Method and apparatus for making tubes
AssigneeBenteler Automobiltechnik GmbH
InventorWolfgang Streubel
Life of this patent
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Abstract
In a method of making a tube, a sheet metal blank is placed in a U-shaped cavity of a lower mold of a shaping tool, and pressed into the cavity by a ram to shape the blank into a U-shaped configuration. In a next process step, the U-shaped blank is formed between an upper mold and a lower mold of a molding press into a tubular configuration. The upper and lower molds of the molding press with accommodated tubular profile are then clamped together and the clamped upper and lower molds are then removed from the molding press. Subsequently, the confronting longitudinal edges of the tubular profile are welded together via an opening that provides access to the longitudinal edges. After separation of the upper mold from the lower mold, another shaping cycle may begin.
Claims10
A method of making a tube, comprising the steps of:
- placing a sheet metal blank in a U-shaped cavity of a die of a shaping tool;
- pressing the blank into the cavity by a ram to shape the blank into a U-shaped configuration;
- shaping the U-shaped blank between an upper mold and a lower mold of a molding press into a tubular profile;
- clamping the upper and lower molds with accommodated tubular profile to one another;
- removing the clamped upper and lower molds from the molding press;
- welding confronting longitudinal edges of the tubular profile to one another via an opening in the upper mold that provides access to the longitudinal edges;
- and
- separating the upper mold from the lower mold for another shaping cycle.
Apparatus for making a tube, comprising:
- a molding press including a shaping tool having an upper mold and a lower mold for shaping a blank into a substantially tubular profile, said upper mold having an opening at a location to allow access to confronting longitudinal edges of the tubular profile;
- at least one welding device for welding the longitudinal edges of the tubular profile together via the opening;
- a sealing strip for detachably closing the opening;
- a clamping mechanism for securing the upper mold and the lower mold to one another.
A kit for making a tube, comprising:
- a molding press;
- plural shaping tools constructed for cooperation with the molding press, each shaping tool having an upper mold and a lower mold for shaping a blank into a substantially tubular profile, said upper mold having an opening at a location to allow access to confronting longitudinal edges of the tubular profile;
- at least one welding device for welding the longitudinal edges of the tubular profile together via the opening;
- a sealing strip for detachably closing the opening;
- and
- a clamping mechanism for securing the upper mold and the lower mold to one another.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.