Apparatus for performing a hydroforming operation

• Main Authors: VASALANI, JOSEPH J, SCHRACK, ERIC M, LARKIN, JAMES C, DZIKI, JEFFREY P, HUNTER, DANIEL E, MARANDO, RICHARD A, DROST, EDWARD
• Format: Patent
• Language: English; French; German
• Published: 25.04.2007
• Subjects: MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVINGMATERIAL; PERFORMING OPERATIONS; PUNCHING METAL; TRANSPORTING; WORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS ORPROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL

A hydroforming apparatus (10) includes upper and lower platens (20,30) that are connected together by tie rods (43) extending through respective compression tubes (40). An upper die section (64) is carried on the upper platen by a generally C-shaped suspension arm (67), while a lower die section (65) is carried on the lower platen (30). The upper and lower die sections (64,65) have recessed areas (64a,64b) formed therein that define a die cavity. Lift assemblies (70) are provided on the lateral ends of the hydroforming apparatus (10) for selectively elevating the lower die section (30) upwardly into engagement with the upper die section (20). When the lower die section (30) is elevated by the lift assemblies (70), a workpiece (80) is enclosed within the die cavity. A bolster (60) is then moved between the hydroforming die (65) and the lower platen (30). A cylinder array containing a plurality of pistons is next hydraulically actuated so as to securely clamp the hydroforming die between the cylinder array and the lower platen. While the cylinder array is actuated, pressurized fluid is supplied within the workpiece, deforming it into conformance with the die cavity.