Method to connect a hollow tube to a flange uses hydroforming process to press edge of tube into groove in ring flange

摘要

The flange (22) has a retainer groove (38) of a shape corresponding to the tube (46), to accommodate the edge (44) of the tube end. The end section is pressed into the groove by pressure applied in longitudinal direction of the tube, which is held in a tool (10), and a wall section (28a) of the flange engaging on the tube wall is formed in that axial direction. Forming pressure is generated by a flowing medium, and the components are subjected to a hydroforming process.