Patents by Inventor Thomas Flehmig

Thomas Flehmig has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11938577
    Abstract: The invention relates inter alia to a method for cutting a workpiece, in particular a blank or a component, comprising the following steps: inserting the workpiece into a cutting device, wherein the cutting device comprises a first tool half having at least one workpiece holder and at least one first cutting means, which comprises a first cutting edge and a contact surface, and a second tool half having at least one second cutting means having a second cutting edge and a contact surface, clamping the workpiece by means of the workpiece holder and the contact surface of the second cutting means, cutting the workpiece by means of the cutting means, the workpiece undergoes, prior to cutting, both a first prebending, which is produced substantially in the opposite direction counter to the cutting direction, and thereafter a second prebending in the cutting direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignees: ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe AG, Thyssenkrupp AG
    Inventor: Thomas Flehmig
  • Publication number: 20230182244
    Abstract: The invention relates inter alia to a method for cutting a workpiece, in particular a blank or a component, comprising the following steps: inserting the workpiece (3) into a cutting device, wherein the cutting device comprises a first tool half (1) having at least one workpiece holder (12) and at least one first cutting means (11), which comprises a first cutting edge (111) and a contact surface (112), and a second tool half (2) having at least one second cutting means (21) having a second cutting edge (211) and a contact surface (212), clamping the workpiece (3) by means of the workpiece holder (12) and the contact surface (212) of the second cutting means, cutting the workpiece (3) by means of the cutting means (11, 21), the workpiece (3) undergoes, prior to cutting, both a first prebending, which is produced substantially in the opposite direction counter to the cutting direction, and thereafter a second prebending in the cutting direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2019
    Publication date: June 15, 2023
    Applicants: ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe AG, thyssenkrupp AG
    Inventor: Thomas FLEHMIG
  • Patent number: 11426784
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a component, said method comprising: preforming a workpiece to a preformed component having a base region, a side-plate region, and optionally a flange region, such that the preformed component has a material surplus for the side-plate region and/or the base region and/or optionally the flange region; and calibrating the preformed component to an at least in regions finally formed component having a base region, a side-plate region, and optionally a flange region; wherein the base region of the preformed component has substantially the geometry and/or the local cross sections of the base region of the at least in regions finally formed component. The invention moreover relates to a device for producing a component, in particular for carrying out the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: thyssenknupp AG
    Inventors: Thomas Flehmig, Martin Kibben, Daniel Nierhoff
  • Patent number: 11267032
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a dimensionally stable sheet metal component, wherein the method includes preforming a metal sheet into a sheet metal preform comprising at least one base region, a frame region, a transitional region between the base region and the frame region, optionally a flange region and a transitional region between the frame region and the flange region, wherein at least one of the regions comprises excess material at least in portions. The sheet metal preform is cut at least in portions to form a cut sheet metal preform with a sheet metal preform The sheet metal preform is one of swagged and calibrated which has been cut at least in portions to form a substantially finished formed sheet metal component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: thyssenknupp AG
    Inventors: Thomas Flehmig, Martin Kibben, Daniel Nierhoff, Arndt Marx, Daniel Caspary
  • Patent number: 11192162
    Abstract: A method for forming a semi-finished product is disclosed, wherein the semi-finished product is provided in a provision step and, in a solid-stock forming step, a forming region of the semi-finished product is formed such that a thickness of the deformed forming region increases continuously toward one margin of the semi-finished product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignees: ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe AG, thyssenkrupp AG
    Inventors: Michael Brüggenbrock, Thomas Flehmig, Lothar Hömig
  • Patent number: 11179762
    Abstract: A method for producing dimensionally highly accurate sheet-metal components is provided. A blank is formed to a preformed part, wherein the preformed part in the cross section at least in regions has an excess developed length. The preformed part is calibrated in regions to a calibrated part while at least in regions using the excess developed length of the cross section of the preformed part, wherein the preformed edges of the preformed part during the calibrating are at least in regions disposed so as to be free of any form-fit. The calibrated part is trimmed at least in regions after the calibrating, in order for the sheet-metal component (60) to be produced. A device for producing dimensionally highly accurate sheet-metal components is moreover described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: thyssenkrupp AG
    Inventors: Arndt Marx, Daniel Caspary, Olaf Müller, Martin Kibben, Daniel Nierhoff, Thomas Flehmig
  • Publication number: 20210316355
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a component, said method comprising: preforming a workpiece to a preformed component having a base region, a side-plate region, and optionally a flange region, such that the preformed component has a material surplus for the side-plate region and/or the base region and/or optionally the flange region; and calibrating the preformed component to an at least in regions finally formed component having a base region, a side-plate region, and optionally a flange region; wherein the base region of the preformed component has substantially the geometry and/or the local cross sections of the base region of the at least in regions finally formed component. The invention moreover relates to a device for producing a component, in particular for carrying out the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Publication date: October 14, 2021
    Applicants: ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe AG, thyssenkrupp AG
    Inventors: Thomas Flehmig, Martin Kibben, Daniel Nierhoff
  • Publication number: 20210260641
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a component having a bottom region, optionally a bottom-body transition region, optionally a body region, optionally a body-flange transition region and optionally a flange region, wherein a semifinished product made of a plastically deformable material is provided, wherein the semifinished product has a longitudinal extent and a transverse extent having a circumferential edge contour having a separating surface, wherein the semifinished product is processed in one or more stages in one or more tools to produce the component. Moreover, the invention relates to a tool for producing a component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2017
    Publication date: August 26, 2021
    Applicants: ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe AG, thyssenkrupp AG
    Inventors: Michael BRUGGENBROCK, Thomas FLEHMIG, Martin KIBBEN, Jorg GORSCHLUTER, Daniel NIERHOFF
  • Patent number: 11097330
    Abstract: A method for producing a formed component is disclosed. The method includes: preforming a workpiece to a preformed component having a base region, a wall region, and optionally a flange region, wherein a material quantity adaptation is set in the preformed component; and calibrating the preformed component to a finally formed component, at least in regions, having a base region, a wall region, and optionally a flange region, wherein compressing of the preformed component is performed at least in regions during the calibrating. The method provides a formed component wherein the dimensional accuracy is improved and, in particular, any spreading of the walls of U-shaped components or part-portions can be influenced in a targeted manner, so as to further improve the dimensional accuracy of the formed component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP STEEL EUROPE AG, THYSSENKRUPP AG
    Inventors: Thomas Flehmig, Martin Kibben, Daniel Nierhoff
  • Patent number: 10987718
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for production of a supporting member with an at least partially closed cross-section, having at least a first metal shell and a second metal shell which are connected together at least in portions in the longitudinal direction. The method includes a provision of at least a first and a second metal blank. At least a first and a second metal shell are produced from the respective first and second metal blanks. The first and second metal shells each have at least one floor with two protruding uprights spaced apart from each other and integrally connected to the floor. The first and second metal shells are positioned such that the uprights of the metal shells come into overlapping contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignees: ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe AG, thyssenkrupp AG
    Inventors: Martin Kibben, Thomas Flehmig, Daniel Nierhoff, Lars Bode
  • Patent number: 10898942
    Abstract: A method for the production of a closed hollow profile for a vehicle axle including the following steps: a) provision of a board made out of a sheet of metal, wherein the board has at least a length in a longitudinal direction and at least a width in a transverse direction, b) forming of the board, creating an open profile with a channel running in a longitudinal direction of the board, c) forming the lateral surfaces of the board, creating a hollow profile with a circumference and a longitudinal gap and d) joining together the longitudinal gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Brüggenbrock, Thomas Flehmig, Thomas Flöth, Thomas Grosserüschkamp, Norbert Niggemeyer, Andreas Frehn
  • Publication number: 20200384522
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a dimensionally stable sheet metal component, wherein the method includes preforming a metal sheet into a sheet metal preform comprising at least one base region, a frame region, a transitional region between the base region and the frame region, optionally a flange region and a transitional region between the frame region and the flange region, wherein at least one of the regions comprises excess material at least in portions. The sheet metal preform is cut at least in portions to form a cut sheet metal preform with a sheet metal preform The sheet metal preform is one of swagged and calibrated which has been cut at least in portions to form a substantially finished formed sheet metal component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2018
    Publication date: December 10, 2020
    Applicants: ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe AG, thyssenkrupp AG
    Inventors: Thomas Flehmig, Martin Kibben, Daniel Nierhoff, Arndt Marx, Daniel Caspary
  • Publication number: 20200230688
    Abstract: A method for producing a component in which a workpiece is preformed to form a preformed component and a finally shaped component is produced from the preformed component. The preformed component is formed into a singly or multiply offset finally shaped component by a forming process. The invention furthermore relates to a device with a forming tool. The forming tool is designed as a multi-part forming tool in which each part of the multi-part forming tool includes at least one punch and one die. The forming tool is designed to produce a singly or multiply offset finally shaped component by shaping from the preformed component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2020
    Publication date: July 23, 2020
    Applicants: ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe AG, thyssenkrupp AG
    Inventors: Thomas Flehmig, Daniel Nierhoff, Martin Kibben
  • Publication number: 20200078849
    Abstract: A method for producing dimensionally highly accurate sheet-metal components is provided. A blank is formed to a preformed part, wherein the preformed part in the cross section at least in regions has an excess developed length. The preformed part is calibrated in regions to a calibrated part while at least in regions using the excess developed length of the cross section of the preformed part, wherein the preformed edges of the preformed part during the calibrating are at least in regions disposed so as to be free of any form-fit. The calibrated part is trimmed at least in regions after the calibrating, in order for the sheet-metal component (60) to be produced. A device for producing dimensionally highly accurate sheet-metal components is moreover described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Applicants: ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe AG, thyssenkrupp AG
    Inventors: Arndt Marx, Daniel Caspary, Olaf Müller, Martin Kibben, Daniel Nierhoff, Thomas Flehmig
  • Publication number: 20200030867
    Abstract: A method for producing a formed component is disclosed. The method includes: preforming a workpiece to a preformed component having a base region, a wall region, and optionally a flange region, wherein a material quantity adaptation is set in the preformed component; and calibrating the preformed component to a finally formed component, at least in regions, having a base region, a wall region, and optionally a flange region, wherein compressing of the preformed component is performed at least in regions during the calibrating. The method provides a formed component wherein the dimensional accuracy is improved and, in particular, any spreading of the walls of U-shaped components or part-portions can be influenced in a targeted manner, so as to further improve the dimensional accuracy of the formed component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Thomas Flehmig, Martin Kibben, Daniel Nierhoff
  • Publication number: 20190388953
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for production of a supporting member with an at least partially closed cross-section, having at least a first metal shell and a second metal shell which are connected together at least in portions in the longitudinal direction. The method includes a provision of at least a first and a second metal blank. At least a first and a second metal shell are produced from the respective first and second metal blanks. The first and second metal shells each have at least one floor with two protruding uprights spaced apart from each other and integrally connected to the floor. The first and second metal shells are positioned such that the uprights of the metal shells come into overlapping contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2019
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Applicants: ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe AG, thyssenkrupp AG
    Inventors: Martin Kibben, Thomas Flehmig, Daniel Nierhoff, Lars Bode
  • Publication number: 20190217366
    Abstract: A method for producing sheet metal components is disclosed. The method includes preshaping a workpiece to form a preshaped component. Excess material is introduced into the preshaped component at least in regions. The method includes, calibrating the preshaped component to form an at least partially finally shaped component using the excess material. The preshaped component is compressed at least in sections. The method achieves high dimensional accuracy, rigidity and/or hardening of components. According to one aspect of the method, different regions of the preshaped component are calibrated in a time-staggered manner, or one or more locally thickened region are produced during the calibration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2017
    Publication date: July 18, 2019
    Inventors: Thomas Flehmig, Martin Kibben, Daniel Nierhoff, Arndt Marx, Daniel Caspary
  • Publication number: 20190193136
    Abstract: A method for producing a formed, flanged component is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: preforming a workpiece a preformed component; and calibrating the preformed component to a substantially completely formed component. The method strengthens the reinforcement in the component and widens the spectrum of application to components in particular, to tub-shaped components. The calibrating of the preformed component to the completely formed component includes stretching the preformed component at least in portions. The present disclosure relates further to a device for producing a formed, flanged component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventors: Thomas Flehmig, Martin Kibben, Daniel Nierhoff
  • Patent number: 10265751
    Abstract: Quality collars with long collar lengths, homogeneous wall thickness distributions, and high loadability even in high-strength materials such as steel can be achieved on workpieces according to the disclosed methods and devices. One example method involves drawing the workpiece such that the drawn workpiece has a flange region and a drawn region adjoining the flange region, wherein the drawn region has a wall region and a drawn base adjoining the wall region, with the wall region forming a part of the collar; punching the drawn base located in the drawn region of the workpiece such that a drawn-base subregion adjoins the wall region; expanding the drawn-base subregion such that the expanded drawn-base subregion forms a part of the collar; and at least partially ironing and/or expanding the collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignees: thyssenkrupp Steel Europe AG, thyssenkrupp AG
    Inventor: Thomas Flehmig
  • Publication number: 20190105696
    Abstract: A method for forming a semi-finished product is disclosed, wherein the semi-finished product is provided in a provision step and, in a solid-stock forming step, a forming region of the semi-finished product is formed such that a thickness of the deformed forming region increases continuously toward one margin of the semi-finished product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventors: Michael Brüggenbrock, Thomas Flehmig, Lothar Hömig