Gimballing roller device for friction stir welding apparatus and method
US7699206B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 7, 2008 |
| Grant date | Apr 20, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 7, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/12493
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A friction stir welding (FSW) apparatus has an FSW tool adapted for joining work pieces supportable against a backing anvil. The FSW apparatus comprises a pair of clamping rollers maintained in substantially perpendicular relationship to the backing anvil as the FSW tool moves along the tool path. A roller pivot joint of the FSW apparatus maintains a cylindrical roller outer surface of each clamping roller in substantially parallel relationship to the top sides of the work pieces. The roller pivot joint may include a gimballing roller bearing to which the clamping roller is mounted. The roller bearing is universally movable in a variety of directions to maintain the perpendicular relationship of the clamping rollers relative to the backing anvil.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.