EP2110448B1 - Method and continuous furnace for heating workpieces - Google Patents
Method and continuous furnace for heating workpieces Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2110448B1 EP2110448B1 EP09005231.7A EP09005231A EP2110448B1 EP 2110448 B1 EP2110448 B1 EP 2110448B1 EP 09005231 A EP09005231 A EP 09005231A EP 2110448 B1 EP2110448 B1 EP 2110448B1
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- workpiece
- conveying
- continuous furnace
- heating section
- movement
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 title claims description 115
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 49
- 230000033001 locomotion Effects 0.000 claims description 63
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 23
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 230000032258 transport Effects 0.000 description 94
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 9
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000010791 quenching Methods 0.000 description 4
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000000171 quenching effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229910001566 austenite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000018109 developmental process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229910000734 martensite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229910001562 pearlite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000011265 semifinished product Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910000859 α-Fe Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 238000000137 annealing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006698 induction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007257 malfunction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000725 suspension Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003856 thermoforming Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C21—METALLURGY OF IRON
- C21D—MODIFYING THE PHYSICAL STRUCTURE OF FERROUS METALS; GENERAL DEVICES FOR HEAT TREATMENT OF FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS METALS OR ALLOYS; MAKING METAL MALLEABLE, e.g. BY DECARBURISATION OR TEMPERING
- C21D9/00—Heat treatment, e.g. annealing, hardening, quenching or tempering, adapted for particular articles; Furnaces therefor
- C21D9/0056—Furnaces through which the charge is moved in a horizontal straight path
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C21—METALLURGY OF IRON
- C21D—MODIFYING THE PHYSICAL STRUCTURE OF FERROUS METALS; GENERAL DEVICES FOR HEAT TREATMENT OF FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS METALS OR ALLOYS; MAKING METAL MALLEABLE, e.g. BY DECARBURISATION OR TEMPERING
- C21D9/00—Heat treatment, e.g. annealing, hardening, quenching or tempering, adapted for particular articles; Furnaces therefor
- C21D9/0068—Heat treatment, e.g. annealing, hardening, quenching or tempering, adapted for particular articles; Furnaces therefor for particular articles not mentioned below
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F27—FURNACES; KILNS; OVENS; RETORTS
- F27B—FURNACES, KILNS, OVENS, OR RETORTS IN GENERAL; OPEN SINTERING OR LIKE APPARATUS
- F27B9/00—Furnaces through which the charge is moved mechanically, e.g. of tunnel type; Similar furnaces in which the charge moves by gravity
- F27B9/14—Furnaces through which the charge is moved mechanically, e.g. of tunnel type; Similar furnaces in which the charge moves by gravity characterised by the path of the charge during treatment; characterised by the means by which the charge is moved during treatment
- F27B9/20—Furnaces through which the charge is moved mechanically, e.g. of tunnel type; Similar furnaces in which the charge moves by gravity characterised by the path of the charge during treatment; characterised by the means by which the charge is moved during treatment the charge moving in a substantially straight path tunnel furnace
- F27B9/24—Furnaces through which the charge is moved mechanically, e.g. of tunnel type; Similar furnaces in which the charge moves by gravity characterised by the path of the charge during treatment; characterised by the means by which the charge is moved during treatment the charge moving in a substantially straight path tunnel furnace being carried by a conveyor
- F27B9/2407—Furnaces through which the charge is moved mechanically, e.g. of tunnel type; Similar furnaces in which the charge moves by gravity characterised by the path of the charge during treatment; characterised by the means by which the charge is moved during treatment the charge moving in a substantially straight path tunnel furnace being carried by a conveyor the conveyor being constituted by rollers (roller hearth furnace)
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F27—FURNACES; KILNS; OVENS; RETORTS
- F27B—FURNACES, KILNS, OVENS, OR RETORTS IN GENERAL; OPEN SINTERING OR LIKE APPARATUS
- F27B9/00—Furnaces through which the charge is moved mechanically, e.g. of tunnel type; Similar furnaces in which the charge moves by gravity
- F27B9/14—Furnaces through which the charge is moved mechanically, e.g. of tunnel type; Similar furnaces in which the charge moves by gravity characterised by the path of the charge during treatment; characterised by the means by which the charge is moved during treatment
- F27B9/20—Furnaces through which the charge is moved mechanically, e.g. of tunnel type; Similar furnaces in which the charge moves by gravity characterised by the path of the charge during treatment; characterised by the means by which the charge is moved during treatment the charge moving in a substantially straight path tunnel furnace
- F27B9/24—Furnaces through which the charge is moved mechanically, e.g. of tunnel type; Similar furnaces in which the charge moves by gravity characterised by the path of the charge during treatment; characterised by the means by which the charge is moved during treatment the charge moving in a substantially straight path tunnel furnace being carried by a conveyor
- F27B9/2469—Furnaces through which the charge is moved mechanically, e.g. of tunnel type; Similar furnaces in which the charge moves by gravity characterised by the path of the charge during treatment; characterised by the means by which the charge is moved during treatment the charge moving in a substantially straight path tunnel furnace being carried by a conveyor the conveyor being constituted by rollable bodies
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F27—FURNACES; KILNS; OVENS; RETORTS
- F27B—FURNACES, KILNS, OVENS, OR RETORTS IN GENERAL; OPEN SINTERING OR LIKE APPARATUS
- F27B9/00—Furnaces through which the charge is moved mechanically, e.g. of tunnel type; Similar furnaces in which the charge moves by gravity
- F27B9/30—Details, accessories, or equipment peculiar to furnaces of these types
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F27—FURNACES; KILNS; OVENS; RETORTS
- F27D—DETAILS OR ACCESSORIES OF FURNACES, KILNS, OVENS, OR RETORTS, IN SO FAR AS THEY ARE OF KINDS OCCURRING IN MORE THAN ONE KIND OF FURNACE
- F27D5/00—Supports, screens, or the like for the charge within the furnace
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C21—METALLURGY OF IRON
- C21D—MODIFYING THE PHYSICAL STRUCTURE OF FERROUS METALS; GENERAL DEVICES FOR HEAT TREATMENT OF FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS METALS OR ALLOYS; MAKING METAL MALLEABLE, e.g. BY DECARBURISATION OR TEMPERING
- C21D1/00—General methods or devices for heat treatment, e.g. annealing, hardening, quenching or tempering
- C21D1/62—Quenching devices
- C21D1/673—Quenching devices for die quenching
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C21—METALLURGY OF IRON
- C21D—MODIFYING THE PHYSICAL STRUCTURE OF FERROUS METALS; GENERAL DEVICES FOR HEAT TREATMENT OF FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS METALS OR ALLOYS; MAKING METAL MALLEABLE, e.g. BY DECARBURISATION OR TEMPERING
- C21D2221/00—Treating localised areas of an article
Definitions
- the invention relates to a method for heating at least one workpiece in a furnace, in which the workpiece is heated by heating means.
- the invention further relates to an associated furnace for carrying out the method.
- molded components In the field of production and treatment of molded components, it is customary to produce moldings specifically with desired material properties. For example, in the automotive industry, components such as control arms, B-pillars, or automotive bumpers are cured by complete heating followed by quenching. This may be followed by an incentive procedure for a fee. In various applications of automotive engineering, however, it is advantageous that molded components have different material properties in different areas. For example, it may be provided that a component in one area should have a high strength, but in another area a higher ductility in relation to it.
- components can be reinforced by additional sheets. Also suitable is the annealing of previously fully cured mold components at the appropriate locations to achieve higher ductility regions. However, this leads to intolerable changes in shape in the component.
- EP 1 426 454 A1 a method for producing a molded component having at least two structural areas of different ductility and a continuous furnace for carrying out the method.
- a semifinished product to be heated is transported as a blank or preformed component through a continuous furnace, which comprises two juxtaposed zones in which different temperature levels are set.
- the component is heated in the oven to two different temperatures and then subjected to a thermoforming process and / or a hardening process.
- a more ductile microstructure arises in the higher-heated region of the component, while a solid or high-strength microstructure sets in the less heated region.
- the German Utility Model DE 200 14 361 U1 describes a method for producing a B-pillar with different microstructure ranges, in which the B-pillar is heated in an oven and austenitized with it, and then cured in a cooled mold.
- the B-pillar is heated in an oven and austenitized with it, and then cured in a cooled mold.
- the oven large areas of the board or the semi-finished product used are isolated against the effect of temperature, so that sets in the shielded areas no martensitic material structure with high strengths.
- this represents an unsafe process, since in the case of a malfunction heat can penetrate into the covered areas and thus these areas are heated to hardening temperature.
- the known methods are not suitable in particular for mass operation with a cycle time of about 15 seconds and given in motor vehicle requirements for process safety because they can not ensure the prescribed hardness profile in the component permanently.
- the object of the invention is therefore to provide a method for heating components, which allows the formation of areas with different material properties in the component in subsequent process steps.
- the object of the invention is also to provide a device for carrying out the method.
- this object is achieved by a method having the features of independent claim 1.
- Advantageous developments of the method will become apparent from the dependent claims 2-9.
- the object is further achieved by an oven according to claim 10.
- Advantageous embodiments of this furnace emerge from the dependent claims 11-16.
- the inventive method is used to heat at least one workpiece in an oven, wherein the workpiece is heated by heating means. After an entire workpiece has been heated by the heating means in a first step, according to the invention a movement of the workpiece out of the oven so far that a first portion of the workpiece is still within the furnace, while a second portion of the workpiece is outside of the furnace , In this position, the workpiece is held for a predetermined period of time and then the entire workpiece is moved out of the oven, the first portion of the workpiece is heated by the method to a temperature T1, which is below the hardening temperature of the material of the workpiece, while the second Part area of the workpiece is heated to a temperature T2, which corresponds to the hardening temperature of the material of the workpiece.
- T1 which is below the hardening temperature of the material of the workpiece
- T2 which corresponds to the hardening temperature of the material of the workpiece.
- At least one workpiece is heated in a continuous furnace, and the workpiece is thereby moved by a transport device through the continuous furnace.
- a transport device After the forward side of a workpiece in the transport direction has passed through the heating path of the continuous furnace, moving the workpiece by the transport device so far out of the heating section of the continuous furnace, that a first portion of the workpiece is still within the heating, while a second portion of the workpiece already outside the Heating section is located.
- the movement of the transport device is interrupted at this position of the workpiece for a predetermined period of time, and then carried out a re-moving the entire workpiece by the transport device from the heating section of the continuous furnace out.
- the workpiece is moved through an entrance opening into the continuous furnace after a cover has temporarily cleared this entrance opening, and the workpiece is moved out of the continuous furnace through an exit opening after a cover has temporarily released that exit opening.
- the cycle times of the covers of the input and output ports are suitably adapted to the cycle times of the transport device.
- the cover of the exit opening only partially releases this exit opening, in order to move the second section of the workpiece out of the continuous furnace, and the cover of the exit opening then releases the exit opening to a greater extent than before, around the workpiece then move completely out of the continuous furnace out, wherein the different degrees of opening of the cover of the outlet opening are also adapted to the cycle times of the transport device. By only partially opening the cover, the heat loss can be reduced.
- At least two workpieces are simultaneously moved by means of at least one transport device side by side through the continuous furnace and thereby heated on a heating section of heating means.
- the throughput of the furnace can be increased.
- the transport movement of at least one first workpiece is interrupted, while at least one second workpiece is moved by the transport device as far out of the heating section of the continuous furnace, that a first portion of the workpiece is still within the heating path, while a second portion of the workpiece is already outside the heating section.
- the transport movement of the at least one second workpiece is interrupted for a predetermined period of time until it is moved out of the heating path of the continuous furnace. Subsequently or in parallel, the transport movement of the at least one first workpiece resumes and the at least one first workpiece moves out of the heating path of the continuous furnace so that a first subarea of this workpiece is still within the heating section, while a second subarea of this workpiece already outside the heating section.
- the transport movement is interrupted at this position of the at least one first workpiece for a predetermined period of time, and there is a movement of the at least one first workpiece from the heating section of the continuous furnace out.
- Interrupting the transport movement of individual workpieces can be achieved, for example, by moving each of the workpieces by means of a separate transport device through the continuous furnace, and interrupting the transport movement of the at least one first workpiece by interrupting the movement of the associated transport device, while resuming the transport movement the at least one first workpiece is performed by resuming the movement of the associated transport device.
- all workpieces are moved through the continuous furnace by means of a common transport device, and the transport movement of the at least one first workpiece is interrupted by decoupling the at least one first workpiece from the transport device, while the resumption of the transport movement of the at least one first workpiece by coupling the at least one first workpiece is made to the transport device.
- a roller conveyor may be provided as the transport device, for example, on which the workpieces simultaneously move side by side through the heating path of the continuous furnace.
- the decoupling of at least one first workpiece from the roller conveyor may then take place by raising the workpiece to a position in which the workpiece is not in contact with the roller conveyor while coupling the at least one first workpiece to the roller conveyor by lowering the workpiece to a position, in which the workpiece again has contact with the roller conveyor and is moved by this in the transport direction.
- This raising and lowering of a workpiece can be done by one or more plungers, which are arranged below the workpieces and move clocked up and down.
- the upward movement of at least one plunger can cause the lifting of a workpiece from below, while the downward movement of at least one plunger causes the lowering of a workpiece.
- This movement of the plunger is expediently controlled by a control device.
- a continuous furnace for heating at least one workpiece, in which the workpiece can be moved through the continuous furnace by a transport device and can be heated by heating means on a heating path.
- the transport device has means for moving the workpiece far enough out of the heating path of the continuous furnace that a first subarea of the workpiece is still within the heating path, while a second subarea of the workpiece is already outside the heating section.
- the movement of the transport device is interruptible at this position of the workpiece for a predetermined period of time by a control device that the first portion of the workpiece is heated by the method to a temperature T2 corresponding to the hardening temperature of the material of the workpiece, while the second portion of the Workpiece is heated to a temperature T1, which is below the hardening temperature of the material of the workpiece.
- the continuous furnace has an inlet opening and an outlet opening, which are temporarily closed with a respective cover, wherein the cycle times of the release of the input and output openings are adapted to the cycle times of the transport device.
- the transport device may be a roller conveyor on which a workpiece moves through the continuous furnace becomes.
- the cover of the outlet opening preferably allows different degrees of opening of the outlet opening in order to open the cover only as far as it is necessary for the respective workpiece at a time. As a result, unnecessary heat losses of the furnace can be avoided.
- a plurality of workpieces are movable simultaneously and side by side by means of at least one transport device through the continuous furnace and thereby heated on a heating section of heating means.
- at least one transport device can be provided with means which allow a workpiece to move so far out of the heating path of the continuous furnace that a first subarea of the respective workpiece is still within the heating path, while a second subarea of the respective workpiece is already outside the heating section located.
- the movement of the at least one transport device is interruptible at this position of the respective workpiece for a predetermined period of time, and the continuous furnace further comprises means for temporarily interrupting the transport movement of workpieces during the passage of the furnace.
- each of the workpieces a separate transport device with which the respective workpiece is movable through the continuous furnace, the respective transport devices are controlled separately and the temporary interrupting the transport movement of a workpiece by the temporary interruption of the movement of the associated transport device can.
- a common transport device is provided for the transport of all workpieces through the continuous furnace, and the continuous furnace has means for the temporary decoupling of individual workpieces from the transport device.
- the transport means may be a roller conveyor on which the workpieces are movable through the heating path of the continuous furnace, and the temporary uncoupling of a workpiece from the roller conveyor is effected by lifting the workpiece to a position where the workpiece is not in contact with the roller conveyor , The coupling of a workpiece to the roller conveyor is then carried out by lowering the workpiece to a position in which the workpiece again has contact with the roller conveyor and is movable by this in the transport direction.
- one or more plungers may be provided, which are located below the workpieces, wherein the plungers are designed for a clocked up and down movement, and a control device is provided, which controls this upward and downward movement of the plunger.
- the invention has the advantage that components with different temperature ranges and thereby also with different structures can be produced by the heating according to the invention, wherein it is a fast process with which short cycle times can be realized. Furthermore, the invention represents a safe process in which there are no undesirable changes in shape of the component and the structure formation can always be reliably adjusted.
- sheet metal workpieces can be heated homogeneously in the oven to Austenittemperatur and then moved out with the desired end of the oven door.
- this sheet metal part cools slowly, and it formed here pearlite and ferrite, while the part located in the furnace continues to dwell on austenite.
- the sheet is quickly moved out of the oven and preferably both molded in a water-cooled press pad and cooled quickly.
- the hot austenite forms the hard martensite steel and in the cooler part of the sheet soft and plastically deformable pearlite steel with ferrite steel.
- Fig. 1 an embodiment of a continuous furnace 10 according to the invention is shown, which has a furnace housing in which as transport means 30 for workpieces 20 preferably a roller conveyor is provided.
- transport means 30 for workpieces 20 preferably a roller conveyor is provided.
- the workpieces 20 are deposited on the roller conveyor and moved by the driven rollers through the continuous furnace 10.
- any other transport means may be provided.
- the workpieces can be any components in which other material properties are desired in one end region than in the opposite end region.
- it may be the B-pillar or a molding for the B-pillar of a motor vehicle, in which the foot of the B-pillar should be relatively ductile, while the rest of the component should have a higher strength.
- the housing of the furnace 10 is preferably closed and has only an inlet and an outlet opening, can be introduced through the workpieces 20 on one side in the oven and on another side again out of it can be moved.
- the openings are each closed with covers 12 and 13.
- the covers can be, for example, oven slides, which can be pushed in front of the openings to temporarily close or release them.
- the oven slides are moved by a controllable drive.
- the covers 12 and 13 move upwardly to release the respective oven opening so that a workpiece can be moved into the oven, for example on a roller conveyor.
- the workpieces 20 can also be stored manually or by robots on the transport device.
- the workpieces can be transported on a further transport device to the furnace 10 and transferred to the transport device 30 of the furnace.
- the covers 12 and 13 may also release the respective oven opening by sideways movement, or the covers move downwardly to release the upper portion of an opening. This is advantageous, for example, if a conveyor is provided as a transport device, which moves workpieces hanging through the oven. In a suspended transport, the suspensions should be arranged so that the front end of a workpiece can protrude out of the oven while the remainder is still inside the oven.
- At least the cover 13 at the outlet opening of the furnace 10 release different degrees of opening.
- the cover 13 can be controlled by a drive so that it completely or only partially releases the outlet opening.
- the covers can only be opened as far as necessary, which prevents unnecessary heat loss.
- heating means 11 are arranged, with which the workpieces 20 can be heated when passing through the furnace on the conveyor.
- Such heating means are known from the prior art and will not be explained in detail.
- all other required components for operating the furnace are not the subject of the invention and can be selected by the skilled person suitable.
- Fig. 1 opens the cover 12 of the input opening and a workpiece 20 is moved by the transport device 30 in the oven
- Fig. 2 If the cover 12 is already closed again and the workpiece 20 moves on the transport device 30 through the heating path of the furnace, which is formed by the heating means 11.
- the workpiece 20 is heated to a temperature which is expediently below the hardening temperature of the material of the workpiece 20.
- the heating means 11 and the passage time of the leading edge of the workpiece 20 are selected by the heating path so that the workpiece 20 is heated to a temperature of 700 ° C.
- the length of the furnace 10 and the transport speed of the transport means 30 is selected accordingly so that the workpiece is moved continuously through the furnace and has set the desired temperature in the workpiece, as soon as the leading edge of the workpiece 20, the heating line completely to the end has passed through the furnace.
- it may also be provided to temporarily increase the movement of the transport device interrupt to keep the workpiece within the heating distance for a certain period of time.
- the cover 13 releases the exit opening of the furnace 10, so that a part of the workpiece can be moved out of the furnace.
- the cover 13 does not have to be completely opened for this purpose, but can for example only release the lower region of the outlet opening, as shown in FIG Fig. 3 is shown.
- the movement of the transport device 30 is interrupted for a certain period of time. Outside the furnace 10 holding devices may be provided which support the workpiece 20.
- this portion 21 is heated to a temperature above 700 ° C, while the second portion 22 of the workpiece outside the furnace is not further heated. In both subsections, different temperatures thus occur due to the different residence time of the regions in the furnace.
- the second portion 22 outside the furnace 10 cools slightly, so that it must have previously been heated in the oven to a temperature at which, despite slight cooling at the end of the process, a temperature T 1 adjusts the material only a partial structural change, so that this area remains relatively ductile in the subsequent rapid quenching.
- a higher temperature T 2 is set by the longer heating within the heating section, which causes a complete structural change and thus austenitization.
- higher strengths thus arise in this first region. In principle, however, no complete microstructure change has to take place in this area either.
- the Temperature and thus the degree of structural change should only be higher than in the second portion 21 in order to achieve the desired differences in the material properties.
- the workpiece 20 can be removed from the furnace, as shown in FIG Fig. 4 is shown.
- the cover 13 can be further raised to increase the degree of opening, so that the workpiece 20 can be completely removed.
- the workpiece is now outside the furnace 10 with the desired temperatures T 1 and T 2 and can be supplied to further process steps. For example, it can be fed manually or by robotics to a quench bath or a forming press.
- the entire workpiece is heated in the oven to a temperature corresponding to the hardening temperature of the respective material.
- the second subarea 22 of the workpiece cools to a temperature below the hardening temperature, while the first subarea 21 of the workpiece within the furnace is kept at the hardening temperature. Even so, different temperatures occur in both subareas.
- the method according to the invention can also be carried out with a transport device 30 which moves workpieces only through a heating section enclosed by a housing, in which the heating means is arranged.
- a transport device 30 which moves workpieces only through a heating section enclosed by a housing, in which the heating means is arranged.
- a heating section enclosed by a housing, in which the heating means is arranged.
- Fig. 5 shown. In this case, it is not a closed oven, but by separating slide 12 and 13, only the region of a heating section is defined in which takes place at the transport means 30 heating by heating means 11.
- the cycle times of the respective covers 12 and 13 are adapted to the residence time of the workpiece 20 in the oven, to the speed of the transport device 30 and also to the period of standstill of the transport device 30.
- the different degrees of opening, in particular the cover 13 at the Exit opening are also adapted to the steps in the inventive method.
- the cover 13 of the outlet opening of the furnace 10 opens and then the movement of the transport device 30 is interrupted. After that, the cover 13 may possibly also slightly lower again.
- the cover 13 must open again. Simultaneously with this, the cover 12 can release the input opening to receive another workpiece. With this procedure, cycle times of 15 seconds can be achieved for the heating of workpieces.
- no continuous furnace is provided for heating the workpieces, but a furnace has only one opening through which workpieces are inserted and removed again.
- This design of a furnace is shown schematically in FIG Fig. 6 shown.
- a workpiece is stored in the oven 10 and optionally moved with a transport device 30 into the interior of the furnace.
- the cover 14 at least partially releases the furnace opening and the workpiece 20 is moved out of the oven so far that a first portion 21 is still within the furnace, while a second portion 22 is outside the furnace. In this position, the workpiece is held until the first portion 21 has been further heated to the desired temperature. Subsequently, the workpiece 20 is completely removed from the oven and the next workpiece can be treated.
- Fig. 7 illustrated by way of example in a schematic plan view.
- three workpieces 20, 20 'and 20 are moved side by side on a transport device 30 through an oven, and at the end of the oven also portions of all workpieces protrude out of the oven to further heat the respective other sections of the workpieces within the oven is it further, that one or more workpieces are moved on a workpiece carrier through the oven.
- the workpieces are deposited on the roller conveyor 30 and simultaneously moved side by side by the driven rollers through the continuous furnace 10.
- any other transport means may be provided.
- a separate transport device can be provided for each workpiece and the movements of these transport devices can be controlled separately from one another.
- a plurality of roller conveyors can be arranged next to one another, with one workpiece being deposited on each roller conveyor.
- Fig. 9 If the cover 12 is already closed again and the workpieces 20, 20 'and 20 "move simultaneously on the transport device 30 through the heating path of the furnace, which is formed by the heating means 11. In this case, a heating of the workpieces 20, 20' and 20th "to a temperature which is below the hardening temperature of the material of the workpiece 20. If the hardening temperature of the workpiece, for example, at about 700 ° C, the heating means 11 and the lead time of the front edges of the workpieces 20, 20 'and 20 "are selected by the heating so that the workpieces 20, 20' and 20" on a Heat the temperature below 700 ° C.
- the transport movement of at least one of the workpieces is temporarily interrupted If a separate transport device is used for each workpiece, this can be done simply by temporarily interrupting the movement of the relevant transport device. If a common transport device for all workpieces is used, a temporary Interruption of the transport movement of individual workpieces by the temporary decoupling of the respective workpiece carried by the transport device.
- the decoupling can be realized in different ways depending on the embodiment of the transport device.
- Out Fig. 10 For example, it can be seen how two of the workpieces 20 'and 20 "are temporarily decoupled from the conveyor 30 by being lifted by plungers 40 and 41 so that they no longer contact the conveyor 30. In other types of conveyors than a roller conveyor For example, decoupling may be accomplished by unlatching workpieces from a transport device into which they have been previously hung.
- the plungers 40 and 41 are located below the workpieces and perform a clocked up and down movement, which is controlled by a control device.
- the plunger can be guided by gaps between the individual rollers of the roller conveyor and so one or more workpieces clocked raise and lower again.
- two workpieces 20 'and 20 "are decoupled from the roller conveyor while a remaining workpiece 20 is moved on, but the invention is not limited to this embodiment but, for example, two workpieces can be moved while only one workpiece is decoupled, or other number of workpieces other variations are possible.
- the cover 13 releases the exit opening of the furnace 10, so that a part of the further moving workpiece 20 can be moved out of the furnace.
- the movement of the transport device 30 is interrupted for a certain period of time, for example 15-25 seconds, for this workpiece 20.
- the workpiece 20 can be removed from the furnace, as shown in FIG Fig. 11 is shown. Subsequently or already while the first workpiece 20 is being driven out of the oven, the transport movement of at least one of the remaining workpieces 20 'resumed. In the embodiment of Fig. 11 the respective workpiece 20 'is again coupled to the transport device 30 by the associated plunger perform a downward movement and settle the workpiece again on the transport device 30, which transports it to the furnace exit.
- the cycle times of the respective covers 12 and 13 are adapted to the residence time of the workpiece 20 in the oven, to the speed of the transport device 30 and also to the period of standstill of the transport device 30.
- the upward and downward movement of the plungers is also adapted to these parameters, wherein the actuation of all components preferably takes place by means of a common control device.
- FIGURE 11 is a top view of how three workpieces 20, 20 'and 20 "are heated by the oven 10.
- the workpieces were previously placed side-by-side on the roller conveyor 30 and moved through the oven to above rams 40, 41, 42 , 43, 44 and 45, wherein for decoupling of each workpiece there are for example two plungers each which can raise and lower a workpiece at two points, the plungers being arranged in spaces between the individual rollers of the roller conveyor, so that they are arranged between the rollers Rolls can be pulled out Fig. 14 the activated plungers 40 and 41 are shown filled in black, wherein these activated plungers have lifted the workpiece 20 "and thus decoupled it from the movement of the roller conveyor 30.
- the currently not activated plungers 42, 43, 44 and 45 are white. This applies to the associated plunger of the workpiece 20, which has already been removed from the oven and for the associated plunger 42 and 43 of the workpiece 20 ', which currently undergoes a partial continuation of the heating at the end of the furnace.
- sensors may be provided within the furnace which determine the position of the workpieces on the transport device 30 and transmit them to a control device which carries out a suitably adapted control of the upward and downward movement of the plungers.
- the plungers can be designed in different ways to safely lift and lower workpieces.
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Description
Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zum Erwärmen wenigstens eines Werkstücks in einem Ofen, bei dem das Werkstück von Heizmitteln erwärmt wird. Die Erfindung betrifft ferner einen zugehörigen Ofen zur Durchführung des Verfahrens.The invention relates to a method for heating at least one workpiece in a furnace, in which the workpiece is heated by heating means. The invention further relates to an associated furnace for carrying out the method.
Im Bereich der Fertigung und Behandlung von Formbauteilen ist es üblich, Formteile gezielt mit gewünschten Werkstoffeigenschaften herzustellen. Beispielsweise werden in der Automobilindustrie Bauteile wie Querlenker, B-Säulen oder Stoßfänger für Kraftfahrzeuge durch eine vollständige Erwärmung mit einer anschließenden Abschreckung gehärtet. Daran kann sich für eine Vergütung ein Anlassverfahren anschließen. In verschiedenen Anwendungsfällen der Kraftfahrzeugstechnik ist es jedoch vorteilhaft, dass Formbauteile in verschiedenen Bereichen unterschiedliche Werkstoffeigenschaften aufweisen. Beispielsweise kann es vorgesehen sein, dass ein Bauteil in einem Bereich eine hohe Festigkeit, jedoch in einem anderen Bereich eine im Verhältnis dazu höhere Duktilität aufweisen soll.In the field of production and treatment of molded components, it is customary to produce moldings specifically with desired material properties. For example, in the automotive industry, components such as control arms, B-pillars, or automotive bumpers are cured by complete heating followed by quenching. This may be followed by an incentive procedure for a fee. In various applications of automotive engineering, however, it is advantageous that molded components have different material properties in different areas. For example, it may be provided that a component in one area should have a high strength, but in another area a higher ductility in relation to it.
Um Formbauteile zu realisieren, welche in mehreren Bereichen unterschiedlichen Beanspruchungen genügen, besteht beispielsweise die Möglichkeit, Bauteile mit unterschiedlichen Eigenschaften zusammenzufügen. Ferner können Bauteile durch Zusatzbleche verstärkt werden. In Frage kommt auch das Weichglühen von vorher vollständig gehärteten Formbauteilen an den entsprechenden Stellen, um Bereiche mit höherer Duktilität zu erreichen. Dies führt jedoch zu nicht tolerierbaren Formveränderungen im Bauteil.For example, in order to realize molded components which satisfy different stresses in several regions, it is possible to join components with different properties. Furthermore, components can be reinforced by additional sheets. Also suitable is the annealing of previously fully cured mold components at the appropriate locations to achieve higher ductility regions. However, this leads to intolerable changes in shape in the component.
Daneben besteht die Möglichkeit, Formbauteile bereits bei der Herstellung so zu behandeln, dass Bereiche mit unterschiedlichen Werkstoffeigenschaften erzeugt werden. Dabei bilden sich Bereiche mit unterschiedlichen Gefügen aus, und zur Herstellung von Formbauteilen mit wenigstens zwei Gefügebereichen sind aus dem Stand der Technik verschiedene Verfahren und Vorrichtungen bekannt. Beispielsweise ist die Erwärmung von Bauteilen mit Induktionsstrom bekannt. Hierbei ist jedoch mit hohen Kosten und einer ungleichförmigen Erwärmung zu rechnen.In addition, it is possible to treat molded components already during production in such a way that regions with different material properties are produced. Here are formed areas with different structures, and the Production of molded components having at least two structural regions, various methods and devices are known from the prior art. For example, the heating of components with induction current is known. However, this is to be expected with high costs and a non-uniform heating.
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Die bekannten Verfahren sind insbesondere für einen Massenbetrieb mit einer Taktzeit von etwa 15 Sekunden und den im Kraftfahrzeugbau gegebenen Anforderungen an die Prozesssicherheit nicht geeignet, da sie den vorgeschriebenen Härteverlauf im Bauteil nicht dauerhaft sicherstellen können.The known methods are not suitable in particular for mass operation with a cycle time of about 15 seconds and given in motor vehicle requirements for process safety because they can not ensure the prescribed hardness profile in the component permanently.
Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es daher, ein Verfahren zur Erwärmung von Bauteilen bereitzustellen, das bei sich anschließenden Prozessschritten die Ausbildung von Bereichen mit unterschiedlichen Werkstoffeigenschaften im Bauteil ermöglicht. Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es ferner, eine Vorrichtung zur Durchführung des Verfahrens bereitzustellen.The object of the invention is therefore to provide a method for heating components, which allows the formation of areas with different material properties in the component in subsequent process steps. The object of the invention is also to provide a device for carrying out the method.
Erfindungsgemäß wird diese Aufgabe durch ein Verfahren mit den Merkmalen des unabhängigen Anspruches 1 gelöst. Vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen des Verfahrens ergeben sich aus den Unteransprüchen 2-9. Die Aufgabe wird ferner durch einen Ofen nach Anspruch 10 gelöst. Vorteilhafte Ausführungsformen dieses Ofens ergeben sich aus den Unteransprüchen 11-16.According to the invention, this object is achieved by a method having the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous developments of the method will become apparent from the dependent claims 2-9. The object is further achieved by an oven according to
Das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren dient zum Erwärmen wenigstens eines Werkstücks in einem Ofen, wobei das Werkstück von Heizmitteln erwärmt wird. Nachdem ein gesamtes Werkstück in einem ersten Schritt von den Heizmitteln erwärmt wurde, erfolgt erfindungsgemäß ein Bewegen des Werkstücks soweit aus dem Ofen heraus, dass sich ein erster Teilbereich des Werkstücks noch innerhalb des Ofens befindet, während sich ein zweiter Teilbereich des Werkstücks außerhalb des Ofens befindet. In dieser Position wird das Werkstück für einen vorbestimmten Zeitraum gehalten und das gesamte Werkstück anschließend aus dem Ofen herausbewegt, wobei der erste Teilbereich des Werkstücks durch das Verfahren auf eine Temperatur T1 erwärmt wird, die unterhalb der Härtetemperatur des Werkstoffs des Werkstücks liegt, während der zweite Teilbereich des Werkstücks auf eine Temperatur T2 erwärmt wird, die der Härtetemperatur des Werkstoffs des Werkstücks entspricht.The inventive method is used to heat at least one workpiece in an oven, wherein the workpiece is heated by heating means. After an entire workpiece has been heated by the heating means in a first step, according to the invention a movement of the workpiece out of the oven so far that a first portion of the workpiece is still within the furnace, while a second portion of the workpiece is outside of the furnace , In this position, the workpiece is held for a predetermined period of time and then the entire workpiece is moved out of the oven, the first portion of the workpiece is heated by the method to a temperature T1, which is below the hardening temperature of the material of the workpiece, while the second Part area of the workpiece is heated to a temperature T2, which corresponds to the hardening temperature of the material of the workpiece.
In einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung wird wenigstens ein Werkstück in einem Durchlaufofen erwärmt, und das Werkstück wird dabei durch eine Transporteinrichtung durch den Durchlaufofen bewegt. Nachdem die in Transportrichtung vorne liegende Seite eines Werkstücks die Heizstrecke des Durchlaufofens durchlaufen hat, erfolgt ein Bewegen des Werkstücks durch die Transporteinrichtung soweit aus der Heizstrecke des Durchlaufofens heraus, dass sich ein erster Teilbereich des Werkstücks noch innerhalb der Heizstrecke befindet, während sich ein zweiter Teilbereich des Werkstücks bereits außerhalb der Heizstrecke befindet. Die Bewegung der Transporteinrichtung wird an dieser Position des Werkstücks für einen vorbestimmten Zeitraum unterbrochen, und anschließend erfolgt ein erneutes Bewegen des gesamten Werkstücks durch die Transporteinrichtung aus der Heizstrecke des Durchlaufofens heraus.In one embodiment of the invention, at least one workpiece is heated in a continuous furnace, and the workpiece is thereby moved by a transport device through the continuous furnace. After the forward side of a workpiece in the transport direction has passed through the heating path of the continuous furnace, moving the workpiece by the transport device so far out of the heating section of the continuous furnace, that a first portion of the workpiece is still within the heating, while a second portion of the workpiece already outside the Heating section is located. The movement of the transport device is interrupted at this position of the workpiece for a predetermined period of time, and then carried out a re-moving the entire workpiece by the transport device from the heating section of the continuous furnace out.
Vorzugsweise wird das Werkstück durch eine Eingangsöffnung in den Durchlaufofen bewegt, nachdem eine Abdeckung diese Eingangsöffnung temporär freigegeben hat, und das Werkstück wird durch eine Ausgangsöffnung aus dem Durchlaufofen bewegt wird, nachdem eine Abdeckung diese Ausgangsöffnung temporär freigegeben hat. Die Taktzeiten der Abdeckungen der Eingangs- und Ausgangsöffnung sind zweckmäßigerweise an die Taktzeiten der Transporteinrichtung angepasst.Preferably, the workpiece is moved through an entrance opening into the continuous furnace after a cover has temporarily cleared this entrance opening, and the workpiece is moved out of the continuous furnace through an exit opening after a cover has temporarily released that exit opening. The cycle times of the covers of the input and output ports are suitably adapted to the cycle times of the transport device.
Es kann ferner vorgesehen sein, dass die Abdeckung der Ausgangsöffnung diese Ausgangsöffnung nur teilweise freigibt, um den zweiten Teilbereich des Werkstücks aus dem Durchlaufofen heraus zu bewegen, und die Abdeckung der Ausgangsöffnung gibt die Ausgangsöffnung dann zu einem größeren Teil als zuvor frei, um das Werkstück anschließend vollständig aus dem Durchlaufofen heraus zu bewegen, wobei die verschiedenen Öffnungsgrade der Abdeckung der Ausgangsöffnung ebenfalls an die Taktzeiten der Transporteinrichtung angepasst sind. Durch ein nur teilweises Öffnen der Abdeckung kann der Wärmeverlust verringert werden.It may further be provided that the cover of the exit opening only partially releases this exit opening, in order to move the second section of the workpiece out of the continuous furnace, and the cover of the exit opening then releases the exit opening to a greater extent than before, around the workpiece then move completely out of the continuous furnace out, wherein the different degrees of opening of the cover of the outlet opening are also adapted to the cycle times of the transport device. By only partially opening the cover, the heat loss can be reduced.
In einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung werden wenigstens zwei Werkstücke gleichzeitig mittels wenigstens einer Transporteinrichtung nebeneinander durch den Durchlaufofen bewegt und dabei auf einer Heizstrecke von Heizmitteln erwärmt. Auf
diese Weise kann der Durchsatz des Ofens erhöht werden. Insbesondere um die Taktzeiten des Ofens an die Kapazitäten nachgeschalteter Stationen anzupassen, kann vorgesehen sein, dass die Transportbewegung wenigstens eines ersten Werkstücks unterbrochen wird, während wenigstens ein zweites Werkstück mittels der Transporteinrichtung soweit aus der Heizstrecke des Durchlaufofens heraus bewegt wird, dass sich ein erster Teilbereich des Werkstücks noch innerhalb der Heizstrecke befindet, während sich ein zweiter Teilbereich des Werkstücks bereits außerhalb der Heizstrecke befindet. An dieser Position wird die Transportbewegung des wenigstens einen zweiten Werkstücks für eine vorbestimmte Zeitspanne unterbrochen, bis es aus der Heizstrecke des Durchlaufofens herausbewegt wird. Anschließend oder parallel dazu erfolgt eine Wiederaufnahme der Transportbewegung des wenigstens einen ersten Werkstücks und ein Bewegen des wenigstens einen ersten Werkstücks soweit aus der Heizstrecke des Durchlaufofens heraus, dass sich ein erster Teilbereich dieses Werkstücks noch innerhalb der Heizstrecke befindet, während sich ein zweiter Teilbereich dieses Werkstücks bereits außerhalb der Heizstrecke befindet. Die Transportbewegung wird an dieser Position des wenigstens einen ersten Werkstücks für eine vorbestimmte Zeitspanne unterbrochen, und es erfolgt ein Bewegen des wenigstens einen ersten Werkstücks aus der Heizstrecke des Durchlaufofens heraus.In one embodiment of the invention, at least two workpieces are simultaneously moved by means of at least one transport device side by side through the continuous furnace and thereby heated on a heating section of heating means. On
In this way, the throughput of the furnace can be increased. In particular, in order to adapt the cycle times of the furnace to the capacities of downstream stations, it can be provided that the transport movement of at least one first workpiece is interrupted, while at least one second workpiece is moved by the transport device as far out of the heating section of the continuous furnace, that a first portion of the workpiece is still within the heating path, while a second portion of the workpiece is already outside the heating section. At this position, the transport movement of the at least one second workpiece is interrupted for a predetermined period of time until it is moved out of the heating path of the continuous furnace. Subsequently or in parallel, the transport movement of the at least one first workpiece resumes and the at least one first workpiece moves out of the heating path of the continuous furnace so that a first subarea of this workpiece is still within the heating section, while a second subarea of this workpiece already outside the heating section. The transport movement is interrupted at this position of the at least one first workpiece for a predetermined period of time, and there is a movement of the at least one first workpiece from the heating section of the continuous furnace out.
Ein Unterbrechen der Transportbewegung einzelner Werkstücke kann beispielsweise dadurch erreicht werden, dass jedes der Werkstücke mittels einer separaten Transporteinrichtung durch den Durchlaufofen bewegt wird, und das Unterbrechen der Transportbewegung des wenigstens einen ersten Werkstücks durch Unterbrechen der Bewegung der zugehörigen Transporteinrichtung erfolgt, während die Wiederaufnahme der Transportbewegung des wenigstens einen ersten Werkstücks durch Wiederaufnahme der Bewegung der zugehörigen Transporteinrichtung erfolgt. In einer alternativen Ausführungsform werden alle Werkstücke mittels einer gemeinsamen Transporteinrichtung durch den Durchlaufofen bewegt, und das Unterbrechen der Transportbewegung des wenigstens einen ersten Werkstücks erfolgt durch Entkoppeln des wenigstens einen ersten Werkstücks von der Transporteinrichtung, während die Wiederaufnahme der Transportbewegung des wenigstens einen ersten Werkstücks durch Ankoppeln des wenigstens einen ersten Werkstücks an die Transporteinrichtung erfolgt.Interrupting the transport movement of individual workpieces can be achieved, for example, by moving each of the workpieces by means of a separate transport device through the continuous furnace, and interrupting the transport movement of the at least one first workpiece by interrupting the movement of the associated transport device, while resuming the transport movement the at least one first workpiece is performed by resuming the movement of the associated transport device. In an alternative embodiment, all workpieces are moved through the continuous furnace by means of a common transport device, and the transport movement of the at least one first workpiece is interrupted by decoupling the at least one first workpiece from the transport device, while the resumption of the transport movement of the at least one first workpiece by coupling the at least one first workpiece is made to the transport device.
Um ein Entkoppeln einzelner Werkstücke von der Transporteinrichtung zu ermöglichen, kann als Transporteinrichtung beispielsweise ein Rollenförderer vorgesehen sein, auf dem die Werkstücke gleichzeitig nebeneinander durch die Heizstrecke des Durchlaufofen bewegt. Das Entkoppeln wenigstens eines ersten Werkstücks von dem Rollenförderer kann dann durch Anheben des Werkstücks in eine Position erfolgen, in welcher das Werkstück keinen Kontakt zum Rollenförderer hat, während das Ankoppeln des wenigstens eines ersten Werkstücks an den Rollenförderer durch Absenken des Werkstücks in eine Position erfolgt, in welcher das Werkstück wieder Kontakt zum Rollenförderer hat und durch diesen in Transportrichtung bewegt wird. Dieses Anheben und Absenken eines Werkstücks kann durch einen oder mehrere Stößel erfolgen, die unterhalb der Werkstücke angeordnet sind und sich getaktet aufwärts und abwärts bewegen. Die Aufwärtsbewegung wenigstens eines Stößels kann das Anheben eines Werkstücks von unten bewirken, während die Abwärtsbewegung wenigstens eines Stößels das Absenken eines Werkstücks bewirkt. Diese Bewegung der Stößel wird zweckmäßigerweise durch eine Steuereinrichtung angesteuert.In order to enable a decoupling of individual workpieces from the transport device, a roller conveyor may be provided as the transport device, for example, on which the workpieces simultaneously move side by side through the heating path of the continuous furnace. The decoupling of at least one first workpiece from the roller conveyor may then take place by raising the workpiece to a position in which the workpiece is not in contact with the roller conveyor while coupling the at least one first workpiece to the roller conveyor by lowering the workpiece to a position, in which the workpiece again has contact with the roller conveyor and is moved by this in the transport direction. This raising and lowering of a workpiece can be done by one or more plungers, which are arranged below the workpieces and move clocked up and down. The upward movement of at least one plunger can cause the lifting of a workpiece from below, while the downward movement of at least one plunger causes the lowering of a workpiece. This movement of the plunger is expediently controlled by a control device.
Von der Erfindung umfasst ist ferner ein Durchlaufofen zum Erwärmen wenigstens eines Werkstücks, in dem das Werkstück durch eine Transporteinrichtung durch den Durchlaufofen bewegbar und dabei auf einer Heizstrecke von Heizmitteln erwärmbar ist. Erfindungsgemäß weist die Transporteinrichtung Mittel zum Bewegen des Werkstücks soweit aus der Heizstrecke des Durchlaufofens heraus auf, dass sich ein erster Teilbereich des Werkstücks noch innerhalb der Heizstrecke befindet, während sich ein zweiter Teilbereich des Werkstücks bereits außerhalb der Heizstrecke befindet. Die Bewegung der Transporteinrichtung ist an dieser Position des Werkstücks für einen vorbestimmten Zeitraum so durch eine Steuereinrichtung unterbrechbar, dass der erste Teilbereich des Werkstücks durch das Verfahren auf eine Temperatur T2 erwärmt wird, die der Härtetemperatur des Werkstoffs des Werkstücks entspricht, während der zweite Teilbereich des Werkstücks auf eine Temperatur T1 erwärmt wird, die unterhalb der Härtetemperatur des Werkstoffs des Werkstücks liegt.Also included in the invention is a continuous furnace for heating at least one workpiece, in which the workpiece can be moved through the continuous furnace by a transport device and can be heated by heating means on a heating path. According to the invention, the transport device has means for moving the workpiece far enough out of the heating path of the continuous furnace that a first subarea of the workpiece is still within the heating path, while a second subarea of the workpiece is already outside the heating section. The movement of the transport device is interruptible at this position of the workpiece for a predetermined period of time by a control device that the first portion of the workpiece is heated by the method to a temperature T2 corresponding to the hardening temperature of the material of the workpiece, while the second portion of the Workpiece is heated to a temperature T1, which is below the hardening temperature of the material of the workpiece.
Vorzugsweise weist der Durchlaufofen eine Eingangsöffnung und eine Ausgangsöffnung auf, die temporär mit jeweils einer Abdeckung verschließbar sind, wobei die Taktzeiten der Freigabe der Eingangs- und Ausgangsöffnung an die Taktzeiten der Transporteinrichtung angepasst sind. Die Transporteinrichtung kann ein Rollenförderer sein, auf dem ein Werkstück durch den Durchlaufofen bewegt wird. Die Abdeckung der Ausgangsöffnung ermöglicht vorzugsweise unterschiedliche Öffnungsgrade der Ausgangsöffnung, um die Abdeckung jeweils nur so weit öffnen zu können, wie es für das jeweilige Werkstück zu einem Zeitpunkt erforderlichen ist. Hierdurch lassen sich unnötige Wärmeverluste des Ofens vermeiden.Preferably, the continuous furnace has an inlet opening and an outlet opening, which are temporarily closed with a respective cover, wherein the cycle times of the release of the input and output openings are adapted to the cycle times of the transport device. The transport device may be a roller conveyor on which a workpiece moves through the continuous furnace becomes. The cover of the outlet opening preferably allows different degrees of opening of the outlet opening in order to open the cover only as far as it is necessary for the respective workpiece at a time. As a result, unnecessary heat losses of the furnace can be avoided.
In einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung sind mehrere Werkstücke gleichzeitig und nebeneinander mittels wenigstens einer Transporteinrichtung durch den Durchlaufofen bewegbar und dabei auf einer Heizstrecke von Heizmitteln erwärmbar. Dabei kann wenigstens eine Transporteinrichtung mit Mitteln vorgesehen sein, welche ein Bewegen eines Werkstücks soweit aus der Heizstrecke des Durchlaufofens heraus ermöglichen, dass sich ein erster Teilbereich des jeweiligen Werkstücks noch innerhalb der Heizstrecke befindet, während sich ein zweiter Teilbereich des jeweiligen Werkstücks bereits außerhalb der Heizstrecke befindet. Die Bewegung der wenigstens einen Transporteinrichtung ist an dieser Position des jeweiligen Werkstücks für eine vorbestimmten Zeitspanne unterbrechbar, und der Durchlaufofen weist ferner Mittel zum temporären Unterbrechen der Transportbewegung von Werkstücken während des Durchlaufens des Ofens auf.In one embodiment of the invention, a plurality of workpieces are movable simultaneously and side by side by means of at least one transport device through the continuous furnace and thereby heated on a heating section of heating means. In this case, at least one transport device can be provided with means which allow a workpiece to move so far out of the heating path of the continuous furnace that a first subarea of the respective workpiece is still within the heating path, while a second subarea of the respective workpiece is already outside the heating section located. The movement of the at least one transport device is interruptible at this position of the respective workpiece for a predetermined period of time, and the continuous furnace further comprises means for temporarily interrupting the transport movement of workpieces during the passage of the furnace.
Dabei kann beispielsweise für jedes der Werkstücke eine separate Transporteinrichtung vorgesehen sein, mit welcher das jeweilige Werkstück durch den Durchlaufofen bewegbar ist, wobei die jeweiligen Transporteinrichtungen getrennt voneinander ansteuerbar sind und das temporäre Unterbrechen der Transportbewegung eines Werkstücks durch das temporäre Unterbrechen der Bewegung der zugehörigen Transporteinrichtung erfolgen kann.In this case, for example, be provided for each of the workpieces a separate transport device with which the respective workpiece is movable through the continuous furnace, the respective transport devices are controlled separately and the temporary interrupting the transport movement of a workpiece by the temporary interruption of the movement of the associated transport device can.
Alternativ kann für den Transport aller Werkstücke durch den Durchlaufofen eine gemeinsame Transporteinrichtung vorgesehen ist, und der Durchlaufofen weist Mittel zum temporären Entkoppeln einzelner Werkstücke von der Transporteinrichtung auf. In diesem Fall kann die Transporteinrichtung beispielsweise ein Rollenförderer sein, auf dem die Werkstücke durch die Heizstrecke des Durchlaufofens bewegbar sind, und das temporäre Entkoppeln eines Werkstücks von dem Rollenförderer erfolgt durch Anheben des Werkstücks in eine Position, in welcher das Werkstück keinen Kontakt zum Rollenförderer hat. Das Ankoppeln eines Werkstücks an den Rollenförderer erfolgt dann durch Absenken des Werkstücks in eine Position, in welcher das Werkstück wieder Kontakt zum Rollenförderer hat und durch diesen in Transportrichtung bewegbar ist. Zum Anheben und Absenken eines Werkstücks können ein oder mehrere Stößel vorgesehen sein, die sich unterhalb der Werkstücke befinden, wobei die Stößel für eine getaktete Aufwärts- und Abwärtsbewegung ausgebildet sind, und eine Steuereinrichtung vorgesehen ist, welche diese Aufwärts-und Abwärtsbewegung der Stößel ansteuert.Alternatively, a common transport device is provided for the transport of all workpieces through the continuous furnace, and the continuous furnace has means for the temporary decoupling of individual workpieces from the transport device. In this case, for example, the transport means may be a roller conveyor on which the workpieces are movable through the heating path of the continuous furnace, and the temporary uncoupling of a workpiece from the roller conveyor is effected by lifting the workpiece to a position where the workpiece is not in contact with the roller conveyor , The coupling of a workpiece to the roller conveyor is then carried out by lowering the workpiece to a position in which the workpiece again has contact with the roller conveyor and is movable by this in the transport direction. For raising and lowering a workpiece, one or more plungers may be provided, which are located below the workpieces, wherein the plungers are designed for a clocked up and down movement, and a control device is provided, which controls this upward and downward movement of the plunger.
Die Erfindung hat den Vorteil, dass durch die erfindungsgemäße Erwärmung Bauteile mit unterschiedlichen Temperaturbereichen und dadurch auch mit unterschiedlichen Gefügen herstellbar sind, wobei es sich um einen schnellen Prozess handelt, mit dem sich kurze Taktzeiten realisieren lassen. Ferner stellt die Erfindung einen sicheren Prozess dar, bei dem es zu keinen unerwünschten Formänderungen des Bauteils kommt und die Gefügebildung stets verlässlich eingestellt werden kann.The invention has the advantage that components with different temperature ranges and thereby also with different structures can be produced by the heating according to the invention, wherein it is a fast process with which short cycle times can be realized. Furthermore, the invention represents a safe process in which there are no undesirable changes in shape of the component and the structure formation can always be reliably adjusted.
Beispielsweise können Blechwerkstücke homogen im Ofen auf Austenittemperatur erwärmt und anschließend mit dem gewünschten Ende aus der Ofentür herausgefahren werden. In der Umgebungstemperatur kühlt sich dieses Blechteil langsam ab, und es bildet sich hier Perlit- und Ferritgefüge, während der im Ofen befindliche Teil weiterhin auf Austenitgefüge verweilt. Nach ca. 15-25 Sekunden wird das Blech schnell aus dem Ofen gefahren und vorzugsweise in einer wassergekühlten Pressmatritze sowohl geformt als auch schnell abgekühlt. Bei dieser Abkühlung bildet sich aus dem heißen Austenit der harte Martensitstahl und im dem kühleren Teil des Bleches weiches und plastisch verformbarer Perlitstahl mit Ferritstahl.For example, sheet metal workpieces can be heated homogeneously in the oven to Austenittemperatur and then moved out with the desired end of the oven door. In the ambient temperature, this sheet metal part cools slowly, and it formed here pearlite and ferrite, while the part located in the furnace continues to dwell on austenite. After about 15-25 seconds, the sheet is quickly moved out of the oven and preferably both molded in a water-cooled press pad and cooled quickly. During this cooling, the hot austenite forms the hard martensite steel and in the cooler part of the sheet soft and plastically deformable pearlite steel with ferrite steel.
Dabei können mehrere Bauteile gleichzeitig nebeneinander durch einen Ofen bewegt werden, was den Durchsatz eines solchen Ofens gegenüber Öfen erhöht, bei denen Bauteile einzeln nacheinander durch einen Ofen bewegt und dabei erwärmt werden. Da jedoch Prozessstationen wie beispielsweise Pressen, welche hinter die Erwärmung der Bauteile geschaltet sind, demgegenüber oftmals eingeschränkte Kapazitäten haben, besteht insbesondere durch eine Ausführungsform der Erfindung, bei der eine temporäre Unterbrechung der Bewegung von einzelnen Bauteilen erfolgt, die Möglichkeit, den Ausstoß eines Durchlaufofens an die gegebenen Kapazitäten nachgeschalteter Stationen anzupassen. So kann der Durchsatz eines Ofens durch die gleichzeitige Erwärmung mehrerer Bauteile erhöht werden, während der einzelne Ausstoß von erwärmten Bauteilen an die Verfügbarkeit nachgeschalteter Stationen angepasst werden kann. Es können so Bauteile in dem Takt aus dem Ofen ausgestoßen werden, in dem sie von den nachgeschalteten Stationen verarbeitet werden können. Ändern sich die Kapazitäten der nachgeschalteten Stationen, kann der Ausstoßtakt des Ofens angepasst werden.Several components can be simultaneously moved side by side through a furnace, which increases the throughput of such a furnace over furnaces, in which components are moved one after the other through an oven and thereby heated. However, since process stations such as presses, which are connected behind the heating of the components, often have limited capacity, in particular by an embodiment of the invention, in which there is a temporary interruption of the movement of individual components, there is the possibility of the discharge of a continuous furnace to adjust the given capacities of downstream stations. So can the Throughput of a furnace can be increased by the simultaneous heating of several components, while the individual output of heated components can be adapted to the availability of downstream stations. It can be ejected so components in the cycle from the oven, where they can be processed by the downstream stations. If the capacities of the downstream stations change, the exhaust stroke of the furnace can be adjusted.
Weitere Vorteile, Besonderheiten und zweckmäßige Weiterbildungen der Erfindung ergeben sich aus den Unteransprüchen und der nachfolgenden Darstellung bevorzugter Ausführungsbeispiele anhand der Abbildungen.Further advantages, features and expedient developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings.
Von den Abbildungen zeigt:
- Fig. 1
- den Verfahrensschritt des Einbringens eines Werkstücks in einen Durchlaufofen;
- Fig. 2
- den Verfahrensschritt der Erwärmung des gesamten Werkstücks innerhalb einer Heizstrecke;
- Fig. 3
- den Verfahrensschritt der teilweisen Bewegung eines Werkstücks aus einem Durchlaufofen heraus;
- Fig. 4
- ein Werkstück nach Durchführung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens und Zuführung eines neuen Werkstücks;
- Fig. 5
- eine zweite Ausführungsform eines Durchlaufofens; und
- Fig. 6
- eine dritte Ausführungsform eines Durchlaufofens;
- Fig. 7
- eine schematische Aufsicht auf mehrere Werkstücke in einem Durchlaufofen;
- Fig. 8
- den Verfahrensschritt des Einbringens mehrerer Werkstücke in einen Durchlaufofen;
- Fig. 9
- den Verfahrensschritt der gleichzeitigen Erwärmung mehrerer Werkstücke innerhalb einer Heizstrecke;
- Fig. 10
- den Verfahrensschritt der teilweisen Bewegung eines Werkstücks aus einem Durchlaufofen heraus und die Entkoppelung wenigstens eines Werkstücks von einer Transporteinrichtung;
- Fig. 11
- ein erstes Werkstück nach der Erwärmung und die Ankopplung eines weiteren Werkstücks zurück an die Transporteinrichtung;
- Fig. 12
- ein zweites Werkstück nach der Erwärmung und die Ankopplung eines weiteren Werkstücks zurück an die Transporteinrichtung;
- Fig. 13
- ein drittes Werkstück nach der Erwärmung und Zuführung neuer Werkstücke in den Ofen; und
- Fig. 14
- eine schematische Aufsicht auf mehrere Werkstücke in einem Durchlaufofen.
- Fig. 1
- the step of introducing a workpiece into a continuous furnace;
- Fig. 2
- the step of heating the entire workpiece within a heating path;
- Fig. 3
- the step of partially moving a workpiece out of a continuous furnace;
- Fig. 4
- a workpiece after carrying out the method according to the invention and feeding a new workpiece;
- Fig. 5
- a second embodiment of a continuous furnace; and
- Fig. 6
- a third embodiment of a continuous furnace;
- Fig. 7
- a schematic plan view of several workpieces in a continuous furnace;
- Fig. 8
- the step of introducing a plurality of workpieces in a continuous furnace;
- Fig. 9
- the step of simultaneously heating a plurality of workpieces within a heating section;
- Fig. 10
- the step of partially moving a workpiece out of a continuous furnace and decoupling at least one workpiece from a conveyor;
- Fig. 11
- a first workpiece after the heating and the coupling of another workpiece back to the transport device;
- Fig. 12
- a second workpiece after the heating and the coupling of another workpiece back to the transport device;
- Fig. 13
- a third workpiece after heating and feeding new workpieces into the oven; and
- Fig. 14
- a schematic view of several workpieces in a continuous furnace.
In
Bei den Werkstücken kann es sich um jegliche Bauteile handeln, bei denen in einem Endbereich andere Werkstoffeigenschaften gewünscht sind als in dem gegenüber liegenden Endbereich. Beispielsweise kann es sich um die B-Säule oder ein Formteil für die B-Säule eines Kraftfahrzeugs handeln, bei welcher der Fuß der B-Säule vergleichsweise duktil sein soll, während der Rest des Bauteils eine höhere Festigkeit aufweisen soll. Dabei ist bei einer Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens vorgesehen, dass ein Werkstück 20 so in den Ofen 10 eingebracht wird, dass der Endbereich, in dem eine höhere Duktilität erreicht werden soll als in anderen Bereichen, in Transportrichtung des Werkstücks vorne liegt. Falls das Verfahren in einem Ofen durchgeführt wird, bei dem ein Werkstück aus der gleichen Öffnung entnommen wird, durch welche es in den Ofen eingebracht wurde, ist dies genau umgekehrt der Fall. Dann sollte derjenige Endbereich, in dem eine höhere Duktilität erreicht werden soll als in anderen Bereichen, in Transportrichtung des Werkstücks hinten liegen, wenn das Werkstück in den Ofen bewegt wird.The workpieces can be any components in which other material properties are desired in one end region than in the opposite end region. For example, it may be the B-pillar or a molding for the B-pillar of a motor vehicle, in which the foot of the B-pillar should be relatively ductile, while the rest of the component should have a higher strength. In one embodiment of the method according to the invention, provision is made for a
Das Gehäuse des Ofens 10 ist vorzugsweise geschlossen und weist lediglich eine Eingangs- und eine Ausgangsöffnung auf, durch die Werkstücke 20 an einer Seite in den Ofen eingebracht und an einer anderen Seite wieder aus ihm heraus bewegt werden können. Die Öffnungen sind jeweils mit Abdeckungen 12 und 13 verschließbar. Bei den Abdeckungen kann es sich beispielsweise um Ofenschieber handeln, die vor die Öffnungen geschoben werden können, um diese temporär zu verschließen oder freizugeben. Die Ofenschieber werden durch einen ansteuerbaren Antrieb bewegt.The housing of the
Vorzugsweise bewegen sich die Abdeckungen 12 und 13 nach oben, um die jeweilige Ofenöffnung freizugeben, damit ein Werkstück beispielsweise auf einem Rollenförderer in den Ofen bewegt werden kann. Die Werkstücke 20 können auch manuell oder durch Roboter auf der Transporteinrichtung abgelegt werden. Alternativ können die Werkstücke auf einer weiteren Transporteinrichtung zum Ofen 10 transportiert und an die Transporteinrichtung 30 des Ofens übergeben werden.Preferably, the
Die Abdeckungen 12 und 13 können die jeweilige Ofenöffnung auch durch eine Seitwärtsbewegung freigeben, oder die Abdeckungen bewegen sich nach unten, um den oberen Bereich einer Öffnung freizugeben. Dies ist beispielsweise vorteilhaft, wenn als Transporteinrichtung ein Förderer vorgesehen ist, der Werkstücke hängend durch den Ofen bewegt. Bei einem hängenden Transport sollten die Aufhängungen so angeordnet sein, dass das vordere Ende eines Werkstückes aus dem Ofen herausragen kann, während sich der verbleibende Teil noch im Ofeninnern befindet.The
Vorzugsweise kann wenigstens die Abdeckung 13 an der Ausgangsöffnung des Ofens 10 verschiedene Öffnungsgrade freigeben. Beispielsweise kann die Abdeckung 13 durch einen Antrieb so angesteuert werden, dass sie die Ausgangsöffnung vollständig oder nur teilweise freigibt. So können die Abdeckungen jeweils nur so weit geöffnet werden, wie es erforderlich ist, was unnötige Wärmeverluste verhindert.Preferably, at least the
Im Innern des Ofens sind geeignete Heizmittel 11 angeordnet, mit denen die Werkstücke 20 beim Durchlaufen des Ofens auf der Transporteinrichtung erwärmt werden können. Derartige Heizmittel sind aus dem Stand der Technik bekannt und werden nicht im Einzelnen erläutert. Auch alle weiteren erforderlichen Komponenten zum Betrieb des Ofens sind nicht Gegenstand der Erfindung und können vom Fachmann geeignet gewählt werden.In the interior of the furnace suitable heating means 11 are arranged, with which the
Die einzelnen Verfahrensschritte des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens und weitere Ausführungsmöglichkeiten sollen nun anhand der Figuren erläutert werden. Wie aus
Zweckmäßigerweise ist die Länge des Ofens 10 und die Transportgeschwindigkeit des Transportmittels 30 dabei entsprechend so gewählt, dass das Werkstück kontinuierlich durch den Ofen bewegt wird und sich im Werkstück die gewünschte Temperatur eingestellt hat, sobald die vordere Kante des Werkstücks 20 die Heizstrecke vollständig bis zum Ende des Ofens durchlaufen hat. Alternativ kann auch vorgesehen sein, die Bewegung der Transporteinrichtung kurzfristig zu unterbrechen, um das Werkstück für einen bestimmten Zeitraum innerhalb der Heizstrecke zu halten.Conveniently, the length of the
Anschließend gibt die Abdeckung 13 die Ausgangsöffnung des Ofens 10 frei, so dass ein Teil des Werkstücks aus dem Ofen heraus bewegt werden kann. Die Abdeckung 13 muss dazu nicht vollständig geöffnet werden, sondern kann beispielsweise nur den unteren Bereich der Ausgangsöffnung freigeben, wie es in
In dem Zeitraum des Stillstands der Transporteinrichtung 30 wird der erste Teilbereich 21 des Werkstücks 20, der sich noch innerhalb des Ofens und damit im Bereich der Heizmittel 11 befindet, weiter auf eine Temperatur erwärmt, die wenigstens der Härtetemperatur des Werkstoffs des Werkstücks entspricht. Beispielsweise wird dieser Teilbereich 21 auf eine Temperatur oberhalb von 700°C erwärmt, während der zweite Teilbereich 22 des Werkstücks außerhalb des Ofens nicht weiter erwärmt wird. In beiden Teilbereichen stellen sich so aufgrund der unterschiedlichen Verweildauer der Bereiche im Ofen unterschiedliche Temperaturen ein.In the period of the stoppage of the
In Abhängigkeit von den Umgebungsbedingungen außerhalb des Ofens 10 kühlt sich der zweite Teilbereich 22 außerhalb des Ofens 10 etwas ab, so dass er zuvor im Ofen auf eine Temperatur erwärmt worden sein muss, bei der sich trotz leichter Abkühlung am Ende des Verfahrens eine Temperatur T1 einstellt, bei der im Werkstoff nur eine teilweise Gefügeveränderung stattfindet, so dass dieser Bereich beim anschließenden schnellen Abschrecken vergleichsweise duktil bleibt. Im ersten Teilbereich 21 wird dagegen durch die längere Aufheizung innerhalb der Heizstrecke eine höhere Temperatur T2 eingestellt, die eine vollständige Gefügeveränderung und damit eine Austenitisierung bewirkt. Beim anschließenden Abschrecken stellen sich in diesem ersten Bereich somit höhere Festigkeiten ein. Grundsätzlich muss jedoch auch in diesem Bereich keine vollständige Gefügeveränderung stattfinden. Die Temperatur und damit das Maß der Gefügeveränderung sollte lediglich höher sein als im zweiten Teilbereich 21, um die gewünschten Unterschiede in den Materialeigenschaften zu erreichen.Depending on the ambient conditions outside the
Sobald sich mindestens die gewünschte Temperatur T2 im ersten Teilbereich 21 eingestellt hat, kann das Werkstück 20 aus dem Ofen entnommen werden, wie es in
In einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung wird das gesamte Werkstück im Ofen auf eine Temperatur erwärmt, die der Härtetemperatur des jeweiligen Werkstoffs entspricht. Sobald sich der zweite Teilbereich 22 des Werkstücks außerhalb der Heizstrecke befindet, kühlt er sich auf eine Temperatur unterhalb der Härtetemperatur ab, während der erste Teilbereich 21 des Werkstücks innerhalb des Ofens weiter auf Härtetemperatur gehalten wird. Auch so stellen sich in beiden Teilbereichen unterschiedliche Temperaturen ein.In a further embodiment of the invention, the entire workpiece is heated in the oven to a temperature corresponding to the hardening temperature of the respective material. As soon as the
Alternativ zu einem abgeschlossenen Durchlaufofen mit Gehäuse kann das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren auch mit einer Transporteinrichtung 30 durchgeführt werden, die Werkstücke lediglich durch eine mit einem Gehäuse umschlossene Heizstrecke bewegt, in der das Heizmittel angeordnet ist. Dies ist beispielsweise in
Die Taktzeiten der jeweiligen Abdeckungen 12 und 13 sind an die Verweildauer des Werkstücks 20 im Ofen, an die Geschwindigkeit der Transporteinrichtung 30 und auch an den Zeitraum des Stillstands der Transporteinrichtung 30 angepasst. Auch die verschiedenen Öffnungsgrade, insbesondere der Abdeckung 13 an der Ausgangsöffnung, sind ebenfalls an die Schritte bei dem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren angepasst. So öffnet sich beispielsweise die Abdeckung 13 der Ausgangsöffnung des Ofens 10 und anschließend wird die Bewegung der Transporteinrichtung 30 unterbrochen. Danach kann sich die Abdeckung 13 gegebenenfalls auch wieder leicht absenken. Bevor sich die Transporteinrichtung 30 und damit das Werkstück wieder in Bewegung setzen, muss sich die Abdeckung 13 jedoch wieder öffnen. Gleichzeitig damit kann die Abdeckung 12 die Eingangsöffnung freigeben, um ein weiteres Werkstück aufzunehmen. Mit dieser Verfahrensführung lassen sich für die Erwärmung von Werkstücken Taktzeiten von 15 Sekunden erreichen.The cycle times of the respective covers 12 and 13 are adapted to the residence time of the
In einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung ist zur Erwärmung der Werkstücke kein Durchlaufofen vorgesehen, sondern ein Ofen weist lediglich eine Öffnung auf, durch welche Werkstücke eingebracht und wieder entnommen werden. Diese Bauform eines Ofens ist schematisch in
Selbstverständlich kann mit dem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren jeweils nicht nur ein Werkstück erwärmt werden, sondern mehrere Werkstücke können gleichzeitig behandelt werden. Dies ist in
Werden mehrere Werkstücke gleichzeitig durch einen Durchlaufofen bewegt, kann in einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung vorgesehen sein, dass die Bewegung einzelner Werkstücke temporär unterbrochen wird, um den Ausstoß des Ofens an die Kapazitäten nachgeschalteter Stationen anzupassen. Dies soll im Folgenden anhand der
Wie aus der
In
Nach dieser gemeinsamen Erwärmung der Werkstücke 20, 20' und 20" wird die Transportbewegung wenigstens eines der Werkstücke temporär unterbrochen. Wird für jedes Werkstück eine separate Transporteinrichtung verwendet, kann dies auf einfache Weise dadurch erfolgen, dass die Bewegung der betreffenden Transporteinrichtung temporär unterbrochen wird. Wird eine gemeinsame Transporteinrichtung für alle Werkstücke eingesetzt, kann eine temporäre Unterbrechung der Transportbewegung einzelner Werkstücke durch die temporäre Entkoppelung des jeweiligen Werkstücks von der Transporteinrichtung erfolgen. Die Entkoppelung kann je nach Ausführungsform der Transporteinrichtung auf unterschiedliche Weise realisiert werden. Aus
Die Stößel 40 und 41 befinden sich unterhalb der Werkstücke und führen eine getaktete Aufwärts- und Abwärtsbewegung durch, die von einer Steuereinrichtung gesteuert wird. Dabei können die Stößel durch Zwischenräume zwischen den einzelnen Rollen des Rollenförderers geführt sein und so ein oder mehrere Werkstücke getaktet anheben und wieder absenken. In dem in
Anschließend gibt die Abdeckung 13 die Ausgangsöffnung des Ofens 10 frei, so dass ein Teil des weiterbewegten Werkstücks 20 aus dem Ofen heraus bewegt werden kann. Sobald sich dieser Teilbereich 22 des Werkstücks 20 außerhalb des Ofens und damit außerhalb der Heizstrecke befindet, wird für dieses Werkstück 20 die Bewegung der Transporteinrichtung 30 für eine bestimmten Zeitspanne von beispielsweise 15-25 Sekunden unterbrochen.Subsequently, the
Sobald sich mindestens die gewünschte Temperatur T2 im ersten Teilbereich 21 eingestellt hat, kann das Werkstück 20 aus dem Ofen entnommen werden, wie es in
Für dieses Werkstück 20' wiederholen sich nun die erläuterten Schritte der partiellen Fortführung der Erwärmung, während das verbleibende Werkstück 20' weiterhin von der Transporteinrichtung 30 entkoppelt ist, wie es in
Die Taktzeiten der jeweiligen Abdeckungen 12 und 13 sind an die Verweildauer des Werkstücks 20 im Ofen, an die Geschwindigkeit der Transporteinrichtung 30 und auch an den Zeitraum des Stillstands der Transporteinrichtung 30 angepasst. An diese Parameter ist auch die Aufwärts- und Abwärtsbewegung der Stößel angepasst, wobei die Ansteuerung aller Komponenten vorzugsweise durch eine gemeinsame Steuereinrichtung erfolgt.The cycle times of the respective covers 12 and 13 are adapted to the residence time of the
In der
- 1010
- Ofen, DurchlaufofenOven, continuous furnace
- 1111
- Heizmittelheating
- 1212
- Abdeckung Eingangsöffnung; TrennschieberCover entrance opening; separating slide
- 1313
- Abdeckung Ausgangsöffnung; TrennschieberCover outlet opening; separating slide
- 1414
- Abdeckungcover
- 20,20',20"20,20 ', 20 "
- Werkstückworkpiece
- 21,21',21"21,21 ', 21 "
- Erster Teilbereich eines Werkstücks mit höherer TemperaturFirst part of a workpiece with a higher temperature
- 22,22',22"22,22 ', 22 "
- Zweiter Teilbereich eines Werkstücks mit niedrigerer TemperaturSecond part of a workpiece with lower temperature
- 3030
- Transporteinrichtung, RollenfördererTransport device, roller conveyor
- 40,4140.41
- Stößel (aktiviert)Plunger (activated)
- 42,43,44,4542,43,44,45
- Stößel (deaktiviert)Plunger (deactivated)
Claims (16)
- A method for heating at least one workpiece (20; 20'; 20") in a furnace (10), the workpiece (20; 20'; 20") being heated by heating means (11), characterized in that the following steps are carried out after an entire workpiece (20; 20;'20") has been heated by the heating means in a first step:Conveying the workpiece (20; 20'; 20") so far out of the furnace (10) that a first portion (21; 21'; 21") of the workpiece (20; 20'; 20") is still in the furnace (10), while a second portion (22; 22'; 22") of the workpiece (20; 20'; 20") is outside of the furnace (10);Holding the workpiece (20; 20'; 20") in this position for a predetermine period; andConveying the entire workpiece (20; 20' 20') out of the furnace (10),wherein through the method the first portion (21; 21'; 21") of the workpiece (20; 20'; 20") is heated to a temperature T2 corresponding to the material hardening temperature of the workpiece (20,; 20'; 20"), while the second portion (22; 22'; 22") of the workpiece (20; 20'; 20") is heated to a temperature T1, which is below the material hardening temperature of the workpiece (20; 20'; 20").
- The method according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one workpiece (20; 20'; 20") is heated in a continuous furnace (10) and the workpiece (20; 20'; 20") is conveyed through the continuous furnace (10) by a conveying means (30) and heated by a heating means (11) in a heating section, whereby the following steps are performed after the front side of a workpiece (20; 20'; 20") in the transport direction has passed through the heating section of the continuous furnace (10):Conveying the workpiece (20; 20'; 20") with the conveying means (30) so far out of the continuous furnace (10) that a first portion (21; 21'; 21") of the workpiece (20; 20'; 20") is still within the heating section, while a second portion (22; 22'; 22") of the workpiece (20; 20'; 20") is already outside of the heating section;Interrupting the movement of the conveying means (30) at this position of the workpiece (20; 20', 20") for a predetermined period; andConveying the entire workpiece (20; 20'; 20") out of the heating section of the continuous furnace (10) by means of the conveying means (30).
- The method according to claim 2, characterized in that by conveying the front side of the workpiece (20; 20'; 20") in the transport direction through the heating section of the continuous furnace (10), the entire workpiece (20; 20'; 20') is heated to a temperature below the material hardening temperature of the workpiece (20; 20'; 20"), and the second portion (22; 22'; 22") of the workpiece (20; 20'; 20") within the heating section is further heated to a temperature T2 corresponding to the material hardening temperature of the workpiece (20; 20'; 20"), when the first portion (21; 21'; 21") of the workpiece (20; 20'; 20") is outside of the heating section.
- The method according to any of claims 2 to 3, characterized in that at least two workpieces (20; 20'; 20") are conveyed simultaneously next to each other through the continuous furnace (10) by means of at least one conveying means (30) and are heated in a heating section by heating means (11).
- The method according to claim 4, characterized in that the following steps are performed after the front side of the workpieces (20; 20'; 20") in transport direction have partially or completely passed through the heating section of the continuous furnace (10):Interrupting the conveying movement of at least a first workpiece (20'; 20"), while at least a second workpiece (20) is conveyed by the conveying means (30) so far out of the heating section of the continuous furnace (10) that a first portion (21) of the workpiece (20) is still within the heating section, while a second portion (22) of the workpiece (20) is already outside of the heating section;Interrupting the conveying movement at this position of the at least one second workpiece (20) for a predetermined period;Conveying the at least one second workpiece (20) out of the heating section of the continuous furnace (10);Resuming the conveying movement of the at least one first workpiece (20'; 20") andConveying the at least one first workpiece (20'; 20") with the conveying means so far out of the heating section of the continuous furnace (10) that a first portion (21'; 21") of the workpiece (20'; 20") is still within the heating section, while a second portion (22'; 22") of the workpiece (20'; 20") is already outside of the heating section;Interrupting the conveying movement at this position of the at least one first workpiece (20'; 20") for a predetermined period;Conveying the at least one first workpiece (20'; 20") out of the heating section of the continuous furnace (10).
- The method according to claim 5, characterized in that each of the workpieces (20; 20'; 20") is conveyed through the continuous furnace (10) by means of a separate conveying means, and the interrupting of the conveying movement of the at least one first workpiece (20', 20") in process step a) is accomplished by interrupting the movement of the associated conveying means, while the resuming of the conveying movement of the at least one first workpiece (20'; 20") in process step d) is accomplished by resuming the movement of the associated conveying means.
- The method according to claim 5, characterized in that all workpieces (20; 20'; 20") are conveyed through the continuous furnace (10) by means of a common conveying means (30), and the interrupting of the conveying movement of the at least one first workpiece (20', 20") in process step a) is accomplished by uncoupling the at least one first workpiece (20'; 20") from the conveying means (30), while the resuming of the conveying movement of the at least one first workpiece (20'; 20") in process step d) is accomplished by coupling the at least one first workpiece (20'; 20") with the conveying means (30).
- The method according to claim 7, characterized in that the conveying means (30) is a roller conveyor on which the workpieces (20; 20'; 20") are conveyed simultaneously next to each other through the heating section of the continuous furnace (10), and that the uncoupling of at least one first workpiece (20'; 20") from the roller conveyor is accomplished by lifting the workpiece (20'; 20") into a position, in which the workpiece (20'; 20") is not in contact with the roller conveyor, while the coupling of the at least one first workpiece (20'; 20") with the roller conveyor is accomplished by lowering the workpiece (20'; 20") into a position, in which the workpiece (20'; 20") is again in contact with the roller conveyor and is conveyed in transport direction.
- The method according to claim 8, characterized in that the lifting and lowering of a workpiece (20'; 20") is accomplished by one or more push rods (40; 41; 42; 43; 44; 45) that are disposed below the workpieces (20'; 20"), wherein the upward movement of at least one push rod (40; 41; 42; 43; 44; 45) causes the lifting of the workpiece (20'; 20") from below, while the downward movement of at least one push rod (40; 41; 42; 43; 44; 45) causes the lowering of a workpiece (20'; 20"), and that this movement of the push rods (40; 41; 42; 43; 44; 45) is controlled by a control device.
- A continuous furnace (10) for heating at least one first workpiece (20'; 20") by the workpiece (20; 20'; 20") being conveyable through the continuous furnace (10) by a conveying means (30) and heatable in a heating section by heating means (11), characterized in that the conveying means (30) has means for conveying the workpiece (20; 20'; 20") so far out of the heating section of the continuous furnace (10) that a first portion (21; 21'; 21") of the workpiece (20; 20'20") is still within the heating section, while a second portion (22; 22'; 22") of the workpiece (20; 20'; 20") is already outside of the heating section, and that the movement of the conveying means (30) at this position of the workpiece (20; 20", 20") for a predetermined period is interruptible by a control device such that the first portion (21; 21'; 21") of the workpiece (20; 20'; 20") is heated by the method to a temperature T2 corresponding to the material hardening temperature of the workpiece (20; 20'; 20"), while the second portion (22; 22'; 22") of the workpiece (20; 20'; 20") is heated to a temperature T1 below the material hardening temperature of the workpiece (20; 20'; 20").
- The continuous furnace according to claim 10, characterized in that several workpieces (20; 20'; 20") are conveyable simultaneously next to each other through the continuous furnace (10) by means of at least one conveying means (30) and are heatable in a heating section by heating means (11).
- The continuous furnace according to claim 11, characterized in that the at least one conveying means (30) has means for conveying a workpiece (20; 20'; 20") so far out of the heating section of the continuous furnace (10) that a first portion (21; 21'; 21") of the respective workpiece (20; 20'; 20") is still within the heating section, while a second portion (22, 20'; 22") of the respective workpiece (20) is already outside of the heating section, and that the movement of the at least one conveying means (30) is interruptible at this position of the respective workpiece (20; 20'; 20") for a predetermined period, and that the continuous furnace (10) further has means for temporarily interrupting the conveying movement of workpieces (20'; 20") while advancing through the furnace (10).
- The continuous furnace according to claim 12, characterized in that for each of the workpieces (20; 20'; 20") a separate conveying means is provided, with which the respective workpiece (20; 20'; 20") is conveyable through the continuous furnace (10), the respective conveying means being independently controllable and that the temporary interrupting of the conveying movement of a workpiece (20'; 20") can be achieved by means of the temporary interrupting of the movement of the associated conveying means.
- The continuous furnace according to claim 12, characterized in that a common conveying means (30) is provided for conveying all of the workpieces (20; 20'; 20") through the continuous furnace (10), and that the continuous furnace (10) has means for temporarily uncoupling individual workpieces (20'; 20") from the conveying means (30).
- The continuous furnace according to claim 14, characterized in that the conveying means (30) is a roller conveyor on which the workpieces (20; 20'; 20") are conveyable simultaneously next to each other through the heating section of the continuous furnace (10), and that the temporary uncoupling of at least one first workpiece (20'; 20") from the roller conveyor is accomplished by lifting the workpiece (20'; 20") into a position, in which the workpiece (20'; 20") is not in contact with the roller conveyor, while the coupling of the at least one first workpiece (20'; 20") with the roller conveyor is accomplished by lowering the workpiece (20'; 20") into a position, in which the workpiece (20'; 20") is again in contact with the roller conveyor and is conveyable in transport direction.
- The continuous furnace according to claim 15, characterized in that for lifting and lowering a workpiece (20'; 20") one or more push rods (40; 41; 42; 43; 44; 45) are provided that are located below the workpieces (20'; 20"), the push rods (40; 41; 42; 43; 44; 45) being adapted for a continual upward and downward movement, and a control device is provided for controlling this upward and downward movement of the push rods (40; 41; 42; 43; 44; 45).
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
DE102008019471 | 2008-04-17 | ||
DE102008055980A DE102008055980A1 (en) | 2008-04-17 | 2008-11-05 | Process and continuous furnace for heating workpieces |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2110448A2 EP2110448A2 (en) | 2009-10-21 |
EP2110448A3 EP2110448A3 (en) | 2013-02-13 |
EP2110448B1 true EP2110448B1 (en) | 2018-10-24 |
Family
ID=40902112
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP09005231.7A Active EP2110448B1 (en) | 2008-04-17 | 2009-04-09 | Method and continuous furnace for heating workpieces |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US8529250B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2110448B1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE102008055980A1 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2707225T3 (en) |
Families Citing this family (18)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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WO2010089103A1 (en) | 2009-02-03 | 2010-08-12 | Magna Ihv Gesellschaft Für Innenhochdruckverfahren Mbh | Method and furnace for making a metal workpiece with regions of different ductility |
US20110059412A1 (en) * | 2009-09-09 | 2011-03-10 | Thomas Robert Wiedemeier | Device and process for eradicating pests in wood |
EP2336374A1 (en) * | 2009-12-16 | 2011-06-22 | Schwartz, Eva | Method and device for heating and partially cooling workpieces in a continuous furnace |
DE102010010156A1 (en) * | 2010-03-04 | 2011-09-08 | Kirchhoff Automotive Deutschland Gmbh | Process for producing a molded part with at least two structural areas of different ductility |
DE102011114764B4 (en) | 2011-10-01 | 2016-04-21 | Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft | Process for the production of form-hardened components and continuous furnace for heating a board provided for molding |
DE102012001742A1 (en) * | 2012-01-28 | 2013-08-01 | Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft | Device, useful for heating, hot-forming and press-hardening of metal sheet workpieces, comprises a first heat station, a second heat station in which the workpieces are heated or held at a specified temperature, and a third heat station |
DE102012103275A1 (en) * | 2012-04-16 | 2013-10-17 | Benteler Automobiltechnik Gmbh | Laminated furnace plant and method for operating the laminated-bed furnace |
DE102013104229B3 (en) * | 2013-04-25 | 2014-10-16 | N. Bättenhausen Industrielle Wärme- und Elektrotechnik GmbH | Device for press hardening of components |
US10625323B2 (en) * | 2016-02-19 | 2020-04-21 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Method for monitoring quality of hot stamped components |
US10335845B2 (en) | 2016-04-20 | 2019-07-02 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Hot-stamping furnace and method of hot stamping |
US10350664B2 (en) | 2016-06-30 | 2019-07-16 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Furnace assembly and method for hot-stamping vehicle components |
WO2018115298A1 (en) * | 2016-12-22 | 2018-06-28 | Autotech Engineering A.I.E. | Method for heating a blank and heating system |
CN107837993B (en) * | 2017-10-11 | 2021-03-02 | 盐城丰东特种炉业有限公司 | Continuous workpiece gluing and curing process |
DE102019004618A1 (en) * | 2019-06-26 | 2020-12-31 | Bsn Thermprozesstechnik Gmbh | Roller hearth continuous furnace system and process for heating steel blanks coated with aluminum, silicon and / or zinc to hardening and pressing temperature |
DE102020116593A1 (en) | 2020-06-24 | 2021-12-30 | AICHELIN Holding GmbH | Heat treatment plant and process for the production of molded components |
DE102020128925A1 (en) | 2020-11-03 | 2022-05-05 | Audi Aktiengesellschaft | Method and system for quenching metal components |
DE102020129506A1 (en) | 2020-11-09 | 2022-05-12 | Ebner Industrieofenbau Gmbh | Centering device for metal blanks |
EP4314683A1 (en) * | 2021-04-16 | 2024-02-07 | Aerospace Transmission Technologies GmbH | Control device and method for controlling a system and a process for the thermal treatment of metal workpieces |
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DE2642099C3 (en) * | 1976-09-18 | 1981-12-17 | Aeg-Elotherm Gmbh, 5630 Remscheid | Continuous induction furnace system for heating metallic workpieces |
IT1085472B (en) * | 1977-07-28 | 1985-05-28 | Siti | EQUIPMENT AND PROCEDURE FOR UNLOADING OVENS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF TILES |
US4554437A (en) * | 1984-05-17 | 1985-11-19 | Pet Incorporated | Tunnel oven |
US5201401A (en) * | 1989-10-31 | 1993-04-13 | Sms Hasenclever Gmbh | Discharge conveying apparatus for an extrusion press |
DE4034653A1 (en) * | 1990-10-31 | 1992-05-07 | Loi Ind Ofenanlagen | Pusher-type furnace - divides row of containers into separate blocks at end of each push cycle for insertion of treatment zone dividing doors |
JP4480231B2 (en) * | 2000-05-30 | 2010-06-16 | トーヨーユニバーサル株式会社 | Convection brazing method and apparatus for metal workpiece |
DE20014361U1 (en) * | 2000-08-19 | 2000-10-12 | Benteler Ag, 33104 Paderborn | B-pillar for a motor vehicle |
DE10256621B3 (en) * | 2002-12-03 | 2004-04-15 | Benteler Automobiltechnik Gmbh | Continuous furnace used in the production of vehicle components, e.g. B-columns, comprises two zones lying opposite each other and separated from each other by a thermal insulating separating wall |
DE10314115A1 (en) * | 2003-03-28 | 2004-10-14 | Audi Ag | Process for forming a sheet from a tempered steel and device for carrying out the process |
US8087407B2 (en) * | 2004-03-23 | 2012-01-03 | Middleby Corporation | Conveyor oven apparatus and method |
EP1647789A1 (en) * | 2004-10-04 | 2006-04-19 | Ngk Insulators, Ltd. | Continuous heat treatment furnace and heat treatment method |
US7340992B1 (en) * | 2005-01-27 | 2008-03-11 | Wolfe Electric, Inc. | Dual belt conveyor oven |
DE102008030279A1 (en) * | 2008-06-30 | 2010-01-07 | Benteler Automobiltechnik Gmbh | Partial thermoforming and curing by means of infrared lamp heating |
DE102010010156A1 (en) * | 2010-03-04 | 2011-09-08 | Kirchhoff Automotive Deutschland Gmbh | Process for producing a molded part with at least two structural areas of different ductility |
-
2008
- 2008-11-05 DE DE102008055980A patent/DE102008055980A1/en not_active Ceased
-
2009
- 2009-04-09 EP EP09005231.7A patent/EP2110448B1/en active Active
- 2009-04-09 ES ES09005231T patent/ES2707225T3/en active Active
- 2009-04-13 US US12/422,611 patent/US8529250B2/en active Active
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
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None * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP2110448A3 (en) | 2013-02-13 |
US20090263758A1 (en) | 2009-10-22 |
DE102008055980A1 (en) | 2009-10-29 |
EP2110448A2 (en) | 2009-10-21 |
ES2707225T3 (en) | 2019-04-03 |
US8529250B2 (en) | 2013-09-10 |
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