Lightweight aluminum alloy thrust rod and manufacturing method and application thereof

Abstract

The present application relates to a kind of lightweight aluminum alloy thrust rod and its manufacturing method and application.The manufacturing method includes: using 6000 series aluminum alloy to manufacture ball joint seat and column tube respectively;Solution, water cooling and artificial aging treatment are carried out on ball joint seat and / or column tube in turn;Friction welding is used to weld column tube and ball joint seat, and welded assembly is obtained;Artificial semi-aging treatment is carried out on welded assembly.The present application carries out solution, water cooling and artificial aging treatment on ball joint seat and column tube before friction welding, to optimize the strength of ball joint seat and column tube;In the stage of friction welding, the method of reducing heat input is used to ensure the welding strength;After welding, the welded joint is strengthened by artificial semi-aging, to further improve the strength of welded joint, so that the risk of lightweight aluminum alloy thrust rod breaking from weld is reduced.The manufacturing method is low in cost, the lightweight aluminum alloy thrust rod manufactured has high corrosion resistance, and the fatigue resistance can meet the requirements.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to heavy-duty truck thrust rods, and more particularly to a lightweight aluminum alloy thrust rod, its manufacturing method, and its application. Background Technology

[0002] Thrust rods are crucial components of heavy-duty trucks, preventing not only forward and backward movement of the middle and rear axles but also lateral movement. Current technology categorizes thrust rods into one-piece and two-piece designs. One-piece thrust rods can be integrally formed using forging or casting methods, but their solid structure typically results in significant weight. Two-piece thrust rods, on the other hand, allow for separate manufacturing of the ball joint seat and connecting rod, which are then joined together. The rods can be designed as hollow structures, achieving weight reduction.

[0003] Patent document CN109109591A discloses an aluminum alloy V-shaped split thrust rod, in which the connecting rod and ball joint seat are prepared by hot extrusion forming and / or forging, and then assembled by friction welding or friction stir welding. This V-shaped thrust rod uses 2000 series aluminum alloy, also known as aluminum-copper-magnesium alloy, which is often used in aerospace applications. Due to the Al-Cu intermetallic compounds in the alloy, it is easy to dissolve during anodizing, making it difficult to form a dense anodized film, resulting in poorer corrosion resistance during protective anodizing. Furthermore, this aluminum alloy contains small amounts of rare metals such as Ti, Zr, Sr, and Er, leading to high production costs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To reduce the production cost of aluminum alloy thrust rods for heavy-duty trucks while ensuring corrosion resistance and lightweight design, this invention utilizes 6000 series aluminum alloy, which offers good corrosion resistance and relatively low cost, to manufacture a split-type aluminum alloy thrust rod. However, 6000 series aluminum alloy has moderate strength, making it difficult to meet the strength requirements of heavy-duty truck thrust rods. Furthermore, 6000 series aluminum alloy is particularly sensitive to heat in the T6 state, resulting in insufficient strength at the weld joint and a high risk of weld fracture. Therefore, this invention provides the following technical solution:

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a lightweight aluminum alloy thrust rod, comprising:

[0006] The ball joint seat and the column tube are manufactured using 6000 series aluminum alloys;

[0007] The ball joint seat and / or column tube are subjected to solution treatment, water cooling and artificial aging treatment in sequence;

[0008] The column tube and the ball joint seat are welded by friction welding to obtain the welded assembly;

[0009] The welded assemblies are subjected to artificial semi-aging treatment.

[0010] This invention manufactures a ball joint seat and a hollow column tube separately, then welds them together using friction welding to obtain a lightweight aluminum alloy thrust rod. Before friction welding, the ball joint seat and column tube undergo solution treatment, water cooling, and artificial aging to improve their inherent strength, i.e., the strength of the base material. During friction welding, the invention employs a method of reducing heat input to ensure the strength of the weld joint. After friction welding, the invention further enhances the strength of the weld joint through artificial semi-aging treatment.

[0011] In some embodiments provided by the present invention, the separate manufacturing of the ball joint seat and the column tube includes:

[0012] Forged ball joint seat;

[0013] Columns are manufactured by extrusion molding.

[0014] Ball joint seats require high precision, excellent surface quality, high strength, and good toughness. Forging can maximize the ability of ball joint seats to meet these requirements. This invention uses a hollow cylindrical tube as a connecting rod to manufacture a lightweight aluminum alloy thrust rod. This cylindrical tube requires high strength and good toughness. The extrusion molding process has high material utilization, improves the material's microstructure and mechanical properties, is simple to operate, and has high productivity, making it suitable for manufacturing cylindrical tubes.

[0015] Furthermore, in the forged ball joint seat:

[0016] 6000 series aluminum alloys should be forged after holding at 490-510℃ for at least 0.5h, and the final forging temperature should not exceed 555±10℃.

[0017] Furthermore, in the process of manufacturing the column tube by extrusion molding:

[0018] The 6000 series aluminum alloy is extruded after being held at 470-490℃ for at least 0.5 hours.

[0019] In some embodiments provided by the present invention, the sequential solution treatment, water cooling, and artificial aging treatment of the ball joint seat and / or column tube includes:

[0020] First, it is dissolved at 520-550℃ for 0.5-3 hours, then water-cooled, followed by artificial aging treatment at 170-190℃ for 5-10 hours, and finally air-cooled.

[0021] In some embodiments provided by the present invention, the method of obtaining a welded assembly by friction welding the column tube and the ball joint seat includes:

[0022] The spindle rotation speed for friction welding is set to 1300±200 r / min; the first-stage friction time is 0.2s and the first-stage friction force is 30kN; the second-stage friction time is 1s and the second-stage friction force is 60kN; the upsetting pressure is 100kN and the upsetting time is 8s.

[0023] The ball joint seat and the column tube are welded using this optimized friction welding process, and the weld strength can reach up to 75% of the base material.

[0024] In some embodiments provided by the present invention, the artificial semi-aging treatment of the welded assembly includes:

[0025] The welded assembly is kept at 160–190°C and then air-cooled.

[0026] After the welded assembly undergoes artificial semi-aging treatment, the strength of the weld can reach more than 80% of that of the base material. This process is simple and efficient.

[0027] In some embodiments provided by the present invention, the 6000 series aluminum alloy is 6110 aluminum alloy.

[0028] The above manufacturing methods are simple and low-cost, enabling the split aluminum alloy thrust rod to meet the strength requirements of heavy-duty trucks as a whole, and increasing the strength of the welded joint to more than 80% of the base material, thus reducing the risk of the split aluminum alloy thrust rod breaking at the weld.

[0029] Secondly, the present invention provides a lightweight aluminum alloy thrust rod manufactured by the above-described method for manufacturing lightweight aluminum alloy thrust rods. This lightweight aluminum alloy thrust rod has high strength, light weight, good corrosion resistance, and is not prone to breakage at the weld.

[0030] Thirdly, the present invention provides a heavy-duty truck including the above-mentioned lightweight aluminum alloy thrust rod. The heavy-duty truck uses a high-strength, weld-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and lightweight aluminum alloy thrust rod, which can reduce the overall vehicle weight and reduce the frequency of thrust rod replacement. Attached Figure Description

[0031] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0032] Figure 1 Manufacturing process of ball joint seat.

[0033] Figure 2 : Forging process of ball joint seat.

[0034] Figure 3 : Column tube production process.

[0035] Figure 4 Production process of V-shaped split aluminum alloy thrust rod.

[0036] Figure 5 V-shaped split aluminum alloy thrust rod welded assembly.

[0037] Figure 6 V-shaped split aluminum alloy thrust rod assembly; wherein: 1: V-shaped split aluminum alloy thrust rod welded assembly; 21: large ball joint seat pin assembly; 22: small ball joint seat pin assembly; 31: large ball joint seat retaining ring; 32: small ball joint seat retaining ring; 41: large ball joint seat retaining ring; 42: small ball joint seat retaining ring.

[0038] Figure 7 : Assembly diagram of the small ball joint seat of the V-type split aluminum alloy thrust rod assembly; where: 131: Small ball joint seat vent hole; 132: Small ball joint seat retaining ring groove; 221: Small ball joint seat pin assembly pin; 222: Small ball joint seat pin assembly end cap; 223: Small ball joint seat pin assembly vulcanized rubber; 32: Small ball joint seat retaining ring; 42: Small ball joint seat retaining ring; 11: Large ball joint seat; 12: Column tube; 13: Small ball joint seat; 14: Weld between small ball joint seat and column tube; 15: Weld between large ball joint seat and column tube. Detailed Implementation

[0039] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the embodiments of this invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this invention. Based on the embodiments of this invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0040] definition

[0041] 6000 series aluminum alloy

[0042] Magnesium and silicon are the main components, with Mg₂Si as the primary strengthening phase. These are currently the most widely used alloys, including 6082, 6160, 6125, 6262, 6060, 6005, 6463, 6063, 6060, 6463, 6262, 6005, 6082, 6061, and 6110. Among these, 6082, 6160, 6125, 6262, 6060, 6005, 6463, 6063, 6060, and 6463 have relatively low strength within the 6000 series, while 6262, 6005, 6082, and 6061 have relatively high strength. These alloys have moderate strength, good corrosion resistance, good weldability, are easy to extrude, and have good anodizing properties.

[0043] Column tube

[0044] The cylindrical tube is used as a connecting rod for the thrust rod in this invention and is required to have certain tensile and bending strength.

[0045] Friction welding

[0046] This refers to a welding method that utilizes the heat generated by friction between the contact surfaces of workpieces as a heat source, causing the workpieces to undergo plastic deformation under pressure. Under constant or increasing pressure and torque, the relative motion between the welding contact surfaces generates frictional heat and plastic deformation heat in the friction surface and its vicinity, raising the temperature in the vicinity to a range close to but generally below the melting point. This reduces the material's resistance to deformation, increases its plasticity, and breaks down the oxide film at the interface. Under the action of upsetting pressure, the material undergoes plastic deformation and flow, achieving welding through molecular diffusion and recrystallization at the interface—a solid-state welding method.

[0047] solid solution

[0048] This refers to a heat treatment process in which an alloy is heated to a high-temperature single-phase region and held at that temperature to allow the excess phase to fully dissolve into the solid solution, followed by rapid cooling to obtain a supersaturated solid solution. It is suitable for alloys with a solid solution matrix and whose solubility varies significantly with temperature changes. Because the alloy is thermodynamically metastable, it will undergo desolvation or other transformations under appropriate temperature or stress conditions.

[0049] Water cooling

[0050] This refers to cooling with circulating water.

[0051] Artificial aging time, artificial semi-aging time

[0052] This refers to the elimination or reduction of micro-stress and residual stress from machining within a workpiece after quenching through heating or cooling, thereby preventing deformation and cracking. This invention employs heating for artificial aging and semi-artificial aging treatments.

[0053] forging

[0054] Forging is a processing method that uses forging machinery to apply pressure to a metal billet, causing it to undergo plastic deformation, in order to obtain forgings with certain mechanical properties, shapes, and dimensions. Forging can eliminate defects such as casting porosity generated during the smelting process, optimize the microstructure, and because it preserves complete metal flow lines, the mechanical properties of forgings are generally superior to those of castings made of the same material.

[0055] Extrusion molding

[0056] It is a method of processing blanks. The process involves the blank being extruded from the orifice or gap of a mold under triaxial non-uniform compressive stress, thereby reducing its cross-sectional area and increasing its length to become the desired product. Invention Details

[0058] The manufacturing method of the lightweight aluminum alloy thrust rod provided by the present invention includes:

[0059] The ball joint seat and the column tube are manufactured using 6000 series aluminum alloys;

[0060] The ball joint seat and / or column tube are subjected to solution treatment, water cooling and artificial aging treatment in sequence;

[0061] The column tube and the ball joint seat are welded by friction welding to obtain the welded assembly;

[0062] The welded assemblies are subjected to artificial semi-aging treatment.

[0063] In some embodiments provided by the present invention, the separate manufacturing of the ball joint seat and the column tube includes:

[0064] Forged ball joint seat;

[0065] Columns are manufactured by extrusion molding.

[0066] Further, in the forged ball joint seat: the 6000 series aluminum alloy is held at 490-510℃ for at least 0.5 hours before forging, and the final forging temperature is not higher than 555±10℃. Preferably, the holding temperature before forging is 495-505℃, the holding time is 0.5-2 hours, and the final forging temperature is 550-560℃. In some embodiments, the holding temperature before forging includes, but is not limited to, 490℃, 495℃, 500℃, 505℃, and 510℃; the holding time before forging includes, but is not limited to, 0.5 hours, 1.0 hour, 1.5 hours, 2.0 hours, 2.5 hours, and 3.0 hours; and the final forging temperature includes, but is not limited to, 545℃, 550℃, 555℃, 560℃, and 565℃.

[0067] Furthermore, in the process of manufacturing the column tube by extrusion molding: the 6000 series aluminum alloy is held at 470-490°C for at least 0.5 hours before extrusion. In some embodiments, the holding temperature before extrusion includes, but is not limited to, 470°C, 475°C, 480°C, 485°C, and 490°C.

[0068] In some embodiments of the present invention, the sequential solution treatment, water cooling, and artificial aging of the ball joint seat and / or column tube includes: first, solution treatment at 520–550°C for 0.5–3 hours, followed by water cooling, then artificial aging treatment at 170–190°C for 5–10 hours, and finally air cooling. In some embodiments, the ball joint seat and the column tube are subjected to solution treatment, water cooling, and artificial aging treatment respectively. The treatment steps for the ball joint seat include: first, solution treatment at 525–545°C for 2–3 hours, followed by water cooling, then artificial aging treatment at 170–190°C for 5–10 hours, and finally air cooling; the treatment steps for the ball joint seat include: first, solution treatment at 535–545°C for 0.5–1.5 hours, followed by water cooling, then artificial aging treatment at 170–190°C for 5–10 hours, and finally air cooling.

[0069] In some embodiments provided by the present invention, the lightweight aluminum alloy thrust rod is a V-shaped split aluminum alloy thrust rod, and the ball joint seat includes a large ball joint seat and a small ball joint seat. When the column tube and the ball joint seat are welded by friction welding, the two column tubes are welded to a large ball joint seat, and a small ball joint seat is welded to the other end of each of the two column tubes.

[0070] In some embodiments provided by the present invention, the step of obtaining a welded assembly by friction welding the column tube and the ball joint seat includes: setting the spindle rotation speed of friction welding to 1300±200 r / min; the first-stage friction time to 0.2s and the first-stage friction force to 30kN; the second-stage friction time to 1s and the second-stage friction force to 60kN; and the upsetting pressure to 100kN and the upsetting time to 8s.

[0071] In some embodiments of the present invention, the artificial semi-aging treatment of the welded assembly includes: placing the welded assembly at a temperature of 160–190°C for heat preservation, followed by air cooling. The heat preservation temperature is preferably 170–180°C. In some embodiments, the heat preservation temperature includes, but is not limited to, 160°C, 165°C, 170°C, 175°C, 180°C, 185°C, and 190°C.

[0072] In some embodiments provided by this invention, the 6000 series aluminum alloy includes, but is not limited to, 6082, 6160, 6125, 6262, 6060, 6005, 6463, 6063, 6060, 6463, 6262, 6005, 6082, 6061, and 6110. The 6000 series aluminum alloy is preferably 6110 aluminum alloy. Specifically, in the embodiments of this invention, 6110 aluminum alloy is used. Specifically, the 6110 aluminum alloy used for the ball joint seat and the column tube has the elemental composition shown in Table 1.

[0073] Table 1. Elemental composition of 6110 aluminum alloy used for ball joints and column tubes.

[0074]

[0075] In some embodiments provided by the present invention, the lightweight aluminum alloy thrust rod includes a column tube and ball joint seats welded to both ends of the column tube. The ball joint seats have a receiving cavity for accommodating the ball pin assembly. One end of the receiving cavity has a step on its inner wall to prevent the ball pin assembly from dislodging. The other end has a C-shaped retaining spring and a retaining spring retaining ring embedded in its inner wall surface to prevent the C-shaped retaining spring from dislodging.

[0076] This invention introduces a retaining ring to make the interaction between the C-shaped retaining ring and the ball joint seat more uniform, thus limiting the deformation of the C-shaped retaining ring and reducing the damage to the relatively soft aluminum alloy ball joint seat caused by the increase in local stress due to the deformation of the retaining ring. This makes it less likely for the C-shaped retaining ring to come out of the aluminum alloy ball joint seat, thereby increasing the reliability of the lightweight aluminum alloy thrust rod.

[0077] In some embodiments, the surface of the retaining ring is rolled with a pattern. The pattern increases the friction between the inner wall of the ball joint seat and the retaining ring, allowing forces from all directions on the C-shaped retaining ring to be transmitted to the retaining ring through friction, thus enabling the lightweight aluminum alloy thrust rod to better withstand loads from all directions.

[0078] In some embodiments, the ball pin assembly includes a rubber bushing and an end cap.

[0079] In some embodiments, the column tube and the ball joint seat are connected by friction welding. The ball joint seat has a vent hole that communicates with the column tube to maintain consistent internal and external pressure during welding. During welding, the large ball joint seat and the column tube are welded first (the large ball joint seat has no vent hole). Then, the small ball joint seat and the column tube are welded. The small ball joint seat has a vent hole, which ensures consistent internal and external pressure during welding of the column tube and the small ball joint seat, thus not affecting the welding quality.

[0080] Specifically, such as Figures 5-7As shown, the lightweight aluminum alloy thrust rod provided in this embodiment includes a column tube and ball joint seats welded to both ends of the column tube. The ball joint seats have a receiving cavity for accommodating the ball pin assembly. One end of the receiving cavity has a step on the inner wall to prevent the ball pin assembly from coming out, and the other end has a C-shaped retaining spring and a retaining spring retaining ring embedded in the inner wall surface to prevent the C-shaped retaining spring from coming out. Specifically, the lightweight aluminum alloy thrust rod is a V-shaped split aluminum alloy thrust rod, including a large ball joint seat 11, a small ball joint seat 13, a column tube 12, a large ball joint seat pin assembly 21, a small ball joint seat pin assembly 22, a large ball joint seat retaining ring 31, a small ball joint seat retaining ring 32, a large ball joint seat retaining ring 41, and a small ball joint seat retaining ring 42. The column tube 12 is connected to the small ball joint seat 13 and the large ball joint seat 11 by friction welding. The large ball joint seat 11 is connected to the large ball joint seat pin assembly 21 by the large ball joint seat retaining ring 31. The small ball joint seat 13 is connected to the small ball joint seat pin assembly 22 by the small ball joint seat retaining ring 32. The large ball joint seat retaining ring 41 is connected to the large ball joint seat 11 by interference fit. The small ball joint seat retaining ring 42 is connected to the small ball joint seat 13 by interference fit.

[0081] The following detailed embodiments illustrate the method for manufacturing a V-shaped split aluminum alloy thrust rod using 6000 series aluminum alloy according to the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, the measured values ​​of the 6000 series aluminum alloy used in manufacturing the ball joint seat and column tube in the following embodiments and comparative examples are shown in Table 2:

[0082] Table 2. Elemental composition of the 6000 series aluminum alloys used in the examples and comparative examples.

[0083]

[0084] Example 1

[0085] This embodiment provides a method for manufacturing a V-shaped split aluminum alloy thrust rod using 6000 series aluminum alloy, including the following steps:

[0086] 1. Manufacturing the ball joint seat:

[0087] In this embodiment, the large and small ball joint seats are manufactured using 6000 series aluminum alloy as shown in Table 2. The manufacturing process of the ball joint seats is as follows: blanking—forging—heat treatment—performance inspection—flaw detection—shot blasting—machining, wherein:

[0088] The forging process includes: pre-forging heating—flattening—pre-forging—final forging—edge trimming (punching). The pre-forging heating temperature is 500℃, and the holding time is 0.5h. During forging, the final forging temperature is controlled not to exceed 555℃.

[0089] The heat treatment process includes: solution aging – artificial aging. The parameters of the heat treatment process are shown in Table 2.

[0090] Table 3 Parameters of heat treatment process for ball joints

[0091] solid solution 535 2.5 Water cooling Artificial aging 180 8 air cooling

[0092] 2. Manufacturing the column tube:

[0093] This embodiment uses 6000 series aluminum alloy as shown in Table 2 to manufacture the column tube. The manufacturing process of the column tube is as follows: blanking—pre-extrusion heating—extrusion—heat treatment—performance inspection—flaw detection—shot blasting—machining, wherein:

[0094] The temperature for pre-extrusion heating is 480℃, and the heating time is 0.5h.

[0095] The heat treatment process includes: solution aging – artificial aging. The parameters of the heat treatment process are shown in Table 4.

[0096] Table 4 Parameters of column tube heat treatment process

[0097] solid solution 540 1 Water cooling Artificial aging 180 8 air cooling

[0098] 4. Friction welding of column tubes and ball joint seats:

[0099] This embodiment employs an optimized friction welding process to weld the ball joint seat and the column tube, resulting in a welded assembly. The process parameters for friction welding are shown in Table 5.

[0100] Table 5 Process parameters for friction welding

[0101]

[0102] 5. Perform artificial semi-aging treatment on the welded assemblies:

[0103] The welded assemblies are subjected to artificial semi-aging treatment. The process parameters for artificial semi-aging treatment are shown in Table 6.

[0104] Table 6 Process parameters for artificial semi-aging treatment

[0105] 175 3 air cooling

[0106] Comparative Examples 1-10 optimized the aging method in step 5 of Example 2, while keeping the remaining steps and process parameters consistent with Example 2. Three sets of parallel test samples were taken from each comparative example for tensile strength testing.

[0107] Comparative Example 1

[0108] This comparative example provides a method for manufacturing a V-shaped split aluminum alloy thrust rod using 6000 series aluminum alloy. Except for step 5, the other steps and parameters are the same as in Example 1.

[0109] Step 5 of this comparative example: Perform natural aging treatment on the welded assembly.

[0110] Comparative Example 2

[0111] This comparative example provides a method for manufacturing a V-shaped split aluminum alloy thrust rod using 6000 series aluminum alloy. Except for step 5, the other steps and parameters are the same as in Example 1.

[0112] Step 5 of this comparative example: Perform artificial aging treatment on the welded assembly at a temperature of 175℃ for 1 hour.

[0113] Comparative Example 3

[0114] This comparative example provides a method for manufacturing a V-shaped split aluminum alloy thrust rod using 6000 series aluminum alloy. Except for step 5, the other steps and parameters are the same as in Example 1.

[0115] Step 5 of this comparative example: Perform artificial aging treatment on the welded assembly at a temperature of 175℃ for 2 hours.

[0116] Comparative Example 4

[0117] This comparative example provides a method for manufacturing a V-shaped split aluminum alloy thrust rod using 6000 series aluminum alloy. Except for step 5, the other steps and parameters are the same as in Example 1.

[0118] Step 5 of this comparative example: Perform artificial aging treatment on the welded assembly at a temperature of 175℃ for 3 hours.

[0119] Comparative Example 5

[0120] This comparative example provides a method for manufacturing a V-shaped split aluminum alloy thrust rod using 6000 series aluminum alloy. Except for step 5, the other steps and parameters are the same as in Example 1.

[0121] Step 5 of this comparative example: Perform artificial aging treatment on the welded assembly at a temperature of 175℃ for 4 hours.

[0122] Comparative Example 6

[0123] This comparative example provides a method for manufacturing a V-shaped split aluminum alloy thrust rod using 6000 series aluminum alloy. Except for step 5, the other steps and parameters are the same as in Example 1.

[0124] Step 5 of this comparative example: Perform artificial aging treatment on the welded assembly at a temperature of 175℃ for 6 hours.

[0125] Comparative Example 7

[0126] This comparative example provides a method for manufacturing a V-shaped split aluminum alloy thrust rod using 6000 series aluminum alloy. Except for step 5, the other steps and parameters are the same as in Example 1.

[0127] Step 5 of this comparative example: Perform artificial aging treatment on the welded assembly at a temperature of 175℃ for 8 hours.

[0128] Comparative Example 8

[0129] This comparative example provides a method for manufacturing a V-shaped split aluminum alloy thrust rod using 6000 series aluminum alloy. Except for step 5, the other steps and parameters are the same as in Example 1.

[0130] Step 5 of this comparative example: Perform solution aging treatment on the welded assembly at a temperature of 545℃ for 1 hour.

[0131] Comparative Example 9

[0132] This comparative example provides a method for manufacturing a V-shaped split aluminum alloy thrust rod using 6000 series aluminum alloy. Except for step 5, the other steps and parameters are the same as in Example 1.

[0133] Step 5 of this comparative example: Perform solution aging treatment on the welded assembly at a temperature of 545℃ for 1 hour; then perform artificial aging treatment on the welded assembly at a temperature of 175℃ for 3 hours.

[0134] Comparative Example 10

[0135] This comparative example provides a method for manufacturing a V-shaped split aluminum alloy thrust rod using 6000 series aluminum alloy. Except for step 5, the other steps and parameters are the same as in Example 1.

[0136] Step 5 of this comparative example: Perform solution aging treatment on the welded assembly at a temperature of 545℃ for 1 hour; then perform artificial aging treatment on the welded assembly at a temperature of 175℃ for 6 hours.

[0137] Table 7. Process parameters and tensile strength results for step 5 of Comparative Examples 1-10

[0138]

[0139] As shown in Table 7, the welded joint condition was far from ideal when natural aging was used (no significant change in strength), so the natural aging method was ruled out. When only artificial aging was used, the weld strength initially increased with the extension of the artificial aging time, and then stabilized after reaching a certain value. When the artificial aging time was 3 hours, the weld strength reached 330 MPa, approximately 83% of the base material. If a combination of solution aging and artificial aging was used to treat the welded assembly, with 1 hour of solution aging followed by 3 hours of artificial aging, the weld strength could reach over 360 MPa, approximately 90% of the base material, and the weld joint strength could be significantly improved. However, this presents a problem for V-shaped split aluminum alloy thrust rods, as solution aging requires water cooling (holding at 545℃ followed by water cooling), which is unsuitable for V-shaped split aluminum alloy thrust rods with high dimensional requirements. Therefore, using only artificial aging after friction welding to improve the weld joint strength is the optimal solution.

[0140] Comparative Examples 11-18 optimized the friction welding parameters in step 4 of Example 2, while keeping the remaining steps and process parameters consistent with Example 2. Three sets of parallel test samples were taken from each comparative example for tensile strength testing.

[0141] Comparative Example 11

[0142] This comparative example provides a method for manufacturing a V-shaped split aluminum alloy thrust rod using 6000 series aluminum alloy. Except for step 4, the other steps and parameters are the same as in Example 1.

[0143] Step 4 of this comparative example: Set the spindle rotation speed to 1300 r / min, the first-stage friction time to 0.2 s, the first-stage friction pressure to 30 kN, the second-stage friction time to 1 s, the second-stage friction pressure to 60 kN, the upsetting pressure to 100 kN, and the upsetting time to 8 s.

[0144] Comparative Example 12

[0145] This comparative example provides a method for manufacturing a V-shaped split aluminum alloy thrust rod using 6000 series aluminum alloy. Except for step 4, the other steps and parameters are the same as in Example 1.

[0146] Step 4 of this comparative example: Set the spindle rotation speed to 1300 r / min, the first-stage friction time to 0.4 s, the first-stage friction pressure to 30 kN, the second-stage friction time to 1 s, the second-stage friction pressure to 60 kN, the upsetting pressure to 100 kN, and the upsetting time to 8 s.

[0147] Comparative Example 13

[0148] This comparative example provides a method for manufacturing a V-shaped split aluminum alloy thrust rod using 6000 series aluminum alloy. Except for step 4, the other steps and parameters are the same as in Example 1.

[0149] Step 4 of this comparative example: Set the spindle rotation speed to 1300 r / min, the first-stage friction time to 0.6 s, the first-stage friction pressure to 30 kN, the second-stage friction time to 1 s, the second-stage friction pressure to 60 kN, the upsetting pressure to 100 kN, and the upsetting time to 8 s.

[0150] Comparative Example 14

[0151] This comparative example provides a method for manufacturing a V-shaped split aluminum alloy thrust rod using 6000 series aluminum alloy. Except for step 4, the other steps and parameters are the same as in Example 1.

[0152] Step 4 of this comparative example: Set the spindle rotation speed to 1300 r / min, the first-stage friction time to 0.6 s, the first-stage friction pressure to 30 kN, the second-stage friction time to 1 s, the second-stage friction pressure to 60 kN, the upsetting pressure to 100 kN, and the upsetting time to 8 s.

[0153] Comparative Example 15

[0154] This comparative example provides a method for manufacturing a V-shaped split aluminum alloy thrust rod using 6000 series aluminum alloy. Except for step 4, the other steps and parameters are the same as in Example 1.

[0155] Step 4 of this comparative example: Set the spindle rotation speed to 1300 r / min, the first-stage friction time to 0.8 s, the first-stage friction pressure to 30 kN, the second-stage friction time to 1 s, the second-stage friction pressure to 60 kN, the upsetting pressure to 100 kN, and the upsetting time to 8 s.

[0156] Comparative Example 16

[0157] This comparative example provides a method for manufacturing a V-shaped split aluminum alloy thrust rod using 6000 series aluminum alloy. Except for step 4, the other steps and parameters are the same as in Example 1.

[0158] Step 4 of this comparative example: Set the spindle rotation speed to 1300 r / min, first-stage friction time to 1.0 s, first-stage friction pressure to 30 kN, second-stage friction time to 1 s, second-stage friction pressure to 60 kN, upsetting pressure to 100 kN, and upsetting time to 8 s.

[0159] Comparative Example 17

[0160] This comparative example provides a method for manufacturing a V-shaped split aluminum alloy thrust rod using 6000 series aluminum alloy. Except for step 4, the other steps and parameters are the same as in Example 1.

[0161] Step 4 of this comparative example: Set the spindle rotation speed to 1300 r / min, the first-stage friction time to 1.4 s, the first-stage friction pressure to 30 kN, the second-stage friction time to 1 s, the second-stage friction pressure to 60 kN, the upsetting pressure to 100 kN, and the upsetting time to 8 s.

[0162] Comparative Example 18

[0163] This comparative example provides a method for manufacturing a V-shaped split aluminum alloy thrust rod using 6000 series aluminum alloy. Except for step 4, the other steps and parameters are the same as in Example 1.

[0164] Step 4 of this comparative example: Set the spindle rotation speed to 1300 r / min, the first-stage friction time to 1.8 s, the first-stage friction pressure to 30 kN, the second-stage friction time to 1 s, the second-stage friction pressure to 60 kN, the upsetting pressure to 100 kN, and the upsetting time to 8 s.

[0165] Table 8 shows the process parameters and tensile strength results for step 4 of Comparative Examples 11-18.

[0166]

[0167]

[0168] Example 3 Fatigue Test

[0169] 1. Testing Instruments and Equipment: MTS Six-Channel Assembly Component Testing System (Cylinders 3 and 4) (see...) Figure 4 ),

[0170] 2. Test environment: 20℃~30℃.

[0171] Table 9 Fatigue Test Results

[0172]

[0173] As shown in Table 9, the fatigue life of the three sets of V-shaped split aluminum alloy thrust rod samples (1#, 2#, and 3#) all meet the evaluation index requirements of the "DFCVCT1046-2022 Fatigue Test Method for Commercial Vehicle V-shaped Thrust Rod Assembly".

[0174] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment / mode," "some embodiments / modes," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment / mode or example is included in at least one embodiment / mode or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment / mode or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments / modes or examples. Furthermore, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments / modes or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments / modes or examples.

[0175] It should be noted that in this invention, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element. In this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise expressly specified.

[0176] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, enabling those skilled in the art to understand or implement the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features claimed herein.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a lightweight aluminum alloy thrust rod, characterized in that, include: Ball joint seats and column tubes are manufactured using 6000 series aluminum alloys; the ball joint seats and / or column tubes are then subjected to solution treatment, water cooling, and artificial aging treatment in sequence. The column tube and the ball joint seat are welded by friction welding to obtain the welded assembly; Artificial semi-aging treatment is applied to the welded assemblies; The welded assembly obtained by friction welding the column tube and the ball joint seat includes: The spindle rotation speed for friction welding is set to 1300±200 r / min; the first-stage friction time is 0.2s and the first-stage friction force is 30kN; the second-stage friction time is 1s and the second-stage friction force is 60kN; the upsetting pressure is 100kN and the upsetting time is 8s. The artificial semi-aging treatment of the welded assembly includes: The welded assembly is kept at 160~190℃ and then air-cooled. In the welded assembly, the ball joint seat has a receiving cavity for accommodating the ball pin assembly. One end of the receiving cavity has a step on its inner wall to prevent the ball pin assembly from dislodging, and the other end has a C-shaped retaining ring and a retaining ring to prevent the C-shaped retaining ring from dislodging.

2. The manufacturing method of the lightweight aluminum alloy thrust rod according to claim 1, characterized in that: The separate manufacturing of the ball joint seat and the column tube includes: Forged ball joint seat; Columns are manufactured by extrusion molding.

3. The method for manufacturing a lightweight aluminum alloy thrust rod according to claim 2, characterized in that: In the forged ball joint seat: 6000 series aluminum alloys should be forged after holding at 490~510℃ for at least 0.5h, and the final forging temperature should not exceed 555±10℃.

4. The manufacturing method of the lightweight aluminum alloy thrust rod according to claim 2, characterized in that: In the process of manufacturing column tubes by extrusion molding: The 6000 series aluminum alloy is extruded after being held at 470~490℃ for at least 0.5 hours.

5. The method for manufacturing a lightweight aluminum alloy thrust rod according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sequential solution treatment, water cooling, and artificial aging treatment of the ball joint seat and / or column tube includes: First, it is dissolved at 520~550℃ for 0.5~3 hours, then water-cooled, followed by artificial aging treatment at 170~190℃ for 5~10 hours, and finally air-cooled.

6. The method for manufacturing a lightweight aluminum alloy thrust rod according to claim 1, characterized in that: The 6000 series aluminum alloy is 6110 aluminum alloy.

7. A lightweight aluminum alloy thrust rod, characterized in that: It is manufactured by the method of manufacturing the lightweight aluminum alloy thrust rod according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A heavy-duty truck, characterized in that: Includes the lightweight aluminum alloy thrust rod as described in claim 7.

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