Patent ID: 6672120
Filing Date: 2004-01-06
Classification: B21D,Y10T

Abstract:
In-die hydropiercing apparatus comprising a die button adapted to be mounted in a hydroforming die, a backup plunger received in said die button having an end adapted to be positioned in at least (1) a hydroforming position flush with an outer surface of said die button during hydroforming of a part with hydroforming fluid under pressure and (2) a retracted prepiercing position in said die button for prepiercing of the part with the hydroforming pressure in the part and (3) a further retracted piercing position in said die button for piercing the part with the hydroforming pressure in the part, cam means for determining the positioning of said plunger in said prepiercing position, plunger actuating means for moving said plunger to said positions, and cam actuating means including adjusting means for actuating said cam means to position and hold said plunger in said prepiercing position independent of said plunger actuating means and to also adjust said prepiercing position.