JP4014289B2

JP4014289B2 - Friction stir welding method

Info

Publication number: JP4014289B2
Application number: JP14100898A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 浩三道阪
Original assignee: Showa Denko KK
Current assignee: Showa Denko KK
Priority date: 1998-05-22
Filing date: 1998-05-22
Publication date: 2007-11-28
Anticipated expiration: 2018-05-22
Also published as: JPH11333572A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
この発明は、例えば、金属製丸パイプ等の円筒材を組立製作する際に用いられる摩擦撹拌接合法に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
アルミニウム（その合金を含む、以下同じ）からなる円筒材の製造方法の一つに、図４（ａ）に示すように、円筒材（５１）を分割構成して、各構成部材（５３）（５４）の側縁部同士を突き合わせて円筒体（５２）を製作した後、各突合せ部（５６）（５６）をそれぞれ摩擦撹拌接合することにより、円筒材（５１）を組立製作する方法がある。
【０００３】
この方法によれば、突合せ部（５６）（５６）の接合手段として、ＭＩＧ、ＴＩＧ、レーザー溶接等の溶融溶接法ではなく、固相接合法の一つである摩擦撹拌接合法を採用しているので、接合状態の良好な円筒材（５１）を得ることができるという利点がある。
【０００４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、この摩擦撹拌接合は、回転しているプローブ（７２）を突合せ部（５６）に外周面から挿入した後、該プローブ（７３）を回転させている回転子（７１）の肩部（７１ａ）を円筒体（５２）の外周面に押し付けながらプローブ（７２）を突合せ部（５６）に沿って移動させ、あるいは突合せ部（５６）が順次プローブ（７２）を通過するように円筒体（５２）を移動させることにより、遂行されるものなので、接合の際に、同図（ｂ）の鎖線に示すように、円筒体（５２）がプローブ（７２）の挿入圧や回転子（７１）の肩部（７１ａ）の押付け圧を受けて偏平状に変形してしまうといった問題が生じる。このように円筒体（５２）が変形してしまうと、高い寸法精度を有する円筒材（５１）を得ることができなくなる。
【０００５】
また、接合状態の均質な円筒材（５１）を得るためには、プローブ（７２）の突合せ部（５６）への挿入深さを一定に保ちながら、プローブ（７２）又は円筒体（５２）を移動させなければならない。しかしながら、突合せ部（５６）の長さ方向全域に亘ってプローブ（７２）の挿入深さを一定に保つことは難しく、例えばプローブ（７２）や円筒体（５２）を移動させる途中で、プローブ（７２）の挿入深さが深くなり過ぎてプローブ（７２）の先端が円筒体（５２）の内周面から突き出たり、プローブ（７２）の挿入深さが浅くなったりする場合があった。このようにプローブ（７２）の挿入深さが変化してしまうと、接合状態の均質な円筒材（５１）を得ることができなくなる。
【０００６】
この発明は、このような難点に鑑みてなされたもので、円筒状接合部材の長さ方向の接合予定部位を接合する摩擦撹拌接合法であって、高い寸法精度を有しかつ接合状態の均質な円筒状の接合品を得ることのできる摩擦撹拌接合法を提供することを目的とする。
【０００７】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記目的を達成するために、この発明は、円筒状接合部材の長さ方向の接合予定部位に、回転するプローブを挿入し、プローブとの接触部を摩擦熱にて軟化させ撹拌しながら、プローブ挿入状態で、プローブを接合予定部位に沿って移動させ、あるいは接合予定部位が順次プローブを通過するように接合部材を移動させることにより、接合予定部位を接合する摩擦撹拌接合法であって、前記プローブに対向して配置された受けローラと、前記プローブと前記受けローラとの間に形成された接合部材通過空間の周囲に配置され、前記接合部材を該空間に案内するガイドローラとを備え、かつ前記受けローラ及び前記ガイドローラはいずれも前記接合部材の外周面に対応するように湾曲した周面を有するとともに、これら周面が前記空間を通過する接合部材の外周面に当接することにより該接合部材を拘束してその形状を保持するものとなされた拘束治具を用い、前記空間に前記接合部材を通過させて、該接合部材が拘束されるとともに、該接合部材の外周面が前記受けローラの周面に当接支持され、かつ前記接合予定部位に前記プローブが挿入された態様となし、この状態を保持しつつ、前記プローブを前記拘束治具とともに移動させ、あるいは前記接合部材を移動させることを特徴とする。
【０００８】
これによれば、プローブの先端から受けローラの周面までの距離は、受けローラが回転しても一定であることから、プローブの接合予定部位への挿入深さを一定に保った状態で、プローブ又は接合部材を移動させることができるようになる。したがって、接合状態の均質な円筒状の接合品を製造することができる。
【０００９】
また、接合の際に接合部材が拘束されていることから、プローブの挿入圧や回転子の肩部の押付け圧により生じる円筒状接合部材の変形を防止することができ、このため寸法精度の高い円筒状の接合品を製造することができる。
【００１０】
【発明の実施の形態】
次に、この発明の実施形態を図面に基づいて説明する。
【００１１】
図１及び図２はこの発明の一実施形態を示すものである。この実施形態は、アルミニウム製円筒材（１）を組立製作する際に用いられる摩擦撹拌接合法を示している。
【００１２】
前記円筒材（１）は、周方向に２分割されているものであって、断面半円弧状の２個の円筒材構成部材（３）（４）から構成されているものである。各構成部材（３）（４）は、ともにアルミニウム押出形材からなり、説明の便宜上、一方の構成部材（３）を第１構成部材、他方の構成部材（４）を第２構成部材と呼ぶこととする。
【００１３】
この実施形態は、前記第１及び第２構成部材（３）（４）の側縁部端面同士を突き合わせて円筒体（２）を製作するとともに、各突合せ部（６）（６）をそれぞれ摩擦撹拌接合することにより、前記円筒材（１）を組立製作しようとするものである。したがって、前記円筒体（２）が円筒状接合部材となり、前記突合せ部（６）（６）が円筒状接合部材の外周面に形成された長さ方向に延びる接合予定部位となる。
【００１４】
前記第１及び第２構成部材（３）（４）のうちの第１構成部材（３）の各側縁部には、対応する突合せ部（６）（６）を跨ぐ態様で第２構成部材（４）の対応する側縁部の内面を当接状態に受ける受け部（３ａ）（３ａ）がそれぞれ連設されている。したがって、これら両構成部材（３）（４）が上記のように突き合わされた状態において、第２構成部材（４）の各側縁部の内面は、対応する前記受け部（３ａ）（３ａ）に当接状態に受けられたものとなっている。このように、第２構成部材（４）の各側縁部の内面を対応する前記受け部（３ａ）（３ａ）で受けることにより、突合せ状態を安定良く維持することができるし、位置決めも容易にかつ精度良く行うことができる。さらに、これら受け部（３ａ）（３ａ）は「裏当て」としても機能するもので、これら受け部（３ａ）（３ａ）によって摩擦熱にて軟化した軟化部が円筒体（２）の中空部（５）に流出するのを防止することができるようになっている。
【００１５】
（２０）は、前記突合せ部（６）（６）を摩擦撹拌接合するための接合工具で、径大の円柱状回転子（２１）と、該回転子（２１）の肩部（２１ａ）軸線上に突設された径小のピン状プローブ（２２）とを有している。前記回転子（２１）と前記プローブ（２２）はともに、第１及び第２構成部材（３）（４）よりも硬質でかつ接合時に発生する摩擦熱に耐えうる耐熱材料によって形成されている。そして、この接合工具（２０）は、前記円筒体（２）の上方にそのプローブ（２２）を下方に向ける態様にして配置されている。更に、この接合工具（２０）は、図示しない昇降装置に取り付けらて上下方向に移動し得るものとなされており、この昇降装置を操作することによりプローブ（２２）の挿入や引抜きを行うことができるようになっている。
【００１６】
また、この接合工具（２０）は、図示していないが、円筒体（２）の移動方向（８）側に僅かに傾けられており、プローブ（２２）を突合せ部（６）に挿入すると、回転子（２１）の肩部（２１ａ）における円筒体（２）の移動方向側の部分が、円筒体（２）の外周面に接触する状態となる一方、回転子（２１）の肩部（２１ａ）における円筒体（２）の移動方向反対側の部分が、円筒体（２）の外周面から僅かに浮上する状態となるものとなされている。こうすることにより、円筒体（２）の移動の際に、回転子（２１）の肩部（２１ａ）における円筒体（２）の移動方向反対側の部分のコーナー部が、円筒体（２）の表面に存在することのある微細な凹凸に引っ掛かってしまうことを防止することができる。
【００１７】
（１０）は、接合の際に前記円筒体（２）をその外周面から拘束して該円筒体（２）の形状を保持する拘束治具である。
【００１８】
この拘束治具（１０）は、受けローラ（１１）と、複数個（同図では４個）の回転自在なガイドローラ（１２ａ）（１２ｂ）（１２ｃ）（１２ｄ）とからなる。
【００１９】
前記受けローラ（１０）は、図２に示すように、前記プローブ（２２）に対向して、つまり円筒体（２）の下方側に配置されている。
【００２０】
前記プローブ（２２）と前記受けローラ（１１）との間に形成された空間は、円筒体通過空間（１３）となるもので、この空間（１３）の周囲に、前記ガイドローラ（１２ａ）（１２ｂ）（１２ｃ）（１２ｄ）が配置され、円筒体（２）を前記空間（１３）に案内することができるようになっている。
【００２１】
また、前記受けローラ（１１）は、回転駆動されるものであって、図示しない駆動機構を備え、前記空間（１３）を通過する円筒体（２）を長さ方向側に移動させる駆動ローラとしても機能するものとなされている。
【００２２】
前記４個のガイドローラ（１２ａ〜ｄ）のうち、２個のガイドローラ（１２ａ）（１２ｂ）は、前記空間（１３）の左右両側に対向状に配置され、プローブ（２２）の挿入圧及び回転子（２１）の肩部（２１ａ）の押付け圧により生じる円筒体（２）の変形を確実に阻止しうるものとなされている。すなわち、前記空間（１３）を通過する円筒体（２）は、接合の際に前記プローブ（２２）の挿入圧、あるいは更に前記回転子（２１）の肩部（２１ａ）の押付け圧を受けて、偏平状に変形して左右両側に向かって広がろうとするが、前記空間（１３）の左右両側にはガイドローラ（１２ａ）（１２ｂ）が配置されているので、これら両ガイドローラ（１２ａ）（１２ｂ）によりその変形が阻止されることとなる。このため、円筒体（２）の変形を確実に阻止することができるようになっている。
【００２３】
更に、前記４個のガイドローラ（１２ａ〜ｄ）のうち、残りの２個のガイドローラ（１２ｃ）（１２ｄ）は、前記空間（１３）の上側で前記接合工具（２０）の両側に該接合工具（２０）に近接して配置されている。
【００２４】
また、これら４個のガイドローラ（１２ａ〜ｄ）及び受けローラ（１１）は、いずれも円筒体（２）の外周面に対応するように湾曲した周面を有しており、各ローラ（１２ａ〜ｄ）（１１）の周面は、前記空間（１３）を通過する円筒体（２）の外周面にそれぞれ線接触状態に当接するものとなされている。一方、円筒体（２）は、その外周面の略全周が、これらガイドローラ（１２ａ〜ｄ）及び受けローラ（１１）の周面に当接されることとなり、このため堅く拘束されてその形状が確実に保持されるものとなる。
【００２５】
次に、上記接合工具（２０）及び拘束治具（１０）を用いて摩擦撹拌接合法を行う場合について説明する。
【００２６】
まず、プローブ（２２）を受けローラ（１１）の上方に待機させた状態で、円筒体（２）を移動させてその長さ方向の一端部を拘束治具（１０）の円筒体通過空間（１３）に通す。
【００２７】
この空間（１３）に通された円筒体（２）は、ガイドローラ（１２ａ〜ｄ）及び受けローラ（１１）により拘束されてその形状が保持されるとともに、円筒体（２）の下側の突合せ部（６）の外面を含む外周面が受けローラ（１１）の周面に当接されて該受けローラ（１１）から駆動力が付与されこの駆動力により長さ方向側に移動する。
【００２８】
円筒体（２）の上側の突合せ部（６）の接合開始予定部位が前記空間（１３）に到達したとき、受けローラ（１１）の回転駆動を一旦停止し、円筒体（２）の移動を止める。そして、接合工具（２０）のプローブ（２２）を回転させながら下降させる。プローブ（２２）の先端が円筒体（２）の突合せ部（６）に接触すると、該接触部は摩擦熱によって軟化するため、更にプローブ（２２）を下降させて突合せ部（６）に挿入し、プローブ（２２）の先端が突合せ部（６）の奥まで到達したとき、プローブ（２２）の下降を停止し該プローブ（２２）の位置を固定する。このプローブ（２２）の挿入に際し、円筒体（２）は、その外周面の略全周が受けローラ（１１）の周面及びガイドローラ（１２ａ〜ｄ）の周面に当接支持されることにより拘束されているので、プローブ（２２）の挿入圧により変形することはない。
【００２９】
こうして、円筒体（２）を円筒体通過空間（１３）に通過させて、円筒体（２）が拘束されるとともに、突合せ部（６）にプローブ（２２）が挿入され、かつ円筒体（２）の下側の突合せ部（６）の外面を含む外周面が受けローラ（１１）の周面に当接支持された態様となす。なお、プローブ（２２）を予め下降させておき、円筒体通過空間（１３）に円筒体（２）を強制的に通すことにより、円筒体（２）の移動方向前端面において、プローブ（２２）を側方から突合せ部（６）にもぐり込ませて、挿入状態となるようにしても良い。
【００３０】
次に、受けローラ（１１）を再駆動する。この受けローラ（１１）の駆動力により、上側の突合せ部（６）にプローブ（２２）が挿入された円筒体（２）は、その下側の突合せ部（６）の外面を含む外周面が受けローラ（１１）の周面に当接支持され、かつ拘束された状態で、突合せ部（６）が順次プローブ（２２）を通過するように移動していく。また、接合工具（２０）は僅かに傾けられているから、回転子（２１）の肩部（２１ａ）における円筒体（２）の移動方向側の部分が円筒体（２）の外周面に接触した状態となる一方、回転子（２１）の肩部（２１ａ）における円筒体（２）の移動方向反対側の部分が円筒体（２）の外周面から僅かに浮上する状態で、円筒体（２）は移動することとなる。このようにして円筒体（２）は移動していく。
【００３１】
こうして円筒体（２）が移動することにより、プローブ（２２）との接触部が摩擦熱にて順次軟化撹拌されて、隣接する両構成部材（３）（４）は、突合せ部（６）において接合一体化される。
【００３２】
すなわち、プローブ（２２）の回転により発生する摩擦熱、あるいは更に回転子（２１）の肩部（２１ａ）の摺動に伴い発生する摩擦熱により、プローブ（２２）との接触部近傍において両構成部材（３）（４）は軟化する。そして、この軟化部がプローブ（２２）の回転により撹拌されるとともに、円筒体（２）の移動に伴って、軟化撹拌部分がプローブ（２２）の通過溝を埋めるように塑性流動したのち、摩擦熱を急速に失って冷却固化される。ここに、第２構成部材（３）の内面が受け部（３ａ）に面接触状態に当接されているので、軟化部は中空部（５）内に流出することなく該突合せ部（６）において冷却固化するものとなる。この現象が円筒体（２）の移動に伴って順次繰り返されていき、最終的に両構成部材（３）（４）が突合せ部（６）において接合一体化される。
【００３３】
次いで、他方の突合せ部（６）を摩擦撹拌接合すべく、この円筒体（２）を再度、円筒体通過空間（１３）に通し、上記と同様の手順によって他方の突合せ部（６）を摩擦撹拌接合することにより、所期する円筒材（１）を得ることができる。
【００３４】
こうして得られた円筒材（１）は、軟化部の中空部（５）内への流出が阻止された状態で接合されているので、接合状態の良好なものとなっている。
【００３５】
また、この摩擦撹拌接合法によれば、接合工具（２０）の回転子（２１）の肩部（２１ａ）における円筒体（２）の移動方向側の部分が、円筒体（２）の外周面に接触した状態のもとで、円筒体（２）が移動するので、軟化撹拌部分の素材の飛散が防止されかつ加圧されて、均一な接合状態を確実に実現することができるとともに、円筒体（２）の外周面の凹凸形成が防止されて、接合部（７）の表面を平滑にすることができる。
【００３６】
また、プローブ（２１）の先端から受けローラ（１１）の周面までの距離は、受けローラ（１１）が回転しても一定であることから、円筒体（２）の移動途中でプローブ（２１）の突合せ部（６）への挿入深さが変化することはない。したがって、接合状態の均質な円筒材（１）を得ることができる。
【００３７】
加えて、円筒体（２）が拘束されてその形状が保持された状態で接合されるから、接合の際にプローブ（２２）の挿入圧や回転子（２１）の肩部（２１ａ）の押付け圧によって円筒体（２）が変形することがなくなり、このため寸法精度の高い円筒材（１）を得ることができる。
【００３８】
以上、この発明の実施形態を説明したが、この発明は上記実施形態に限定されるものではない。
【００３９】
例えば、この実施形態は、円筒体（２）を移動させることにより摩擦撹拌接合する場合を示しているが、この発明は、プローブ（２２）を拘束治具（１０）とともに移動させることにより摩擦撹拌接合するものであっても良い。また、受けローラ（１１）は、必ずしも回転駆動されるものである必要はなく、回転自在なものであっても良い。
【００４０】
さらに、円筒材（１）を構成する構成部材（３）（４）の側縁部は、図３（ａ）に示す本ざね形、同図（ｂ）に示す鉤形等の互いに嵌合する形状となっていても良い。このような嵌合形の側縁部を有する構成部材（３）（４）を用いることにより、接合に際し、構成部材（３）（４）同士を容易にかつ精度良く位置決めすることができるとともに、接合時の位置ずれを確実に防止することができるようになり、このため最終的に得られる円筒材（１）の寸法精度を更に向上させることができる。
【００４１】
【発明の効果】
上述の次第で、この発明に係る摩擦撹拌接合法によれば、プローブの先端から受けローラの周面までの距離は、受けローラが回転しても一定であることから、プローブの接合予定部位への挿入深さを一定に保った状態で、プローブ又は接合部材を移動させることができるようになる。したがって、接合状態の均質な円筒状接合品を製造することができる。さらに、接合の際に接合部材が拘束されていることから、プローブの挿入圧や回転子の肩部の押付け圧により生じる接合部材の変形を防止することができる。したがって、寸法精度の高い円筒状接合品を製造することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】この発明の一実施形態を示す、円筒体の突合せ部を接合する途中の状態の斜視図である。
【図２】図１中II−II線断面図である。
【図３】（ａ）はこの発明のもう一つの実施形態を示す円筒体の断面図、（ｂ）はこの発明の更にもう一つの実施形態を示す円筒体の断面図である。
【図４】従来例を示す図で、（ａ）は円筒体の突合せ部を接合する前の状態の斜視図、（ｂ）は接合途中の状態の断面図である。
【符号の説明】
１…円筒材（接合品）
２…円筒体（円筒状接合部材）
３、４…円筒材構成部材
６…突合せ部（長さ方向の接合予定部位）
７…接合部
１０…拘束治具
１１…受けローラ
１２ａ〜ｄ…ガイドローラ
１３…円筒体通過空間（接合部材通過空間）
２０…接合工具
２２…プローブ[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a friction stir welding method used when assembling and manufacturing a cylindrical material such as a metal round pipe.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As shown in FIG. 4 (a), the cylindrical member (51) is divided into one of the methods for manufacturing a cylindrical member made of aluminum (including its alloy, the same applies hereinafter), and each component member (53) ( 54) After manufacturing the cylindrical body (52) by abutting the side edges of the cylindrical body (52), there is a method of assembling and manufacturing the cylindrical material (51) by friction stir welding each abutting part (56) (56). .
[0003]
According to this method, a friction stir welding method, which is one of solid phase bonding methods, is employed as a joining means for the butt portions (56) and (56), not a fusion welding method such as MIG, TIG, or laser welding. Therefore, there exists an advantage that the cylindrical material (51) with a favorable joining state can be obtained.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in this friction stir welding, the rotating probe (72) is inserted into the butting portion (56) from the outer peripheral surface, and then the shoulder (71a) of the rotor (71) rotating the probe (73). ) Is pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body (52), and the probe (72) is moved along the butting portion (56), or the butting portion (56) sequentially passes the probe (72). ) Is moved, the cylindrical body (52) is inserted into the probe (72) by the insertion pressure of the probe (72) or the rotor (71) as shown by the chain line in FIG. There arises a problem that it is deformed into a flat shape under the pressure of the shoulder (71a). If the cylindrical body (52) is deformed in this way, it becomes impossible to obtain the cylindrical material (51) having high dimensional accuracy.
[0005]
Further, in order to obtain a homogeneous cylindrical material (51) in a joined state, the probe (72) or the cylindrical body (52) is attached while keeping the insertion depth of the probe (72) into the butt portion (56) constant. Must be moved. However, it is difficult to keep the insertion depth of the probe (72) constant over the entire length direction of the butting portion (56). For example, while moving the probe (72) and the cylindrical body (52), the probe ( 72), the insertion depth of the probe (72) protrudes from the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical body (52), or the insertion depth of the probe (72) becomes shallow. If the insertion depth of the probe (72) changes in this way, it becomes impossible to obtain a homogeneous cylindrical material (51) in a joined state.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of such difficulties, and is a friction stir welding method for joining the longitudinal joining portions of a cylindrical joining member, which has high dimensional accuracy and has a uniform joining state. An object of the present invention is to provide a friction stir welding method capable of obtaining a simple cylindrical joined product.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention inserts a rotating probe into a portion to be joined in the longitudinal direction of a cylindrical joining member, softens the contact portion with the probe with frictional heat, and agitates the probe. A friction stir welding method for joining a planned joining site by moving the probe along the planned joining site in the inserted state, or by moving the joining member so that the planned joining site sequentially passes through the probe, A receiving roller disposed opposite to the probe, and a guide roller disposed around a bonding member passage space formed between the probe and the receiving roller, and guiding the bonding member to the space, The receiving roller and the guide roller both have a curved peripheral surface corresponding to the outer peripheral surface of the joining member, and the peripheral surfaces pass through the space. The joining member is restrained by allowing the joining member to pass through the space by using a restraining jig configured to restrain the joining member and hold the shape by contacting the outer peripheral surface of the joining member. In addition, the outer peripheral surface of the joining member is in contact with and supported by the peripheral surface of the receiving roller, and the probe is inserted in the planned joining portion, and the probe is restrained while maintaining this state. It moves with a tool, or the said joining member is moved, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.
[0008]
According to this, since the distance from the tip of the probe to the peripheral surface of the receiving roller is constant even when the receiving roller rotates, in a state where the insertion depth to the site where the probe is to be joined is kept constant, The probe or the joining member can be moved. Therefore, it is possible to manufacture a joined product having a uniform cylindrical shape.
[0009]
Further, since the joining member is restrained at the time of joining, it is possible to prevent the deformation of the cylindrical joining member caused by the insertion pressure of the probe or the pressing pressure of the shoulder portion of the rotor. Cylindrical joints can be manufactured.
[0010]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0011]
1 and 2 show an embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment shows the friction stir welding method used when assembling and manufacturing the aluminum cylindrical material (1).
[0012]
The said cylindrical material (1) is divided into 2 by the circumferential direction, Comprising: It is comprised from two cylindrical material structural members (3) (4) with a cross-sectional semicircular arc shape. Each of the constituent members (3) and (4) is made of an extruded aluminum material. For convenience of explanation, one constituent member (3) is referred to as a first constituent member, and the other constituent member (4) is referred to as a second constituent member. I will do it.
[0013]
In this embodiment, the side edges of the first and second constituent members (3) and (4) are butted against each other to produce a cylindrical body (2), and each of the butted portions (6) and (6) is rubbed. The cylindrical member (1) is to be assembled and manufactured by stirring and joining. Accordingly, the cylindrical body (2) becomes a cylindrical joining member, and the butted portions (6) and (6) become joining planned portions formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical joining member and extending in the length direction.
[0014]
Of each of the first and second components (3) and (4), each side edge of the first component (3) has a second struc- ture in a manner straddling the corresponding butted portion (6) (6). Receiving portions (3a) and (3a) that receive the inner surfaces of the corresponding side edge portions of (4) in a contact state are provided in series. Therefore, in the state where these two structural members (3) and (4) are abutted as described above, the inner surfaces of the side edges of the second structural member (4) are the corresponding receiving portions (3a) and (3a). It has been received in a contact state. Thus, by receiving the inner surface of each side edge portion of the second component member (4) with the corresponding receiving portion (3a) (3a), the butt state can be stably maintained and positioning is easy. And can be performed with high accuracy. Furthermore, these receiving portions (3a) and (3a) also function as "backing", and the softened portions softened by frictional heat by these receiving portions (3a) and (3a) are hollow portions of the cylindrical body (2). (5) can be prevented from flowing out.
[0015]
(20) is a joining tool for friction stir welding the butting portions (6) and (6), and a cylindrical rotor (21) having a large diameter and a shoulder (21a) shaft of the rotor (21). And a pin-shaped probe (22) having a small diameter projecting on the line. Both the rotor (21) and the probe (22) are made of a heat-resistant material that is harder than the first and second components (3) and (4) and can withstand frictional heat generated during joining. And this joining tool (20) is arrange | positioned in the aspect which orient | assigns the probe (22) below the said cylindrical body (2). Further, the joining tool (20) is attached to a lifting device (not shown) and can be moved in the vertical direction. By operating the lifting device, the probe (22) can be inserted or pulled out. It can be done.
[0016]
Moreover, although this joining tool (20) is not illustrated, it is slightly inclined toward the moving direction (8) side of the cylindrical body (2), and when the probe (22) is inserted into the butting portion (6), The portion of the shoulder (21a) of the rotor (21) on the moving direction side of the cylindrical body (2) comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body (2), while the shoulder ( The part on the opposite side of the moving direction of the cylindrical body (2) in 21a) is in a state of slightly floating from the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body (2). By doing so, when the cylindrical body (2) is moved, the corner of the shoulder (21a) of the rotor (21) opposite to the moving direction of the cylindrical body (2) becomes the cylindrical body (2). Can be prevented from being caught by fine irregularities that may be present on the surface of the substrate.
[0017]
(10) is a restraining jig for restraining the cylindrical body (2) from the outer peripheral surface thereof and maintaining the shape of the cylindrical body (2) at the time of joining.
[0018]
The restraining jig (10) includes a receiving roller (11) and a plurality of (four in the figure) rotatable guide rollers (12a) (12b) (12c) (12d).
[0019]
As shown in FIG. 2, the receiving roller (10) is disposed opposite the probe (22), that is, on the lower side of the cylindrical body (2).
[0020]
A space formed between the probe (22) and the receiving roller (11) is a cylindrical body passing space (13), and the guide roller (12a) ( 12b) (12c) (12d) are arranged so that the cylindrical body (2) can be guided to the space (13).
[0021]
The receiving roller (11) is rotationally driven and includes a driving mechanism (not shown), and serves as a driving roller for moving the cylindrical body (2) passing through the space (13) in the length direction. Is also supposed to work.
[0022]
Of the four guide rollers (12a to 12d), two guide rollers (12a) and (12b) are arranged oppositely on the left and right sides of the space (13), and the insertion pressure of the probe (22) and The deformation of the cylindrical body (2) caused by the pressing pressure of the shoulder (21a) of the rotor (21) can be reliably prevented. That is, the cylindrical body (2) passing through the space (13) receives the insertion pressure of the probe (22) or the pressing pressure of the shoulder (21a) of the rotor (21) during joining. The guide roller (12a) (12b) is disposed on both the left and right sides of the space (13), so that the guide roller (12a) is deformed into a flat shape. The deformation is prevented by (12b). For this reason, a deformation | transformation of a cylindrical body (2) can be prevented now reliably.
[0023]
Further, of the four guide rollers (12a to 12d), the remaining two guide rollers (12c) and (12d) are joined to both sides of the joining tool (20) above the space (13). It is arranged close to the tool (20).
[0024]
Each of the four guide rollers (12a to 12d) and the receiving roller (11) has a curved peripheral surface corresponding to the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body (2), and each roller (12a (D) The peripheral surface of (11) is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body (2) passing through the space (13) in a line contact state. On the other hand, the cylindrical body (2) has its entire outer peripheral surface abutted against the peripheral surfaces of the guide rollers (12a to d) and the receiving roller (11). The shape is reliably held.
[0025]
Next, the case where the friction stir welding method is performed using the joining tool (20) and the restraining jig (10) will be described.
[0026]
First, in a state where the probe (22) is kept waiting above the receiving roller (11), the cylindrical body (2) is moved, and one end in the length direction thereof is connected to the cylindrical body passage space (10) of the restraining jig (10). 13)
[0027]
The cylindrical body (2) passed through the space (13) is constrained by the guide rollers (12a to d) and the receiving rollers (11) to maintain its shape, and at the lower side of the cylindrical body (2). The outer peripheral surface including the outer surface of the butting portion (6) is brought into contact with the peripheral surface of the receiving roller (11), and a driving force is applied from the receiving roller (11), and the driving force moves to the length direction side.
[0028]
When the joining start planned part of the upper butting portion (6) of the cylindrical body (2) reaches the space (13), the rotational driving of the receiving roller (11) is temporarily stopped to move the cylindrical body (2). stop. Then, the probe (22) of the joining tool (20) is lowered while being rotated. When the tip of the probe (22) comes into contact with the butting portion (6) of the cylindrical body (2), the contact portion is softened by frictional heat, so the probe (22) is further lowered and inserted into the butting portion ( 6 ). When the tip of the probe (22) reaches the depth of the abutting portion (6), the probe (22) stops descending and the position of the probe (22) is fixed. When the probe (22) is inserted, the cylindrical body (2) is substantially supported by the peripheral surface of the receiving roller (11) and the peripheral surfaces of the guide rollers (12a to 12d) on the outer peripheral surface thereof. Therefore, it is not deformed by the insertion pressure of the probe (22).
[0029]
Thus, the cylindrical body (2) is passed through the cylindrical body passage space (13), the cylindrical body (2) is restrained, the probe (22) is inserted into the butting portion (6), and the cylindrical body (2 The outer peripheral surface including the outer surface of the lower butting portion (6) is in contact with and supported by the peripheral surface of the receiving roller (11). The probe (22) is lowered in advance, and the cylindrical body (2) is forcibly passed through the cylindrical body passage space (13), so that the probe (22) May be inserted into the abutting portion (6) from the side to be in an inserted state.
[0030]
Next, the receiving roller (11) is driven again. The cylindrical body (2) in which the probe (22) is inserted into the upper butt portion (6) by the driving force of the receiving roller (11) has an outer peripheral surface including the outer surface of the lower butt portion (6). The abutting portion (6) sequentially moves so as to pass through the probe (22) in a state where it is abutted and supported by the peripheral surface of the receiving roller (11) and is restrained. Further, since the joining tool (20) is slightly inclined, the portion of the shoulder (21a) of the rotor (21) on the moving direction side of the cylindrical body (2) contacts the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body (2). On the other hand, in the state where the portion of the shoulder (21a) of the rotor (21) opposite to the moving direction of the cylindrical body (2) slightly floats from the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body (2), 2) will move. In this way, the cylindrical body (2) moves.
[0031]
By moving the cylindrical body (2) in this way, the contact portion with the probe (22) is sequentially softened and agitated by frictional heat, so that the adjacent constituent members (3) and (4) Bonded and integrated.
[0032]
That is, both configurations in the vicinity of the contact portion with the probe (22) are caused by frictional heat generated by the rotation of the probe (22) or by frictional heat generated by sliding of the shoulder (21a) of the rotor (21). The members (3) and (4) are softened. The softened portion is agitated by the rotation of the probe (22), and as the cylindrical body (2) moves, the softened agitated portion plastically flows so as to fill the passage groove of the probe (22). It loses heat rapidly and solidifies by cooling. Here, since the inner surface of the second component member (3) is in contact with the receiving portion (3a) in a surface contact state, the softened portion does not flow into the hollow portion (5), but the butted portion (6) It becomes solidified by cooling. This phenomenon is sequentially repeated with the movement of the cylindrical body (2), and finally the two constituent members (3) and (4) are joined and integrated at the butting portion (6).
[0033]
Next, in order to friction stir weld the other butted portion (6), this cylindrical body (2) is again passed through the cylindrical body passage space (13), and the other butted portion (6) is frictionally bonded by the same procedure as described above. The desired cylindrical material (1) can be obtained by stirring and joining.
[0034]
Since the cylindrical material (1) obtained in this way is joined in a state in which the outflow of the softened portion into the hollow portion (5) is prevented, the joined state is good.
[0035]
Further, according to this friction stir welding method, the portion of the shoulder (21a) of the rotor (21) of the joining tool (20) on the moving direction side of the cylindrical body (2) is the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body (2). Since the cylindrical body (2) moves under the state of being in contact with the material, scattering of the material in the softened stirring portion is prevented and pressurized, and a uniform bonded state can be reliably realized and the cylinder The formation of irregularities on the outer peripheral surface of the body (2) is prevented, and the surface of the joint (7) can be smoothed.
[0036]
Further, since the distance from the tip of the probe (21) to the peripheral surface of the receiving roller (11) is constant even when the receiving roller (11) rotates, the probe (21) is moved during the movement of the cylindrical body (2). ) Does not change the depth of insertion into the butt portion (6). Therefore, the joined cylindrical material (1) can be obtained.
[0037]
In addition, since the cylindrical body (2) is joined while being constrained and its shape is maintained, the insertion pressure of the probe (22) and the pressing of the shoulder (21a) of the rotor (21) at the time of joining. The cylindrical body (2) is not deformed by the pressure, so that the cylindrical material (1) with high dimensional accuracy can be obtained.
[0038]
As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment.
[0039]
For example, although this embodiment has shown the case where friction stir welding is carried out by moving a cylindrical body (2), this invention is friction stir by moving a probe (22) with a restraining jig (10). It may be joined. Further, the receiving roller (11) does not necessarily need to be driven to rotate, and may be rotatable.
[0040]
Further, the side edge portions of the constituent members (3) and (4) constituting the cylindrical member (1) are fitted to each other such as a main ridge shape shown in FIG. 3 (a) and a hook shape shown in FIG. 3 (b). It may be in shape. By using the constituent members (3) and (4) having such fitting-type side edges, the constituent members (3) and (4) can be easily and accurately positioned at the time of joining, The positional deviation at the time of joining can be surely prevented, so that the dimensional accuracy of the finally obtained cylindrical material (1) can be further improved.
[0041]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the friction stir welding method according to the present invention, the distance from the tip of the probe to the peripheral surface of the receiving roller is constant even when the receiving roller rotates. The probe or the joining member can be moved in a state where the insertion depth is kept constant. Accordingly, it is possible to manufacture a cylindrical joined product having a uniform joined state. Furthermore, since the joining member is restrained at the time of joining, it is possible to prevent deformation of the joining member caused by the insertion pressure of the probe and the pressing pressure of the shoulder portion of the rotor. Therefore, it is possible to manufacture a cylindrical joint product with high dimensional accuracy.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a state in the middle of joining a butting portion of a cylindrical body, showing an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG.
3A is a cross-sectional view of a cylindrical body showing another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of a cylindrical body showing still another embodiment of the present invention.
4A and 4B are diagrams showing a conventional example, in which FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a state before joining a butting portion of a cylindrical body, and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of a state in the middle of joining.
[Explanation of symbols]
1. Cylindrical material (joined product)
2. Cylindrical body (cylindrical joining member)
3, 4... Cylindrical member 6 .. Butting portion (part to be joined in the length direction)
7 ... Joining part 10 ... Restraint jig 11 ... Receiving rollers 12a to d ... Guide roller 13 ... Cylindrical body passage space (joining member passage space)
20 ... Joining tool 22 ... Probe

Claims

Two cylindrical semicircular arc-shaped first and second cylindrical member components are prepared in which the cylindrical material is divided into two in the circumferential direction, and the side edge portions corresponding to each other of the two component members are brought into contact with each other to form a cylindrical shape. The rotating probe is inserted into one of the two butting portions extending in the length direction formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical joining member , and the contact portion with the probe is frictionally heated. while stirring softened, the probe inserted state, by moving the junction member so as to move along the one butt portion probes, or the one abutting portion passes sequentially probes, butt of the one A friction stir welding method for joining parts ,
A receiving roller disposed opposite to the probe; and a guide roller disposed around a bonding member passage space formed between the probe and the receiving roller and guiding the bonding member to the space. The receiving roller and the guide roller each have a curved peripheral surface corresponding to the outer peripheral surface of the joining member, and these peripheral surfaces abut on the outer peripheral surface of the joining member passing through the space. Using a restraining jig that restrains the joining member and holds its shape,
The joining member is passed through the space to restrain the joining member, and the outer peripheral surface of the joining member is abutted and supported by the peripheral surface of the receiving roller, and the probe is inserted into the one butting portion. As a backing that prevents the softened portion softened by frictional heat from flowing out into the hollow portion of the joining member, and is provided continuously to the side edge portion of the first component member. With the receiving portion, there is an aspect in which the inner surface of the side edge portion of the second component member is received in a contact state across the one abutting portion,
A friction stir welding method, wherein the probe is moved together with the restraining jig or the joining member is moved while maintaining this state.

The friction stir welding method according to claim 1, wherein an outer peripheral surface including an outer surface of the other butted portion of the joining member is abutted and supported on a peripheral surface of the receiving roller.

Two cylindrical semicircular arc-shaped first and second cylindrical component members are prepared in which the cylindrical material is divided into two in the circumferential direction, and the corresponding side edge end surfaces of both component members are butted to form a cylindrical shape. At the same time, a rotating probe is inserted into one of the two butting portions extending in the longitudinal direction formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical joining member , and the contact portion with the probe is softened by frictional heat. while stirring is, the probe inserted state, by moving along the one butt portion probes, or the one butt portion moves the joining member so as to sequentially pass through the probe, the one abutting portion A method of manufacturing a cylindrical material for friction stir welding,
A receiving roller disposed opposite to the probe; and a guide roller disposed around a bonding member passage space formed between the probe and the receiving roller and guiding the bonding member to the space. The receiving roller and the guide roller each have a curved peripheral surface corresponding to the outer peripheral surface of the joining member, and these peripheral surfaces abut on the outer peripheral surface of the joining member passing through the space. Using a restraining jig that restrains the joining member and holds its shape,
The joining member is passed through the space to restrain the joining member, and the outer peripheral surface of the joining member is abutted and supported by the peripheral surface of the receiving roller, and the probe is inserted into the one butting portion. As a backing that prevents the softened portion softened by frictional heat from flowing out into the hollow portion of the joining member, and is provided continuously to the side edge portion of the first component member. With the receiving portion, there is an aspect in which the inner surface of the side edge portion of the second component member is received in a contact state across the one abutting portion,
While maintaining this state, the probe is moved together with the restraining jig, or the joining member is moved.

The method of manufacturing a cylindrical member according to claim 3, wherein an outer peripheral surface including an outer surface of the other butted portion of the joining member is abutted and supported by a peripheral surface of the receiving roller.