Sonotrode for an ultrasound welding system and method for welding a connection element to a component
The invention relates to a sonotrode for an ultrasound welding system for welding workpieces ( 20, 30 ), comprising a pressure element ( 2 ) which has a contact surface, which pressure element can be applied to carry out the welding process with said contact surface on one of the workpieces ( 20 ) to be welded to each other, wherein the contact surface has an annular design. A centering pin axially projecting over the contact surface is arranged inside the annular contact surface. The invention also relates to a method for welding a connection element ( 20 ), in particular an adapter for a PDC sensor, to a component ( 30 ), in particular an exterior add-on part of a motor vehicle.
1. A sonotrode for an ultrasonic welding plant for welding workpieces, comprising:
a pressing element that has a contact surface, and is used for carrying out the welding process with the contact surface on one of the workpieces, wherein the contact surface is ring-shaped in form;
a centering mandrel projecting axially over the contact surface and being arranged within the ring-shaped contact surface;
wherein the centering mandrel is arranged or fixed on the pressing element;
wherein the contact surface has a closed ring shape;
wherein the centering mandrel is arranged concentrically to the ring-shaped contact surface;
wherein a circumferential surface of the centering mandrel forms a cylindrical centering surface; and
wherein the centering mandrel comprises a cylindrical centering point that is tapered with respect to the centering surface.
2. The sonotrode according to claim 1 , wherein the centering tip and the centering surface are connected to each other by a conical transition section.
3. The sonotrode according to claim 2 , wherein the pressing element has a cylinder-shaped cavity within which the centering mandrel is arranged.
4. The sonotrode according to claim 3 , wherein a wall of the pressing element forms the ring-shaped contact surface on an end face thereof.
5. The sonotrode according to claim 4 , wherein the pressing element comprises at least one recess on a circumference thereof, that is spaced apart from the contact surface and which is passed through by a holder that is fixed to the centering mandrel and is oriented transverse to the centering mandrel.
6. A method for welding a connection element, comprising the steps of:
providing a sonotrode according to claim 5 ;
providing a component, wherein the component is an exterior component of a motor vehicle;
wherein the connection element comprises a recess that is pushed onto the centering mandrel and is thus centered relative to the sonotrode;
wherein the tip of the centering mandrel is passed through an opening in the component, thus centering the sonotrode relative to the component;
wherein the contact surface of the sonotrode is brought into abutment against the side of the connection element remote from the component; and
wherein the connection element is welded to the component by means of the sonotrode.