DE19854114B4 - Internal high pressure forming tool - Google Patents

Abstract

Hydroforming tool for Forming a hollow workpiece (3), in particular a cross member a motor vehicle comprising a top and a bottom part (1), each with an engraving (2), in which the workpiece (3) can be introduced, characterized characterized in that both upper part and lower part (1) in the longitudinal direction of the workpiece (3) are divided into segments (4), wherein the hydroforming forming such is designed that individual segments (4) independent of the other segments (4) the upper part or the lower part (1) and removable by suitable other segments (4) are replaceable.

Description

The The present invention relates to a hydroforming tool for forming a hollow workpiece, in particular a cross member of a Motor vehicle, comprising an upper and a lower part with each an engraving in which the workpiece can be introduced.

An internal high-pressure forming tool of the aforementioned type is for example from the German patent application DE 196 18 626 A1 known. By means of the internal high-pressure forming tool described therein, for example, dashboard support of a motor vehicle can be formed. The cited document also discloses the possibility of attaching attachments to the dashboard by means of the hydroforming process by circulating collar flanges attached to the attachments through the material of the fitting carrier. A disadvantage of the pre-known hydroforming forming tool proves that in each case a separate hydroforming forming tool is used in each case for a particular type of a dashboard example. If, for example, different equipment variants are provided in a motor vehicle model in which different attachments are to be attached to the dashboard support, in each case a hydroforming forming tool of the aforementioned type must be created for each of the equipment variants. This is associated with considerable tooling costs and a large tool change effort.

From the German patent application DE 196 20 484 A1 For example, an internal high pressure forming tool is known, which comprises a movable lid and a bottom, a plurality of movable side wall segments. After forming a workpiece, the sidewall segments can be moved outwards and the lid up to allow removal of the workpiece.

From the German patent application DE 21 31 811 A a hydroforming forming tool is known, which consists of an inner part and an outer part surrounding the inner part. In the hydroforming process, the shape of the workpiece is pressed against the inner contour of the outer molding and adapted to it. The outer molding may consist of individual segments.

The The problem underlying the present invention is the creation an internal high-pressure forming tool of the type mentioned, which is more flexible.

This is characterized according to the invention achieved that both upper part and lower part in the longitudinal direction of the workpiece are divided into segments, wherein the hydroforming forming such is designed that individual segments independent of other segments the upper part or the lower part and removable by suitable others Segments are replaceable. Depending on the requirement of the to be created Equipment variant of the motor vehicle can thus be a different Segment in the upper part or the lower part of the hydroforming forming tool according to the invention be used. This way is also for different trim levels or for different widths of the example dashboard only a single hydroforming forming necessary, so that the Tool change effort is low, since only individual segments need to be replaced.

With a preferred embodiment of the present invention are means for attaching attachments for each an attachment to be mounted on each one segment of the upper part and / or arranged the lower part, so that when changing the segments resulting effort is minimized. The hydroforming forming tool according to the invention provides So for different vehicle variants each the right tool constellation ready.

Further Advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent with reference to the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the attached figures. Show in it

1 a perspective schematic view of a lower part of a hydroforming forming tool according to the invention;

2 a perspective schematic view of a means of in 1 partially formed hydroforming deformed workpiece.

An inventive hydroforming forming tool usually consists of a lower part 1 and an unillustrated top. Both lower part 1 as well as top are with an engraving 2 provided the shape of the workpiece 3 to be adapted during the hydroforming process.

The lower part 1 as well as the top of the inside high-pressure forming tool are in the direction of the elongation of the workpiece formed, for example, as a straight pipe section before deformation 3 in segments 4 divided. According to the invention, these segments 4 interchangeable, so that depending on the intended use of the finished molded workpiece 3 suitable segments 4 strung together to the desired workpiece by the hydroforming process 3 to shape. In this way, in particular body supports such as dashboard support for different vehicle types can be made with only one hydroforming forming tool, which consists of suitable segments 4 is composed.

This in 2 pictured workpiece 3 exemplifies a curved longitudinal axis with a central shape 5 as well as by the hydroforming process permanently attached attachments 6 on. An attachment of such attachments 6 by means of the hydroforming process, for example, from DE 196 18 626 A1 Known in which attached to the attachments collar flanges are attached by flowing the material of the workpiece to this. The average shape 5 can be formed, for example, characterized in that the lower part 1 one of the segments 4 a mold cavity 7 has, which corresponds to a corresponding punch of the upper part. For deformation, the workpiece 3 in the engraving 2 of the lower part 1 inserted, wherein in the approximately in the middle segment 4 below the workpiece 3 the mold cavity 7 is located. After merging upper and lower part 1 of the hydroforming die and actuation of axial punches through which fluid passages for introducing the high-pressure medium pass, after the workpiece has been filled 3 with the high pressure medium of the mold cavity 7 opposite bending punch moved down.

The in the 1 and 2 imaged contours of the workpiece 3 or the segments 4 of the lower part 1 of the hydroforming forming tool are selected by way of example. According to the invention, for example, a plurality of segments 4 from lower part 1 and upper part of the hydroforming die are integrated into a hydroforming die suitable for forming the workpiece 3 to achieve that of the imaged middle molding 5 resemble. Furthermore, more or fewer segments can also be used 4 Use find the attachment of attachments 6 or other attachments not shown.

1

lower part

2

engraving

3

workpiece

4

segment

5

middle formation

6

attachment

7

mold cavity

Claims (4)

Internal high-pressure forming tool for forming a hollow workpiece ( 3 ), in particular a crossbeam of a motor vehicle, comprising an upper part and a lower part ( 1 ), each with an engraving ( 2 ) into which the workpiece ( 3 ) can be introduced, characterized in that both upper part and lower part ( 1 ) in the longitudinal direction of the workpiece ( 3 ) into segments ( 4 ), wherein the hydroforming forming tool is designed such that individual segments ( 4 ) independently of the other segments ( 4 ) the upper part or the lower part ( 1 ) and by suitable other segments ( 4 ) are replaceable. Internal high-pressure forming tool according to claim 1, characterized in that the hydroforming forming tool comprises means which facilitate the attachment of attachments ( 6 ) on the workpiece ( 3 ). Internal high-pressure forming tool according to claim 2, characterized in that the means for attaching attachments ( 6 ) for an attachment to be attached ( 6 ) are arranged in each case on a segment of the upper part and / or of the lower part. Internal high pressure forming tool according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the internal high pressure forming tool is designed such that as a workpiece ( 3 ) a dashboard of a motor vehicle can be reshaped.