legs of the V during its path into its final position, which is defined by the bottom of the V.
  • the two sheets are in a defined position relative to each other in two directions in space and can be welded together.
  • the expandable material can be used to close the recesses 11 , preferably after the two sheets 9, 10 are permanently fixed to each other.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Lining Or Joining Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a assembly assistant (1) to prefix a first- and a second sheet (9,10), prior to a material bond. The present invention further relates to a method to prefix a first and a second sheet (9,10) relative to each other with a guiding- and positioning means (3,4).

Description

Assembly assistant in the body in white production
The present invention relates to an assembly assistant to prefix a first- and a second sheet, prior to a connection, preferably a material bond. The present invention further relates to a method to prefix a first and a second sheet relative to each other with a guiding- and positioning means.
During for example the body in white production of a vehicle, parts, which are subsequently welded together, must be prefixed in their position. In the past this was done, for example, with indentations and recesses, formed or cut into the sheets. However, in some cases, this prefixing did not work, so that the sheets were connected wrongly.
It is therefore the objective of the present invention to provide an assembly assistant and a method to prefix a first and a second sheet relative, that overcome the deficiencies of the state in the art.
The problem is solved with an assembly assistant to prefix a first- and a second sheet, prior to a connection, preferably a material bond, characterized in, that it comprises a carrier, a guiding means and a positioning means for the first sheet and fixing- and positioning means for the second sheet.
The disclosure made regarding the inventive assembly assistant also applies to the inventive method and vice versa. Subject matters disclosed regarding the inventive assembly assistant can be included in claims related to the inventive method and vice versa.
The present invention relates to an assembly assistant to prefix a first- and a second sheet, prior to a connection, for example a material bond. The sheets are preferably part of a body in white, which is nowadays produced highly automated. The sheets are preferably handled by robots and the material bonds are, more preferably, also executed by a robot or the like. The sheets are preferably metal sheets and can be part of a larger unit. One of the sheets is preferably fixed, while the other sheet is moved to take the desired position relative to the se first sheet. The material bond is preferably a weld, but can also be an adhesive connection. Prior to the material bond, the two sheets being connected, must be in three directions in space in an exact position.
The positioning in two directions in space is provided by the inventive guiding- and positioning means, which a carrier. The carrier provides the mechanical stability of the part and allows the handling, so that it can, for example, be automatically placed at one of the sheets. The guiding means guide one sheet, the moving sheet, to the desired position. The positioning means maintain the sheets in their desired position. The positioning means fix the relative position of the two parts at least in two directions in space.
The assembly assistant is preferably made from a plastic material, for example nylon. The assembly assistant is preferably one single piece, which is preferably molded, for example injection molded.
The assembly assistant preferably stays in place even after the two sheets have been material-bonded.
According to a preferred embodiment, the guiding means and a positioning means is one single element. Preferably, this element is a V-shaped groove. The legs of the V guide the moving sheet to its final position. The bottom of the V fixes the two sheets in their final desired position.
Preferably, the carrier, the guiding means and a positioning means are one single piece, preferably produced by molding
Preferably, the assembly assistant comprises at least one positioning- and fixing means, which positions and fixes the assembly assistant in an exactly defined position at one sheet. The position is preferably fixed in three directions in space. The connection between the assembly assistant and the sheet is preferably a snap-connection. The connection preferably preloads the assembly assistant towards the sheet it is connected to. The sheet preferably comprises one or more, preferably two, recess(es) which extend through the entire thickness of the sheet which each take up a positioning- or a fixing means. An example for a recess is a hole, e.g. drilled or stamped out.
Preferably, the assembly assistant comprises an expandable layer, which is preferably overmolded onto the carrier. The expandable layer preferably expands under the influence of heat and preferably expands after the two sheets have been finally connected.
Another subject matter of the present invention is a method to prefix a first and a second sheet relative to each other with the inventive assembly assistant, wherein the assembly assistant is fixed at the second sheet and that the first sheet is lowered into the guiding- and positioning-means. The disclosure made regarding the inventive method also applies to the inventive assembly assistant and vice versa. Subject matters disclosed regarding the inventive method can be included in claims related to the inventive assembly assistant and vice versa.
Preferably, the fixing- and positioning means is inserted into at least one, preferably two, recesses in the second sheet. More preferably, the assembly assistant is snapped into a recess of the second sheet and pretensioned in its position. The assembly assistant is preferably not removed, but stays in the final product.
According to a preferred embodiment, the recess is filled with an expandable material after the sheets have finally been fixed to each other. The expandable material preferably seals the recess for example against air - and/or moisture. The expandable material can suppress noise.
The inventions are now explained according to the Figures. These explanations do not limit the scope of protection and apply to all embodiments of the present invention likewise.
Figure 1 shows the inventive assembly assistant.
Figures 2 and 3 show the assembly assistant after connection to the two sheets.
Figure 1 shows the inventive assembly assistant 1 , which is in the present case a preferably molded plastic part. The assembly assistant comprises a carrier 2, which is in the present case essentially rectangular. At one end of the carrier, guiding means 3 and positioning means 4 are provided, which are, in the present case, provided as a V-shaped groove. The legs of the V are the guiding means 3 and the bottom of the V is the positioning means. A sheet, preferably a sheet-metal that is inserted into the V is guided by the legs towards the bottom into the final position, in which it is fixed by the positioning means 3, here the bottom of the V. At one of the surfaces of the carrier, positioning means 7 and fixing means 6, here designed as two parts and spaced apart from each other are provided. Both means 6, 7 are preferably inserted into two separate recesses in one of the sheets, as will be further explained below. The circumference of the positioning means 7 is in contact with the inner circumference of recess, here a circular recess, that takes the means 7 up and positions the assembly assistant in two directions of space. The fixing connection fixes the assembly assistant 1 at the sheet. The fixing means is here designed as a snap connection, here with two elastic arms, which can also press the assembly assistant against the sheet. A preferred expandable layer 5 is provided at the carrier and preferably at the same surface as the positioning- and fixing means 6, 7. The expandable layer can be overmodled onto the carrier or connected via an adhesive. The expandable layer preferably expands under the influence of heat, but preferably not during a welding step that attaches the two sheets permanently together, but in a subsequent step.
The assembly assistant may comprise one or more spacer(s), here three spacers 8. Each spacer 8 spaces the surface of the carrier away from the sheet to which it is connected. The spacer may be advantageous during a coating step of the sheets and/or to improve the expansion of the expandable material.
Figures 2 and 3 show the assembly carrier 1 connected to the second sheet 10, which is in the present case stationary and comprises two recesses 11 which take up the means 6, 7. During assembly, the first sheet 9 is moved into the V of the guiding means 3 and then guided by one or both legs of the V during its path into its final position, which is defined by the bottom of the V. At the bottom, the two sheets are in a defined position relative to each other in two directions in space and can be welded together. The expandable material can be used to close the recesses 11 , preferably after the two sheets 9, 10 are permanently fixed to each other.
Reference signs:
1 Assembly assistant
2 Carrier
3 Guiding-means for a first sheet
4 Positioning means of a first sheet
5 Expandable layer
6 Fixing means at a second sheet
7 Positioning means at a second sheet
8 Spacer
9 First sheet
10 Second sheet
11 Recess

Claims

Patent claims:
1. Assembly assistant (1) to prefix a first- and a second sheet (9, 10), prior to a connection, preferably a material bond, characterized in, that it comprises a carrier (2), a guiding means (3) and a positioning means (4) for the first sheet (9) and fixing- and positioning means (6, 7) for the second sheet (10).
2. Assembly assistant (1) according to claim 1, characterized in, that it is a plastic molded part.
3. Assembly assistant (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in, that the guiding means (3) and a positioning means (4) for the first sheet (9) is one element.
4. Assembly assistant (1) according to claim 3, characterized in, that the element is a V- shaped groove.
5. Assembly assistant (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in, that the carrier (2) and the guiding means (3) and a positioning means (4) are one single piece.
6. Assembly assistant (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in, that it comprises at least one positioning- and fixing means (7, 8).
7. Assembly assistant (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in, that it comprises an expandable layer (5).
8. Method to prefix a first and a second sheet (9, 10) relative to each other with a Assembly assistant (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in, that Assembly assistant (1) is fixed at the second sheet (10) and that the first sheet (9) is lowered into the guiding- and positioning-means (3, 4).
9. Method according to claim 8, characterized in, that a fixing- and positioning means (6, 7) is inserted into at least one recess (11) in the second sheet (10).
10. Method according to claim 9, characterized in, that the recess is filled with an expandable material after the sheets (9, 10) have finally been fixed to each other.
PCT/EP2021/052233 2020-02-06 2021-02-01 Assembly assistant in the body in white production Ceased WO2021156164A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP20155831.9 2020-02-06
EP20155831 2020-02-06

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2021156164A1 true WO2021156164A1 (en) 2021-08-12

Family

ID=69526036

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP2021/052233 Ceased WO2021156164A1 (en) 2020-02-06 2021-02-01 Assembly assistant in the body in white production

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2021156164A1 (en)

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH07223494A (en) * 1993-12-16 1995-08-22 Takehiro:Kk Retainer structure
US20040004370A1 (en) * 2000-09-19 2004-01-08 Granger Sean Elliot Adjustable rear frame cladding
US20080169666A1 (en) * 2007-01-11 2008-07-17 Ford Motor Company Vehicle having a body panel
US20100187861A1 (en) * 2009-01-29 2010-07-29 Agco Gmbh Vehicle Body Panels
CN109292000A (en) * 2018-10-30 2019-02-01 安徽江淮汽车集团股份有限公司 A kind of automobile guard plate mounting bracket
WO2019224121A1 (en) * 2018-05-23 2019-11-28 Sika Technology Ag Insulating element

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH07223494A (en) * 1993-12-16 1995-08-22 Takehiro:Kk Retainer structure
US20040004370A1 (en) * 2000-09-19 2004-01-08 Granger Sean Elliot Adjustable rear frame cladding
US20080169666A1 (en) * 2007-01-11 2008-07-17 Ford Motor Company Vehicle having a body panel
US20100187861A1 (en) * 2009-01-29 2010-07-29 Agco Gmbh Vehicle Body Panels
WO2019224121A1 (en) * 2018-05-23 2019-11-28 Sika Technology Ag Insulating element
CN109292000A (en) * 2018-10-30 2019-02-01 安徽江淮汽车集团股份有限公司 A kind of automobile guard plate mounting bracket

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