Method for manufacturing a structure using friction stir welding, and friction stir welding apparatus

Abstract

To provide a method for manufacturing a structure and a friction stir joining device capable of reducing man-hours of a joining step when manufacturing the structure by integrating a plurality of members to be joined through friction stir joining.SOLUTION: In a method for manufacturing a structure: in an arrangement step, a side surfaces 21 of a first member 20 and a side surface 31 of a second member 30 are made to abut against each other, with the first member 20 and a third member 40 made to overlap each other; and in a joining step, in a state that a probe constituting a friction stir joining tool is inserted from the first member 20 side to a vicinity of an interface 51 between the first and third members 20, 40, the probe is made to move while rotating along the interface 50 between the first and second members 20 and 30. Thereby, there are simultaneously performed: friction stir joining of the side surface 21, 31 portions of the first and second members 20, 30; and friction stir joining of the overlapping portions of the first and third members 20, 40.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a structure using friction stir welding, in which a plurality of joined members are joined by using a friction stir welding tool having a columnar probe to manufacture a structure in which the plurality of joined members are integrated, and a friction stir welding apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for example, as described in Patent Document 1, friction stir welding (FSW) is known as a method for joining a plurality of metal joined members. In friction stir welding, the probe of the joining tool is inserted into the starting point of the planned joining portion while rotating at high speed, and then the probe is moved while maintaining the high-speed rotation. The frictional heat generated by the high-speed rotation of the probe softens the joined members, and the joined members are stirred by plastic flow, and the joined members are joined to each other. Thereby, a structure in which a plurality of joined members are integrated can be manufactured.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When there are a plurality of joining locations of a plurality of joined members, there is a concern that the number of man-hours in the joining process increases.

[0005] A main object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a structure and a friction stir welding apparatus capable of reducing the number of man-hours in the joining process when manufacturing a structure by integrating a plurality of joined members by friction stir welding.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the first invention relates to a method for manufacturing a structure using friction stir welding, in which a plurality of members to be joined are joined using a friction stir welding tool having a columnar probe, thereby manufacturing a structure in which a plurality of members to be joined are integrated. The process involves bringing together the sides of a first member to be joined into which the probe is inserted, and a second member to be joined, among a plurality of members to be joined, At least one of the following operations: aligning the rearmost member to be joined with respect to the first member to be joined on the rear side in the insertion direction of the probe; and aligning the side surface of the lateral member to be joined with the side surface of the first member to be joined that is opposite to the second member to be joined. A placement process including, A joining step is performed in which, after the positioning step, the rotating probe is moved relative to the plurality of members to be joined while being guided along the first member to be joined, thereby simultaneously friction stir-bonding the second member to be joined and at least one of the rear member to be joined and the lateral member to be joined to the first member to be joined. It is equipped with.

[0007] In the second invention, in the first invention, the arrangement step is a step of bringing the sides of the first member to be joined and the second member to be joined together, and placing the first member to be joined and the rear member to be joined on top of each other. The joining process involves inserting the probe from the side of the first member to be joined to at least near the interface between the first member to be joined and the rear member to be joined, and then moving the probe relative to the interface between the first member to be joined and the second member to be joined, thereby simultaneously performing friction stir welding of the side portions of the first member to be joined and the second member to be joined, and friction stir welding of the overlapping portions of the first member to be joined and the rear member to be joined.

[0008] In the third invention, in the second invention, the first member to be joined is a member with lower hardness and melting point than the second member to be joined and the inner member to be joined.

[0009] In the fourth invention, in the second or third invention, the second member to be joined is constructed by stacking a plurality of thin plates in the direction of insertion of the probe, In the joining process, the probe is moved relative to the second member to be joined while the second member is pressed down from both sides in the lamination direction of the thin plate by a pressing device.

[0010] In the fifth invention, in the fourth invention, the friction stir welding tool has a columnar base, The probe is provided at one end of the base in the direction of the rotational axis, The aforementioned pressing device is Of the two sides of the second member to be joined, the first pressing portion that abuts the probe side, A second pressing portion that contacts the side of the second member to be joined that is opposite to the probe in the stacking direction, Equipped with, By sandwiching the second member to be joined between the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion, the second member to be joined is pressed down. The first pressing portion extends along the interface between the first member to be joined and the second member to be joined, In the joining process, the probe is moved relative to the first member to be joined and the second member to be joined, while the base is guided by the first pressing portion.

[0011] In the sixth invention, in the first invention, the dimensions of the first joined member in the direction in which the sides of the first joined member and the second joined member face each other are equivalent to the outer diameter of the probe. The arrangement step involves bringing the sides of the first member to be joined and the second member to be joined together, and bringing the side of the lateral member to be joined together with the side of the first member to be joined that is opposite to the second member to be joined. The first member to be joined is a member with lower hardness and melting point than the second member to be joined and the lateral member to be joined. The joining process involves inserting the probe into the first member to be joined and moving the probe relative to the first member to be joined along the first member to be joined, thereby simultaneously performing friction stir welding of the side portions of the first member to be joined and the side portions of the first member to be joined and the lateral member to be joined.

[0012] In the seventh invention, in the sixth invention, the arrangement step further includes the step of placing the first member to be joined and the lateral member to be joined and the rear member on top of each other. The first member to be joined is a member with lower hardness and melting point than the second member to be joined, the lateral member to be joined, and the inner member to be joined. The joining process involves inserting the probe from the side of the first member to be joined to at least near the interface between the first member to be joined and the rear member to be joined, and then moving the probe relative to the first member to be joined along the first member to be joined, thereby simultaneously performing friction stir welding of the side portions of the first member to be joined and the second member to be joined, friction stir welding of the side portions of the first member to be joined and the lateral member to be joined, and friction stir welding of the overlapping portion of the first member to be joined and the rear member to be joined.

[0013] In the eighth invention, in the sixth or seventh invention, the second member to be joined is constructed by stacking a plurality of thin plates in the direction of insertion of the probe, In the joining process, the probe is moved relative to the second member to be joined while the second member is pressed down from both sides in the lamination direction of the thin plate by a pressing device.

[0014] In the ninth invention, in the eighth invention, the friction stir welding tool has a columnar base, The probe is provided at one end of the base in the direction of the rotational axis, The aforementioned pressing device is Of the two sides of the second member to be joined, the first pressing portion that abuts the probe side, Of both sides in the stacking direction of the second joined member, a second pressing portion that abuts on the side opposite to the probe; Comprising: By sandwiching the second joined member between the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion, the second joined member is held in a pressed state. The first pressing portion extends along the first joined member. In the joining step, while guiding the base portion by the first pressing portion, the probe is relatively moved along the first joined member.

[0015] In the tenth invention, in any one of the second, third, and seventh inventions, the second joined member and the backside joined member are integrally formed.

[0016] The eleventh invention is a friction stir welding apparatus including a friction stir welding tool having a columnar probe, and joining a plurality of joined members using the friction stir welding tool. While bringing the side surfaces of the first joined member into which the probe is inserted and the second joined member among the plurality of joined members into contact with each other, Among the plurality of joined members, the backside joined member is overlapped with the first joined member on the backside in the insertion direction of the probe, and at least one of the states in which the side surface of the side joined member among the plurality of joined members and the side surface of the first joined member opposite to the second joined member are brought into contact with each other, and a driving portion for relatively moving the rotating probe with respect to the plurality of joined members is provided. The driving portion relatively moves the probe along the first joined member, thereby simultaneously performing friction stir welding of the second joined member and at least one of the backside joined member and the side joined member with respect to the first joined member.

Advantages of the Invention

[0017] In the first invention, during the positioning step, the sides of the first member to be joined into which the probe is inserted and the second member to be joined are abutted against each other. Also, during the positioning step, at least one of the following states is assumed: the rear member to be joined is superimposed on the first member to be joined on the rear side in the direction of probe insertion, and the side of the lateral member to be joined is abutted against the side of the first member to be joined opposite to the second member to be joined. In this state, the rotating probe is moved relative to each member to be joined while being guided along the first member to be joined. This simultaneously friction stir-welds the second member to be joined and at least one of the rear member to be joined and the lateral member to the first member. As a result, when manufacturing a structure by integrating multiple members to be joined by friction stir-welding, the number of steps in the joining process can be reduced.

[0018] In the second invention, during the arrangement step, the sides of the first and second members to be joined are abutted against each other, and the first member to be joined and the rear member to be joined are superimposed. In this state, with the probe inserted from the side of the first member to be joined to at least near the interface between the first member to be joined and the rear member to be joined, the probe is moved relative to the first member to be joined and the second member to be joined along the interface between the two members. This allows for simultaneous friction stir welding of the side portions of the first and second members to be joined and friction stir welding of the superimposed portion of the first and rear members to be joined. This reduces the number of steps required compared to a joining process that involves, for example, relative movement of the probe for friction stir welding the first and rear members to be joined and relative movement of the probe for friction stir welding the first and second members to be joined.

[0019] In the third invention, the probe is inserted into the first member to be joined, which has the lowest hardness and melting point among the first, second, and inner members to be joined, and the probe is moved relative to the first member to be joined. This reduces the stress on the probe while joining the first member to be joined with the second and inner members to be joined, which have higher hardness and melting points than the first member to be joined.

[0020] In the fourth invention, the second member to be joined is pressed down from both sides in the lamination direction of the thin plates by a pressing device, so that friction stir welding of the first and second members to be joined can be performed while maintaining the lamination state of multiple thin plates.

[0021] In the fifth invention, the first pressing portion for pressing down on the second member to be joined extends along the interface between the first and second members to be joined. Therefore, the first pressing portion can be used as a guide for the base of the friction stir welding tool. This allows the probe to be moved relative to the interface between the first and second members to be joined with high precision, thereby improving the accuracy of the friction stir welding.

[0022] In the sixth invention, during the arrangement process, the sides of the first and second members to be joined are abutted together, and the side of the lateral member to be joined is abutted against the side of the first member to be joined that is opposite to the second member to be joined. In this state, a probe having the same outer diameter as the first member to be joined in the direction in which the sides of the first and second members to be joined face each other is inserted into the first member to be joined. The probe is then moved relative to the first member to be joined. This allows friction stir welding of the side portions of the first and second members to be joined and friction stir welding of the side portions of the first and lateral members to be joined to be performed simultaneously. As a result, the number of steps can be reduced compared to a joining process that involves, for example, relative movement of the probe for friction stir welding the first and second members to be joined and relative movement of the probe for friction stir welding the first and lateral members to be joined.

[0023] Furthermore, in the sixth invention, the probe is inserted into the first member to be joined, which has the lowest hardness and melting point among the first, second, and lateral members to be joined. This reduces the stress on the probe, while allowing the second and lateral members to be joined, which have higher hardness and melting points than the first member to be joined, to be joined via the first member to be joined.

[0024] In the seventh invention, during the arrangement process, the first lateral member to be joined and the rear member to be joined are further superimposed. In this state, by moving the probe relative to each other, friction stir welding of the side portions of the first and second members to be joined, friction stir welding of the side portion of the first lateral member to be joined, and friction stir welding of the superimposed portion of the first rear member to be joined can be performed simultaneously. This reduces the number of steps in the joining process.

[0025] In the eighth invention, the second member to be joined is pressed down from both sides in the lamination direction of the thin plates by a pressing device, so that friction stir welding of the second and lateral members to be joined via the first member to be joined can be performed while maintaining the lamination state of the multiple thin plates.

[0026] In the ninth invention, the first pressing portion for pressing down on the second member to be joined extends along the first member to be joined. Therefore, the first pressing portion can be used as a guide for the base of the friction stir welding tool. This allows the probe to be moved relative to the first member to be joined with high precision, and consequently, the precision of the friction stir welding can be improved.

[0027] In the tenth invention, the second, inner member to be joined and the first member to be joined, which are integrally constructed, can be frictionally stir-bonded.

[0028] In the eleventh invention, the sides of the first member to be joined and the second member to be joined are abutted against each other. In addition, at least one of the following states is assumed: the rear member to be joined is superimposed on the first member to be joined on the rear side in the direction of probe insertion, and the side of the lateral member to be joined is abutted against the side of the first member to be joined opposite to the second member to be joined. In this state, the drive unit moves the rotating probe relative to each member to be joined while guiding it along the first member to be joined. This makes it possible to simultaneously friction stir-weld the second member to be joined and at least one of the rear member to be joined and the lateral member to be joined with respect to the first member, thereby reducing the number of steps in the joining process. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0029] [Figure 1] A perspective view showing a friction stir welding tool according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] A diagram illustrating the general layout of a friction stir welding apparatus. [Figure 3] A perspective view showing the arrangement of the members to be joined during the joining process. [Figure 4] Cross-sectional view of the members to be joined during friction stir welding. [Figure 5] A perspective view showing the joint portion of multiple joined members in a structure in which multiple joined members are integrated. [Figure 6] A perspective view showing the arrangement of the members to be joined during joining according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] Cross-sectional view of the members to be joined during friction stir welding. [Figure 8] A perspective view showing the joint portion of multiple joined members in a structure in which multiple joined members are integrated. [Figure 9] A perspective view showing the arrangement of the members to be joined during joining according to the third embodiment. [Figure 10] Cross-sectional view of the members to be joined during friction stir welding. [Figure 11] A perspective view showing the joint portion of multiple joined members in a structure in which multiple joined members are integrated. [Figure 12] A perspective view showing the arrangement of the members to be joined during joining according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 13] Cross-sectional view of the members to be joined during friction stir welding. [Figure 14] A perspective view showing the joint portion of multiple joined members in a structure in which multiple joined members are integrated. [Figure 15] A perspective view showing the arrangement of the members to be joined during joining according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 16] Cross-sectional view of the joined members when the laminate is sandwiched together. [Figure 17] Cross-sectional view of the members to be joined during friction stir welding. [Figure 18]A perspective view showing the joint portion of multiple joined members in a structure in which multiple joined members are integrated. [Figure 19] A perspective view showing the arrangement of the members to be joined during joining according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 20] Cross-sectional view of the joined members when the laminate is sandwiched together. [Figure 21] Cross-sectional view of the members to be joined during friction stir welding. [Figure 22] A perspective view showing the joint portion of multiple joined members in a structure in which multiple joined members are integrated. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0030] <First Embodiment> The following describes a first embodiment of a method for manufacturing a structure using friction stir welding and a friction stir welding apparatus according to the present invention, with reference to the drawings. The structure is composed of multiple members to be joined together as a single unit. The multiple members to be joined include members made of different materials. The materials are, for example, iron-based materials such as aluminum, copper, titanium, and stainless steel. The structure is, for example, an electrical component used in batteries and the like.

[0031] First, using Figure 1, we will describe the friction stir welding tool 10 used in the manufacturing method. The friction stir welding tool 10 comprises a base portion 11, a shoulder portion 12, and a probe 13.

[0032] The base 11 is cylindrical and is made of a material with excellent strength, impact resistance, and wear resistance, such as tool steel, tungsten alloy, or ceramics. One end of the base 11 is a flat surface perpendicular to the central axis direction of the base 11, and this flat surface forms the shoulder portion 12.

[0033] The probe 13 is located at the center of the shoulder portion 12, which is made up of a circular flat surface, and its central axis is the same as that of the base portion 11, and it protrudes in the direction of that central axis. The probe 13 is cylindrical and, like the base portion 11, is made of a material that has excellent strength, impact resistance, and wear resistance, such as tool steel, tungsten alloy, or ceramics. A screw groove (not shown) is formed on the outer circumference 13b of the probe 13 over the entire area in the direction of the central axis. The screw groove is provided to promote the plastic flow of the member to be joined toward the tip surface 13a of the probe 13. The probe 13 may be integrally formed with the base portion 11, or it may be detachable from the base portion 11.

[0034] Next, a friction stir welding apparatus 200 equipped with the friction stir welding tool 10 described above will be explained using Figure 2. The friction stir welding apparatus 200 includes a mounting section 201 on which a plurality of members to be joined by friction stir welding are placed, a member moving section 202 that grips the members to be joined and moves them into and onto the mounting section 201, and a positioning section 203 that grips the members to be joined and moves them out of the mounting section 201. The friction stir welding apparatus 200 also includes a processing device section 204 and a control unit 205. The control unit 205 is mainly composed of a microcomputer.

[0035] The mounting section 201 is configured to be movable in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction perpendicular to the X-axis. In this embodiment, the X and Y axes are assumed to be horizontal axes. The movement control of the mounting section 201 is performed by the control unit 205.

[0036] The member movement unit 202 includes, for example, a robot hand for gripping the member to be joined. The drive control of the member movement unit 202 is performed by the control unit 205, so that the member to be joined can be placed in the mounting unit 201 with its sides facing each other or with its planes overlapping each other.

[0037] The positioning unit 203 is configured to prevent each member to be joined, which is placed on the mounting unit 201, from shifting position during friction stir welding. The positioning unit 203 positions each member to be joined, for example, by a mechanism that clamps the members to be joined. Positioning control by the positioning unit 203 is performed by the control unit 205.

[0038] The processing device section 204 includes a tool rotation holding mechanism and a support mechanism. The tool rotation holding mechanism is located above the mounting section 201 and has a rotating shaft that rotates at high speed around a rotational center axis extending in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). A friction stir welding tool 10 is attached to the rotating shaft. The friction stir welding tool 10 attached to the rotating shaft has a probe 13 pointed downwards, and the rotational center axis of the rotating shaft coincides with the rotational center axis of the friction stir welding tool 10. The rotational shaft is driven by the control unit 205, causing the friction stir welding tool 10 to rotate around its rotational center axis.

[0039] The support mechanism of the processing device section 204 supports the tool rotation holding mechanism so that it can move in the X, Y, and Z axis directions. The control unit 205 drives the support mechanism, causing the friction stir welding tool 10 to move relative to each member to be joined that is placed on the mounting section 201. In this embodiment, the processing device section 204 corresponds to the "drive unit".

[0040] Incidentally, the method for moving the friction stir welding tool 10 relative to each member to be joined is not limited to moving the friction stir welding tool 10 itself, but may also be, for example, by moving the mounting portion 201.

[0041] Next, a friction stir welding method using a friction stir welding tool 10 will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 5. In this embodiment, a structure 90 shown in Figure 5 is manufactured by integrating multiple members to be joined by friction stir welding. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, first, second, and third members 20, 30, and 40 are used as multiple members to be joined. The first, second, and third members 20, 30, and 40 are rectangular plate-shaped and conductive metal members. In this embodiment, the first member 20 corresponds to the "first member to be joined," the second member 30 corresponds to the "second member to be joined," and the third member 40 corresponds to the "rear member to be joined."

[0042] In the manufacturing process of the structure 90, first, as shown in Figure 3, the side surface 21 of the first member 20 and the side surface 31 of the second member 30 are brought together in the mounting section 201, and the lower surfaces 22 and 32 of the first and second members 20 and 30 are brought together with the upper surface 41 of the third member 40. At this time, each member 20, 30, and 40 is placed on the mounting section 201 by the member movement section 202 being driven and controlled by the control unit 205. With each member 20, 30, and 40 placed on the mounting section 201, in a front view of the plate surfaces of the first and second members 20 and 30, the interface 50 of the first member 20 and the second member 30 is located on the third member 40.

[0043] Next, the friction stir welding tool 10 is held so that the probe 13 is perpendicular to the plate surfaces of the first and second members 20 and 30. Then, the processing device unit 204 is driven and controlled by the control unit 205, causing the high-speed rotating probe 13 to be inserted into the starting point P1 of the planned joining portion. In this embodiment, the starting point P1 of the planned joining portion is one end of the interface 50 of the first and second members 20 and 30 of the first member 20, as shown in Figure 3, and the ending point P2 of the planned joining portion is the other end of the interface 50 of the first member 20.

[0044] In this embodiment, the probe 13 is inserted into the first member 20 of the members 20, 30, and 40. This is because the members 20, 30, and 40 are made of different materials. Specifically, the first member 20 is made of a material with lower hardness and melting point than the second member 30 and the third member 40. For example, the first member 20 is made of aluminum, the second member 30 is made of copper, and the third member 40 is made of stainless steel, which is an iron-based material. By inserting the probe 13 into the first member 20, which has the lowest hardness and melting point, the stress on the probe 13 can be reduced.

[0045] As shown in Figure 4, the probe 13 is inserted from the side of the first member 20 to the vicinity of the interface 51 between the first member 20 and the third member 40 by the drive control of the processing device unit 204. In this embodiment, the probe 13 is inserted until the tip surface 13a of the probe 13 reaches the interface 51. However, this is not the only way; for example, the probe 13 may be inserted until the tip surface 13a of the probe 13 reaches a position on the side of the third member 40 beyond the interface 51.

[0046] Subsequently, the drive control of the processing device unit 204 maintains the high-speed rotation of the friction stir welding tool 10, while the shoulder portion 12 presses down on the upper surfaces 23 and 33 of the first and second members 20 and 30, and moves the friction stir welding tool 10 from the starting point P1 to the ending point P2 along the arrow shown in Figure 3. When the probe 13 reaches the ending point P2, the drive control of the processing device unit 204 moves the probe 13 upward and detaches it from the first member 20.

[0047] As the friction stir welding tool 10 moves, the frictional heat generated by the high-speed rotation of the probe 13 softens the first member 20, the second member 30, and the third member 40 in the region where the probe 13 is located. The first member 20, which has a lower melting point and therefore higher fluidity than the second and third members 30 and 40, plastically flows toward the second member 30 due to the outer circumference 13b of the probe 13. As a result, a first mixture layer 61, consisting of a mixture of the first member 20 and the second member 30, is formed in the interface region from the outer circumference 13b of the probe 13 to the vicinity of the interface 50 between the first member 20 and the second member 30, that is, in the interface region on the side of the second member 30 beyond the interface 50. The side portion of the first member 20 and the side portion of the second member 30 are friction stir welded by the first mixture layer 61.

[0048] Furthermore, a second mixture layer 62, consisting of a mixture of the first member 20 and the third member 40, is formed in the interface region near the tip surface 13a of the probe 13, that is, in the interface region from the interface 51 of the first member 20 and the third member 40 to the third member 40 side. The overlapping portion of the first member 20 and the third member 40 is friction stir-bonded by the second mixture layer 62. As shown in Figure 5, the first mixture layer 61 and the second mixture layer 62 extend from one end to the other of the region that was the interface 50 of the first member 20 and the second member 30. As a result, the second and third members 30 and 40 are integrated via the first member 20, and the structure 90 is manufactured.

[0049] In this embodiment, the probe 13 is rotated and moved along the interface 50 between the first member 20 and the second member 30, on the side of the interface 50 closer to the first member 20. When rotating and moving the probe 13, it may be possible to insert the probe 13 into the second member 20. This allows for simultaneous friction stir welding of the side portions of the first and second members 20 and 30, and friction stir welding of the overlapping portions of the first and third members 20 and 40. As a result, the number of steps in the joining process can be reduced.

[0050] Furthermore, the second and third members 30 and 40, which are hard and difficult to insert the probe 13 into, can be accurately joined via the first member 20, which has lower hardness and melting point than these members 30 and 40.

[0051] <Second Embodiment> The second embodiment will now be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment, with reference to Figures 6 to 8. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, an intermediate member 70 is used as one of the multiple members to be joined that constitute the structure 91, in addition to the first, second, and third members 20, 30, and 40. The intermediate member 70 is sandwiched between the first and second members 20 and 30. In this embodiment, the first member 20 is made of a material with higher hardness and melting point than the intermediate member 70. In this embodiment, the intermediate member 70 corresponds to the "first member to be joined", the second member 30 corresponds to the "second member to be joined", the third member 40 corresponds to the "rear member to be joined", and the first member 20 corresponds to the "lateral member to be joined".

[0052] In the manufacturing process of the structure 90, first, as shown in Figure 6, the first side surface 71 of the intermediate member 70 is abutted against the side surface 21 of the first member 20, and the second side surface 72 of the intermediate member 70 is abutted against the side surface 31 of the second member 30. Also, the lower surfaces 22 and 32 of the first and second members 20 and 30 and the lower surface 73 of the intermediate member 70 are superimposed on the upper surface 41 of the third member 40. As a result, in a front view of the plate surfaces of the first and second members 20 and 30, the interface 52 of the first member 20 and the intermediate member 70 and the interface 53 of the second member 30 and the intermediate member 70 are located on the third member 40.

[0053] Next, the probe 13 is inserted into the starting point P1 of the planned joining portion while rotating it at high speed. In this embodiment, the starting point P1 of the planned joining portion is one end of the intermediate member 70, as shown in Figure 6, and the ending point P2 of the planned joining portion is the other end of the intermediate member 70.

[0054] In this embodiment, the dimension L of the intermediate member 70 in the direction in which the sides 21, 31 of the first and second members 20, 30 face each other is the same as the outer diameter dimension D of the probe 13 (specifically, for example, the same dimension). By inserting the probe 13 into the intermediate member 70, which has the lowest hardness and melting point among the members 20, 30, 40, and 70, the stress on the probe 13 can be reduced.

[0055] As shown in Figure 7, the probe 13 is inserted from the side of the intermediate member 70 to the vicinity of the interface 51 between the intermediate member 70 and the third member 40. In this embodiment, the probe 13 is inserted until the tip surface 13a of the probe 13 reaches the interface 51. However, this is not the only option; for example, the probe 13 may be inserted until the tip surface 13a of the probe 13 reaches a position on the side of the third member 40 beyond the interface 51.

[0056] Subsequently, while maintaining the high-speed rotation of the friction stir welding tool 10, the upper surfaces 23, 33 of the first and second members 20, 30 and the upper surface 74 of the intermediate member 70 are pressed down by the shoulder portion 12, and the friction stir welding tool 10 is moved from the starting point P1 to the ending point P2 along the arrow shown in Figure 6. Note that when moving the friction stir welding tool 10, the probe 13 may be inserted into the first and second members 20, 30.

[0057] As the friction stir welding tool 10 moves, the frictional heat generated by the high-speed rotation of the probe 13 softens the first member 20, second member 30, third member 40, and intermediate member 70 in the region where the probe 13 is located. The intermediate member 70, which has a lower melting point than the first, second, and third members 20, 30, and 40 and is therefore more fluid than the first, second, and third members 20, 30, and 40, undergoes plastic flow toward the second member 30 due to the outer circumference 13b of the probe 13. As a result, a first mixture layer 81, consisting of a mixture of the second member 30 and the intermediate member 70, is formed in the interface region from the outer circumference 13b of the probe 13 to the vicinity of the interface 53 between the second member 30 and the intermediate member 70, that is, in the interface region on the second member 30 side of the interface 53. The intermediate member 70 and the second member 30 are friction stir welded by the first mixture layer 81.

[0058] Furthermore, a second mixture layer 82, consisting of a mixture of the first member 20 and the intermediate member 70, is formed in the interface region extending from the outer periphery 13b of the probe 13 to the vicinity of the interface 52 between the first member 20 and the intermediate member 70, that is, in the interface region on the side of the first member 20 that is closer to the interface 52. The intermediate member 70 and the first member 20 are frictionally stir-bonded by the second mixture layer 82.

[0059] Furthermore, a third mixture layer 83, consisting of a mixture of the intermediate member 70 and the third member 40, is formed in the interface region near the tip surface 13a of the probe 13, that is, in the interface region from the interface 51 between the intermediate member 70 and the third member 40 on the third member 40 side. The intermediate member 70 and the third member 40 are friction stir-bonded by the third mixture layer 83.

[0060] As shown in Figure 8, the first mixture layer 81 extends from one end to the other of the region that was the interface 53 between the intermediate member 70 and the second member 30, and the second mixture layer 82 extends from one end to the other of the region that was the interface 52 between the intermediate member 70 and the first member 20. Furthermore, the third mixture layer 83 extends from one end to the other of the region that was the interface 51 between the intermediate member 70 and the third member 40. As a result, the first, second, and third members 20, 30, and 40 are integrated via the intermediate member 70, and the structure 91 is manufactured.

[0061] As described above, this embodiment also reduces the number of steps in the joining process. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, regardless of the material of the first, second, and third members 20, 30, and 40, these members 20, 30, and 40 can be joined via the intermediate member 70.

[0062] <Third Embodiment> The third embodiment will now be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment, with reference to Figures 9 to 11. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 9, a first member 100 and a second member 110, which have different shapes from those in the first embodiment, are used as multiple joined members constituting the structure 92.

[0063] The second member 110 is shaped like a rectangular plate. The first member 100 comprises a base portion 100A and a projection portion 100B that protrudes upward from the middle of the upper surface 101A of the base portion 100A. The base portion 100A and the projection portion 100B are integrally formed without seams and constitute a single member. One end of the second member 110 abuts against the stepped portion formed by the base portion 100A and the projection portion 100B. In this embodiment, the second member 110 corresponds to the "first member to be joined", the base portion 100A corresponds to the "rear member to be joined", and the projection portion 100B corresponds to the "second member to be joined".

[0064] In the manufacturing process of the structure 92, first, as shown in Figure 9, the side surface 101B of the protruding portion 100B and the side surface 111 of the second member 110 are brought into contact, and the lower surface 112 of the second member 110 and the upper surface 101A of the base portion 100A are placed on top of each other. As a result, in a front view of the plate surfaces of the protruding portion 100B and the second member 110, the interface 120 of the protruding portion 100B and the second member 110 is positioned on the base portion 100A.

[0065] Next, the probe 13 is inserted into the starting point P1 of the planned joining portion while rotating at high speed. In this embodiment, the starting point P1 of the planned joining portion is, as shown in Figure 9, one end of the interface 120-side portion of the second member 110 in the direction in which the interface 120 extends, and the ending point P2 of the planned joining portion is the other end of the interface 120-side portion of the second member 110 in the direction in which the interface 120 extends.

[0066] In this embodiment, the probe 13 is inserted into the second member 110 of the first member 100. This is because the second member 110 is made of a material (e.g., aluminum) with lower hardness and melting point than the first member 100. This reduces the stress on the probe 13.

[0067] As shown in Figure 10, the probe 13 is inserted from the side of the second member 110 to the vicinity of the interface 121 between the second member 110 and the base portion 100A. In this embodiment, the probe 13 is inserted until the tip surface 13a of the probe 13 reaches the interface 121. However, this is not the only way; for example, the probe 13 may be inserted until the tip surface 13a of the probe 13 reaches a position closer to the base portion 100A than the interface 121.

[0068] Subsequently, while maintaining the high-speed rotation of the friction stir welding tool 10, the upper surface 102B of the protrusion 100B and the upper surface 113 of the second member 110 are pressed down with the shoulder portion 12, and the friction stir welding tool 10 is moved from the starting point P1 to the ending point P2 along the arrow shown in Figure 9. Note that when moving the friction stir welding tool 10, the probe 13 may be inserted into the protrusion 100B.

[0069] As the friction stir welding tool 10 moves, the frictional heat generated by the high-speed rotation of the probe 13 softens the first member 100 and the second member 110 in the region where the probe 13 is located. The second member 110, which has higher fluidity than the first member 100, plastically flows toward the protrusion 100B side due to the outer circumference 13b of the probe 13. As a result, a first mixture layer 131 consisting of a mixture of the protrusion 100B and the second member 110 is formed in the interface region from the outer circumference 13b of the probe 13 to the vicinity of the interface 120 between the protrusion 100B and the second member 110, that is, in the interface region on the protrusion 100B side of interface 120. The protrusion 100B and the second member 110 are friction stir welded by the first mixture layer 131.

[0070] Furthermore, a second mixture layer 132, consisting of a mixture of the base portion 100A and the second member 110, is formed in the interface region near the tip surface 13a of the probe 13, that is, in the interface region from the interface 121 between the base portion 100A and the second member 110 on the base portion 100A side. The base portion 100A and the second member 110 are friction stir-bonded by the second mixture layer 132.

[0071] As shown in Figure 11, the first mixture layer 131 extends from one end to the other of the region that was the interface 120 between the protruding portion 100B and the second member 110, and the second mixture layer 132 extends from one end to the other of the region that was the interface 121 between the base portion 100A and the second member 110. As a result, the first and second members 100 and 110 are integrated and the structure 92 is manufactured.

[0072] As described above, this embodiment also makes it possible to reduce the number of steps in the joining process.

[0073] <Fourth Embodiment> The fourth embodiment will now be described, focusing on the differences from the second embodiment, with reference to Figures 12 to 14. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 12, the first and second members 20 and 30 and the intermediate member 70 are used as multiple joined members constituting the structure 93, and the third member 40 used in the second embodiment is not used.

[0074] In the manufacturing process of the structure 93, first, as shown in Figure 12, the first side surface 71 of the intermediate member 70 is abutted against the side surface 21 of the first member 20, and the second side surface 72 of the intermediate member 70 is abutted against the side surface 31 of the second member 30.

[0075] Next, the probe 13 is inserted into the starting point P1 of the planned joining portion while rotating it at high speed. In this embodiment, the starting point P1 of the planned joining portion is one end of the intermediate member 70, as shown in Figure 12, and the ending point P2 of the planned joining portion is the other end of the intermediate member 70.

[0076] Furthermore, the dimension L of the intermediate member 70 in the direction in which the sides 21 and 31 of the first member 20 and the second member 30 face each other is the same as the outer diameter dimension D of the probe 13. In addition, among the members 20, 30, and 70, the intermediate member 70 is made of a material with lower hardness and melting point than the first and second members 20 and 30.

[0077] As shown in Figure 13, the probe 13 is inserted from the side of the intermediate member 70 until it reaches the lower surface 73 of the intermediate member 70. Then, while maintaining the high-speed rotation of the friction stir welding tool 10, the friction stir welding tool 10 is moved from the starting point P1 to the ending point P2 along the arrow shown in Figure 12, while pressing down on the upper surfaces 23, 33 of the first and second members 20, 30 and the upper surface 74 of the intermediate member 70 with the shoulder portion 12. When moving the friction stir welding tool 10, the probe 13 may be made to penetrate the first and second members 20, 30. In this way, the first mixture layer 81 and the second mixture layer 82 are formed, similar to the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 14, the first mixture layer 81 extends from one end to the other of the region that was the interface 53 between the intermediate member 70 and the second member 30, and the second mixture layer 82 extends from one end to the other of the region that was the interface 52 between the intermediate member 70 and the first member 20. As a result, the first and second members 20 and 30 are integrated via the intermediate member 70, and the structure 93 is manufactured.

[0078] As described above, this embodiment also makes it possible to reduce the number of steps in the joining process.

[0079] <Fifth Embodiment> The fifth embodiment will now be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment, with reference to Figures 15 to 18. In this embodiment, the second member 130 constituting the structure 94 is not a single member, but is constructed as a laminate of multiple thin plates 130a. The thin plates 130a have a smaller thickness than the first member 20 and the third member 40. The second member 130 is, for example, a laminated busbar made of copper. In this embodiment, the second member 130 corresponds to the "second joined member".

[0080] In the manufacturing process of the structure 94, first, as shown in Figure 15, the side surface 21 of the first member 20 and the side surface 131 of the second member 130 are brought together, and the lower surfaces 22 and 132 of the first and second members 20 and 130 are placed on top of the upper surface 41 of the third member 40.

[0081] Next, the probe 13 is inserted into the starting point P1 of the planned joining portion while rotating at high speed. In this embodiment, the starting point P1 of the planned joining portion is, as shown in Figure 15, one end of the interface 140 side portion of the first member 20 and the first and second members 20, 130, and the ending point P2 of the planned joining portion is the other end of the interface 140 side portion of the first member 20.

[0082] In this embodiment, the probe 13 is inserted into the first member 20 of the members 20, 130, and 40. This is because the first member 20 is made of a material with lower hardness and melting point than the second member 130 and the third member 40, thereby reducing the stress on the probe 13.

[0083] In the subsequent step, as shown in Figure 16, the pressing device constituting the positioning unit 203 presses down on the second member 130 from both sides in the lamination direction of the thin plate 130a. Specifically, the pressing device comprises a first pressing part 210 that contacts the upper surface 133 of the second member 130 and a second pressing part 211 that contacts the lower surface 132 of the second member 130. By sandwiching the second member 130 between the first pressing part 210 and the second pressing part 211, the second member 130 is pressed down, maintaining the lamination state of the multiple thin plates 130a during friction stir welding. This allows the first and second members 20 and 130 to be joined without performing terminal processing (for example, crimping) on ​​the side portion of the second member 130 that is on the first member 20 side.

[0084] In the next step, as shown in Figure 17, the probe 13 is inserted from the side of the first member 20 to the vicinity of the interface 51 between the first member 20 and the third member 40. In this embodiment, the probe 13 is inserted until its tip surface 13a reaches the interface 51. However, this is not the only way; for example, the probe 13 may be inserted until its tip surface 13a reaches a position on the side of the third member 40 beyond the interface 51.

[0085] Subsequently, while maintaining the high-speed rotation of the friction stir welding tool 10, the upper surfaces 23 and 133 of the first and second members 20 and 130 are pressed down with the shoulder portion 12, and the friction stir welding tool 10 is moved from the starting point P1 to the ending point P2 along the arrow shown in Figure 15. Note that when moving the friction stir welding tool 10, the probe 13 may be inserted into the second member 130.

[0086] Here, the first pressing portion 210 extends parallel to the direction in which the interface 140 extends, while pressing down on the upper surface 133 of the second member 130. Therefore, the base portion 11 of the friction stir welding tool 10 can move the probe 13 while in contact with the first pressing portion 210. In other words, the probe 13 can be rotated and moved along the interface 140 while being guided by the first pressing portion 210. This allows the probe 13 to be moved accurately along the interface 140 of the first and second members 20 and 130, and consequently, the accuracy of the friction stir welding of the side portions of the first and second members 20 and 130 can be improved.

[0087] Furthermore, by controlling the pressing device, the second pressing portion 211 may come into contact with the side surface 42 of the third member 40. In this case, for example, the second pressing portion 211 can be used to position the third member 40.

[0088] As the friction stir welding tool 10 moves, the frictional heat generated by the high-speed rotation of the probe 13 softens the first member 20, the second member 130, and the third member 40 in the region where the probe 13 is located. The first member 20, which has higher fluidity than the second and third members 130 and 40, plastically flows toward the second member 130 due to the outer circumference 13b of the probe 13. As a result, a first mixture layer 151, consisting of a mixture of the first member 20 and the second member 130, is formed in the interface region from the outer circumference 13b of the probe 13 to the vicinity of the interface 140 between the first member 20 and the second member 130, that is, in the interface region on the second member 130 side of the interface 140. The first mixture layer 151 friction stir-welds the side portion of the first member 20 and the side portion of the second member 130.

[0089] Furthermore, a second mixture layer 152, consisting of a mixture of the first member 20 and the third member 40, is formed in the interface region near the tip surface 13a of the probe 13, that is, in the interface region from the interface 51 of the first member 20 and the third member 40 to the third member 40 side. The overlapping portion of the first member 20 and the third member 40 is friction stir-welded by the second mixture layer 152. As shown in Figure 18, the first mixture layer 151 and the second mixture layer 152 extend from one end to the other of the region that was the interface 140 of the first member 20 and the second member 130. As a result, the second and third members 130 and 40 are integrated via the first member 20, and the structure 94 is manufactured.

[0090] According to the embodiment described above, when the second member 130 is configured as a laminate, the number of steps in the joining process can be reduced.

[0091] <Sixth Embodiment> The sixth embodiment will now be described, focusing on the differences from the fourth and fifth embodiments, with reference to Figures 19 to 22. In this embodiment, the second member shown in Figure 12 is composed of the laminate shown in Figure 15.

[0092] In the manufacturing process of the structure 95, first, as shown in Figure 19, the first side surface 71 of the intermediate member 70 is abutted against the side surface 21 of the first member 20, and the second side surface 72 of the intermediate member 70 is abutted against the side surface 131 of the second member 130.

[0093] Next, the probe 13 is inserted into the starting point P1 of the planned joining portion while rotating it at high speed. In this embodiment, the starting point P1 of the planned joining portion is one end of the intermediate member 70, as shown in Figure 19, and the ending point P2 of the planned joining portion is the other end of the intermediate member 70.

[0094] Furthermore, the dimension L of the intermediate member 70 in the direction in which the sides 21 and 131 of the first member 20 and the second member 130 face each other is the same as the outer diameter dimension D of the probe 13. In addition, among the members 20, 130, and 70, the intermediate member 70 is made of a material with lower hardness and melting point than the first and second members 20 and 130.

[0095] In the subsequent step, as shown in Figure 20, the upper surface 133 of the second member 130 is pressed by the first pressing part 210, and the lower surface 132 of the second member 130 is pressed by the second pressing part 211, thereby pressing the second member 130 from both sides in the lamination direction. This maintains the laminated state of the multiple thin plates 130a during friction stir welding.

[0096] In the next step, as shown in Figure 21, the probe 13 is inserted from the side of the intermediate member 70 until it reaches the lower surface 73 of the intermediate member 70. Then, while maintaining the high-speed rotation of the friction stir welding tool 10, the friction stir welding tool 10 is moved from the starting point P1 to the ending point P2 along the arrow shown in Figure 19, while pressing down on the upper surfaces 23, 133 of the first and second members 20, 130 and the upper surface 74 of the intermediate member 70 with the shoulder portion 12. When moving the friction stir welding tool 10, the probe 13 may be inserted into the first and second members 20, 130.

[0097] Furthermore, similar to the fifth embodiment, the first pressing portion 210 extends parallel to the direction in which the interface 142 and the intermediate member 70 extend when it is pressing down on the upper surface 133 of the second member 130. Therefore, the probe 13 can be moved accurately along the intermediate member 70 while the base portion 11 is guided by the first pressing portion 210.

[0098] During the movement of the friction stir welding tool 10, the frictional heat generated by the high-speed rotation of the probe 13 softens the first member 20, the second member 130, and the intermediate member 70 in the region where the probe 13 is located. As a result, the first mixture layer 153 and the second mixture layer 154 are formed, similar to the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 22, the first mixture layer 153 extends from one end to the other of the region that was the interface 142 between the intermediate member 70 and the second member 130, and the second mixture layer 154 extends from one end to the other of the region that was the interface 141 between the intermediate member 70 and the first member 20. As a result, the first and second members 20 and 130 are integrated via the intermediate member 70, and the structure 95 is manufactured.

[0099] According to the embodiment described above, the same effects as those of the fifth embodiment can be achieved.

[0100] <Other Embodiments> Each of the above embodiments may be implemented with the following modifications.

[0101] The second member 30 shown in Figure 6 may be composed of a laminate of multiple thin plates 130a, similar to the fifth embodiment. In this case, a step of sandwiching the laminate with a pressing device may be added to the manufacturing process of the structure, similar to the fifth embodiment.

[0102] The processing device section 204 may be configured such that the probe 13 can be tilted by a predetermined angle relative to the rotational axis of the base 11 and the probe 13 in the direction of movement of the friction stir welding tool 10.

[0103] The tip surface 13a of the probe 13 is not limited to a flat surface; for example, it may be formed in an arc shape. Furthermore, the tip surface 13a of the probe 13 may have a chamfered edge. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0104] 10... Friction stir welding tool, 11... Base, 13... Probe, 20... First member, 30... Second member, 40... Third member, 90... Structure, 200... Friction stir welding apparatus.

Claims

1. In a method for manufacturing a structure using friction stir welding, in which multiple members to be joined (20, 30, 40, 130) are joined together using a friction stir welding tool (10) having a columnar probe (13), the multiple members to be joined are joined together to produce a structure (90, 94) in which the multiple members to be joined are integrated, The arrangement step involves aligning the sides of the first member to be joined (20) into which the probe is inserted and the second members to be joined (30, 130) among the multiple members to be joined, and aligning the rear member to be joined (40) among the multiple members to be joined so that it is positioned on the rear side in the direction of probe insertion relative to the first member to be joined, After the arrangement step, the probe is inserted from the side of the first member to be joined to at least near the interface (51) between the first member to be joined and the rear member to be joined, and the rotating probe is moved relative to the plurality of members to be joined while guiding it along the interface (50, 140) of the first member to be joined and the second member to be joined, thereby simultaneously performing friction stir welding of the side portions of the first member to be joined and the friction stir welding of the overlapping portions of the first member to be joined and the rear member to be joined. A method for manufacturing a structure using friction stir welding, comprising the features described above.

2. In a method for manufacturing a structure using friction stir welding, in which a plurality of members to be joined (100, 110) are joined together using a friction stir welding tool (10) having a columnar probe (13) to produce a structure (92) in which a plurality of members to be joined are integrated, Among the multiple members to be joined, the first member (100) is a member in which a base portion (100A) and a protruding portion (100B) that protrudes upward from the middle portion of the upper surface (101A) of the base portion are integrally formed. The arrangement step involves arranging the multiple members to be joined, such that the sides of the second member (110) into which the probe is inserted and the protruding portion (100B) are brought together, and the second member is placed on top of the upper surface of the base portion, After the arrangement step, with the probe inserted from the side of the second member to at least the vicinity of the interface (121) between the second member and the base portion, the rotating probe is moved relative to the plurality of members to be joined while guiding it along the interface (120) between the second member and the protrusion, thereby simultaneously performing friction stir welding of the side portions of the second member and the protrusion, and friction stir welding of the overlapping portions of the second member and the base portion. A method for manufacturing a structure using friction stir welding, comprising the features described above.

3. The second member to be joined (130) is constructed by stacking a plurality of thin plates (130a) in the direction of insertion of the probe. A method for manufacturing a structure (94) using friction stir welding according to claim 1, wherein, in the joining step, the probe is moved relative to the second member to be joined by pressing devices (210, 211) from both sides in the lamination direction of the thin plate.

4. The friction stir welding tool has a columnar base (11), The probe is provided at one end of the base in the direction of the rotational axis, The aforementioned pressing device is Of the two sides of the second member to be joined, the first pressing portion (210) that abuts the probe side, A second pressing portion (211) in the second member to be joined, which contacts the side opposite to the probe in the stacking direction, Equipped with, By sandwiching the second member to be joined between the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion, the second member to be joined is held in place. The first pressing portion extends along the interface (140) of the first member to be joined and the second member to be joined, A method for manufacturing a structure using friction stir welding according to claim 3, wherein, in the joining step, the probe is moved relative to the first member to be joined and the second member to be joined while the base is guided by the first pressing portion.

5. A method for manufacturing a structure using friction stir welding according to any one of claims 1, 3, or 4, wherein the first member to be joined is a member with lower hardness and melting point than the second member to be joined and the inner member to be joined.

6. In a method for manufacturing a structure using friction stir welding, in which multiple members to be joined (30, 70, 130) are joined together using a friction stir welding tool (10) having a columnar probe (13), the multiple members to be joined are joined together to produce a structure (91, 93, 95) in which the multiple members to be joined are integrated, Of the multiple members to be joined, the dimension (L) of the first member to be joined (70) into which the probe is inserted, in the direction in which the sides of the second members to be joined (30, 130) face each other, is equivalent to the outer diameter dimension (D) of the probe. The arrangement step involves butting the sides of the first member to be joined and the second member to be joined together, and aligning the side of one of the multiple members to be joined (20) with the side of the first member to be joined that is opposite to the second member to be joined. After the arrangement step, with the probe inserted into the first member to be joined, the rotating probe is moved relative to the multiple members to be joined while following the first member to be joined, thereby simultaneously performing friction stir welding of the side portions of the first member to be joined and the second member to be joined, and friction stir welding of the side portions of the first member to be joined and the lateral members to be joined. Equipped with, A method for manufacturing a structure using friction stir welding, wherein the first member to be joined is a member with lower hardness and melting point than the second member to be joined and the lateral member to be joined.

7. The arrangement step further involves aligning the rearmost member to be joined (40) among the plurality of members to be joined so that it is superimposed on the first member to be joined and the lateral member to be joined on the rear side in the insertion direction of the probe. The first member to be joined is a member with lower hardness and melting point than the second member to be joined, the lateral member to be joined, and the inner member to be joined. The method for manufacturing a structure (91) using friction stir welding according to claim 6, wherein the joining step is a step in which the probe is inserted from the side of the first member to be joined to at least near the interface (51) between the first member to be joined and the rear member to be joined, and the probe is moved relative to the first member to be joined while being guided along the first member to be joined, thereby simultaneously performing friction stir welding of the side portions of the first member to be joined and the second member to be joined, friction stir welding of the side portions of the first member to be joined and the lateral member to be joined, and friction stir welding of the overlapping portion of the first member to be joined and the rear member to be joined.

8. The second member to be joined (130) is constructed by stacking a plurality of thin plates (130a) in the direction of insertion of the probe. A method for manufacturing a structure (95) using friction stir welding according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, in the joining step, the probe is moved relative to the second member to be joined by pressing devices (210, 211) from both sides in the lamination direction of the thin plate.

9. The friction stir welding tool has a columnar base (11), The probe is provided at one end of the base in the direction of the rotational axis, The aforementioned pressing device is Of the two sides of the second member to be joined, the first pressing portion (210) that abuts the probe side, A second pressing portion (211) in the second member to be joined, which contacts the side opposite to the probe in the stacking direction, Equipped with, By sandwiching the second member to be joined between the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion, the second member to be joined is held in place. The first pressing portion extends along the first member to be joined, A method for manufacturing a structure using friction stir welding according to claim 8, wherein, in the joining step, the probe is moved relative to the first member to be joined while the base is guided by the first pressing portion.

10. A friction stir welding apparatus (200) is provided with a friction stir welding tool (10) having a columnar probe (13), and the friction stir welding apparatus (200) is used to join a plurality of members to be joined (20, 30, 40, 130), The device includes a drive unit (204) that moves the rotating probe relative to the multiple members to be joined, by bringing together the sides of the first member to be joined (20) into which the probe is inserted and the second members to be joined (30, 130), and by overlapping the rear member to be joined (40) of the multiple members to be joined on the rear side in the direction of insertion of the probe relative to the first member to be joined, A friction stir welding apparatus that simultaneously performs friction stir welding of the side portions of the first and second members to be joined and friction stir welding of the overlapping portions of the first and second members to be joined, by inserting the probe from the side of the first member to be joined to at least near the interface (51) of the first member to be joined and the rear member to be joined, and then moving the rotating probe relative to the first member to be joined and the second member to be joined along the interface (50, 140) of the first member to be joined and the second member to be joined.

11. A friction stir welding apparatus (200) comprising a friction stir welding tool (10) having a columnar probe (13), wherein a plurality of members to be joined (100, 110) are joined using the friction stir welding tool, Among the multiple members to be joined, the first member (100) is a member in which a base portion (100A) and a protruding portion (100B) that protrudes upward from the middle portion of the upper surface (101A) of the base portion are integrally formed. The device includes a drive unit (204) that moves the rotating probe relative to the multiple members to be joined, with the sides of the second member (110) into which the probe is inserted and the protruding portion (100B) abutting against each other, and the second member being superimposed on the upper surface of the base portion. A friction stir welding apparatus that simultaneously performs friction stir welding of the side portions of the second member and the protruding portion and friction stir welding of the overlapping portions of the second member and the base portion by, with the drive unit inserting the probe from the side of the second member to at least the vicinity of the interface (121) between the second member and the base portion, and moving the rotating probe relative to the interface (120) between the second member and the protruding portion.

12. A friction stir welding apparatus (200) comprising a friction stir welding tool (10) having a columnar probe (13), wherein a plurality of members to be joined (30, 70, 130) are joined using the friction stir welding tool, Of the multiple members to be joined, the dimension (L) of the first member to be joined (70) into which the probe is inserted, in the direction in which the sides of the second members to be joined (30, 130) face each other, is equivalent to the outer diameter dimension (D) of the probe. The device includes a drive unit (204) that moves the rotating probe relative to the plurality of members to be joined, while abutting the sides of the first member to be joined and the second member to be joined together, and abutting the side of one of the plurality of members to be joined (20) with the side of the first member to be joined opposite to the second member. The drive unit inserts the probe into the first member to be joined and moves the rotating probe relative to the first member to be joined while guiding it along the first member to be joined, thereby simultaneously performing friction stir welding of the side portions of the first member to be joined and the second member to be joined, and friction stir welding of the side portions of the first member to be joined and the lateral member to be joined. A friction stir welding apparatus in which the first member to be joined is a member with lower hardness and melting point than the second member to be joined and the lateral member to be joined.

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