A welding tool and quick release device thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a novel welding tool, and relates to the technical field of welding, which comprises a sleeve with two open ends and a stirring needle assembly axially inserted into the sleeve, wherein the stirring needle assembly is locked on the sleeve through fasteners, the stirring needle assembly comprises a single-head stirring needle inserted into the sleeve and having two ends penetrating through the two open ends respectively, the two ends of the single-head stirring needle are respectively arranged as a stirring end and a pointed end, and the stirring end and the pointed end are coaxially arranged, the stirring end and the open end penetrating through the stirring end jointly form a welding part, and the pointed end and the open end penetrating through the pointed end jointly form a positioning part, so that the pointed end can be regarded as a particle moving in the gap between two workpieces when the sleeve is arranged on a main shaft and the positioning part faces the gap between the two workpieces. The stirring needle assembly can be axially inserted into the sleeve and locked through fasteners, so that flexible installation and disassembly of the stirring needle assembly are realized, meanwhile, the design of the stirring needle assembly not only meets the requirement of stirring welding, but also realizes accurate positioning through the pointed end.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of welding technology, and specifically to a novel welding tool and its quick-release device. Background Technology

[0002] Friction stir welding is a solid-state welding technology that is currently widely used in the welding of sandwich structures, seawater protection panels, and shells in the shipbuilding industry; as well as in the welding of fuel tanks, external tanks, main load-bearing frames, etc. for launch vehicles in aerospace manufacturing; and in the welding of battery trays, motor housings, and other parts for new energy vehicles.

[0003] Welding tools (also known as stirring heads) are generally composed of a shoulder and a stirring pin integrally formed. During installation, the shoulder is mounted on the tool holder of the spindle, and the end of the stirring pin is used as the stirring end for stirring. During welding, besides the welding tool itself, the main factors affecting weld quality are the deviation of the weld trajectory. If the welding trajectory of the welding tool deviates, it will cause changes in the shape and size of the weld, specifically manifested as uneven weld width and depth, and even discontinuity in the weld. Secondly, the heat input and material flow during the welding process can also lead to a decrease in weld quality; for example, grooves, depressions, or protrusions may appear on the weld surface, and holes or incomplete fusion may occur inside the weld. Furthermore, if the trajectory deviation is severe, it can also affect the mechanical properties of the weld, impacting its tensile strength and impact toughness, resulting in a reduction in the weld's strength and toughness.

[0004] In conclusion, trajectory deviation during the welding process directly affects the quality of the welded product, especially in fields such as new energy vehicles or aerospace. If weld cracks occur during use, it can cause serious accidents and even casualties.

[0005] To prevent the welding tool trajectory from deviating during welding, the position of the stirring pin tip is usually adjusted to a designated position before welding. This allows the stirring pin tip to be driven by the spindle to perform welding work along a predetermined welding path. Specifically, the adjustment method is as follows: the control device drives the spindle to move in both the X and Y directions, and the position of the stirring pin tip is visually observed to ensure it is at the center of the gap between the two workpieces, thus confirming the XY coordinates. Then, the stirring pin tip is raised to a certain height, and a 0.1mm thick feeler gauge is placed at the top of the gap between the two workpieces. After the stirring pin tip moves down and touches the feeler gauge, the Z-direction coordinate is confirmed. At this point, the distance between the stirring pin tip and the gap between the two workpieces is 0.1mm. However, due to the blunt tip design of the stirring pin mentioned above, the size of the blunt tip may be larger than or close to the gap between the two workpieces for different types of workpieces. In other words, the stirring pin tip cannot be regarded as a point mass for accurate position adjustment between the gaps. Therefore, when the stirring pin tip is adjusted to the center position of the gap between the two workpieces by visual observation in the X and Y directions, the stirring pin tip may not actually be located at the center position of the gap between the two workpieces, that is, there will be a large positional deviation. In the subsequent welding process, there is no deviation in the Z direction of the stirring pin tip, but there may be deviations in the X and Y directions, causing the welding direction of the stirring pin tip to deviate from the center of the gap between the two workpieces, affecting the welding quality.

[0006] Based on this, we propose a new type of welding tool to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problems in the prior art by proposing a new type of welding tool. This welding tool has a separate disassembly and assembly design of sleeve and stirring pin, which allows the stirring pin to have different working states on the sleeve. It can be used to perform positioning work by using the pointed cone end as a mass point, and it can also be used to perform welding work by using the stirring end.

[0008] To address the above problems, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0009] A novel welding fixture includes a sleeve with two open ends and a stirring pin assembly that can be axially inserted into the sleeve. The stirring pin assembly is locked onto the sleeve by fasteners. The stirring pin assembly includes a single-ended stirring pin inserted into the sleeve with its two ends passing through the two open ends respectively. The two ends of the single-ended stirring pin are respectively configured as a stirring end and a pointed end, and the stirring end and the pointed end are arranged coaxially. The stirring end and the open end through which it passes together form a welding part, and the pointed end and the open end through which it passes together form a positioning part, so that when the sleeve is set on the spindle and the positioning part is facing the gap between the two workpieces, the pointed end can be regarded as a mass point moving within the gap between the two workpieces.

[0010] As a further aspect of the present invention: the position between the pointed tip and the body of the single-head stirring needle forms a radial interface, and the radial interface coincides with the end face of the pointed tip penetrating the opening end.

[0011] As a further aspect of the present invention: the position between the stirring end and the body of the single-head stirring needle forms a radial interface, and the radial interface coincides with the end face of the through-open end of the stirring end.

[0012] As a further embodiment of the present invention: the fastener includes a set screw and a cylindrical boss coaxially disposed at one end of the set screw, wherein the diameter of the cylindrical boss is smaller than the diameter of the set screw, the sleeve side is provided with a threaded hole for assembling the set screw, and the single-headed stirring needle is provided with a groove for inserting the cylindrical boss.

[0013] As a further aspect of the present invention: the fasteners are configured as two sets and arranged symmetrically on the sleeve.

[0014] As a further aspect of the present invention, the end faces of both open ends of the sleeve are provided with spiral grooves or knurling.

[0015] As a further aspect of the present invention: the stirring needle assembly further includes a double-headed stirring needle that can be inserted into the sleeve and has two open ends respectively, and both ends of the double-headed stirring needle are set as stirring ends, and the diameter of the double-headed stirring needle is the same as the diameter of the single-headed stirring needle.

[0016] A novel quick-release device for welding tools includes a frame for placing a sleeve, on which a heating component is movably disposed, and the heating component can be moved to the welding part and heated thereon.

[0017] As a further aspect of the present invention: a top pressing assembly is provided at the top of the frame above the sleeve, and the actuating end of the top pressing assembly can move vertically to apply a vertical downward force to the single-headed stirring needle or the double-headed stirring needle.

[0018] As a further aspect of the present invention, the heating component is configured as an electromagnetic induction heating coil.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0020] 1. By axially inserting the stirring pin assembly into the sleeve and locking it with fasteners, the stirring pin assembly can be flexibly installed and disassembled. At the same time, the design of the stirring pin assembly—with the two ends of the single-headed stirring pin set as a stirring end and a pointed end respectively—not only meets the requirements of stirring welding, but also achieves precise positioning through the pointed end, improving the accuracy and efficiency of welding.

[0021] 2. By clarifying the positional relationship between the pointed tip and the single-head stirring needle body, that is, the radial interface coincides with the end face of the pointed tip through the opening end, this design not only makes the end face of the opening end play the same role as the end face of the shoulder in the existing technology during the welding process, but also helps to optimize the structural strength of the pointed tip and ensure its stability and accuracy during movement.

[0022] 3. By emphasizing the positional relationship between the stirring end and the single-head stirring needle body, and ensuring that the radial interface coincides with the end face of the through-open end of the stirring end, the stirring effect of the stirring end is enhanced, the welding quality is improved, and the stability and durability of the stirring end during use are ensured.

[0023] 4. The fasteners, through the cooperation of the set screw and the cylindrical boss, as well as the threaded hole on the sleeve and the groove on the body of the stirring needle, achieve a firm lock on the stirring needle assembly, while ensuring the convenience of disassembly and improving the efficiency and flexibility of the welding tool.

[0024] 5. By symmetrically arranging two sets of fasteners on the sleeve, the stability and firmness of the stirring pin assembly are further enhanced, ensuring the stable operation of the stirring pin during welding and improving the welding quality. Moreover, this layout design can maximize the locking connection effect between the sleeve and the stirring pin with a smaller number of fasteners.

[0025] 6. By adding a double-headed stirring pin, the welding tool can adapt to more types of welding needs, improving its applicability and flexibility;

[0026] 7. The advantage of the quick-release device is its high degree of automation. The heating components that are movable on the frame can quickly heat the welding part. At the same time, the design of the frame also facilitates the removal and replacement of welding tools, thus improving work efficiency.

[0027] 8. The separate structure of the sleeve and stirring needle in this invention does not have a shoulder end face, so better materials can be selected as the base material, reducing material costs while improving service life.

[0028] 9. The single-headed stirring needle design in this invention can not only serve as a tool tip, but also allow for direct welding after the position is changed, making it convenient to use;

[0029] 10. This invention provides a dedicated disassembly and assembly device for the detachable stirring needle, making the replacement of the stirring needle quick and easy;

[0030] 11. The fasteners in this invention are different from conventional single-sided radial force fixation; they are also subjected to axial force, making the fixing of the stirring pin on the sleeve more reliable. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 This is a front view structural diagram of Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along line AA.

[0035] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the sleeve in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the single-head stirring rod in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the fastener in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the double-headed stirring rod in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 9 This is a front view structural diagram of Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0041] In the diagram: 1. Sleeve; 2. Single-headed stirring needle; 201. Stirring end; 202. Conical end; 3. Welding part; 4. Positioning part; 5. Fastener; 501. Set screw; 502. Cylindrical boss; 6. Threaded hole; 7. Groove; 8. Double-headed stirring needle; 9. Frame; 10. Heating assembly; 11. Pressing assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0043] Example 1:

[0044] like Figures 1-6As shown, a novel welding fixture includes a sleeve 1 and a stirring pin assembly that can be mounted on the sleeve 1. The sleeve 1 has two open ends. The stirring pin assembly includes a single-headed stirring pin 2. The installation process of the stirring pin assembly on the sleeve 1 is equivalent to the axial insertion and assembly of the single-headed stirring pin 2 onto the sleeve 1 and the use of fasteners 5 for position locking. During this process, both ends of the single-headed stirring pin 2 penetrate the two open ends of the sleeve 1 respectively. The completed state can be determined by… Figure 1 To represent it.

[0045] Specifically, the two ends of the single-headed stirring needle 2 are respectively set as a stirring end 201 and a conical end 202, which are arranged coaxially. Under this design, when the single-headed stirring needle 2 is assembled on the sleeve 1, that is... Figure 1 In the indicated state, the stirring end 201 and its through-hole end together constitute the welding part 3, and the conical end 202 and its through-hole end together constitute the positioning part 4. Before welding is required, the welding part 3 can be pre-installed on the tool holder of the spindle. This installation is a positioning type, in which case the positioning part 4 will face downwards. This state can be achieved by... Figure 2 The process is as follows: the spindle is driven by the control equipment to perform XYZ coordinate positioning. During the XY coordinate positioning process, since the pointed tip 202 on the positioning part 4 is needle-shaped, it can be regarded as a point mass relative to the size of the gap between the two workpieces. The pointed tip 202 can be inserted into the gap between the two workpieces as a point mass (the depth of the pointed tip 202 inserted into the gap can be set according to the actual welding situation) and perform positioning activities in this gap until the operator can visually observe that the pointed tip 202 is at the center position of the gap between the two workpieces, thus completing the XY coordinate positioning work. Then, the Z coordinate positioning work is performed according to the existing operation. After all positioning work is completed, the control equipment can be started to execute the corresponding welding program to simulate welding work. During this process, the movement of the cone end 202 in the gap between the two workpieces can be observed to determine the positioning of the welding tool. If the cone end 202 moves smoothly and steadily in the gap, it indicates that the positioning is accurate. Subsequently, the welding part 3 of the welding tool can be directly disassembled from the tool holder of the spindle, and the positioning part 4 of the welding tool can be installed at the tool holder of the spindle. That is, the positions of the cone end 202 and the stirring end 201 are swapped. This installation is a welding installation. Since the stirring end 201 and the cone end 202 are coaxially set, after this installation, the stirring end 201 of the welding tool will be in the same axial position as the cone end 202, that is, the stirring end 201 will be in the center position of the gap. No further positioning adjustment is required, thus achieving good welding results.

[0046] Compared to the inconvenience of using a blunt-tipped stirring end for XY coordinate positioning in existing technologies, the pointed cone end 202 designed in this application can be accurately inserted into the gap between two workpieces as a mass point. The pointed cone end 202 can move in the gap until it is adjusted to the center position of the gap. Then, welding simulation can be performed on the pointed cone end 202. By observing the movement of the pointed cone end 202, the positioning of the welding tool can be determined, which is convenient for timely adjustment later.

[0047] To better utilize the welding tool in this embodiment for welding operations, when a radial interface is formed between the conical end 202 and the body of the single-headed stirring needle 2, this radial interface coincides with the end face of the conical end 202 penetrating the open end. That is, the end face of the open end is equivalent to the end face of a shoulder in the prior art, ensuring that the end face of the open end plays the same role in the welding process as the end face of a shoulder in the prior art. Preferably, both end faces of the sleeve 1 are provided with spiral grooves or knurling to increase friction and promote material flow, thereby improving welding quality. Similarly, the position between the stirring end 201 and the body of the single-headed stirring needle 2 also forms a radial interface, and in this embodiment, this radial interface coincides with the end face of the stirring end 201 penetrating the open end.

[0048] Regarding the fastener 5 mentioned above, the fastener 5 includes a set screw 501 and a cylindrical boss 502 coaxially disposed at one end of the set screw 501, wherein the diameter of the cylindrical boss 502 is smaller than the diameter of the set screw 501. Based on this structural design of the fastener 5, this application provides a threaded hole 6 on the side of the sleeve 1 for assembling the set screw 501, and a groove 7 on the needle body of the single-headed stirring needle 2 for inserting the cylindrical boss 502. The installation state can be determined by... Figure 3 To improve the locking effect of fastener 5 between sleeve 1 and stirring needle, fastener 5 can be set into two sets and arranged symmetrically on sleeve 1. This layout design can maximize the locking connection effect between sleeve 1 and stirring needle with a smaller number of fasteners 5.

[0049] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the positioning of the XY coordinates and the positioning of the Z coordinates can be performed separately. For example, after the XY coordinates are positioned using the cone end 202, the positions of the cone end 202 and the stirring end 201 are switched. At this time, the stirring end 201 will be in the lower position. Then, the Z coordinates are positioned using the stirring end 201 according to the existing operation.

[0050] Example 2:

[0051] Because the stirring end 201 of the welding tool in Example 1 is subjected to harsh environments such as high temperature, pressure, and vibration during prolonged use, its hardness, toughness, strength, and other related properties will decrease, eventually leading to breakage or failure of the stirring end 201. In the event of breakage or failure, a new welding tool is usually replaced and remanufactured, while the replaced broken / failed welding tool is treated as scrap steel parts.

[0052] For the body replaced due to broken needle failure, some manufacturers will perform secondary processing, but the overall length will be reduced. When the workpiece to be welded is a product with a complex structure, the welding tool of this secondary processing will interfere, making normal welding impossible. Even if the length requirement can be met after secondary processing, the overall hardness will be slightly lower due to long-term high-temperature use, resulting in a significantly reduced service life compared to before. In addition, secondary processing is a hardware processing after heat treatment, which increases processing time and welding tool consumption, thus increasing costs. At the same time, some molten material from the product to be welded will adhere to the failed body, which will affect the processing dimensions during secondary processing and affect the welding quality.

[0053] like Figures 7-8 As shown, based on the above, this embodiment, in addition to the stirring needle assembly of Embodiment 1, also includes a double-headed stirring needle 8 that can be inserted into the sleeve 1 and has two open ends respectively. Both ends of the double-headed stirring needle 8 are designated as stirring ends 201, and the diameter of the double-headed stirring needle 8 is the same as that of the single-headed stirring needle 2. If the single-headed stirring needle 2 breaks or fails during use, it can be removed from the sleeve 1 and replaced with the double-headed stirring needle 8 of this embodiment. Since the diameter of the double-headed stirring needle 8 is the same as that of the single-headed stirring needle 2, after assembling the double-headed stirring needle 8 onto the sleeve 1, it can be directly used for welding without needing to be repositioned. If the stirring end 201 of the double-headed stirring needle 8 breaks or fails, the installation position of the double-headed stirring needle 8 can be reversed, and the other stirring end 201 of the double-headed stirring needle 8 can be used for welding.

[0054] Example 3:

[0055] like Figure 9As shown, when the single-headed stirring needle 2 or the double-headed stirring needle 8 breaks or fails, high-temperature molten material adheres to the stirring end 201 and the opening end during the welding process. This makes disassembly difficult due to the hardened high-temperature molten material. To facilitate quick and easy disassembly of the stirring needle and the sleeve 1, this embodiment proposes a novel quick-release device for welding fixtures. This device includes a frame 9 for placing the sleeve 1. A heating component 10 is movably mounted on the frame 9 and can be moved to the welding part 3 to heat it. Preferably, the heating component 10 is an electromagnetic induction heating coil. A pressing component 11 is located above the sleeve 1 at the top of the frame 9, and the actuating end of the pressing component 11 can move vertically to apply a downward vertical force to the single-headed stirring needle 2 or the double-headed stirring needle 8. Preferably, the pressing component 11 can be a cylinder or hydraulic cylinder, as in the prior art.

[0056] In use, when the stirring pin breaks or fails on the sleeve 1, the welding tool can be removed from the tool holder of the spindle first, and then the welding tool can be placed on the frame 9. Specifically, the sleeve 1 in the welding tool is restricted on the frame 9. The restricting component can be a conventional clamp in the prior art such as a bench vise. Then, the heating component 10 is moved so that the heating component 10 heats the broken / failed stirring end 201 and the open end, so that the hardened molten material melts again. Then, the actuator of the top pressure component 11 is driven to apply a downward force to the stirring pin until the stirring pin is removed from the sleeve 1, thus completing the disassembly work.

[0057] The following is a comprehensive description of the entire process of using this invention:

[0058] (1) Insert the single-headed stirring needle 2 into the sleeve 1, and make the groove 7 and the threaded hole 6 on the sleeve 1 opposite each other.

[0059] (2) Insert the cylindrical boss 502 on the fastener 5 into the threaded hole 6 and the groove 7 in sequence until the set screw 501 on the fastener 5 abuts against the threaded hole 6. Then tighten the set screw 501 on the threaded hole 6. At this time, the cylindrical boss 502 will press tightly against the single-head stirring needle 2 to lock the position of the single-head stirring needle 2.

[0060] (3) Install the assembled single-headed stirring needle 2 onto the handle of the welding equipment. During this assembly process, it is important to note that one end of the pointed cone 202 should face downwards.

[0061] (4) According to the normal principle of coordinate point alignment, use feeler gauge to align the Z-axis coordinate value, and at the same time place the pointed end 202 of the single-head stirring needle 2 in the middle position within the gap between the two workpieces to lock the X and Y axis coordinates.

[0062] (5) Increase the simulated height, execute the welding equipment program, and observe whether the tip 202 moves along the gap between the two workpieces. If there are no needle tip scratch marks on the workpiece surface except for the gap between the two workpieces, it means that the weld trajectory executed by the tip 202 is consistent with the trajectory of the gap between the two workpieces.

[0063] (6) After positioning, remove the single-head stirring needle 2 from the handle of the welding equipment, turn it so that the stirring end 201 faces down, and lock it back onto the handle.

[0064] (7) Cancel the simulated height value, directly execute the welding program, and start mass production;

[0065] (8) If the stirring end 201 breaks or fails during long-term production, remove the sleeve 1 from the knife handle and fix the broken / failed end onto the frame 9 with the broken / failed end facing upwards.

[0066] (9) Move the heating component 10 to the end of the sleeve 1 and heat that position for several minutes;

[0067] (10) The actuator of the top pressure assembly 11 is slowly lowered to the end face of the broken / failed shaft shoulder, so that the actuator applies a certain pressure to the broken / failed part until the single-head stirring needle 2 is removed from the sleeve 1.

[0068] (11) Then the double-headed stirring needle 8 can be replaced and the above steps (1), (2) and (3) can be performed to realize the assembly of the double-headed stirring needle 8 on the sleeve 1 and the sleeve 1 on the knife handle.

[0069] (12) After assembly, start the equipment directly for production welding;

[0070] (13) When the stirring end 201 breaks or fails, perform the above steps (8), (9) and (10), then turn the direction, re-tighten, and continue welding with another stirring end 201.

[0071] The foregoing has provided a detailed description of one embodiment of the present invention, but this description is merely a preferred embodiment and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. All equivalent variations and modifications made within the scope of the claims of this invention should still fall within the patent coverage of this invention.

Claims

1. A welding tool, characterized in that, The device includes a sleeve (1) with two open ends and a stirring needle assembly that can be axially inserted into the sleeve (1). The stirring needle assembly is locked onto the sleeve (1) by fasteners (5). The stirring needle assembly includes a single-headed stirring needle (2) inserted into the sleeve (1) and having its two ends passing through the two open ends respectively. The two ends of the single-headed stirring needle (2) are respectively set as a stirring end (201) and a pointed end (202). The stirring end (201) and the pointed end (202) are arranged coaxially. The stirring end (201) and its through open end together form a welding part (3). The pointed end (202) and its through open end together form a positioning part (4). When the sleeve (1) is set on the main shaft and the positioning part (4) is facing the gap between the two workpieces, the pointed end (202) can be regarded as a mass point moving in the gap between the two workpieces.

2. The welding tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, The position between the pointed tip (202) and the body of the single-headed stirring needle (2) forms a radial interface, and the radial interface coincides with the end face of the pointed tip (202) through the opening.

3. The welding tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, The position between the stirring end (201) and the needle body of the single-head stirring needle (2) forms a radial interface, and the radial interface coincides with the end face of the through opening end of the stirring end (201).

4. A welding tool according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The fastener (5) includes a set screw (501) and a cylindrical boss (502) coaxially disposed at one end of the set screw (501), and the diameter of the cylindrical boss (502) is smaller than the diameter of the set screw (501). The sleeve (1) has a threaded hole (6) on its side for assembling the set screw (501), and the single-headed stirring needle (2) has a groove (7) on its needle body for inserting the cylindrical boss (502).

5. A welding tool according to claim 4, characterized in that, The fasteners (5) are configured in two sets and arranged symmetrically on the sleeve (1).

6. A welding tool according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The sleeve (1) has spiral grooves or knurled patterns on the end faces of both open ends.

7. A welding tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, The stirring needle assembly also includes a double-headed stirring needle (8) that can be inserted into the sleeve (1) and has two open ends respectively. Both ends of the double-headed stirring needle (8) are set as stirring ends (201), and the diameter of the double-headed stirring needle (8) is the same as the diameter of the single-headed stirring needle (2).

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