EP0593950A1 - Process for fixing a tubular reinforcing insert to a tubular metal structure and apparatus for carrying out the process - Google Patents

Process for fixing a tubular reinforcing insert to a tubular metal structure and apparatus for carrying out the process Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0593950A1
EP0593950A1 EP93115680A EP93115680A EP0593950A1 EP 0593950 A1 EP0593950 A1 EP 0593950A1 EP 93115680 A EP93115680 A EP 93115680A EP 93115680 A EP93115680 A EP 93115680A EP 0593950 A1 EP0593950 A1 EP 0593950A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
tubular
insert
wall
tubular structure
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP93115680A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0593950B1 (en
Inventor
Mario Da Re'
Paolo Giuseppe Guidoboni
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Fiat Auto SpA
Original Assignee
Fiat Auto SpA
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Fiat Auto SpA filed Critical Fiat Auto SpA
Publication of EP0593950A1 publication Critical patent/EP0593950A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0593950B1 publication Critical patent/EP0593950B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • B21D26/035—Deforming tubular bodies including an additional treatment performed by fluid pressure, e.g. perforating
    • 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
    • B21D39/00—Application of procedures in order to connect objects or parts, e.g. coating with sheet metal otherwise than by plating; Tube expanders
    • B21D39/04—Application of procedures in order to connect objects or parts, e.g. coating with sheet metal otherwise than by plating; Tube expanders of tubes with tubes; of tubes with rods
    • B21D39/044—Application of procedures in order to connect objects or parts, e.g. coating with sheet metal otherwise than by plating; Tube expanders of tubes with tubes; of tubes with rods perpendicular

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a process for fixing a tubular reinforcing insert to a tubular metal structure.
  • the tubular structure may be the chassis of the motor vehicle, the support frame for the engine or a supporting structure in general.
  • a welding technique is used.
  • the reinforcing insert serves as an anchorage for mechanical parts.
  • the reinforcing insert serves as the seat for vibration-damping supports and is subject to traction or axial-compressive stresses and/or cutting forces.
  • the object of the present invention is to provide a different system for fixing the reinforcing insert so as to avoid welding.
  • This technique involves a considerable reduction in the working time compared with normal fixing by welding. Moreover, if the number of reinforcing inserts to be fixed to the main structure is increased, the working time remains constant in that the operation is carried out in a single forming tool. On the contrary, when inserts are fixed by welding, the working time increases proportionally with the number of pieces to be welded.
  • the joint obtained by the process of the invention has greater resistance to cutting forces by virtue of the greater resistant surface offered by the collar formed in the wall of the tubular structure.
  • the dimensions of the joint are also more precise than in traditional fixing by welding.
  • the invention also concerns equipment for carrying out the process defined above.
  • a tubular structure is indicated 10 to which a tubular reinforcing insert 12 is to be fixed.
  • Two dies one movable relative to the other, are indicated 14 and 16 and are adapted to clamp the tubular structure 10 between them.
  • the die 14, 16 have respective seats 18, 20 which together form a deformation chamber.
  • the lower die 16 has a recess 22 from the base wall of which projects a cylindrical punch 24 which, in use, extends perpendicular to the axis of the tubular structure 10.
  • the diameter of the punch 24 is substantially equal to the internal diameter of the reinforcing insert 12 so that the latter may be fitted onto the punch 24 without forcing.
  • the diameter of the recess 22 is slightly greater than the outer diameter of the insert 12.
  • the punch 24 has a pointed part which projects beyond the corresponding end of the reinforcing insert 12.
  • the insert 12 has a conical end portion 26 ending with an annular groove 28.
  • the structure 10 is disposed between the two dies 14, 16 and is connected to a hydraulic circuit (not illustrated) which directs high pressure fluid into the tubular structure 10.
  • This forming technique is known per se and is generally termed "hydroforming".
  • the portion of the structure which is located in the deformation chamber 18, 20 expands radially until it is brought into contact with the walls of the seats 18, 20 which form the deformation chamber.
  • the punch 24 opens a hole 30 in the wall 10 ( Figure 3) causing inward deformation of a wall portion 32 which constitutes an annular collar.
  • the reinforcing insert 12 is inserted forcibly into the annular collar 32 ( Figure 4).
  • the pressurised fluid acting in the structure 10 compresses the collar 32 against the outer wall of the insert 12 and clamps the collar 32 against the groove 28 and the end portion 26 of the insert 12.
  • FIGS 5 and 6 illustrate the structure 10 after the fixing of the insert 12 in the manner described above.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Shaping Metal By Deep-Drawing, Or The Like (AREA)
  • Rigid Pipes And Flexible Pipes (AREA)

Abstract

A process for fixing a tubular reinforcing insert (12) to a tubular metal structure (10) includes the steps of:
  • forming a hole (30) in the wall of the tubular structure (10) by inward deformation of a portion of the wall so that the deformed wall portion forms a collar (32),
  • force fitting an end portion of the tubular insert (12) into the collar (32), and
  • introducing liquid at high pressure into the tubular structure (10) so as to compress the collar (32) against the end portion (26) of the tubular insert (12).

Description

  • The present invention relates to a process for fixing a tubular reinforcing insert to a tubular metal structure.
  • In the field of motor-vehicle construction, the tubular structure may be the chassis of the motor vehicle, the support frame for the engine or a supporting structure in general. At present, when it is necessary to fix a reinforcing insert to the tubular structure at right angles thereto, a welding technique is used. The reinforcing insert serves as an anchorage for mechanical parts. For example, in the case of engine support frames, the reinforcing insert serves as the seat for vibration-damping supports and is subject to traction or axial-compressive stresses and/or cutting forces.
  • The object of the present invention is to provide a different system for fixing the reinforcing insert so as to avoid welding.
  • According to the present invention this object is achieved by means of a process which includes the steps of:
    • forming a hole in the wall of the tubular structure by inward deformation of a portion of the wall so that the deformed wall portion forms an annular collar,
    • force fitting an end portion of the tubular insert into the said collar, and
    • introducing liquid at high pressure into the tubular structure so as to compress the collar against the end portion of the tubular insert.
  • This technique involves a considerable reduction in the working time compared with normal fixing by welding. Moreover, if the number of reinforcing inserts to be fixed to the main structure is increased, the working time remains constant in that the operation is carried out in a single forming tool. On the contrary, when inserts are fixed by welding, the working time increases proportionally with the number of pieces to be welded.
  • The joint obtained by the process of the invention has greater resistance to cutting forces by virtue of the greater resistant surface offered by the collar formed in the wall of the tubular structure. The dimensions of the joint are also more precise than in traditional fixing by welding.
  • The invention also concerns equipment for carrying out the process defined above.
  • Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become clear during the detailed description which follows, provided purely by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
    • Figure 1 is a schematic section of apparatus for carrying out a process according to the invention,
    • Figure 2 is a view of the part indicated by the arrow II in Figure 1, in greater detail,
    • Figures 3, 4 and 5 are schematic illustrations of different steps in the process of the invention, and
    • Figure 6 illustrates a piece obtained by the process of the invention.
  • With reference to the drawings, a tubular structure is indicated 10 to which a tubular reinforcing insert 12 is to be fixed.
  • Two dies, one movable relative to the other, are indicated 14 and 16 and are adapted to clamp the tubular structure 10 between them. The die 14, 16 have respective seats 18, 20 which together form a deformation chamber. The lower die 16 has a recess 22 from the base wall of which projects a cylindrical punch 24 which, in use, extends perpendicular to the axis of the tubular structure 10. The diameter of the punch 24 is substantially equal to the internal diameter of the reinforcing insert 12 so that the latter may be fitted onto the punch 24 without forcing. As is seen in particular in Figure 2, the diameter of the recess 22 is slightly greater than the outer diameter of the insert 12. Thus the insert fitted onto the punch 24 bears against the base wall of the recess 22. The punch 24 has a pointed part which projects beyond the corresponding end of the reinforcing insert 12. The insert 12 has a conical end portion 26 ending with an annular groove 28.
  • In order to fit the insert 12 to the tubular structure 10, one proceeds as follows.
  • The structure 10 is disposed between the two dies 14, 16 and is connected to a hydraulic circuit (not illustrated) which directs high pressure fluid into the tubular structure 10. This forming technique is known per se and is generally termed "hydroforming". As a result of the forcing of pressurised fluid into the structure 10, the portion of the structure which is located in the deformation chamber 18, 20 expands radially until it is brought into contact with the walls of the seats 18, 20 which form the deformation chamber.
  • During the radial expansion of the wall of the tubular structure 10, the punch 24 opens a hole 30 in the wall 10 (Figure 3) causing inward deformation of a wall portion 32 which constitutes an annular collar. With the progressive radial expansion of the wall of the tubular structure 10, the reinforcing insert 12 is inserted forcibly into the annular collar 32 (Figure 4). The pressurised fluid acting in the structure 10 compresses the collar 32 against the outer wall of the insert 12 and clamps the collar 32 against the groove 28 and the end portion 26 of the insert 12.
  • Subsequently, the pressure of the fluid in the structure 10 is lowered and the liquid is withdrawn from the structure. Figures 5 and 6 illustrate the structure 10 after the fixing of the insert 12 in the manner described above.
  • It will be understood that the radial expansion of the portion of the structure 10 in correspondence with the point at which the reinforcing insert is anchored is optional, it being possible to adopt the same technique without radial deformation of the structure 10.

Claims (8)

  1. A process for fixing a tubular reinforcing insert (12) to a tubular metal structure (10), characterised in that it includes the following steps:
    - forming a hole (30) in the wall of the tubular structure (10) by inward deformation of a portion of the wall so that the deformed wall portion forms an annular collar (32),
    - force fitting an end portion (26) of the tubular insert (12) into the said collar (32), and
    - introducing liquid at high pressure into the tubular structure (10) so as to compress the collar against the end portion (26) of the tubular insert (12).
  2. A process according to Claim 1, characterised in that the hole (30) and the collar (32) are formed by the force insertion of a punch (24) into the wall of the tubular structure (10).
  3. A process according to claim 2, characterised in that it further includes the step of radially expanding a portion of the tubular structure (10) in correspondence with the anchoring point for the insert (12) due to the effect of the introduction of pressurised liquid into the tubular structure (10), the insertion of the punch (24) into the wall of the tubular structure (10) being caused by the radial expansion of the wall.
  4. A process according to Claim 2 or Claim 3, characterised in that the tubular insert (12) is located on the punch (24) before the step of insertion of the punch (24) into the wall of the tubular structure (10), the punch (24) having a pointed end which projects beyond the end of the insert (12).
  5. A process according to Claim 1, characterised in that the said end portion (26) of the insert (12) is conical.
  6. A process according to Claim 1, characterised in that the tubular insert (12) has an annular groove (28) over which the collar (32) is closed during its compression against the end portion (26) of the insert (12).
  7. Apparatus for carrying out a process according to Claim 2, characterised in that it includes a pair of dies, (14, 16) intended to clamp the tubular structure (10) between them, the punch (24) being fixed to one of the said dies (14, 16).
  8. Apparatus according to Claim 7, characterised in that the dies (14, 16) define a deformation chamber (18, 20) with larger dimensions than those of the corresponding portion of the tubular structure (10) before the introduction of the pressurised liquid into the structure itself so that the introduction of the liquid into the tubular structure causes the radial expansion of the portion of this structure within this chamber (18, 20) and the penetration of the punch (24) into the wall of the structure (10).
EP93115680A 1992-10-22 1993-09-29 Process for fixing a tubular reinforcing insert to a tubular metal structure and apparatus for carrying out the process Expired - Lifetime EP0593950B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ITTO920851 1992-10-22
ITTO920851A IT1256977B (en) 1992-10-22 1992-10-22 PROCEDURE FOR FIXING A TUBULAR REINFORCEMENT INSERT TO A METALLIC TUBULAR STRUCTURE AND EQUIPMENT FOR CARRYING OUT THIS PROCEDURE.

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0593950A1 true EP0593950A1 (en) 1994-04-27
EP0593950B1 EP0593950B1 (en) 1997-02-12

Family

ID=11410798

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP93115680A Expired - Lifetime EP0593950B1 (en) 1992-10-22 1993-09-29 Process for fixing a tubular reinforcing insert to a tubular metal structure and apparatus for carrying out the process

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0593950B1 (en)
JP (1) JPH06198358A (en)
DE (1) DE69308101T2 (en)
IT (1) IT1256977B (en)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0758565A1 (en) * 1995-08-16 1997-02-19 Schäfer Hydroforming GmbH & Co. Process and apparatus for realising perforations through double walls of structural members by the internal pressure forming method and a herewith manufactured transversal oscillating lever
EP0870557A1 (en) * 1997-04-10 1998-10-14 Dr. Meleghy Hydroforming GmbH & Co. KG Method and apparatus for inserting fasteners in a wall
WO2000010746A2 (en) * 1998-08-17 2000-03-02 Siempelkamp Pressen Systeme Gmbh & Co. Method for deforming through high inner pressure at least two hollow bodies having each at least one opening, especially metal tubes or metal hollow profiles
US6134767A (en) * 1997-04-10 2000-10-24 Meleghy Hydroforming Gmbh & Co. Kg Method for embedding connection elements in a wall
WO2004004941A1 (en) * 2002-07-05 2004-01-15 Daimlerchrysler Ag Method and device for securing components on peripherally closed hollow profiles
FR2860742A1 (en) * 2003-10-09 2005-04-15 Benteler Automobiltechnik Gmbh Bumper face bars cross piece and towing coupler connecting method for automobile industry, involves heating crosspiece in forming tool at predefined temperature and installing towing coupler in hole defined in crosspiece
EP2077168A1 (en) * 2006-10-27 2009-07-08 Nippon Steel Corporation Punching method and punching device employing hydro-form and hydro-formed part and structure body

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
SE516610C2 (en) * 2000-06-29 2002-02-05 Saab Automobile Methods for producing a reinforced tubular profile element by hydroforming and such a profile element
DE102007007932B3 (en) * 2007-02-17 2008-12-18 Daimler Ag Connecting method for connecting connection component with inner high pressure-molded part, involves punching retainer, forming additional receiving opening and plugging connection component
DE102010041971A1 (en) * 2010-10-05 2012-04-05 Arnold & Shinjo Gmbh & Co. Kg Method and device for attaching punching elements to pipes

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3350905A (en) * 1963-12-21 1967-11-07 Agency Ind Science Techn Liquid pressure bulge forming apparatus
FR1532737A (en) * 1966-07-12 1968-07-12 Western Electric Co Manufacture of a tubular article with parts of different cross sections
EP0293101A2 (en) * 1987-05-06 1988-11-30 Flowdrilling Limited A method of making an angled joint

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3350905A (en) * 1963-12-21 1967-11-07 Agency Ind Science Techn Liquid pressure bulge forming apparatus
FR1532737A (en) * 1966-07-12 1968-07-12 Western Electric Co Manufacture of a tubular article with parts of different cross sections
EP0293101A2 (en) * 1987-05-06 1988-11-30 Flowdrilling Limited A method of making an angled joint

Cited By (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0758565A1 (en) * 1995-08-16 1997-02-19 Schäfer Hydroforming GmbH & Co. Process and apparatus for realising perforations through double walls of structural members by the internal pressure forming method and a herewith manufactured transversal oscillating lever
US5799524A (en) * 1995-08-16 1998-09-01 Schafer Hydroforming Gmbh & Co. Pressure forming and piercing a hollow body
EP0870557A1 (en) * 1997-04-10 1998-10-14 Dr. Meleghy Hydroforming GmbH & Co. KG Method and apparatus for inserting fasteners in a wall
DE19714902A1 (en) * 1997-04-10 1998-10-15 Meleghy Hydroforming Gmbh & Co Method and device for introducing connecting elements into a wall
DE19714902C2 (en) * 1997-04-10 1999-05-12 Meleghy Hydroforming Gmbh & Co Method and device for introducing connecting elements into a metal sheet
US6134767A (en) * 1997-04-10 2000-10-24 Meleghy Hydroforming Gmbh & Co. Kg Method for embedding connection elements in a wall
WO2000010746A3 (en) * 1998-08-17 2000-06-08 Siempelkamp Pressen Sys Gmbh Method for deforming through high inner pressure at least two hollow bodies having each at least one opening, especially metal tubes or metal hollow profiles
WO2000010746A2 (en) * 1998-08-17 2000-03-02 Siempelkamp Pressen Systeme Gmbh & Co. Method for deforming through high inner pressure at least two hollow bodies having each at least one opening, especially metal tubes or metal hollow profiles
US6574849B1 (en) 1998-08-17 2003-06-10 Siempelkamp Pressen Systeme Gmbh & Co. Method for deforming through high inner pressure at least two hollow bodies having each at least one opening, especially metal tubes or metal hollow profiles
WO2004004941A1 (en) * 2002-07-05 2004-01-15 Daimlerchrysler Ag Method and device for securing components on peripherally closed hollow profiles
FR2860742A1 (en) * 2003-10-09 2005-04-15 Benteler Automobiltechnik Gmbh Bumper face bars cross piece and towing coupler connecting method for automobile industry, involves heating crosspiece in forming tool at predefined temperature and installing towing coupler in hole defined in crosspiece
US7124490B2 (en) 2003-10-09 2006-10-24 Benteler Automobil Technik Gmbh Joining of two components in a hot forming process
EP2077168A1 (en) * 2006-10-27 2009-07-08 Nippon Steel Corporation Punching method and punching device employing hydro-form and hydro-formed part and structure body
EP2077168A4 (en) * 2006-10-27 2013-03-27 Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corp Punching method and punching device employing hydro-form and hydro-formed part and structure body

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE69308101D1 (en) 1997-03-27
IT1256977B (en) 1995-12-27
ITTO920851A1 (en) 1994-04-22
JPH06198358A (en) 1994-07-19
DE69308101T2 (en) 1997-05-28
ITTO920851A0 (en) 1992-10-22
EP0593950B1 (en) 1997-02-12

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