摘要 |
A process and apparatus for fracturing, into a bearing cap and a connecting rod, an integral preform which defines a cylindrical aperture and two spaced-apart bolt seat shoulders. A guide member defines a first guideway along which moves a first slide member, the latter in turn defining a second guideway parallel to the first, along which a second slide member moves. A split mandrel has an upper part fixed with respect to the first slide member and a lower part fixed with respect to the guide member. The split mandrel halves define an internal tapered passageway for receiving a wedge capable of forcing the mandrel halves apart. Projections on the second slide member contact the bolt seat shoulders when the cylindrical aperture of the preform receives the split mandrel, and means are provided for urging the second slide member toward the mandrel. When the wedge member enters the tapered passageway, forcing the mandrel parts apart and fracturing the preform, the bearing cap's contact with the projections and the upper part of the split mandrel securely holds the bearing cap in place. Further positional security is provided by static and dynamic locators which have a lateral pinching action on the bearing cap and on the connecting rod.
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