Daimler Chrysler Ag

Robert Mayrhofer

Martin Brodt

Ralf Mehrholz

Matthias Kroeger

Wolfgang Leutelt

A method and apparatus is provided for the production of locally reinforced drawn parts, in which the basic sheet of the structural part, in the flat or only preformed state, is connected in a defined position to the reinforcing sheet and this patched composite sheet structure is subsequently jointly formed. In order to improve the production method in terms of the product and result of the method and to relieve the forming tools during joint forming of the parts, the patched composite sheet structure is heated before forming at least to about 800&#xb0; C. to 850&#xb0; C. The composite sheet structure is then introduced quickly in the hot state to be rapidly formed. During forming the composite part is fixed mechanically and is subsequently cooled in a defined manner by contacting with the forming tool positively cooled from inside. Passage through a critical temperature range of 800&#xb0; C. to 500&#xb0; C. thus takes place with a defined temperature gradient. The step of connecting the reinforcing sheet and the basic sheet can be readily integrated into the forming process by the parts being hard-soldered to one another, with the result that effective corrosion protection at the contact zone can be achieved at the same time.

Method and apparatus for the production of locally reinforced sheet-metal mouldings and products made thereby

A supporting structure of a unitized body includes at least one hollow support that is made up of two longitudinal segments, the longitudinal segments being joined to each other in the area of a joining plane extending transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the hollow support, the end areas of the longitudinal segments being joined to each other so as to overlap. The end areas of the longitudinal segments, which overlap each other, extend diagonally with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the hollow support in the joining area.

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Boeblingen, Germany

Robert Mayrhofer