Method and insert for welding thermoplastic components

An insert for a resistance welding of thermoplastic components comprising:

• a multiplicity of parallel electrical conductor elements with a common longitudinal direction;
• a first transverse connection at a first longitudinal end and a second transverse connection at a second longitudinal end of the parallel electrical conductor elements;
• and
• a predetermined separation point on each parallel electrical conductor element, said separation point being configured for separation of the parallel electrical conductor element as a result of a tensile force which is applied to at least one of the transverse connections,
• wherein the predetermined separation points are in a central region of the parallel electrical conductor elements, and
• wherein the central regions have a central tapering of the parallel electrical conductor elements.

A method for welding thermoplastic components comprising the steps of:

• arranging an insert, which has a conductor structure having a multiplicity of parallel electrical conductor elements, in a joining zone between a first thermoplastic component and a second thermoplastic component, such that the parallel electrical conductor elements are at least partially located in the joining zone;
• locally melting the thermoplastic components in a region of the joining zone by energization of the conductor structure;
• separating the parallel electrical conductor elements;
• and
• removing the insert from the joining zone by pulling out the separated parallel electrical conductor elements,
• wherein the conductor structure, at two longitudinal ends of the parallel electrical conductor elements, has a respective transverse connection which is arranged outside or at the edge of the joining zone, wherein the separating step comprises severing at least a portion of each of the parallel electrical conductor elements from one of the transverse connections,
• wherein predetermined separation points on each parallel electrical conductor element are each in a region of abutment with one of the transverse connections, and,
• wherein the parallel electrical conductor elements are coupled to the one of the transverse connections in a force-fitting manner and a resulting force fit is overcome during the separation.