Swaging Operation For Relieving Stress From A Bushing Flange

Abstract

A swaging process is utilized for reducing the diameter of an outer ring of a bushing using a swaging tool including a gap or profile in the area of a flange of the outer ring in order to prevent or reduce the stresses that are formed in the flange radii area.

1 . A swaging operation for an outer ring of a bushing having a rubber element disposed between the outer ring and an inner support member, comprising:
 inserting said bushing in a segmented swaging tool, said segmented swaging tool including a plurality of semi-cylindrical segments that, when compressed radially inward together combine to generally form a cylindrical wall having an inner diameter smaller than an outer diameter of the pre-swaged outer ring, said semi-cylindrical segments each including a profile portion at an edge thereof in an area of a flange of the outer ring, said profile portion extending radially outward from a semi cylindrical wall section of said semi-cylindrical segments.   
     
     
         2 . The swaging operation according to  claim 1 , wherein said profile portion gradually extends away from said semi cylindrical wall section of said semi-cylindrical segments. 
     
     
         3 . The swaging operation according to  claim 1 , wherein said profile portion is stepped away from said semi cylindrical wall section of said semi-cylindrical segments. 
     
     
         4 . A swaging operation for an outer ring of a bushing having a rubber element disposed between the outer ring and an inner support member, comprising:
 inserting said bushing in a segmented swaging tool, said segmented swaging tool including a plurality of semi-cylindrical segments that, when compressed radially inward together combine to generally form a cylindrical wall having an inner diameter smaller than an outer diameter of the pre-swaged outer ring, said semi-cylindrical segments each including an edge portion nearest a flange of the outer ring being spaced from said flange of the outer ring by a gap.