Method for hydroforming a hollow profile

US7024898B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignees

• AUDI AG · DE
• Alcan Technology & Management Ltd.

Inventors

• Armin Zuber · Bad Lippspringe, DE
• Alexander M. Hoffman · Cupertino, US
• Wulf Leitermann
• Klaus Koglin · Neckarsulm, DE
• Jorg Hein · Steißlingen, DE
• Lutz Kampmann · Schallstadt, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 29, 2000
• Grant date: Apr 11, 2006
• Expiry date: Jul 17, 2022

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B21D35/006
• WIPO field: Machine tools
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A process as claimed for the invention for internal high-pressure reshaping of a hollow section (12) in a reshaping tool, a fluid being introduced under high pressure P1 into a hollow section and this section having a transitional area with different wall thicknesses in the area of an edge (18 to 21) to be blocked, is characterized in that the shape selected for the hollow section (12) in the initial state is such that a thickened area (22 to 25) extends a certain distance from the edge (18 to 21) into the wall section (14, 16) with smaller wall thickness. As a result, constrictions can be avoided during reshaping and favorable edge geometries can be achieved (FIG. 2).