Patent ID: 9579753
Date: 2017-02-28
CPC Classifications: B23K,B65G

Claim:
1. A support device for bearing on one or more work pieces in connection with friction stir welding, the support device comprising: a holder unit, a first support wheel carried by the holder unit, the first support wheel having an outer peripheral surface, the first wheel being rotatable relative to the holder unit about a first rotational axis; a second support wheel carried by the holder unit, the second support wheel having an outer peripheral surface, the second support wheel being rotatable relative to the holder unit about a second rotational axis parallel to the said first rotational axis; a support body connected to the holder unit, the support body positioned between the first and second support wheels, the support body having a support surface turned outward; and a flexible belt which runs in a loop over the outer peripheral surfaces of the first and second support wheels, the flexible belt being is in sliding contact with the support surface of the support device; wherein the support device provides support as it bears on one or more work pieces with the outer peripheral surfaces of the first and second support wheels, and with the support surface of the support body resting against the work pieces via the flexible belt; wherein the holder unit comprises a base part and a holder element that is pivotable with respect to the base part; wherein the holder unit is adjustable relative to the base part by rotation of the holder element relative to the base part about a rotational axis which is parallel with the said first and second rotational axes; wherein one of the support wheels is supported so as to rotate at the holder element; and wherein the support device includes a locking device for locking of the holder element on the base part in a desired rotary position relative to the base part.