GB2429673A

GB2429673A - Method and apparatus for swaging spherical bearing

Info

Publication number: GB2429673A
Application number: GB0517725A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul Smith
Original assignee: Minebea Co Ltd
Current assignee: Minebea Co Ltd
Priority date: 2005-08-31
Filing date: 2005-08-31
Publication date: 2007-03-07
Anticipated expiration: 2025-08-31
Also published as: GB0517725D0; GB2429673B

Abstract

A temperature-regulated assembly for deforming an article, the assembly comprising: ```a deformation tool 8; and ```a temperature regulating unit 13 to regulate the temperature of the deformation tool such that a characteristic of an article deformed by the deformation tool is within a predetermined range, ```a surface of the temperature-regulated deformation tool being in contact, in use, with the article being deformed. The assembly may be used to force fit spherical bearings.

Description

1 2429673

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SWAGING A SPHERICAL BEARING

Description of Invention

This invention relates to a method and an apparatus for swaging spherical bearings.

Many methods of manufacturing spherical bearings exist. One of the most common of these is swaging, wherein a spherical ball and cylindrical bearing housing are provided; the housing then being swaged over the ball such that the inner surface of the housing conforms to the spherical surface of the ball imprisoned therein.

One method of swaging involves the use of a conical die, commonly referred to as a "horn die". As the bearing arrangement progresses through a tapered bore of the horn die, the outer surface of the bearing housing engages with the tapered bore surface, which causes the housing to begin to swage around the ball. As the arrangement progresses further through the horn die, the diameter of the bore reduces, thereby swaging the housing still further (and reducing its diameter accordingly). Having passed through the horn die, the bearing housing of the bearing arrangement is then fully swaged onto the surface of the ball.

In the case of metal-to-metal bearings, a desirable characteristic is that there is a slight clearance (play) between the bearing surfaces of the ball and bearing housing. In the case of lined bearings (i.e. where there is a liner provided on the bearing surface of the housing) a desirable characteristic is that there is a slight torque between the ball and the housing. It is preferable for the torque or clearance to be within a predetermined, often very narrow, range. Any spherical bearing arrangements manufactured having a torque or clearance which is outside of the required range may require expensive machining and re-working processes to be performed in order for the bearing to be of use. This is undesirable.

It will be appreciated that due to the very high frictional forces involved with swaging, and in particular the prolonged swaging involved with a horn die apparatus, extreme temperatures can build up in both the horn die and the spherical bearing arrangement. Since both the horn die and spherical bearing arrangements are commonly manufactured from metal, these have a tendency to expand when heated; at the very least, their dimensions will substantially change. It will be appreciated, however, that the diameter and rate of taper of the bore of the horn die must be within a very narrow and predetermined range in order to produce spherical bearings having a repeatable torque or clearance within the required range. Accordingly, should the dimensions of any part of the bore of the horn die change, even by a small amount, then the resultant bearing is likely to have a torque or clearance outside of the required range and be unusable as a result.

Alternatively, or in addition to, if the spherical bearing arrangement is heated as a result of the frictional forces experienced, its dimensions will significantly change also. The result of having unwanted high temperatures in the spherical bearing arrangement, in addition to high temperatures in the horn die, only compounds the problems associated with expansion.

The high temperatures produced using the horn die method can also affect the internal stress characteristics of the spherical bearing arrangement, which results in subsequent machining problems and a substantial reduction in the usable life of the bearing. In the case of lined bearings, if high temperatures are experienced in the spherical bearing arrangement or the horn die, and the dimensions of the arrangements change as a result, it has been found that the liner can become attached or caught at the axial end of the housing, which can cause the liner to split as the swaging process progresses. This is, of course, undesirable. In any event, it will be appreciated that over- compression of the liner and extreme heat can increase degradation of the liner and reduce its physical integrity.

Often a whole batch of spherical bearing arrangements will be swaged, one after the other, in quick succession. The swaging tool is in constant use and, as more and more swaging operations are performed, the temperature of the horn die rises, causing further expansion and resulting in the torque or clearance of each subsequent bearing falling further and further outside of the required range. Currently, this necessitates the use of small production runs and the provision of considerable down time between production runs, to allow the horn die to cool. This is undesirable, since it means that the horn die cannot be utilised efficiently or to its full potential, increasing manufacturing and overhead costs as a result.

It is an object of the present invention to seek to overcome at least some of the aforementioned problems and to provide an apparatus and method which can reliably produce spherical bearing arrangements having a torque or clearance within a predetermined range.

One aspect of the present invention provides a temperature-regulated assembly for deforming an article, the assembly comprising: a deformation tool; and a temperature regulating unit to regulate the temperature of the deformation tool such that a characteristic of an article deformed by the deformation tool is within a predetermined range, a surface of the temperature-regulated deformation tool being in contact, in use, with the article being deformed.

Preferably, the deformation tool is a plastic deformation tool for plastically deforming an article.

Conveniently, the deformation tool is a swaging tool for swaging an article.

Advantageously, the deformation tool is a horn die.

Preferably, the article is a bearing.

Conveniently, the bearing is a spherical bearing.

Advantageously, the temperature regulating unit comprises a heating and/or cooling arrangement.

Preferably, the heating and/or cooling arrangement comprises a heating and/or cooling element.

Conveniently, the heating and/or cooling arrangement comprises a heating and/or cooling jacket.

Alternatively, the heating and/or cooling arrangement comprises a heat exchanger.

Advantageously, the temperature regulating unit comprises a temperature control unit.

Preferably, the temperature regulating unit comprises at least one temperature sensor thermally connected to the deformation tool.

Conveniently, the temperature control unit regulates the heating and/or cooling arrangement in response to an input from the at least one temperature sensor.

Advantageously, the temperature regulating unit comprises a user interface for inputting a temperature.

Preferably, the temperature regulating unit regulates the temperature of the deformation tool at a predetermined temperature.

Conveniently, the predetermined temperature is a predetermined temperature range.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a method of deforming an article, the method comprising: providing a deformation tool; deforming an article using the deformation tool such that a surface of the deformation tool is in contact with the article; and regulating the temperature of the deformation tool such that a characteristic of the deformed article is within a predetermined range.

Preferably, the step of regulating the temperature of the deformation tool includes cooling and/or heating the deformation tool.

Conveniently, the steps of deforming an article and regulating the temperature of the deformation tool are performed contemporaneously.

Advantageously, the step of regulating the temperature of the deformation tool comprises regulating the temperature at a predetermined temperature.

Preferably, the predetermined temperature is a predetermined temperature range.

Conveniently, the step of providing a deformation tool comprises providing a deformation tool having a predetermined temperature.

Advantageously, the step of providing a deformation tool having a predetermined temperature includes heating and/or cooling the deformation tool prior to the step of deforming the article.

Preferably, the step of deforming is swaging and the article being deformed is a spherical bearing arrangement.

The present invention also provides for a method of calibrating a temperature- regulated assembly, the method comprising the steps of: performing the method of deforming an article according to the present invention; measuring a characteristic of the resultant deformed article; and adjusting the predetermined temperature of the deformation tool in response to the measured characteristic.

Preferably, the step of adjusting the predetermined temperature of the deformation tool is in response to the calculated difference between the measured characteristic value of the deformed article and a required characteristic value.

Conveniently, the characteristic is torque.

Advantageously, the torque is in the range of 0.1 Nm and 10 Nm.

Alternatively, the characteristic is clearance.

Advantageously, the clearance is in the range of 0.001mm to 0.1mm.

Conveniently, the predetermined temperature range is -1 00 C to 100 C.

The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: FIGURE 1 shows a crosssectional schematic view of a temperature-regulated assembly according to the present invention and a cross-sectional view of a spherical bearing arrangement during various stages of carrying out a method according to the present invention; and FIGURES 2.a and 2.b show an enlarged view of arrangements (a) and (f) of FIGURE 1 respectively.

FIGURES 3.a to 3.c show cross-sectional views of another spherical bearing arrangement during various stages of carrying out a method according to the present invention.

The temperature-regulated assembly I of figure 1 comprises: a horn die 2; and a temperature regulating unit 3 to regulate the temperature of the horn die.

The horn die 2 comprises: a substantially frusto-conical structure, having a bore 30 passing therethrough; a substantially frusto-conical outer surface 4; and two axial ends 5, 6. The surface of the bore 30 adjacent one axial end 5 of the horn die, an entrance 7, tapers along a swaging section 8 towards a cylindrical section 9; that is to say: the tapered sides of the surface of the bore 30 along the swaging section 8 are non-parallel whereas the sides of the surface of the bore 30 along the cylindrical section 9 are parallel with one another. The surface of the bore 30 then opens outwardly from the cylindrical section 9 into an exit 10 at the other axial end 6 of the horn die 2.

Preferably, the cylindrical section 9 is disposed more towards the axial end 6 adjacent the exit 10 than the axial end 5 adjacent the entrance 7. Thus, the length of the swaging section 8 extends along at least half of the overall length of the horn die 2. The diameter of the bore 30 is at a minimum along the cylindrical section 9. Preferably, a chamfer or radius 11 is provided on the bore surface adjacent each axial end 5, 6 of the horn die 2, to prevent the surface from presenting sharp edges which would otherwise impact upon and damage a spherical bearing passing therethrough.

The temperature regulating unit 3 comprises: a heating and/or cooling arrangement 12; a temperature control unit 13; and at least one temperature sensor 14. Preferable an array of temperature sensors 14 is disposed around the die 2. In addition, the temperature regulating unit 13 comprises a user interface 15. Preferably, the user interface 15 is connected to the temperature control unit 13. The heating and/or cooling arrangement 12 takes substantially the same physical form as the outer surface 4 of the horn die 2 and is provided so as to substantially surround and contact the horn die 2.

Preferably, the heating and/or cooling arrangement 12 comprises a heating and/or cooling element. Conveniently, the element comprises a jacket.

Advantageously, the element comprises a heat exchanger. Alternatively, the heating and/or cooling arrangement is provided as an integral device with the horn die; for example, heating and/or cooling pipes can be provided within the structure of the horn die for circulating heating and/or cooling fluids therethrough, such as oil, steam, refrigerant etc. The at least one temperature sensor 14 is preferably thermally connected with the horn die 2, so as to sense the temperature thereof and give an output indicative of the temperature of the portion of the horn die 2 in close proximity of the sensor 14. More preferably, the at least one temperature sensor 14 is embedded in the horn die 2 so as to be adjacent the surface of the bore 30 and give a more accurate temperature reading for the part of the bore in contact with a spherical bearing passing therethrough. The output of the at least one temperature sensor 14 is connected to the temperature control unit 13, which temperature control unit 13, in turn, controls the temperature of the heating and/or cooling arrangement 12.

The temperature control unit 13 regulates the temperature of the heating and/or cooling arrangement 12 so as to remain within the predetermined temperature range inputted by the user via the user interface 15. If the temperature of the horn die 2 begins to fall outside of the predetermined temperature range, the temperature control unit 13 will adjust the heating and/or cooling arrangement 12 accordingly so as to regulate the temperature and maintain it within the predetermined temperature range. In addition, the temperature of the horn die 2 is displayed on a temperature display 16.

In use, a spherical bearing arrangement 17 is swaged using the temperature- regulated assembly. The spherical bearing arrangement 17 comprises (see figure 2.a) a spherical ball 18 and a substantially cylindrical bearing housing 19. The baIl 18 comprises a spherical bearing surface 20 and preferably has a bore 21 passing therethrough. In addition, the ball 18 is provided with an end face 22 at each axial end adjacent the bore 21. Before swaging (Figure 2.a), the housing comprises: a substantially cylindrical outer surface 23; a substantially cylindrical inner bearing surface 24; and two axial end faces 25.

Post-swaging (Figure 2.b), the housing 19 is swaged onto the ball such that an inner bearing surface 26 thereof conforms to the spherical bearing surface 20 of the baIl 18, such that the two bearing surfaces 26, 18 are in sliding contact with one another.

It should be noted that Figure 2.a corresponds to arrangement (a) of Figure 1 and Figure 2.b corresponds to arrangement (f) of Figure 1.

Referring to Figure 1: in use, an unswaged spherical bearing arrangement 17 is introduced into the entrance 7 of the horn die 2 in a direction towards the cylindrical section 9 (see arrangement (a)). The diameter of the bore 30 adjacent the entrance 7 of the horn die 2 is larger than the diameter of the outer surface 23 of the unswaged housing - see arrangement (b). As the unswaged bearing arrangement progresses further through the horn die 2, and the diameter of the bore 30 of the horn die 2 reduces due to the tapering thereof, the diameter of the outer surface of the housing 23 is then greater than the diameter of the bore 30. Accordingly, at least a portion of the bearing housing 19 is caused to be "swaged" by the swaging section 8 of the horn die 2 - see arrangement (C).

As the spherical bearing arrangement 17 progresses further through the horn die 2, however, substantially all of the outer surface 23 of the bearing housing 19 contacts the bore surface of the swaging section 8 of the horn die 2 and, as a consequence, all of the housing 19 begins to be swaged around the ball 18 - see arrangement (d).

The spherical bearing arrangement 17 then reaches the cylindrical section 9 - see arrangement (e) - wherein the surfaces of the bore of the horn die are parallel with one another - i.e. no taper is provided. At this point, all of the housing 19 has been substantially swaged around the ball 18 and, due to the cylindrical nature of the cylindrical section 9, the outer surface 23 of the housing 29 is substantially cylindrical. Post- swaging, the inner bearing surface 26 of the swaged housing conforms to the spherical surface 20 of the ball 18.

It will also be appreciated that the diameter of the outer surface 23 of the housing 19 will be greater before swaging than post-swaging. Conversely, the axial length of the housing will be greater post swaging than before swaging.

The spherical bearing arrangement 17 then proceeds from the cylindrical section towards the exit portion 10 of the horn die 2, along which exit portion the surface of the bore 30 opens outwardly. Thus, when the spherical bearing arrangement 17 passes from the cylindrical section 9 towards the exit 10, the (now substantially cylindrical) outer surface 23 of the housing no longer contacts the bore surface 30. The swaging of the spherical bearing arrangement is then complete - see arrangement (f).

Preferably, both the horn die 2 and spherical bearing arrangement 17 are made from metal. Thus, as discussed in the preamble to this specification, as a spherical bearing arrangement 17 is swaged by the horn die 2, a large amount of heat can build up in both the spherical bearing arrangement 17 and the horn die 2. It will be appreciated that the mechanical deformation of the housing about the ball generates significant heat which is transmitted to the die and which will alter the physical dimensions of the die. The heat generated will also alter the physical dimensions of the swaged bearing arrangement. As the horn die 2 is substantially massive and the spherical bearing arrangement 17 is relatively ss massive, the spherical bearing arrangement 17 is more likely to be the subject of the greatest temperature increase.

In prior art arrangements, no consideration was given for this large increase in temperature during swaging and, as a result, both the horn die and spherical bearing arrangement tended to expand due to the temperature increase. As a result, the torque or clearance of the resultant spherical bearing arrangement was indeterminate at best and often within an unusable range and the spherical bearing arrangement had to be either machined or re-worked or scrapped at significant financial cost. Indeed, with reference to Figure 1, it will be appreciated that in order to manufacture a spherical bearing arrangement with a torque or clearance within a predetermined, often narrow, range, the diameter of the bore in the cylindrical section 9 must be kept within a very narrow predetermined range in order to produce a useable spherical bearing arrangement.

A temperature-regulated assembly I embodying the present invention, however, provides a temperature regulating unit 3 which regulates the temperature of a deformation tool, preferably a horn die 2, such that a characteristic of the deformed article is within a predetermined range.

Accordingly, a temperature regulating assembly and method embodying the present invention alleviates the aforementioned problems associated with heat and expansion and produces bearings with torque characteristics or clearances within a predetermined range. Importantly, regulation of the temperature of the die brings repeatability and hence predictability to the end product, hence improving quality and decreasing, if not removing, reliance on reworking the end produce after the swaging process.

Methods embodying the present invention are particularly advantageous in that they provide for a calibration step. A description of such a calibration step follows.

A user inputs an arbitrary - yet nevertheless predetermined - temperature range into the temperature control unit 13 via the user interface 15 (for example, a temperature range encompassing room temperature). The temperature regulating unit 3 then acts to actively regulate the temperature of the horn die 2 so as to remain within the predetermined temperature range.

A spherical bearing arrangement 17 is then swaged using the method described above - whilst the temperature regulating unit regulates the temperature throucihout the swaging process. The characteristic of the resultant bearing 17 is measured and compared with the required characteristic range. If the measured characteristic is outside of the required range, then the predetermined temperature range of the horn die 2 is adjusted in preparation for another iteration of the step To adjust the predetermined temperature range, the user inputs the revised temperature range into the temperature control unit 13 via the user interface 15. Another spherical bearing arrangement 17 is then swaged, as before, and the resultant characteristic measured. This iterative, trial and error', process can be repeated until a spherical bearing 17 having the required characteristic is produced.

When a predetermined temperature range is found that produces a spherical bearing arrangement 17 having the required characteristic, the horn die 2 is then said to be configured', and can then be used to manufacture any number of spherical bearing arrangements 17 having the required characteristic. Most importantly, methods embodying the present invention allow for a high degree of accuracy and repeatability in the characteristic of spherical bearing arrangements. As a result, the need to machine or re-work the spherical bearing arrangements 17 after the swaging process is substantially, if not completely, eliminated when using an assembly or method embodying the present invention.

It will be appreciated that such a calibration' method will necessitate the use of several test' spherical bearing arrangements 17 in order to ascertain the ideal' predetermined temperature range. During the calibration process, if the characteristic of these test' arrangements is outside of the required range, then the bearing arrangement 17 may simply be scrapped (or re-worked so to create a useable bearing). It will, of course, be appreciated that, once the system has been calibrated, no further arrangements need be scrapped/re- In any event, the data collected from the calibration' process conveniently allows for the compilation of a look-up table', wherein a given temperature of the horn die 2 is recorded against the resultant characteristic of a spherical bearing arrangement 17 having been swaged in a horn die having that tern peratu re.

Therefore, if there is a requirement during a production run to produce a spherical bearing arrangement 17 having a different characteristic to those previously (and indeed subsequently) made, the user can consult the "look-up table" and select the appropriate temperature to provide a spherical bearing arrangement 17 having the required characteristic.

In addition to a "look-up table" for a particular type of spherical bearing arrangement (i.e. same material and original dimensions), it is envisaged that a "look-up table" can be produced for different types of spherical bearing arrangements to be swaged using the same horn die. For example, spherical bearing arrangements having different materials or compositions.

The response rate of the temperature regulating unit 3 is preferably greater than the maximum rate of temperature increase experienced during swaging.

Thus, when the temperature of the horn die 2 or spherical bearing arrangement is increasing at its maximum rate during swaging (likely to be near the cylindrical section 9), the response rate of the temperature regulating unit 3 is such that it can counteract the temperature increase of the horn die 2 or spherical bearing arrangement and maintain the temperature within a predetermined range.

Whilst a "predetermined temperature range" has been described above, it is envisaged that, as an alternative, a specific predetermined temperature can be used. Thus, as opposed to the temperature of the horn die 2 being maintained within the "envelope" of the predetermined temperature range, the temperature regulating unit 3 will, instead, always aim to regulate the temperature at the predetermined temperature "target".

It is envisaged that the increase in temperature experienced by the horn die 2 will alter along the length thereof. For example, the rate of temperature increase may be greater along the swaging section 8 adjacent the cylindrical section 9 than it will be along the swaging section 8 adjacent the entrance 7.

It is preferable, therefore, that a heating and/or cooling arrangement 12 having a greater rate of temperature change is provided adjacent the cylindrical section 9. In embodiments using integral heating and/or cooling pipes, for example, the number and/or density of pipes can be greater adjacent the cylindrical section 9 than adjacent the entrance.

Alternatively, a temperature-regulated assembly I according to the present invention may regulate the temperature along the length of the horn die 2 to within different predetermined temperature ranges. For example, the temperature of the portion of the swaging section 8 toward the entrance 7 could be regulated at a higher temperature than that of the portion adjacent the cylindrical section 9. As a result, the rate of swaging afforded by portions of the swaging section can be adjusted accordingly.

Alternatively, the temperature regulating unit 3 can be provided in the region of the cylindrical section 9, with no provision for temperature regulation along the swaging section 8.

Methods embodying the present invention are particularly advantageous in that the temperature regulating unit 3 allows for the manufacture of a plurality of spherical bearing arrangements 17, each arrangement 17 having a characteristic (e.g. torque or clearance) within a predetermined range. Thus, the repeatability of the spherical bearing arrangements 17 is high.

Furthermore, long periods of down-time of the horn die to allow it to cool are avoided.

In order to manufacture bearing arrangements with varying desired characteristics, prior art arrangements and methods required the provision of a set of different dies, the diameter of the bore of each differing only by a few millimetres or less. Methods and assemblies embodying the present invention, however, are able to accurately adjust the diameter of the bore by regulating the temperature thereof. As a result, fewer horn dies are needed, which reduces tooling and storage costs..

Whilst torque' and clearance' have been described as the preferred measured characteristic of the bearing, it is envisaged that the temperature of the horn die can be regulated in response to any other important characteristic of the bearing. For example, it may be a requirement that a swaged spherical bearing must be able to withstand a maximum axial force (or a force in any other direction), and regulating the temperature of the horn die during swaging may play a significant role in determining the ability to withstand such forces.

In which case, the predetermined temperature range will be altered in response to this characteristic as opposed (or in addition) to the torque or clearance.

Whilst the housing 19 of the spherical bearing shown in Figure 1 has a substantially cylindrical inner surface 24, it should be noted that Figure 1 is schematic. Indeed, it is preferred that the housing 19 of spherical bearing arrangements being swaged using an assembly and method embodying the present invention take the form of the arrangements shown in Figures 3.a to 3.c. Here it is seen that, before swaging (3.a), the inner surface 27 of the housing has a slight curvature. It should be noted, however, that the radius of such a curvature is greater than the radius of curvature of the ball 18. Such an arrangement is particularly advantageous when swaging the housing 19, since it reduces any undue pressure being imposed on the middle portion of the housing 19. The present invention is not, however, limited to the structure of the spherical arrangement.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms ucompriseshi and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features,steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

Claims 1. A temperature-regulated assembly for deforming an article, the

assembly comprising: a deformation tool; and a temperature regulating unit to regulate the temperature of the deformation tool such that a characteristic of an article deformed by the deformation tool is within a predetermined range, a surface of the temperature-regulated deformation tool being in contact, in use, with the article being deformed.
2. A temperature-regulated assembly according to claim 1, wherein the deformation tool is a plastic deformation tool for plastically deforming an article.
3. A temperature-regulated assembly according to Claim 1, wherein the deformation tool is a swaging tool for swaging an article.
4. A temperature-regulated assembly according to Claim 1, wherein the deformation tool is a horn die.
5. A temperature-regulated assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the article is a bearing.
6. A temperature-regulated assembly according to claim 5, wherein the bearing is a spherical bearing.
7. A temperature-regulated assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the temperature regulating unit comprises a heating and/or cooling arrangement.
8. A temperature-regulated assembly according to claim 7, wherein the heating and/or cooling arrangement comprises a heating and/or cooling element.
9. A temperature-regulated assembly according to Claim 7, wherein the heating and/or cooling arrangement comprises a heating and/or cooling jacket.
10. A temperature-regulated assembly according to Claim 7, wherein the heating and/or cooling arrangement comprises a heat exchanger.
11. A temperature-regulated assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the temperature regulating unit comprises a temperature control unit.
12. A temperature-regulated assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the temperature regulating unit comprises at least one temperature sensor thermally connected to the deformation tool.
13. A temperature-regulated assembly according to Claim 12, wherein the temperature control unit regulates the heating and/or cooling arrangement in response to an input from the at least one temperature sensor.
14. A temperature-regulated assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the temperature regulating unit comprises a user interface for inputting a temperature.
15. A temperature-regulated assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the temperature regulating unit regulates the temperature of the deformation tool at a predetermined temperature.
16. A temperature-regulated assembly according to Claim 15, wherein the predetermined temperature is a predetermined temperature range.
17. A method of deforming an article, the method comprising: providing a deformation tool; deforming an article using the deformation tool such that a surface of the deformation tool is in contact with the article; and regulating the temperature of the deformation tool such that a characteristic of the deformed article is within a predetermined range.
18. A method of deforming an article according to Claim 17, wherein the step of regulating the temperature of the deformation tool includes cooling and/or heating the deformation tool.
19. A method of deforming an article according to any of claims 17 to 18, wherein the steps of deforming an article and regulating the temperature of the deformation tool are performed contemporaneously.
20. A method of deforming an article according to any of claims 17 to 19, wherein the step of regulating the temperature of the deformation tool comprises regulating the temperature at a predetermined temperature.
21. A method of deforming an article according to claim 20, wherein the predetermined temperature is a predetermined temperature range.
22. A method of deforming an article according to any of claims 17 to 21, wherein the step of providing a deformation tool comprises providing a deformation tool having a predetermined temperature.
23. A method of deforming an article according to Claim 22, wherein the step of providing a deformation tool having a predetermined temperature includes heating and/or cooling the deformation tool prior to the step of deforming the article.
24. A method of deforming an article according to any of Claims 17 to 23, wherein the step of deforming is swaging and the article being deformed is a spherical bearing arrangement.
25. A method of calibrating the temperature-regulated assembly of any of claims I to 16, comprising the steps of: performing the method according to any of claims 20 to 24 on an article; measuring a characteristic of the resultant deformed article; and adjusting the predetermined temperature of the deformation tool in response to the measured characteristic.
26. A method of calibrating according to Claim 25, wherein the step of adjusting the predetermined temperature of the deformation tool is in response to the calculated difference between the measured characteristic value of the deformed article and a required characteristic value.
27. A temperature-regulated assembly, a method of deforming an article, or a method of calibrating a temperature-regulated assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the characteristic is torque.
28. A temperature-regulated assembly, a method of deforming an article, or a method of calibrating a temperature-regulated assembly according to Claim 27, wherein the torque is in the range of 0.1 Nm and 10 Nm.
29. A temperature-regulated assembly, a method of deforming an article, or a method of calibrating a temperature-regulated assembly according to any of claims I to 26, wherein the characteristic is clearance.
30. A method of deforming an article as substantially hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the attached drawings. ( {

30. A temperature-regulated assembly, a method of deforming an article, or a method of calibrating a temperature-regulated assembly according to Claim 29, wherein the clearance is in the range of 0.001 mm to 0.1mm.

31. A temperature-regulated assembly or method of deforming an article according to any preceding claim, wherein the predetermined temperature range is -1 00 C to 100 C.

32. A temperature-regulated assembly as substantially hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the attached drawings.

33. A method of deforming an article as substantially hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the attached drawings.

34. Any novel matter or combination thereof hereinbefore described.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows: Claims 1. A temperature-regulated assembly for deforming a bearing housing onto a ball to form a bearing, the resultant bearing having a torque or clearance between the ball and housing, the assembly comprising: a deformation tool; and a temperature regulating unit to regulate the temperature of the deformation tool such that the torque or clearance of the resultant bearing is within a predetermined range, a surface of the temperature-regulated deformation tool being in contact, in use, with the bearing housing being deformed.

2. A temperature-regulated assembly according to claim 1, wherein the deformation tool is a plastic deformation tool for plastically deforming the : :: bearing housing.

3. A temperature-regulated assembly according to Claim 1, wherein the deformation tool is a swaging tool for swaging a bearing housing. Ce

4. A temperature-regulated assembly according to Claim 1, wherein the deformation tool is a horn die.

5. A temperature-regulated assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the bearing is a spherical bearing.

6. A temperature-regulated assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the temperature regulating unit comprises a heating and/or cooling arrangement.

7. A temperature-regulated assembly according to claim 6, wherein the heating and/or cooling arrangement comprises a heating and/or cooling element.

8. A temperature-regulated assembly according to Claim 6, wherein the heating and/or cooling arrangement comprises a heating and/or cooling jacket.

9. A temperature-regulated assembly according to Claim 6, wherein the heating and/or cooling arrangement comprises a heat exchanger.

10. A temperature-regulated assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the temperature regulating unit comprises a temperature control unit. ( C I

C C

A temperature-regulated assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the temperature regulating unit comprises at least one temperature sensor thermally connected to the deformation tool.

C IC

12. A temperature-regulated assembly according to Claim 11, wherein the temperature control unit regulates the heating and/or cooling arrangement in response to an input from the at least one temperature sensor.

13. A temperature-regulated assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the temperature regulating unit comprises a user interface for inputting a temperature.

14. A temperature-regulated assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the temperature regulating unit regulates the temperature of the deformation tool at a predetermined temperature. is

15. A temperature-regulated assembly according to Claim 14, wherein the predetermined temperature is a predetermined temperature range.

16. A method of deforming a bearing housing onto a ball to form a bearing, the resultant bearing having a torque or clearance between the ball and housing, the method comprising: providing a deformation tool; deforming a bearing housing using the deformation tool such that a surface of the deformation tool is in contact with the bearing housing; and regulating the temperature of the deformation tool such that the torque or clearance of the resultant bearing is within a predetermined range.

17. A method of deforming a bearing housing according to Claim 16, wherein the step of regulating the temperature of the deformation tool includes cooling and/or heating the deformation tool.

18. A method of deforming bearing house according to any of claims 16 to 17, wherein the steps of deforming an article and regulating the temperature of the deformation tool are performed contemporaneously.

19. A method of deforming a bearing housing according to any of claims 16 to 18, wherein the step of regulating the temperature of the deformation tool comprises regulating the temperature at a predetermined temperature.

20. A method of deforming a bearing housing according to claim 19, wherein the predetermined temperature is a predetermined temperature range.

21. A method of deforming a bearing housing according to any of claims 16 to 20, wherein the step of providing a deformation tool comprises providing a deformation tool having a predetermined temperature.

22. A method of deforming a bearing housing according to Claim 21, wherein the step of providing a deformation tool having a predetermined temperature includes heating and/or cooling the deformation tool prior to the step of deform ing the bearing housing.

23. A method of deforming a bearing housing according to any of Claims 16 to 22, wherein the step of deforming is swaging and the bearing housing being deformed is that of a spherical bearing arrangement.

24. A method of calibrating the temperature-regulated assembly of any of claims ito 15, comprising the steps of: performing the method according to any of claims 19 to 23 on a bearing housing; measuring the torque or clearance of the resultant bearing; and adjusting the predetermined temperature of the deformation tool in response to the measured torque or clearance value.

25. A method of calibrating according to Claim 24, wherein the step of adjusting the predetermined temperature of the deformation tool is in response to the calculated difference between the measured torque or clearance value of the resultant bearing and a required torque or clearance value.

26. A temperature-regulated assembly, a method of deforming a bearing housing, or a method of calibrating a temperature-regulated assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the torque is in the range of 0. 1 Nm and 10 Nm. p1:7

27. A temperature-regulated assembly, a method of deforming a bearing housing, or a method of calibrating a temperature-regulated assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the clearance is in the range of 0.001 mm to 0.1mm.

28. A temperature-regulated assembly or method of deforming a bearing housing according to any preceding claim, wherein the predetermined temperature range is -100 C to 100 C.

29. A temperature-regulated assembly as substantially hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the attached drawings.