Aluminum alloy liquid-cooled plate friction stir welding fixture and method

Abstract

The application discloses an aluminum alloy liquid cooling plate friction stir welding clamp and method, the clamp comprises a first base, a second base, a support beam, a first clamping plate, a second clamping plate and a stopper. The first clamping plate and the second clamping plate clamp the leaf cooling plate and ensure the vertical state, and the addition of the stopper expands the support surface, avoiding the problem that the protruding part of the stirring shaft shoulder cannot be supported and welded. The clamp has good rigidity and can meet the downward pressure load requirement of the friction stir welding, and the vertical welding mode meets the fusion depth and appearance requirements of the liquid cooling plate, and a high-quality liquid cooling plate is prepared.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of tooling technology for the production of aluminum alloy liquid cooling plates, and particularly to a clamping tooling for vertical friction stir welding of aluminum alloy liquid cooling plates. Background Technology

[0002] In the liquid cooling plate manufacturing industry, many types of aluminum alloy cold plates require internal cavity sealing via friction stir welding. The suitability and stability of the clamping fixtures used to hold the liquid cooling plate during the welding process have a crucial impact on weld formation and quality. In some cases, the welding sealing surface of the liquid cooling plate is located on the side of the plate (i.e.,...). Figure 2 On the upper end face of the liquid cooling plate 7, there are 3 sealing block parts 8 that need to be welded. The weld seam is along the outer contour circumferential direction of the sealing block parts 8 that need to be welded. If the liquid cooling plate is placed horizontally for welding using the traditional method, the melting depth and appearance requirements of the product cannot be met, or even welding may not be possible.

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to consider vertically clamping the liquid cooling plate for welding. However, in order to balance weight reduction and installation, some liquid cooling plate products are designed with an extremely small distance between the weld center and the edge of the liquid cooling plate. The extremely narrow welding surface cannot even fully support and cover the shoulder of the stirring pin, thus making it impossible to weld the liquid cooling plate normally.

[0004] In summary, existing technologies have significant shortcomings in achieving friction stir welding of side welds on water-cooled plates, and there is no good solution for welding narrow weld surfaces. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a friction stir welding fixture and method for aluminum alloy liquid-cooled plates, which enables friction stir welding of liquid-cooled plates in a vertical state, thereby solving the problems of penetration depth and appearance requirements, and overcoming the problem that friction stir welding cannot be performed normally due to the weld center being too narrow from the edge of the liquid-cooled plate.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] Aluminum alloy liquid-cooled plate friction stir welding fixture, including...

[0008] The first base and the second base are each provided with a connecting through hole that extends through their upper and lower end faces. The first base and the second base are detachably connected to the friction stir welding equipment platform through the connecting through hole.

[0009] First clamping plate and second clamping plate, the first clamping plate and second clamping plate are spaced apart and placed vertically, forming a clamping space for liquid cooling plate between the first clamping plate and second clamping plate, and connecting holes are provided along the outer contour lines of the first clamping plate and second clamping plate. The first clamping plate and second clamping plate clamp the liquid cooling plate through the connecting holes and the connecting parts in the connecting holes. The upper end of the first clamping plate and second clamping plate is provided with a first groove.

[0010] A support beam is provided between the first base and the first clamping plate, and between the second base and the second clamping plate, to maintain the vertical placement of the first clamping plate and the second clamping plate;

[0011] The two blocks are respectively placed in the first groove of the first clamping plate and the second clamping plate. When the blocks are placed in the first groove, the length of the blocks is greater than or equal to the length of the liquid cooling plate, the width is greater than the protruding part of the shoulder of the stirring head in the friction stir welding equipment, and the height is greater than the length of the stirring pin in the friction stir welding equipment.

[0012] Furthermore, the upper surface of the first base or the second base has a second groove, and the lower end of the first clamping plate or the second clamping plate has a platform for supporting the liquid cooling plate.

[0013] Furthermore, the flatness of the surfaces of the first and second clamping plates used to clamp the liquid cooling plate is greater than the flatness of the liquid cooling plate.

[0014] Furthermore, the first and second clamping plates are provided with vertical reinforcing ribs, the first and second bases are provided with horizontal reinforcing ribs, and the two ends of the support beam are respectively connected to the reinforcing ribs of the first clamping plate and the first base, and to the reinforcing ribs of the second clamping plate and the second base.

[0015] Furthermore, the upper ends of the first and second clamping plates are provided with clamping screw holes, which are connected to the first groove.

[0016] Furthermore, the first or second clamping plate is provided with positioning pin holes.

[0017] Furthermore, the material of the stop block is the same as that of the liquid cooling plate.

[0018] Furthermore, the connecting hole includes a threaded hole on the first clamping plate and an oblong hole on the second clamping plate, or an oblong hole on the first clamping plate and a threaded hole on the second clamping plate.

[0019] The friction stir welding method for aluminum alloy liquid-cooled plates involves placing the liquid-cooled plates vertically so that their welding sealing surfaces are parallel to the horizontal plane. In the welding sealing surface, where the distance between the weld and the edge of the liquid-cooled plate is too narrow, a support surface is added to support the protruding part of the stirring head shoulder. The support surface and the end face of the liquid-cooled plate are on the same plane.

[0020] Furthermore, the aluminum alloy liquid-cooled plate friction stir welding method uses the aforementioned aluminum alloy liquid-cooled plate friction stir welding fixture and includes the following steps:

[0021] Step 1: Install the first base, the first clamping plate and the support beam connected as a whole, as well as the second base, the second clamping plate and the support beam, onto the friction stir welding equipment platform;

[0022] Step 2: Place the liquid cooling plate between the first clamping plate and the second clamping plate, then move the first clamping plate and the second clamping plate toward each other until the liquid cooling plate is clamped between them, and insert bolts into the connecting holes and tighten them.

[0023] Step 3: Place the two blocks into the first grooves on the first and second clamping plates respectively, and use the upper end face of the block as a support surface to support the protruding part of the stirring head shoulder for friction stir welding.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0025] (1) The present invention achieves the welding of the side sealing block of the aluminum alloy liquid cooling plate in the vertical direction, avoiding the problems of insufficient penetration and cold plate deformation and flash caused by the traditional horizontal welding method;

[0026] (2) By adding side blocks, the present invention enables welding of ultra-narrow welding surface welds (the distance from the center of the weld to the edge of the liquid cooling plate is small, and without adding blocks, it is impossible to weld by friction stir welding. The blocks expand the support surface, withstand the axial downward pressure of friction stir welding, and do not cause skewing).

[0027] (3) The base of the present invention adopts a groove design, which on the one hand limits the two clamping plates, and on the other hand bears the welding pressure of friction stir welding, thereby improving the rigidity and strength of the entire fixture.

[0028] (4) The small platform at the lower end of the clamp is designed as the contact support surface of the lower end of the liquid cooling plate. When the surface flatness of the small platform meets the requirements, it can ensure that the blade cooling plate and the clamp fit well, thereby ensuring that the welding surface of the liquid cooling plate is flat and does not tilt, and at the same time ensuring that the welding surface is evenly stressed and does not deform at the bottom after welding.

[0029] (5) The size of the small platform at the lower end of the clamping plate is smaller than the thickness of the liquid cooling plate to avoid the liquid cooling plate not being able to be clamped when the two clamping plates are put together.

[0030] (6) The connection position of the support beam is designed at the reinforcing ribs of the clamping plate and the base to ensure that the rigidity of the entire fixture is sufficient and will not be deformed due to the downward pressure of the stir welding. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an aluminum alloy liquid-cooled plate friction stir welding fixture.

[0032] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of an aluminum alloy liquid-cooled plate friction stir welding fixture;

[0033] Figure 3 This is a partial view of the weld seam at the top of the aluminum alloy liquid-cooled plate friction stir welding fixture;

[0034] In the diagram: 1. First base; 2. Second base; 3. Support beam; 4. First clamping plate; 5. Second clamping plate; 6. Stop; 7. Liquid cooling plate; 8. Sealing stop parts to be welded; 9. Friction stir welding equipment platform. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the scope of protection claimed is not limited thereto.

[0036] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the aluminum alloy liquid-cooled plate friction stir welding fixture designed according to the present invention includes a first base 1, a second base 2, a support beam 3, a first clamping plate 4, a second clamping plate 5, and a stop block 6. The functions of each component are as follows:

[0037] The first base 1 is used to connect the friction stir welding equipment platform 9, and provides support and load-bearing for the clamping plates (mainly the first clamping plate 4) and the liquid cooling plate 7. The size and position of the oblong holes on the first base 1 are determined according to the size of the friction stir welding equipment platform 9, and the thickness of the first base 1 is determined according to the vertically welded liquid cooling plate 7. The first base 1 can be made of materials such as 45 steel or 304 stainless steel, and the specific material and heat treatment method depend on the downward pressure required for friction stir welding.

[0038] The basic structure and function of the second base 2 are the same as those of the first base 1, the difference being that the upper end surface of the second base 2 has a second groove (such as...). Figure 2 As shown), the second groove mainly serves as a limiting function (when the first base 1 and the second base 2 are close together, it limits the lower ends of the first clamping plate 4, the liquid cooling plate 7 and the second clamping plate 5) and bears the pressure applied by welding. The length, width and depth of the groove are determined according to the vertically welded liquid cooling plate 7, and the material and heat treatment method are the same as those of the first base 1.

[0039] To ensure the strength of the first base 1 and the second base 2, horizontal reinforcing ribs are provided on the first base 1 and the second base 2.

[0040] Support beam 3 connects the first base 1 and the first clamping plate 4, as well as the second base 2 and the second clamping plate 5, and provides support for the first clamping plate 4 and the second clamping plate 5 to ensure that they vertically clamp the liquid cooling plate 7. The size and number of support beams 3 are determined according to the stress conditions of welding the liquid cooling plate 7. The connection points between support beam 3 and the first clamping plate 4 and the second clamping plate 5 are at the reinforcing ribs of the base and clamping plate (i.e., support beam 3 should be welded / connected to the reinforcing ribs where the stress is concentrated on the clamping plate and the base plate). Support beam 3 can be made of 45 steel or 304 stainless steel, etc. The specific material and heat treatment method depend on the downward pressure required for stir welding.

[0041] The first clamping plate 4 and the second clamping plate 5 together apply a lateral pressure to the liquid-cooled plate 7, clamping the liquid-cooled plate 7 between the first clamping plate 4 and the second clamping plate 5 to ensure the stability of the liquid-cooled plate 7 during the welding process. In addition, the top of the first clamping plate 4 and the second clamping plate 5 each have a first groove for placing an aluminum alloy stop block 6. The upper surface of the stop block 6 serves as a support surface for the protruding part of the friction stir welding shoulder, thereby achieving welding of an extremely narrow welding surface. The dimensions of the first clamping plate 4 and the second clamping plate 5 are determined according to the size of the liquid-cooled plate 7 being welded and the magnitude of the force applied. The flatness requirement of the inner surfaces of the first clamping plate 4 and the second clamping plate 5 (i.e., the surface pressing the liquid-cooled plate 7) is not lower than the flatness requirement of the liquid-cooled plate 7 being welded. The first clamping plate 4 and the second clamping plate 5 have protruding parts on their side contours, and these protruding parts are designed with threaded holes and oblong holes (one of the protruding parts of the first clamping plate 4 and the second clamping plate 5 may be a threaded hole, and the other may be an oblong hole), for mounting locking bolts to lock the first clamping plate 4 and the second clamping plate 5. The first groove has several threaded holes on its side for mounting locking bolts to secure the aluminum alloy stop 6 to the liquid cooling plate 7. The first clamping plate 4 and the second clamping plate 5 can be made of 45 steel or 304 stainless steel, depending on the required downforce for stir welding. To ensure rigidity and strength, the first clamping plate 4 and the second clamping plate 5 are designed with vertical reinforcing ribs.

[0042] The second clamping plate 5 has the same function and structure as the first clamping plate 4, but the difference lies in the design of a small platform at the bottom of the second clamping plate 5. This platform is used to place the bottom end face of the liquid-cooled plate 7. Note that the width of this small platform is the thickness of the liquid-cooled plate 7 minus 2-5 mm (if the width of the small platform is the same as or greater than the thickness of the liquid-cooled plate 7, when the thickness of the liquid-cooled plate 7 is within the lower tolerance, the small platform will block the clamping plates when the two clamping plates are used, preventing the clamping plates from clamping the liquid-cooled plate 7 tightly. Therefore, the width of the small platform must be less than the thickness of the liquid-cooled plate 7). This ensures that the downward pressure on the bottom of the liquid-cooled plate 7 is uniform, and both sides of the liquid-cooled plate 7 can be clamped by the first clamping plate 4 and the second clamping plate 5. There is a protruding positioning pin on one side of the liquid-cooled plate 7 that is perpendicular to the plane of the second clamping plate 5. The second clamping plate 5 is designed with a corresponding positioning pin hole for easy positioning when placing the liquid-cooled plate 7. The remaining design, materials, and heat treatment of the second clamping plate 5 are the same as those of the first clamping plate 4.

[0043] The aluminum alloy stop 6 serves to support the protruding part of the stirring head shoulder, distributing the lateral pressure from the stirring pin on the liquid cooling plate and preventing edge collapse or severe flash in the liquid cooling plate 7 during welding. The length of the stop 6 is the weld length + 10–20 mm or the same length as the liquid cooling plate 7; the width is the shoulder protrusion dimension + 5–10 mm; and the height is the stirring pin length + 5–10 mm. Note that the flatness requirement of the contact surface between the stop 6 and the liquid cooling plate 7 should not be lower than the flatness requirement of the liquid cooling plate 7. The material of the stop 6 is the same as the material of the welded liquid cooling plate 7.

[0044] The welding method for aluminum alloy blade cold plates is as follows:

[0045] Step 1: Weld the support beam 3 to the first clamping plate 4 and the support beam 3 to the second clamping plate 5 together by argon arc welding or by bolting, ensuring the stability of the connection.

[0046] Step 2: Connect the support beam-clamp plate connector that was welded in the previous step to the first base 1 and the second base 2 by argon arc welding or by bolting, ensuring the stability of the connection.

[0047] Step 3: Place the two parts of the base – connecting beam 3 – clamping plate from step 2 onto the friction stir welding equipment platform 9, and move them to fit together. Then, place the liquid cooling plate 7 between the first clamping plate 3 and the second clamping plate 4, corresponding to the second groove on the second base 2. Note that the lower end face of the liquid cooling plate 7 should be placed on the small platform under the second clamping plate 5, and the other side surface should abut against the positioning pin hole of the second clamping plate 5. Place the aluminum alloy stop block 6 in the first groove at the top of the first clamping plate 4 and the second clamping plate 5, ensuring that the upper end face of the stop block 6 and the upper end face of the liquid cooling plate 7 are on the same plane.

[0048] Step 4: Tighten the first clamping plate 4, liquid cooling plate 7, second clamping plate 5, first base 1, friction stir welding equipment platform 9, second base 2, first clamping plate 4, stop block 6, liquid cooling plate 7, and second clamping plate 5 by tightening the bolts (the bolts used for connection can be purchased directly according to the designed thread hole size).

[0049] Step 5: Place the sealing block part 8 to be welded into the groove on the upper surface of the liquid cooling plate 7, ensuring that the upper surface of the sealing block part 8 is on the same plane as the upper surface of the block 6 and the upper surface of the liquid cooling plate 7. Use friction stir welding equipment to weld the weld on the top of the liquid cooling plate 7. After welding, loosen the locking bolts between the first clamping plate 4 and the second clamping plate 5, remove the liquid cooling plate 7, and complete the friction stir welding process.

[0050] The above embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any modifications, alterations or equivalent substitutions made based on the technical solutions of the present invention shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A friction stir welding method for aluminum alloy liquid-cooled plates, wherein the distance from the center of the weld seam to the edge of the liquid-cooled plate is extremely small, and the extremely narrow welding surface cannot fully support and cover the shoulder of the stirring pin, characterized in that: The liquid cooling plate (7) is placed vertically so that its welding sealing surface is parallel to the horizontal plane. A support surface is added at the position where the distance between the weld and the edge of the liquid cooling plate (7) is too narrow to support the protruding part of the stirring head shoulder. The support surface and the end face of the liquid cooling plate (7) are on the same plane. An aluminum alloy liquid-cooled plate friction stir welding fixture is used, and the following steps are included: The aluminum alloy liquid-cooled plate friction stir welding fixture includes... The first base (1) and the second base (2) are provided with connecting through holes that penetrate their upper and lower end faces. The first base (1) and the second base (2) are detachably connected to the friction stir welding equipment platform (9) through the connecting through holes. The first clamping plate (4) and the second clamping plate (5) are spaced apart and placed vertically. The clamping space of the liquid cooling plate (7) is formed between the first clamping plate (4) and the second clamping plate (5). A connecting hole is provided along the outer contour line of the first clamping plate (4) and the second clamping plate (5). The first clamping plate (4) and the second clamping plate (5) clamp the liquid cooling plate (7) through the connecting hole and the connector in the connecting hole. The upper end of the first clamping plate (4) and the second clamping plate (5) are both provided with a first groove. Support beam (3), which is disposed between the first base (1) and the first clamping plate (4), and between the second base (2) and the second clamping plate (5), to maintain the vertical placement of the first clamping plate (4) and the second clamping plate (5); The two blocks (6) are respectively placed in the first groove of the first clamping plate (4) and the second clamping plate (5). When the blocks (6) are placed in the first groove, the length of the blocks (6) is greater than or equal to the length of the liquid cooling plate (7), the width is greater than the protruding part of the shoulder of the stirring head in the friction stir welding equipment, and the height is greater than the length of the stirring pin in the friction stir welding equipment. Step 1: Install the first base (1), the first clamping plate (4) and the support beam (3) that are connected as a whole, as well as the second base (2), the second clamping plate (5) and the support beam (3) on the friction stir welding equipment platform (9); Step 2: Place the liquid cooling plate (7) between the first clamping plate (4) and the second clamping plate (5), and then move the first clamping plate (4) and the second clamping plate (5) towards each other until the liquid cooling plate (7) is clamped between them. Insert bolts into the connecting holes and tighten them. Step 3: Place the two blocks (6) into the first grooves on the first clamping plate (4) and the second clamping plate (5) respectively, and use the upper end face of the block (6) as the support surface to support the protruding part of the stirring head shoulder for friction stir welding.

2. The method for friction stir welding of aluminum alloy liquid-cooled plates according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper surface of the first base (1) or the second base (2) has a second groove, and the lower end of the first clamping plate (4) or the second clamping plate (5) has a platform for supporting the liquid cooling plate (7).

3. The method for friction stir welding of aluminum alloy liquid-cooled plates according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flatness of the surface of the first clamping plate (4) and the second clamping plate (5) used to clamp the liquid cooling plate (7) is greater than that of the liquid cooling plate (7).

4. The method for friction stir welding of aluminum alloy liquid-cooled plates according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first clamping plate (4) and the second clamping plate (5) are provided with vertical reinforcing ribs, the first base (1) and the second base (2) are provided with horizontal reinforcing ribs, and the two ends of the support beam (3) are respectively connected to the reinforcing ribs of the first clamping plate (4) and the first base (1), and the reinforcing ribs of the second clamping plate (5) and the second base (2).

5. The method for friction stir welding of aluminum alloy liquid-cooled plates according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper ends of the first clamping plate (4) and the second clamping plate (5) are also provided with clamping screw holes, which are connected to the first groove.

6. The method for friction stir welding of aluminum alloy liquid-cooled plates according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first clamping plate (4) or the second clamping plate (5) is provided with positioning pin holes.

7. The method for friction stir welding of aluminum alloy liquid-cooled plates according to claim 1, characterized in that: The material of the stop (6) is the same as that of the liquid cooling plate (7).

8. The method for friction stir welding of aluminum alloy liquid-cooled plates according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting hole includes a threaded hole on the first clamping plate (4) and a waist-shaped hole on the second clamping plate (5), or a waist-shaped hole on the first clamping plate (4) and a threaded hole on the second clamping plate (5).

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