Sweep forming assembly and method

摘要

A method and apparatus produces a roll formed bumper member comprising of a metal material. The bumper member has a predetermined transverse cross section and a predetermined curvature. A strip bumper structure is fed into a forming assembly along a line level. The bumper structure has the predetermined transverse cross section and an essentially straight longitudinal configuration. The forming assembly has a driven support roller and a pair of driven cooperating flexing rollers. A first roller of the pair of flexing rollers is positioned to deflect the bumper structure out of the line level. A second roller of the pair of flexing rollers is mounted to revolve about the first roller. The support roller and the pair of cooperating flexing rollers are driven for feeding the bumper structure between the pair of cooperating and counter rotating flexing rollers. Revolving the second flexing roller about the first flexing roller flexes the bumper structure between the support roller and the first flexing roller imparting a permanent longitudinal curvature to the bumper structure.