Apparatus for welding automotive brake shoes

Abstract

A method and apparatus is provided for welding an edge surface of a curved metal brake shoe to a substantially flat metal brake shoe table surface. The apparatus has a positioning mechanism which positions the brake shoe table in longitudinal alignment with the brake shoe web with one end portion of the table surface abutting the brake shoe web surface over a predetermined distance and with the table surface diverging away from the brake shoe web edge forming a vertex where the surfaces abut. A wheel is provided for pressing the abutting surfaces together at the vertex. Conductors are used to contact both the brake shoe web and the brake shoe table to provide a high frequency alternating potential to the pieces to induce current to flow therebetween and thereby heat the interfacing surfaces in the area of the vertex. A fixture is provided for rotating the brake shoe table and the brake shoe web together along a curvilinear path while maintaining the pressure and the high frequency alternating potential to weld the interfacing surfaces together. At least one deflecting element is provided contacting the brake shoe table and holding the brake shoe table in contact with the brake shoe web while the fixture is rotating thus allowing the interfacing surfaces to cool.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.