초록 ▼

Methods for making an aluminum drive shaft for automobiles or trucks or other drive shaft applications from aluminum alloy tube and methods for making drive shafts. The method includes (a) providing an 6000 series type alloy hollow elongate tube; and (b) reducing the diameter of at least one portion

Methods for making an aluminum drive shaft for automobiles or trucks or other drive shaft applications from aluminum alloy tube and methods for making drive shafts. The method includes (a) providing an 6000 series type alloy hollow elongate tube; and (b) reducing the diameter of at least one portion of the hollow elongate tube to form a reduced diameter section and transition section between the reduced diameter section and the tube; the transition section having at least three subsections: i. a first subsection having a first slope; ii. a second subsection having a second slope; and iii. a third subsection located between the first and second subsections having a third slope which is less than the first and second slopes, the third section forming a circumferential step to stiffen the transition section. The drive shafts can also be made of metals other than aluminum alloys.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. In a method of producing an aluminum tube member for a vehicular drive shaft having a transition section with a length and wall thickness sufficient to cause noises during periods of high stress, the improvement wherein said aluminum tube member is made by a method comp

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. In a method of producing an aluminum tube member for a vehicular drive shaft having a transition section with a length and wall thickness sufficient to cause noises during periods of high stress, the improvement wherein said aluminum tube member is made by a method comprising:(a) providing an 6000 series type alloy hollow elongate tube; and(b) reducing the diameter of at least one portion of said hollow elongate tube to form a reduced diameter section and transition section between said reduced diameter section and said tube; said transition section having at least three subsections:i. a first subsection having a first slope;ii. a second subsection having a second slope; andiii. a third subsection located between said first and second subsections having a third slope which is less than said first and second slopes, said third section forming a circumferential step to stiffen said transition section.