Patent ID: 6354482
Filing Date: 2002-03-12
Classification: B23K

Abstract:
An apparatus for friction welding of a first element to a second element, the apparatus having a planar axis defined by the direction of relative motion between the two elements during operation and a forge axis defined by the direction of forge load during operation, the apparatus including:a frame including a base; a reciprocal motion assembly adapted to generate reciprocating motion between the first element and the second element along the planar axis, the reciprocal motion assembly disposed on the frame; and a forge assembly including: a table disposed in a sliding relationship to the base, the table including a platform defining a plane parallel with the forge axis and a base tool for the second element positioned on one end of the table, the base tool adapted to position the second element for engagement with the first element upon sufficient sliding motion of the table, wherein such engagement defines a point of engagement that lies on the forge axis; a crank pivotally engaged with the end of the table opposite the base tool, the crank having an upper end and an opposing lower end with the table pivotally engaged therebetween; a forge link having a first end pivotally engaged with the upper end of the crank and a second end pivotally engaged with the frame, the forge link including means to produce a forge load along the forge axis, the first end and second end being on the forge axis; a reaction link disposed on the opposite side of the platform relative to the forge link, the reaction link including the first end pivotally engaged with the lower end of the crank and the second end pivotally engaged with the table, the first and second ends of the reaction link being equal distance from the plane of the platform as the first and second ends of the forge link.