Method for adjusting the deformation geometry of a deformation tool in an optimising manners, corresponding deformation tool and appropriate test tool

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for the optimizing the adjustment of the deformation geometry of a deformation tool ( 12 ) which is used to deform a sheet ( 10 ), especially sheet metal for a vehicle body. To this end, the sheet ( 10 ) is preformed by means of the deformation tool ( 12 ) to be adjusted, and at least one partial region deformation is then applied to the sheet meal ( 10 ) by means of a test tool ( 16 ) in order to correct the geometry of the sheet, and once the permissible sheet geometry is achieved, the geometry of the partial region deformation ( 14 ) is used to adjust the deformation geometry of the deformation tool ( 12 ).

1 - 17 . (canceled)  
   
   
       18 . A process for optimizing the adjustment of a deformation tool ( 12 ) provided for deformation of a sheet ( 10 ), comprising: 
 performing a sheet ( 10 ) using the deformation tool ( 12 ) to be adjusted,    subsequently, for correction of the sheet geometry, introducing into the sheet ( 10 ) at least one partial area deformation ( 14 ) using a test tool ( 16 ), and    following attainment of the acceptable sheet geometry, using the geometry of the partial area deformation ( 14 ) for adjusting the deformation geometry of the deformation tool ( 12 ).    
   
   
       19 . A process according to  claim 18 , wherein the partial area deformation ( 14 ) is introduced in at least one edge area ( 18 ) of the preformed sheet ( 10 ).  
   
   
       20 . A process according to  claim 19 , wherein the edge area ( 18 ) is a sheet edge ( 22 ) projecting essentially perpendicular to the main orientation plane ( 20 ) of the sheet ( 10 ).  
   
   
       21 . A process according to  claim 18 , wherein the partial area deformation ( 14 ) is introduced manually into the preformed sheet ( 10 ) using an auxiliary deformation tool ( 24 ).  
   
   
       22 . A process according to  claim 21 , wherein the deformation geometry of the auxiliary deformation tool ( 24 ) is used for adjusting the deformation geometry of the deformation tool ( 12 ).  
   
   
       23 . A process according to  claim 18 , wherein the at least two partial area deformations ( 14 ) are introduced into the preformed sheet ( 10 ) simultaneously and/or timewise separate from each other.  
   
   
       24 . A process according to  claim 18 , wherein multiple geometrically distinct shaped partial area deformations ( 14 ) are introduced into the preformed sheet ( 10 ).  
   
   
       25 . A process according to  claim 18 , wherein the partial area deformation ( 14 ) is in the form at least one recess ( 26 ) in the open edge area.  
   
   
       26 . A process according to  claim 18 , wherein the sheet geometry changed by means of the partial area deformation ( 14 ) is checked using a sheet geometry acceptability test.  
   
   
       27 . A process according to  claim 26 , wherein the sheet metal geometry acceptability test occurs using a testing device, in particular a shape gauge.  
   
   
       28 . A process according to  claim 18 , wherein the sheet ( 10 ) is sheet metal, in particular aluminum or an aluminum alloy.  
   
   
       29 . A test tool for carrying out a process for optimizing the adjustment of a deformation tool ( 12 ) provided for deformation of a sheet ( 10 ), said process comprising: 
 performing a sheet ( 10 ) using the deformation tool ( 12 ) to be adjusted,    subsequently, for correction of the sheet geometry, introducing into the sheet ( 10 ) at least one partial area deformation ( 14 ) using a test tool ( 16 ), and    following attainment of the acceptable sheet geometry, using the geometry of the partial area deformation ( 14 ) for adjusting the deformation geometry of the deformation tool ( 12 ),    wherein the test tool ( 16 ) includes a carrier body ( 28 ) to which an adjustment element ( 30 ) for sheet metal deformation is secured slideably guided, and the test tool includes at least one deformation insert ( 32 ).    
   
   
       30 . A test tool according to  claim 29 , wherein a respective, optionally exchangeable, deformation insert ( 32 ) is comprised of at least two insert parts ( 34 ) essentially complimentary in deformation geometry, wherein a first insert part ( 36 ) is secured to the adjustment element ( 30 ) and a second insert part ( 38 ) is secured to the carrier body ( 28 ).  
   
   
       31 . A test tool according to  claim 29 , wherein the test tool includes a securing system ( 40 ) for a manually releasable securing of the insert part.  
   
   
       32 . A deformation tool for carrying out a process for optimizing the adjustment of a deformation tool ( 12 ) provided for deformation of a sheet ( 10 ), said process comprising: 
 performing a sheet ( 10 ) using the deformation tool ( 12 ) to be adjusted,    subsequently, for correction of the sheet geometry, introducing into the sheet ( 10 ) at least one partial area deformation ( 14 ) using a test tool ( 16 ), and    following attainment of the acceptable sheet geometry, using the geometry of the partial area deformation ( 14 ) for adjusting the deformation geometry of the deformation tool ( 12 ),    wherein the deformation tool ( 12 ) includes a stamp ( 42 ) and a die plate ( 44 ), wherein at least the stamp ( 42 ) includes at least one receptacle seat ( 46 ) for releasably securing a deformation tool insert part ( 48 ) for bringing about an associated partial area deformation ( 14 ) in the sheet ( 10 ).    
   
   
       33 . A deformation tool according to  claim 32 , wherein the stamp insert part ( 48 ), and optionally a die plate insert part, is securable in at least one edge area ( 52 ) of the deformation tool ( 12 ).  
   
   
       34 . A deformation tool according to  claim 32 , wherein the die plate ( 44 ) includes at least one deformation recess ( 50 ) embedded in the die plate ( 44 ) and shaped essentially complimentary to the deformation geometry of an associated stamp insert part ( 48 ).