Method and apparatus for brazing metal plates

Abstract

To realize a brazing method of a metal plate with high feasibility.SOLUTION: A brazing method of a metal plate according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is for brazing the metal plate through a brazing material (4) and includes brazing the metal plate through the brazing material (4) by heating a workpiece (5) which is stacked with the metal plate through the brazing material (4) by sandwiching it between a first heating plate (14a) and a second heating plate (14b) so as to cover the entire area of the workpiece (5) when viewed from a thickness direction of the workpiece (5) in a heating room (13) with the preset oxygen concentration or less.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method and an apparatus for brazing metal plates.

Background Art

[0002] For example, in the heat fusion welding method for an aluminum material in Patent Document 1, with a brazing material interposed at a planned brazing portion of the aluminum material, the planned brazing portion of the aluminum material is sandwiched between a pair of heating rollers, and the brazing material is melted by heat conduction from the pair of heating rollers, thereby brazing the planned brazing portion of the aluminum material. At this time, the pair of heating rollers and the aluminum material are relatively moved so that the pair of heating rollers are moved over the entire area of the planned brazing portion.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The applicant of the present application has found the following problems. In the heat fusion welding method for an aluminum material in Patent Document 1, a planned brazing portion of the aluminum material is locally heated by a pair of heating rollers. However, since aluminum has good heat conduction, even when locally heated by the heating rollers, the heat supplied from the heating rollers diffuses throughout the aluminum material, making it difficult to perform brazing.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of such problems, and realizes a highly feasible method and an apparatus for brazing metal plates.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A method for brazing a metal plate according to one aspect of this disclosure is a method for brazing a metal plate via a brazing material, Inside a heating chamber with an oxygen concentration below a predetermined level, the workpiece, in which the metal plates are stacked via the brazing material, is heated by sandwiching it between a first heating plate and a second heating plate so as to cover the entire workpiece when viewed from the thickness direction of the workpiece, thereby brazing the metal plates via the brazing material.

[0007] The above-mentioned method for brazing metal plates is: A step of transporting the workpiece into a spare chamber continuous with the heating chamber via a first opening / closing section, With the first opening / closing section closed, the process involves setting the oxygen concentration inside the reserve chamber to below the specified level. With the first opening / closing section closed, the process involves setting the inside of the heating chamber to a level below the oxygen concentration, With the oxygen concentration inside the pre-chamber and the heating chamber below the specified level, the first opening / closing section is opened, the workpiece is brought into the heating chamber, and the workpiece is heated. It is preferable to include the following.

[0008] The above-described method for brazing a metal plate preferably includes the step of transporting the brazed workpiece through a second opening / closing section to a cooling chamber located on the opposite side of the heating chamber from the spare chamber, and then cooling the workpiece by sandwiching it between a first cooling plate and a second cooling plate so as to cover the entire surface of the workpiece when viewed from the thickness direction.

[0009] The above-mentioned method for brazing metal plates is: The process involves holding both ends of the workpiece within the heating chamber in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the workpiece and perpendicular to the direction in which the workpiece is brought into the heating chamber, and positioning the workpiece between the first heating plate and the second heating plate in a non-contact state with the first heating plate and the second heating plate. A step of heating the workpiece by sandwiching it between the first heating plate and the second heating plate while both ends of the workpiece are held by the holding portion, It is preferable to include the following.

[0010] The above-mentioned method for brazing metal plates is: A step of restraining the workpiece by sandwiching it between a first restraining plate and a second restraining plate from the thickness direction of the workpiece, A step of transporting the workpiece into the heating chamber while the workpiece is sandwiched between the first restraint plate and the second restraint plate, A step of heating the workpiece, which is sandwiched between the first restraint plate and the second restraint plate, by sandwiching it between the first heating plate and the second heating plate via the first restraint plate and the second restraint plate, It is preferable to include the following.

[0011] The above-described method for brazing a metal plate preferably includes a step of bringing the workpiece into contact with a positioning unit located inside the heating chamber when the workpiece is brought into the heating chamber, thereby positioning the workpiece relative to the first heating plate.

[0012] A metal plate brazing apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an apparatus for brazing metal plates via a brazing material, A heating chamber into which a workpiece in which the metal plates are stacked via the brazing material is brought; A first deoxidation device for deoxidizing the oxygen inside the heating chamber, A first heating plate and a second heating plate are arranged inside the heating chamber, Equipped with, With the inside of the heating chamber at or below a predetermined oxygen concentration, the first heating plate and the second heating plate are used to sandwich the workpiece and heat it so that they cover the entire workpiece when viewed from the thickness direction of the workpiece, thereby brazing the metal plate via the brazing material.

[0013] The above brazing device for a metal plate is a preliminary chamber continuous with the heating chamber, a first opening / closing part disposed between the preliminary chamber and the heating chamber, a second deoxidation device for deoxidizing oxygen inside the preliminary chamber, a transfer device for transferring the workpiece, and is provided with It is preferable to open the first opening / closing part and transfer the workpiece into the heating chamber in a state where the inside of the preliminary chamber and the inside of the heating chamber into which the workpiece is carried are made to be below a preset oxygen concentration.

[0014] The above brazing device for a metal plate is a cooling chamber disposed on the opposite side of the preliminary chamber across the heating chamber, into which the brazed workpiece is carried, a second opening / closing part disposed between the heating chamber and the cooling chamber, a first cooling plate and a second cooling plate disposed inside the cooling chamber, and is provided with It is preferable to sandwich and cool the workpiece so that the first cooling plate and the second cooling plate cover the entire area of the workpiece as viewed from the thickness direction of the workpiece.

[0015] In the above brazing device for a metal plate, it is preferable that the first heating plate and the second heating plate include a graphite plate integrally formed and a heater disposed inside the graphite plate.

[0016] The above brazing device for a metal plate is disposed inside the heating chamber, and includes a holding part that holds both end portions of the workpiece in a direction orthogonal to the thickness direction of the workpiece and orthogonal to the carrying-in direction of the workpiece into the heating chamber. When the holding part holds both end portions of the workpiece, it is preferable that the workpiece can be disposed between the first heating plate and the second heating plate in a non-contact state.

[0017] The brazing apparatus for metal plates described above preferably includes a positioning unit for positioning the workpiece inside the heating chamber.

[0018] The above-described metal plate brazing apparatus comprises a first restraining plate and a second restraining plate that clamp and restrain the workpiece, Preferably, the first restraint plate and the second restraint plate are brought into the heating chamber with the workpiece sandwiched between them.

[0019] In the metal plate brazing apparatus described above, it is preferable that the first restraint plate and the second restraint plate have a thermal conductivity greater than or equal to that of iron and a heat capacity greater than or equal to that of aluminum. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to this disclosure, a highly feasible method and apparatus for brazing metal plates can be realized. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0021] [Figure 1] This diagram illustrates the process of brazing a metal plate using the metal plate brazing apparatus of Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the metal plate brazing apparatus according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing a representative example of the work. [Figure 4] This is a YZ cross-sectional view showing a typical example of a workpiece. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing the pre-cooling chamber, heating chamber, and cooling chamber of a metal plate brazing apparatus according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] This is a view from the Y-axis side showing the state in which a workpiece has been loaded into the heating chamber of the metal plate brazing apparatus of Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] This diagram illustrates the process of loading a workpiece into the spare chamber of the metal plate brazing apparatus according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 8]This diagram illustrates the process of loading a workpiece into the spare chamber of the metal plate brazing apparatus according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 9] This is a view from the Y-axis side showing how the workpiece is heated inside the heating chamber of the metal plate brazing apparatus of Embodiment 1. [Figure 10] This diagram illustrates the process of brazing a metal plate using the metal plate brazing apparatus of Embodiment 2. [Figure 11] This is a YZ cross-sectional view showing the workpiece being held in place by a restraining jig. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view showing the restraint fixture in an unassembled state. [Figure 13] This diagram illustrates the process of restraining a workpiece using a restraining jig. [Figure 14] This is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of the positioning pins in the positioning section. [Figure 15] A plan view showing the test workpiece. [Figure 16] This figure shows the relationship between temperature and time at each corner of the test workpiece in the example and comparative example. [Figure 17] This figure shows the diffusion state of the brazing material in the embodiment onto the first and second metal plates. [Figure 18] This figure shows the diffusion state of the comparative brazing material into the first and second metal plates. [Figure 19] This figure shows the hardness of the first and second metal plates after brazing in the example and comparative example. [Figure 20] This figure shows the tensile strength of the test workpieces after brazing for the example and comparative example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0022] The following describes specific embodiments applying this disclosure in detail with reference to the drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments. Also, for clarity, the explanation will be given using a three-dimensional (XYZ) coordinate system, and the following description and drawings have been simplified as appropriate.

[0023] <Embodiment 1> First, the configuration of the metal plate brazing apparatus (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as the brazing apparatus) of this embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the process of brazing a metal plate using the brazing apparatus of this embodiment. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the brazing apparatus of this embodiment.

[0024] As shown in Figure 1, the brazing apparatus 1 of this embodiment is used to heat a workpiece 5 in which a first metal plate 2 and a second metal plate 3 are stacked with a brazing material 4 in between, and to braze the first metal plate 2 and the second metal plate 3.

[0025] Here, Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a typical example of the workpiece. Figure 4 is a YZ cross-sectional view showing a typical example of the workpiece. The workpiece 5 is, for example, as shown in Figures 1, 3 and 4, substantially rectangular in shape when viewed from the Z-axis direction, and has a configuration in which brazing material 4 is placed between the planned brazing portion of the first metal plate 2 located on the Z-axis side and the planned brazing portion of the second metal plate 3 located on the Z-axis side.

[0026] The first metal plate 2 is made of a metal plate that is generally brazed, such as aluminum, and has a recess 2a that is recessed on the Z-axis side, as shown in Figure 4, for example. The Z-axis+ side surface and the Z-axis- side surface of the first metal plate 2 are flat surfaces that are substantially parallel to the XY plane.

[0027] The second metal plate 3 is made of a metal plate that is generally brazed, such as aluminum, and has a recess 3a that is recessed on the Z-axis+ side, as shown in Figure 4, for example. The Z-axis+ side surface and the Z-axis- side surface of the second metal plate 3 are flat surfaces that are substantially parallel to the XY plane.

[0028] With the first metal plate 2 and the second metal plate 3 stacked on top of each other, the Z-axis+ side surface of the first metal plate 2 and the Z-axis- side surface of the second metal plate 3 face each other. At this time, the recess 2a of the first metal plate 2 and the recess 3a of the second metal plate 3 face each other so as to form a continuous void (for example, a void that will form a flow path for a cooling medium when the workpiece 5 is later made into a product).

[0029] The brazing material 4 is a metal such as an aluminum alloy with a lower melting point than the first metal plate 2 and the second metal plate 3, and contains flux, similar to the brazing materials commonly used when brazing metal plates.

[0030] As shown in Figure 4, the brazing material 4 is placed between the Z-axis+ side surface of the first metal plate 2 and the Z-axis- side surface of the second metal plate 3. In other words, the Z-axis+ side surface of the first metal plate 2 and the Z-axis- side surface of the second metal plate 3 constitute the area to be brazed.

[0031] In this case, the area to be brazed should, for example, be longer than the length in the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction which is perpendicular to the thickness direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction) of the first metal plate 2 and the second metal plate 3, and should be located over a wide area of ​​the first metal plate 2 and the second metal plate 3 when viewed from the Z-axis direction. Note that the shape of the workpiece 5 is illustrative and not limited to the shape described above.

[0032] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the pre-chamber, heating chamber, and cooling chamber in the brazing apparatus of this embodiment. As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 5, the brazing apparatus 1 includes a pre-chamber 11, a first deoxidation device 12, a heating chamber 13, a heating device 14, a second deoxidation device 15, a first holding mechanism 16, a first support mechanism 17, a cooling chamber 18, a cooling device 19, a second holding mechanism 20, a second support mechanism 21, a conveying device 22, and a control device 23.

[0033] The spare chamber 11 is a nearly sealed box-shaped structure and, as shown in Figures 1, 2, and 5, is equipped with a first opening / closing section 11a on the Y-axis minus side of the spare chamber 11 and a second opening / closing section 11b on the Y-axis plus side of the spare chamber 11. The first opening / closing section 11a and the second opening / closing section 11b are configured such that their doors can be opened and closed by opening / closing cylinders, for example, in the same way as a typical chamber door opening / closing mechanism.

[0034] However, the first opening / closing section 11a and the second opening / closing section 11b should be configured to either seal or open the spare chamber 11. In this case, the spare chamber 11 may be equipped with a stirring section 11c, such as a fan, to equalize the deoxidation state (nitrogen concentration) inside the spare chamber 11, as shown in Figures 1 and 5.

[0035] The first deoxidation unit 12 deoxidizes the oxygen inside the pre-chamber 11. As shown in Figure 1, the first deoxidation unit 12 includes an exhaust unit 12a and a nitrogen supply unit 12b. The exhaust unit 12a is connected to the pre-chamber 11 via an exhaust pipe 12c and exhausts the gas inside the pre-chamber 11. The nitrogen supply unit 12b is connected to the pre-chamber 11 via a supply pipe 12d and supplies nitrogen into the pre-chamber 11.

[0036] As a result, the gas inside the pre-chamber 11 is exhausted by the exhaust unit 12a, while nitrogen is supplied to the pre-chamber 11 by the nitrogen supply unit 12b, thereby replacing the gas inside the pre-chamber 11 with nitrogen and deoxidizing the oxygen. However, the first deoxidation device 12 is not limited to the above configuration, as long as it is capable of deoxidizing the oxygen inside the pre-chamber 11.

[0037] As shown in Figures 1 and 5, the heating chamber 13 is positioned on the Y-axis+ side, which is the side in the direction of transport of the workpiece 5, relative to the spare chamber 11. The heating chamber 13 is a substantially sealable box and is continuous with the spare chamber 11 in the Y-axis direction. The heating chamber 13 is equipped with a first opening / closing section 13a provided on the Y-axis- side of the heating chamber 13, and a second opening / closing section 13b provided on the Y-axis+ side of the heating chamber 13.

[0038] The first opening / closing section 13a and the second opening / closing section 13b are configured such that the doors can be opened and closed by an opening / closing cylinder, similar to a general chamber door opening / closing mechanism, as shown in Figure 5, for example. However, any configuration that can make the inside of the heating chamber 13 either substantially sealed or open is acceptable.

[0039] In this case, the first opening / closing section 13a can be composed of the second opening / closing section 11b of the spare chamber 11. In other words, it is preferable that the second opening / closing section 11b of the spare chamber 11 and the first opening / closing section 13a of the heating chamber 13 are common to each other.

[0040] As shown in Figure 1, the heating device 14 comprises a first heating plate 14a, a second heating plate 14b, and a lifting mechanism 14c. The first heating plate 14a is positioned inside the heating chamber 13 and fixed to the Z-axis side portion of the heating chamber 13.

[0041] The first heating plate 14a is equipped with a top plate (e.g., a graphite plate) 14d and a heater 14e, which have high thermal conductivity and a low coefficient of thermal expansion. The top plate 14d is a plate that comes into direct contact with the workpiece 5 to be brazed and rapidly heats the workpiece 5 by heat conduction. Therefore, it is desirable that the material conducts heat easily and does not deform when heated.

[0042] The top plate 14d has a size that can cover the entire area of ​​the workpiece 5 when viewed from the Z-axis direction, and as shown in Figure 1, the Z-axis+ side surface of the top plate 14d is a flat surface that is substantially parallel to the XY plane. The top plate 14d is often, for example, a one-piece molded product made of laminated carbon sheets, and is substantially rectangular when viewed from the Z-axis direction.

[0043] The heater 14e is located inside the top plate 14d, as shown in Figure 1. The heater 14e is, for example, a heating element and may be located on the Z-axis side of the top plate 14d.

[0044] As a result, the portion of the top plate 14d on the Z-axis+ side acts as a heat diffusion layer relative to the heater 14e, making it possible to roughly equalize the temperature of the Z-axis+ side surface of the top plate 14d.

[0045] However, the heater 14e only needs to be configured to heat the top plate 14d, for example, by circulating a heat source within a tube. Here, the first heating plate 14a is preferably fixed to the Z-axis side of the inside of the heating chamber 13 via an insulating material or base material.

[0046] As shown in Figure 1, the second heating plate 14b is positioned on the Z-axis+ side relative to the first heating plate 14a inside the heating chamber 13. The second heating plate 14b is symmetrical with respect to the first heating plate 14a with respect to the Y-axis when viewed from the X-axis direction, so a detailed explanation is omitted, but it is equipped with a top plate 14f and a heater 14g.

[0047] The lifting unit 14c raises and lowers the second heating plate 14b in the Z-axis direction. The lifting unit 14c is equipped with, for example, a cylinder and is fixed to the Z-axis+ side portion of the heating chamber 13. The rod of the lifting unit 14c is fixed to the Z-axis+ side portion of the second heating plate 14b. Here, the rod of the lifting unit 14c is preferably fixed to the second heating plate 14b via an insulating material or base material.

[0048] However, the lifting mechanism 14c only needs to be configured to allow the second heating plate 14b to move up and down in the Z-axis direction. In this case, it is preferable that guide pins be passed through the first heating plate 14a and the second heating plate 14b to guide the up and down movement of the second heating plate 14b in the Z-axis direction.

[0049] The second deoxidation device 15 deoxidizes the oxygen inside the heating chamber 13. The second deoxidation device 15 has a configuration that is substantially the same as the first deoxidation device 12, so a detailed explanation will be omitted, but as shown in Figure 1, it includes an exhaust section 15a connected to the heating chamber 13 via an exhaust pipe 15c, and a nitrogen supply section 15b connected to the heating chamber 13 via a supply pipe 15d.

[0050] Figure 6 is a view from the Y-axis- side of the brazing apparatus of this embodiment, showing the state in which a workpiece has been loaded into the heating chamber. As shown in Figure 6, the first holding mechanism 16 is located inside the heating chamber 13 and comprises a first holding part 16a and a second holding part 16b. The first holding part 16a is located on the X-axis+ side relative to the first heating plate 14a.

[0051] As shown in Figure 5, the first retaining portion 16a is a long member extending in the Y-axis direction and can be made of, for example, graphite. As shown in Figure 6, a groove portion 16c is provided at the X-axis- side end of the first retaining portion 16a, extending in the Y-axis direction, with the X-axis- side, Y-axis+ side, and Y-axis- side being open.

[0052] The groove 16c is, for example, as shown in Figure 6, substantially rectangular in shape when viewed from the Y-axis direction, and is cut out by a guide wall 16d that protrudes from the corner on the X-axis- and Z-axis-+ side of the groove 16c in the first holding portion 16a toward the Z-axis- and extends in the Y-axis direction.

[0053] As shown in Figure 6, the second holding portion 16b has a line-symmetric configuration with respect to the first holding portion 16a when viewed from the Y-axis direction, with respect to the Z-axis. Therefore, a detailed explanation will be omitted, but it is positioned on the X-axis side relative to the first heating plate 14a and is equipped with a groove 16e and a guide wall 16f that extend in the Y-axis direction.

[0054] As shown in Figure 6, the first support mechanism 17 is located inside the heating chamber 13 and comprises a first support portion 17a and a second support portion 17b. The first support portion 17a supports the first holding portion 16a so that it can move up and down in the Z-axis direction. The first support portion 17a comprises a guide pin 17c and an elastic body 17d.

[0055] As shown in Figure 6, the guide pin 17c is positioned at a distance in the Y-axis direction in the X-axis-side region relative to the first heating plate 14a. The guide pin 17c protrudes from the heating chamber 13 towards the Z-axis+ side, and the Z-axis+ side portion of the guide pin 17c is passed through a guide hole formed in the first holding portion 16a.

[0056] The elastic body 17d is, for example, a coil spring, and is positioned between the Z-axis-side portion of the heating chamber 13 and the first holding portion 16a, with the guide pin 17c passing through it. As a result, the first support portion 17a supports the first holding portion 16a by biasing it toward the Z-axis-positive side, while allowing the first holding portion 16a to move up and down in the Z-axis direction.

[0057] At this time, as shown in Figure 6, in the normal state in which the elastic body 17d is not contracted, the first support portion 17a supports the first holding portion 16a such that the groove portion 16c of the first holding portion 16a is positioned on the Z-axis+ side with respect to the Z-axis+ side surface of the first heating plate 14a, and is positioned on the Z-axis- side with respect to the Z-axis- side surface of the second heating plate 14b in its most Z-axis+ position.

[0058] As shown in Figure 6, the second support portion 17b has a line-symmetric configuration with respect to the first support portion 17a when viewed from the Y-axis direction, with respect to the Z-axis. Therefore, a detailed explanation is omitted, but it is positioned on the X-axis side relative to the first heating plate 14a and is equipped with a guide pin 17e and an elastic body 17f.

[0059] As shown in Figure 1, the cooling chamber 18 is located on the Y-axis+ side of the heating chamber 13. The cooling chamber 18 may be an open space or it may be configured to be substantially sealed. For example, as shown in Figure 5, the cooling chamber 18 may have a first opening / closing part 18a on the Y-axis- side that is common with the second opening / closing part 13b of the heating chamber 13, and a second opening / closing part 18b on the Y-axis+ side of the cooling chamber 18.

[0060] The cooling device 19 comprises a first cooling plate 19a, a second cooling plate 19b, and a lifting mechanism 19c. As shown in Figure 1, the first cooling plate 19a is positioned inside the cooling chamber 18 and fixed to the Z-axis side portion of the cooling chamber 18. The first cooling plate 19a comprises a plate body 19d and a cooler 19e.

[0061] The plate body 19d has a size that can cover the entire area of ​​the workpiece 5 when viewed from the Z-axis direction, and as shown in Figure 1, the Z-axis+ side surface of the plate body 19d is a flat surface that is substantially parallel to the XY plane. The plate body 19d can be made of a material such as copper, but it is preferable that it be made of a material that has a thermal conductivity greater than or equal to that of iron.

[0062] The cooler 19e is located inside the plate body 19d, as shown in Figure 1. The cooler 19e can be configured to cool the plate body 19d, for example, by circulating a refrigerant through a pipe. Here, the first cooling plate 19a is preferably fixed to the Z-axis side of the inside of the cooling chamber 18 via an insulating material or base material.

[0063] As shown in Figure 1, the second cooling plate 19b is positioned on the Z-axis+ side relative to the first cooling plate 19a inside the cooling chamber 18. The second cooling plate 19b is symmetrical with respect to the first cooling plate 19a with respect to the Y-axis when viewed from the X-axis direction, so a detailed explanation is omitted, but it includes a plate body 19f and a cooler 19g.

[0064] The lifting unit 19c raises and lowers the second cooling plate 19b in the Z-axis direction. The lifting unit 19c is equipped with, for example, a cylinder and is fixed to the Z-axis+ side portion of the cooling chamber 18. The rod of the lifting unit 19c is fixed to the Z-axis+ side portion of the second cooling plate 19b. Here, the rod of the lifting unit 19c is preferably fixed to the second cooling plate 19b via an insulating material or base material.

[0065] However, the lifting mechanism 19c only needs to be configured to allow the second cooling plate 19b to move up and down in the Z-axis direction. In this case, it is preferable that guide pins be passed through the first cooling plate 19a and the second cooling plate 19b to guide the lifting and lowering of the second cooling plate 19b in the Z-axis direction.

[0066] As shown in Figure 5, the second holding mechanism 20 is located inside the cooling chamber 18. Since the second holding mechanism 20 has substantially the same configuration as the first holding mechanism 16, a detailed explanation will be omitted, but it comprises a first holding part having a groove into which the X-axis+ end of the workpiece 5 is inserted, and a second holding part having a groove into which the X-axis- end of the workpiece 5 is inserted.

[0067] As shown in Figure 5, the second support mechanism 21 is located inside the cooling chamber 18. Since the second support mechanism 21 has substantially the same configuration as the first support mechanism 17, a detailed explanation will be omitted, but it includes a first support part that supports the first holding part of the second holding mechanism 20 so that it can move up and down in the Z-axis direction, and a second support part that supports the second holding part of the second holding mechanism 20 so that it can move up and down in the Z-axis direction.

[0068] The conveying device 22 conveys the workpiece 5 to the Y-axis + side. The conveying device 22 includes, for example, a group of conveying rollers 22a, a first cylinder 22b, a second cylinder 22c, a third cylinder 22d, and a fourth cylinder 22e, as shown in Figure 1.

[0069] The conveying roller group 22a is configured such that rollers 22f, which are rotatable around a rotation axis extending in the X-axis direction, are arranged in the Y-axis direction. In this case, the rollers 22f are preferably arranged from the Y-axis-side region relative to the spare chamber 11 to the Y-axis-side region relative to the cooling chamber 18, except for the region where the first heating plate 14a of the heating device 14 and the first cooling plate 19a of the cooling device 19 are located, as shown in Figure 1.

[0070] Furthermore, the length of the roller 22f in the X-axis direction should be approximately equal to the distance in the X-axis direction between the X-axis positive side surface of the groove 16c in the first holding part 16a of the first holding mechanism 16 and the X-axis negative side surface of the groove 16e in the second holding part 16b, and the distance in the X-axis direction between the X-axis positive side surface of the groove in the first holding part of the second holding mechanism 20 and the X-axis negative side surface of the groove in the second holding part.

[0071] Furthermore, the Z-axis+ end of the roller 22f is preferably positioned at approximately the same height in the Z-axis direction as the Z-axis-side surface of the groove 16c in the first holding portion 16a of the first holding mechanism 16 and the Z-axis-side surface of the groove 16e in the second holding portion 16b of the first holding mechanism 16 in the normal state of the first support mechanism 17, and the Z-axis-side surface of the groove in the first holding portion of the second holding mechanism 20 and the Z-axis-side surface of the groove in the second holding portion of the second holding mechanism 20 in the normal state of the second support mechanism 21.

[0072] Here, for example, as shown in Figure 5, the transport stage 22i may be constructed with a roller 22f, a side wall 22g, and a leg 22h, which are positioned in the Y-axis-side region relative to the spare chamber 11. The side wall 22g supports the roller 22f by rotatably clamping it from the X-axis direction.

[0073] The side wall portion 22g is, for example, a roughly rectangular plate when viewed from the X-axis direction, as shown in Figure 5, and the side of the side wall portion 22g facing the roller 22f is roughly parallel to the YZ plane. In this case, the Z-axis+ end of the side wall portion 22g is preferably positioned on the Z-axis+ side relative to the Z-axis+ end of the roller 22f. The legs 22h support the roller 22f and the side wall portion 22g. The legs 22h are positioned at the four corners of the conveying stage 22i when viewed from the Z-axis direction.

[0074] Inside the spare chamber 11, for example, guide sections 22j may be arranged as shown in Figure 5. The guide sections 22j are positioned on both sides of the roller 22f when viewed from the Y-axis direction. The guide sections 22j are, for example, roughly rectangular plates when viewed from the X-axis direction, and the side of the guide section 22j facing the roller 22f is roughly parallel to the YZ plane.

[0075] In this case, the Z-axis+ end of the guide portion 22j is preferably positioned on the Z-axis+ side with respect to the Z-axis-side surface of the groove portion 16c in the first holding portion 16a of the first holding mechanism 16 and the Z-axis-side surface of the groove portion 16e in the second holding portion 16b of the first holding mechanism 16 in the normal state of the first support mechanism 17, and the Z-axis-side surface of the groove portion in the first holding portion of the second holding mechanism 20 and the Z-axis-side surface of the groove portion in the second holding portion of the second holding mechanism 20 in the normal state of the second support mechanism 21.

[0076] Furthermore, the X-axis-side surface of the X-axis-positive side wall portion 22g of the transport stage 22i, the X-axis-side surface of the X-axis-positive leg portion 22h of the transport stage 22i, the X-axis-side surface of the X-axis-positive guide portion 22j, the X-axis-positive surface of the groove portion 16c in the first holding portion 16a of the first holding mechanism 16 of the first support mechanism 17 in its normal state, and the X-axis-positive surface of the groove portion in the first holding portion of the second holding mechanism 20 of the second support mechanism 21 in its normal state are preferably arranged to be substantially flush with each other.

[0077] Furthermore, it is preferable that the X-axis-positive side surface of the X-axis-side side wall portion 22g of the transport stage 22i, the X-axis-positive side surface of the X-axis-side leg portion 22h of the transport stage 22i, the X-axis-positive side surface of the X-axis-side guide portion 22j, the X-axis-side surface of the groove portion 16e in the second holding portion 16b of the first holding mechanism 16 in the normal state of the first support mechanism 17, and the X-axis-side surface of the groove portion in the second holding portion of the second holding mechanism 20 in the normal state of the second support mechanism 21 are arranged to be substantially flush with each other.

[0078] The first cylinder 22b is positioned in the Y-axis-side region relative to the transport stage 22i, as shown in Figures 1 and 6, for example. The rod of the first cylinder 22b extends toward the Y-axis-side, pushing the workpiece 5 placed on the rollers 22f of the transport stage 22i into the spare chamber 11 for transport.

[0079] The second cylinder 22c is positioned on the Z-axis side relative to the transport stage 22i, as shown in Figure 1, for example. The rod of the second cylinder 22c extends on the Y-axis side, pushing the workpiece 5, which is placed inside the spare chamber 11, into the heating chamber 13.

[0080] The third cylinder 22d is positioned on the Z-axis side relative to the spare chamber 11, as shown in Figure 1, for example. The rod of the third cylinder 22d extends on the Y-axis side, pushing the workpiece 5, which is placed inside the heating chamber 13, into the cooling chamber 18.

[0081] The fourth cylinder 22e is positioned on the Z-axis side relative to the heating chamber 13, for example, as shown in Figure 1. The rod of the fourth cylinder 22e extends on the Y-axis side, pushing the workpiece 5, which is located inside the cooling chamber 18, to the outside of the brazing apparatus 1 for transport. However, the transport device 22 is not limited to the above configuration, and any configuration capable of transporting the workpiece 5 on the Y-axis side is acceptable.

[0082] As shown in Figure 2, the control device 23 controls the first opening / closing section 11a and the second opening / closing section 11b of the spare chamber 11, the exhaust section 12a and nitrogen supply section 12b of the first deoxidation device 12, the second opening / closing section 13b of the heating chamber 13, and the heater 14e of the first heating plate 14a and the heater 14g and lifting section 14c of the second heating plate 14b in the heating device 14.

[0083] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the control device 23 controls the exhaust section 15a and nitrogen supply section 15b of the second deoxidation device 15, the second opening / closing section 18b of the cooling chamber 18, the cooler 19e of the first cooling plate 19a and the cooler 19g and lifting section 19c of the second cooling plate 19b in the cooling device 19, and the first cylinder 22b, second cylinder 22c, third cylinder 22d, and fourth cylinder 22e of the conveying device 22.

[0084] Next, the brazing method for the metal plate in this embodiment (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as the brazing method) will be described. Here, in the initial state, the first opening / closing part 11a and the second opening / closing part 11b of the spare chamber 11, the second opening / closing part 13b of the heating chamber 13, and the second opening / closing part 18b of the cooling chamber 18 are assumed to be closed.

[0085] Furthermore, the first heating plate 14a and the second heating plate 14b are heated to a preset temperature, and the first cooling plate 19a and the second cooling plate 19b are cooled to a preset temperature.

[0086] First, the brazing material 4 is placed between the Z-axis positive side of the first metal plate 2 and the Z-axis negative side of the second metal plate 3, and the first metal plate 2 and the second metal plate 3 are stacked in the Z-axis direction to form the workpiece 5. Then, the workpiece 5 is placed on the rollers 22f of the transport stage 22i.

[0087] Here, Figures 7 and 8 illustrate the process of loading a workpiece into the pre-chamber of the brazing apparatus of this embodiment. Figure 9 is a view from the Y-axis side showing the workpiece being heated inside the heating chamber of the brazing apparatus of this embodiment. Note that in Figures 7 and 8, the cooling chamber and other components are omitted.

[0088] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7 and other figures, the workpiece 5 is transported while placed on the jig 24. The jig 24 has a frame shape when viewed from the Z-axis direction and can be made of, for example, graphite. In other words, the jig 24 is a substantially rectangular plate body having a substantially rectangular opening 24a approximately in the center of the jig 24 when viewed from the Z-axis direction.

[0089] The opening 24a is wide enough to expose the Z-axis-side surface of the workpiece 5. A mounting portion 24b is formed on the Z-axis-+ side surface of the jig 24 at the periphery of the opening 24a, on which the periphery of the workpiece 5 (i.e., the flange portion 5a) is placed.

[0090] In this case, the length of the jig 24 in the X-axis direction should be approximately equal to the distance in the X-axis direction between the X-axis positive side surface of the groove 16c in the first holding part 16a of the first holding mechanism 16 and the X-axis negative side surface of the groove 16e in the second holding part 16b, and the distance in the X-axis direction between the X-axis positive side surface of the groove in the first holding part of the second holding mechanism 20 and the X-axis negative side surface of the groove in the second holding part.

[0091] Furthermore, the X-axis+ end of the jig 24 should be approximately equal in shape to the groove 16c of the first holding part 16a of the first holding mechanism 16 and the groove of the first holding part of the second holding mechanism 20, and the X-axis- end of the jig 24 should be approximately equal in shape to the groove 16e of the second holding part 16b of the first holding mechanism 16 and the groove of the second holding part of the second holding mechanism 20.

[0092] When placing a workpiece 5 onto the roller 22f of a transport stage 22i via such a jig 24, first, the jig 24 is placed on the roller 22f of the transport stage 22i, and then the flange portion 5a of the workpiece 5 is placed on the mounting portion 24b of the jig 24 so that the Z-axis side surface of the workpiece 5 is exposed through the opening 24a of the jig 24.

[0093] In this case, the X-axis+ side surface of the jig 24 should be in approximate surface contact with the X-axis- side surface of the X-axis+ side wall portion 22g of the transport stage 22i, and the X-axis- side surface of the jig 24 should be in approximate surface contact with the X-axis+ side surface of the X-axis- side wall portion 22g of the transport stage 22i.

[0094] Next, the control device 23 controls the first opening / closing section 11a of the spare chamber 11 to open the first opening / closing section 11a. Then, the control device 23 controls the first cylinder 22b to extend the rod of the first cylinder 22b toward the Y-axis + side, moving the jig 24 toward the Y-axis + side along the transport roller group 22a, and transporting it into the spare chamber 11 as shown in Figure 8.

[0095] At this time, the X-axis-side surface of the X-axis-side side wall portion 22g of the transport stage 22i and the X-axis-side surface of the X-axis-side side wall portion 22g function as guide surfaces that guide the jig 24 between the Y-axis-side guide portion 22j and the Y-axis-side guide portion 22j inside the spare chamber 11.

[0096] Next, the control device 23 controls the first opening / closing section 11a of the spare chamber 11 to close the first opening / closing section 11a. Then, the control device 23 controls the exhaust section 12a and nitrogen supply section 12b of the first deoxidation device 12, and the exhaust section 15a and nitrogen supply section 15b of the second deoxidation device 15 to keep the oxygen concentration inside the spare chamber 11 and the oxygen concentration inside the heating chamber 13 below a preset oxygen concentration (for example, 50 ppm).

[0097] In this case, the control device 23 may control the exhaust section 12a and nitrogen supply section 12b of the first deoxidation device 12, and the exhaust section 15a and nitrogen supply section 15b of the second deoxidation device 15, based on the detection results of oxygen sensors and the like provided in the spare chamber 11 and the heating chamber 13.

[0098] Next, the control device 23 controls the second opening / closing section 11b of the spare chamber 11 (in other words, the first opening / closing section 13a of the heating chamber 13) to open the second opening / closing section 11b. Then, the control device 23 controls the second cylinder 22c to extend the rod of the second cylinder 22c toward the Y-axis + side, and as shown in Figure 1, moves the jig 24 toward the Y-axis + side along the transport roller group 22a to bring it into the heating chamber 13.

[0099] In this way, the oxygen concentration inside the spare chamber 11 and the oxygen concentration inside the heating chamber 13 are lower than or equal to a preset oxygen concentration before the second opening / closing section 11b of the spare chamber 11 is opened and the workpiece 5 is brought into the heating chamber 13. This makes it possible to suppress the rise in oxygen concentration inside the heating chamber 13.

[0100] At this time, the Z-axis+ end of the roller 22f is positioned at approximately the same height in the Z-axis direction as the Z-axis-side surface of the groove 16c in the first holding portion 16a and the Z-axis-side surface of the groove 16e in the second holding portion 16b of the first holding mechanism 16 in the normal state of the first support mechanism 17.

[0101] Furthermore, the Z-axis+ end of the guide portion 22j, which is located inside the spare chamber 11, is positioned on the Z-axis+ side relative to the Z-axis-side surface of the groove portion 16c in the first holding portion 16a and the Z-axis-side surface of the groove portion 16e in the second holding portion 16b of the first holding mechanism 16 in the normal state of the first support mechanism 17.

[0102] Furthermore, the X-axis-side surface of the X-axis+ guide portion 22j is positioned substantially flush with the X-axis+ side surface of the groove portion 16c in the first holding portion 16a of the first holding mechanism 16 in the normal state of the first support mechanism 17. Therefore, the X-axis-side surface of the X-axis+ guide portion 22j functions as a guiding surface that guides the X-axis+ end of the jig 24 into the groove portion 16c.

[0103] Furthermore, the X-axis-positive side surface of the X-axis-side guide portion 22j is positioned substantially flush with the X-axis-side surface of the groove portion 16e in the second holding portion 16b of the first holding mechanism 16 in the normal state of the first support mechanism 17. Therefore, the X-axis-positive side surface of the X-axis-side guide portion 22j functions as a guiding surface that guides the X-axis-side end of the jig 24 into the groove portion 16e.

[0104] As a result, as shown in Figure 6, the X-axis positive end of the jig 24 is inserted into the groove 16c of the first holding part 16a of the first holding mechanism 16, and the X-axis negative end of the jig 24 is inserted into the groove 16e of the second holding part 16b of the first holding mechanism 16, so that the workpiece 5 is positioned between the first heating plate 14a and the second heating plate 14b in a non-contact state.

[0105] In this way, when the workpiece 5 is brought into the heating chamber 13, it does not come into contact with the first heating plate 14a and the second heating plate 14b, so the occurrence of temperature distribution in the Z-axis direction of the workpiece 5 can be suppressed. This suppresses warping and distortion of the workpiece 5. At this time, when viewed from the Z-axis direction, the entire area of ​​the workpiece 5 is located inside the region where the first heating plate 14a and the second heating plate 14b are positioned.

[0106] Next, the control device 23 controls the first opening / closing section 13a of the heating chamber 13 to close the first opening / closing section 13a. Then, the control device 23 controls the lifting / lowering section 14c of the heating device 14 to move the second heating plate 14b toward the Z-axis minus side, bringing the second heating plate 14b into contact with the workpiece 5 and pushing the workpiece 5 toward the Z-axis minus side. At this time, the Z-axis plus side surface of the workpiece 5 and the Z-axis minus side surface of the second heating plate 14b should be in approximate surface contact.

[0107] As a result, the elastic bodies 17d and 17f of the first support mechanism 17 contract toward the Z-axis, while the first holding portion 16a of the first holding mechanism 16 moves toward the Z-axis along the guide pin 17c of the first support portion 17a of the first support mechanism 17, and the second holding portion 16b of the first holding mechanism 16 moves toward the Z-axis along the guide pin 17e of the second support portion 17b of the first support mechanism 17. Consequently, the workpiece 5 moves toward the Z-axis along with the jig 24.

[0108] The second heating plate 14b is moved further toward the Z-axis side so that the workpiece 5 comes into contact with the first heating plate 14a, as shown in Figure 9. At this time, the Z-axis side surface of the workpiece 5 and the Z-axis+ side surface of the first heating plate 14a should be in approximate surface contact.

[0109] As a result, the workpiece 5 is sandwiched between the first heating plate 14a and the second heating plate 14b and heated, and the brazing material 4 melts, thereby brazing the planned brazing portion of the first metal plate 2 and the planned brazing portion of the second metal plate 3.

[0110] While brazing the workpiece 5 in this manner, the control device 23 may continuously or intermittently control the exhaust section 15a and nitrogen supply section 15b of the second deoxidation device 15 so that the oxygen concentration inside the heating chamber 13 is maintained at or below a preset oxygen concentration. Here, the first heating plate 14a may have a relief section 14h formed therein, as shown in Figure 9, to prevent interference with the first holding section 16a and the second holding section 16b of the first holding mechanism 16.

[0111] Since the workpiece 5 is heated by sandwiching it between the first heating plate 14a and the second heating plate 14b in this way, the workpiece 5 can be heated much more rapidly than when the workpiece is heated in a furnace to braze the metal plates, or when a pair of heating rollers and an aluminum material are moved relative to each other to move the pair of heating rollers over the entire area to be brazed, as in Patent Document 1. As a result, the first metal plate 2 and the second metal plate 3 can be brazed reliably and quickly.

[0112] Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the first metal plate 2 and the second metal plate 3 from being exposed to high temperatures for a long period of time, thereby preventing the first metal plate 2 and the second metal plate 3 from becoming blunt and reducing their material strength and hardness.

[0113] Furthermore, the first metal plate 2 and the second metal plate 3 are brazed inside the heating chamber 13 at a preset oxygen concentration or lower. Therefore, the flux of the brazing material 4 does not hinder the removal of oxide films from the first metal plate 2 and the second metal plate 3, and the first metal plate 2 and the second metal plate 3 can be brazed well.

[0114] Furthermore, if the first heating plate 14a and the second heating plate 14b are formed from integrally molded graphite plates, the plate body (top plate) is lighter than, for example, the case where the plate body is formed from a three-layer structure of mild steel, copper plate, and stainless steel plate. Also, because no thermal resistance layer is formed, the heating time is shorter and the variation in surface temperature can be reduced. Moreover, the integrally molded graphite plate can reduce the distortion of the contact surface with the workpiece 5 compared to the case of a three-layer structure of mild steel, copper plate, and stainless steel plate.

[0115] Next, the control device 23 controls the lifting section 14c of the heating device 14 to move the second heating plate 14b towards the Z-axis + side, releasing the clamping of the workpiece 5 between the first heating plate 14a and the second heating plate 14b.

[0116] As a result, the restoring force of the elastic bodies 17d and 17f of the first support mechanism 17 causes the first holding portion 16a of the first holding mechanism 16 to move towards the Z-axis+ side along the guide pin 17c of the first support portion 17a of the first support mechanism 17, and the second holding portion 16b of the first holding mechanism 16 to move towards the Z-axis+ side along the guide pin 17e of the second support portion 17b of the first support mechanism 17. Consequently, the workpiece 5 moves towards the Z-axis+ side together with the jig 24, and the first support mechanism 17 returns to its normal height position in the Z-axis direction.

[0117] Next, the control device 23 controls the second opening / closing section 13b of the heating chamber 13 (in other words, the first opening / closing section 18a of the cooling chamber 18) to open the second opening / closing section 13b. Then, the control device 23 controls the third cylinder 22d to extend the rod of the third cylinder 22d toward the Y-axis+ side, moving the jig 24 toward the Y-axis+ side along the transport roller group 22a and bringing it into the cooling chamber 18.

[0118] At this time, when viewed from the Y-axis direction, the groove 16c of the first holding portion 16a of the first holding mechanism 16 of the first support mechanism 17 in its normal state and the groove of the first holding portion of the second holding mechanism 20 of the second support mechanism 21 in its normal state are arranged to be substantially continuous.

[0119] Furthermore, when viewed from the Y-axis direction, the groove 16e of the second holding portion 16b of the first holding mechanism 16 in the normal state of the first support mechanism 17 and the groove of the second holding portion of the second holding mechanism 20 in the normal state of the second support mechanism 21 are arranged to be substantially continuous.

[0120] Therefore, the X-axis+ end of the jig 24 is guided and inserted into the groove of the first holding part of the second holding mechanism 20, and the X-axis- end of the jig 24 is guided and inserted into the groove of the second holding part of the second holding mechanism 20, so that the workpiece 5 is positioned between the first cooling plate 19a and the second cooling plate 19b in a non-contact state with the first cooling plate 19a and the second cooling plate 19b.

[0121] In this way, when the workpiece 5 is brought into the cooling chamber 18, it does not come into contact with the first cooling plate 19a and the second cooling plate 19b, so the occurrence of temperature distribution in the Z-axis direction of the workpiece 5 can be suppressed. This suppresses warping and distortion of the workpiece 5. At this time, when viewed from the Z-axis direction, the entire area of ​​the workpiece 5 is located inside the region where the first cooling plate 19a and the second cooling plate 19b are positioned.

[0122] Next, the control device 23 controls the first opening / closing section 18a of the cooling chamber 18 to close the first opening / closing section 18a. Then, the control device 23 controls the lifting / lowering section 19c of the cooling device 19 to move the second cooling plate 19b toward the Z-axis, bringing the second cooling plate 19b into contact with the workpiece 5 and pushing the workpiece 5 toward the Z-axis. At this time, the Z-axis+ side surface of the workpiece 5 and the Z-axis- side surface of the second cooling plate 19b should be in approximate surface contact.

[0123] As a result, the first holding portion of the second holding mechanism 20 moves toward the Z-axis while being supported by the first support portion of the second support mechanism 21, and the second holding portion of the second holding mechanism 20 moves toward the Z-axis while being supported by the second support portion of the second support mechanism 21. Consequently, the workpiece 5 moves toward the Z-axis together with the jig 24.

[0124] The second cooling plate 19b is moved further towards the Z-axis minus side to bring the workpiece 5 into contact with the first cooling plate 19a. At this time, the Z-axis minus side surface of the workpiece 5 and the Z-axis plus side surface of the first cooling plate 19a should be in approximate surface contact.

[0125] As a result, the workpiece 5 is sandwiched between the first cooling plate 19a and the second cooling plate 19b and cooled. In this embodiment, the workpiece 5 can be rapidly cooled using the cooling device 19, thereby achieving so-called tempering. Therefore, compared to when the workpiece 5 is cooled naturally, the toughness of the workpiece 5 can be restored and its structure can be stabilized.

[0126] Finally, the control device 23 controls the second opening / closing section 18b of the heating chamber 13 to open the second opening / closing section 18b. Then, the control device 23 controls the fourth cylinder 22e to extend the rod of the fourth cylinder 22e toward the Y-axis + side, moving the jig 24 toward the Y-axis + side along the transport roller group 22a to transport it out of the brazing apparatus 1.

[0127] As described above, the brazing apparatus 1 and brazing method of this embodiment heat substantially the entire area of ​​the workpiece 5 by sandwiching it between the first heating plate 14a and the second heating plate 14b. Therefore, the brazing apparatus 1 and brazing method of this embodiment can reliably and rapidly heat substantially the entire area of ​​the workpiece 5, compared to the general method of heating the workpiece in a furnace to braze a metal plate, or the method described in Patent Document 1, which involves moving a pair of heating rollers and an aluminum material relative to each other to move the pair of heating rollers over the entire area to be brazed. Thus, the brazing apparatus 1 and brazing method of this embodiment can realize a highly feasible brazing method and brazing apparatus.

[0128] In particular, the brazing apparatus 1 and brazing method of this embodiment can reliably and quickly braze the first metal plate 2 and the second metal plate 3, even if, for example, the planar area of ​​the first metal plate 2 and the second metal plate 3 is large when viewed from the Z-axis direction, and the area to be brazed is located over a wide area of ​​the first metal plate 2 and the second metal plate 3.

[0129] Here, if a new workpiece 5 is brought into the spare chamber 11 while the workpiece 5 is being heated in the heating chamber 13, and the oxygen concentration inside the spare chamber 11 is kept below a predetermined oxygen concentration, the productivity of the brazing operation of the workpiece 5 can be improved. Also, if the workpiece 5 is heated in the heating chamber 13 while the workpiece is being cooled in the cooling chamber 18, the productivity of the brazing operation of the workpiece 5 can be improved.

[0130] In this embodiment, the first holding portion 16a and the second holding portion 16b of the first holding mechanism 16 are supported so as to be able to move up and down in the Z-axis direction, but the first holding portion 16a and the second holding portion 16b of the first holding mechanism 16 may be supported so as not to be able to move up and down in the Z-axis direction.

[0131] In short, the brazing apparatus 1 should be configured such that when the workpiece 5 is brought into the heating chamber 13, the workpiece 5 is held by the first holding mechanism 16 and positioned between the first heating plate 14a and the second heating plate 14b in a non-contact state. In this case, it is preferable that both the first heating plate 14a and the second heating plate 14b are configured to be able to move up and down in the Z-axis direction.

[0132] Similarly, in this embodiment, the first and second holding parts of the second holding mechanism 20 are supported so as to be able to move up and down in the Z-axis direction, but the first and second holding parts of the second holding mechanism 20 may be supported so as not to be able to move up and down in the Z-axis direction.

[0133] In short, the brazing apparatus 1 should be configured such that when the workpiece 5 is brought into the cooling chamber 18, the workpiece 5 is held by the second holding mechanism 20 and positioned between the first cooling plate 19a and the second cooling plate 19b in a non-contact state. In this case, it is preferable that both the first cooling plate 19a and the second cooling plate 19b are configured to be able to move up and down in the Z-axis direction.

[0134] Furthermore, although the workpiece 5 is placed on the jig 24 in this embodiment, the jig 24 may be omitted, and the X-axis + end of the workpiece 5 may be directly inserted into the groove 16c of the first holding part 16a of the first holding mechanism 16, and the X-axis - end of the workpiece 5 may be directly inserted into the groove 16e of the second holding part 16b of the first holding mechanism 16, or the X-axis + end of the workpiece 5 may be directly inserted into the groove of the first holding part of the second holding mechanism 20, and the X-axis - end of the workpiece 5 may be directly inserted into the groove of the second holding part of the second holding mechanism 20.

[0135] <Embodiment 2> Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the process of brazing a metal plate using the brazing apparatus of this embodiment. As shown in Figure 10, the brazing apparatus 31 of this embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the brazing apparatus 1 of Embodiment 1, so redundant explanations are omitted, and the same reference numerals are used to describe the same components.

[0136] As shown in Figure 10, the brazing apparatus 31 of this embodiment has a configuration that omits the first holding mechanism 16, the first support mechanism 17, the second holding mechanism 20, and the second support mechanism 21 compared to the brazing apparatus 1 of Embodiment 1. In this case, the Z-axis+ end of the roller 22f of the conveying device 22 is preferably positioned at approximately the same height as the Z-axis+ side surface of the first heating plate 14a of the heating device 14 and the Z-axis+ side surface of the first cooling plate 19a of the cooling device 19.

[0137] In this embodiment, in order to suppress the occurrence of temperature distribution in the Z-axis direction of the workpiece 5, the workpiece 5 is transported while being restrained by a restraining jig 32. Figure 11 is a YZ cross-sectional view showing the workpiece being held by the restraining jig. Figure 12 is a perspective view showing the restraining jig before it is assembled.

[0138] First, the configuration of the restraint jig 32 in this embodiment will be described. The restraint jig 32 includes, for example, a first restraint plate 32a, a second restraint plate 32b, a first clamp 32c, and a second clamp 32d, as shown in Figures 11 and 12.

[0139] The first restraint plate 32a has a size that can cover substantially the entire area of ​​the workpiece 5 when viewed from the Z-axis direction, and the Z-axis+ side and Z-axis- side faces of the first restraint plate 32a are flat surfaces substantially parallel to the XY plane. For example, the first restraint plate 32a is substantially rectangular when viewed from the Z-axis direction.

[0140] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, a first notch 32e is formed along the Y-axis+ side of the first restraint plate 32a on the Y-axis+ side and the Z-axis- side portion of the first restraint plate 32a. Furthermore, a second notch 32f is formed along the Y-axis- side of the first restraint plate 32a on the Y-axis- side and the Z-axis- side portion of the first restraint plate 32a.

[0141] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the second restraint plate 32b has a line-symmetric configuration with respect to the first restraint plate 32a when viewed from the X-axis direction, with respect to the Y-axis. Therefore, a detailed explanation will be omitted, but the Z-axis+ side and Z-axis- side faces of the second restraint plate 32b are flat surfaces substantially parallel to the XY plane, and it is equipped with a first notch 32g and a second notch 32h.

[0142] The first clamp 32c clamps the Y-axis+ side portion of the first restraint plate 32a and the Y-axis+ side portion of the second restraint plate 32b in order to maintain the state in which the workpiece 5 is sandwiched between the first restraint plate 32a and the second restraint plate 32b. The first clamp 32c is, for example, a C-shaped channel member extending in the X-axis direction, as shown in Figures 11 and 12.

[0143] In other words, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, the first clamp 32c comprises a vertical portion 32i substantially parallel to the XZ plane, a first horizontal portion 32j protruding from the Z-axis positive end of the vertical portion 32i toward the Y-axis negative side, and a second horizontal portion 32k protruding from the Z-axis negative end of the vertical portion 32i toward the Y-axis negative side.

[0144] In this case, the length of the first horizontal portion 32j in the Y-axis direction is approximately equal to the length of the first notch portion 32g of the second restraint plate 32b in the Y-axis direction, as shown in Figure 11, and the height of the first horizontal portion 32j in the Z-axis direction is approximately equal to the height of the first notch portion 32g of the second restraint plate 32b in the Z-axis direction.

[0145] Furthermore, the length of the second horizontal portion 32k in the Y-axis direction is preferably approximately equal to the length of the first notch 32e of the first restraint plate 32a in the Y-axis direction, as shown in Figure 11, and the height of the second horizontal portion 32k in the Z-axis direction is preferably approximately equal to the height of the first notch 32e of the first restraint plate 32a in the Z-axis direction.

[0146] As shown in Figure 11, the second clamp 32d clamps the Y-axis-side portion of the first restraint plate 32a and the Y-axis-side portion of the second restraint plate 32b in order to maintain the state in which the workpiece 5 is sandwiched between the first restraint plate 32a and the second restraint plate 32b.

[0147] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the second clamp 32d has a symmetrical configuration with respect to the first clamp 32c when viewed from the X-axis direction, with respect to the Z-axis. Therefore, a detailed explanation is omitted, but it comprises a vertical section 32l, a first horizontal section 32m, and a second horizontal section 32n.

[0148] These first restraint plate 32a, second restraint plate 32b, first clamp 32c, and second clamp 32d, as will be described in detail later, have heat resistance so as not to deform when the restraint jig 32 is sandwiched between the first heating plate 14a and the second heating plate 14b and heated.

[0149] At this time, the first restraint plate 32a, the second restraint plate 32b, the first clamp 32c, and the second clamp 32d have a thermal conductivity (for example, the thermal conductivity of iron (80 W / m·K)) and heat capacity (for example, the heat capacity of aluminum (2.5 J / cm²)) that do not hinder the heat input from the first heating plate 14a and the second heating plate 14b to the workpiece 5. 3 It is preferable that the composition is greater than or equal to that of isotropic graphite.

[0150] Next, the process of restraining the workpiece 5 with the restraint jig 32 of this embodiment will be explained. Figures 13(a) to 13(d) are diagrams illustrating the process of restraining the workpiece with the restraint jig. First, as shown in Figure 13(a), the workpiece 5 is placed between the first restraint plate 32a and the second restraint plate 32b. Then, as shown in Figure 13(b), the workpiece 5 is placed on the first restraint plate 32a.

[0151] Next, as shown in Figure 13(c), the workpiece 5 is sandwiched between the first restraint plate 32a and the second restraint plate 32b. Then, the first horizontal portion 32j of the first clamp 32c is fitted into the first notch 32g of the second restraint plate 32b, and the second horizontal portion 32k of the first clamp 32c is fitted into the first notch 32e of the first restraint plate 32a.

[0152] Furthermore, the first horizontal portion 32m of the second clamp 32d is fitted into the second notch portion 32h of the second restraint plate 32b, and the second horizontal portion 32n of the second clamp 32d is fitted into the second notch portion 32f of the first restraint plate 32a.

[0153] As a result, the workpiece 5 can be restrained by the restraint jig 32, as shown in Figure 13(d). At this time, the Z-axis+ side surface of the first restraint plate 32a is in substantially surface contact with the Z-axis- side surface of the first metal plate 2, and the Z-axis- side surface of the second restraint plate 32b is in substantially surface contact with the Z-axis+ side surface of the second metal plate 3.

[0154] The workpiece 5, restrained by the restraining jig 32, is placed on the rollers 22f of the transport stage 22i. The workpiece 5 is then transported by the transport device 22 via the restraining jig 32, while the workpiece 5 is heated for brazing and then cooled.

[0155] At this time, since the workpiece 5 is restrained by the restraining jig 32, even if a large temperature distribution occurs in the Z-axis direction of the workpiece 5 when the workpiece 5 is placed on the first heating plate 14a of the heating device 14 or the first cooling plate 19a of the cooling device 19, warping and distortion of the first metal plate 2 and the second metal plate 3 can be suppressed.

[0156] Here, the brazing apparatus 31 may be equipped with a positioning unit for positioning the workpiece 5 relative to the first heating plate 14a when the workpiece 5, which is restrained by the restraining jig 32, is brought into the heating chamber 13. Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of positioning pins in the positioning unit.

[0157] As shown in Figure 14, the positioning unit 33 is equipped with a plurality of positioning pins 33a. The positioning pins 33a are arranged on the first heating plate 14a such that both sides of the corner of the restraining jig 32 on the Y-axis side, when viewed from the Z-axis direction, are in contact, and move up and down in the Z-axis direction by a lifting mechanism (not shown).

[0158] When positioning the workpiece 5 using such a positioning unit 33, as shown in Figure 14, by bringing the restraining jig 32 that restrains the workpiece 5 into the heating chamber 13 and bringing the positioning pins 33a into contact with both sides of the corner of the restraining jig 32, the workpiece 5 can be positioned via the restraining jig 32 in approximately the center of the first heating plate 14a when viewed from the Z-axis direction.

[0159] This ensures that the workpiece 5 is reliably positioned within the area where the first heating plate 14a and the second heating plate 14b are located, when viewed from the Z-axis direction. When heating the workpiece 5 is complete and it is time to remove it to the cooling chamber 18, the positioning pin 33a should be moved towards the Z-axis using the lifting mechanism.

[0160] The shape of the restraint jig 32 in this embodiment is illustrative and can be changed as appropriate depending on the shape of the workpiece 5, as long as it is a shape that can make surface contact with the workpiece 5. Also, the shape of the positioning pin 33a may be a block shape or a column shape that extends in the Z-axis direction. In this embodiment, the workpiece 5 is restrained and transported by the restraint jig 32, but the restraint jig 32 may be omitted.

[0161] <Examples> As shown in Figure 15, the test workpiece 101 was constructed using a first metal plate and a second metal plate made of 6 mm thick A6T02, with the brazing material made of A4045. The test workpiece 101 is rectangular in shape with sides of 300 mm. The dashed lines in Figure 15 represent the voids in the test workpiece 101.

[0162] Using such a test workpiece 101, the test workpiece 101 was sandwiched between a first heating plate and a second heating plate in a furnace and heated and brazed. Here, the temperature inside the furnace was set to 620°C, the first and second heating plates were made of SUS plates, and the pressure applied to the test workpiece 101 by the first and second heating plates was set to 79.6N.

[0163] On the other hand, as a comparative example, test workpiece 101 was heated in a furnace without being sandwiched between the first and second heating plates and then brazed. The relationship between temperature and time at corners A, B, C, and D of test workpiece 101 was then compared between the example and the comparative example. As a result, as shown in Figure 16, it was found that the example showed faster heating and smaller temperature variation at each part A, B, C, and D of test workpiece 101 compared to the comparative example.

[0164] Furthermore, the differences in the diffusion of the brazing material into the first and second metal plates between the example and the comparative example were compared. Here, Figure 17 shows the diffusion state of the brazing material into the first and second metal plates in the example. Figure 18 shows the diffusion state of the brazing material into the first and second metal plates in the comparative example.

[0165] As can be seen by comparing Figures 17 and 18, the diffusion of the brazing material in the example into the first and second metal plates was found to be smaller than the diffusion of the brazing material in the comparative example into the first and second metal plates. Furthermore, grain coarsening near the brazing area was suppressed compared to the comparative example.

[0166] Furthermore, the hardness of the first and second metal plates after brazing was compared between the example and the comparative example. As is clear from Figure 19, the hardness of the first and second metal plates in the example was found to be harder than that of the first and second metal plates in the comparative example.

[0167] Furthermore, the tensile strength of the brazed test workpiece 101 from the example and the comparative example was compared. As is clear from Figure 20, the tensile strength of the brazed test workpiece 101 from the example was found to be higher than that of the brazed test workpiece 101 from the comparative example.

[0168] These comparative results show that, compared to the comparative example, the first and second metal plates are exposed to high temperatures for a shorter time during brazing, and temperature variations can be suppressed, resulting in brazing with superior hardness and tensile strength.

[0169] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and may be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0170] For example, the brazing apparatus of the above embodiment includes a spare chamber 11 and a cooling chamber 18, but these may be omitted. In short, the brazing method and brazing apparatus of the present disclosure heat a workpiece 5, in which a first metal plate 2 and a second metal plate 3 are stacked via a brazing material 4, inside a heating chamber 13 with an oxygen concentration below a preset level, by sandwiching the workpiece 5 between a first heating plate 14a and a second heating plate 14b so as to cover the entire workpiece 5 when viewed from the thickness direction of the workpiece 5, thereby brazing the first metal plate 2 and the second metal plate 3 via the brazing material 4.

[0171] For example, the shapes of the first heating plate 14a, the second heating plate 14b, the first cooling plate 19a, and the second cooling plate 19b in the above embodiment are illustrative examples, and any shape that can make surface contact with the workpiece 5 or the restraining jig 32 is acceptable, and can be appropriately changed depending on the shape of the workpiece 5 or the restraining jig 32. For example, the brazing apparatus 1 of the above embodiment 1 does not have a positioning unit 33, but it may have a positioning unit 33. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0172] 1. Brazing apparatus for metal plates 2 First metal plate, 2a recess 3. Second metal plate, 3a. Recess 4. Brazing material 5 Workpiece, 5a Flange section 11 Spare chamber, 11a First opening / closing section, 11b Second opening / closing section, 11c Stirring section 12 First deoxidation unit, 12a Exhaust section, 12c Exhaust pipe, 12b Nitrogen supply section, 12d Supply pipe 13 Heating chamber, 13a First opening / closing section, 13b Second opening / closing section 14 Heating device 14a First heating plate, 14d Top plate, 14e Heater 14b Second heating plate, 14f Top plate, 14g Heater 14c Lifting section 14h Escape Club 15 Second deoxidation unit, 15a Exhaust section, 15c Exhaust pipe, 15b Nitrogen supply section, 15d Supply pipe 16. First holding mechanism 16a First retaining portion, 16c Groove portion, 16d Guide wall 16b Second retaining portion, 16e Groove portion, 16f Guide wall 17. First support mechanism 17a First support part, 17c Guide pin, 17d Elastic body 17b Second support part, 17e Guide pin, 17f Elastic body 18 Cooling chamber, 18a First opening / closing section, 18b Second opening / closing section 19 Cooling device 19a First cooling plate, 19d Plate body, 19e Cooler 19b Second cooling plate, 19f Plate body, 19g Cooler 19c Lifting section 20 Second holding mechanism 21. Second support mechanism 22 Conveying device 22a Conveyor roller group 22b First cylinder 22c Second cylinder 22d Third cylinder 22e Fourth cylinder 22f roller 22g side wall 22h legs 22i transport stage 22j Guide Section 23 Control device 24 Jig, 24a Opening, 24b Mounting section 31. Brazing apparatus for metal plates 32 Restraint fixtures 32a First restraint plate, 32e First notch, 32f Second notch 32b Second restraint plate, 32g First notch, 32h Second notch 32c First clamp, 32i Vertical section, 32j First horizontal section, 32k Second horizontal section 32d Second clamp, 32l Vertical section, 32m First horizontal section, 32n Second horizontal section 33 Positioning section, 33a Positioning pin 101 Test Work

Claims

1. A method of brazing metal plates together using a brazing material, A step of transporting a workpiece in which the metal plates are stacked via the brazing material into a spare chamber which is continuous with the heating chamber via a first opening / closing section, With the first opening / closing section closed, the process involves setting the oxygen concentration inside the reserve chamber to a predetermined level or lower. With the first opening / closing section closed, the process involves making the inside of the heating chamber below the oxygen concentration, The steps include opening the first opening / closing section and bringing the workpiece into the heating chamber while the oxygen concentration inside the pre-chamber and the heating chamber are below the specified level, The process involves heating the workpiece inside a heating chamber with an oxygen concentration below the aforementioned level, sandwiching the workpiece between a first heating plate and a second heating plate so as to cover the entire workpiece when viewed from the thickness direction, and brazing the metal plate via the brazing material. The process involves bringing the brazed workpiece into a cooling chamber located on the opposite side of the heating chamber from the spare chamber via a second opening / closing section, and cooling the workpiece by sandwiching it between a first cooling plate and a second cooling plate so that the entire surface of the workpiece is covered when viewed from the thickness direction of the workpiece, A method for brazing metal plates, comprising [a specific component].

2. The process involves holding both ends of the workpiece within the heating chamber in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the workpiece and perpendicular to the direction in which the workpiece is brought into the heating chamber, and positioning the workpiece between the first heating plate and the second heating plate in a non-contact state with the first heating plate and the second heating plate. A step of heating the workpiece by sandwiching it between the first heating plate and the second heating plate while both ends of the workpiece are held by the holding portion, A method for brazing a metal plate according to claim 1, comprising the following:

3. A step of restraining the workpiece by sandwiching it between a first restraining plate and a second restraining plate from the thickness direction of the workpiece, A step of transporting the workpiece into the heating chamber while the workpiece is sandwiched between the first restraint plate and the second restraint plate, A step of heating the workpiece, which is sandwiched between the first restraint plate and the second restraint plate, by sandwiching it between the first heating plate and the second heating plate via the first restraint plate and the second restraint plate, A method for brazing a metal plate according to claim 1 or 2, comprising:

4. A method for brazing a metal plate according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising the step of bringing the workpiece into contact with a positioning unit located inside the heating chamber when the workpiece is brought into the heating chamber, thereby positioning the workpiece with respect to the first heating plate.

5. A method of brazing metal plates together using a brazing material, The process involves holding both ends of a workpiece, in which metal plates are stacked via brazing material inside a heating chamber with an oxygen concentration below a predetermined level, in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the workpiece and perpendicular to the direction in which the workpiece is brought into the heating chamber, by a holding part, and positioning the workpiece between the first heating plate and the second heating plate in a non-contact state with the first heating plate and the second heating plate, With both ends of the workpiece held by the holding portion, the workpiece is sandwiched between the first heating plate and the second heating plate so as to cover the entire surface of the workpiece when viewed from the thickness direction of the workpiece, and heated, thereby brazing the metal plate via the brazing material. A method for brazing metal plates, comprising [a specific component].

6. A method of brazing metal plates together using a brazing material, The process includes heating a workpiece in which metal plates are stacked via brazing material inside a heating chamber with an oxygen concentration below a predetermined level, by sandwiching the workpiece between a first heating plate and a second heating plate so as to cover the entire workpiece when viewed from the thickness direction of the workpiece, thereby brazing the metal plates via the brazing material. A method for brazing a metal plate, wherein when the workpiece is brought into the heating chamber, the workpiece is brought into contact with a positioning part located inside the heating chamber, thereby positioning the workpiece relative to the first heating plate.

7. A device for brazing metal plates together using a brazing material, A heating chamber into which a workpiece in which the metal plates are stacked via the brazing material is brought; A first deoxidation device for deoxidizing the oxygen inside the heating chamber, A first heating plate and a second heating plate are arranged inside the heating chamber, A spare chamber continuous with the aforementioned heating chamber, A first opening / closing section is located between the aforementioned spare chamber and the aforementioned heating chamber, A second deoxidation device for deoxidizing the oxygen inside the aforementioned pre-chamber, A conveying device for transporting the aforementioned workpiece, A cooling chamber is located on the opposite side of the heating chamber from the spare chamber, into which the brazed workpiece is brought; A second opening / closing section is disposed between the heating chamber and the cooling chamber, A first cooling plate and a second cooling plate are arranged inside the cooling chamber, Equipped with, With the oxygen concentration inside the pre-chamber into which the workpiece has been brought and the oxygen concentration inside the heating chamber below a predetermined level, the first opening / closing part is opened and the workpiece is brought into the heating chamber. With the inside of the heating chamber at or below the oxygen concentration, the first heating plate and the second heating plate are used to sandwich and heat the workpiece so that they cover the entire workpiece when viewed from the thickness direction of the workpiece, and the metal plate is brazed via the brazing material. A metal plate brazing apparatus comprising a first cooling plate and a second cooling plate that sandwich and cool a workpiece such that the workpiece is covered in its entirety when viewed from the thickness direction of the workpiece.

8. The metal plate brazing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the first heating plate and the second heating plate each comprise a integrally molded graphite plate and a heater disposed inside the graphite plate.

9. The heating chamber is located inside the heating chamber and includes a holding portion that holds both ends of the workpiece in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the workpiece and perpendicular to the direction in which the workpiece is brought into the heating chamber. The metal plate brazing apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, wherein when the holding portion holds both ends of the workpiece, the workpiece can be positioned between the first heating plate and the second heating plate in a non-contact state with the first heating plate and the second heating plate.

10. The metal plate brazing apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, further comprising a positioning unit for positioning the workpiece inside the heating chamber.

11. The device comprises a first restraint plate and a second restraint plate that clamp the workpiece and restrain the workpiece, The metal plate brazing apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the first restraining plate and the second restraining plate are brought into the heating chamber with the workpiece sandwiched between them.

12. The metal plate brazing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the first restraint plate and the second restraint plate have a thermal conductivity greater than or equal to that of iron and a heat capacity greater than or equal to that of aluminum.

13. A device for brazing metal plates together using a brazing material, A heating chamber into which a workpiece in which the metal plates are stacked via the brazing material is brought; A deoxidation device for deoxidizing the oxygen inside the heating chamber, A first heating plate and a second heating plate are arranged inside the heating chamber, A holding portion is positioned inside the heating chamber and holds both ends of the workpiece in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the workpiece and perpendicular to the direction in which the workpiece is brought into the heating chamber, Equipped with, When the holding portion holds both ends of the workpiece, the workpiece can be positioned between the first heating plate and the second heating plate in a non-contact state with the first heating plate and the second heating plate. A metal plate brazing apparatus comprising: heating a workpiece by sandwiching it between the first heating plate and the second heating plate such that the oxygen concentration inside the heating chamber is below a preset level, and the workpiece is heated so that it covers the entire surface of the workpiece when viewed from the thickness direction of the workpiece, thereby brazing the metal plate via the brazing material.

14. A device for brazing metal plates together using a brazing material, A heating chamber into which a workpiece in which the metal plates are stacked via the brazing material is brought; A deoxidation device for deoxidizing the oxygen inside the heating chamber, A first heating plate and a second heating plate are arranged inside the heating chamber, A positioning unit for positioning the workpiece inside the heating chamber, Equipped with, A metal plate brazing apparatus comprising: heating a workpiece by sandwiching it between the first heating plate and the second heating plate such that the oxygen concentration inside the heating chamber is below a preset level, and the workpiece is heated so that it covers the entire surface of the workpiece when viewed from the thickness direction of the workpiece, thereby brazing the metal plate via the brazing material.

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