EP3262202B1 - System for the series production of press-hardened and anti-corrosion sheet metal moulded parts, comprising a cooling device for intermediate cooling of the sheet metal blanks - Google Patents

System for the series production of press-hardened and anti-corrosion sheet metal moulded parts, comprising a cooling device for intermediate cooling of the sheet metal blanks Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3262202B1
EP3262202B1 EP16702923.0A EP16702923A EP3262202B1 EP 3262202 B1 EP3262202 B1 EP 3262202B1 EP 16702923 A EP16702923 A EP 16702923A EP 3262202 B1 EP3262202 B1 EP 3262202B1
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Prior art keywords
blanks
cooling
press
air
cooling device
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3262202A2 (en
Inventor
Markus Pfestorf
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Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
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Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
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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
    • C21D8/00—Modifying the physical properties by deformation combined with, or followed by, heat treatment
    • C21D8/02—Modifying the physical properties by deformation combined with, or followed by, heat treatment during manufacturing of plates or strips
    • C21D8/0294—Modifying the physical properties by deformation combined with, or followed by, heat treatment during manufacturing of plates or strips involving a localised treatment
    • 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
    • C21D8/00—Modifying the physical properties by deformation combined with, or followed by, heat treatment
    • C21D8/02—Modifying the physical properties by deformation combined with, or followed by, heat treatment during manufacturing of plates or strips
    • C21D8/04—Modifying the physical properties by deformation combined with, or followed by, heat treatment during manufacturing of plates or strips to produce plates or strips for deep-drawing
    • C21D8/0494—Modifying the physical properties by deformation combined with, or followed by, heat treatment during manufacturing of plates or strips to produce plates or strips for deep-drawing involving a localised treatment

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a plant for the series production of press-hardened and corrosion-protected sheet metal parts by direct press-hardening of zinc-coated sheet steel blanks, with a furnace, a press-hardening tool and a cooling device for intermediate cooling of the sheet steel blanks heated in the furnace.
  • Press-hardened sheet metal parts are manufactured by rapidly cooling a steel sheet material that has previously been heated to austenitizing temperature (or higher) and simultaneously shaping it in a press-hardening tool. Quenching hardening in the press-hardening tool achieves strengths of up to 1650 MPa and more. Such high-strength sheet metal parts are used, for example, as body or chassis components in vehicle construction. Various processes for producing press-hardened sheet metal parts are known from the state of the art.
  • press-hardened sheet metal parts can be provided with a metallic corrosion protection coating, which is in particular a zinc or zinc alloy coating.
  • a metallic corrosion protection coating which is in particular a zinc or zinc alloy coating.
  • methods for producing press-hardened and corrosion-protected sheet metal parts are known in which the starting sheet material already has a zinc or zinc alloy coating (hereinafter referred to collectively as zinc coating).
  • zinc coating for this purpose, for example, reference is made to the EN 10 2009 016 852 A1 the applicant.
  • the invention is intended to demonstrate a possibility of how the intermediate cooling of the heated blanks can be improved in the series production of press-hardened and corrosion-protected sheet metal parts using zinc- or zinc alloy-coated steel sheets.
  • a first possible embodiment of the system is characterized in that the cooling device has two air knives arranged opposite one another, with which an air curtain can be generated for the active intermediate cooling of the boards.
  • the two air knives are located opposite one another.
  • this cooling device has at least two air knives which are arranged opposite one another, in particular in a stationary manner, and with which an air curtain can be generated, wherein this air curtain enables active intermediate cooling of the heated boards moved between these air knives.
  • the two air knives are arranged on opposite sides of a spacing gap and in particular in a stationary manner, wherein the heated boards can be moved through this spacing gap and can be actively intermediate cooled by the air curtain generated with the aid of the air knives.
  • Active intermediate cooling is understood to mean a targeted cooling or a defined cooling down of the heated blanks by applying cooling air (or possibly steam).
  • This intermediate cooling which is carried out by the cooling device, is intended to quickly and specifically cool down the blanks that were previously heated in the furnace to the austenitizing temperature (or higher), for example cooling from over 900 °C to approx. 750 °C or even only to approx. 700 °C and cooling rates of at least 10 Klsec, preferably at least 20 K/sec and in particular at least 30 Klsec can be achieved.
  • An air knife is a specially designed air nozzle or group of air nozzles with which a linear, narrow air flow can be generated, which is, for example, only between 0.5 mm and 1.0 mm thick.
  • the knife-like air flow generated can be referred to as an air curtain.
  • Air knives are known from the state of the art and are used in press shops, for example, to blow off sheets and coils.
  • the air knives of the cooling device can be designed to produce an air curtain containing liquid drops and/or ice particles.
  • the liquid drops are, for example, water drops that are mixed into the air curtain, e.g. as water vapor or spray mist.
  • the ice particles can be, for example, dry ice particles or snowflakes that are mixed into the air curtain.
  • the mixed liquid drops or ice particles improve the cooling and enable, for example, higher cooling speeds and/or shorter cycle times.
  • the cooling effect can be influenced by changing the dosage.
  • the air knives of the cooling device are arranged in a blank discharge area of the furnace, wherein it is particularly provided that a lower air knife is arranged between transport rollers or transport rollers (of a roller conveyor or
  • the cooling device for the intermediate cooling can thus be arranged in a way that is virtually space-neutral in the system.
  • the discharge movement of the blanks can also be used for the passage between the air knives, so that the intermediate cooling can take place in a time-neutral way.
  • the second possible embodiment of the system according to the invention is characterized in that the cooling device has an air nozzle arrangement with which an air cushion can be generated which can support the boards and also enable active intermediate cooling (as defined above) of the same.
  • the cooling device can also have lateral guide elements for the boards.
  • an air nozzle arrangement is understood to mean a plurality of air nozzles (i.e. at least two air nozzles) which are designed and arranged in such a way that the generation of an air cushion is possible.
  • the air nozzles are arranged in a fixed position.
  • the air nozzles allow air to be applied from both sides, namely from below and above, so that the boards, which are preferably moved relative to the air nozzle arrangement, can be actively cooled from both sides at the same time.
  • the air nozzle arrangement can be designed to generate an air cushion containing liquid drops and/or ice particles.
  • the air nozzle arrangement can also be arranged in the outlet area of the furnace.
  • Both the air nozzle arrangement of the second embodiment and the air knives of the first embodiment can be designed in such a way that they can be switched on and off and/or the cooling power or cooling effect that can be achieved can be changed.
  • the air nozzle arrangement or the air knives are only switched on when a previously heated board is to be cooled.
  • the air nozzle arrangement or the air knives can be switched off, for example to reduce the energy requirement (switching on and off in the production cycle time rhythm).
  • a sleep mode or the like is also conceivable.
  • the switching on and Switching off and/or changing the cooling performance can be accomplished, for example, using a control device.
  • the system according to the invention can have devices for measuring the temperature of the blanks in order to be able to record or measure the insertion temperature of the intermediately cooled blanks on the press hardening tool, for example.
  • the system according to the invention has at least one thermal imaging camera or the like (e.g. an infrared or thermography camera), arranged in particular in the area of the cooling device, and/or at least one and in particular several thermal line scanners or the like (e.g. line pyrometers) arranged in the area of the cooling device, with which the cooling and in particular the cooling progress (cooling curve over time) can be recorded during the intermediate cooling of the blanks.
  • the system according to the invention preferably comprises a control device for controlling the air nozzle arrangement or the air knives.
  • This control device is designed in particular to be able to regulate the intermediate cooling of the boards in a control loop using the thermal imaging camera or the thermal line scanners.
  • Such a control can be carried out, for example, in such a way that the cooling progress is recorded for each board to be intermediately cooled and, if necessary, the cooling capacity of the air nozzle arrangement or the air knives is changed in order to achieve a desired or required cooling and/or cooling speed.
  • Both versions of the system enable the series production of press-hardened and corrosion-protected sheet metal parts by direct press hardening of zinc-coated blanks (this refers to steel sheet blanks pre-coated with a zinc or zinc alloy coating).
  • Direct press hardening means that a heated blank is formed into a sheet metal part directly in the press hardening tool without pre-forming and at the same time hardened or increased in strength by rapid cooling. (see also the corresponding explanations in the EN 10 2011 053 939 A1 ).
  • the effort and associated costs in particular tool costs due to the multiple tools required) are significantly lower with direct press hardening.
  • the intermediate cooling made possible in the system according to the invention eliminates or at least reduces the risk of cracking that otherwise exists with direct press hardening of zinc-coated blanks.
  • the invention is also suitable for retrofitting existing systems.
  • Fig.1 shows a system 100 not according to the invention for producing press-hardened sheet metal parts 210 in series.
  • the system 100 comprises a furnace 110 and a press-hardening tool 130, which is installed in a press 140.
  • the system 100 can also comprise a robot or the like, with which the blanks 200 heated in the furnace 110 can be automatically picked up in the outlet area 115 of the furnace 110 and placed in the press-hardening tool 130.
  • the furnace 110 is, for example, a continuous furnace, although other suitable furnace designs are also known from the prior art.
  • the arrow DR indicates the direction of passage of the blanks 200.
  • the blanks 200 have a zinc coating applied in particular on both sides, as explained above, so that the press-hardened sheet metal parts 210 produced are protected against corrosion.
  • the blanks 200 can expressly also be tailor-made blanks, so-called tailored blanks (e.g. rolled tailored blanks or welded tailored blanks).
  • the system 100 further comprises a cooling device 120 arranged in the outlet area 115 of the furnace 110, with which the zinc-coated blanks 200 heated to austenitizing temperature in the furnace 110 can be intermediately cooled before they are placed in the press hardening tool 130 and formed or hot-formed there into corrosion-protected sheet metal parts 200.
  • the direct forming of the flat blanks 210 with accompanying press hardening is also referred to as direct press hardening.
  • the press-hardened sheet metal parts 210 produced can be completely or only partially or partially press hardened. The intermediate cooling and the effects achieved thereby are explained in detail above.
  • the cooling device 120 comprises an upper air knife 121 and a lower air knife 122 arranged between the transport rollers or cylinders 116.
  • the two air knives 121/122 are arranged in a fixed position. With these opposing air knives 121/122, an air curtain L can be generated for the active intermediate cooling of the boards 200 moving between these air knives 121/122. Liquid drops and/or ice particles can be mixed into the air streams generated by the air knives 121/122.
  • the air knives 121/122 can also be arranged offset from one another in the horizontal direction. Furthermore, a plurality of upper and/or lower air knives can be provided.
  • the blanks 200 coming out of the furnace 110 are virtually blown off as they pass through the cooling device 120 and are thereby cooled down, for example, from over 900 °C to 700 °C. Blowing off can also have the advantage of removing any adhering contaminants. Blowing off can also take place from oblique directions. By switching the air knives 121/122 on and off and/or by changing the cooling power they provide, only certain areas of the blanks can be cooled. Intermediate cooling or intermediate cooling of the boards 200 that creates different temperature ranges is possible.
  • the system 100 also has two thermal line scanners 141 and 142, which are arranged at a distance from one another in the direction of travel DR between the transport rollers or cylinders 116 in the discharge area 115. With the help of these stationary scanners 141/142, the cooling progress of the boards 200 moving past can be recorded in real time.
  • the scanners 141/142 are connected to an evaluation and control device 150.
  • the control device 150 is also designed to control and in particular regulate the air knives 121/122. If necessary, the speed of the boards 200 passing through can also be changed with the help of the control device 150.
  • component-specific documentation can be carried out.
  • the cooling device 120 comprises an air nozzle arrangement 125 with upper and lower air nozzles arranged in a fixed position in the outlet area 115 of the furnace 110. No transport rollers or cylinders 116 are provided in this section (ie the relevant conveyor section in the outlet area 115 is free of transport rollers or cylinders).
  • the air nozzle arrangement 125 can be used to create an air cushion or air pad K on which the blanks 200 coming out of the furnace 110 are moved more or less contactlessly through the cooling device 120 and are cooled down by air being applied on both sides.
  • the boards 200 are supported (fully or at least partially) by the air cushion K, if necessary with the use of guide elements, and are thereby conveyed through the cooling device 120 in a virtually contactless or floating manner, so that any surface impairments can be avoided due to the lack of roller or cylinder contact.
  • At least one thermal imaging camera 145 or the like is provided that looks into the cooling device 120.
  • the camera 145 can be a line scan camera.
  • the previous explanations for the first execution option apply analogously according to Fig.1 .

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Description

Die Erfindung betrifft gemäß Oberbegriff des Patentanspruchs 1 eine Anlage für die Serienfertigung pressgehärteter und korrosionsgeschützter Blechformteile durch direktes Presshärten zinkbeschichteter Stahlblechplatinen, mit einem Ofen, einem Presshärtewerkzeug und einer Kühleinrichtung zur Zwischenkühlung der im Ofen erwärmten Stahlblechplatinen.According to the preamble of patent claim 1, the invention relates to a plant for the series production of press-hardened and corrosion-protected sheet metal parts by direct press-hardening of zinc-coated sheet steel blanks, with a furnace, a press-hardening tool and a cooling device for intermediate cooling of the sheet steel blanks heated in the furnace.

Pressgehärtete Blechformteile werden durch rasches Abkühlen eines zuvor auf Austenitisierungstemperatur (oder höher) erwärmten Stahlblechmaterials und gleichzeitiger Formgebung in einem Presshärtewerkzeug hergestellt. Durch die Abschreckhärtung im Presshärtewerkzeug werden Festigkeiten von bis zu 1650 MPa und mehr erreicht. Solche hochfesten Blechformteile werden bspw. als Karosserie- oder Fahrwerkbauteile im Fahrzeugbau eingesetzt. Aus dem Stand der Technik sind verschiedene Verfahrensweisen zur Herstellung pressgehärteter Blechformteile bekannt.Press-hardened sheet metal parts are manufactured by rapidly cooling a steel sheet material that has previously been heated to austenitizing temperature (or higher) and simultaneously shaping it in a press-hardening tool. Quenching hardening in the press-hardening tool achieves strengths of up to 1650 MPa and more. Such high-strength sheet metal parts are used, for example, as body or chassis components in vehicle construction. Various processes for producing press-hardened sheet metal parts are known from the state of the art.

Ferner können solche pressgehärteten Blechformteile mit einer metallischen Korrosionsschutzbeschichtung versehen werden, wobei es sich insbesondere um eine Zink- oder Zinklegierungsbeschichtung handelt. Aus dem Stand der Technik sind Verfahrensweisen zur Herstellung pressgehärteter und korrosionsgeschützter Blechformteile bekannt, bei denen das Ausgangsblechmaterial bereits eine Zink- oder Zinklegierungsbeschichtung (im folgenden zusammenfassend nur als Zinkbeschichtung bezeichnet) aufweist. Hierzu wird bspw. auf die DE 10 2009 016 852 A1 der Anmelderin hingewiesen.Furthermore, such press-hardened sheet metal parts can be provided with a metallic corrosion protection coating, which is in particular a zinc or zinc alloy coating. From the prior art, methods for producing press-hardened and corrosion-protected sheet metal parts are known in which the starting sheet material already has a zinc or zinc alloy coating (hereinafter referred to collectively as zinc coating). For this purpose, for example, reference is made to the EN 10 2009 016 852 A1 the applicant.

Beim Presshärten zinkvorbeschichteter Blechmaterialien kann es zu Mikrorissen in der Zinkbeschichtung kommen, die durch die Zinkbeschichtung hindurch bis in das Stahlblechmaterial hineinreichen können. Diesbezüglich wird auf die entsprechenden Erläuterungen in der DE 10 2011 053 939 A1 hingewiesen.When press hardening zinc-coated sheet materials, microcracks can occur in the zinc coating, which can penetrate through the zinc coating into the In this regard, please refer to the relevant explanations in the EN 10 2011 053 939 A1 pointed out.

In der DE 10 2011 053 939 A1 wird ein Verfahren zum Herstellen eines gehärteten Stahlbauteils mit einer Beschichtung aus Zink oder einer Zinklegierung vorgeschlagen, bei dem die vorbeschichtete Platine (ohne Vorformen) erhitzt und in einem Presshärtewerkzeug umgeformt bzw. warmumgeformt und pressgehärtet wird (so genanntes direktes Presshärten), wobei die Platine oder Teile der Platine nach dem Erhitzen und vor dem Umformen und Presshärten mittels einer Kühleinrichtung rasch zwischengekühlt werden (Zwischenkühlschritt). Durch Einstellung als Umwandlungsverzögerer wirkender Legierungselemente kann trotz dieser Zwischenkühlung eine Abschreckhärtung (im Presshärtewerkzeug) noch sicher erreicht werden. Mit dieser Verfahrensweise gelingt es, beim Presshärten von zink- oder zinklegierungsbeschichteten Stahlblechen einerseits eine Abschreckhärtung herbeizuführen und andererseits Rissbildung zu vermeiden oder zu vermindern.In the EN 10 2011 053 939 A1 A method is proposed for producing a hardened steel component with a coating of zinc or a zinc alloy, in which the pre-coated plate (without preforming) is heated and formed or hot-formed and press-hardened in a press-hardening tool (so-called direct press hardening), whereby the plate or parts of the plate are rapidly cooled in between using a cooling device after heating and before forming and press-hardening (intermediate cooling step). By setting alloying elements that act as transformation retarders, quench hardening (in the press-hardening tool) can still be reliably achieved despite this intermediate cooling. With this procedure, it is possible to induce quench hardening during the press-hardening of zinc or zinc alloy-coated steel sheets on the one hand and to avoid or reduce the formation of cracks on the other.

Zum Stand der Technik wird ferner auf die US 2014/0352388 A1 hingewiesen, die einen Presshärteprozess beschreibt, bei dem das Stahlblechmaterial nach dem Erwärmen und Austenitisieren während des Transfers zur Presse bzw. zum Werkzeug vorgekühlt wird, um dadurch den Kühlaufwand im Werkzeug zu verringern. Eine Beschichtung, insbesondere Zinkbeschichtung, ist nicht beschrieben.Regarding the state of the art, reference is also made to US 2014/0352388 A1 which describes a press hardening process in which the steel sheet material is pre-cooled after heating and austenitizing during transfer to the press or tool in order to reduce the cooling effort in the tool. A coating, in particular a zinc coating, is not described.

Ausgehend von dem in der DE 10 2011 053 939 A1 beschriebenen Stand der Technik soll die Erfindung eine Möglichkeit aufzeigen, wie bei der Serienfertigung pressgehärteter und korrosionsgeschützter Blechformteile unter Verwendung von zink- oder zinklegierungsbeschichteten Stahlblechen das Zwischenkühlen der erwärmten Platinen verbessert werden kann.Based on the EN 10 2011 053 939 A1 The invention is intended to demonstrate a possibility of how the intermediate cooling of the heated blanks can be improved in the series production of press-hardened and corrosion-protected sheet metal parts using zinc- or zinc alloy-coated steel sheets.

Dies gelingt mit der erfindungsgemäßen Anlage des Patentanspruchs 1. Bevorzugte Weiterbildungen und Ausgestaltungen ergeben sich aus den abhängigen Patentansprüchen und aus den nachfolgenden Erläuterungen. Die Weiterbildungen, Ausgestaltungen und Merkmale sind ausdrücklich auch miteinander kombinierbar.This is achieved with the inventive arrangement of patent claim 1. Preferred further developments and embodiments arise from the dependent patent claims and from the following explanations. The further developments, embodiments and features can also be expressly combined with one another.

Die erfindungsgemäße Anlage bzw. Vorrichtung umfasst:

  • einen Ofen bzw. eine Ofeneinrichtung (d. h. wenigstens ein Ofen bzw. wenigstens eine Ofeneinrichtung), in dem bzw. in der die Stahlblechplatinen (im Folgenden auch nur als Platinen bezeichnet) auf Austenitisierungstemperatur (oder höher) erwärmt bzw. aufgeheizt werden können;
  • ein Presshärtewerkzeug (d. h. wenigstens ein Presshärtewerkzeug), welches typischerweise in einer Presse eingebaut ist, in dem die erwärmten Platinen direkt umgeformt bzw. warmumgeformt und pressgehärtet werden können;
  • eine Kühl- bzw. Zwischenkühleinrichtung (d. h. wenigstens eine Kühleinrichtung), mit der die im Ofen erwärmten bzw. aufgeheizten Platinen vor dem Einlegen in das Presshärtewerkzeug vollständig oder zumindest bereichsweise bzw. abschnittsweise zwischengekühlt werden können, wobei die Kühleinrichtung eine Luftdüsenanordnung mit einer Vielzahl von Luftdüsen aufweist, mit der ein Luftkissen erzeugbar ist, welches die Platinen tragen kann und dabei auch eine aktive Zwischenkühlung der Platinen ermöglicht, wobei die Luftdüsen der Luftdüsenanordnunq ortsfest anqeordnet sind und eine beidseitige Luftbeaufschlaqunq von unten und oben ermöglichen, sodass die Platinen gleichzeitig von beiden Seiten aktiv gekühlt werden können; und
  • gegebenenfalls (wenigstens) einen Roboter oder dergleichen für das automatisierte Verbringen bzw. Transportieren der Platinen.
The system or device according to the invention comprises:
  • a furnace or furnace device (ie at least one furnace or at least one furnace device) in which the sheet steel blanks (hereinafter also referred to as blanks) can be heated to austenitizing temperature (or higher);
  • a press hardening tool (ie at least one press hardening tool), typically installed in a press, in which the heated blanks can be directly formed or hot formed and press hardened;
  • a cooling or intermediate cooling device (ie at least one cooling device) with which the blanks heated or preheated in the furnace can be cooled completely or at least in regions or sections before being placed in the press hardening tool, wherein the cooling device has an air nozzle arrangement with a plurality of air nozzles with which an air cushion can be generated which can support the blanks and also enables active intermediate cooling of the blanks, wherein the air nozzles of the air nozzle arrangement are arranged in a fixed position and enable air to be applied on both sides from below and above, so that the blanks can be actively cooled from both sides at the same time; and
  • if necessary (at least) one robot or the like for the automated movement or transport of the circuit boards.

Eine nicht erfindungsgemäße erste Ausführungsmöglichkeit der Anlage ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Kühleinrichtung zwei einander gegenüberliegend angeordnete Luftmesser aufweist, mit denen ein Luftvorhang zur aktiven Zwischenkühlung der Platinen erzeugbar ist. Die beiden Luftmesser liegen sich, einander gegenüber. Bevorzugt ist vorgesehen, dass diese Kühleinrichtung wenigstens zwei Luftmesser aufweist, die, insbesondere ortsfest, sich einander gegenüberliegend angeordnet sind und mit denen ein Luftvorhang erzeugbar ist, wobei dieser Luftvorhang eine aktive Zwischenkühlung der zwischen diesen Luftmessern hindurchbewegten erwärmten Platinen ermöglicht. Bevorzugt sind die beiden Luftmesser auf gegenüberliegenden Seiten eines Beabstandungsspalts angeordnet und insbesondere ortsfest angeordnet, wobei die erwärmten Platinen durch diesen Beabstandungsspalt hindurchbewegt und dabei durch den mithilfe der Luftmesser erzeugten Luftvorhang aktiv zwischengekühlt werden können. Besonders bevorzugt handelt es sich um wenigstens ein oberes und wenigstens ein unteres Luftmesser.A first possible embodiment of the system, not according to the invention, is characterized in that the cooling device has two air knives arranged opposite one another, with which an air curtain can be generated for the active intermediate cooling of the boards. The two air knives are located opposite one another. It is preferably provided that this cooling device has at least two air knives which are arranged opposite one another, in particular in a stationary manner, and with which an air curtain can be generated, wherein this air curtain enables active intermediate cooling of the heated boards moved between these air knives. Preferably, the two air knives are arranged on opposite sides of a spacing gap and in particular in a stationary manner, wherein the heated boards can be moved through this spacing gap and can be actively intermediate cooled by the air curtain generated with the aid of the air knives. Particularly preferably, there is at least one upper and at least one lower air knife.

Unter einer aktiven Zwischenkühlung wird eine gezielte Abkühlung bzw. ein definiertes Herunterkühlen der erwärmten Platinen durch Beaufschlagung mit kühlender Luft (oder gegebenenfalls auch Dampf) verstanden. Mit dieser, durch die Kühleinrichtung bewerkstelligten Zwischenkühlung sollen die zuvor im Ofen auf Austenitisierungstemperatur (oder höher) erwärmten bzw. erhitzten Platinen rasch und gezielt heruntergekühlt werden, wobei bspw. eine Abkühlung von über 900 °C auf ca. 750 °C oder sogar nur auf ca. 700 °C stattfindet und Abkühlgeschwindigkeiten von mindestens 10 Klsec, bevorzugt mindestens 20 K/sec und insbesondere mindestens 30 Klsec erreicht werden können.Active intermediate cooling is understood to mean a targeted cooling or a defined cooling down of the heated blanks by applying cooling air (or possibly steam). This intermediate cooling, which is carried out by the cooling device, is intended to quickly and specifically cool down the blanks that were previously heated in the furnace to the austenitizing temperature (or higher), for example cooling from over 900 °C to approx. 750 °C or even only to approx. 700 °C and cooling rates of at least 10 Klsec, preferably at least 20 K/sec and in particular at least 30 Klsec can be achieved.

Unter einem Luftmesser wird eine speziell gestaltete Luftdüse oder Gruppe von Luftdüsen verstanden, mit der ein linienförmiger schmaler Luftstrom, der bspw. nur zwischen 0,5 mm und 1,0 mm dünn ist, erzeugbar ist. Der erzeugte messerartige Luftstrom kann als Luftvorhang bezeichnet werden. Vereinfachend kann davon ausgegangen werden, dass die beiden gegenüberliegenden Luftmesser einen Luftvorhang erzeugen, der aus unterschiedlichen Luftströmen besteht. Luftmesser sind aus dem Stand der Technik bekannt und werden in Presswerken bspw. zum Abblasen von Blechen und Coils verwendet.An air knife is a specially designed air nozzle or group of air nozzles with which a linear, narrow air flow can be generated, which is, for example, only between 0.5 mm and 1.0 mm thick. The knife-like air flow generated can be referred to as an air curtain. To simplify matters, it can be assumed that the two opposing air knives generate an air curtain that consists of different air flows. Air knives are known from the state of the art and are used in press shops, for example, to blow off sheets and coils.

Die Luftmesser der Kühleinrichtung können zur Erzeugung eines Flüssigkeitstropfen und/oder Eispartikel enthaltenden Luftvorhangs ausgebildet sein. Bei den Flüssigkeitstropfen handelt es sich z. B. um Wassertropfen, die, bspw. als Wasserdampf oder Sprühnebel, dem Luftvorhang beigemischt werden. Bei den Eispartikeln kann es sich bspw. um Trockeneispartikel oder Schneeflocken handeln, die dem Luftvorhang beigemischt werden. Die beigemischten Flüssigkeitstropfen oder Eispartikel bewirken eine Verbesserung der Abkühlung und ermöglichen bspw. höhere Abkühlgeschwindigkeiten und/oder kürzere Taktzeiten. Ferner kann durch Verändern der Dosierung die Abkühlwirkung beeinflusst werden.The air knives of the cooling device can be designed to produce an air curtain containing liquid drops and/or ice particles. The liquid drops are, for example, water drops that are mixed into the air curtain, e.g. as water vapor or spray mist. The ice particles can be, for example, dry ice particles or snowflakes that are mixed into the air curtain. The mixed liquid drops or ice particles improve the cooling and enable, for example, higher cooling speeds and/or shorter cycle times. Furthermore, the cooling effect can be influenced by changing the dosage.

Bevorzugt sind die Luftmesser der Kühleinrichtung in einem Platinen-Auslaufbereich des Ofens angeordnet, wobei insbesondere vorgesehen ist, dass ein unteres Luftmesser zwischen Transportrollen bzw. Transportwalzen (einer Rollenbahn oder dergleichen) angeordnet ist. Die Kühleinrichtung für das Zwischenkühlen kann somit quasi platzneutral in der Anlage angeordnet werden. Außerdem kann die Auslaufbewegung der Platinen für das Hindurchbewegen zwischen den Luftmessern mitgenutzt werden, so dass die Zwischenkühlung zeitneutral erfolgen kann.Preferably, the air knives of the cooling device are arranged in a blank discharge area of the furnace, wherein it is particularly provided that a lower air knife is arranged between transport rollers or transport rollers (of a roller conveyor or The cooling device for the intermediate cooling can thus be arranged in a way that is virtually space-neutral in the system. In addition, the discharge movement of the blanks can also be used for the passage between the air knives, so that the intermediate cooling can take place in a time-neutral way.

Die erfindungsgemäße zweite Ausführungsmöglichkeit der Anlage ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Kühleinrichtung eine Luftdüsenanordnung aufweist, mit der ein Luftkissen erzeugbar ist, welches die Platinen tragen und dabei auch eine aktive Zwischenkühlung (gemäß obenstehender Definition) selbiger ermöglichen kann. Die Kühleinrichtung kann ferner seitliche Führungselemente für die Platinen aufweisen.The second possible embodiment of the system according to the invention is characterized in that the cooling device has an air nozzle arrangement with which an air cushion can be generated which can support the boards and also enable active intermediate cooling (as defined above) of the same. The cooling device can also have lateral guide elements for the boards.

Unter einer Luftdüsenanordnung wird erfindungsgemäß eine Vielzahl von Luftdüsen (d. h. wenigstens zwei Luftdüsen) verstanden, die derart ausgestaltet und angeordnet sind, dass damit die Erzeugung eines Luftkissens möglich ist. Die Luftdüsen sind erfindungsgemäß ortsfest angeordnet.According to the invention, an air nozzle arrangement is understood to mean a plurality of air nozzles (i.e. at least two air nozzles) which are designed and arranged in such a way that the generation of an air cushion is possible. According to the invention, the air nozzles are arranged in a fixed position.

Mit den Luftdüsen wird eine beidseitige Luftbeaufschlagung ermöglicht, nämlich von unten und oben, so dass die vorzugsweise relativ zur Luftdüsenanordnung bewegten Platinen gleichzeitig von beiden Seiten aktiv gekühlt werden können. Analog zur ersten Ausführungsmöglichkeit der Anlage kann die Luftdüsenanordnung zur Erzeugung eines Flüssigkeitstropfen und/oder Eispartikel enthaltenden Luftkissens ausgebildet sein. Ebenso kann die Luftdüsenanordnung im Auslaufbereich des Ofens angeordnet sein.The air nozzles allow air to be applied from both sides, namely from below and above, so that the boards, which are preferably moved relative to the air nozzle arrangement, can be actively cooled from both sides at the same time. Analogous to the first possible design of the system, the air nozzle arrangement can be designed to generate an air cushion containing liquid drops and/or ice particles. The air nozzle arrangement can also be arranged in the outlet area of the furnace.

Sowohl die Luftdüsenanordnung der zweiten Ausführungsmöglichkeit als auch die Luftmesser der ersten Ausführungsmöglichkeit kann/können derart ausgebildet sein, dass diese ein- und ausschaltbar und/oder in der erbringbaren Kühlleistung bzw. Kühlwirkung veränderbar ist/sind. Bevorzugt wird die Luftdüsenanordnung bzw. werden die Luftmesser nur dann eingeschaltet, wenn eine zuvor erwärmte Platine zwischengekühlt werden soll. In den Taktzeitpausen kann die Luftdüsenanordnung bzw. können die Luftmesser ausgeschaltet werden, um bspw. den Energiebedarf zu senken (Ein- und Ausschalten im Fertigungstaktzeitrhythmus). Anstelle des Ausschaltens ist auch ein Schlummermodus oder dergleichen denkbar. Das Ein- und Ausschalten und/oder das Verändern der Kühlleistung kann bspw. mithilfe einer Steuereinrichtung bewerkstelligt werden.Both the air nozzle arrangement of the second embodiment and the air knives of the first embodiment can be designed in such a way that they can be switched on and off and/or the cooling power or cooling effect that can be achieved can be changed. Preferably, the air nozzle arrangement or the air knives are only switched on when a previously heated board is to be cooled. During the cycle time breaks, the air nozzle arrangement or the air knives can be switched off, for example to reduce the energy requirement (switching on and off in the production cycle time rhythm). Instead of switching off, a sleep mode or the like is also conceivable. The switching on and Switching off and/or changing the cooling performance can be accomplished, for example, using a control device.

Die erfindungsgemäße Anlage kann Einrichtungen zur Temperaturmessung der Platinen aufweisen, um bspw. am Presshärtewerkzeug die Einlegetemperatur der zwischengekühlten Platinen erfassen bzw. messen zu können. Bevorzugt ist vorgesehen, dass die erfindungsgemäße Anlage wenigstens eine, insbesondere im Bereich der Kühleinrichtung angeordnete, Wärmebildkamera oder dergleichen (bspw. eine Infrarot- oder Thermographiekamera) und/oder wenigstens einen und insbesondere mehrere im Bereich der Kühleinrichtung angeordnete thermische Linienscanner oder dergleichen (bspw. Zeilenpyrometer) aufweist, mit der bzw. mit denen die Abkühlung und insbesondere der Abkühlungsfortschritt (Abkühlungsverlauf über der Zeit) beim Zwischenkühlen der Platinen erfasst werden kann bzw. erfassbar ist.The system according to the invention can have devices for measuring the temperature of the blanks in order to be able to record or measure the insertion temperature of the intermediately cooled blanks on the press hardening tool, for example. It is preferably provided that the system according to the invention has at least one thermal imaging camera or the like (e.g. an infrared or thermography camera), arranged in particular in the area of the cooling device, and/or at least one and in particular several thermal line scanners or the like (e.g. line pyrometers) arranged in the area of the cooling device, with which the cooling and in particular the cooling progress (cooling curve over time) can be recorded during the intermediate cooling of the blanks.

Bevorzugt umfasst die erfindungsgemäße Anlage eine Steuereinrichtung zur Steuerung der Luftdüsenanordnung oder der Luftmesser. Diese Steuereinrichtung ist insbesondere dazu ausgebildet, mithilfe der Wärmebildkamera oder den thermischen Linienscannern die Zwischenkühlung der Platinen in einem Regelkreis regeln zu können. Eine solche Regelung kann bspw. derart erfolgen, dass bei jeder zwischenzukühlenden Platine der Abkühlungsfortschritt erfasst und gegebenenfalls die Kühlleistung der Luftdüsenanordnung oder der Luftmesser verändert wird, um eine gewünschte bzw. erforderliche Abkühlung und/oder Abkühlgeschwindigkeit zu erreichen.The system according to the invention preferably comprises a control device for controlling the air nozzle arrangement or the air knives. This control device is designed in particular to be able to regulate the intermediate cooling of the boards in a control loop using the thermal imaging camera or the thermal line scanners. Such a control can be carried out, for example, in such a way that the cooling progress is recorded for each board to be intermediately cooled and, if necessary, the cooling capacity of the air nozzle arrangement or the air knives is changed in order to achieve a desired or required cooling and/or cooling speed.

Beide Ausführungsmöglichkeiten der Anlage ermöglichen die Serienfertigung pressgehärteter und korrosionsgeschützter Blechformteile durch direktes Presshärten zinkbeschichteter Platinen (hiermit sind mit einer Zink- oder Zinklegierungsbeschichtung vorbeschichtete Stahlblechplatinen gemeint). Unter einem direkten Presshärten wird verstanden, dass eine erwärmte Platine ohne Vorformen direkt im Presshärtewerkzeug zu einem Blechformteil umgeformt und gleichzeitig durch rasches Abkühlen eine Härtung bzw. Festigkeitserhöhung herbeigeführt wird (siehe hierzu auch entsprechende Erläuterungen in der DE 10 2011 053 939 A1 ). Im Vergleich zum indirekten Presshärten, das ein Vorformen des Blechmaterials vorsieht, sind beim direkten Presshärten der Aufwand und die damit verbundenen Kosten (insbesondere Werkzeugkosten aufgrund mehrerer erforderlicher Werkzeuge) deutlich geringer. Durch die in der erfindungsgemäßen Anlage ermöglichte Zwischenkühlung wird die sonst beim direkten Presshärten zinkbeschichteter Platinen vorhandene Rissgefahr beseitigt oder zumindest verringert. Die Erfindung eignet sich auch für die Nachrüstung bestehender Anlagen.Both versions of the system enable the series production of press-hardened and corrosion-protected sheet metal parts by direct press hardening of zinc-coated blanks (this refers to steel sheet blanks pre-coated with a zinc or zinc alloy coating). Direct press hardening means that a heated blank is formed into a sheet metal part directly in the press hardening tool without pre-forming and at the same time hardened or increased in strength by rapid cooling. (see also the corresponding explanations in the EN 10 2011 053 939 A1 ). Compared to indirect press hardening, which requires pre-forming of the sheet metal, the effort and associated costs (in particular tool costs due to the multiple tools required) are significantly lower with direct press hardening. The intermediate cooling made possible in the system according to the invention eliminates or at least reduces the risk of cracking that otherwise exists with direct press hardening of zinc-coated blanks. The invention is also suitable for retrofitting existing systems.

Die Erfindung wird nachfolgend anhand der Figuren näher erläutert.

Fig. 1
zeigt schematisch eine nicht erfindungsgemäße erste Ausführungsmöglichkeit der Anlage für die Serienfertigung pressgehärteter und korrosionsgeschützter Blechformteile.
Fig. 2
zeigt schematisch eine erfindungsgemäße zweite Ausführungsmöglichkeit der Anlage für die Serienfertigung pressgehärteter und korrosionsgeschützter Blechformteile.
The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures.
Fig.1
shows schematically a first possible embodiment of the system for the series production of press-hardened and corrosion-protected sheet metal parts.
Fig. 2
shows schematically a second embodiment of the system according to the invention for the series production of press-hardened and corrosion-protected sheet metal parts.

Fig. 1 zeigt eine nicht erfindungsgemäße Anlage 100 zum Herstellen pressgehärteter Blechformteile 210 in Serie. Die Anlage 100 umfasst einen Ofen 110 und ein Presshärtewerkzeug 130, welches in einer Presse 140 eingebaut ist. Die Anlage 100 kann ferner einen Roboter oder dergleichen umfassen, mit dem automatisiert die im Ofen 110 erwärmten Platinen 200 im Auslaufbereich 115 des Ofens 110 aufgenommen und in das Presshärtewerkzeug 130 eingelegt werden können. Bei dem Ofen 110 handelt es sich beispielhaft um einen Durchlaufofen, wobei aus dem Stand der Technik auch andere geeignete Ofenbauarten bekannt sind. Der Pfeil DR gibt die Durchlaufrichtung der Platinen 200 an. Die Platinen 200 weisen eine insbesondere beidseitig aufgebrachte Zinkbeschichtung auf, wie obenstehend erläutert, so dass die hergestellten pressgehärteten Blechformteile 210 korrosionsgeschützt sind. Bei den Platinen 200 kann es sich ausdrücklich auch um maßgeschneiderte Platinen, so genannte Tailored Blanks (bspw. Rolled Tailored Blanks oder Welded Tailored Blanks), handeln. Fig.1 shows a system 100 not according to the invention for producing press-hardened sheet metal parts 210 in series. The system 100 comprises a furnace 110 and a press-hardening tool 130, which is installed in a press 140. The system 100 can also comprise a robot or the like, with which the blanks 200 heated in the furnace 110 can be automatically picked up in the outlet area 115 of the furnace 110 and placed in the press-hardening tool 130. The furnace 110 is, for example, a continuous furnace, although other suitable furnace designs are also known from the prior art. The arrow DR indicates the direction of passage of the blanks 200. The blanks 200 have a zinc coating applied in particular on both sides, as explained above, so that the press-hardened sheet metal parts 210 produced are protected against corrosion. The blanks 200 can expressly also be tailor-made blanks, so-called tailored blanks (e.g. rolled tailored blanks or welded tailored blanks).

Die Anlage 100 umfasst ferner eine im Auslaufbereich 115 des Ofens 110 angeordnete Kühleinrichtung 120, mit der die im Ofen 110 auf Austenitisierungstemperatur erwärmten zinkbeschichteten Platinen 200 zwischengekühlt werden können, bevor diese in das Presshärtewerkzeug 130 eingelegt und dort zu korrosionsgeschützten Blechformteilen 200 umgeformt bzw. warmumgeformt werden. Das direkte Umformen der ebenen Platinen 210 mit einer einhergehenden Presshärtung wird auch als direktes Presshärten bezeichnet. Die hergestellten pressgehärteten Blechformteile 210 können vollständig oder auch nur teilweise bzw. partiell pressgehärtet sein. Das Zwischenkühlen und die dadurch erzielten Effekte sind obenstehend ausführlich erläutert.The system 100 further comprises a cooling device 120 arranged in the outlet area 115 of the furnace 110, with which the zinc-coated blanks 200 heated to austenitizing temperature in the furnace 110 can be intermediately cooled before they are placed in the press hardening tool 130 and formed or hot-formed there into corrosion-protected sheet metal parts 200. The direct forming of the flat blanks 210 with accompanying press hardening is also referred to as direct press hardening. The press-hardened sheet metal parts 210 produced can be completely or only partially or partially press hardened. The intermediate cooling and the effects achieved thereby are explained in detail above.

Bei der in Fig. 1 gezeigten ersten Ausführungsmöglichkeit umfasst die Kühleinrichtung 120 ein oberes Luftmesser 121 und ein zwischen den Transportrollen bzw. -walzen 116 angeordnetes unteres Luftmesser 122. Die beiden Luftmesser 121/122 sind ortsfest angeordnet. Mit diesen sich gegenüberliegenden Luftmessern 121/122 ist ein Luftvorhang L zur aktiven Zwischenkühlung der zwischen diesen Luftmessern 121/122 hindurchbewegten Platinen 200 erzeugbar. Den von den Luftmessern 121/122 erzeugten Luftströmen können Flüssigkeitstropfen und/oder Eispartikel beigemischt sein. Die Luftmesser 121/122 können in horizontaler Richtung auch zueinander versetzt angeordnet sein. Ferner kann eine Mehrzahl oberer und/oder unterer Luftmesser vorgesehen sein.At the Fig.1 In the first embodiment shown, the cooling device 120 comprises an upper air knife 121 and a lower air knife 122 arranged between the transport rollers or cylinders 116. The two air knives 121/122 are arranged in a fixed position. With these opposing air knives 121/122, an air curtain L can be generated for the active intermediate cooling of the boards 200 moving between these air knives 121/122. Liquid drops and/or ice particles can be mixed into the air streams generated by the air knives 121/122. The air knives 121/122 can also be arranged offset from one another in the horizontal direction. Furthermore, a plurality of upper and/or lower air knives can be provided.

Mithilfe der den Luftvorhang L bildenden linienförmigen schmalen Luftströme werden die aus dem Ofen 110 kommenden Platinen 200 beim Durchlaufen der Kühleinrichtung 120 quasi abgeblasen und hierbei bspw. von über 900 °C auf 700 °C heruntergekühlt. Das Abblasen kann zudem den Vorteil haben, dass evtl. anhaftende Verunreinigungen entfernt werden. Das Abblasen kann auch aus schrägen Richtungen erfolgen. Durch Ein- und Ausschalten der Luftmesser 121/122 und/oder durch Verändern der von diesen erbrachten Kühlleistung ist eine nur bereichsweise erfolgende Zwischenkühlung oder eine unterschiedliche Temperaturbereiche erzeugende Zwischenkühlung der Platinen 200 möglich.With the help of the linear narrow air streams forming the air curtain L, the blanks 200 coming out of the furnace 110 are virtually blown off as they pass through the cooling device 120 and are thereby cooled down, for example, from over 900 °C to 700 °C. Blowing off can also have the advantage of removing any adhering contaminants. Blowing off can also take place from oblique directions. By switching the air knives 121/122 on and off and/or by changing the cooling power they provide, only certain areas of the blanks can be cooled. Intermediate cooling or intermediate cooling of the boards 200 that creates different temperature ranges is possible.

Die Anlage 100 weist ferner zwei thermische Linien- bzw. Zeilenscanner 141 und 142 auf, die in Durchlaufrichtung DR zueinander beabstandet zwischen den Transportrollen bzw. -walzen 116 im Auslaufbereich 115 angeordnet sind. Mithilfe dieser ortsfest angeordneten Scanner 141/142 kann der Abkühlungsfortschritt an den vorbeibewegten Platinen 200 in Echtzeit erfasst werden. Die Scanner 141/142 sind mit einer Auswerte- und Steuereinrichtung 150 verbunden. Die Steuereinrichtung 150 ist auch für eine Steuerung und insbesondere Regelung der Luftmesser 121/122 ausgebildet. Gegebenenfalls kann mithilfe der Steuereinrichtung 150 auch die Durchlaufgeschwindigkeit der Platinen 200 verändert werden. Zudem kann eine bauteilindividuelle Dokumentation erfolgen.The system 100 also has two thermal line scanners 141 and 142, which are arranged at a distance from one another in the direction of travel DR between the transport rollers or cylinders 116 in the discharge area 115. With the help of these stationary scanners 141/142, the cooling progress of the boards 200 moving past can be recorded in real time. The scanners 141/142 are connected to an evaluation and control device 150. The control device 150 is also designed to control and in particular regulate the air knives 121/122. If necessary, the speed of the boards 200 passing through can also be changed with the help of the control device 150. In addition, component-specific documentation can be carried out.

Bei der in Fig. 2 gezeigten erfindungsgemäßen zweiten Ausführungsmöglichkeit der Anlage 100 umfasst die Kühleinrichtung 120 eine im Auslaufbereich 115 des Ofens 110 ortsfest angeordnete Luftdüsenanordnung 125 mit oberen und unteren Luftdüsen. In diesem Abschnitt sind keine Transportrollen bzw. -walzen 116 vorgesehen (d. h. der betreffende Förderabschnitt im Auslaufbereich 115 ist transportrollen- bzw. transportwalzenfrei). Mit der Luftdüsenanordnung 125 ist ein Luftkissen bzw. Luftpolster K erzeugbar, auf dem die aus dem Ofen 110 kommenden Platinen 200 mehr oder weniger berührungslos durch die Kühleinrichtung 120 hindurchbewegt und dabei durch beidseitige Luftbeaufschlagung heruntergekühlt werden. Die Platinen 200 werden, gegebenenfalls unter Einsatz von Führungselementen, von dem Luftkissen K getragen (ganz oder zumindest teilweise), und dadurch quasi berührungslos bzw. schwebend durch die Kühleinrichtung 120 hindurchbefördert, so dass aufgrund des fehlenden Rollen- bzw. Walzenkontakts etwaige Oberflächenbeeinträchtigungen vermieden werden können.At the Fig.2 In the second possible embodiment of the system 100 according to the invention shown, the cooling device 120 comprises an air nozzle arrangement 125 with upper and lower air nozzles arranged in a fixed position in the outlet area 115 of the furnace 110. No transport rollers or cylinders 116 are provided in this section (ie the relevant conveyor section in the outlet area 115 is free of transport rollers or cylinders). The air nozzle arrangement 125 can be used to create an air cushion or air pad K on which the blanks 200 coming out of the furnace 110 are moved more or less contactlessly through the cooling device 120 and are cooled down by air being applied on both sides. The boards 200 are supported (fully or at least partially) by the air cushion K, if necessary with the use of guide elements, and are thereby conveyed through the cooling device 120 in a virtually contactless or floating manner, so that any surface impairments can be avoided due to the lack of roller or cylinder contact.

Zur Überwachung des Abkühlungsfortschritts ist wenigstens eine in die Abkühleinrichtung 120 blickende Wärmebildkamera 145 oder dergleichen vorgesehen. Die Kamera 145 kann als Zeilenkamera (Line Scan Camera) ausgebildet sein. Im Übrigen gelten analog die vorausgehenden Erläuterungen zur ersten Ausführungsmöglichkeit gemäß Fig. 1.To monitor the cooling progress, at least one thermal imaging camera 145 or the like is provided that looks into the cooling device 120. The camera 145 can be a line scan camera In addition, the previous explanations for the first execution option apply analogously according to Fig.1 .

BezugszeichenlisteList of reference symbols

100100
AnlageAttachment
110110
OfenOven
115115
AuslaufbereichRun-off area
116116
Transportrollen, TransportwalzenTransport rollers, transport rollers
120120
KühleinrichtungCooling device
121121
LuftmesserAir knife
122122
LuftmesserAir knife
125125
LuftdüsenanordnungAir nozzle arrangement
130130
PresshärtewerkzeugPress hardening tool
131131
WerkzeugoberteilTool upper part
132132
WerkzeugunterteilTool base
133133
WerkzeugkühlungTool cooling
140140
PressePress
141141
thermischer Linienscannerthermal line scanner
142142
thermischer Linienscannerthermal line scanner
145145
WärmebildkameraThermal camera
150150
SteuereinrichtungControl device
200200
Platinecircuit board
210210
pressgehärtetes Blechformteilpress-hardened sheet metal part
DRDR
DurchlaufrichtungDirection of flow
KK
LuftkissenAir cushion
LL
LuftvorhangAir curtain

Claims (7)

  1. System (100) for the series production of press-hardened and corrosion-protected sheet-metal parts (210) by direct press-hardening of zinc-coated sheet-steel blanks (200), comprising:
    - an oven (110), in which the blanks (200) can be heated to austenizing temperature;
    - a press-hardening tool (130), in which the heated blanks (200) can be directly formed and press-hardened; and
    - a cooling device (120), with which the blanks (200) heated in the oven (110) can be intermediately cooled before being placed in the press-hardening tool (130);
    characterized in that
    the cooling device (120) comprises an air nozzle arrangement (125) with a multiplicity of air nozzles, which can be used to produce an air cushion (K) which can carry the blanks (200) and at the same time also allow active intermediate cooling of the blanks (200), wherein the nozzles of the nozzle arrangement (125) are fixed in place and allow air to be applied from both sides, above and below, so that the blanks (200) can be actively cooled simultaneously from both sides.
  2. System (100) according to Claim 1,
    characterized in that
    the cooling device (120) comprises lateral guiding elements for the blanks (200).
  3. System (100) according to Claim 1 or 2,
    characterized in that
    the air nozzle arrangement (125) is arranged in an outlet area (115) of the oven (110).
  4. System (100) according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the air nozzle arrangement (125) can be switched on and off and/or can be varied in cooling power.
  5. System (100) according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized by
    at least one thermal imaging camera (145), arranged in the region of the cooling device (120), and/or a number of thermal line scanners (141, 142), arranged in the region of the cooling device (120), with which the cooling and/or the cooling progress during the intermediate cooling can be recorded.
  6. System (100) according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized by
    a control device (150) for controlling the air nozzle arrangement (125).
  7. System (100) according to Claims 5 and 6,
    characterized in that
    the control device (150) is designed to be able to control the intermediate cooling of the blanks (200) with the aid of the thermal imaging camera (145) or the thermal line scanners (141, 142).
EP16702923.0A 2015-02-26 2016-02-03 System for the series production of press-hardened and anti-corrosion sheet metal moulded parts, comprising a cooling device for intermediate cooling of the sheet metal blanks Active EP3262202B1 (en)

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DE102015203406.2A DE102015203406A1 (en) 2015-02-26 2015-02-26 Plant for mass production of press-hardened and corrosion-protected sheet metal parts, with a cooling device for intermediate cooling of the boards
PCT/EP2016/052265 WO2016134934A2 (en) 2015-02-26 2016-02-03 System for the series production of press-hardened and anti-corrosion sheet metal moulded parts, comprising a cooling device for intermediate cooling of the sheet metal blanks

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EP3262202B1 true EP3262202B1 (en) 2024-05-01

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