EP1193317A1 - Installation for the heat treatment of metallic article loads - Google Patents

Installation for the heat treatment of metallic article loads Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1193317A1
EP1193317A1 EP00203331A EP00203331A EP1193317A1 EP 1193317 A1 EP1193317 A1 EP 1193317A1 EP 00203331 A EP00203331 A EP 00203331A EP 00203331 A EP00203331 A EP 00203331A EP 1193317 A1 EP1193317 A1 EP 1193317A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
installation according
installation
airlock
tunnel
load
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP00203331A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1193317B1 (en
Inventor
Thierry Spérisen
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Patherm SA
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Patherm SA
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Patherm SA filed Critical Patherm SA
Priority to AT00203331T priority Critical patent/ATE272128T1/en
Priority to DE60012529T priority patent/DE60012529T2/en
Priority to EP00203331A priority patent/EP1193317B1/en
Publication of EP1193317A1 publication Critical patent/EP1193317A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1193317B1 publication Critical patent/EP1193317B1/en
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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
    • C21D9/0062—Heat-treating apparatus with a cooling or quenching zone
    • 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
    • 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
    • F27B17/00—Furnaces of a kind not covered by any preceding group
    • F27B17/0016—Chamber type furnaces
    • 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
    • F27B19/00—Combinations of furnaces of kinds not covered by a single preceding main group
    • F27B19/02—Combinations of furnaces of kinds not covered by a single preceding main group combined in one structure
    • 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
    • F27B17/00—Furnaces of a kind not covered by any preceding group
    • F27B17/0016—Chamber type furnaces
    • F27B2017/0091—Series of chambers, e.g. associated in their use

Definitions

  • the first type includes the so-called chamber furnaces (batch) which include a treatment oven and a quenching tank, generally for oil.
  • a treatment oven and a quenching tank, generally for oil.
  • the load of the parts treated in the oven is transferred above the quenching tank through a cell, then immersed in the quenching fluid by means of an elevator placed inside the quenching tank .
  • the oven-quenching binome is fixed and it is not possible to have several ovens serving the same quenching tank, or a oven serving several quenching or cooling tanks; on the other hand, for large loads, of the order of 1 m 3 , the temperature uniformity is poor (deviations of +/- 10 ° C) because the heating is distributed only on two sides of the load rectangular because of the mechanization means including in particular side doors.
  • the second type includes bell furnaces multi-treatments, which allow the direct transfer of the load from the treatment furnace in the quench tank without the need for an intermediate cell. Mechanization is typically done by moving the oven (s) above the quench tank (s) required, or vice versa, as seen in particular in patent applications EP 785 402 and EP 995 805.
  • the third type includes various installations presenting sets ovens and tubs and mechanical means for moving the charge (s) between these elements, for example by means of a carriage provided with a closed enclosure according to patent application DE 30 31 660.
  • None of these installations responds to all of the goals set out below.
  • Processing elements include a row of multiple ovens, multiple cooling chambers, an entry airlock and an exit airlock, which are all mounted on the top wall of a transfer tunnel and each have an opening lower to communicate with the tunnel. This opening is closed by a removable cap which supports each part to be treated, this cap being transported from one element to another with the part.
  • the top of each airlock opens upwards for the entry and exit of parts, which are then handled by a crane.
  • a trolley is movable horizontally in the tunnel to transport the installed parts on the plugs passing under the treatment elements and airlocks.
  • the vertical movement of parts and plugs between the carriage and the interior of the other elements of the installation are made by means of piston elevators, which are installed under the tunnel and pass through a central hole in the cart. So there is a elevator for each oven, room or airlock.
  • the structure of this known installation has several drawbacks: very large vertical footprint, because of its three levels to which is added the upper clearance required for entry and exit of rooms; disposition buried elevators; heavy structure to support ovens at height; heavy mechanism to block and support the stopper carrying the part in each processing element. This results in a high construction cost.
  • An object of the invention is to have a heat treatment installation which optimizes to a large extent the parameters or constraints following.
  • the installation must allow one or more ovens to be combined with one or more quenching or cooling tanks and performing load transfers freely between these elements.
  • the installation must allow on the same basis integrate different types of ovens known to date (with temperatures ranging up to 1300 ° C) and different types of quenching or cooling means (water, oil, molten salts, fluidized baths, gases, etc.).
  • the installation must be able to include ovens making it possible to comply with all configurations of temperature tolerances from +/- 5 ° C at worst, so that meet current requirements for quality treatment.
  • the installation must be able to include quenching or cooling tanks without integrated elevators, to reduce the manufacturing cost and have more great freedom of construction.
  • the installation must allow handling loads of several tonnes without difficulties and without additional cost other than the conventional dimensioning of the organs.
  • the installation must be able to be installed in integrated workshops, i.e. all the effluents from the installation must be capable of being captured and channeled in such a way operators are not hindered by the release of vapors or flames.
  • the installation must be able to handle heavy loads (from 1 to several tonnes) and large volumes (up to several m 3 ).
  • Installation must be economical, simple and easy to build can be automated using a programmable controller.
  • an installation according to the invention is of the type defined in the claim 1.
  • the airlock can even be designed as a mobile element capable of transporting an open load to a other work station.
  • the supporting structure of the transfer tunnel can be relatively light, to support mainly the trolley and a load hanging on it.
  • the closure of the passages between the tunnel of transfer and the other elements can be done by means of doors relatively light, which can open in the tunnel itself, which is an advantage notable which will be highlighted later.
  • the use of elements of top opening treatment provides significant functional benefits, especially with regard to the versatility of the installation and the quality of the treatments possible, thanks to the free choice of the most efficient treatment elements.
  • the heat treatment installation illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 comprises two juxtaposed treatment elements, namely an oven 1 and a quenching cell 2 liquid.
  • An entry and exit airlock 3 is arranged in alignment with the elements 1 and 2 and rests like them on a horizontal floor 4 which supports the installation.
  • These three elements are arranged to each receive a load 5 of metal parts to treat. They are surmounted by a transfer tunnel intended to pass the loads 5 from one to the other without exposing the load or the interior of the processing elements 1 and 2 to the outside atmosphere.
  • the tunnel 6 has a sealed envelope 7 and contains means for handling loads, comprising a carriage 8 provided lifting means and capable of traveling along a horizontal track 9 to be selectively place above each of elements 1 to 3.
  • Each load 5 of parts comprises a parts support frame, to which the lifting means may hang in a manner which will be described later.
  • Figures 1 to 3 only the lower plate 11 and a suspension member 12 of this chassis.
  • a load 5 can typically have a shape cylindrical about 1 m in diameter and 2 m high, for a weight of about 2000 kg. Other dimensions are obviously possible.
  • the treatment oven 1 is here a pot oven, that is to say that it contains a pot metallic 14 forming an enclosure around the load 5.
  • the pot is surrounded electric heating elements 15 surrounded by an insulating enclosure 16.
  • the bottom of the oven contains a stirring assembly 17 constituted by a blower rotor 18 actuated by an electric motor 19.
  • the circulation of gases is ensured by walls of flow guidance 20.
  • the pot is closed at its base by a removable plate 21 and its upper edge is fixed to the enclosure 16 by means of support members not represented.
  • the load 5 rests on supports 22 arranged in the lower part from the oven. It is conceivable that these supports are integral with the pot 14 or the closure plate 21.
  • the load 5 is suspended from supports arranged in the upper part of the pot 14.
  • the upper opening of the oven is tightly closed by a movable plug 24 preferably pivotally mounted about an axis 25, of so as to open and close while remaining within the volume defined by the oven 1 and the transfer tunnel 6.
  • the furnace 1 is tightly connected to the tunnel of transfer 6, for example by means of a flange 26. It is also possible to provide a flexible collar to accommodate expansion between the oven and the tunnel.
  • the transfer tunnel 6 is in the form of a cylindrical tube or cuboid.
  • the lifting means incorporated in the industrial truck 8 to raise and lower the load 5 to the treatment elements 1 and 2 and the airlock 3 may include a conventional mechanism, for example a winch 28, a deformable parallelogram or chain, and be powered by a motor electric or pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders. These lifting means carry a gripping device 30 arranged to cooperate with the attachment member 12 of the load.
  • the horizontal movement of the carriage 8 on the track 9 is effected by conventional drive means, for example a rack and a motor electric step by step.
  • the gripping device 30 fitted to the carriage 8 takes charge 5 at any station in the installation, transport it suspended and drop off at another station. Its actuation can be electric, pneumatic or hydraulic. It can be done in different ways to cooperate with the attachment members 12 of the chassis supporting the load 5, for example a clamp axial gripping a stud arranged on the load, a locking mechanism of the bayonet type by angular rotation of the gripping device 30, a mechanism with pawls, etc. A particularly advantageous embodiment will be described below. of the gripping device 30 with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.
  • the industrial truck can be equipped with screens thermals 31 which laterally surround the load 5 to limit the loss of temperature by radiation when the charge is transferred from oven 1 to the cell quench 2.
  • the quenching cell 2 represented in FIG. 1 comprises an open tank 32 upwards and containing the quenching liquid, a support 33 on which the load 5 is placed, and a device 34 for stirring the quenching liquid, comprising a propeller driven by a submerged electric motor 35.
  • the circulation of the liquid is conducted by guide walls 36. It is obviously possible to envisage other devices agitation of the quenching medium, such as circulation pumps or deported propellers.
  • the quench cell 2 is typically equipped with a heat exchanger (not shown) for cooling the quench liquid, heating means (not shown) such as electric heaters immersed in liquid, level detectors and / or level compensation, quick drain valve, etc. Note that all the aforementioned organs are advantageously close to the ground 4. Furthermore, depending on the nature and temperature of the quenching liquid, the tank 32 can be isolated thermally.
  • the upper opening of the quench cell 2 is connected so sealed to the transfer tunnel 6 by a flange 37 and thus forms a passage for the loads 5. It can be sealed with a door 38 sliding or pivoting. In the present example, the door 38 slides horizontally inside the tunnel 6 to an open position 38a drawn in broken lines. This allows the quenching cell 2 to be dismantled or replaced without stopping the oven 1.
  • the transfer tunnel 6 is provided with a outlet duct 40, in the form of a nozzle or a chimney which guides the emanations to a reprocessing device 41 where they are purified before being recycled or disposed of outside.
  • the airlock 43 shown in Figure 1 is fixed and tightly coupled to the transfer tunnel 6 through an opening defined by a flange 40. This opening can be sealed by a tilting door 41 disposed in the tunnel and whose open position 41a is drawn in broken lines.
  • the mechanical means for actuating the plug 24 and the doors 38 and 41 are advantageously arranged inside the transfer tunnel 6.
  • the airlock 5 is provided with a side door 42 allowing the entry and exit of a load 5 when door 41 is closed.
  • the airlock preferably has a shape cylindrical to receive a load of the same shape.
  • the side door 42 can then advantageously open by sliding along the peripheral enclosure 43 of the airlock.
  • the seal between the door 42 and the enclosure can be ensured for example at by means of an inflatable seal. This arrangement is particularly economical and allows to limit the space related to the opening of the door.
  • FIG. 3 represents a variant in which the airlock 43 is mobile, by example for transporting each load 5 between the heat treatment installation and loading / unloading stations.
  • the airlock 43 is mounted on a carriage 44 fitted with wheels 45 which allow the airlock to be moved below the transfer tunnel 6 and to another station.
  • the mobile airlock 43 has only one opening upper 46 for the passage of loads 5.
  • the seal between the airlock 43 and the tunnel transfer 6 is preferably carried out by means of a flange 47 movable in height, which rests on a seal 48 disposed on the airlock.
  • the mechanism controlling the raising and lowering of the flange 47 is arranged in the tunnel 6.
  • the race of the flange 47 is typically a few centimeters only. You can perform a purge operation by vacuum or by gas inert. Then we can open the door 41 and the handling cart 8 can come enter the load 5 in the airlock to bring it for example to the oven 1. The operations of exit of a load from tunnel 6 is done identically, but in order reverse.
  • FIG 3 there is shown schematically in broken lines a second position of the mobile airlock 43a, where we see that the introduction of a charge into the airlock from a position 5a, or the extraction of a load located in the airlock, takes place vertically as indicated by the double arrow F.
  • This operation is carried out by means of a conventional lifting device and is not more cumbersome in height than the transfer tunnel 6.
  • the upper opening of the mobile airlock 43 is fitted with a sliding door. This allows the airlock to be purged without being connected to the transfer tunnel 6. Meanwhile, a second airlock could be used mobile to introduce a load of coins into the tunnel.
  • FIGS 4 and 5 schematically represent an embodiment advantageous of the gripping device 30 with which the carriage 8 is equipped for gripping and carrying a load 5 of parts to be treated.
  • the load support frame has a parallelepiped shape and has four uprights 51 connecting the plate lower 11 to upper horizontal crosspieces 52.
  • the gripping device 30 comprises for example four suspension hooks 54, integral with each others and vertically mobile thanks to the lifting means incorporated in the carriage 8.
  • the hooks 54 are lowered as indicated by the arrows A, then moved together horizontally by moving the carriage 8 on its track 9, as indicated by arrows B, until they are under the respective crosspieces 52.
  • the hooks 54 are then reassembled by the means of lifting the carriage to lift the load 5. Reverse movements will be to unhook the load once it has been dropped off at its destination in one of the processing elements or in the airlock.
  • Figure 6 schematically shows in plan another embodiment of the gripping device 30, hooking the load 5 in the manner of a device bayonet.
  • the frame supporting the plate 11 and the parts to treat has a triangular shape in plan, with three uprights 51 whose vertices are connected by three horizontal crosspieces 52.
  • the gripping device 30 comprises in this case a vertical central column 55 moved vertically by the means of lifting of the carriage and able to pivot around its vertical axis.
  • the end bottom of column 55 is provided with three horizontal arms 56 offset angularly 120 °.
  • each arm 56 can be brought into a position 56a, to hang each cross member 52 from below and thus allow the load using column 55.
  • FIG. 7 schematically represents an embodiment of a installation according to the invention comprising a plurality of treatment elements associated with a transfer tunnel 6 and an entry / exit airlock 3, as described in reference to Figures 1 and 2.
  • This installation may include, for example, on a single row, two austenitization and case hardening furnaces 61, two furnaces 62 for nitriding, nitrocarburization, tempering or annealing, an oil quenching cell 63, a salt quenching cell 64 and an atmosphere cooling chamber 65 controlled, in particular under inert gas, under pressure or at atmospheric pressure.
  • Each load 5 of parts to be treated is transported between the airlock 3 and the different treatment elements 61 to 65 by the handling trolley 8 in the atmosphere transfer tunnel 6.
  • the treatment plant has a space requirement minimum, in particular in height since it occupies only two levels and can therefore take place in a height-limited building.
  • an installation according to the invention is not limited to a single row of processing elements, insofar as the means of handling arranged in the transfer tunnel 6 can also be designed to move the loads 5 in a transverse direction.
  • the handling truck 8 with a third axis of movement, perpendicular to the axis of track 9, to allow it to serve elements of treatment or airlocks arranged side by side.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Crystallography & Structural Chemistry (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Metallurgy (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Heat Treatment Of Articles (AREA)
  • Tunnel Furnaces (AREA)
  • Heat Treatments In General, Especially Conveying And Cooling (AREA)

Abstract

An installation for the heat treatment of metal components comprises a transfer tunnel (6) with an airtight envelope (7) and a mobile chariot (8), an assembly of treatment elements (1, 2), at least one inlet and/or outlet lock (3) and a closing mechanism (24, 38, 41) for selectively sealing the passages formed by the treatment elements. The transfer tunnel extends over the treatment elements and the lock, so that their openings are above and the chariot is provided with a lifting mechanism capable of hooking to one of the charges (5) for suspended transporting and vertical displacement in order to introduce and extract it to and from the treatment elements.

Description

La présente invention concerne une installation pour le traitement thermique de charges de pièces métalliques, comportant :

  • un tunnel de transfert pourvu d'une enveloppe étanche et de moyens de manutention des charges comportant un chariot mobile longitudinalement dans le tunnel;
  • un ensemble d'éléments de traitement capables de recevoir chacun au moins une des charges et comprenant au moins un four et au moins une cellule de trempe ou de refroidissement, chaque élément de traitement ayant une ouverture raccordable de manière étanche au tunnel de transfert pour former un passage pour les charges;
  • au moins un sas d'entrée et/ou de sortie ayant une ouverture raccordable de manière étanche au tunnel de transfert pour le passage des charges;
  • et des moyens de fermeture agencés pour obturer sélectivement lesdits passages.
The present invention relates to an installation for the thermal treatment of loads of metal parts, comprising:
  • a transfer tunnel provided with a sealed envelope and load handling means comprising a carriage movable longitudinally in the tunnel;
  • a set of treatment elements capable of receiving each at least one of the charges and comprising at least one oven and at least one quenching or cooling cell, each treatment element having an opening which can be sealed in connection with the transfer tunnel to form a passage for the loads;
  • at least one entry and / or exit airlock having an opening which can be sealed in connection with the transfer tunnel for the passage of loads;
  • and closure means arranged to selectively close said passages.

Les installations pour le traitement thermique de pièces métalliques disposées en charges existent depuis de nombreuses années et la demande sur le marché est croissante. Il existe typiquement trois types de constructions comprenant au moins un four de traitement et un bac ou une cellule de refroidissement, chaque type présentant des avantages et des inconvénients.Installations for the heat treatment of arranged metal parts expenses have existed for many years and the demand on the market is growing. There are typically three types of construction comprising at least one treatment oven and a tank or a cooling cell, each type with advantages and disadvantages.

Le premier type comprend les installations dites de fours à chambre (batch) qui comportent un four de traitement et un bac de trempe, en général à huile. Dans ces installations, la charge des pièces traitées dans le four est transférée au-dessus du bac de trempe au travers d'une cellule, puis immergée dans le fluide de trempe au moyen d'un ascenseur placé à l'intérieur du bac de trempe. Les désavantages principaux de ce type d'installation sont les suivants : d'une part, le binôme four-bac de trempe est fixe et il n'est pas possible de disposer de plusieurs fours desservant un même bac de trempe, ou d'un four desservant plusieurs bacs de trempe ou de refroidissement ; d'autre part, pour les charges de grandes dimensions, de l'ordre de 1 m3, l'homogénéité de température est mauvaise (écarts de +/- 10°C) car le chauffage est distribué uniquement sur deux côtés de la charge parallélépipédique en raison des moyens de mécanisation comportant notamment des portes latérales.The first type includes the so-called chamber furnaces (batch) which include a treatment oven and a quenching tank, generally for oil. In these installations, the load of the parts treated in the oven is transferred above the quenching tank through a cell, then immersed in the quenching fluid by means of an elevator placed inside the quenching tank . The main disadvantages of this type of installation are as follows: on the one hand, the oven-quenching binome is fixed and it is not possible to have several ovens serving the same quenching tank, or a oven serving several quenching or cooling tanks; on the other hand, for large loads, of the order of 1 m 3 , the temperature uniformity is poor (deviations of +/- 10 ° C) because the heating is distributed only on two sides of the load rectangular because of the mechanization means including in particular side doors.

Le deuxième type comprend des installations de fours à cloche multitraitements, qui permettent le transfert direct de la charge du four de traitement dans le bac de trempe sans nécessiter de cellule intermédiaire. La mécanisation se fait typiquement en déplaçant le ou les fours au-dessus du ou des bacs de trempe requis, ou l'inverse, comme on le voit notamment dans les demandes de brevets EP 785 402 et EP 995 805. Les principaux désavantages de ce type d'installation sont les suivants : d'une part, le transfert de la charge du four dans le bac de trempe s'accompagne automatiquement de dégagements de vapeurs et de flammes, visibles pour l'opérateur et qui rendent difficile une intégration de l'installation de traitement thermique dans un atelier mécanique ou en ligne de production ; d'autre part, le principe même de ces installations nécessite la présence d'un ascenseur dans chaque bac de trempe, ascenseur disposé en « col de cygne » et présentant un porte-à-faux important, ce qui rend difficile le traitement de charges lourdes, par exemple supérieures à 1000 kg.The second type includes bell furnaces multi-treatments, which allow the direct transfer of the load from the treatment furnace in the quench tank without the need for an intermediate cell. Mechanization is typically done by moving the oven (s) above the quench tank (s) required, or vice versa, as seen in particular in patent applications EP 785 402 and EP 995 805. The main disadvantages of this type of installation are the following: on the one hand, the transfer of the charge from the oven to the quench tank automatically accompanied by visible vapors and flames for the operator and which make integration of the treatment facility difficult thermal in a mechanical workshop or production line; on the other hand, the very principle of these installations requires the presence of an elevator in each quenching tank, elevator arranged in a "swan neck" and presenting a significant overhang, making it difficult to handle heavy loads, for example example greater than 1000 kg.

Le troisième type comprend diverses installations présentant des ensembles de fours et de bacs et des moyens mécaniques pour déplacer la ou les charges entre ces éléments, par exemple au moyen d'un chariot pourvu d'une enceinte fermée selon la demande de brevet DE 30 31 660. Toutefois aucune de ces installations ne répond à l'ensemble des buts exposés ci-dessous.The third type includes various installations presenting sets ovens and tubs and mechanical means for moving the charge (s) between these elements, for example by means of a carriage provided with a closed enclosure according to patent application DE 30 31 660. However, none of these installations responds to all of the goals set out below.

En particulier, il est décrit dans le brevet US 3 926 415 une installation de traitement thermique qui présente les caractéristiques énoncées en préambule ci-dessus, sauf que les pièces y sont traitées individuellement et non pas en charges. Les éléments de traitement comprennent une rangée de plusieurs fours, plusieurs chambres de refroidissement, un sas d'entrée et un sas de sortie, qui sont tous montés sur la paroi supérieure d'un tunnel de transfert et ont chacun une ouverture inférieure pour communiquer avec le tunnel. Cette ouverture est obturée par un bouchon amovible qui supporte chaque pièce à traiter, ce bouchon étant transporté d'un élément à l'autre avec la pièce. Le dessus de chaque sas s'ouvre vers le haut pour l'entrée et la sortie des pièces, qui sont alors manipulées par une grue. Un chariot est mobile horizontalement dans le tunnel pour transporter les pièces posées sur les bouchons en passant sous les éléments de traitement et les sas. Les déplacements verticaux des pièces et des bouchons entre le chariot et l'intérieur des autres éléments de l'installation se font au moyen d'élévateurs à piston, qui sont installés sous le tunnel et passent à travers un trou central du chariot. Il y a donc un élévateur pour chaque four, chambre ou sas.In particular, it is described in US Pat. No. 3,926,415 an installation for heat treatment which has the characteristics set out in the preamble above, except that the parts are treated individually and not as expenses. Processing elements include a row of multiple ovens, multiple cooling chambers, an entry airlock and an exit airlock, which are all mounted on the top wall of a transfer tunnel and each have an opening lower to communicate with the tunnel. This opening is closed by a removable cap which supports each part to be treated, this cap being transported from one element to another with the part. The top of each airlock opens upwards for the entry and exit of parts, which are then handled by a crane. A trolley is movable horizontally in the tunnel to transport the installed parts on the plugs passing under the treatment elements and airlocks. The vertical movement of parts and plugs between the carriage and the interior of the other elements of the installation are made by means of piston elevators, which are installed under the tunnel and pass through a central hole in the cart. So there is a elevator for each oven, room or airlock.

La structure de cette installation connue présente plusieurs inconvénients : encombrement vertical très important, à cause de ses trois niveaux auxquels s'ajoute le dégagement supérieur nécessaire pour l'entrée et la sortie des pièces; disposition enterrée des élévateurs; lourde structure pour supporter les fours en hauteur; mécanisme lourd pour bloquer et supporter le bouchon portant la pièce dans chaque élément de traitement. Il en résulte un coût de construction élevé. The structure of this known installation has several drawbacks: very large vertical footprint, because of its three levels to which is added the upper clearance required for entry and exit of rooms; disposition buried elevators; heavy structure to support ovens at height; heavy mechanism to block and support the stopper carrying the part in each processing element. This results in a high construction cost.

D'autre part, les inconvénients fonctionnels de cette installation sont considérables. Le principe d'ouverture des éléments de traitement vers le bas limite fortement le choix des types d'éléments et donc les possibilités de traitement dans une telle installation. En particulier, il est impossible d'effectuer une trempe en milieu liquide. Comme les types de fours utilisés dans cette disposition n'ont pas de membrane métallique étanche telle qu'une cloche, ni de moyens de brassage de l'atmosphère, on ne peut pas y réaliser une bonne homogénéité de la température.On the other hand, the functional disadvantages of this installation are considerable. The principle of opening the processing elements downwards limits strongly the choice of the types of elements and therefore the possibilities of treatment in such an installation. In particular, it is impossible to carry out a medium quenching liquid. As the types of ovens used in this provision have no waterproof metal membrane such as a bell, or means for stirring the atmosphere, we cannot achieve a good temperature uniformity.

Un but de l'invention est de disposer d'une installation de traitement thermique qui permette d'optimiser dans une large mesure les paramètres ou contraintes suivants.An object of the invention is to have a heat treatment installation which optimizes to a large extent the parameters or constraints following.

L'installation doit permettre d'associer un ou plusieurs fours et un ou plusieurs bacs de trempe ou de refroidissement et d'effectuer des transferts de charges librement entre ces éléments. L'installation doit permettre sur une même base d'intégrer différents types de fours connus à ce jour (avec des températures allant jusqu'à 1300°C) et différents types de moyens de trempe ou de refroidissement (eau, huile, sels fondus, bains fluidisés, gaz, etc.).The installation must allow one or more ovens to be combined with one or more quenching or cooling tanks and performing load transfers freely between these elements. The installation must allow on the same basis integrate different types of ovens known to date (with temperatures ranging up to 1300 ° C) and different types of quenching or cooling means (water, oil, molten salts, fluidized baths, gases, etc.).

L'installation doit pouvoir comporter des fours permettant de respecter en toutes configurations des tolérances de température de +/- 5°C au pire, de manière à satisfaire aux exigences actuelles en matière de qualité de traitement.The installation must be able to include ovens making it possible to comply with all configurations of temperature tolerances from +/- 5 ° C at worst, so that meet current requirements for quality treatment.

L'installation doit pouvoir comporter des bacs de trempe ou de refroidissement sans ascenseurs intégrés, pour diminuer le coût de fabrication et disposer d'une plus grande liberté de construction.The installation must be able to include quenching or cooling tanks without integrated elevators, to reduce the manufacturing cost and have more great freedom of construction.

L'installation doit permettre de traiter des charges de plusieurs tonnes sans difficultés et sans surcoût autre que le dimensionnement conventionnel des organes.The installation must allow handling loads of several tonnes without difficulties and without additional cost other than the conventional dimensioning of the organs.

L'installation doit pouvoir être installée en ateliers intégrés, c'est-à-dire que l'ensemble des effluents de l'installation doit pouvoir être capté et canalisé de manière que les opérateurs ne soient pas gênés par des dégagements de vapeurs ou de flammes.The installation must be able to be installed in integrated workshops, i.e. all the effluents from the installation must be capable of being captured and channeled in such a way operators are not hindered by the release of vapors or flames.

L'installation doit permettre de traiter des charges lourdes (de 1 à plusieurs tonnes) et de grand volume (jusqu'à plusieurs m3).The installation must be able to handle heavy loads (from 1 to several tonnes) and large volumes (up to several m 3 ).

L'installation doit être économique, de construction simple et facilement automatisable à l'aide d'un automate programmable.Installation must be economical, simple and easy to build can be automated using a programmable controller.

A cet effet, une installation selon l'invention est du type défini dans la revendication 1.To this end, an installation according to the invention is of the type defined in the claim 1.

Ceci permet de réaliser une installation dans laquelle tous les éléments de traitement, qui sont les plus lourds, se trouvent au niveau inférieur de l'installation et peuvent donc être appuyés aisément sur le sol. Comme le sas d'entrée et de sortie se trouve également à ce niveau, l'accès des pièces est facilité et le sas peut même être conçu comme un élément mobile capable de transporter une charge ouverte à un autre poste de travail. La structure porteuse du tunnel de transfert peut être relativement légère, pour supporter essentiellement le chariot et une charge suspendue à celui-ci. D'autre part, la fermeture des passages entre le tunnel de transfert et les autres éléments peut se faire au moyen de portes relativement légères, qui peuvent s'ouvrir dans le tunnel lui-même, ce qui représente un avantage notable qui sera mis en évidence plus loin. En outre, l'utilisation d'éléments de traitement à ouverture supérieure procure d'importants avantages fonctionnels, notamment quant à la polyvalence de l'installation et la qualité des traitements possibles, grâce au libre choix des éléments de traitement les plus performants.This allows for an installation in which all the elements of treatment, which are the heaviest, are located at the lower level of the installation and can therefore be easily supported on the ground. As the entry and exit airlock is is also at this level, access to rooms is facilitated and the airlock can even be designed as a mobile element capable of transporting an open load to a other work station. The supporting structure of the transfer tunnel can be relatively light, to support mainly the trolley and a load hanging on it. On the other hand, the closure of the passages between the tunnel of transfer and the other elements can be done by means of doors relatively light, which can open in the tunnel itself, which is an advantage notable which will be highlighted later. In addition, the use of elements of top opening treatment provides significant functional benefits, especially with regard to the versatility of the installation and the quality of the treatments possible, thanks to the free choice of the most efficient treatment elements.

De préférence l'installation comporte les éléments suivants :

  • un ou plusieurs fours à pot ou à puits, caractérisés par une disposition radiale des éléments chauffants (électriques ou à gaz) et présentant une ouverture dans leur partie supérieure pour permettre l'introduction de la charge. L'ouverture peut être fermée au moyen d'un bouchon, actionné comme un tiroir ou pivotant sur un axe. Les fours permettent de réaliser tous les procédés de traitement thermiques (austénitisation sous atmosphère de protection jusqu'à 1300°C, revenu, recuit, nitruration et dérivés, cémentation et dérivés, etc.). Les fours sont disposés dans une partie inférieure de l'installation. Les bouchons sont ouverts ou fermés au moyen d'actionneurs mécaniques (moteurs, vérins). Plusieurs modes de réalisation peuvent être envisagés : par exemple, les bouchons peuvent être pivotants sur un axe disposé à l'intérieur du tunnel de transfert de transfert, ou sur le four lui-même, ou les bouchons peuvent être disposés sur un chariot et se dégager latéralement.
  • une ou plusieurs cellules de trempe ou de refroidissement ouvertes sur le dessus pour permettre l'introduction de la charge. L'ouverture peut être fermée au moyen d'une porte, actionnée comme un tiroir ou pivotant sur un axe. La ou les cellules de trempe présentent l'avantage de ne pas nécessiter d'ascenseur intégré pour immerger la charge. Tous les fluides de trempe ou de refroidissement (eau, polymères, huile, sels fondus, lits de sable fluidisés, gaz (à la pression atmosphérique ou sous pression, etc.) sont utilisables. Les cellules de trempe sont disposées dans la partie inférieure de l'installation. Typiquement, l'ouverture des cellules de trempe se trouve dans un plan parallèle au plan défini par l'ouverture des fours.
  • un tunnel de transfert, disposé dans la partie supérieure, et s'étendant au moins au-dessus de tous les fours et toutes les cellules de trempe ou de refroidissement devant communiquer entre eux pour des raisons métallurgiques (trempe, refroidissement contrôlé, etc.). Les fours et les cellules de refroidissement sont accouplés à ce tunnel de transfert de manière étanche, au moyen de flasques de fixation et/ou de membranes flexibles accommodant éventuellement les dilations thermiques respectives. Ce tunnel de transfert étanche peut être rempli de gaz de protection par exemple d'azote, ou être mis sous vide pour permettre de transférer les charges du ou des fours vers la ou les cellules de trempe sans oxydation ou détérioration de la surface des pièces traitées. Le tunnel de transfert permet en outre de concentrer l'ensemble des effluents provenant des opérations de trempe pour les canaliser en un endroit où ils sont traités pour prévenir des pollutions.
  • un chariot de manutention capable de déplacer les charges sur deux ou trois axes, disposé à l'intérieur du tunnel de transfert, permettant d'insérer les charges dans les fours, de les extraire pour les engager dans les cellules de trempe ou de refroidissement et d'en extraire les charges.
  • un sas d'entrée et de sortie assurant les transferts entre le tunnel de transfert et l'extérieur de l'installation. Le chariot de manutention assure également le déplacement des charges entre le sas et les autres éléments de l'installation.
Preferably the installation includes the following elements:
  • one or more pot or well ovens, characterized by a radial arrangement of the heating elements (electric or gas) and having an opening in their upper part to allow the introduction of the load. The opening can be closed by means of a plug, actuated like a drawer or pivoting on an axis. The ovens allow all thermal treatment processes to be carried out (austenitization under a protective atmosphere up to 1300 ° C, tempering, annealing, nitriding and derivatives, case hardening and derivatives, etc.). The ovens are arranged in a lower part of the installation. The caps are opened or closed by mechanical actuators (motors, cylinders). Several embodiments can be envisaged: for example, the plugs can be pivoted on an axis arranged inside the transfer transfer tunnel, or on the furnace itself, or the plugs can be placed on a carriage and release laterally.
  • one or more quenching or cooling cells open on the top to allow the introduction of the load. The opening can be closed by means of a door, actuated like a drawer or pivoting on an axis. The quenching cell (s) have the advantage of not requiring an integrated elevator to immerse the load. All quenching or cooling fluids (water, polymers, oil, molten salts, fluidized sand beds, gas (at atmospheric pressure or under pressure, etc.) can be used. The quenching cells are arranged in the lower part of Typically, the opening of the quench cells is in a plane parallel to the plane defined by the opening of the ovens.
  • a transfer tunnel, arranged in the upper part, and extending at least above all the ovens and all the quenching or cooling cells which must communicate with each other for metallurgical reasons (quenching, controlled cooling, etc.) . The ovens and the cooling cells are coupled to this transfer tunnel in a sealed manner, by means of fixing flanges and / or flexible membranes possibly accommodating the respective thermal expansions. This sealed transfer tunnel can be filled with protective gas, for example nitrogen, or be put under vacuum to allow the charges to be transferred from the oven (s) to the quenching cell (s) without oxidation or deterioration of the surface of the treated parts. . The transfer tunnel also makes it possible to concentrate all the effluents from the quenching operations to channel them into a place where they are treated to prevent pollution.
  • a handling trolley capable of moving the charges on two or three axes, arranged inside the transfer tunnel, making it possible to insert the charges into the ovens, to extract them to engage them in the quenching or cooling cells and to extract the charges.
  • an entry and exit airlock ensuring transfers between the transfer tunnel and the outside of the installation. The handling trolley also ensures the movement of loads between the airlock and the other elements of the installation.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaítront dans la description suivante d'un mode de réalisation préféré et de diverses variantes, présentés à titre d'exemples en référence aux dessins annexés, dans lesquels:

  • la figure 1 est une vue schématique en coupe verticale longitudinale d'un premier mode de réalisation d'une installation selon l'invention, comportant un seul four et une seule cellule de trempe,
  • la figure 2 est une vue en coupe schématique suivant la ligne II - II de la figure 1, à une échelle légèrement agrandie,
  • la figure 3 représente, en coupe verticale schématique, une variante dans laquelle le sas est mobile,
  • la figure 4 est une vue en élévation latérale partielle montrant un mode d'accrochage d'une charge de pièces dans une installation selon les figures 1 à 3,
  • la figure 5 est une vue en plan schématique de l'objet de la figure 4,
  • la figure 6 est une vue analogue à la figure 5, montrant un autre mode d'accrochage de la charge, et
  • la figure 7 est une vue schématique en coupe verticale longitudinale d'un autre mode de réalisation d'une installation selon l'invention, comportant divers éléments de traitement.
    • Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear in the following description of a preferred embodiment and of various variants, presented by way of examples with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view in longitudinal vertical section of a first embodiment of an installation according to the invention, comprising a single furnace and a single quenching cell,
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view along the line II - II of FIG. 1, on a slightly enlarged scale,
  • FIG. 3 represents, in schematic vertical section, a variant in which the airlock is mobile,
  • FIG. 4 is a partial side elevation view showing a method of hanging a load of parts in an installation according to FIGS. 1 to 3,
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view of the object of FIG. 4,
  • FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5, showing another mode of attachment of the load, and
  • Figure 7 is a schematic view in longitudinal vertical section of another embodiment of an installation according to the invention, comprising various processing elements.

    • L'installation de traitement thermique illustrée par les figures 1 et 2 comporte deux éléments de traitement juxtaposés, à savoir un four 1 et une cellule de trempe 2 à liquide. Un sas d'entrée et de sortie 3 est disposé dans l'alignement des éléments 1 et 2 et repose comme eux sur un sol horizontal 4 qui supporte l'installation. Ces trois éléments sont agencés pour recevoir chacun une charge 5 de pièces métalliques à traiter. Ils sont surmontés d'un tunnel de transfert destiné à faire passer les charges 5 de l'un à l'autre sans exposer la charge ni l'intérieur des éléments de traitement 1 et 2 à l'atmosphère extérieure. A cet effet, le tunnel 6 comporte une enveloppe étanche 7 et contient des moyens de manutention des charges, comprenant un chariot 8 pourvu de moyens de levage et capable de circuler le long d'une voie horizontale 9 pour se placer sélectivement au-dessus de chacun des éléments 1 à 3. Chaque charge 5 de pièces comprend un châssis de support des pièces, auquel les moyens de levage peuvent s'accrocher d'une manière qui sera décrite plus loin. Dans les figures 1 à 3, on a représenté seulement le plateau inférieur 11 et un organe de suspension 12 de ce châssis.The heat treatment installation illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 comprises two juxtaposed treatment elements, namely an oven 1 and a quenching cell 2 liquid. An entry and exit airlock 3 is arranged in alignment with the elements 1 and 2 and rests like them on a horizontal floor 4 which supports the installation. These three elements are arranged to each receive a load 5 of metal parts to treat. They are surmounted by a transfer tunnel intended to pass the loads 5 from one to the other without exposing the load or the interior of the processing elements 1 and 2 to the outside atmosphere. To this end, the tunnel 6 has a sealed envelope 7 and contains means for handling loads, comprising a carriage 8 provided lifting means and capable of traveling along a horizontal track 9 to be selectively place above each of elements 1 to 3. Each load 5 of parts comprises a parts support frame, to which the lifting means may hang in a manner which will be described later. In Figures 1 to 3, only the lower plate 11 and a suspension member 12 of this chassis.

    Dans l'exemple décrit ici, une charge 5 peut typiquement avoir une forme cylindrique d'environ 1 m de diamètre et 2 m de hauteur, pour un poids d'environ 2000 kg. D'autres dimensions sont évidemment possibles.In the example described here, a load 5 can typically have a shape cylindrical about 1 m in diameter and 2 m high, for a weight of about 2000 kg. Other dimensions are obviously possible.

    Le four de traitement 1 est ici un four à pot, c'est-à-dire qu'il contient un pot métallique 14 formant une enceinte autour de la charge 5. Le pot est entouré d'éléments de chauffage électrique 15 entourés d'une enceinte isolante 16. Pour assurer la circulation de l'atmosphère contrôlée à l'intérieur du four 1, le bas du four contient un ensemble de brassage 17 constitué par un rotor de soufflante 18 actionné par un moteur électrique 19. La circulation des gaz est assurée par des parois de guidage des flux 20. Le pot est fermé à sa base par une plaque démontable 21 et son bord supérieur est fixé à l'enceinte 16 grâce à des organes de support non représentés. La charge 5 repose sur des supports 22 disposés dans la partie basse du four. On peut envisager que ces supports soient solidaires du pot 14 ou de la plaque de fermeture 21. De même, on peut aussi envisager que la charge 5 soit suspendue à des supports disposés dans la partie supérieure du pot 14. Pendant le traitement, l'ouverture supérieure du four est fermée de manière étanche par un bouchon mobile 24 monté de préférence de manière pivotante autour d'un axe 25, de façon à s'ouvrir et se fermer en restant à l'intérieur du volume défini par le four 1 et le tunnel de transfert 6. On a représenté en trait interrompu la position ouverte 24a du bouchon 24 à l'intérieur du tunnel.The treatment oven 1 is here a pot oven, that is to say that it contains a pot metallic 14 forming an enclosure around the load 5. The pot is surrounded electric heating elements 15 surrounded by an insulating enclosure 16. For ensure the circulation of the controlled atmosphere inside the oven 1, the bottom of the oven contains a stirring assembly 17 constituted by a blower rotor 18 actuated by an electric motor 19. The circulation of gases is ensured by walls of flow guidance 20. The pot is closed at its base by a removable plate 21 and its upper edge is fixed to the enclosure 16 by means of support members not represented. The load 5 rests on supports 22 arranged in the lower part from the oven. It is conceivable that these supports are integral with the pot 14 or the closure plate 21. Similarly, it is also conceivable that the load 5 is suspended from supports arranged in the upper part of the pot 14. During the treatment, the upper opening of the oven is tightly closed by a movable plug 24 preferably pivotally mounted about an axis 25, of so as to open and close while remaining within the volume defined by the oven 1 and the transfer tunnel 6. The open position 24a of the plug 24 inside the tunnel.

    Autour du bouchon 24, le four 1 est raccordé de manière étanche au tunnel de transfert 6, par exemple au moyen d'un flasque 26. On peut aussi prévoir une collerette souple pour accommoder les dilatations entre le four et le tunnel.Around the plug 24, the furnace 1 is tightly connected to the tunnel of transfer 6, for example by means of a flange 26. It is also possible to provide a flexible collar to accommodate expansion between the oven and the tunnel.

    On notera qu'avec une telle disposition, tous les passages techniques, notamment pour des alimentations en fluides 28 et des sondes de mesure 29, sont réalisés par le fond du four. It will be noted that with such an arrangement, all the technical passages, in particular for fluid supplies 28 and measurement probes 29, are made by the bottom of the oven.

    Bien que l'exemple décrit ici se réfère à un four à pot 1, qui a notamment l'avantage d'assurer une grande homogénéité de la température autour de la charge, d'autres types de fours sont utilisables dans une telle installation.Although the example described here refers to a pot furnace 1, which in particular the advantage of ensuring a high homogeneity of the temperature around the load, other types of ovens can be used in such an installation.

    Le tunnel de transfert 6 se présente sous la forme d'un tube cylindrique ou parallélépipédique. Les moyens de levage incorporés au chariot de manutention 8 pour lever et abaisser la charge 5 jusque dans les éléments de traitement 1 et 2 et le sas 3 peuvent comporter un mécanisme classique, par exemple un treuil 28, un parallélogramme déformable ou une chaíne, et être actionnés par un moteur électrique ou des vérins pneumatiques ou hydrauliques. Ces moyens de levage portent un dispositif de saisie 30 agencé pour coopérer avec l'organe d'accrochage 12 de la charge. Le déplacement horizontal du chariot 8 sur la voie 9 s'effectue par des moyens d'entraínement classiques, par exemple une crémaillère et un moteur électrique pas à pas.The transfer tunnel 6 is in the form of a cylindrical tube or cuboid. The lifting means incorporated in the industrial truck 8 to raise and lower the load 5 to the treatment elements 1 and 2 and the airlock 3 may include a conventional mechanism, for example a winch 28, a deformable parallelogram or chain, and be powered by a motor electric or pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders. These lifting means carry a gripping device 30 arranged to cooperate with the attachment member 12 of the load. The horizontal movement of the carriage 8 on the track 9 is effected by conventional drive means, for example a rack and a motor electric step by step.

    Le dispositif de saisie 30 équipant le chariot 8 permet de prendre la charge 5 dans l'une quelconque des stations de l'installation, la transporter suspendue et la déposer dans une autre station. Son actionnement peut être électrique, pneumatique ou hydraulique. Il peut être réalisé de différentes façons pour coopérer avec le ou les organes d'accrochage 12 du châssis supportant la charge 5, par exemple une pince axiale saisissant un téton disposé sur la charge, un mécanisme de verrouillage du type à baïonnette par rotation angulaire du dispositif de saisie 30, un mécanisme à cliquets, etc. On décrira plus loin un mode de réalisation particulièrement avantageux du dispositif de saisie 30 en référence aux figures 4 et 5.The gripping device 30 fitted to the carriage 8 takes charge 5 at any station in the installation, transport it suspended and drop off at another station. Its actuation can be electric, pneumatic or hydraulic. It can be done in different ways to cooperate with the attachment members 12 of the chassis supporting the load 5, for example a clamp axial gripping a stud arranged on the load, a locking mechanism of the bayonet type by angular rotation of the gripping device 30, a mechanism with pawls, etc. A particularly advantageous embodiment will be described below. of the gripping device 30 with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

    Dans certains cas, le chariot de manutention peut être équipé d'écrans thermiques 31 qui entourent latéralement la charge 5 pour limiter la perte de température par rayonnement lors du transfert de la charge du four 1 vers la cellule de trempe 2.In some cases, the industrial truck can be equipped with screens thermals 31 which laterally surround the load 5 to limit the loss of temperature by radiation when the charge is transferred from oven 1 to the cell quench 2.

    La cellule de trempe 2 représentée à la figure 1 comporte un bac 32 ouvert vers le haut et contenant le liquide de trempe, un support 33 sur lequel la charge 5 est posée, et un dispositif 34 d'agitation du liquide de trempe, comprenant une hélice entraínée par un moteur électrique immergé 35. La circulation du liquide est conduite par des parois de guidage 36. On peut évidemment envisager d'autres dispositifs d'agitation du milieu de trempe, comme par exemple des pompes de circulation ou des hélices déportées. La cellule de trempe 2 est typiquement équipée d'un échangeur de chaleur (non représenté) permettant de refroidir le liquide de trempe, de moyens de chauffe (non représentés) tels que des corps de chauffe électriques plongeant dans le liquide, de détecteurs de niveau et/ou de dispositifs de compensation de niveau, d'une vanne de vidange rapide, etc. On notera que tous les organes précités se trouvent avantageusement à proximité du sol 4. Par ailleurs, selon la nature et la température du liquide de trempe, le bac 32 peut être isolé thermiquement.The quenching cell 2 represented in FIG. 1 comprises an open tank 32 upwards and containing the quenching liquid, a support 33 on which the load 5 is placed, and a device 34 for stirring the quenching liquid, comprising a propeller driven by a submerged electric motor 35. The circulation of the liquid is conducted by guide walls 36. It is obviously possible to envisage other devices agitation of the quenching medium, such as circulation pumps or deported propellers. The quench cell 2 is typically equipped with a heat exchanger (not shown) for cooling the quench liquid, heating means (not shown) such as electric heaters immersed in liquid, level detectors and / or level compensation, quick drain valve, etc. Note that all the aforementioned organs are advantageously close to the ground 4. Furthermore, depending on the nature and temperature of the quenching liquid, the tank 32 can be isolated thermally.

    L'ouverture supérieure de la cellule de trempe 2 est raccordée de manière étanche au tunnel de transfert 6 par un flasque 37 et forme ainsi un passage pour les charges 5. Elle peut être fermée de manière étanche au moyen d'une porte 38 coulissante ou pivotante. Dans le présent exemple, la porte 38 coulisse horizontalement à l'intérieur du tunnel 6 jusqu'à une position d'ouverture 38a dessinée en traits interrompus. Ceci permet de démonter ou remplacer la cellule de trempe 2 sans arrêter le four 1.The upper opening of the quench cell 2 is connected so sealed to the transfer tunnel 6 by a flange 37 and thus forms a passage for the loads 5. It can be sealed with a door 38 sliding or pivoting. In the present example, the door 38 slides horizontally inside the tunnel 6 to an open position 38a drawn in broken lines. This allows the quenching cell 2 to be dismantled or replaced without stopping the oven 1.

    L'ensemble des émanations provenant de la cellule de trempe 2 et de l'ouverture du four 1 est canalisé dans le tunnel de transfert 6. Celui-ci est muni d'un conduit de sortie 40, sous la forme d'une tuyère ou d'une cheminée qui guide les émanations vers un dispositif de retraitement 41 où elles sont purifiées avant d'être recyclées ou évacuées vers l'extérieur.All the emanations from the quench cell 2 and the opening of the furnace 1 is channeled into the transfer tunnel 6. The latter is provided with a outlet duct 40, in the form of a nozzle or a chimney which guides the emanations to a reprocessing device 41 where they are purified before being recycled or disposed of outside.

    Le sas 43 représenté à la figure 1 est fixe et couplé de manière étanche au tunnel de transfert 6 par une ouverture définie par un flasque 40. Cette ouverture peut être fermée de manière étanche par une porte basculante 41 disposée dans le tunnel et dont la position ouverte 41a est dessinée en trait interrompu. On notera que, dans cet exemple, les moyens mécaniques d'actionnement du bouchon 24 et des portes 38 et 41 sont avantageusement disposés à l'intérieur du tunnel de transfert 6. Le sas 5 est pourvu d'une porte latérale 42 permettant l'entrée et la sortie d'une charge 5 lorsque la porte 41 est fermée. Dans le cas présent, le sas a de préférence une forme cylindrique pour recevoir une charge de même forme. La porte latérale 42 peut alors avantageusement s'ouvrir par coulissement le long de l'enceinte périphérique 43 du sas. L'étanchéité entre la porte 42 et l'enceinte peut être assurée par exemple au moyen d'un joint gonflable. Cet agencement est particulièrement économique et permet de limiter l'encombrement lié à l'ouverture de la porte.The airlock 43 shown in Figure 1 is fixed and tightly coupled to the transfer tunnel 6 through an opening defined by a flange 40. This opening can be sealed by a tilting door 41 disposed in the tunnel and whose open position 41a is drawn in broken lines. Note that in this example, the mechanical means for actuating the plug 24 and the doors 38 and 41 are advantageously arranged inside the transfer tunnel 6. The airlock 5 is provided with a side door 42 allowing the entry and exit of a load 5 when door 41 is closed. In the present case, the airlock preferably has a shape cylindrical to receive a load of the same shape. The side door 42 can then advantageously open by sliding along the peripheral enclosure 43 of the airlock. The seal between the door 42 and the enclosure can be ensured for example at by means of an inflatable seal. This arrangement is particularly economical and allows to limit the space related to the opening of the door.

    La figure 3 représente une variante dans laquelle le sas 43 est mobile, par exemple pour transporter chaque charge 5 entre l'installation de traitement thermique et des postes de chargement/déchargement. Le sas 43 est monté sur un chariot 44 muni de roues 45 qui permettent de déplacer le sas au-dessous du tunnel de transfert 6 et jusqu'à un autre poste. Dans ce cas, le sas mobile 43 n'a qu'une ouverture supérieure 46 pour le passage des charges 5. L'étanchéité entre le sas 43 et le tunnel de transfert 6 est réalisée de préférence au moyen d'une collerette 47 mobile en hauteur, qui vient s'appuyer sur un joint d'étanchéité 48 disposé sur le sas. Le mécanisme commandant le relèvement et l'abaissement de la collerette 47 est disposé dans le tunnel 6. Une fois que le sas est accouplé de manière étanche au tunnel, la course de la collerette 47 est typiquement de quelque centimètres seulement. On peut y effectuer une opération de purge par le vide ou par un gaz inerte. Ensuite, on peut ouvrir la porte 41 et le chariot de manutention 8 peut venir saisir la charge 5 dans le sas pour l'amener par exemple au four 1. Les opérations de sortie d'une charge du tunnel 6 se font de manière identique, mais dans l'ordre inverse.FIG. 3 represents a variant in which the airlock 43 is mobile, by example for transporting each load 5 between the heat treatment installation and loading / unloading stations. The airlock 43 is mounted on a carriage 44 fitted with wheels 45 which allow the airlock to be moved below the transfer tunnel 6 and to another station. In this case, the mobile airlock 43 has only one opening upper 46 for the passage of loads 5. The seal between the airlock 43 and the tunnel transfer 6 is preferably carried out by means of a flange 47 movable in height, which rests on a seal 48 disposed on the airlock. The mechanism controlling the raising and lowering of the flange 47 is arranged in the tunnel 6. Once the airlock is coupled in a leaktight manner tunnel, the race of the flange 47 is typically a few centimeters only. You can perform a purge operation by vacuum or by gas inert. Then we can open the door 41 and the handling cart 8 can come enter the load 5 in the airlock to bring it for example to the oven 1. The operations of exit of a load from tunnel 6 is done identically, but in order reverse.

    Dans la figure 3, on a représenté schématiquement en trait interrompu une deuxième position du sas mobile 43a, où l'on voit que l'introduction d'une charge dans le sas à partir d'une position 5a, ou l'extraction d'une charge se trouvant dans le sas, s'effectue verticalement comme l'indique la double flèche F. Cette opération s'effectue au moyen d'un engin de levage classique et n'est pas plus encombrante en hauteur que le tunnel de transfert 6.In Figure 3, there is shown schematically in broken lines a second position of the mobile airlock 43a, where we see that the introduction of a charge into the airlock from a position 5a, or the extraction of a load located in the airlock, takes place vertically as indicated by the double arrow F. This operation is carried out by means of a conventional lifting device and is not more cumbersome in height than the transfer tunnel 6.

    On peut également imaginer que l'ouverture supérieure du sas mobile 43 soit munie d'une porte coulissante. Ceci permet la purge du sas sans qu'il soit raccordé au tunnel de transfert 6. Pendant ce temps, on pourrait employer un deuxième sas mobile pour introduire une charge de pièces dans le tunnel.One can also imagine that the upper opening of the mobile airlock 43 is fitted with a sliding door. This allows the airlock to be purged without being connected to the transfer tunnel 6. Meanwhile, a second airlock could be used mobile to introduce a load of coins into the tunnel.

    Un homme du métier comprendra que tous les mécanismes et mouvements décrits ci-dessus peuvent facilement être automatisés et commandés d'une manière centralisée au moyen d'un automate programmable. Le regroupement de la plupart des portes, et bouchons dans le tunnel de transfert 6 est particulièrement avantageux de ce point de vue. De plus, il permet de ménager des portes ou flasques en attente pour des éléments de traitement supplémentaires, lorsqu'une extension de l'installation est prévue. On notera qu'il est aussi possible, par exemple, de transporter une charge 5 avec un bouchon ou un couvercle le cas échéant. Un autre avantage de cette disposition dans portes et bouchons est de rendre possible le changement d'un élément de traitement tout en continuant le travail de l'installation.A person skilled in the art will understand that all the mechanisms and movements described above can easily be automated and controlled in a way centralized by means of a programmable controller. The grouping of most doors, and plugs in the transfer tunnel 6 is particularly advantageous from this point of view. In addition, it allows to save waiting doors or flanges for additional processing elements, when an extension of installation is planned. Note that it is also possible, for example, to transport a load 5 with a plug or a cover if necessary. Another benefit of this arrangement in doors and plugs is to make it possible to change a treatment element while continuing the work of the installation.

    Les figures 4 et 5 représentent schématiquement un mode de réalisation avantageux du dispositif de saisie 30 dont le chariot 8 est équipé pour saisir et porter une charge 5 de pièces à traiter. Dans ce cas, le châssis de support de la charge a une forme parallélépipédique et comporte quatre montants 51 reliant le plateau inférieur 11 à des traverses supérieures horizontales 52. Le dispositif de saisie 30 comporte par exemple quatre crochets de suspension 54, solidaires les uns des autres et mobiles verticalement grâce aux moyens de levage incorporés au chariot 8. Pour saisir la charge 5, les crochets 54 sont abaissés comme l'indiquent les flèches A, puis déplacés ensemble horizontalement grâce à un déplacement du chariot 8 sur sa voie 9, comme l'indiquent les flèches B, jusqu'à ce qu'ils se trouvent sous les traverses respectives 52. Les crochets 54 sont alors remontés par les moyens de levage du chariot pour soulever la charge 5. Les mouvements inverses seront effectués pour décrocher la charge une fois qu'elle a été déposée à sa destination dans l'un des élément de traitement ou dans le sas.Figures 4 and 5 schematically represent an embodiment advantageous of the gripping device 30 with which the carriage 8 is equipped for gripping and carrying a load 5 of parts to be treated. In this case, the load support frame has a parallelepiped shape and has four uprights 51 connecting the plate lower 11 to upper horizontal crosspieces 52. The gripping device 30 comprises for example four suspension hooks 54, integral with each others and vertically mobile thanks to the lifting means incorporated in the carriage 8. To enter the load 5, the hooks 54 are lowered as indicated by the arrows A, then moved together horizontally by moving the carriage 8 on its track 9, as indicated by arrows B, until they are under the respective crosspieces 52. The hooks 54 are then reassembled by the means of lifting the carriage to lift the load 5. Reverse movements will be to unhook the load once it has been dropped off at its destination in one of the processing elements or in the airlock.

    La figure 6 représente schématiquement en plan un autre mode de réalisation du dispositif de saisie 30, accrochant la charge 5 à la manière d'un dispositif à baïonnette. Dans cet exemple, le châssis supportant le plateau 11 et les pièces à traiter a une forme triangulaire en plan, avec trois montants 51 dont les sommets sont reliés par trois traverses horizontales 52. Le dispositif de saisie 30 comporte dans ce cas une colonne centrale verticale 55 déplacée verticalement par les moyens de levage du chariot et capable de pivoter autour de son axe vertical. L'extrémité inférieure de la colonne 55 est munie de trois bras horizontaux 56 décalés angulairement de 120°. L'abaissement de la colonne 55 permet d'introduire les bras 56 dans le triangle formé par les traverses 52, puis une rotation de la colonne sur 60° comme l'indique la flèche C permet d'amener chaque bras 56 dans une position 56a, pour accrocher chaque traverse 52 par-dessous et permettre ainsi de soulever la charge au moyen de la colonne 55.Figure 6 schematically shows in plan another embodiment of the gripping device 30, hooking the load 5 in the manner of a device bayonet. In this example, the frame supporting the plate 11 and the parts to treat has a triangular shape in plan, with three uprights 51 whose vertices are connected by three horizontal crosspieces 52. The gripping device 30 comprises in this case a vertical central column 55 moved vertically by the means of lifting of the carriage and able to pivot around its vertical axis. The end bottom of column 55 is provided with three horizontal arms 56 offset angularly 120 °. The lowering of the column 55 makes it possible to introduce the arms 56 in the triangle formed by the crosspieces 52, then a rotation of the column over 60 ° as indicated by arrow C, each arm 56 can be brought into a position 56a, to hang each cross member 52 from below and thus allow the load using column 55.

    Bien entendu, on peut concevoir un système analogue avec un châssis de forme carrée et une colonne équipée de quatre bras horizontaux.Of course, we can design a similar system with a chassis square shape and a column equipped with four horizontal arms.

    La figure 7 représente schématiquement un mode de réalisation d'une installation selon l'invention comportant une pluralité d'éléments de traitement associés à un tunnel de transfert 6 et un sas d'entrée/sortie 3, tels que décrits en référence aux figures 1 et 2. Cette installation peut comporter par exemple, sur une seule rangée, deux fours d'austénitisation et de cémentation 61, deux fours 62 pour la nitruration, la nitrocarburation, le revenu ou le recuit, une cellule de trempe à huile 63, une cellule de trempe à sels 64 et une chambre 65 de refroidissement à atmosphère contrôlée, notamment sous gaz inerte, sous pression ou à pression atmosphérique. Chaque charge 5 de pièces à traiter est transportée entre le sas 3 et les différents éléments de traitement 61 à 65 par le chariot de manutention 8 dans l'atmosphère contrôlée du tunnel de transfert 6. Comme dans les exemples précédents, on remarque dans le dessin que l'installation de traitement a un encombrement minimum, en particulier en hauteur puisqu'elle n'occupe que deux niveaux et peut donc prendre place dans un bâtiment à hauteur limitée.FIG. 7 schematically represents an embodiment of a installation according to the invention comprising a plurality of treatment elements associated with a transfer tunnel 6 and an entry / exit airlock 3, as described in reference to Figures 1 and 2. This installation may include, for example, on a single row, two austenitization and case hardening furnaces 61, two furnaces 62 for nitriding, nitrocarburization, tempering or annealing, an oil quenching cell 63, a salt quenching cell 64 and an atmosphere cooling chamber 65 controlled, in particular under inert gas, under pressure or at atmospheric pressure. Each load 5 of parts to be treated is transported between the airlock 3 and the different treatment elements 61 to 65 by the handling trolley 8 in the atmosphere transfer tunnel 6. As in the previous examples, we note in the drawing that the treatment plant has a space requirement minimum, in particular in height since it occupies only two levels and can therefore take place in a height-limited building.

    Cependant, il faut noter qu'une installation selon l'invention n'est pas limitée à une seule rangée d'éléments de traitement, dans la mesure où les moyens de manutention disposés dans le tunnel de transfert 6 peuvent aussi être conçus pour déplacer les charges 5 dans une direction transversale. Par exemple, on peut envisager de doter le chariot de manutention 8 d'un troisième axe de déplacement, perpendiculaire à l'axe de la voie 9, pour lui permettre de desservir des éléments de traitement ou des sas disposés côte à côte.However, it should be noted that an installation according to the invention is not limited to a single row of processing elements, insofar as the means of handling arranged in the transfer tunnel 6 can also be designed to move the loads 5 in a transverse direction. For example, we can consider providing the handling truck 8 with a third axis of movement, perpendicular to the axis of track 9, to allow it to serve elements of treatment or airlocks arranged side by side.

    Claims (11)

    Installation pour le traitement thermique de charges de pièces métalliques, comportant : un tunnel de transfert (6) pourvu d'une enveloppe étanche (7) et de moyens de manutention des charges comportant un chariot (8) mobile longitudinalement dans le tunnel; un ensemble d'éléments de traitement (1, 2, 61 à 65) capables de recevoir chacun au moins une des charges (5) et comprenant au moins un four (1) et au moins une cellule de trempe ou de refroidissement (2), chaque élément de traitement ayant une ouverture raccordable de manière étanche au tunnel de transfert pour former un passage pour les charges; au moins un sas (3, 43) d'entrée et/ou de sortie ayant une ouverture raccordable de manière étanche au tunnel de transfert pour le passage des charges; et des moyens de fermeture (24, 38, 41) agencés pour obturer sélectivement lesdits passages;    caractérisée en ce que le tunnel de transfert (6) s'étend au-dessus des éléments de traitement et du sas, dont lesdites ouvertures sont supérieures, et en ce que le chariot (8) est pourvu de moyens de levage capables de s'accrocher à l'une des charges (5) pour la transporter suspendue et la déplacer verticalement pour l'introduire dans et l'extraire des éléments de traitement.Installation for the heat treatment of loads of metal parts, comprising: a transfer tunnel (6) provided with a sealed envelope (7) and load handling means comprising a carriage (8) movable longitudinally in the tunnel; a set of treatment elements (1, 2, 61 to 65) capable of each receiving at least one of the charges (5) and comprising at least one oven (1) and at least one quenching or cooling cell (2) , each treatment element having an opening which can be sealed in connection with the transfer tunnel to form a passage for the charges; at least one entry and / or exit airlock (3, 43) having an opening which can be sealed in connection with the transfer tunnel for the passage of loads; and closure means (24, 38, 41) arranged to selectively close said passages; characterized in that the transfer tunnel (6) extends above the treatment elements and the airlock, the said openings of which are higher, and in that the carriage (8) is provided with lifting means capable of hook on one of the loads (5) to transport it suspended and move it vertically to introduce it into and extract it from the processing elements. Installation selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce que les moyens de fermeture comportent des bouchons ou portes (24, 38, 41) s'ouvrant par déplacement vers l'intérieur du tunnel de transfert (6).Installation according to claim 1, characterized in that the closing means comprise plugs or doors (24, 38, 41) opening by movement towards the inside of the transfer tunnel (6). Installation selon la revendication 2, caractérisée en ce que les moyens de fermeture sont montés à l'intérieur de l'enveloppe (7) du tunnel de transfert (6).Installation according to claim 2, characterized in that the closing means are mounted inside the envelope (7) of the transfer tunnel (6). Installation selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que les éléments de traitement comportent au moins un four à pot (1, 61, 62).Installation according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the treatment elements comprise at least one pot furnace (1, 61, 62). Installation selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que les éléments de traitement comportent au moins une cellule de trempe à liquide (2, 63, 64).Installation according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the treatment elements comprise at least one liquid quenching cell (2, 63, 64). Installation selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que les éléments de traitement comportent au moins une chambre de refroidissement à atmosphère contrôlée (65).Installation according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the treatment elements include at least one controlled atmosphere cooling chamber (65). Installation selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que le sas (43) est mobile. Installation according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the airlock (43) is mobile. Installation selon la revendication 7, caractérisée en ce que l'ouverture supérieure (46) du sas mobile est obturable par une porte (41) montée sur le tunnel de transfert (6).Installation according to claim 7, characterized in that the upper opening (46) of the mobile airlock is closable by a door (41) mounted on the transfer tunnel (6). Installation selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que les moyens de levage du chariot de manutention (8) comportent un dispositif de saisie (30) capable de s'accrocher à la charge (5) placée dans le sas ou dans un élément de traitement.Installation according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lifting means of the handling trolley (8) comprise a gripping device (30) capable of hanging on to the load (5) placed in the airlock or in a processing element. Installation selon la revendication 9, caractérisée en ce que le dispositif de saisie (30) comporte des crochets (54) agencés pour être déplacés verticalement par les moyens de levage et horizontalement par des déplacements du chariot (8) pour s'accrocher à la charge (5) et s'en décrocher.Installation according to claim 9, characterized in that the gripping device (30) comprises hooks (54) arranged to be moved vertically by the lifting means and horizontally by displacements of the carriage (8) to hang on to the load (5) and unhook it. Installation selon la revendication 9, caractérisée en ce que le dispositif de saisie (30) comporte une colonne centrale (55) agencée pour être déplacée verticalement par les moyens de levage et pivoter autour de son axe vertical pour s'accrocher à la charge (5) et s'en décrocher.Installation according to claim 9, characterized in that the gripping device (30) comprises a central column (55) arranged to be moved vertically by the lifting means and pivot around its vertical axis to hang on to the load (5 ) and unhook it.
    EP00203331A 2000-09-27 2000-09-27 Installation for the heat treatment of metallic article loads Expired - Lifetime EP1193317B1 (en)

    Priority Applications (3)

    Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
    AT00203331T ATE272128T1 (en) 2000-09-27 2000-09-27 HEAT TREATMENT SYSTEM FOR LOADS OF METALLIC WORKPIECES
    DE60012529T DE60012529T2 (en) 2000-09-27 2000-09-27 Heat treatment plant for loads of metallic workpieces
    EP00203331A EP1193317B1 (en) 2000-09-27 2000-09-27 Installation for the heat treatment of metallic article loads

    Applications Claiming Priority (1)

    Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
    EP00203331A EP1193317B1 (en) 2000-09-27 2000-09-27 Installation for the heat treatment of metallic article loads

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    EP1193317A1 true EP1193317A1 (en) 2002-04-03
    EP1193317B1 EP1193317B1 (en) 2004-07-28

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    EP1323995A2 (en) * 2001-12-26 2003-07-02 Nitrex Metal Inc Multi-cell thermal processing unit

    Families Citing this family (1)

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    DE102009041927B4 (en) * 2009-09-17 2015-08-06 Hanomag Härtecenter GmbH Process for low-pressure carburizing of metallic workpieces

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    US3926415A (en) * 1974-01-23 1975-12-16 Park Ohio Industries Inc Method and apparatus for carbonizing and degassing workpieces
    US5402994A (en) * 1992-01-15 1995-04-04 Aichelin Gmbh Device for heat-treating metal workpieces
    EP0785402A1 (en) * 1996-01-17 1997-07-23 Pierre Beuret Heat treatment installation for metallic article loads
    EP0893510A1 (en) * 1997-07-21 1999-01-27 Refrattari Brebbia S.r.l. Automatic plant for thermal treatment of metals, in particular steel
    US6065964A (en) * 1997-12-02 2000-05-23 Etudes Et Constructions Mecaniques Modular vacuum thermal processing installation

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    US3926415A (en) * 1974-01-23 1975-12-16 Park Ohio Industries Inc Method and apparatus for carbonizing and degassing workpieces
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    EP0785402A1 (en) * 1996-01-17 1997-07-23 Pierre Beuret Heat treatment installation for metallic article loads
    EP0893510A1 (en) * 1997-07-21 1999-01-27 Refrattari Brebbia S.r.l. Automatic plant for thermal treatment of metals, in particular steel
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    EP1323995A2 (en) * 2001-12-26 2003-07-02 Nitrex Metal Inc Multi-cell thermal processing unit
    EP1323995A3 (en) * 2001-12-26 2003-11-05 Nitrex Metal Inc Multi-cell thermal processing unit
    US6902635B2 (en) 2001-12-26 2005-06-07 Nitrex Metal Inc. Multi-cell thermal processing unit

    Also Published As

    Publication number Publication date
    ATE272128T1 (en) 2004-08-15
    EP1193317B1 (en) 2004-07-28
    DE60012529T2 (en) 2005-08-04
    DE60012529D1 (en) 2004-09-02

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