Transmission system component and method for making same

Abstract

A metal stamping component for a vehicle transmission system which is produced by a novel progressive tool design with enhanced performance and economic characteristics over conventional manufacturing methods.

1 . A vehicle transmission system component having a generally circular plate-like body having a circumference portion and a central opening spaced from the circumference portion, 
 five tabs extend from said circumference portion toward said central opening being formed by cut outs within web portions formed within said body,    said web portions interconnect said circumference portion of the body with a portion of the body having said central opening,    said central opening being provided within a first plane of the body and the circumference portion of the plate being provided within a second plane of the body, with said second plane being spaced from the first plane, and    said tabs extending within the second plane and said cut outs and web portions extending intermediate the first and second planes.    
   
   
       2 . A method for manufacturing a vehicle transmission system component comprising the steps of: 
 providing an elongate metal strip of raw material to a progressive tool;    at a tool station, cutting a central opening within said metal strip;    moving said strip to a tool station and cutting out certain unnecessary portions of said metal strip to provide a component having an external shape with a substantially circular body, said body having a circumference portion, cut out sections forming at least three tabs, and web portions extending intermediate said tabs and interconnecting said circumference portion and said body portion supporting said central opening;    moving said strip to a tool station for forming said body portion supporting said central opening to a first plane and said circumference portion to a second plane spaced from said first plane, with said web portions have a predetermined desired radius; and    moving said strip to a tool station for cutting the component free from the metal strip.