Method for performing a magnetic pulse welding operation to secure first and second metallic components with a preheating step for softening a first part of the first member

Abstract

A method of performing magnetic pulse welding operation to secure first and second metallic components (10, 20) together involves initially increasing the temperature of a first portion (11) of the first metallic component to soften same without substantially increasing the temperature of and softening a second portion of the first metallic component adjacent to the first portion (11). Then, the first portion (11) of the first metallic component (10) is disposed in an axially overlapping manner relative to a portion of the second metallic component (20) with a space therebetween. An inductor (40) is provided relative to the axially overlapping portions of the first and second metallic components (10, 20). The inductor (40) is energized to deform the first portion (11) of the first metallic component (10) into engagement with the portion of the second metallic component (20) so as to secure the first and second metallic components (10, 20) together.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention generally relates to magnetic pulse welding techniques for securing two metal parts together. More particularly it relates to an improved method of performing the above-mentioned magnetic pulse welding operation which minimizes the amount of undesired deformation which would occur in said one or both metal parts. Background technique [0002] In most land vehicles today there is a driveline system for transferring rotational force from the output shaft of the engine / transmission assembly to the input shaft of the transaxle assembly to rotatably drive one or more wheels of the vehicle. To accomplish this, a typical vehicle driveline assembly includes a cylindrical propshaft tube having first and second end fittings secured at opposite ends thereof. The first end fitting forms part of the first universal joint which provides a rotatable drive connection from the output shaft of the engine / transmission assembly to the first end of t...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Such heating can cause undesirable deformation and weakening of metal parts

Second, although conventional welding techniques are suitable for joining together parts made of similar metallic materials, they have been found to be difficult to use to join parts made of dissimilar metallic materials

Third, traditional welding techniques are not easy to adapt to the connection of components with different standard thicknesses

Unbalanced centrifugal force proportional to the square of the rotational speed promotes deflection, stress and vibration, which can lead to component failure, annoying noise, and discomfort for vehicle occupants

Images