Method of making an axle element for a motor vehicle, and shaping die for carrying out the method
AssigneeBenteler Automobiltechnik GmbH
InventorsMichael Heussen, Bernard Comte, Vincent Von Niederhausern, Andreas Baak
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
In a method of making an axle element for a motor vehicle, a rod-shaped semi-finished product of aluminum is use used as starting material and heated to a desired shaping temperature. A first end of the semi-finished product is upset in a cavity of a shaping die by means of a first punch. Subsequently, the other end of the semi-finished product is compressed in the cavity by a second punch, whereby compressed material is forced into a branch of the cavity to form a pre-forge part with a leg portion. The pre-forge part is then forged into a finished axle element, e.g. a swivel bearing.
Claims14
A method of making an axle element for a motor vehicle, comprising the steps of:
- heating a rod-shaped semi-finished product of aluminum to a desired shaping temperature;
- upsetting a first end of the semi-finished product in a cavity of a shaping die by a first punch;
- compressing a second end of the semi-finished product in the cavity by a second punch and thereby forcing compressed material into a branch of the cavity to form a pre-forge part with a leg portion;
- and
- forging the pre-forge part into a finished axle element.
A shaping die for making an axle element for a motor vehicle, comprising:
- an upper die member;
- a lower die member disposed in opposition to the upper die member and defining together with the upper die member a cavity for receiving a semi-finished product having opposite ends, said lower die member having a branch channel in communication with the cavity;
- a first punch placed adjacent one end portion of the semi-finished product and constructed to move in a direction of the semi-finished product to upset the one end portion and thereby shape the one end portion to conform to an internal shape of the cavity;
- and
- a second punch placed adjacent the other end of the semi-finished product and constructed to move in a direction of the semi-finished product to compress the other end portion and thereby force material of the semi-shaped product into the branch channel to shape a leg portion in conformity with an internal shape of the branch channel.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.