GB1344120A - Manufacture of wheels - Google Patents

Abstract

1344120 Welding by fusion GIANETTI SpA 24 Nov 1971 [26 Jan 1971] 54549/71 Heading B3R [Also in Division B7] In circumferential welding (e.g. submerged arc) a vehicle wheel channel rim 36 to a disc 54 (or ring attached to spokes), the rim and disc are axially fluid-pressure clamped together with a peripheral portion 55 of the disc engaging the inner surface of a tyre bead support zone 40 of the rim, and the clamping pressure is such that the rim is made to conform to the disc. The clamping apparatus comprises a base 12 on which are secured an interchangeable rim locating an abutment ring 34 and a cylinder 18, and an interchangeable disc locating an abutment plate 52 secured to the cylinder. The cylinder houses a piston 22 a rod 26 of which has an end enlargement 27. A valve 76 is provided to selectively direct fluid pressure (e.g. air) to opposite sides of the piston. In operation, the rim 36 is positioned on the ring 34, the disc 54 is positioned on the plate 52 with its wheel fixing holes 56 located on pins 58, a clamp plate 62 is placed over the rod end enlargment 27, and a C-shaped clamp member 64 is swung into position between the enlargement 27 and the plate 62. Fluid pressure is then directed to rightwardly move the piston, and hence the plate 62, to press the disc into abutment with the plate 52, the rim and disc being so dimensioned that when this abutment is established the peripheral portion 55 of the disc is pressed against the rim zone 40 such that the rim is made to conform to the disc. In the event of insufficient disc rigidity, the plate 62 may be of increased diameter such that it may bear on the outer part of the disc. The welding may be effected from one side only. Figures 2, 3 (not shown) relate to different forms of rim, disc and spoke ring.