Patent ID: 6282788
Filing Date: 2001-09-04
Classification: B21D,B60B,Y10T

Abstract:
A method for forming a vehicle wheel comprising the steps of:(a) providing a preformed wheel rim defining a rim axis and including an inboard tire bead seat retaining flange, an inboard tire bead seat, a well portion, an outboard tire bead seat, and an outboard tire bead seat retaining flange;(b) providing a generally circular disc blank;(c) initially stamping the disc blank to produce a generally bowl shaped wheel disc having an inner wheel mounting portion and an outer annular portion;(d) subjecting the bowl shaped wheel disc to an intermediate metal forming operation to produce a partially formed wheel disc defining a wheel disc horizontal axis and a wheel disc vertical axis, the partially formed wheel disc having an outer annular flange which is oriented at a first predetermined angle relative to the wheel disc vertical axis;(e) forming a plurality of arches in the outer annular flange of the partially formed wheel disc;(f) subjecting the partially formed wheel disc to a series of metal forming operations to produce a partially formed wheel disc having a center hub hole, and a plurality of lug bolt receiving holes spaced circumferentially around the hub hole;(g) subjecting the partially formed wheel disc to a metal forming operation wherein the outer annular flange of the partially formed wheel disc is formed radially inwardly to a second predetermined angle relative to the wheel disc vertical axis to thereby form a finished wheel disc;(h) positioning the outer annular flange of the finished wheel disc adjacent an inner surface of the preformed wheel rim; and(i) welding the finished wheel disc to the preformed wheel rim to produce the vehicle wheel.