EP2669023B1 - Apparatus and method for manufacturing a large-caliber product using hydroforming - Google Patents
Apparatus and method for manufacturing a large-caliber product using hydroforming Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2669023B1 EP2669023B1 EP11856774.2A EP11856774A EP2669023B1 EP 2669023 B1 EP2669023 B1 EP 2669023B1 EP 11856774 A EP11856774 A EP 11856774A EP 2669023 B1 EP2669023 B1 EP 2669023B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- axial
- punches
- hydroforming
- manufacturing
- punch
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Active
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 58
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 title claims description 41
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 72
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 claims description 72
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 claims description 72
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims description 44
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 claims description 40
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 35
- 238000007599 discharging Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 239000000047 product Substances 0.000 description 29
- 230000002706 hydrostatic effect Effects 0.000 description 10
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000012467 final product Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000005482 strain hardening Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000007634 remodeling Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000007792 addition Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000137 annealing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007796 conventional method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006467 substitution reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D—WORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS OR PROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D26/00—Shaping without cutting otherwise than using rigid devices or tools or yieldable or resilient pads, i.e. applying fluid pressure or magnetic forces
- B21D26/02—Shaping without cutting otherwise than using rigid devices or tools or yieldable or resilient pads, i.e. applying fluid pressure or magnetic forces by applying fluid pressure
- B21D26/033—Deforming tubular bodies
- B21D26/041—Means for controlling fluid parameters, e.g. pressure or temperature
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D—WORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS OR PROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D26/00—Shaping without cutting otherwise than using rigid devices or tools or yieldable or resilient pads, i.e. applying fluid pressure or magnetic forces
- B21D26/02—Shaping without cutting otherwise than using rigid devices or tools or yieldable or resilient pads, i.e. applying fluid pressure or magnetic forces by applying fluid pressure
- B21D26/033—Deforming tubular bodies
- B21D26/045—Closing or sealing means
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D—WORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS OR PROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D26/00—Shaping without cutting otherwise than using rigid devices or tools or yieldable or resilient pads, i.e. applying fluid pressure or magnetic forces
- B21D26/02—Shaping without cutting otherwise than using rigid devices or tools or yieldable or resilient pads, i.e. applying fluid pressure or magnetic forces by applying fluid pressure
- B21D26/033—Deforming tubular bodies
- B21D26/047—Mould construction
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D—WORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS OR PROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D37/00—Tools as parts of machines covered by this subclass
- B21D37/10—Die sets; Pillar guides
- B21D37/12—Particular guiding equipment, e.g. pliers; Special arrangements for interconnection or cooperation of dies
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D—WORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS OR PROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D53/00—Making other particular articles
- B21D53/26—Making other particular articles wheels or the like
- B21D53/30—Making other particular articles wheels or the like wheel rims
Definitions
- the present invention relates, in general, to an apparatus and method for manufacturing a large-caliber product using a hydroforming process and, more particularly, to an apparatus and method for manufacturing a large-caliber product which can minimize a sealing force that acts in an axial direction of the large-caliber product when the product is manufactured.
- large-caliber products such as wheel rims for vehicles are produced mainly by roll forming processes.
- a tube is shaped by several stepwise roll forming operations such that a flange is expanded to reach an area at which a wheel rim makes contact with a tire.
- the expanded tube is shaped by an additional two or three roll forming operations using rolls which are disposed inside and outside the tube.
- a size compensation operation using an expender is carried out, thus completely forming a wheel rim for vehicles.
- the roll forming process is used to manufacture a wheel rim for vehicles, because a tubular steel substance is processed by several stepwise roll forming operations, the productivity is comparatively low.
- a heat treatment process such as an annealing process must accompany the roll forming process, since severe local work hardening is induced during the roll forming process which is carried out at room temperature.
- a typical hydroforming process which is used to manufacture a torsion beam for vehicles includes: an operation of bending a tubular steel substance in response to the shape of a final product; an operation of forming the bending-processed steel substance through press work into a shape in which it can be seated into a hydroforming mold; and a hydroforming operation of supplying fluid onto an inner surface of the steel substance and pressurizing the inner surface thereof to expand the diameter of the steel substance, thus completing a final product.
- the method for manufacturing a large-caliber product using the hydroforming process can provide several advantages, compared to the method using the roll forming process.
- the problem is that because sealing force that acts in the axial direction of a steel substance when the large-caliber product is formed is very large, it is not easy to manufacture an axial pressurization cylinder or mold which can withstand the large sealing force.
- an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for manufacturing a large-caliber product using a hydroforming process which is configured such that axial punches which are disposed at opposite sides of the apparatus so as to be movable towards each other can be coupled to each other, whereby sealing force that acts in the axial direction when the large-caliber product is manufactured can be minimized.
- the present invention provides an apparatus as defined in claim 1.
- the present invention provides a method as defined in claim 6.
- an apparatus and method for manufacturing a large-caliber product using a hydroforming process according to the present invention it is possible to produce a final product using only a single process. Thanks to a reduced number of processes, the production cost can be reduced, and the productivity of the apparatus can be markedly enhanced.
- the hydroforming manufacturing apparatus is advantageous in that a steel substance can be uniformly shaped by hydrostatic pressure of fluid without local work hardening being caused. Therefore, a separate heat treatment process is not required.
- the hydroforming manufacturing apparatus makes it possible to precisely shape the steel substance.
- the products produced by the present invention are superior in terms of shape uniformity and roundness (the center of gravity) .
- a hydroforming manufacturing apparatus includes upper and lower molds 1 and 2 into which a steel substance 3 is seated, first and second axial punches 10 and 20 which are moved from opposite sides of the upper and lower molds 1 and 2 into the upper and lower molds 1 and 2 to seal the steel substance 3, and first and second pressurization cylinders 15 and 25 which respectively move the first and second axial punches 10 and 20 in the horizontal direction.
- first and second pressurization cylinders 15 and 25 which respectively move the first and second axial punches 10 and 20 in the horizontal direction.
- the steel substance 3 is placed onto the lower mold 2.
- the upper mold 1 is moved downwards to close the entirety of the molds.
- the first and second pressurization cylinders 15 and 25 respectively move the first and second axial punches 10 and 20 towards each other from the opposite sides of the upper and lower molds 1 and 2, thus sealing opposite sides of the steel substance 3.
- a diameter d 0 of each of the first and second axial punches 10 and 20 is the same as a diameter d 0 of the steel substance 3 so that the opposite sides of the steel substance 3 can be sealed.
- fluid is supplied into the steel substance 3 through an oil-pressure passage 22 which is formed in at least one of the first and second axial punches 10 and 20, thus pressurizing an inner surface of the steel substance 3.
- Hydrostatic pressure of the fluid that is applied to the steel substance 3 expands the diameter of the steel substance 3.
- the steel substance 3 is brought into close contact with the upper and lower molds 1 and 2 and thus shaped into a shape of a wheel rim for vehicles.
- high pressure is also applied to the first and second axial punches 10 and 20.
- Sufficient sealing force to withstand the high pressure must be applied to the first and second axial punches 10 and 20 so that hydrostatic pressure of the fluid can be continuously applied to the inner surface of the steel substance 3.
- the sealing force applied to the first and second axial punches 10 and 20 is increased in proportion to a cross-sectional area of a portion to which fluid is applied.
- the sealing force is increased in proportion to the square of the diameter of the steel substance 3. The reason for this is due to the fact that if the diameter of the steel substance 3 is d0, fluid is applied to the entirety of the cross-sectional area ( ⁇ d 0 2 ) of the first or second axial punch which has the same diameter as that of the steel substance 3. Therefore, when a large-caliber product such as a wheel rim for vehicles is manufactured, sealing force applied to the first and second axial punches 10 and 20 is exponentially increased as the diameter of the product is increased.
- the apparatus must be remodeled to have high-pressure cylinders which are required to manufacture a large-caliber product. For this, a massive remodeling process is required, and this process is expensive. In the worst case, a layout of the apparatus would be changed in such a way that the molds are not installed, making it impossible to produce a large-caliber product.
- the inventor of the present invention introduces a method in which the sealing force can be effectively reduced by changing the shaft of the axial punches rather than remodeling the cylinders.
- an apparatus and method for manufacturing a large-caliber product using a hydroforming process according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.
- a hydroforming manufacturing apparatus includes: upper and lower molds 1 and 2 into which a steel substance 3 having a large caliber is seated; a first axial punch 30 and a second axial punch 40 which are disposed on opposite sides of the steel substance 3 so as to be movable towards the steel substance 3 and respectively have front surfaces that are configured so as to be insertable into each other; a first pressurization cylinder 50 and a second pressurization cylinder 60 which respectively move the first axial punch 30 and the second axial punch 40 and inserts the first and second axial punches 30 and 40 into each other to form a sealing space A defined by both axial punches and a pressurization space B defined by an inner surface of the steel substance and both axial punches; and a hydroforming control unit (not shown) which supplies fluid into the pressurization space through an oil-pressure passage 42 formed in at least one of the first and second axial punches 30 and 40 so as to pressurize the inner surface of
- the construction of the hydroforming manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention is the same as that of the conventional hydroforming manufacturing apparatus in terms of the fact that the apparatus includes the upper and lower molds 1 and 2 into which the steel substance 3 is seated, the first and second axial punches 30 and 40 which are moved from the opposite sides of the upper and lower molds 1 and 2 towards the steel substance 3 so as to seal the steel substance, and the first and second pressurization cylinders 50 and 60 which horizontally move the first and second axial punches 30 and 40.
- the hydroforming manufacturing apparatus is configured such that the first axial punch 30 and the second axial punch 40 can be moved towards each other and inserted into the steel substance 3.
- a diameter d 1 of the first axial punch 30 is smaller than the diameter d 0 of the steel substance 3.
- a diameter d 2 of the second axial punch 40 is also smaller than the diameter d 0 of the steel substance 3.
- the diameter of each of the first axial punch 30 and the second axial punch 40 is formed such that a distance between the axial punch and the steel substance is minimized without making contact therebetween.
- the hydroforming manufacturing apparatus is configured such that the first axial punch 30 and the second axial punch 40 are inserted into each other in the steel substance 3.
- a protrusion and a depression are formed in the front surface of each axial punch such that the axial punches can correspond to each other.
- the sealing space A is defined by both axial punches
- the pressurization space B is defined by the inner surface of the steel substance and both axial punches are formed.
- the protrusion and the depression of each axial punch can be formed in any shapes, so long as the sealing space A and the pressurization space B can be formed when the axial punches are coupled to each other.
- the axial punches are coupled to each other, whereby space into which fluid is drawn is limited. Thereby, the cross-sectional area of a portion of each axial punch that makes with fluid can be reduced. As a result, the sealing force corresponding to the hydrostatic pressure of fluid can be reduced.
- the present invention is based on this technical idea. The inventor of the present invention introduces the following additional elements to embody the above-stated technical idea.
- Separate sealing members 70 are provided on portions of the first and second axial punches 30 and 40 which form the sealing space A.
- the technical idea of the present invention is that the sealing space A into which no fluid flows is formed by coupling the first and second axial punches 30 and 40 to each other. Therefore, if fluid enters the sealing space A during the hydroforming process, the effect of reducing the sealing force cannot be obtained.
- the sealing members 70 are preferably provided on the portions that form the sealing space A.
- each sealing member 70 is preferably an O-ring. Furthermore, any member can be used as the sealing member 70, so long as it can provide a sealing effect that can prevent fluid from entering the sealing space A.
- an air hole 32 is formed in at least one of the first and second axial punches 30 and 40 so that air can be discharged to the outside from the sealing space A through the air hole 32. Because the first axial punch 30 and the second axial punch 40 are continuously moved towards each other during the hydroforming process, if the air hole 32 is not formed, air that has been in the sealing space A is compressed, thus acting as reaction force which impedes movement of the first and second axial punches 30 and 40. Since fluid does not enter the sealing space A, the air hole 32 may be configured such that it communicates with the outside of the axial punch.
- the oil-pressure passage 42 may be formed such that fluid is supplied through a junction 44 between a body of the second axial punch 40 and the inner surface of the steel substance 3.
- the body of the axial punch and the inner surface of the steel substance are spaced apart from each other by the minimum distance without making contact therebetween. Therefore, when fluid is supplied through the junction between the body of the second axial punch and the inner surface of the steel substance 3, the fluid can be drawn into the pressurization space B through the space between the second axial punch and the steel substance.
- the oil-pressure passage 42 may be configured such that it communicates with the pressurization space B at a portion 46 that directly meets the pressurization space B.
- a stepped portion 48 is preferably provided on the second axial punch 40 to seal the corresponding side end of the steel substance 3.
- the steel substance 3 having a large-caliber is seated onto the lower mold 2, and the upper mold 1 is moved downwards to close the entirety of the molds. Thereafter, the first and second axial punches 30 and 40 which have the front surfaces that can be coupled to each other are respectively disposed on the opposite sides of the steel substance 3 [(a) of Fig. 4 ].
- the first axial punch 30 and the second axial punch 40 are moved towards the steel substance 3 from the opposite sides of the steel substance 3 and then inserted into each other.
- the sealing space A which is defined only by the first and second axial punches 30 and 40
- the pressurization space B which is defined by the inner surface of the steel substance 3 and the first and second axial punches 30 and 40 are formed [(b) of Fig. 4 ].
- the air hole 32 is formed in at least one of the first and second axial punches 30 and 40, when the first and second axial punches 30 and 40 move forwards, air can be discharged out of the sealing space A through the air hole 32.
- the reason for this is due to the fact that, if air is compressed in the sealing space A, the compressed air may impede the operation of the first and second axial punches 30 and 40.
- Fig. 4 shows an embodiment in which fluid is supplied into the junction between the body of the second axial punch 40 and the inner surface of the steel substance 3 through the oil-pressure passage 42 and then drawn into the pressurization space B that is defined in front of the junction.
- the stepped portions 48 are respectively provided on the first and second axial punches 30 and 40 so that the opposite side ends of the steel substance 3 can be reliably sealed.
- the oil-pressure passage 42 may be configured such that it directly communicates with the pressurization space B has been illustrated with reference to Fig. 3 .
- the first axial punch 30 and the second axial punch 40 gradually move forwards to enable the fluid to compensate for expanded space and continuously pressurize the inner surface of the steel substance 3 [(d) of Fig. 4 ].
- a large-caliber product formed by the hydroforming method is ultimately produced.
- Fig. 5 shows the result of analysis on the formation of a wheel rim 80 for vehicles produced by the manufacturing method according to the present invention.
- the present invention makes it possible to more precisely form the steel substance compared to that of the typical roll forming process. Therefore, the products produced by the present invention are superior in terms of shape uniformity and roundness (the center of gravity).
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- Shaping Metal By Deep-Drawing, Or The Like (AREA)
Description
- The present invention relates, in general, to an apparatus and method for manufacturing a large-caliber product using a hydroforming process and, more particularly, to an apparatus and method for manufacturing a large-caliber product which can minimize a sealing force that acts in an axial direction of the large-caliber product when the product is manufactured.
- Generally, large-caliber products such as wheel rims for vehicles are produced mainly by roll forming processes. In such a roll forming process, a tube is shaped by several stepwise roll forming operations such that a flange is expanded to reach an area at which a wheel rim makes contact with a tire. Thereafter, the expanded tube is shaped by an additional two or three roll forming operations using rolls which are disposed inside and outside the tube. Subsequently, a size compensation operation using an expender is carried out, thus completely forming a wheel rim for vehicles.
- However, in the case where the roll forming process is used to manufacture a wheel rim for vehicles, because a tubular steel substance is processed by several stepwise roll forming operations, the productivity is comparatively low. In addition, a heat treatment process such as an annealing process must accompany the roll forming process, since severe local work hardening is induced during the roll forming process which is carried out at room temperature.
- In an effort to overcome the above-mentioned problems of the apparatus using the roll forming process, methods for manufacturing large-caliber products such as wheel rims for vehicles using hydroforming processes are being studied.
- A typical hydroforming process which is used to manufacture a torsion beam for vehicles includes: an operation of bending a tubular steel substance in response to the shape of a final product; an operation of forming the bending-processed steel substance through press work into a shape in which it can be seated into a hydroforming mold; and a hydroforming operation of supplying fluid onto an inner surface of the steel substance and pressurizing the inner surface thereof to expand the diameter of the steel substance, thus completing a final product.
- In the case of a large-caliber product that is comparatively short and has a simple shape, such as a wheel rim, it can be formed only by the simple hydroforming process. Therefore, compared to the manufacturing process using the roll forming process which requires several steps to be carried out, the apparatus using the hydroforming process can markedly enhance the productivity. Furthermore, fluid applies hydrostatic pressure to the entirety of the inner surface of the steel substance, thus making it possible to uniformly shape the steel substance without causing local work hardening. Therefore, a separate heat treatment process is not required.
- As such, the method for manufacturing a large-caliber product using the hydroforming process can provide several advantages, compared to the method using the roll forming process. However, there is a problem that must be solved in order to manufacture a large-caliber product using the hydroforming manufacturing apparatus. The problem is that because sealing force that acts in the axial direction of a steel substance when the large-caliber product is formed is very large, it is not easy to manufacture an axial pressurization cylinder or mold which can withstand the large sealing force.
- From
US 4 414 834 A there is known an apparatus for manufacturing a large-caliber product using a hydroforming process, comprising:upper and lower molds into which a tubular steel substance having a large caliber is seated, the upper mold being movable downward to close an entirety of the upper and lower molds;a first axial punch and a second axial punch disposed with the molds so as to be movable towards each other, the first and second axial punches having front surfaces configured so as to be insertable into each other; a first pressurization cylinder moving the upper mold together with the first axial punch towards the second axial punch and towards the lower mold and inserting the first and second axial punches into each other, thus forming a sealing space defined by the first and second axial punches and a pressurization space defined by an inner surface of the steel substance and the first and second axial punches; and a hydroforming control unit supplying fluid into the pressurization space through an oil-pressure passage formed in the second axial punch so as to pressurize the inner surface of the steel substance, thus forming the large caliber product. - Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for manufacturing a large-caliber product using a hydroforming process which is configured such that axial punches which are disposed at opposite sides of the apparatus so as to be movable towards each other can be coupled to each other, whereby sealing force that acts in the axial direction when the large-caliber product is manufactured can be minimized.
- In order to accomplish the above object, in an aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus as defined in
claim 1. - In another aspect, the present invention provides a method as defined in claim 6.
- In an apparatus and method for manufacturing a large-caliber product using a hydroforming process according to the present invention, it is possible to produce a final product using only a single process. Thanks to a reduced number of processes, the production cost can be reduced, and the productivity of the apparatus can be markedly enhanced.
- Furthermore, the hydroforming manufacturing apparatus is advantageous in that a steel substance can be uniformly shaped by hydrostatic pressure of fluid without local work hardening being caused. Therefore, a separate heat treatment process is not required.
- Moreover, the hydroforming manufacturing apparatus makes it possible to precisely shape the steel substance. Thus, the products produced by the present invention are superior in terms of shape uniformity and roundness (the center of gravity) .
-
-
Fig. 1 is a view showing a conventional apparatus for manufacturing a large-caliber product using a hydroforming process; -
Fig. 2 is a view illustrating an apparatus for manufacturing a large-caliber product using a hydroforming process, according to the present invention; -
Fig. 3 is an enlarged view showing an axial punch of the apparatus ofFig. 2 ; -
Fig. 4 is a view illustrating a hydroforming manufacturing method, according to the present invention; and -
Fig. 5 is a view showing an example of a large-caliber product manufactured by the method according to the present invention. -
- 1: upper mold 2: lower mold
- 3: steel substance 30: first axial punch
- 40: second axial punch 50: first pressurization cylinder
- 60: second pressurization cylinder 70: sealing member
- 80: vehicle wheel rim
- As described above, if a large-caliber product such as a wheel rim for vehicles is manufactured by the conventional hydroforming manufacturing apparatus, sealing force acting in the axial direction markedly increases, thus making it difficult to operate the apparatus normally. The reason for this will be explained with reference to
Fig. 1 . - A hydroforming manufacturing apparatus includes upper and
lower molds steel substance 3 is seated, first and secondaxial punches lower molds lower molds steel substance 3, and first andsecond pressurization cylinders axial punches - First, the
steel substance 3 is placed onto thelower mold 2. Theupper mold 1 is moved downwards to close the entirety of the molds. Thereafter, the first andsecond pressurization cylinders axial punches lower molds steel substance 3. As shown in sectional view 1-1' ofFig. 1 , a diameter d0 of each of the first and secondaxial punches steel substance 3 so that the opposite sides of thesteel substance 3 can be sealed. - After the
steel substance 3 has been sealed, fluid is supplied into thesteel substance 3 through an oil-pressure passage 22 which is formed in at least one of the first and secondaxial punches steel substance 3. Hydrostatic pressure of the fluid that is applied to thesteel substance 3 expands the diameter of thesteel substance 3. As a result, thesteel substance 3 is brought into close contact with the upper andlower molds steel substance 3 is being shaped by hydrostatic pressure of fluid, high pressure is also applied to the first and secondaxial punches axial punches steel substance 3. - The sealing force applied to the first and second
axial punches steel substance 3. The reason for this is due to the fact that if the diameter of thesteel substance 3 is d0, fluid is applied to the entirety of the cross-sectional area (π d0 2) of the first or second axial punch which has the same diameter as that of thesteel substance 3. Therefore, when a large-caliber product such as a wheel rim for vehicles is manufactured, sealing force applied to the first and secondaxial punches - However, because the maximum pressure of the first and
second pressurization cylinders - To solve the above-mentioned problems, the inventor of the present invention introduces a method in which the sealing force can be effectively reduced by changing the shaft of the axial punches rather than remodeling the cylinders. Hereinafter, an apparatus and method for manufacturing a large-caliber product using a hydroforming process according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.
- As shown in
Figs. 2 and3 , a hydroforming manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention includes: upper andlower molds steel substance 3 having a large caliber is seated; a firstaxial punch 30 and a secondaxial punch 40 which are disposed on opposite sides of thesteel substance 3 so as to be movable towards thesteel substance 3 and respectively have front surfaces that are configured so as to be insertable into each other; a first pressurization cylinder 50 and a second pressurization cylinder 60 which respectively move the firstaxial punch 30 and the secondaxial punch 40 and inserts the first and secondaxial punches pressure passage 42 formed in at least one of the first and secondaxial punches steel substance 3, thereby forming a large caliber product. - Comparing
Figs. 1 and 2 to each other, the construction of the hydroforming manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention is the same as that of the conventional hydroforming manufacturing apparatus in terms of the fact that the apparatus includes the upper andlower molds steel substance 3 is seated, the first and secondaxial punches lower molds steel substance 3 so as to seal the steel substance, and the first and second pressurization cylinders 50 and 60 which horizontally move the first and secondaxial punches - However, unlike in the conventional technique, the hydroforming manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention is configured such that the first
axial punch 30 and the secondaxial punch 40 can be moved towards each other and inserted into thesteel substance 3. In other words, as shown in sectional view 2-2' ofFig. 3 , a diameter d1 of the firstaxial punch 30 is smaller than the diameter d0 of thesteel substance 3. A diameter d2 of the secondaxial punch 40 is also smaller than the diameter d0 of thesteel substance 3. In more detail, the diameter of each of the firstaxial punch 30 and the secondaxial punch 40 is formed such that a distance between the axial punch and the steel substance is minimized without making contact therebetween. - Furthermore, the hydroforming manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention is configured such that the first
axial punch 30 and the secondaxial punch 40 are inserted into each other in thesteel substance 3. For this, a protrusion and a depression are formed in the front surface of each axial punch such that the axial punches can correspond to each other. When the firstaxial punch 30 and the secondaxial punch 40 are moved towards each other by the first pressurization cylinder 50 and the second pressurization cylinder 60 and are coupled to each other, the sealing space A is defined by both axial punches, and the pressurization space B is defined by the inner surface of the steel substance and both axial punches are formed. As such, the protrusion and the depression of each axial punch can be formed in any shapes, so long as the sealing space A and the pressurization space B can be formed when the axial punches are coupled to each other. - After the sealing space A and the pressurization space B have been formed by coupling the first and second
axial punches pressure passage 42 which is formed in at least one of the first and secondaxial punches steel substance 3. At this time, the fluid does not enter the sealing space A. Therefore, hydrostatic pressure applied by the fluid is limited to the pressurization space B. As a result, a cross-sectional area of a portion to which the hydrostatic pressure is applied is markedly reduced. The sealing force applied to the firstaxial punch 30 and the secondaxial punch 40 can also be markedly reduced. - As such, the axial punches are coupled to each other, whereby space into which fluid is drawn is limited. Thereby, the cross-sectional area of a portion of each axial punch that makes with fluid can be reduced. As a result, the sealing force corresponding to the hydrostatic pressure of fluid can be reduced. The present invention is based on this technical idea. The inventor of the present invention introduces the following additional elements to embody the above-stated technical idea.
- Separate sealing
members 70 are provided on portions of the first and secondaxial punches axial punches members 70 are preferably provided on the portions that form the sealing space A. - Given the fact that each axial punch has a cylindrical shape, each sealing
member 70 is preferably an O-ring. Furthermore, any member can be used as the sealingmember 70, so long as it can provide a sealing effect that can prevent fluid from entering the sealing space A. - Preferably, an
air hole 32 is formed in at least one of the first and secondaxial punches air hole 32. Because the firstaxial punch 30 and the secondaxial punch 40 are continuously moved towards each other during the hydroforming process, if theair hole 32 is not formed, air that has been in the sealing space A is compressed, thus acting as reaction force which impedes movement of the first and secondaxial punches air hole 32 may be configured such that it communicates with the outside of the axial punch. - As shown in the lower portion of
Fig. 3 , the oil-pressure passage 42 may be formed such that fluid is supplied through ajunction 44 between a body of the secondaxial punch 40 and the inner surface of thesteel substance 3. As stated above, the body of the axial punch and the inner surface of the steel substance are spaced apart from each other by the minimum distance without making contact therebetween. Therefore, when fluid is supplied through the junction between the body of the second axial punch and the inner surface of thesteel substance 3, the fluid can be drawn into the pressurization space B through the space between the second axial punch and the steel substance. To increase the rate at which fluid is supplied into the pressurization space B, as shown in the upper portion ofFig. 3 , the oil-pressure passage 42 may be configured such that it communicates with the pressurization space B at aportion 46 that directly meets the pressurization space B. - As shown in
Fig. 3 , when fluid is supplied through the oil-pressure passage 42 into the junction between the body of the secondaxial punch 40 and the inner surface of thesteel substance 3, some of the fluid flows forwards and enters the pressurization space B, but the rest may flow backwards and leak out of the secondaxial punch 40. To prevent the leakage, as shown in the enlarged view ofFig. 3 , a steppedportion 48 is preferably provided on the secondaxial punch 40 to seal the corresponding side end of thesteel substance 3. - Hereinafter, the method for manufacturing the large-caliber product using the hydroforming process according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to
Fig. 4 . - First, the
steel substance 3 having a large-caliber is seated onto thelower mold 2, and theupper mold 1 is moved downwards to close the entirety of the molds. Thereafter, the first and secondaxial punches Fig. 4 ]. - Subsequently, the first
axial punch 30 and the secondaxial punch 40 are moved towards thesteel substance 3 from the opposite sides of thesteel substance 3 and then inserted into each other. Thereby, the sealing space A which is defined only by the first and secondaxial punches steel substance 3 and the first and secondaxial punches Fig. 4 ]. - Because the
air hole 32 is formed in at least one of the first and secondaxial punches axial punches air hole 32. The reason for this is due to the fact that, if air is compressed in the sealing space A, the compressed air may impede the operation of the first and secondaxial punches - Thereafter, fluid is supplied into the pressurization space B through at least one of the first and second
axial punches Fig. 4]. Fig. 4 shows an embodiment in which fluid is supplied into the junction between the body of the secondaxial punch 40 and the inner surface of thesteel substance 3 through the oil-pressure passage 42 and then drawn into the pressurization space B that is defined in front of the junction. - In this case, because some of the fluid may flow backwards and leak out of the second
axial punch 40, the steppedportions 48 are respectively provided on the first and secondaxial punches steel substance 3 can be reliably sealed. - Meanwhile, the fact that the oil-
pressure passage 42 may be configured such that it directly communicates with the pressurization space B has been illustrated with reference toFig. 3 . - After the diameter of the
steel substance 3 has started to be expanded by hydrostatic pressure of fluid, the firstaxial punch 30 and the secondaxial punch 40 gradually move forwards to enable the fluid to compensate for expanded space and continuously pressurize the inner surface of the steel substance 3 [(d) ofFig. 4 ]. As a result, a large-caliber product formed by the hydroforming method is ultimately produced. -
Fig. 5 shows the result of analysis on the formation of awheel rim 80 for vehicles produced by the manufacturing method according to the present invention. As described above, thanks to the characteristics that hydrostatic pressure of fluid is uniformly applied to the entirety of a steel substance, the present invention makes it possible to more precisely form the steel substance compared to that of the typical roll forming process. Therefore, the products produced by the present invention are superior in terms of shape uniformity and roundness (the center of gravity). - Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.
Description of the Reference Numerals in the Drawings
Claims (8)
- An apparatus for manufacturing a large-caliber product using a hydroforming process, comprising:upper and lower molds (1, 2) into which a tubular steel substance (3) having a large caliber is seated, the upper mold (1) being movable downward to close an entirety of the upper and lower molds (1, 2);a first axial punch (30) and a second axial punch (40) disposed on opposite sides of the upper and lower molds (1, 2) so as to be movable horizontally towards each other, the first and second axial punches (30, 40) having front surfaces configured so as to be insertable into each other;a first pressurization cylinder (50) and a second pressurization cylinder (60) respectively moving the first axial punch (30) and the second axial punch (40) towards each other and inserting the first and second axial punches (30, 40) into each other, thus forming a sealing space (A) defined by the first and second axial punches (30, 40) and a pressurization space (B) defined by an inner surface of the steel substance (3) and the first and second axial punches (30, 40); anda hydroforming control unit supplying fluid into the pressurization space (B) through an oil-pressure passage (42) formed in at least one of the first and second axial punches (30, 40) so as to pressurize the inner surface of the steel substance (3), thus forming the large caliber product.
- The apparatus for manufacturing a large-caliber product using a hydroforming process according to claim 1, wherein sealing members (70) are respectively provided on portions of the first and second axial punches (30, 40) that form the sealing space (A).
- The apparatus for manufacturing a large-caliber product using a hydroforming process according to claim 1, wherein an air hole (32) is formed in at least one of the first and second axial punches (30, 40) so that air can be discharged out of the sealing space through the air hole (32).
- The apparatus for manufacturing a large-caliber product using a hydroforming process according to claim 1, wherein the oil-pressure passage (42) directly communicates with the pressurization space (B).
- The apparatus for manufacturing a large-caliber product using a hydroforming process according to claim 1, wherein stepped portions (48) are respectively provided on the first and second axial punches (30, 40) to seal opposite side ends of the steel substance (3).
- A method for manufacturing a large-caliber product using a hydroforming process, comprising:a hydroforming preparation operation of seating a steel substance (3) having a large caliber onto a lower mold (2) and moving an upper mold (1) downwards, thus closing an entirety of the upper and lower molds (1, 2);a subsequent axial punch setting operation of horizontally moving a first axial punch (30) and a second axial punch (40) towards each other from opposite sides of the upper and lower molds (1,2) and inserting the first and second axial punches (30, 40) into each other, thus forming a sealing space (A) defined by the first and second axial punches (30, 40), and a pressurization space (B) defined by an inner surface of the steel substance (3) and the first and second axial punches (30, 40); anda hydroforming operation of supplying fluid into the pressurization space (B) through at least one of the first and second axial punches (30, 40) and pressurizing the inner surface of the steel substance (3), thus forming the large-caliber product.
- The method for manufacturing a large-caliber product using a hydroforming process according to claim 6, wherein the axial punch setting operation comprises discharging air out of the sealing space (A) by moving the first and second axial punches (30, 40) towards each other.
- The method for manufacturing a large-caliber product using a hydroforming process according to claim 6, wherein the hydroforming operation comprises sealing opposite side ends of the steel substance (3) using the first axial punch (30) and the second axial punch (40).
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/KR2011/000486 WO2012102417A1 (en) | 2011-01-24 | 2011-01-24 | Apparatus and method for manufacturing a large-caliber product using hydroforming |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2669023A1 EP2669023A1 (en) | 2013-12-04 |
EP2669023A4 EP2669023A4 (en) | 2016-09-14 |
EP2669023B1 true EP2669023B1 (en) | 2019-12-25 |
Family
ID=46580976
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP11856774.2A Active EP2669023B1 (en) | 2011-01-24 | 2011-01-24 | Apparatus and method for manufacturing a large-caliber product using hydroforming |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20130298628A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2669023B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP5838222B2 (en) |
CN (1) | CN103313808B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2012102417A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10722932B2 (en) * | 2015-10-12 | 2020-07-28 | Ali Sadri | Method of fabricating a one-piece metal vehicle wheel by hydro forming process |
US10220430B2 (en) * | 2015-10-12 | 2019-03-05 | Ali Sadri | Method of fabricating a one-piece metal vehicle wheel by hydro forming process |
CZ2016846A3 (en) * | 2016-12-31 | 2018-07-11 | Západočeská Univerzita V Plzni | A method of hot production of hollow bodies from martensitic-austenitic AHS steels using internal overpressure with heating in the tool |
CN110834176A (en) * | 2018-08-17 | 2020-02-25 | 浙江金固股份有限公司 | Rim manufacturing method and wheel manufacturing method |
CN109821959A (en) * | 2019-02-14 | 2019-05-31 | 佛山市南海兴迪机械制造有限公司 | A kind of push top for high-pressure molding technique in Large Diameter Pipeline |
Family Cites Families (18)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2203868A (en) * | 1939-06-26 | 1940-06-11 | Mueller Brass Co | Apparatus for making wrought metal t's |
US3335590A (en) * | 1964-08-07 | 1967-08-15 | Boeing Co | Accurate control system for axial load bulge forming |
US3487668A (en) * | 1966-07-12 | 1970-01-06 | Western Electric Co | Shaping and forming articles |
JPS5360867A (en) * | 1976-11-12 | 1978-05-31 | Hitachi Ltd | Bulge forming device |
JPS5788919A (en) * | 1980-11-21 | 1982-06-03 | Hitachi Ltd | Bulging facility |
US4414834A (en) * | 1981-02-05 | 1983-11-15 | Carrier Corporation | Method for expanding tubular blanks |
JPH02229626A (en) * | 1989-02-28 | 1990-09-12 | Showa Alum Corp | Seal method for opening end part at the time of bulge working |
JPH09239453A (en) * | 1996-03-06 | 1997-09-16 | Hitachi Ltd | Formation of bellows and device therefor |
ATE285858T1 (en) * | 1997-04-16 | 2005-01-15 | Cosma Int Inc | INTERNAL HIGH PRESSURE FORMING PRESS |
JP2001334318A (en) * | 2000-05-23 | 2001-12-04 | Aisin Takaoka Ltd | Nozzle for hydroforming |
KR20030034912A (en) * | 2001-10-29 | 2003-05-09 | 현대자동차주식회사 | Hydroforming molding apparatus using compress casting |
JP2004337898A (en) * | 2003-05-14 | 2004-12-02 | Nissan Motor Co Ltd | Hydraulic forming method and hydraulic forming device for tubular member |
DE10343868B3 (en) * | 2003-09-23 | 2004-09-09 | Daimlerchrysler Ag | Internal high pressure forming plant for high pressure forming has filling attachment connected to transporting device |
JP2005262307A (en) * | 2004-03-22 | 2005-09-29 | Aisin Takaoka Ltd | Manufacturing method and apparatus of hollow metallic component |
JP2006122943A (en) * | 2004-10-28 | 2006-05-18 | Nissan Motor Co Ltd | Nozzle for hydraulic forming, and hydraulic forming apparatus |
DE102006047017A1 (en) * | 2006-10-02 | 2008-04-03 | Fachhochschule Köln Fakultät für Angewandte Sozialwissenschaften | Equipment used for high internal pressure forming of micro-components from tubular workpieces, incorporates carriage guidance system within mold body |
KR100815724B1 (en) * | 2006-12-21 | 2008-03-20 | 주식회사 포스코 | Apparatus for manufacturing a pipe having partially expanded shape |
US8091200B2 (en) * | 2008-03-12 | 2012-01-10 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Bulge forming method and bulge forming apparatus |
-
2011
- 2011-01-24 US US13/824,608 patent/US20130298628A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2011-01-24 CN CN201180063771.XA patent/CN103313808B/en active Active
- 2011-01-24 JP JP2013545991A patent/JP5838222B2/en active Active
- 2011-01-24 WO PCT/KR2011/000486 patent/WO2012102417A1/en active Application Filing
- 2011-01-24 EP EP11856774.2A patent/EP2669023B1/en active Active
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
None * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JP2014501624A (en) | 2014-01-23 |
CN103313808A (en) | 2013-09-18 |
US20130298628A1 (en) | 2013-11-14 |
WO2012102417A1 (en) | 2012-08-02 |
EP2669023A1 (en) | 2013-12-04 |
EP2669023A4 (en) | 2016-09-14 |
JP5838222B2 (en) | 2016-01-06 |
CN103313808B (en) | 2015-09-09 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
EP2669023B1 (en) | Apparatus and method for manufacturing a large-caliber product using hydroforming | |
EP0588528B1 (en) | Apparatus and method for forming and hydropiercing a tubular frame member | |
JP6638806B2 (en) | Method of manufacturing panel-shaped molded product | |
US10226809B2 (en) | Method for producing a shaped sheet metal part having wall thicknesses differing from each other by region, and axle subframe | |
JP4837430B2 (en) | Hydroform apparatus and method | |
JPH0739965A (en) | Production of hollow integral metal element | |
KR20010072873A (en) | Method of hydroforming tubular members | |
KR19990023347A (en) | Metal tube hydraulic bulging processing method and apparatus | |
CA2746896A1 (en) | Hydroforming die assembly and method for deforming a tube | |
US6237382B1 (en) | Method and apparatus for hydroforming metallic tube | |
US8800336B2 (en) | Apparatus and method for forming product having asymmetric cross-section using ring rolling process | |
JP2010029937A (en) | Hydroforming method and hydroformed component | |
CN104981305A (en) | Multi-stage tube hydroforming process | |
US20150042072A1 (en) | Method and Apparatus for Cold Forging Metal Tubing for Trailer Hitch Receivers and the Trailer Hitch Receiver so Formed | |
JP2010188420A (en) | Method for manufacturing hollow body having flange | |
CN104438878A (en) | High-pressure gas bulging thermoforming die of boron steel pipe | |
US7472572B2 (en) | Method and apparatus for gas management in hot blow-forming dies | |
JP4696334B2 (en) | Hydroform method | |
JP4459834B2 (en) | Hydroforming apparatus and method | |
US20070017267A1 (en) | Apparatus and method for performing a hydroforming process | |
US20120139148A1 (en) | Manufacturing method for diffuser | |
KR101138187B1 (en) | Apparatus for manufacturing large caliber product using hydroforming and method thereof | |
JP2012045618A (en) | Method of manufacturing diffuser | |
JP2006043738A (en) | Fuel feed pipe manufacturing method | |
JP2005095983A (en) | Bellows pipe, manufacturing method therefor, and die |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20130612 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
DAX | Request for extension of the european patent (deleted) | ||
RA4 | Supplementary search report drawn up and despatched (corrected) |
Effective date: 20160811 |
|
RIC1 | Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant |
Ipc: B21D 53/30 20060101ALI20160805BHEP Ipc: B21D 26/047 20110101ALI20160805BHEP Ipc: B21D 26/045 20110101ALI20160805BHEP Ipc: B21D 26/033 20110101AFI20160805BHEP |
|
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED |
|
INTG | Intention to grant announced |
Effective date: 20190717 |
|
GRAS | Grant fee paid |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3 |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: GB Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: EP |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R096 Ref document number: 602011064286 Country of ref document: DE |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: REF Ref document number: 1216599 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20200115 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: NL Ref legal event code: MP Effective date: 20191225 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: BG Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200325 Ref country code: FI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20191225 Ref country code: NO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200325 Ref country code: SE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20191225 Ref country code: LV Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20191225 Ref country code: LT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20191225 Ref country code: GR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200326 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: LT Ref legal event code: MG4D |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: HR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20191225 Ref country code: RS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20191225 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: AL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20191225 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: NL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20191225 Ref country code: RO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20191225 Ref country code: EE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20191225 Ref country code: CZ Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20191225 Ref country code: PT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200520 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SM Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20191225 Ref country code: SK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20191225 Ref country code: IS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200425 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: PL |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R097 Ref document number: 602011064286 Country of ref document: DE |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MC Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20191225 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: BE Ref legal event code: MM Effective date: 20200131 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20200124 Ref country code: DK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20191225 Ref country code: ES Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20191225 |
|
PLBE | No opposition filed within time limit |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: MK05 Ref document number: 1216599 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20191225 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: BE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20200131 Ref country code: SI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20191225 Ref country code: LI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20200131 Ref country code: CH Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20200131 |
|
26N | No opposition filed |
Effective date: 20200928 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: AT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20191225 Ref country code: IT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20191225 Ref country code: IE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20200124 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: PL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20191225 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: TR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20191225 Ref country code: MT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20191225 Ref country code: CY Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20191225 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20191225 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R081 Ref document number: 602011064286 Country of ref document: DE Owner name: POSCO CO., LTD, POHANG-SI, KR Free format text: FORMER OWNER: POSCO, POHANG-SI, GYEONGSANGBUK-DO, KR Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R081 Ref document number: 602011064286 Country of ref document: DE Owner name: POSCO CO., LTD, POHANG- SI, KR Free format text: FORMER OWNER: POSCO, POHANG-SI, GYEONGSANGBUK-DO, KR Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R081 Ref document number: 602011064286 Country of ref document: DE Owner name: POSCO HOLDINGS INC., KR Free format text: FORMER OWNER: POSCO, POHANG-SI, GYEONGSANGBUK-DO, KR |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: GB Ref legal event code: 732E Free format text: REGISTERED BETWEEN 20221027 AND 20221102 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R081 Ref document number: 602011064286 Country of ref document: DE Owner name: POSCO CO., LTD, POHANG-SI, KR Free format text: FORMER OWNER: POSCO HOLDINGS INC., SEOUL, KR Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R081 Ref document number: 602011064286 Country of ref document: DE Owner name: POSCO CO., LTD, POHANG- SI, KR Free format text: FORMER OWNER: POSCO HOLDINGS INC., SEOUL, KR |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DE Payment date: 20240122 Year of fee payment: 14 Ref country code: GB Payment date: 20240122 Year of fee payment: 14 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FR Payment date: 20240123 Year of fee payment: 14 |