Method for producing profiled metal sheets

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for producing a profiled metal sheet, comprising the following steps in the indicated order: a) roll forming at least part of a sheet metal strip by means of a roll forming unit, wherein the sheet metal strip determines a first working plane of the roll forming unit, in respect to which parts of the sheet metal strip are bent up to form the profiled metal sheet, and wherein the bent parts of the sheet metal strip are curved at least partially in respect to the first working plane; and b) bending the profiled metal sheet by means of a bending unit, wherein the bent up parts of the profiled metal sheet are bent such that a second working plane is formed, wherein the first working plane becomes curved. The present invention thus provides an easy-to-implement, resource-conserving and cost-effective method.

1 - 14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . Method for producing a profiled metal sheet, comprising the following steps in the indicated order:
 a) roll forming at least part of a sheet metal strip by means of a roll forming unit, wherein the sheet metal strip determines a first working plane of the roll forming unit, in respect to which parts of the sheet metal strip are bent up to form the profiled metal sheet, and wherein the bent parts of the sheet metal strip are curved at least partially in respect to the first working plane;   b) bending the profiled metal sheet by means of a bending unit, wherein the bent up parts of the profiled metal sheet are bent such that a second working plane is formed, wherein the first working plane becomes curved; and   c) roll forming at least part of the profiled metal sheet by means of a roll fowling unit, wherein again parts of the profiled metal sheet are bent up in respect to the second working plane, and wherein the roll forming of step (c) while using a supporting measure.   
     
     
         16 . Method according to  claim 15 , wherein the supporting measure is carried out at the first working plane in that supporting rollers or roller pairs are controlled along at least one axis so as to follow the height outline of the profile of the first working level or in that the first working level is placed or clamped in a kind of “negative mold” and guided through the roll forming unit on a linear guide. 
     
     
         17 . Method according to  claim 15  further comprising the following step after step c):
 d) bending the profiled metal sheet by means of a bending unit, wherein the first and the second working plane are at least partially curved. 
 
     
     
         18 . Method according to  claim 15 , wherein at least one dimension of the cross-section of the profiled metal sheet is kept constant. 
     
     
         19 . Method according to  claim 15 , wherein the bending in step b) takes place on one plane. 
     
     
         20 . Method according to  claim 17 , wherein the bending in step d) takes place on one plane, on two planes or on three planes. 
     
     
         21 . Method according to  claim 17 , wherein the bending in step b) takes place on one plane and wherein the bending in step d) takes place on one plane, on two planes or on three planes. 
     
     
         22 . Method according to  claim 15 , wherein the profiled metal sheets comprise the following profiles: straight or bent profiles, U-shaped profiles with or without a flange, V-shaped profiles with or without a flange, C-shaped profiles, top-hat profiles, M-shaped profiles, oval profiles, rectangular profiles and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         23 . Method according to  claim 15 , wherein the bending comprises a supporting measure. 
     
     
         24 . Method according to  claim 15 , wherein the bending comprises 3-roller bending, glide bending, bending with form shoe, stretch-bending and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         25 . Method according to one or more of  claim 15 , where pleats are provided on profile sides in any desired position. 
     
     
         26 . Method for producing a profiled metal sheet, comprising the following steps in the indicated order:
 a) roll forming a sheet metal strip by means of a roll forming unit, wherein the sheet metal strip determines a first working plane of the roll forming unit, in respect to which parts of the sheet metal strip are bent up to form the profiled metal sheet, wherein one dimension of the cross-section of the profiled metal sheet is kept constant and wherein the bent up parts of the sheet metal strip are curved at least partially in respect to the first working plane;   b) bending the profiled metal sheet by means of a bending unit, wherein the bent parts of the profiled metal sheet are bent such that a second working plane is formed, wherein the first working plane becomes curved and wherein again one dimension of the cross-section of the profiled metal sheet is kept constant; and   c) roll forming of the profiled metal sheet by means of a roll forming unit, wherein in respect to the second working plane again parts of the profiled metal sheet are bent up, wherein one dimension of the cross-section of the profiled metal sheet is kept constant and wherein the roll forming of step (c) while using a supporting measure.   
     
     
         27 . Profiled metal sheet, produced according to  claim 15 , to be used in a branch of industry, comprising the automotive industry, especially for frame longitudinal and transverse members, bumpers, door stiffenings, preforms for inner high-pressure metal forming; in shipbuilding, particularly for masts; in road construction, especially for lanterns; and in architecture, especially for structural steel profiles. 
     
     
         28 . Profiled metal sheet, produced according to  claim 26 , to be used in a branch of industry, comprising the automotive industry, especially for frame longitudinal and transverse members, bumpers, door stiffenings, preforms for inner high-pressure metal forming; in shipbuilding, particularly for masts; in road construction, especially for lanterns; and in architecture, especially for structural steel profiles. 
     
     
         29 . Method according to  claim 15 , wherein at least one dimension of the cross-section of the profiled metal sheet varies.