EP1464905A1 - Apparatus for transporting metallic workpieces - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (1) is for transporting metallic workpieces, particularly during heat treatment and comprises a transport unit (2) which is moved horizontally by a movement mechanism (3). The transport unit is borne by a frame (7) relatively movable to the movement mechanism. The transport unit is floatingly located in relation to the frame, by means of elastic bearing bodies (13), preferably made of rubber. The elastic bearing bodies have at least one preferably steel inlay plate. The transport unit (2) is a heat-insulated and gas and/or vacuum-tight transport chamber. For a vacuum-tight connection, the transport unit has a connection side tension device (12). The tension device is formed by at least two tension units movable relatively to the transport chamber, which engage in the tension position in abutments formed on a counter module.

Description

The invention relates to a device for transporting metallic workpieces, in particular during a heat treatment, with a transport device and a transport direction horizontally traveling chassis.

Devices of the aforementioned type are known in the art, for example known from EP 1 229 137 and have in everyday practical use proven. They are used in the context of a heat treatment different heat treatment chambers to be supplied to workpieces easy to transport and as needed the respective Heat treatment chambers supply. It is particularly advantageous that the transport device is independent of the respective modular design Heat treatment chambers can be moved so that it is the user is possible, individual treatment chambers in changeable order Approach needs. To ensure that the patients to be treated Workpieces during transport only a predeterminable atmosphere can be provided according to EP 1 229 137, the Transport device designed as a thermally insulated and vacuum-tight Train transport chamber.

In such an embodiment of the transport device, it is essential that the transport device and the heat treatment chamber to be approached vacuum-tight and thermally insulated can be coupled to each other. To For this purpose, it is necessary, the transport device on the one hand and the Heat treatment chamber on the other hand exactly in their respective situation position, so that a defined coupling of the transport device to a respective heat treatment chamber can be performed. It can Even only minor deviations in the positioning of the Transport device and / or the heat treatment chamber Inaccuracies in the location result, due to which a safe, d. H. in particular vacuum-tight coupling of transport device and Heat treatment chamber can not always be guaranteed. Reasons for Such positional inaccuracies can manufacturing tolerances, wear-related Wear, variously acting temperature influences or Be pressure differences.

As a result of such positional deviations, it is in the past to problems come the coupling of the transport device, resulting in a disadvantageous manner extended process execution times or even process terminations resulted.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a device for transporting metallic workpieces, which allows a positionally accurate coupling of the transport device to a counter module, for example to a heat treatment chamber.

This object is achieved by a device for transporting metallic workpieces, which is characterized in that the transport device is carried by a relative to the chassis movably arranged frame, wherein the transport device is mounted floating relative to the frame.

Horizontally arranged movable, the transport device by means of For example, on rails movable chassis. The transport device can in this way to individual counter modules, for example Heat treatment chambers are moved up. Worn is the Transport device arranged by a relative to the chassis movable Frame, so that after approaching the transport device to a Gegenmodul the transport device relative to the chassis to the counter module can be coupled. A positioning of the transport device is therefore carried out due to two different movements. With a first movement is the transport device by means of horizontally moving chassis on the respective counter module approached as needed and with a second Traversing motion is the transport device for coupling to the Counter module moved relative to the chassis. In the course of the second Traversing takes place the coupling of the transport device to the Counter module, which is inventively provided that the transport device is floating against the frame. Any position inaccuracies the transport device relative to the counter module can so be compensated so that in each case a desired coupling of Transport device on the one hand and counter module on the other hand can be achieved can. The floating support of the transport device makes it possible any misalignment of the transport facility compared to the approaching Counter module resulting, for example, as a result of manufacturing tolerances can balance. A thermally insulated and vacuum tight connection between Transport device and counter module can be ensured in an advantageous manner become.

For the purposes of the invention is here under floating or flexible storage understood such storage, in particular with respect to the horizontal Level position inaccuracies, d. H. Compensate for misalignments can.

The floating bearing of the transport device is preferably formed from a plurality of between transport device on the one hand and frame on the other hand arranged elastic bearing bodies. It is preferably a every force-transmitting connection between the transport device and the frame formed with the interposition of a corresponding bearing body. So can be provided, for example, the transport device and the corresponding For this purpose formed frame at four bearing points force-transmitting each other connect to. Accordingly, a total of four bearing bodies would be provided, wherein each bearing a bearing body between frame and transport device would be to arrange.

According to a further feature of the invention, the bearing bodies have a preferably made of rubber formed body. This is due to a elastic storage of the transport device with respect to the frame achieved, which the above-described floating storage is ensured. It points the molded body preferably frame as well as transporteinrichtungsseitig respectively a made of metal, preferably made of steel end plate. this makes possible a good connectivity of the bearing body with both the transport device as well as with the frame on the one hand and a good application of force of the bearing bodies respectively aufzunehmenden bearing forces on the other. moreover the connection plates can be a comparatively high vertical force at low Take up deformation, so that the safe storage also with a workpieces loaded transport device is guaranteed.

According to a further feature of the invention, the shaped body also has at least a metal, preferably made of steel insert plate. The effect described above, that the bearing body at a high vertical force at the same time can absorb less deformation is by this measure reinforced in an advantageous manner.

Overall, with the bearing bodies of the invention to simple and realized in a cost effective manner a floating storage of the transport device, in a horizontal plane relative to the transport device being able to compensate for larger movements and positional inaccuracies, while ensuring that high vertical forces absorbed by the storage can be.

To be able to prevent it due to the occurrence of shear forces to damage of the bearing body is, according to a further feature of the invention provided that the connection plate or the insert plate on or vulcanized are arranged on the molding. A safe introduction of force or Power transmission within the bearing body is ensured in this way.

According to a further feature of the invention, it is provided that for a vacuum-tight Connection of a transport device designed as a transport chamber to a correspondingly formed counter module, the transport chamber has a connection side arranged clamping device. Sense and purpose This clamping device is the position-secure fixation of the transport chamber opposite the counter module. One taking advantage of flexible storage Accurately positioned to a counter module advanced transport device can with Help the fixture fixed in position to be arranged on the counter module, so that after a coupling of the transport device relative displacement between transport device and counter module is not possible. Training a gas and / or vacuum-tight connection between the transport device and counter module can be secured in position until a release of the clamping device become.

As an alternative to the above-described clamping device, it is of course also possible a vacuum-tight connection between transport device and counter module to effect by pressing the transport device to the counter module, However, in practice, in particular, the use of a clamping device proved to be particularly effective. To support the coupling movement can be provided on the counter module, a centering device, the approaching transport device with respect to those at the transport device on the one hand and the counter module on the other hand provided openings centered.

According to a further feature of the invention, the tensioning device is made at least two clamping devices movably arranged relative to the transport device, in Verspannstellung formed in the counter module abutment intervention. The two movably arranged clamping means are preferably be arranged laterally opposite to the transport device and be after a positioning of the transport device relative to the counter module extended and hooked in formed on the counter module abutment. In connection The tensioning means are tightened on this, whereby in position-securing Way the transport device is pressed against the counter module. For a simplified Intervention of the clamping means in the counter module formed on the abutment the clamping means are preferably designed rotatable.

The clamping means are preferably formed of a hydraulic, pneumatic and / or electrically movable or rotatable cylinder, at the spans are formed gegenmodulseitigem end. Preferably, the Clamps exchangeably arranged on the cylinder, so that they meet demand can be selected and mounted according to size and weight.

To form a gas and / or vacuum-tight connection between Transport device and counter module has the transport device on the connection side, a seal, preferably in the form of an O-ring. After a pressing of the transport device to the counter module is by means of this Seal an all-inclusive seal between Transport device and counter module achieved, so that at the end opposite the atmosphere surrounding workpieces from the counter module in the the transport device and vice versa can be handed over.

Fig. 1:

eine schematische Seitenansicht einer Vorrichtung zum Transportieren metallischer Werkstücke gemäß der Erfindung;

Fig. 2:

eine schematische Draufsicht von oben einer Vorrichtung zum Transportieren metallischer Werkstücke gemäß der Erfindung;

Fig. 3:

eine schematische Rückansicht einer Vorrichtung zum Transportieren metallischer Werkstücke gemäß der Erfindung;

Fig. 4a:

eine Seitenansicht eines Lagerkörpers;

Fig. 4b:

eine Draufsicht auf einen Lagerkörper;

Fig. 5:

eine schematische Darstellung einer Anlage zur Wärmebehandlung metallischer Werkstücke unter Verwendung einer Vorrichtung gemäß der Figuren 1 bis 3 und

Fig. 6a bis 6d:

eine schematische Draufsicht von oben betreffend die einzelnen Schritte eines Ankoppelvorganges.

Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to FIGS. Showing:

Fig. 1:

a schematic side view of an apparatus for transporting metallic workpieces according to the invention;

Fig. 2:

a schematic plan view from above of a device for transporting metallic workpieces according to the invention;

3:

a schematic rear view of an apparatus for transporting metallic workpieces according to the invention;

Fig. 4a:

a side view of a bearing body;

Fig. 4b:

a plan view of a bearing body;

Fig. 5:

a schematic representation of a plant for heat treatment of metallic workpieces using a device according to Figures 1 to 3 and

6a to 6d:

a schematic plan view from above concerning the individual steps of a Ankoppelvorganges.

Shown in Figures 1 to 3 is a device for transporting metallic Workpieces, wherein the device 1 shown here a transport device in the form of a heat-insulated and vacuum-tight to the outside having cylindrical transport chamber 2. The transport chamber 2 serves the Recording and transport to a batch compiled, in the figures not shown in detail workpieces.

The device 1 further comprises a chassis 3, with its use the transport chamber 2 is horizontally movable. The chassis 3 is made preferably from a frame construction not shown in detail, which is guided by means of corresponding wheels 4 in trained rails 5. For driving a arranged on the chassis 3 electric motor 6 is worn is designed as a transport chamber 2 transport device of a frame 7, which in turn transverse to the direction of movement of the chassis 3 on this is arranged movable. For this purpose, the frame 7 has wheels 8, by means of which the frame 7 relative to the chassis 3 trained rails 9 can be moved to the chassis 3.

The device 1 is also not shown in the figures means for loading and unloading to be arranged within the transport chamber 2 Workpieces provided, which have a horizontally movable pawl. By an electromechanical drive can be the latch by means of a forward and backward Move pressure chain in a horizontal direction, taking the lead of the Empty tower is made in a vertically arranged recording. To this It is ensured that all start or braking operations in terms of reliable delivery of the workpieces from the transport chamber 2 into a treatment chamber 50, as shown for example in Figures 5 and 6a to 6d is soft, or vice versa soft, d. H. run smoothly.

As can be seen in particular Figures 1 to 3, the transport chamber 2 connected to a vacuum system 10. This facility allows the Inside the transport chamber 2 to evacuate to a final pressure of about 0.1 mbar and at a leak rate of about 0.003 mbar I / sec to maintain this pressure level. Thus, it is ensured that the located in the transport chamber 2, heat-treated Workpieces against environmental influences, such as one an undesirable Oxidation inducing oxygen supply, are protected.

To a noticeable drop in temperature of about previously in a treatment chamber To avoid 50 heated workpieces, the transport chamber 2 with a exchangeable thermal insulation made of, for example, chromium-nickel steel provided and additionally has a current feedthrough connected Heating elements on. The heating elements allow heating of the empty transport chamber 2 up to about 1200 ° C in the shortest possible time at a control temperature of about ± 5 ° C.

At the front of the transport chamber 2 is a hermetically closing loading door arranged by a hydraulic in the present case, depending on the application but also electrically or pneumatically actuated drive in vertical Direction is liftable. To open or close the loading door moves in a double-walled portal 11 facing away from the transport chamber 2 Side of a clamping device forming clamping means 12 are arranged. That with the wheels 4 provided chassis 3 of the device 1 is by means of a an E-motor driven and thus jerk-free starting or braking 6, preferably a geared motor driven. The one position accuracy of about 1 mm permitting travel speed in all Directions freely moving and rotating on the ground chassis 3 is thereby only between 0.01 m / s and 0.03 m / s, so that additional protective measures, such as a grid arrangement are dispensable. At the front and rear Front side of the chassis 3 are nevertheless safety devices provided to trigger an emergency stop when hitting an obstacle.

The arranged on the chassis 3 rails 9 are used for relative mobility the transport chamber 2 relative to the chassis 3, wherein a method the transport chamber 2 is possible by a distance of about 200 mm. The transport chamber 2 is moved by a hydraulic cylinder, not shown.

For a positionally accurate coupling of the transport chamber 2 at one as Counter module serving treatment chamber 50 is the transport chamber 2 by means flexible bearing body 13 floating in the frame 7 stored. Is caused by This floating storage that the transport chamber 2 in a horizontal extending plane to the frame 7 is arranged relatively movable, so that Position and position inaccuracies between transport chamber 2 on the one hand and Treatment chamber 50 on the other hand can be compensated. A sure one Docking, d. H. a secure vacuum-tight coupling of the transport chamber. 2 On the counter module can be ensured in an advantageous manner. For support the Ankoppelvorganges may also be provided a centering aid, which is optionally arranged on the counter module or the transport chamber 2.

Preferably to be used bearing body 13 are exemplified in Figures 4a and 4b. The bearing body is made of an elastic material, for example, a molded body 17 made of rubber. The molded body 17 has frame as well as transport chamber side each one made of metal, preferably made of steel end plate 14 and 15, respectively. Are missed these connection plates 14 and 15 with holes 18, which allow it to be simple Make a force-transmitting connection between the transport chamber 2 the one side and frame 7 on the other side form. Taken in The molded body 17 are also insert plates 16. Together carry the connection plates 14 and 15 and the insert plates 16 in that the bearing body 13 record a high vertical force with only a small deformation can. In the horizontal plane, d. H. in the substantially parallel to the connection or insert plates, however, movements, d. H. Position or position inaccuracies of the transport chamber 2 balanced and be compensated for the frame 7. In this way is a positionally accurate Alignment of the transport chamber 2 relative to the counter module possible. The floating or flexible storage of the transport chamber 2 allows thus a position inaccuracies compensating coupling of the transport chamber 2 on the counter module 50.

For a position-safe arrangement of the transport chamber 2 to the treatment chamber 50 are provided on the transport chamber 2 clamping means 12th These are designed to be movable and can be handled as required be that the transport chamber 2 to form a vacuum-tight connection is pressed against the treatment chamber 50.

The clamping means 12 are each formed from a hydraulic cylinder 19 and a Clamps 20 arranged on the hydraulic cylinder 19 at the end are carried each hydraulic cylinder 19 of a cross member 21, which in turn each at the Transport chamber 2 is arranged. The hydraulic cylinder 19 can in the transverse Move to the direction of movement of the chassis 3 lying direction and order the longitudinal axis of the hydraulic cylinder 19 are rotated. In tension position grip the iron 20 of the clamping means 12 formed in the treatment chamber 50 Abutment 22 a, as shown in particular Figures 6a to 6d can be.

Shown in FIGS. 6a to 6d is the method of coupling Transport chamber 2 to a treatment chamber 50. By the chassis 3 in Position brought in Figures 6a to 6d, the transport chamber. 2 opposite the treatment chamber 50, to which the transport chamber 2 is coupled shall be. According to the position shown in Fig. 6a is the Transport chamber 2 still at a relative distance from the treatment chamber 50, wherein the tensioning means 12 are in their initial position.

According to the position shown in Fig. 6b, the transport chamber 2 together with the frame 7 relative to the chassis 3 and proceed in the direction of the treatment chamber 50 moved up to this. In this position, the transport chamber 2 and the treatment chamber 50 now only a few millimeters from each other away. Also in this position, the transport chamber 2 dwell the clamping means 12 still in their original position. Once the transport chamber 2, the in Fig. 6b has reached shown position, the hydraulic cylinder 9 of the twist Clamping means 12 by 90 °, so that the clamping arm 20 of the clamping means 12 in the am Counter module formed abutment 22 engage. In the next Process step, which is shown in Fig. 6d, proceed now the hydraulic cylinder 12 in the direction of the transport chamber 2 back, due to the Supporting the clamp 20 on the abutments 22, the transport chamber 2 the remaining millimeter used to the treatment chamber 50 and is pressed vacuum-tight to this. Connection side can thereby the Transport chamber have a seal, preferably in the form of an O-ring.

According to the invention, using the floating bearing, a position or position compensation possibility of the transport chamber 2 with respect to a Treatment chamber 50 created so that any misalignment of the transport chamber 2 can be compensated. The balanced ones in this way Positioning of the transport chamber 2 with respect to the treatment chamber 50 can be secured in position using the clamping means 12, wherein a vacuum-tight Connection between transport chamber 2 on the one hand and treatment chamber 50 on the other hand is achieved in that the transport chamber. 2 with the interposition of a corresponding seal by the clamping means 12th is pressed to the treatment chamber 50. As soon as the loading or unloading process is completed, the clamping means 12 can be released again, thereby the treatment chamber 2 is released again and opposite the treatment chamber 50 can be moved.

FIG. 5 shows by way of example a system in which one according to FIGS. 1 to 3 described device 1 is used. Both sides of the device 1 are a Set up different treatment chambers 50, provided are a vacuum preheat chamber 50a, vacuum carburizing chamber 50b, Diffusion chamber 50c and a gas quenching chamber 50d or alternatively also oil or salt bath quenching chambers.

To the via a conveyor belt or a roller conveyor 51 in the vacuum preheating chamber 50a introduced at the beginning, untreated workpieces in the respective heat treatment corresponding treatment chamber 50 to transport, the transport chamber 2 of the transport device 1 via the stationarily arranged in front of each treatment chamber 50 lock 55 to the Vacuum preheat chamber 50a coupled. In the manner described above In this case, a coupling takes place using the previously described Clamping means 12.

To load the transport chamber 2 with the workpieces are the Sluice 55 and the transport chamber 2 evacuated. Then the doors of the Vacuum preheat chamber 50a and the lock 55 and the loading door of the Transport chamber 2 is opened and the workpieces by means of the loading fork in the Transport chamber 2 shipped. After the loading door is closed again, the transport chamber 2 becomes one of the negative pressure carburizing chambers 50b transported. The thermal insulation and the heating elements are doing sure that the workpieces do not experience any temperature loss. After reaching the Position of the corresponding carburizing 50b opens one of Loading door opposite the second door on the rails 5 straight movable transport device 1 and the workpieces are about to this Treatment chamber 50 standing lock by means of the loading fork in the Carburizing chamber 50d postponed.

Upon further transport of the workpieces in about one of the diffusion chambers 50c or the gas quenching chamber 50d repeats the one described above Procedure in a corresponding manner. Each designed separately evacuated Locks 55 help to ensure that the workpieces do not lose much time can be transported between treatment chambers 50, such as the Carburizing chamber 50b and the diffusion chambers 50c, different Atoms, while ensuring that the workpieces in the protective vacuum against environmental influences inside the transport chamber 2 are transported. Finally, the workpieces leave the gas quenching chamber 50d via a conveyor belt 52, depending on the type of heat treatment the workpieces still to a tempering furnace 53 and a to this subsequent cooling tunnel 54 promotes.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

device

2

transport chamber

3

chassis

4

wheel

5

rail

6

electric motor

7

frame

8th

wheel

9

rail

10

vacuum system

11

portal

12

clamping means

13

bearing body

14

connecting plate

16

insert plate

17

moldings

18

drilling

19

hydraulic cylinders

20

clamps

21

traverse

22

abutment

50

Treatment chamber / counter module

50a

Vacuum preheating

50b

Vacuum carburizing

50c

diffusion chamber

50d

Gas quenching chamber

51

Conveyor belt / roller track

52

Conveyor belt / roller track

53

tempering furnace

54

cooling tunnel

55

lock

Claims (14)

Device for transporting metallic workpieces, in particular during a heat treatment, with a transport device and a transport device horizontally traveling chassis, characterized in that the transport device is carried by a relatively movable to the chassis arranged frame, wherein the transport device is mounted floatingly relative to the frame. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the floating mounting of the transport device is formed of a plurality of between the transport device on the one hand and frame on the other hand arranged elastic bearing bodies. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the bearing bodies have a molded body, preferably made of rubber. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shaped body as well as on the transport device side each have a metal plate, preferably made of steel end plate. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shaped body has at least one insert plate made of metal, preferably of steel. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the end plate or the insert plate are arranged on or vulcanized on the molding. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport device is a heat-insulated and gas and / or vacuum-tight formed transport chamber. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for a vacuum-tight connection designed as a transport chamber transport means to a correspondingly formed counter module, the transport chamber has a connection side provided clamping device. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the clamping device is formed from at least two movable relative to the transport chamber arranged clamping means which engage in Verspannstellung formed in the counter module abutment. Device according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the clamping means are designed to be rotatable. Device according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the clamping means are hydraulically, pneumatically and / or electrically movable or rotatable. Device according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the clamping means have at their gegenmodulseitigen end clamp iron. Device according to one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the abutment formed on the counter module are formed corresponding to the clamping arm. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport chamber on the connection side has a seal, preferably in the form of an O-ring.

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