Laser-welded ball-and-socket connection
US5869804A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 28, 1996 |
| Grant date | Feb 9, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 28, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01R2201/12
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method is presented of welding an electrically conductive termination component having first and second opposed surfaces to an electrically conductive elongate member extending to a terminal end. The method comprises the steps of forming a substantially circular aperture through the termination component and defined by a rim having a diameter substantially equivalent to the transverse dimension of the elongate member. The terminal end of the elongate member is positioned proximate the termination component overlying the rim of the aperture such that the longitudinal axis of the elongate member is generally coplanar with the center of the aperture. Then, a laser beam is directed transversely of the termination component through the aperture therein toward and onto the elongate member to simultaneously melt the elongate member and the termination component in the region of the aperture and create a mixture of the molten material of both the elongate member and the termination component within the aperture. Upon the cessation of operation of the laser beam, the mixture of the molten material solidifies within the aperture and between the termination component and the elongate member…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.