Wheel rim manufacturing method

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a wheel rim. The method comprises the following steps: S1, slitting a cold-rolled steel coil into a plurality of rim multiple-length-width materials; s2, each rim double-length width material is cut into a plurality of rim double-length length materials; and S3, each rim multi-length material is treated according to a rim forming mode to obtain the wheel rim. By means of the progressive machining process of slitting, slitting and forming, ordered conversion from coiled materials to rim products is achieved. Width slitting is performed firstly, the width of the coiled material can be fully utilized, leftover materials are reduced, and the material utilization rate is increased; then length slitting is carried out, and a blank with the accurate size is provided for follow-up forming; and finally, the rim structure is molded through a molding process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of wheel manufacturing technology, and more specifically to a method for manufacturing wheel rims. Background Technology

[0002] like Figure 1 Commercial vehicle wheel rims are typically manufactured using a roll forming process, which generally includes steps such as sheet metal cutting, rolling, butt welding, slag removal, grinding, flaring, multiple roll forming processes, and fine flaring. However, in this traditional process, uneven material deformation and inconsistent work hardening distribution during the rim forming stage result in poor consistency in the structural strength of the final rim and low rim roundness. When vehicles are heavily loaded or overloaded, the rim is prone to significant deformation, which not only affects the assembly accuracy and sealing of the wheel but may also cause the tire to come off the bead or even burst, seriously threatening driving safety. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Based on the above description, the present invention provides a wheel rim manufacturing method, which aims to solve the problem that the existing manufacturing methods have poor consistency of the rim structure strength and low rim roundness due to uneven material deformation and inconsistent work hardening distribution during the rim forming stage.

[0004] The technical solution of the present invention to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows: A method for manufacturing a wheel rim includes: The cold-rolled steel coil is slit into multiple pieces of rim width; Each of the aforementioned rim width pieces is cut into multiple rim length pieces; Each piece of material of multiple lengths of the rim is processed according to the rim forming method to obtain the wheel rim.

[0005] Based on the above technical solution, the present invention can be further improved as follows.

[0006] Furthermore, the step of cutting each of the rim width multiples into multiple rim length multiples includes: Each of the rim multiple width pieces is divided into multiple rim multiple length pieces by using the sum of the width of the rim multiple width piece, the rim edge length, and the circumference of the flange transition arc as the width of the rim multiple length piece.

[0007] Further, before processing each of the multiple-length pieces of the wheel rim according to the wheel rim forming method to obtain the wheel rim, the process includes: Heat treatment is performed on two edge regions of each of the rim lengths.

[0008] Furthermore, each of the edge regions includes the rim edge and the flange transition arc portion of the rim material that is a multiple of the rim length.

[0009] Furthermore, the temperature of the heat treatment is 180℃~200℃.

[0010] Furthermore, the temperature of the heat treatment is 180℃~190℃.

[0011] Furthermore, the heat treatment is an electric heating treatment.

[0012] Further, the process of processing each of the multiple-length pieces of the wheel rim according to the wheel rim forming method to obtain the wheel rim includes: Each piece of material of multiple lengths of the rim is processed along its own length direction according to the rim forming method to obtain the wheel rim.

[0013] Furthermore, the rim forming methods include rolling, butt welding, flaring, and rolling.

[0014] Furthermore, the rim forming method includes precision reaming.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution of this application has the following beneficial technical effects: (1) This invention realizes the orderly transformation from coil material to rim product through a progressive processing flow of “slitting-cutting-forming”. First, the width is slitting, which can make full use of the width of the coil material, reduce scraps and improve material utilization; then the length is cut, which provides blanks with accurate dimensions for subsequent forming; finally, the rim structure is shaped through the forming process.

[0016] (2) The present invention uses the sum of the width of the rim multiple-length material, the edge length of the rim, and the circumference of the flange transition arc as the width of the rim multiple-length material. This method reasonably reserves the material allowance required for the rim and flange transition area, ensuring that there is sufficient deformation material for the rim and flange in the subsequent forming process, and avoiding uneven rim thickness or incomplete structure due to insufficient material.

[0017] (3) By preheating the two edge regions, the present invention can improve their deformation adaptability before molding, and significantly improve the dimensional stability and shape consistency of the flange and the rim during the subsequent molding process. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the 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.

[0019] Figure 1This is a schematic flowchart of a wheel rim manufacturing method provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a wheel rim manufacturing method provided in an embodiment of the present invention; wherein, (1) is a schematic diagram of a cold-rolled steel coil, (2) is a schematic diagram of a rim width multiple of a material, (3) is a schematic diagram of a rim length multiple of a material, (4) is a schematic diagram of a rim length multiple of a material when butt-welded, (5) is a schematic diagram of a rim length multiple of a material when flared, (6) is a schematic diagram of a rim length multiple of a material when rolled, and (7) is a schematic diagram of a wheel rim when finely flared. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To facilitate understanding of this application, a more complete description will be provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the present application. However, the present application can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure of this application will be thorough and complete.

[0021] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application.

[0022] It is understood that spatial relation terms such as "below," "under," "below," "below," "above," "above," etc., can be used here to describe the relationship between one element or feature shown in the figure and other elements or features. It should be understood that, in addition to the orientation shown in the figure, spatial relation terms also include different orientations of the device in use and operation. For example, if the device in the figure is flipped, the element or feature described as "below" or "below" of the other element or feature will be oriented "above" the other element or feature. Therefore, the exemplary terms "below" and "below" can include both upper and lower orientations. Furthermore, the device may also include other orientations (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or other orientations), and the spatial descriptive terms used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0023] When used herein, the singular forms of “a,” “an,” and “the” may also include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms “comprising,” “including,” or “having,” etc., specify the presence of the stated feature, whole, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof, but do not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0024] Reference Figures 1 to 2 As shown, the present invention provides a technical solution: a method for manufacturing a wheel rim, comprising: S1, cut the cold-rolled steel coil into multiple rim-length pieces; S2, cut each rim width piece into multiple rim length pieces; S3, process each rim length multiple of the material according to the rim forming method to obtain the wheel rim.

[0025] In this embodiment, the method achieves an orderly transformation from coil material to wheel rim products through a progressive processing flow of "slitting-cutting-forming". First, the coil is slitting by width to fully utilize its width, reduce scrap, and improve material utilization. Then, it is cut by length to provide dimensionally accurate blanks for subsequent forming. Finally, the forming process completes the shaping of the wheel rim structure. The tight integration of the overall process facilitates efficient and standardized wheel rim manufacturing, providing a standardized blank base for subsequent rim reinforcement treatment.

[0026] In some embodiments, cutting each rim width multiple piece into multiple rim length pieces includes: Each of the rim multiple width pieces is cut into multiple rim multiple length pieces by taking the sum of the width of the rim multiple width piece, the rim edge length, and the circumference of the flange transition arc.

[0027] In this embodiment, the cutting method reasonably reserves the material allowance required for the transition area of ​​the rim and flange, ensuring sufficient deformation material for the rim and flange during subsequent forming processes, and avoiding uneven rim thickness or incomplete structure due to insufficient material. This allows for optimized material allocation of the rim structure before forming, thus laying a material foundation for improving the consistency of rim strength and geometric accuracy.

[0028] Reference Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, before S3, the following steps are included: Heat treatment is performed on the two edge regions of each rim length multiple of the material.

[0029] In this embodiment, the heat treatment preheats and softens the edge area that will subsequently deform into a rim and flange, thereby increasing the plasticity of the material in this edge area before molding and reducing the deformation resistance of subsequent rolling, flanging, and other processes. By softening the edge in advance, stress concentration during the molding process can be effectively reduced, making the material flow more uniform, thus improving the consistency of the rim after molding and avoiding strength differences caused by local over-hardness or under-softness.

[0030] In some embodiments, each edge region includes the rim edge of the rim material that is a multiple of the rim length and the flange transition arc portion.

[0031] In this embodiment, the rim edge and the transition arc of the flange are the key deformation areas. The rim edge is the main part that bears the tire assembly pressure, while the transition arc of the flange is a region where stress easily concentrates. Together, they determine the sealing performance and structural strength of the rim. By preheating these two areas, their deformation adaptability can be improved before molding, significantly enhancing the dimensional stability and shape consistency of the rim and flange during subsequent molding.

[0032] Optionally, the heat treatment temperature is 180℃~200℃.

[0033] In this embodiment, at this temperature, cold-rolled steel can achieve a certain increase in plasticity, which is beneficial for forming and processing, while not causing significant changes in the material's microstructure, thus basically maintaining its original strength and toughness. This medium-low temperature heat treatment reduces processing difficulty while ensuring that the rim area still has good mechanical properties after forming, providing a guarantee for the overall fatigue life of the rim.

[0034] Preferably, the heat treatment temperature is 180℃~190℃.

[0035] In this embodiment, the temperature range can more accurately match the softening range below the recrystallization temperature of commonly used cold-rolled steel, which is mainly in the recovery stage. This can maximize the formability of the material without significantly reducing its strength, thereby further improving the consistency of the flange forming dimensions and the quality stability of the rim product.

[0036] Optionally, the heat treatment is an electric heating treatment.

[0037] In this embodiment, electric heating has advantages such as fast heating speed, precise temperature control, high thermal efficiency, and ease of automation. Using electric heating for localized heat treatment of the wheel rim edge enables rapid and uniform heating, avoiding the uneven temperature or overheating caused by traditional flame heating. This ensures uniform and consistent edge material properties, providing a stable and reliable blank state for subsequent molding processes.

[0038] In some embodiments, each multiple-length piece of material is processed according to a rim forming method to obtain a wheel rim, including: For each rim, a piece of material that is a multiple of its own length is processed along its own length according to the rim forming method to obtain the wheel rim.

[0039] In this embodiment, forming along the length direction conforms to the product characteristic of a ring-shaped cylindrical structure of the rim. This ensures that the fiber flow direction of the material is basically consistent with the circumferential direction of the rim during the forming process, which helps maintain the continuity of the material and improves the overall structural strength of the rim. This forming direction naturally connects with the aforementioned slitting process, making the processing flow smooth, reducing the need for material repositioning or reversing, and improving production efficiency and forming accuracy.

[0040] Reference Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the rim forming methods include rolling, butt welding, flaring, and roll forming.

[0041] For example, flash butt welding can be used.

[0042] In this embodiment, the rolling process bends the material, which is twice the length of the rim, into a cylindrical shape to form the basic outline of the rim. After rolling, it ensures that the two ends align well and there are no misalignments such as front-to-back or top-to-bottom teeth. Butt welding closes the cylindrical shape, forming a complete ring. Flaring initially shapes the rim area. Roll forming then precisely shapes the dimensions and outline of each part of the rim through multiple rolling processes. These processes sequentially transform the flat strip material into a three-dimensional rim structure. The processes work together to ultimately form a wheel rim with precise dimensions and a complete structure. In particular, the roll forming process effectively refines the shape of the rim area, improving its roundness and rigidity.

[0043] Reference Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the rim forming method includes fine reaming.

[0044] In this embodiment, the fine expansion is a final dimensional calibration and micro-shaping process performed after the main molding process. By applying an expansion amount of 10mm to 20mm, the internal stress accumulated during the initial molding process can be effectively released, and the final dimensions, end face runout, and roundness of the bead seat can be precisely controlled. This process further improves the dimensional accuracy and assembly adaptability of the rim, ensuring a tight fit between the wheel and the tire, thereby enhancing the stability and safety of the rim during use.

[0045] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a wheel rim, characterized in that, include: The cold-rolled steel coil is slit into multiple pieces of rim width; Each of the aforementioned rim width pieces is cut into multiple rim length pieces; Each piece of material of multiple lengths of the rim is processed according to the rim forming method to obtain the wheel rim.

2. The method for manufacturing a wheel rim according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of cutting each of the rim width pieces into multiple rim length pieces includes: Each of the rim multiple width pieces is divided into multiple rim multiple length pieces by using the sum of the width of the rim multiple width piece, the rim edge length, and the circumference of the flange transition arc as the width of the rim multiple length piece.

3. The method for manufacturing a wheel rim according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before processing each of the rim length multiples of the material according to the rim forming method to obtain the wheel rim, the process includes: Heat treatment is performed on two edge regions of each of the rim lengths.

4. A method for manufacturing a wheel rim according to claim 3, characterized in that, Each of the edge regions includes the rim edge and the flange transition arc portion of the material that is a multiple of the rim length.

5. A method for manufacturing a wheel rim according to claim 3, characterized in that, The heat treatment temperature is 180℃~200℃.

6. A method for manufacturing a wheel rim according to claim 5, characterized in that, The heat treatment temperature is 180℃~190℃.

7. A method for manufacturing a wheel rim according to claim 3, characterized in that, The heat treatment is an electric heating treatment.

8. A method for manufacturing a wheel rim according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The process of processing each of the rim length multiples of the material according to the rim forming method to obtain the wheel rim includes: Each piece of material of multiple lengths of the rim is processed along its own length direction according to the rim forming method to obtain the wheel rim.

9. A method for manufacturing a wheel rim according to claim 8, characterized in that, The rim forming methods include rolling, butt welding, flaring, and roll forming.

10. A method for manufacturing a wheel rim according to claim 9, characterized in that, The rim forming method includes precision widening.

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