CA2119937C - Method and apparatus for fracturing connecting rods and the like - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for fracturing connecting rods and the likeInfo
- Publication number
- CA2119937C CA2119937C CA 2119937 CA2119937A CA2119937C CA 2119937 C CA2119937 C CA 2119937C CA 2119937 CA2119937 CA 2119937 CA 2119937 A CA2119937 A CA 2119937A CA 2119937 C CA2119937 C CA 2119937C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- slide member
- mandrel
- preform
- guideway
- bearing cap
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B23D—PLANING; SLOTTING; SHEARING; BROACHING; SAWING; FILING; SCRAPING; LIKE OPERATIONS FOR WORKING METAL BY REMOVING MATERIAL, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B23D31/00—Shearing machines or shearing devices covered by none or more than one of the groups B23D15/00 - B23D29/00; Combinations of shearing machines
- B23D31/002—Breaking machines, i.e. pre-cutting and subsequent breaking
- B23D31/003—Breaking machines, i.e. pre-cutting and subsequent breaking for rings
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Shafts, Cranks, Connecting Bars, And Related Bearings (AREA)
Abstract
A process and apparatus for fracturing, into a bearing cap and a connecting rod, an integral preform which defines a cylindrical aperture and two spaced-apart bolt seat shoulders. A guide member defines a first guideway along which moves a first slide member, the latter in turn defining a second guideway parallel to the first, along which a second slide member moves. A split mandrel has an upper part fixed with respect to the first slide member and a lower part fixed with respect to the guide member. The split mandrel halves define an internal taperedpassageway for receiving a wedge capable of forcing the mandrel halves apart.
Projections on the second slide member contact the bolt seat shoulders when the cylindrical aperture of the preform receives the split mandrel, and means are provide for urging the second slide member toward the mandrel. When the wedge member enters the tapered passageway, forcing the mandrel parts apart and fracturing the preform, the bearing cap's contact with the projections and the upper part of the split mandrel securely holds the bearing cap in place. Furtherpositional security is provided by static and dynamic locators which have a lateral pinching action on the bearing cap and on the connecting rod.
Projections on the second slide member contact the bolt seat shoulders when the cylindrical aperture of the preform receives the split mandrel, and means are provide for urging the second slide member toward the mandrel. When the wedge member enters the tapered passageway, forcing the mandrel parts apart and fracturing the preform, the bearing cap's contact with the projections and the upper part of the split mandrel securely holds the bearing cap in place. Furtherpositional security is provided by static and dynamic locators which have a lateral pinching action on the bearing cap and on the connecting rod.
Description
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FRACTURING CONNECTING RODS
AND THE LIKE
This invention relates to the fracture separation, into a bearing cap and a con,~c~ g rod, of an integral preform, while ensuring that the separated pieces will be capable of re-lmifi~ation, in a high production ellvirolllnent.
BACKGROUND OF THIS INVENTION
Numerous methods have been employed to sepalal~ conn~octing rod preforms by fracturing, both in laboratory and production enviro~ lenls. These include cryogenic cooling or electron beam exposure to embrittle the fracture area, fractllring by wedge act l~tion of an exp~n-lin~ mandrel, and linear opposing pulling forces to separate the bearing cap from the col~le~;lillg rod preform. The following patents are ~eplesell~live of the prior art:
U.S. patent No. 4,569,109, issued on February 11, 1986;
U.S. patent No. 4,768,694, issued on September 6, 1988;
U.S. patent No. 4,993,134, issued on February 19, 1991.
Despite these prior developments, certain elements vital to fracture sepalation continue to have the gledte~l inflllPnre on the quality of the fini~h~d conn~-cting rod. Two of these elements are:
(a) achieving ~imlllt~n~ous fMcture along the cracking plane of both legs of the conn~cting rod. Failure to achieve simlllt~nPous fracture is likely to result in plastic deformation of the crank bore and inhibit re-mating of the two parts;
(b) m~int~inin~ positive control over the position of the separated bearing cap and conl~ rod body, to ensure accurate micro-~lignm~l t during re-mating. Failure to do this may negate the inherent advantages of fracture separation.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THIS INVENTION
The present invention provides an appalalus and a process for accomplishing the fracture sep~àlion, into a bearing cap and a conllPclil-g rod, of an integral plefoll,l, the latter being composed of powdered metal, cast iron, forged steel, alll.l,i,,.llll or any other material suitable for use as a connecting rod.
The process of this invention is con-lucted under ambient conditions and requires 211~937 no prior embrittlement of the prefo~ , as called for by earlier developments ili7ing cryogenic chilling or electron beam hardening.
However, a stress-riser is required to control the location of fracture initiation (i.e. the location of the joint line). The stress-riser may be provided in a 5 prior process by way of (a) V-notch broaching or other equivalent machining means, (b) laser etching, or (c) prefolllling a stress-riser in the "green" preform prior to firing (baking) and forging.
The present process utilizes a work-holding fixture which retains and locates the co~ g rod preform with respect to its m~nllf~ctllring datum 10 fealul~s. The mechanism includes a dual slide ram coupled to a unilateral wedge interposed between a two-piece lllalldl._l which, when activated, effects the fracture separation of the preform into a bearing cap and the col~l~ecling rod.
A further aspect of this process is the ability of the work-holding fixture to locate the pre-sepdldted conn~cting rod preform on the m~mlf~rtllring datum 15 fcaLules, and to m~int~in this location throughout separation and re-mating. This goal is achieved by constructing the work-holding feature on a precision slide. A
lower portion of the work-holding fixture, which rigidly secures the conn~cting rod body, is affixed to the slide and restrains the conn~cting rod against any movement. The upper portion of the work-holding fixture, which locates and 20 retains the bearing cap of the ultim~t~ connPcting rod, is affixed to a slide saddle movable on the precision slide.
This ~l~lgclllclll allows the bearing cap to move independently of the col-nPcli,~g rod body during separation, while co..l;..~ g to m~int~in its precision location with respect to the conn~ctin~ rod body. The arrangement of the present25 invention further eli...i~-~t~s any tendency for the bearing cap to rotate during scpalalion~ thus promoting ~imlllt~n~ous fracture of both of the connecting rod legs. The re-mating of the scpdldted bearing cap to the connecting rod body is passively accomplished by spring loading the upper portion of the work-holding fixture to return it to its pre-fracture position. Subsequent to the fracture 30 separation and re-mating of the bipdllile conn~-cting rod, the work-holding fixture, with its re-mated conn~cting rod still retained and located, can index out of the separation area for fastener insertion and further proces~ing, as required.
AND THE LIKE
This invention relates to the fracture separation, into a bearing cap and a con,~c~ g rod, of an integral preform, while ensuring that the separated pieces will be capable of re-lmifi~ation, in a high production ellvirolllnent.
BACKGROUND OF THIS INVENTION
Numerous methods have been employed to sepalal~ conn~octing rod preforms by fracturing, both in laboratory and production enviro~ lenls. These include cryogenic cooling or electron beam exposure to embrittle the fracture area, fractllring by wedge act l~tion of an exp~n-lin~ mandrel, and linear opposing pulling forces to separate the bearing cap from the col~le~;lillg rod preform. The following patents are ~eplesell~live of the prior art:
U.S. patent No. 4,569,109, issued on February 11, 1986;
U.S. patent No. 4,768,694, issued on September 6, 1988;
U.S. patent No. 4,993,134, issued on February 19, 1991.
Despite these prior developments, certain elements vital to fracture sepalation continue to have the gledte~l inflllPnre on the quality of the fini~h~d conn~-cting rod. Two of these elements are:
(a) achieving ~imlllt~n~ous fMcture along the cracking plane of both legs of the conn~cting rod. Failure to achieve simlllt~nPous fracture is likely to result in plastic deformation of the crank bore and inhibit re-mating of the two parts;
(b) m~int~inin~ positive control over the position of the separated bearing cap and conl~ rod body, to ensure accurate micro-~lignm~l t during re-mating. Failure to do this may negate the inherent advantages of fracture separation.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THIS INVENTION
The present invention provides an appalalus and a process for accomplishing the fracture sep~àlion, into a bearing cap and a conllPclil-g rod, of an integral plefoll,l, the latter being composed of powdered metal, cast iron, forged steel, alll.l,i,,.llll or any other material suitable for use as a connecting rod.
The process of this invention is con-lucted under ambient conditions and requires 211~937 no prior embrittlement of the prefo~ , as called for by earlier developments ili7ing cryogenic chilling or electron beam hardening.
However, a stress-riser is required to control the location of fracture initiation (i.e. the location of the joint line). The stress-riser may be provided in a 5 prior process by way of (a) V-notch broaching or other equivalent machining means, (b) laser etching, or (c) prefolllling a stress-riser in the "green" preform prior to firing (baking) and forging.
The present process utilizes a work-holding fixture which retains and locates the co~ g rod preform with respect to its m~nllf~ctllring datum 10 fealul~s. The mechanism includes a dual slide ram coupled to a unilateral wedge interposed between a two-piece lllalldl._l which, when activated, effects the fracture separation of the preform into a bearing cap and the col~l~ecling rod.
A further aspect of this process is the ability of the work-holding fixture to locate the pre-sepdldted conn~cting rod preform on the m~mlf~rtllring datum 15 fcaLules, and to m~int~in this location throughout separation and re-mating. This goal is achieved by constructing the work-holding feature on a precision slide. A
lower portion of the work-holding fixture, which rigidly secures the conn~cting rod body, is affixed to the slide and restrains the conn~cting rod against any movement. The upper portion of the work-holding fixture, which locates and 20 retains the bearing cap of the ultim~t~ connPcting rod, is affixed to a slide saddle movable on the precision slide.
This ~l~lgclllclll allows the bearing cap to move independently of the col-nPcli,~g rod body during separation, while co..l;..~ g to m~int~in its precision location with respect to the conn~ctin~ rod body. The arrangement of the present25 invention further eli...i~-~t~s any tendency for the bearing cap to rotate during scpalalion~ thus promoting ~imlllt~n~ous fracture of both of the connecting rod legs. The re-mating of the scpdldted bearing cap to the connecting rod body is passively accomplished by spring loading the upper portion of the work-holding fixture to return it to its pre-fracture position. Subsequent to the fracture 30 separation and re-mating of the bipdllile conn~-cting rod, the work-holding fixture, with its re-mated conn~cting rod still retained and located, can index out of the separation area for fastener insertion and further proces~ing, as required.
2~ 37 More particularly, this invention provides an appalaLus for the fracture separation, into a bearing cap and a conn~ g rod, of an integMl preform which is configured to define a cylindrical apellule and two spaced-apart bolt seat shoulders, the apl)alalus colll~lisillg:
a base member, a guide member fixed with respect to said base member, the guide member defining a first guideway exlelldillg in a first direction, a first slide member mounted to said guide member for sliding movement along said first guideway in said first direction, the first slide member defming a second guideway also extending in said first direction, a second slide member mounted to said first slide member for sliding movement with respect to said first slide mPmher along said second guideway in said first direction, a mandrel which is split to define an upper part fixed with respect to the first slide member and a lower part fixed with respect to said base member, saidupper part being movable b~lweell a first position in which it is spaced away from the lower part and a second position in which it is juxtaposed against the lowerpart to define a subst~nti~lly cylindrical body having its axis Iying substantially in a second direction p~l~e~ ic~ r to said first direction, movement of said upper part being simllll~nPuus with movement of the first slide member along the firstguideway with respect to said guide member, the upper and lower parts of said mandrel defining an internal tapered passageway, a wedge mPmher adapted, when the upper part is in its second position, to enter said tapered passageway and force said mandrel parts apart, power means for moving said wedge member, projections defined by said second slide member and adapted to contact the bolt seat shoulders of an integral prefo",l while the cylindrical ape,lule thereof receives the split mandrel, and means for selectively urging the second slide member toward the mandrel, thereby securely holding the integral p,ero,l,l in place, 21I~93 7 whereby the wedge member can enter the tapered passageway, forcing the mandrel parts apart and fracturing the preform into a bearing cap and a connecting rod.
Further, this invention provides a process for the fracture separation, into a bearing cap and a conn~cting rod, of an integral preform which is configured to define a cylindrical apellulc and two spaced-apart bolt seat shoulders, the process comprising:
a) fitting the cylindrical apellulc of the pl.,follll over a substantially cylindrical mandrel which includes sep~te upper and lower parts, b) holding the plcrOllll in place over the mandrel by pressing against the bolt seat shoulders in the direction toward the mandrel, and c) forcing the lllalldl~l parts apart while holding the preform in place, thereby to fracture the pf~llll into a bearing cap and a coi~ cli"g rod.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
One embodiment of this invention is illustrated in the accompanying dl~willgs, in which like numerals denote like parts throughout the several views, and in which:
Figure 1 is an elevational view looking at the front of the separation station in a direction pel~enfli~ r to the direction of ll~Çel, Figure 2 is a side elevational view, looking at the sepal~tion station from a direction at right angles to the direction of Figure 1, and is partly broken away to show a section along the line 2-2 in Figure 3;
Figure 3 is a horizontal sectional view taken at the line 3-3 in Figure 2, and the line 3-3 in Figure 1; and Figure 4 is a view similar to that of Figure 3, showing a variant of the element causing the fracture separation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 illustrates, in broken lines, a pre-sepal~lcd preform lA integrally incol~ora~ g a co~-n~oc~ rod 1 and a bearing cap 2, located and secured in a separation station work-holding fLxture 3. It is to be noted that the preform lA is configured to deflne a cylindrical apellule 6 and two spaced-apart bolt seat shoulders 8 and 9, this being the typical construction.
211~937 s One of the key feaLu.es of the fixture 3 is the ~tt~inment of a three-point, wedge-locked retention for the bearing cap 2, both before and after fracturing.
This is accomplished through the use of a small slide assembly 4, which is best understood by conlpalillg Figures 2 and 3.
S A slide unit 21 is mounted for horizontal movement along the direction of the arrow 21A. Secured to the slide unit is a base member 30 which is integral with the lower part 19 of a split nla~ ,l (the rem~in-l~r of which will be described subseqllently), and a guide member 18. Defined by the guide member 18 is a first guideway 18B which has two oppositely ~lelldillg rectangular recesses 18A (see Figure 3). The guideway 18B extends in a direction perpen~ic.~ r to the arrow 21A.
A first slide mPmher S is mounted to the guide member 18 for sliding movement along the first guideway 18B in the vertical direction (arrow SA in thedrawings), and itself conllil,ul~s to defining a second guideway SB, parallel with lS the direction of the first guideway. In Figure 3, which is a horizontal section through the upper part of the assembly shown in Figure 2, a second slide member 10 of rectangular section in its upper portion is trapped between the first slide member S and a slide assembly cover 12. In Figure 3, the cover 12 defines a lectall~,ular recess 12A and has lateral projections 12B for securely locating the cover 12 on the first slide member S. As can also been seen in Figures 1 and 3, threaded fasteners 13A are utilized to secure the cover 12 against the first slide member S.
As illustrated in Figure 2, the first slide member S integrally supports an upper part 7A of a split mandrel 7, from which it will be understood that, when the first slide member S moves upwardly with respect to the guide member 18, theupper part 7A of the split ll,al~lel 7 moves upwardly away from the lower part 19. It will further be noted that the axis of the split lllalldrel 7 lies in a direction subst~nti~lly parallel to the arrow 21A, and is thus substantially perpen-1iYll~r to the first guideway 18B.
As further illustrated in Figure 2, the upper and lower parts 7A and 19 of the mandrel 7 together define an internal tapered passageway shown in broken lines at l9A, the passageway l9A being such as to accept a wedge member 20 which, when driven to the left in Figure 2, forces the mandrel parts 7A and 19 apart. It is to be noted that the passageway l9A has a subst~nti~lly hori_ontal lower portion l9B and a sloping upper portion l9C, and that the leftward end of the wedge member 20 is correspondillgly configured. The purpose for this S configuration is to avoid dow~lwdl.l force against the lower part 19, and to m~ximi7e upward force against the upper part 7A.
Power means for moving the wedge member 20 in Figure 2 is illustrated sch~m~tir~lly as a hydraulic or pn~ m~tir cylinder 32. As an al~ alive, the wedge member 20 may be acnl~tr~ by a slaved spring motion of known construction (not illustrated).
In an allcl"dlive construction, illustrated in broken lines in Figure 4, a wedge 20A can first come into direct contact with the tapered passageway at a low force level, creating a pre-load upon the contact surfaces of the internal tapered passageway, wlRlcupon a sepaldLe high-velocity ram 33 could impact upon the wedge 20A, thus causing sepdldlion of the preform into a cap and a rod. The pre-load by the wedge has the effect of taking up all slack, and leaving no free travel or lost motion in the upper and lower parts 7 and 19 defining the internal tapered passageway l9A. In Figure 4, the ram 33 is the end of a piston 33A moving in a cylinder 33B. The position of the wedge 20A is controlled by an auxiliary cylinder 23 acting on a sçh~m~tir~lly illustrated flange 24 secured to the wedge20A.
Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, the second slide member 10 has a widened portion 34 at the bottom, the portion 34 ~u~ol~ g projections 36 and 38 which are adapted to contact the bolt seat shoulders 8 and 9 while the cylindrical apc~lulc 6 in the pl._folnl lA receives the split mandrel 7.
Means are provided, ~ltili7in~ a c~mmin~ member 11, for selectively urging the second slide member 10 toward the mandrel 7, thereby securely holding the integral ~l~,follll lA in place. In Figure 1, short hatch lines on portions 7A, 36 and 38 show the three-point "capture" of the upper part of the prcrollll lA.
It will now be understood that, when the wedge member 20 enters the tapered passageway l9A, it forces the mandrel part 7A upwardly away from the part 19, thereby fracturing the preform lA into a bearing cap and a connecting rod.
The c~mming member 11 will now be described in greater detail. The cover 12 defines a horizontal, rectangular passage llA to either side of the recess 5 12A. The c~mmin~ member 11 is a Z-shaped cam adapted to be moved by a force along the arrow 13. The upper part of the second slide member 10 is m~hinlod to define a sloping passageway 40 for receiving a central part 42 of the cam, having the same slope as the passageway 40. It will be understood that, as the c~mming member 11 moves leftwardly (as seen in Figure 1), the second slide 10 member 10 will move dOw-lwaldly.
Illustrated schPm~ti~-~lly in Figure 1 are locate and retention locators 14-17.
The locators 14 and 15 are fLxed or static, whereas the retainers 16 and 17 are dynamic clamps that apply a constant force leftwardly on the preform, seating itfirmly against the locators 14 and 15.
More particularly, the locators 14-17 include a first static locator 14 adapted to contact one side of the portion of the preform lA which is intended to become the bearing cap, and a second static locator adapted to contact one side of the portion of the preform lA intended to become the co~ ecling rod. On the right in Figure 1, the dynamic locator 16 is adapted to contact the other side of the portion of the pr~fo-lll lA which is intended to become the bearing cap, while the second dynamic locator 17 is adapted to contact the other side of the portion of the preform lA which is intended to become the conn~cting rod. The dynamic locators 16 and 17 can be urged leftwardly by the use of resilient means, such as springs. The locators 14 and 16 are mounted on the first slide member 5 while the locators 15 and 17 are mounted on the base member 30. It will thus be seen that, even though the part carrier is used for Lldh~f.,llhlg the connecting rod from one m~ in~ station to another, the locators remain engaged with the plefol.ll (the conn.octing rod components) throughout the fracture and separation cycle.
Utilization of the illustrated appa~dlus may be defined as a process for the fracture sepdld~ion, into a bearing cap and the connecting rod, of an integral preform configured to define a cylindrical apellule and two spaced-apart bolt seat shoulders. The process involves first fitting the cylindrical apellure of the 21~g37 preform lA over the subst~nti~lly cylindrical mandrel 7 that includes separate upper and lower parts 7A and 19 respectively, then holding the preform lA in place on the mandrel 7 by causing the projections 36 and 38 to press downwardly against the bolt seat shoulders 8 and 9 rc~e~;lively in the direction toward the5 mandrel then forcing the parts 7A and 19 apart (while holding the preform lA in place) thereby fracturing the preform lA into a bearing cap 2 and a connecting rod 1. Upon fracture, caused by the high-velocity of the wedge member 20 entering between the lllanllel halves 7A and 19, the following portions move vertically upward: the first slide member 5 with its integral part 7A of tne split mandrel 7;
the cover 12, the second slide member 10, the cam member 42, the locators 14 and 16, and the bearing cap 2 (which has been split from the co..,~P~l;"g rod 1).
The following parts remain stationary: the lower part 19 of the ~ a~ g mandrel 7, the guide m~mher 18, the base member 30 and the slide unit 21.
TmmP~ tely upon completion of fracture separation, the wedge member 20 15 is withdrawn from bclwcen the mandrel halves 7A and 19, allowing the first slide member 5 to return to its pre-separation position. Actuation to return the firstslide member 5 dowllwdr.lly can employ any linear force device (springs, cylinders, etc.), or gldvi~lion.
It will now be understood that the a~palalus and process described above 20 allow the bearing cap 2 to be fracture-sepalated from the conn~cting rod body 1, while all throughout the sepala~ion and re-mating process the location uniqueness of the bearing cap 2 with respect to the co~ P~ rod body 1 is m~int~in~l With respect to the slide unit 21 seen in Figure 2, its purpose is 1) to bring the e4ui~lllelll required to Sepaldle and re-mate the connPctin~ rod bipallilc while 25 it is located and retained in the part carrier, and 2) to pelrollll separation and re-mating, and then withdraw from the conl-~c~ rod bi~allilc, leaving it located and retained as it was prior to separation.
While this invention has been described and illustrated with the conn~cting rod preform lA in a vertical attitude, the particular part attitude is not a limitation 30 of this invention. The process outlined above can be carried out with the conn~cting rod in any desired attitude. Of course, the various slides, actuators, clamps, locators and directions of motion, as previously described, would change 3 ~
g their attihldes in a similar way, in order to keep the relative motions and directions consistent.
A detailed description of the process follows:
Firstly, the locators 14-17 are activated to grip the preform.
Secondly, with the second slide member 10 withdrawn upwardly such that the projections 36 and 38 do not h~ r~,.e, the preform aperture 6 is engaged with the split mandrel 7 and the ram slide assembly by a linear motion, with the split mandrel parts 7A and 19 being juxtaposed against each other.
Next, the three-point retention of the comlecting rod bearing cap is activated, this taking place bclwcen the cap half 7A of the split mandrel 7 and the projections 36 and 38, which contact the bolt seat shoulders.
Then, the wedge member 20 or the wedge 20A is activated to split the mandrel 7, following which the wedge member 20 or wedge 20A is withdrawn.
Then, the bearing cap retention co~ ecl by the projections 36 and 38 is disengaged.
Then, the split lllalldfel and the ram slide assembly is disengaged from the CO~ Ct;l-g rod by moving the slide unit 21 (illustrated in Figure 2).
Finally, the locators 14-17 are disengaged at the point of removal of the 2-piece plcfoll~l which has been re~csemhled using two bolts.
While one embodiment of this invention has been illustrated in the accolll~allyillg dlaw~ and described hereinabove, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that changes and mo lifir~tions may be made therein without departing from the essence of this invention, as set forth in the appended claims.
a base member, a guide member fixed with respect to said base member, the guide member defining a first guideway exlelldillg in a first direction, a first slide member mounted to said guide member for sliding movement along said first guideway in said first direction, the first slide member defming a second guideway also extending in said first direction, a second slide member mounted to said first slide member for sliding movement with respect to said first slide mPmher along said second guideway in said first direction, a mandrel which is split to define an upper part fixed with respect to the first slide member and a lower part fixed with respect to said base member, saidupper part being movable b~lweell a first position in which it is spaced away from the lower part and a second position in which it is juxtaposed against the lowerpart to define a subst~nti~lly cylindrical body having its axis Iying substantially in a second direction p~l~e~ ic~ r to said first direction, movement of said upper part being simllll~nPuus with movement of the first slide member along the firstguideway with respect to said guide member, the upper and lower parts of said mandrel defining an internal tapered passageway, a wedge mPmher adapted, when the upper part is in its second position, to enter said tapered passageway and force said mandrel parts apart, power means for moving said wedge member, projections defined by said second slide member and adapted to contact the bolt seat shoulders of an integral prefo",l while the cylindrical ape,lule thereof receives the split mandrel, and means for selectively urging the second slide member toward the mandrel, thereby securely holding the integral p,ero,l,l in place, 21I~93 7 whereby the wedge member can enter the tapered passageway, forcing the mandrel parts apart and fracturing the preform into a bearing cap and a connecting rod.
Further, this invention provides a process for the fracture separation, into a bearing cap and a conn~cting rod, of an integral preform which is configured to define a cylindrical apellulc and two spaced-apart bolt seat shoulders, the process comprising:
a) fitting the cylindrical apellulc of the pl.,follll over a substantially cylindrical mandrel which includes sep~te upper and lower parts, b) holding the plcrOllll in place over the mandrel by pressing against the bolt seat shoulders in the direction toward the mandrel, and c) forcing the lllalldl~l parts apart while holding the preform in place, thereby to fracture the pf~llll into a bearing cap and a coi~ cli"g rod.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
One embodiment of this invention is illustrated in the accompanying dl~willgs, in which like numerals denote like parts throughout the several views, and in which:
Figure 1 is an elevational view looking at the front of the separation station in a direction pel~enfli~ r to the direction of ll~Çel, Figure 2 is a side elevational view, looking at the sepal~tion station from a direction at right angles to the direction of Figure 1, and is partly broken away to show a section along the line 2-2 in Figure 3;
Figure 3 is a horizontal sectional view taken at the line 3-3 in Figure 2, and the line 3-3 in Figure 1; and Figure 4 is a view similar to that of Figure 3, showing a variant of the element causing the fracture separation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 illustrates, in broken lines, a pre-sepal~lcd preform lA integrally incol~ora~ g a co~-n~oc~ rod 1 and a bearing cap 2, located and secured in a separation station work-holding fLxture 3. It is to be noted that the preform lA is configured to deflne a cylindrical apellule 6 and two spaced-apart bolt seat shoulders 8 and 9, this being the typical construction.
211~937 s One of the key feaLu.es of the fixture 3 is the ~tt~inment of a three-point, wedge-locked retention for the bearing cap 2, both before and after fracturing.
This is accomplished through the use of a small slide assembly 4, which is best understood by conlpalillg Figures 2 and 3.
S A slide unit 21 is mounted for horizontal movement along the direction of the arrow 21A. Secured to the slide unit is a base member 30 which is integral with the lower part 19 of a split nla~ ,l (the rem~in-l~r of which will be described subseqllently), and a guide member 18. Defined by the guide member 18 is a first guideway 18B which has two oppositely ~lelldillg rectangular recesses 18A (see Figure 3). The guideway 18B extends in a direction perpen~ic.~ r to the arrow 21A.
A first slide mPmher S is mounted to the guide member 18 for sliding movement along the first guideway 18B in the vertical direction (arrow SA in thedrawings), and itself conllil,ul~s to defining a second guideway SB, parallel with lS the direction of the first guideway. In Figure 3, which is a horizontal section through the upper part of the assembly shown in Figure 2, a second slide member 10 of rectangular section in its upper portion is trapped between the first slide member S and a slide assembly cover 12. In Figure 3, the cover 12 defines a lectall~,ular recess 12A and has lateral projections 12B for securely locating the cover 12 on the first slide member S. As can also been seen in Figures 1 and 3, threaded fasteners 13A are utilized to secure the cover 12 against the first slide member S.
As illustrated in Figure 2, the first slide member S integrally supports an upper part 7A of a split mandrel 7, from which it will be understood that, when the first slide member S moves upwardly with respect to the guide member 18, theupper part 7A of the split ll,al~lel 7 moves upwardly away from the lower part 19. It will further be noted that the axis of the split lllalldrel 7 lies in a direction subst~nti~lly parallel to the arrow 21A, and is thus substantially perpen-1iYll~r to the first guideway 18B.
As further illustrated in Figure 2, the upper and lower parts 7A and 19 of the mandrel 7 together define an internal tapered passageway shown in broken lines at l9A, the passageway l9A being such as to accept a wedge member 20 which, when driven to the left in Figure 2, forces the mandrel parts 7A and 19 apart. It is to be noted that the passageway l9A has a subst~nti~lly hori_ontal lower portion l9B and a sloping upper portion l9C, and that the leftward end of the wedge member 20 is correspondillgly configured. The purpose for this S configuration is to avoid dow~lwdl.l force against the lower part 19, and to m~ximi7e upward force against the upper part 7A.
Power means for moving the wedge member 20 in Figure 2 is illustrated sch~m~tir~lly as a hydraulic or pn~ m~tir cylinder 32. As an al~ alive, the wedge member 20 may be acnl~tr~ by a slaved spring motion of known construction (not illustrated).
In an allcl"dlive construction, illustrated in broken lines in Figure 4, a wedge 20A can first come into direct contact with the tapered passageway at a low force level, creating a pre-load upon the contact surfaces of the internal tapered passageway, wlRlcupon a sepaldLe high-velocity ram 33 could impact upon the wedge 20A, thus causing sepdldlion of the preform into a cap and a rod. The pre-load by the wedge has the effect of taking up all slack, and leaving no free travel or lost motion in the upper and lower parts 7 and 19 defining the internal tapered passageway l9A. In Figure 4, the ram 33 is the end of a piston 33A moving in a cylinder 33B. The position of the wedge 20A is controlled by an auxiliary cylinder 23 acting on a sçh~m~tir~lly illustrated flange 24 secured to the wedge20A.
Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, the second slide member 10 has a widened portion 34 at the bottom, the portion 34 ~u~ol~ g projections 36 and 38 which are adapted to contact the bolt seat shoulders 8 and 9 while the cylindrical apc~lulc 6 in the pl._folnl lA receives the split mandrel 7.
Means are provided, ~ltili7in~ a c~mmin~ member 11, for selectively urging the second slide member 10 toward the mandrel 7, thereby securely holding the integral ~l~,follll lA in place. In Figure 1, short hatch lines on portions 7A, 36 and 38 show the three-point "capture" of the upper part of the prcrollll lA.
It will now be understood that, when the wedge member 20 enters the tapered passageway l9A, it forces the mandrel part 7A upwardly away from the part 19, thereby fracturing the preform lA into a bearing cap and a connecting rod.
The c~mming member 11 will now be described in greater detail. The cover 12 defines a horizontal, rectangular passage llA to either side of the recess 5 12A. The c~mmin~ member 11 is a Z-shaped cam adapted to be moved by a force along the arrow 13. The upper part of the second slide member 10 is m~hinlod to define a sloping passageway 40 for receiving a central part 42 of the cam, having the same slope as the passageway 40. It will be understood that, as the c~mming member 11 moves leftwardly (as seen in Figure 1), the second slide 10 member 10 will move dOw-lwaldly.
Illustrated schPm~ti~-~lly in Figure 1 are locate and retention locators 14-17.
The locators 14 and 15 are fLxed or static, whereas the retainers 16 and 17 are dynamic clamps that apply a constant force leftwardly on the preform, seating itfirmly against the locators 14 and 15.
More particularly, the locators 14-17 include a first static locator 14 adapted to contact one side of the portion of the preform lA which is intended to become the bearing cap, and a second static locator adapted to contact one side of the portion of the preform lA intended to become the co~ ecling rod. On the right in Figure 1, the dynamic locator 16 is adapted to contact the other side of the portion of the pr~fo-lll lA which is intended to become the bearing cap, while the second dynamic locator 17 is adapted to contact the other side of the portion of the preform lA which is intended to become the conn~cting rod. The dynamic locators 16 and 17 can be urged leftwardly by the use of resilient means, such as springs. The locators 14 and 16 are mounted on the first slide member 5 while the locators 15 and 17 are mounted on the base member 30. It will thus be seen that, even though the part carrier is used for Lldh~f.,llhlg the connecting rod from one m~ in~ station to another, the locators remain engaged with the plefol.ll (the conn.octing rod components) throughout the fracture and separation cycle.
Utilization of the illustrated appa~dlus may be defined as a process for the fracture sepdld~ion, into a bearing cap and the connecting rod, of an integral preform configured to define a cylindrical apellule and two spaced-apart bolt seat shoulders. The process involves first fitting the cylindrical apellure of the 21~g37 preform lA over the subst~nti~lly cylindrical mandrel 7 that includes separate upper and lower parts 7A and 19 respectively, then holding the preform lA in place on the mandrel 7 by causing the projections 36 and 38 to press downwardly against the bolt seat shoulders 8 and 9 rc~e~;lively in the direction toward the5 mandrel then forcing the parts 7A and 19 apart (while holding the preform lA in place) thereby fracturing the preform lA into a bearing cap 2 and a connecting rod 1. Upon fracture, caused by the high-velocity of the wedge member 20 entering between the lllanllel halves 7A and 19, the following portions move vertically upward: the first slide member 5 with its integral part 7A of tne split mandrel 7;
the cover 12, the second slide member 10, the cam member 42, the locators 14 and 16, and the bearing cap 2 (which has been split from the co..,~P~l;"g rod 1).
The following parts remain stationary: the lower part 19 of the ~ a~ g mandrel 7, the guide m~mher 18, the base member 30 and the slide unit 21.
TmmP~ tely upon completion of fracture separation, the wedge member 20 15 is withdrawn from bclwcen the mandrel halves 7A and 19, allowing the first slide member 5 to return to its pre-separation position. Actuation to return the firstslide member 5 dowllwdr.lly can employ any linear force device (springs, cylinders, etc.), or gldvi~lion.
It will now be understood that the a~palalus and process described above 20 allow the bearing cap 2 to be fracture-sepalated from the conn~cting rod body 1, while all throughout the sepala~ion and re-mating process the location uniqueness of the bearing cap 2 with respect to the co~ P~ rod body 1 is m~int~in~l With respect to the slide unit 21 seen in Figure 2, its purpose is 1) to bring the e4ui~lllelll required to Sepaldle and re-mate the connPctin~ rod bipallilc while 25 it is located and retained in the part carrier, and 2) to pelrollll separation and re-mating, and then withdraw from the conl-~c~ rod bi~allilc, leaving it located and retained as it was prior to separation.
While this invention has been described and illustrated with the conn~cting rod preform lA in a vertical attitude, the particular part attitude is not a limitation 30 of this invention. The process outlined above can be carried out with the conn~cting rod in any desired attitude. Of course, the various slides, actuators, clamps, locators and directions of motion, as previously described, would change 3 ~
g their attihldes in a similar way, in order to keep the relative motions and directions consistent.
A detailed description of the process follows:
Firstly, the locators 14-17 are activated to grip the preform.
Secondly, with the second slide member 10 withdrawn upwardly such that the projections 36 and 38 do not h~ r~,.e, the preform aperture 6 is engaged with the split mandrel 7 and the ram slide assembly by a linear motion, with the split mandrel parts 7A and 19 being juxtaposed against each other.
Next, the three-point retention of the comlecting rod bearing cap is activated, this taking place bclwcen the cap half 7A of the split mandrel 7 and the projections 36 and 38, which contact the bolt seat shoulders.
Then, the wedge member 20 or the wedge 20A is activated to split the mandrel 7, following which the wedge member 20 or wedge 20A is withdrawn.
Then, the bearing cap retention co~ ecl by the projections 36 and 38 is disengaged.
Then, the split lllalldfel and the ram slide assembly is disengaged from the CO~ Ct;l-g rod by moving the slide unit 21 (illustrated in Figure 2).
Finally, the locators 14-17 are disengaged at the point of removal of the 2-piece plcfoll~l which has been re~csemhled using two bolts.
While one embodiment of this invention has been illustrated in the accolll~allyillg dlaw~ and described hereinabove, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that changes and mo lifir~tions may be made therein without departing from the essence of this invention, as set forth in the appended claims.
Claims (12)
1. An apparatus for the fracture separation, into a bearing cap and a connectingrod, of an integral preform which is configured to define a cylindrical aperture and two spaced-apart bolt seat shoulders, the apparatus comprising:
a base member, a guide member fixed with respect to said base member, the guide member defining a first guideway extending in a first direction, a first slide member mounted to said guide member for sliding movement along said first guideway in said first direction, the first slide member defining a second guideway also extending in said first direction, a second slide member mounted to said first slide member for sliding movement with respect to said first slide member along said second guideway in said first direction, a mandrel which is split to define an upper part fixed with respect to the first slide member and a lower part fixed with respect to said base member, saidupper part being movable between a first position in which it is spaced away from the lower part and a second position in which it is juxtaposed against the lowerpart to define a substantially cylindrical body having its axis lying substantially in a second direction perpendicular to said first direction, movement of said upperpart being simultaneous with movement of the first slide member along the first guideway with respect to said guide member, the upper and lower parts of said mandrel defining an internal tapered passageway, a wedge member adapted, when the upper part is in its second position, to enter said tapered passageway and force said mandrel parts apart, power means for moving said wedge member, projections defined by said second slide member and adapted to contact the bolt seat shoulders of an integral preform while the cylindrical aperture thereof receives the split mandrel, and means for selectively urging the second slide member toward the mandrel, thereby securely holding the integral preform in place, whereby the wedge member can enter the tapered passageway, forcing the mandrel parts apart and fracturing the preform into a bearing cap and a connecting rod.
a base member, a guide member fixed with respect to said base member, the guide member defining a first guideway extending in a first direction, a first slide member mounted to said guide member for sliding movement along said first guideway in said first direction, the first slide member defining a second guideway also extending in said first direction, a second slide member mounted to said first slide member for sliding movement with respect to said first slide member along said second guideway in said first direction, a mandrel which is split to define an upper part fixed with respect to the first slide member and a lower part fixed with respect to said base member, saidupper part being movable between a first position in which it is spaced away from the lower part and a second position in which it is juxtaposed against the lowerpart to define a substantially cylindrical body having its axis lying substantially in a second direction perpendicular to said first direction, movement of said upperpart being simultaneous with movement of the first slide member along the first guideway with respect to said guide member, the upper and lower parts of said mandrel defining an internal tapered passageway, a wedge member adapted, when the upper part is in its second position, to enter said tapered passageway and force said mandrel parts apart, power means for moving said wedge member, projections defined by said second slide member and adapted to contact the bolt seat shoulders of an integral preform while the cylindrical aperture thereof receives the split mandrel, and means for selectively urging the second slide member toward the mandrel, thereby securely holding the integral preform in place, whereby the wedge member can enter the tapered passageway, forcing the mandrel parts apart and fracturing the preform into a bearing cap and a connecting rod.
2. The apparatus claimed in claim 1, in which the base member is mounted for movement substantially in said second direction.
3. The apparatus claimed in claim 1, in which said means for selectively urging is a cam means, the apparatus further including further means for operating the cammeans.
4. The apparatus claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
a first static locator means mounted on said first slide member and adapted to contact one side of the portion of said preform intended to become the bearing cap, a second static locator means mounted on said first slide member and adapted to contact one side of the portion of said preform intended to become the connecting rod, a first dynamic locator means mounted on said first slide member and adapted to contact the other side of the portion of said preform intended to become the bearing cap, a second dynamic locator means mounted on said first slide member and adapted to contact the other side of the portion of said preform intended to become the connecting rod, and resilient means for urging the dynamic locator means toward the respective static locator means.
a first static locator means mounted on said first slide member and adapted to contact one side of the portion of said preform intended to become the bearing cap, a second static locator means mounted on said first slide member and adapted to contact one side of the portion of said preform intended to become the connecting rod, a first dynamic locator means mounted on said first slide member and adapted to contact the other side of the portion of said preform intended to become the bearing cap, a second dynamic locator means mounted on said first slide member and adapted to contact the other side of the portion of said preform intended to become the connecting rod, and resilient means for urging the dynamic locator means toward the respective static locator means.
5. A process for the fracture separation, into a bearing cap and a connecting rod, of an integral preform which is configured to define a cylindrical aperture and two spaced-apart bolt seat shoulders, the process comprising:
a) fitting the cylindrical aperture of the preform over a substantially cylindrical mandrel which includes separate upper and lower parts, b) holding the preform in place over the mandrel by pressing against the bolt seat shoulders in the direction toward the mandrel, and c) forcing the mandrel parts apart while holding the preform in place, thereby to fracture the preform into a bearing cap and a connecting rod.
a) fitting the cylindrical aperture of the preform over a substantially cylindrical mandrel which includes separate upper and lower parts, b) holding the preform in place over the mandrel by pressing against the bolt seat shoulders in the direction toward the mandrel, and c) forcing the mandrel parts apart while holding the preform in place, thereby to fracture the preform into a bearing cap and a connecting rod.
6. The process claimed in claim 5, in which the upper and lower parts of the mandrel define an internal tapered passageway, and in which step c) is performedby forcing a wedge member into said passageway.
7. The process claimed in claim 5, in which said upper part of the mandrel is fixed with respect to a first slide member guided in a guideway fixed with respect to the lower part of the mandrel, such that when the parts are forced apart the first slide member moves along said guideway.
8. The process claimed in claim 5, in which step b) further includes using a pinching action between a static locator and a dynamic locator on either side of the portion of the preform intended to become the bearing cap, and a pinching actionbetween a further static locator and a further dynamic locator on either side of the portion of the preform intended to become the connecting rod.
9. The process claimed in claim 7, in which step b) is carried out by urging, against the bolt seat shoulders, spaced-apart projections on a second slide member movable in a further guideway provided on the first slide member substantially parallel with said first-mentioned guideway, said urging being accomplished by acam means.
10. The process claimed in claim 6, in which said upper part of the mandrel is fixed with respect to a first slide member guided in a guideway fixed with respect to the lower part of the mandrel, such that when the parts are forced apart the first slide member moves along said guideway.
11. The process claimed in claim 10, in which step b) further includes using a pinching action between a static locator and a dynamic locator on either side of the portion of the preform intended to become the bearing cap, and a pinching actionbetween a further static locator and a further dynamic locator on either side of the portion of the preform intended to become the connecting rod.
12. The process claimed in claim 11, in which step b) is carried out by urging, against the bolt seat shoulders, spaced-apart projections on a second slide member movable in a further guideway provided on the first slide member substantially parallel with said first-mentioned guideway, said urging being accomplished by acam means.
Priority Applications (9)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2119937 CA2119937C (en) | 1994-03-25 | 1994-03-25 | Method and apparatus for fracturing connecting rods and the like |
| ES95914822T ES2147849T3 (en) | 1994-03-25 | 1995-03-22 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE BREAKING OF CONNECTING RODS AND THE LIKE. |
| CN 95193235 CN1149272A (en) | 1994-03-25 | 1995-03-22 | Method and apparatus for fracturing connecting rods and the like |
| PCT/US1995/003620 WO1995026257A1 (en) | 1994-03-25 | 1995-03-22 | Method and apparatus for fracturing connecting rods and the like |
| US08/750,909 US6386417B1 (en) | 1994-03-25 | 1995-03-22 | Method and apparatus for fracturing connecting rods and the like |
| EP95914822A EP0751850B1 (en) | 1994-03-25 | 1995-03-22 | Method and apparatus for fracturing connecting rods and the like |
| DE69517965T DE69517965T2 (en) | 1994-03-25 | 1995-03-22 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR BREAK SEPARATING CONNECTING RODS AND THE LIKE |
| AU21918/95A AU2191895A (en) | 1994-03-25 | 1995-03-22 | Method and apparatus for fracturing connecting rods and the like |
| US10/098,795 US6905054B2 (en) | 1994-03-25 | 2002-03-14 | Method and apparatus for fracturing connecting rods and the like |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2119937 CA2119937C (en) | 1994-03-25 | 1994-03-25 | Method and apparatus for fracturing connecting rods and the like |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2119937A1 CA2119937A1 (en) | 1995-09-26 |
| CA2119937C true CA2119937C (en) | 1998-01-06 |
Family
ID=4153246
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2119937 Expired - Fee Related CA2119937C (en) | 1994-03-25 | 1994-03-25 | Method and apparatus for fracturing connecting rods and the like |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2119937C (en) |
-
1994
- 1994-03-25 CA CA 2119937 patent/CA2119937C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2119937A1 (en) | 1995-09-26 |
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