The present invention relates generally to laser welding in the manufacture of sheet metal components, such as for example automobile components. More particularly, the present invention relates to a process and a system for forming a localized anti-corrosion surface layer along a laser welded joint (weld bead), subsequent to the laser welding together of sheet metal plates having an anti-corrosion surface layer pre-coat.

The present invention relates generally to laser welding in the manufacture of sheet metal components, such as for example automobile components. More particularly, the present invention relates to a process and a system for forming a localized anti-corrosion surface layer along a laser welded joint (weld bead), subsequent to the laser welding together of sheet metal plates having an anti-corrosion surface layer pre-coat.

A method for providing a component assembly for a motor vehicle includes inserting a weldable element into an opening of a first metal sheet such that a joint is defined between the weldable element and the first metal sheet and such that a reservoir connected to the joint is preserved at a first side of the first metal sheet that faces a second metal sheet where the reservoir is open in a direction toward the second metal sheet. The method further includes applying an adhesive to the first side of the first metal sheet and/or to the second metal sheet and placing the second metal sheet against the first metal sheet and the weldable element and welding the second metal sheet to the weldable element.

A method for providing a component assembly for a motor vehicle includes inserting a weldable element into an opening of a first metal sheet such that a joint is defined between the weldable element and the first metal sheet and such that a reservoir connected to the joint is preserved at a first side of the first metal sheet that faces a second metal sheet where the reservoir is open in a direction toward the second metal sheet. The method further includes applying an adhesive to the first side of the first metal sheet and/or to the second metal sheet and placing the second metal sheet against the first metal sheet and the weldable element and welding the second metal sheet to the weldable element.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a T-joint including a first steel sheet, a second steel sheet, and a fillet welded part, in which the sheet thickness of the second steel sheet is 6.0 mm or less, the second steel sheet is stood on a first surface of the first steel sheet, the fillet welded part joins the first surface of the first steel sheet and a first surface of the second steel sheet to each other, at least one of the first surface of the first steel sheet or the first surface of the second steel sheet includes a zinc-based plating, an abutting end portion of the second steel sheet on a second surface side of the second steel sheet has an inclined surface, and in a cross section taken along a sheet thickness direction of the first steel sheet and a sheet thickness direction of the second steel sheet, the inclined surface forms an acute angle with respect to the first surface of the first steel sheet.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a T-joint including a first steel sheet, a second steel sheet, and a fillet welded part, in which the sheet thickness of the second steel sheet is 6.0 mm or less, the second steel sheet is stood on a first surface of the first steel sheet, the fillet welded part joins the first surface of the first steel sheet and a first surface of the second steel sheet to each other, at least one of the first surface of the first steel sheet or the first surface of the second steel sheet includes a zinc-based plating, an abutting end portion of the second steel sheet on a second surface side of the second steel sheet has an inclined surface, and in a cross section taken along a sheet thickness direction of the first steel sheet and a sheet thickness direction of the second steel sheet, the inclined surface forms an acute angle with respect to the first surface of the first steel sheet.

A fastener unit and related method for securing a board to a support is provided. The fastener unit includes a spacer block, a grip element extending from the spacer block and configured to fit in and engage a groove of the board, and one or more board engagement elements extending from a portion of the spacer block. The board engagement elements can clamp the board, between an upper and/or lower surface of the board and a groove of the board, thereby securing the spacer block in a position adjacent the groove to establish a gap between the board and another board. Related methods of use also are provided.

Anti-shingle rivets are provided. The anti-shingle rivets comprise a head portion comprising an outer edge configured to inhibit shingling in a rivet delivery system and a shank extending from the head portion.

A vehicle driveline component with a housing, a tube and a plurality of slugs. The housing has a tube mount with a body and a plurality of slug bores. The body defines a tube bore that extends along an axis. The slug bores are spaced circumferentially apart about and are formed through the body. Each of the slug bores intersects the tube bore. The tube is received in the tube bore. Each of the slugs is received into an associated one of the slug bores and is welded to the tube. Each of the slugs engages an inside surface of one of the slug bores to inhibit movement of the tube relative to the tube mount. The body has a wall thickness and each of the slugs engages the inside surface of one of the slug bores over a distance that is less than the wall thickness.

A vehicle driveline component with a housing, a tube and a plurality of slugs. The housing has a tube mount with a body and a plurality of slug bores. The body defines a tube bore that extends along an axis. The slug bores are spaced circumferentially apart about and are formed through the body. Each of the slug bores intersects the tube bore. The tube is received in the tube bore. Each of the slugs is received into an associated one of the slug bores and is welded to the tube. Each of the slugs engages an inside surface of one of the slug bores to inhibit movement of the tube relative to the tube mount. The body has a wall thickness and each of the slugs engages the inside surface of one of the slug bores over a distance that is less than the wall thickness.