A vertical adaptive friction stir welding apparatus and method

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of friction welding technology, specifically a vertical adaptive friction stir welding device and method, comprising: a first column and a second column arranged opposite to each other, the first column being equipped with a clamping assembly, and the second column being equipped with an abutment assembly and a friction stir welding machine; a flow divider connected to the friction stir welding machine, the interior of the flow divider being divided into two independent chambers by a partition plate arranged at right angles; a first sealing plate and a second sealing plate, disposed within the flow divider and slidably connected to the partition plate, the first sealing plate being provided with a locking groove, the locking groove cooperating with a locking part disposed on the second sealing plate, enabling the second sealing plate to be unlocked after the first sealing plate is activated; and a traction mechanism disposed on the friction stir welding machine, the traction mechanism including an abutment trigger assembly and a centrifugal pulling assembly, the abutment trigger assembly being connected to the second sealing plate, and the centrifugal pulling assembly being connected to the first sealing plate, thereby improving the welding effect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of friction welding technology, specifically a vertical adaptive friction stir welding apparatus and method. Background Technology

[0002] Friction stir welding is an advanced solid-state joining technology, mainly used for welding metallic materials, especially refractory materials such as aluminum alloys.

[0003] Cooling control is crucial during welding. Taking aluminum alloy sheets thicker than 50mm as an example, without cooling measures, excessively high temperatures in the weld zone can significantly reduce the material's yield strength and tensile strength. In this case, removing some heat through a cooling system can effectively control the temperature of the weld and heat-affected zone, ensuring weld quality. For aluminum alloy sheets thinner than 50mm, natural air cooling is usually sufficient. Adding extra cooling may actually lead to excessive heat dissipation, causing a sudden drop in localized temperature in the weld area. This reduces the material's plastic deformation capacity, preventing it from fully filling the weld area and resulting in voids, ultimately affecting weld quality.

[0004] There are two main types of cooling control methods: sensor control and mechanical control. Since vibration during friction stir welding can cause measurement errors in sensors, mechanical control remains the mainstream choice.

[0005] Mechanical control is mainly achieved by coordinating the measurement of workpiece thickness and stirring head speed. However, there is no mechanical correlation between the two, and the workpiece thickness and stirring head speed are inversely proportional. This means that when welding thinner workpieces, the stirring head speed is often higher, which results in a greater degree of cooling to the welding area, which can easily lead to the formation of holes and affect the welding quality. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a vertical adaptive friction stir welding apparatus and method to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0008] A vertical adaptive friction stir welding apparatus, comprising:

[0009] The first column and the second column are arranged opposite to each other. The first column is equipped with a clamping assembly, and the second column is equipped with an abutment assembly and a friction stir welding machine.

[0010] The flow divider box is connected to the friction stir welding machine. The interior of the flow divider box is divided into two independent chambers by a partition plate set at right angles.

[0011] A first sealing plate and a second sealing plate are disposed in the diversion box and are slidably connected to the partition plate in a sealed manner. The first sealing plate is provided with a locking groove, which cooperates with a locking part provided on the second sealing plate, so that the second sealing plate can be unlocked after the first sealing plate is activated.

[0012] A traction mechanism is provided on the friction stir welding machine. The traction mechanism includes an abutting trigger assembly and a centrifugal pulling assembly. The abutting trigger assembly is connected to the second sealing plate, and the centrifugal pulling assembly is connected to the first sealing plate.

[0013] As a further embodiment of the present invention: each of the two sides of the partition plate is provided with a set of through holes, and the trapezoidal grooves provided on the first sealing plate and the second sealing plate are adapted to the through holes;

[0014] When the first or second sealing plate is pulled, the overlapping area of ​​the trapezoidal groove and the through hole can be changed.

[0015] As a further embodiment of the present invention: the contact assembly includes a guide fixedly mounted on the friction stir welding machine, a horizontal frame slidably mounted on the guide, the horizontal frame and the guide are connected by a first cylindrical spring, and a ball bearing is provided at one end of the horizontal frame facing the first column.

[0016] The contact trigger assembly further includes a second connecting rod that is fixedly connected to the second sealing plate and slidably disposed through the diverter box. The end of the second connecting rod away from the second sealing plate is connected to the transverse frame via a hinge rod.

[0017] As a further embodiment of the present invention: the centrifugal pulling assembly includes a driven shaft rotatably mounted on the friction stir welding machine, the driven shaft being connected to the friction stir welding machine via a connecting belt;

[0018] Multiple sets of rotating components are equidistantly arranged in a circle on the driven shaft. The end of each rotating component away from the driven shaft extends in a direction away from the first sealing plate, and a steel slider that can slide along its length is provided on the rotating component.

[0019] The centrifugal traction assembly also includes an energy storage structure connecting the steel slider and the first sealing plate.

[0020] As a further embodiment of the present invention: the energy storage structure includes a sliding member slidably mounted on the driven shaft, a traction rod rotatably mounted on the sliding member, and the end of the traction rod away from the sliding member being rotatably connected to the steel slider;

[0021] The sliding member has an annular groove coaxially arranged with the driven shaft, and a first connecting rod connected to the first sealing plate is rotatably sleeved in the annular groove.

[0022] The energy storage structure also includes a second cylindrical spring sleeved on the driven shaft, one end of which is connected to the rotating member and the other end of which is connected to the sliding member.

[0023] As a further embodiment of the present invention: the clamping assembly includes a guide rod disposed on the first column, a connecting plate slidably mounted on the guide rod, a first driving unit disposed on the connecting plate, and the actuating end of the first driving unit being fixedly connected to a rack plate sliding on the connecting plate;

[0024] The clamping assembly further includes a deflection arm rotatably mounted on the connecting plate. The deflection arm is provided with an abutment portion and a first abutment member. A gear is also coaxially fixed on the shaft of the deflection arm, and the gear meshes with the rack plate.

[0025] As a further embodiment of the present invention: the abutting component includes multiple sets of second driving units symmetrically arranged along the height direction of the second column, and the abutting member is provided on the actuating end of the second driving unit.

[0026] As a further embodiment of the present invention: the second column is disposed on the base, and a sliding plate is provided at the bottom of the second column;

[0027] A follower capable of moving along its height direction is slidably installed inside the second column, and the follower is connected to a balance cylinder disposed on the second column;

[0028] The follower is also provided with a transverse drive, and a telescopic drive is installed on the transverse drive. The end of the telescopic drive away from the transverse drive is connected to the friction stir welding machine.

[0029] A method for welding a workpiece using the aforementioned vertical adaptive friction stir welding apparatus includes the following steps:

[0030] Step 1: The sliding plate moves the second column away from the first column, leaving operating space for the operator;

[0031] Step 2: The workpiece is hoisted into place using a hoisting system, clamped using the set clamping components, and then the position of the workpiece is adjusted using the bottom support device;

[0032] Step 3: The top tensioning device pulls the second column toward the first column, causing the abutment component to abut against the workpiece;

[0033] Step 4: Adjust the position of the friction stir welding machine, and then start the friction stir welding machine;

[0034] Step 5: The traction structure follows the movement of the friction stir welding machine and controls the movement of the first and second sealing plates to adjust the supply of coolant toward the welded workpiece.

[0035] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0036] The first and second sealing plates can select whether to use water cooling for auxiliary heat dissipation according to the thickness of the workpiece. This avoids excessive heat dissipation caused by incorrect selection of water cooling auxiliary heat dissipation time, which would cause a sudden drop in local temperature in the welding area, reduce the plastic deformation capacity of the material, and may not be able to fully fill the weld area, thus forming a hole. Alternatively, insufficient heat dissipation would cause the temperature in the welding area to be too high, which would cause a significant decrease in the yield strength and tensile strength of the material.

[0037] By setting up contact-generating components and centrifugal traction components, precise control of water volume is achieved, avoiding water waste and improving the cooling effect when water cooling is involved, making the actual cooling degree more consistent with the theoretical cooling degree. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a vertical adaptive friction stir welding apparatus.

[0039] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of the structure at point A in the middle.

[0040] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the clamping assembly in one embodiment of a vertical adaptive friction stir welding apparatus.

[0041] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a vertical adaptive friction stir welding apparatus from another angle in one embodiment.

[0042] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the abutment component in one embodiment of a vertical adaptive friction stir welding apparatus.

[0043] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the friction stir welding machine and the traction mechanism in one embodiment of the vertical adaptive friction stir welding device.

[0044] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the friction stir welding machine and the follower in one embodiment of a vertical adaptive friction stir welding apparatus.

[0045] Figure 8This is a schematic diagram of the centrifugal traction component in one embodiment of a vertical adaptive friction stir welding device.

[0046] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the connection relationship between the first sealing plate and the sliding member in one embodiment of a vertical adaptive friction stir welding device.

[0047] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the contact generator assembly in one embodiment of a vertical adaptive friction stir welding apparatus.

[0048] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first sealing plate and the second sealing plate in one embodiment of a vertical adaptive friction stir welding device.

[0049] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the shunt box in one embodiment of a vertical adaptive friction stir welding apparatus.

[0050] In the diagram: 1. First column; 2. Second column; 3. Slide plate; 4. Base; 5. Guide rod; 6. Connecting plate; 7. First drive unit; 8. Rack plate; 9. Gear; 10. Deflection arm; 11. Abutment part; 12. First abutment component; 13. Second drive unit; 14. Second abutment component; 15. Follower component; 16. Balance cylinder; 17. Lateral drive component; 18. Telescopic drive component; 19. Drive device; 20. Rotary drive component; 21. Stirring head; 22. Connecting belt; 23. Driven shaft; 4. Rotating component; 25. Steel slider; 26. Pull rod; 27. Sliding component; 2701. Annular groove; 28. First connecting rod; 29. ​​First sealing plate; 2901. Locking groove; 30. Trapezoidal groove; 31. Diverter box; 32. Separator plate; 33. Through hole; 34. Guide component; 35. Horizontal frame; 36. First cylindrical spring; 37. Hinge rod; 38. Second connecting rod; 39. Second sealing plate; 3901. Locking part; 40. Ball bearing; 41. Nozzle; 42. Second cylindrical spring. Detailed Implementation

[0051] 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.

[0052] Furthermore, elements in this invention are referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, which may be directly on the other element or may also include an intervening element. When an element is considered to be "connected" to another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or may also include an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementations.

[0053] Please see Figures 1-12 In this embodiment of the invention, a vertical adaptive friction stir welding device includes: a first column 1 and a second column 2, a diversion box 31, a first sealing plate 29, a second sealing plate 39, and a traction mechanism.

[0054] The first column 1 and the second column 2 are arranged opposite to each other. The first column 1 is equipped with a clamping assembly, and the second column 2 is equipped with an abutment assembly and a friction stir welding machine.

[0055] The clamping assembly includes a guide rod 5 mounted on the first column 1, a connecting plate 6 slidably mounted on the guide rod 5, a first drive unit 7 fixedly mounted on the connecting plate 6, and the actuating end of the first drive unit 7 being fixedly connected to a rack plate 8 sliding on the connecting plate 6.

[0056] The clamping assembly also includes a deflection arm 10 rotatably mounted on the connecting plate 6. The deflection arm 10 is connected to an abutment part 11, and the abutment part 11 is provided with a first abutment member 12. A gear 9 is also coaxially fixed on the rotating shaft of the deflection arm 10, and the gear 9 meshes with the rack plate 8.

[0057] In actual operation, to pre-position the workpiece, the first drive unit 7 is first controlled to move, causing the rack plate 8 to move away from itself. Through the meshing linkage mechanism of the rack plate 8 and the gear 9, this action causes the deflection arm 10 to rotate in the opposite direction around the axis of the first column 1, thus causing the abutment part 11 to steadily move away from the first column 1. This provides ample space for the subsequent lifting and positioning of the workpiece. After the workpiece to be welded is securely lifted and accurately moved between the first column 1 and the abutment part 11, the first drive unit 7 is controlled to move in the opposite direction, causing the rack plate 8 to retract. Through the re-meshing transmission of the gear 9, the abutment part 11 rotates and firmly clamps the workpiece between the abutment part 11 and the first column 1. Thus, the pre-positioning of the workpiece is successfully achieved. This ensures that when the subsequent abutment assembly is put into operation, the workpiece can be significantly stabilized based on the pre-positioned stability, providing a solid guarantee for the subsequent welding process.

[0058] Furthermore, upon closer inspection of the device's structural details, the first abutment member 12 adopts a semi-cylindrical design, which matches the groove on the abutment portion 11. The groove is designed to be smaller than the semi-cylindrical shape, forming a coaxial sliding connection between the two, ensuring smooth and precise movement. To prevent unnecessary sliding of the first abutment member 12 along its length on the abutment portion 11, a guide structure (not shown in the figure) is also provided between them. Specifically,

[0059] The connecting plate 6 can be fixed to the first column 1 by bolts to prevent the connecting plate 6 from changing its height on the first column 1, thereby improving its own stability. At the same time, the relative position of the connecting plate 6 can be adjusted according to the length of different workpieces to be welded, so as to achieve clamping and positioning of workpieces of different lengths.

[0060] The abutting assembly includes multiple sets of second drive units 13 symmetrically fixedly installed along the height direction of the second column 2, and a second abutting member 14 is connected to the actuating end of the second drive unit 13.

[0061] After the workpiece is clamped, the second column 2 can be driven to move toward the first column 1 (detailed below). After the second column 2 moves to the predetermined position, the second drive unit 13 is activated and drives the second abutment 14 toward the workpiece. The included angle formed between the two sets of second drive units 13 is an acute angle, so that when the second abutment 14 acts on the workpiece, the second abutment 14 can generate a force F1 on the workpiece to move toward the first column 1 and a force F2 along the width direction of the workpiece to move the two sets of workpieces to be welded closer to each other. F1 can increase the abutment force between the workpiece and the first column 1, thereby ensuring the stability of the workpiece during the welding process and improving the welding effect. F2 can make the two sets of workpieces to be welded in a tight abutment state, so that during friction stir welding, the edges of the two sets of workpieces can be fully melted and joined together, avoiding welding failure or weak welding due to excessive gap between them.

[0062] Similarly, when the second abutment 14 is connected to the second drive unit 13 using the same guiding structure, it can adaptively adjust its own state when acting on the workpiece to ensure good fit with the workpiece, further ensuring the stability of the workpiece in the welding state.

[0063] Among them, the first drive unit 7 and the second drive unit 13 mentioned above are hydraulic cylinders, air cylinders or electric telescopic rods. These three are applications of existing technology and will not be described in detail here. They can be selected and assembled according to the actual situation.

[0064] Furthermore, in practical applications, conventional friction stir welding machines either have a first column 1 and a second column 2 that cannot be moved, which makes loading and unloading difficult; or the first column 1 can be moved while the second column 2 cannot be moved. Although this allows for more operating space to facilitate loading and unloading, it also brings other problems, namely, it is inconvenient to clamp the workpiece. In this application, the clamping assembly is installed on the first column 1. The first column 1 is stationary, which provides a reference for clamping and facilitates use. However, if the first column 1 is movable, the clamping reference is lost.

[0065] Please see Figures 6-7 The second column 2 is mounted on the base 4, and a sliding plate 3 is mounted on the bottom of the second column 2. Specifically, a roller assembly is installed inside the sliding plate 3. The roller assembly is driven by a built-in drive device, which drives the sliding plate 3 to move the second column 2 toward or away from the first column 1 to change the distance between the second column 2 and the first column 1. On the one hand, when the workpiece is lifted and clamped onto the first column 1, more space can be obtained by adjusting and increasing the distance between the first column 1 and the second column 2, which facilitates operation. On the other hand, after the workpiece is clamped, the distance between the first column 1 and the second column 2 can be adjusted and reduced, so that the friction stir welding device can move quickly toward the workpiece, shortening the preparation time before welding.

[0066] A follower 15 capable of moving along its height direction is slidably installed inside the second column 2. The follower 15 is connected to a balance cylinder 16 disposed on the second column 2. Specifically, a traction rope is connected to the actuating end of the balance cylinder 16, and the traction rope is connected to the follower 15. By controlling the movement of the balance cylinder 16, the height of the follower 15 can be adjusted, thereby enabling continuous welding of the workpiece along its length direction according to actual control.

[0067] The follower 15 is also provided with a transverse drive 17, and a telescopic drive 18 is installed on the transverse drive 17. The end of the telescopic drive 18 away from the transverse drive 17 is connected to the friction stir welding machine.

[0068] The friction stir welding machine includes the drive device 19, on which a stirring head 21 is connected, and the stirring head 21 is connected to a rotary drive component 20 disposed on the drive device 19.

[0069] In this embodiment, the lateral drive 17 enables the telescopic drive 18 and the friction stir welding machine to move along the width direction of the workpiece, allowing for fine-tuning of the lateral position of the friction stir welding machine during welding, thereby improving welding accuracy. The telescopic drive 18 can drive the friction stir welding machine to move toward or away from the workpiece, thereby adjusting the welding depth of the friction stir welding machine. At the same time, by controlling the action of the rotary drive 20, the tilt angle of the stirring head 21 can also be changed, allowing for adjustments according to actual production needs, further improving the welding effect.

[0070] Please see Figure 12 The flow divider box 31 is connected to the friction stir welding machine, and the flow divider box 31 is connected to the nozzle 41 through a conduit;

[0071] The inside of the diversion box 31 is divided into two independent chambers by a partition plate 32 arranged at right angles. Each of the two sides of the partition plate 32 is provided with a set of through holes 33. The trapezoidal grooves 30 provided on the first sealing plate 29 and the second sealing plate 39 are adapted to the through holes 33. When the first sealing plate 29 or the second sealing plate 39 is pulled, the overlapping area of ​​the trapezoidal groove 30 and the through holes 33 can be changed. The length of the through hole 33 is greater than the length of the longer bottom side of the trapezoidal groove 30.

[0072] During use, the outer shell of the diversion box 31 is provided with two sets of interfaces. One set of interfaces can be connected to an external water supply device, and the other set of interfaces is connected to the nozzle 41 through a conduit. During use, the trapezoidal groove 30 on the first sealing plate 29 is misaligned with the corresponding through hole 33, and the trapezoidal groove 30 on the second sealing plate 39 is misaligned with the corresponding through hole 33. In this state, both sets of through holes 33 on the partition plate 32 are blocked, which allows the water flow to be switched. In the non-welded state, no water flow will be generated at the nozzle 41, resulting in water waste.

[0073] When the traction mechanism is triggered, it enables the first sealing plate 29 and the second sealing plate 39 to move, and allows the two sets of through holes 33 to be connected. The area of ​​the through holes can be adjusted adaptively, thereby achieving precise control of the water pumping, improving the cooling effect on the workpiece after welding, and avoiding excessively high temperature in the welding area due to insufficient water pumping, which would cause a significant decrease in the yield strength and tensile strength of the material. Alternatively, excessive water pumping would cause a sudden drop in local temperature in the welding area, which would reduce the plastic deformation capacity of the material and may not be able to fully fill the weld area, thus forming holes, reducing the mechanical properties of the welded joint, and affecting the strength and density of the weld.

[0074] The first sealing plate 29 and the second sealing plate 39 are disposed in the diversion box 31 and are slidably connected to the partition plate 32. The first sealing plate 29 is provided with a locking groove 2901, which cooperates with the locking part 3901 provided on the second sealing plate 39, so that the second sealing plate 39 can be unlocked after the first sealing plate 29 is activated.

[0075] During welding, depending on the thickness of the workpiece, when the workpiece is thin, external air cooling is sufficient for post-weld cooling. The contact trigger component in the traction mechanism will not move, so the second sealing plate 39 is stationary. With the cooperation of the locking part 3901 and the locking groove 2901, the first sealing plate 29 is locked. Although the centrifugal traction component moves, it cannot drive the first sealing plate 29 to move. This prevents the centrifugal traction component from pulling the first sealing plate 29, causing water to flow through one of the guide holes 33 into the nozzle 41 and produce a cooling effect, resulting in a cooling amount greater than the actual required amount and causing a decrease in welding quality.

[0076] When the workpiece is thick, water cooling is required to assist in the cooling after welding. When the stirring head 21 moves toward the workpiece, it can trigger the movement of the second sealing plate 39, so that the locking part 3901 can separate from the locking groove 2901. At this time, the centrifugal pulling assembly can pull the first sealing plate 29 to move, so that the first sealing plate 29 and the second sealing plate 39 respectively control the conduction of the corresponding through hole 33, realize the precise delivery of water, and ensure the cooling effect.

[0077] Please see Figure 10 The traction mechanism is mounted on the friction stir welding machine. The traction mechanism includes an abutting trigger assembly and a centrifugal pulling assembly. The abutting trigger assembly is connected to the second sealing plate 39, and the centrifugal pulling assembly is connected to the first sealing plate 29.

[0078] The contact assembly includes a guide 34 fixedly mounted on the friction stir welding machine. A horizontal frame 35 is slidably mounted on the guide 34. The horizontal frame 35 and the guide 34 are connected by a first columnar spring 36. A ball bearing 40 is provided at one end of the horizontal frame 35 facing the first column 1.

[0079] The contact trigger assembly also includes a second connecting rod 38 that is fixedly connected to the second sealing plate 39 and slidably disposed through the diversion box 31. The end of the second connecting rod 38 away from the second sealing plate 39 is connected to the horizontal frame 35 by a hinge rod 37.

[0080] In the initial state, the first cylindrical spring 36 is stretched, and the horizontal frame 35 is in contact with the guide 34. At the same time, there is a certain distance difference between the ball 40 and the end of the stirring head 21. This distance difference can be understood as the critical point where water-cooled auxiliary cooling is required. That is, when the stirring head 21 is submerged in the workpiece but the workpiece is not in contact with the ball 40, it indicates that the workpiece is thin and can be cooled by air. When the stirring head 21 is submerged in the workpiece and the workpiece is in contact with the ball 40 and drives the horizontal frame 35 to move, the second sealing plate 39 can move downward and trigger the conduction hole 33 adapted to the second sealing plate 39 to open, thereby realizing the pumping of water. At the same time, the locking part 3901 can separate from the locking groove 2901, thereby unlocking the first sealing plate 29.

[0081] Please see Figures 8-9 , Figure 11 The centrifugal pulling assembly includes a driven shaft 23 rotatably mounted on the friction stir welding machine, and the driven shaft 23 is connected to the friction stir welding machine via a connecting belt 22;

[0082] Multiple sets of rotating parts 24 are equidistantly arranged on the driven shaft 23. The end of the rotating part 24 away from the driven shaft 23 extends in a direction away from the first sealing plate 29, and a steel slider 25 that can slide along its length is provided on the rotating part 24.

[0083] The centrifugal traction assembly also includes an energy storage structure connecting the steel slider 25 and the first sealing plate 29. The energy storage structure includes a sliding member 27 slidably mounted on the driven shaft 23. A traction rod 26 is rotatably mounted on the sliding member 27. One end of the traction rod 26 away from the sliding member 27 is rotatably connected to the steel slider 25.

[0084] The sliding member 27 has an annular groove 2701 coaxially arranged with the driven shaft 23, and a first connecting rod 28 connected to the first sealing plate 29 is rotatably sleeved in the annular groove 2701.

[0085] The energy storage structure also includes a second cylindrical spring 42 sleeved on the driven shaft 23. One end of the second cylindrical spring 42 is connected to the rotating member 24, and the other end is connected to the sliding member 27.

[0086] In the initial state, the second cylindrical spring 42 is compressed. Through the traction of the pull rod 26, the steel slider 25 can be positioned at one end of its stroke close to the driven shaft 23. When the stirring head 21 rotates, the drive device 19 can drive the driven shaft 23 to rotate through the connecting belt 22, and make the rotating part 24 make circular motion. At this time, the steel slider 25 will also make circular motion and generate centrifugal force. Under the action of centrifugal force, the steel slider 25 can move along the length direction of the rotating part 24, and drive the sliding part 27 to move through the pull rod 26. At this time, the sliding part 27 pulls the first sealing plate 29 to move through the first connecting rod 28, so that the guide hole 33 that is adapted to the first sealing plate 29 can be adapted.

[0087] In this process, the rotational speed of the stirring shaft 21 is inconsistent for workpieces of different thicknesses. When the rotational speed of the stirring head 21 changes, the rotational speed of the driven shaft 23 will also change. At this time, the centrifugal force of the steel slider 25 in circular motion changes, causing the displacement of the sliding part 27 to be pulled and move by different amounts. This achieves precise control of water volume by different amounts of overlap between the trapezoidal groove 30 on the first sealing plate 29 and the through hole 33, avoiding water waste and improving the cooling effect of water cooling to a certain extent, making the actual cooling degree more consistent with the theoretical cooling degree.

[0088] The drive unit 19 only drives the driven shaft 23, steel slider 25, pull rod 26, sliding member 27 and second cylindrical spring 42 to rotate. The driven shaft 23, steel slider 25, pull rod 26, sliding member 27 and second cylindrical spring 42 can be regarded as a circumferentially symmetrical structure, so that these components will not generate too much additional load on the drive unit 19. Even when the first sealing plate 29 is locked, the driven shaft 23 can still rotate with the drive unit 19 without affecting the normal operation of the stirring head 21.

[0089] With the above settings, the first sealing plate 29 and the second sealing plate 39 can move according to the rotation speed of the stirring head 21 and the thickness of the workpiece, respectively, so as to achieve coordinated control of the water volume, improve the accuracy of the water volume pumped toward the nozzle 41, and ensure the cooling effect.

[0090] As an embodiment of the present invention, a method for welding a workpiece using the aforementioned vertical adaptive friction stir welding apparatus is also proposed, comprising the following steps:

[0091] Step 1: The sliding plate 3 moves the second column 2 away from the first column 1, leaving operating space for the operator;

[0092] Step 2: The workpiece is hoisted into place using a hoisting system, clamped using the set clamping components, and then the position of the workpiece is adjusted using the bottom support device;

[0093] Step 3: The top tensioning device pulls the second column 2 toward the first column 1, so that the abutment component abuts against the workpiece;

[0094] Step 4: Adjust the position of the friction stir welding machine, and then start the friction stir welding machine;

[0095] Step 5: The traction structure follows the movement of the friction stir welding machine and controls the movement of the first sealing plate 29 and the second sealing plate 39 to adjust the supply of coolant toward the welded workpiece.

[0096] The top tensioning device includes two symmetrically arranged first tensioning structures and second tensioning structures. The first tensioning structure is equipped with a pull rod, which is driven by a hydraulic cylinder / pneumatic cylinder / linear electric cylinder to move back and forth. The second tensioning structure is equipped with a fixed clamp, which can be driven by a hydraulic cylinder / pneumatic cylinder / linear electric cylinder to move up and down (or left and right). When the pull rod extends to its position, the fixed clamp extends downward (or in the left and right direction) to its position. The pull rod is equipped with a sloping groove (or protrusion), and the clamp is equipped with a sloping protrusion (or groove). The sloping surfaces of the pull rod and the clamp finally fit together to complete the fixed constraint of the pull rod.

[0097] After the slide plate 3 and the second column 2 move into position toward the first column 1 (the next step is welding), the top tensioning device automatically pulls the first column 1 and the second column 2 together, so that the first column 1 and the second column 2 are rigidly connected as a whole. This can greatly increase the rigidity of the first column 1 and the second column 2 and greatly improve the stability of welding.

[0098] Specifically, the inclination angle of the aforementioned inclined groove (inclined protrusion) is determined according to the actual material (generally 5°~15°). The angle is the self-locking angle of the pull rod and the clamping material. This angle has two functions: First, by setting this angle, it can be ensured that the inclined surface of the clamping and the pull rod can be firmly attached (if it is a vertical surface, once the pull rod does not move to the correct position, it is difficult to ensure that the clamping and the pull rod are attached; either the clamping cannot be inserted, or there is a gap between the surfaces that should be attached); Second, the self-locking angle makes the fixing constraint of the pull rod more secure and less likely to cause the tensioning function to fail due to external interference.

[0099] The bottom support device includes: a base, a handwheel, bottom support wheels, and side wheels. Specifically, the device can be adjusted up and down by rotating the handwheel on the base. The device has bottom support wheels to support the bottom surface of the workpiece, and the bottom support wheels can be rotated by rotating the handwheel (or an automatic rotation of the bottom support wheels can be achieved by installing a motor / rotary hydraulic cylinder / rotary pneumatic cylinder). The device has two sets of side wheels to constrain the inner and outer surfaces of the workpiece to provide positional constraint and prevent tipping. The positions of the two sets of side wheels can be adjusted by rotating the corresponding handwheels. After the workpiece is fixed and constrained by the clamping device, the bottom support device of the workpiece is adjusted so that the bottom support wheels of the support device are in contact with the bottom surface of the workpiece, and the two sets of side wheels are in contact with (or leave a certain gap according to actual needs) the inner and outer surfaces of the workpiece.

[0100] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered in all respects as exemplary and non-limiting, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within the present invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0101] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A vertical adaptive friction stir welding apparatus, characterized in that, include: The first column (1) and the second column (2) are arranged opposite to each other. The first column (1) is provided with a clamping assembly, and the second column (2) is provided with an abutment assembly and a friction stir welding machine. The flow divider (31) is connected to the friction stir welding machine. The flow divider (31) is divided into two independent chambers by a partition plate (32) set at right angles. The first sealing plate (29) and the second sealing plate (39) are disposed in the diversion box (31) and are slidably connected to the partition plate (32). The first sealing plate (29) is provided with a locking groove (2901). The locking groove (2901) cooperates with the locking part (3901) provided on the second sealing plate (39) so that the second sealing plate (39) can be unlocked after the first sealing plate (29) is activated. A traction mechanism is provided on the friction stir welding machine. The traction mechanism includes an abutting trigger assembly and a centrifugal pulling assembly. The abutting trigger assembly is connected to the second sealing plate (39), and the centrifugal pulling assembly is connected to the first sealing plate (29). Each of the two sides of the partition plate (32) is provided with a set of through holes (33), and the trapezoidal grooves (30) provided on the first sealing plate (29) and the second sealing plate (39) are adapted to the through holes (33); When the first sealing plate (29) or the second sealing plate (39) is pulled, the overlapping area of ​​the trapezoidal groove (30) and the through hole (33) can be changed; The contact assembly includes a guide (34) fixedly mounted on the friction stir welding machine. A horizontal frame (35) is slidably mounted on the guide (34). The horizontal frame (35) and the guide (34) are connected by a first columnar spring (36). A ball bearing (40) is provided at one end of the horizontal frame (35) facing the first column (1). The contact trigger assembly also includes a second connecting rod (38) that is fixedly connected to the second sealing plate (39) and slidably disposed through the diversion box (31). The end of the second connecting rod (38) away from the second sealing plate (39) is connected to the horizontal frame (35) via a hinge rod (37). The centrifugal pulling assembly includes a driven shaft (23) rotatably mounted on the friction stir welding machine, the driven shaft (23) being connected to the friction stir welding machine via a connecting belt (22); Multiple sets of rotating parts (24) are circumferentially equidistantly arranged on the driven shaft (23). The end of the rotating part (24) away from the driven shaft (23) extends in a direction away from the first sealing plate (29), and a steel slider (25) that can slide along its length is provided on the rotating part (24). The centrifugal traction assembly also includes an energy storage structure connecting the steel slider (25) and the first sealing plate (29); The energy storage structure includes a sliding member (27) slidably mounted on the driven shaft (23), a pull rod (26) rotatably mounted on the sliding member (27), and one end of the pull rod (26) away from the sliding member (27) being rotatably connected to the steel slider (25); An annular groove (2701) is formed on the sliding member (27) and is coaxially arranged with the driven shaft (23). A first connecting rod (28) connected to the first sealing plate (29) is rotatably sleeved in the annular groove (2701). The energy storage structure also includes a second cylindrical spring (42) sleeved on the driven shaft (23), one end of the second cylindrical spring (42) being connected to the rotating member (24) and the other end being connected to the sliding member (27).

2. The vertical adaptive friction stir welding apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping assembly includes a guide rod (5) disposed on the first column (1), a connecting plate (6) slidably mounted on the guide rod (5), a first drive unit (7) disposed on the connecting plate (6), and the actuating end of the first drive unit (7) being fixedly connected to a rack plate (8) slidably mounted on the connecting plate (6). The clamping assembly also includes a deflection arm (10) rotatably mounted on the connecting plate (6), the deflection arm (10) is provided with an abutment part (11), the abutment part (11) is provided with a first abutment member (12), and a gear (9) is coaxially fixed on the rotating shaft of the deflection arm (10), the gear (9) meshing with the rack plate (8).

3. The vertical adaptive friction stir welding apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The abutting component includes multiple sets of second drive units (13) symmetrically arranged along the height direction of the second column (2), and a second abutting member (14) is provided on the actuating end of the second drive unit (13).

4. The vertical adaptive friction stir welding apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second column (2) is mounted on the base (4), and a sliding plate (3) is mounted on the bottom of the second column (2). The second column (2) is slidably installed with a follower (15) that can move along its height direction. The follower (15) is connected to a balance cylinder (16) provided on the second column (2). The follower (15) is also provided with a transverse drive (17), and a telescopic drive (18) is installed on the transverse drive (17). The end of the telescopic drive (18) away from the transverse drive (17) is connected to the friction stir welding machine.

5. A method for welding workpieces using the vertical adaptive friction stir welding apparatus as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1: The skateboard (3) drives the second column (2) away from the first column (1) to move, leaving operating space for the operator; Step 2: The workpiece is hoisted into place using a hoisting system, clamped using the set clamping components, and then the position of the workpiece is adjusted using the bottom support device; Step 3: The top tensioning device pulls the second column (2) toward the first column (1) so that the abutment component abuts against the workpiece; Step 4: Adjust the position of the friction stir welding machine, and then start the friction stir welding machine; Step 5: The traction mechanism follows the movement of the friction stir welding machine and controls the movement of the first sealing plate (29) and the second sealing plate (39) to adjust the supply of coolant toward the welded workpiece.

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