Abstract:
According to the application, a pressure (Ps) required for the parting or piercing can be applied to the elastic diaphragm (M) arranged at least in the region of the cutting edge (6.1) in the workpiece (1), whereas a pressure (Pi) required for the hydroforming is applied outside the diaphragm (M). In this case, there are two separate pressure-medium feeds (4) and (4.1) and two pressure spaces (5) and (5.1) . Furthermore, both pressures (Pi) and (Ps) can be applied to the diaphragm (M) via one pressure-medium feed (4) and one pressure space (5.1).
Abstract:
The invention relates to a method for deforming through high inner pressure at least two hollow bodies (2, 3) having each at least one opening, especially metal tubes or metal hollow profiles. A theoretical rupture point (11) is first defined in the external wall (2a) of said first hollow body (2), in the connection area (V) where said first hollow body (2) is to be subsequently connected to said second hollow body (3). Then, the relevant outer wall (2a) of said first hollow body is further enlarged in the aforementioned connection area (V) of the two hollow bodies (2, 3) by means of a hydraulic pressure medium. If a burst pressure is exceeded (Pb), the pressure medium expands in the second hollow body (3) until optional deformation through high inner pressure or connection of said first hollow body (2) to said second hollow body (3) is obtained.
Abstract:
In the present invention, at least one tubular blank (A) and at least one article such as a metal stamping (T), to be attached to a hydroformed part, are loaded into a die. The tube is hydroformed using typical methods. The article is positioned in the die such that, when the tube is hydroformed, the final hydroformed tube contacts the article at least at a point. Attachment means, such as a laser welder, are provided with access to the contact point between the article and the hydroformed tube so that a tack weld or other attachment can be made between the article and the hydroformed tube while still in the closed die. The hydroformed tube and attached article are then removed as a joint assembly from the die.
Abstract:
A method of cutting opposing holes in a side wall (17) of a tubular workpiece (13) and removing the cut out slugs (46, 47), in which first and second axially aligned punches (18, 29) are applied to opposite side walls (17) of a pressurized workpiece (13). The second punch (29) has a larger width than the first punch (18), and reciprocates in a passageway (28) extending laterally from the workpiece (13). The punches (18, 29) are reciprocated so that the first punch (18) passes through both side walls (17), and first and second slugs (46, 47) are cut out. The end of the first punch (18) is advanced towards the end of the second punch (29) to capture the cut out slugs (46, 47) between the ends of the first and second punches (18, 29), and the punches (18, 29) are moved so that the ends of the punches (18, 29) and the slugs (46, 47) captured between them progress along the passageway (28) away from the workpiece (13). The ends of the punches (18, 29) are separated at a region of the passageway (28) spaced from the workpiece (13), and the released slugs (46, 47) are removed from the ends of the punches (18, 29).
Abstract:
The invention relates to a tool (1) for cutting a hollow profile (2). According to the invention, the tool (1) is designed both for cutting a flange (3) on the hollow profile (2) as well as for deforming the hollow profile (2) according to the internal high-pressure deformation process. The tool (1) comprises at least one cutting device, which runs parallel to the longitudinal extension and which has a cutting edge (5) that can be displaced in a transverse direction of the hollow profile (2). A side (6) of the cutting device (4) facing the hollow profile (2) is provided in the form of a shaping matrix wall (17) against which the hollow profile (2) rests during the internal high-pressure deformation process. In addition, the tool (1) can have an stamping die (11) and a punching die (13), which is formed coaxially thereto whereby, in addition to the cutting and internal high-pressure deformation process, enabling an optional stamping and/or punching of the hollow profile (2).
Abstract:
A metal tube is cold formed into a stamped member by filling the tube with a liquid change-of-state material, freezing the change-of-state material, sealing the tube containing the solid change-of-state material, and stamping the tube in a die. The change-of-state material compresses during the stamping step to force the walls of the tube to conform to the die cavity, eliminating the need to pressurize the tube prior or subsequent to stamping. Additionally, the solid within the tube provides support to the wall of the tube during a piercing step to form a hole in the tube having less deformation surrounding the hole than a comparative tube pierced without having the solid fill. After the stamping or piercing steps, the change-of-state material is melted and drained from the tube. Further, a tube is pierced by forming an outwardly bulged area and piercing the tube in the outwardly bulged area while simultaneously depressing the tube to substantially flatten the outwardly bulged area.