Method and apparatus for performing multiple welding operations within one weld fixture assembly
AssigneeSiemens VDO Automotive Corporation
InventorMichael Brooks
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Abstract
A vibration weld fixture assembly provides a three-piece component joined together with two separate welding operations. The vibration weld fixture assembly includes fixed upper and lower tools that support first and second component pieces, respectively. A center tool, movable relative to the upper and lower tools, moves a third component piece into engagement with one of the first or second component pieces for a first vibration weld operation. The center tool then moves the third component piece into engagement with the other of the first or second component pieces for a second vibration weld operation. A linear actuator assembly moves the center tool back and forth between the upper and lower tools.
Claims20
A weld fixture assembly comprising:
- an upper tool for supporting a first part;
- a lower tool spaced apart from said upper tool for supporting a second part;
- and
- a center tool positioned between said upper and lower tools wherein said center tool is selectively movable relative to said upper and lower tools to bring a third part into engagement with at least one of said first or second parts for a welding operation.
A weld fixture assembly comprising:
- a fixed upper tool for supporting a first part;
- a fixed lower tool spaced apart from said fixed upper tool for supporting a second part;
- a center tool positioned between and movable relative to said upper and lower tools;
- a linear actuator assembly including at least one extendible member for selectively engaging said center tool to bring a third part into engagement with at least one of said first or second parts for a vibration welding operation;
- and
- a controller for generating and transmitting a control signal to said linear actuator assembly to move said center tool to a predetermined weld position between said upper and lower tools for performing the vibration welding operation.
Method of vibration welding a three-piece component within a single vibration weld fixture assembly including an upper tool, a lower tool, and a center tool positioned between the upper and lower tools comprising the steps of:
- (a) loading a first component piece into the lower tool;
- (b) loading a second component piece into the upper tool;
- (c) moving a third component piece into engagement with one of the first or second component pieces via the middle tool;
- and
- (d) performing a first vibration weld.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.