Friction stirring point connection device and joint structure

Abstract

The friction stirring point engagement device according to the present invention comprises: a pin member (11) formed in a cylindrical shape; a shoulder member (12) formed in a cylindrical shape and having the pin member (11) inserted inside; a rotary drive (57) for rotating the pin member (11) and the shoulder member (12) about an axis (Xr) that is aligned with the axis of the pin member (11); and a forward and backward drive (53) for moving the pin member (11) and the shoulder member (12) forward and backward along the axis (Xr), wherein the front end (120) of the shoulder member (12) is formed in a conical shape.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a friction stirring point joining device and a joint structure. Background Technology

[0002] In transportation equipment such as automobiles, railway vehicles, and airplanes, resistance spot welding or riveting is used to join metal materials. However, in recent years, methods that utilize frictional heat to join metal materials (friction stirring spot joining method) have attracted attention (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In the friction stirring point joining method disclosed in Patent Document 1, a generally cylindrical pin member and a generally cylindrical shoulder member having a hollow cavity for inserting the pin member are used to join the objects to be joined. As shown below, a tool drive unit that moves (drives) the pin member and the shoulder member (tool) is controlled.

[0004] That is, when the cross-sectional area of ​​the front end face of the pin component is set to Ap, the cross-sectional area of ​​the front end face of the shoulder component is set to As, the pressing depth of the pin component when it is pressed into the surface of the object being joined is set to Pp, and the pressing depth of the shoulder component when it is pressed into the surface of the object being joined is set to Ps, the tool drive unit is controlled in order to reduce the absolute value of the tool average position Tx defined by Ap·Pp+As·Ps=Tx.

[0005] Therefore, good bonding quality can be achieved with appropriate precision according to the bonding conditions, and the occurrence of internal void defects can be prevented or suppressed.

[0006] Existing technical documents

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-196682 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0010] Furthermore, the inventors have discovered that in the friction stirring point bonding method disclosed in Patent Document 1, the surface of the workpiece is smoothed, making it impossible to determine the tool's wear condition based on the surface of the workpiece after bonding. Therefore, it is necessary to periodically remove the tool from the device to check its wear condition.

[0011] The purpose of this invention is to provide a friction stirring point bonding device and a joint structure that can determine the wear condition of a tool based on the bonding point (the surface of the bonded part) of the bonded object.

[0012] Solution for solving the problem

[0013] To address the aforementioned issues, the friction stirring point joining device of the present invention is a friction stirring point joining device that uses frictional heat to soften the workpieces for joining. The friction stirring point joining device comprises: a pin member formed in a cylindrical shape; a shoulder member formed in a cylindrical shape and having the pin member inserted inside; a rotation driver for rotating the pin member and the shoulder member about an axis aligned with the axis of the pin member; and a forward and backward driver for moving the pin member and the shoulder member forward and backward along the axis, wherein the front end of the shoulder member is formed in a conical shape.

[0014] Therefore, when the front end of the shoulder component is not worn, and the workpieces are joined by friction stirring point bonding, the surface of the joined portion is imprinted (transferred) with the shape of the front end. On the other hand, when the front end of the shoulder component is worn, the surface of the joined portion is not imprinted with the shape of the front end, and thus the surface is flat.

[0015] Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the front end of the shoulder component is worn by inspecting (visually confirming) the surface of the joined part after the friction stirring point engagement is completed.

[0016] Furthermore, the joint structure involved in this invention is formed by joining objects having a first component and a second component at the joining portion by friction stirring points. The first component is made of a material with a lower melting point than the second component. The first component and the second component are arranged sequentially. An annular recess is formed on the surface of the joining portion. The bottom surface of the recess is formed in an inclined, curved, curved, or bent manner.

[0017] Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the front end of the shoulder component is worn by inspecting (visually confirming) the surface of the joined part after the friction stirring point engagement is completed.

[0018] The above-mentioned objects, other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become clearer from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] Invention Effects

[0020] According to the friction stirring point joining device and joint structure of the present invention, the wear condition of the tool can be determined based on the joining point (the surface of the joined part) of the joined object. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the general structure of the friction stirring point connection device according to Embodiment 1.

[0022] Figure 2 To be Figure 1 A magnified schematic diagram of the main part of the friction stirring point connection device shown.

[0023] Figure 3 To illustrate Figure 1 The diagram shows a block diagram of the control structure of the friction stirring point engagement device.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the friction stirring point engagement device according to Embodiment 1.

[0025] Figure 5A To illustrate, by Figure 1 A process diagram illustrating an example of the steps involved in friction stirring point engagement using the friction stirring point engagement device shown.

[0026] Figure 5B To illustrate, by Figure 1 A process diagram illustrating an example of the steps involved in friction stirring point engagement using the friction stirring point engagement device shown.

[0027] Figure 6 This is an enlarged schematic diagram of the main part of the friction stirring point connection device in Modified Example 1 of Embodiment 1.

[0028] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the outline structure of the main parts of the friction stirring point connection device according to Embodiment 2.

[0029] Figure 8A This is a schematic diagram showing the outline structure of the pin component, shoulder component, and clamp component of the friction stirring point engagement device.

[0030] Figure 8B This is a diagram showing the decomposition of the shear force acting on the transfer portion of the bonded material.

[0031] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the outline structure of the main parts of the friction stirring point connection device according to Embodiment 3.

[0032] Figure 10 The graphs show the results of tensile shear tests and cross tensile tests of the jointed objects obtained by friction stirring point joining under the above joining conditions using the friction stirring point joining devices of Test Examples 1, 2 and Comparative Examples.

[0033] Figure 11 A cross-sectional photograph of the joined object obtained by using the friction stirring point joining device of Experimental Example 1 for friction stirring point joining. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the same reference numerals will be used to label the same or equivalent elements in all the drawings, and repeated descriptions will be omitted. In addition, in all the drawings, only the essential components necessary for illustrating the present invention will be shown; other components may sometimes be omitted from the illustration. Moreover, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0035] (Implementation Method 1)

[0036] Hereinafter, an example of the friction stirring point engagement device according to Embodiment 1 will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] [Structure of the friction stirring point engagement device]

[0038] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the general structure of the friction stirring point engagement device according to Embodiment 1. Additionally, in Figure 1 In the diagram, the vertical direction represents the vertical direction in the friction stirring point connection device.

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, the friction stirring point engagement device 50 according to Embodiment 1 includes a pin component 11, a shoulder component 12, a tool retainer 52, a forward / backward drive 53, a clamp component 13, a pad support 55, a pad component 56, and a rotary drive 57.

[0040] Pin component 11, shoulder component 12, tool retainer 52, forward / backward actuator 53, clamp component 13, and rotary actuator 57 are disposed at the upper end of the pad support portion 55, which is composed of a C-shaped gun tool (C-shaped frame). Furthermore, a pad component 56 is disposed at the lower end of the pad support portion 55. Pin component 11, shoulder component 12, and clamp component 13 are mounted to the pad support portion 55 in opposing positions to each other. Additionally, a mating element 60 is disposed between pin component 11, shoulder component 12, and clamp component 13 and pad component 56.

[0041] Pin 11, shoulder 12, and clamp 13 are fixed to tool holder 52, which is composed of rotary tool holder 521 and clamp holder 522. Specifically, pin 11 and shoulder 12 are fixed to rotary tool holder 521, and clamp 13 is fixed to clamp holder 522 via clamp actuator 41. Furthermore, rotary tool holder 521 is supported by clamp holder 522 via rotary actuator 57. In addition, clamp actuator 41 is composed of a spring.

[0042] Furthermore, the pin component 11, shoulder component 12, and clamp component 13 are driven in the vertical direction by the forward and backward drive 53, which is composed of the pin drive 531 and the shoulder drive 532.

[0043] The pin component 11 is formed as a cylinder, although in Figure 1 Not shown in detail, but it is supported by a rotating tool holder 521. Furthermore, the pin member 11 is configured to rotate about an axis Xr (rotation axis) aligned with the axis of the pin member 11 via a rotary actuator 57, and along the direction of arrow P1, i.e., the direction of axis Xr, via a pin actuator 531. Figure 1 (The center represents the vertical direction) for forward and backward movement.

[0044] Alternatively, the pin drive 531 can be configured as a direct-acting actuator, for example. The direct-acting actuator can be configured as a servo motor and rack and pinion, a servo motor and ball screw, or an air cylinder, for example.

[0045] The shoulder member 12 is formed into a hollow cylindrical shape and is supported by a rotating tool holder 521. A pin member 11 is inserted into the hollow of the shoulder member 12. In other words, the shoulder member 12 is configured to surround the outer peripheral surface of the pin member 11.

[0046] Furthermore, the shoulder member 12 is configured to rotate about the same axis Xr as the pin member 11 via the rotary actuator 57, and to move forward and backward along the direction of arrow P2, i.e., the direction of axis Xr, via the shoulder actuator 532.

[0047] Alternatively, the shoulder actuator 532 can be configured as a direct-acting actuator, for example. The direct-acting actuator can be configured as a servo motor and rack and pinion, a servo motor and ball screw, or a cylinder, for example.

[0048] Thus, in this embodiment, both the pin component 11 and the shoulder component 12 (rotating tool) are supported by the same rotating tool holder 521 and rotate integrally around the axis Xr via the rotating drive 57. Furthermore, the pin component 11 and the shoulder component 12 are configured to move forward and backward along the axis Xr via the pin drive 531 and the shoulder drive 532, respectively.

[0049] In addition, in this embodiment 1, the pin component 11 can move forward and backward independently, and can also move forward and backward in conjunction with the forward and backward movement of the shoulder component 12. However, the pin component 11 and the shoulder component 12 can also be configured to move forward and backward independently.

[0050] The clamping member 13 is configured, similarly to the shoulder member 12, to be formed as a hollow cylinder, with its axis aligned with the axis Xr. The shoulder member 12 is inserted into the hollow of the clamping member 13.

[0051] That is, a cylindrical shoulder member 12 is arranged to surround the outer peripheral surface of the pin member 11, and a cylindrical clamp member 13 is arranged to surround the outer peripheral surface of the shoulder member 12. In other words, the clamp member 13, the shoulder member 12, and the pin member 11 are respectively arranged in a coaxial nested structure.

[0052] Furthermore, the clamp member 13 is configured to press the joined object 60 from one side (surface). As described above, in this embodiment 1, the clamp member 13 is supported by the clamp retainer 522 via the clamp driver 41. The clamp driver 41 is configured to apply force to the clamp member 13 on the side of the pad member 56. Moreover, the clamp member 13 (including the clamp driver 41 and the clamp retainer 522) is configured to move forward and backward in the direction of arrow P3 (the same direction as arrows P1 and P2) via the shoulder driver 532.

[0053] Furthermore, the clamp actuator 41 in this embodiment 1 is made of a spring, but it is not limited to this. The clamp actuator 41 can be any structure that applies force or pressure to the clamp member 13. For example, a mechanism using pneumatic pressure, hydraulic pressure, servo motor, etc., may also be appropriately adopted.

[0054] The pin member 11, the shoulder member 12, and the clamp member 13 each have a front end face 11a, a front end face 12a, and a front end face 13a. Furthermore, the front end face 11a of the pin member 11 and the front end face 12a of the shoulder member 12 are configured to be aligned when viewed from the horizontal direction.

[0055] Furthermore, the pin component 11, shoulder component 12, and clamp component 13 move forward and backward via the forward and backward drive 53, thereby causing the front end face 11a, front end face 12a, and front end face 13a to abut against the surface of the object to be joined 60 (the joined portion of the object to be joined 60) and press the object to be joined 60.

[0056] Furthermore, the front end portion 120 of the shoulder member 12 is formed into a tapered shape. (See reference here.) Figure 2 At the same time, the shape of the front end portion 120 of the shoulder component 12 will be described in detail.

[0057] Figure 2 To be Figure 1 A magnified schematic diagram of the main part of the friction stirring point connection device shown.

[0058] like Figure 2As shown, in this embodiment 1, the front end portion 120 is formed such that the outer peripheral surface 12b and the inner peripheral surface 12c of the shoulder member 12 are inclined relative to the axis Xr. In other words, the front end portion 120 is formed such that, when viewed from the horizontal direction, the cross-sectional shape in the axis Xr direction is approximately V-shaped (approximately U-shaped).

[0059] Furthermore, the front end portion 120 refers to the portion (area) extending from the front end face 12a of the shoulder member 12 to a predetermined height h. The height h, from the viewpoint of shaping the front end portion 120 onto the surface of the bonded object 60, can be, for example, 0.05 mm or more, or 5% or more of the thickness of the first member 61. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of suppressing damage to the front end portion 120 of the shoulder member 12, the height h can be, for example, less than 0.5 mm, or less than 50% of the thickness of the first member 61.

[0060] Alternatively, the front end portion 120 may be formed such that the radial cross-sectional area decreases as it moves toward the front end. Furthermore, in the front end portion 120, if the area of ​​the front end portion 12d (front end face 12a) is smaller than the radial cross-sectional area of ​​the base end portion 12e of the front end portion 120, the shapes of the outer peripheral surface 12b and the inner peripheral surface 12c of the front end portion 120 can be of any form.

[0061] like Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment 1, the padding member 56 is configured to be supported by a flat surface (support surface 56a) in a manner that abuts against the back of the flat object 60. The structure of the padding member 56 is not particularly limited as long as it is a component capable of performing friction-stirring bonding and providing adequate support for the object 60. For example, padding members 56 with various shapes can be prepared separately, and they can be configured to be removable and replaceable from the padding support portion 55 depending on the type of object 60 being bonded.

[0062] The joined parts 60 have two plate-shaped first parts 61 and second parts 62. The first parts 61 are arranged opposite to the pin parts 11 and the shoulder parts 12, and are made of a material with a lower melting point than the second parts 62.

[0063] Alternatively, a third component may be disposed between the first component 61 and the second component 62 in the bonded object 60. This third component may be, for example, a metallic material (e.g., aluminum, aluminum alloy, magnesium alloy, etc.) or a sealant material. The sealant material may be a sealing material or an adhesive. Examples of sealant materials include synthetic rubbers such as polysulfide synthetic rubber, natural rubber, silicone rubber, and fluororubber, as well as synthetic resins such as ethylene tetrafluoride rubber resin.

[0064] As the first component 61, at least one material can be used, including metallic materials (e.g., aluminum, aluminum alloys, magnesium alloys, etc.), thermoplastics (e.g., polyamides, etc.), and fiber-reinforced plastics (e.g., carbon fiber reinforced plastics, etc.). As the aluminum alloy, various aluminum alloys can be used, such as Al-Mg-Si alloys (A6061) or Al-Si-Mg alloys (AC4C).

[0065] Furthermore, as the second component 62, metallic materials (such as steel, titanium, etc.) can be used. Various types of steel can be used, including mild steel and high-tensile steel. Furthermore, an oxide film can be formed on the surface of the steel, and a coating (such as zinc plating) can also be formed. The galvanized steel sheet can be either molten galvanized steel sheet (GI steel sheet), alloyed molten galvanized steel sheet (GA steel sheet), Galvalume steel sheet (registered trademark), or aluminum-silicon hot-stamped steel sheet. Moreover, the thickness of the coating can range from 2 μm to 50 μm.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment 1, the joined object 60 is composed of a plate-shaped first component 61 and a plate-shaped second component 62, but it is not limited to this. The shape of the joined object 60 (the first component 61 and the second component 62) is arbitrary; for example, it can be formed into a cuboid shape or an arc shape. In addition, the shape of the third component is also arbitrary; for example, it can be formed into a plate shape, a cuboid shape, or an arc shape.

[0067] Furthermore, the specific structures of the pin component 11, shoulder component 12, tool retainer 52, forward / backward actuator 53, clamp component 13, pad support 55, and rotary actuator 57 in this embodiment 1 are not limited to the aforementioned structures, and structures widely known in the field of friction stir joining can be appropriately used. For example, the pin actuator 531 and shoulder actuator 532 can be composed of motors and gear mechanisms known in the field of friction stir joining.

[0068] Furthermore, although the pad support 55 is constructed from a C-shaped gun tool in this embodiment 1, it is not limited to this. The pad support 55 can be constructed in any manner as long as it can move back and forth to support the pin member 11, the shoulder member 12, and the clamp member 13, and can support the pad member 56 in a position opposite to the pin member 11, the shoulder member 12, and the clamp member 13.

[0069] Furthermore, while this embodiment 1 employs a structure including the clamping member 13, it is not limited to this and a structure without the clamping member 13 may also be used. In this case, for example, the clamping member 13 may be configured to be detachable from the pad support portion 55 as needed.

[0070] Furthermore, the friction stirring point engagement device 50 according to Embodiment 1 is arranged in a manner that allows it to be mounted on a friction stirring point engagement robot device (not shown). Specifically, the pad support 55 is mounted to the front end of the arm of the robot device.

[0071] Therefore, the pad support 55 can also be considered as being included in the robot device for friction stirring point joining. The specific configuration of the robot device for friction stirring point joining, including the pad support 55 and the arm, is not particularly limited, and structures known in the field of friction stirring joining, such as multi-joint robots, can be appropriately used.

[0072] Furthermore, the friction stirring point joining device 50 (including the pad support 55) is not limited to applications in friction stirring point joining robot devices, but can also be appropriately applied to known processing equipment such as NC machine tools, large C-frames, and automatic riveters.

[0073] Furthermore, the friction stirring point joining device 50 according to Embodiment 1 can be configured such that two or more pairs of robots position the portion of the friction stirring point joining device 50 other than the pad member 56 directly opposite the pad member 56. Moreover, as long as the friction stirring point joining device 50 can stably perform friction stirring point joining on the workpiece 60, the workpiece 60 can be handheld, or a robot can be used as a locator for the workpiece 60.

[0074] [Control structure of the friction stirring point engagement device]

[0075] Next, refer to Figure 3 At the same time, the control structure of the friction stirring point engagement device 50 involved in Embodiment 1 will be specifically described.

[0076] Figure 3 To illustrate Figure 1 The diagram shows a block diagram of the control structure of the friction stirring point engagement device.

[0077] like Figure 3 As shown, the friction stirring point engagement device 50 includes a controller 51, a storage device 31, an input device 32, and a position detector 33.

[0078] The controller 51 is composed of a microprocessor, CPU, etc., and is configured to control each component (device) constituting the friction stirring point engagement device 50. Specifically, the controller 51 controls the pin driver 531, shoulder driver 532, and rotary driver 57 constituting the forward and backward drive 53 by reading and executing software such as the basic program stored in the memory.

[0079] Therefore, it is possible to control the switching of forward / backward movement of the pin component 11 and the shoulder component 12, the control of the front end position of the pin component 11 and the shoulder component 12 during forward / backward movement, the movement speed, and the movement direction. Furthermore, it is possible to control the pressing force applied to the object 60 being engaged by the pin component 11, the shoulder component 12, and the clamp component 13. Moreover, it is possible to control the number of rotations of the pin component 11 and the shoulder component 12.

[0080] Furthermore, the controller 51 can be composed of a single controller 51 for centralized control, or multiple controllers 51 that cooperate to perform distributed control. In addition, the controller 51 can be composed of a microcomputer, or an MPU, PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), logic circuits, etc.

[0081] Storage 31 is a component that stores basic programs and various types of data in a way that allows reading. Storage 31 can be composed of known storage devices such as memory and hard disks. Storage 31 can be configured as multiple storage devices (e.g., random access memory and hard disk drives) instead of being a single device. When the controller 51 and the like are configured as a microcomputer, at least a portion of storage 31 can be configured as the internal memory of the microcomputer, or it can be configured as an independent memory.

[0082] Furthermore, it goes without saying that data is stored in memory 31, and data can be read from outside the controller 51, and data can also be written from the controller 51, etc.

[0083] The input device 32 is a component that can input various parameters or other data related to the control of the friction stirring point engagement to the controller 51, and is composed of a known input device such as a keyboard, touch panel, or push-button switch group. In this embodiment 1, at least the engagement conditions of the joined objects 60, such as the thickness and material of the joined objects 60, can be input through the input device 32.

[0084] The position detector 33 is configured to detect the position information of the front end (front end face 12a) of the shoulder member 12 and output the detected position information to the controller 51. For example, a displacement sensor, LVDT, encoder, etc., can be used as the position detector 33.

[0085] [Operation (Method of Operation) of the Friction Stirring Point Engagement Device]

[0086] Next, refer to Figure 4 , Figure 5A ,as well as Figure 5B The operation of the friction stirring point engagement device 50 according to Embodiment 1 will be described in detail. Furthermore, in Figure 5A as well as Figure 5B The example illustrates a case where a first component 61 and a second component 62 are used as the objects to be joined 60, and they are overlapped and connected by point joining.

[0087] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the friction stirring point engagement device according to Embodiment 1. Figure 5A as well as Figure 5B To illustrate, by Figure 1 A process diagram illustrating an example of the steps involved in friction stirring point engagement using the friction stirring point engagement device shown.

[0088] In addition, Figure 5A as well as Figure 5B Part of the friction stirring point engagement device is omitted. Arrow r indicates the rotation direction of pin component 11 and shoulder component 12, and the hollow arrow (block arrow) F indicates the direction of the force applied to the first component 61 and the second component 62. Furthermore, although a force is also applied from the pad component 56 to the first component 61 and the second component 62, for ease of explanation, it is omitted here. Figure 5A as well as Figure 5B Not shown in the figure. Moreover, the shoulder component 12 is filled with shaded section lines to clearly distinguish it from the pin component 11 and the clamp component 13.

[0089] First, the operator places the object to be joined 60 onto the support surface 56a of the padding member 56. Next, the operator operates the input device 32 and inputs the engagement execution of the object to be joined 60 into the controller 51. Alternatively, a robot may place the object to be joined 60 onto the support surface 56a of the padding member 56.

[0090] In this way, such as Figure 4 As shown, the controller 51 drives the rotary driver 57 to rotate the pin component 11 and the shoulder component 12 at a predetermined first rotation number (e.g., 200 to 3000 rpm) (see step S101). Figure 5A Process (1)).

[0091] Next, while the controller 51 is driving the forward / backward drive 53 (shoulder drive 532) and rotating the pin member 11 and the shoulder member 12, it brings the pin member 11, the shoulder member 12, and the clamp member 13 close to the object to be engaged 60, and brings the front end face 11a of the pin member 11, the front end face 12a of the shoulder member 12, and the front end face 13a of the clamp member 13 (… Figure 5A as well as Figure 5B (not shown in the figure) abuts against the surface 60c (the joined portion Wa of the joined object 60) of the joined object 60 (refer to step S102); Figure 5A Process (2)).

[0092] At this time, the controller 51 controls the forward and backward drive 53 (shoulder drive 532) to press the pin part 11, shoulder part 12 and clamp part 13 against the object 60 with a predetermined pressing force (e.g., a predetermined value contained in the range of 3kN to 15kN).

[0093] Thus, the first component 61 and the second component 62 are clamped by the clamping component 13 and the padding component 56, and the clamping component 13 applies force to the surface 60c side of the object to be joined 60 by the contraction of the clamping driver 41 to generate clamping force.

[0094] Furthermore, in this state, neither the pin member 11 nor the shoulder member 12 moves forward or backward, thus "preheating" the surface 60c of the joined object 60. As a result, the constituent material in the contact area of ​​the first member 61 softens due to frictional heat, thereby creating a plastic flow portion 60a near the surface 60c of the joined object 60.

[0095] Next, the controller 51 drives the retraction driver 53 such that the front end face 11a of the pin member 11 is inserted into the front end face 12a of the shoulder member 12 (step S103). At this time, the controller 51 can also drive the retraction driver 53 (pin driver 531) such that the pin member 11 is moved away from the object to be joined 60. In addition, the controller 51 can also press the retraction driver 53 (shoulder driver 532) into the object to be joined 60.

[0096] As a result, the front end of the shoulder member 12 is pressed into the joint portion of the jointed object 60 while rotating.

[0097] Next, the controller 51 obtains the position information of the front end face 12a (front end) of the shoulder member 12 from the position detector 33 (step S104). Then, the controller 51 determines whether the position information of the front end of the shoulder member 12 obtained in step S104 has reached a predetermined first position (step S105).

[0098] Here, the first position can be set through prior experiments, etc., and is any position within the second component 62. More specifically, the first position is any position of the second component 62 within 0.3 mm or less from the contact surface 62a of the first component 61 (the surface of the second component 62 opposite to the front end surface 12a of the shoulder component 12).

[0099] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of removing the plating (coating) or oxide film formed on the second component 62 to form a new surface, the first position can be a position 0.008 mm or more from the contact surface 62a, or a position 0.01 mm or more from the contact surface 62a. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of suppressing wear (damage) of the shoulder component 12, the first position can be a position 0.25 mm or less from the contact surface 62a, a position 0.20 mm or less from the contact surface 62a, or a position 0.10 mm or less from the contact surface 62a.

[0100] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of removing the plating (coating) or oxide film formed on the second component 62 to form a new surface, the first position can be a position less than 0.20 mm away from the plating (coating) or oxide film formed on the second component 62, or a position less than 0.10 mm away from the plating (coating) or oxide film formed on the second component 62.

[0101] Thus, the front end face 12a of the shoulder member 12 extends from the abutment face 62a of the second member 62 to any position (i.e., the first position) less than 0.3 mm. Then, a new surface is formed in the portion of the second member 62 that abuts against the shoulder member 12 and / or in the portion of the second member 62 that abuts against the plastic flow portion 60a.

[0102] Furthermore, the softened material in the plastic flow section 60a is pushed aside by the shoulder member 12 and flows from directly below the shoulder member 12 towards directly below the pin member 11, thus causing the pin member 11 to retract and lift relative to the shoulder member 12 (see reference). Figure 5A Process (3)).

[0103] If the controller 51 determines that the position information of the front end face 12a of the shoulder member 12 obtained in step S104 has not reached the first position (step S105 is no), it returns to step S104 until it determines that the position information of the front end face 12a of the shoulder member 12 obtained in step S104 has reached the first position, and repeats the processing of steps S104 and S105.

[0104] On the other hand, if the controller 51 determines that the position information of the front end face 12a of the shoulder member 12 obtained in step S104 has reached the first position (if step S105 is yes), the processing of step S106 is executed.

[0105] Additionally, when the front end face 12a of the shoulder member 12 reaches the first position, the controller 51 drives the advance / retreat driver 53 (shoulder driver 532) to position the front end face 12a in the first position. Specifically, the controller 51 drives the advance / retreat driver 53 to stop the movement of the shoulder member 12.

[0106] In step S106, the measurement controller 51 determines the time t after the front end face 12a of the shoulder member 12 reaches the first position. Then, the controller 51 determines whether the time t measured in step S106 has elapsed for a predetermined first time (step S107).

[0107] Here, the initial time can be set through prior experiments, etc. From the viewpoint of maximizing the bonding strength of the joined parts of the joined objects 60, the initial time can be, for example, a time longer than 0 seconds or more than 0.5 seconds. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of shortening the bonding time of the joined objects 60, the initial time can be less than 2 seconds.

[0108] If the controller 51 determines that the time t measured in step S106 has not passed the first time (step S107 is no), it will continue to execute the processing of steps S106 and S107 until it determines that the time t measured in step S106 has passed the first time.

[0109] On the other hand, if the controller 51 determines that the time t measured in step S106 has passed the first time (if step S107 is yes), it executes the processing in step S108.

[0110] In step S108, the controller 51 drives the forward / backward drive 53 (pin drive 531) to move the pin member 11 toward the object to be joined 60, and / or the controller 51 drives the forward / backward drive 53 (pin drive 531) to move the shoulder member 12 away from the object to be joined 60.

[0111] Specifically, the controller 51 controls the forward and backward drive 53 to align the front end face 11a of the pin member 11 and the front end face 12a of the shoulder member 12 to a degree that there is almost no height difference between them (the surfaces are flush).

[0112] At this time, from the viewpoint of transferring the shape of the front end 120 onto the surface (upper surface) 60c of the object to be joined 60, the controller 51 can also control the advance and retraction drive 53 so that the front end face 11a of the pin member 11 and the front end face 12a of the shoulder member 12 are located in a predetermined second position within the first member 61 of the object to be joined 60.

[0113] In addition, the controller 51 can also control the forward and backward drive 53 so that the front end face 11a of the pin member 11 is located on the surface 60c of the object to be joined 60, and the front end face 12a of the shoulder member 12 is located in a second position within the first member 61 of the object to be joined 60.

[0114] Here, the second position can be set through prior experimentation, etc. The second position can also be determined from the viewpoint of transferring the shape of the front end 120 to the surface (upper surface) 60c of the object to be joined, for example, by a dimension of the height h of the front end 120 of the surface 60c of the object to be joined, which is a lower (inner) position. In addition, the second position can also be determined from the viewpoint of reducing the height of the unevenness of the surface 60c of the object to be joined, for example, by a dimension of 1 / 2 the height h of the front end 120 of the surface 60c of the object to be joined, which is a lower (inner) position.

[0115] Furthermore, the controller 51 can hold the shoulder member 12 in a pre-set, predetermined second position for a specified second time while it is in a rotating state. This second time can be set through prior experimentation. From the viewpoint of transferring the shape of the front end 120 to the surface (upper surface) 60c of the object to be joined 60, the second time can be, for example, longer than 0 seconds or longer than 0.5 seconds. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of shortening the joining time of the objects to be joined 60, the second time can be less than 2 seconds.

[0116] As a result, the pin component 11 slowly moves toward the first component 61 and the shoulder component 12 moves backward from the first component 61. At this time, the softened portion of the plastic flow portion 60a flows from directly below the pin component 11 toward directly below the shoulder component 12 (the recess created by the pressing of the shoulder component 12).

[0117] Furthermore, the front end face 11a of the pin member 11 and the front end face 12a of the shoulder member 12 move to the vicinity of the surface 60c of the object to be joined 60. As a result, the shape of the front end portion 120 (see reference) is printed (transferred) onto the surface 60c of the object to be joined 60. Figure 5B Process (4)).

[0118] Furthermore, in the processing of step S103 and / or step S108, when the area of ​​the front end face of the pin member 11 is set to Ap, the area of ​​the front end face of the shoulder member 12 is set to As, the pressing depth of the pin member 11 is set to Pp, and the pressing depth of the shoulder member 12 is set to Ps, it is preferable to reduce the area of ​​the pin member 11 by formula (I).

[0119] Ap·Pp + As·Ps = Tx···(I)

[0120] The forward / reverse drive 53 is controlled by defining the absolute value of the tool's average position Tx, and more preferably, the forward / reverse drive 53 is controlled by setting the tool's average position Tx to 0. Furthermore, details regarding the specific control of reducing the absolute value of the tool's average position Tx are disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-196682, and therefore this description is omitted here.

[0121] Furthermore, the controller 51 can also control the forward / backward drive 53 in the processing of step S108 so that the front end face 11a of the pin member 11 is in the first position. In this case, the controller 51 can also control the forward / backward drive 53 so that after the front end face 11a of the pin member 11 is in the first position, the front end face 11a of the pin member 11 and the front end face 12a of the shoulder member 12 become flush.

[0122] Next, the controller 51 drives the forward / backward drive 53 to move the pin member 11, shoulder member 12, and clamp member 13 away from the object to be engaged 60 (step S109). Then, the controller 51 controls the rotary drive 57 to stop the rotation of the pin member 11 and shoulder member 12 (see step S110). Figure 5B The process (5) is completed, thus ending this procedure (the joining process of the joined objects 60).

[0123] Therefore, the rotation (and pressing) caused by the contact between the pin member 11 and the shoulder member 12 is no longer applied to the first member 61 and the second member 62, so the plastic flow in the plastic flow section 60a stops, and the new surface of the plastic flow section 60a and the second member 62 are joined.

[0124] Furthermore, the joint portion Wa of the workpiece 60 formed by the friction stirring joint device 50 according to Embodiment 1 is an example of the joint structure according to Embodiment 1. Specifically, an annular recess 60b is formed on the joint portion Wa of the workpiece 60.

[0125] Furthermore, since the outer peripheral surface 12b and inner peripheral surface 12c of the front end portion 120 of the shoulder member 12 are inclined in this embodiment 1, the inner wall of the recess 60b is formed in a bent manner (see reference). Figure 5B Process (5)). That is, the shape of the front end 120 of the shoulder component 12 is printed (transferred) onto the recess 60b.

[0126] Therefore, the inner wall of the recess 60b can be formed in an inclined, curved, curved, or bent manner by the shape of the front end portion 120 of the shoulder member 12.

[0127] In the friction stirring point engagement device 50 of this embodiment 1, which is constructed in this manner, the front end portion 120 of the shoulder member 12 is formed into a cone shape.

[0128] Therefore, when the front end portion 120 of the shoulder member 12 is not worn, and the workpiece 60 is joined by friction stirring, the shape of the front end portion 120 is imprinted (transferred) on the surface 60c of the workpiece 60 (joined portion). On the other hand, when the front end portion 120 of the shoulder member 12 is worn, the shape of the front end portion 120 is not imprinted on the surface of the workpiece 60, and the surface 60c is flat.

[0129] Therefore, after the friction stirring point engagement is completed, the wear of the front end 120 of the shoulder member 12 can be determined by inspecting the surface of the joined object 60 (visual confirmation). Therefore, it is not necessary to periodically remove the tools (pin member 11, shoulder member 12, and clamp member 13) from the friction stirring point engagement device 50 to check the wear of the tools.

[0130] Furthermore, since the front end portion 120 of the friction stirring point engagement device 50 according to Embodiment 1 is formed into a cone shape, the area of ​​the front end face 12a of the shoulder member 12 is smaller than that of the existing shoulder member 12 which does not have a cone shape, thereby increasing the surface pressure.

[0131] Therefore, compared with the existing friction stirring point joining device, the friction stirring point joining device 50 of Embodiment 1 can shorten the time until the front end face 12a of the shoulder member 12 reaches the first position.

[0132] However, in cases where the second component 62 of the bonded object 60 has a coating such as alloyed molten galvanized steel sheet, or where an oxide film is formed on the surface, or where a sealant material is disposed on the surface, in order to bond the bonded objects 60, it is necessary to remove impurities (such as zinc) that form the coating (film) or oxide film to form a new surface.

[0133] Since the front end portion 120 is formed into a cone shape in the friction stirring point bonding device 50 according to Embodiment 1, it is possible to cause impurities to flow along the outer peripheral surface 12b and / or inner peripheral surface 12c of the front end portion 120 of the shoulder member 12.

[0134] Therefore, compared with the existing friction stirring point bonding device, the friction stirring point bonding device 50 of Embodiment 1 can set the time for the front end face 12a of the shoulder member 12 to remain in the first position to less than 2 seconds, so that the bonding of the objects 60 can achieve sufficient bonding strength.

[0135] Therefore, the friction stirring point joining device 50 according to Embodiment 1 can shorten the joining time of the joined objects 60 compared with the existing friction stirring point joining device.

[0136] The friction stirring point joining device according to Embodiment 1 is a friction stirring point joining device that softens the workpiece by frictional heat to perform joining. The friction stirring point joining device includes: a pin member formed in a cylindrical shape; a shoulder member formed in a cylindrical shape and having the pin member inserted inside; a rotary drive that rotates the pin member and the shoulder member about an axis that is aligned with the axis of the pin member; and a forward and backward drive that moves the pin member and the shoulder member forward and backward along the axis respectively. The front end of the shoulder member is formed in a conical shape.

[0137] Furthermore, in the friction stirring point engagement device according to Embodiment 1, the front end face of the shoulder member and the front end face of the pin member can be configured to be consistent when viewed from the horizontal direction.

[0138] Furthermore, in the friction stirring point engagement device according to Embodiment 1, the outer peripheral surface of the front end of the shoulder component can also be constructed in an inclined, curved, curved, or bent manner.

[0139] Furthermore, in the friction stirring point joining device according to Embodiment 1, the outer peripheral surface of the front end of the shoulder member can be constructed in an inclined manner, and the front end of the shoulder member is configured such that, when viewed from the horizontal direction, the angle between the front end surface of the shoulder member and the inclined surface of the shoulder member is 6° or more and less than 45°.

[0140] Furthermore, in the friction stirring point engagement device according to Embodiment 1, the inner circumferential surface of the front end of the shoulder member can also be constructed in an inclined, curved, curved, or bent manner.

[0141] Furthermore, in the friction stirring point joining device according to Embodiment 1, the inner circumferential surface of the front end of the shoulder member can be configured in an inclined manner, and the front end of the shoulder member is configured such that, when viewed from the horizontal direction, the angle between the front end surface of the shoulder member and the inclined surface of the shoulder member is 6° or more and less than 45°.

[0142] Furthermore, in the friction stirring point joining device according to Embodiment 1, the following configuration can also be adopted: the workpiece includes a first component and a second component; the first component is arranged opposite to the pin component and the shoulder component, and is made of a material with a lower melting point than the second component; the friction stirring point joining device also includes a controller configured to execute: (A) actuating the rotary driver and the forward / reverse driver so that the pin component and the shoulder component press against the joined portion of the workpiece while rotating; and (B) actuating the forward / reverse driver and the rotary driver. (C) The front end of the shoulder member in the rotating state reaches a predetermined first position within the second member, and the pin member in the rotating state retracts from the engaged portion of the coupled object; (B) After (B), the shoulder member in the rotating state remains in the first position for a predetermined first time; (D) After (C), the rotary drive and the forward / backward drive are operated to pull the shoulder member in the rotating state out of the engaged portion of the coupled object, and the pin member in the rotating state moves in and out toward the engaged portion of the coupled object.

[0143] In addition, in the friction stirring point engagement device according to Embodiment 1, the controller can also operate the rotary drive and the forward / backward drive when executing (D) so that the front end of the shoulder component reaches the predetermined second position in the first component.

[0144] Furthermore, in the friction stirring point engagement device according to Embodiment 1, the controller can also be positioned such that, in (D), when the front end of the shoulder member in the rotating state reaches the second position, it remains in the position for a predetermined second time.

[0145] In addition, in the friction stirring point joining device according to Embodiment 1, the controller executes (E), that is, after (D), the rotary driver and the forward and backward driver are operated so as to pull the pin member in the rotating state and the shoulder member in the rotating state out of the joined part of the joined object.

[0146] Furthermore, in the friction stirring point joining device according to Embodiment 1, the joining part may also include a third part disposed between the first part and the second part.

[0147] In addition, the friction stirring point joining device involved in Embodiment 1 can also be used in the following manner, that is, the first time is a time of more than 0 seconds and less than 2 seconds.

[0148] Furthermore, in the friction stirring point engagement device according to Embodiment 1, the first position can be a position less than 0.3 mm away from the main surface of the second component on the side facing the front end of the shoulder component.

[0149] Furthermore, the joint structure involved in this embodiment 1 is a joint structure formed by using a friction stirring point joining device to join the objects having a first component and a second component at the joining part by friction stirring point joining. The first component is made of a material with a lower melting point than the second component. The first component and the second component are arranged in sequence. An annular recess is formed on the surface of the joining part. The bottom surface of the recess is formed in an inclined, curved, curved or bent manner.

[0150] Furthermore, in the joint structure of Embodiment 1, the following method can also be adopted: the friction stirring point engagement device includes a pin member formed as a cylinder and a shoulder member formed as a cylinder and having the pin member inserted inside. The joint structure is formed by holding the front end of the shoulder member in a predetermined first position in the second member for a predetermined first time when the shoulder member in a rotating state reaches a predetermined first position.

[0151] [Variation Example 1]

[0152] Next, a modified example of the friction stirring point engagement device 50 according to Embodiment 1 will be described.

[0153] Figure 6 This is an enlarged schematic diagram of the main part of the friction stirring point connection device in Modified Example 1 of Embodiment 1. Figure 6 (A) to (D) indicate that the outer peripheral surface of the front end of the shoulder component is formed in an inclined, curved, curved, or bent manner. Furthermore, Figure 6 (E) to (H) indicate that the inner circumferential surface of the front end of the shoulder component is formed in an inclined, curved, curved, or bent manner.

[0154] like Figure 6 As shown in (A), the friction stirring point engagement device 50 of Modified Example 1 can also be formed in such a way that the outer peripheral surface 12b of the front end portion 120 in the shoulder member 12 is formed in an inclined manner. More specifically, the cross-sectional shape (the cross-sectional shape along the axis Xr) of the outer peripheral surface 12b of the front end portion 120 can also be formed in an inclined manner relative to the axis Xr when viewed from the horizontal direction.

[0155] In addition, such as Figure 6As shown in (B), the friction stirring point engagement device 50 of Modified Example 1 can also be formed in such a way that the outer peripheral surface 12b of the front end portion 120 in the shoulder member 12 is formed in a bent manner. More specifically, the cross-sectional shape of the outer peripheral surface 12b of the front end portion 120, when viewed from the horizontal direction, can also be formed in a bent manner. Furthermore, although in Figure 6 In (B), it is indicated that there is one way to bend the point, but there can be multiple ways to bend the point.

[0156] In addition, such as Figure 6 As shown in (C), the friction stirring point engagement device 50 of Modified Example 1 can also be formed in such a way that the outer peripheral surface 12b of the front end portion 120 in the shoulder member 12 is formed in a curved manner (on an arc). More specifically, the cross-sectional shape of the outer peripheral surface 12b of the front end portion 120, when viewed from the horizontal direction, can also be formed in a curved manner.

[0157] Moreover, such as Figure 6 As shown in (D), the friction stirring point engagement device 50 of Modified Example 1 can also be configured such that the outer peripheral surface 12b of the front end portion 120 in the shoulder member 12 is formed into a curved shape. More specifically, the cross-sectional shape of the outer peripheral surface 12b of the front end portion 120, when viewed from the horizontal direction, can also be formed into a curved shape. Here, the curved shape refers to the curve of a function represented by a higher-order function such as a quadratic function, a cubic function, an exponential function, or a logarithmic function.

[0158] In addition, such as Figure 6 As shown in (E), the friction stirring point engagement device 50 of Modified Example 1 can also be formed in such a way that the inner peripheral surface 12c of the front end portion 120 in the shoulder member 12 is formed in an inclined manner. More specifically, the cross-sectional shape (the cross-sectional shape along the axis Xr) of the inner peripheral surface 12c of the front end portion 120 can also be formed in an inclined manner relative to the axis Xr when viewed from the horizontal direction.

[0159] In addition, such as Figure 6 As shown in (F), the friction stirring point engagement device 50 of Modified Example 1 can also be formed in such a way that the inner peripheral surface 12c of the front end portion 120 in the shoulder member 12 is formed in a bent manner. More specifically, the cross-sectional shape of the inner peripheral surface 12c of the front end portion 120, when viewed from the horizontal direction, can also be formed in a bent manner. Furthermore, although in Figure 6 (F) indicates a bend with one bend, but it can also be a bend with multiple bends.

[0160] In addition, such as Figure 6As shown in (G), the friction stirring point engagement device 50 of Modified Example 1 can also be formed in such a way that the inner peripheral surface 12c of the front end portion 120 in the shoulder member 12 is formed in a curved manner (on an arc). More specifically, the cross-sectional shape of the inner peripheral surface 12c of the front end portion 120 can also be formed in a curved manner when viewed from the horizontal direction.

[0161] Moreover, such as Figure 6 As shown in (H), the friction stirring point engagement device 50 of Modified Example 1 can also be configured such that the inner circumferential surface 12c of the front end portion 120 in the shoulder member 12 is formed into a curved shape. More specifically, the cross-sectional shape of the inner circumferential surface 12c of the front end portion 120, when viewed from the horizontal direction, can also be formed into a curved shape. Here, the curved shape refers to the curve of a function represented by a higher-order function such as a quadratic function, a cubic function, an exponential function, or a logarithmic function.

[0162] Even the friction stirring point connection device 50 of Modified Example 1 constructed in this manner will achieve the same effect as the friction stirring point connection device 50 of Embodiment 1.

[0163] (Implementation Method 2)

[0164] The friction stirring point engagement device according to Embodiment 2 is configured such that the front end face of the shoulder member protrudes from the front end face of the pin member when viewed from the horizontal direction, compared to the friction stirring point engagement device according to Embodiment 1 (including variations).

[0165] Hereinafter, an example of the friction stirring point engagement device according to Embodiment 2 will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0166] [Structure of the friction stirring point engagement device]

[0167] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the outline structure of the main parts of the friction stirring point connection device according to Embodiment 2.

[0168] like Figure 7 As shown, the friction stirring point engagement device 50 of Embodiment 2 has the same basic structure as the friction stirring point engagement device 50 of Embodiment 1, but the difference is that the front end face 12a of the shoulder member 12 is configured to protrude from the front end face 11a of the pin member 11 when viewed from the horizontal direction.

[0169] in addition, Figure 7 The outer peripheral surface 12b and inner peripheral surface 12c of the front end portion 120 of the middle shoulder component 12 are formed in an inclined manner when viewed from the horizontal direction.

[0170] Alternatively, the outer peripheral surface 12b and the inner peripheral surface 12c of the front end portion 120 of the shoulder member 12 may be formed at the same tilt angle when viewed from the horizontal direction. Furthermore, the tilt angle α of the outer peripheral surface 12b of the front end portion 120 may be greater than the tilt angle β of the inner peripheral surface 12c of the front end portion 120. Moreover, the tilt angle α of the outer peripheral surface 12b of the front end portion 120 may be less than the tilt angle β of the inner peripheral surface 12c of the front end portion 120.

[0171] Here, refer to Figure 8A as well as Figure 8B At the same time, the inclination angle α of the outer peripheral surface 12b of the front end 120 and the inclination angle β of the inner peripheral surface 12c of the front end 120 are explained.

[0172] Figure 8A This is a schematic diagram showing the outline structure of the pin component, shoulder component, and clamp component of the friction stirring point engagement device. Figure 8B This is a diagram showing the decomposition of the shear force acting on the transfer portion of the bonded material.

[0173] like Figure 8A As shown, the portion of the joined portion Wa of the joined object 60 in which the shape of the outer peripheral surface 12b of the front end portion 120 of the shoulder member 12 is transferred is provided as a transfer portion 601. In addition, the protruding portion formed on the joined portion Wa of the joined object 60 through the inner peripheral surface 12c of the front end portion 120 of the shoulder member 12 and the front end portion of the pin member 11 is provided as a transfer portion 602.

[0174] In addition, the tilt angle α of the outer peripheral surface 12b of the front end 120 refers to the angle formed by the line perpendicular to the axis Xr, i.e., the virtual line C, and the line connecting the base end (upper end) end A1 and the front end (lower end) end A2 that tilt the outer peripheral surface 12b.

[0175] Similarly, the tilt angle β of the inner circumferential surface 12c of the front end 120 refers to the angle formed by the virtual line C and the line connecting the base end (upper end) end B1 and the front end (lower end) end B2 that tilt the inner circumferential surface 12c.

[0176] Therefore, as shown in the modified example of Embodiment 1, the outer peripheral surface 12b and inner peripheral surface 12c of the front end 120, in the case of bending, etc., have an inclination angle α and an inclination angle β respectively with the virtual line C connecting the base end and the front end of the bending, etc.

[0177] like Figure 8AAs shown by the dashed line, when the inclination angle α of the outer peripheral surface 12b increases, the angle θ1 of the inclined surface of the transfer part 601 also increases. When the angle θ1 of the inclined surface of the transfer part 601 increases, it may cause the bottom edge (area of ​​the bottom surface) of the transfer part 601 to decrease, resulting in damage (tears) to the transfer part 601.

[0178] Similarly, when the inclination angle β of the inner circumferential surface 12c increases, the angle θ2 of the inclined surface of the transfer portion 602 also increases. When the angle θ2 of the inclined surface of the transfer portion 602 increases, it may cause the bottom edge (area of ​​the bottom surface) of the transfer portion 602 to become smaller, resulting in damage (tears) to the transfer portion 602.

[0179] Furthermore, when the front end of the pin member 11 and the front end of the shoulder member 12 are far away from the object to be joined 60, shearing forces F1 and F2 are respectively applied to the inclined surface of the transfer portion 601 (the contact surface with the outer peripheral surface 12b) and the inclined surface of the transfer portion 602 (the contact surface with the inner peripheral surface 12c).

[0180] like Figure 8B As shown in (1), F1sinθ1 acts as the force to pull off the transfer part 601. Similarly, F2sinθ2 acts as the force to pull off the transfer part 602 (see reference). Figure 8B (2)). Here, when θ1 = 45°, F1sinθ1 = F1cosθ1. Similarly, when θ2 = 45°, F2sinθ2 = F2cosθ2. Furthermore, θ1 = tilt angle α, θ2 = tilt angle β.

[0181] Therefore, when θ1 < 45°, that is, when the tilt angle α < 45°, the tearing of the transfer section 601 can be suppressed. Similarly, when θ2 < 45°, that is, when the tilt angle β < 45°, the extrusion cracking of the transfer section 602 can be suppressed.

[0182] Therefore, the inclination angle α of the outer peripheral surface 12b of the front end portion 120 is preferably less than 45°, and the inclination angle β of the inner peripheral surface 12c of the front end portion 120 is preferably less than 45°.

[0183] Furthermore, based on the results of Test Example 1 and Test Example 2 described later, the tilt angle α can be less than 32°, less than 17°, less than 12°, or less than 6°. Similarly, the tilt angle β can be less than 32°, less than 17°, less than 12°, or less than 6°.

[0184] Even the friction stirring point joining device 50 of this embodiment 2, constructed in this manner, will achieve the same effect as the friction stirring point joining device 50 of embodiment 1.

[0185] (Implementation Method 3)

[0186] The friction stirring point joining device according to Embodiment 3 is a friction stirring point joining device that softens the workpiece by frictional heat to perform joining. The friction stirring point joining device includes: a pin member formed in a cylindrical shape; a shoulder member formed in a cylindrical shape and having the pin member inserted inside; a rotary driver that rotates the pin member and the shoulder member about an axis that is aligned with the axis of the pin member; and a forward and backward driver that moves the pin member and the shoulder member forward and backward along the axis respectively. The front end face of the shoulder member has a recess that extends in the circumferential direction.

[0187] Hereinafter, an example of the friction stirring point engagement device according to Embodiment 3 will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0188] [Structure of the friction stirring point engagement device]

[0189] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the outline structure of the main parts of the friction stirring point connection device according to Embodiment 3.

[0190] like Figure 9 As shown, the friction stirring point joining device 50 of this embodiment 3 has the same basic structure as the friction stirring point joining device 50 of embodiment 1, but the difference is that a (ring-shaped) recess 20 extending in the circumferential direction is formed on the front end face 12a of the shoulder member 12.

[0191] The recess 20 may be formed such that the area of ​​the opening 20A is larger than the area of ​​the bottom surface 20B. Furthermore, at least one of the inner peripheral surface 20C and the outer peripheral surface 20D of the recess 20 may be formed to be parallel to the axis Xr. Moreover, at least one of the inner peripheral surface 20C and the outer peripheral surface 20D of the recess 20 may be formed to be inclined, curved, curved, or bent.

[0192] Furthermore, the depth d of the recess 20, from the viewpoint of imprinting (transferring) the shape of the front end portion 120 onto the surface of the bonded object 60, may be, for example, 0.05 mm or more, or 5% or more of the thickness dimension of the first component 61. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of suppressing damage to the front end portion 120 of the shoulder component 12, the depth d may be, for example, less than 0.5 mm, or less than 50% of the thickness dimension of the first component 61.

[0193] Even the friction stirring point joining device 50 of this embodiment 3, constructed in this manner, will achieve the same effect as the friction stirring point joining device 50 of embodiment 1.

[0194] Furthermore, although this embodiment 3 employs a method of forming a recess 20 on the front end face 12a of the shoulder member 12, it is not limited to this. An annular recess 20 may also be formed on the front end face 11a of the pin member 11.

[0195] [Experimental Example]

[0196] Next, the bonding test of the bonded object 60 implemented by the friction stirring point bonding device 50 according to Embodiment 2 and the friction stirring point bonding method disclosed in Patent Document 1 will be described.

[0197] (Experimental Example 1)

[0198] The friction stirring point bonding device 50 according to Embodiment 2 is used to perform a bonding test on the objects 60 to be bonded. In addition, in Test Example 1, the height of the front end 120 is set to 0.2 mm. Furthermore, the inclination angle α of the outer peripheral surface 12b of the front end 120 is set to 12°, and the inclination angle β of the inner peripheral surface 12c of the front end 120 is set to 32°.

[0199] (Experimental Example 2)

[0200] The bonding test of the workpieces 60 was performed using the friction stirring point bonding device 50 according to Embodiment 2. In addition, in Test Example 2, the height of the front end portion 120 was set to 0.1 mm. Furthermore, the inclination angle α of the outer peripheral surface 12b of the front end portion 120 was set to 6°, and the inclination angle β of the inner peripheral surface 12c of the front end portion 120 was set to 17°.

[0201] (Comparative Example)

[0202] As a comparative example, a bonding test of the objects 60 was performed using the friction stirring point bonding method disclosed in Patent Document 1. Specifically, the friction stirring point bonding device of the comparative example used a shoulder member 12 formed in a manner in which the inner and outer peripheral surfaces of the front end portion 120 are parallel with respect to the axis Xr to perform the bonding test of the objects 60.

[0203] (Joint Conditions)

[0204] The first component 61 uses a 1mm aluminum sheet (A6061), and the second component 62 uses a 1.2mm 980MPa grade alloyed fused galvanized steel sheet (GA).

[0205] Furthermore, in Test Example 1, the target arrival position of the shoulder member 12, i.e., the first position, was set to be 0.3 mm below the contact surface (upper surface) of the second member 62 with the first member 61. In Test Example 2, it was set to be 0.2 mm below the contact surface (upper surface) of the second member 62 with the first member 61. Moreover, in the comparative example, the target arrival position of the shoulder member 12, i.e., the first position, was set to be 0.1 mm below the contact surface (top) of the second member 62 with the first member 61.

[0206] Furthermore, after the front end face 12a of the shoulder member 12 reaches the first position, the time for which the front end face 12a remains in the first position (first time) is changed to 0, 1, 2 or 3 seconds, and the objects to be engaged 60 are engaged. In addition, the rotation number of the pin member 11 and the shoulder member 12, i.e. the first rotation number, is set to 2000 rpm.

[0207] Furthermore, tensile shear test (JIS Z 3136) and cross tensile test (JIS Z 3137) were performed on the jointed objects 60 joined by the friction stirring point joining device of Test Examples 1, 2 and Comparative Examples, respectively.

[0208] (Experimental Results)

[0209] Figure 10 This is a graph showing the results of tensile shear tests and cruciform tensile tests of the jointed objects subjected to friction stirring point bonding under the above-described bonding conditions using the friction stirring point bonding apparatuses of Test Examples 1, 2, and Comparative Examples. Furthermore, Figure 11 A cross-sectional photograph of the objects to be joined using the friction stirring point joining device of Test Example 1.

[0210] like Figure 10 As shown, when using the friction stirring point bonding device of the comparative example for friction stirring point bonding, sufficient bonding strength cannot be obtained when the first time is 0 seconds. Furthermore, in the tensile shear test (TSS) of the comparative example, sufficient bonding strength can be obtained when the first time is set to 1 second, but in the cross tensile test (CTS), sufficient bonding strength cannot be obtained if it is not set to 2 seconds or more.

[0211] On the other hand, when friction stirring point bonding is performed using the friction stirring point bonding device of Test Examples 1 and 2, sufficient bonding strength can be obtained even if the first time is 0 seconds.

[0212] These results show that in the friction stirring point bonding device 50 according to Embodiment 1, if the first time is set to 0 seconds or more and less than 2 seconds, the objects to be bonded 60 can be bonded with sufficient bonding strength.

[0213] Furthermore, it is shown that: Figure 11 As shown, when friction stirring point joining device of Test Example 1 is used for friction stirring point joining, without wear on the front end 120 of the shoulder member 12, the shape of the front end 120 (conical shape; transfer portion) is printed (transferred) on the surface 60c of the joined object 60 (joined part).

[0214] Based on the foregoing description, those skilled in the art will recognize various modifications or other embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, the foregoing description should be interpreted as illustrative only, and is provided for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the best mode for carrying out the invention. Substantial changes to the details of its construction and / or function may be made without departing from the present invention. Furthermore, various inventions can be formed through appropriate combinations of the various structural elements disclosed in the foregoing embodiments.

[0215] Industrial availability

[0216] The friction stirring point engagement device of the present invention is useful because it can determine the wear condition of the tool from the engagement point (the surface of the engagement portion) of the workpiece.

[0217] Symbol Explanation

[0218] 11. Pin components;

[0219] 11a Front face;

[0220] 12 shoulder components;

[0221] 12a Front face;

[0222] 12b Outer peripheral surface;

[0223] 12c inner circumferential surface;

[0224] 12D front-end;

[0225] 12e base terminal;

[0226] 13. Clamping components;

[0227] 13a Front face;

[0228] 20 recess;

[0229] 20A Opening;

[0230] 20B bottom surface;

[0231] 20C Inner circumferential surface;

[0232] 20D outer peripheral surface;

[0233] 31. Storage device;

[0234] 32 Input Devices;

[0235] 33. Position detector;

[0236] 41. Clamp driver;

[0237] 50 Friction stirring point connection device;

[0238] 51 controller;

[0239] 52. Tool holder;

[0240] 53 Forward / Reverse Drive;

[0241] 55. Pad support section;

[0242] 56. Pad components;

[0243] 56a Support surface;

[0244] 57. Rotary drive;

[0245] 60. The object to be joined;

[0246] 60a Plastic flow section;

[0247] 60b recess;

[0248] 60c surface;

[0249] 61 First component;

[0250] 62. Second component;

[0251] 62a Abutment surface;

[0252] 120 Front end;

[0253] 521 Rotary tool holder;

[0254] 522 clamp retainer;

[0255] 531 pin driver;

[0256] 532 shoulder driver;

[0257] 601 Transfer Printing Department;

[0258] 602 Transfer Printing Department;

[0259] d Depth;

[0260] h represents height;

[0261] Xr axis;

[0262] Wa (the joint part);

[0263] α is the tilt angle;

[0264] β tilt angle;

[0265] θ1 Angle;

[0266] θ2 Angle.

Claims

1. A friction stirring point joining device, which softens the workpieces by frictional heat to achieve joining, wherein, The joined material has a first component and a second component. The friction stirring point engagement device includes: The pin component is formed into a cylindrical shape; The shoulder component is formed into a cylindrical shape and the pin component is inserted inside it; A rotary actuator that causes the pin component and the shoulder component to rotate about an axis that coincides with the axis of the pin component; as well as A forward / reverse actuator that causes the pin component and the shoulder component to move forward and backward along the axis, respectively. The front end of the shoulder component is formed into a cone shape. The friction stirring point engagement device also includes a controller, which is configured to execute: (A) With the pin component and the shoulder component rotated, the rotary driver and the forward / reverse driver are activated to press the engaged portion of the workpiece. (B) The forward / backward drive and the rotary drive are operated such that the front end of the shoulder member in the rotating state reaches a predetermined first position within the second member, and the pin member in the rotating state retracts from the engaged portion of the coupled object. (C) After (B), when the front end of the shoulder component in the rotating state reaches the first position, it remains in the position for a predetermined first time; (D) After (C), the rotary driver and the forward / backward driver are operated so that the shoulder member in the rotating state is pulled out from the engaged portion of the object being joined, and the pin member in the rotating state moves in and out toward the engaged portion of the object being joined.

2. The friction stirring point connection device according to claim 1, wherein, The front end face of the shoulder component and the front end face of the pin component are configured to be identical when viewed from the horizontal direction.

3. The friction stirring point connection device according to claim 1, wherein, The front end face of the shoulder component is configured to protrude beyond the front end face of the pin component when viewed from a horizontal direction.

4. The friction stirring point engagement device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The outer peripheral surface of the front end of the shoulder component is formed in an inclined, curved, curved, or bent manner.

5. The friction stirring point connection device according to claim 4, wherein, The outer peripheral surface of the front end of the shoulder component is formed in an inclined manner. The front end of the shoulder member is configured such that, when viewed from the horizontal direction, the angle between the front end face of the shoulder member and the inclined surface of the shoulder member is less than 45°.

6. The friction stirring point engagement device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The inner circumferential surface of the front end of the shoulder component is formed in an inclined, curved, curved, or bent manner.

7. The friction stirring point connection device according to claim 6, wherein, The inner circumferential surface of the front end of the shoulder component is formed in an inclined manner. The front end of the shoulder member is configured such that, when viewed from the horizontal direction, the angle between the front end face of the shoulder member and the inclined surface of the shoulder member is less than 45°.

8. The friction stirring point engagement device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The first component is arranged opposite to the pin component and the shoulder component, and is made of a material with a lower melting point than the second component.

9. The friction stirring point connection device according to claim 8, wherein, The first time is a time longer than 0 seconds and less than 2 seconds.

10. The friction stirring point connection device according to claim 8, wherein, The first position is a position less than 0.3 mm away from the contact surface between the second component and the first component.

11. A joint structure formed by using a friction stirring point joining device to join two parts having a first component and a second component at the joining portion by friction stirring points, wherein, The first component is made of a material with a lower melting point than the second component. The first component and the second component are arranged sequentially. A circular recess is formed on the surface of the joined portion. The bottom surface of the recess is formed in an inclined, curved, curved, or bent manner. The friction stirring point engagement device includes a pin component formed in a cylindrical shape and a shoulder component formed in a cylindrical shape with the pin component inserted inside. The seam structure is formed by holding the front end of the shoulder component in a predetermined first position within the second component for a predetermined first time while it is in a rotated state.

Images