Method and device for the resistance welding of sandwich sheets

A device for resistance welding a sandwich sheet to a metallic component, wherein the sandwich sheet comprises a thermoplastic material layer disposed between two metallic cover layers, the device comprising:

• a first electrode arrangement including a first welding electrode;
• a second electrode arrangement including a second welding electrode;
• circuitry configured to generate and transmit a welding current at least via the first welding electrode and the second welding electrode for producing a welded connection, wherein the circuitry is configured to generate a preheating current for heating a region of the sandwich sheet to be welded, with the preheating current capable of softening the thermoplastic material layer to an extent that the thermoplastic material layer is displaceable from the region when the two metallic cover layers are compressed;
• and
• a clamping arrangement for securing the sandwich sheet relative to the metallic component, wherein the clamping arrangement comprises a first arm, a second arm, and a closing mechanism, wherein the first arm comprises an electrically conductive contacting region that directly contacts the first electrode arrangement and is disposed between the first electrode arrangement and one of the metallic layers, wherein the clamping arrangement is configured to conduct the preheating current generated by the circuitry, wherein the closing mechanism secures the clamping arrangement around the sandwich sheet and the metallic component, and wherein the preheating current flows via a brace or clamp of the clamping arrangement and does not flow via the sandwich sheet.