Production of Ihpf Components Having a Flange

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method of producing a hollow profile which has at least one flange by internal high pressure forming. During the internal high pressure forming, the dimensions and the position of the flange are not changed relative to the finished hollow profile then formed.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 schematically shows an IHPF tool with a flange clamped in place;

FIGS. 2 a and 2b show an initial hollow profile with different positions of the weld;

FIG. 3 shows a further initial hollow profile with a single flange; and

FIGS. 4 a and 4b respectively show an initial hollow profile with a weld outside the flange region.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Shown schematically in FIG. 1 is an IHPF tool 1 which consists of a top part 2 and a bottom part 3. Both parts 2 and 3 form a cavity 4, which corresponds to the contour of the final finished hollow profile.

A sheet-metal blank formed into an initial hollow profile 5 is inserted into this cavity 4. The initial hollow profile 5 has a flange 6, which is clamped in place in a corresponding section 7 of the cavity 4.

The clamping in place can be effected with such a holding-down force that either no subsequent flow of material can take place from the region of the flange 6 into the finished hollow profile or such a subsequent flow of material is allowed.

By way of example, FIGS. 2a and 2b show an initial hollow profile 5 in which a flange 8 is formed by an overlapping joint of the free ends of the sheet. The flange 8 can then be welded either by a weld 9 being provided in the joint region of the flange 8 (FIG. 2a) or by a weld 9 being provided in the course of the flange 8 transversely to the latter (FIG. 2b).

Furthermore, by way of example, FIG. 3 shows an initial hollow profile 5 in which the flange 10 is formed by a free end of the sheet being appropriately bent over and by the other free end being welded on in the transition region between the flange 10 and the initial hollow profile 5.

A further possibility consists in forming a flange 11 of the initial hollow profile 5 in such a way that the sheet is folded over and thus overlaps in the region provided for the flange 11. This is shown by way of example in FIG. 4a for a single flange 11 and in FIG. 4b for two flanges 11. In both cases the weld 9 is located outside the flange in the region of the initial hollow profile 5. Such an initial hollow profile with a weld 9 established outside the flange region is preferably to be used when a subsequent flow of material from the region of the flange 11 during the internal high pressure forming is to be permitted.

Claims

1-3. (canceled)

4. A method of producing a hollow profile having at least one flange extending along the hollow profile, comprising: folding or roll forming an initial hollow profile from a sheet, with at least one flange being formed so as to project from the initial hollow profile by doubling the material of the sheet;welding a joint location of the initial hollow profile outside a region of the flange; andinternal high pressure forming the initial hollow profile into a finished hollow profile by applying an internal high pressure by means of a fluid into the interior of the initial hollow profile, with the at least one flange being clamped in place in an IHPF tool in such a way that its position and dimensions remain unchanged relative to the finished hollow profile.

5. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the at least one flange, when the IHPF tool is closed, is acted upon by a holding-down force which prevents a subsequent flow of material from the flange into the finished hollow profile during internal high pressure forming.

6. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the at least one flange, when the IHPF tool is closed, is acted upon by a holding-down force which allows a defined subsequent flow of material from the flange into the finished hollow profile during internal high pressure forming.