Method for expanding a tubular blank
US7013697B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 4, 2002 |
| Grant date | Mar 21, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 23, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB21D41/021
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method for expanding tubular blanks includes pre-expanding or initially expanding a section of the tube by forcing a punch into an open end of the tube. The punching process may be repeated to achieve up to approximately 50% expansion from the original configuration of the blank. Then, the same pre-expanded section can be further expanded by hydroforming such that the blank is filled with pressurized fluid to achieve further expansion of the initially expanded section up to approximately 100% expansion from the original configuration of the blank. As a final step, the open end of the expanded tube may be cut to its ultimate shape.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.