WO2010142703A2 - Method and tool for edging a workpiece - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for edging a workpiece. According to said method, a) an edging member (10; 20; 30; 40) rotating about a rotational axis (R) moves along a flange (2) of the workpiece (1) in an advancing direction (V), b) the edging member (10; 20; 30; 40) presses, with a front pressure surface (13; 23; 33) and a pressure edge (15; 25, 35) surrounding the front pressure surface (13; 23; 33), against the flange (2) with a pressure force (F) during said advancing movement, c) the flange (2) is thereby progressively moved, in the advancing direction, along an edging edge (3) facing in the advancing direction (V), and d) the rotational axis (R) is oriented at least essentially orthogonally to the displaced flange (2), such that a relative movement carried out by the edging member (10; 20; 30; 40) with the front pressure surface (13; 23; 33) in relation to the displaced flange (2) is at least essentially a sliding movement. The invention also relates to a tool for edging a workpiece.

Description

 Method and tool for flanging a workpiece

The invention relates to a method and a tool for crimping a workpiece by means of a crimping member, which is forcing against a flange of the workpiece along the flange forward and thereby progressively flips the flange in the advancing direction. The workpiece may in particular be a sheet metal part.

In industrial manufacturing, for example, the mass production of automobiles, roll flanging is gaining in importance. By roll crimping especially crimp connections can be generated, for example, a rabbet joint between an outer skin part of a vehicle and an inner part. Roll flanging is a roll fold in this particular application. By roll crimping not only seaming can be created, but also projecting flanges for other types of joining or completely unalloyed flared flanges to create round flanged edges or even partially folded flanges for other purposes. Beading with a flanging member, such as roll flanging, departing from the flange to be folded, has the advantage of lower investment costs and greater flexibility with regard to the multidimensional course of the flanging edge, compared with conventional edge bending, bending or drawing in a press. On the other hand, there are limits to roll flanging in relation to the course of the flanged edge. Thus, for example, it has proven to be problematic to produce an outwardly projecting flange on an end-side edge of a workpiece that is curved about an axis, for example a tubular workpiece, when the radius of curvature in the curved workpiece region falls below a certain size. The flanging edge tends to distortions in such a flaring operation to the inside. Another problem is the degree of deformation achievable during roll crimping. Thus, the angle by which the flange can be folded in a crimping step, ie in a single run of the crimping member, is limited to a range of about 30 ° to 45 °. If the flange by 90 ° or larger angles, for example, completely folded over by 180 °, successively several, successive building Crimping steps required. Methods and devices for flanging workpieces, in particular also in several crimping steps, are described, for example, in EP 1 420 908 B1, EP 1 685 915 B1 and EP 0 802 001 B1.

It is an object of the invention, a flange of a workpiece by means of a flange departing Bördelglieds cleanly, so that a contour-consistent, warpage-free flanged edge is obtained. Preferably, the angle by which the flange can be folded in a crimping without distortion or at least low distortion, to be increased in comparison with the roll flanging.

The invention is based on a method and a tool in which a flanging member rotating about an axis of rotation moves along a flange of the workpiece in a propelling direction, pressing a face pressure surface of the crimping member against the flange during the propelling motion with a compressive force, and pressing the flange by the pressing end pressure surface and a circumferential around this peripheral edge of the crimping in the advancing direction progresses, preferably continuously advancing, is folded around a pointing in the advancing direction flanging edge. The flange may already bend from an adjacent to the flange strip with a slope, so that even before flanging a flanged edge or at least an edge-like curve is present, along which the flanging is moved when flanging the invention. However, the invention is particularly suitable for flanging, by which the flanged edge is generated for the first time ever. The flange to be folded can therefore extend the adjacent strip of the workpiece with a smooth or even curvature compared to the flanging edge to be created, as is the case in preferred applications.

According to the invention, the axis of rotation of the crimping member during beading is at least substantially orthogonal to the folded flange, so that the crimping member does not roll on the flange as in the case of roll crimping, but slides with the end pressure surface over the flange. The relative movement, which performs the crimping member with its end pressure surface in pressure contact with the flange relative to this, is at least substantially a sliding movement. A possible rolling contact, which should not be excluded categorically, has at most a minor importance for the transformation. Preferably, the Stirndrucklläche orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the crimping and plan. It has with the flange advantageously only sliding contact and rotates in contact pressure quasi grinding on the flange, while the hemming on the leading outer edge of Stirndruckfiäche, its pressure edge, the flange around the flanged edge.

If the forehead pressure surface does not extend exactly orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the crimping member, an inclination of the forehead pressure surface measured radially to the axis of rotation is maximally 10 °, preferably a maximum inclination is at most 5 ° and more preferably at most 2 °, local to the respective radial to the axis of rotation measured. This may be advantageous, for example, to lay the flange around a flanged edge, which is concavely curved with respect to the Stirndruckfiäche. Such a geometry may include, for example, the crimp edges of wheel arches or attachments of motor vehicles. The flanged edge of a wheel arch, for example, can not only curve around the wheel axle, ie be curved in the side view of the respective motor vehicle, but also be curved with respect to a vertical plane pointing perpendicularly to the wheel axle in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, namely either inwards or but to the outside. If the crimping edge is curved inwardly, a crimping roller can be used with a flat and exactly orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the crimping roller pointing Stirndruckfiäche readily. If, in the case of the example of a wheel house mentioned, the flanging edge bulges outward, at least in sections, a cavity would form between a face pressure surface which is exactly orthogonal to the axis of rotation and the flanging edge; the flanged edge would be concavely curved in relation to the face pressure surface. For such a concave course of the flanged edge, it is advantageous if the Stirndruckfiäche has at least within an annular surface extending around the axis of rotation a slight inclination, so seen from the outside convex, for example conical. The inclination may be constant in said annular surface or over the entire Stirndruckfiäche to radially outward to the pressure edge, so that the Stirndruckfiäche would be conical overall. In principle, however, the inclination can also vary from the inside to the outside radially, expediently monotonically, and in the case of a variation to a small extent, bulging out in the direction of the flange to be reshaped, small in comparison with the radial extent of the forehead pressure surface. A tool according to the invention comprises a carrier and the crimping member rotatably mounted by the carrier about the rotational axis with the at least substantially orthogonal and at least substantially planar slanted pressure surface which merges radially outward into the pressure edge of the crimping member with respect to the axis of rotation. In the region of its pressure edge, the crimping member can transition over from the end pressure surface to a peripheral surface of the crimping member which is preferably free during crimping, that is to say have a sharp pressure edge. The pressure edge can also be curved comparatively soft with a radius of curvature of several millimeters, quite up to about 20 mm. However, a sharp pressure edge with a radius of curvature of only a few millimeters, preferably 2 to 10 mm, optionally also only in the form of a circumferential around the axis of rotation chamfering, is preferred to the flange immediately after the introduced at the pressure edge forming in the pressure contact with the end pressure surface bring to.

The running in the workpiece according to the invention flanging forming process is not comparable to that of Rollbördelns. On the one hand, the force required for transfer is not introduced along an axial rolling contact line of a crimping roller, but rather on a leading side of a circumferential edge of rotation about the crimping member. On the other hand, the flange is stretched in pressure contact with the pressure edge and immediately following the end pressure surface of the flanging edge towards the edge of the flange, preferably in the leading portion of the end pressure surface, ie in the region between the axis of rotation and the leading in relation to the advancing direction side of the crimping member. As a result, a particularly contour-consistent, low distortion to distortion-free flanged edge is obtained. These advantages are particularly evident when the flanging edge extends around a workpiece axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the flanging member, as is the case, for example, with tubular workpieces. The existing "curve" is also retained at the flanged edge. In this sense, the method is contour preserving, consistent. There are also no distortions such as bumps. The crimping edge may curve convexly with respect to the axis of rotation of the crimping member, so that the flange is folded over in the inner region of the curved crimping edge. More preferably, the crimping edge is concavely curved relative to the axis of rotation of the crimping member, that is, it also extends around the axis of rotation of the crimping member Bördelglieds, so that the flange is folded outwards and therefore experience an additional stretch in the curved workpiece area.

The flange is pressed in the crimping preferably against a system that can support the workpiece in particular in the region of the crimping edge, so that the flange is folded around a corresponding edge of the edge formed edge of the system and applied with its underside to an upper side of the system. The top of the plant is the

Front end face of the crimping member facing, preferably axially opposite, so that between the top of the system and the end pressure surface remains a gap in which the flange is also pulled in pressure contact with the end pressure surface and thereby stretched.

When flanging according to the invention therefore also find in preferred Ausruhrungen

Forming processes as in a deep drawing instead.

The system can be moved together with the crimping member in the advancing direction, in synchronism with the crimping member. In likewise advantageous embodiments, the system is stationary relative to the workpiece, so immovable. The system is used in both alternative embodiments as a die, once as with the crimping member together relative to the workpiece movable and the other time as relative to the workpiece immovable die. When flanging the workpiece and in the case of a relative to the workpiece immovable plant and this also be absolutely stationary and the tool with the crimping member in space following the course of the flanging edge. However, the conditions can also be reversed, so that the crimping in the crimping in space absolutely stationary, but rotatable about the axis of rotation, is arranged and the workpiece and in the case of a stationary relative to the workpiece also this along the crimping the course of the crimping edge is or will be moved. Furthermore, the workpiece and the crimping member during the crimping in a coordinated manner the course of the crimping edge can be moved relative to each other and in each case also absolutely in space.

In simple embodiments, the flanging member can have only the front pressure surface and the pressure edge acting elements acting on the workpiece. Thus, the crimping, for example, simply as a circular disc with the front pressure surface on a End face and this around the pressure edge to be formed. In preferred embodiments, however, the crimping member also has at least one further active surface, which is in contact with the workpiece during crimping. This further active surface is a peripheral surface extending around the axis of rotation, with which the crimping member rolls on the workpiece during crimping and which guides the crimping member along the crimping edge. Preferably, the Urafangswirkfläche rolls in a strip of the workpiece, which extends along the flanged edge and at the flanged edge directly adjacent to the flange, is thus spaced from this only over the flanged edge. The Umfangsswirkfläche is preferably immediately at the flanging edge of the workpiece with the workpiece in rolling contact, while the hemming member flips the flange. Also in this way it is ensured that the flanged edge in its longitudinal direction is consistent and distortion, preferably without warpage, formed. The circumferential effective area forms a further pressure surface of the crimping member and is therefore also referred to below as circumferential pressure surface. In addition to the already mentioned guiding function for the crimping member, it also fulfills a supporting function for the workpiece in the particularly preferred embodiments.

If the flange is preferably folded over an edge of a system and pulled in pressure contact with the end pressure surface according to the invention, the system preferably also forms the circumferential pressure surface radially opposite a counter-pressure surface for a surface or linear contact. If the installation is immovable relative to the workpiece during the crimping, it is preferably in surface contact with the workpiece. If it moves together with the crimping member in space or is stationary therewith, it can also be in planar contact with the workpiece, in a sliding contact, or alternatively in a line contact, namely, when it is formed as an abutment sheet, the rolls the workpiece strip adjacent to the flanging edge.

The face pressure surface and the peripheral pressure surface are arranged relative to each other such that a surface normal directed away from the face pressure surface and a surface normal of the circumferential pressure surface directed away from the rotation axis are directed toward each other. In the preferred embodiments, in which the crimping member has the end pressure surface and the peripheral pressure surface, the crimping member can in particular have a stem-shaped axial portion with the peripheral surface and a widened plate-shaped axial section, on the opposite side of the peripheral pressure surface facing the bottom pressure surface is formed. The crimping member may in particular consist of a stem-shaped axial portion and an axially adjoining thereto plate portion so that it is mushroom-shaped as a whole with a stem and a comparatively wider plate.

The front pressure surface is rotationally symmetrical in preferred embodiments with respect to the axis of rotation, which accordingly applies to the pressure edge. The circumferential pressure surface is preferably rotationally symmetrical with respect to the axis of rotation over its entire axial length with which it is in rolling contact with the workpiece during crimping. Preferably, the crimping member is rotationally symmetrical at least everywhere where it is in contact with the workpiece during crimping.

The Sürndruckfläche is in preferred embodiments via a throat or rounding in the circumferential pressure surface over, wherein the throat or rounding is shaped angepassl in a further preferred embodiment of the cross section of the flanged edge to be produced. The front pressure surface and preferably also the peripheral pressure surface preferably runs tangentially into the throat, at least it is preferred if there is no undercut in the transition region, ie in the throat. The crimping member is in such a shape in the region of the front pressure surface, in the region of the peripheral pressure surface and also in the region of the throat, the transition of the two pressure surfaces, with the workpiece in pressure contact, preferably along a continuous line.

In first embodiments, the circumferential pressure surface is cylindrical and thus at least substantially orthogonal to the end pressure surface. With such a crimping member, the flange can be folded in a single crimping step by 90 °, so that it then protrudes at an angle of 90 ° from the adjacent strip of the workpiece, against which the peripheral pressure surface presses when crimping. Alternatively, the peripheral pressure surface may be conical, either widening axially in the direction of the face pressure surface, for flipping the flange by an angle less than 90 °, or tapering axially toward the face pressure surface, around the flange in a single crimping step one Tilt angle greater than 90 °. The circumferential pressure surface can also have a curvature when viewed in the central longitudinal section of the crimping member. The face pressure surface and the peripheral pressure surface can, seen in central longitudinal sections of the crimping member, in principle have any arbitrary angle greater than 0 ° and less than 180 ° to one another, but angles of at least 50 ° are expedient. If the peripheral pressure surface with the Stirndruckfiäche encloses an angle of 50 °, the flange can nevertheless be folded over in a single crimping step by 140 °, if the flange namely before the crimping according to the invention extends beyond the flanging edge strip of the workpiece axially straight. Experiments have completely surprisingly revealed that the invention allows the folding of a flange by such a large angle in the curved areas of a workpiece, and the flanged edge is still generated contour-accurate and free of dents or other distortions. On the other hand, the invention is also suitable for crimping in application traps in which a flange is folded over only in a crimping step of at most 45 °, as usual in the case of roll crimping.

In order to relieve the crimping member axially, a support member may be axially supported on the support, on which the crimping member can be acted upon by an outer support force on a rear side facing away from the Stirndruckfiäche axially to press the Stirndruckfiäche against the flange. The support member may be a single roller, in particular a cylindrical or conical roller, a ball or a differently shaped body of revolution, which rolls on the back of the hemming member in its rotational movement. Anstalt a single support member, the crimping member may be supported on its rear side by means of a ring of about the axis of rotation of the crimping member arranged rotational bodies. Such a turntable extended about the axis of rotation of the crimping member may be formed, in particular, in the manner of a thrust bearing, for example an axial ball bearing, via which the crimping member is axially supported on the carrier, wherein the crimping member may also be supported on the carrier only via an axial rotary bearing. Such a bearing can advantageously form the pivot bearing and axial support of the crimping member on the carrier in a dual function. Although a support via a rolling body is preferred, it should not be ruled out that the support can be formed only as a sliding support. The invention is not suitable for flanging sheet metal profiles, such as angle sections, pipes and tubes, also for flanging body parts of vehicles, especially automobiles, and attachments of vehicles, such as moving attachments such as doors, hoods, flaps and sunroofs or when installed movable attachments such as integrated in body side panels wheel arches. The production of flanges on exhaust pipes is another application example. Although the invention can be advantageously used in vehicle construction, it is not limited thereto. It is of particular advantage everywhere, where in a single or at least only a few crimping steps a clean curl on workpieces to be generated. Thus, the invention is also advantageous for flanging metal housing, such as housings for solar cells and solar panels. Advantageous applications open up in the field of kitchen and household appliances, for example, for flanging ovens such. As metallic stoves and metallic components of washing machines. The invention is suitable for flanging, for example, steel sheets, in particular also for flanging stainless steel sheets, but also for flanging light metal sheets, such as aluminum sheets.

Preferred features are also described in the subclaims and their combinations.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be explained with reference to figures. Features disclosed in the exemplary embodiments form each individually and in each

Feature combination the subject of the claims and also the embodiments described above advantageous. Show it:

1 shows a flanging arrangement of a first embodiment in a perspective view,

FIG. 2 shows the flanging arrangement of FIG. 1 in a top view,

3 shows the crimping arrangement of FIG. 1 in a section, FIG. 4 shows the crimping arrangement of FIG. 1 in a section and with an additional section

Support member of a first variant, Figure 5 shows the crimping arrangement of Figure 1 in a section and with an additional

Support member of a second variant,

FIG. 6 shows a flanging arrangement in a second exemplary embodiment in a section,

7 shows a flanging arrangement in a third exemplary embodiment in a section, FIG. 8 shows a flanging arrangement in a fourth exemplary embodiment in a section, FIG. 9 shows a flanging arrangement in a fifth exemplary embodiment in a section,

FIG. 10 shows a flanging arrangement in a sixth exemplary embodiment in a section when a first flared cut is made,

FIG. 11 shows the flanging arrangement of FIG. 10 in section and when a second flared cut is made,

12 shows a flanging arrangement of a seventh exemplary embodiment in a view, FIG. 13 shows a flanging arrangement of an eighth exemplary embodiment in a section, FIG. 14 shows a flanging arrangement of a ninth exemplary embodiment in a view, FIG. 15 shows the flanging member of the ninth embodiment, FIG. 16 shows the flanging arrangement of the ninth embodiment in one view FIG. 17 shows a flanging arrangement of a tenth embodiment in a section, FIG. 18 shows a flanging arrangement of an eleventh embodiment in a first embodiment

Forming step for forming a drop flange,

Figure 19 shows the flare assembly of the eleventh embodiment in a second forming step for forming the drop flange and

FIG. 20 shows a flanging arrangement of a twelfth exemplary embodiment when forming a

Drop flange.

FIG. 1 shows a flanging arrangement of a first exemplary embodiment, with which an angularly projecting flange 2 is formed on a workpiece 1 by crimping. In which

Workpiece 1 is a sheet metal profile. It is curved around a central workpiece axis and has two straight legs, which run tangentially into a curved area, which connects the two legs together. At one axial end of the

Workpiece 1 is folded by crimping said flange 2 about a crimping edge 3, so that the folded flange 2 protrudes with respect to the curvature region of the workpiece 1 to the outside. The workpiece 1 is easy before flanging over the flanged edge 2 away straight, the flange 2 is still "open". The flanged edge 3 is first formed by the crimping.

In the crimping, the flange 2 is folded around the crimping edge 3 created with a crimping member 10 of a crimping tool (not shown). The crimping member 10 cooperates with a relative to the workpiece 1 not movable investment structure 5, which forms a die for the workpiece 1 during the beading. The contact structure 5 has an abutment surface on an upper side, against which the flange 2 abuts when it is folded over with its underside. The contact structure 5 further forms a contact edge around which the flange 2 is folded to provide the flanged edge 3, and on an inner side a further contact surface for the workpiece 1, in particular for a along the flanged edge 3 to directly to the flanged edge 3 extending strip 4th of the workpiece 1. Before crimping, the strip 4 and the flange 2 form a smooth surface, in the exemplary embodiment an axially straight surface. After crimping, the strip 4 and the flange 2 are accurately separated by the crimping edge 2, i. the strip 4 passes over the flanged edge 3 in the folded flange 2 over.

The crimping tool comprises a carrier, which is attached to a controlled in space or controlled movable actuator, for example, at one end of a robot arm of an industrial robot. The carrier is preferably releasably secured by means of a coupling on the actuator and accordingly comprises a coupling half of this coupling. The coupling is preferably formed so that the actuator can automatically dock on and undock.

The crimping member 10 is rotatably supported on the carrier about a rotation axis R, preferably freely rotatable. The crimping member 10 consists of a plate 11 and a in

Comparison with the plate 11 slimmer stem 12, which protrudes axially from the plate 11. Of the

Plate has on a handle 12 facing the underside an end pressure surface 13, with which the crimping member 10 in the beading with a parallel to the rotation axis R

Compressive force against the flange 2 is pressed. The outer peripheral surface of the stem 12 is used in the beading as peripheral pressure surface 14 by the hemming member 10 rolls on the strip 4 of the workpiece 1 along the flanged edge 3. The crimping member 10 is in the result of the axial pressure force on its end pressure surface 13 in the pressure contact with the flange second and pressed with a lateral force transverse thereto at its peripheral pressure surface 14 in the rolling contact. For crimping, the crimping member 10 is moved along the crimping edge 3 and the underlying contact edge of the contact structure 5 in the advancing direction V, so that it rolls with its peripheral pressure surface 14 on the strip 4 of the workpiece 1 and slides with its end pressure surface 13 on the folded flange 2 and relative to the flange 2 thus executes a rotational sliding movement. In FIG. 1, the crimping member 10 approaches the curvature region of the workpiece 1.

In Figure 2, in which the flare assembly is shown in a plan view, the crimping member 10 has reached the curvature region of the workpiece 1 and already folded over a partial length of Krürnmungsbereichs the flange 2. The area of the flange 2 located in the plan view below the plate 11, on which the crimping member 10 with its end pressure surface

13 presses, is shown in dotted lines. The front pressure surface 13 leads in a leading

Surface area relative to the flange 2 an outward sliding movement, so that it pulls the flange 2 in its leading surface area and thereby stretches with a force that depends on the axial pressure force with which the end face 13 on the

Flange 2 is pressed.

The hemming member 10 has around the end pressure surface 13 circumferentially on a pressure edge 15 which limits the end face 13 radially outward. The plate 11 goes on its underside over the

Pressure edge 15 in the axial direction in a free in the crimping peripheral surface over. The

Flanging member 10 arrives in the forming process on its leading side first with his

Pressure edge 15 directly to the flanged edge 3 in contact with the flange 2 and exerts on this with the pressure edge 15 from the flanged edge 3 away outward tensile force and also a bending force, before immediately after the forehead pressure surface 13 also on the leading side of the Bördelglieds 10 in relation to the

Rotation axis R purely axial pressure contact passes. Due to the already existing behind the pressure edge 15 surface pressure contact the flange 2 is immediately in front of the

Pressure edge 15 already folded by a certain angle, so to speak, anticipatory. The pressure edge 15 and end pressure surface 13 act together as a result advantageous, so that also flanged edges 3 with a curved course, in particular concave with respect to the

Rotation axis R curved, so curved about the rotation axis R flanged edges 3, be formed clean. Due to the rolling circumferential pressure surface 14, the crimping is further improved. However, the lateral force with which the crimping member 10 is pressed against the strip 4 is preferably smaller than the axial compressive force with which the end pressure surface 13 presses against the flange 2.

FIG. 3 shows the flanging arrangement of FIGS. 1 and 2 in a section which contains the axis of rotation R of the flanging member 10. The pressure exerted by the crimping member 10 on the end pressure surface 13 on the folded flange 2 axial pressure force is denoted by F. It is parallel to the axis of rotation R. The in the direction of advance V (Figures 1 and 2) located further in front of the crimping member 10 and therefore still completely upright flange is shown by dashed lines and designated 2 '.

The Stirndruckfiäche 13 is flat and extends as I said orthogonal to the axis of rotation R. It goes over the pressure edge 15 with a small radius of curvature in the free peripheral surface of the plate 11 over. Radially inside she goes with also small radius to form a throat 16 in the peripheral pressure surface 14 on. When crimping, the crimping member, starting with the pressure edge 15 on the end pressure surface 13 and the throat 16 to the peripheral surface including 14 continuous pressure contact with the workpiece 1, namely with the flange 2, the crimping edge 3 produced by the crimping and the adjacent strip 4. Die Surface contour of the active elements 13-16 limited with the investment structure 5 a gap. The workpiece 10 fills the gap, is thus at and on both sides of the flanged edge 3 with its inner side against the contact structure 5 and with its outside to the hemming member 10 nestled or clamped between the hemming member 10 and the plant structure 5. This continuous contact line in the forming region of the workpiece 1, in particular of the crimping member 10, preferably supported by the abutment structure 5, also contributes to the improvement of the crimping result.

The throat 16 is shaped so that both the front pressure surface 13 and the peripheral pressure surface 14 tangentially tangentially enter the throat 16 and no bulge to the inside, in the direction of the axis of rotation R arises. However, it would be quite conceivable, the throat 16 to dive radially inward, in such a modification, the contact edge of the investment structure 5 may be bulged accordingly For example, to form a beading 3 bulged in a bead-like manner. By bulging the throat 16 inwards, in a further modification, jamming of the workpiece directly at the crimping edge 3 can be prevented and thereby the flow behavior of the workpiece material can be influenced.

FIG. 4 shows the flanging arrangement of the first exemplary embodiment in a first variant of a further development. In order not to have to apply the pressure force F alone on the axial support of the crimping member 10, a support member 8 is axially supported on the support of the crimping tool, which exerts an axial support force on the crimping member 10 during crimping. The support member 8 is arranged so that it presses against one of the front pressure surface 13 axially facing away from the rear free end face of the crimping member 10 in the direction of the compressive force F and thereby relieves the axial support of the crimping member 10 on the carrier. The support member 8 is further arranged so that it presses the flange 2 axially opposite in the direction of the pressing force F against the crimping member 10 and this is clamped between the support member 8 and the flange 2, so to speak, but rotate under the support member 8 about its axis of rotation R. can. The support member 8 is advantageously a roll support member which is rotatably mounted on the support about a rotation axis R ', wherein the rotation axis R ¹ is aligned so that the support member 8 rolls on the back of the hemming member 10 when it rotates about the rotation axis R. , In the first variant shown in Figure 4 with circular cylindrical support member 8, the rotation axis R 'orthogonal to the rotation axis R.

FIG. 5 shows the flanging arrangement of the first exemplary embodiment in a second variant of the further development. The second variant corresponds in many parts to the first variant shown in FIG. It differs from this only by the orientation of the rotation axis R 'of the modified support member 9. While the support member 8 of the first variant has a cylindrical peripheral rolling surface, the UmfangsroMäche of the support member 9 with respect to the rotation axis R' conical. The axes of rotation R and R ¹ therefore do not intersect each other at right angles, but rather the axis of rotation R 'is oblique to the axis of rotation R. Incidentally, the explanations apply to the first variant. FIG. 6 shows, in a section containing the rotation axis R, a flanging arrangement of a second exemplary embodiment, which differs from the flanging arrangement of the first embodiment only in that the flange 2 is folded over by an angle which is smaller than 90 °. By way of example, the flange 2 is folded over from the erected state by an angle of approximately 60 °. The hemming member 20 and the abutment structure 6 are modified accordingly compared to the first exemplary embodiment. The crimping member 20 corresponds to the first embodiment in the region of the plate 21. However, in contrast to the first exemplary embodiment, the stem 22 is not cylindrical with respect to the axis of rotation R and widened radially in the direction of the face pressure surface 23. The re-planar face pressure surface 23 and the conical peripheral pressure area 24 correspond to the angle to which the flange 2 is transferred to each other, in the exemplary embodiment at an angle α of about 130 °. The remarks apply to the first embodiment, in particular, the rotation axis R again orthogonal to the folded flange 2. It may additionally be provided one of the support members 8 and 9.

Figure 7 shows a crimping arrangement of a third embodiment, in which the flange 2 is folded over in a single crimping step by an angle which is greater than 90 °. In the exemplary embodiment, the flange 2 is folded over by an angle of about 120 °. The Stirndruckfiäche 33 of the modified Bördelglieds 30 is again flat and orthogonal to the axis of rotation R, which, as in the first and in the second embodiment in the beading orthogonal to the folded flange 2 has. Modified is only the handle 32 which is conical in adaptation to the Bördelaufgabe with respect to the axis of rotation R and radially widening away from Stirndruckfiäche 33, so that the conical peripheral pressure surface 34 and the plane Stirndruckfiäche 33 the angle of folding accordingly under have an angle α of about 70 ° to each other, so enclose an angle α of about 70 ° with each other. The Alilagestruktur 7 is shaped adapted in the region of their contact edge and its two counter-pressure surfaces, so congruent, the two counter-pressure surfaces thus include the same angle α. Incidentally, the statements made for the first embodiment apply. The crimping member 30 is also with one of the support members 8 and 9 combined, as has been explained for the first embodiment with reference to Figures 4 and 5.

FIG. 8 shows a flanging arrangement of a fourth exemplary embodiment. The crimping tool comprises the crimping member 10 of the first Ausführangsbeispiels. In contrast to the previous embodiments, in which a relative to the workpiece 1 non-movable die in the form of one of the investment structures 5, 6 and 7 is used, comes in the fourth embodiment, a synchronous with the hemming member 10 along the hemming edge 2 moved abutment member 18 to Commitment. The abutment member 18 may in particular be supported on the carrier of the crimping tool. It has in the illustrated section, which contains the axis of rotation R of the Bördelglϊeds 10, a snuggled against the underside of the crimping member 10 contour so that it forms a clamping gap for the workpiece 1 as the investment structures 5, 6 and 7 with the crimping member 10 when folding , The abutment member 18 is rotatable about an axis of rotation R ", which points obliquely to the axis of rotation R and preferably performs a rolling-sliding movement and in the region of its abutment edge in the crimping with its two faces of the face pressure surface 13 and the circumferential pressure surface 14 Essentially a pure rolling motion relative to the workpiece 1.

FIG. 9 shows a flanging arrangement according to a fifth exemplary embodiment, in which the die in the form of an abutment member 19 is also moved synchronously with the crimping member 10 in the advancing direction V. In contrast to the fourth embodiment, the axis of rotation R "of the abutment member 19 is parallel to the axis of rotation R of the crimping member 10. The abutment member 10 has a planar end face against which the flange 2 comes to rest with its underside, and a circular cylindrical peripheral surface, the Because of the orientation of the axis of rotation R ", there is only rolling contact in the region of the strip 4 and only sliding contact with the workpiece 1 in the region of the flange 2 in the transition region, the flanged edge 3 the abutment member 19 roll-sliding contact with the workpiece 1. Otherwise, the comments on the first and the fourth embodiment apply. Also in the crimping arrangements of the fourth and fifth exemplary embodiments, the respective crimping member 10 can be supported on its rear ropes facing away from the end pressure surface 13 by means of a support member 8 or 9 (FIGS. 4 and 5). Also in this respect, the statements there apply equally to the fourth and the fifth embodiment. Furthermore, even when using a moving together with the crimping member Flatrelglieder corresponding to the crimping member 20 or the crimping member 30 of the second and third embodiment and adapted shaped moving Mitlagglieder be used. Instead of a rotatable abutment member, the milbewegte abutment member may be arranged non-rotatably on the support of the crimping tool so that it slides on the outside of the workpiece 1 along the crimping edge 3, while the crimping member 10, 20 or 30, the flange 2 in a further modification and to the co-moving system sliding member applies.

Figures 10 and 11 show a derived from the first exemplary embodiment flanging of a sixth embodiment, by means of which a rabbet joint is created. By means of the flare arrangement, the workpiece 1 and another

Workpiece 1 'positively connected to each other by the flange 2 of the workpiece 1 in two crimping steps by a total of 180 ° folded and thereby a folding pocket is formed, in which an edge strip of the workpiece 1' protrudes. By the two factory gaps 1 and 1 'are joined by means of such a rabbet joint along an outer peripheral edge, the workpieces 1 and 1' are seen as a whole positively fixed to each other. To this

For example, attachments of automobiles, such as doors, bonnets,

Tail or even immovably connected to the outer skin of an automobile or workpieces to be joined such as a sunroof frame with a roof skin, be joined. In the embodiment, the workpiece 1 forms a sliding roof frame and the workpiece V, the roof skin of an automobile.

The workpiece 1 is supported on a lower side on a folding bed 27 and has a surrounding the Dachöfmung, at least substantially perpendicularly projecting from the bottom web, which may be interrupted in its course around the roof opening or may have a varying height. The flange 2 forms an outer edge of this web. Before the first crimping step shown in Figure 10, the web is up to and including the of Flange 2 formed outer edge just straight, so that the flange 2 must be folded over to form the folding pocket by 180 °. This happens in only two crimping steps.

FIG. 10 shows the flanging arrangement during the first flanging step in which the flanging member 10, as described for the first exemplary embodiment, flips the flange 2 by 90 °. The crimping member 10 is used in combination with an abutment member 28 which, as described for the fourth and fifth exemplary embodiments, is moved together with the crimping member 10 in the shown relative position in the advancing direction V. The abutment member 28 is formed as a sliding block. It is arranged on the carrier of the crimping tool. The abutment member 28 forms one of the end pressure surface 13 axially opposite first contact surface against which the flange 2 is applied, and the peripheral pressure surface 14 opposite a second Anlagefiäche with which it protrudes from the bottom of the workpiece 1 web in the region of the contact strip 4 against the peripheral pressure surface 14 transverse to the axis of rotation R is supported. The Anlagegleitglied 28 protrudes like a finger in the formed in the first flanging U-profile of the workpiece 1. In order to reduce the friction Schjniermittelzuführung may be provided, for example on or ira Anlagegleitglied 28 through which in the gap between the workpiece 1 or 1 'and the Anlagegleitglied 28 lubricant is introduced.

Figure 11 shows the crimping member 10 during the subsequent second crimping step, the Fertigbördeischritt in which the folded in the first crimping 90 ° flange 2 by another 90 ° and thus completely up against the protruding into the fold pocket formed edge strip of the workpiece 1 * is folded , The flanging member 10 assumes relative to Faizbett 27 a relative to the first crimping tilted by 90 ° position, so that the rotation axis R again orthogonal to the edge flange 2 has. The crimping edge 3 is also in the finished Bröelelschritt in snug contact with the throat 16 of the crimping member 10, which therefore has rolling contact with the crimping edge 3 and sliding contact again with the flange 2 in the area of the front pressure surface 13. In the second crimping step, the crimping member 10 cooperates with an abutment member 29, which supports the web of the workpiece 1 rising from the folding bed 27 against the pressing force F of the crimping member 10. The abutment member 29 is a on the support of the crimping tool about the rotation axis R "rotatably mounted Rollaway member. The rotation axes R and R "are orthogonal to each other and intersect each other.

FIG. 12 shows a flanging arrangement of a seventh exemplary embodiment in a view. The Bδrdelanordnung is derived from the Bördelanordnung the first exemplary embodiment.

In particular, the crimping member 10 of the first exemplary embodiment is used. in the

Difference to the first exemplary embodiment, the flanged edge 3 is a transversely to the

Rotated axis R pointing axis gekilimmt. With respect to the front pressure surface 13, it is convexly curved, that is, as viewed from the instantaneous location of the axis of rotation R, it curves on both sides away from the front pressure surface 13. The workpiece 1 may additionally be curved about a workpiece axis parallel to the axis of rotation R, in particular concave with respect to the axis of rotation R.

In a flaring arrangement of an eighth embodiment shown in Figure 13, the crimping member 10 is shown in a use as a folding member, in which it is to provide a

Folding connection of two workpieces 1 and 1 'is used. The workpiece 1, for example, a

Be the outer panel of a body of a motor vehicle or an attachment of such a

Body, such as the outer panel of a door, hood or tailgate. The

Workpiece 1 'is an inner part which is connected in a form-fitting manner to the workpiece 1 by folding. The inventive deformation of the flange 2 in a

Step by 90 ° exemplified in Figure 13 from the designated 2 'state down to an outer edge strip of the workpiece 1', so that a fold pocket is created for this edge strip. The system 5 is shown as a fixed, stationary folding bed, but could be replaced by, for example, a running with the hemming member 10 conditioning member, in particular a counter-roller.

Figure 14 shows a crimping arrangement of a ninth embodiment in a view. While in the seventh embodiment, the local flanged edge 3 is convexly curved about an axis transverse to the axis of rotation R with respect to the Stirndruckfiäche 13 of the local flaring member 30, the flanged edge 3 curves in the ninth embodiment with respect to the Stirndruckfiäche 13 concave. If the front pressure surface 13 between the radially inner groove 16 and the pressure edge 15 plan and accurate orthogonal to the axis of rotation R, would arise between the in the plane of view opposite points of the pressure edge 15 a certain, albeit small cavity. In the ninth embodiment, however, a crimping member 40 is used, the end pressure surface 13 of the pressure edge 15 radially inward has a slight inclination to each radial local on the axis of rotation R, as viewed from the flanged edge 3 is therefore convex. The inclination is approximately 2 ° in the exemplary embodiment. Such a slight inclination improves the sliding effect exerted on the flange 2 during the relative sliding movement, since the curvature of the flanging edge 3 concave relative to the face pressure surface 13 is significantly greater than the diameter of the crimping member 40 in most applications concave profile of the flanged edge 3 can be found, for example, when folding wheel arches, but in principle also for attachments such as doors, hoods, tailgates and trunk lids of motor vehicles.

In Figure 15, the crimping member 40 is shown individually. The example in the case of the entire face pressure surface 13 existing and also only for example everywhere constant inclination is denoted by "α". The result is a front pressure surface 13, which has a small conicity corresponding to the inclination α between the Dmckkante 15 and the throat 16.

FIG. 16 shows the crimping member 40 during folding, for example, of a wheel arch or an attachment for a motor vehicle, the crimping edge 3 being able to run concavely curved as seen in FIG. 14, viewed from the side of the front pressure surface 13. The axis of rotation R is adjusted when turning the flange 2 of the inclination α of the end pressure surface 13 with respect to the folded flange 2 or employed, so that the end pressure surface 13 rests satiated on folding on the folded flange 2 and this by means of the described Drehgleit- and thus rotary grinding movement in the leading portion of the front pressure surface 13 stretches, as has already been explained with reference to the first embodiment. The plant 5 is an example of a fixed folding bed.

FIG. 17 shows a flanging arrangement of a tenth embodiment. The crimping arrangement comprises on a common carrier the crimping member 40 with the slightly inclined end pressure surface 13 and an abutment for the crimping member 40th The opposing element 41, which is formed by way of example as a counter-roller and is accordingly rotatably mounted on the common carrier about an axis of rotation R ", is closed by the crimping section of the workpieces 1 and 1 'and a protective structure 42 Protective structure 42 serves to protect the workpiece 1. This is particularly advantageous if the protected surface area of the workpiece 1, which is opposite the end pressure surface 13, forms a visible surface of the workpiece assembly, for example the outer panel of a wheel housing or an attachment of a motor vehicle Advantageous features of such a protective structure 42 are disclosed in EP 1 640 080 B1 If the crimping edge 3 has no concavely curved section with respect to the end pressure surface 13, the crimping element 40 can bear against, for example, the crimping element 10 r plan, to the rotation axis R orthogonal end pressure surface 13 are exchanged. The crimping member 10 would be given in such cases also relative to the crimping member 40, the preference.

In a further development, the protective structure 42, and incidentally, the Appendix 5 of the eighth and ninth embodiment may be modified so that it has, as in the previous embodiments, a strip 4 which is shaped in adaptation to the inclination α so that the crimping member 40 with its Umfangsfiäche 14 (Figure 15) on the strip 4 such a modified protective structure 42 unrolls.

Figures 18 and 19 show a crimping arrangement of an eleventh embodiment with a crimping member 40 in creating a so-called drop flange. When a drop flange is produced in the fold region of the workpieces 1 and 1 ', the folding pocket is produced with a cavity, as shown by way of example in FIG. In particular, a sealing compound, for example a pure sealing material or in particular an adhesive, can be introduced into the cavity. As in the tenth embodiment, the protective strip 42 is also used again. Alternatively, the counter-member 41 could also contact directly the outer surface of the workpiece 1, to serve as an abutment for the crimping member 40.

In Figure 18, the flange 2 is not completely folded with the hemming member 40. The flange 2 is after this forming step with approximately the inclination α to the edge strip of Workpiece 1 'inclined, thus spreads seen from the flanged edge 3 from slightly from the edge strip, as shown in Figure 18 of the illustration because of exaggerated.

Stepped in a subsequent Rollbördel the flange 2 is pressed as shown in Figure 19 by means of a crimping roller 43 against the edge strip of the inner workpiece 1 '. In this last folding step, as in FIG. 19, it is possible to use the same counter-member 41 as in the previous forming step, the sliding pull, if the crimping roller 43 and the crimping member 40 are movable, for example, on the carrier relative to the common counter-element 41, to selectively either the crimping member 40 or the crimping roller 43 with the counter 41 to use. Alternatively, for the crimping roller 43 and the crimping member 40 each have their own counter-member corresponding to the counter-member 41 may be provided.

Also in Figure 20, the crimping member 40 is shown in the generation of a drop flange 2. It has surprisingly been found that the flange 2 by means of the crimping element according to the invention, for example the hemming member 40, in the same forming step, with omission of the intermediate step shown in Figure 18, completely transferred and shaped as shown in the same step already to a "drop" can. The internal state of stress of the workpiece 1 is such that the droplet shape is formed by itself when it is being flipped by the drawing process according to the invention, namely when the end forming step in this modification is parallel to the opposite outer strip of the workpiece 1 or when folding into the folding pocket Edge strip of the workpiece I ¹ points. Alternatively, with respect to such a reference strip, in the case of mere flanging without folding, the hemming member 40 may be set negative to the opposite outer strips of the workpiece 1 and to a folding of the edge strips of the workpiece 1 'projecting into the folding pocket. In such a modification, the front pressure surface 13 near the pressure edge 15 in the crimping or folding region would be closer to the opposite reference strip of the workpiece 1 or 1 'than in the region of the crimping edge 3. Such a negative position, however, can only amount to a few degrees. The Stirndrackfläche 13 is guided at a certain distance from the reference strip. The distance depends on the desired thickness of the drop. In the modification of the method, as shown in FIG. 20, the flange can be transferred from state 2 'in one step by, for example, 30 ° or even more, in the example by 90 °, to the corresponding reference strip of workpiece 1 or 1 'created while the drop is formed. The crimping member 40 can be exchanged for the crimping member 10 or also against the crimping member 20 or 30, in particular in applications in which the crimping edge 3 is not concavely curved to the front pressure surface 13. It would only change the position of the rotation axis R relative to the reference strip of the workpiece 1 or 1 'accordingly.

Reference numerals:

1 workpiece

1 'workpiece

2 flange

3 flanging edge

4 stripes

5 Investment structure

6 Investment structure

7 Investment structure

8 support member

9 support member

10 crimping member

11 plates

12 stalk

13 face pressure surface

14 peripheral pressure surface

15 pressure edge

16 throat

17 attachment

18 -

19 attachment member 20 crimping member

21 plates

22 stalk

23 end pressure surface 24 peripheral pressure surface

25 pressure edge

26 throat

27 abutment member 28 29 abutment member

30 crimping member

31 plates

32 stalk

33 front pressure surface 34 peripheral pressure surface

35 pressure edge

36 throat 37

38 39

40 crimping member

41 counterpart

42 protective structure

43 crimping roller

F compressive force

R axis of rotation of the crimping member

R 'axis of rotation of the support member

R "rotation axis of the abutment member or counter member V propulsion direction α inclination

Claims

claims A method of crimping a workpiece, comprising: a) moving a crimping member (10; 20; 30; 40) about a rotation axis (R) along a flange (2) of the workpiece (1) into a propulsion direction (V), b The crimping member (10; 20; 30; 40) is provided with an end pressure surface (13; 23; 33) and a pressure edge (15; 25,35) encircling the end pressure surface (13; 23; 33) during this advancing movement ( F) pressed against the flange (2) and c) the flange (2) characterized in the advancing direction (V) progressively around a in the D) and the axis of rotation (R) at least substantially orthogonal to the folded flange (2), so that a relative movement, which the crimping member (10; 20; 30; 40) with the end pressure surface (13; 23; 33) performs relative to the folded-over flange (2) is at least substantially a sliding movement. 2. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein the flanging member (10; 20; 30; 40) during the flipping with a circumferential about the axis of rotation (R) extending circumferential pressure surface (14; 24; 34) at one along the flanged edge (3) the flange (2) adjacent strip (4) of the workpiece (1) rolls. A method according to the preceding claim, wherein the crimping member (10; 20; 30; 40) flips the α flange (2) in a single crimping step by an angle selected from the range of 50 ° to 140 °. 4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flanged edge (3) by means of the against the flange (2) pushing end pressure surface (13; 23; 33) and pressure edge (15; 25; 35) is first formed. 5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the flanging edge (3) extends around a workpiece axis parallel to the axis of rotation (R) of the flanging member (10; 20; 30; 40), preferably concave with respect to the axis of rotation (R). , 6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the crimping member (10; 20; 30; 40) rotates in the turning in such a rotational direction that the front pressure surface (13; 23; 33) on its in the advancing direction (V) leading side on the flange (2) exerts a force directed away from the crimping edge (3), which causes an extension of the flange (2). 7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims and at least one of the following features: (i) the crimp member (10; 20; 30; 40) presses the flange (2) with the face pressure surface (13; 23; 33) against an abutment (5; 6; 7; 18; 19; 28,29) which is stationary relative to the flange (2) or which cooperates with the crimping member (10; 20; 30; 40). in the Propulsion direction (V) moves; (ii) the crimping member (10; 20; 30; 40) presses the flange (2) with the peripheral pressure surface (14; 24; 34) according to claim 2 against a bearing (5; 6; 7; 18; 19; 28,29) ) which is stationary relative to the flange (2) or moves together with the crimping member (10; 20; 30; 40) in the advancing direction (V). 8. tool for crimping a workpiece with a) a carrier b) and a on the support about a rotation axis (R) rotatably mounted crimping member (10; 20; 30; 40), the c) one to the rotation axis (R) at least in Substantially orthogonal end face (13; 23; 33), with which the crimping member (10; 20; 30; 40) for turning a flange (2) of the workpiece (1) at least substantially parallel to the axis of rotation (R) against the flange (2) is depressible, d) wherein a slope (α), the the front pressure surface (13; 23; 33) relative to a Radial on the axis of rotation (R) may have a maximum of 10 °. A tool according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the crimping member (10; 20; 30; 40) has a circumferential pressure surface (14; 24; 34) extending around the axis of rotation (R), which relative to the end pressure surface (13; 23, 33) is arranged so that it can be unrolled on a strip (4) of the workpiece (1) which adjoins the flange (2) at the crimping edge (3). 10. Tool according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the end pressure surface (13; 23; 33) with the peripheral pressure surface (14; 24; 34) forms a throat (16; 26,36), in which when the flange ( 2), the flanged edge (3) is receivable, wherein the throat (16; 26, 36) is preferably shaped so that the Flanging edge (3) to the throat (16; 26, 36) hugs. A tool as claimed in any one of the preceding claims and at least one of the following features: (i) the face pressure surface (13; 23; 33) and the peripheral pressure surface (14; 24; 34) are at an angle (α) of at least 50 ° to one another ; (ii) the face pressure surface (13; 23; 33) and the peripheral pressure surface (14; 24; 34) are at an angle (α) of at most 140 ° to each other. 12. Tool according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a supporting member (8; 9) supported on the support, with which the crimping member (10; 20; 30; 40) engages at a rear side facing away from the front pressure surface (13; 23; 33) an external force is acted upon to press the end pressure surface (13; 23; 33) against the flange (2), wherein the support member (8; 9) is preferably rotatably mounted so as to be able to roll on the rear side when the external force is exerted , 13. Tool according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a fixedly arranged or during the folding relative to the workpiece (1) held immovable investment structure (5; 6; 7) to which the flange (2) in the folding with one of the end pressure surface ( 13, 23, 33) facing away from the bottom can be applied and preferably has a contact edge, around which the flange (2) can be folded. 14. Tool according to one of the preceding claims, comprising an abutment member (18, 19, 28) which is movable together with the crimping member (10; 20; 30; 40) in a propulsion direction (V) and is preferably supported on the support 29, 33) of the crimping member (10, 20, 30, 40) and the abutment surface of the abutment member (18, 19, 28, 29) in the Turning the flange (2) facing each other, preferably parallel to each other. 15. Tool according to the preceding claim and at least one of the following features: (i) the abutment member (18; 19) is rotatably mounted about an axis (R ") parallel to the axis of rotation (R) of the crimping member (10; 20; 30; 40) or to the axis of rotation (R) of the crimping member (10). 10, 20, 30, 40) can be projected in parallel, (ii) the flange (2) is in contact with the abutment surface of the abutment member (18, 19, 28) with an underside facing away from the face pressure surface (13; (iii) the abutment member (18; 19; 28) has an abutment edge about which the flange (2) can be folded; (iv) the abutment member (29) is rotatably mounted about an axis (R ") which is connected to the Axis of rotation (R) of the crimping member (10; 20; 30; 40) is orthogonal or can be projected in parallel to an axis of rotation (R) of the crimping member (10; 20; 30; 40) orthogonal axis; (v) when the flange (2) is folded over, the abutment member (29) supports the workpiece (1) in a strip (4) bordering the flange (2) at the crimping edge (3) against the strip (13; ; 33) applied compressive force (F); (vi) the abutment member (28) is formed as a sliding member, which in the transfer of the Flange (2) over the workpiece (1) slides, wherein a lubricant supply may be provided to guide a lubricant in a sliding gap between the workpiece (1) and abutment member (28) can; (vii) the abutment member (18; 19; 28) has a further abutment surface facing the peripheral track surface (14; 24; Workpiece (1) of Umfaπgs pressure surface (14, 24, 34) to support opposite.