EP3678795A1

EP3678795A1 - Method for producing a component and tool therefor

Info

Publication number: EP3678795A1
Application number: EP17761874.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Michael BRÜGGENBROCK; Thomas Flehmig; Martin Kibben; Jörg GORSCHLÜTER; Daniel Nierhoff
Original assignee: ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe AG; ThyssenKrupp AG
Current assignee: ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe AG; ThyssenKrupp AG
Priority date: 2017-09-05
Filing date: 2017-09-05
Publication date: 2020-07-15
Also published as: CN111050942A; CN111050942B; US20210260641A1; WO2019048025A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing a component (1) having a floor region (1.1), optionally a floor-frame transition region, optionally a frame region (1.2), optionally a frame-flange transition region and optionally a flange region (1.3), wherein a semi-finished product (1') made of a plastically deformably material is provided, wherein the semi-finished product (1') has a longitudinal extension and a transverse extension having a circumferential edge contour having a division surface (1.4), wherein the semi-finished product (1') is processed in one or more stages in one or a plurality of tools (2) for producing the component (1). The invention further relates to a tool (2) for producing a component (1).

Description

Method of manufacturing a component and tool for technical field

The invention relates to a method for producing a component having a bottom region, optionally a transition region bottom frame, optionally a frame region, optionally a transition region frame flange and optionally a flange, wherein a semifinished product is provided from a plastically deformable material, wherein the semifinished product Has longitudinal extent and a transverse extent with a peripheral edge contour with parting surface, wherein the semifinished product is processed in one or more stages in one or more tools for the production of the component. Furthermore, the invention relates to a tool for producing a component.

Technical background

Cold-formed, for example, deep-drawn components from a flat sheet or plate, for example, generally require a final edge trimming, are cut off in the excess areas of the formed component. For flange-mounted components, this is done by one or more trimming tools that partially or wholly trim the flange from above or obliquely in the desired manner. For flangeless components, the trimming of the frame is much more complex, because it usually has to be cut by means of a wedge slide from the side. The trimming usually represents one or more separate operations, which require their own tool technology and their own transfer system. In addition, the material utilization is often unfavorable, so that further costs. This results in very costly and fault-prone manufacturing processes, especially for components with medium to low quantities, which also increase the manufacturing costs of the components.

The production of ultra-high-strength components by means of hot forming or press-hardening generally includes (also) the need for the cut, in particular the edge cut of the components. Through this trimming the necessary component tolerances of the component ends and the flanges are set process-reliable. There are a number of different technologies available for trimming the components.

On the one hand, a separate mechanical trimming on the hard component, which can have hardnesses> 450 HV, where HV corresponds to the Vickers hardness and according to DIN EN ISO 6507- 1: 2005 to -4: 2005, which requires high cutting forces and associated expensive, bulky, rigid tools. The tendency to high wear and the risk of local tool breakage in mechanical trimming tools cause high maintenance costs.

On the other hand, hot or hot trimming can be integrated into the press hardening tool during or after the forming process. An advantage of this process is the fact that the component is in the soft not yet cured state and thus only low cutting forces are required for trimming. The cutting waste management is challenging here, since the hot forming presses generally do not contain any cutting waste shafts and the cut waste must therefore be transported out of the tool together with the component.

Furthermore, a separate laser cutting can be performed on the cured component, which is technically very attractive, since almost any contours can be cut regardless of the hardness of the component. However, compared to mechanical trimming in mass production, the production costs are quite high and directly dependent on the necessary cutting length or the processing time in a laser cutting cell.

As similar to the cold forming, for example, during deep drawing and during hot forming respectively press hardening many process and material parameters can vary, such as the board and the tool temperature but also the frictional forces, the sheet thickness and the material composition, are hardened components with a repeatable accuracy and dimensionally stable edge contour only to achieve limited.

Due to the disadvantages of the above methods there are efforts to minimize the trimming of components or to reduce the cutting lengths. Due to the existing process parameters, the production of components in large series with predetermined contour tolerance requirements is not or only consuming and thus costly possible. Against this background, there is still room for improvement with regard to the production of components.

Summary of the invention

The invention is therefore based on the object to provide a method and a tool in which the production of components with a repeatable and dimensionally stable edge contour is possible in particular in connection with a short process chain and low susceptibility to interference.

According to a first teaching, this object is achieved by a method having the features of patent claim 1.

For the production of components, plastically deformable materials are used as semifinished products, in particular metallic materials, such as steel, aluminum, magnesium but also thermoplastics or composite materials, wherein the semi-finished product has a longitudinal extent and a transverse extent with a peripheral edge contour with a parting surface.

By separating surface or separating surfaces is meant the trimmed edge or the trimmed edges of a semifinished product, which in turn define the peripheral edge contour of the semifinished product.

Blanks, in particular sheet metal blanks, which essentially represent a two-dimensional basic shape (unwinding) of the later, three-dimensionally shaped component, are referred to as blanks. The semifinished product is provided as a molding board or as a blank, in particular sheet metal blank.

The semifinished product is processed in one or more stages in one or more tools to form a component. According to the invention, the separating surface is at least temporarily, in particular during or after the processing of the semifinished product for the production of the component, and at least in sections in contact with the tool.

The processing of the semifinished product for the production of the component comprises an at least partial molding, an at least partial upsetting and / or an at least partial stretching, which is carried out in one or more tools in one or more stages.

By the at least temporary and at least in sections contact of the parting surface with the tool, in particular during or after the processing of the semifinished product for the production of the component, a component with a repeatable and dimensionally stable edge contour is produced by the material in the end position of the tool in its Soll- geometry is transferred or calibrated, wherein at least partially in the edge region near the edge, in particular at least partially or in sections in the longitudinal extension of the component to be produced, a thickening, but as far as possible no wave formation is allowed. Due to the repeatable and dimensionally stable edge contour edge trimming on the finished component can be eliminated or reduced. Particularly preferably, contact takes place at least temporarily and at least in sections on two opposing separating surfaces of the component to be produced with the tool.

The preferably two opposite separating surfaces define in particular two edges of the bottom region, of the optional frame region or of the optional flange region, in particular along the longitudinal extent of the component to be produced.

The processing of the semi-finished products for the production of the components can be carried out in the cold, in particular at room temperature, as well as in the warm state, in particular at a temperature above room temperature, the semi-finished products. For example, semi-finished thermoplastics can be processed cold, but also at temperatures above room temperature, especially molded. For example, semi-finished products made of metallic materials, in particular aluminum and magnesium, can be cold-worked. These are preferably heated to a temperature above 150 ° C., in particular above 200 ° C., before and / or during processing, preferably molding. Steel semi-finished products can also be processed cold and hot, preferably shaped. In particular, steels can be heated up to 700 ° C, for example up to 650 ° C and then processed into components, in particular molded. Semi-finished steel products are particularly preferably used, from which hardened components can be produced by means of processing.

According to one embodiment, for the production of a hardened component, a semifinished product made of a hardenable steel material having a carbon content of at least 0.15 wt.%, In particular of at least 0.22 wt.%, Preferably of at least 0.27 wt. provided. The hardenable steel material may be a tempered steel, in particular of grade C22, C35, C45, C55, C60, 42CrMo4, a manganese-containing steel, in particular grade 16MnB5, 16MnCr5, 20MnB5, 22MnB5, 30MnB5, 36MnB5, 37MnB4, 37MnB5, 40MnB4, a case hardening steel , an air-hardening steel or a multilayer steel composite material, for example with two, preferably with three steel layers, of which at least one of the layers is curable, be. Also the use of Tailored Rolled Blanks or Tailored Welded blanks is possible. Depending on the composition of the hardenable steel material are corresponding parameters, such as the A _cl temperature, A _C3 removably temperature, Ms-Start and other parameters for the heat treatment, respectively, heating / cooling of so-called TTT-diagrams.

The curable steel material can also be provided with a corrosion protection coating or scale protection coating, preferably based on zinc and / or aluminum.

In the case of multi-layered steel material composites, the outer layers may preferably consist of a scale-resistant and / or corrosion-resistant steel. The scale protection offers advantages in processing, the corrosion protection offers advantages in the application or use of the finished component. Preferably, stainless steels are used as outer layers. As a result, lightweight construction targets in the application and cost-optimized processing processes by faster heating of the semi-finished products are possible.

For the production of a cured component, a semi-finished product is provided which on the one hand in the form of a mold plate of an at least region-wise heat treatment, preferably completely a heat treatment is subjected to, with the mold board to a temperature in particular above the A _cl temperature, preferably above the A _c3 - Heated, is at least partially cured by cooling (direct hot forming) or on the other the semifinished product is first cold-formed into a preform, the preform of at least areawise heat treatment, preferably completely subjected to a heat treatment, wherein the preform on a Temperature is particularly heated above the A _cl temperature, preferably above the A _c3 temperature and then at least partially cured by cooling (indirect hot working). The A _cl -Temperature corresponds to the temperature depending on the composition of the hardenable steel material, wherein the structure is transformed into austenite, respectively, the A _c3 -temperature the temperature at which the transformation is completed in austenite. By cooling, a hardened structure can be set at least partially or completely in the component. The hardness structure is defined by a substantially martensitic and / or bainitic structure, martensite and / or bainite having at least 70 area%, in particular at least 80 area%, preferably at least 90 area%, particularly preferably at least 95 area% im Microstructure is present. The at least partially heating to at least a Teilaustenitisierungstemperatur (above the A _cl - Temperature) by means of suitable means, for example by means of inductors, ovens, laser, contact heating or burners.

The semifinished product made of a hardenable steel material can be supplied as a shaping plate for direct hot forming or indirect hot forming as a sheet metal blank. Depending on the complexity of the component or sheet metal component to be produced, an additional trimming after production of the preform can also be taken into account in indirect hot forming.

A cross-section is to be understood as meaning a section or the extent essentially transversely to the longitudinal extension of the sheet metal component to be produced or produced.

A hardened component with a repeatable and dimensionally stable edge contour is produced by the material in the end position of the tool is transferred to its desired geometry or calibrated, at least partially in the edge region near the edge, in particular at least partially or in sections in the longitudinal extent of the component to be produced but thickening so far possible no wave formation is allowed. The thickening of the edge region takes place substantially in the still warm and uncured state, so that a plastic deformation or massive deformation without high press forces is possible, so that a hardened component with a repeatable and dimensionally stable edge contour, which corresponds to narrow tolerances of the desired geometry produced can be. Due to the repeatable and dimensionally stable edge contour edge trimmings on the finished component can be omitted or at least largely reduced.

According to a further embodiment, the semi-finished product is cold-formed in particular as a sheet metal blank into a preform having a bottom region, a transition region bottom frame, a frame region, optionally a transition region frame flange and optionally a flange region, wherein the geometry of the preform or individual preform regions at least partially from the Geometry of the component or individual component areas deviates. In a first embodiment, the preform has a bottom region, a transition region bottom frame and a frame region, wherein the preform is heated in an oven, preferably in a continuous furnace to at least A _cl temperature, in particular completely to A _c3 temperature, the heated Preform in an open tool for curing, which is preferably actively cooled and at least one die and a Stamp is inserted and is inserted by closing the tool by the contact with the tool, the sheet metal component is at least partially cured, wherein the punch and / or the die at least partially on the parting surface of the Zargenbereichs, in particular along the longitudinal extent of the generated or generated Applies component pressurizing. In an alternative embodiment, the preform has a bottom region, a transition region bottom frame, a frame region, a transition region frame flange and a flange, wherein the preform in an oven, preferably in a continuous furnace to at least A _cl temperature, in particular completely A _c3 temperature is heated, the heated preform in an open tool for curing, which is preferably actively cooled and at least one die and a punch comprises, is inserted and hardened by closing the tool by the contact with the tool, the sheet metal component produced at least partially is, wherein the die and / or the stamp acts at least partially pressurizing on the parting surface of the flange, in particular along the longitudinal extent of the sheet metal component to be generated or produced. According to a preferred embodiment, a stamp is used consisting of a plurality of partial punches, wherein when closing the tool for curing in a first step contact between a first part of the stamp and the bottom portion, the transition region bottom frame and the frame portion and in a second step, a contact between a second part stamp and the flange area are produced. In the second step, the setpoint geometry of the edge contour of the sheet metal component to be produced is set.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, a particularly previously determined molding board is used, which is heated in an oven, preferably in a continuous furnace to at least A _cl temperature, in particular completely to A _c3 temperature, after heating the forming plate in an open tool for curing , which is preferably actively cooled and comprises at least one die and a punch is inserted, one or more stages formed by moving the tool and by (increasing) closing the tool by the contact with the tool, the manufactured component is at least partially cured, wherein the punch and / or the die at least in sections on the parting surface of the Zargenbereichs, in particular along the longitudinal extent of the component to be produced or the die and / or the stamp at least partially on the separation surface of the flange, in particular along the longitudinal extent of the Ble to be produced chiebile part acts pressurizing, so that sets a dimensionally stable edge contour that does not need to be recut or only when needed.

According to a further embodiment, the tool for curing a, in particular relative to the Matrizenauflagefläche substantially vertically displaceable die area and / or a leading punch respectively stamp area, which after inserting the heated mold board in the mold, the mold board together with the punch respectively stamp area at least in the The floor area to be formed is clamped until the tool is closed. In this way it can be ensured that the molding board can be guided and / or held with exact position in the tool during the hot forming or until the hardening is completed. The die area acts as an inner hold-down.

According to a further embodiment, the tool for curing an outer hold-down, which is preferably lowered to a distanced position after inserting the heated forming plate in the tool before or after the collapse of the substantially height-displaceable die area and the punch or punch area for guiding the forming plate , In particular, in the production of hardened components with a flange area, a distanced, if necessary heated or tempered hold-down in particular lead to the mold board edge and thereby support the hot forming process, wherein the distance is chosen so that the outer holddown experiences little contact with areas of the hot forming board whereby premature cooling of the molding board edge by contact with the (colder) outer hold-down can be substantially suppressed.

Particularly preferably, the tool for hardening is closed before the last regions of the tool material located in the tool below the Ms start temperature, so that can be ensured for substantially all areas of the component that the desired shape or calibration at the steel workpiece before the phase transformation finished in martensite.

According to a second teaching, the object is achieved by a tool having the features of patent claim 10. The tool, in particular for hardening, is in particular part or component of a process line for producing a component with a bottom region, optionally a transition region bottom frame, optionally a frame region, optionally a transition region frame flange and optionally a flange region of a semifinished product and in particular for implementation the method of the invention is suitable. The tool, in particular for curing comprises a die and a punch, means for moving the punch and / or the die, optional means for cooling the tool.

According to the invention, the separating surface is at least temporarily, in particular during or after the processing of the semifinished product for the production of the component, and at least in sections in contact with the tool. The advantages of the method according to the invention also apply to the tool.

According to a first embodiment, the die and / or the stamp are arranged such that they act on the parting surface of the bottom region or the frame region or the flange region, in particular along the longitudinal extent of the component to be produced, pressurizing at least in sections. Particularly preferably, the tool for curing a semi-finished product, which consists of a hardenable steel material suitable. The tool is also suitable for the processing of semi-finished products made of aluminum, magnesium or thermoplastic material, especially if necessary also designed to be tempered accordingly.

According to one embodiment, the stamp have a shoulder region for pressurizing action at least in sections on the separating surface of the frame region, in particular along the longitudinal extent of the component to be produced and / or the die shoulder region for pressurizing action at least partially on the parting surface of the bottom portion or the flange portion, in particular along the longitudinal extent of the component to be produced. The action leads to an at least areawise thickening, in particular along the longitudinal extent of the component, in particular in the edge region near the edge of the bottom region or flange or frame region or in the flange and / or frame region and / or transition region frame flange. In this case, the punch and / or the die are particularly preferably designed in such a way that more space is available for plastic flow, in particular in the sections in which the edge regions close to the edge can thicken, thereby ensure that, in particular during hardening in the closed state of the tool, all areas of the component to be hardened make contact with the tool.

According to a further embodiment, the tool has at least one, if necessary heatable outer hold-down, in particular for supporting guidance of the molding board edge during hot forming.

According to a further embodiment, the tool has a substantially height-displaceable die area, in particular for clamping and position-true fixation of the molding board together with the punch respectively stamp area during hot forming respectively until the completion of curing.

According to a further embodiment, the punch consists of a plurality of partial punches, which are arranged in particular in the working direction to each other and preferably individually controlled or moved to produce a particular hardened component with a flange in particular in several steps.

According to a further embodiment of the stamp is coupled to a punch holder, wherein the punch to the punch holder in the working direction and arranged to be moved away. The punch is arranged mechanically, for example via a spring element, or hydraulically spaced by suitable means for punch holder. This is particularly advantageous in order to be able to better compensate, for example, fluctuating frame lengths or frame heights.

Brief description of the drawings

In the following the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to drawings. Identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals. In detail show:

1 shows the first steps for indirect hot forming,

2 shows the first steps for direct hot forming,

3 to 5 further steps for the production of a particular hardened, flange-shaped sheet metal component by means of indirect hot forming, 6 to 8 further steps for producing a particular hardened, flangeless sheet metal component by means of indirect hot forming,

9 to 12 further steps for producing a particular hardened, flange-shaped sheet metal component by direct hot forming,

13 to 16 further steps for producing a particular hardened, flangeless sheet metal component by direct hot forming,

17 and 18 another embodiment of a tool,

19 to 23 further steps for producing a particular hardened, flanged sheet metal component by direct hot forming,

24 to 28 further steps for producing a particular hardened, flange-shaped sheet metal component by direct hot forming and

FIGS. 29 to 33 further steps for producing a particular hardened, flangeless sheet metal component by means of direct hot forming.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments

The following illustrations show methods and tools for the production of a component, in particular a hardened component or sheet metal component, wherein the sheet metal component to be produced in its simplest embodiment and the illustration half has a symmetrical cross section along its longitudinal extent. Due to the resulting symmetry (mirroring on the symmetry axis S) only partial sections of the right side are shown. Of course, any cross-sectional shapes are conceivable, in particular in combination with along the longitudinal extension of the sheet metal component to be produced varying cross sections and curvatures in all directions.

Figures 3 to 5 show a process flow according to an embodiment of the invention. By means of indirect hot forming (FIG. 1), a hardened sheet metal component (1) is produced which has a bottom region (1.1), a transition region bottom frame, a frame region (1.2), a transition region frame flange and a flange region (1.3). A hardenable steel material is usually unwound from a coil (not shown), cut to length and provided as a board to the further process (step A, FIG. 1). From the board, which may have a predefined blank, a preform (Γ) is produced by cold forming, which already has a bottom portion (IM), a transition region bottom frame, a frame area (Γ .2), a transition region frame flange and a predefined flange area (.3) has (step B, Fig. 1). The board as a predefined blank and / or the preform (10) may have an addition with a length (L ¹ ) developed at least in regions in cross section, which is for example between 0.5 to 4 mm longer compared to the unwound length (L) of FIG finished, preferably hardened sheet metal component (1). The addition can be made available only during the production process by means of ironed areas and / or as material surplus or material addition on the semifinished product. In particular, at least the geometry of the preform (), in particular of the flange region (Γ .3) and / or the frame region (Γ.2) at least partially deviates from the geometry of the sheet metal component (1), in particular the flange region (1.3) and / or the frame region (1.2) from. The preform (12) is heated in an oven, preferably in a continuous furnace, to at least A _cl temperature, in particular completely to A _c3 temperature (step C, FIG. 1).

The heated preform (12) is cooled in an open hardening tool (2), which is actively cooled by suitable means, such as cooling channels (2.X) charged with a cooling liquid, located near the contour surface in the tool (2) and at least one die (2.1) and a punch (2.2), inserted (Fig. 3). The punch (2.2) consists of several partial punches (2.21, 2.22), which are arranged in the working direction to each other and individually controlled or moved, symbolized by the arrows.

As a result of the (increasing) closing of the tool (2), the preform (Γ) is hardened at least in places by the contact with the tool (2). The closing of the tool (2) takes place in several steps, wherein in the first step, a first partial punch (2.21) is retracted into the die (2.1) and thereby a contact between the first partial punch (2.21) and the bottom portion (IM) Transition region bottom frame and the frame portion (Γ .2) is made (Fig. 4). Before or after reaching the bottom dead center of the first partial punch (2.21), in a second step, a second partial punch (2.22) in the die (2.1) retracted to a contact between the second Make partial punch (2.22) and the flange area (.3). For example, by the addition of material in the flange (Γ .3) is at least partially, in particular along the longitudinal direction of the sheet metal component to be produced (1) before an excess. By retracting the second part punch (2.22) into the die (2.1), the flange area (3) is pressed in the direction of the die (2.1). The separation surface (.4) of the flange (Γ .3) comes into contact with a shoulder region (2.13) of the die (2.1), which by further retraction of the second part punch (2.22) in the die (2.1) at least partially pressurizing the Separating surface (Γ .4) of the flange (.3), in particular along the longitudinal extent of the sheet metal component to be produced (1) acts, thereby the pressure is further increased and at least partially thickening, in particular along the longitudinal extent of the hardened sheet metal component (1), in particular in the edge region near the edge of the flange region (1.3) or in the flange region (1.3) and / or the frame region (1.2) (FIG. 5). The sheet metal component (1) produced remains in the closed mold (2) until the desired microstructure has been established. Thereafter, the tool (2) is opened and the hardened sheet metal component (1) can be removed.

In a further example of the indirect hot working, the steps mentioned in connection with FIG. 1 are carried out, wherein, in contrast to the previous example, a preform (12) is produced which has no flange area and no transition area frame flange.

The heated preform (Γ) with a bottom region (.1), a transition region bottom frame and a frame region (Γ .2) is in an open tool (2), which actively via suitable means, for example, with a cooling liquid acted upon cooling channels (2 .X), which are arranged or integrated near the contour surface in the tool (2), cooled and a die (2.1) and a punch (2.2), inserted (Fig. 6). The closing of the tool (2) takes place in one step by retracting the punch (2.2) into the die (2.1) (FIG. 7). As a result of the adjusting material surplus or a targeted addition of material, there is an oversize in the frame area (Γ .2) at least in regions, in particular along the longitudinal extent of the sheet metal component (1) to be produced. Before reaching the bottom dead center of the punch (2.2) comes the parting surface (Γ .4) of the Zargenbereichs (Γ .2) into contact with a shoulder region (2.23) of the punch (2.2), which by further retraction of the punch (2.2) in the die (2.1) acts on the separating surface (VA) of the frame region (.2), at least in sections, in a pressurizing manner, in particular along the longitudinal extent of the sheet metal component (1) to be produced, thereby further increasing the pressure is increased and at least partially thickening, in particular along the longitudinal extent of the hardened sheet metal component (1), in particular in the edge region near the edge of the frame portion (1.2) or in the frame portion (1.2) itself leads (Fig. 8). The sheet metal component (1) produced remains in the closed mold (2) until the desired microstructure has been established. Thereafter, the tool (2) is opened and the hardened sheet metal component (1) can be removed. For receiving the thickening material, a corresponding free space in the die and / or stamp may be provided.

In another example of direct hot forming, a hardenable steel material is unwound from a coil (not shown), cut to length, and provided as a board to the further process, the board particularly preferably corresponding to a forming board (step A, FIG. 2). The molding board (10) may have a material addition with a length (L ¹ ) developed at least in regions in cross-section, which is for example between 0.5 and 4 mm longer compared to the unwound length (L) of the hardened sheet metal component (1). The molding board (10) is heated in an oven, preferably in a continuous furnace, to at least A _cl temperature, in particular completely to A _c3 temperature (step C, FIG. 2).

The heated forming plate (Γ) is placed in an open tool (2) for hardening, which is actively arranged or integrated by suitable means, for example cooling channels (2.X) acted upon by a cooling liquid, which are arranged near the contour surface in the tool (2). cooled and at least one die (2.1), a punch (2.2) and, if necessary, heatable hold-down (2.3), inserted (Fig. 9). The die (2.1) comprises a die area (2.11) displaceable relative to the die support surface, symbolized by the arrow. As a result of the (increasing) closing of the tool (2), the forming plate (10) is first shaped and then cured at least in regions by contact with the tool (2). The closing of the tool (2) takes place in several steps, wherein in the first step the down-holding device (2.3), which is heated as required, is lowered and held onto a spacer element (2.4) during the hot forming in order to support the guiding of the molding board edge. The spacer element (2.4) causes only selective contacts to the hot forming plate (Γ) arise and can also serve as a guide for inserting the warm forming plate (Γ). At the same time or offset in time, the die area (2.11) and the punch (2.2) or punch area are shifted relative to one another until they receive the forming board (12) between them in a clamping manner (FIG. 10). The clamped area corresponds to the trainee floor area (1.1) of the sheet metal component (1) to be produced. The Stamp (2.2) respectively stamp area and the die area (2.11) drive together with the clamped molding board () in the die (2.1) and a transition area floor frame, a frame area, a transition region frame flange and a flange area form with further retraction off (Figure 11). If the bottom region, the transition region of the bottom frame and essentially the frame region is formed, an excess remains in the flange region and / or in the transition region frame flange by the addition of material at least in regions, in particular along the longitudinal extent of the sheet metal component (1) to be produced. Before the bottom dead center is reached, the flange area is pressed in the direction of the die (2.1). The separating surface (.4) of the flange region comes into contact with a shoulder region (2.13) of the die (2.1), which by further retraction of the punch (2.2) in the die (2.1) at least partially pressurizing the release surface (Γ .4) of the flange region, in particular along the longitudinal extent of the sheet metal component (1) to be produced, thereby further increasing the pressure and resulting in an at least partially thickening, in particular along the longitudinal extension of the hardened sheet metal component (1), in particular in the edge region of the flange region or in the flange region and / or frame portion and / or transition region frame flange leads (Fig. 12). The sheet metal component (1) produced remains in the closed mold (2) until the desired microstructure has been established. Thereafter, the hardening tool (2) is opened and the hardened sheet metal component (1) can be removed.

In a further example of direct hot forming, the steps mentioned in connection with FIG. 2 are carried out, wherein, in contrast to the previous example, a hardened sheet-metal component without a flange region and without a transitional flange flange is produced.

The heated forming plate (Γ) is placed in an open tool (2) for hardening, which is actively arranged or integrated by suitable means, for example cooling channels (2.X) acted upon by a cooling liquid, which are arranged near the contour surface in the tool (2). cooled and at least one die (2.1), a punch (2.2) and a heated if necessary holding-down device (2.3), inserted (Fig. 13). The die (2.1) comprises a displaceable die area (2.11), symbolized by the arrow, and the die (2.2) is coupled to a die holder (2.24), wherein the die (2.2) to punch holder (2.24) in the working direction and moved away is arranged. A between spring (2.2) and punch holder (2.24) arranged spring element (2.25) keeps the punch (2.2) to the punch holder (2.24) at a distance. By closing the tool (2), the mold plate () is first formed and then hardened by the contact with the tool (2) at least partially. The closing of the tool (2) takes place in several steps, wherein in the first step the down-holding device (2.3), which is heated as required, is lowered and held onto a spacer element (2.4) during the hot forming in order to support the guiding of the molding board edge. The spacer element (2.4) causes only a few contact points to the hot forming plate () arise. At the same time or offset in time, the die area (2.11) and the punch (2.2) or punch area are shifted relative to one another until they receive the forming board () in a clamping manner. The clamped area corresponds to the trainee floor area (1.1) of the sheet metal component (1) to be produced. The punch (2.2) or the punch area and the die area (2.11), together with the clamped-in molding board (Γ), enter into the die (2.1) and a transition region of the bottom frame and a frame area are formed with further retraction (FIG. 14). , If the bottom area, the transition area floor-frame and essentially the floor-level frame area are formed, an excess remains in the frame area due to the addition of material, at least in places along the longitudinal orientation of the sheet metal component (1) to be produced. When the bottom dead center is reached, the parting surface (Γ .4) of the frame area comes into contact with a shoulder region (2.23) of the punch or punch holder (2.24) (FIG. 15). By increasing the pressure on the punch holder (2.24), the force of the spring element (2.25) is overcome and the punch (2.2) and the punch holder (2.24) approach. The shoulder region (2.23) thereby acts, at least in sections, on the separating surface (.4) of the frame region, in particular along the longitudinal extension of the sheet metal component (1) to be produced, and the further approximation between punch (2.2) and punch holder (2.24) leads to at least one In some areas thickness, in particular along the longitudinal extent of the hardened sheet metal component (1), in particular in the edge region near the edge of the frame region (1.2) or in the frame region (1.2) (FIG. The sheet metal component (1) produced remains in the closed mold (2) until the desired microstructure has been established. Thereafter, the tool (2) is opened and the hardened sheet metal component (1) can be removed.

FIGS. 17 and 18 show a further embodiment of a tool (2) or a further method which can be used for cold forming as well as for hot forming, which in contrast to the tool (2) and the described in or to Figures 9 to 12 a Divided die (2.1) consists of two die parts, an outer die part (2.121) and an inner die part (2.122), which can be separated from each other in the shoulder region (2.13) in vertical alignment and individually controlled and moved if necessary. Before a shaping plate is inserted into the tool (2), the outer die part (1.121) is moved horizontally into a parked position, so that a certain distance is established between the outer and inner die part (1.121, 1.122). After a mold plate has been inserted into the open mold (2) and mold has already been started by lowering the punch (2.2), the outer mold part (1.121) previously moved away from the inner mold part (1.122) allows the mold to close to the edge Edge region of the flange portion can be freely transferred to a position, so that shortly before the bottom dead center of the outer die part (2.121), for example driven via wedge slide, against the parting surface (1.4 ') of the flange, in particular along the longitudinal extent of the component to be generated (1 ) (Fig. 17). By increasing the pressure on the separating surface (Γ .4), the excess or excess material of the semifinished product is pressed into the flange region (FIG. 18), thereby acting in a pressurizing manner, at least in sections, whereby the component (1) acquires a dimensionally stable edge contour. For receiving the thickening material, a corresponding free space in the die and / or stamp may be provided. Thereafter, the tool (2) is opened and the component (1) can be removed.

FIGS. 19 to 23 show a method sequence according to a further embodiment of the invention for producing a particular hardened, flange-mounted sheet-metal component (1).

FIGS. 24 to 28 show a method sequence according to a further embodiment of the invention for producing a particularly hardened, flange-mounted sheet-metal component (1) with a frame region (1.2) running obliquely in contrast to the other exemplary embodiments.

FIGS. 29 to 33 show a method sequence according to a further embodiment of the invention for producing a particular hardened, flangeless sheet-metal component (1) with a frame region (1.2) running obliquely in contrast to the other exemplary embodiments. In the sectional view of the tool (2) in Figures 19 to 33, no cooling channels are shown. These are usually required to ensure sufficient heat dissipation for curing of the sheet metal component to be produced.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and to the general description. In particular, all the features mentioned can be combined with one another based on the method and on the tool. In the simplest embodiment, the component can be substantially planar and have only one bottom region, in particular be thickened in the edge region near the edge. Further versions of components with floor area, transition area floor-frame, frame area, optional transition area frame-floor and optional flange area have been described. In addition to steel, which can be processed both cold and hot, other metals such as aluminum, magnesium or other materials such as thermoplastic materials, which are particularly processable in the cold or warm state, can be used. The preferably hardened sheet metal component produced by the method according to the invention is used as a body or chassis component in passenger cars, commercial vehicles, commercial vehicles, trucks, special vehicles, buses, buses, agricultural machines, construction machines, whether with an internal combustion engine and / or electric drive, trailers or trailers , Also in vehicle attachment parts, such as in built battery boxes for electric or hybrid vehicles, produced according to the invention hardened sheet metal components can be used. Even in non-vehicle specific applications components produced according to the invention can be used.

Claims

claims

Method for producing a component having a bottom region, optionally a transition region bottom frame, optionally a frame region, optionally a transition region frame bottom and optionally a flange region, wherein a semifinished product is provided from a plastically deformable material, wherein the semifinished product has a longitudinal extent and a transverse extent having a peripheral edge contour with parting surface, wherein the semifinished product is processed in one or more stages in one or more tools for the production of the component, characterized in that the separating surface at least temporarily, in particular during or after the processing of the semifinished product for the production of the component, and at least in sections is in contact with the tool.

A method according to claim 1, characterized in that a semifinished product is provided from a hardenable steel material, which is subjected to at least a portion of the heat treatment in the form of a molding board, wherein the mold plate in particular heated above the A _cl temperature, one or more stages formed and is at least partially hardened by cooling or on the other hand, the preform is first cold-formed into a preform, the preform is subjected at least in areas heat treatment, the preform is heated above the A _cl temperature and then cured by cooling at least partially.

A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the semi-finished product is cold-formed into a preform having a bottom portion, a transition region, a frame region, optionally a transition region frame flange and optionally a flange, wherein at least the geometry of the preform or individual preform regions at least partially deviates from the geometry of the component or individual component areas.

A method according to claim 3, characterized in that the preform has a bottom portion, a transition region bottom frame and a Zargenbereich, the preform is heated in an oven, preferably in a continuous furnace to at least A _cl - temperature, the heated preform in an open tool for hardening, which is preferably actively cooled and comprises at least one die and a punch, is inserted and is hardened by closing the tool by the contact with the tool, the manufactured component at least partially, wherein the punch at least partially on the parting surface of the Zargenbereichs, in particular along the longitudinal extent of the component to be produced acts pressurizing.

5. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that the preform has a bottom portion, a transition region bottom frame, a frame portion, a transition region frame flange and a flange portion, the preform in an oven, preferably in a continuous furnace to at least A _cl - Temperature is heated, the heated preform in an open tool, which is preferably actively cooled and at least one die and a punch comprises, is inserted and is hardened by closing the tool by the contact with the tool, the sheet metal component produced at least partially, wherein the die and / or the stamp acts at least in sections on the separating surface of the flange region, in particular along the longitudinal extension of the component to be produced pressurizing.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that a punch is used consisting of a plurality of partial punches, wherein when closing the tool in a first step, a contact between a first part of the stamp and the bottom portion, the transition region bottom frame and the frame area and in one second step, a contact between a second part of the stamp and the flange are made.

7. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that the molding board is heated in an oven, preferably in a continuous furnace to at least A _cl temperature after heating the forming plate in an open tool, which is preferably actively cooled and at least one die and a punch comprises, is inserted, one or more stages formed by moving the tool and by closing the tool by the contact with the hardening tool, the manufactured component is at least partially cured, the punch and / or the die at least partially on the parting surface of the Zargenbereichs , in particular along the longitudinal extent of the component to be produced and / or the die and / or the stamp at least partially acts on the separating surface of the flange, in particular along the longitudinal extension of the component to be produced druckbeaufschlagend.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that the tool has a displaceable die area and / or a leading punch, which after inserting the heated forming board in the tool, the forming board together with the punch at least in the trainees bottom area to close the tool clamped fixed.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the tool has at least one, in particular heated hold-down, which after removal of the heated mold board in the tool before or after the collapse of the displaceable die area and the punch for guiding the forming board is lowered distanced becomes.

10. tool (2), in particular for hardening, in particular as part of a process line for producing a component (1) with a bottom region (1.1), optionally a transition region bottom frame, optionally a frame region (1.2), optionally a transition region frame flange and optionally a flange region (1.3) of a semifinished product, which consists of a plastically deformable material, wherein the semifinished product has a longitudinal extent and a transverse extent with a peripheral edge contour with parting surface (VA), in particular for carrying out the method according to one of the preceding claims, with a die (2.1) and with a punch (2.2), with means for moving the punch (2.2) and / or the die (2.1), with optional means for cooling (2.X) the tool (2), characterized that the separating surface (VA) at least temporarily, in particular during or after the processing of the semifinished product to the component, at least in sections in contact with the Werkz eug stands.

11. Tool according to claim 10, characterized in that the die (2.1) and / or the punch (2.2) are arranged such that they at least in sections on the parting surface (VA) of the bottom region (.1), the optional Zargenbereichs (. 2) or the optional flange (.3), in particular act along the longitudinal extension of the component to be produced (1) pressurizing.

12. Tool according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the punch (2.2) has a shoulder region (2.23) for acting on the parting surface (Γ .4) of the Zargenbereichs (.2) and / or the die (2.1) has a shoulder region (2.13) for acting on the parting surface (.4) of the optional flange area (Γ .3).

13. Tool according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the tool (2) has at least one, in particular heatable down device (2.3).

14. Tool according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the tool (2) has a substantially height-displaceable die area (2.11).

15. Tool according to one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that the punch (2.2) consists of several partial punches (2.21, 2.22).

16. Tool according to one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that the punch (2.2) with a punch holder (2.24) is coupled, wherein the punch (2.2) to the punch holder (2.24) in the working direction and is arranged wegbewegbar.

17. Tool according to one of claims 10 to 16, characterized in that the die (2.1) has an outer die part (2.121) and an inner die part (2.122), wherein in particular the outer die part (2.121) is horizontally movable.