A gantry type friction stir welding device with a back-pulling function

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the field of welding equipment and provides a gantry type friction stir welding equipment with a back-pulling function, which comprises a gantry mechanical body, a machine head assembly, a numerical control system, an electric control cabinet, a lubricating system, a protective piano cover and an appearance sheet metal, etc. The machine head assembly has a unique stirring needle back-pulling design and a process inclination angle adjustment design. The stirring needle back-pulling design can ensure that the stirring needle maintains a certain rotating speed and gradually retracts to fill the tail hole when the welding is completed, and finally realizes welding without a keyhole. The process inclination angle adjustment design can ensure that the machine head assembly is manually adjusted within a certain range (±5°) of angle, and meets the requirements of the friction stir welding process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of welding equipment, and in particular relates to a gantry-type friction stir welding equipment with a retraction function. Background Technology

[0002] Friction stir welding is a solid-state joining technique that offers advantages such as high joint quality, minimal welding deformation, fewer welding defects, and environmental friendliness when welding lightweight alloys like aluminum, magnesium, and copper. However, it also has a significant drawback: a keyhole is left at the weld end. This keyhole defect is typically filled with fusion welding, but this method is prone to cracking, inclusions, and deformation, leading to a decrease in joint quality. This makes it unsuitable for products with high requirements for keyhole quality, such as the circumferential welds connecting the ends of automotive wheel hubs and aerospace storage tank bottoms.

[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a gantry friction stir welding equipment with a retraction function based on conventional gantry friction stir welding equipment to eliminate tail holes, thereby solving the problem of tail hole defects in conventional friction stir welding. Utility Model Content

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides a gantry-type friction stir welding equipment with a retraction function, comprising:

[0005] The gantry crane body and the head assembly are provided, wherein the head assembly is movably mounted on the gantry crane body, and the tilt angle of the head assembly is adjustable; wherein,

[0006] The gantry machine body includes a bed, machine tool leveling pads, a worktable, a column, a crossbeam, a saddle, and a Z-axis ram. The worktable is slidably mounted on the bed, the machine tool leveling pads are placed under the bed, the bed is connected to the column, the crossbeam is mounted on the column, the saddle is slidably mounted on the crossbeam, the Z-axis ram is slidably mounted on the saddle, and the head assembly is mounted on the Z-axis ram via a tilt adjustment assembly.

[0007] The gantry machinery body has a first mounting surface, a second mounting surface and a third mounting surface. A Z-axis drive system is provided on the first mounting surface, a Y-axis drive system is provided on the second mounting surface and an X-axis drive system is provided on the third mounting surface.

[0008] The X-axis drive system drives the worktable to slide, the Y-axis drive system drives the slide saddle to slide, and the Z-axis drive system drives the Z-axis slide ram to slide.

[0009] The machine head assembly includes a spindle motor, a spindle motor mount, a drive-side synchronous pulley, an arc-tooth synchronous belt, a driven-side synchronous pulley, a retraction mechanical spindle, a spindle housing, a rear angular contact ball bearing assembly, a front angular contact ball bearing assembly, a retraction shaft spline sleeve, a stirring head sleeve, a stirring head shoulder, a stirring needle, a stirring needle handle, a retraction shaft, a drawbar, a thrust ball bearing, a deep groove ball bearing, a retraction device mounting base, a servo electric cylinder, a retraction shaft reducer, and a retraction shaft servo motor.

[0010] The main spindle motor and the main spindle housing are mounted on both sides of the main spindle motor base. The main spindle motor, the driving-side synchronous pulley, the arc-tooth synchronous belt, the driven-side synchronous pulley, and the retraction mechanical main spindle are sequentially connected for transmission. The retraction mechanical main spindle is rotatably mounted in the main spindle housing via the rear angular contact ball bearing assembly and the front angular contact ball bearing assembly. The retraction shaft spline sleeve is installed at the front end of the retraction mechanical main spindle. The retraction shaft spline sleeve is driven by the retraction shaft. The retraction shaft is fitted inside the retraction mechanical main spindle. The stirring head sleeve and the stirring head shoulder are installed at the front end of the retraction shaft spline sleeve. The stirring needle handle is installed at the front end of the retraction shaft. The stirring needle handle is located inside the stirring head shoulder. The stirring needle is mounted on the stirring needle handle.

[0011] The rear end of the retraction shaft is connected to the drawbar via the thrust ball bearing and the deep groove ball bearing. The thrust ball bearing, the deep groove ball bearing, and the drawbar are all installed in the retraction device mounting base. The retraction device mounting base is installed on the spindle motor base. The drawbar, the servo electric cylinder, the retraction shaft reducer, and the retraction shaft servo motor are sequentially connected for transmission. The retraction shaft can move axially within the retraction mechanical spindle.

[0012] Optionally, the tilt adjustment assembly includes an ear block, a tightening sleeve, a rotating shaft, a fixed angle scale, and a tilt adjustment pin. The rotating shaft is rotatably connected to the Z-axis slide block via the ear block and the tightening sleeve. The fixed angle scale is fixedly installed on the Z-axis slide block. The tilt adjustment pin is fitted with a process tilt adjustment threaded hole and abuts against the Z-axis slide block. The machine head assembly is fastened to the rotating shaft. The machine head assembly is also loosely or loosely connected to the Z-axis slide block via a machine head assembly locking slot and a locking bolt.

[0013] Optionally, the third mounting surface is formed on the bed, and the X-axis drive system includes an X-axis servo motor, an X-axis reducer, a lead screw seat, a coupling, a ball screw, and a linear guide pair disposed on the third mounting surface. The worktable is mounted on the linear guide pair, and the X-axis servo motor drives the worktable to move along the X-axis direction through the X-axis reducer, the lead screw seat, the coupling, the ball screw, and the linear guide pair.

[0014] Optionally, the second mounting surface is formed on the crossbeam, and the Y-axis drive system includes a Y-axis servo motor, a Y-axis reducer, a second lead screw seat, a second coupling, a second ball screw, and a second linear guide pair disposed on the second mounting surface. The slide saddle is mounted on the second linear guide pair, and the Y-axis servo motor drives the slide saddle to move along the Y-axis direction through the Y-axis reducer, the second lead screw seat, the second coupling, the second ball screw, and the second linear guide pair.

[0015] Optionally, the first mounting surface is formed on the slide saddle, and the Z-axis drive system includes a Z-axis servo motor, a Z-axis reducer, a lead screw seat, a coupling, a ball screw, and a linear guide pair disposed on the first mounting surface. The Z-axis slide is mounted on the linear guide pair, and the Z-axis servo motor drives the Z-axis slide to move along the Z-axis direction through the Z-axis reducer, the lead screw seat, the coupling, the ball screw, and the linear guide pair.

[0016] Optionally, it also includes a CNC system electrically connected to the head assembly, the X-axis drive system, the Y-axis drive system, and the Z-axis drive system.

[0017] Optionally, it also includes an electrical control cabinet that provides power to the head assembly, the X-axis drive system, the Y-axis drive system, the Z-axis drive system, and the CNC system.

[0018] Optionally, it also includes a lubrication system that provides lubricating oil to the head assembly, the X-axis drive system, the Y-axis drive system, and the Z-axis drive system.

[0019] Optionally, it also includes a plurality of protective bellows covers, which are installed on the X-axis drive system, the Y-axis drive system and the Z-axis drive system.

[0020] Optionally, the tilt adjustment component adjusts the tilt angle of the head assembly to a range of ±5 degrees.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0022] (1) The friction stir welding equipment with retraction function of this utility model is composed of a splined retraction shaft, a short drawbar and a servo electric cylinder in the axial motion system of the retraction shaft. This avoids the problem of interference between the long drawbar and the center hole of the main shaft caused by connecting the long drawbar to the stirring head. Furthermore, the main shaft is driven by a synchronous belt, which is compact and occupies less structural space. It can also achieve precise control of the position coordinates of the stirring needle and precise control of the retraction speed, resulting in good welding effect and achieving welding without "keyhole".

[0023] (2) The friction stir welding equipment of this utility model is generally divided into two main modules: the gantry mechanical body and the head assembly. The gantry mechanical body is manufactured using mature casting and machining processes in the machine tool industry, and the head assembly has been standardized and mass-produced. The two modules are independent of each other, and the installation interfaces are universal, thereby realizing modular production of the equipment and significantly shortening the manufacturing cycle and operating costs.

[0024] (3) In the friction stir welding equipment of this utility model, the left and right sides of the head assembly are connected by expansion sleeves, and the upper side is adjusted by adjusting bolts to achieve the overall angle adjustment of the head assembly. After determining the appropriate angle by using a fixed angle scale, the expansion sleeves and connecting bolts are manually locked to fix the welding process tilt angle. The head assembly of this solution adopts a front-to-back adjustment method, which greatly improves the operability of the process tilt angle adjustment and is simple and convenient to implement. The relative head assembly adopts a left-to-right rotation and then locking method, which avoids the problems of easy deviation of the head assembly position, high difficulty of manual operation and certain safety hazards. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the gantry-type friction stir welding equipment with a retraction function according to this utility model.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the gantry-type friction stir welding equipment with a retraction function according to this utility model.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the gantry machinery body structure of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the X, Y, and Z axis drive system of the gantry machinery body of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the head assembly of this utility model;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the head assembly of this utility model;

[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the head assembly before the tilt angle adjustment process of this utility model.

[0032] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the machine head assembly after the tilt angle has been adjusted according to the present invention.

[0033] Illustration:

[0034] 100. Gantry crane body; 200. Head assembly; 300. Electrical control cabinet; 400. HMI operating system; 500. Protective bellows cover; 600. Exterior sheet metal; 700. Lubrication system;

[0035] 10. X-axis drive system; 11. X-axis servo motor; 12. X-axis reducer; 13. Lead screw seat; 14. Coupling; 15. Ball screw; 16. Linear guide pair;

[0036] 20. Y-axis drive system; 21. Y-axis servo motor; 22. Y-axis reducer; 23. Lead screw seat II; 24. Coupling II; 25. Ball screw II; 26. Linear guide pair II;

[0037] 30. Z-axis drive system; 31. Z-axis servo motor; 32. Z-axis reducer; 33. Lead screw seat three; 34. Coupling three; 35. Ball screw three; 36. Linear guide pair three;

[0038] 41. Ear block; 42. Fixed angle scale; 43. Expansion sleeve; 44. Rotating shaft; 45. Inclination adjustment pin;

[0039] 101. Bed; 102. Machine tool leveling pad; 103. Worktable; 104. Column; 105. Crossbeam; 106. Saddle; 107. Z-axis slide; 108. First mounting surface; 109. Second mounting surface; 110. Third mounting surface;

[0040] 201. Spindle motor; 202. Spindle motor pad; 203. Spindle motor mount; 204. Spindle motor support; 205. Spindle housing; 206. Pressure sensor; 207. Stirring head sleeve; 208. Stirring head shoulder; 209. Stirring needle; 210. Retraction device mounting base; 211. Dustproof plate; 212. Servo electric cylinder; 213. Retraction shaft reducer; 214. Retraction shaft servo motor; 2111. Water cooling inlet; 2112. Water cooling outlet; 2113. Machine head assembly locking slot; 2114. Process tilt angle adjustment threaded hole; 2115. Cooling water tank; 215. Stirring needle handle; 216. Retraction shaft; 217. Retraction shaft spline sleeve; 218. Retraction mechanical spindle; 219. Front lower pressure cover; 220. Front upper pressure cover; 221. Front bearing seat; 222. O-ring seal; 223. Front angular contact ball bearing assembly; 224. Outer retaining ring 1; 225. Inner retaining ring 1; 226. First lock nut; 227. Inner retaining ring 2; 228. Rear bearing housing; 229. Outer retaining ring 2; 230. Rear angular contact ball bearing assembly; 231. Small pulley locking plate; 232. Arc-tooth synchronous belt; 233. Drive-side synchronous pulley; 234. Flat key; 23 5. Second locking nut; 236. Puller rod; 237. Thrust ball bearing cover; 238. Thrust ball bearing; 239. Spacer ring; 240. Spacer ring; 241. Deep groove ball bearing; 242. Third locking nut; 243. Driven side synchronous pulley; 244. Driven side synchronous pulley retaining ring; 245. Fourth locking nut; 246. Rear angular contact ball bearing assembly cover; 247. Inner retaining ring three. Detailed Implementation

[0041] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain this utility model and are not intended to limit this utility model.

[0042] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0043] Furthermore, in the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal connection of two components; they can refer to a wireless connection or a wired connection. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0044] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of this utility model described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0045] Specifically, such as Figure 1 , 2 As shown, this utility model embodiment provides a gantry-type friction stir welding equipment with a retraction function, including a gantry mechanical body 100, a head assembly 200, an electrical control cabinet 300, an HMI operating system 400, a protective bellows cover 500, a sheet metal exterior 600, and a lubrication system 700. The gantry mechanical body 100 is the main hardware component of the equipment, and is equipped with X, Y, and Z axis drive system installation interfaces. The head assembly 200 is movably mounted on the Z-axis slide 107 on the front side of the crossbeam 105. The bottom of the head assembly 200 is directly opposite the working surface of the worktable 103 of the gantry mechanical body 100. At the same time, the HMI operating system 400 is installed on one side (right) of the column 104. The electrical control cabinet 300 is located on one side (right) of the column 104 of the gantry mechanical body 100, and the lubrication system 700 is located on the other side (left). The gantry mechanical body 100 is equipped with a protective bellows cover 500 and a sheet metal exterior 600. In this context, the vertically upward direction of the friction stir welding equipment after installation is considered the top, the side of the machine operator facing the friction stir welding equipment is considered the front or front end of the equipment, the column to the left of the front or front end of the machine operator is considered the left column, and the column to the right is considered the right column.

[0046] Furthermore, the gantry crane body 100 is composed of a bed 101, a machine tool leveling pad 102, a worktable 103, a column 104, a crossbeam 105, a saddle 106, and a Z-axis slide ram 107. The gantry crane body 100 has a first mounting surface 108, a second mounting surface 109, and a third mounting surface 110. The machine tool leveling pad 102 is mounted on the lower part of the bed 101 for horizontal adjustment of the equipment. The third mounting surface 110 is formed on the bed 101, and an X-axis drive system 10 is provided on the third mounting surface 110. The worktable 103 is slidably mounted on the X-axis drive system 10. The X-axis drive system 10 drives the worktable 103 to slide along the X-axis direction on the equipment; that is, the X-axis drive system 10 is used for movement of the equipment in the X-axis direction. The bed 101 is connected to the column 104, and a crossbeam 105 is provided on the column 104. A second mounting surface 109 is formed on the crossbeam 105, and a Y-axis drive system 20 is provided on the second mounting surface 109. A slide saddle 106 is slidably provided on the Y-axis drive system 20. The Y-axis drive system 20 drives the slide saddle 106 to slide along the Y-axis direction on the equipment, that is, the Y-axis drive system 20 is used for the movement of the equipment in the Y-axis direction. A first mounting surface 108 is formed on the slide saddle 106, and a Z-axis drive system 30 is provided on the first mounting surface 108. A Z-axis slide ram 107 is slidably provided on the Z-axis drive system 30. The Z-axis drive system 30 drives the Z-axis slide ram to slide along the Z-axis direction on the equipment, that is, the Z-axis drive system 30 is used for the movement of the equipment in the Z-axis direction. A machine head assembly 200 is mounted on the slide ram 107 through a tilt angle adjustment component, which allows the tilt angle of the machine head assembly 200 on the equipment to be manually adjusted. The worktable 103 is used to fix and support the workpiece and serves as the mounting surface for welding fixtures.

[0047] Furthermore, after the gantry machinery body 100 and the head assembly 200 are assembled, when viewed from the front, they form a gantry-like structure, which facilitates production. This gantry-type friction stir welding equipment with a retraction function is particularly suitable for circumferential welding of cylindrical bodies such as automobile wheel hubs and aviation storage tank bottoms.

[0048] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 , 4As shown, an X-axis drive system 10 is installed below the worktable 103. The X-axis drive system 10 is fixedly connected to the bed 101 and can drive the worktable 103 to move back and forth in the X-axis direction, thereby realizing the back and forth movement of the workpiece. Specifically, a third mounting surface 110 is provided on the bed 101, and a parallel X-axis linear guide pair 16 is installed on each of the third mounting surfaces 110. The worktable 103 is fixedly mounted on the X-axis linear guide pair 16 to realize the back and forth movement. Preferably, the X-axis linear guide pair 16 is driven by a ball screw 15, that is, the X-axis servo motor 11 drives the worktable 103 to move along the X-axis direction through the X-axis reducer 12, the screw seat 13, the coupling 14, the ball screw 15, and the linear guide pair 16. The coupling 14 is connected to the X-axis reducer 12 and the X-axis servo motor 11, and the X-axis servo motor 11 is connected to a power source to realize motor drive. During assembly and connection, the ball screw 15 is mounted on the screw seat 13, and the X-axis servo motor 11 sequentially drives the X-axis reducer 12, coupling 14, ball screw 15 and linear guide pair 16.

[0049] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 , 4 As shown, a Y-axis drive system 20 is installed in front of the crossbeam 105, and a Z-axis slide ram 107 is installed on a slide saddle 106. The slide saddle 106 is then installed on top of the crossbeam 105, and can slide left and right relative to the crossbeam 105. Specifically, a second mounting surface 109 is provided on the upper part and front of the crossbeam 105. A linear guide pair 26 parallel to the Y-axis is installed on each of the second mounting surfaces 109. The slide saddle 106 is fixedly installed on the Y-axis linear guide pair 26, which can drive the slide saddle 106 to move left and right on the Y-axis linear guide pair 26. Preferably, the Y-axis linear guide pair 26 can be driven by a ball screw 25. That is, the Y-axis servo motor 21 drives the slide saddle 106 to move along the Y-axis direction through the Y-axis reducer 22, the screw seat 23, the coupling 24, the ball screw 25, and the linear guide pair 26. The Y-axis reducer 22 and Y-axis servo motor 21 are connected via coupling 24. The Y-axis servo motor 21 is connected to a power source to drive the motor. During assembly, ball screw 25 is mounted on screw seat 23. The Y-axis servo motor 21 sequentially drives the Y-axis reducer 22, coupling 24, ball screw 25, and linear guide pair 26.

[0050] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 , 4As shown, a Z-axis drive system 30 is mounted on the front end of the Z-axis slide 107, and a machine head assembly 200 is slidably mounted on the Z-axis linear guide pair 36. The machine head assembly 200 can move up and down relative to the Z-axis slide 107. Specifically, a first mounting surface 108 is provided on the front of the Z-axis slide 107, and a linear guide pair 36 parallel to the Z-axis is mounted on each of the first mounting surfaces 108. The machine head assembly 200 is mounted on the Z-axis linear guide pair 36, which can drive the machine head assembly 200 to move up and down on the Z-axis linear guide pair 36. Preferably, the Z-axis linear guide pair 36 can be driven by a ball screw 35, that is, the Z-axis servo motor 31 drives the Z-axis slide 107 to move along the Z-axis direction through the Z-axis reducer 32, the screw seat 33, the coupling 34, the ball screw 35, and the linear guide pair 36. The Z-axis reducer 32 and Z-axis servo motor 31 are connected via coupling 34. The Z-axis servo motor 31 is connected to a power source to drive the motor. During assembly, the ball screw 35 is mounted on the screw holder 33. The Z-axis servo motor 31 is sequentially connected to the Z-axis reducer 32, coupling 34, ball screw 35, and linear guide pair 36.

[0051] Furthermore, the X-axis drive system 10, Y-axis drive system 20, and Z-axis drive system 30 have high moving speeds when idling, which can significantly improve production efficiency.

[0052] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown, the gantry-type friction stir welding equipment with a retraction function is also equipped with a CNC system using an HMI operating system 400. The HMI operating system 400 is electrically connected to the head assembly 200, the X-axis drive system 10, the Y-axis drive system 20, and the Z-axis drive system 30. Human-machine interaction is achieved through the HMI operating system 400, enabling multi-axis linkage control of the equipment, improving automated production, and increasing production efficiency. Specifically, the HMI operating system 400 can control the production process, precisely controlling the welding trajectory and welding parameters via PLC programming. Preferably, in this embodiment, to facilitate the acquisition of friction welding pressure, a pressure sensor 206 is installed between the front end of the spindle housing 205 and the front bearing seat 221. The pressure sensor 206 is electrically connected to the CNC system.

[0053] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown, the gantry-type friction stir welding equipment with retraction function is also equipped with an electrical control cabinet 300. The electrical control cabinet 300 is electrically connected to the HMI operating system 400, the head assembly 200 and the drive motors of each axis, providing power to each electrical device, realizing hardware interconnection, and at the same time having overload or shutdown protection to ensure the normal operation of the welding equipment.

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as Figure 2As shown, the gantry-type friction stir welding equipment with a retraction function is also equipped with a lubrication system 700. The lubrication system 700 provides lubricating oil to the ball screws and linear guide pairs of the head assembly 200, the X-axis drive system 10, the Y-axis drive system 20, and the Z-axis drive system 30, ensuring the normal operation of the equipment. Specifically, the lubrication system 700 is equipped with several pipes (not shown) or oil passages (not shown) to pump lubricating oil or grease to designated locations.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as Figure 2 As shown, the gantry-type friction stir welding equipment with a retraction function is also equipped with several protective bellows covers 500. These covers are respectively installed on the X-axis linear guide pair 16, the Y-axis linear guide pair 26, and the Z-axis linear guide pair 36. They isolate dust and debris, preventing them from falling onto the slide rails and causing the slider assembly to jump, thus affecting welding accuracy and welding effect. Specifically, the protective bellows covers 500 are foldable covers installed at both ends of the slide rails, expanding and contracting accordingly as the slider assembly moves. Preferably, the X-axis protective bellows cover can be made of stainless steel, and the Y-axis protective bellows cover can be made of asbestos, leather, or other refractory materials to improve service life and reduce production costs.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as Figure 3 As shown, the gantry-type friction stir welding equipment with a retraction function is also equipped with a slide saddle 106 and a Z-axis slide ram 107. The slide saddle 106 is fixedly mounted on the Y-axis linear guide pair 26, and the head assembly 200 is mounted on the Z-axis slide ram 107. The Z-axis slide ram 107 serves two purposes: firstly, it meets the Y-axis movement requirements of the equipment, and secondly, it is used to mount the head assembly 200, thus improving the overall functionality of the equipment. Specifically, the head assembly 200 is mounted on the slide saddle 106 via bolts through the head assembly locking slot 2113 in the spindle housing 205, and the slide saddle 106 is then mounted on the Z-axis linear guide pair 36.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as Figure 5 , 6As shown, the head assembly 200 integrates the circumferential rotation of the stirring head shoulder 208 and the axial retraction of the stirring pin 209. The head assembly 200 includes two independent drive systems: the circumferential rotation of the stirring head shoulder 208 and the axial retraction of the stirring pin 209. In this embodiment, the retraction design of the stirring pin 209 ensures that the stirring pin 209 maintains a certain rotational speed and gradually retracts at the end of welding to fill the tail hole, ultimately achieving keyless welding. Specifically, the head assembly 200 includes a spindle motor 201, a spindle motor housing 203, a drive-side synchronous pulley 233, a circular arc tooth synchronous belt 232, a driven-side synchronous pulley 243, a retraction mechanical spindle 218, a spindle housing 205, a rear angular contact ball bearing assembly 230, a front angular contact ball bearing assembly 223, a retraction shaft spline sleeve 217, a stirring head sleeve 207, a stirring head shoulder 208, a stirring needle 209, a stirring needle handle 215, a retraction shaft 216, a drawbar 236, a thrust ball bearing 238, a deep groove ball bearing 241, a retraction device mounting base 210, a servo electric cylinder 212, a retraction shaft reducer 213, and a retraction shaft servo motor 214.

[0058] Furthermore, the spindle motor 201 and spindle housing 205 are mounted on both sides of the spindle motor mount 203. The spindle motor 201 is mounted using a spindle motor pad 202 and a spindle motor support 204. The spindle motor 201, the driving-side synchronous pulley 233, the arc-tooth synchronous belt 232, the driven-side synchronous pulley 243, and the retraction mechanical spindle 218 are sequentially connected for transmission. The retraction mechanical spindle 218 is rotatable and connected by a rear angular contact ball bearing assembly 230 and a front angular contact ball bearing assembly 223. The retraction machine spindle 218 is installed in the spindle housing 205. The front end of the retraction machine spindle 218 is equipped with a retraction shaft spline sleeve 217. The retraction shaft spline sleeve 217 is connected to the retraction shaft 216. The retraction shaft 216 is fitted inside the retraction machine spindle. The front end of the retraction shaft spline sleeve 217 is equipped with a stirring head sleeve 207 and a stirring head shoulder 208. The front end of the retraction shaft 216 is equipped with a stirring needle holder 215. The stirring needle holder 215 is located inside the stirring head shoulder 208. The stirring needle 209 is installed on the stirring needle holder 215.

[0059] Furthermore, the rear end of the retraction shaft 216 is connected to the drawbar 236 via a thrust ball bearing 238 and a deep groove ball bearing 241. The thrust ball bearing 238, the deep groove ball bearing 241, and the drawbar 236 are all installed within the retraction device mounting base 210, which is mounted on the spindle motor base 203. The drawbar 236, the servo electric cylinder 212, the retraction shaft reducer 213, and the retraction shaft servo motor 214 are sequentially connected for transmission. The retraction shaft 216 can move axially within the retraction machine spindle 218. Preferably, the retraction device mounting base 210 is equipped with a dustproof plate 211 to prevent dust from entering the retraction mechanism.

[0060] Furthermore, the active-side synchronous pulley 233 is fastened to the output end of the main spindle motor 201 via a small pulley locking plate 231, and the driven-side synchronous pulley 243 is connected to the retraction mechanical main spindle 218 via a flat key 234. Driven-side synchronous pulley retaining rings 244 and second locking nuts 235 are installed on both sides of the driven-side synchronous pulley 243 for assembly. The rear angular contact ball bearing assembly 230 and the front angular contact ball bearing assembly 223 are installed at both ends of the main spindle housing 205. The front end of the rear angular contact ball bearing assembly 230 is assembled with an inner retaining ring 227, a rear bearing seat 228, and an outer retaining ring 229; the rear end of the rear angular contact ball bearing assembly 230 is assembled with a fourth locking nut 245, a rear angular contact ball bearing assembly cap 246, and an inner retaining ring 247. The front end of the front angular contact ball bearing assembly 223 is assembled with a front lower pressure cap 219, a front upper pressure cap 220, a front bearing housing 221, and an O-ring seal 222. The rear end of the front angular contact ball bearing assembly 223 is assembled with an outer retaining ring 224, an inner retaining ring 225, and a first locking nut 226. The retraction shaft spline sleeve 217 is bolted to the front end of the retraction mechanical main shaft 218 and sleeved onto the retraction shaft 216. The front end of the retraction shaft spline sleeve 217 is connected by threads to install the stirring head sleeve 207 and the stirring head shoulder 208 in sequence.

[0061] Furthermore, the retraction shaft 216 is located inside the retraction mechanical spindle 218 and rotates synchronously with the retraction mechanical spindle 218 through the retraction shaft spline sleeve 217. In this embodiment, the retraction shaft 216 is a cylinder with a rear end slightly larger than the front end. The retraction shaft spline sleeve 217 is located at the front end of the retraction shaft 216 and is fitted and installed. The rear end of the retraction shaft 216 is in contact with the retraction mechanical spindle 218, so that the retraction shaft 216 can also move axially inside the retraction mechanical spindle 218.

[0062] Furthermore, the drawbar 236 extends into the rear end of the retraction shaft 216 and is installed through the cooperation of the thrust ball bearing 238 and the deep groove ball bearing 241, so that the retraction shaft 216 can rotate within the retraction machine spindle 218. Specifically, the thrust ball bearing 238 and the deep groove ball bearing 241 are assembled with a thrust ball bearing cap 237, a spacer 239, a spacer ring 240, and a third locking nut 242.

[0063] Furthermore, the circular rotation process of the stirring head shoulder 208 is as follows: main shaft motor 201 → active side synchronous pulley 233 → arc tooth synchronous belt 232 → driven side synchronous pulley 243 → retraction mechanical main shaft 218 → {[retraction shaft spline sleeve 217 → retraction shaft 216 → stirring needle handle 215 → stirring needle 209] and [retraction shaft spline sleeve 217 → stirring head sleeve 207 → stirring head shoulder 208]}, realizing the synchronous rotation of stirring needle 209 and stirring head shoulder 208 to complete the welding.

[0064] Furthermore, the axial movement process of the stirring needle retraction is as follows: retraction shaft servo motor 214 → retraction shaft reducer 213 → servo electric cylinder 212 → drawbar 236 → retraction shaft 216 → stirring needle handle 215 → stirring needle 209, thereby realizing the retraction of the stirring needle 209.

[0065] Furthermore, such as Figure 5 , 6 As shown, the head assembly 200 is equipped with a spindle water cooling function. The front bearing housing 221 is designed with a cooling water tank 2115. During welding, the water from the water cooler enters the cooling water tank 2115 of the front bearing housing 221 from the water cooler inlet 2111, and then flows out from the water cooler outlet 2112 back into the water cooler for continuous circulation, thereby achieving spindle cooling.

[0066] Furthermore, such as Figure 5 , 6 As shown, on the head assembly 200, the stirring needle 209 is installed on the stirring needle handle 215 by a threaded connection and is tightened with an internal hexagon set screw. The stirring head shoulder 208 is installed on the stirring head sleeve 207 by a threaded connection. The stirring needle 209 and the stirring head shoulder 208 form a complete stirring head structure to achieve friction stir welding.

[0067] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the tilt adjustment assembly includes an ear block 41, a tightening sleeve 43, a rotating shaft 44, a fixed angle scale 42, and a tilt adjustment pin 45. The rotating shaft 44 is rotatably connected to the Z-axis slide 107 via the ear block 41 and the tightening sleeve 43. The fixed angle scale 42 is fixedly installed on the Z-axis slide 107. The tilt adjustment pin 45 is fitted with and abuts against the Z-axis slide 107 in conjunction with the process tilt adjustment threaded hole 2114. The machine head assembly 200 is fastened to the rotating shaft 44. The machine head assembly 200 is also loosely or loosely connected to the Z-axis slide 107 via the machine head assembly locking slot 2113 and the locking bolt.

[0068] Furthermore, such as Figure 5 , 7As shown in Figure 8, two process tilt angle adjustment threaded holes 2114 are symmetrically arranged on the spindle housing 205. Tilt adjustment pins 45 are installed in conjunction with the process tilt angle adjustment threaded holes 2114. Two lugs 41 are symmetrically installed on both sides of the Z-axis slide 107. A fixed angle scale 42 is fixedly installed on the Z-axis slide 107. Two rotating shafts 44 are symmetrically installed on both sides of the spindle housing 205. When the head assembly 200 is in a vertical state, the zero-degree mark of the fixed angle scale 42 coincides with the bottom surface of the spindle housing 205. Before adjusting the process tilt angle, the expansion sleeve 43 is loosened, and the head assembly 200 is lifted by the tilt adjustment pins 45 (hex socket head cap screws) installed on the process tilt angle adjustment threaded holes 2114. At this time, the two rotating shafts 44 installed on the spindle housing 205 rotate a certain angle (±5°) within the expansion sleeve 43, thereby realizing the process tilt angle adjustment of the head assembly 200. The tilt angle adjustment component can adjust the tilt angle range of the head assembly 200 according to production needs. In this embodiment, the tilt angle adjustment range of the head assembly is preferably ±5 degrees. The manual adjustment of the head assembly 200 within a certain range (±5°) meets the requirements of the friction stir welding process.

[0069] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the stirring pin 209 is made of high-speed tool steel, alloy tool steel, or composite material. Specifically, the stirring pin 209 can be designed into various structural shapes according to the properties of the welding material. Preferably, the front end of the stirring pin 209 is designed as a cone.

[0070] This utility model discloses a gantry-type friction stir welding equipment with a retraction function. Its mechanical body is a gantry structure, which can be small, medium, or large depending on the dimensions of the customer's product. It is widely applicable to circumferential seam welding of end-to-end components such as automotive wheel hubs and aviation storage tank bottoms. The equipment optimizes the overall structural layout, and the head assembly 200 adopts a modular design, achieving standardization and universality. Furthermore, the main components are made of castings, facilitating mass production, reducing costs, and resulting in good economic benefits and significant potential for widespread adoption.

[0071] The above embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this utility model. Any non-substantial changes and substitutions made by those skilled in the art based on this utility model shall fall within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

Claims

1. A gantry-type friction stir welding equipment with a retraction function, characterized in that, include: The gantry crane body and the head assembly are provided, wherein the head assembly is movably mounted on the gantry crane body, and the tilt angle of the head assembly is adjustable; wherein, The gantry machine body includes a bed, machine tool leveling pads, a worktable, a column, a crossbeam, a saddle, and a Z-axis ram. The worktable is slidably mounted on the bed, the machine tool leveling pads are placed under the bed, the bed is connected to the column, the crossbeam is mounted on the column, the saddle is slidably mounted on the crossbeam, the Z-axis ram is slidably mounted on the saddle, and the head assembly is mounted on the Z-axis ram via a tilt adjustment assembly. The gantry machinery body has a first mounting surface, a second mounting surface and a third mounting surface. A Z-axis drive system is provided on the first mounting surface, a Y-axis drive system is provided on the second mounting surface and an X-axis drive system is provided on the third mounting surface. The X-axis drive system drives the worktable to slide, the Y-axis drive system drives the slide saddle to slide, and the Z-axis drive system drives the Z-axis slide ram to slide. The machine head assembly includes a spindle motor, a spindle motor mount, a drive-side synchronous pulley, an arc-tooth synchronous belt, a driven-side synchronous pulley, a retraction mechanical spindle, a spindle housing, a rear angular contact ball bearing assembly, a front angular contact ball bearing assembly, a retraction shaft spline sleeve, a stirring head sleeve, a stirring head shoulder, a stirring needle, a stirring needle handle, a retraction shaft, a drawbar, a thrust ball bearing, a deep groove ball bearing, a retraction device mounting base, a servo electric cylinder, a retraction shaft reducer, and a retraction shaft servo motor. The main spindle motor and the main spindle housing are mounted on both sides of the main spindle motor base. The main spindle motor, the driving-side synchronous pulley, the arc-tooth synchronous belt, the driven-side synchronous pulley, and the retraction mechanical main spindle are sequentially connected for transmission. The retraction mechanical main spindle is rotatably mounted in the main spindle housing via the rear angular contact ball bearing assembly and the front angular contact ball bearing assembly. The retraction shaft spline sleeve is installed at the front end of the retraction mechanical main spindle. The retraction shaft spline sleeve is driven by the retraction shaft. The retraction shaft is fitted inside the retraction mechanical main spindle. The stirring head sleeve and the stirring head shoulder are installed at the front end of the retraction shaft spline sleeve. The stirring needle handle is installed at the front end of the retraction shaft. The stirring needle handle is located inside the stirring head shoulder. The stirring needle is mounted on the stirring needle handle. The rear end of the retraction shaft is connected to the drawbar via the thrust ball bearing and the deep groove ball bearing. The thrust ball bearing, the deep groove ball bearing, and the drawbar are all installed in the retraction device mounting base. The retraction device mounting base is installed on the spindle motor base. The drawbar, the servo electric cylinder, the retraction shaft reducer, and the retraction shaft servo motor are sequentially connected for transmission. The retraction shaft can move axially within the retraction mechanical spindle.

2. The gantry-type friction stir welding equipment with retraction function as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The tilt adjustment assembly includes an ear block, a tightening sleeve, a rotating shaft, a fixed angle scale, and a tilt adjustment pin. The rotating shaft is rotatably connected to the Z-axis slide block via the ear block and the tightening sleeve. The fixed angle scale is fixedly installed on the Z-axis slide block. The tilt adjustment pin is fitted with a process tilt adjustment threaded hole and abuts against the Z-axis slide block. The machine head assembly is fastened to the rotating shaft. The machine head assembly is also loosely or loosely connected to the Z-axis slide block via a machine head assembly locking slot and a locking bolt.

3. The gantry-type friction stir welding equipment with retraction function as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The third mounting surface is formed on the bed. The X-axis drive system includes an X-axis servo motor, an X-axis reducer, a lead screw seat, a coupling, a ball screw, and a linear guide pair, all mounted on the third mounting surface. The worktable is mounted on the linear guide pair. The X-axis servo motor drives the worktable to move along the X-axis direction through the X-axis reducer, the lead screw seat, the coupling, the ball screw, and the linear guide pair.

4. The gantry-type friction stir welding equipment with retraction function as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second mounting surface is formed on the crossbeam. The Y-axis drive system includes a Y-axis servo motor, a Y-axis reducer, a second lead screw seat, a second coupling, a second ball screw, and a second linear guide pair, all mounted on the second mounting surface. The slide saddle is mounted on the second linear guide pair. The Y-axis servo motor drives the slide saddle to move along the Y-axis direction through the Y-axis reducer, the second lead screw seat, the second coupling, the second ball screw, and the second linear guide pair.

5. The gantry-type friction stir welding equipment with retraction function as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first mounting surface is formed on the slide saddle. The Z-axis drive system includes a Z-axis servo motor, a Z-axis reducer, a lead screw seat, a coupling, a ball screw, and a linear guide pair, all mounted on the first mounting surface. The Z-axis slide is mounted on the linear guide pair. The Z-axis servo motor drives the Z-axis slide to move along the Z-axis direction through the Z-axis reducer, the lead screw seat, the coupling, the ball screw, and the linear guide pair.

6. The gantry-type friction stir welding equipment with retraction function as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a numerical control system electrically connected to the machine head assembly, the X-axis drive system, the Y-axis drive system, and the Z-axis drive system.

7. The gantry-type friction stir welding equipment with retraction function as described in claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes an electrical control cabinet, which provides power to the head assembly, the X-axis drive system, the Y-axis drive system, the Z-axis drive system and the CNC system.

8. The gantry-type friction stir welding equipment with retraction function as described in claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes a lubrication system that provides lubricating oil to the head assembly, the X-axis drive system, the Y-axis drive system and the Z-axis drive system.

9. The gantry-type friction stir welding equipment with retraction function as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes several protective bellows covers, which are installed on the X-axis drive system, the Y-axis drive system and the Z-axis drive system.

10. The gantry-type friction stir welding equipment with retraction function as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The tilt adjustment component adjusts the tilt angle of the head assembly to ±5 degrees.

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