Method for bonding metal member and metal member

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for joining metal members and a metal member. This method for joining metal members (100) is provided with: a step (S1) in which an end portion of a side surface (22a) of a second metal member (2) on the irradiation direction side is brought into contact such that a part of a first surface (12a) of a first metal member (1) is exposed; and a step (S3) for welding and joining the first metal member (1) and the second metal member (2) to each other by irradiating the end-side surface portion (221a) of the second metal member (2) with an energy beam (L).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for joining metal parts and the metal parts. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a method for joining metal parts is known, and for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-94702 discloses such a method.

[0003] The above-mentioned Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-94702 discloses a method for joining metal plates in which a lower metal plate (first metal component) and an upper metal plate (second metal component) are welded by laser (energy beam). In this method for joining metal plates, the upper metal plate and the lower metal plate are both held by a clamp while the upper metal plate is overlapped on the lower metal plate. In this method for joining metal plates, the upper metal plate is melted by irradiating the upper metal plate with a laser, and the laser penetrates the melted upper metal plate and irradiates the lower metal plate, thereby melting the lower metal plate. In addition, in this method for joining metal plates, the laser penetrates the melted upper metal plate and the lower metal plate. Thus, in the method for joining metal plates, by penetrating the upper metal plate and the lower metal plate with a laser, the metal vapor generated when the lower metal plate melts is released into the space below the lower metal plate.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-94702

[0005] However, in the metal plate joining method disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-94702, the metal vapor generated when the lower metal plate is melted cannot be released into the space below the lower metal plate until the laser penetrates both the upper and lower metal plates. Furthermore, it is difficult to release the metal vapor into the space above the upper metal plate through the melted upper metal plate. In this case, the metal vapor generated when the lower metal plate is melted intrudes into the molten metal of the melted upper metal plate. Therefore, the metal plate joining method disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-94702 has the problem of generating pores (bubbles) in the joined portion formed by solidification of the melted metal of the upper and lower metal plates due to the intruding metal vapor. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention is completed in order to solve the above-mentioned problems. One purpose of the present invention is to provide a method for joining metal parts and a metal part that can suppress the generation of bubbles in the joint portion formed by solidification of the molten metal by suppressing the intrusion of metal vapor into the molten metal of the metal part.

[0007] To achieve the above-mentioned object, a first aspect of the present invention provides a method for joining metal components by energy beam welding a first metal component and a second metal component, comprising the steps of: abutting an end portion of a side surface of the second metal component along the irradiation direction with respect to a first surface of the first metal component along a direction perpendicular to the irradiation direction of the energy beam, with a portion of the first surface exposed; and welding and joining the first and second metal components to each other by continuously irradiating an end portion of the side surface of the second surface along the direction perpendicular to the irradiation direction toward the end portion opposite to the irradiation direction of the side surface of the second metal component. Furthermore, the range of the energy beam irradiation direction along the direction perpendicular to the irradiation direction, which allows for welding the first and second metal components to each other, includes the direction perpendicular to the irradiation direction and the direction other than the direction perpendicular to the irradiation direction.

[0008] In the method for joining metal parts according to the first aspect of the present invention, as described above, a step is provided in which the first metal part and the second metal part are welded and joined to each other by irradiating an energy beam toward the end surface portion of the second metal part. As a result, the metal vapor of the first metal part and the second metal part generated by irradiating the energy beam toward the end surface portion of the second metal part can be discharged into the space where the first surface of the first metal part is exposed. Therefore, the metal vapor generated from the first metal part and the second metal part can be easily discharged to the external space outside the metal parts, and the intrusion of the metal vapor into the molten metal of the second metal part can be suppressed. As a result, by suppressing the intrusion of the second metal vapor contained in the metal part into the molten metal of the metal part, the generation of bubbles in the joint formed by solidification of the molten metal of the first metal part and the second metal part contained in the metal part can be suppressed.

[0009] A metal component according to a second aspect of the present invention comprises: a first metal component including a surface extending in one direction and having a shape having a predetermined thickness in another direction perpendicular to the one direction; a second metal component including a narrow slit extending in another direction and a pair of side surfaces opposing each other in directions perpendicular to both the other direction and the direction in which the narrow slit extends; and a weld portion configured to fill a space within the narrow slit enclosed by the surface and the pair of side surfaces of the first metal component and formed by melting and solidifying the first metal component and the second metal component.

[0010] In the second aspect of the present invention, the metal component is configured to fill the space within the narrow gap enclosed by the surface and a pair of side surfaces of the first metal component, as described above, and to form a welded portion by melting and solidifying the first and second metal components. Thus, during welding of the welded portion, the energy beam is directly irradiated onto the exposed portion of the first surface of the first metal component, without passing through the second metal component, to form the welded portion. This allows metal vapor generated by irradiating the first surface of the first metal component with the energy beam to be discharged into the space not filled with the molten metal of the second metal component, which has been melted by the energy beam. Therefore, by facilitating the discharge of metal vapor generated from the first metal component to the external space outside the metal component, the intrusion of metal vapor generated from the first metal component into the molten metal of the second metal component can be suppressed. Furthermore, since the side surfaces and second surface of the second metal component are in contact with the external space outside the metal component, metal vapor generated by irradiating the end surface portion of the second metal component with the energy beam is discharged directly into the external space. Accordingly, by suppressing the intrusion of the second metal vapor contained in the metal part into the molten metal of the metal part, it is possible to provide metal parts joined by a metal part joining method that can suppress the generation of bubbles in the joined portion formed by solidifying the molten metals of the first metal part and the second metal part contained in the metal part.

[0011] According to the present invention, as described above, by suppressing the intrusion of metal vapor into the molten metal of the metal member, it is possible to suppress the generation of bubbles in the joined portion formed by solidifying the molten metal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of metal members showing a first metal member and a second metal member joined together by the metal member joining method according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 It is a perspective view showing the first metal member before joining, among the metal members after the first metal member and the second metal member are joined by the metal member joining method according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the second metal member before joining, among the metal members after the first metal member and the second metal member are joined by the metal member joining method according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 4 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing the method for joining metal parts according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing a state in which a first metal member and a second metal member are held in the metal member joining method according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing a state where laser welding is started in the method for joining metal members according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 8 It is along Figure 7 A cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII.

[0020] Figure 9 This is a perspective view showing a state where laser welding is completed in the method for joining metal members according to the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing an application example in which the metal member joining method of the first embodiment is applied to joining a valve body and a plate.

[0022] Figure 11 It is along Figure 10 Cross-sectional view along line XI-XI.

[0023] Figure 12 This is a perspective view showing a state where the valve body and the plate are joined together using the metal member joining method according to the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 13 It is along Figure 12 A cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII.

[0025] Figure 14 This is a flowchart showing a method for joining a manifold in an application example of the method for joining metal parts according to the first embodiment.

[0026] Figure 15 This is a perspective view of metal members showing a first metal member and a second metal member joined together by the metal member joining method according to the second embodiment.

[0027] Figure 16 It is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a first metal member and a second metal member before being joined by the metal member joining method according to the second embodiment.

[0028] Figure 17 Is to express Figure 16 Cross-sectional views of different portions of the first metal member and the second metal member before joining.

[0029] Figure 18 It is along Figure 15 A cross-sectional view taken along line XVIII-XVIII.

[0030] Figure 19 This is a flowchart showing a method for joining metal parts according to a second embodiment.

[0031] Figure 20 This is a perspective view showing a state where a second metal member is fitted into a first metal member in a method for joining metal members according to a second embodiment.

[0032] Figure 21 This is a perspective view showing a state where a first metal member and a second metal member are held in a method for joining metal members according to a second embodiment.

[0033] Figure 22 This is a perspective view showing a state where laser welding is started in the method for joining metal parts according to the second embodiment.

[0034] Figure 23 This is a perspective view showing an application example in which the metal member joining method of the second embodiment is applied to joining a valve body and a plate.

[0035] Figure 24 It is along Figure 23 A cross-sectional view taken along line XXIV-XXIV.

[0036] Figure 25 This is a perspective view showing a state where the valve body and the plate are joined together using the metal member joining method according to the second embodiment.

[0037] Figure 26 It is along Figure 25 A cross-sectional view taken along line XXVI-XXVI.

[0038] Figure 27 This is a flowchart showing a method for joining a manifold in an application example of the method for joining metal parts according to the second embodiment.

[0039] Figure 28 This is a perspective view of metal members showing a first metal member and a second metal member joined together by the metal member joining method according to the third embodiment.

[0040] Figure 29 It is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a first metal member and a second metal member before being joined by the metal member joining method according to the third embodiment.

[0041] Figure 30 Is to express Figure 29 Cross-sectional views of different portions of the first metal member and the second metal member before joining.

[0042] Figure 31 It is along Figure 28Cross-sectional view of line XXXI-XXXI.

[0043] Figure 32 This is a flowchart showing a method for joining metal parts according to a third embodiment.

[0044] Figure 33 This is a perspective view showing a state in which the first and second metal members are held after the second metal member is fitted into the first metal member in the metal member joining method according to the third embodiment.

[0045] Figure 34 This is a perspective view showing a state where laser welding is started in the method for joining metal parts according to the third embodiment.

[0046] Figure 35 This is a perspective view of metal members showing a first metal member and a second metal member joined together by the metal member joining method according to the fourth embodiment.

[0047] Figure 36 It is a perspective view showing a first metal member before joining by the metal member joining method according to the fourth embodiment.

[0048] Figure 37 It is a perspective view showing a second metal member before joining by the metal member joining method according to the fourth embodiment.

[0049] Figure 38 It is along Figure 35 A cross-sectional view taken along line XXXVIII-XXXVIII.

[0050] Figure 39 It is along the way before reaching the starting position Figure 38 Cross-sectional view of line XXXIX-XXXIX.

[0051] Figure 40 It means that when you reach the starting position, Figure 38 Cross-sectional view of line XXXIX-XXXIX.

[0052] Figure 41 This is a flowchart showing a method for joining metal parts according to a fourth embodiment.

[0053] Figure 42 This is a perspective view showing a state where a second metal member is fitted into a first metal member in a method of joining metal members according to a fourth embodiment.

[0054] Figure 43 This is a perspective view showing a state in which a first metal member and a second metal member are held in a method for joining metal members according to a fourth embodiment.

[0055] Figure 44 This is a perspective view showing a state where laser welding is started in the method for joining metal members according to the fourth embodiment.

[0056] Figure 45 This is a perspective view showing a state where laser welding has reached the weld overlap region in the metal member joining method according to the fourth embodiment.

[0057] Figure 46 This is a perspective view showing an application example in which the metal member joining method of the fourth embodiment is applied to joining a valve body and a plate.

[0058] Figure 47 It is along Figure 46 A cross-sectional view taken along line XLVII-XLVII.

[0059] Figure 48 This is a perspective view showing a state where the valve body and the plate are joined together using the metal member joining method according to the fourth embodiment.

[0060] Figure 49 It is along Figure 48 A cross-sectional view of line XLIX-XLIX.

[0061] Figure 50 This is a flowchart showing a method for joining a manifold in an application example of the method for joining metal parts according to the fourth embodiment.

[0062] Figure 51 This is a perspective view of metal members showing a first metal member and a second metal member joined together by the metal member joining method according to the fifth embodiment.

[0063] Figure 52 It is a perspective view showing a first metal member before joining by the metal member joining method according to the fifth embodiment.

[0064] Figure 53 It is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a second metal member is fitted into a first metal member by the metal member joining method according to the fifth embodiment.

[0065] Figure 54 It is a perspective view showing a second metal member before joining by the metal member joining method according to the fifth embodiment.

[0066] Figure 55 It is along Figure 51 Cross-sectional view of the LV-LV line.

[0067] Figure 56 This is a flowchart showing a method for joining metal parts according to a fifth embodiment.

[0068] Figure 57This is a perspective view showing a state where a second metal member is fitted into a first metal member in a method of joining metal members according to a fifth embodiment.

[0069] Figure 58 This is a perspective view showing a state in which a first metal member and a second metal member are held in a method for joining metal members according to a fifth embodiment.

[0070] Figure 59 This is a perspective view showing a state where laser welding is started in the method for joining metal parts according to the fifth embodiment.

[0071] Figure 60 This is a perspective view of metal members showing a first metal member and a second metal member joined together by the first method for joining metal members according to the sixth embodiment.

[0072] Figure 61 It is a perspective view showing the first metal member before joining, among the metal members after the first metal member and the second metal member are joined by the first method for joining metal members according to the sixth embodiment.

[0073] Figure 62 It is a perspective view showing the second metal member before joining, among the metal members after a first metal member and a second metal member are joined by the first method for joining metal members according to the sixth embodiment.

[0074] Figure 63 It is along Figure 60 Cross-sectional view along line LXIII-LXIII.

[0075] Figure 64 This is a flowchart showing a first method for joining metal parts according to the sixth embodiment.

[0076] Figure 65 This is a perspective view showing a state in which a first metal member and a second metal member are held in a first method for joining metal members according to a sixth embodiment.

[0077] Figure 66 This is a perspective view showing a state where laser welding is started in the first method for joining metal parts according to the sixth embodiment.

[0078] Figure 67 It is along Figure 66 A cross-sectional view taken along line LXVII-LXVII.

[0079] Figure 68 This is a perspective view showing a state where laser welding is completed in the first method for joining metal parts according to the sixth embodiment.

[0080] Figure 69This is a diagram showing a manifold body of a refrigerant manifold manufactured by the first joining method of the sixth embodiment and functional devices connected to the manifold body.

[0081] Figure 70 This is a plan view showing a plate member and a manifold body of a refrigerant manifold manufactured by the first joining method of the sixth embodiment.

[0082] Figure 71 This is a plan view showing the plate members and the manifold body joined to each other of the refrigerant manifold manufactured by the first joining method of the sixth embodiment.

[0083] Figure 72 It is along Figure 71 Cross-sectional view of line LXXII-LXXIII.

[0084] Figure 73 It is a perspective view showing a first metal member and a second metal member joined together by a second method for joining metal members according to the sixth embodiment.

[0085] Figure 74 This is a plan view showing a plate member and a manifold body of a refrigerant manifold manufactured by the second joining method of the sixth embodiment.

[0086] Figure 75 This is a plan view showing the plate members and the manifold body joined to each other of the refrigerant manifold manufactured by the second joining method of the sixth embodiment.

[0087] Figure 76 It is along Figure 75 Cross-sectional view along line LXXVI-LXXVI.

[0088] Figure 77 This is a perspective view showing an application example in which the metal member joining method of the reference example is applied to joining a valve body and a plate.

[0089] Figure 78 It is along Figure 77 Cross-sectional view along line LXXVIII-LXXVIII.

[0090] Figure 79 This is a perspective view showing a state where the valve body and the plate are joined together using the metal member joining method of a reference example.

[0091] Figure 80 It is along Figure 79 Cross-sectional view of line LXXX-LXXX.

[0092] Figure 81 This is a flowchart showing a method for joining a manifold in an application example of the method for joining metal parts of the reference example.

[0093] Figure 82 This is a perspective view showing a state where laser welding is started in the method for joining metal members according to the first modified example of the first embodiment.

[0094] Figure 83 This is a perspective view showing a state where laser welding is started in the method for joining metal members according to the second modified example of the first embodiment.

[0095] Figure 84 This is a perspective view showing a state where laser welding is started in the method for joining metal members according to the third modified example of the first embodiment.

[0096] Figure 85 This is a perspective view of metal members showing a first metal member and a second metal member joined together by a metal member joining method according to a fourth modified example of the second embodiment.

[0097] Figure 86 This is a perspective view showing a first metal member of a metal member according to a fifth modification of the fourth embodiment.

[0098] Figure 87 It is along Figure 86 A cross-sectional view of line LXXXVII-LXXXVII.

[0099] Figure 88 This is a perspective view showing a first metal member of a metal member according to a sixth modification of the fourth embodiment.

[0100] Figure 89 It is along Figure 88 Cross-sectional view of line LXXXIX-LXXXIX.

[0101] Figure 90 It is a perspective view showing a first metal member and a second metal member of a metal member according to a seventh modification of the fourth embodiment.

[0102] Figure 91 It is along Figure 90 Cross-sectional view of the XCI-XCI line.

[0103] Figure 92 This is a perspective view showing a first metal member of a metal member according to an eighth modification of the fifth embodiment.

[0104] Figure 93 It is a plan view showing a manifold body of a refrigerant manifold according to a ninth modification of the sixth embodiment.

[0105] Figure 94 It is a plan view showing a manifold body of a refrigerant manifold according to a tenth modification of the sixth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0106] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0107] [First embodiment]

[0108] Reference Figures 1 to 9 The structure of the method for joining the metal members 100 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0109] like Figure 1 As shown, the method of joining the metal parts 100 is to overlap the first metal part 1 and the second metal part 2 and then use a laser L (in Figure 1 A laser welding method is used to process a metal component 100 by welding (indicated by a two-dot chain line). The metal component 100 formed by laser welding includes a first metal component 1, a second metal component 2, a welded portion 3, and a non-welded portion 4. The structures of the first metal component 1, the second metal component 2, the welded portion 3, and the non-welded portion 4 are described below.

[0110] Here, the direction in which the first metal member 1 and the second metal member 2 are arranged is referred to as the Z direction, the direction on the second metal member 2 side in the Z direction is referred to as the Z1 direction, and the direction on the first metal member 1 side in the Z direction is referred to as the Z2 direction. Furthermore, the direction in which the slit 22 (described later) of the second metal member 2 extends is referred to as the X direction, one direction in the X direction is referred to as the X1 direction, and the other direction in the X direction is referred to as the X2 direction. A direction orthogonal to both the X and Z directions is referred to as the Y direction, one direction in the Y direction is referred to as the Y1 direction, and the other direction in the Y direction is referred to as the Y2 direction. The Z2 direction is an example of the "irradiation direction" in the technical solution.

[0111] (First Metal Part)

[0112] The first metal component 1 is a molded product made of metal such as aluminum or iron. Figure 2 As shown, in the Z direction, the first metal component 1 has a thickness Th2 (refer to Figure 3 ) parts with large thickness Th1. In addition, Figure 2 , for convenience of explanation, a state before the first metal member 1 and the second metal member 2 are welded is shown.

[0113] Specifically, the first metal member 1 includes a bottom portion 11, a protrusion 12, and a recess 13. The bottom portion 11 and the protrusion 12 are integrally formed. The recess 13 is an example of the "second flow channel recess" in the technical claims.

[0114] The bottom portion 11 forms the portion of the first metal component 1 on the Z2 side of the protrusion 12. The bottom portion 11 is a plate-shaped portion having a thickness Th11 in the Z direction and extending in the X and Y directions. The bottom portion 11 has a bottom surface 11a on the Z1 side. The bottom surface 11a is the surface of the bottom portion 11 outside the protrusion 12.

[0115] The protrusion 12 constitutes the portion on the Z1 direction side of the bottom 11 of the first metal component 1. The protrusion 12 is a portion that protrudes from the bottom surface 11a of the bottom 11 in the Z1 direction. That is, the protrusion 12 has a thickness Th12 in the Z direction. The protrusion 12 has a front end surface 12a at the end on the Z1 direction side. The front end surface 12a is a plane extending along the X direction and the Y direction. The front end surface 12a is the portion that abuts the second metal component 2 in the Z direction. The protrusion 12 has a side surface 12b in a direction perpendicular to the Z direction. The side surface 12b is a surface extending along the X direction and the Z direction. In addition, the front end surface 12a is an example of the "first surface" of the technical solution. In addition, the thickness Th12 is an example of the "prescribed thickness" of the technical solution.

[0116] The recess 13 is a portion recessed from the front end surface 12a in the Z2 direction. The recess 13 is adjacent to the protrusion 12 in a direction perpendicular to the Z2 direction. Specifically, the recess 13 is formed by the bottom surface 11a of the base 11 and the side surface 12b of the protrusion 12. A plurality of recesses 13 are provided in the first metal component 1.

[0117] (Second Metal Part)

[0118] like Figure 3 As shown, the second metal component 2 is a molded product made of metal such as aluminum or iron. In the Z direction, the second metal component 2 has a thickness Th1 (see Figure 2 ) a plate-shaped component with a small thickness Th2. Figure 3 , for convenience of explanation, a state before the first metal member 1 and the second metal member 2 are welded is shown.

[0119] Specifically, the second metal member 2 includes a plate-shaped portion 21 and a slit 22 .

[0120] The plate-like portion 21 constitutes the portion of the second metal component 2 other than the slit 22. The plate-like portion 21 is a plate-shaped portion having a thickness Th2 in the Z direction and extending in the X and Y directions. The plate-like portion 21 has a surface 21a on the Z1 direction side. The surface 21a is a plane extending in the X and Y directions. The plate-like portion 21 has an inner surface 21b on the Z2 direction side. The inner surface 21b is a plane extending in the X and Y directions. The portion of the inner surface 21b on the slit 22 side is the portion that abuts the front end surface 12a of the protrusion 12 of the first metal component 1. The surface 21a is an example of a "second surface" in the technical solution.

[0121] The slit 22 is a long hole that passes through the second metal component 2 from the surface 21a in the Z2 direction and extends in the X direction (or Y direction). The slit 22 has a pair of side surfaces 22a and a pair of end surfaces 22b. The pair of side surfaces 22a are opposite to each other in the Y direction. Each of the pair of side surfaces 22a is a plane extending in the Y direction and the Z direction. The pair of end surfaces 22b are surfaces on one side (the X1 direction side) and the other side (the X2 direction side) in the direction in which the slit 22 extends. Here, the pair of side surfaces 22a and the pair of end surfaces 22b, as well as the surface 21a, are continuous at the ends of the pair of side surfaces 22a and the pair of end surfaces 22b on the Z1 direction side. In addition, the pair of side surfaces 22a and the pair of end surfaces 22b, as well as the back surface 21b, are continuous at the ends of the pair of side surfaces 22a and the pair of end surfaces 22b on the Z2 direction side.

[0122] (Welding Department)

[0123] like Figure 4 As shown, the welded portion 3 is formed by melting and solidifying the first metal member 1 and the second metal member 2. That is, the welded portion 3 is formed by welding the vicinity of the front end face 12a of the first metal member 1 and the vicinity of the pair of side faces 22a of the second metal member 2 using a laser L (see Figure 1 ) is melted and then solidified. The welded portion 3 is a joining (welding) portion of the first metal member 1 and the second metal member 2.

[0124] The weld portion 3 includes a first portion 31 and a second portion 32. The first portion 31 is a portion of the weld portion 3 provided on the first metal component 1. The first portion 31 has a tapered shape, with its width decreasing as it approaches the Z2 direction. The second portion 32 is a portion of the weld portion 3 provided on the second metal component 2. The second portion 32 has a tapered shape, with its width increasing as it approaches the Z1 direction. The first portion 31 and the second portion 32 are integrally provided. In the Y direction, the maximum width of the second portion 32 is greater than the maximum width of the first portion 31. In the Y direction, the maximum width of the first portion 31 is approximately the same as the minimum width of the second portion 32.

[0125] like Figure 1 As shown, the welded portion 3 is arranged to fill a space in a narrow gap 22 surrounded by the front end surface 12 a of the first metal member 1 and a pair of side surfaces 22 a and a pair of end surfaces 22 b of the second metal member 2 .

[0126] (Non-welded area)

[0127] The non-welded portion 4 is the portion of the space within the slit 22 that is not filled by the welded portion 3. Specifically, the non-welded portion 4 is the portion of the space within the first metal component 1 and the second metal component 2 that is not melted and solidified. The non-welded portion 4 is the portion where the first metal component 1 and the second metal component 2 are not joined (welded). The non-welded portion 4 is provided between the end surface 22b on the X1 side of the pair of end surfaces 22b and the welded portion 3. The non-welded portion 4 is a space that communicates with the space outside the metal component 100. Furthermore, a plurality of non-welded portions 4 may be provided within the space within the slit 22, rather than a single non-welded portion 4.

[0128] (Method of joining metal parts)

[0129] Below, refer to Figures 5 to 9 A method for joining metal members 100 according to the first embodiment will be described. The method for joining metal members 100 is a method that, when joining a first metal member 1 to a second metal member 2, can suppress the intrusion of metal vapor generated by irradiating the first metal member 1 with laser light L into the portion (molten metal) of the first metal member 1 and the second metal member 2 melted by the laser light L.

[0130] In step S1, the first metal member 1 and the second metal member 2 are held in a superimposed state (see Figure 6 ). Step S1 is a step of bringing the end portion En1 on the Z2 side of the side surface 22a along the Z2 direction of the second metal component 2 into contact with the front end surface 12a along the X and Y directions of the first metal component 1 in such a manner that a portion of the front end surface 12a is exposed. Here, a portion of the front end surface 12a of the first metal component 1 is exposed through the slit 22. That is, the exposed portion is the central side portion of the front end surface 12a in the Y direction. In addition, a portion of the front end surface 12a of the first metal component 1 is in contact with the space outside the metal component 100 in each of the Z1 direction, the X1 direction, and the X2 direction through the slit 22. In addition, step S1 is an example of the "contact step" of the technical solution.

[0131] In step S2, the laser light L is adjusted. Specifically, in step S2, the laser light L is adjusted to have a spot diameter (e.g., approximately 0.1 mm) smaller than the distance M between the pair of opposing side surfaces 22 a (e.g., approximately 1 mm or less), and the focal position, the inclination of the laser light L, the output of the laser light L, the processing direction, and the like are adjusted.

[0132] In step S3, welding with laser light L begins along the narrow slit 22. Specifically, step S3 is a step of welding and joining the first metal member 1 and the second metal member 2 by irradiating the exposed portion of the front end face 12a of the first metal member 1 and the end side surface portion 211a of the second metal member 2 with laser light L. Furthermore, step S3 is an example of the "welding and joining step" of the technical solution.

[0133] The end surface portion 211a is the surface on the exposed front end face 12a side of the surface 21a of the second metal member 2. Furthermore, the end surface portion 211a is the surface on the side face 22a side of the surface 21a that is continuous with the end portion En2 on the Z1 side of the side face 22a of the second metal member 2. The end surface portion 211a of the second metal member 2 is provided in each of the portion continuous with the side face 22a on the Y1 side of the slit 22 and the portion continuous with the side face 22a on the Y2 side of the slit 22.

[0134] Specifically, step S3 is a step of moving the held first metal member 1 and the second metal member 2 relative to the laser light L irradiated in the Z2 direction (irradiation direction) in the X1 direction (X2 direction, Y1 direction, or Y2 direction), and irradiating the adjusted laser light L toward the exposed portion of the front end face 12a of the first metal member 1 and the end side surface portion 211a of the second metal member 2 (see Figure 7 ).

[0135] Here, laser welding is performed by oscillating processing, in which the laser L is rotated (rotated) around a rotation axis parallel to the Z direction while drawing a circular orbit when viewed from the Z1 direction side, and the first metal member 1 and the second metal member 2 that have been held are linearly moved relative to the laser L in the X1 direction (X2 direction, Y1 direction or Y2 direction) to perform processing (welding) (see Figure 7 The diameter of the circular orbit of the laser light L is adjusted to be larger than the interval M between the pair of opposing side surfaces 22a (e.g., approximately 3 mm). Furthermore, the area of ​​the end surface portion 211a is set according to the diameter of the rotation of the laser light L. Furthermore, the diameter of the circular orbit of the laser light L is preferably at least twice the interval M.

[0136] Thus, the laser beam L having a spot diameter smaller than the distance M between the pair of side surfaces 22a can melt the end surface portion 211a of the second metal member 2 and melt the exposed portion of the front end surface 12a of the first metal member 1. Furthermore, by making the end surface portion 211a wider, the molten metal that has reduced the volume of the narrow gap 22 can be replenished, thereby ensuring the thickness of the welded portion 3 in the Z direction. Consequently, the mechanical strength of the welded portion 3 can be maintained.

[0137] Thus, step S3 is a step of irradiating the laser light L toward each of the exposed portion of the front end surface 12 a of the first metal member 1 and the end side surface portion 211 a of the second metal member 2 .

[0138] In addition, step S3 is also a step of melting both the exposed portion of the front end face 12a and the end side surface portions 211a of the second metal member 2 corresponding to the pair of side faces 22a by the laser L, and filling the space (narrow gap 22) surrounded by the exposed portion of the front end face 12a and the pair of side faces 22a with the molten metal (see Figure 8 ). Furthermore, in step S3, the weld portion 3 is formed on the Z1 side of the protruding portion 12 of the first metal member 1 by solidifying the filled molten metal, and the portion of the weld portion 3 on the Z2 side is not melted by the laser light L. Therefore, in step S3, the laser light L does not penetrate the protruding portion 12 of the first metal member 1. Step S3 is a step of continuously performing the above-described laser welding along the direction in which the slit 22 extends (the X1 direction).

[0139] At this time, the metal vapor generated by irradiating the exposed portion of the front end face 12a of the first metal member 1 with the laser light L is discharged into the external space Ex from the discharge space Sp within the slit 22, which is not the filled portion 30 filled with molten metal. The discharge space Sp is a space connected to the external space Ex. Specifically, the metal vapor generated by irradiating the exposed portion of the front end face 12a of the first metal member 1 with the laser light L is discharged in various directions, such as the Va1 direction and the Va2 direction, through the discharge space Sp. Furthermore, the metal vapor generated by irradiating the end side surface portion 211a of the second metal member 2 with the laser light L is discharged directly into the external space Ex.

[0140] This exhaust space Sp is necessarily provided within the narrow slit 22 even if the proportion of the filled portion 30 in the space within the narrow slit 22 increases with the welding of the laser light L. Therefore, the metal vapor can be exhausted to the external space Ex during the period from the start to the end of the welding of the laser light L. The exhaust space Sp is formed by the surface of the filled portion 30 on the X1 side, the pair of side faces 22a, and the front end face 12a.

[0141] Here, in step S3 , welding by the laser light L is started from the end portion of the slit 22 on the X2 direction side, so the welded portion 3 is formed at the end portion of the slit 22 on the X2 direction side.

[0142] In step S4, when the laser beam L is welded to a predetermined position on the X1 side of the slit 22, the laser beam L welds along the slit 22. In step S4, the laser beam L welds at the X1 side end of the slit 22, but does not end there. Therefore, a non-welded portion 4 is formed at the X1 side end of the slit 22. Furthermore, in step S4, the molten metal in the filling portion 30 is cooled and solidified, thereby forming a welded portion 3.

[0143] After step S4 , the method for joining the metal components 100 ends.

[0144] (Effects of the First Embodiment)

[0145] In the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0146] In the first embodiment, as described above, the method for joining metal members 100 includes a step S3 of welding and joining the first and second metal members 1 and 2 to each other by irradiating the exposed portion of the front end face 12a of the first metal member 1 and the end side surface portion 211a of the second metal member 2 with laser light L. This allows metal vapor from the first and second metal members 1 and 2, generated by the laser light L irradiated onto the end side surface portion 211a of the second metal member 2, to be discharged into the exhaust space Sp (space) where the front end face 12a of the first metal member 1 is exposed. Therefore, by facilitating the exhaust of metal vapor generated from the first and second metal members 1 and 2 into the external space Ex outside the metal members, the intrusion of metal vapor into the molten metal of the second metal member 2 can be suppressed. Furthermore, since the side surface 22a and surface 21a of the second metal member 2 are in contact with the external space Ex outside the metal member 100, the metal vapor generated by irradiating the end side surface portion 211a of the second metal member 2 with laser light L is directly discharged into the external space Ex. This can suppress the intrusion of metal vapor into the molten metal of the second metal member 2 included in the metal member 100, thereby suppressing the generation of bubbles in the joint formed by solidification of the molten metals of the first metal member 1 and the second metal member 2 included in the metal member 100. Furthermore, by suppressing the generation of bubbles in the joint, a decrease in the strength of the joint caused by bubbles can be suppressed.

[0147] In the first embodiment, as described above, the first metal member 1 has a shape extending from the front end face 12a in the Z2 direction (irradiation direction) and having a predetermined thickness Th12. The welding and joining step S3 includes irradiating the exposed portion of the front end face 12a of the first metal member 1 and the end surface portion 211a of the second metal member 2 with laser light L. A method is generally known in which the laser light L penetrates the first metal member 1, thereby causing metal vapor generated from the first metal member 1 to be discharged from the front end of the penetration in the Z2 direction (irradiation direction) to the outside of the metal member 100. If this method is used when the portion of the first metal member 1 irradiated with laser light L has a predetermined thickness Th12 (a somewhat large thickness), metal vapor generated from the first metal member 1 may intrude into the molten metal of the first metal member 1 before the laser light L penetrates the first metal member 1, generating bubbles in the joined portion between the first metal member 1 and the second metal member 2. Therefore, by irradiating the exposed portion of the front end face 12a of the first metal component 1 and the end side surface portion 211a of the second metal component 2 with the laser light L, the metal vapor generated from the first metal component 1 can be easily discharged to the external space Ex outside the metal component 100 without penetrating the first metal component 1 with the laser light L, so that the generation of bubbles in the joint portion formed by the solidification of the melted first metal component 1 and the second metal component 2 can be further suppressed.

[0148] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as described above, the second metal member 2 includes a slit 22 extending in the Z2 direction (irradiation direction) and a pair of side surfaces 22a facing each other in the Y direction, which is perpendicular to both the Z2 direction (irradiation direction) and the X direction in which the slit 22 extends. The welding and joining step S3 includes the steps of melting both the exposed portion of the front end face 12a and the end surface portions 211a of the second metal member 2 corresponding to the pair of side surfaces 22a using laser light L, and filling the space enclosed by the exposed portion of the front end face 12a and the pair of side surfaces 22a with the molten metal. Thus, by melting both the exposed portion of the front end face 12a and the end surface portions 211a of the second metal member 2 corresponding to the pair of side surfaces 22a using laser light L, compared to a case where the exposed portion of the front end face 12a of the first metal member 1 and the end surface portions 211a of the second metal member 2 are melted separately using laser light L, the first metal member 1 and the second metal member 2 can be welded more efficiently using laser light L. As a result, it is possible to suppress an increase in the welding time of the first metal member 1 and the second metal member 2 by the laser light L due to the adoption of a method for suppressing the generation of bubbles.

[0149] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as described above, the second metal member 2 includes a slit 22 extending in the Z2 direction (irradiation direction) and a pair of side surfaces 22a facing each other in the Y direction, which is perpendicular to both the Z2 direction (irradiation direction) and the X direction in which the slit 22 extends. The welding and joining step S3 includes irradiating the exposed portion of the front end face 12a of the first metal member 1 and the end surface portion 211a of the second metal member 2 with a laser beam L having a spot diameter adjusted to be smaller than the distance M between the pair of facing side surfaces 22a. This allows irradiation with a relatively small spot diameter of the irradiation laser beam L, thereby enabling irradiation with concentrated energy of the laser beam L. Therefore, when irradiating the exposed portion of the front end face 12a of the first metal member 1 and the end side surface portion 211a of the second metal member 2, the concentrated energy of the laser light L can reach a relatively deep position in the melted molten metal portions of the first metal member 1 and the second metal member 2, and the metal can be evaporated by the concentrated energy of the laser light L, thereby forming a gap (small hole) between the laser light L generated around the laser light L and the molten metal portion. As a result, the metal vapor generated from the first metal member 1 can also be discharged from the small hole to the external space Ex outside the metal member 100, so that the intrusion of the metal vapor generated from the first metal member 1 into the molten metal of the second metal member 2 can be further suppressed.

[0150] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as described above, the second metal member 2 includes a narrow slit 22 extending through the second metal member 2 in the Z2 direction (the irradiation direction). This allows the exposed portion of the front end face 12a to be identified through the narrow slit 22. Consequently, during the welding and joining step S3, when irradiating the laser light L, the operator can easily identify the positional misalignment between the laser light L and the front end face 12a, allowing for early correction of the positional misalignment between the laser light L and the front end face 12a.

[0151] In the first embodiment, as described above, the metal component 100 includes a first metal component 1 having a front end surface 12a extending along the XY directions and having a thickness Th12 in the Z direction; and a second metal component 2 having a narrow slit 22 extending through the metal component 1 in the Z direction and a pair of side surfaces 22a opposing each other in the X direction. The metal component 100 includes a weld portion 3, which is formed by melting and solidifying the first and second metal components 1 and 2, filling the space within the narrow slit 22 defined by the front end surface 12a and the pair of side surfaces 22a of the first metal component 1. During welding of the weld portion 3, the exposed portion of the front end surface 12a of the first metal component 1 is directly irradiated with laser light L, without passing through the second metal component 2. This allows the metal vapor generated by irradiating the front end surface 12a of the first metal component 1 with laser light L to be discharged into the space not filled with the molten metal of the second metal component 2 melted by the laser light L. Therefore, by easily discharging the metal vapor generated from the first metal member 1 into the external space Ex outside the metal member 100, it is possible to suppress the intrusion of the metal vapor generated from the first metal member 1 into the molten metal of the second metal member 2. Furthermore, since the side surface 22a and the surface 21a of the second metal member 2 are in contact with the external space Ex outside the metal member 100, the metal vapor generated by irradiating the end face 12a of the second metal member 2 with the laser light L is directly discharged into the external space Ex. Thus, by suppressing the intrusion of the metal vapor into the molten metal of the second metal member 2 included in the metal member 100, it is possible to provide a metal member 100 joined by a method for joining metal members 100 that can suppress the generation of bubbles in the joined portion formed by solidification of the molten metal of each of the first and second metal members 100.

[0152] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as described above, a non-welded portion 4 not filled with the welded portion 3 is further formed in the space within the narrow slit 22. Thus, the metal vapor generated from the first metal member 1 can be discharged to the external space Ex outside the metal member 100 via the non-welded portion 4, thereby more effectively suppressing the metal vapor generated from the first metal member 1 from entering the molten metal of the second metal member 2 melted by the laser light L.

[0153] [Assumed application example]

[0154] Here, as Figure 10 As shown, the method for joining the metal parts 100 of the first embodiment (see Figure 5) It is assumed that the processing is applied to a manifold 200 mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile. The manifold 200 includes a refrigerant circuit (flow path 200a) that interconnects the compressor 300, evaporator 400, water-cooled condenser 500, and accumulator 600 contained in the vehicle cooling system. The manifold 200 is a component corresponding to the above-mentioned metal component 100. Figures 10 to 14 In the hypothetical application example, the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations as those in the above-described embodiment, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0155] like Figure 10 As shown, the joining method of the metal component 100 is for joining the valve body 201 and the plate 202 in the manifold 200 and sealing the flow path 200a of the refrigerant flow in the manifold 200 (see Figure 13 The valve body 201 is a component corresponding to the first metal component 1. The plate 202 is a component corresponding to the second metal component 2.

[0156] The joining method of the metal parts 100 is a laser welding method in which the valve body 201 and the plate 202 are overlapped and welded by laser L, and the manifold 200 is processed. The manifold 200 formed by laser welding includes the valve body 201, the plate 202, and the welded portion 3 (see FIG. Figure 12 ), and non-welded portion 4 (refer to Figure 12 ). The structures of the valve body 201, the plate 202, the welded portion 3, and the non-welded portion 4 are described.

[0157] Here, the direction in which the valve body 201 and the plate 202 are arranged is referred to as the Z direction, the plate 202 side in the Z direction is referred to as the Z1 direction, and the valve body 201 side in the Z direction is referred to as the Z2 direction. Furthermore, the direction in which the slit 22 (described later) of the plate 202 extends is referred to as the X direction, one direction in the X direction is referred to as the X1 direction, and the other direction in the X direction is referred to as the X2 direction. A direction orthogonal to both the X and Z directions is referred to as the Y direction, one direction in the Y direction is referred to as the Y1 direction, and the other direction in the Y direction is referred to as the Y2 direction. The Z2 direction is an example of the "irradiation direction" in the technical claims.

[0158] (Valve Body)

[0159] like Figure 10 As shown, the valve body 201 is a molded product (die-cast molded product) made of aluminum. Figure 11 As shown, in the Z direction, the valve body 201 is a component having a thickness Th1 greater than the thickness Th2 of the plate 202. The surface of the die-cast molded product is relatively rough-processed, and metal vapor is easily generated by the laser L. However, it can be welded by the joining method of the metal component 100 of the first embodiment (see Figure 5 ) effectively releases the metal vapor to the external space Ex (refer to Figure 8 ) is discharged. In addition, Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 , for convenience of explanation, the state before the valve body 201 and the plate 202 are welded is shown.

[0160] Specifically, if Figure 11 As shown, valve body 201 includes bottom 11, protrusion 12, and recess 13. Bottom 11 and protrusion 12 are integrally formed. Here, the flow path recess 13 (described above) of valve body 201 is covered by the portion of plate 202 other than slit 22, thereby forming flow path 200a for the flow of refrigerant (fluid). Flow path recess 13 is an example of the "second flow path recess" in the technical solution.

[0161] The bottom portion 11 constitutes the portion on the Z2 side of the protrusion 12 of the valve body 201. The bottom portion 11 has a thickness Th11 in the Z direction. The protrusion 12 constitutes the portion on the Z1 side of the bottom portion 11 of the valve body 201. The protrusion 12 is a portion that protrudes from the bottom surface 11a of the bottom portion 11 in the Z1 direction. In other words, the protrusion 12 has a thickness Th12 in the Z direction. The protrusion 12 has a front end surface 12a at its end portion on the Z1 side. In addition, the front end surface 12a is an example of the "first surface" of the technical solution.

[0162] The flow channel recess 13 is a portion recessed from the front end surface 12 a in the Z2 direction. A plurality of flow channel recesses 13 are provided in the valve body 201 .

[0163] (plate)

[0164] like Figure 11 As shown, the plate 202 is a molded product made of aluminum. Specifically, the plate 202 includes a plate-shaped portion 21 and a slit 22.

[0165] The plate-like portion 21 constitutes the portion of the plate 202 excluding the slit 22. The plate-like portion 21 is a plate-like portion having a thickness Th2 in the Z direction and extending in the X and Y directions. The plate-like portion 21 has a surface 21a on the Z1 side. Surface 21a is a flat surface extending in the X and Y directions. Surface 21a is an example of a "second surface" in the technical solution.

[0166] The slit 22 is a long hole that penetrates the plate 202 from the surface 21a in the Z2 direction and extends in the X direction (or Y direction). The slit 22 has a pair of side faces 22a and a pair of end faces 22b (see Figure 3 ).

[0167] (Welding Department)

[0168] like Figure 12 as well as Figure 13 As shown, the welded portion 3 is formed by melting and solidifying the valve body 201 and the plate 202. That is, the welded portion 3 is formed by using a laser L (see Figure 1 ) is melted near the front end face 12a of the valve body 201 and near each of the pair of side faces 22a of the plate 202, and then solidified. The weld 3 is the joint (weld) portion between the valve body 201 and the plate 202. Furthermore, the weld 3 seals the flow path 200a by welding and joining the valve body 201 and the plate 202.

[0169] The weld portion 3 includes a first portion 31 and a second portion 32. The first portion 31 is the portion of the valve body 201 provided in the weld portion 3. The first portion 31 has a tapered shape, with its width decreasing toward the Z2 direction. The second portion 32 is the portion of the plate 202 provided in the weld portion 3. The second portion 32 has a tapered shape, with its width increasing toward the Z1 direction. The first portion 31 and the second portion 32 are integrally provided in the Z direction.

[0170] (Non-welded area)

[0171] like Figure 12 As shown, the non-welded portion 4 is the portion of the space within the slit 22 that is not filled with the welded portion 3. Specifically, the non-welded portion 4 is the portion where the valve body 201 and the plate 202 are not melted and solidified. The non-welded portion 4 is the portion where the valve body 201 and the plate 202 are not joined (welded). The non-welded portion 4 is the space that communicates with the space outside the manifold 200.

[0172] (Method for joining manifolds (metal parts))

[0173] Below, refer to Figure 14 A method for joining the manifold 200 in an application example of the first embodiment will be described. This method for joining the manifold 200 is a method that, when joining the valve body 201 and the plate 202, can suppress the intrusion of metal vapor generated by irradiating the plate 202 with laser light L, and into the portion (molten metal) where the valve body 201 and the plate 202 have been melted by the laser light L. Steps S2 and S4 are identical to those described for the method for joining the metal component 100 in the first embodiment, and therefore their description will be omitted.

[0174] In step S201, the valve body 201 and the plate 202 are held in a superimposed state (see Figure 11Step S201 is a step of bringing the X1-side end portion of the side surface 22a of the plate 202 along the X-direction into contact with the front end surface 12a of the valve body 201 along the X- and Y-directions, such that a portion of the front end surface 12a is exposed. Here, a portion of the front end surface 12a of the valve body 201 is exposed through the slit 22. In other words, a portion of the front end surface 12a of the valve body 201 contacts the space outside the manifold 200 in each of the Z1, X1, and X2 directions via the slit 22. Step S201 is an example of the "contact step" of the technical solution.

[0175] In addition, step S201 is a step of forming the flow path 200 a through which the refrigerant (fluid) flows by covering the flow path recess 13 of the valve body 201 with the portion of the plate 202 other than the slit 22 .

[0176] In step S203, welding with laser light L begins along the slit 22. Specifically, step S3 is a step of welding and joining the valve body 201 and the plate 202 by irradiating the exposed portion of the front end face 12a of the valve body 201 and the end surface portion 211a of the plate 202 with laser light L. Furthermore, step S203 is an example of the "welding and joining step" of the technical solution.

[0177] In addition, step S203 is a step of sealing the flow path 200a by welding and joining the valve body 201 and the plate 202 to each other using the laser L (see Figure 13 ).

[0178] After step S4 , the method for joining the manifold 200 ends.

[0179] (Effects of Application Example of First Embodiment)

[0180] In the application example of the first embodiment, as described above, the valve body 201 includes: a protrusion 12 having a thickness Th12 in the Z2 direction from the front end surface 12a; and a flow channel recess 13, provided adjacent to the protrusion 12 in a direction perpendicular to the Z2 direction and recessed in the Z2 direction. Step S1 includes the step of forming a flow channel for the fluid by covering the flow channel recess 13 of the valve body 201 with the portion of the plate 202 other than the slit 22. Step S3 includes the step of sealing the flow channel by welding the valve body 201 and the plate 202 together using a laser L. This suppresses the generation of bubbles in the welded joint between the valve body 201 and the plate 202. This prevents the fluid flowing in the flow channel formed by the recess 13 (flow channel recess) of the valve body 201 and the portion of the plate 202 other than the slit 22 from leaking out of the metal components due to the bubbles, thereby ensuring the sealing of the flow channel.

[0181] [Second embodiment]

[0182] Reference Figures 15 to 22 The structure of the joining method of the metal member 700 according to the second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the first metal member 701 and the second metal member 702 are welded together while the second metal member 702 is embedded in the first metal member 701. In the second embodiment, detailed descriptions of the same structures as those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0183] like Figure 15 As shown, the joining method of the metal parts 700 is to embed the second metal part 702 into the first metal part 701 by laser L (in Figure 15 A laser welding method is used to process a metal component 700 by welding (indicated by a double-dashed line in the figure). Metal component 700 formed by laser welding includes a first metal component 701, a second metal component 702, and a welded portion 703. The structures of first metal component 701, second metal component 702, and welded portion 703 are described below. Laser L is an example of an "energy beam" in the technical solution.

[0184] Here, the direction in which the first metal member 701 and the second metal member 702 are arranged is referred to as the Z direction, the Z1 direction is referred to as the second metal member 702 side in the Z direction, and the Z2 direction is referred to as the first metal member 701 side in the Z direction. Furthermore, the direction in which the second metal member 702 extends is referred to as the X direction, one direction in the X direction is referred to as the X1 direction, and the other direction in the X direction is referred to as the X2 direction. A direction orthogonal to both the X and Z directions is referred to as the Y direction, one direction in the Y direction is referred to as the Y1 direction, and the other direction in the Y direction is referred to as the Y2 direction. The Z2 direction is an example of the "irradiation direction" in the technical solution.

[0185] (First Metal Part)

[0186] like Figure 16 As shown, the first metal component 701 is a molded product made of metal such as aluminum or iron. The thickness Th1 of the first metal component 701 in the Z direction is greater than the thickness Th2 of the second metal component 702. Figure 16 , for the sake of convenience, the state before the first metal component 701 and the second metal component 702 are welded is shown.

[0187] Specifically, the first metal member 701 includes a recessed portion 711 and an insertion recessed portion 712. The recessed portion 711 is an example of the "first flow channel recessed portion" in the claims.

[0188] The recessed portion 711 is formed by being recessed in the Z2 direction from a mounting surface 712a (described later) of the embedding recessed portion 712. The recessed portion 711 is provided adjacent to the Z2 direction side of the embedding recessed portion 712. The Y-direction width W1 of the recessed portion 711 is smaller than the Y-direction width W2 of the embedding recessed portion 712. The Z-direction height H1 of the recessed portion 711 is greater than the Z-direction height H2 of the embedding recessed portion 712.

[0189] The embedding recess 712 is formed by recessing the surface 701a of the first metal component 701 in the Z1 direction toward the Z2 direction. The second metal component 702, inserted from the Z1 direction, is embedded in the embedding recess 712. The embedding recess 712 includes a pair of mounting surfaces 712a and a pair of opposing side surfaces 712b. Each of the pair of mounting surfaces 712a is an example of the "first surface" and "bottom surface of the embedding recess" in the technical solution.

[0190] The pair of mounting surfaces 712a are bottom surfaces on which the Y1-direction portion and the Y2-direction portion of the rear surface 702a of the second metal member 702 are mounted. The pair of mounting surfaces 712a are provided on both the Y1-direction side and the Y2-direction side. The pair of opposing side surfaces 712b are surfaces opposing the Y1-direction side surface 702b and the Y2-direction side surface 702c of the second metal member 702. The pair of opposing side surfaces 712b extend from the pair of mounting surfaces 712a in the Z1 direction. The pair of mounting surfaces 712a are provided on both the Y1-direction side and the Y2-direction side of the recess 711.

[0191] The fitting recess 712 is provided adjacent to the Z1 direction side of the recess 711. The height H2 of the fitting recess 712 in the Z direction is substantially the same as the thickness Th2 of the second metal member 702 in the Z direction.

[0192] The width W2 of the embedding recess 712 in the Y direction is larger than the width W3 of the second metal component 702 in the Y direction. Therefore, when the second metal component 702 is embedded in the embedding recess 712, a small gap Gap1 is provided on the Y1 direction side of the second metal component 702 and a small gap Gap2 is provided on the Y2 direction side of the second metal component 702 (W3-W2=Gap1+Gap2) between the second metal component 702 and a pair of opposing side surfaces 712b of the embedding recess 712 of the first metal component 701. Figure 16 The embodiment shown, as Figure 17As shown, a portion (W3-W2=Gap3) exists between the second metal component 702 and a pair of opposing side surfaces 712b of the fitting recess 712 of the first metal component 701, where a small gap Gap3 is provided only on the Y1 direction side of the second metal component 702. Furthermore, although not shown, a portion (not shown) where a small gap is provided only on the Y2 direction side of the second metal component 702 also exists. Here, small gap Gap3 (small gap on the Y2 direction side) is the sum of small gaps Gap1 and Gap2. Even when a small gap is provided only on one of the Y1 and Y2 directions, a small gap is provided adjacent to this portion in both the X1 and X2 directions.

[0193] Each of the micro-gap Gap1 and the micro-gap Gap2 has a size of approximately 50 μm, for example. Each of the micro-gap Gap1 and the micro-gap Gap2 is preferably as small as possible, between 50 μm and 1 mm. In this case, the micro-gap Gap3 has a size of approximately 100 μm, for example. The following description assumes that both the micro-gap Gap1 and the micro-gap Gap2 are provided between the second metal component 702 and a pair of opposing side surfaces 712 b of the fitting recess 712 of the first metal component 701.

[0194] (Second Metal Part)

[0195] like Figure 16 As shown, the second metal component 702 is a molded product made of a metal such as aluminum or iron. It is a plate-shaped component extending in both the X and Y directions. The second metal component 702 has a surface 702d on the Z1 side. Surface 702d is an example of a "second surface" in the technical solution.

[0196] Here, the pair of side surfaces 702b and 702c are continuous with the front surface 702d at their respective ends in the Z1 direction, and the pair of side surfaces 702b and 702c are continuous with the back surface 702a at their respective ends in the Z2 direction.

[0197] (Welding Department)

[0198] like Figure 18 As shown, the welded portion 703 is formed by melting and solidifying the first metal member 701 and the second metal member 702. That is, the welded portion 703 is formed by using a laser L (see Figure 22 ) The boundary Bo (refer to Figure 22 ) is melted and then solidified. Welding portion 703 is the joint (weld) portion between first metal member 701 and second metal member 702. Here, boundary Bo represents the space between a pair of opposing side surfaces 712b in the Y direction and a pair of side surfaces 702b (and side surface 702c) of second metal member 702.

[0199] The weld portion 703 includes a first portion 731 and a second portion 732. Each of the first portion 731 and the second portion 732 is provided across the first metal component 701 and the second metal component 702 in the Y direction. The first portion 731 is integrally provided on the Z2 direction side of the second portion 732. The first portion 731 has a tapered shape, with its width decreasing toward the Z2 direction. The second portion 732 has a tapered shape, with its width increasing toward the Z1 direction. In the Y direction, the maximum width of the second portion 732 is greater than the maximum width of the first portion 731. In the Y direction, the maximum width of the first portion 731 is approximately the same as the minimum width of the second portion 732.

[0200] The welded portion 703 described above is formed at the boundary Bo between the first metal member 701 and the second metal member 702 .

[0201] (Method of joining metal parts)

[0202] Below, refer to Figure 15 、 Figures 19 to 22 A method for joining the metal member 700 according to the second embodiment will be described.

[0203] like Figure 19 As shown, in step S701, the second metal component 702 is embedded in the first metal component 701 and maintained. Figure 20 as well as Figure 21 As shown, in step S701, the operator fits the second metal member 702 into the fitting recess 712 of the first metal member 701 and then holds the second metal member 702 in the first metal member 701. Step S701 is an example of the "contact step" of the technical claim.

[0204] Here, step S701 is a step of contacting the Z2-side end portions En1 of each of the side surfaces 702b and 702c of the second metal member 702, such that a portion of at least one of the pair of supporting surfaces 712a of the first metal member 701 is exposed. Portions of the pair of supporting surfaces 712a of the first metal member 701 are exposed through the small gap Gap1 and the small gap Gap2. Specifically, the exposed portions are the Y1-side end portions of the Y1-side supporting surface 712a and the Y2-side end portions of the Y2-side supporting surface 712a. Furthermore, portions of the pair of supporting surfaces 712a of the first metal member 701 contact the space outside the metal member 700 in each of the Z1, X1, and X2 directions via the small gaps Gap1 and Gap2.

[0205] In step S702 (refer to Figure 19 ), the laser light L is adjusted. That is, in step S702, the laser light L is adjusted to a spot diameter that matches the small gap Gap1 (or small gap Gap2) between the opposing side surface 712b and the side surface 702b (or side surface 702c) of the second metal member 702, and the focus position, the inclination of the laser light L, the output of the laser light L, the processing direction, etc. are adjusted.

[0206] In step S703 (refer to Figure 19 ), such as Figure 22 As shown, welding with laser light L begins along the boundary Bo. Boundary Bo is provided at the end portion on the Z1 direction side, where laser light L can be directly irradiated from the Z1 direction side. Step S703 is a step of welding and joining the first metal member 701 and the second metal member 702 to each other by irradiating the end surface portion 721d of the second metal member 702 with laser light L. At this time, by irradiating the end surface portion 721d of the second metal member 702 with laser light L, the end surface portion 711a of the surface 701a of the first metal member 701 is also irradiated with laser light L. Thus, step S703 is a step of welding and joining the side surface 702b (or side surface 702c) of the second metal member 702 and the opposing side surface 712b of the embedding recess 712 to each other using laser light L. Furthermore, step S703 is an example of the "welding and joining step" of the technical solution.

[0207] The end-side surface portion 711a is the surface on the exposed mounting surface 712a side of the surface 701a of the first metal member 701. Furthermore, the end-side surface portion 711a is the surface on the opposing side surface 712b side of the surface 701a that is continuous with the end portion En2 on the Z1 side of the opposing side surface 712b of the first metal member 701. Furthermore, the end-side surface portion 721d of the second metal member 702 is the surface on the exposed mounting surface 712a side of the surface 702d of the second metal member 702. Furthermore, the end-side surface portion 721d of the second metal member 702 is the surface on the side surface 702b (or side surface 702c) side of the surface 702d that is continuous with the end portion En2 on the Z1 side of the side surface 702b (or side surface 702c) of the second metal member 702.

[0208] Specifically, step S703 is a step of moving the held first metal member 701 and the second metal member 702 relatively in the X1 direction (X2 direction, Y1 direction, or Y2 direction) with respect to the laser light L irradiated in the Z2 direction (irradiation direction), and irradiating the adjusted laser light L toward the end side surface portion 711a of the first metal member 701 and the end side surface portion 721d of the second metal member 702 (see FIG. Figure 22 ) In addition, laser welding can also be performed by oscillation processing in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0209] At this time, if Figure 22 As shown, metal vapor generated by irradiating the end surface portion 711a of the first metal member 701 and the end surface portion 721d of the second metal member 702 with laser light L is discharged from the small gap Gap1 and the small gap Gap2 to the external space Ex. The small gap Gap1 and the small gap Gap2 are spaces connected to the external space Ex. Specifically, the metal vapor generated by irradiating the end surface portion 711a of the first metal member 701 and the end surface portion 721d of the second metal member 702 with laser light L is discharged through the small gap Gap1 and the small gap Gap2 in respective directions, such as the Va1 direction and the Va2 direction. Furthermore, the metal vapor generated by irradiating the end surface portion 711a of the first metal member 701 and the end surface portion 721d of the second metal member 702 is discharged directly to the external space Ex.

[0210] In step S704 (refer to Figure 19 ), when the laser beam L is welded to the end portion of the boundary Bo on the X1 direction side, the laser beam L is welded along the boundary Bo. Here, in step S704, the molten metal is cooled and solidified to form the weld portion 703.

[0211] After step S704 , the method for bonding the metal component 700 ends.

[0212] (Effects of the Second Embodiment)

[0213] In the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0214] In the second embodiment, as described above, the method for joining metal members 700 includes step S703, in which the first metal member 701 and the second metal member 702 are welded and joined to each other by irradiating the end surface portion 721d of the second metal member 702 with laser light L. This allows metal vapor from the first and second metal members 701, 702, generated by irradiating the end surface portion 721d of the second metal member 702 with laser light L to be discharged into the small gap Gap1 (or small gap Gap2: space) that exposes the mounting surface 712a of the first metal member 701. Consequently, the metal vapor generated from the first and second metal members 701, 702, is easily discharged to the external space Ex outside the metal members, thereby suppressing the intrusion of the metal vapor into the molten metal of the second metal member 702. Furthermore, because the mounting surface 712a of the first metal member 701 and the surface 702d of the second metal member 702 are in contact with the external space Ex outside the metal member 700, the metal vapor generated by irradiating the end surface portion 711a of the second metal member 702 with the laser light L is directly discharged into the external space Ex. This prevents the metal vapor from entering the molten metal of the second metal member 702 included in the metal member 700, thereby suppressing the formation of bubbles in the joint formed by solidification of the molten metal of the first metal member 701 and the second metal member 702 included in the metal member 700. Furthermore, the formation of bubbles along the joint can suppress a reduction in the strength of the joint due to bubbles.

[0215] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, as described above, the first metal member 701 includes the fitting recess 712 that is recessed in the Z2 direction and into which the second metal member 702 is fitted. Step S301 includes the step of fitting the second metal member 702 into the fitting recess 712 of the first metal member 701. Step S703 includes the step of welding and joining the side surface 702b (or side surface 702c) of the second metal member 702 and the opposing side surface 712b of the fitting recess 712 that faces the side surface 702b (or side surface 702c) of the second metal member 702 using laser light L. Thus, the irradiation direction of the laser light L is the same as the direction in which the boundary Bo between the side surface 702b (or side surface 702c) of the second metal member 702 and the opposing side surface 712b of the fitting recess 712 extends. Therefore, the welded portion can be formed over substantially the entire boundary Bo between the side surface 702b (or side surface 702c) of the second metal member 702 and the opposing side surface 712b of the fitting recess 712. As a result, sealing performance can be ensured at the boundary Bo between the side surface 702b (or side surface 702c) of the second metal member 702 and the opposing side surface 712b of the fitting recess 712.

[0216] Note that other effects of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment described above, and therefore their description will be omitted.

[0217] [Assumed application example]

[0218] Here, as Figure 23 As shown, it is assumed that the joining method of the metal member 700 of the second embodiment (refer to Figure 19 ) is the same as the first embodiment and is applied to the processing of a manifold 800 mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile. The manifold 800 includes a refrigerant circuit (flow path 800a) that interconnects the compressor 300, evaporator 400, water-cooled condenser 500, and accumulator 600 contained in the vehicle cooling system. The manifold 800 is a component corresponding to the above-mentioned metal component 700. Figures 23 to 27 In the hypothetical application example, the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations as those in the above-described embodiment, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0219] like Figure 23 As shown, the joining method of the metal component 700 is for joining the valve body 801 and the plate 802 of the manifold 800 and sealing the flow path 800a of the refrigerant flow in the manifold 800 (see Figure 26 The valve body 801 is a component corresponding to the first metal component 701. The plate 802 is a component corresponding to the second metal component 702.

[0220] The joining method of the manifold 800 is a laser welding method in which the plate 802 is inserted into the valve body 801 and the manifold 800 is processed. The manifold 800 formed by laser welding includes the valve body 801, the plate 802, and the welding portion 803 (see FIG. Figure 26 ). The structures of the valve body 801, the plate 802, and the welded portion 803 are described.

[0221] Here, the direction in which valve body 801 and plate 802 are arranged is referred to as the Z direction, the Z direction is referred to as the Z1 direction on the side of plate 802, and the Z direction is referred to as the Z2 direction on the side of valve body 801. Furthermore, one direction perpendicular to the Z direction is referred to as the X direction, one direction in the X direction is referred to as the X1 direction, and the other direction in the X direction is referred to as the X2 direction. A direction perpendicular to both the X and Z directions is referred to as the Y direction, one direction in the Y direction is referred to as the Y1 direction, and the other direction in the Y direction is referred to as the Y2 direction. The Z2 direction is an example of the "irradiation direction" in the technical solution.

[0222] (Valve Body)

[0223] like Figure 23 As shown, the valve body 801 is a molded product (die-cast molded product) made of aluminum. Figure 24 As shown, in the Z direction, the valve body 801 is a component having a thickness Th1 greater than the thickness Th2 of the plate 802. The surface of the die-cast molded product is relatively rough, and metal vapor is easily generated by the laser L. However, it can be welded by the joining method of the metal component 700 of the second embodiment (see Figure 19 ) effectively releases the metal vapor to the external space Ex (refer to Figure 22 ) is discharged. In addition, Figure 23 as well as Figure 24 , for the sake of convenience, the state before the valve body 801 and the plate 802 are welded is shown.

[0224] Specifically, if Figure 24 As shown, valve body 801 includes a flow path recess 811 and an insertion recess 812. Here, by covering flow path recess 811 (the aforementioned recess 711) of valve body 801 with plate 802, a flow path 800a for the flow of refrigerant (fluid) is formed. Flow path recess 811 is an example of the "first flow path recess" of the technical solution.

[0225] The flow path recess 811 is formed by recessing the mounting surface 812a of the insertion recess 812 in the Z2 direction. Multiple flow path recesses 811 are provided in the valve body 801. The insertion recess 812 is formed by recessing the surface 801a on the Z1 side of the valve body 801 in the Z2 direction. The plate 802, inserted from the Z1 side, is inserted into the insertion recess 812. That is, the insertion recess 812 is provided in multiple locations in the valve body 801 to match the flow path recess 811. A plate 802 of matching shape is inserted into each of the multiple insertion recesses 812. By inserting the matching plates 802, the Z1-direction opening of the flow path recess 811 is blocked, thereby forming the flow path 800a. The insertion recess 812 includes a pair of mounting surfaces 812a and a pair of opposing side surfaces 812b. In addition, each of the pair of placement surfaces 812a is an example of the “first surface” and the “bottom surface of the fitting recess” in the claims.

[0226] When the plate 802 is inserted into the fitting recess 812, a small gap Gap1 is provided between the plate 802 and a pair of opposing side surfaces 812b of the fitting recess 812 of the valve body 801, on the Y1 side of the plate 802, and a small gap Gap2 is provided on the Y2 side of the plate 802. Furthermore, a small gap Gap3 is provided between the plate 802 and a pair of opposing side surfaces 812b of the fitting recess 812 of the valve body 801, on either the Y1 side or the Y2 side of the plate 802. For ease of explanation, the following description assumes that both small gaps Gap1 and Gap2 are provided.

[0227] (plate)

[0228] like Figure 24 As shown, plate 802 is a molded metal product such as aluminum or iron. Plate 802 is a plate-shaped component extending in both the X and Y directions. Plate 802 has a rear surface 802a on the Z2 direction side. Plate 802 has a pair of side surfaces 802b and a side surface 802d on the Z1 direction side. Surface 802d is an example of a "second surface" in the technical solution.

[0229] Here, the pair of side surfaces 802b and 802c are continuous with the front surface 802d at their respective ends in the Z1 direction, and the pair of side surfaces 802b and 802c are continuous with the back surface 802a at their respective ends in the Z2 direction.

[0230] (Welding Department)

[0231] like Figure 25 as well as Figure 26As shown, the welding portion 803 is formed by melting and solidifying the valve body 801 and the plate 802. That is, the welding portion 803 is formed by using a laser L (see Figure 22 ) The boundary Bo (see Figure 22 ) is partially melted and then solidified. The weld portion 803 includes a first portion 831 and a second portion 832. The first portion 831 and the second portion 832 have the same shapes as the first portion 731 and the second portion 732, respectively, so their description is omitted.

[0232] (Method for joining manifolds (metal parts))

[0233] Below, refer to Figure 27 The following describes a method for joining the manifold 800 in an application example of the second embodiment. Steps S702 to S704 are the same as those in the method for joining the metal member 700 in the second embodiment, and therefore their description is omitted.

[0234] In step S801, the operator inserts plate 802 into fitting recess 812 of valve body 801 and then holds plate 802 within valve body 801. Here, step S801 is a step in which the flow path recess 811 forms flow path 800a through which the refrigerant (fluid) flows by inserting plate 802 into fitting recess 812 of valve body 801. Furthermore, step S801 is an example of the "contact step" of the technical solution.

[0235] Here, step S801 is a step of bringing the side surface 802b along the Z2 direction and the end portion En1 of the side surface 802c on the Z2 side of the abutment plate 802 into contact with each other so that at least one of the pair of mounting surfaces 812a of the valve body 801 is partially exposed. A portion of the mounting surface 812a of the valve body 801 is exposed through the small gap Gap1 and the small gap Gap2.

[0236] Steps S702 to S704 are performed. Here, step S703 is a step of sealing the flow path 800a by welding and joining the side surfaces 802b and 802c of the plate 802 and the opposing side surface 812b of the fitting recess 812 using laser light L. After steps S702 to S704, the joining method for the manifold 800 is completed.

[0237] (Effects of Application Example of Second Embodiment)

[0238] Furthermore, in the application example of the second embodiment, as described above, the valve body 801 includes a flow path recess 811 having a width W1 that is smaller than that of the insertion recess 812 in a direction perpendicular to the Z2 direction, and is located on the Z2 side of the insertion recess 812. Step S801 includes the step of inserting the plate 802 into the insertion recess 812 of the valve body 801, thereby forming the flow path for the fluid to flow through the flow path recess 811. Step S703 includes the step of sealing the flow path by welding and joining the side surface 802b of the plate 802 and the opposing side surface 812b of the insertion recess 812 using a laser L. This allows the welded portion to be formed substantially throughout the boundary Bo between the side surface 802b of the plate 802 and the opposing side surface 812b of the insertion recess 812, further suppressing leakage of the fluid flowing within the flow path out of the metal component. As a result, the flow path can be sealed.

[0239] [Third embodiment]

[0240] Reference Figures 28 to 34 The structure of the joining method of the metal member 900 according to the third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, with the second metal member 902 fitted into the first metal member 701, laser light L is irradiated onto the mounting surface 712a of the first metal member 701, the opposing side surface 712b of the first metal member 701, and the side surface 902b (and side surface 902c) of the second metal member 902 to perform welding. In the third embodiment, detailed descriptions of the same structures as those of the second embodiment will be omitted.

[0241] like Figure 28 As shown, the joining method of the metal parts 900 is to embed the second metal part 902 into the first metal part 701 by laser L (in Figure 28 A laser welding method is used to process a metal component 900 by welding (indicated by a double-dashed line in the figure). Metal component 900 formed by laser welding includes a first metal component 701, a second metal component 902, and a welded portion 903. First metal component 701 has the same structure as first metal component 701 of the second embodiment, so a detailed description is omitted. The structures of second metal component 902 and welded portion 903 are described below. Laser L is an example of an "energy beam" in the technical solution.

[0242] Here, the direction in which the first metal member 701 and the second metal member 902 are arranged is referred to as the Z direction, the Z1 direction is referred to as the second metal member 902 side in the Z direction, and the Z2 direction is referred to as the first metal member 701 side in the Z direction. Furthermore, the direction in which the second metal member 902 extends is referred to as the X direction, one direction in the X direction is referred to as the X1 direction, and the other direction in the X direction is referred to as the X2 direction. A direction orthogonal to both the X and Z directions is referred to as the Y direction, one direction in the Y direction is referred to as the Y1 direction, and the other direction in the Y direction is referred to as the Y2 direction. The Z2 direction is an example of the "irradiation direction" in the technical solution.

[0243] (Second Metal Part)

[0244] like Figure 29 As shown, second metal member 902 is a molded product made of a metal such as aluminum or iron. It is a plate-shaped member extending in both the X and Y directions. Second metal member 902 has a surface 902d on the Z1 side. Surface 902d is an example of a "second surface" in the technical solution.

[0245] Here, the pair of side surfaces 902b and 902c are continuous with the front surface 902d at their respective ends in the Z1 direction, and the pair of side surfaces 902b and 902c are continuous with the back surface 902a at their respective ends in the Z2 direction.

[0246] The thickness Th2 of the second metal member 902 in the Z direction is substantially the same as the height H2 of the fitting recess 712 in the Z direction. The width W3 of the second metal member 902 in the Y direction is smaller than the width W2 of the fitting recess 712 in the Y direction. Therefore, when the second metal member 902 is fitted into the fitting recess 712, a small gap Gap1 is provided on the Y1 side of the second metal member 902, and a small gap Gap2 is provided on the Y2 side of the second metal member 902 (W3-W2=Gap1+Gap2) between the second metal member 902 and a pair of opposing side surfaces 712b of the fitting recess 712 of the first metal member 701.

[0247] In addition, not only Figure 29 The embodiment shown, as Figure 30As shown, a portion (W3-W2=Gap3) is formed between the second metal member 902 and a pair of opposing side surfaces 712b of the fitting recess 712 of the first metal member 701, where a small gap Gap3 is provided only on the Y1 direction side of the second metal member 902. Furthermore, although not shown, a portion (not shown) where a small gap is provided only on the Y2 direction side of the second metal member 902 is also formed. Even when a small gap is provided only on one of the Y1 and Y2 directions, adjacent small gaps are provided from this portion in the X1 and X2 directions. Here, small gap Gap3 (the small gap on the Y2 direction side) is the sum of small gaps Gap1 and Gap2.

[0248] Each of the small gaps Gap1 and Gap2 is, for example, approximately 1 mm in size. In this case, the small gap Gap3 is approximately 2 mm in size. The following description assumes that both the small gaps Gap1 and Gap2 are provided between the second metal member 902 and the pair of opposing side surfaces 712b of the fitting recess 712 of the first metal member 701.

[0249] (Welding Department)

[0250] like Figure 31 As shown, the welded portion 903 is formed by melting and solidifying the first metal member 701 and the second metal member 902. That is, the welded portion 903 is formed by using a laser L (see Figure 34 ) The boundary Bo (see FIG. 1 ) between the pair of opposing side surfaces 712b of the fitting recess 712 of the first metal member 701 and the pair of side surfaces 902b and the side surface 902c of the second metal member 902 is formed. Figure 34 ) is melted and then solidified. Welding portion 903 is the joint (weld) portion between first metal member 701 and second metal member 902. Here, boundary Bo represents the boundary between the pair of opposing side surfaces 712b in the Y direction and the pair of side surfaces 902b (and side surface 902c) of second metal member 902.

[0251] In the third embodiment, the sizes of the small gap Gap1 and the small gap Gap2 are relatively large, so the laser L is irradiated on the exposed portions of a pair of supporting surfaces 712a of the embedding recess 712 of the first metal component 701, a pair of opposing side surfaces 712b of the embedding recess 712 of the first metal component 701, and a pair of side surfaces 902b and each of the side surfaces 902b of the second metal component 902.

[0252] The weld portion 903 includes a first portion 931 and a second portion 932. The first portion 931 is provided over the first metal member 701 and the second metal member 902 in the Y direction. The second portion 932 is provided over the first metal member 701 and the second metal member 902 in the Z2 direction.

[0253] The first portion 931 has a tapered shape, with its width decreasing as it moves toward the Z2 direction. The second portion 932 has a tapered shape, with its width increasing as it moves toward the Z1 direction. In the Y direction, the maximum width of the second portion 932 is greater than the maximum width of the first portion 931. In the Y direction, the maximum width of the first portion 931 is approximately the same as the minimum width of the second portion 932.

[0254] The welded portion 903 is formed at the boundary Bo between the first metal member 701 and the second metal member 902 (see Figure 34 ).

[0255] (Method of joining metal parts)

[0256] Below, refer to Figure 28 、 Figures 32 to 34 The following describes a method for joining the metal member 900 according to the third embodiment. Steps S702 and S704 are identical in structure to those of the second embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0257] like Figure 33 As shown, in step S901, the second metal component 902 is embedded in the first metal component 701 and maintained. Figure 33 As shown, in step S901, the operator fits the second metal member 902 into the fitting recess 712 of the first metal member 701 and then holds the second metal member 902 on the first metal member 701. Step S901 is an example of the "contact step" of the technical claim.

[0258] Here, step S901 is a step of contacting the Z2-side end En1 of the side surface 902b (or side surface 902c) of the second metal component 902 along the Z2 direction, with at least one portion of the pair of supporting surfaces 712a of the first metal component 701 exposed. A portion of the supporting surface 712a of the first metal component 701 is exposed through the small gap Gap1 and the small gap Gap2. Specifically, the exposed portion is the end portion of the Y1-side supporting surface 712a of the Y1-side supporting surface 712a and the end portion of the Y2-side supporting surface 712a of the Y2-side supporting surface 712a. Furthermore, a portion of the pair of supporting surfaces 712a of the first metal component 701 contacts the space outside the metal component 900 in each of the Z1, X1, and X2 directions via the small gaps Gap1 and Gap2.

[0259] In step S903 (refer to Figure 32 ), such as Figure 34 As shown, welding with laser light L begins along the boundary Bo. Specifically, step S903 is a step of welding and joining the first metal member 701 and the second metal member 902 to each other by irradiating the end surface portion 721d of the second metal member 702 with laser light L. At this time, by irradiating the end surface portion 921d of the second metal member 902 with laser light L, the end surface portion 711a of the surface 701a of the first metal member 701 and the exposed portion of the mounting surface 712a of the first metal member 701 are also irradiated with laser light L. Thus, step S903 is a step of welding and joining the side surfaces 902b and 902c of the second metal member 902, the opposing side surface 712b of the fitting recess 712, and the exposed portion of the mounting surface 712a of the first metal member 701 to each other using laser light L. Furthermore, step S903 is an example of the "welding and joining step" of the technical solution.

[0260] The end surface portion 921d of the second metal member 902 is the surface on the exposed mounting surface 712a side of the surface 902d of the second metal member 902. The end surface portion 921d of the second metal member 902 is the surface on the side surface 902b (or side surface 902c) side of the surface 902d continuous with the end En2 on the Z1 side of the side surface 902b (or side surface 902c) of the second metal member 902.

[0261] Specifically, step S903 is a step of moving the held first metal member 701 and the second metal member 902 relatively in the X1 direction (X2 direction, Y1 direction, or Y2 direction) with respect to the laser light L irradiated in the Z2 direction (irradiation direction), and irradiating the adjusted laser light L toward the exposed portion of the mounting surface 712a of the first metal member 701, the end side surface portion 711a of the first metal member 701, and the end side surface portion 921d of the second metal member 902 (see FIG. Figure 34 ) In addition, laser welding can also be performed by oscillation processing, similar to the first embodiment.

[0262] At this time, if Figure 34 As shown, the metal vapor generated by irradiating the exposed portion of the mounting surface 712a of the first metal member 701, the end surface portion 711a of the first metal member 701, and the end surface portion 921d of the second metal member 902 with laser light L is discharged from each of the small gaps Gap1 and Gap2 to the external space Ex. Each of the small gaps Gap1 and Gap2 is a space connected to the external space Ex. In other words, the metal vapor generated by irradiating the exposed portion of the mounting surface 712a of the first metal member 701, the end surface portion 711a of the first metal member 701, and the end surface portion 921d of the second metal member 902 with laser light L is discharged through the small gaps Gap1 and Gap2 in respective directions, such as the Va1 direction and the Va2 direction. In addition, the metal vapor generated by irradiating the end side surface portion 711 a of the first metal member 701 and the end side surface portion 921 d of the second metal member 902 with the laser light L is directly discharged to the external space Ex.

[0263] After step S704 , the method for bonding the metal component 900 ends.

[0264] (Effects of the Third Embodiment)

[0265] In the third embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0266] As described above, in the third embodiment, the method for joining metal members 900 includes step S903, in which the first metal member 701 and the second metal member 902 are welded and joined to each other by irradiating the end surface portion 921d of the second metal member 902 with laser light L. This allows metal vapor from the first and second metal members 701, 902, generated by irradiating the end surface portion 921d of the second metal member 902, to be discharged into the small gap Gap1 (or small gap Gap2: space) that exposes the mounting surface 712a of the first metal member 701. Consequently, the metal vapor generated from the first and second metal members 701, 902, is easily discharged into the external space Ex outside the metal members, thereby suppressing the intrusion of the metal vapor into the molten metal of the second metal member 902. Furthermore, since the surface 701a of the first metal member 701 and the surface 902d of the second metal member 902 are in contact with the external space Ex outside the metal member 900, the metal vapor generated by irradiating the end surface portion 921d of the second metal member 902 with the laser light L is directly discharged into the external space Ex. This suppresses the intrusion of the metal vapor into the molten metal of the second metal member 902 included in the metal member 900, and thus suppresses the formation of bubbles in the joint formed by solidifying the molten metal of the first metal member 701 and the second metal member 902 included in the metal member 900. Furthermore, by suppressing the formation of bubbles in the joint, a decrease in the strength of the joint due to bubbles can be suppressed.

[0267] Furthermore, in the third embodiment, as described above, step S903 includes the step of welding and joining the side surfaces 902b and 902c of the second metal member 902, the opposing side surfaces 712b of the fitting recess 712, and the exposed portion of the mounting surface 712a of the first metal member 701 to each other using laser light L. This increases the amount of metal melted by the laser light L, thereby ensuring the joint strength of the weld between the first metal member 701 and the second metal member 902.

[0268] Note that other effects of the third embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment described above, and therefore their description will be omitted.

[0269] [Assumed application example]

[0270] Here, the joining method of the metal member 900 of the third embodiment is the same as that of the second embodiment, and is assumed to be applied to processing of a manifold mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile.

[0271] [Fourth embodiment]

[0272] Reference Figures 35 to 44 The structure of the method for joining metal members 1000 according to the fourth embodiment will be described. In the fourth embodiment, the first metal member 1001 and the second metal member 1002 are welded together with the weld overlap region Ar, with the second metal member 1002 being embedded in the first metal member 1001. In the fourth embodiment, detailed descriptions of the same structures as those of the second embodiment will be omitted.

[0273] like Figure 35 As shown, the joining method of the metal parts 1000 is to embed the second metal part 1002 into the first metal part 1001 by laser L (in Figure 35 A laser welding method is disclosed in which a metal component 1000 is processed by welding (indicated by a double-dashed line) to form a metal component 1000. The metal component 1000 formed by laser welding includes a first metal component 1001, a second metal component 1002, a weld portion 1003, and a notch 1004. The structures of the first metal component 1001, the second metal component 1002, and the weld portion 1003 are described below. In addition, the laser L is an example of the "energy beam" of the technical solution. In addition, the notch 1004 is an example of the "first escape space portion" and the "first notch" of the technical solution.

[0274] Here, the direction in which the first metal member 1001 and the second metal member 1002 are arranged is referred to as the Z direction, the Z1 direction is referred to as the second metal member 1002 side in the Z direction, and the Z2 direction is referred to as the first metal member 1001 side in the Z direction. Furthermore, the direction in which the second metal member 1002 extends is referred to as the X direction, one direction in the X direction is referred to as the X1 direction, and the other direction in the X direction is referred to as the X2 direction. A direction orthogonal to both the X and Z directions is referred to as the Y direction, one direction in the Y direction is referred to as the Y1 direction, and the other direction in the Y direction is referred to as the Y2 direction. The Z2 direction is an example of the "irradiation direction" in the technical solution.

[0275] (First Metal Part)

[0276] like Figure 36 As shown, the first metal component 1001 includes a recess 1011 and an embedding recess 1012. Figure 36 The first metal member 1001 is shown before being welded to the second metal member 1002. The recess 1011 is an example of the "first flow channel recess" in the technical claims.

[0277] The recess 1011 is formed by being recessed in the Z2 direction from a later-described mounting surface 1012a of the embedding recess 1012. The recess 1011 is provided adjacent to the Z2 direction side of the embedding recess 1012. The mounting surface 1012a is an example of the "first surface" and the "bottom surface of the embedding recess" in the technical solution.

[0278] The embedding recess 1012 is formed by recessing the surface 1001a of the first metal component 1001 in the Z1 direction toward the Z2 direction. The second metal component 1002, inserted from the Z1 direction, is embedded in the embedding recess 1012. The embedding recess 1012 includes a mounting surface 1012a and a plurality (four) of opposing side surfaces 1012b. Alternatively, the plurality of opposing side surfaces 1012b may be two, three, or five or more.

[0279] The mounting surface 1012a is an annular bottom surface when viewed from the Z1 direction. The mounting surface 1012a is provided for the back surface 1002a (refer to Figure 37 ) on the X1 direction side of the inner surface 1002a, on the X2 direction side of the inner surface 1002a, on the Y1 direction side of the inner surface 1002a, and on the Y2 direction side of the inner surface 1002a. The mounting surface 1012a is provided on the X1 direction side of the recess 1011, on the X2 direction side of the recess 1011, on the Y1 direction side of the recess 1011, and on the Y2 direction side of the recess 1011. The plurality of opposing side surfaces 1012b are respectively opposite to the side surfaces 1002b on the X1 direction side of the second metal component 1002 (refer to Figure 37 ), the side surface 1002c on the X2 direction side, the side surface 1002d on the Y1 direction side, and the side surface 1002e on the Y2 direction side of the second metal member 1002. Each of the plurality of opposing side surfaces 1012b is a surface extending from the mounting surface 1012a in the Z1 direction.

[0280] The embedding recess 1012 is provided adjacent to the Z1 direction side of the recess 1011. When the second metal component 1002 is embedded in the embedding recess 1012, a small gap Gap is provided between the second metal component 1002 and the opposite side surface 1012b of the embedding recess 1012 of the first metal component 1001 (see Figure 43 The micro gap Gap is provided around the second metal component 1002 (on the X1 direction side, the X2 direction side, the Y1 direction side, and the Y2 direction side). The micro gap Gap is, for example, approximately 50 μm in size. The micro gap Gap is preferably as small as possible within a range of 50 μm to 1 mm.

[0281] (Second Metal Part)

[0282] like Figure 37As shown, second metal component 1002 is a molded product made of a metal such as aluminum or iron. It is a plate-shaped component extending in both the X and Y directions. Second metal component 1002 has a surface 1002f on the Z1 side. Surface 1002f is an example of a "second surface" in the technical solution.

[0283] (Welding Department)

[0284] like Figure 38 As shown, the welded portion 1003 is formed by melting and solidifying the first metal member 1001 and the second metal member 1002. That is, the welded portion 1003 is formed by using a laser L to weld the boundaries Bo (see FIG. 1 ) between the plurality of opposing side surfaces 1012b of the fitting recess 1012 of the first metal member 1001 and the plurality of side surfaces 1002b, 1002c, 1002d, and 1002e of the second metal member 1002. Figure 43 ) is melted and then solidified. Welding portion 1003 is the joint (weld) portion between first metal member 1001 and second metal member 1002. Here, boundary Bo represents the boundary between opposing side surfaces 1012b in the X and Y directions and side surfaces 1002b, 1002c, 1002d, and 1002e of second metal member 1002.

[0285] Welding portion 1003 includes a first portion 1031 and a second portion 1032. Each of first portion 1031 and second portion 1032 is provided across first metal member 1001 and second metal member 1002 in the Y direction. First portion 1031 is integrally provided on the Z2 direction side of second portion 1032. First portion 1031 has a tapered shape, decreasing in width as it approaches the Z2 direction. Second portion 1032 has a tapered shape, increasing in width as it approaches the Z1 direction.

[0286] The weld portion 1003 described above is formed at the boundary Bo between the first metal member 1001 and the second metal member 1002 .

[0287] (incision)

[0288] like Figure 38As shown, the metal component 100 of the fourth embodiment is formed with a notch 1004 to prevent metal vapor generated when melting the first metal component 1001 from escaping into the recess 1011 rather than into the external space Ex. The notch 1004 is provided in the weld overlap region Ar, which overlaps with the weld performed by the laser light L when forming the welded portion 1003, and provides a space for the metal vapor generated during the welding performed by the laser light L to escape into the recess 1011. For example, the metal vapor is released in the direction Va and exhausted toward the recess 1011 through the notch 1004. The metal vapor includes air and gas generated when the first metal component 1001 is melted by the laser light L.

[0289] Here, refer to Figure 35 The weld overlap region Ar will be described.

[0290] like Figure 35 As shown, when the boundary Bo between the first metal member 1001 and the second metal member 1002 is provided along the entire circumference of the second metal member 1002, the starting point St of the weld performed by the laser L is aligned with the ending point En of the weld performed by the laser L to seal the boundary Bo. Therefore, the weld 3 formed by the laser L at the starting point St is welded again by the laser L when it reaches the ending point En. In this way, the welds performed by the laser L overlap (repeat) in the weld 3 formed at the starting point St. The weld overlap region Ar is a region of the first metal member 1001 and the second metal member 1002 that includes the starting point St (or ending point En) and the area before and after the starting point St (or ending point En).

[0291] Reference Figure 39 as well as Figure 40 The function of the cutout 1004 will be described.

[0292] Figure 39 This figure shows a state immediately before laser processing reaches the end point En after laser processing begins at the start point St. During welding with laser L, the heat distribution of the high-temperature portion of heat conducted from the surface 1001a of the first metal member 1001 and the surface 1002f of the second metal member 1002 to the mounting surface 1012a becomes gradually tapered toward the Z2 direction. Therefore, the first metal member 1001 and the second metal member 1002 on the Z1 side melt before the first metal member 1001 and the second metal member 1002 on the Z2 side.

[0293] Therefore, if Figure 39As shown, a space Spc is formed that closes the Z1 direction side. In this state, the released metal vapor is not discharged to the external space Ex, but is discharged to the recess 1011 through the cutout 1004. Thus, in a state where the metal vapor is closed in the space Spc, no processing by the laser L is performed at the end point En, so the expansion of the metal vapor caused by the heat of the laser L can be avoided. Therefore, the generation of bubbles in the weld overlap area Ar caused by the expansion of the metal vapor can be avoided, as shown in FIG. Figure 40 As shown, no bubbles are generated in the weld overlap region Ar and the boundary Bo is sealed.

[0294] like Figure 38 As shown, such a cutout 1004 is formed in the welding overlap region Ar in the mounting surface 1012a of the fitting recess 1012 of the first metal member 1001. The cutout 1004 separates the space Spc ( Figure 43 The notch 1004 is formed by recessing the portion of the mounting surface 1012a of the recessed portion 1012 on the side of the recessed portion 1011 in the Z2 direction. The notch 1004 is recessed in the Z2 direction to a position midway between the mounting surface 1012a of the recessed portion 1012 and the bottom surface 1011b of the recessed portion 1011.

[0295] (Method of joining metal parts)

[0296] Below, refer to Figures 41 to 45 A method for joining the metal member 1000 according to the fourth embodiment will be described.

[0297] like Figure 41 As shown, in step S1001, the second metal component 1002 is embedded in the first metal component 1001 and maintained. Figure 42 as well as Figure 43 As shown, in step S1001, the operator fits the second metal member 1002 into the fitting recess 1012 of the first metal member 1001 and then holds the second metal member 1002 on the first metal member 1001. Step S1001 is an example of the "contact step" of the technical claim.

[0298] Here, step S1001 is a step of abutting the end portions En1 of the side surfaces 1002b, 1002c, 1002d, and 1002e of the second metal member 1002 along the Z2 direction, such that a portion of the mounting surface 1012a of the first metal member 1001 is exposed. A portion of the mounting surface 1012a of the first metal member 1001 is exposed through a small gap Gap. Specifically, the exposed portions are the end portions of the mounting surface 1012a on the X1 direction, the end portion of the mounting surface 1012a on the X2 direction, the end portion of the mounting surface 1012a on the Y1 direction, and the end portion of the mounting surface 1012a on the Y2 direction. Furthermore, a portion of the placement surface 1012 a of the first metal member 1001 contacts the external space Ex outside the metal member 1000 in each of the Z1 direction, the X1 direction, the X2 direction, the Y1 direction, and the Y2 direction via the small gap Gap.

[0299] In step S1002 (refer to Figure 41 ), the laser light L is adjusted. Specifically, in step S1002, the laser light L is adjusted to a spot diameter that matches the small gap Gap between the opposing side surface 1012b and the side surface 1002b (or side surface 1002c) of the second metal member 1002, and the focal position, the inclination of the laser light L, the output of the laser light L, the processing direction, and the like are adjusted. Here, the focal position of the laser light L is set at a height position between the surface 1001a of the first metal member 1001 and the end surface portion 1021d.

[0300] In step S1003 (refer to Figure 41 ), such as Figure 44 As shown, welding using laser light L begins along boundary Bo from starting point St. Boundary Bo is located at the end portion on the Z1 side, where laser light L can be directly irradiated from the Z1 side. Step S1003 is a step of welding and joining the first metal member 1001 and the second metal member 1002 to each other by irradiating the end surface portion 1021d of the second metal member 1002 with laser light L. At this time, by irradiating the end surface portion 1021d of the second metal member 1002 with laser light L, the end surface portion 1011a of the surface 1001a of the first metal member 1001 is also irradiated with laser light L. Thus, step S1003 is a step of welding and joining the side surfaces 1002b (side surfaces 1002c, 1002d, and 1002e) of the second metal member 1002 to the opposing side surface 1012b of the recessed portion 1012 using laser light L. Furthermore, step S1003 is an example of the "welding and joining step" of the technical solution.

[0301] The end surface portion 1011a is the surface on the exposed mounting surface 1012a side of the surface 1001a of the first metal member 1001. Furthermore, the end surface portion 1011a is the surface on the opposing side 1012b side of the surface 1001a that is continuous with the end En2 on the Z1 side of the opposing side 1012b of the first metal member 1001. Furthermore, the end surface portion 1021d of the second metal member 1002 is the surface on the exposed mounting surface 1012a side of the surface 1002f of the second metal member 1002. In addition, the end side surface portion 1021d of the second metal component 1002 is a surface on the side of the side 1002b (side 1002c, side 1002d and side 1002e) in the surface 1002f that is continuous with the end En2 on the Z1 direction side of the side 1002b (side 1002c, side 1002d and side 1002e) of the second metal component 1002.

[0302] Specifically, step S1003 is a step of moving the held first metal member 1001 and the second metal member 1002 relatively in the X1 direction (X2 direction, Y1 direction, or Y2 direction) with respect to the laser light L irradiated in the Z2 direction (irradiation direction), and irradiating the adjusted laser light L toward the end surface portion 1011a of the first metal member 1001 and the end surface portion 1021d of the second metal member 1002. Furthermore, laser welding can also be performed by oscillating processing, as in the second embodiment.

[0303] At this time, if Figure 44 As shown, metal vapor generated by irradiating the end surface portion 1011a of the first metal member 1001 and the end surface portion 1021d of the second metal member 1002 with laser light L is discharged from the small gap Gap to the external space Ex. The small gap Gap is a space connected to the external space Ex. Specifically, the metal vapor generated by irradiating the end surface portion 1011a of the first metal member 1001 and the end surface portion 1021d of the second metal member 1002 with laser light L is discharged through the small gap Gap in various directions, such as the Va1 direction and the Va2 direction. Furthermore, the metal vapor generated by irradiating the end surface portion 1011a of the first metal member 1001 and the end surface portion 1021d of the second metal member 1002 with laser light L is discharged directly to the external space Ex.

[0304] In addition, if Figure 45As shown, step S1003 is a step of melting the side surface 1002e of the second metal member 1002 and the opposing side surface 1012b of the first metal member 1001 in the weld overlap region Ar by the laser light L. When performing this step S1003, metal vapor escapes from the cutout 1004. That is, in step S1003, the metal vapor is discharged from the space Spc formed in the weld overlap region Ar by the weld overlap (repeated) performed by the laser light L to the recess 1011 through the cutout 1004, so that bubbles are not generated in the weld overlap region Ar, and the boundary Bo is sealed (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 40 ).

[0305] In step S1004 (refer to Figure 41 ), when the welding by the laser L ends at the end point En of the boundary Bo, the welding by the laser L along the boundary Bo ends. Here, in step S1004, the welded portion 1003 is formed by cooling and solidifying the molten metal.

[0306] After step S1004 , the method for joining the metal component 1000 ends.

[0307] (Effects of the Fourth Embodiment)

[0308] In the fourth embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0309] In the fourth embodiment, as described above, the method for joining metal members 1000 includes step S1003, in which the first metal member 1001 and the second metal member 1002 are welded and joined to each other by irradiating the end surface portion 1021d of the second metal member 1002 with laser light L. This allows metal vapor from the first and second metal members 1001, 1002, generated by irradiating the end surface portion 721d of the second metal member 1002, to be discharged into the small gap Gap that exposes the mounting surface 1012a of the first metal member 1001. Therefore, by facilitating the discharge of metal vapor generated from the first and second metal members 1001, 1002, into the external space Ex outside the metal members, it is possible to suppress the intrusion of metal vapor into the molten metal of the second metal member 1002. Furthermore, because the mounting surface 1012a of the first metal member 1001 and the surface 1002f of the second metal member 1002 are in contact with the external space Ex outside the metal member 1000, the metal vapor generated by irradiating the end surface portion 1011a of the second metal member 1002 with the laser light L is directly discharged into the external space Ex. This suppresses the intrusion of the metal vapor into the molten metal of the second metal member 1002 included in the metal member 1000, thereby suppressing the formation of bubbles in the joint formed by solidifying the molten metal of the first metal member 1001 and the second metal member 1002 included in the metal member 1000. Furthermore, by suppressing the formation of bubbles in the joint, a decrease in the strength of the joint caused by bubbles can be suppressed.

[0310] Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, as described above, the first metal member 1001 includes a recess 1011 for fluid flow, provided on the Z2 direction (irradiation direction) side of the fitting recess 1012. The first metal member 1001 includes a notch 1004 (escape space) provided in the weld overlap region Ar where welds performed by the laser light L overlap, allowing metal vapor generated by the welds performed by the laser light L to escape into the recess 1011. The fitting step S1001 includes the step of fitting the second metal member 1002 into the fitting recess 1012 to form the recess 1011 as a fluid flow path. The welding and joining step S1003 includes the step of melting the side surfaces 1002b (1002c, 1002d, and 1002e) of the second metal member 1002 and the opposing side surface 1012b of the first metal member 1001 in the weld overlap region Ar using the laser light L. Here, during welding using the laser light L, the heat distribution of the high-temperature portion of the heat transferred from the surface 1001a of the first metal member 1001 and the surface 1002f of the second metal member 1002 becomes a gradually tapering heat distribution. Therefore, the surface 1001a of the first metal member 1001 and the surface 1002f of the second metal member 1002 are melted over a larger area than the inner portions of the first metal member 1001 and the second metal member 1002. Consequently, in the weld overlap region Ar, the surface 1001a of the first metal member 1001 and the surface 1002f of the second metal member 1002 are melted first, forming a space Spc enclosed on the front side of each of the side surfaces 1002b (1002c, 1002d, and 1002e) of the second metal member 1002 and the opposing side surface 1012b of the fitting recess 1012 of the first metal member 1001. In this case, the metal vapor generated during welding in the weld overlap region Ar is retained in the space Spc, thereby generating bubbles in the joint formed by the solidification of the melted first metal member 1001 and the second metal member 1002. Therefore, by providing the notch 1004 (escape space) in the weld overlap region Ar, a closed space is not formed, and the metal vapor generated during welding by the laser L can escape to the recess 1011, thereby suppressing the generation of bubbles in the joint formed by the solidification of the melted first metal member 1001 and the second metal member 1002.

[0311] Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, as described above, the escape space portion is formed by the notch 1004 formed in the weld overlap region Ar of the mounting surface 1012a in the fitting recess 1012 of the first metal member 1001. The welding and joining step S1003 includes the step of fusing the side surfaces 1002b (1002c, 1002d, and 1002e) of the second metal member 1002 and the opposing side surface 1012b of the first metal member 1001 in the weld overlap region Ar using a laser beam L. Thus, by forming the escape space portion by the notch 1004, the complexity of designing a mold for forming the escape space portion in the first metal member 1001 can be suppressed, thereby making it relatively easy to form the first metal member 1001 with the escape space portion.

[0312] In the fourth embodiment, as described above, the metal component 1000 includes the first metal component 1001 having the fitting recess 1012 recessed from the surface 1001a in the Z2 direction and the fluid flow recess 1011 provided on the Z2 direction side of the fitting recess 1012. Metal component 1000 includes a second metal component 1002 that fits into an inserting recess 1012 and has side surfaces 1002b (side surfaces 1002c, 1002d, and 1002e) extending along the Z2 direction; and a weld 1003 formed by melting and solidifying the side surfaces 1002b (side surfaces 1002c, 1002d, and 1002e) of the second metal component 1002 and the opposing side surfaces 1012b of the inserting recess 1012 and the side surfaces 1002b (side surfaces 1002c, 1002d, and 1002e) of the second metal component 1002. Metal component 1000 includes a notch 1004 provided in a weld overlap region Ar where welds formed by laser light L overlap when forming weld 1003, and to allow metal vapor generated by welding by laser light L to escape toward the recess 1011. Here, during welding using laser light L, the heat transferred from the surface 1001a of the first metal member 1001 and the surface 1001a of the second metal member 1002 has a gradually tapering heat distribution. Therefore, the surface 1001a of the first metal member 1001 and the surface 1001a of the second metal member 1002 are melted over a larger area than the inner portions of the first metal member 1001 and the second metal member 1002. Consequently, in the weld overlap region Ar, the surface 1001a of the first metal member 1001 and the surface 1001a of the second metal member 1002 are melted first, forming a closed space on the surface 1001a side of each of the side surfaces 1002b (side surfaces 1002c, 1002d, and 1002e) of the second metal member 1002 and the opposing side surface 1012b of the fitting recess 1012 of the first metal member 1001. In this case, metal vapor generated during welding in the weld overlap region Ar is retained in a closed space, thereby generating bubbles in the joined portion formed by solidification of the melted first metal member 1001 and the second metal member 1002. Therefore, by providing the notch 1004 in the weld overlap region Ar without forming a closed space, the metal vapor generated during welding by the laser light L can escape into the recess 1011, thereby providing a metal member 1000 capable of suppressing the generation of bubbles in the joined portion formed by solidification of the melted first metal member 1001 and the second metal member 1002.

[0313] Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, as described above, the cutout 1004 is formed in the weld overlap region Ar on the bottom surface of the fitting recess 1012 of the first metal member 1001. Thus, by forming the escape space portion with the cutout 1004, it is possible to suppress the complexity of designing a mold for forming the escape space portion in the first metal member 1001, thereby making it possible to relatively easily form the first metal member 1001 having the cutout 1004 formed therein.

[0314] Note that other effects of the fourth embodiment are the same as those of the second embodiment described above, and therefore their description will be omitted.

[0315] [Assumed application example]

[0316] Here, as Figure 46 As shown, the method for joining the metal parts 1000 of the fourth embodiment (see Figure 41 ) As in the second embodiment, it is assumed that the process is applied to a manifold 1100 mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile. The manifold 1100 includes a refrigerant circuit (flow path 1100a (see FIG. 110b )) interconnecting the compressor 300, evaporator 400, water-cooled condenser 500, and accumulator 600 included in the vehicle cooling system. Figure 48 )). The manifold 1100 is a component corresponding to the above-mentioned metal component 1000. Figures 46 to 49 In the hypothetical application example, the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations as those in the above-described embodiment, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0317] like Figure 46 As shown, the joining method of the metal component 1000 is for joining the valve body 1101 and the plate 1102 of the manifold 1100 and sealing the flow path 1100a of the refrigerant flow in the manifold 1100 (see Figure 48 The valve body 1101 is a component corresponding to the first metal component 1001. The plate 1102 is a component corresponding to the second metal component 1002.

[0318] The joining method of the manifold 1100 is a laser welding method in which the plate 1102 is inserted into the valve body 1101 and the manifold 1100 is processed. The manifold 1100 formed by laser welding includes the valve body 1101, the plate 1102, and the welded portion 1105 (see FIG. Figure 48 ). The structures of the valve body 1101, the plate 1102, and the welded portion 1105 are described.

[0319] Here, the direction in which valve body 1101 and plate 1102 are arranged is referred to as the Z direction, the plate 1102 side in the Z direction is referred to as the Z1 direction, and the valve body 1101 side in the Z direction is referred to as the Z2 direction. Furthermore, one direction perpendicular to the Z direction is referred to as the X direction, one direction in the X direction is referred to as the X1 direction, and the other direction in the X direction is referred to as the X2 direction. A direction perpendicular to both the X and Z directions is referred to as the Y direction, one direction in the Y direction is referred to as the Y1 direction, and the other direction in the Y direction is referred to as the Y2 direction. The Z2 direction is an example of the "irradiation direction" in the technical solution.

[0320] (Valve Body)

[0321] like Figure 46 As shown, the valve body 1101 is a molded product (die-cast molded product) made of aluminum. The surface of the die-cast molded product is relatively rough-processed, and it is easy to generate metal vapor by the laser L, but it can be welded by the joining method of the metal part 1000 of the fourth embodiment (see Figure 41 ) effectively releases the metal vapor to the external space Ex (refer to Figure 44 ) and the flow path recess 1112 (refer to Figure 45 ) is discharged. In addition, Figure 46 as well as Figure 47 , for the sake of convenience, the state before the valve body 1101 and the plate 1102 are welded is shown.

[0322] Specifically, if Figure 46 As shown, the valve body 1101 includes a fitting recess 1111 , a flow path recess 1112 , and a cutout 1113 .

[0323] The flow path recess 1112 is a portion formed by being recessed in the Z2 direction from the mounting surface 1111a of the embedding recess 1111. A plurality of flow path recesses 1112 are provided in the valve body 1101. The embedding recess 1111 is a portion formed by being recessed in the Z2 direction from the surface 1101a on the Z1 side of the valve body 1101. The plate 1102 inserted from the Z1 side is embedded in the embedding recess 1111. By embedding the plate 1102 having a matching shape, the opening in the Z1 direction of the flow path recess 1112 is closed, thereby forming the flow path 1100a. The embedding recess 1111 includes a mounting surface 1111a and an opposing side surface 1111b. Each of the mounting surfaces 1111a is an example of the "bottom surface of the embedding recess" and the "first surface" of the technical solution.

[0324] When the plate 1102 is fitted into the fitting recess 1111 , a small gap Gap is provided between the plate 1102 and the opposing side surface 1111 b of the fitting recess 1111 of the valve body 1101 .

[0325] (plate)

[0326] like Figure 47 As shown, plate 1102 is a molded metal product such as aluminum or iron. Plate 1102 is a plate-shaped component extending in both the X and Y directions. Plate 1102 has a back surface 1102a on the Z2 direction side. It also has side surfaces 1102b and 1102c. Plate 1102 has a surface 1102d on the Z1 direction side. Surface 1102d is an example of a "second surface" in the technical solution.

[0327] Here, the pair of side surfaces 1102b and 1102c are continuous with the surface 1102d at their respective ends in the Z1 direction, and the pair of side surfaces 1102b and 1102c are continuous with the back surface 1102a at their respective ends in the Z2 direction.

[0328] (Welding Department)

[0329] Welding portion 1105 (see Figure 49 ) The valve body 1101 and the plate 1102 are melted and solidified. That is, the welded portion 1105 is formed by using a laser L (see Figure 44 ) is formed by melting the opposing side surfaces 1111b of the fitting recess 1111 of the valve body 1101 and the boundary Bo between the side surfaces 1102b and 1102c of the plate 1102, and then solidifying. The weld 1105 includes a first portion 1151 and a second portion 1152. The first portion 1151 and the second portion 1152 have the same shapes as the first portion 1031 and the second portion 1032, respectively, and therefore their description will be omitted.

[0330] (Method for joining manifolds (metal parts))

[0331] Figure 50 Steps S1101 to S1104 of the method for joining the manifold 1100 according to the application example of the fourth embodiment are the same as those of the method for joining the metal member 1000 according to the fourth embodiment, and therefore their description is omitted.

[0332] [Fifth embodiment]

[0333] Reference Figures 51 to 59The structure of the method for joining metal member 1200 according to the fifth embodiment will be described. In the fifth embodiment, first metal member 1201 having inclined surface 1213 and second metal member 1202 are welded while second metal member 1202 is fitted into first metal member 1201. In the fifth embodiment, detailed descriptions of the same structures as those of the second embodiment will be omitted.

[0334] like Figure 51 As shown, the joining method of the metal parts 1200 is to embed the second metal part 1202 into the first metal part 1201 by laser L (in Figure 51 A laser welding method is described, wherein a metal component 1200 is processed by welding (indicated by a two-dot chain line) to form a metal component. Metal component 1200 formed by laser welding includes a first metal component 1201, a second metal component 1202, and a welded portion 1203. The structures of first metal component 1201, second metal component 1202, and welded portion 1203 are described below. Laser L is an example of an "energy beam" in the technical solution.

[0335] Here, the direction in which the first metal member 1201 and the second metal member 1202 are arranged is referred to as the Z direction, the Z1 direction is referred to as the second metal member 1202 side in the Z direction, and the Z2 direction is referred to as the first metal member 1201 side in the Z direction. Furthermore, the direction in which the second metal member 1202 extends is referred to as the X direction, one direction in the X direction is referred to as the X1 direction, and the other direction in the X direction is referred to as the X2 direction. A direction orthogonal to both the X and Z directions is referred to as the Y direction, one direction in the Y direction is referred to as the Y1 direction, and the other direction in the Y direction is referred to as the Y2 direction. The Z2 direction is an example of the "irradiation direction" in the technical solution.

[0336] (First Metal Part)

[0337] like Figure 52 As shown, the first metal component 1201 includes a recess 1211, an embedding recess 1212, and an inclined surface 1213. Figure 52 The figure shows the first metal member 1201 before welding it to the second metal member 1202. Furthermore, the recess 1211 is an example of the "first flow channel recess" in the technical solution. Furthermore, the inclined surface 1213 is an example of the "second escape space" in the technical solution.

[0338] The recess 1211 is formed by being recessed in the Z2 direction from a later-described mounting surface 1212a of the embedding recess 1212. The recess 1211 is provided adjacent to the Z2-direction side of the embedding recess 1212. The mounting surface 1212a is an example of the "first surface" and "bottom surface of the embedding recess" in the technical solution.

[0339] The fitting recess 1212 is formed by recessing the first metal member 1201 from the Z1-direction surface 1201a toward the Z2 direction. The second metal member 1202, inserted from the Z1-direction side, fits into the fitting recess 1212. The fitting recess 1212 includes a mounting surface 1212a and a plurality (four) of opposing side surfaces 1212b. The plurality of opposing side surfaces 1212b may also be two, three, or five or more.

[0340] The mounting surface 1212a is an annular bottom surface when viewed from the Z1 direction. The mounting surface 1212a is provided for the back surface 1202a of the second metal member 1202 (see Figure 54 ) on the X1 side of the recess 1211, on the X2 side of the inner surface 1202a, on the Y1 side of the inner surface 1202a, and on the Y2 side of the inner surface 1202a. The mounting surface 1212a is provided on the X1 side of the recess 1211, on the X2 side of the recess 1211, on the Y1 side of the recess 1211, and on the Y2 side of the recess 1211. The plurality of opposing side surfaces 1212b are respectively opposite to the side surfaces 1202b on the X1 side of the second metal component 1202 (refer to Figure 54 ), the side surface 1202c on the X2 direction side, the side surface 1202d on the Y1 direction side, and the side surface 1202e on the Y2 direction side of the second metal member 1202. Each of the plurality of opposing side surfaces 1212b is a surface extending from the mounting surface 1212a in the Z1 direction.

[0341] The embedding recess 1212 is provided adjacent to the Z1 direction side of the recess 1211. When the second metal component 1202 is embedded in the embedding recess 1212, a small gap Gap is provided between the second metal component 1202 and the opposing side surface 1212b of the embedding recess 1212 of the first metal component 1201 (see Figure 58 The micro gap Gap is provided around the second metal component 1202 (on the X1 direction side, the X2 direction side, the Y1 direction side, and the Y2 direction side). The micro gap Gap is, for example, approximately 50 μm in size. The micro gap Gap is preferably as small as possible within a range of 50 μm to 1 mm.

[0342] (Inclined surface)

[0343] like Figure 53As shown, the inclined surface 1213 of the fifth embodiment is configured to form a space for metal vapor Va generated during welding by the laser light L to escape toward the recessed portion 1211. The escape space is the space between the inclined surface 1213 and the second metal member 1202. The inclined surface 1213 is provided on the recessed portion 1211 side of the mounting surface 1212a in a cross section taken along the Z2 direction.

[0344] In addition, the inclined surface 1213 extends along the edge Eg of the recessed portion 1211 at the boundary Pbo between the recessed portion 1212 for insertion and the recessed portion 1211. Figure 52 As shown, the inclined surface 1213 extends from one end St to the other end En of the edge Eg of the recessed portion 1211. Here, the one end St represents the starting point St of welding performed by the laser light L, and the other end En represents the ending point En of welding performed by the laser light L. Furthermore, the inclined surface 1213 is provided in a circular shape around the edge Eg of the recessed portion 1211 when viewed from the Z1 direction. Specifically, the inclined surface 1213 extends along the entire circumference of the edge Eg of the recessed portion 1211 when viewed from the Z1 direction. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the inclined surface 1213 along the Z2 direction is the same throughout the entire circumference.

[0345] like Figure 53 As shown, the inclined surface 1213 of such a structure not only allows the metal vapor Va to escape toward the recess 1211, but also prevents certain foreign matter Em generated during welding by the laser light L from falling toward the bottom of the recess 1211. In other words, it is a surface to which foreign matter Em adheres due to surface tension.

[0346] The inclined surface 1213 is inclined at a predetermined angle θ from the end of the supporting surface 1212a on the side of the recess 1211 in the Z2 direction. The predetermined angle θ is a relatively gentle angle, preferably less than 45 degrees, and more preferably about 30 degrees. In addition, the width Wi1 of the inclined surface 1213 is the dimension extending from the end of the inclined surface 1213 on the side of the supporting surface 1212a to the position welded by the laser L. In other words, the end of the inclined surface 1213 on the side of the supporting surface 1212a is the portion welded by the laser L. On the other hand, the portion of the inclined surface 1213 other than the end on the side of the supporting surface 1212a is the welding allowance not welded by the laser L. The width Wi1 of such an inclined surface 1213 is substantially the same as the width Wi2 of the supporting surface 1212a. The width Wi1 of the inclined surface 1213 and the width Wi2 of the supporting surface 1212a are each, for example, about 1.5 mm.

[0347] (Second Metal Part)

[0348] like Figure 54As shown, second metal component 1202 is a molded product made of a metal such as aluminum or iron. It is a plate-shaped component extending in both the X and Y directions. Second metal component 1202 has a surface 1202f on the Z1 side. Surface 1202f is an example of a "second surface" in the technical solution.

[0349] (Welding Department)

[0350] like Figure 55 As shown, the welded portion 1203 is formed by melting and solidifying the first metal member 1201 and the second metal member 1202. That is, the welded portion 1203 is formed by using a laser L to weld the boundaries Bo (see FIG. 1 ) between the plurality of opposing side surfaces 1212b of the fitting recess 1212 of the first metal member 1201 and the plurality of side surfaces 1202b, 1202c, 1202d, and 1202e of the second metal member 1202. Figure 58 ) is melted and then solidified. Here, the metal vapor Va generated when the first metal member 1201 is melted is allowed to escape into the recess 1211 through the inclined surface 1213 rather than escaping into the external space Ex. The weld 1203 is the joint (weld) between the first metal member 1201 and the second metal member 1202. Here, the boundary Bo represents the boundary between the opposing side surfaces 1212b in the X and Y directions, and the side surfaces 1202b, 1202c, 1202d, and 1202e of the second metal member 1202.

[0351] Welding portion 1203 includes a first portion 1231 and a second portion 1232. Each of first portion 1231 and second portion 1232 is provided across first metal component 1201 and second metal component 1202 in the Y direction. First portion 1231 is integrally provided on the Z2 direction side of second portion 1232. First portion 1231 has a tapered shape, decreasing in width toward the Z2 direction. Second portion 1232 has a tapered shape, increasing in width toward the Z1 direction.

[0352] The weld portion 1203 described above is formed at the boundary Bo between the first metal member 1201 and the second metal member 1202 .

[0353] (Method of joining metal parts)

[0354] Below, refer to Figures 56 to 59 A method for joining the metal member 1200 according to the fifth embodiment will be described.

[0355] like Figure 56 As shown, in step S1201, the second metal component 1202 is embedded in the first metal component 1201 and maintained. Figure 57 as well as Figure 58 As shown, in step S1201, the operator fits the second metal member 1202 into the fitting recess 1212 of the first metal member 1201 and then holds the second metal member 1202 on the first metal member 1201. Step S1201 is an example of the "contact step" of the technical claim.

[0356] Here, step S1201 involves contacting the Z2-side end portions En1 of each of the side surfaces 1202b, 1202c, 1202d, and 1202e of the second metal component 1202 along the Z2 direction, with a portion of the mounting surface 1212a of the first metal component 1201 exposed. A portion of the mounting surface 1212a of the first metal component 1201 is exposed through a small gap Gap. Specifically, the exposed portions include the end portions of the mounting surface 1212a on the X1 direction, the end portion of the mounting surface 1212a on the X2 direction, the end portion of the mounting surface 1212a on the Y1 direction, and the end portion of the mounting surface 1212a on the Y2 direction. Furthermore, a portion of the mounting surface 1212a of the first metal component 1201 contacts the external space Ex outside the metal component 1200 in each of the Z1, X1, X2, Y1, and Y2 directions via the small gap Gap.

[0357] In step S1202 (refer to Figure 56 ), the laser light L is adjusted. Specifically, in step S1202, the laser light L is adjusted to a spot diameter that matches the small gap Gap between the opposing side surface 1212b and the side surface 1202b (or side surface 1202c) of the second metal member 1202, and the focus position, the inclination of the laser light L, the output of the laser light L, the processing direction, and the like are adjusted. Here, the focus position of the laser light L is set at a height position between the surface 1201a of the first metal member 1201 and the end surface portion 1221d.

[0358] In step S1203 (refer to Figure 56 ), such as Figure 59As shown, welding using laser light L begins along the boundary Bo from the starting point St. Boundary Bo is located at the end portion on the Z1 side, where laser light L can be directly irradiated from the Z1 side. Step S1203 is a step of welding and joining the first metal member 1201 and the second metal member 1202 to each other by irradiating the end surface portion 1221d of the second metal member 1202 with laser light L. At this time, by irradiating the end surface portion 1221d of the second metal member 1202 with laser light L, the end surface portion 1211a of the surface 1201a of the first metal member 1201 is also irradiated with laser light L. Thus, step S1203 is a step of welding and joining the side surfaces 1202b (side surfaces 1202c, 1202d, and 1202e) of the second metal member 1202 to the opposing side surface 1212b of the recessed portion 1212 for insertion using laser light L. Furthermore, step S1203 is an example of the "welding and joining step" of the technical solution.

[0359] The end surface portion 1211a is the surface on the exposed mounting surface 1212a side of the surface 1201a of the first metal member 1201. Furthermore, the end surface portion 1211a is the surface on the opposing side surface 1212b side of the surface 1201a that is continuous with the end portion En2 on the Z1 side of the opposing side surface 1212b of the first metal member 1201. Furthermore, the end surface portion 1221d of the second metal member 1202 is the surface on the exposed mounting surface 1212a side of the surface 1202f of the second metal member 1202. In addition, the end side surface portion 1221d of the second metal component 1202 is a surface on the side of the side 1202b (side 1202c, side 1202d and side 1202e) in the surface 1202f that is continuous with the end En2 on the Z1 direction side of the side 1202b (side 1202c, side 1202d and side 1202e) of the second metal component 1202.

[0360] Specifically, step S1203 is a step of moving the held first metal member 1201 and the second metal member 1202 relative to each other in the X1 direction (X2 direction, Y1 direction, or Y2 direction) with respect to the laser light L irradiated in the Z2 direction (irradiation direction), and irradiating the adjusted laser light L toward the end surface portion 1211a of the first metal member 1201 and the end surface portion 1221d of the second metal member 1202. Furthermore, laser welding can also be performed by oscillating processing, as in the fourth embodiment.

[0361] At this time, if Figure 59As shown, metal vapor generated by irradiating the end side surface portion 1211a of the first metal member 1201 and the end side surface portion 1221d of the second metal member 1202 with the laser light L is discharged from the space between the inclined surface 1213 and the second metal member 1202 toward the recessed portion 1211. In addition, metal vapor generated by irradiating the end side surface portion 1221d of the second metal member 1202 is discharged from the small gap Gap toward the external space Ex.

[0362] Here, the space between the inclined surface 1213 and the second metal member 1202 is a space connected to the recess 1211. Specifically, the metal vapor generated by irradiating the end surface portion 1211a of the first metal member 1201 and the end surface portion 1221d of the second metal member 1202 with laser light L is discharged, for example, in the direction Va1, through the space between the inclined surface 1213 and the second metal member 1202. Furthermore, the small gap Gap is a space connected to the external space Ex. Specifically, the metal vapor generated by irradiating the end surface portion 1211a of the first metal member 1201 and the end surface portion 1221d of the second metal member 1202 with laser light L is discharged, for example, in the direction Va2, through the small gap Gap. Furthermore, the metal vapor generated by irradiating the end surface portion 1211a of the first metal member 1201 and the end surface portion 1221d of the second metal member 1202 with laser light L is discharged directly into the external space Ex.

[0363] In step S1204 (refer to Figure 56 ), when the welding by the laser L ends at the end point En of the boundary Bo, the welding by the laser L along the boundary Bo ends. Here, in step S1204, the molten metal is cooled and solidified to form the weld portion 1203.

[0364] After step S1204 , the method for bonding the metal component 1200 ends.

[0365] (Effects of the Fifth Embodiment)

[0366] In the fifth embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0367] In the fifth embodiment, as described above, the method for joining the metal members 1200 includes step S1203, in which the first metal member 1201 and the second metal member 1202 are welded and joined to each other by irradiating the end surface portion 1221d of the second metal member 1202 with laser light L. This prevents the intrusion of metal vapor into the molten metal of the second metal member 1202.

[0368] Furthermore, in the fifth embodiment, as described above, the first metal member 1201 includes: a recessed portion 1211, through which fluid flows, provided on the Z2 direction side of the fitting recessed portion 1212; and a placement surface 1212a, provided in the fitting recessed portion 1212, on which the second metal member 1202 is placed. The first metal member 1201 includes an inclined surface 1213, provided on the recessed portion 1211 side of the placement surface 1212a in a cross-section taken along the Z2 direction, which allows metal vapor generated during welding by the laser beam L to escape toward the recessed portion 1211. Step S1 includes placing the second metal member 1202 on the placement surface 1212a of the first metal member 1201 and fitting the second metal member 1202 into the fitting recessed portion 1212 of the first metal member 1201. Step S1203 includes the step of welding the side surfaces 1202b (side surfaces 1202c, 1202d, and 1202e) of the second metal member 1202 and the opposing side surfaces 1212b of the fitting recess 1212 that oppose the side surfaces 1202b (side surfaces 1202c, 1202d, and 1202e) of the second metal member 1202 together using the laser light L. Thus, by allowing metal vapor generated during welding by the laser light L to escape toward the recess 1211 via the inclined surface 1213, the generation of bubbles can be suppressed in the joined portion formed by solidifying the melted first metal member 1201 and the second metal member 1202. Furthermore, by providing the inclined surface 1213 between the recessed portion 1211 and the placement surface 1212a, foreign matter Em formed by the first metal member 1201 and the second metal member 1202 after being melted by the laser light L is less likely to reach the recessed portion 1211 due to the presence of the placement surface 1212a, and solidify on the inclined surface 1213 or the placement surface 1212a. This can suppress the intrusion of foreign matter Em into the recessed portion 1211. Consequently, the intrusion of foreign matter Em into the recessed portion 1211 can be suppressed, and the generation of bubbles in the joined portion can be suppressed.

[0369] Furthermore, in the fifth embodiment, as described above, the inclined surface 1213 (second escape space) is provided from one end of the edge Eg of the recessed portion 1211 along the other end of the boundary Pbo between the fitting recessed portion 1212 and the recessed portion 1211. This allows metal vapor generated by welding with the laser light L to escape from one end of the edge Eg of the recessed portion 1211 to the other end, thereby suppressing the generation of bubbles in the joined portion from one end to the other end.

[0370] Furthermore, in the fifth embodiment, as described above, the inclined surface 1213 is provided on the mounting surface 1212a on the side of the recessed portion 1211. Thus, by forming the escape space portion with the inclined surface 1213, it is possible to suppress the complexity of designing a mold for forming the escape space portion in the first metal member 1201, thereby making it possible to relatively easily form the first metal member 1201 having the inclined surface 1213 formed therein.

[0371] Note that other effects of the fifth embodiment are the same as those of the second embodiment described above, and therefore their description will be omitted.

[0372] [Sixth embodiment]

[0373] Reference Figures 60 to 78 The structure of the method for joining the metal member 1300 according to the sixth embodiment will be described.

[0374] Reference Figures 60 to 78 A refrigerant manifold 5 according to a sixth embodiment will be described. Hereinafter, welding (a first joining method) used for manufacturing the refrigerant manifold 5 will be described, and then the structure of the refrigerant manifold 5 will be described.

[0375] (Regarding Welding (First Joining Method) for Manufacturing Refrigerant Manifold)

[0376] like Figure 60 As shown, the method of joining the metal parts 1300 is to overlap the first metal part 1 and the second metal part 2 by laser L (in Figure 1 A laser welding method is disclosed in which a metal component 1300 is processed by welding (indicated by a two-dot chain line) to form a metal component 1300. The metal component 1300 formed by laser welding includes a first metal component 1, a second metal component 2, a welded portion 3 (weld seam), and a non-welded portion 4. The structures of the first metal component 1, the second metal component 2, the welded portion 3, and the non-welded portion 4 are described below.

[0377] Here, the direction in which the first metal member 1 and the second metal member 2 are arranged is referred to as the Z direction, the second metal member 2 side in the Z direction is referred to as the Z1 direction, and the first metal member 1 side in the Z direction is referred to as the Z2 direction. Furthermore, the direction in which the slit 22 (described later) of the second metal member 2 extends is referred to as the X direction, one direction in the X direction is referred to as the X1 direction, and the other direction in the X direction is referred to as the X2 direction. A direction orthogonal to both the X and Z directions is referred to as the Y direction, one direction in the Y direction is referred to as the Y1 direction, and the other direction in the Y direction is referred to as the Y2 direction.

[0378] (First Metal Part)

[0379] The first metal component 1 is a molded product made of metal such as aluminum or iron. Figure 61 As shown, in the Z direction, the first metal component 1 has a thickness Th2 (refer to Figure 62 ) parts with large thickness Th1. In addition, Figure 61 , for convenience of explanation, a state before the first metal member 1 and the second metal member 2 are welded is shown.

[0380] Specifically, the first metal member 1 includes a bottom portion 11, a protruding portion 12, and a recessed portion 13. The bottom portion 11 and the protruding portion 12 are integrally formed.

[0381] The bottom portion 11 forms the portion of the first metal component 1 on the Z2 side of the protrusion 12. The bottom portion 11 is a plate-shaped portion having a thickness Th11 in the Z direction and extending in the X and Y directions. The bottom portion 11 has a bottom surface 11a on the Z1 side. The bottom surface 11a is the surface of the bottom portion 11 outside the protrusion 12.

[0382] The protrusion 12 forms the portion of the base 11 of the first metal component 1 on the Z1 direction side. The protrusion 12 is a portion that protrudes from the bottom surface 11a of the base 11 in the Z1 direction. That is, the protrusion 12 has a thickness Th12 in the Z direction. The protrusion 12 has a front end surface 12a at its end on the Z1 direction side. The front end surface 12a is a flat surface extending in the X and Y directions. The front end surface 12a is the portion that abuts the second metal component 2 in the Z direction. The protrusion 12 has a side surface 12b in a direction perpendicular to the Z direction. The side surface 12b is a surface extending in the X and Z directions.

[0383] The recess 13 is a portion recessed from the front end surface 12a in the Z2 direction. The recess 13 is adjacent to the protrusion 12 in a direction perpendicular to the Z2 direction. Specifically, the recess 13 is formed by the bottom surface 11a of the base 11 and the side surface 12b of the protrusion 12. A plurality of recesses 13 are provided in the first metal component 1.

[0384] (Second Metal Part)

[0385] like Figure 62 As shown, the second metal component 2 is a molded product made of metal such as aluminum or iron. In the Z direction, the second metal component 2 has a thickness Th1 (see Figure 61 ) a plate-shaped component with a small thickness Th2. Figure 62 , for convenience of explanation, a state before the first metal member 1 and the second metal member 2 are welded is shown.

[0386] Specifically, the second metal member 2 includes a plate-shaped portion 21 and a slit 22 .

[0387] The plate-shaped portion 21 constitutes the portion of the second metal component 2 outside the slit 22. The plate-shaped portion 21 is a plate-shaped portion having a thickness Th2 in the Z direction and extending in the X and Y directions. The plate-shaped portion 21 has a surface 21a on the Z1 side. Surface 21a is a flat surface extending in the X and Y directions. The plate-shaped portion 21 has a back surface 21b on the Z2 side. Back surface 21b is a flat surface extending in the X and Y directions. The portion of back surface 21b on the slit 22 side contacts the front end surface 12a of the protrusion 12 of the first metal component 1.

[0388] The slit 22 is a long hole that passes through the second metal component 2 from the surface 21a in the Z2 direction and extends in the X direction (or Y direction). The slit 22 has a pair of side surfaces 22a and a pair of end surfaces 22b. The pair of side surfaces 22a are opposite to each other in the Y direction. Each of the pair of side surfaces 22a is a plane extending in the Y direction and the Z direction. The pair of end surfaces 22b are surfaces on one side (the X1 direction side) and the other side (the X2 direction side) in the direction in which the slit 22 extends. Here, the pair of side surfaces 22a and the pair of end surfaces 22b are continuous with the surface 21a at the end portions of the pair of side surfaces 22a and the pair of end surfaces 22b on the Z1 direction side. In addition, the pair of side surfaces 22a and the pair of end surfaces 22b are continuous with the back surface 21b at the end portions of the pair of side surfaces 22a and the pair of end surfaces 22b on the Z2 direction side.

[0389] (Welding Department)

[0390] like Figure 63 As shown, the welded portion 3 is formed by melting and solidifying the first metal member 1 and the second metal member 2. That is, the welded portion 3 is formed by using a laser L (see Figure 60 ) After melting near the front end face 12a of the first metal component 1 and near the pair of side faces 22a of the second metal component 2, the metal components are solidified. The welded portion 3 is the joint (welded) portion of the first metal component 1 and the second metal component 2.

[0391] The weld portion 3 includes a first portion 31 and a second portion 32. The first portion 31 is a portion of the weld portion 3 provided on the first metal component 1. The first portion 31 has a tapered shape, with its width decreasing as it approaches the Z2 direction. The second portion 32 is a portion of the weld portion 3 provided on the second metal component 2. The second portion 32 has a tapered shape, with its width increasing as it approaches the Z1 direction. The first portion 31 and the second portion 32 are integrally provided. In the Y direction, the maximum width of the second portion 32 is greater than the maximum width of the first portion 31. In the Y direction, the maximum width of the first portion 31 is approximately the same as the minimum width of the second portion 32.

[0392] like Figure 60As shown, the welded portion 3 is arranged to fill the space in the narrow gap 22 surrounded by the front end surface 12 a of the first metal member 1 and the pair of side surfaces 22 a and the pair of end surfaces 22 b of the second metal member 2 .

[0393] (Non-welded area)

[0394] The non-welded portion 4 is the portion of the space within the slit 22 that is not filled with the welded portion 3. Specifically, the non-welded portion 4 is the portion of the space within the first metal component 1 and the second metal component 2 that is not melted and solidified. The non-welded portion 4 is the portion where the first metal component 1 and the second metal component 2 are not joined (welded). The non-welded portion 4 is provided between the end surface 22b on the X1 side of the pair of end surfaces 22b and the welded portion 3. The non-welded portion 4 is a space that communicates with the space outside the metal component 1300. Furthermore, the non-welded portion 4 may be provided in the space within the slit 22, rather than just one. A plurality of non-welded portions 4 may be provided.

[0395] (Method of joining metal parts)

[0396] Below, refer to Figures 64 to 68 A sixth embodiment of the present invention will now be described regarding a method for joining metal members 1300. The method for joining metal members 1300 is a method that, when joining a first metal member 1 to a second metal member 2, can suppress the intrusion of metal vapor generated by irradiating the first metal member 1 with laser light L into the portion (molten metal) of the first metal member 1 and the second metal member 2 melted by the laser light L.

[0397] In step S1, the first metal member 1 and the second metal member 2 are held in a superimposed state (see Figure 65 Step S1 is a step of bringing the end portion En1 on the Z2-side side of the side surface 22a of the second metal component 2 into contact with the front end surface 12a of the first metal component 1 along the X and Y directions, such that a portion of the front end surface 12a is exposed. Here, a portion of the front end surface 12a of the first metal component 1 is exposed through the narrow slit 22. That is, the exposed portion is the central portion of the front end surface 12a in the Y direction. Furthermore, a portion of the front end surface 12a of the first metal component 1 is in contact with the space outside the metal component 1300 in each of the Z1, X1, and X2 directions via the narrow slit 22.

[0398] In step S2, the laser light L is adjusted. Specifically, in step S2, the laser light L is adjusted to have a spot diameter (e.g., approximately 0.1 mm) smaller than the distance M between the pair of opposing side surfaces 22 a (e.g., approximately 1 mm or less), and the focal position, the inclination of the laser light L, the output of the laser light L, the processing direction, and the like are adjusted.

[0399] In step S3, welding is started by laser light L along the slit 22. That is, step S3 is a step of welding and joining the first metal member 1 and the second metal member 2 to each other by irradiating the exposed portion of the front end surface 12a of the first metal member 1 and the end side surface portion 211a of the second metal member 2 with laser light L.

[0400] The end surface portion 211a is a surface on the side of the side 22a of the second metal member 2, which is continuous with the end portion En2 on the Z2 direction side of the side 22a of the second metal member 2. The end surface portion 211a of the second metal member 2 is provided in each of a portion continuous with the side 22a on the Y1 direction side of the slit 22 and a portion continuous with the side 22a on the Y2 direction side of the slit 22.

[0401] Specifically, step S3 is a step of moving the held first metal member 1 and the second metal member 2 relatively in the X1 direction (X2 direction, Y1 direction, or Y2 direction) with respect to the laser light L irradiated in the Z2 direction (irradiation direction), and irradiating the adjusted laser light L toward the exposed portion of the front end face 12a of the first metal member 1 and the end side surface portion 211a of the second metal member 2 (see Figure 66 ).

[0402] Here, when viewed from the Z1 direction, a circular orbit is drawn to rotate (rotate) the laser light L around a rotation axis parallel to the Z direction, and the first metal member 1 and the second metal member 2 held are linearly moved relative to the laser light L in the X1 direction (X2 direction, Y1 direction or Y2 direction), thereby performing oscillating processing (see Figure 66 ) for laser welding. The diameter of the circular orbit of the laser light L is adjusted to be larger than the distance M between the pair of opposing side surfaces 22a (e.g., approximately 3 mm). Furthermore, the area of ​​the end surface portion 211a is set according to the diameter of the laser light L. Furthermore, the diameter of the circular orbit of the laser light L is preferably at least twice the distance M.

[0403] Thus, the laser beam L having a spot diameter smaller than the distance M between the pair of side surfaces 22a can melt the end surface portion 211a of the second metal member 2 and melt the exposed portion of the front end surface 12a of the first metal member 1. Furthermore, by making the end surface portion 211a wider, the molten metal that has reduced the volume of the narrow gap 22 can be replenished, thereby ensuring the thickness of the welded portion 3 in the Z direction. Consequently, the mechanical strength of the welded portion 3 can be maintained.

[0404] Thus, step S3 is a step of irradiating the laser light L toward each of the exposed portion of the front end surface 12 a of the first metal member 1 and the end side surface portion 211 a of the second metal member 2 .

[0405] In addition, step S3 is also a step of melting both the exposed portion of the front end face 12a and the end side surface portions 211a of the second metal member 2 corresponding to the pair of side faces 22a by the laser L, and filling the space (narrow gap 22) surrounded by the exposed portion of the front end face 12a and the pair of side faces 22a with the molten metal (see Figure 67 ). Furthermore, in step S3, the welded portion 3 is formed on the Z1 side of the protruding portion 12 of the first metal member 1 by solidifying the filled molten metal, and the portion of the welded portion 3 on the Z2 side is not melted by the laser light L. Therefore, in step S3, the laser light L does not penetrate the protruding portion 12 of the first metal member 1. Step S3 is a step of continuously performing the above-described laser welding along the direction in which the slit 22 extends (the X1 direction).

[0406] At this time, the metal vapor generated by irradiating the exposed portion of the front end face 12a of the first metal member 1 with the laser light L is discharged from the space within the slit 22 to the external space Ex through the discharge space Sp, which is not the filled portion 30 filled with molten metal. The discharge space Sp is a space connected to the external space Ex. That is, the metal vapor generated by irradiating the exposed portion of the front end face 12a of the first metal member 1 with the laser light L is discharged in various directions, such as the Va1 direction and the Va2 direction, through the discharge space Sp. Furthermore, the metal vapor generated by irradiating the end side surface portion 211a of the second metal member 2 with the laser light L is discharged directly to the external space Ex.

[0407] This exhaust space Sp is necessarily provided within the narrow slit 22 even if the proportion of the filling portion 30 in the space within the narrow slit 22 increases with welding by the laser light L. Therefore, the metal vapor can be exhausted to the external space Ex during the period from the start to the end of welding by the laser light L. The exhaust space Sp is formed by the surface of the filling portion 30 on the X1 side, the pair of side faces 22a, and the front end face 12a.

[0408] Here, in step S3 , welding by the laser light L is started from the end portion of the slit 22 on the X2 direction side, so the welded portion 3 is formed at the end portion of the slit 22 on the X2 direction side.

[0409] In step S4, when the welding by laser light L is completed at a predetermined position on the X1 side of the slit 22, the welding by laser light L along the slit 22 is completed. Here, in step S4, the welding by laser light L does not complete at the end portion on the X1 side of the slit 22, so a non-welded portion 4 is formed at the end portion on the X1 side of the slit 22. Furthermore, in step S4, the molten metal in the filling portion 30 is cooled and solidified, forming the welded portion 3.

[0410] After step S4 , the method for bonding the metal component 1300 ends.

[0411] (Regarding the Structure of the Refrigerant Manifold Produced Using the First Joining Method)

[0412] Reference Figures 69 to 76 The structure of the refrigerant manifold 5 manufactured by welding using the first joining method described above will be described.

[0413] Figure 69 The refrigerant manifold 5 shown is connected to various functional devices D used for cooling and has multiple refrigerant paths 53a-53d through which refrigerant flows. In short, the refrigerant manifold 5 functions as a path for distributing refrigerant to the various functional devices D within the cooling circuit. While this is just an example, the refrigerant manifold 5 cools various components, such as electric motors, various electronic components, and engines used in vehicles. Functional devices D include a water-cooled condenser D1, pressure sensors D2 and D3, expansion valves D4 and D5, a cooler D6, and an evaporator D7.

[0414] The refrigerant manifold 5 includes a manifold body 51 and a plate member 52. The manifold body 51 corresponds to the first metal member 1. The plate member 52 corresponds to the second metal member 2.

[0415] The manifold body 51 is a member whose thickness direction is the Z direction. The manifold body 51 includes refrigerant paths 53a to 53d through which the refrigerant flows, and a plurality of device connection portions 54 to which various functional devices D are connected.

[0416] like Figure 70As shown, the plate member 52 is configured to be mounted on the manifold body 51 from one surface 51a side in a manner that blocks the concave refrigerant paths 53a to 53d. The plate member 52 is a plate member, and is configured to block the refrigerant paths 53a to 53d by a single plate member. The plate member 52 is provided with a slit 22 extending along the outer edge 531 of each of the refrigerant paths 53a to 53d. The slit 22 does not overlap with the refrigerant paths 53a to 53d when viewed from one surface 51a side (Z1 direction side). A plurality of slits 22 are provided with respect to one refrigerant path 53a (53b, 53c, 53d). When the plate member 52 is mounted on the manifold body 51, one surface 51a (the surface on the Z1 direction side) of the manifold body 51 is exposed through the slit 22. One surface 51a corresponds to the above-mentioned front end face 12a.

[0417] like Figures 70 to 72 As shown, the device connection portion 54 has a through hole 54a that communicates with the refrigerant paths 53a to 53d. The through hole 54a is formed by machining (including drilling, etc.) from the other surface 51b toward the one surface 51a of the manifold body 51 to a position communicating with the refrigerant paths 53a to 53d, thereby making the width W1 of the through hole 54a in the short side direction (see Figure 72 ) is larger than the distance W2 between a pair of opposing surfaces 55a. That is, the machining to form the through hole 54a does not start from the other surface 51b side and proceed to one surface 51a, but stops at a midway position between the other surface 51b and one surface 51a. In addition, the midway position is the position where the through hole 54a is connected to the refrigerant paths 53a to 53d. Although this is an example, a drilling tool with a diameter larger than the width (distance W2) of the refrigerant paths 53a to 53d is used in the machining of the through hole 54a. The machining of the through hole 54a is performed based on each refrigerant path 53a to 53d.

[0418] The refrigerant manifold 5 is provided with four refrigerant paths, 53a through 53d. Each of the refrigerant paths 53a through 53d extends in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction (Z direction). In other words, the refrigerant flows in each of the refrigerant paths 53a through 53d in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction (Z direction). The refrigerant paths 53a through 53d are formed in a concave shape, recessed from one surface 51a (the surface on the Z1 direction side) of the manifold body 51.

[0419] The refrigerant paths 53a-53d have a pair of opposing surfaces 55a that face each other in the short-side direction (direction A2), which is perpendicular to the long-side direction (direction A1), the refrigerant flow direction of the refrigerant paths 53a-53d, as viewed from one surface 51a of the manifold body 51 (direction Z1). Furthermore, the refrigerant paths 53a-53d have a bottom surface 55b that extends perpendicular to the Z-direction and connects the pair of opposing surfaces 55a. The distance W2 between the pair of opposing surfaces 55a in the short-side direction is substantially constant at all locations along the long-side directions of the refrigerant paths 53a-53d.

[0420] The refrigerant path 53 a is formed in an arc shape or a straight line, and is provided with three or more device connection portions 54 .

[0421] In detail, the refrigerant path 53a is formed into an arc shape determined by the distance between a specified center point P and each of the three or more device connection parts 54, that is, the radius R, when viewed from the side of one surface 51a of the manifold body 51. Although this is a specific example, four device connection parts 54 are provided in the refrigerant path 53a. The refrigerant path 53a is an arc arranged in an angular range of more than 30 degrees and less than 90 degrees around the specified center point P. In addition, the angular range of the refrigerant path is not limited to the above range. The four device connection parts 54 connected to the refrigerant path 53a are separated and arranged at approximately equal angular intervals. In addition, the radius R is the distance from the specified center point P to the middle position C of a pair of opposing surfaces 55a.

[0422] Furthermore, when viewed from one surface 51a (the Z1 direction), the longitudinal ends of the refrigerant paths 53a-53d are formed by arcuate surfaces 55c connecting the pair of opposing surfaces 55a, or by flat linear surfaces 55d extending linearly in the lateral direction of the pair of opposing surfaces 55a. Both longitudinal ends of the refrigerant path 53a are formed by arcuate surfaces 55c connecting the pair of opposing surfaces 55a. While this is an example, the diameter of the arcuate surface 55c is approximately the same as the distance W2 between the pair of opposing surfaces 55a. Furthermore, the arcuate surface 55c has a central angle of approximately 180 degrees.

[0423] In the sixth embodiment, welding used for manufacturing the refrigerant manifold ( 5 , 5 a ) is not limited to welding performed by actively exposing the manifold body 51 through the slit 22 of the plate member 52 .

[0424] The following reference Figures 73 to 76 After describing welding (a second joining method) different from the welding (a first joining method) described above for manufacturing the refrigerant manifold 5a, the structure of the refrigerant manifold 5a manufactured by this different welding method will be described.

[0425] (Regarding Welding (Second Joining Method) for Manufacturing Refrigerant Manifold)

[0426] like Figure 73 As shown in FIG. 1 , in the second joining method, the end faces of the first metal member 1a and the second metal member 2a are welded by irradiating the end faces of the first metal member 1a and the second metal member 2a with laser light L. Furthermore, the first metal member 1a and the second metal member 2a may be slightly separated during the irradiation with laser light L.

[0427] The first metal member 1a and the second metal member 2a are plate-shaped members with their thickness extending in the Z direction. The second metal member 2a is thinner than the first metal member 1a. The first metal member 1a is provided with a groove 6 into which the second metal member 2a fits. The size of the groove 6 in the Z direction is approximately the same as the size of the second metal member 2a in the Z direction.

[0428] Laser light L is irradiated from the Z1 direction side during welding. Laser light L (laser irradiation device not shown) is moved along the butting surfaces F (opposing and adjacent surfaces) of the first metal member 1a and the second metal member 2a in a direction perpendicular to the Z direction to perform welding.

[0429] (Regarding the structure of the refrigerant manifold manufactured using the second joining method)

[0430] Reference Figures 74 to 76 The structure of the refrigerant manifold 5 a manufactured by welding using the second joining method described above will be described.

[0431] The refrigerant manifold 5a has a structure substantially identical to the refrigerant manifold 5 described above. As a common structure, the refrigerant manifold 5a includes a refrigerant path 53a. The refrigerant path 53a of the refrigerant manifold 5a is formed in an arc or straight line and is provided with three or more device connection portions 54. Specifically, when viewed from one surface 51a of the manifold body 510 (in the Z1 direction), the refrigerant path 53a is formed in an arc shape defined by a radius R, the distance between a predetermined center point P and each of the three or more device connection portions 54.

[0432] The refrigerant manifold 5a has the same structure as the refrigerant manifold 5 described above, except that the manifold body 510 includes the groove 6 and the number and shape of the plate members 52a are different.

[0433] The refrigerant manifold 5a includes a single manifold body 510 and plate members 520a to 520d. The manifold body 510 corresponds to the first metal member 1a. The plate members 520a to 520d correspond to the second metal member 2a.

[0434] The manifold body 510 includes a groove portion 6. The groove portion 6 is provided around the refrigerant paths 53a to 53d along the outer edge 531 of the refrigerant paths 53a to 53d when viewed from one surface 51a, and is formed into a concave shape so as to be recessed from one surface 51a. The groove portion 6 has a substantially constant width when viewed from one surface 51a (Z1 direction side). That is, the groove portion 6 is shaped such that the outer edge 531 is offset outward when viewed from one surface 51a (Z1 direction side). The width of the groove portion 6 is smaller than the width (distance W2) of the refrigerant paths 53a to 53d. In addition, in the Z direction, the depth of the groove portion 6 from one surface 51a is smaller than the depth of the refrigerant paths 53a to 53d from one surface 51a.

[0435] The plate members 520a to 520d each have a shape corresponding to the groove portion 6 of the refrigerant paths 53a to 53d, and are attached to the manifold body 510 in a state where they are positioned relative to the manifold body 510 by being inserted into the groove portion 6. The plate members 520a to 520d each have a size that does not require being pressed into the gaps of the refrigerant paths 53a to 53d. The plate members 520a to 520d are attached to the manifold body 510 by welding. Therefore, it is not necessary to position the plate members 520a to 520d when welding the plate members 520a to 520d to the manifold body 510. In addition, the groove portion 6 is configured so that when the plate members 520a to 520d are assembled to the manifold body 510 and before welding, at least a portion of the bottom surface (surface perpendicular to the Z direction) of the groove portion 6 is slightly exposed toward the Z1 direction side.

[0436] The annular side surface 61 of the groove portion 6 extending in the Z direction (see Figure 74 ), and the annular side surface 520 extending in the Z direction of the plate members 520a to 520d corresponds to the above-mentioned butting surface F (see Figure 73 Therefore, the refrigerant manifold 5a has an annular weld portion 3 that surrounds each of the refrigerant paths 53a to 53d when viewed from one surface 51a. Therefore, the refrigerant manifold 5a can be welded around the entire circumference of the refrigerant paths 53a to 53d, thereby firmly securing the plate members 520a to 520d to the manifold body 510 and ensuring high sealing performance for the refrigerant paths 53a to 53d.

[0437] Although this is just an example, a machining center or the like that moves a flat-bottomed milling cutter along a predetermined path set along the refrigerant paths 53a to 53d is used to machine the groove 6. The machining of the groove 6 is performed based on the refrigerant paths 53a to 53d without considering the position of the through-hole 54a.

[0438] (Effects of the Sixth Embodiment)

[0439] In the sixth embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0440] In the sixth embodiment, as described above, the refrigerant path 53a is formed into an arc or a straight line. This prevents the refrigerant path 53a from becoming a complex shape having multiple bends. Therefore, the shape of the refrigerant path 53a can be simplified. Therefore, the processing when forming the refrigerant path 53a can be performed more easily. In addition, three or more device connection parts 54 are provided in the refrigerant path 53a. This allows the refrigerant flowing in from one device connection part 54 to flow out from multiple device connection parts 54, and allows the refrigerant flowing in from multiple device connection parts 54 to flow out from one device connection part 54. Therefore, the flow of multiple refrigerants can be achieved. As a result, the shape of the refrigerant path 53a can be simplified, and the flow of multiple refrigerants can be achieved.

[0441] Furthermore, in the sixth embodiment, as described above, the refrigerant path 53a is formed into an arc shape, as viewed from the side of one surface 51a of the manifold body 51 (510), determined by the radius R, which is the distance between a predetermined center point P and each of the three or more device connection portions 54. This allows the refrigerant path 53a to be formed into an arc shape connecting the three or more device connection portions 54, further simplifying the shape of the refrigerant path 53a. Furthermore, processing of the refrigerant path 53a can be made easier.

[0442] Furthermore, in the sixth embodiment, as described above, the refrigerant path 53a is formed into a concave shape so as to be recessed from one surface 51a of the manifold body 51 (510), and a plate member 52 is further provided. The plate member 52 is attached to the manifold body 51 (510) from the one surface 51a side so as to block the concave refrigerant path 53a. Thus, the concave portion of the refrigerant path 53a can be blocked by the plate member 52, making it easy to create a closed space in the open portion of the refrigerant path 53a.

[0443] In addition, in the sixth embodiment, as described above, the manifold body 51 (510) includes a groove portion 6, which is provided around the refrigerant path 53a along the outer edge 531 of the refrigerant path 53a when viewed from one surface 51a, and is formed into a concave shape so as to be recessed from one surface 51a. The plate member 52 has a shape corresponding to the groove portion 6 and is attached to the manifold body 51 (510) in a state where it is positioned relative to the manifold body 51 (510) by being inserted into the groove portion 6. As a result, the plate member 52 can be easily attached to the manifold body 51 (510) through the groove portion 6. In addition, the plate member 52 can be formed to match the shape of each refrigerant path 53a. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the plate member 52 from becoming too large relative to the refrigerant path 53a and exceeding the necessary size. Therefore, the material used to manufacture the plate member 52 can be reduced.

[0444] Furthermore, in the sixth embodiment, as described above, the refrigerant path 53a has a pair of opposing surfaces 55a that face each other in the short-side direction (direction A2) perpendicular to the long-side direction (direction A1), which is the refrigerant flow direction of the refrigerant path 53a as viewed from one surface 51a of the manifold body 51 (510). The distance W2 between the pair of opposing surfaces 55a in the short-side direction is substantially constant at all positions in the long-side direction of the refrigerant path 53a. This suppresses fluctuations in the width of the refrigerant path 53a through which the refrigerant flows, thereby suppressing pressure losses in the refrigerant caused by fluctuations in the width of the path. Furthermore, the substantially constant width of the refrigerant path 53a facilitates machining of the refrigerant path 53a.

[0445] Furthermore, in the sixth embodiment, as described above, the through hole 54a of the device connection portion 54 is formed by machining from the other surface 51b toward the one surface 51a of the manifold body 51 (510) to a position communicating with the refrigerant path 53a. As a result, the width W1 of the through hole 54a in the short-side direction is greater than the distance W2 between the pair of opposing surfaces 55a. This allows the machining of the through hole 54a of the device connection portion 54 to be stopped at a position communicating with the refrigerant path 53a, thereby preventing the through hole 54a of the device connection portion 54 from penetrating the refrigerant path 53a.

[0446] Furthermore, in the sixth embodiment, as described above, the end portions of the refrigerant path 53a in the longitudinal direction, as viewed from one surface 51a, are formed by arcuate surfaces 55c connecting the pair of opposing surfaces 55a, or by flat linear surfaces 55d extending linearly in the transverse direction connecting the pair of opposing surfaces 55a. Thus, the shape of the refrigerant path 53a can be further simplified by the end portions of the arcuate surfaces 55c or the linear surfaces 55d.

[0447] [Reference example (hypothetical application example)]

[0448] Here, as a reference example, Figure 77 As shown, the method for joining the metal component 1300 (see Figure 64 ) is applied to the processing of a manifold 1400 mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile. The manifold 1400 includes a refrigerant circuit (flow path 200a) that interconnects the compressor 300, evaporator 400, water-cooled condenser 500, and accumulator 600 included in the vehicle cooling system. The manifold 1400 is a component corresponding to the above-mentioned metal component 1300. Figures 77 to 81 In the hypothetical application example, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same configurations as those in the above-described embodiment, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0449] like Figure 77 As shown, the joining method of the metal component 1300 is for joining the valve body 201 and the plate 202 of the manifold 1400 and sealing the flow path 200a of the refrigerant flow in the manifold 1400 (see Figure 80 The valve body 201 is a component corresponding to the first metal component 1. The plate 202 is a component corresponding to the second metal component 2.

[0450] The joining method of the metal parts 1300 is a laser welding method in which the valve body 201 and the plate 202 are overlapped and welded by laser L, and the manifold 1400 is processed. The manifold 1400 formed by laser welding includes the valve body 201, the plate 202, and the welded portion 3 (see FIG. Figure 79 ) and non-welded portion 4 (refer to Figure 79 ). The structures of the valve body 201, the plate 202, the welded portion 3, and the non-welded portion 4 are described.

[0451] Here, the direction in which the valve body 201 and the plate 202 are arranged is referred to as the Z direction, the valve body 201 side in the Z direction is referred to as the Z1 direction, and the plate 202 side in the Z direction is referred to as the Z2 direction. Furthermore, the direction in which the slit 22 (described later) of the plate 202 extends is referred to as the X direction, one direction in the X direction is referred to as the X1 direction, and the other direction in the X direction is referred to as the X2 direction. A direction orthogonal to both the X and Z directions is referred to as the Y direction, one direction in the Y direction is referred to as the Y1 direction, and the other direction in the Y direction is referred to as the Y2 direction.

[0452] (Valve Body)

[0453] like Figure 77 As shown, the valve body 201 is a molded product (die-cast molded product) made of aluminum. Figure 78As shown, in the Z direction, the valve body 201 is a component having a thickness Th1 greater than the thickness Th2 of the plate 202. The surface of the die-cast molded product is relatively rough, and it is easy to generate metal vapor by the laser L, but it can be welded by the bonding method of the metal component 1300 (see Figure 64 ) effectively releases the metal vapor to the external space Ex (refer to Figure 67 ) is discharged. In addition, Figure 77 as well as Figure 78 , for the sake of convenience, the valve is shown in a state before the body 201 and the plate 202 are welded.

[0454] Specifically, if Figure 78 As shown, valve body 201 includes bottom 11, protrusion 12, and recess 13. Bottom 11 and protrusion 12 are integrally formed. Here, recess 13 of valve body 201 is covered by the portion of plate 202 other than slit 22, forming flow path 200a for the flow of refrigerant (fluid).

[0455] The bottom portion 11 forms the Z2-side portion of the protrusion 12 of the valve body 201. The bottom portion 11 has a thickness Th11 in the Z direction. The protrusion 12 forms the Z1-side portion of the bottom portion 11 of the valve body 201. The protrusion 12 protrudes from the bottom surface 11a of the bottom portion 11 in the Z1 direction. In other words, the protrusion 12 has a thickness Th12 in the Z direction. The protrusion 12 has a front end surface 12a at its Z1-side end.

[0456] The recessed portion 13 is a portion recessed from the front end surface 12 a in the Z2 direction. A plurality of recessed portions 13 are provided in the valve body 201 .

[0457] (plate)

[0458] like Figure 78 As shown, the plate 202 is a molded product made of aluminum. Specifically, the plate 202 includes a plate-shaped portion 21 and a slit 22.

[0459] The plate-like portion 21 constitutes the portion of the plate 202 excluding the slit 22. The plate-like portion 21 is a plate-like portion having a thickness Th2 in the Z direction and extending in the X and Y directions. The plate-like portion 21 has a surface 21a on the Z1 side. Surface 21a is a flat surface extending in the X and Y directions.

[0460] The slit 22 is a long hole that penetrates the plate 202 from the surface 21a in the Z2 direction and extends in the X direction (or Y direction). The slit 22 has a pair of side faces 22a and a pair of end faces 22b (see Figure 62 ).

[0461] (Welding Department)

[0462] like Figure 79 as well as Figure 80 As shown, the welded portion 3 is formed by melting and solidifying the valve body 201 and the plate 202. That is, the welded portion 3 is formed by using a laser L (see Figure 60 ) is melted near the front end face 12a of the valve body 201 and near each of the pair of side faces 22a of the plate 202, and then solidified. The weld 3 is the joint (weld) portion between the valve body 201 and the plate 202. Furthermore, the weld 3 seals the flow path 200a by welding and joining the valve body 201 and the plate 202.

[0463] The weld portion 3 includes a first portion 31 and a second portion 32. The first portion 31 is the portion of the valve body 201 provided in the weld portion 3. The first portion 31 has a tapered shape, with its width decreasing toward the Z2 direction. The second portion 32 is the portion of the plate 202 provided in the weld portion 3. The second portion 32 has a tapered shape, with its width increasing toward the Z1 direction. The first portion 31 and the second portion 32 are integrally provided in the Z direction.

[0464] (Non-welded area)

[0465] like Figure 79 As shown, non-welded portion 4 is the portion of the space within slit 22 that is not filled with welded portion 3. Specifically, non-welded portion 4 is the portion where valve body 201 and plate 202 are not melted and solidified. Non-welded portion 4 is the portion where valve body 201 and plate 202 are not joined (welded). Non-welded portion 4 is the space that communicates with the space outside manifold 1400.

[0466] (Method for joining manifolds (metal parts))

[0467] Below, refer to Figure 81 The following describes a method for joining manifold 1400 according to a specific example. This method for joining manifold 1400 is a method for joining valve body 201 and plate 202, which can suppress the intrusion of metal vapor generated by irradiating plate 202 with laser light L into the portion (molten metal) where valve body 201 and plate 202 have been melted by laser light L. Steps S2 and S4 are identical to those described for the method for joining metal component 1300, and their description will be omitted.

[0468] In step S201, the valve body 201 and the plate 202 are held in a superimposed state (see Figure 78Step S201 is a step of bringing the X1-side end of the side surface 22a of the plate 202 along the X-direction into contact with the front end surface 12a of the valve body 201 along the X- and Y-directions, such that a portion of the front end surface 12a is exposed. Here, a portion of the front end surface 12a of the valve body 201 is exposed through the slit 22. That is, a portion of the front end surface 12a of the valve body 201 contacts the space outside the manifold 1400 in each of the Z1, X1, and X2 directions via the slit 22.

[0469] In addition, step S201 is a step of forming the flow path 200 a through which the refrigerant (fluid) flows by covering the recessed portion 13 of the valve body 201 with the portion of the plate 202 other than the slit 22 .

[0470] In step S203, welding is started by laser light L along the slit 22. That is, step S3 is a step of welding and joining the valve body 201 and the plate 202 to each other by irradiating the exposed portion of the front end surface 12a of the valve body 201 and the end side surface portion 211a of the plate 202 with laser light L.

[0471] In addition, step S203 is a step of sealing the flow path 200a by welding and joining the valve body 201 and the plate 202 to each other using the laser L (see Figure 80 ).

[0472] After step S4 , the method of joining the manifold 1400 ends.

[0473] [Modification]

[0474] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and should not be construed as restrictive. The scope of the present invention is not indicated by the description of the embodiments but by the technical solutions, and includes all modifications (variations) within the meaning and scope equivalent to the technical solutions.

[0475] For example, in the first to fourth embodiments described above, the method for joining metal parts 100 (700, 900, 1000, 1200, 1300) is applied to the processing of manifolds 200 (800, 1100), but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the method for joining metal parts can also be applied to joining metal parts other than manifolds in vehicles, joining metal parts in generators, or joining metal parts in products other than vehicles.

[0476] In the first embodiment, step S3 is shown as an example of a step of welding and joining the first metal member 1 and the second metal member 2 to each other by irradiating the exposed portion of the front end face 12a of the first metal member 1 and the end side surface portion 211a around the slit 22 of the second metal member 2 with the laser light L, but the present invention is not limited to this. The welding and joining step may also be performed as follows: Figure 82 As shown in the first variant example, the first metal component 1501 and the second metal component 1502 are welded and joined to each other by irradiating the laser L toward the exposed portion of the front end face 1512a of the first metal component 1501 and the end side surface portion 1521a around the end of the second metal component 1502.

[0477] In addition, in the first embodiment described above, an example of laser welding is shown in which the laser L is rotated (rotated) around a rotation axis parallel to the Z direction by drawing a circular orbit, and the retained first metal component 1 and the second metal component 2 are relatively moved in the X1 direction (X2 direction, Y1 direction or Y2 direction), and an oscillating process for processing (welding) is used. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0478] In the present invention, Figure 83 As shown in the second modified example, laser welding can also be performed to weld the metal parts 1600 by arranging the laser beams L1 and L2 in the Y direction so that the laser irradiation range is larger than the interval M between the pair of opposing side surfaces 22a, and arranging the laser beams L3 and L4 in the X2 direction on the sides of the laser beams L1 and L2. In this case, laser welding is performed by moving the laser beams L1, L2, L3, and L4 linearly along the direction in which the narrow slit 22 extends, thereby melting the end surface portion 211a of the second metal part 2 and melting the exposed portion of the front end surface 12a of the first metal part 1. In addition, as Figure 84As shown in the third modified example, laser welding can also be performed to weld metal component 1700 using a linear laser beam Lc positioned at the center of slit 22 in the Y direction and an annular laser beam Lr coaxial with laser beam Lc and having a larger irradiation range than laser beam Lc, so that the laser irradiation range is larger than the distance M between the pair of opposing side surfaces 22a. In this case, laser welding melts the end surface portion 211a of second metal component 2 and the exposed portion of front end surface 12a of first metal component 1 by moving laser beams Lc and Lr linearly along the direction in which slit 22 extends. Furthermore, the laser welding of the second and third modified examples can also be applied to the joining method of metal component 700 of the second embodiment, the joining method U of metal component 900 of the third embodiment, the joining method of metal component 1000 of the fourth embodiment, the joining method of metal component 1200 of the fifth embodiment, and the joining method of metal component 1300 of the sixth embodiment.

[0479] Furthermore, while the first embodiment described above illustrates an example in which the pair of side surfaces 22a are flat surfaces extending in the Y and Z directions, the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, each of the pair of side surfaces may be chamfered at the ends in the Z1 direction. This reduces the thickness of the second metal member, thereby reducing the amount of the second metal member melted onto the first metal member. This prevents metal vapor generated from the first metal member by laser irradiation from being difficult to discharge due to the melted second metal member.

[0480] In the first embodiment described above, the second metal member 2 includes a slit 22, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, the second metal member may be divided into two parts, each with a groove formed therein, exposing the first surface of the first metal member between one part and the other. Furthermore, the second metal member may have a through-hole formed to match the irradiation position of the intermittently irradiated laser beam. In this case, the laser beam irradiates the first surface exposed through the through-hole.

[0481] In addition, in the first embodiment described above, an example of a method for joining the metal members 100 is described in which the first metal member 1 and the second metal member 2 are welded by laser light L in an overlapping state. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the method for joining the metal members may also be performed in which the first metal member 1 and the second metal member are welded by electron beam (an example of an energy beam) in an overlapping state.

[0482] In addition, in the second to fifth embodiments described above, the metal member 700 (900, 1200) is joined by welding using the laser beam L while the second metal member 702 (902, 1202) is embedded in the first metal member 701. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the metal member joining method may also be performed by welding using an electron beam (an example of an energy beam) while the first metal member is embedded in the second metal member.

[0483] In addition, in the second embodiment described above, although step S703 (welding and joining step) is shown as an example of a step of welding and joining the side surface 702b (or side surface 702c) of the second metal component 702 and the opposite side surface 712b of the embedding recess 712 to each other by laser L (energy beam), the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, in the welding and joining step, it may also be a step of welding and joining the side surface of the second metal component, the opposite side surface of the embedding recess, and the supporting surface of the embedding recess to each other by energy beam. In this case, as Figure 85 As shown in the fourth modification, in the metal member 1800 , the welded portion 1803 is provided over the first metal member 701 and the second metal member 702 in the Y direction, and is provided over the second metal member 702 and the first metal member 701 in the Z2 direction.

[0484] In addition, in the fourth embodiment, although the cutout 1004 is recessed in the Z2 direction to the middle position between the mounting surface 1012a of the recessed portion 1012 and the bottom surface 1011b of the recessed portion 1011, the present invention is not limited thereto. Figure 86 as well as Figure 87 As in the fifth modified example shown, the cutout 1904 may be recessed from the bottom surface 1912 a of the fitting recess 1912 to the bottom surface 1911 a of the recess 1911 on the Z2 direction side.

[0485] In addition, in the fourth embodiment, although the example in which the notch 1004 is formed in the welding overlap region Ar of the mounting surface 1012a of the fitting recess 1012 of the first metal member 1001 is shown, the present invention is not limited thereto. Figure 88 as well as Figure 89As shown in the sixth modified example, a step portion 2004 may be formed in the weld overlap region Ar of the mounting surface 2012a of the embedding recess 2012. The step portion 2004 includes a step surface 2004a and a bottom surface 2004b. The bottom surface 2004b is positioned closer to the Z2 direction than the step surface 2004a and closer to the Z2 direction than the mounting surface 2012a. This creates a gap between the mounting surface 2012a and the step surface 2004a, allowing metal vapor to be discharged into the recess 2011 through the space in the step portion 2004. Furthermore, the bottom surface 2004b is positioned closer to the Z2 direction than the step surface 2004a and closer to the Y2 direction than the step surface 2004a. Thus, when welding first metal component 2001 to a second metal component (not shown), melted metal flakes are received by bottom surface 2004b, and the side surfaces between step surface 2004a and bottom surface 2004b prevent the metal flakes from entering recess 2011. Step 2004 is an example of the "first escape space" of the technical solution.

[0486] In addition, in the present invention, Figure 90 as well as Figure 91 As shown in the seventh modification, a notch 2112 may be formed in the weld overlap region Ar of the side surface 2102a of the second metal member 2102. Thus, the welding and joining step includes a step of melting the side surface 2102a of the second metal member 2102 and the opposing side surface 1012b of the first metal member 1001 in the weld overlap region Ar using a laser beam L. The notch 2112 is an example of the "first escape space" and "second notch" of the technical solution.

[0487] Thus, by providing the notch 2112 in the second metal member 2102 to create an escape space, the amount of the notch 2112 can be reduced at the location where the side surface 2102a of the second metal member 2102 and the opposing side surface 1012b of the first metal member 1001 are melted in the weld overlap region Ar. Therefore, the amount of metal vapor generated during welding by the laser light L can be reduced, and the generated metal vapor can be allowed to escape into the recess 1011 through the notch 2112. As a result, the generation of bubbles can be further suppressed in the joined portion formed by the solidification of the melted first metal member 1001 and the second metal member 2102.

[0488] In addition, in the present invention, a notch may not be formed in the weld overlap area of ​​the bottom surface of the embedding recess of the first metal component, but a connecting path may be formed by a through hole connecting the gap between the side surface of the second metal component and the opposite side surface of the first metal component and the recess.

[0489] In addition, in the fifth embodiment, although the "second escape space portion" of the technical solution is an example of the inclined surface 1213, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the second escape space portion can also be as follows Figure 92 As shown in the eighth variation, the second escape space is notch 2213. Specifically, the second escape space is notch 2213 provided on the side of the first flow path recess 2211 on the mounting surface 2212a. Thus, by forming the escape space with notch 2213, a simple structure can be used to achieve the escape space. Furthermore, notch 2213 is an example of the "third notch" of the technical solution.

[0490] In addition, in the sixth embodiment, although the example of forming the refrigerant path 53a of the refrigerant manifold 5 having three or more device connection parts 54 into an arc shape is shown, the present invention is not limited to this. Figure 93 The refrigerant manifold 5b of the ninth modification shown has a linear refrigerant path 2353a having three or more device connections 54. Furthermore, the refrigerant path having three or more device connections may be arc-shaped or not.

[0491] In addition, in the sixth embodiment, although an example is shown in which four device connection parts 54 are provided in the arc-shaped refrigerant path 53a of the refrigerant manifold 5, the present invention is not limited thereto. Figure 94 As shown in the refrigerant manifold 5c of the tenth modification, the arcuate refrigerant path 2453a of the refrigerant manifold 5c has three device connections 54. Although not shown, five or more device connections may be provided on the arcuate or linear refrigerant path.

[0492] [Summary of the present embodiment]

[0493] The first to fifth embodiments include at least the following structures.

[0494] A method for joining metal parts (100, 700, 900, 1000, 1200) is a method for joining metal parts (100, 700, 900, 1000, 1200) by welding a first metal part (1, 701, 901, 1001, 1201) to a second metal part (2, 702, 902, 1002, 1202) by an energy beam (L), comprising: exposing a portion of a first surface (12a, 701a, 801a, 1001a, 1201a) to expose ... an end portion (En1) on the irradiation direction (Z2) side of a side surface (12b, 702b, 702c, 902b, 902c, 1002b, 1002c, 1002d, 1002e, 1202b, 1202c, 1202d, 1202e) of a first metal component (1, 701, 901, 1001, 1201) along a direction perpendicular to the irradiation direction (Z2) of the energy beam (L); and a) abutting steps (S1, S701, S901, S1001, S1201); and continuously extending the second surface (21a, 702b, 702c, 902b, 902c, 1002b, 1002c, 1002d, 1002e, 1202b, 1202c, 1202d, 1202e) in a direction perpendicular to the irradiation direction (Z2) through an end portion (En2) on the side opposite to the irradiation direction (Z2) of the side surface (12b, 702b, 702c, 902b, 902c, 1002b, 1002c, 1002d, 1002e) of the second metal component (2, 702, 902, 1002, 1202) d, 902d, 1002f, 1202f) is irradiated with an energy beam (L) to partially weld and join the first metal component (1, 701, 901, 1001, 1201) and the second metal component (2, 702, 902, 1002, 1202) to each other.With such a configuration, metal vapor of the first metal part (1, 701, 901, 1001, 1201) and the second metal part (2, 702, 902, 1002, 1202) generated by partially irradiating the end side surface (211a, 711a, 721d, 921d, 1021d, 1221d) of the second metal part (2, 702, 902, 1002, 1202) with the energy beam (L) can be discharged to the discharge space Sp (space) where the first surface (12a, 701a, 801a, 1001a, 1201a) of the first metal part (1, 701, 901, 1001, 1201) is exposed. Therefore, by easily discharging the metal vapor generated from the first metal component (1, 701, 901, 1001, 1201) and the second metal component (2, 702, 902, 1002, 1202) to the external space Ex outside the metal component (100, 700, 900, 1000, 1200), the invasion of the metal vapor into the molten metal of the second metal component (2, 702, 902, 1002, 1202) can be suppressed. As a result, by suppressing the intrusion of metal vapor into the molten metal of the second metal component (2, 702, 902, 1002, 1202) included in the metal component (100, 700, 900, 1000, 1200), it is possible to suppress the generation of bubbles in the joint portion formed by solidifying the molten metal of each of the first metal component (1, 701, 901, 1001, 1201) and the second metal component (2, 702, 902, 1002, 1202) included in the metal component (100, 700, 900, 1000, 1200).

[0495] The first metal component (1) has a shape extending from a first surface (12a) in an irradiation direction (Z2) and having a predetermined thickness (Th12). The welding and joining step (S3) includes the steps of irradiating an exposed portion of the first surface (12a) of the first metal component (1) and an end surface (211a) of the second metal component (2) with an energy beam (L). Here, a method is generally known in which the energy beam (L) penetrates the first metal component (1) and metal vapor generated from the first metal component (1) is discharged from the front end of the penetration in the irradiation direction (Z2) to the outside of the metal component (100). If this method is used when the portion of the first metal component (1) irradiated with the energy beam (L) has a shape having a predetermined thickness (Th12: a certain thickness), the metal vapor generated from the first metal component (1) will penetrate the molten metal of the first metal component (1) before the energy beam (L) penetrates the first metal component (1), generating bubbles in the joining portion between the first metal component (1) and the second metal component (2). Therefore, by irradiating the exposed portion of the first surface (12a) of the first metal component (1) and the end side surface (211a) of the second metal component (2) with the energy beam (L), the metal vapor generated from the first metal component (1) can be easily discharged to the external space Ex outside the metal component (100) by utilizing the fact that the energy beam (L) does not penetrate the first metal component (1), thereby suppressing the generation of bubbles in the joint portion formed by the solidification of the melted first metal component (1) and the second metal component (2).

[0496] The second metal component (2) includes: a narrow slit (22) extending along the irradiation direction (Z2), and a pair of side surfaces (12b) facing each other in a direction (Y) perpendicular to both the irradiation direction (Z2) and the direction (X) in which the narrow slit (22) extends. The welding and joining step (S3) includes: melting both the exposed portion of the first surface (12a) and the end side surface (211a) portions of the second metal component (2) corresponding to the pair of side surfaces (12b) by an energy beam (L), and filling the space surrounded by the exposed portion of the first surface (12a) and the pair of side surfaces (12b) with the molten metal. With this structure, compared to the case where the exposed portion of the first surface (12a) of the first metal component (1) and the end side surface (211a) of the second metal component (2) are melted separately by the energy beam (L), the first metal component (1) and the second metal component (2) can be welded efficiently by the energy beam (L) by melting both the exposed portion of the first surface (12a) and the end side surface (211a) portions corresponding to the pair of side surfaces (12b) of the second metal component (2). As a result, the increase in the welding time of the first metal component (1, 701, 901, 1001, 1201) and the second metal component (2, 702, 902, 1002, 1202) by the energy beam (L) due to the use of a method for suppressing the generation of bubbles can be suppressed.

[0497] The second metal component (2) includes a narrow slit (22) extending along an irradiation direction (Z2) and a pair of side surfaces (12b) facing each other in a direction (Y) perpendicular to both the irradiation direction (Z2) and the direction (X) in which the narrow slit (22) extends. The welding and joining step (S3) includes the steps of irradiating an energy beam (L) having a spot diameter adjusted to be smaller than the interval between the pair of facing side surfaces (12b) onto the exposed portion of the first surface (12a) of the first metal component (1) and the end side surface (211a) of the second metal component (2). With this configuration, an energy beam (L) having a relatively small spot diameter can be irradiated, so that the energy beam (L) with concentrated energy can be irradiated. Thus, when irradiating the exposed portion of the first surface (12a) of the first metal component (1) and the end side surface (211a) of the second metal component (2), the concentrated energy beam (L) can reach a relatively deep position of the molten metal portion of each of the first metal component (1) and the second metal component (2), and can form a gap (small hole) between the energy beam (L) and the molten metal portion generated around the energy beam (L) due to the metal evaporation using the concentrated energy beam (L). As a result, the metal vapor generated from the first metal component (1) can also be discharged from the above-mentioned small hole to the space outside the metal component (100), so that the metal vapor generated from the first metal component (1) can be further suppressed from intruding into the molten metal of the second metal component (2).

[0498] The first metal component (701, 901, 1001, 1201) includes: an embedding recess (712, 1012, 1212) provided to be recessed in the irradiation direction (Z2) and for embedding the second metal component (702, 902, 1002, 1202); the contacting step (S701, S901, S1001, S1201) includes the step of embedding the second metal component (702, 902, 1002, 1202) into the embedding recess (712, 1012, 1212) of the first metal component (701, 901, 1001, 1201); and the welding and joining step (S703, S903, S1003, S1203) includes: welding the second metal component (702, 902, 1002, 1202) by an energy beam (L). 2, 1202) side surfaces (702b, 702c, 902b, 902c, 1002b, 1002c, 1002d, 1002e, 1202b, 1202c, 1202d, 1202e), and the side surfaces of the embedding recess (712, 1012, 1212) and the second metal component (702, 902, 1002, 1202) The steps (S3, S703, S903, S1003, S1203) of welding and joining the opposite side surfaces (712b, 1012b, 1212b) of (702b, 702c, 902b, 902c, 1002b, 1002c, 1002d, 1002e, 1202b, 1202c, 1202d, 1202e) to each other. If constructed in this way, the irradiation direction (Z2) of the energy beam (L) and the direction in which the boundary (Bo) between the side surface (12b, 702b, 702c, 902b, 902c, 1002b, 1002c, 1002d, 1002e, 1202b, 1202c, 1202d, 1202e) of the second metal component (2, 702, 902, 1002, 1202) and the opposite side surface (712b, 1012b, 1212b) of the embedding recess (712, 1012, 1212) extend are in the same direction. direction, so that a portion joined by welding can be formed over substantially the entirety of the boundary (Bo) between the side surface (12b, 702b, 702c, 902b, 902c, 1002b, 1002c, 1002d, 1002e, 1202b, 1202c, 1202d, 1202e) of the second metal component (2, 702, 902, 1002, 1202) and the opposing side surface (712b, 1012b, 1212b) of the embedding recess (712, 812, 1012, 1212, 2212).As a result, the sealing of the boundary (Bo) between the side surface (12b, 702b, 702c, 902b, 902c, 1002b, 1002c, 1002d, 1002e, 1202b, 1202c, 1202d, 1202e) of the second metal part (2, 702, 902, 1002, 1202) and the opposite side surface (712b, 1012b, 1212b) of the embedding recess (712, 812, 1012, 1212, 2212) can be ensured.

[0499] The steps of welding and joining (S703, S903, S1003, S1203) include: welding the side surfaces (702b, 702c, 902b, 902c, 1002b, 1002c, 1002d, 1002e, 1202b, 1202c, 1202d, 1202) of the second metal component (702, 902, 1002, 1202) by an energy beam (L). e) Steps (S703, S903, S1003, S1203) of welding and joining the exposed portions of the first surface (701a, 801a, 1001a, 1201a) of the first metal member (701, 901, 1001, 1201) and the opposing side surfaces (712b, 1012b, 1212b) of the embedding recess (712, 1012, 1212). This configuration increases the amount of metal melted by the energy beam (L), thereby ensuring the weld strength between the first metal member (701, 901, 1001, 1201) and the second metal member (702, 902, 1002, 1202).

[0500] The first metal component (701, 901, 1001, 1201) includes: a first flow path recess (711, 1011, 1211, 2211) for fluid flow arranged on the irradiation direction (Z2) side of the embedding recess (712, 1012, 1212), and further includes a first escape space (1004, 1904, 2004, 2112) which is arranged in a welding overlap region (Ar) where welding performed by an energy beam (L) overlaps, and allows metal vapor generated by welding performed by the energy beam (L) to escape toward the first flow path recess (711, 1011, 1211, 2211), and the embedding step (S701, S901, S1001, S1201) includes embedding the first escape space (1004, 1904, 2004, 2112) into the embedding recess (712, 812, 1012, 1212, 2212). The steps of welding and joining the two metal parts (702, 902, 1002, 1202) and forming a first flow path concave portion (711, 1011, 1211, 2211) as a flow path for fluid flow, and the steps of welding and joining (S703, S903, S1003, S1203) include: in the welding overlap region (Ar), using an energy beam (L), so that the second metal parts (702, 902 , 1002, 1202) and the side surfaces (702b, 702c, 902b, 902c, 1002b, 1002c, 1002d, 1002e, 1202b, 1202c, 1202d, 1202e) of the first metal component (701, 901, 1001, 1201) and the opposite side surfaces (712b, 1012b, 1212b) of the first metal component (701, 901, 1001, 1201). Here, in welding performed by the energy beam (L), the heat distribution of the high-temperature portion of the heat transferred from the surface of the first metal member (701, 901, 1001, 1201) and the surface of the second metal member (702, 902, 1002, 1202) becomes a gradually tapering heat distribution, so that the surface of the first metal member (701, 901, 1001, 1201) and the surface of the second metal member (702, 902, 1002, 1202) are larger than the inner side portion of the first metal member (701, 901, 1001, 1201) and the second metal member (702, 902, 1002, 1202).Thus, in the weld overlap region (Ar), since the surfaces of the first metal component (701, 901, 1001, 1201) and the surfaces of the second metal component (702, 902, 1002, 1202) are melted first, a closed space is formed in which the surface sides of the side surfaces (702b, 702c, 902b, 902c, 1002b, 1002c, 1002d, 1002e, 1202b, 1202c, 1202d, 1202e) of the second metal component (702, 902, 1002, 1202) and the opposing side surfaces (712b, 1012b, 1212b) of the embedding recess (712, 812, 1012, 1212, 2212) of the first metal component (701, 901, 1001, 1201) are closed. In this case, metal vapor generated during welding in the weld overlap region (Ar) is retained in a closed space, thereby generating bubbles in the joint portion formed by solidification of the melted first metal member (701, 901, 1001, 1201) and the second metal member (702, 902, 1002, 1202). Therefore, by providing a first escape space portion (1004, 1904, 2004, 2112) in the weld overlap region (Ar), it is possible to prevent the formation of a closed space and allow metal vapor generated during welding by the energy beam (L) to escape toward the first flow path recess (711, 1011, 1211, 2211), thereby suppressing the generation of bubbles in the joint portion formed by solidification of the melted first metal member (701, 901, 1001, 1201) and the second metal member (702, 902, 1002, 1202).

[0501] The first escape space portion (1004, 1904, 2004, 2112) is a first cutout (1004, 1904) formed in a weld overlap region (Ar) on the bottom surface of the embedding recess (712, 812, 1012, 1212, 2212) of the first metal component (701, 901, 1001, 1201), and the welding and joining steps (S703, S903, S1003, S1203) include: forming a weld overlap region (Ar) in the weld overlap region (Ar) , a step of melting the side surfaces (702b, 702c, 902b, 902c, 1002b, 1002c, 1002d, 1002e, 1202b, 1202c, 1202d, 1202e) of the second metal component (702, 902, 1002, 1202) and the opposite side surfaces (712b, 1012b, 1212b) of the first metal component (701, 901, 1001, 1201) by using an energy beam (L). If constructed in this way, by realizing the first escape space portion (1004, 1904, 2004, 2112) by the first incision (1004, 1904), the complexity of the design change of the mold used to form the first escape space portion (1004, 1904, 2004, 2112) in the first metal component (701, 901, 1001, 1201) can be suppressed, so the first metal component (701, 901, 1001, 1201) with the first incision (1004, 1904) can be realized relatively easily.

[0502] The first escape space portion (1004, 1904, 2004, 2112) is formed in a second notch (2112) of the weld overlap region (Ar) of the side surface (702b, 702c, 902b, 902c, 1002b, 1002c, 1002d, 1002e, 1202b, 1202c, 1202d, 1202e) of the second metal component (702, 902, 1002, 1202), and the steps (S703, S903, S1003, S1203) of welding and joining are performed. 3) comprising the step of melting, in a weld overlap region (Ar), side surfaces (702b, 702c, 902b, 902c, 1002b, 1002c, 1002d, 1002e, 1202b, 1202c, 1202d, 1202e) of a second metal component (2, 702, 902, 1002, 1202) and opposing side surfaces (712b, 1012b, 1212b) of a first metal component (701, 901, 1001, 1201) by an energy beam (L). According to this structure, the first escape space (1004, 1904, 2004, 2112) is realized by providing the second cutout (2112) in the second metal member (702, 902, 1002, 1202), so that the side surfaces (702b, 702c, 902b, 902c, 1002b, 1002c, 1002d, 1002e, 1202b) of the second metal member (702, 902, 1002, 1202) in the weld overlap region (Ar) can be welded. By reducing the amount of the second notch (2112) at the location where the opposing side surfaces (712b, 1012b, 1212b) of the first metal component (701, 901, 1001, 1201) and the first metal component (701, 901, 1001, 1201) melt, the amount of metal vapor generated during welding by the energy beam (L) can be reduced, and the generated metal vapor can be allowed to escape to the first flow path recess (711, 1011, 1211, 2211) through the second notch (2112). As a result, the generation of bubbles can be further suppressed in the joint portion formed by solidification of the melted first metal component (1, 701, 901, 1001, 1201) and the second metal component (2, 702, 902, 1002, 1202).

[0503] The first metal component (1201) includes: a first flow path recess (1211, 2211) for fluid flow arranged on the side of the irradiation direction (Z2) of the embedding recess (1212, 2212); a loading surface (1212a, 2212a) arranged in the embedding recess (1212, 2212) and for the second metal component (1202) to be loaded; and a second escape space (1213, 2213) arranged on the side of the loading surface (1212a, 2212a) of the first flow path recess (1211, 2211) in a cross section along the irradiation direction (Z2) and allowing metal vapor generated by welding by the energy beam (L) to escape toward the first flow path recess (1211, 2211), and the abutting step (S1201) includes: placing the second metal component The step of placing the part (1202) on the placing surface (1212a, 2212a) of the first metal part (1201) and embedding the second metal part (1202) into the embedding recess (1212, 2212) of the first metal part (1201), and the step of welding and joining (S1203) includes: using an energy beam (L), welding and joining the side surfaces (1202b, 1202c, 1202d, 1202e) of the second metal part (1202) and the opposite side surfaces (1202b, 1202c, 1202d, 1202e) of the embedding recess (1212, 2212) to each other (S1203). If constructed in this manner, the metal vapor generated by welding by the laser (L) is allowed to escape toward the first flow path recess (1211, 2211) using the second escape space (1213, 2213), thereby suppressing the generation of bubbles in the joint portion formed by solidifying the melted first metal component (1201) and the second metal component (1202). Furthermore, by providing a second escape space (1213, 2213) between the first flow path recess (1211, 2211) and the mounting surface (1212a, 2212a), foreign matter (Em) formed by the first metal component (1201) and the second metal component (1202) after being melted by the laser (L) is less likely to reach the first flow path recess (1211, 2211) due to the presence of the mounting surface (1212a, 2212a), and can solidify on the second escape space (1213, 2213) or the mounting surface (1212a, 2212a), thereby suppressing the intrusion of foreign matter (Em) into the first flow path recess (1211, 2211). Consequently, the intrusion of foreign matter (Em) into the first flow path recess (1211, 2211) can be suppressed, and the generation of bubbles in the joint portion can be suppressed.

[0504] The second escape space (1213, 2213) is provided from one end of an edge (Eg) of the first flow path recess (1211, 2211) at a boundary (Pbo) between the embedding recess (2212) and the first flow path recess (1211, 2211) along the other end. Thus, metal vapor generated by welding with the laser L can escape from one end of the edge of the first flow path recess (1211, 2211) to the other end, thereby suppressing the generation of bubbles in the joint portion from one end to the other end.

[0505] The second escape space (2213) is a third cutout (2213) provided on the side of the first flow path recess (2211) of the mounting surface (2212a). If so configured, the escape space is realized by the cutout (221), and the escape space can be realized with a simple structure.

[0506] The second escape space portion (1213) is an inclined surface (1213) provided on the side of the first flow path recess (1211) of the mounting surface (1212a). With this configuration, the escape space portion is realized by the inclined surface (1213), and thus the complexity of the design change of the mold for forming the escape space portion in the first metal component (1201) can be suppressed, so that the first metal component (1201) formed with the inclined surface (1213) can be realized relatively easily.

[0507] The first metal component (701, 901, 1001, 1201) further includes a first flow path recess (711, 1011, 1211, 2211) having a width (W2) smaller than a width of an embedding recess (712, 812, 1012, 1212, 2212) in a direction (XY) orthogonal to the irradiation direction (Z2), and is disposed on the irradiation direction (Z2) side of the embedding recess (712, 812, 1012, 1212, 2212), and the contacting steps (S701, S901, S1001, S1201) include inserting the second metal component (702, 902, 1002, 1202) into the embedding recess (712, 812, 1012, 2212) of the first metal component (701, 901, 1001, 1201). 1212, 2212), and a step of forming a first flow path recess (711, 1011, 1211, 2211) as a flow path for fluid flow, and a step of welding and joining (S703, S903, S1003, S1203) including a step of sealing the flow path by welding and joining the side surfaces (702b, 702c, 902b, 902c, 1002b, 1002c, 1002d, 1002e, 1202b, 1202c, 1202d, 1202e) of the second metal component (702, 902, 1002, 1202) and the opposite side surfaces (712b, 1012b, 1212b) of the embedding recess (712, 812, 1012, 1212, 2212) to each other. With this configuration, the welded portion can be formed over substantially the entire boundary between the side surfaces (702b, 702c, 902b, 902c, 1002b, 1002c, 1002d, 1002e, 1202b, 1202c, 1202d, 1202e) of the second metal member (702, 902, 1002, 1202) and the opposing side surfaces (712b, 1012b, 1212b) of the insertion recess (712, 812, 1012, 1212, 2212), thereby further suppressing leakage of the fluid flowing in the flow path to the outside of the metal member (700, 900, 1000, 1200). As a result, the sealing performance of the flow path can be ensured.

[0508] The first metal component (1) further includes: a protrusion extending from the first surface (12a) toward the irradiation direction (Z2) and having a predetermined thickness (Th12); and a second flow path recess (13) provided adjacent to the protrusion in a direction perpendicular to the irradiation direction (Z2) and recessed toward the irradiation direction (Z2). The contacting step (S1) includes: a step of forming a flow path for fluid flow by covering the second flow path recess (13) of the first metal component (1) with a portion other than the narrow slit (22) of the second metal component (2). The welding and joining step (S3) includes: a step of sealing the flow path by welding and joining the first metal component (1) and the second metal component (2) to each other using an energy beam (L). If constructed in this manner, the generation of bubbles in the joint portion where the first metal component (1) and the second metal component (2) are welded and joined to each other is suppressed, and the leakage of the fluid flowing in the flow path formed by the second flow path recess (13) of the first metal component (1) and the portion other than the narrow slit (22) of the second metal component (2) along the bubbles to the outside of the metal component (100) can be suppressed, thereby ensuring the sealing of the flow path.

[0509] The metal component (100) comprises: a first metal component (1) including a first surface (12a) extending in one direction (XY) and having a shape having a predetermined thickness (Th12) in another direction (Z) perpendicular to the one direction (XY); a second metal component (2) including a narrow slit (22) extending in another direction (Z) and a pair of side surfaces (12b) facing each other in a direction (Y) perpendicular to both the other direction (Z) and the direction (X) in which the narrow slit (22) extends; and a welding portion (3) configured to fill a space within the narrow slit (22) enclosed by the first surface (12a) and the pair of side surfaces (12b) of the first metal component (1), and to be formed by melting and solidifying each of the first metal component (1) and the second metal component (2). According to this structure, when welding the welded portion (3), the energy beam (L) is directly irradiated to the exposed portion of the first surface (12a) of the first metal component (1, 701, 901, 1001, 1201) without passing through the second metal component (2, 702, 902, 1002, 1202) to form the welded portion (3). Therefore, the metal vapor generated by irradiating the first surface (12a) of the first metal component (1) with the energy beam (L) can be discharged to the space not filled with the molten metal of the second metal component (2) melted by the energy beam (L). Therefore, by making it easy to discharge the metal vapor generated from the first metal component (1) to the external space (Ex) outside the metal component (100), the metal vapor generated from the first metal component (1) can be suppressed from invading the molten metal of the second metal component (2). In addition, the side surface (12b) and the second surface (21a) of the second metal component (2) are in contact with the external space (Ex) outside the metal component (100), so the metal vapor generated by irradiating the end surface (211a) of the second metal component (2) with the energy beam (L) is directly discharged to the external space (Ex). Accordingly, by suppressing the intrusion of the metal vapor into the molten metal of the second metal component (2) contained in the metal component (100), a metal component (100) can be provided that is joined by a method for joining metal components (100) that can suppress the generation of bubbles in a joint portion formed by solidifying the molten metal of each of the first metal component (1) and the second metal component (2) contained in the metal component (100).

[0510] The space within the narrow slit (22) also forms a non-welded portion (4) that is not filled with the welded portion (3). With this structure, the metal vapor generated from the first metal component (1) can be discharged to the external space Ex outside the metal component (100) through the non-welded portion, thereby more effectively suppressing the metal vapor generated from the first metal component (1) from invading the molten metal of the second metal component (2) that has been melted by the energy beam (L).

[0511] The metal component (1000) comprises: a first metal component (1001) having an embedding recess (1012) provided to be recessed from a surface (1001a) in one direction (Z2), and a first flow path recess (1011) for fluid flow provided on the one direction (Z2) side of the embedding recess (1012); a second metal component (1002) embedded in the embedding recess (1012) and having side surfaces (1002b, 1002c, 1002d, 1002e) along one direction; and a welding portion (1003) for welding the side surfaces (1002d) of the second metal component (1002) to the welded portion. b, 1002c, 1002d, 1002e), and the embedding recess (1012) are formed by melting and solidifying the opposing side surfaces (1012b) opposite to the side surfaces (1002b, 1002c, 1002d, 1002e) of the second metal component (1002); and a first escape space portion (1004, 1904, 2004, 2112), which is arranged in a welding overlap area (Ar) where welding performed by an energy beam (L) overlaps when forming a welding portion (1003), and allows metal vapor generated by welding performed by the energy beam (L) to escape toward the first flow path recess (1011). Here, in welding performed by the energy beam (L), the heat distribution of the high-temperature portion of the heat transferred from the surface of the first metal component (1001) and the surface of the second metal component (1002) becomes a heat distribution with a front end tapering, so the melting area of ​​the surface of the first metal component (1001) and the surface of the second metal component (1002) is larger than the inner side portion of the first metal component (1001) and the second metal component (1002). As a result, in the weld overlap region (Ar), the surface of the first metal component (1001) and the surface of the second metal component (1002) are melted first, forming a closed space in which the surface side of each of the side surfaces (1002b, 1002c, 1002d, 1002e) of the second metal component (1002) and the opposite side surface (1012b) of the embedding recess (712, 812, 1012) of the first metal component (1001) is closed. In this case, metal vapor generated during welding in the weld overlap region (Ar) is retained in a closed space, thereby generating bubbles in the joint portion formed by solidification of the melted first metal component (1001) and the second metal component (1002). Therefore, by providing a first escape space portion (1004, 1904, 2004, 2112) in the weld overlap region (Ar), metal vapor generated during welding by the energy beam (L) can escape toward the first flow path recess (1011) without forming a closed space, thereby providing a metal component (1000) that suppresses the generation of bubbles in the joint portion formed by solidification of the melted first metal component (1001) and the second metal component (1002).

[0512] The first escape space portion (1004, 1904, 2004) is a first notch (1004, 1904, 2004) formed by the welded overlap region (Ar) of the bottom surface of the embedding recess (1012) of the first metal component (1001). With this configuration, by realizing the escape space portion through the first notch (1004, 1904, 2004), it is possible to suppress the complexity of designing a mold for forming the escape space portion in the first metal component (1001), thereby making it relatively easy to realize the first metal component (1001) formed with the first notch.

[0513] The first escape space (2112) is a second cutout (2112) formed in the weld overlap region (Ar) of the side surfaces (1002b, 1002c, 1002d, 1002e) of the second metal component (1002). With this configuration, the escape space is realized by providing the second cutout (2112) in the second metal component (2, 702, 902, 1002, 1202). This allows the amount of the second cutout (2112) to be reduced at the location where the side surfaces (1002b, 1002c, 1002d, 1002e) of the second metal component (1002) and the opposing side surfaces (1012b) of the first metal component (1001) are melted in the weld overlap region. This reduces the amount of metal vapor generated during welding using the energy beam (L), and allows the generated metal vapor to escape toward the first flow path recess (1011) through the second cutout (2112). As a result, the generation of bubbles can be further suppressed in the joint portion formed by solidification of the melted first metal member (1001) and the second metal member (1002).

[0514] The sixth embodiment has at least the following structures.

[0515] The refrigerant manifold (5, 5a, 5b, 5c) includes a manifold body (51, 510) including a refrigerant path (53a, 2353a, 2453a) through which the refrigerant flows, and a plurality of device connection portions (54) having a through hole (54a) communicating with the refrigerant path (53a, 2353a, 2453a) and for connecting various functional devices (D). The refrigerant path (53a, 2353a, 2453a) is formed in an arc or a straight line, and three or more device connection portions (54) are provided. With this configuration, it is possible to avoid the refrigerant path (53a, 2353a, 2453a) from having a complex shape such as a plurality of bends. Therefore, the shape of the refrigerant path (53a, 2353a, 2453a) can be simplified. Therefore, the processing when forming the refrigerant path (53a, 2353a, 2453a) can be performed more easily. Furthermore, three or more device connection parts (54) are provided in the refrigerant paths (53a, 2353a, 2453a). Thus, refrigerant flowing into one device connection part (54) can flow out from multiple device connection parts (54), and refrigerant flowing into multiple device connection parts (54) can flow out from one device connection part (54). Therefore, the flow of multiple refrigerants can be achieved. As a result, the shape of the refrigerant paths (53a, 2353a, 2453a) can be simplified, and the flow of multiple refrigerants can be achieved.

[0516] The refrigerant path (53a, 2353a, 2453a) is formed into an arc shape, as viewed from one surface (51a) of the manifold body (51, 510), determined by a radius (R) or a distance between a predetermined center point (P) and each of the three or more device connection portions (54). With this configuration, the refrigerant path (53a, 2353a, 2453a) can be formed into an arc shape connecting the three or more device connection portions (54), thereby further simplifying the shape of the refrigerant path (53a, 2353a, 2453a). Furthermore, the refrigerant path (53a, 2353a, 2453a) can be more easily processed.

[0517] The refrigerant path (53a, 2353a, 2453a) is formed into a concave shape by being recessed from one surface (51a) of the manifold body (51, 510), and further includes a plate member (52a, 520a) attached to the manifold body (51, 510) from one surface (51a) to block the concave refrigerant path (53a, 2353a, 2453a). With this structure, the concave portion of the refrigerant path (53a, 2353a, 2453a) can be blocked by the plate member (52a, 520a), so that the open portion of the refrigerant path (53a, 2353a, 2453a) can be easily manufactured to form a closed space.

[0518] The manifold body (51, 510) includes a groove (6) which is provided around the refrigerant path (53a, 2353a, 2453a) along the outer edge (531) of the refrigerant path (53a, 2353a, 2453a) when viewed from one surface (51a) and is formed into a concave shape so as to be recessed from one surface (51a). The plate member (52a, 520a) has a shape corresponding to the groove (6) and is mounted on the manifold body (51, 510) in a state where it is positioned relative to the manifold body (51, 510) by being fitted into the groove (6). With this structure, the plate member (52a, 520a) can be easily mounted on the manifold body (51, 510) via the groove (6). Furthermore, the plate members (52a, 520a) can be formed to match the shapes of the respective refrigerant paths (53a, 2353a, 2453a). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the plate members (52a, 520a) from becoming excessively larger than necessary relative to the refrigerant paths (53a, 2353a, 2453a). Consequently, the material used to manufacture the plate members (52a, 520a) can be reduced.

[0519] The refrigerant manifold (5, 5a, 5b, 5c) has a pair of opposing surfaces that face each other in a short-side direction perpendicular to the long-side direction, which is the refrigerant flow direction of the refrigerant path (53a, 2353a, 2453a), as viewed from one surface (51a) of the manifold body (51, 510). The distance between the pair of opposing surfaces in the short-side direction is substantially constant at each position in the long-side direction of the refrigerant path (53a, 2353a, 2453a). With this configuration, fluctuations in the flow path width of the refrigerant path (53a, 2353a, 2453a) through which the refrigerant flows can be suppressed, thereby suppressing pressure loss of the refrigerant caused by fluctuations in the flow path width. Furthermore, by making the refrigerant paths (53a, 2353a, 2453a) have a substantially constant width, the refrigerant paths (53a, 2353a, 2453a) can be processed more easily.

[0520] The through hole (54a) of the device connection portion (54) is formed by machining from the other surface toward the one surface (51a) of the manifold body (51, 510) to a position communicating with the refrigerant path (53a, 2353a, 2453a), thereby making the width of the through hole (54a) in the short side direction larger than the distance between the pair of opposing surfaces. With this structure, the machining of the through hole (54a) of the device connection portion (54) can be stopped at the position communicating with the refrigerant path (53a, 2353a, 2453a), thereby preventing the through hole (54a) of the device connection portion (54) from penetrating the refrigerant path (53a, 2353a, 2453a).

[0521] When viewed from the other surface (51a), the end portion of the refrigerant path (53a, 2353a, 2453a) in the longitudinal direction is formed by an arcuate surface connecting a pair of opposing surfaces, or a flat straight surface extending linearly in the transverse direction connecting the pair of opposing surfaces. With this configuration, the shape of the refrigerant path (53a, 2353a, 2453a) can be further simplified by the end portion of the arcuate surface or the straight surface.

[0522] Description of Reference Signs

[0523] 1, 701, 1001, 1201, 1501, 2001... first metal component, 2, 702, 902, 1002, 1202, 150... 2 second metal component, 12b, 702b, 702c, 802b, 802c, 902b, 902c, 1002b, 1002c, 1002d, 1002e, 1102b, 1102c, 1202b, 1202c, 1202d, 1202e, 2102a... side surface (of the second metal component), 13 recess (recess for the second flow path), 7 11, 1011, 1211, 1911, 2011…recess (recess for first flow path), 21a, 702d, 802d, 902d, 1002f, 1102d, 1202f…surface (of second metal component), 22…slit, 22a…side surface (of slit), 100, 700, 900, 1000, 1200, 1600, 1700, 1800…metal component, 200, 800, 1100…manifold (metal component), 201, 801, 1101…valve body (first metal component), 20 2, 802, 1102…plate (second metal component), 211a, 711a, 721d, 921d, 1021d, 1221d, 1521a…end surface portion, 701a, 801a, 1001a, 1201a…surface (of the first metal component), 712, 812, 1012, 1111, 1211, 1912, 2012, 2212…embedding recess, 712a, 812a, 1012a, 1111a, 1212a, 2212a…loading surface (bottom surface of the embedding recess, first metal component) a surface), 712b, 812b, 1012b, 1111b, 1212b…opposite side surfaces, 1004, 1113, 1604, 1812…incision (first escape space portion, first incision), 1213…inclined surface (second escape space portion), 2004…step portion (first escape space portion), 2213…incision (second escape space portion), Ar…welding overlapping area, En1, En2…end portion, L, L1, L2, L3, L4, Lc, Lr…laser (energy beam), Th12…thickness (specified thickness).

Claims

1. A method for joining metal parts, comprising welding a first metal part and a second metal part using an energy beam, the method comprising the following steps: a step of bringing an end portion of a side surface of the second metal member along the irradiation direction into contact with a first surface of the first metal member along a direction perpendicular to the irradiation direction of the energy beam so as to expose a portion of the first surface; and The first metal component and the second metal component are welded and joined to each other by irradiating the energy beam continuously along the direction perpendicular to the irradiation direction toward the end portion on the opposite side of the side surface of the second metal component to the exposed end side surface portion of the first surface side in the second surface.

2. The method for joining metal parts according to claim 1, wherein: The first metal member has a shape extending from the first surface toward the irradiation direction and having a predetermined thickness. The welding and joining step includes irradiating the energy beam toward each of the exposed portion of the first surface of the first metal member and the end side surface portion of the second metal member.

3. The method for joining metal parts according to claim 1, wherein: The second metal member includes a slit extending in the irradiation direction and a pair of side surfaces facing each other in a direction perpendicular to both the irradiation direction and the direction in which the slit extends. The above-mentioned welding and joining step includes: melting both the exposed portion of the above-mentioned first surface and the above-mentioned end side surface portions corresponding to each of the pair of above-mentioned side surfaces in the above-mentioned second metal component by the above-mentioned energy beam, and filling the molten metal into the space surrounded by the exposed portion of the above-mentioned first surface and the pair of above-mentioned side surfaces.

4. The method for joining metal parts according to claim 1, wherein: The second metal member includes a slit extending in the irradiation direction and a pair of side surfaces facing each other in a direction perpendicular to both the irradiation direction and the direction in which the slit extends. The welding and joining step includes: irradiating the energy beam, whose spot diameter is adjusted to be smaller than the interval between the pair of opposing side surfaces, toward the exposed portion of the first surface of the first metal component and the end side surface portion of the second metal component.

5. The method for joining metal parts according to claim 1, wherein: The first metal component includes an embedding recessed portion that is recessed in the irradiation direction and into which the second metal component is embedded. The contacting step includes the steps of: inserting the second metal member into the inserting recess of the first metal member; The welding and joining step includes the step of welding and joining the side surface of the second metal component and the opposing side surface of the fitting recess, which is opposite to the side surface of the second metal component, to each other using the energy beam.

6. The method for joining metal parts according to claim 5, wherein: The welding and joining step includes: welding and joining the side surface of the second metal component, the opposing side surface of the embedding recess, and the exposed portion of the first surface of the first metal component to each other using the energy beam.

7. The method for joining metal parts according to claim 5, wherein: The first metal member includes a first flow path recess provided on the irradiation direction side of the embedding recess, through which the fluid flows. The device further comprises a first escape space portion provided in a weld overlap region where welds performed by the energy beam overlap and allows metal vapor generated by the welds performed by the energy beam to escape toward the first flow path recess. The embedding step includes the step of forming the first flow path recess as a flow path for the fluid by embedding the second metal member into the embedding recess. The welding and joining step includes the step of melting the side surface of the second metal member and the opposing side surface of the first metal member in the weld overlap region by the energy beam.

8. The method for joining metal parts according to claim 7, wherein: The first escape space is a first cutout formed in the weld overlap region on the bottom surface of the embedding recess of the first metal component. The welding and joining step includes the step of melting the side surface of the second metal member and the opposing side surface of the first metal member in the weld overlap region by the energy beam.

9. The method for joining metal parts according to claim 7, wherein: The first escape space is a second cutout formed in the side surface of the second metal component in the weld overlap region. The welding and joining step includes the step of melting the side surface of the second metal member and the opposing side surface of the first metal member in the weld overlap region by the energy beam.

10. The method for joining metal parts according to claim 5, wherein: The first metal component comprises: a first flow path recess provided on the irradiation direction side of the embedding recess, through which the fluid flows; a placement surface provided in the embedding recess and on which the second metal member is placed; and In the cross section in the irradiation direction, a second escape space is provided on the side of the first flow path recess on the placement surface and allows metal vapor generated by welding with the energy beam to escape toward the first flow path recess. The contacting step includes placing the second metal member on the placing surface of the first metal member and fitting the second metal member into the fitting recess of the first metal member. The welding and joining step includes the step of welding and joining the side surface of the second metal member and the opposing side surface of the fitting recess, which is opposite to the side surface of the second metal member, to each other using the energy beam.

11. The method for joining metal parts according to claim 10, wherein: The second escape space is provided from one end of an edge of the first flow channel recess at a boundary between the fitting recess and the first flow channel recess along the other end.

12. The method for joining metal parts according to claim 10, wherein: The second escape space is a third cutout provided on the placement surface on the first flow path recessed portion side.

13. The method for joining metal parts according to claim 10, wherein: The second escape space is an inclined surface provided on the placement surface on the first flow channel recessed portion side.

14. The method for joining metal parts according to claim 5, wherein: The first metal member further includes a first flow path recess having a width smaller than that of the embedding recess in a direction perpendicular to the irradiation direction and provided on the irradiation direction side of the embedding recess. The contacting step includes the step of forming the first flow path recess as a flow path for the fluid by fitting the second metal member into the fitting recess of the first metal member. The welding and joining step includes the step of sealing the flow path by welding and joining the side surface of the second metal member and the opposing side surface of the fitting recess to each other using the energy beam.

15. The method for joining metal parts according to claim 3, wherein: The first metal component further comprises: a protrusion having a shape extending from the first surface toward the irradiation direction and having a predetermined thickness; and a second flow path recessed portion provided adjacent to the protruding portion in a direction perpendicular to the irradiation direction and recessed in the irradiation direction; The contacting step includes the step of forming a flow path for the fluid by covering the second flow path recess of the first metal member with a portion of the second metal member other than the slit, The welding and joining step includes the step of sealing the flow path by welding and joining the first metal member and the second metal member to each other using the energy beam.

16. A metal component comprising: a first metal member including a surface along one direction and having a shape having a predetermined thickness in another direction orthogonal to the one direction; a second metal member including a slit extending in the other direction and a pair of side surfaces facing each other in a direction perpendicular to both the other direction and the direction in which the slit extends; and The welded portion is configured to fill a space within the narrow gap surrounded by the surface and the pair of side surfaces of the first metal member and is formed by melting and solidifying the first metal member and the second metal member.

17. The metal component according to claim 16, wherein The space within the narrow slit further forms a non-welded portion that is not filled with the welded portion.

18. A metal component comprising: a first metal member having an embedding recessed portion recessed in one direction from a surface thereof, and a first flow path recessed portion for fluid flow provided on the one-direction side of the embedding recess; a second metal member, which is embedded in the embedding recess and has a side surface along the one direction; a welded portion formed by melting and solidifying the side surface of the second metal member and the side surface of the fitting recess that is opposite to the side surface of the second metal member; and The first escape space is provided in a weld overlap region where welds performed by energy beams overlap when forming the welded portion, and allows metal vapor generated by the energy beam welding to escape toward the first flow path recess.

19. The metal component according to claim 18, wherein The first escape space is a first cutout formed in the weld overlap region on the bottom surface of the fitting recess of the first metal member.

20. The metal component according to claim 18, wherein The first escape space portion is a second cutout formed by the weld overlap region on the side surface of the second metal component.

Images