Daimler Ag

Daimler Chrysler Ag

Daimler-benz Ag

Karl-Heinz Ilzhoefer

Asmir Salkic

Rainer Renz

Hartmut Albers

Jens Goedecke

Method for producing an SMC multi-layer component in a production process. The component has a sandwich structure. At least one foam material layer () is embedded between two SMC cover layers (). An insert layer arrangement comprising at least one first and one second SMC semifinished product cover layer () is positioned in a press mold comprising a punch () and a die (). A first and a second SMC semifinished product cover layers () are shaped into two SMC cover layers () by applying pressure to the layer arrangement. Curing of the first and the second SMC semifinished product cover layers () is initiated. The punch () and the die () are moved away from each other, until the distance provided therebetween corresponds to a thickness of the SMC multi-layer component to be produced. A foaming process of a material () that can be foamed, which is provided between the two SMC cover layers () is initiated, producing the foam material layer (). After the foaming has ended, the SMC multi-layer component is removed from the press mold.

Method for producing an SMC multi-layer component

The invention relates to a method for the production of a bodyshell structure for a motor vehicle, wherein a sheet-like textile support element impregnated with a curable matrix material is provided and, following the positioning of suitable reinforcing and molding elements, molded around at least one mold core, whereupon the matrix material is cured. After the removal of the at least one mold core, a single-piece bodyshell structure joined by adhesive force remains. The invention further relates to a bodyshell structure produced by means of this method.

Bodyshell structure for a motor vehicle and method for the production thereof

A universal joint with flanges located at the ends of two shafts connected by the joint includes three driving tabs projecting axially from the respective flanges. Each of the total of six driving tabs being located opposite a gap located uniformly on the circumference of a common partial circle. These tabs are connected with one another by means of a hexagonal axially elastically deformable joint ring provided with sockets at the corner points. The joint ring in turn is formed in a multipartite fashion by a ring of several driving loops that are endless, oval, and each wrapped around two adjacent sockets, said loops preferably being made of endless-fiber-reinforced plastic. In order to be able to allow higher bending angles of the universal joint without a significant increase in the stress on the parts, the driving loops in their supporting cross sections according to the invention have an axially flexible rectangular cross-sectional shape resembling a leaf spring, with the longer cross section side, with a side ratio preferably of at least 1:4, being located in an axially perpendicular plane of the universal joint. In the sockets, at least in the areas wrapped by the driving loops. Position-stabilizing circumferential grooves are provided that correspond to the cross-sectional shape of the driving loops. In the circumferential area not wrapped by the driving loops, the side flanks of the position-stabilizing circumferential grooves of the sockets are either expanded or cut away.

Universal joint

The invention relates to a welded joint between plastic parts, the welding quality of which can be checked in a non-destructive way. In particular, a coating of an X-ray contrast medium, of sharply set-off contour and of specific outline shape, is introduced, before welding, in the region of the welding gap. The coating is narrower or smaller than the zone to be welded. It can be a strip of specific width or a pattern comprising recurring contour parts. The coating can be printed on or take the form of an inserted auxiliary film. Coloring pigments based on heavy metal, metal powder, rock dust, powdered glass or ceramic powder come under consideration as X-ray contrast media.

Growing community of inventors

Kirchheim, Germany

Karl-Heinz Ilzhoefer