GB198842A - Improved process of and apparatus for making wheels - Google Patents

Abstract

198,842. White, A. E., (Bethlehem Steel Co.). March 29, 1922. Wheels.-In the process of forming wheels from flanged metal bars, such as A, Fig. 1, the web of the bar is apertured as at 4, Fig. 3, at equal intervals to form the part outline of the spokes, then progessively cut as by suitable punches 11, Fig. 7, to complete the outline at the spokes and to divide the bar into two wheel forming blanks, each of which is then treated to bend the spokes alternately to opposite sides, and to form the blank into a circle with the splayed spokes enclosing a spacing member at the centre. The apparatus for forming the apertures 4 consists of punches, and the edges of the apertures are rounded off by chamfering punches. The punches 11 for severing the blank and completing the spoke-forming operation may be of any suitable shape, pilot pieces 10 being provided for positioning the blank after each feed movement. The spokes are splayed in a die, Fig. 10, comprising a die-block 14 having an annular projection 15 and raised portions 16 alternating with depressions. The die 18 is formed of a shape complementary to the die-block. The operation for bending the blank into a circle consists of two stages, in the first of which the ends are bent into arcs of radius equal to that of the completed circle. This operation is performed in apparatus comprising a two part die-block having inward projections 24, Figs. 15 and 16, forming a support for the flange of the bar, and cut away at their ends so as not to interfere with the spokes. The ends of the. die-block and of the forming die are curved to the required radius. The partially bent blank is then transferred to a circular two-part die block 30, Figs. 17 and 19, mounted on a shaft 32 with a spoke spacing member 33. The forming dies consist of two cam-shaped members 34 pivoted at 35 to the press 36, and provided with rollers 39, 39'. Link rods 43 are pivoted to the members 34 and have sliding movement in relation to the press-frame 37 limited by collars 45, 46. In the downward movement of the die, the shoulders 40, 41 remain in engagement till the rods have reached their limit of movement after which further movement of the press causes the rods to swing the members 34 about their pivots 35.