Patent ID: 9358642
Filing Date: 2016-06-07
CPC Classification: B23K

Claim Text:
1. A movable joining device for connecting first and second structural components of an aircraft, the device comprising: a welding unit comprising a carrier car and moveably arranged on a rail-like guiding device situated on the outside of the first and second structural components, so as to fixedly connect, in a welding process, first and second joining edges of the first and second structural components positioned adjacent to each other, respectively, wherein the welding unit is configured to move on the rail-like guiding device, and comprises a bobbin tool for friction stir welding; wherein the rail-like guiding device consists of first and second carrier profiles situated along the first and second joining edges, respectively; wherein each of the first and second carrier profiles comprises a guiding rail configured to positively engage the carrier car for guiding and absorbing at least transverse process-induced forces, wherein each guiding rail comprises a toothed rack to move the carrier car along the guiding rail by toothed wheels provided on the carrier car; and wherein the carrier car comprises: a sensor for performing a quality control on at least one of a separating process and the welding process; and a separating unit having a cutting tool for cutting the first and second joining edges prior to the welding process.