Method and apparatus for friction current joining

US12103102B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• KUKA Deutschland GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Jörg Herrich · Augsburg, DE
• Stefan Habersetzer · Rinnenthal, DE
• Klaus Schneider · Friedberg, DE
• Andreas Burger · Krefeld, DE
• Andy Pham · Rancho Santa Margarita, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 24, 2020
• Grant date: Oct 1, 2024
• Expiry date: Apr 24, 2040

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B23K2103/14
• WIPO field: Machine tools
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A method and apparatus for joining using friction and current, wherein the friction/current joining apparatus includes a friction device, a forging device, an electrical current source, and a programmable controller, as well as workpiece holders for the workpieces to be joined. The friction/current joining apparatus is controlled such that, in a contacting phase, the workpieces are initially moved along a process axis, and their mutually facing joining surfaces oriented transverse to a common process axis are brought into contact. In a grinding phase, while subjected to contact pressure by mutual relative movement, the joining surfaces, are ground together and made smooth. At the end of the grinding phase, the relative frictional movement is permanently stopped and, in a forging phase following the grinding phase, the workpieces are pressed together, plasticized, and joined while subjected to contact pressure on their contacting joining surfaces along the process axis, and subjected to conductive heating with electrical current.