DE102016221110B4 - Welding tool and friction stir welding method for connecting at least two workpieces by means of a welding tool - Google Patents

Abstract

Welding tool (1) comprising: a housing device (3) having a first opening (6) for passing a tool stirring bolt (5); a tool base (4) having a tool holder (7) for receiving a tool stirring bolt (5), the tool base (4 ) is received in the housing device (3); anda contact element (16) which has a second opening (17) and is arranged externally on the housing device (3) such that the tool stir bolt (5) passes through the first opening (6) of the housing device (3) and through the second opening (3). 17) of the contact element (16) can be passed to the outside, wherein the second opening (17) of the contact element (16) is smaller than the first opening (6) of the housing device (3) and the contact element (16) is designed such Force the Werkzeugrührbolzens (5) on contact with the Werkzeugrührbolzen (5) record.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The invention relates to a welding tool for connecting at least two components by means of friction stir welding, and a friction stir welding method for connecting at least two workpieces by means of a welding tool. As components, in particular aircraft components such as stringers, frames, and / or aircraft skin parts can be connected to one another by friction stir welding by means of the welding tool.

BACKGROUND

In friction stir welding, friction energy is generated by a wear-resistant rotating tool. Such a tool has a Werkzeugrührbolzen, which consists of a shoulder and a pin. The tool stirring pin is pressed into the workpiece material in a rotating manner in the joining area until the shoulder is in contact with the workpiece surface.

From the DE 10 2005 032 170 A1 Furthermore, a friction stir welding tool is known, which is mounted on a machine spindle via a standard interface, such as a hollow shaft taper. Known friction stir welding tools consist essentially of a tool body and a Werkzeugrührbolzen, the latter being composed of a shoulder and a pin, which are firmly connected together. The attachment of the tool body takes place in a tool holder, such as a collet or a chuck for cylindrical shanks according to DIN 1835 Part 1 and 2.

Furthermore, from the US 2007/0241163 A1 a device for welding a workpiece is known, which has a welding head and a rotating tool. The welding head has a recessed portion and one end of the welding head is brought into contact with the surface of the workpiece to be welded.

From the US 2004/0079787 A1 is a discontinuous friction stir welding known. The friction stir welding device in this case has a tool with a shoulder portion which has a large diameter, and a pin portion with a small diameter, which extends in the axial direction.

In the WO 2006/073720 A1 a Druckfußklemmvorrichtung is disclosed for a Rührreibschweißvorrichtung.

From the DE 698 05 089 T2 For example, a welding apparatus is known for joining workpieces together along a joint between the workpieces by means of friction stir welding. The welding apparatus includes a welding probe to be moved along the joint in the welding operation and a body and a pin. The body is arranged so that it is pressed against the top of the workpiece during the welding process.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Against this background, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved welding tool.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a welding tool having the features of patent claim 1.

• eine Gehäuseeinrichtung mit einer ersten Öffnung zum Hindurchführen eines Werkzeugrührbolzens;
• ein Werkzeuggrundkörper mit einer Werkzeugaufnahme zum Aufnehmen eines Werkzeugrührbolzens, wobei der Werkzeuggrundkörper in der Gehäuseeinrichtung aufgenommen ist; und
• ein Kontaktelement, welches eine zweite Öffnung oder Kontaktöffnung aufweist und außen derart an der Gehäuseeinrichtung angeordnet ist, dass der Werkzeugrührbolzen durch die erste Öffnung der Gehäuseeinrichtung und durch die zweite Öffnung des Kontaktelements nach außen hindurchführbar ist, wobei die zweite Öffnung des Kontaktelements kleiner als die erste Öffnung der Gehäuseeinrichtung ausgebildet ist und das Kontaktelement derart ausgebildet ist, eine Kraft des Werkzeugrührbolzens bei Kontakt mit dem Werkzeugrührbolzen aufzunehmen.

Accordingly, a welding tool is provided, comprising:

• a housing means having a first opening for passing a Werkzeugrührbolzens;
• a tool base with a tool holder for receiving a tool stirring bolt, wherein the tool base is received in the housing means; and
• a contact element which has a second opening or contact opening and is arranged externally on the housing device in such a way that the tool stir bolt can be guided outward through the first opening of the housing device and through the second opening of the contact element, wherein the second opening of the contact element is smaller than the first Opening of the housing device is formed and the contact element is designed to receive a force of the Werkzeugrührbolzens in contact with the Werkzeugrührbolzen.

The welding tool has the advantage that the tool stir pin, when bent or deflected during the welding operation, contacts the contact element and not the housing device. Thereby, the force of the Werkzeugrührbolzens is received by the contact element and not by the housing device. This has the advantage that the housing device heats up less and thus damage to the housing device can be prevented.

The knowledge / idea underlying the present invention is to provide a welding tool that the force on the housing device, which in a contact of the Tool stir pin is applied by bending the Werkzeugrührbolzens on the housing means of the welding tool to absorb and prevent excessive heating and damage to the housing device.

Advantageous embodiments and further developments will become apparent from the other dependent claims and from the description with reference to the figures of the drawing.

In one embodiment of the invention, the contact element is dimensioned and / or made of a material such that the contact element at least deforms, breaks off, bends or tears in contact with the Werkzeugrührbolzen in the contact area, the force of the Werkzeugrührbolzens in contact with the Werkzeugrührbolzen to absorb and in particular reduce. For example, the contact element may be formed sufficiently thin at least in the region of its second opening or contact opening, so that the contact element yields or contracts or tears off in the contact area with the tool stirring bolt. Thereby, the power of the Werkzeugrührbolzens can be added and the power can be reduced to the welding tool.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the size of the second opening of the contact element is selected such that on the one hand no or as little material as possible can penetrate through the second opening into the interior of the housing means and on the other hand the Werkzeugrührbolzen with the second opening of the contact element only in contact comes when the Werkzeugrührbolzen bends, for example, when the longitudinal axis of the Werkzeugrührbolzens bends by a predetermined angle or threshold angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the tool body and its tool holder. The size of the second opening or contact opening of the contact element can thus be dimensioned such that the Werkzeugrührbolzen, for example, only if he has deformed in a certain or sufficiently strong extent or has deflected relative to its longitudinal axis in the initial state, the second opening of the contact element touches. In this way, a deflection or deflection of the Werkzeugrührbolzens does not lead to an immediate contact with the contact element, but only when the deflection or deflection of the Werkzeugrührbolzens exceeds a predetermined threshold or threshold angle.

In another embodiment of the invention, the size of the opening of the contact element is selected such that no or so little material can penetrate from the outside through the opening of the contact element into the interior of the housing device. Thereby, it can be prevented that the inside of the housing device becomes dirty and the welding tool is damaged.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the contact element is fixedly or detachably attached to the welding tool and in particular the housing device. For example, the contact element by screws, pinning, bolting, latching and / or clipping, etc. on the housing device releasably secured and thus be replaceable. Furthermore, the contact element by welding, soldering and / or gluing, etc., be attached to the housing device insoluble. However, the invention is not limited to the examples mentioned for a detachable or non-detachable attachment of the contact element to the welding tool.

In one embodiment of the invention, the contact element is detachably received in a receptacle of the welding tool. The receptacle consists for example of two receiving parts, which have on their inside a groove or depression, for receiving the contact element. The receiving parts can be separated from each other for receiving the contact element and then releasably secured to each other, for example, the receiving parts can be locked together so that the contact element can be securely held in the recording during the friction stir welding. However, the invention is not limited to this embodiment of a recording. Any other receptacle can be provided which is suitable for detachably and thus interchangeably receiving the associated contact element, for example a ring element or a polygonal and / or oval contact element, and holding it during friction stir welding and preventing unwanted removal from the receptacle.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a thermal insulation, for example a thermally insulating layer, is provided between the contact element and the housing device. The thermal insulation has the advantage that heating of the housing device can be counteracted.

In another embodiment of the invention, the contact element has a cylindrical second opening, a stepped, for example cylindrically stepped second opening or a second opening with at least one conical section. Contact elements with such second openings or contact openings are particularly simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the opening of the metal sheet is formed of a plurality of tabs, wherein a respective tab is bendable in contact with the Werkzeugrührbolzen and if it is again zurückfederbar again out of contact with the Werkzeugrührbolzen, preferably spring back to its original position. Such a contact element of a metal sheet, such as a sheet metal ring with tabs, is also particularly simple and inexpensive to manufacture. Furthermore, the diameter of the second opening or contact opening of the metal sheet formed from the tabs remains when the tabs spring back again after contact with the tool stirring bolt, in particular springing back to its starting position. In this way, undesired penetration of material from the outside through the second opening or contact opening into the interior of the housing device can be prevented particularly well.

In one embodiment of the invention, the contact element is made of a flexible and / or elastic material, for example hard rubber, from a brittle material which breaks off on contact with the tool stirring bolt, and / or a porous material, for example a large-pored metal sintered material.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a longitudinal axis of the first opening or passage opening of the housing device, a longitudinal axis of the second opening of the contact element, a longitudinal axis of the tool body and its tool holder and / or a longitudinal axis of the Werkzeugrührbolzens in the initial state coaxial or offset from each other, wherein the Werkzeugrührbolzen in the initial state can be passed through the two openings. For example, the longitudinal axis of the first opening of the housing device and the longitudinal axis of the second opening of the contact element may be arranged offset from one another such that the longitudinal axis of the second opening of the contact element is offset against the direction of movement of the Werkzeugrührbolzens to the first opening of the housing means, since the Werkzeugrührbolzen is bent or deflected contrary to its direction of movement.

In one embodiment of the invention, the contact element is polygonal, round and / or oval formed with the second opening or contact opening for passing the Werkzeugrührbolzens. However, the invention is not limited to these examples of the shape of the second opening or contact opening.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the contact element is designed as a ring element, which has the second opening or contact opening for passing the Werkzeugrührbolzens. Such a ring element is particularly cost-effective, since it already has a second opening or contact opening and does not have to be provided with an additional opening.

Furthermore, in one embodiment of the invention, a friction stir welding method for connecting at least two workpieces, in particular two components of an aircraft or spacecraft, by means of a welding tool according to the invention is provided.

list of figures

• 1 eine schematische Schnittansicht eines Schweißwerkzeugs zum Verbinden von wenigstens zwei Werkstücken mittels Rührreibschweißens gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform der Erfindung;
• 2 eine Draufsicht auf ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel eines Ringelement zum Einsatz bei dem erfindungsgemäßen Schweißwerkzeug gemäß 1 und eine Schnittansicht des Ringelements;
• 3 eine schematische Schnittansicht eines Schweißwerkzeugs zum Verbinden von wenigstens zwei Werkstücken mittels Rührreibschweißens gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform der Erfindung;
• 4 eine schematische Schnittansicht eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels des Schweißwerkzeugs gemäß der zweiten Ausführungsform der Erfindung; und
• 5 eine schematische Schnittansicht eines Schweißwerkzeugs zum Verbinden von wenigstens zwei Werkstücken mittels Rührreibschweißens gemäß einer dritten Ausführungsform der Erfindung.

The present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments indicated in the schematic figures of the drawings. It shows:

• 1 a schematic sectional view of a welding tool for connecting at least two workpieces by friction stir welding according to a first embodiment of the invention;
• 2 a plan view of a further embodiment of a ring element for use in the welding tool according to the invention according to 1 and a sectional view of the ring member;
• 3 a schematic sectional view of a welding tool for connecting at least two workpieces by friction stir welding according to a second embodiment of the invention;
• 4 a schematic sectional view of another embodiment of the welding tool according to the second embodiment of the invention; and
• 5 a schematic sectional view of a welding tool for connecting at least two workpieces by friction stir welding according to a third embodiment of the invention.

The accompanying drawings are intended to provide further understanding of the embodiments of the invention. They illustrate embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain principles and concepts of the invention. Other embodiments and many of the stated advantages will become apparent with reference to the drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale to each other.

In the figures of the drawing are identical, functionally identical and equivalent elements, Features and components - unless otherwise stated - each provided with the same reference numerals.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In 1 is a highly simplified, purely schematic and not to scale sectional view of a welding tool 1 for connecting at least two workpieces 2 by friction stir welding according to a first embodiment of the invention.

The process sequence in friction stir welding can be subdivided essentially into the following steps. In a first step, the rotating tool is pressed with its Werkzeugrührbolzen with high force in a joint until the shoulder of the Werkzeugrührbolzens on the component surface comes to rest. During the second step, the rotating tool stir bar dwells at the dip site. Due to the friction between the shoulder of the Werkzeugrührbolzens and the joining partners, the material heats under the shoulder of the Werkzeugrührbolzens until just below the melting point. This increase in temperature results in a decrease in strength, whereby the material plasticized and a mixing of the joining zone is possible. With the onset of the feed movement, the third step begins, in which the rotating tool stirring bolt is moved with high contact force along the joint line. The pressure gradient between the front and the rear sides of the tool stirring pin and its rotational movement caused by the advancing movement causes the transport of plasticized material around the tool stirring pin, which mixes there and forms the seam. In the fourth step, the movement is stopped at the end of the seam and in the subsequent fifth step, the rotating tool can be pulled out of the joining zone or alternatively the tool with its Werkzeugrührbolzen with the same or the opposite direction of rotation along the joint gap moved back.

The welding tool 1 has a housing device 3 on, in which a tool body 4 is received, on which a Werkzeugrührbolzen 5 is attached. The housing device 3 has a first opening 6 or passage opening through which the tool stirring bolt 4 is passed to the outside to work with each workpiece to be welded 2 to be contacted. In the following, the term first opening will be used, but instead the term through-hole may be used instead. This applies to all embodiments of the invention, as exemplified by the 1-5 be explained.

The attachment of the Werkzeugrührbolzens 5 on the tool body 4 takes place in a tool holder 7 of the tool body 4 , For example, a suitable chuck for cylindrical shafts or in a collet, etc. The invention is based on the above examples of tool holders 7 of the tool body 4 for fixing the tool stirring bolt 5 not limited. It can be any tool holder 7 are provided which is suitable for receiving the Werkzeugrührbolzens. This applies to all embodiments of the invention.

The tool stirring bolt 5 for example, consists of a shoulder 8th and a pen 9 that are firmly connected. The tool stirring bolt 5 is pressed into the workpiece material in a rotating manner in the joining area until the shoulder 8th for example, in contact with the workpiece surface, as in 1 is indicated.

Due to the friction between the workpiece material and the shoulder 8th as well as pen 9 the required heat is generated for plasticizing the workpiece material.

When moving the rotating Werkzeugrührbolzens 5 during friction stir welding along the joining region and in the transverse direction to the longitudinal axis 10 of the tool body 4 and his tool holder 7 as with an arrow in 1 indicated, it may happen that the Werkzeugrührbolzen 5 is bent or deflected, as in 1 is indicated. In the initial state are the longitudinal axis 10 of the tool body 4 and his tool holder 7 and the longitudinal axis 21 of the tool stirring bolt 5 coaxial. However, during the welding process, the tool stirring pin may bend or deflect 5 come, as in 1 is indicated by a dashed line, and the following 3 . 4 and 5 is indicated. In this case, the Werkzeugrührbolzen 5 towards the longitudinal axis 10 of the tool body 4 and his tool holder 7 bend or deflect at an angle α, as in 1 greatly simplified and is indicated purely schematically with a dashed line. The tool stirring bolt 5 is in 1 in its initial position, in which it is not bent or deflected, shown by a solid line for better understanding.

This can cause the tool stir pin 5 at the first opening 6 , more precisely, the inner wall of the first opening 6 the housing device 3 would bump. By turning the tool stirring pin 5 and the resulting friction on the housing means would both the housing device and the Werkzeugrührbolzen 5 strongly heated. This additional warming of the tool stirring bolt 5 could lead to an impairment of the friction stir welding process and the result of the workpieces connected to one another by means of the friction stir welding process 2 to lead. Furthermore, the heating of the housing means could interfere with or damage the welding tool 1 to lead. By a corresponding enlargement of the opening of the housing device could be an unwanted contact between Werkzeugrührbolzen 5 and the housing device are counteracted. However, in this case, material from the joining zone could unintentionally pass through the enlarged opening into the interior of the housing device and pollute it and possibly damage it.

The longitudinal axis 14 the first opening 6 the housing device 3 for passing the Werkzeugrührbolzens 5 is doing in the in 1 shown embodiment in a starting position of the housing device 3 for example, coaxial with the longitudinal axis 10 of the tool body 4 and the longitudinal axis 21 its Werkzeugrührbolzens 5 if it is not bent or deflected. But it is also conceivable that the longitudinal axis 14 the first opening 6 the housing device 3 parallel offset to the longitudinal axes 10 . 21 of the tool body 4 and its Werkzeugrührbolzens 5 is, with the Werkzeugrührbolzen 5 through the first opening 6 can be guided during the friction stir welding process.

The welding tool 1 According to the first embodiment of the invention, a contact element, for example, a ring element 16 , on which with its contact opening or second opening 17 on the outside of the housing device 3 above the first opening 6 the housing device 3 is arranged. The ring element 16 has the advantage that it is particularly easy and inexpensive to manufacture and by its ring shape, the second opening 17 forms. However, the contact element may also have an angular and / or oval shape with a second opening 17 or any other form. In the following, the term second opening is used for the opening of the contact element. Instead, the term contact opening can also be used. This applies to all embodiments of the invention, as exemplified with reference to the 1-5 is explained.

The invention will be described below with reference to a ring element 16 as an example of a contact element explained. However, the invention is not limited to a ring element as a contact element.

The ring element 16 as an example of a contact element is preferably detachable and thus replaceable on the welding tool 1 eg the housing device 3 attached, as in 1 is shown, for example by means of screws, pins, bolts, by latching, clipping and / or insertion into a receptacle 22 the housing device 3 , as in 1 indicated by a dashed line, etc. Alternatively, the ring element 16 also indissoluble on the welding tool 1 eg the housing device 3 be attached, for example, by welding, soldering, gluing, pressing, etc ..

The first opening 6 the housing device 3 is dimensioned larger than the second opening 17 of the ring element 16 , In particular, in the case of each circular first and second openings 6 respectively. 17 , the diameter of the first opening 6 the housing device 3 larger than the diameter of the ring element 16 formed second opening 17 , In particular, the first opening 6 the housing device 3 chosen so big that through this first opening 6 and the second opening 17 of the ring element 16 guided Toolrührbolzen 5 during the friction stir welding process, the first opening 6 the housing device 3 not touched, even if it bends or is deflected, as in 1 is indicated. For example, the size of the first opening 6 the housing device 3 be chosen such that the Werkzeugrührbolzen 5 the first opening 6 not touched when the tool stir pin is opposite the longitudinal axis 10 of the tool body 4 and his tool holder 7 is bent or deflected by a maximum expected angle α in operation.

The through the ring element 16 formed second opening 17 is again smaller than the first opening 6 the housing device 3 , The size of the second opening 17 is chosen such that it is large enough so that the Werkzeugrührbolzen 5 with his shoulder 8th and his pen 9 through the second opening 17 on the other hand is small enough, that no material or as little as possible of material from the outside through the two first and second openings 6 and 17 in the interior of the housing device 3 can get. In particular, the size of the second opening 17 be chosen so that either no bending or deflecting the Werkzeugrührbolzens 5 is possible without the Werkzeugrührbolzen 5 the second opening 17 contacted, or bending or deflecting the Werkzeugrührbolzens 5 is allowed to α in a predetermined amount or by a predetermined angle, without the Werkzeugrührbolzen 5 while in contact with the second opening 17 comes as in the embodiment in 1 is shown.

The ring element 16 is for example made of a compliant and suitably deformable material or suitable brittle Material which can selectively break off where the Werkzeugrührbolzen 5 due to bending or deflection to the ring element 16 abuts. As a compliant material may depend on the operating temperatures of the welding tool 1 a temperature-resistant hard rubber or a metal sintering material, etc. are provided, wherein the metal sintered material, for example, is a poor as possible heat conductor, since it is in contact with the Werkzeugrührbolzen 5 may occur during the friction stir welding, when this bends and thereby to the ring element 16 abuts. As a brittle material, for example, a porous sintered material can be provided. However, the invention is not limited to the materials mentioned. Any material or combination of materials may be provided that is suitable when in contact with the tool stirring stud 5 during friction stir welding and / or break off as soon as it is in contact with the tool stir bolt 5 comes. Likewise, the ring element 16 also be formed with a sufficiently small thickness, so that the ring element 16 breaks off at the point and / or is deformed where it is the Werkzeugrührbolzen 5 during the friction stir welding process when the tool stir bolt 5 bends or deflects, as exemplified in 1 is shown. This has the advantage of providing a wider range of materials for the ring element 16 can be used.

The ring element 16 can, for example, as a second opening 17 a cylindrical second opening 17 as in the embodiment in 1 is shown.

The longitudinal axis 14 the first opening 6 the housing device 3 and the longitudinal axis 18 of the ring element 16 are in the in 1 shown embodiment further arranged to each other such that the Werkzeugrührbolzen 5 with his shoulder 8th and his pen 9 can be passed to perform a friction stir welding process. This can be the longitudinal axis 14 the first opening 6 the housing device 3 and the longitudinal axis 18 of the ring element 16 For example, be arranged coaxially with each other, as in the embodiment in 1 is shown. Furthermore, the longitudinal axis 14 the first opening 6 the housing device 3 , the longitudinal axis 18 of the ring element 16 , the longitudinal axis 10 of the tool body 4 and his tool holder 7 and the longitudinal axis 21 of the tool stirring bolt 5 be arranged coaxially with each other in the initial state. This applies to all embodiments of the invention.

The ring element 16 has the advantage of being in the place where it is in contact with the tool stir pin 5 comes when it can deform during the friction stir welding process, break off, deform and / or bend, and thus the force with which the Werkzeugrührbolzen 5 to the second opening 17 of the ring element 16 presses, can reduce. This allows the frictional heat between the ring element 16 and the rotating tool stirring bolt 5 be significantly reduced and associated heating of the housing device 3 , Associated with this may be an impairment and in particular a wear of the Werkzeugrührbolzen 5 and the housing device 3 be prevented. Furthermore, less frictional heat also becomes the workpieces to be joined by the friction stir welding process 2 supplied and the quality of the joining result is not affected. In particular, it can be prevented that the Werkzeugrührbolzen 5 the opening of the housing device 3 contacted, instead, the Werkzeugrührbolzen 5 if it deforms sufficiently or deflects the smaller sized second opening 17 of the ring element 6 to contact. The smaller sized second opening 17 of the ring element 6 prevents unwanted intrusion of material from the outside into the interior of the housing device 3 ,

Furthermore, in a further embodiment of the invention, optionally additionally a thermal insulation, for example a thermally insulating layer, etc., can be provided between the housing device 3 and the ring element 16 be provided to the housing device 3 from the ring element 16 thermally in addition to decouple, so that heating of the housing device 3 through the ring element 16 can be additionally counteracted.

The aforementioned recording 22 for receiving the ring element 16 can, for example, as an annular receptacle of two fastened to each other, for example, be plugged together or locked together, first and second semicircular receiving parts 23 be formed, each with a circumferential groove 24 for inserting the ring element 16 are provided. The first and second recording parts 23 are with the housing device 3 coupled. In an open position, in which the two receiving parts 23 are separated from each other, the ring element 16 in the assigned receiving part 23 are introduced and then the two receiving parts 23 attached to each other to form the closed annular receptacle 22 , Depending on the shape of the contact element, the shape of the receptacle and its two receiving parts is adapted accordingly, for example, a polygonal, round and / or oval contact element with its second opening releasably and thus interchangeably absorb.

As previously described and in 1 is shown, the ring element 16 for example one cylindrical second opening 17 on. Likewise, the ring element 16 Also, for example, have a conical opening, as in the following 3 is indicated, wherein the conical opening thereby from the inside or from the housing device 3 tapered outwards. As in the following 4 With one indicated, the conical opening of the ring element can 16 also vice versa from outside to inside or in the direction of the housing device 3 rejuvenate. Furthermore, the opening of the ring element 16 also have a combination of two conical sections, as in the following 3 is indicated by a dashed line.

Likewise, the ring element 16 be formed with its second opening, for example, as a suitably thin metal sheet, which yield due to its sufficiently small thickness, can deform and / or tear as soon as the Werkzeugrührbolzen 5 comes in contact with him. Furthermore, the ring element 16 be designed as a metal sheet with tabs, as in the following 2 is shown, which can bend elastically as soon as the Werkzeugrührbolzen 5 during the friction stir welding with the respective tab or tabs comes into contact and optionally additionally spring back, as soon as the Werkzeugrührbolzen 5 again comes out of contact with the tab (s).

In 2 is a plan view and a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a ring member 16 with a second opening 17 shown in the welding tool according to the invention, as exemplified above in FIG 1 and in subsequent ones 3-5 shown, can be used. The ring element 16 consists of a metal sheet with tabs 19 , The tabs 19 form the second opening 17 of the ring element 16 and can each be bent outward, as for two of the tabs 19 is indicated by way of example in the cross-sectional view with a dotted line when the Werkzeugrührbolzen comes into contact with them during the friction stir welding. Once the Werkzeugrührbolzen again out of contact with the respective tab 19 This can spring back in a preferred embodiment. The tabs 19 may be formed in a further embodiment with rounded ends or corners, as in the plan view of the ring member 16 in 2 for one of the tabs 19 is indicated by a dashed line.

In the 3 and 4 is a highly simplified, purely schematic and not to scale sectional view of a welding tool 1 for connecting at least two workpieces 2 by friction stir welding according to a second embodiment of the invention.

The welding tool 1 The second embodiment of the invention has substantially the same structure as the welding tool 1 the first embodiment of the invention, so that in particular to the description of this in the 1 and 2 referenced to avoid unnecessary repetition.

In particular, the welding tool has 1 The second embodiment of the invention also a housing device 3 on, in which a tool body 4 is received, on which a Werkzeugrührbolzen 5 with a shoulder 8th and a pen 9 is attached. The housing device 3 also has an opening 6 on, through which the tool stirring bolt 5 is passed to the outside to work with each workpiece to be welded 2 to be contacted. The attachment of the Werkzeugrührbolzens 5 on the tool body 4 also takes place in a tool holder 7 of the tool body 4 ,

That in the 3 and 4 shown welding tool 1 According to the second embodiment of the invention differs from the welding tool according to the first embodiment of the invention in that the ring member 16 has no cylindrical second opening, as the ring member 16 according to the 1 and 2 , Instead, the ring element points 16 as in the 3 and 4 is shown, in each case a conical second opening 17 on. In the embodiment in 3 the conical second opening tapers 17 doing so from the inside out, while the conical second opening 17 in the embodiment in 4 rejuvenated from the outside to the inside. Furthermore, in the ring element 16 the two conical openings 17 of the 3 and 4 also be combined with each other, as in 3 is indicated by a dashed line. There, the ring element has 16 a cross-section with two conical sections, wherein the inner conical section tapers from inside to outside and the adjoining conical section increases from the inside to the outside.

The conical design of the second opening 17 of the ring element 16 causes the ring member does not have a constant thickness, but a region in which the thickness is reduced and therefore easier to deform in this area, bend and / or can break off.

The conical second opening 17 of the ring element can, as in the embodiment in 3 shown, for example, an inlet opening 25 have, for example, the same size as the first opening 6 the housing device 3 and then tapered so that no or as little material as possible from the outside into the interior of the housing device 3 penetrates. Conversely, as in the embodiment in FIG 4 shown is the inlet opening 25 also smaller than the first opening 6 the housing device 3 be so that no or as little material as possible from the outside into the interior of the housing device 3 penetrates. The second opening 17 can then be from the inlet 25 out to enlarge.

In the in 4 Furthermore, in contrast to the embodiment shown in FIG 3 and previously in 1 as well as following 5 The embodiments shown, the longitudinal axis 18 the opening 17 of the ring element 16 to the longitudinal axis 14 the first opening 6 the housing device 3 be arranged offset. For example, the longitudinal axis 18 the second opening 17 of the ring element 16 to the longitudinal axis 14 the first opening 6 the housing device 3 against the direction of movement of the Werkzeugrührbolzens 5 to the first opening 6 the housing device 3 is arranged offset because the Werkzeugrührbolzen is bent or deflected against its direction of movement. The direction of movement of the welder 1 with his tool stirring bolt is in the 1 . 2 and 4-5 indicated by an arrow.

In the embodiments previously in the 1 . 3 and the embodiment of the following 5 on the other hand are the longitudinal axis 14 the first opening 6 the housing device 3 and the longitudinal axis 18 the second opening 17 of the ring element 16 as well as the longitudinal axis 10 of the tool body 4 and his tool holder 7 and the longitudinal axis 21 in the tool holder 7 recorded Werkzeugrührbolzens 5 coaxial with each other. The tool stirring bolt 5 is in his starting position, in which he is not bent or distracted.

In 5 is a highly simplified, purely schematic and not to scale sectional view of a welding tool 1 for connecting at least two workpieces 2 by friction stir welding according to a third embodiment of the invention.

The welding tool 1 The third embodiment of the invention has substantially the same structure as the welding tool 1 the first and second embodiment of the invention, so that in particular to the description of this in the 1 . 2 . 3 and 4 referenced to avoid unnecessary repetition.

In particular, the welding tool has 1 The third embodiment of the invention also a housing device 3 on, in which a tool body 4 is received, on which a Werkzeugrührbolzen 5 with a shoulder 8th and a pen 9 is attached. The housing device 3 also has a first opening 6 on, through which the tool stirring bolt 5 is passed to the outside to work with each workpiece to be welded 2 to be contacted. The attachment of the Werkzeugrührbolzens 5 on the tool body 4 also takes place in a tool holder 7 of the tool body 4 ,

This in 5 shown welding tool 1 According to the third embodiment of the invention differs from the welding tool according to the first and second embodiments of the invention in that the ring member 16 a stepped second opening 17 with, for example, at least two first and second cylindrical sections 26 . 27 having.

The first, here inner cylindrical section 26 has a larger diameter than the second, here outer cylindrical section 27 , The diameter of the second cylindrical section 27 is chosen such that no or as little as possible material from the outside into the interior of the housing device 3 can get. Furthermore, the thickness of the second cylindrical portion 27 optionally additionally chosen so small in an embodiment that the second cylindrical portion 27 on contact with the tool stir pin 5 if it is bent or deflected during the friction stir welding process, deliberately breaks off, deforms and / or bends.

The first cylindrical section 26 may in turn have a diameter which is less than, equal to or greater than the diameter of the opening 6 the housing device 3 and larger than the diameter of the second cylindrical portion 27 is.

Furthermore, the ring element 16 with its first cylindrical section 26 inside or adjacent to the first opening 6 the housing device 3 be arranged as in 5 is shown. Alternatively, the ring element 16 also vice versa with its second cylindrical section 27 , inside or adjacent to the opening 6 the housing device 3 be arranged.

As material for the ring element 16 in the second and third embodiments of the invention, the same as previously described for the ring member 16 The first embodiment of the invention can be used.

Furthermore, the ring element 16 in the second and third embodiments of the invention detachable or non-detachable with the housing means 3 be connected as before for the ring element 16 and the housing device 3 the first embodiment of the invention has been described. In this case, an additional receptacle, for example, an annular receptacle of two receiving parts may also be provided, as previously in 1 shown and described.

In addition, an additional thermal insulation between the ring element 16 and the housing device 3 in the second and third embodiments of the invention as described above for the first embodiment of the invention.

Although the present invention based on preferred embodiments in the 1 to 5 is fully described above, it is not limited thereto, but modifiable in a variety of ways. The embodiments described above can be combined with each other, in particular individual features thereof. Furthermore, instead of a ring element as a contact element, a polygonal and / or oval contact element with an opening in the embodiments in the 1-5 be provided. By means of the above with reference to the 1-5 In particular, aircraft components, such as stringers, ribs, skin parts, etc., can be welded by friction stir welding. However, the invention is not limited to this application.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

welding tool

2

workpiece

3

housing means

4

Tool body

5

Werkzeugrührbolzen

6

First opening (housing device)

7

tool holder

8th

shoulder

9

pen

10

Longitudinal axis (tool body and its tool holder)

14

Longitudinal axis (the opening of the housing device)

16

ring element

17

Second opening (ring element)

18

Longitudinal axis (ring element)

19

flap

21

Longitudinal axis (of the tool stirring pin)

22

admission

23

receiving part

24

groove

25

inlet opening

26

First cylindrical section

27

Second cylindrical section

Claims (14)

Welding tool (1) comprising: a housing means (3) having a first opening (6) for passing a Werkzeugrührbolzens (5); a tool base body (4) with a tool holder (7) for receiving a tool stirring pin (5), the tool base body (4) being accommodated in the housing device (3); and a contact element (16) which has a second opening (17) and is arranged externally on the housing device (3) in such a way that the tool stir bolt (5) passes through the first opening (6) of the housing device (3) and through the second opening (FIG. 17) of the contact element (16) can be passed to the outside, wherein the second opening (17) of the contact element (16) is smaller than the first opening (6) of the housing device (3) and the contact element (16) is designed such Force the Werkzeugrührbolzens (5) on contact with the Werkzeugrührbolzen (5) record. Welding tool after Claim 1 wherein the contact element (16) is dimensioned and / or made of a material such that the contact element (16) at least deforms, breaks off, bends or tears in contact with the Werkzeugrührbolzen (5) in a contact area to the force of Werkzeugrührbolzens (5) upon contact with the Werkzeugrührbolzen (5) record and in particular reduce. Welding tool after Claim 1 or 2 wherein the size of the second opening (17) of the contact element (16) is dimensioned such that the tool stir pin (5) comes into contact with the second opening (17) of the contact element (16) when the tool stir pin (5) bends, Preferably, when the longitudinal axis (21) of the Werkzeugrührbolzens (5) bends by a predetermined angle relative to the longitudinal axis (10) of the tool base body (4) and its tool holder (7). Welding tool according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the size of the second opening (17) of the contact element (16) is dimensioned such that little or no material from the outside through the second opening (17) of the contact element (16) into the interior of the housing means (3) can penetrate. Welding tool according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact element (16) is fixedly or detachably attached to the welding tool (1) and in particular the housing device (3). Welding tool after Claim 5 , wherein the contact element (16) is detachably received in a receptacle (22) of the welding tool (1). Welding tool according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a thermal insulation, in particular a thermally insulating layer, is provided between the contact element (16) and the housing device (3). Welding tool according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact element (16) has a cylindrical first opening, a stepped first opening or a first opening with at least one conical section. Welding tool according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact element (16) is formed from a metal sheet, wherein the second opening (17) of the metal sheet is formed from a plurality of tabs (19), wherein a respective tab (19) upon contact with the Werkzeugrührbolzen ( 5) is bendable and optionally additionally zurückfederbar. Welding tool according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact element (16) made of a flexible and / or elastic material, in particular hard rubber, from a brittle in contact with the Werkzeugrührbolzen (5) discontinuing material, or of a porous material, such as a large-pored metal sintered material, is trained. Welding tool according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a longitudinal axis (14) of the first opening (6) of the housing device (3), a longitudinal axis (18) of the second opening (17) of the contact element (16), a longitudinal axis (10) of the tool body ( 4) and its tool holder (7) and / or a longitudinal axis (21) of the Werkzeugrührbolzens (5) are provided in the initial state coaxially to each other or offset from each other, the Werkzeugrührbolzen (5) through the two first and second openings (6, 17) can be passed is. Welding tool according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact element (16) polygonal, round and / or oval with the second opening (17) for passing the Werkzeugrührbolzens (5) is formed. Welding tool according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact element as a ring member (16) is formed, which has the second opening (17) for passing the Werkzeugrührbolzens (5). Friction friction welding method for connecting at least two workpieces by means of a welding tool (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

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