Method of joining by roller hemming and solid state welding and system for same
US8640320B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 10, 2011 |
| Grant date | Feb 4, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 11, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/53535
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method of joining a first and a second work piece, such as automotive closure panels, includes supporting the work pieces on a fixture, and then joining the work pieces to one another by a first solid state weld with a vibrating roller head of a tool assembly, such as a robotically-controlled ultrasonic seam welder. Next, a flange of the second work piece is hemmed about an outer periphery of the first work piece using the same or a different roller head with the work pieces supported by the fixture. The hemmed flange is then joined to the first work piece by a second solid state weld with the vibrating roller head of the robotically-controlled ultrasonic seam welder. A system for joining a first and a second work piece is also provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.