Tubular connection method

US6842956B1 · kind B1 · utility

Inventors

• Peter Amborn · Neunkirchen, DE
• Simon Jonathan Giles Griffiths · Telford, GB

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 30, 1999
• Grant date: Jan 18, 2005
• Expiry date: Sep 30, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T29/49911
• WIPO field: Machine tools
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A process for forming a tubular component including at least a first tubular element connected end to end with a second tubular element, the process including location an end portion of the first tubular element within an end portion of the second tubular element to thereby define respective inner and overlapping end portions, hydro-forming the overlapping end portions to radially expand the inner end portion into face to face contact with the outer end portion and in the region of the expanded overlapping end portions, mutually deforming the inner and outer end portions to define one or more mechanical lock formations for preventing relative axial movement between the first and second tubular elements.