초록 ▼

A hydroforming apparatus having in-die hole piercing capabilities and a slug ejection system is disclosed. The slug ejection system uses the pressurized hydroforming fluid as the motive force to eject the slug of material created by the in-die hole piercing system. The in-die hole piercing system in

A hydroforming apparatus having in-die hole piercing capabilities and a slug ejection system is disclosed. The slug ejection system uses the pressurized hydroforming fluid as the motive force to eject the slug of material created by the in-die hole piercing system. The in-die hole piercing system includes a movable punch disposed within a bore formed in one of the die blocks. The bore opens into the die cavity. The punch includes a cutting edge on a first end which is adjacent the cavity. The hole is formed when the punch is inserted against a hollow workpiece positioned in the apparatus, thereby creating a slug of material. The slug ejection system includes two passageways formed internally to the same die block having the in-die hole piercing system. Both passageways open into and extend in a generally transverse direction to the bore. A first passageway is in fluid communication with the source of the hydroforming fluid. A second passageway is located generally opposite the first passageway and functions as a chute to catch the slug of material ejected by the hydroforming fluid supplied to the first passageway. The hydroforming fluid is supplied to the first passageway only after the workpiece has been hydroformed and remains pressurized and the punch is retracted to a position where it is generally aligned with both passageways.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for hydroforming a hollow workpiece, said apparatus comprising:a pair of first and second die blocks movable toward each other between an open position and a closed position, said pair of die blocks forming a sealed cavity therebetween when in said closed pos

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for hydroforming a hollow workpiece, said apparatus comprising:a pair of first and second die blocks movable toward each other between an open position and a closed position, said pair of die blocks forming a sealed cavity therebetween when in said closed position, said first die block having at least one bore formed therein which opens into and extends generally transverse to said cavity, said first die block further having a first passageway and a second passageway formed therein, both of said first and second passageways opening into and extending generally transverse to said bore and being located generally opposite each other with respect to said bore;at least one punch which is movable within said bore between an inserted position and a retracted position, said punch having a first end adapted for piercing a hole in the workpiece and thereby creating a slug of material, said punch forming said hole and the slug of material when said punch is moved to its inserted position, and said first end of said punch being generally aligned with said first and second passageways when said punch is moved to its retracted position;a first hydroforming fluid supply system for supplying pressurized hydroforming fluid internally to the workpiece so as to expand the workpiece into conformance with said cavity, wherein the pressurized hydroforming fluid forces the slug of material against said punch as said punch is moved to its retracted position; anda second hydroforming fluid supply system for supplying pressurized hydroforming fluid to said first passageway so as to eject the slug of material when said punch is moved to its retracted position.