Rigid connection of structural parts in the case of a motor vehicle and

Abstract

A rigid connection of structural parts of a motor vehicle and a tool and for establishing the connection are provided. The two structural parts to be connected are designed as oblong hollow bodies with one structural part having axially spaced radial cross-sectional reductions along the length of the connection in which the other structural part is held on it while forming a releasable plug-type connection and in that the first structural part--starting from the plug-in position. Because of the expansion between the plug-type connection points, during an internal high-pressure deforming, the parts are locked in a form-fitting manner. The interim structural part, in contrast to the other structural part, being constructed to be more easily plastically deformable under high pressure. A tool used for the deforming is constructed as an oblong, radially expandable, elastic, hollow swelling body which is closed on all sides in a pressure-tight manner, has a pressure connection extending to the outside and connected with a high-pressure fluid line, and is provided with a tension device hindering axial expansions of the swelling body. The tool, in a flexible condition subjected to a fluid pressure, is introduced into the interior structural part in its plug-in position and plastically widens the interior structural part under a higher pressure until a locking form-fitting of the two structural parts occurs.