JP4668437B2

JP4668437B2 - Friction stir welding method and friction stir welding apparatus

Info

Publication number: JP4668437B2
Application number: JP2001063267A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 正幸成田; 靖之浜; 武典橋本; 茂利成願; 喜隆長野
Original assignee: Honda Motor Co Ltd; Showa Denko KK
Current assignee: Honda Motor Co Ltd; Showa Denko KK
Priority date: 2001-03-07
Filing date: 2001-03-07
Publication date: 2011-04-13
Anticipated expiration: 2021-03-07
Also published as: JP2002263864A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
この発明は、アルミニウム材やその合金材等の金属材を接合する摩擦撹拌接合法及び摩擦撹拌接合装置に関し、詳述すれば、例えば、自動車、航空機、鉄道車両等の輸送機器における床材、壁材、天井材等として用いられる金属製板材を製造する際に好適に用いられる摩擦撹拌接合法及び摩擦撹拌接合装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
摩擦撹拌接合法は、固相接合法の範疇に入り、接合部材である金属材の種類に制限を受けない、接合に伴う熱歪みによる変形が少ない等の優れた利点を有し、近年、様々な構造物の接合手段として用いられている。
【０００３】
図１７は、厚さ方向に段差を生じる態様で突き合わされた２個の板状の接合部材をこの摩擦撹拌接合法により突合せ接合する場合について示している。
【０００４】
同図において、（101）は薄肉の長尺平板状の金属製第１接合部材、（102）は厚肉の長尺平板状の金属製第２接合部材である。これら両接合部材（101）（102）は、裏面同士が面一に連なる態様にして幅方向の一端面同士が突き合わされており（突合せ部103）、このため、厚さ方向に両者の肉厚差に対応した段差を表面側にて生じている。そして、この突合せ状態で両接合部材（101）（102）が前後の支持ローラ（131）（132）によって裏面側から支持されている。（104）は両接合部材（101）（102）の段部を示している。
【０００５】
（140）は摩擦撹拌接合用の接合工具である。この接合工具（140）は、径大の円柱状回転子（141）と、該回転子（141）の端面（141a）の回転中心部に回転軸線（Ｑ’）に沿って突出して一体に設けられた径小のピン状プローブ（142）とを備えている。
【０００６】
（133）は裏当てローラである。この裏当てローラ（133）は、両接合部材（１）（２）の裏面側において接合工具（140）のプローブ（142）に対向して配置されている。
【０００７】
上記接合工具（140）を用いて両接合部材（101）（102）の突合せ部（103）を接合する場合には、まず、接合工具（140）の回転しているプローブ（142）を、両接合部材（101）（102）の表面側から突合せ部（103）に埋入し、この状態で、突合せ部（103）が順次、プローブ（142）を通過するように両接合部材（101）（102）を突合せ状態のままでその長さ方向に移動させる。MDは両接合部材（101）（102）の移動方向を示している。この両接合部材（101）（102）の移動に伴い、両接合部材（101）（102）の突合せ部（103）がプローブ埋入位置にて該プローブ（142）により接合されていく。（103'）は両接合部材（101）（102）の接合された突合せ部を示しており、（W'）はこの突合せ部（103'）に形成された接合部を示している。また、（WD）はこの接合方法における接合方向を示している。
【０００８】
而して、一般に各接合部材（101）（102）は、捻れていたり厚さ方向に反っていたりして平坦でない場合がある。このような状態の接合部材（101）（102）を用いて両者を突合せ接合すると、形状不良が発生して高品質な突合せ接合継手を得ることができない。さらに、捻れた状態のままで両接合部材（101）（102）を突き合わせると、その突合せ部（103）には接合部材（101）（102）の捻れに起因する隙間が生じることになり、この状態のままで突合せ接合を行うと、当該隙間によって接合された突合せ部（103'）に未接合部等の接合欠陥が発生してしまうという難点があった。さらには、摩擦撹拌接合と言えども接合部材が長尺である場合には、接合に伴う熱歪みが生じ易かった。
【０００９】
そこで、かかる問題を解決するため、特開平１０−２９６４６２号公報には、両接合部材（101）（102）の表面側において、プローブ埋入位置に対する両接合部材（101）（102）の接合方向前方側に、所定長さを有する円柱状の前押さえローラ（110）を突合せ部（103）を跨ぐ態様にして配置するとともに、プローブ埋入位置に対する両接合部材（101）（102）の接合方向後方側に、所定長さを有する円柱状の前押さえローラ（120）を突合せ部（103）を跨ぐ態様にして配置し、これら前後の押さえローラ（110）（120）によって、プローブ埋入位置に対する両接合部材（101）（102）の接合方向前方側と接合方向後方側とを押さえながら、突合せ接合を行う方法が提案されている。
【００１０】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、両接合部材（101）（102）の突合せ部（103）表面には段部（104）が形成されているから、上述した提案方法によれば、前後の押さえローラ（110）（120）で両接合部材（101）（102）を押さえようとしても、両接合部材（101）（102）のうち、厚肉の第２接合部材（102）についてはこれら前後の押さえローラ（110）（120）で押さえることができるが、薄肉の第１接合部材（101）についてはこれら前後の押さえローラ（110）（120）で押さえることができなかった。このため、捻れや反りを矯正できず捻れ状態や反り状態のままで接合されて形状不良が発生したり、未接合部等の接合欠陥や熱歪みが発生したりして高品質の突合せ接合継手を得ることができなかった。
【００１１】
この発明は、このような技術背景に鑑みてなされたもので、その目的は、厚さ方向に段差を表面側にて生じる態様で突き合わされた２個の板状接合部材の突合せ接合を行う摩擦撹拌接合法及び摩擦撹拌接合装置であって、捻れ、反り等の形状不良の発生や、接合欠陥、熱歪み等の接合不良の発生を防止又は抑制することができ、もって高品質の突合せ接合継手を得ることのできる摩擦撹拌接合法及び摩擦撹拌接合装置を提供することにある。
【００１２】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記目的を達成するため、請求項１の発明は、厚さ方向に段差を表面側にて生じる態様で突き合わされるとともに、突合せ部に表面側から接合工具の回転しているプローブが埋入され、且つ裏面側から支持部材によって支持された２個の板状の第１及び第２接合部材を、突合せ部が順次プローブを通過するようにプローブに対して相対的に移動させることにより、両接合部材の突合せ接合を行う摩擦撹拌接合法であって、プローブ埋入位置に対する第１接合部材の接合方向前方側及び第２接合部材の接合方向前方側を、それぞれ、第１前押さえローラ及び第２前押さえローラによって表面側から押さえながら、前記突合せ接合を行うことを特徴としている。
【００１３】
この摩擦撹拌接合法によれば、プローブ埋入位置に対する第１接合部材の接合方向前方側を第１前押さえローラによって表面側から押さえるとともに、プローブ埋入位置に対する第２接合部材の接合方向前方側を第２前押さえローラによって表面側から押さえることにより、各接合部材が接合中に不本意に動いてしまう不具合が防止され、更には各接合部材の捻れ等の形状不良が矯正される。そしてこの状態で突合せ接合が行われることにより、突合せ部に形成される間隙に起因する接合欠陥や熱歪みの発生が防止又は抑制され、もって高品質な突合せ接合継手が得られるようになる。
【００１４】
請求項２の発明は、厚さ方向に段差を表面側にて生じる態様で突き合わされるとともに、突合せ部に表面側から接合工具の回転しているプローブが埋入され、且つ裏面側から支持部材によって支持された２個の板状の第１及び第２接合部材を、突合せ部が順次プローブを通過するようにプローブに対して相対的に移動させることにより、両接合部材の突合せ接合を行う摩擦撹拌接合法であって、プローブ埋入位置に対する第１接合部材の接合方向後方側及び第２接合部材の接合方向後方側を、それぞれ、第１後押さえローラ及び第２後押さえローラによって表面側から押さえながら、前記突合せ接合を行うことを特徴としている。
【００１５】
この摩擦撹拌接合法によれば、プローブ埋入位置に対する第１接合部材の接合方向後方側を第１後押さえローラによって表面側から押さえるとともに、プローブ埋入位置に対する第２接合部材の接合方向後方側を第２後押さえローラによって表面側から押さえることにより、各接合部材が接合中に不本意に動いてしまう不具合が防止され、更には各接合部材の捻れ等の形状不良が矯正される。そしてこの状態で突合せ接合が行われることにより、接合欠陥や熱歪みの発生が防止又は抑制され、もって高品質な突合せ接合継手が得られるようになる。
【００１６】
請求項３の発明は、厚さ方向に段差を表面側にて生じる態様で突き合わされるとともに、突合せ部に表面側から接合工具の回転しているプローブが埋入され、且つ裏面側から支持部材によって支持された２個の板状の第１及び第２接合部材を、突合せ部が順次プローブを通過するようにプローブに対して相対的に移動させることにより、両接合部材の突合せ接合を行う摩擦撹拌接合法であって、プローブ埋入位置に対する第１接合部材の接合方向前方側及び第２接合部材の接合方向前方側を、それぞれ、第１前押さえローラ及び第２前押さえローラによって表面側から押さえるとともに、プローブ埋入位置に対する第１接合部材の接合方向後方側及び第２接合部材の接合方向後方側を、それぞれ、第１後押さえローラ及び第２後押さえローラによって表面側から押さえながら、前記突合せ接合を行うことを特徴としている。
【００１７】
この摩擦撹拌接合法においては、第１前押さえローラ及び第１後押さえローラによってそれぞれプローブ埋入位置に対する第１接合部材の接合方向前方側及び接合方向後方側が表面側から押さえられるとともに、第２前押さえローラ及び第２後押さえローラによってそれぞれプローブ埋入位置に対する第２接合部材の接合方向前方側及び接合方向後方側が表面側から押さえられる。これにより、各接合部材が接合中に不本意に動いてしまう不具合が確実に防止又は抑制され、更には各接合部材の捻れや反り等の形状不良が確実に矯正される。そしてこの状態で突合せ接合が行われることにより、接合欠陥や熱歪みの発生が確実に防止又は抑制され、もってより一層高品質な突合せ接合継手が得られるようになる。
【００１８】
請求項４の発明は、請求項１〜３のいずれか１項記載の摩擦撹拌接合法において、プローブ埋入位置に対する第１接合部材の接合方向前方側の少なくとも突合せ部直近部位及び第２接合部材の接合方向前方側の少なくとも突合せ部直近部位を、それぞれ、第１前押さえローラ及び第２前押さえローラによって表面側から押さえながら、前記突合せ接合を行うものである。
【００１９】
この場合には、各接合部材をしっかりと押さえることができるようになり、この結果、接合欠陥や熱歪みの発生がより確実に防止又は抑制され、もってより一層高品質な突合せ接合継手が得られるようになる。
【００２０】
請求項５の発明は、上記請求項１〜３のいずれか１項記載の摩擦撹拌接合法において、両接合部材の接合された突合せ部を、外周面がテーパ面からなる第３後押さえローラによって表面側から押圧しながら、前記突合せ接合を行うものである。
【００２１】
この場合には、第３後押さえローラの外周面がテーパ面からなることから、接合された突合せ部をこの第３後押さえローラによって押圧することにより、当該突合せ部がこの第３後押さえローラからの押圧力を受けて加圧されてその表面が傾斜面になるように塑性変形される。更にこの塑性変形によって、当該突合せ部の肉が両接合部材の段部のすみ部内に充填されるようになる。更に、当該突合せ部の表面に形成されることのあるバリ等の微細凹凸が、この第３後押さえローラからの押圧力を受けることで加圧除去されるようになる。この結果、接合された突合せ部の表面は、傾斜面に形成されるとともにこの傾斜面の状態のままで平滑化されるようになる。接合された突合せ部の表面がこのような傾斜面に形成されることより、得られる突合せ接合継手の段部に生じる応力集中を緩和し得るようになる。更には、接合された突合せ部がこうして押圧されることにより、当該突合せ部の表面に生じる引張残留応力が圧縮残留応力に変換されるようになり、もって得られる突合せ接合継手の耐久性が向上する。更に、接合された突合せ部の表面が平滑化されることにより、塗装の際に生じることのある、微細凹凸による塗膜欠陥の発生が防止され、もって当該突合せ部の表面に塗膜を良好に形成し得るようになる。
【００２２】
請求項６の発明は、上記請求項５記載の摩擦撹拌接合法において、第３後押さえローラは、外周面が冷却されているものである。
【００２３】
この場合には、両接合部材の接合された突合せ部の表面が、第３後押さえローラの押圧時に該ローラの冷却された外周面に当接することで強制的に冷却され、これにより当該突合せ部が焼入れ状態になる。この結果、接合強度が向上するようになる。更には、当該突合せ部に生じた過剰な熱が除去され、この結果、良好な接合部が形成されるようになる。
【００２４】
請求項７の発明は、上記請求項１〜３のいずれか１項記載の摩擦撹拌接合法において、両接合部材の接合された突合せ部の裏面を、外周面が冷却された冷却ローラの該外周面に当接させて冷却しながら、突合せ接合を行うものである。
【００２５】
この場合には、両接合部材の接合された突合せ部の裏面が、冷却ローラの冷却された外周面に当接することで強制的に冷却され、これにより当該突合せ部が焼入れ状態になる。この結果、接合強度が向上するようになる。更には、当該突合せ部に生じた過剰な熱が除去され、この結果、良好な接合部が形成されるようになる。
【００２６】
請求項８の発明は、上記請求項１又は３記載の摩擦撹拌接合法において、第１前押さえローラと第２前押さえローラとは別体であり、第１前押さえローラ及び第２前押さえローラのうち少なくとも一方のローラの軸線を、接合方向に直交する面内で接合部材の突合せ方向に対して傾斜させた状態で、前記突合せ接合を行うものである。
【００２７】
この場合には、第１前押さえローラと第２前押さえローラとが別体であることにより、もし仮に、両接合部材のうち少なくとも一方の接合部材の肉厚が接合方向と平行な方向において変動している場合であっても、当該接合部材をしっかりと押さえることができるようになる。また、第１前押さえローラ及び第２前押さえローラのうち少なくとも一方のローラの軸線を、接合方向に直交する面内で接合部材の突合せ方向に対して傾斜させることにより、接合部材が受ける当該ローラからの押圧力を、突合せ方向において変化させることができる。そして、この傾斜状態で突合せ接合を行うことにより、接合欠陥や熱歪みの発生を確実に防止又は抑制し得るようになる。
【００２８】
請求項９の発明は、上記請求項８記載の摩擦撹拌接合法において、両接合部材の接合された突合せ部の接合状態に関する特性について測定した測定値に基づいて、第１接合部材の突合せ方向に対する第１前押さえローラの軸線の、接合方向に直交する面内における傾斜角と、第２接合部材の突合せ方向に対する第２前押さえローラの軸線の、接合方向に直交する面内における傾斜角と、のうち少なくとも一方を変更しながら、前記突合せ接合を行うものである。
【００２９】
この場合には、接合不良や熱歪みの抑制作業又は防止作業を能率良く行えるようになる。なお、接合された突合せ部の接合状態に関する特性としては、当該突合せ部の表面温度や表面残留応力が例示される。
【００３０】
請求項１０の発明は、請求項１又は３記載の摩擦撹拌接合法において、第１前押さえローラと第２前押さえローラとは別体であり、第１前押さえローラ及び第２前押さえローラのうち少なくとも一方のローラの軸線を、接合部材に突合せ方向の力が付与されるように、接合部材の表面に平行な面内で接合部材の突合せ方向に対して傾斜させた状態で、前記突合せ接合を行うものである。
【００３１】
この場合には、第１前押さえローラと第２前押さえローラとが別体であることにより、もし仮に、両接合部材のうち少なくとも一方の接合部材の肉厚が接合方向と平行な方向において変動している場合であっても、当該接合部材をしっかりと押さえることができるようになる。また、第１前押さえローラ及び第２前押さえローラのうち少なくとも一方のローラの軸線を、接合部材に突合せ方向の力が付与されるように、接合部材の表面に平行な面内で接合部材の突合せ方向に対して傾斜させることにより、両接合部材が突合せ部において強く密着するようになる。そしてこの密着状態で突合せ接合が行われることにより、良好な接合部が形成されるようになる。
【００３２】
請求項１１の発明は、上記請求項１〜３のいずれか１項記載の摩擦撹拌接合法において、第１前支持ローラと第２前支持ローラとに分割された前支持ローラを用い、プローブ埋入位置に対する第１接合部材の接合方向前方側及び第２接合部材の接合方向前方側を、それぞれ、第１前支持ローラ及び第２前支持ローラによって裏面側から支持するとともに、第１前支持ローラ及び第２前支持ローラのうち少なくとも一方のローラの軸線を、接合部材に突合せ方向の力が付与されるように、接合部材の裏面に平行な面内で接合部材の突合せ方向に対して傾斜させた状態で、前記突合せ接合を行うものである。
【００３３】
この場合には、第１前支持ローラ及び第２前支持ローラのうち少なくとも一方のローラの軸線を、接合部材に突合せ方向の力が付与されるように、接合部材の裏面に平行な面内で接合部材の突合せ方向に対して傾斜させることにより、両接合部材が突合せ部において強く密着するようになる。そしてこの密着状態で突合せ接合が行われることにより、良好な接合部が形成されるようになる。
【００３４】
請求項１２の発明は、上記請求項１〜３のいずれか１項記載の摩擦撹拌接合法において、第１後支持ローラと第２後支持ローラとに分割された後支持ローラを用い、プローブ埋入位置に対する第１接合部材の接合方向後方側及び第２接合部材の接合方向後方側を、それぞれ、第１後支持ローラ及び第２後支持ローラによって裏面側から支持した状態で、前記突合せ接合を行うものである。
【００３５】
この場合には、第１後支持ローラと第２後支持ローラとに分割された後支持ローラを用いることにより、当該後支持ローラの設計自由度が増大する。したがって、当該後支持ローラの第１後支持ローラ及び第２後支持ローラの相互配置変更や周速度の変更等を行うことによって、プローブ埋入位置に対する両接合部材の接合方向後方側において生じることのある両接合部材の蛇行運動を、防止又は抑制し得るようになるし、更には各接合部材の形状不良に対する矯正効果についても期待できるようになる。
【００３６】
請求項１３の発明は、上記請求項１〜３のいずれか１項記載の摩擦撹拌接合法において、各接合部材に接合方向と平行な方向の張力を付与した状態で、前記突合せ接合を行うものである。
【００３７】
この場合には、各接合部材に接合方向と平行な方向の張力を付与することにより、接合部材の反り、捻れ、曲がり等の形状不良が矯正されるとともに、各接合部材の表面振動が抑制される。この状態で、突合せ接合が行われることにより、得られる突合せ接合継手の品質が向上する。
【００３８】
請求項１４の発明は、厚さ方向に段差を表面側にて生じる態様で突き合わされるとともに、突合せ部に表面側から接合工具の回転しているプローブが埋入され、且つ裏面側から支持部材によって支持された２個の板状の第１及び第２接合部材を、突合せ部が順次プローブを通過するようにプローブに対して相対的に移動させることにより、両接合部材の突合せ接合を行うための摩擦撹拌接合装置であって、プローブ埋入位置に対する第１接合部材の接合方向前方側を表面側から押さえる第１前押さえローラと、プローブ埋入位置に対する第２接合部材の接合方向前方側を表面側から押さえる第２前押さえローラと、を備えていることを特徴としている。
【００３９】
この摩擦撹拌接合装置によれば、上記請求項１記載の摩擦撹拌接合法を能率良く遂行できるようになる。
【００４０】
請求項１５の発明は、厚さ方向に段差を表面側にて生じる態様で突き合わされるとともに、突合せ部に表面側から接合工具の回転しているプローブが埋入され、且つ裏面側から支持部材によって支持された２個の板状の第１及び第２接合部材を、突合せ部が順次プローブを通過するようにプローブに対して相対的に移動させることにより、両接合部材の突合せ接合を行うための摩擦撹拌接合装置であって、プローブ埋入位置に対する第１接合部材の接合方向後方側を表面側から押さえる第１後押さえローラと、プローブ埋入位置に対する第２接合部材の接合方向後方側を表面側から押さえる第２後押さえローラと、を備えていることを特徴としている。
【００４１】
この摩擦撹拌接合装置によれば、上記請求項２記載の摩擦撹拌接合法を能率良く遂行できるようになる。
【００４２】
請求項１６の発明は、厚さ方向に段差を表面側にて生じる態様で突き合わされるとともに、突合せ部に表面側から接合工具の回転しているプローブが埋入され、且つ裏面側から支持部材によって支持された２個の板状の第１及び第２接合部材を、突合せ部が順次プローブを通過するようにプローブに対して相対的に移動させることにより、両接合部材の突合せ接合を行うための摩擦撹拌接合装置であって、プローブ埋入位置に対する第１接合部材の接合方向前方側を表面側から押さえる第１前押さえローラと、プローブ埋入位置に対する第２接合部材の接合方向前方側を表面側から押さえる第２前押さえローラと、プローブ埋入位置に対する第１接合部材の接合方向後方側を表面側から押さえる第１後押さえローラと、プローブ埋入位置に対する第２接合部材の接合方向後方側を表面側から押さえる第２後押さえローラと、を備えていることを特徴としている。
【００４３】
この摩擦撹拌接合装置によれば、上記請求項３記載の摩擦撹拌接合法を能率良く遂行できるようになる。
【００４４】
請求項１７の発明は、上記請求項１４〜１６のいずれか１項記載の摩擦撹拌接合装置において、両接合部材の接合された突合せ部を表面側から押圧する、外周面がテーパ面からなる第３後押さえローラを備えているものである。
【００４５】
この場合には、上記請求項５記載の摩擦撹拌接合法を能率良く遂行できるようになる。
【００４６】
請求項１８の発明は、上記請求項１４又は１６記載の摩擦撹拌接合装置において、第１前押さえローラと第２前押さえローラとは別体であり、第１前押さえローラ及び第２前押さえローラのうち少なくとも一方のローラの軸線の、接合部材の突合せ方向に対する、接合方向に直交する面内における傾斜角を変更するための傾斜角変更装置を備えているものである。
【００４７】
この場合には、上記請求項８記載の摩擦撹拌接合法を能率良く遂行できるようになる。
【００４８】
請求項１９の発明は、上記請求項１８記載の摩擦撹拌接合装置において、両接合部材の接合された突合せ部の接合状態に関する特性を測定する測定装置と、測定装置で得られた測定値に基づいて傾斜角変更装置の動作を制御する制御装置と、を備えているものである。
【００４９】
この場合には、上記請求項９記載の摩擦撹拌接合法を能率良く遂行できるようになる。
【００５０】
請求項２０の発明は、請求項１４又は１６記載の摩擦撹拌接合装置において、第１前押さえローラと第２前押さえローラとは別体であり、第１前押さえローラ及び第２前押さえローラのうち少なくとも一方のローラの軸線の、接合部材の突合せ方向に対する、接合部材の表面に平行な面内における傾斜角を変更するための傾斜角変更装置を備えているものである。
【００５１】
この場合には、上記請求項１０記載の摩擦撹拌接合法を能率良く遂行できるようになる。
【００５２】
請求項２１の発明は、上記請求項１４〜１６のいずれか１項記載の摩擦撹拌接合装置において、プローブ埋入位置に対する第１接合部材の接合方向前方側を裏面側から支持する第１前支持ローラと、プローブ埋入位置に対する第２接合部材の接合方向前方側を裏面側から支持する、第１前支持ローラとは別体の第２前支持ローラと、第１前支持ローラ及び第２前支持ローラのうち少なくとも一方のローラの軸線の、接合部材の突合せ方向に対する、接合部材の裏面に平行な面内における傾斜角を変更するための傾斜角変更装置と、を備えているものである。
【００５３】
この場合には、上記請求項１１記載の摩擦撹拌接合法を能率良く遂行できるようになる。
【００５４】
【発明の実施の形態】
次に、この発明の実施形態を図面を参照して説明する。
【００５５】
図１〜図７は、この発明の第１実施形態を示している。なお、この第１実施形態の摩擦撹拌接合法により接合された突合せ接合継手は、自動車のテーラードブランク材として用いられるものである。
【００５６】
図２において、（１）は薄肉の長尺平板状の第１接合部材、（２）は厚肉の長尺平板状の第２接合部材である。これら両接合部材（１）（２）は、いずれもアルミニウム又はその合金製のものである。
【００５７】
各接合部材（１）（２）は、図４に示すように、互いに並行な表面及び裏面を有するものであって、幅方向の一端面（1a）（2a）を突合せ面とするものであり、この端面（1a）（2a）は接合部材の表面及び裏面に対して略垂直に形成されている。そして、これら両接合部材（１）（２）は、裏面同士が面一に連なる態様にして幅方向の一端面（1a）（2a）同士が突き合わされており（その突合せ部（３））、このため、厚さ方向に両者の肉厚差に対応した段差を表面側にて生じている。図４において、（Ｎ）は各接合部材（１）（２）の突合せ方向を示している。この突合せ方向（Ｎ）は接合部材の幅方向と平行である。（４）は両接合部材（１）（２）の段部を示しており、（4a）はこの段部（４）のすみ部を示している。
【００５８】
そして、図２に示すように、この突合せ状態で両接合部材（１）（２）がその裏面側から後述する前後の支持ローラ（31）（32）によって水平状に支持されている。
【００５９】
さらに、各接合部材（１）（２）は、この支持状態のもとで、図１に示すようにテンションレベラーに備えられた前テンションローラ（70）及び後テンションローラ（70）によって、長さ方向に引っ張られており、これにより当該両接合部材（１）（２）に長さ方向の張力が付与されている。
【００６０】
図２において、（40）は摩擦撹拌接合用の接合工具である。この接合工具（40）は、径大の円柱状回転子（41）と、該回転子（41）の端面（41a）の回転中心部に回転軸線（Ｑ）上に沿って突出して一体に設けられた径小のピン状プローブ（42）と、を備えている。そして、この接合工具（40）のプローブ（42）が、回転軸線（Ｑ）を中心に回転している状態で、両接合部材（１）（２）の突合せ部（３）に表面側から埋入された状態に配置されている。さらに、この埋入状態において、図５に示すように回転軸線（Ｑ）は第１接合部材（１）（即ち、低位側の接合部材）側に傾斜された状態に配置されている。且つ、回転子（41）の端面（41a）は、これを突合せ部（３）から表面側に突出している第２接合部材（２）の肩部（2b）（即ち、高位側の接合部材の肩部）に圧接した状態に配置されている。図５において、Ｔは接合部材のプローブ埋入位置における表面の法線を示しており、θはこのＴに対する回転軸線（Ｑ）の第１接合部材（１）側への傾斜角を示している。
【００６１】
この接合工具（40）において、回転子（41）及びプローブ（42）は、ともに両接合部材（１）（２）よりも硬質で且つ接合時に発生する摩擦熱に耐え得る耐熱材料から形成されている。また、プローブ（42）の外周面には、摩擦熱にて軟化した両接合部材（１）（２）の肉を撹拌するための撹拌用凸部（図示せず）が螺旋状に形成されている。
【００６２】
図５において、Ｄは、回転子（41）の端面（41a）における外径を示している。この回転子（41）の端面（41a）の少なくとも外周縁部は、回転軸線（Ｑ）に直交する平面内に形成されており、この第１実施形態では回転子（41）の端面（41a）は平坦面からなる。なお、この発明では、回転子（41）の端面（41a）は、図示していないが外周縁部から回転中心部に向かって窪んだ形状になっていても良い。
【００６３】
而して、この第１実施形態では、図２に示すように、上述のように突合せ部（３）に表面側からプローブ（42）が埋入され且つ長さ方向の張力が付与された状態の両接合部材（１）（２）を、突合せ部（３）が順次プローブ（42）を通過するように、長さ方向に移動（その移動方向MD）させることによって、両接合部材（１）（２）の突合せ部（３）を接合しようとするものである。したがって、この第１実施形態では、両接合部材（１）（２）の移動方向MDとは反対の方向が接合方向（WD）となり、また各接合部材（１）（１）の長さ方向が接合方向（WD）と平行な方向となる。図２において、（3'）は、プローブ（42）により接合された両接合部材（１）（２）の突合せ部を示している。また、（Ｗ）は接合された突合せ部（3'）に形成された接合部を示している。
【００６４】
なお、この接合の際には、図３に示すように、接合工具（40）の回転軸線（Ｑ）は、接合方向後方側に僅かに傾けられており、これにより回転子（41）の端面（41a）の接合方向前方側の部分が両接合部材（１）（２）の表面から浮き上がった状態になっている。こうすることにより、両接合部材（１）（２）の表面に存在することのある微細凹凸への引っ掛かりを防止できるようになる。
【００６５】
まず、この第１実施形態の摩擦撹拌接合装置の構成について説明する。
【００６６】
図２において、（33）は所定長さを有する円柱状の裏当てローラである。この裏当てローラ（33）は、両接合部材（１）（２）の裏面側において、接合工具（40）のプローブ（42）に対向し且つ両接合部材（１）（２）に跨る態様にして配置されており、この裏当てローラ（33）によって両接合部材（１）（２）の突合せ部（３）のプローブ埋入位置の裏面が受けられている。
【００６７】
（30）は支持部材である。この支持部材（30）は所定長さを有する円柱状の前支持ローラ（31）と、同じく所定長さを有する円柱状の後支持ローラ（32）と、を備えている。前支持ローラ（31）は、両接合部材（１）（２）の裏面側において、プローブ埋入位置に対する両接合部材（１）（２）の接合方向前方側に、該ローラ（31）の軸線が突合せ方向（Ｎ）と平行になり且つ両接合部材（１）（２）に跨る態様にして配置されている。また同じく、後支持ローラ（32）は、両接合部材（１）（２）の裏面側において、プローブ埋入位置に対する両接合部材（１）（２）の接合方向後方側に、該ローラ（32）の軸線が突合せ方向（Ｎ）と平行になり且つ両接合部材（１）（２）に跨る態様にして配置されている。そして、これら前支持ローラ（31）及び後支持ローラ（32）によって、それぞれ、プローブ埋入位置に対する両接合部材（１）（２）の接合方向前方側及び接合方向後方側が裏面側から支持されている。
【００６８】
この前後の支持ローラ（31）（32）及び裏当てローラ（33）は、図示しない回転駆動装置を備えている。そして、この駆動装置を作動させることによって、これらローラ（31）（32）（33）がその軸線を中心に互いに同一の周速度で回転駆動し得るように構成されており、これらローラ（31）（32）（33）は両接合部材（１）（２）を所定方向（MD）に移動させるための駆動ローラとしても機能するものとなされている。なお、この発明では、裏当てローラ（33）は回転自在なものであっても良い。また、両接合部材（１）（２）に駆動力を付与する駆動装置が別途、設置されている場合等には、前後の支持ローラ（31）（32）は、回転自在なものであっても良い。
【００６９】
さらに、この前後の支持ローラ（31）（32）のうち後支持ローラ（31）は、冷却ローラとしても機能するものとなされている。すなわち、後支持ローラ（31）の内部の外周面近傍には、周方向に並んだ複数個の冷却液流通路（35）が長さ方向に延びて設けられている。そして、これら冷却液流通路（35）内に冷却液（例えば冷却水）が流通されており、これにより当該後支持ローラ（32）の外周面が冷却された状態になっている。そして、支持時にこの後支持ローラ（32）の冷却された外周面に両接合部材（１）（２）の接合された突合せ部（3'）の裏面が当接することで、当該突合せ部（3'）が裏面側から冷却されるものとなされている。
【００７０】
（11）は所定長さを有する径大の回転自在な円柱状第１前押さえローラ、（12）は所定長さを有する径小の回転自在な円柱状第２前押さえローラである。第１前押さえローラ（11）は、図２及び図４に示すように、第１接合部材（１）の表面側において、プローブ埋入位置に対する第１接合部材（１）の接合方向前方側における前支持ローラ（31）の上方位置に、該ローラ（11）の軸線（P1）が第１接合部材（１）の突合せ方向（Ｎ）と平行になる態様にして配置されている。また同じく、第２前押さえローラ（12）は、第２接合部材（２）の表面側において、プローブ埋入位置に対する第２接合部材（２）の接合方向前方側における前支持ローラ（31）の上方位置に、該ローラ（12）の軸線（P2）が第２接合部材（２）の突合せ方向（Ｎ）と平行になる態様にして配置されている。
【００７１】
この第１実施形態では、第１前押さえローラ（11）と第２前押さえローラ（12）とは、軸線同士が同一直線上に並び且つ端面同士が突き合わされた態様で一体化されている。この一体化ローラ（10）を第１実施形態では「前押さえローラ」を呼ぶ。
【００７２】
この前押さえローラ（10）において、第１前押さえローラ（11）の半径と第２押さえローラ（12）の半径との寸法差は、両接合部材（１）（２）の表面の段差（即ち、第１接合部材（１）の表面と第２接合部材（２）の表面との高低差）に一致している。
【００７３】
そして、第１前押さえローラ（11）によって、プローブ埋入位置に対する第１接合部材（１）の接合方向前方側の幅方向中間部から突合せ部直近部位までの領域が、表面側から厚さ方向に押さえられており、これにより第１接合部材（１）が当該領域で厚さ方向に拘束されている。また同じく、第２前押さえローラ（12）によって、プローブ埋入位置に対する第２接合部材（２）の接合方向前方側の幅方向中間部から突合せ部直近部位までの領域が、表面側から厚さ方向に押さえられており、これにより第２接合部材（２）が当該領域にて厚さ方向に拘束されている。
【００７４】
一方、両接合部材（１）（２）は、このように前押さえローラ（10）によって押さえられることにより、その裏面が前支持ローラ（31）の外周面に押し付けられて当該両接合部材（１）（２）に移動方向（MD）の駆動力が付与されるものとなる。一方、この両接合部材（１）（２）の移動に伴い、第１及び第２前押さえローラ（11）（12）はその軸線（P1）（P2）を中心に定位置で一体に回転するものとなる。
【００７５】
（21）は所定長さを有する径大の回転自在な円柱状第１後押さえローラ、（22）は所定長さを有する径小の回転自在な円柱状第２後押さえローラである。第１後押さえローラ（21）は、図２及び図７に示すように、第１接合部材（１）の表面側において、プローブ埋入位置に対する第１接合部材（１）の接合方向後方側における後支持ローラ（32）の上方位置に、該ローラ（21）の軸線が第１接合部材（１）の突合せ方向（Ｎ）と平行になる態様にして配置されている。また同じく、第２後押さえローラ（22）は、第２接合部材（２）の表面側において、プローブ埋入位置に対する第２接合部材（２）の接合方向後方側における後支持ローラ（32）の上方位置に、該ローラ（22）の軸線が第２接合部材（２）の突合せ方向（Ｎ）と平行になる態様にして配置されている。
【００７６】
（23）は、外周面がテーパ面からなる回転自在な円錐台状の第３後押さえローラである。この第３後押さえローラ（23）は、両接合部材（１）（２）の接合された突合せ部（3'）を表面側から押圧するためのものであって、両接合部材（１）（２）の表面側において、両接合部材（１）（２）の接合された突合せ部（3'）における後支持ローラ（32）の上方位置に、該ローラ（23）の軸線が接合部材の突合せ方向（Ｎ）と平行になる態様にして配置されている。
【００７７】
この第１実施形態では、第１後押さえローラ（21）と第３後押さえローラ（23）と第２後押さえローラ（22）とは、軸線同士が同一直線上にこの順に並び且つ隣接するローラの端面同士が突き合わされた態様で一体化されている。この一体化ローラ（20）を第１実施形態では「後押さえローラ」と呼ぶ。
【００７８】
この後押さえローラ（20）において、第１後押さえローラ（21）の半径と第２後押さえローラ（22）の半径との寸法差は、両接合部材（１）（２）の表面の段差に一致している。さらに、第１後押さえローラ（21）の外周面と第２後押さえローラ（22）の外周面とが、第３後押さえローラ（23）の外周面を介して連接されている。
【００７９】
そして、第１後押さえローラ（21）によって、プローブ埋入位置に対する第１接合部材（１）の接合方向後方側の幅方向中間部から接合された突合せ部近傍部までの領域が、表面側から厚さ方向に押さえられており、これにより第１接合部材（１）が当該領域にて厚さ方向に拘束されている。また同じく、第２後押さえローラ（22）によって、プローブ埋入位置に対する第２接合部材（２）の接合方向後方側の幅方向中間部から接合された突合せ部近傍部までの領域が、表面側から厚さ方向に押さえられており、これにより第２接合部材（２）が当該領域にて厚さ方向に拘束されている。さらに、第３後押さえローラ（23）によって、両接合部材（１）（２）の接合された突合せ部（3'）が表面側から厚さ方向に押圧されている。
【００８０】
さらに、第３後押さえローラ（23）の内部の外周面近傍には、図２に示すように、周方向に並んだ複数個の冷却液流通路（25）が、第１後押さえローラ（21）と第２後押さえローラ（22）とに跨がって長さ方向に延びて設けられている。そして、この冷却液流通路（25）内に冷却液（例えば冷却水）が流通されており、これにより第３後押さえローラ（23）の外周面が冷却された状態になっている。そして、押圧時にこの第３後押さえローラ（23）の冷却された外周面が両接合部材（１）（２）の接合された突合せ部（3'）の表面に当接することで、当該突合せ部（3'）が表面側から冷却されるものとなされている。
【００８１】
一方、両接合部材（１）（２）は、このように後押さえローラ（20）によって押さえられることにより、その裏面が後支持ローラ（32）の外周面に押し付けられて当該両接合部材（１）（２）に移動方向（MD）の駆動力を付与されるものとなる。一方、この両接合部材（１）（２）の移動に伴い、第１〜第３前押さえローラ（21）（22）（23）はその軸線を中心に定位置で一体に回転するものとなる。
【００８２】
次に、この第１実施形態の摩擦撹拌接合法の接合手順について説明する。
【００８３】
まず、テンションローラ（70）（70）によって接合方向（WD）と平行な方向（即ち長さ方向）の張力が付与された状態の両接合部材（１）（２）に対し、第１前押さえローラ（11）によって、プローブ埋入位置に対する第１接合部材（１）の接合方向前方側の幅方向中間部から突合せ部直近部位までの領域を表面側から押さえ、これにより第１接合部材（１）を当該領域にて厚さ方向に拘束する。また同じく、第２前押さえローラ（12）によって、プローブ埋入位置に対する第２接合部材（２）の接合方向前方側の幅方向中間部から突合せ部直近部位までの領域を表面側から押さえ、これにより第２接合部材（２）を当該領域にて厚さ方向に拘束する。
【００８４】
両接合部材（１）（２）がこのように押さえられることにより、各接合部材（１）（２）の捻れが矯正され、これにより両接合部材（１）（２）が突合せ部（３）において密着するようになり、その結果、突合せ部（３）に隙間が発生しなくなる。そして、両接合部材（１）（２）は、この密着状態のままで前支持ローラ（31）の駆動力を受けて移動される。
【００８５】
一方、所定の時点で、接合工具（40）の回転子（41）を回転させてプローブ（42）を回転させる。そして、回転軸線（Ｑ）を第１接合部材（１）側に傾斜させた状態で、回転しているプローブ（42）を両接合部材（１）（２）の突合せ部（３）に表面側から埋入した状態に配置する。更に、回転子（41）の端面（41a）を第２接合部材（２）の肩部（2b）に圧接した状態に配置する。なお、プローブ（42）の突合せ部（３）への埋入は、両接合部材（１）（２）の長さ方向の一端面から行っても良い。
【００８６】
突合せ部（３）にプローブ（42）が埋入された両接合部材（１）（２）は、プローブ（42）の回転により発生する摩擦熱と、回転子（41）の端面（41a）と第２接合部材（２）の肩部（2b）との摺動に伴い発生する摩擦熱とによって、プローブ（42）との接触部分近傍において軟化するとともに、第２接合部材（２）の肩部（2b）が回転子（41）の端面（41a）からの圧接力を受けてその表面が傾斜面になるように塑性変形される。更にこの塑性変形によって、当該肩部（2b）の肉の一部が両接合部材（１）（２）の段部（４）のすみ部（4a）内に充填される。
【００８７】
そして、こうして肩部（2b）の肉の一部がすみ部（4a）内に充填されながら、摩擦熱にて軟化した両接合部材（１）（２）の肉が、プローブ（42）の回転力を受けて撹拌混合されるとともに、両接合部材（１）（２）の移動に伴って該プローブ（42）の通過溝を埋めるように塑性流動したのち、摩擦熱を失って冷却固化され、もって両接合部材（１）（２）の突合せ部（３）がプローブ通過部位にて次々に接合されていく。このとき、接合工具（40）の回転軸線（Ｑ）は上述したように第１接合部材（１）側に傾斜しており、且つ第２接合部材（２）の肩部（2a）の肉の一部がすみ部（4a）内に充填されることから、接合された突合せ部（3'）の表面は、図６に示すように第１接合部材（１）の表面と第２接合部材（２）の表面とに跨る傾斜面に形成されるようになる。更に、この接合された突合せ部（3'）の表面には、バリ等の微細な凹凸が形成されている。
【００８８】
こうして突合せ部（３）をプローブ（42）により接合しながら両接合部材（１）（２）を移動させてこれを後支持ローラ（１）と第１〜第３支持ローラ（21）（22）（23）との間に通す。そして、第１後押さえローラ（21）によって、プローブ埋入位置に対する第１接合部材（１）の接合方向後方側の幅方向中間部から接合された突合せ部近傍部までの領域を表面側から押さえ、これにより第１接合部材（１）を当該領域にて厚さ方向に拘束する。また同じく、第２前押さえローラ（22）によって、プローブ埋入位置に対する第２接合部材（２）の接合方向後方側における幅方向中間部から接合された突合せ部近傍部までの領域を表面側から押さえ、これにより第２接合部材（２）を当該領域にて厚さ方向に拘束する。更に、第３後押さえローラ（23）によって、接合された突合せ部（3'）を表面側から押圧する。
【００８９】
こうして両接合部材（１）（２）が押さえられることにより、各接合部材（１）（２）の捻れ及び反りが矯正されるようになる。更に、第３後押さえローラ（３）の外周面はテーパ面からなるので、接合された突合せ部（3'）がこの第３後押さえローラ（23）によって押圧されることにより、当該突合せ部（3'）が加圧されてその表面が図７に示すように緩やかな傾斜面に形成されるようになる。更にこれと同時に、当該突合せ部（3'）の表面に形成されたバリ等の微細凹凸が加圧除去され、これにより当該突合せ部（3'）の表面は緩やかな傾斜面の状態のままで平滑化されるようになる。また、こうして押圧されることにより、当該突合せ部（3'）の表面に生じる引張残留応力が圧縮残留応力に変換されるようになる。
【００９０】
ここで、この発明において、図７に示すように、第３後押さえローラ（23）の外周面の幅及びテーパ角をそれぞれａ及びφとすると、幅ａは接合工具（40）の回転子（41）の端面（41a）における外径Ｄよりも大寸に設定されており（即ち、ａ＞Ｄ）、且つ、テーパ角φは法線Ｔに対する回転軸線（Ｑ）の第１接合部材（１）側への傾斜角θよりも小寸に設定されている（即ち、φ＜θ）。このように設定することにより、接合された突合せ部（3'）の表面を、所望する勾配をもった傾斜面に確実に形成できるようになり、更には前記微細凹凸を確実に加圧除去できるようになる。
【００９１】
更に、接合された突合せ部（3'）の表面が押圧時に第３後押さえローラ（23）の冷却された外周面に当接することで、当該突合せ部（3'）がその表面側から冷却されて焼入れ状態になる。この結果、接合強度が向上し、更には接合された突合せ部（3'）に生じることのある過剰な熱が冷却除去されて良好な接合部（Ｗ）が形成されるようになる。更には、接合された突合せ部（3'）の裏面が後支持ローラ（32）の冷却された外周面に当接することで、当該突合せ部（3'）がその裏面側からも冷却されて焼入れ状態になる。この結果、接合強度が更に向上するようになる。
【００９２】
なお、この発明では、裏当てローラ（33）の外径をｂとすると（図３参照）、外径ｂは接合工具（40）の回転子（41）の端面（41a）における外径Ｄと等しいか、あるいはＤよりも大寸に設定されている（即ちｂ≧Ｄ）。このように設定することにより、摩擦熱にて軟化した両接合部材（１）（２）の肉を確実に裏面側から受けることができるようになる。
【００９３】
而して、以上の摩擦撹拌接合法では、接合の際に、プローブ埋入位置に対する各接合部材（１）（２）の接合方向前方側が押さえられ、且つ、プローブ埋入位置に対する各接合部材（１）（２）の接合方向後方側が押さえられているから、各接合部材（１）（２）の反りや捻れを確実に矯正することができる。そして、この状態で、突合せ接合が行われるから、接合欠陥や熱歪みの発生を確実に防止又は抑制することができる。しかも、プローブ埋入位置に対する各接合部材（１）（２）の接合方向前方側の突合せ部直近部位を押さえた状態で、突合せ接合が行われるので、各接合部材（１）（２）の突き合わされる端部をしっかりと押さえることができて、接合欠陥や熱歪みの発生をより確実に防止又は抑制することができるようになる。
【００９４】
その上、両接合部材（１）（２）には接合方向（WD）と平行な方向の張力が付与されているので、各接合部材（１）（２）の反り、捻れ、曲がり等の形状不良をより一層確実に矯正できるようになるし、各接合部材（１）（２）の表面振動も抑制できるようになる。このため、接合欠陥や熱歪みの発生をより一層確実に防止又は抑制できるようになる。
【００９５】
しかも、この摩擦撹拌接合法においては、第１前押さえローラ（11）と第２前押さえローラ（12）は一体構成されているので、これらローラを支持するための支持治具の構造を簡素化することができる。
【００９６】
更に、この摩擦撹拌接合法で得られた突合せ接合継手は、接合された突合せ部（3'）が焼入れ状態になっているので、高い接合強度を有するものとなっている。しかも、接合された突合せ部（3'）の表面が、第１接合部材（１）の表面と第２接合部材（２）の表面とに跨る傾斜面に形成されているので、段部（４）に生じる応力集中を緩和し得るものとなっており、したがって優れた強度的信頼性を有するものとなっている。更には、接合された突合せ部（3'）の表面は、傾斜面の状態のままでバリ等の微細凹凸が加圧除去されて平滑化されているので、表面状態も良好である。このため、突合せ接合継手に対して塗装を行う場合であっても、接合された突合せ部（3'）の表面に塗膜を良好に形成することができるようになる。
【００９７】
図９〜図１５はこの発明の第２実施形態を示している。これらの図には、上記第１実施形態と同じ構成要素に同一の符号が付されており、以下、この第２実施形態を上記第１実施形態との相異点を中心に説明する。
【００９８】
この第２実施形態では、前押さえローラ（10）は、図９及び図１０に示すように、第１前押さえローラ（11）と第２前押さえローラ（12）とに分割構成されたものであり、すなわち第１前押さえローラ（11）と第２前押さえローラ（12）とは別体のものである。これらローラ（11）（12）の外径は同一寸法に設定されている。
【００９９】
図１１及び図１２において、（60a）は、第１接合部材（１）の突合せ方向（Ｎ）に対する第１前押さえローラ（11）の軸線（P1）の、第１接合部材（１）の表面に平行な面内における傾斜角（α1）を変更するための傾斜角変更装置である。この傾斜角変更装置（60a）は、更に、図１４に示すように、第１接合部材（１）の突合せ方向（Ｎ）に対する第１前押さえローラ（11）の軸線（P1）の、接合方向（WD）に直交する面内における傾斜角（β1）を変更するための機能をも具備している。そして、この傾斜角変更装置（60a）に第１前押さえローラ（11）が接続されており、この傾斜角変更装置（11）が作動することで傾斜角（α1）や傾斜角（β1）が変更されるものとなされている。更にこの傾斜角変更装置（60a）には、該傾斜角変更装置（60a）の動作を制御する後述する制御装置（61a）が接続されている。
【０１００】
（50）は、両接合部材（１）（２）の接合された突合せ部（3'）の表面温度を測定するための温度測定装置（例えば放射温度計）である。この温度測定器（50）は、図９に示すように両接合部材（１）（２）の表面側におけるプローブ埋入位置と第３後押さえローラ（23）との間の位置に配置されている。
【０１０１】
（61a）は、温度測定装置（50）で得られた測定値に基づいて第１前押さえローラ用傾斜角変更装置（60a）の動作を制御する制御装置である。この制御装置（61a）は温度測定装置（50）に接続されている。
【０１０２】
一方、（60b）は、第２接合部材（２）の突合せ方向（Ｎ）に対する第２前押さえローラ（12）の軸線（P2）の、第２接合部材（２）の表面に平行な面内における傾斜角（α2）を変更するための傾斜角変更装置である。この傾斜角変更装置（60b）は、更に、図１４に示すように、第２接合部材（２）の突合せ方向（Ｎ）に対する第２前押さえローラ（12）の軸線（P2）の、接合方向（WD）に直交する面内における傾斜角（β2）を変更するための機能をも具備している。そして、この傾斜角変更装置（60b）に第２前押さえローラ（12）が接続されており、この傾斜角変更装置（60b）が作動することで傾斜角（α2）や傾斜角（β2）が変更されるものとなされている。
【０１０３】
（61b）は、温度測定装置（50）で得られた測定値に基づいて第２前押さえローラ用傾斜角変更装置（60b）の動作を制御する制御装置である。この制御装置（61b）は温度測定装置（50）に接続されている。
【０１０４】
さらに、この摩擦撹拌接合装置においては、前支持ローラ（31）は、図９に示すように、プローブ埋入位置に対する第１接合部材（１）の接合方向前方側を裏面側から支持する第１前支持ローラ（31a）と、プローブ埋入位置に対する第２接合部材（２）の接合方向前方側を裏面側から支持する第２前支持ローラ（31b）とに分割構成されたものであり、すなわち第１前支持ローラ（31a）と第２前支持ローラ（31b）とは別体のものである。これらローラ（31a）（31b）の外径は同一寸法に設定されている。そして、第１前支持ローラ（31a）及び第２前支持ローラ（31b）によって、それぞれ、プローブ埋入位置に対する第１接合部材（１）の接合方向前方側及び第２接合部材（２）の接合方向前方側が裏面側から支持されている。
【０１０５】
（65a）は、第１接合部材（１）の突合せ方向（Ｎ）に対する第１前支持ローラ（31a）の軸線（S1）の、第１接合部材（１）の裏面に平行な面内における傾斜角（γ1）を変更するための傾斜角変更装置である。そして、この傾斜角変更装置（65a）に第１前支持ローラ（31a）が接続されており、この傾斜角変更装置（65a）が作動することで図１３に示すように傾斜角（γ1）が変更されるものとなされている。
【０１０６】
（65b）は、第２接合部材（２）の突合せ方向（Ｎ）に対する第２前支持ローラ（32b）の軸線（S2）の、第２接合部材（２）の裏面に平行な面内における傾斜角（γ2）を変更するための傾斜角変更装置である。そして、この傾斜角変更装置（65b）に第２前支持ローラ（31b）が接続されており、この傾斜角変更装置（65b）が作動することで図１３に示すように傾斜角（γ2）が変更されるものとなされている。
【０１０７】
而して、この第２実施形態では、第１前押さえローラ（11）は、図１０に示すように、突合せ部（３）側の端部が該端部とは反対側の端部よりも接合方向前方側に位置した態様にして、第１接合部材（１）の表面と平行な面内で該ローラ（11）の軸線（P1）を第１接合部材（１）の突合せ方向（Ｎ）に対して傾斜させた状態で配置されている。このように第１前押さえローラ（11）を配置することにより、第１接合部材（１）には、移動方向（MD）の力に加えて更に突合せ方向（Ｎ）の力が付与されるようになる。また同じく、第２前押さえローラ（12）は、突合せ部（３）側の端部が該端部とは反対側の端部よりも接合方向前方側に位置した態様にして、第２接合部材（２）の表面と平行な面内で該ローラ（12）の軸線（P2）を第２接合部材（２）の突合せ方向（Ｎ）に対して傾斜させた状態で配置されている。
【０１０８】
このように第１前押さえローラ（11）及び第２前押さえローラ（12）を配置することにより、両接合部材（１）（２）の移動に伴い当該両接合部材（１）（２）は突合せ部（３）において強く密着するようになり、この状態で所定方向（MD）に移動するものとなる。
【０１０９】
更に両接合部材（１）（２）を強く密着させるために、この第２実施形態では、図１０に示すように、第１前支持ローラ（31a）は、突合せ部（３）側の端部が該端部とは反対側の端部よりも接合方向前方側に位置した態様にして、第１接合部材（１）の裏面と平行な面内で該ローラ（31a）の軸線（S1）を第１接合部材（１）の突合せ方向（Ｎ）に対して傾斜させた状態で配置されている。第２前支持ローラ（31b）についてもこれと同様に配置されている。
【０１１０】
而して、この第２実施形態では、両接合部材（１）（２）が強く密着した状態で突合せ接合が行われるようになるため、良好な接合部（Ｗ）を形成できるようになるし、両接合部材（１）（２）の移動中に突合せ部（３）が開いてしまう不具合を防止できるようになる。
【０１１１】
さらに、前押さえローラ（10）は、第１前押さえローラ（11）と第２前押さえローラ（12）とに分割構成されているので、もし仮に各接合部材（１）（２）の肉厚が長さ方向において寸法公差内で変動している場合であっても、各接合部材（１）（１）をしっかりと押さえることができる。
【０１１２】
さらに、この第２実施形態では、図１５に示すように、後支持ローラ（32）は、プローブ埋入位置に対する第１接合部材（１）の接合方向後方側を裏面側から支持する第１後支持ローラ（32a）と、プローブ埋入位置に対する第２接合部材（２）の接合方向後方側を裏面側から支持する第２後支持ローラ（32b）とに分割構成されている。これらローラ（32a）（32b）の外径は同一寸法に設定されている。そして、第１後支持ローラ（32a）及び第２後支持ローラ（32b）によって、それぞれ、プローブ埋入位置に対する第１接合部材（１）の接合方向後方側及び第２接合部材（２）の接合方向後方側が裏面側から支持されている。
【０１１３】
このように後支持ローラ（32）として、第１後支持ローラ（32a）と第２後支持ローラ（32b）とに分割されたものを用いることにより、当該後支持ローラ（32）の設計自由度が増大するようになる。このため、第１後支持ローラ（32a）や第２後支持ローラ（32b）の配置を変更したり周速度を変更したりすることによって、プローブ埋入位置に対する両接合部材（１）（２）の接合方向後方側において生じることのある両接合部材（１）（２）の蛇行運動を、防止又は抑制し得るようになり、更には、各接合部材（１）（２）の形状不良に対する矯正効果についても期待できるようになる。
【０１１４】
図１６は、この第２実施形態の一変形例を示している。この変形例では、第１前押さえローラ（11）は、突合せ部（３）側の端部が該端部とは反対側の端部よりも上側に位置した態様にして、接合方向（WD）に直交する面内で該ローラ（11）の軸線（P1）を第１接合部材（１）の突合せ方向（Ｎ）に対して傾斜させた状態で配置されている。そして、この状態のままで第１接合部材（１）を押圧するものとなされている。第２前押さえローラ（12）についてもこれと同様に配置されている。
【０１１５】
而して、この変形例では、次のようにして突合せ接合が行われる。すなわち、両接合部材（１）（２）の接合された突合せ部（3'）の表面温度を温度測定装置（50）により測定し、該温度測定装置（50）で得られた測定値に基づいて、制御装置（61a）（61b）を介して傾斜角変更装置（60a）（60b）を作動させて傾斜角（β1）（β2）をそれぞれ所定の値に変更しながら、突合せ接合が行われる。
【０１１６】
この突合せ接合法においては、接合された突合せ部（3'）の表面温度が所定温度よりも高い又は低い場合には、接合欠陥や熱歪みが発生し易くなるので、温度測定装置（50）で得られた測定値に基づいて傾斜角（β1）（β2）のうち少なくとも一方を変更する。これにより、接合部材（１）（２）が受ける当該ローラからの押圧力を、突合せ方向（Ｎ）において変化させ得るようになる。したがって、接合中に傾斜角（β1）（β2）を適宜変更することにより、接合欠陥や熱歪みの発生を確実に防止又は抑制し得るようになる。このように、この変形例では接合欠陥や熱歪みの発生を防止又は抑制しながら、突合せ接合を行えるようになり、このため、接合欠陥や熱歪みの防止作業又は抑制作業を能率良く行えるようになる。
【０１１７】
なお、この第２実施形態及びその変形例では、接合された突合せ部（3'）の接合状態に関する特性として、当該突合せ部（3'）の表面温度が例示されているが、この発明では、この他に、例えば当該突合せ部（3'）の表面残留応力について任意の測定装置により測定しこの測定値に基づいて傾斜角（β1）（β2）を変更しても良い。
【０１１８】
以上、この発明の実施形態について説明したが、この発明は上記実施形態に限定されるものではなく、様々に設定変更可能である。
【０１１９】
例えば、上記第１及び第２実施形態では、いずれも、接合工具（40）のプローブ（42）の位置を固定しておき、突合せ部（３）が順次プローブ（42）を通過するように両接合部材（１）（２）を移動させることにより、突合せ接合を行う場合について示しているが、この発明では、この他に、両接合部材（１）（２）の位置を固定しておき、プローブ（42）を突合せ部（３）に埋入してこれを突合せ部（３）に沿って移動させることにより、突合せ接合を行うものであっても良い。
【０１２０】
また、後押さえローラ（20）は、第１後押さえローラ（21）と第２後押さえローラ（22）と第３後押さえローラ（23）とに分割構成されていても良い。
【０１２１】
また、前押さえローラ（10）や後押さえローラ（20）は、接合部材（１）（２）に移動方向（MD）の駆動力を付与する駆動ローラとしても機能するように構成されていても良いし、周速度制御機構を備えたものであっても良い。
【０１２２】
【実施例】
次に、この発明の具体的実施例を示す。
【０１２３】
長尺平板状のアルミニウム合金製第１接合部材（材質：Ａ５０５２−Ｏ、寸法：長さ１０００×幅１００×厚さ２ｍｍ）と、同じく長尺平板状のアルミニウム合金製第２接合部材（材質：Ａ５０５２−Ｏ、寸法：長さ１０００×幅１００×厚さ３ｍｍ）とを準備した。
【０１２４】
接合工具（40）として、回転子（41）の端面（41a）における外径Ｄが９ｍｍ、プローブ（42）の回転子端面（41a）からの突出長さが２．３ｍｍで且つ該プローブ（42）がＭ３のネジの軸部からなるものを準備した。
【０１２５】
前押さえローラ（10）として、図８（Ａ）及び（Ｂ）に示したものを準備するとともに、後押さえローラ（20）として、図８（Ｃ）〜（Ｅ）に示したものを準備した。各ローラの構成は次の通りである。
【０１２６】
図８（Ａ）に示した前押さえローラ（10A）は、従来例で用いられたものと同じく円柱状のものであって、突合せ部を跨ぐ態様にして配置されるものである。
【０１２７】
図８（Ｂ）に示した前押さえローラ（10B）は、上記第１実施形態で用いられたもの（10）と同一構成である。
【０１２８】
図８（Ｃ）に示した後押さえローラ（20C）は、従来例で用いられたものと同じく円柱状のものである。
【０１２９】
図８（Ｄ）に示した後押さえローラ（20D）は、上記第１実施形態で用いられたもの（20）と同一構成である。
【０１３０】
図８（Ｅ）に示した後押さえローラ（20E）は、第１後押さえローラ（11）と第２後押さえローラ（12）とが第２後押さえローラ（12）の径よりも径小の連結用棒状軸部（24）を介して一体に連結されたものであり、つまり接合された突合せ部（3'）を押圧するための第３後押さえローラを有していないものである。そして、この後押さえローラ（20E）は、接合された突合せ部を跨ぐ態様にして配置されるものである。
【０１３１】
＜実施例１＞
図８（Ｂ）に示した前押さえローラ（10B）と、図８（Ｄ）に示した後押さえローラ（20D）とを用い、上記第１実施形態で示したように第１接合部材（１）の裏面と第２接合部材（２）の裏面とが面一に連なる態様で両接合部材（１）（２）の幅方向の一端面（1a）（2b）同士を突き合わせ、この突合せ部（３）を上記第１実施形態の接合手順に従って全長に亘って接合した。なお、この接合では、接合工具（40）の回転子（41）の回転数を１０００ｒｐｍ、接合速度を７００ｍｍ／ｍｉｎ、接合工具（40）の回転軸線（Ｑ）の第１接合部材（１）側への傾斜角θを５°の条件で接合を行った。
【０１３２】
＜実施例２＞
図８（Ｂ）に示した前押さえローラ（10B）と、図８（Ｃ）に示した後押さえローラ（20C）とを用いて、両接合部材（１）（２）の突合せ部（３）を全長に亘って接合した。他の接合条件は上記実施例１と同じである。
【０１３３】
＜実施例３＞
図８（Ａ）に示した前押さえローラ（10A）と、図８（Ｄ）に示した後押さえローラ（20D）とを用いて、両接合部材（１）（２）の突合せ部（３）を全長に亘って接合した。他の接合条件は上記実施例１と同じである。
【０１３４】
＜実施例４＞
図８（Ａ）に示した前押さえローラ（10A）と、図８（Ｅ）に示した後押さえローラ（20E）とを用いて、両接合部材（１）（２）の突合せ部（３）を全長に亘って接合した。他の接合条件は上記実施例１と同じである。
【０１３５】
＜比較例＞
図８（Ａ）に示した前押さえローラ（10A）と、図８（Ｃ）に示した後押さえローラ（20C）とを用いて、両接合部材（１）（２）の突合せ部（３）を全長に亘って接合した。他の接合条件は上記実施例１と同じである。
【０１３６】
以上の実施例１〜４及び比較例で得られた突合せ接合継手について、接合された突合せ部の表面状態を肉眼にて調べ、また熱歪み量を調べた。この結果を表１に示す。
【０１３７】
【表１】

【０１３８】
なお、同表１中の熱歪み量については、得られた突合せ接合継手を平坦面上に載置し、該突合せ接合継手の最大反り量を熱歪み量として示している。
【０１３９】
同表１に示すように、比較例では、熱歪み量が１０ｍｍであり、極めて大きな熱歪みが発生することが分かった。これに対して、実施例１〜４では、いずれも熱歪み量が５ｍｍ以下であり、熱歪みの発生を抑制できることが分かった。特に実施例１及び２では、熱歪み量が３ｍｍであり、熱歪みの発生をより一層抑制できることが分かった。
【０１４０】
また、比較例では、接合された突合せ部に未接合部が発生しており、良好な接合部を形成できないことが分かった。これに対して、実施例１〜４では、未接合部が生じておらず、良好な接合部を形成できることが分かった。
【０１４１】
また、実施例２、４及び比較例では、接合された突合せ部の表面には、バリ等の微細な凹凸が形成されていたが、実施例１及び３では、このような微細凹凸が形成されることなく傾斜面の状態のままで平滑化されており、したがって表面状態の極めて良好な接合部を形成できることが分かった。
【０１４２】
【発明の効果】
上述の次第で、請求項１の発明に係る摩擦撹拌接合法は、プローブ埋入位置に対する第１接合部材の接合方向前方側及び第２接合部材の接合方向前方側を、それぞれ、第１前押さえローラ及び第２前押さえローラによって表面側から押さえながら、突合せ接合を行うことを特徴としているので、この摩擦撹拌接合法によれば、各接合部材が接合中に不本意に動いてしまう不具合を防止することができ、更には各接合部材の捻れ等の形状不良を矯正することができる。このため、接合欠陥や熱歪みの発生を防止又は抑制できるようになって、高品質の突合せ接合継手を得ることができる。
【０１４３】
請求項２の発明に係る摩擦撹拌接合法は、プローブ埋入位置に対する第１接合部材の接合方向後方側及び第２接合部材の接合方向後方側を、それぞれ、第１後押さえローラ及び第２後押さえローラによって表面側から押さえながら、前記突合せ接合を行うことを特徴としているので、この摩擦撹拌接合法についても上記請求項１の発明と同様の効果を奏し得る。
【０１４４】
請求項３の発明に係る摩擦撹拌接合法は、プローブ埋入位置に対する第１接合部材の接合方向前方側及び第２接合部材の接合方向前方側を、それぞれ、第１前押さえローラ及び第２前押さえローラによって表面側から押さえるとともに、プローブ埋入位置に対する第１接合部材の接合方向後方側及び第２接合部材の接合方向後方側を、それぞれ、第１後押さえローラ及び第２後押さえローラによって表面側から押さえながら、前記突合せ接合を行うことを特徴としているから、この摩擦撹拌接合法によれば、各接合部材が接合中に不本意に動いてしまう不具合を確実に防止又は抑制することができ、更には各接合部材の捻れや反り等の形状不良を確実に矯正することができる。このため、接合欠陥や熱歪みの発生を確実に防止又は抑制できるようになって、より高品質の突合せ接合継手を得ることができる。
【０１４５】
請求項４の発明の場合には、各接合部材をしっかりと押さえることができるようになり、このため、接合欠陥や熱歪みの発生をより確実に防止又は抑制することができ、もってより一層高品質な突合せ接合継手を得ることができる。
【０１４６】
請求項５の発明の場合には、接合された突合せ部の表面を傾斜面に形成することができる。したがって、段部に生じる応力集中を緩和し得る突合せ接合継手を得ることができる。更には、当該突合せ部の表面に生じる引張残留応力を圧縮残留応力に変換することができ、このため、得られる突合せ接合継手の耐久性を向上させることができる。しかも、当該突合せ部の表面に形成されることのあるバリ等の微細凹凸が、第３後押さえローラからの押圧力を受けることで加圧除去されるようになり、このため、接合された突合せ部の表面を傾斜面の状態のままで平滑化することができる。このため、例えば、塗装の際に生じることのある、微細凹凸による塗膜欠陥の発生を防止することができて、当該突合せ部の表面に塗膜を良好に形成できるようになる。
【０１４７】
請求項６及び請求項７の発明の場合には、接合された突合せ部を焼入れ状態にすることができて、接合強度を向上させることができる。更には、当該突合せ部に生じた過剰な熱を除去できるため、良好な接合部を形成することができる。
【０１４８】
請求項８の発明の場合には、もし仮に、両接合部材のうち少なくとも一方の接合部材の肉厚が接合方向と平行な方向において変動している場合であっても、当該接合部材をしっかりと押さえることができる。さらに、接合部材が受ける当該ローラからの押圧力を、突合せ方向において変化させることができるから、接合欠陥や熱歪みの発生を確実に防止又は抑制することができる。
【０１４９】
請求項９の発明の場合には、接合不良や熱歪みの抑制作業又は防止作業を能率良く行うことができる。
【０１５０】
請求項１０の発明の場合には、もし仮に、両接合部材のうち少なくとも一方の接合部材の肉厚が接合方向と平行な方向において変動している場合であっても、当該接合部材をしっかりと押さえることができる。さらに、両接合部材が強く密着した状態で突合せ接合が行われるようになるため、良好な接合部を形成することができる。
【０１５１】
請求項１１の発明の場合には、両接合部材が強く密着した状態で突合せ接合が行われるようになるため、良好な接合部を形成することができる。
【０１５２】
請求項１２の発明の場合には、後支持ローラの設計自由度を増大させることができる。したがって、例えば、当該後支持ローラの第１後支持ローラ及び第２後支持ローラの相互配置を変更したり周速度を変更したりすることによって、プローブ埋入位置に対する両接合部材の接合方向後方側において生じることのある両接合部材の蛇行運動を、防止又は抑制することができる。更には、各接合部材の形状不良に対する矯正効果についても期待できるようになる。
【０１５３】
請求項１３の発明の場合には、各接合部材の反り、捻れ、曲がり等の形状不良をより一層確実に矯正することができるし、接合部材の表面振動を抑制することができ、このため、更に高品質の突合せ接合継手を得ることができる。
【０１５４】
請求項１４の発明に係る摩擦撹拌接合装置によれば、上記請求項１の発明に係る摩擦撹拌接合法を能率良く遂行することができる。
【０１５５】
請求項１５の発明に係る摩擦撹拌接合装置によれば、上記請求項２の発明に係る摩擦撹拌接合法を能率良く遂行することができる。
【０１５６】
請求項１６の発明に係る摩擦撹拌接合装置によれば、上記請求項３の発明に係る摩擦撹拌接合方を能率良く遂行することができる。
【０１５７】
請求項１７〜請求項２１の発明の場合には、それぞれ、上記請求項５、請求項８、請求項９、請求項１０及び請求項１１の発明に係る摩擦撹拌接合法を能率良く遂行することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】この発明の第１実施形態を示す側面図である。
【図２】両接合部材の接合途中の状態を示す、図１中のＡ部分の拡大斜視図である。
【図３】両接合部材の接合途中の状態を示す、図１中のＡ部分の拡大側面図である。
【図４】図２中のIV−IV線断面図である。
【図５】図２中のＶ−Ｖ線断面図である。
【図６】図２中のVI−VI線断面図である。
【図７】図２中のVII−VII線断面図である。
【図８】実施例及び比較例で用いた押さえローラを示す図であって、（Ａ）及び（Ｂ）は前押さえローラの正面図、（Ｃ）〜（Ｅ）は後押さえローラの正面図である。
【図９】この発明の第２実施形態を示す、図２に対応する拡大斜視図である。
【図１０】プローブ埋入位置に対する両接合部材の接合方向前方側を示す平面図である。
【図１１】前押さえローラ及び前支持ローラの動作を説明するための、両接合部材の正面側から見た前押さえローラ及び前支持ローラの機構図である。
【図１２】前押さえローラの動作を説明するための、両接合部材の表面側から見た前押さえローラの機構図である。
【図１３】前支持ローラの動作を説明するための、両接合部材の表面側から見た前支持ローラの機構図である。
【図１４】前押さえローラ及び前支持ローラの動作を説明するための、両接合部材の正面側から見た前押さえローラ及び前支持ローラの機構図である。
【図１５】図９中のXV−XV線断面図である。
【図１６】第２実施形態の一変形例を示す、図４に対応する図である。
【図１７】従来の摩擦撹拌接合法を示す斜視図である。
【符号の説明】
１…第１接合部材
２…第２接合部材
３…突合せ部
3'…接合された突合せ部
10…前押さえローラ
11…第１前押さえローラ
12…第２前押さえローラ
20…後押さえローラ
21…第１後押さえローラ
22…第２後押さえローラ
23…第３後押さえローラ
30…支持部材
40…接合工具
42…プローブ
Ｗ…接合部
MD…両接合部材の移動方向
WD…接合方向[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a friction stir welding method and a friction stir welding apparatus for joining metal materials such as an aluminum material and an alloy material thereof. Specifically, for example, floor materials and walls in transportation equipment such as automobiles, airplanes, and railway vehicles. The present invention relates to a friction stir welding method and a friction stir welding apparatus that are preferably used when manufacturing a metal plate material used as a material, a ceiling material, or the like.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The friction stir welding method is in the category of solid phase bonding methods, and has excellent advantages such as being not limited by the type of metal material that is a joining member, and having little deformation due to thermal strain accompanying joining. It is used as a joining means for various structures.
[0003]
FIG. 17 shows a case where two plate-like joining members that are butted together so as to form a step in the thickness direction are butt-joined by this friction stir welding method.
[0004]
In the figure, (101) is a thin, long flat plate-like metal first joining member, and (102) is a thick, long, flat plate-like metal second joining member. These joining members (101) and (102) are in such a manner that the back surfaces thereof are connected in a flush manner, and one end surfaces in the width direction are butted together (butting portion 103). A step corresponding to the difference is generated on the surface side. In this abutting state, the joining members (101) (102) are supported from the back side by the front and rear support rollers (131) (132). (104) shows the step part of both joining members (101) (102).
[0005]
(140) is a welding tool for friction stir welding. This joining tool (140) is provided integrally with a large-diameter columnar rotor (141) and at the center of rotation of the end surface (141a) of the rotor (141) along the rotation axis (Q '). And a pin-shaped probe (142) having a small diameter.
[0006]
(133) is a backing roller. The backing roller (133) is arranged to face the probe (142) of the joining tool (140) on the back side of the joining members (1) and (2).
[0007]
When joining the butting portions (103) of both joining members (101) and (102) using the joining tool (140), first, the rotating probe (142) of the joining tool (140) is attached to both the joining tools (140). The joining members (101) and (102) are embedded in the butting portion (103) from the surface side, and in this state, the joining members (101) (101) ( 102) In the butted state, move it in the length direction. MD indicates the moving direction of both joining members (101) and (102). With the movement of both the joining members (101) and (102), the butted portions (103) of the both joining members (101) and (102) are joined by the probe (142) at the probe embedding position. (103 ′) shows a joined portion where the joining members (101) and (102) are joined, and (W ′) shows a joined portion formed in the joined portion (103 ′). In addition, (WD) indicates the joining direction in this joining method.
[0008]
Thus, in general, the respective joining members (101) and (102) may be twisted or warped in the thickness direction and may not be flat. If the joining members (101) and (102) in such a state are used for butt joining, a shape defect occurs and a high-quality butt joint cannot be obtained. Furthermore, when both the joining members (101) and (102) are abutted in a twisted state, a gap due to the torsion of the joining members (101) and (102) occurs in the abutting portion (103). When butt joining is performed in this state, there is a problem in that a joining defect such as an unjoined part occurs in the butt part (103 ′) joined by the gap. Furthermore, even if it is friction stir welding, when the joining member is long, the thermal distortion accompanying joining tends to occur.
[0009]
In order to solve this problem, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-296462 discloses a joining direction of both joining members (101) and (102) with respect to a probe embedding position on the surface side of both joining members (101) and (102). A cylindrical front pressing roller (110) having a predetermined length is arranged on the front side so as to straddle the butting portion (103), and the joining direction of both joining members (101) (102) with respect to the probe embedding position On the rear side, a cylindrical front pressing roller (120) having a predetermined length is arranged so as to straddle the abutting portion (103), and the front and rear pressing rollers (110) (120) are arranged with respect to the probe embedding position. There has been proposed a method of performing butt joining while pressing the joining direction front side and the joining direction rear side of both joining members (101) and (102).
[0010]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, since the step portion (104) is formed on the surface of the abutting portion (103) of both the joining members (101) and (102), the front and rear pressing rollers (110) and (120) are formed according to the above-described proposed method. Even if it is going to hold down both joining members (101) and (102), among the joining members (101) and (102), for the thick second joining member (102), the front and rear holding rollers (110) and (120) ), But the thin first joining member (101) could not be pressed by these front and rear pressing rollers (110) and (120). For this reason, it is impossible to correct twisting and warping, and bonding is performed in a twisted state or warped state, resulting in a defective shape, or occurrence of joint defects such as unjoined parts or thermal distortion, resulting in high quality butt joints. Could not get.
[0011]
The present invention has been made in view of such a technical background, and an object thereof is friction for performing butt joining of two plate-like joining members which are faced in such a manner that a step is generated on the surface side in the thickness direction. Stir welding method and friction stir welding apparatus, which can prevent or suppress the occurrence of shape defects such as twisting and warping, and the occurrence of bonding defects such as bonding defects and thermal distortion, and thus high quality butt joints Another object of the present invention is to provide a friction stir welding method and a friction stir welding apparatus capable of obtaining the above.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 1 is abutted in such a manner that a step is generated on the surface side in the thickness direction, and a probe rotating the welding tool from the surface side is embedded in the abutting portion. Further, the two plate-like first and second joining members supported by the supporting member from the back side are moved relative to the probe so that the butting portions sequentially pass through the probe, thereby both joining. A friction stir welding method for performing butt joining of members, wherein the first front pressing roller and the second front pressing direction of the first joining member and the joining direction front side of the second joining member with respect to the probe embedding position are respectively provided. The butt joining is performed while being pressed from the front side by a front pressing roller.
[0013]
According to this friction stir welding method, the front side in the joining direction of the first joining member with respect to the probe embedding position is pressed from the surface side by the first front pressing roller, and the front side in the joining direction of the second joining member with respect to the probe embedding position. Is pressed from the surface side by the second front pressing roller, thereby preventing a problem that each joining member moves unintentionally during joining, and further correcting a shape defect such as twisting of each joining member. By performing the butt joint in this state, the occurrence of joint defects and thermal distortion due to the gap formed in the butt portion is prevented or suppressed, and a high quality butt joint is obtained.
[0014]
The invention according to claim 2 is abutted in such a manner that a step is generated on the front surface side in the thickness direction, and a probe in which a joining tool is rotated from the front surface side is embedded in the butted portion, and a support member is formed from the rear surface side. The two plate-like first and second joining members supported by the butt are moved relative to the probe so that the abutting portions sequentially pass through the probe, so that the friction for performing the butt joining of both the joining members. In the agitation joining method, the first joining member rear side and the second joining member rear side of the first joining member with respect to the probe embedding position are respectively moved from the surface side by the first rear presser roller and the second rear presser roller. The butt joining is performed while pressing.
[0015]
According to this friction stir welding method, the rear side in the joining direction of the first joining member with respect to the probe embedding position is pressed from the surface side by the first rear pressing roller, and the rear side in the joining direction of the second joining member with respect to the probe embedding position. By pressing from the surface side with the second rear pressing roller, a problem that each joining member moves unintentionally during joining is prevented, and further, a shape defect such as twisting of each joining member is corrected. And by performing butt joining in this state, generation | occurrence | production of a joint defect and a thermal distortion is prevented or suppressed, and a high quality butt-joint joint comes to be obtained.
[0016]
The invention according to claim 3 is abutted in such a manner that a level difference is generated on the surface side in the thickness direction, and a probe in which the joining tool is rotated from the front surface side is embedded in the abutting portion, and the support member is supported from the back surface side. The two plate-like first and second joining members supported by the butt are moved relative to the probe so that the abutting portions sequentially pass through the probe, so that the friction for performing the butt joining of both the joining members. In the agitation joining method, the front side in the joining direction of the first joining member and the front side in the joining direction of the second joining member with respect to the probe embedding position are respectively moved from the surface side by the first front pressing roller and the second front pressing roller. While pressing, a first rear pressing roller and a second rear pressing roller are respectively disposed on the rear side in the joining direction of the first joining member and the rear side in the joining direction of the second joining member with respect to the probe embedding position. Thus while pressing from the surface side, it is characterized by performing the butt joint.
[0017]
In this friction stir welding method, the first front pressing roller and the first rear pressing roller respectively press the front side and the rear side in the joining direction of the first joining member with respect to the probe embedding position from the surface side, and the second front pressing roller. The front side and the rear side in the joining direction of the second joining member with respect to the probe embedding position are pressed from the surface side by the pressing roller and the second rear pressing roller, respectively. Thereby, the malfunction that each joining member moves unintentionally during joining is prevented or suppressed reliably, and shape defects, such as a twist and a curvature of each joining member, are corrected reliably. By performing butt joining in this state, the occurrence of joining defects and thermal distortion is surely prevented or suppressed, and a butt joint joint with higher quality can be obtained.
[0018]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the friction stir welding method according to any one of the first to third aspects, at least the portion near the butting portion on the front side in the joining direction of the first joining member with respect to the probe embedding position and the second joining member The butt-joining is performed while pressing at least the portion closest to the butting portion on the front side in the joining direction from the surface side by the first front pressing roller and the second front pressing roller, respectively.
[0019]
In this case, it becomes possible to firmly hold each joining member, and as a result, the occurrence of joining defects and thermal distortion is more reliably prevented or suppressed, thereby obtaining a butt joint joint of higher quality. It becomes like this.
[0020]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the friction stir welding method according to any one of the first to third aspects of the present invention, the butted portion where both the joining members are joined is formed by the third rear pressing roller whose outer peripheral surface is a tapered surface. The butt joining is performed while pressing from the surface side.
[0021]
In this case, since the outer peripheral surface of the third rear pressing roller is a tapered surface, the butted portion is pressed from the third rear pressing roller by pressing the joined butting portion with the third rear pressing roller. It is plastically deformed so that its surface becomes an inclined surface. Further, the plastic deformation causes the meat of the butt portion to be filled into the corners of the stepped portions of both joining members. Further, fine irregularities such as burrs that may be formed on the surface of the butting portion are removed by applying pressure from the third rear pressing roller. As a result, the surface of the joined butt portion is formed on the inclined surface and is smoothed in the state of the inclined surface. Since the surface of the joined butt portion is formed in such an inclined surface, the stress concentration generated in the step portion of the obtained butt joint joint can be relaxed. Further, when the joined butt portion is pressed in this manner, the tensile residual stress generated on the surface of the butt portion is converted into the compressive residual stress, and the durability of the butt joint joint thus obtained is improved. . Furthermore, since the surface of the joined butt portion is smoothed, the occurrence of coating film defects due to fine unevenness, which may occur during painting, is prevented, and thus the coating film is satisfactorily applied to the surface of the butt portion. Can be formed.
[0022]
A sixth aspect of the present invention is the friction stir welding method according to the fifth aspect, wherein the third rear pressing roller has an outer peripheral surface cooled.
[0023]
In this case, the surface of the butted portion where both the joining members are joined is forcibly cooled by coming into contact with the cooled outer peripheral surface of the roller when the third rear pressing roller is pressed, thereby Becomes hardened. As a result, the bonding strength is improved. Furthermore, excess heat generated in the butt portion is removed, and as a result, a good joint portion is formed.
[0024]
The invention according to claim 7 is the friction stir welding method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the outer surface of the cooling roller whose outer peripheral surface is cooled is provided on the back surface of the butted portion where both the joining members are joined. Butt joining is performed while abutting on the surface and cooling.
[0025]
In this case, the back surface of the butted portion where both the joining members are joined is forcibly cooled by coming into contact with the cooled outer peripheral surface of the cooling roller, whereby the butted portion is in a quenched state. As a result, the bonding strength is improved. Furthermore, excess heat generated in the butt portion is removed, and as a result, a good joint portion is formed.
[0026]
The invention according to claim 8 is the friction stir welding method according to

claim

1 or 3, wherein the first front pressing roller and the second front pressing roller are separate bodies, and the first front pressing roller and the second front pressing roller. The butt joining is performed in a state where the axis of at least one of the rollers is inclined with respect to the butt direction of the joining member in a plane orthogonal to the joining direction.
[0027]
In this case, if the first front presser roller and the second front presser roller are separate, the thickness of at least one of the joining members of the two joining members fluctuates in a direction parallel to the joining direction. Even if it is carrying out, it becomes possible to hold down the joining member firmly. Further, the roller received by the joining member by inclining the axis of at least one of the first front pressing roller and the second front pressing roller with respect to the butting direction of the joining member within a plane orthogonal to the joining direction. Can be changed in the butting direction. Then, by performing butt joining in this inclined state, it is possible to reliably prevent or suppress the occurrence of joining defects and thermal distortion.
[0028]
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the friction stir welding method according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, based on the measured value of the characteristic relating to the bonding state of the butt portion where the two bonding members are bonded, the butt direction of the first bonding member is determined. The inclination angle of the axis of the first front pressing roller in a plane perpendicular to the joining direction, and the inclination angle of the axis of the second front pressing roller with respect to the butting direction of the second joining member in a plane perpendicular to the joining direction; The butt joining is performed while changing at least one of them.
[0029]
In this case, the work for suppressing or preventing the bonding failure and the thermal distortion can be performed efficiently. In addition, as a characteristic regarding the joining state of the joined butt | matching part, the surface temperature and surface residual stress of the said butt | matching part are illustrated.
[0030]
A tenth aspect of the present invention is the friction stir welding method according to the first or third aspect, wherein the first front pressing roller and the second front pressing roller are separate bodies, and the first front pressing roller and the second front pressing roller are separate. The butt joining is performed in a state where the axis of at least one of the rollers is inclined with respect to the joining direction of the joining member in a plane parallel to the surface of the joining member so that a force in the joining direction is applied to the joining member. Is to do.
[0031]
In this case, if the first front presser roller and the second front presser roller are separate, the thickness of at least one of the joining members of the two joining members fluctuates in a direction parallel to the joining direction. Even if it is carrying out, it becomes possible to hold down the joining member firmly. In addition, the axis of at least one of the first front pressing roller and the second front pressing roller may be connected to the bonding member in a plane parallel to the surface of the bonding member so that a force in the butting direction is applied to the bonding member. By inclining with respect to the butting direction, both joining members come into close contact with each other at the butting portion. A good joint is formed by performing butt joining in this tight contact state.
[0032]
An eleventh aspect of the invention is the friction stir welding method according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein a front support roller divided into a first front support roller and a second front support roller is used, The front side in the joining direction of the first joining member and the front side in the joining direction of the second joining member with respect to the entry position are supported from the back side by the first front support roller and the second front support roller, respectively, and the first front support roller And the axis of at least one of the second front support rollers is inclined with respect to the butting direction of the joining member in a plane parallel to the back surface of the joining member so that a force in the butting direction is applied to the joining member. In this state, the butt joint is performed.
[0033]
In this case, the axial line of at least one of the first front support roller and the second front support roller is arranged in a plane parallel to the back surface of the joining member so that a force in the butting direction is applied to the joining member. By inclining with respect to the butting direction of the joining members, both joining members come into close contact with each other at the butting portion. A good joint is formed by performing butt joining in this tight contact state.
[0034]
According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the friction stir welding method according to any one of the first to third aspects of the present invention, the back support roller divided into the first rear support roller and the second rear support roller is used, The butt joint is performed in a state in which the joining direction rear side of the first joining member and the joining direction rear side of the second joining member with respect to the entry position are supported from the back side by the first rear support roller and the second rear support roller, respectively. Is what you do.
[0035]
In this case, the use of the rear support roller divided into the first rear support roller and the second rear support roller increases the degree of freedom in designing the rear support roller. Therefore, by changing the mutual arrangement of the first rear support roller and the second rear support roller of the rear support roller, changing the peripheral speed, etc., it may occur on the rear side in the joining direction of both joining members with respect to the probe embedding position. The meandering motion of both joining members can be prevented or suppressed, and further, the correction effect for the shape defect of each joining member can be expected.
[0036]
A thirteenth aspect of the invention is the friction stir welding method according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the butt joint is performed in a state in which tension is applied to each joining member in a direction parallel to the joining direction. It is.
[0037]
In this case, by applying a tension in a direction parallel to the joining direction to each joining member, shape defects such as warping, twisting, and bending of the joining member are corrected, and surface vibration of each joining member is suppressed. The In this state, the quality of the obtained butt joint is improved by performing the butt joint.
[0038]
The invention according to claim 14 is abutted in such a manner that a step is generated in the thickness direction on the front surface side, and a probe in which the joining tool is rotated from the front surface side is embedded in the butted portion, and the support member is supported from the rear surface side. In order to butt-join the two joining members by moving the two plate-like first and second joining members supported by the rod relative to the probe so that the butting portions sequentially pass through the probe. A first pre-pressing roller for pressing the front side in the joining direction of the first joining member with respect to the probe embedding position from the surface side, and the joining direction front side of the second joining member with respect to the probe embedding position. And a second front pressing roller that is pressed from the surface side.
[0039]
According to this friction stir welding apparatus, the friction stir welding method according to claim 1 can be efficiently performed.
[0040]
The invention according to claim 15 is abutted in such a manner that a step is generated in the thickness direction on the front surface side, and a probe in which the joining tool is rotated from the front surface side is embedded in the butted portion, and the support member is supported from the rear surface side. In order to butt-join the two joining members by moving the two plate-like first and second joining members supported by the rod relative to the probe so that the butting portions sequentially pass through the probe. A first rear pressing roller for pressing from the surface side the joining direction rear side of the first joining member with respect to the probe embedding position, and the joining direction rear side of the second joining member with respect to the probe embedding position. And a second rear pressing roller that is pressed from the surface side.
[0041]
According to this friction stir welding apparatus, the friction stir welding method according to claim 2 can be efficiently performed.
[0042]
The invention according to claim 16 is abutted in such a manner that a step is generated in the thickness direction on the front surface side, and a probe in which a joining tool is rotated from the front surface side is embedded in the butted portion, and the support member is supported from the rear surface side. In order to butt-join the two joining members by moving the two plate-like first and second joining members supported by the rod relative to the probe so that the butting portions sequentially pass through the probe. A first pre-pressing roller for pressing the front side in the joining direction of the first joining member with respect to the probe embedding position from the surface side, and the joining direction front side of the second joining member with respect to the probe embedding position. A second front pressing roller that is pressed from the surface side, a first rear pressing roller that presses the bonding direction rear side of the first bonding member with respect to the probe embedding position from the surface side, and the probe embedding position. It is characterized in that it comprises a second after pressing rollers for pressing the joining direction rear side of the second joint member from the surface side that, the.
[0043]
According to this friction stir welding apparatus, the friction stir welding method according to claim 3 can be efficiently performed.
[0044]
The invention according to claim 17 is the friction stir welding apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the outer peripheral surface is a tapered surface that presses the butted portion where both the joining members are joined from the surface side. 3 A rear pressing roller is provided.
[0045]
In this case, the friction stir welding method according to claim 5 can be efficiently performed.
[0046]
The invention according to claim 18 is the friction stir welding apparatus according to claim 14 or 16, wherein the first front pressing roller and the second front pressing roller are separate bodies, and the first front pressing roller and the second front pressing roller. And an inclination angle changing device for changing an inclination angle in a plane perpendicular to the joining direction of the axis of at least one of the rollers with respect to the abutting direction of the joining member.
[0047]
In this case, the friction stir welding method according to claim 8 can be efficiently performed.
[0048]
According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in the friction stir welding apparatus according to the eighteenth aspect of the invention, a measurement device that measures characteristics relating to the joining state of the butt portions where the two joining members are joined, and a measurement value obtained by the measuring device. And a control device for controlling the operation of the tilt angle changing device.
[0049]
In this case, the friction stir welding method according to claim 9 can be efficiently performed.
[0050]
The invention according to claim 20 is the friction stir welding apparatus according to claim 14 or 16, wherein the first front pressing roller and the second front pressing roller are separate bodies, and the first front pressing roller and the second front pressing roller are separate. An inclination angle changing device is provided for changing the inclination angle of at least one roller axis in a plane parallel to the surface of the joining member with respect to the abutting direction of the joining member.
[0051]
In this case, the friction stir welding method according to claim 10 can be efficiently performed.
[0052]
The invention according to claim 21 is the friction stir welding apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the first front support supports the front side in the joining direction of the first joining member relative to the probe embedding position from the back side. A second front support roller separate from the first front support roller, the first front support roller and the second front support supporting the front side in the joining direction of the second joining member with respect to the roller and the probe embedding position from the back side. And an inclination angle changing device for changing an inclination angle of the axis of at least one of the support rollers in a plane parallel to the back surface of the joining member with respect to the abutting direction of the joining member.
[0053]
In this case, the friction stir welding method according to claim 11 can be efficiently performed.
[0054]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0055]
1 to 7 show a first embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the butt-joint joint joined by the friction stir welding method of the first embodiment is used as a tailored blank material for an automobile.
[0056]
In FIG. 2, (1) is a thin long flat plate-like first joining member, and (2) is a thick long flat plate-like second joining member. Both the joining members (1) and (2) are made of aluminum or an alloy thereof.
[0057]
As shown in FIG. 4, each joining member (1) (2) has a front surface and a back surface parallel to each other, and has one end surface (1 a) (2 a) in the width direction as a butt surface. The end surfaces (1a) and (2a) are formed substantially perpendicular to the front and back surfaces of the joining member. And as for these both joining members (1) (2), the back surfaces are made into the aspect which continues flush | planar, and the one end surfaces (1a) (2a) of the width direction are faced | matched (its butt | matching part (3)), For this reason, the level | step difference corresponding to both thickness difference has arisen on the surface side in the thickness direction. In FIG. 4, (N) shows the abutting direction of each joining member (1) (2). This butting direction (N) is parallel to the width direction of the joining member. (4) shows the step part of both joining members (1) and (2), and (4a) shows the corner part of this step part (4).
[0058]
Then, as shown in FIG. 2, both joining members (1) and (2) are horizontally supported by the front and rear support rollers (31) and (32) described later from the back surface side in this abutting state.
[0059]
Furthermore, each joining member (1) (2) is lengthened by the front tension roller (70) and the rear tension roller (70) provided in the tension leveler as shown in FIG. It is pulled in the direction, whereby a longitudinal tension is applied to both the joining members (1) and (2).
[0060]
In FIG. 2, (40) is a welding tool for friction stir welding. This joining tool (40) is provided integrally with a large-diameter columnar rotor (41) and projecting along the rotation axis (Q) at the center of rotation of the end surface (41a) of the rotor (41). A small-diameter pin-like probe (42). Then, with the probe (42) of the joining tool (40) rotating around the rotation axis (Q), it is embedded from the surface side into the butted portion (3) of both joining members (1) and (2). It is placed in the state that was entered. Furthermore, in this embedding state, as shown in FIG. 5, the rotation axis (Q) is disposed in a state inclined toward the first joining member (1) (that is, the lower joining member). Further, the end surface (41a) of the rotor (41) has a shoulder portion (2b) of the second joining member (2) projecting from the butted portion (3) to the surface side (that is, the higher-order joining member). It is arranged in a state where it is pressed against the shoulder). In FIG. 5, T indicates the normal line of the surface of the bonding member at the probe embedding position, and θ indicates the inclination angle of the rotation axis (Q) with respect to T toward the first bonding member (1). .
[0061]
In this joining tool (40), the rotor (41) and the probe (42) are both made of a heat-resistant material that is harder than the joining members (1) and (2) and can withstand frictional heat generated during joining. Yes. Further, on the outer peripheral surface of the probe (42), an agitation convex portion (not shown) for agitating the meat of both the joining members (1) and (2) softened by frictional heat is formed in a spiral shape. Yes.
[0062]
In FIG. 5, D has shown the outer diameter in the end surface (41a) of a rotor (41). At least the outer peripheral edge portion of the end surface (41a) of the rotor (41) is formed in a plane orthogonal to the rotation axis (Q). In the first embodiment, the end surface (41a) of the rotor (41) is formed. Consists of a flat surface. In the present invention, the end surface (41a) of the rotor (41) may be recessed from the outer peripheral edge toward the rotation center, although not shown.
[0063]
Thus, in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the probe (42) is embedded in the butt portion (3) from the surface side and tension in the length direction is applied as described above. The two joining members (1) and (2) are moved in the length direction so that the butting portions (3) sequentially pass through the probe (42) (the moving direction MD), thereby both joining members (1). The butt portion (3) of (2) is to be joined. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the direction opposite to the moving direction MD of both the joining members (1) and (2) is the joining direction (WD), and the length direction of each joining member (1) (1) is The direction is parallel to the bonding direction (WD). In FIG. 2, (3 ′) shows a butt portion of both joining members (1) and (2) joined by the probe (42). Moreover, (W) has shown the junction part formed in the joined butt | matching part (3 ').
[0064]
In this joining, as shown in FIG. 3, the rotation axis (Q) of the joining tool (40) is slightly inclined rearward in the joining direction, and thereby the end face of the rotor (41). The part on the front side in the joining direction of (41a) is in a state of being lifted from the surfaces of both joining members (1) and (2). By doing so, it becomes possible to prevent the fine projections and depressions that may exist on the surfaces of both the joining members (1) and (2) from being caught.
[0065]
First, the configuration of the friction stir welding apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described.
[0066]
In FIG. 2, (33) is a cylindrical backing roller having a predetermined length. The backing roller (33) faces the probe (42) of the joining tool (40) and straddles both joining members (1) and (2) on the back side of both joining members (1) and (2). The backing roller (33) receives the back surface of the probe embedding position of the butting portion (3) of both the joining members (1) and (2).
[0067]
(30) is a support member. The support member (30) includes a columnar front support roller (31) having a predetermined length and a columnar rear support roller (32) having a predetermined length. The front support roller (31) has an axis of the roller (31) on the front side in the joining direction of the joining members (1) and (2) with respect to the probe embedding position on the back side of the joining members (1) and (2). Are arranged so as to be parallel to the butting direction (N) and straddle both the joining members (1) and (2). Similarly, the rear support roller (32) is disposed on the back side of the joint members (1) and (2) on the rear side in the joining direction of the joint members (1) and (2) with respect to the probe embedding position. ) Is parallel to the abutting direction (N) and is disposed in such a manner as to straddle both the joining members (1) and (2). The front support roller (31) and the rear support roller (32) support the joining direction front side and the joining direction rear side of the joining members (1) and (2) with respect to the probe embedding position from the back side, respectively. Yes.
[0068]
The front and rear support rollers (31) and (32) and the backing roller (33) are provided with a rotation drive device (not shown). The rollers (31), (32), and (33) can be driven to rotate at the same peripheral speed around the axis by operating the driving device. The rollers (31) (32) and (33) also function as drive rollers for moving both joining members (1) and (2) in a predetermined direction (MD). In the present invention, the backing roller (33) may be rotatable. Further, when a driving device for applying a driving force to both the joining members (1) and (2) is separately installed, the front and rear support rollers (31) and (32) are rotatable. Also good.
[0069]
Further, of the front and rear support rollers (31) and (32), the rear support roller (31) also functions as a cooling roller. That is, in the vicinity of the outer peripheral surface inside the rear support roller (31), a plurality of coolant flow passages (35) arranged in the circumferential direction are provided extending in the length direction. A coolant (for example, coolant) is circulated in the coolant flow passages (35), and the outer peripheral surface of the rear support roller (32) is thereby cooled. Then, the back surface of the butted portion (3 ′) where the joining members (1) and (2) are joined comes into contact with the cooled outer peripheral surface of the support roller (32) at the time of support. ') Is supposed to be cooled from the back side.
[0070]
(11) is a large-diameter rotatable cylindrical first front pressing roller having a predetermined length, and (12) is a small-diameter rotatable cylindrical second front pressing roller having a predetermined length. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the first front pressing roller (11) is on the front side in the joining direction of the first joining member (1) with respect to the probe embedding position on the surface side of the first joining member (1). Above the front support roller (31), the axis (P1) of the roller (11) is arranged so as to be parallel to the butting direction (N) of the first joining member (1). Similarly, the second front pressing roller (12) is formed on the front surface of the second joining member (2) by the front support roller (31) on the front side in the joining direction of the second joining member (2) with respect to the probe embedding position. At an upper position, the roller (12) is arranged in such a manner that the axis (P2) of the roller (12) is parallel to the butting direction (N) of the second joining member (2).
[0071]
In the first embodiment, the first front pressing roller (11) and the second front pressing roller (12) are integrated in such a manner that the axes are aligned on the same straight line and the end faces are abutted. In the first embodiment, this integrated roller (10) is referred to as a “front pressing roller”.
[0072]
In this front pressing roller (10), the dimensional difference between the radius of the first front pressing roller (11) and the radius of the second pressing roller (12) is a step on the surface of both the joining members (1) and (2) (that is, And the height difference between the surface of the first bonding member (1) and the surface of the second bonding member (2).
[0073]
And the area | region from the width direction intermediate part of the joining direction front side of the 1st joining member (1) with respect to a probe embedding position to the nearest part of the butting part by the first front pressing roller (11) from the surface side to the thickness direction Accordingly, the first joining member (1) is restrained in the thickness direction in the region. Similarly, the second front presser roller (12) has a thickness from the front surface side to the region near the butting portion from the width direction intermediate portion on the front side in the joining direction of the second joining member (2) with respect to the probe embedding position. The second joining member (2) is restrained in the thickness direction in the region.
[0074]
On the other hand, both the joining members (1) and (2) are pressed by the front pressing roller (10) in this way, so that the back surface is pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the front supporting roller (31) and the both joining members (1 ) (2) is given a driving force in the moving direction (MD). On the other hand, the first and second front pressing rollers (11) and (12) are integrally rotated at a fixed position around the axes (P1) and (P2) with the movement of both the joining members (1) and (2). It will be a thing.
[0075]
(21) is a large-diameter rotatable cylindrical first rear pressing roller having a predetermined length, and (22) is a small-diameter rotatable cylindrical second rear pressing roller having a predetermined length. As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 7, the first rear pressing roller (21) is on the surface side of the first joining member (1) on the rear side in the joining direction of the first joining member (1) with respect to the probe embedding position. Above the rear support roller (32), the axis of the roller (21) is arranged so as to be parallel to the butting direction (N) of the first joining member (1). Similarly, the second rear pressing roller (22) is formed on the surface side of the second joining member (2) by the rear supporting roller (32) on the rear side in the joining direction of the second joining member (2) with respect to the probe embedding position. At an upper position, the roller (22) is arranged in such a manner that the axis of the roller (22) is parallel to the butting direction (N) of the second joining member (2).
[0076]
(23) is a rotatable third truncated conical roller having an outer peripheral surface that is a tapered surface. The third rear pressing roller (23) is for pressing the butted portion (3 ′) where the joining members (1) and (2) are joined from the surface side. On the surface side of 2), the axis of the roller (23) is abutted against the joining member at the position above the rear support roller (32) in the butted portion (3 ′) where the joining members (1) and (2) are joined. It arrange | positions in the aspect parallel to a direction (N).
[0077]
In the first embodiment, the first rear presser roller (21), the third rear presser roller (23), and the second rear presser roller (22) are adjacent to each other with their axes aligned on the same straight line in this order. Are integrated in such a manner that the end faces of each other face each other. This integrated roller (20) is referred to as a “rear pressing roller” in the first embodiment.
[0078]
In this rear pressure roller (20), the dimensional difference between the radius of the first rear pressure roller (21) and the radius of the second rear pressure roller (22) is caused by a step on the surface of both the joining members (1) and (2). Match. Furthermore, the outer peripheral surface of the first rear pressing roller (21) and the outer peripheral surface of the second rear pressing roller (22) are connected via the outer peripheral surface of the third rear pressing roller (23).
[0079]
And the area | region from the width direction intermediate part of the joining direction back side of the 1st joining member (1) with respect to a probe embedding position by the 1st back pressing roller (21) from the surface part side from the joining part vicinity part is joined. The first bonding member (1) is restrained in the thickness direction in the region by being pressed in the thickness direction. Similarly, the region from the intermediate portion in the width direction on the rear side in the joining direction of the second joining member (2) relative to the probe embedding position to the vicinity of the butted portion joined by the second rear pressing roller (22) is the surface side. The second joining member (2) is restrained in the thickness direction in the region. Further, the butted portion (3 ′) where the joining members (1) and (2) are joined is pressed in the thickness direction from the surface side by the third rear pressing roller (23).
[0080]
Further, in the vicinity of the outer peripheral surface inside the third rear pressing roller (23), as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of cooling liquid flow passages (25) arranged in the circumferential direction are provided in the first rear pressing roller (21 ) And the second rear presser roller (22) and extend in the length direction. And the cooling fluid (for example, cooling water) is distribute | circulating in this cooling fluid flow path (25), and the outer peripheral surface of the 3rd back pressing roller (23) is in the state cooled by this. Then, when pressed, the cooled outer peripheral surface of the third rear pressing roller (23) abuts against the surface of the joined portion (3 ′) where the joining members (1) and (2) are joined, thereby the abutted portion. (3 ′) is cooled from the surface side.
[0081]
On the other hand, both the joining members (1) and (2) are pressed by the rear pressing roller (20) in this way, so that the back surface thereof is pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the rear supporting roller (32) and the both joining members (1 ) (2) is given a driving force in the moving direction (MD). On the other hand, the first to third front pressing rollers (21), (22), and (23) rotate integrally at a fixed position around the axis along with the movement of both the joining members (1) and (2). .
[0082]
Next, the joining procedure of the friction stir welding method of the first embodiment will be described.
[0083]
First, the first front press against both joining members (1) and (2) in a state in which tension in a direction parallel to the joining direction (WD) (ie, length direction) is applied by the tension rollers (70) and (70). The roller (11) presses the region from the front side in the width direction intermediate portion on the front side in the joining direction of the first joining member (1) relative to the probe insertion position from the surface side, thereby the first joining member (1 ) In the thickness direction in the region. Similarly, the second front pressing roller (12) presses the region from the width direction intermediate portion on the front side in the joining direction of the second joining member (2) with respect to the probe embedding position from the front surface side, Thus, the second joining member (2) is restrained in the thickness direction in the region.
[0084]
Since both the joining members (1) and (2) are pressed in this manner, the twisting of each joining member (1) and (2) is corrected, whereby the both joining members (1) and (2) are joined to the butting portion (3). As a result, no gap is generated in the butt portion (3). Then, both the joining members (1) and (2) are moved in response to the driving force of the front support roller (31) in this close contact state.
[0085]
On the other hand, at a predetermined time, the rotor (41) of the joining tool (40) is rotated to rotate the probe (42). Then, in a state where the rotation axis (Q) is inclined toward the first joining member (1), the rotating probe (42) is placed on the butting portion (3) of both joining members (1) and (2) on the surface side. Place it in the state where it was buried from. Furthermore, the end surface (41a) of the rotor (41) is arranged in a state of being pressed against the shoulder (2b) of the second joining member (2). The probe (42) may be embedded in the butting portion (3) from one end face in the length direction of both the joining members (1) and (2).
[0086]
Both the joining members (1) and (2) in which the probe (42) is embedded in the butting portion (3) have frictional heat generated by the rotation of the probe (42), and the end face (41a) of the rotor (41). The frictional heat generated by sliding with the shoulder (2b) of the second joining member (2) softens in the vicinity of the contact portion with the probe (42) and the shoulder of the second joining member (2). (2b) is plastically deformed so as to receive a pressure contact force from the end surface (41a) of the rotor (41) so that its surface becomes an inclined surface. Furthermore, by this plastic deformation, a part of the meat of the shoulder portion (2b) is filled into the corner portion (4a) of the step portion (4) of the joint members (1) and (2).
[0087]
And while the part of the meat of the shoulder (2b) is filled in the corner (4a) in this way, the meat of the joint members (1) and (2) softened by frictional heat causes the rotation of the probe (42). The mixture is stirred and mixed under force, and plastically flows so as to fill the passage groove of the probe (42) as the two joint members (1) and (2) move, and then loses frictional heat and is cooled and solidified. Accordingly, the butted portions (3) of the two joining members (1) and (2) are joined one after another at the probe passage site. At this time, the rotation axis (Q) of the joining tool (40) is inclined toward the first joining member (1) as described above, and the thickness of the shoulder (2a) of the second joining member (2) is increased. Since a part is filled in the corner portion (4a), the surface of the joined butted portion (3 ′) is the surface of the first joining member (1) and the second joining member ( It is formed on an inclined surface straddling the surface of 2). Further, fine irregularities such as burrs are formed on the surface of the joined butt portion (3 ′).
[0088]
In this way, both the joining members (1) and (2) are moved while joining the butting portion (3) with the probe (42), and this is moved to the rear supporting roller (1) and the first to third supporting rollers (21) and (22). Pass between (23). Then, the first rear pressing roller (21) presses from the surface side the region from the intermediate portion in the width direction on the rear side in the bonding direction of the first bonding member (1) with respect to the probe embedding position to the vicinity of the butted portion. Thus, the first joining member (1) is restrained in the thickness direction in the region. Similarly, a region from the intermediate portion in the width direction on the rear side in the joining direction of the second joining member (2) to the probe embedding position by the second front pressing roller (22) from the surface side is joined from the surface side. In this manner, the second joining member (2) is restrained in the thickness direction in the region. Further, the joined butted portion (3 ′) is pressed from the surface side by the third rear pressing roller (23).
[0089]
By thus pressing both the joining members (1) and (2), the twist and warp of each joining member (1) and (2) are corrected. Furthermore, since the outer peripheral surface of the third rear pressing roller (3) is a tapered surface, the joined butting portion (3 ′) is pressed by the third rear pressing roller (23), so that the butting portion ( 3 ') is pressurized and its surface is formed into a gently inclined surface as shown in FIG. At the same time, fine irregularities such as burrs formed on the surface of the abutting portion (3 ′) are removed by pressure, so that the surface of the abutting portion (3 ′) remains in a gently inclined surface state. It will be smoothed. Moreover, the tensile residual stress which arises on the surface of the said butt | matching part (3 ') is converted into a compressive residual stress by pressing in this way.
[0090]
Here, in the present invention, as shown in FIG. 7, if the width and taper angle of the outer peripheral surface of the third rear presser roller (23) are a and φ, respectively, the width a is the rotor of the welding tool (40) ( 41) is set to be larger than the outer diameter D of the end face (41a) (ie, a> D), and the taper angle φ is the first joining member (1) of the rotation axis (Q) with respect to the normal T ) Side inclination angle θ (ie, φ <θ). By setting in this way, the surface of the joined butt portion (3 ′) can be reliably formed on an inclined surface having a desired gradient, and further, the fine unevenness can be reliably removed by pressure. It becomes like this.
[0091]
Further, the surface of the joined butting portion (3 ′) is brought into contact with the cooled outer peripheral surface of the third rear pressing roller (23) when pressed, so that the butting portion (3 ′) is cooled from the surface side. Will be quenched. As a result, the bonding strength is improved, and further, the excessive heat that may be generated in the bonded butt (3 ′) is cooled and removed, so that a good bonded portion (W) is formed. Further, the back surface of the joined butting portion (3 ′) is in contact with the cooled outer peripheral surface of the rear support roller (32), so that the butting portion (3 ′) is also cooled from the back surface side and quenched. It becomes a state. As a result, the bonding strength is further improved.
[0092]
In the present invention, when the outer diameter of the backing roller (33) is b (see FIG. 3), the outer diameter b is equal to the outer diameter D of the end surface (41a) of the rotor (41) of the joining tool (40). It is set equal to or larger than D (that is, b ≧ D). By setting in this way, it becomes possible to reliably receive the meat of both the joining members (1) and (2) softened by frictional heat from the back side.
[0093]
Thus, in the above friction stir welding method, at the time of joining, each joining member (1) (2) front side in the joining direction with respect to the probe embedding position is pressed, and each joining member ( 1) Since the rear side in the joining direction of (2) is pressed, the warping and twisting of each joining member (1) (2) can be reliably corrected. And since butt joining is performed in this state, generation | occurrence | production of a joining defect and a thermal distortion can be prevented or suppressed reliably. Moreover, since the butt joining is performed in a state where the joining member (1) (2) is pressed to the probe embedding position, the butt joining is performed in a state where the joining portion is positioned in the front side in the joining direction. It is possible to firmly press the ends to be joined, and to more reliably prevent or suppress the occurrence of bonding defects and thermal distortion.
[0094]
In addition, since the tension in the direction parallel to the joining direction (WD) is applied to both the joining members (1) and (2), the shape of each joining member (1) and (2) such as warp, twist, and bend. Defects can be corrected more reliably, and surface vibrations of the joining members (1) and (2) can be suppressed. For this reason, generation | occurrence | production of a joining defect and a thermal distortion can be prevented or suppressed still more reliably.
[0095]
Moreover, in this friction stir welding method, the first front presser roller (11) and the second front presser roller (12) are integrally formed, so the structure of the support jig for supporting these rollers is simplified. can do.
[0096]
Furthermore, the butt joint obtained by this friction stir welding method has a high joint strength because the joined butt portion (3 ′) is in a quenched state. And since the surface of the joined butt | matching part (3 ') is formed in the inclined surface ranging over the surface of a 1st joining member (1), and the surface of a 2nd joining member (2), a step part (4 ) Can be relaxed, and therefore has excellent strength reliability. Furthermore, since the surface of the joined butt portion (3 ′) is in the state of an inclined surface and fine irregularities such as burrs are removed by pressure and smoothed, the surface state is also good. For this reason, even if it is a case where it paints with respect to a butt-joint joint, a coating film can be favorably formed now on the surface of the joined butt | matching part (3 ').
[0097]
9 to 15 show a second embodiment of the present invention. In these drawings, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.
[0098]
In the second embodiment, the front pressing roller (10) is divided into a first front pressing roller (11) and a second front pressing roller (12) as shown in FIGS. In other words, the first front pressing roller (11) and the second front pressing roller (12) are separate bodies. These rollers (11) and (12) have the same outer diameter.
[0099]
11 and 12, (60a) is the surface of the first joining member (1) along the axis (P1) of the first front pressing roller (11) with respect to the butting direction (N) of the first joining member (1). Is a tilt angle changing device for changing the tilt angle (α1) in a plane parallel to. Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the tilt angle changing device (60a) further includes a joining direction of the axis (P1) of the first front pressing roller (11) with respect to the butting direction (N) of the first joining member (1). It also has a function for changing the inclination angle (β1) in the plane orthogonal to (WD). The first front pressing roller (11) is connected to the tilt angle changing device (60a), and the tilt angle (α1) and the tilt angle (β1) are changed by operating the tilt angle changing device (11). It is supposed to be changed. Further, a control device (61a), which will be described later, for controlling the operation of the tilt angle changing device (60a) is connected to the tilt angle changing device (60a).
[0100]
(50) is a temperature measuring device (for example, a radiation thermometer) for measuring the surface temperature of the butted portion (3 ′) where the joining members (1) and (2) are joined. As shown in FIG. 9, the temperature measuring device (50) is disposed at a position between the probe embedding position on the surface side of both the joining members (1) and (2) and the third rear pressing roller (23). Yes.
[0101]
(61a) is a control device that controls the operation of the first front pressing roller inclination angle changing device (60a) based on the measurement value obtained by the temperature measuring device (50). The control device (61a) is connected to the temperature measuring device (50).
[0102]
On the other hand, (60b) is an in-plane parallel to the surface of the second joining member (2) of the axis (P2) of the second front pressing roller (12) with respect to the butting direction (N) of the second joining member (2). Is a tilt angle changing device for changing the tilt angle (α2). As shown in FIG. 14, the tilt angle changing device (60b) further joins the axis (P2) of the second front pressing roller (12) with respect to the butting direction (N) of the second joining member (2). It also has a function for changing the tilt angle (β2) in the plane orthogonal to (WD). A second front pressing roller (12) is connected to the tilt angle changing device (60b), and the tilt angle (α2) and the tilt angle (β2) are changed by operating the tilt angle changing device (60b). It is supposed to be changed.
[0103]
(61b) is a control device for controlling the operation of the second front pressing roller inclination angle changing device (60b) based on the measured value obtained by the temperature measuring device (50). The control device (61b) is connected to the temperature measuring device (50).
[0104]
Furthermore, in this friction stir welding apparatus, as shown in FIG. 9, the front support roller (31) supports the front side in the joining direction of the first joining member (1) with respect to the probe embedding position from the back side. The front support roller (31a) is divided into a second front support roller (31b) that supports the front side in the joining direction of the second joining member (2) with respect to the probe embedding position from the back side. The first front support roller (31a) and the second front support roller (31b) are separate bodies. These rollers (31a) and (31b) have the same outer diameter. Then, the first front support roller (31a) and the second front support roller (31b) respectively join the front side in the joining direction of the first joining member (1) and the second joining member (2) to the probe embedding position. The front side in the direction is supported from the back side.
[0105]
(65a) is the inclination of the axis (S1) of the first front support roller (31a) relative to the butting direction (N) of the first joining member (1) in a plane parallel to the back surface of the first joining member (1). This is an inclination angle changing device for changing the angle (γ1). The first front support roller (31a) is connected to the tilt angle changing device (65a), and the tilt angle (γ1) is changed as shown in FIG. 13 by operating the tilt angle changing device (65a). It is supposed to be changed.
[0106]
(65b) is an inclination of the axis (S2) of the second front support roller (32b) with respect to the butting direction (N) of the second joining member (2) in a plane parallel to the back surface of the second joining member (2). This is an inclination angle changing device for changing the angle (γ2). The second front support roller (31b) is connected to the tilt angle changing device (65b), and the tilt angle (γ2) is changed as shown in FIG. 13 by operating the tilt angle changing device (65b). It is supposed to be changed.
[0107]
Thus, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the first front pressing roller (11) has an end on the abutting portion (3) side more than an end opposite to the end. In an aspect located on the front side in the joining direction, the axis (P1) of the roller (11) is aligned in the butting direction (N) of the first joining member (1) in a plane parallel to the surface of the first joining member (1). It is arrange | positioned in the state inclined with respect to. By arranging the first front pressing roller (11) in this way, a force in the butting direction (N) is applied to the first joining member (1) in addition to the force in the moving direction (MD). become. Similarly, the second front pressing roller (12) is configured such that the end portion on the abutting portion (3) side is positioned on the front side in the joining direction with respect to the end portion on the opposite side to the end portion. It is arranged in a state where the axis (P2) of the roller (12) is inclined with respect to the butting direction (N) of the second joining member (2) in a plane parallel to the surface of (2).
[0108]
By arranging the first front pressing roller (11) and the second front pressing roller (12) in this way, the both joining members (1) and (2) are moved along with the movement of both joining members (1) and (2). The butt portion (3) comes into close contact, and in this state, moves in a predetermined direction (MD).
[0109]
Further, in order to make the both joining members (1) and (2) tightly adhere to each other, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the first front support roller (31a) is an end portion on the abutting portion (3) side. Is positioned in front of the end opposite to the end in the joining direction, and the axis (S1) of the roller (31a) is placed in a plane parallel to the back of the first joining member (1). It arrange | positions in the state inclined with respect to the butt | matching direction (N) of a 1st joining member (1). The second front support roller (31b) is also arranged in the same manner.
[0110]
Thus, in the second embodiment, since the butt joint is performed in a state where both the joining members (1) and (2) are strongly in close contact with each other, a good joint (W) can be formed. In addition, it is possible to prevent a problem that the butting portion (3) is opened during the movement of both the joining members (1) and (2).
[0111]
Further, since the front pressing roller (10) is divided into a first front pressing roller (11) and a second front pressing roller (12), the thickness of each joining member (1) (2) is assumed. Even in the case where the distance fluctuates within the dimensional tolerance in the length direction, the joining members (1) and (1) can be firmly pressed.
[0112]
Furthermore, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, the rear support roller (32) supports the rear side in the joining direction of the first joining member (1) with respect to the probe embedding position from the back side. The support roller (32a) is divided into a second rear support roller (32b) that supports the rear side in the joining direction of the second joining member (2) with respect to the probe embedding position from the back surface side. These rollers (32a) and (32b) have the same outer diameter. Then, the first rear support roller (32a) and the second rear support roller (32b) respectively join the first joining member (1) in the joining direction to the probe insertion position and the second joining member (2). The direction rear side is supported from the back side.
[0113]
Thus, by using what was divided | segmented into the 1st back support roller (32a) and the 2nd back support roller (32b) as a back support roller (32), the design freedom degree of the said back support roller (32) Will increase. Therefore, by changing the arrangement of the first rear support roller (32a) and the second rear support roller (32b) or changing the peripheral speed, both joining members (1) and (2) with respect to the probe embedding position are used. It becomes possible to prevent or suppress the meandering motion of both the joining members (1) and (2) that may occur on the rear side in the joining direction of the joints, and further correct the shape failure of each joining member (1) and (2). You can also expect the effect.
[0114]
FIG. 16 shows a modification of the second embodiment. In this modification, the first front pressing roller (11) is arranged in such a manner that the end portion on the butting portion (3) side is located above the end portion on the opposite side to the end portion, and the joining direction (WD) Is arranged in a state where the axis (P1) of the roller (11) is inclined with respect to the abutting direction (N) of the first joining member (1) in a plane perpendicular to the surface. Then, the first joining member (1) is pressed in this state. The second front pressing roller (12) is also arranged in the same manner.
[0115]
Thus, in this modification, the butt joint is performed as follows. That is, the surface temperature of the butted portion (3 ′) where both the joining members (1) and (2) are joined is measured by the temperature measuring device (50), and based on the measured value obtained by the temperature measuring device (50). Then, the butt joining is performed while operating the tilt angle changing devices (60a) and (60b) via the control devices (61a) and (61b) to change the tilt angles (β1) and (β2) to predetermined values, respectively. .
[0116]
In this butt joining method, when the surface temperature of the joined butt portion (3 ′) is higher or lower than a predetermined temperature, a joining defect or thermal distortion is likely to occur. At least one of the inclination angles (β1) and (β2) is changed based on the obtained measurement value. Thereby, the pressing force from the roller received by the joining members (1) and (2) can be changed in the butting direction (N). Therefore, by appropriately changing the inclination angles (β1) and (β2) during bonding, it is possible to reliably prevent or suppress the occurrence of bonding defects and thermal distortion. As described above, in this modified example, butt joining can be performed while preventing or suppressing the occurrence of bonding defects and thermal distortion, and therefore, the work for preventing or suppressing bonding defects and thermal distortion can be performed efficiently. Become.
[0117]
In addition, in this 2nd Embodiment and its modification, although the surface temperature of the said butt | matching part (3 ') is illustrated as a characteristic regarding the joining state of the joined butt | matching part (3'), in this invention, In addition, for example, the surface residual stress of the butt portion (3 ′) may be measured by an arbitrary measuring device, and the inclination angle (β1) (β2) may be changed based on the measured value.
[0118]
As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, A setting change is variously possible.
[0119]
For example, in both the first and second embodiments, the position of the probe (42) of the joining tool (40) is fixed, and both the abutting portion (3) sequentially passes the probe (42). Although it shows about the case where butt joining is performed by moving joining member (1) (2), in this invention, in addition to this, the position of both joining members (1) (2) is fixed, Butt joining may be performed by embedding the probe (42) in the butting part (3) and moving the probe along the butting part (3).
[0120]
The rear pressing roller (20) may be divided into a first rear pressing roller (21), a second rear pressing roller (22), and a third rear pressing roller (23).
[0121]
Further, the front pressing roller (10) and the rear pressing roller (20) may be configured to function as a driving roller that applies a driving force in the moving direction (MD) to the joining members (1) and (2). It may be good or may be provided with a peripheral speed control mechanism.
[0122]
【Example】
Next, specific examples of the present invention will be described.
[0123]
A long flat aluminum alloy first joining member (material: A5052-O, dimensions: length 1000 × width 100 × thickness 2 mm) and a long flat aluminum alloy second joining member (material: A5052-O, dimensions: length 1000 × width 100 × thickness 3 mm) were prepared.
[0124]
As the joining tool (40), the outer diameter D of the end surface (41a) of the rotor (41) is 9 mm, the protruding length of the probe (42) from the rotor end surface (41a) is 2.3 mm, and the probe (42 ) Prepared from the shaft portion of the M3 screw.
[0125]
8A and 8B were prepared as the front pressing roller (10), and those shown in FIGS. 8C to 8E were prepared as the rear pressing roller (20). . The configuration of each roller is as follows.
[0126]
The front pressing roller (10A) shown in FIG. 8 (A) has a cylindrical shape similar to that used in the conventional example, and is arranged so as to straddle the butted portion.
[0127]
The front pressing roller (10B) shown in FIG. 8B has the same configuration as that used in the first embodiment (10).
[0128]
The rear pressure roller (20C) shown in FIG. 8 (C) has a cylindrical shape similar to that used in the conventional example.
[0129]
The rear pressure roller (20D) shown in FIG. 8D has the same configuration as that used in the first embodiment (20).
[0130]
The rear pressing roller (20E) shown in FIG. 8 (E) has a first rear pressing roller (11) and a second rear pressing roller (12) whose diameter is smaller than the diameter of the second rear pressing roller (12). It is integrally connected via the connecting rod-shaped shaft portion (24), that is, does not have the third rear pressing roller for pressing the joined butting portion (3 ′). The post-pressing roller (20E) is arranged in a manner straddling the joined butt portion.
[0131]
<Example 1>
Using the front pressing roller (10B) shown in FIG. 8 (B) and the rear pressing roller (20D) shown in FIG. 8 (D), the first joining member (1 ) And the back surface of the second joining member (2) are connected to each other so that the end surfaces (1a) and (2b) in the width direction of the joining members (1) and (2) are brought into contact with each other. 3) was joined over the entire length according to the joining procedure of the first embodiment. In this joining, the rotation speed of the rotor (41) of the joining tool (40) is 1000 rpm, the joining speed is 700 mm / min, and the rotation axis (Q) of the joining tool (40) is on the first joining member (1) side. Joining was performed under an inclination angle θ of 5 °.
[0132]
<Example 2>
Using the front pressing roller (10B) shown in FIG. 8 (B) and the rear pressing roller (20C) shown in FIG. 8 (C), the butted portion (3) of both joining members (1) and (2) Were joined over the entire length. Other bonding conditions are the same as those in the first embodiment.
[0133]
<Example 3>
Using the front pressing roller (10A) shown in FIG. 8 (A) and the rear pressing roller (20D) shown in FIG. 8 (D), the butted portion (3) of both joining members (1) and (2) Were joined over the entire length. Other bonding conditions are the same as those in the first embodiment.
[0134]
<Example 4>
Using the front pressing roller (10A) shown in FIG. 8 (A) and the rear pressing roller (20E) shown in FIG. 8 (E), the butted portion (3) of both joining members (1) and (2) Were joined over the entire length. Other bonding conditions are the same as those in the first embodiment.
[0135]
<Comparative example>
Using the front pressing roller (10A) shown in FIG. 8 (A) and the rear pressing roller (20C) shown in FIG. 8 (C), the butted portion (3) of both joining members (1) and (2) Were joined over the entire length. Other bonding conditions are the same as those in the first embodiment.
[0136]
About the butt-joint joint obtained in the above Examples 1 to 4 and the comparative example, the surface state of the joined butt portion was examined with the naked eye, and the amount of thermal strain was examined. The results are shown in Table 1.
[0137]
[Table 1]

[0138]
In addition, regarding the amount of thermal strain in Table 1, the obtained butt-joint joint is placed on a flat surface, and the maximum warpage amount of the butt-joint joint is shown as the amount of thermal strain.
[0139]
As shown in Table 1, in the comparative example, the amount of thermal strain was 10 mm, and it was found that extremely large thermal strain was generated. On the other hand, in Examples 1-4, the thermal strain amount was 5 mm or less, and it was found that the occurrence of thermal strain could be suppressed. In particular, in Examples 1 and 2, the amount of thermal strain was 3 mm, and it was found that the occurrence of thermal strain could be further suppressed.
[0140]
Moreover, in the comparative example, it was found that an unjoined portion was generated in the joined butt portion, and a good joined portion could not be formed. On the other hand, in Examples 1-4, the unjoined part did not arise and it turned out that a favorable joined part can be formed.
[0141]
In Examples 2 and 4 and the comparative example, fine irregularities such as burrs were formed on the surfaces of the joined butt portions. In Examples 1 and 3, such fine irregularities were formed. Thus, it was found that the surface was smoothed without changing the state of the inclined surface, and therefore, it was possible to form a bonded portion having a very good surface state.
[0142]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the friction stir welding method according to the first aspect of the present invention is configured so that the front side in the joining direction of the first joining member and the front side in the joining direction of the second joining member with respect to the probe embedding position are respectively the first front pressers. Since it is characterized in that butt joining is performed while pressing from the surface side with the roller and the second front pressing roller, this friction stir welding method prevents each joint member from moving unintentionally during joining. Further, it is possible to correct a shape defect such as twisting of each joining member. For this reason, generation | occurrence | production of a joint defect and a thermal distortion can be prevented or suppressed, and a high quality butt-joint joint can be obtained.
[0143]
In the friction stir welding method according to the second aspect of the invention, the first rear pressing roller and the second rear side are respectively arranged on the rear side in the joining direction of the first joining member and the rear side in the joining direction of the second joining member with respect to the probe embedding position. Since the butt joining is performed while being pressed from the surface side by the pressing roller, this friction stir welding method can also achieve the same effect as the invention of the first aspect.
[0144]
In the friction stir welding method according to the third aspect of the present invention, the first front pressing roller and the second front side are respectively arranged on the front side in the joining direction of the first joining member and the front side in the joining direction of the second joining member relative to the probe embedding position. While pressing from the surface side by the pressing roller, the bonding direction rear side of the first bonding member and the bonding direction rear side of the second bonding member with respect to the probe embedding position are respectively surfaced by the first rear pressing roller and the second rear pressing roller. Since the butt joining is performed while pressing from the side, according to the friction stir welding method, it is possible to reliably prevent or suppress the problem that each joining member moves unintentionally during joining. Furthermore, shape defects such as twisting and warping of each joining member can be reliably corrected. For this reason, generation | occurrence | production of a joint defect and a thermal distortion can be prevented or suppressed now reliably, and a higher quality butt-joint joint can be obtained.
[0145]
In the case of the invention of claim 4, it becomes possible to firmly hold each joining member, and therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent or suppress the occurrence of joining defects and thermal distortion, thereby further increasing the A quality butt joint can be obtained.
[0146]
In the case of the invention of claim 5, the surface of the joined butt portion can be formed as an inclined surface. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a butt joint that can alleviate the stress concentration generated in the step portion. Furthermore, the tensile residual stress generated on the surface of the butt portion can be converted into the compressive residual stress, and therefore the durability of the obtained butt joint can be improved. In addition, fine irregularities such as burrs that may be formed on the surface of the butt portion are removed by applying pressure from the third rear pressing roller. The surface of the portion can be smoothed while remaining in the state of the inclined surface. For this reason, for example, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of coating film defects due to fine irregularities, which may occur during coating, and to form a coating film on the surface of the butt portion.
[0147]
In the case of the inventions of claims 6 and 7, the joined butt portions can be brought into a hardened state, and the joining strength can be improved. Furthermore, since excess heat generated in the butt portion can be removed, a good joint portion can be formed.
[0148]
In the case of the invention of claim 8, even if the thickness of at least one of the joining members of both joining members fluctuates in a direction parallel to the joining direction, the joining member is firmly attached. I can hold it down. Furthermore, since the pressing force from the roller received by the joining member can be changed in the butting direction, the occurrence of joining defects and thermal distortion can be reliably prevented or suppressed.
[0149]
In the case of the ninth aspect of the invention, it is possible to efficiently perform the work of suppressing or preventing bonding failure and thermal distortion.
[0150]
In the case of the invention of claim 10, even if the thickness of at least one of the joining members of both joining members fluctuates in a direction parallel to the joining direction, the joining member is firmly attached. I can hold it down. Furthermore, since the butt joining is performed in a state where both the joining members are in close contact with each other, a good joining portion can be formed.
[0151]
In the case of the invention of claim 11, since the butt joining is performed in a state where both the joining members are strongly in close contact with each other, a good joining portion can be formed.
[0152]
In the case of the invention of claim 12, the degree of freedom in designing the rear support roller can be increased. Therefore, for example, by changing the mutual arrangement of the first rear support roller and the second rear support roller or changing the peripheral speed of the rear support roller, the rear side in the joining direction of both joining members with respect to the probe embedding position The meandering motion of the two joining members that may occur in step 1 can be prevented or suppressed. Furthermore, the correction effect for the shape defect of each joining member can be expected.
[0153]
In the case of the invention of claim 13, it is possible to more reliably correct shape defects such as warping, twisting, and bending of each joining member, and it is possible to suppress surface vibration of the joining member. Furthermore, a high quality butt joint can be obtained.
[0154]
According to the friction stir welding apparatus according to the invention of claim 14, the friction stir welding method according to the invention of claim 1 can be efficiently performed.
[0155]
According to the friction stir welding apparatus according to the invention of claim 15, the friction stir welding method according to the invention of claim 2 can be efficiently performed.
[0156]
According to the friction stir welding apparatus according to the invention of claim 16, the friction stir welding method according to the invention of claim 3 can be efficiently performed.
[0157]
In the case of the inventions of claims 17 to 21, the friction stir welding methods according to the inventions of

claims

5, 8, 9, 10, and 11 are efficiently performed, respectively. Can do.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a side view showing a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion A in FIG. 1, showing a state in the middle of joining of both joining members.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged side view of a portion A in FIG. 1, showing a state in the middle of joining of both joining members.
4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG.
5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. 2. FIG.
6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG.
7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG.
FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams showing a pressing roller used in Examples and Comparative Examples, in which FIGS. 8A and 5B are front views of a front pressing roller, and FIGS. 8C to 8E are front views of a rear pressing roller. FIGS. It is.
FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view corresponding to FIG. 2, showing a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the front side in the joining direction of both joining members with respect to the probe embedding position.
FIG. 11 is a mechanism diagram of the front pressing roller and the front supporting roller as viewed from the front side of both joining members for explaining the operations of the front pressing roller and the front supporting roller.
FIG. 12 is a mechanism diagram of the front pressing roller as viewed from the surface side of both joining members for explaining the operation of the front pressing roller.
FIG. 13 is a mechanism diagram of the front support roller as viewed from the front surface side of both joining members for explaining the operation of the front support roller.
FIG. 14 is a mechanism diagram of the front pressing roller and the front supporting roller as viewed from the front side of both joining members, for explaining the operation of the front pressing roller and the front supporting roller.
15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XV-XV in FIG.
FIG. 16 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 4 and showing a modification of the second embodiment.
FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a conventional friction stir welding method.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 ... 1st joining member
2 ... 2nd joining member
3 ... Butting part
3 '... joined butt
10 ... Front holding roller
11 ... First front presser roller
12 ... Second front presser roller
20 ... Roller roller
21 ... 1st rear presser roller
22 ... Second rear presser roller
23 ... Third rear presser roller
30 ... Support member
40 ... Joining tool
42… Probe
W ... Junction
MD: Direction of movement of both joint members
WD ... Joining direction

Claims

Abutting is performed in such a manner that a step is generated on the front surface side in the thickness direction, and the rotating probe (42) of the welding tool (40) is embedded in the butting portion (3) from the front surface side, and from the back surface side. The two plate-like first and second joining members (1) and (2) supported by the support member (30) are moved relative to the probe so that the abutting portions sequentially pass through the probe. Is a friction stir welding method for performing butt joining of both joining members,
The first front pressing roller (11) and the second front pressing roller (12) are respectively connected to the front side in the joining direction of the first joining member (1) and the front side in the joining direction of the second joining member (2) with respect to the probe embedding position. ) While pressing from the surface side by the third rear pressing roller (23) whose outer peripheral surface is a tapered surface while pressing from the surface side by Friction stir welding method characterized by joining.

Abutting is performed in such a manner that a step is generated on the front surface side in the thickness direction, and the rotating probe (42) of the welding tool (40) is embedded in the butting portion (3) from the front surface side, and from the back surface side. The two plate-like first and second joining members (1) and (2) supported by the support member (30) are moved relative to the probe so that the abutting portions sequentially pass through the probe. Is a friction stir welding method for performing butt joining of both joining members,
The first rear pressing roller (21) and the second rear pressing roller (22) are arranged on the rear side in the bonding direction of the first bonding member (1) and the rear side in the bonding direction of the second bonding member (2) with respect to the probe embedding position, respectively. ) While pressing from the surface side by the third rear pressing roller (23) whose outer peripheral surface is a tapered surface while pressing the surface from the surface side. Friction stir welding method characterized by joining.

Abutting is performed in such a manner that a step is generated on the front surface side in the thickness direction, and the rotating probe (42) of the welding tool (40) is embedded in the butting portion (3) from the front surface side, and from the back surface side. The two plate-like first and second joining members (1) and (2) supported by the support member (30) are moved relative to the probe so that the abutting portions sequentially pass through the probe. Is a friction stir welding method for performing butt joining of both joining members,
The front side in the joining direction of the first joining member (1) and the front side in the joining direction of the second joining member (2) with respect to the probe embedding position are respectively connected to the first front pressing roller (11) and the second front pressing roller (12 ) From the surface side, and the first rear pressing roller (21) on the rear side in the joining direction of the first joining member (1) and the rear side in the joining direction of the second joining member (2) with respect to the probe embedding position, respectively. And the second rear pressing roller (22) while pressing from the surface side, and the butted portion (3 ') where both the joining members are joined is surfaced by the third rear pressing roller (23) whose outer peripheral surface is a tapered surface. The friction stir welding method , wherein the butt joining is performed while pressing from the side .

The first front presser includes at least a portion near the butting portion on the front side in the joining direction of the first joining member (1) with respect to the probe insertion position and at least a portion near the butting portion on the front side in the joining direction of the second joining member (2). The friction stir welding method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the butt joining is performed while pressing from the surface side by a roller (11) and a second front pressing roller (12).

The friction stir welding method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the third rear pressing roller (23) has an outer peripheral surface cooled.

Abutting is performed in such a manner that a step is generated on the front surface side in the thickness direction, and the rotating probe (42) of the welding tool (40) is embedded in the butting portion (3) from the front surface side, and from the back surface side. The two plate-like first and second joining members (1) and (2) supported by the support member (30) are moved relative to the probe so that the abutting portions sequentially pass through the probe. Is a friction stir welding method for performing butt joining of both joining members,
The front side in the joining direction of the first joining member (1) and the front side in the joining direction of the second joining member (2) with respect to the probe embedding position are respectively connected to the first front pressing roller (11) and the second front pressing roller (12 ) while pressing the surface side by, and the rear surface of the joined abutting portion of the joining members (3 '), while cooling is brought into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the cooling roller has an outer peripheral surface is cooled (32) The friction stir welding method is characterized in that the butt joining is performed.

Abutting is performed in such a manner that a step is generated on the front surface side in the thickness direction, and the rotating probe (42) of the welding tool (40) is embedded in the butting portion (3) from the front surface side, and from the back surface side. The two plate-like first and second joining members (1) and (2) supported by the support member (30) are moved relative to the probe so that the abutting portions sequentially pass through the probe. Is a friction stir welding method for performing butt joining of both joining members,
The first rear pressing roller (21) and the second rear pressing roller (22) are arranged on the rear side in the joining direction of the first joining member (1) and the rear side in the joining direction of the second joining member (2) with respect to the probe embedding position, respectively. ) While pressing from the front surface side and cooling the back surface of the butted portion (3 ′) where both the joining members are joined with the outer peripheral surface of the cooling roller (32) whose outer peripheral surface is cooled. The friction stir welding method characterized by performing the butt joining.

Abutting is performed in such a manner that a step is generated on the front surface side in the thickness direction, and the rotating probe (42) of the welding tool (40) is embedded in the butting portion (3) from the front surface side, and from the back surface side. The two plate-like first and second joining members (1) and (2) supported by the support member (30) are moved relative to the probe so that the abutting portions sequentially pass through the probe. Is a friction stir welding method for performing butt joining of both joining members,
The first front pressing roller (11) and the second front pressing roller (12) are respectively connected to the front side in the joining direction of the first joining member (1) and the front side in the joining direction of the second joining member (2) with respect to the probe embedding position. ) From the surface side, and the first rear pressing roller (21) on the back side in the joining direction of the first joining member (1) and the second joining member (2) in the joining direction with respect to the probe embedding position, respectively. And the outer peripheral surface of the cooling roller (32) whose outer peripheral surface is cooled while being pressed from the surface side by the second rear pressing roller (22) and the rear surface of the butted portion (3 ') where both the joining members are joined. The friction stir welding method is characterized in that the butt joining is performed while being brought into contact with and cooling .

Abutting is performed in such a manner that a step is generated on the front surface side in the thickness direction, and the rotating probe (42) of the welding tool (40) is embedded in the butting portion (3) from the front surface side, and from the back surface side. The two plate-like first and second joining members (1) and (2) supported by the support member (30) are moved relative to the probe so that the abutting portions sequentially pass through the probe. Is a friction stir welding method for performing butt joining of both joining members,
The junction forward side of the junction forward side and the second joining member of the first joint member relative to the probe implantation position (1) (2), respectively, the first pre-pressing roller (11) separate from each other and the second front While pressing from the surface side with the pressing roller (12), the axis (P1) (P2) of at least one of the first front pressing roller (11) and the second front pressing roller (12) is moved in the joining direction ( The friction stir welding method is characterized in that the butt welding is performed in a state inclined with respect to the butt direction (N) of the joining member in a plane orthogonal to WD) .

Abutting is performed in such a manner that a step is generated on the front surface side in the thickness direction, and the rotating probe (42) of the welding tool (40) is embedded in the butting portion (3) from the front surface side, and from the back surface side. The two plate-like first and second joining members (1) and (2) supported by the support member (30) are moved relative to the probe so that the abutting portions sequentially pass through the probe. Is a friction stir welding method for performing butt joining of both joining members,
The first front pressing roller (11) and the second front side, which are separate from each other , are respectively connected to the front side in the joining direction of the first joining member (1) and the front side in the joining direction of the second joining member (2) with respect to the probe embedding position. While pressing from the front surface side by the pressing roller (12), the first rear presser side of the bonding direction rear side of the first bonding member (1) and the bonding direction rear side of the second bonding member (2) with respect to the probe embedding position, respectively. While pressing from the surface side by the roller (21) and the second rear pressing roller (22), the axis (P1) of at least one of the first front pressing roller (11) and the second front pressing roller (12) The friction stir welding method , wherein the butt joining is performed in a state where (P2) is inclined with respect to the butt direction (N) of the joining member within a plane orthogonal to the joining direction (WD) .

Based on the measured value of the surface temperature or the surface residual stress of the butted portion (3 ′) where the two joining members are joined, the first front press roller (11) with respect to the butting direction (N) of the first joining member (1). ) Of the axis (P1) of the second front pressing roller (12) with respect to the inclination angle (β1) in the plane perpendicular to the joining direction (WD) and the butting direction (N) of the second joining member (2). The friction stir welding method according to claim 9 or 10 , wherein the butt welding is performed while changing at least one of an inclination angle (β2) in a plane perpendicular to the welding direction (WD) of (P2).

Abutting is performed in such a manner that a step is generated on the front surface side in the thickness direction, and the rotating probe (42) of the welding tool (40) is embedded in the butting portion (3) from the front surface side, and from the back surface side. The two plate-like first and second joining members (1) and (2) supported by the support member (30) are moved relative to the probe so that the abutting portions sequentially pass through the probe. Is a friction stir welding method for performing butt joining of both joining members,
The front side in the joining direction of the first joining member (1) and the front side in the joining direction of the second joining member (2) with respect to the probe embedding position are respectively connected to the first front pressing roller (11) and the second front pressing roller (12 ) And butt-joining in a state in which tension is applied in a direction parallel to the joining direction (WD) to each joining member (1) and (2). legal.

Abutting is performed in such a manner that a step is generated on the front surface side in the thickness direction, and the rotating probe (42) of the welding tool (40) is embedded in the butting portion (3) from the front surface side, and from the back surface side. The two plate-like first and second joining members (1) and (2) supported by the support member (30) are moved relative to the probe so that the abutting portions sequentially pass through the probe. Is a friction stir welding method for performing butt joining of both joining members,
The first rear pressing roller (21) and the second rear pressing roller (22) are arranged on the rear side in the joining direction of the first joining member (1) and the rear side in the joining direction of the second joining member (2) with respect to the probe embedding position, respectively. ) And butt-joining in a state where a tension in a direction parallel to the joining direction (WD) is applied to each of the joining members (1) and (2). .

Abutting is performed in such a manner that a step is generated on the front surface side in the thickness direction, and the rotating probe (42) of the welding tool (40) is embedded in the butting portion (3) from the front surface side, and from the back surface side. The two plate-like first and second joining members (1) and (2) supported by the support member (30) are moved relative to the probe so that the abutting portions sequentially pass through the probe. Is a friction stir welding method for performing butt joining of both joining members,
The first front pressing roller (11) and the second front pressing roller (12) are respectively connected to the front side in the joining direction of the first joining member (1) and the front side in the joining direction of the second joining member (2) with respect to the probe embedding position. ) From the surface side, and the first rear pressing roller (21) on the back side in the joining direction of the first joining member (1) and the second joining member (2) in the joining direction with respect to the probe embedding position, respectively. The butt joining is performed while pressing from the surface side by the second rear pressing roller (22) and applying a tension in a direction parallel to the bonding direction (WD) to each bonding member (1) (2). A friction stir welding method characterized by that.

Abutting is performed in such a manner that a step is generated on the front surface side in the thickness direction, and the rotating probe (42) of the welding tool (40) is embedded in the butting portion (3) from the front surface side, and from the back surface side. The two plate-like first and second joining members (1) and (2) supported by the support member (30) are moved relative to the probe so that the abutting portions sequentially pass through the probe. Is a friction stir welding apparatus for performing butt joining of both joining members,
A first front pressing roller (11) for pressing the front side in the joining direction of the first joining member (1) with respect to the probe embedding position from the surface side;
A second front pressing roller (12) for pressing the front side in the joining direction of the second joining member (2) with respect to the probe embedding position;
A friction stir welding apparatus comprising: a third rear pressing roller (23) whose outer peripheral surface is a tapered surface that presses the butted portion (3 ') to which the two joining members are joined from the surface side. .

Abutting is performed in such a manner that a step is generated on the front surface side in the thickness direction, and the rotating probe (42) of the welding tool (40) is embedded in the butting portion (3) from the front surface side, and from the back surface side. The two plate-like first and second joining members (1) and (2) supported by the support member (30) are moved relative to the probe so that the abutting portions sequentially pass through the probe. Is a friction stir welding apparatus for performing butt joining of both joining members,
A first rear pressing roller (21) for pressing from the surface side the bonding direction rear side of the first bonding member (1) with respect to the probe embedding position;
A second rear pressing roller (22) for pressing from the surface side the bonding direction rear side of the second bonding member (2) with respect to the probe embedding position;
A friction stir welding apparatus comprising: a third rear pressing roller (23) whose outer peripheral surface is a tapered surface that presses the butted portion (3 ') to which the two joining members are joined from the surface side. .

Abutting is performed in such a manner that a step is generated on the front surface side in the thickness direction, and the rotating probe (42) of the welding tool (40) is embedded in the butting portion (3) from the front surface side, and from the back surface side. The two plate-like first and second joining members (1) and (2) supported by the support member (30) are moved relative to the probe so that the abutting portions sequentially pass through the probe. Is a friction stir welding apparatus for performing butt joining of both joining members,
A first front pressing roller (11) for pressing the front side in the joining direction of the first joining member (1) with respect to the probe embedding position from the surface side;
A second front pressing roller (12) for pressing the front side in the joining direction of the second joining member (2) with respect to the probe embedding position;
A first rear pressing roller (21) for pressing from the surface side the bonding direction rear side of the first bonding member (1) with respect to the probe embedding position;
A second rear pressing roller (22) for pressing from the surface side the bonding direction rear side of the second bonding member ( 2 ) with respect to the probe embedding position;
A friction stir welding apparatus comprising: a third rear pressing roller (23) whose outer peripheral surface is a tapered surface that presses the butted portion (3 ') to which the two joining members are joined from the surface side. .

Abutting is performed in such a manner that a step is generated on the front surface side in the thickness direction, and the rotating probe (42) of the welding tool (40) is embedded in the butting portion (3) from the front surface side, and from the back surface side. The two plate-like first and second joining members (1) and (2) supported by the support member (30) are moved relative to the probe so that the abutting portions sequentially pass through the probe. Is a friction stir welding apparatus for performing butt joining of both joining members,
A first front pressing roller (11) for pressing the front side in the joining direction of the first joining member (1) with respect to the probe embedding position from the surface side;
A second front pressing roller (12) separate from the first front pressing roller (11) for pressing the front side in the bonding direction of the second bonding member (2) with respect to the probe embedding position;
The axis (P1) (P2) of at least one of the first front pressing roller (11) and the second front pressing roller (12) is orthogonal to the joining direction (WD) with respect to the joining direction (N) of the joining member. And a tilt angle changing device (60a) (60b) for changing the tilt angle (β1) (β2) in the plane to be worked .

Abutting is performed in such a manner that a step is generated on the front surface side in the thickness direction, and the rotating probe (42) of the welding tool (40) is embedded in the butting portion (3) from the front surface side, and from the back surface side. The two plate-like first and second joining members (1) and (2) supported by the support member (30) are moved relative to the probe so that the abutting portions sequentially pass through the probe. Is a friction stir welding apparatus for performing butt joining of both joining members,
A first front pressing roller (11) for pressing the front side in the joining direction of the first joining member (1) with respect to the probe embedding position from the surface side;
A second front pressing roller (12) separate from the first front pressing roller (11) for pressing the front side in the bonding direction of the second bonding member (2) with respect to the probe embedding position;
A first rear pressing roller (21) for pressing from the surface side the bonding direction rear side of the first bonding member (1) with respect to the probe embedding position;
A second rear pressing roller (22) for pressing from the surface side the bonding direction rear side of the second bonding member ( 2 ) with respect to the probe embedding position;
The axis (P1) (P2) of at least one of the first front pressing roller (11) and the second front pressing roller (12) is orthogonal to the joining direction (WD) with respect to the joining direction (N) of the joining member. And a tilt angle changing device (60a) (60b) for changing the tilt angle (β1) (β2) in the plane to be worked .

A measuring device (50) for measuring the surface temperature or surface residual stress of the butted portion (3 ′) where both the joining members are joined;
Measuring device (50) inclination angle changing apparatus based on the measured values obtained in (60a) a control device for controlling the operation of (60b) and (61a) (61b), the in claims 18 or 19, wherein is provided Friction stir welding device.