EP3395965B1 - Hot forming line for producing thermoformed and press-hardened sheet steel products and method for operating the same - Google Patents

Hot forming line for producing thermoformed and press-hardened sheet steel products and method for operating the same Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3395965B1
EP3395965B1 EP18168502.5A EP18168502A EP3395965B1 EP 3395965 B1 EP3395965 B1 EP 3395965B1 EP 18168502 A EP18168502 A EP 18168502A EP 3395965 B1 EP3395965 B1 EP 3395965B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
hot
press
forming
rails
forming line
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.)
Active
Application number
EP18168502.5A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3395965A1 (en
Inventor
Georg Frost
Martin Hesselmann
Markus Kettler
Christoph Nitschke
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.)
Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbH
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Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbH
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Publication of EP3395965A1 publication Critical patent/EP3395965A1/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
    • 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
    • C21D8/0221—Modifying the physical properties by deformation combined with, or followed by, heat treatment during manufacturing of plates or strips characterised by the working steps
    • C21D8/0226—Hot rolling
    • 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
    • C21D9/46—Heat treatment, e.g. annealing, hardening, quenching or tempering, adapted for particular articles; Furnaces therefor for sheet metals
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
    • B21C—MANUFACTURE OF METAL SHEETS, WIRE, RODS, TUBES OR PROFILES, OTHERWISE THAN BY ROLLING; AUXILIARY OPERATIONS USED IN CONNECTION WITH METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL
    • B21C37/00—Manufacture of metal sheets, bars, wire, tubes or like semi-manufactured products, not otherwise provided for; Manufacture of tubes of special shape
    • B21C37/02—Manufacture of metal sheets, bars, wire, tubes or like semi-manufactured products, not otherwise provided for; Manufacture of tubes of special shape of sheets
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
    • B21D—WORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS OR PROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
    • B21D22/00—Shaping without cutting, by stamping, spinning, or deep-drawing
    • B21D22/02—Stamping using rigid devices or tools
    • B21D22/022—Stamping using rigid devices or tools by heating the blank or stamping associated with heat treatment
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
    • B21D—WORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS OR PROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
    • B21D43/00—Feeding, positioning or storing devices combined with, or arranged in, or specially adapted for use in connection with, apparatus for working or processing sheet metal, metal tubes or metal profiles; Associations therewith of cutting devices
    • B21D43/02—Advancing work in relation to the stroke of the die or tool
    • B21D43/04—Advancing work in relation to the stroke of the die or tool by means in mechanical engagement with the work
    • B21D43/05—Advancing work in relation to the stroke of the die or tool by means in mechanical engagement with the work specially adapted for multi-stage presses
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C21—METALLURGY OF IRON
    • C21D—MODIFYING THE PHYSICAL STRUCTURE OF FERROUS METALS; GENERAL DEVICES FOR HEAT TREATMENT OF FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS METALS OR ALLOYS; MAKING METAL MALLEABLE, e.g. BY DECARBURISATION OR TEMPERING
    • C21D1/00—General methods or devices for heat treatment, e.g. annealing, hardening, quenching or tempering
    • C21D1/18—Hardening; Quenching with or without subsequent tempering
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C21—METALLURGY OF IRON
    • C21D—MODIFYING THE PHYSICAL STRUCTURE OF FERROUS METALS; GENERAL DEVICES FOR HEAT TREATMENT OF FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS METALS OR ALLOYS; MAKING METAL MALLEABLE, e.g. BY DECARBURISATION OR TEMPERING
    • C21D1/00—General methods or devices for heat treatment, e.g. annealing, hardening, quenching or tempering
    • C21D1/34—Methods of heating
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C21—METALLURGY OF IRON
    • C21D—MODIFYING THE PHYSICAL STRUCTURE OF FERROUS METALS; GENERAL DEVICES FOR HEAT TREATMENT OF FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS METALS OR ALLOYS; MAKING METAL MALLEABLE, e.g. BY DECARBURISATION OR TEMPERING
    • C21D1/00—General methods or devices for heat treatment, e.g. annealing, hardening, quenching or tempering
    • C21D1/62—Quenching devices
    • C21D1/673—Quenching devices for die quenching
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C21—METALLURGY OF IRON
    • C21D—MODIFYING THE PHYSICAL STRUCTURE OF FERROUS METALS; GENERAL DEVICES FOR HEAT TREATMENT OF FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS METALS OR ALLOYS; MAKING METAL MALLEABLE, e.g. BY DECARBURISATION OR TEMPERING
    • C21D8/00—Modifying the physical properties by deformation combined with, or followed by, heat treatment
    • C21D8/005—Modifying the physical properties by deformation combined with, or followed by, heat treatment of ferrous alloys
    • 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
    • C21D8/0247—Modifying the physical properties by deformation combined with, or followed by, heat treatment during manufacturing of plates or strips characterised by the heat 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
    • C21D9/00—Heat treatment, e.g. annealing, hardening, quenching or tempering, adapted for particular articles; Furnaces therefor
    • C21D9/0006—Details, accessories not peculiar to any of the following furnaces
    • C21D9/0018—Details, accessories not peculiar to any of the following furnaces for charging, discharging or manipulation of charge
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C21—METALLURGY OF IRON
    • C21D—MODIFYING THE PHYSICAL STRUCTURE OF FERROUS METALS; GENERAL DEVICES FOR HEAT TREATMENT OF FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS METALS OR ALLOYS; MAKING METAL MALLEABLE, e.g. BY DECARBURISATION OR TEMPERING
    • C21D9/00—Heat treatment, e.g. annealing, hardening, quenching or tempering, adapted for particular articles; Furnaces therefor
    • C21D9/0056—Furnaces through which the charge is moved in a horizontal straight path
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C21—METALLURGY OF IRON
    • C21D—MODIFYING THE PHYSICAL STRUCTURE OF FERROUS METALS; GENERAL DEVICES FOR HEAT TREATMENT OF FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS METALS OR ALLOYS; MAKING METAL MALLEABLE, e.g. BY DECARBURISATION OR TEMPERING
    • C21D9/00—Heat treatment, e.g. annealing, hardening, quenching or tempering, adapted for particular articles; Furnaces therefor
    • C21D9/0081—Heat treatment, e.g. annealing, hardening, quenching or tempering, adapted for particular articles; Furnaces therefor for slabs; for billets
    • 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
    • C21D9/46—Heat treatment, e.g. annealing, hardening, quenching or tempering, adapted for particular articles; Furnaces therefor for sheet metals
    • C21D9/48—Heat treatment, e.g. annealing, hardening, quenching or tempering, adapted for particular articles; Furnaces therefor for sheet metals deep-drawing sheets
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C21—METALLURGY OF IRON
    • C21D—MODIFYING THE PHYSICAL STRUCTURE OF FERROUS METALS; GENERAL DEVICES FOR HEAT TREATMENT OF FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS METALS OR ALLOYS; MAKING METAL MALLEABLE, e.g. BY DECARBURISATION OR TEMPERING
    • C21D2221/00—Treating localised areas of an article

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a hot-forming line for the production of hot-formed and press-hardened sheet steel products according to the features in the preamble of patent claim 1.
  • the present invention further relates to a method for operating a thermoforming line according to the features in the preamble of claim 10.
  • a heating station also referred to as a temperature control station
  • a Hot forming and press hardening tool is therefore required, as well as a Hot forming and press hardening tool.
  • Manipulators mostly in the form of industrial robots, are used between the individual stations or tools in order to transfer the circuit board or components from one station to the next.
  • thermoforming line is from, for example DE 10 2009 014 670 B4 known.
  • the object of the present invention is to provide a thermoforming line and a method for operating it, in which the transport time between the different stations and the design effort for transport are optimized.
  • thermoforming line according to the features in claim 1.
  • the hot-forming line for the production of hot-formed and press-hardened sheet steel products has at least one temperature control station for heating at least one sheet metal plate and at least one hot-forming and press-hardening tool for forming and hardening the heated sheet metal plate to form a sheet steel product.
  • a linear conveyor system is provided along the thermoforming line, which is formed from two parallel opposed rails, the rails themselves being translationally displaceable and gripping elements, hereinafter also referred to as grippers, arranged on the rails, the gripping elements in Axial direction of the rails are displaceable and the gripping elements can be raised or lowered orthogonally to or with the rails.
  • grippers translationally displaceable and gripping elements
  • the gripping elements can be displaced in the axial direction of the rails either by moving the rails in the axial direction or by a relative movement of the gripping elements to the rails.
  • the linear conveyor system is thus provided at least over a partial length of the thermoforming line, so that blanks can be transported from the temperature control station to the thermoforming tool or press hardening tool.
  • the linear conveyor system is preferably provided along the entire thermoforming line.
  • the linear conveyor system is thus provided along the entire thermoforming line. Accordingly, a sheet metal blank is picked up from a stack of blank sheets or a board provided by a trimming device and transported through the hot-forming line and the finished sheet steel product is deposited at a storage location. Separate manipulators, in particular industrial robots, can thus be dispensed with between the individual stations. According to the invention, the individual stations of the thermoforming line can thereby be moved closer to one another locally or adjoin one another directly adjacent. The space required in a production hall to set up such a thermoforming line is thereby reduced.
  • the linear conveyor system can also be operated synchronously with several gripping elements, in particular in the cycle time of the thermoforming line. This makes it possible to optimize the cycle times of the entire thermoforming line, in particular to shorten them, and to reduce the transfer times.
  • the energy required to operate the linear conveyor system but also z. B. to warm up the board and / or keep the board warm can be reduced.
  • the cycle time is preferably less than or equal to 10s.
  • the cycle time for the temperature control can preferably be less than or equal to 6s, in particular less than or equal to 4s.
  • the cycle time for hot forming and press hardening is preferably less than or equal to 6s, in particular between 4s and 6s.
  • the linear conveyor system according to the invention is suitable for a thermoforming line falling several times, in particular a double or quadruple or even a five-fold thermoforming line.
  • the two sheet metal plates heated at least in sections in the temperature control station are again picked up in parallel and placed in a hot-forming and press-hardening tool.
  • the hot-forming and press-hardening tool has two shaping cavities, so that the two at least partially heated sheet metal plates are hot-formed in parallel and also press-hardened in parallel.
  • the two sheet steel products produced in this way are then picked up in parallel and placed on a stack of trays.
  • hardened sheet steel products for motor vehicle construction for example motor vehicle structural components or motor vehicle body components, are produced.
  • the linear conveyor system is particularly preferably characterized in that active grippers are provided for gripping a sheet metal plate.
  • the active grippers perform a clamping movement.
  • these are provided, for example, as scissor grabs.
  • the active grippers are designed as plate grippers and temperature control grippers, very particularly preferably at least as a pair of grippers on the two parallel rails, one gripper of the pair of grippers being arranged on one of the two parallel rails. In this way, a circuit board that sags in the raised state due to gravity can be transported safely with the active gripper's clamping movement.
  • Passive grippers are preferably provided for gripping a finished sheet steel product. Passive grippers grip the sheet steel product from below, particularly in relation to the vertical direction, and lift it. The sheet steel product remains on the passive gripper due to the action of gravity.
  • the passive grippers are designed as product grippers.
  • the sheet steel product has a higher moment of resistance against deflection, a passive gripper being structurally less complex than an active gripper and therefore less prone to errors.
  • the gripping elements, but especially the passive grippers, are arranged below the component for gripping.
  • the gripping elements described above are arranged on the rails. Depending on the design variant of the rails themselves, this means that they slide from the outside over the rails or are also arranged inside the rails. In particular, the gripping elements are coupled to the rails such that on the one hand they can move in the axial direction of the rails, but at the same time they are guided linearly.
  • the rails themselves can be manufactured, for example, as an extruded profile.
  • the gripping elements can be mounted, for example ball-bearing or roller-mounted, in or on the rails. However, they can also be coupled to the rails with a plain bearing. All gripping elements are preferably displaceable in the axial direction of the rails via a synchronous drive.
  • the movement of the gripping elements in the axial direction can thus be carried out synchronously and therefore in the same cycle.
  • the synchronous drive can be, for example, a rack and pinion drive or a belt drive.
  • the gripping elements can also be fixed in position with respect to the axial direction of the rails. This means that movement of the rails in their axial direction also leads to the gripping elements being moved in the axial direction. The rails are then also moved in the longitudinal direction via a synchronous drive.
  • the main movement of the gripping elements for transport takes place by moving the rails in their longitudinal direction.
  • at least two pairs of grippers that is to say two grippers spaced longitudinally on a rail, can be changed in their relative distance in the longitudinal direction of the rails from one another.
  • the grippers therefore carry out a relative movement in the longitudinal direction of the rails, so that, for example, a different distance between two blanks received by a temperature control station can be set for placement in a forming tool.
  • the main transport movement is carried out by the movement of the rails in the longitudinal direction.
  • the gripping elements are still preferably displaceable relative to the rails in relation to the vertical direction.
  • the gripping elements are also arranged in a fixed position on the rails in relation to the vertical direction. A lifting movement of blanks or sheet steel products thus takes place by lifting the entire rails in the vertical direction.
  • the rails are furthermore preferably displaceable orthogonally to their axial direction and in relation to the hot forming line. This can also be done via a synchronous drive, so that both rails are moved outwards at the same time, thus performing an opposite movement.
  • the inserted sheet metal plates and the heated sheet metal plates inserted in the hot forming and press hardening tool can then be processed in the respective station, preferably in one cycle.
  • the temperature control station and the hot-forming and press-hardening tool are opened and the rails are moved inwards and perform a movement towards each other.
  • Sheet metal blanks or sheet steel products can then be picked up with the gripping elements.
  • the gripping elements then carry out the movement in the axial direction of the rails.
  • a translatory travel path of the rails in the horizontal plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction is preferably only between 5 mm and 250 mm, preferably 10 mm to 50 mm from a rest position to a gripping position. Due to the particularly short time due to the short travel of the rails themselves, the time required for conveying is significantly reduced compared to an industrial robot. The cycle times between the press cycles can thereby be reduced and the energy required to extend the movement can also be reduced.
  • the temperature control station and the press frame with hot forming and press hardening tools are particularly preferably arranged close to one another.
  • the distance between the press frame and temperature control station is less than 2 m, preferably less than 1 m, in particular less than 50 cm.
  • these are particularly preferably formed immediately adjacent to one another. This means that the distance is a few centimeters or directly next to one another. The distance is therefore less than 10 cm, in particular less than 5 cm, so that the hot-forming and press-hardening tool is decoupled from the temperature control station.
  • the decoupling particularly affects vibrations as well as temperature lines and kinematic movements.
  • the total displacement path from receiving the circuit board to depositing the manufactured component can be realized with an overall length of less than 15 m, in particular less than 10 m.
  • This information relates to the double falling version of the temperature control station and the thermoforming tool.
  • the temperature control station and the hot-forming and press-hardening tool are preferably arranged on separate machine foundations.
  • the advantage is that smaller standard presses can be used for the temperature control station as well as for the hot forming and press hardening tool.
  • a press with a pressing force of 1500 to 2500 t, in particular 1800 to 2200 t and preferably 2000 t can be used for the hot forming and press hardening tool.
  • a press with a pressing force of 20 to 100 t, in particular 30 to 70 t, preferably 50 t can be used for the temperature control station.
  • the temperature control station it is possible for the temperature control station to be coupled directly to the hot-forming and press-hardening tool.
  • the temperature control station is flanged to the press frame. It is also possible that the temperature control station is controlled in parallel to the drive of the hot forming and press hardening tool and both stations work synchronously or in the same cycle.
  • the temperature control station can in particular have the same control, preferably also the same drive, as the hot forming and press hardening tool in the press frame.
  • the temperature control station is opened later or later than the hot forming and press hardening tool. This results in a better effect of heat or in a lower cooling rate after the temperature control station is opened, especially when the temperature of the contact is increased.
  • the temperature control station is thus only opened when the hot-forming tool is open, or shortly before the heated blanks are transported into the hot-forming tool.
  • the present invention further relates to a method for operating the previously described thermoforming line.
  • a circuit board is gripped and conveyed into the temperature control station by axial movement of at least two opposite circuit board grippers and placed in this.
  • a board heated in the temperature control station is gripped by at least two opposite temperature control grippers in the temperature control station and conveyed into the hot-forming and press-hardening tool and deposited there.
  • a hot-formed and hardened sheet steel product from the hot-forming and press-hardening tool is gripped by at least two opposing product grippers and conveyed to a storage stack, or the manufactured steel sheet products are conveyed to the storage stack by a downstream transfer system.
  • FIG. 1 shows a thermoforming line 1 according to the invention, comprising a temperature control station 2 and a hot-forming and press-hardening tool 3 and a linear conveyor system 4 arranged thereon.
  • the linear conveyor system 4 has two rails 5 arranged parallel to one another, with 5 gripping elements being arranged on the rails.
  • Two board grippers 6 are arranged from left to right in relation to the image plane.
  • Two temperature grippers 7 are arranged in the middle in relation to the image plane and two product grippers 8 are arranged in relation to the image plane on the right side.
  • the thermoforming line 1 is therefore double falling. It can also be designed to fall three, four or more times.
  • a total displacement path 6 is also shown.
  • the gripping elements are fixed in position in relation to the rails 5 in the axial direction 9 of the rails 5, the rails 5 being movable in their axial direction 9.
  • the rails 5 have carried out a relative movement 10 in relation to their axial direction 9 orthogonally inwards.
  • the respective gripping elements are thus brought into engagement with the sheet metal plates 11, the sheet metal plates 12 to be heated or the sheet steel products 13.
  • the linear conveyor system 4 then carries out a transport movement 14 in the axial direction 9 of the rails 5.
  • the end position is in Figure 2 shown.
  • the formed sheet steel products 13 are placed on a depicted stack 15.
  • the heated sheet metal plates 12 are placed on the hot-forming and press-hardening tool 3.
  • the newly picked sheet metal plates 11 are placed on the temperature control station 2 and new sheet metal plates 11 are again ready.
  • the rails 5 move outwards 16 so that the entire rails 5 with the respective gripping elements are moved outwards in relation to the axial direction 9 of the rails 5 and are no longer in engagement with the sheet metal plates 11, 12 and sheet steel products 13 stand.
  • a return movement 17 is then carried out in the axial direction 9 of the rails 5, in particular this return movement 17 is carried out synchronously with both rails 5, as in FIG Figure 3 shown. Then the process begins again as in Figure 1 shown.
  • the returned rails 5 are moved towards each other so that the gripping elements come into engagement with the heated sheet metal plates 12 and the sheet steel products 13.
  • Figure 4a and b show the thermoforming line 1 according to the invention in each case in a side view.
  • the rails 5 can be seen.
  • Sheet metal plates 11 picked up from a stack of sheet metal plates 18 are fed to the temperature control station 2.
  • the temperature control station 2 is optionally flanged to the press frame 19.
  • Figure 4b have the hot-forming and press-hardening tool 3 and the temperature control station 2 perform a closing movement synchronously and heat the sheet metal plates 11 inserted in the temperature control station 2 and form the heated sheet metal plates 12 into the steel sheet products 13, which are stored on a stack 15.
  • the temperature control station 2 has an actuator 20 so that the temperature control station 2 can be controlled independently of the hot forming and press hardening tool 3.
  • the actuator 20 can be arranged at the top and / or bottom of the temperature control station 2.
  • FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment variant of the hot-forming line 1 comprising a hot-forming and press-hardening tools and a temperature control station 21 connected downstream, the temperature-regulating stations 21 and the hot-forming and press-hardening tool 24 are connected to a common control unit 22.
  • a control unit 22 controls all individual stations isochronously or even simultaneously. Vibration dampers 23 can preferably be used in the coupling in all of the structural units shown in the figures.
  • the temperature control station 21 serves for local softening or other local structural adjustment of the press-hardened sheet steel product.
  • Figure 6 shows an embodiment variant according to Figure 5 with the difference that the temperature control station 2 and the temperature control station 21 are coupled to an upper tool 25 of the hot-forming and press-hardening tool 24 or its press frame 19, so that the opening and closing movement of the upper tool 25 are carried out synchronously and simultaneously with the temperature control station 2.
  • Figure 7a and b show a lifting process of the rails 5 with the plate grippers 6.
  • the rails 5 have a movement 10 orthogonal to their axial direction 9 towards each other, so that the plate grippers 6 are located in relation to the vertical direction V below the sheet metal plate 11.
  • a lifting movement is shown in Figure 7b run through the rails 5. This means that the entire rails 5 are moved upwards in the vertical direction V. As it were, the sheet metal plate 11 then lies on the plate grippers 6 and is also raised.
  • Figure 8a and b show an alternative design variant.
  • it is not the rails 5 that are raised in relation to the vertical direction V, but only the plate grippers 6. These are thus mounted on the rails 5 in a relatively movable manner in relation to the vertical direction V and can also be raised or lowered.
  • Figure 9a to c show an analog relative movement 10 Figure 8a and b with the difference that the board grippers 6 are shown here as active grippers. These are in an open position according to Figure 9a shown, so that the rails 5 have a movement 10 directed towards each other. According to Figure 9b the board grippers 6 are then closed as active grippers and according to Figure 9c raised to the vertical direction V again.
  • Figure 10 shows the thermoforming line 1 according to the invention in an idle state.
  • the upper rail 5 related to the image plane is displaced outwards in two parts in its axial direction 9. This enables free access 26 to the hot forming and press hardening tool 3 located behind it, so that a schematically indicated tool change 27 can take place.
  • the two rail parts are then moved towards one another again, coupled to one another and the hot-forming line 1 is operated.
  • two gripper pairs arranged in the middle in relation to the image plane which are in particular temperature control grippers 7, can be changed in their distance A1 from one another.
  • the width B2 is larger than the width B1.
  • Figure 11 shows a thermoforming line 1.
  • the temperature control station 2 and the hot forming and press hardening tool 3 are arranged close to each other with a distance 28 of less than 50 cm.
  • the temperature control station 2 and the hot forming and press hardening tool 3 can be driven synchronously. This can be done via a common control or by means of a higher-level control of two connected individual controls.
  • a common opening phase is important so that the linear conveyor system 4 can carry out a respective transport in a short time.

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft eine Warmformlinie zur Herstellung warmumgeformter und pressgehärteter Stahlblechprodukte gemäß den Merkmalen im Oberbegriff von Patentanspruch 1.The present invention relates to a hot-forming line for the production of hot-formed and press-hardened sheet steel products according to the features in the preamble of patent claim 1.

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft weiterhin ein Verfahren zum Betreiben einer Warmformlinie gemäß den Merkmalen im Oberbegriff von Patentanspruch 10.The present invention further relates to a method for operating a thermoforming line according to the features in the preamble of claim 10.

Aus dem Stand der Technik ist es bekannt, Stahlblechprodukte mittels Warmumformen und Presshärten herzustellen. Hierzu wird eine Blechplatine aus einer härtbaren Stahllegierung auf zumindest bereichsweise eine Temperatur über der Austenitisierungstemperatur erwärmt. Im Anschluss an die Erwärmung wird die Blechplatine in diesem warmen Zustand in ein Warmumformwerkzeug eingelegt und warmumgeformt. Nach Beendigung des Warmumformprozesses wird das umgeformte Bauteil in dem Warmumformwerkzeug derart rasch abgekühlt, das eine Härtung des Werkstoffgefüges einsetzt. Dies wird als Presshärtevorgang bezeichnet.It is known from the prior art to produce sheet steel products by means of hot forming and press hardening. For this purpose, a sheet metal plate made of a hardenable steel alloy is heated to a temperature above the austenitizing temperature at least in some areas. Following the heating, the sheet metal blank is placed in a hot-forming tool in this warm state and hot-formed. After the hot forming process has ended, the formed component is cooled in the hot forming tool so rapidly that the material structure begins to harden. This is known as the press hardening process.

Zur Durchführung eines solchen Produktionsvorganges wird folglich eine Erwärmungsstation, auch als Temperierstation bezeichnet, benötigt sowie ein Warmumform- und Presshärtewerkzeug. Zwischen den einzelnen Stationen bzw. Werkzeugen werden Manipulatoren, zumeist in Form von Industrierobotern eingesetzt, um die Platine bzw. Bauteile von einer Station zur nächsten zu transferieren.To carry out such a production process, a heating station, also referred to as a temperature control station, is therefore required, as well as a Hot forming and press hardening tool. Manipulators, mostly in the form of industrial robots, are used between the individual stations or tools in order to transfer the circuit board or components from one station to the next.

Eine solche Warmformlinie ist beispielsweise aus der DE 10 2009 014 670 B4 bekannt.Such a thermoforming line is from, for example DE 10 2009 014 670 B4 known.

Ferner ist aus der DE 10 2013 104 229 B3 eine Vorrichtung zum Presshärten offenbart, bei der Blechteile hängend an einer Schiene befördert werden.Furthermore, from the DE 10 2013 104 229 B3 discloses a device for press hardening in which sheet metal parts are conveyed hanging on a rail.

Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung ist es, eine Warmformlinie bereitzustellen sowie ein Verfahren zu deren Betreiben, bei dem die Transportzeit zwischen den verschiedenen Stationen sowie der konstruktive Aufwand zum Transport optimiert sind.The object of the present invention is to provide a thermoforming line and a method for operating it, in which the transport time between the different stations and the design effort for transport are optimized.

Die zuvor genannte Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß mit einer Warmformlinie gemäß den Merkmalen im Patentanspruch 1 gelöst.The aforementioned object is achieved according to the invention with a thermoforming line according to the features in claim 1.

Der verfahrenstechnische Teil der Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß mit den Merkmalen im Patentanspruch 10 gelöst.The procedural part of the object is achieved according to the invention with the features in claim 10.

Vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungsvarianten der Erfindung sind in den abhängigen Patentansprüchen beschrieben.Advantageous design variants of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

Die Warmformlinie zur Herstellung warmumgeformter und pressgehärteter Stahlblechprodukte weist mindestens eine Temperierstation zur Erwärmung mindestens einer Blechplatine sowie mindestens ein Warmumform- und Presshärtewerkzeug zum Umformen und Härten der erwärmten Blechplatine zu einem Stahlblechprodukt auf. Sie zeichnet sich erfindungsgemäß dadurch aus, dass entlang der Warmformlinie ein Linearfördersystem vorgesehen ist, welches aus zwei parallel gegenüberliegenden Schienen ausgebildet ist, wobei die Schienen selbst translatorisch verlagerbar sind und an den Schienen Greifelemente, nachfolgend auch Greifer genannt, angeordnet sind, wobei die Greifelemente in Axialrichtung der Schienen verlagerbar sind und die Greifelemente orthogonal zu oder mit den Schienen anhebbar bzw. absenkbar sind. Es können auch zwei Schienen pro Seite angeordnet sein. Dabei kann die Verlagerung der Greifelemente in Axialrichtung der Schienen entweder durch ein Verlagern der Schienen in Axialrichtung erfolgen oder aber durch eine Relativbewegung der Greifelemente zu den Schienen. Das Linearfördersystem ist somit zumindest über eine Teillänge der Warmformlinie vorgesehen, so dass von Temperierstation bis zum Warmformwerkzeug bzw. Presshärtewerkzeug Platinen transportiert werden können. Bevorzugt ist das Linearfördersystem entlang der gesamten Warmformlinie vorgesehen.The hot-forming line for the production of hot-formed and press-hardened sheet steel products has at least one temperature control station for heating at least one sheet metal plate and at least one hot-forming and press-hardening tool for forming and hardening the heated sheet metal plate to form a sheet steel product. According to the invention, it is characterized in that a linear conveyor system is provided along the thermoforming line, which is formed from two parallel opposed rails, the rails themselves being translationally displaceable and gripping elements, hereinafter also referred to as grippers, arranged on the rails, the gripping elements in Axial direction of the rails are displaceable and the gripping elements can be raised or lowered orthogonally to or with the rails. There can also be two rails per side be arranged. The gripping elements can be displaced in the axial direction of the rails either by moving the rails in the axial direction or by a relative movement of the gripping elements to the rails. The linear conveyor system is thus provided at least over a partial length of the thermoforming line, so that blanks can be transported from the temperature control station to the thermoforming tool or press hardening tool. The linear conveyor system is preferably provided along the entire thermoforming line.

Das Linearfördersystem ist somit entlang der gesamten Warmformlinie vorgesehen. Mithin wird eine Blechplatine von einem Platinenstapel oder eine von einer Beschnitteinrichtung bereitgestellte Platine aufgenommen und durch die Warmformlinie transportiert und das fertige Stahlblechprodukt an einem Ablageort abgelegt. Es kann somit zwischen den einzelnen Stationen auf gesonderte Manipulatoren, insbesondere Industrieroboter verzichtet werden. Erfindungsgemäß können dadurch die einzelnen Stationen der Warmformlinie örtlich näher aneinander gerückt werden oder aber unmittelbar benachbart aneinander angrenzen. Der benötigte Platz in einer Produktionshalle zum Aufstellen einer solchen Warmformlinie verringert sich dadurch.The linear conveyor system is thus provided along the entire thermoforming line. Accordingly, a sheet metal blank is picked up from a stack of blank sheets or a board provided by a trimming device and transported through the hot-forming line and the finished sheet steel product is deposited at a storage location. Separate manipulators, in particular industrial robots, can thus be dispensed with between the individual stations. According to the invention, the individual stations of the thermoforming line can thereby be moved closer to one another locally or adjoin one another directly adjacent. The space required in a production hall to set up such a thermoforming line is thereby reduced.

Insbesondere kann weiterhin das Linearfördersystem mit mehreren Greifelementen synchron, insbesondere in der Taktzeit der Warmformlinie betrieben werden. Hierdurch ist es möglich die Taktzeiten der gesamten Warmformlinie zu optimieren, insbesondere zu verkürzen, und die Transferzeiten zu verringern. Die benötigte Energie zum Betreiben des Linearfördersystems aber auch z. B. zum Aufwärmen der Platine und/oder Warmhalten der Platine kann verringert werden. Die Taktzeit beträgt bevorzugt kleiner gleich 10s. Die Taktzeit für das Temperieren kann bevorzugt kleiner gleich 6s, insbesondere kleiner gleich 4s betragen. Die Taktzeit für das Warmumformen und Presshärten beträgt bevorzugt kleiner gleich 6s, insbesondere zwischen 4s und 6s.In particular, the linear conveyor system can also be operated synchronously with several gripping elements, in particular in the cycle time of the thermoforming line. This makes it possible to optimize the cycle times of the entire thermoforming line, in particular to shorten them, and to reduce the transfer times. The energy required to operate the linear conveyor system but also z. B. to warm up the board and / or keep the board warm can be reduced. The cycle time is preferably less than or equal to 10s. The cycle time for the temperature control can preferably be less than or equal to 6s, in particular less than or equal to 4s. The cycle time for hot forming and press hardening is preferably less than or equal to 6s, in particular between 4s and 6s.

Das erfindungsgemäße Linearfördersystem eignet sich für eine mehrfach fallende Warmformlinie, insbesondere zweifache oder vierfach bzw. gar fünffach fallende Warmformlinie. Dies bedeutet im Sinne der Erfindung, dass zwei Blechplatinen parallel aufgenommen werden und in die Temperierstation eingelegt werden. Im Anschluss daran werden die zwei in der Temperierstation zumindest abschnittsweise erwärmten Blechplatinen wiederum parallel aufgenommen, und in ein Warmumform- und Presshärtewerkzeug eingelegt. Das Warmumform- und Presshärtewerkzeug weist zwei formgebende Hohlräume auf, so dass die zwei zumindest teilweise erwärmten Blechplatinen zusammen parallel warmumgeformt und auch parallel pressgehärtet werden. Die dadurch hergestellten zwei Stahlblechprodukte werden dann parallel aufgenommen und auf einem Ablagenstapel abgelegt.The linear conveyor system according to the invention is suitable for a thermoforming line falling several times, in particular a double or quadruple or even a five-fold thermoforming line. In the sense of the invention, this means that two sheet metal plates are received in parallel and inserted into the temperature control station. in the Following this, the two sheet metal plates heated at least in sections in the temperature control station are again picked up in parallel and placed in a hot-forming and press-hardening tool. The hot-forming and press-hardening tool has two shaping cavities, so that the two at least partially heated sheet metal plates are hot-formed in parallel and also press-hardened in parallel. The two sheet steel products produced in this way are then picked up in parallel and placed on a stack of trays.

Insbesondere werden gehärtete Stahlblechprodukte für den Kraftfahrzeugbau, beispielsweise Kraftfahrzeugstrukturbauteile oder Kraftfahrzeugkarosseriebauteile hergestellt.In particular, hardened sheet steel products for motor vehicle construction, for example motor vehicle structural components or motor vehicle body components, are produced.

Das Linearfördersystem zeichnet sich besonders bevorzugt weiterhin dadurch aus, dass zum Ergreifen einer Blechplatine Aktivgreifer vorgesehen sind. Die Aktivgreifer führen eine Klemmbewegung aus. Insbesondere sind diese beispielsweise als Scherengreifer vorgesehen. Insbesondere sind die Aktivgreifer als Platinengreifer und Temperiergreifer ausgebildet, ganz besonders bevorzugt mindestens als Greiferpaar an den zwei parallel gegenüberliegenden Schienen, wobei jeweils ein Greifer des Greiferpaares an einer der zwei parallel gegenüberliegenden Schienen angeordnet ist. Somit kann bei einer Platine, welche im angehobenen Zustand aufgrund der Erdanziehung durchhängt mit der Klemmbewegung des Aktivgreifers ein sicherer Transport ermöglicht werden.The linear conveyor system is particularly preferably characterized in that active grippers are provided for gripping a sheet metal plate. The active grippers perform a clamping movement. In particular, these are provided, for example, as scissor grabs. In particular, the active grippers are designed as plate grippers and temperature control grippers, very particularly preferably at least as a pair of grippers on the two parallel rails, one gripper of the pair of grippers being arranged on one of the two parallel rails. In this way, a circuit board that sags in the raised state due to gravity can be transported safely with the active gripper's clamping movement.

Zum Ergreifen eines fertigen Stahlblechproduktes sind bevorzugt Passivgreifer vorgesehen. Passivgreifer ergreifen das Stahlblechprodukt insbesondere auf die Vertikalrichtung bezogen von unten und heben dieses an. Aufgrund der Schwerkrafteinwirkung bleibt das Stahlblechprodukt auf dem Passivgreifer liegen. Insbesondere sind die Passivgreifer als Produktgreifer ausgebildet. Das Stahlblechprodukt hat dabei ein höheres Widerstandsmoment gegen Durchbiegung, wobei ein Passivgreifer konstruktiv weniger aufwendig ist, gegenüber einem Aktivgreifer und somit auch weniger fehleranfällig. Die Greifelemente, insbesondere jedoch die Passivgreifer sind zum Ergreifen unterhalb des Bauteils angeordnet.Passive grippers are preferably provided for gripping a finished sheet steel product. Passive grippers grip the sheet steel product from below, particularly in relation to the vertical direction, and lift it. The sheet steel product remains on the passive gripper due to the action of gravity. In particular, the passive grippers are designed as product grippers. The sheet steel product has a higher moment of resistance against deflection, a passive gripper being structurally less complex than an active gripper and therefore less prone to errors. The gripping elements, but especially the passive grippers, are arranged below the component for gripping.

Die zuvor beschriebenen Greifelemente sind an den Schienen angeordnet. Je nach Ausgestaltungsvariante der Schienen selber bedeutet dies, dass diese von außen über die Schienen gleiten oder aber auch innerhalb der Schienen angeordnet sind. Insbesondere sind die Greifelemente derart mit den Schienen gekoppelt, dass sie zum einen in Axialrichtung der Schienen eine Bewegung ausführen können, jedoch gleichzeitig linear geführt sind.The gripping elements described above are arranged on the rails. Depending on the design variant of the rails themselves, this means that they slide from the outside over the rails or are also arranged inside the rails. In particular, the gripping elements are coupled to the rails such that on the one hand they can move in the axial direction of the rails, but at the same time they are guided linearly.

Die Schienen können selber beispielsweise als Strangpressprofil hergestellt sein. Die Greifelemente können gelagert, beispielsweise kugelgelagert oder rollengelagert in oder an den Schienen gelagert sein. Sie können jedoch auch mit einer Gleitlagerung mit den Schienen gekoppelt sein. Bevorzugt sind alle Greifelemente in Axialrichtung der Schienen über einen Synchronantrieb verlagerbar.The rails themselves can be manufactured, for example, as an extruded profile. The gripping elements can be mounted, for example ball-bearing or roller-mounted, in or on the rails. However, they can also be coupled to the rails with a plain bearing. All gripping elements are preferably displaceable in the axial direction of the rails via a synchronous drive.

Somit kann die Bewegung der Greifelemente in Axialrichtung synchron und mithin im gleichen Takt durchgeführt werden. Der Synchronantrieb kann dabei beispielsweise einen Zahnstangenantrieb oder aber auch ein Riemenantrieb sein.The movement of the gripping elements in the axial direction can thus be carried out synchronously and therefore in the same cycle. The synchronous drive can be, for example, a rack and pinion drive or a belt drive.

Alternativ können die Greifelemente auch bezogen auf die Axialrichtung der Schienen mit diesen lagefixiert sein. Dies bedeutet eine Bewegung der Schienen in deren Axialrichtung führt auch dazu, dass die Greifelemente in Axialrichtung bewegt werden. Die Schienen werden dann ebenfalls über einen Synchronantrieb in deren Längsrichtung bewegt.Alternatively, the gripping elements can also be fixed in position with respect to the axial direction of the rails. This means that movement of the rails in their axial direction also leads to the gripping elements being moved in the axial direction. The rails are then also moved in the longitudinal direction via a synchronous drive.

In einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausgestaltungsvariante findet die Hauptbewegung der Greifelemente zum Transport durch eine Bewegung der Schienen in deren Längsrichtung statt. Dazu ist es möglich, dass zumindest zwei Greiferpaare, mithin zwei an einer Schiene in Längsrichtung beabstandete Greifer in ihrem Relativabstand in Längsrichtung der Schienen zueinander veränderbar sind. Mithin führen die Greifer eine Relativbewegung in Längsrichtung der Schienen aus, so dass beispielsweise ein voneinander verschiedener Abstand zweier von einer Temperierstation aufgenommener Platinen zum Ablegen in einem Umformwerkzeug eingestellt werden kann. Die Haupttransportbewegung wird jedoch durch die Bewegung der Schienen in Längsrichtung durchgeführt.In a further preferred embodiment variant, the main movement of the gripping elements for transport takes place by moving the rails in their longitudinal direction. For this purpose, it is possible that at least two pairs of grippers, that is to say two grippers spaced longitudinally on a rail, can be changed in their relative distance in the longitudinal direction of the rails from one another. The grippers therefore carry out a relative movement in the longitudinal direction of the rails, so that, for example, a different distance between two blanks received by a temperature control station can be set for placement in a forming tool. However, the main transport movement is carried out by the movement of the rails in the longitudinal direction.

Die Greifelemente sind jedoch weiterhin bevorzugt auf die Vertikalrichtung bezogen relativ zu den Schienen verlagerbar. Auch hier ist es möglich über einen elektrischen, hydraulischen, pneumatischen oder auch einen Riemenantrieb, mithin einen mechanischen Antrieb die Greifelemente relativ zu den Schienen auf die Vertikalrichtung bezogen anzuheben oder abzusenken. Auch bevorzugt ist es hier auch wiederum möglich, dass die Greifelemente bezogen auf die Vertikalrichtung ebenfalls lagefixiert an den Schienen angeordnet sind. Eine Anhebebewegung von Platinen bzw. Stahlblechprodukten erfolgt somit durch ein Anheben der gesamten Schienen in Vertikalrichtung.However, the gripping elements are still preferably displaceable relative to the rails in relation to the vertical direction. Here, too, it is possible to raise or lower the gripping elements relative to the rails in relation to the vertical direction via an electric, hydraulic, pneumatic or also a belt drive, and consequently a mechanical drive. It is also preferred that the gripping elements are also arranged in a fixed position on the rails in relation to the vertical direction. A lifting movement of blanks or sheet steel products thus takes place by lifting the entire rails in the vertical direction.

Weiterhin bevorzugt sind die Schienen orthogonal zu ihrer Axialrichtung und bezogen auf die Warmformlinie nach außen verlagerbar. Ebenfalls kann dies über einen Synchronantrieb erfolgen, so dass beide Schienen gleichzeitig jeweils nach außen bewegt werden, mithin eine entgegengesetzte Bewegung durchführen. Die eingelegten Blechplatinen und die in das Warmumform- und Presshärtewerkzeug eingelegten erwärmten Blechplatinen können dann in der jeweiligen Station bearbeitet werden, bevorzugt in einem Takt. Ist die Bearbeitung, mithin der Takt beendet, wird die Temperierstation und das Warmumform- und Presshärtewerkzeug geöffnet und die Schienen werden nach innen verlagert und führen eine aufeinander zu gerichtete Bewegung durch. Mit den Greifelementen können dann Blechplatinen bzw. Stahlblechprodukte aufgenommen werden. Im Anschluss daran führen die Greifelemente die Bewegung in Axialrichtung der Schienen durch.The rails are furthermore preferably displaceable orthogonally to their axial direction and in relation to the hot forming line. This can also be done via a synchronous drive, so that both rails are moved outwards at the same time, thus performing an opposite movement. The inserted sheet metal plates and the heated sheet metal plates inserted in the hot forming and press hardening tool can then be processed in the respective station, preferably in one cycle. When the processing, and thus the cycle, has ended, the temperature control station and the hot-forming and press-hardening tool are opened and the rails are moved inwards and perform a movement towards each other. Sheet metal blanks or sheet steel products can then be picked up with the gripping elements. The gripping elements then carry out the movement in the axial direction of the rails.

Ein translatorischer Verfahrweg der Schienen beträgt in horizontaler Ebene orthogonal zur Längsrichtung dabei bevorzugt nur zwischen 5 mm und 250 mm, bevorzugt 10 mm bis 50 mm von einer Ruheposition bis zu einer Greifposition. Durch die besonders kurze Zeit aufgrund des geringen Verfahrwegs der Schienen selber wird wiederum die Zeit die zum Fördern benötigt wird, gegenüber einem Industrieroboter deutlich verkürzt. Die Zykluszeiten zwischen den Pressentakten können dadurch verringert werden und die benötigte Energie zum Ausfahren der Bewegung kann ebenfalls verringert werden.A translatory travel path of the rails in the horizontal plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction is preferably only between 5 mm and 250 mm, preferably 10 mm to 50 mm from a rest position to a gripping position. Due to the particularly short time due to the short travel of the rails themselves, the time required for conveying is significantly reduced compared to an industrial robot. The cycle times between the press cycles can thereby be reduced and the energy required to extend the movement can also be reduced.

Weiterhin besonders bevorzugt sind die Temperierstation und das Pressengestell mit Warmumform- und Presshärtewerkzeugen nah aneinander angeordnet. Dies bedeutet im Rahmen der Erfindung, dass der Abstand zwischen Pressengestell und Temperierstation weniger als 2 m, bevorzugt weniger als 1 m, insbesondere weniger als 50 cm beträgt. Besonders bevorzugt sind diese jedoch unmittelbar aneinander angrenzend ausgebildet. Dies bedeutet, dass der Abstand wenige Zentimeter oder aber direkt nebeneinander ausgebildet ist. Mithin beträgt der Abstand weniger als 10 cm, insbesondere weniger als 5 cm verbleiben, so dass das Warmumform- und Presshärtewerkzeug von der Temperierstation entkoppelt ist. Die Entkoppelung betrifft insbesondere Schwingungen sowie Temperaturleitungen und kinematische Bewegungsabläufe. Insbesondere kann mit dem erfindungsgemäßen Linearfördersystem in Längsrichtung der Schienen, mithin in Horizontalrichtung der Gesamtverlagerungsweg von Aufnahme der Platine bis hin zur Ablage des hergestellten Bauteils eine Gesamtlänge von weniger als 15 m, insbesondere weniger als 10 m realisiert werden. Somit werden ca. 2 m für die Temperierstation, 2,2 m für das Pressengestell des Warmumform- und Presshärtewerkzeugs, jeweils 1 m für einen Einlauf und Auslauf sowie der restliche verbleibende Platz in Längsrichtung für den Aufnahmebehälter zur Temperierung und Umformung bereitgestellten Platinen sowie ein Ablagenbehälter zur Ablage fertig hergestellter Bauteile verwendet. Diese Angaben beziehen sich jeweils auf zweifach fallende Ausführung von Temperierstation und Warmformwerkzeug. Bevorzugt sind Temperierstation und Warmumform- und Presshärtewerkzeug auf separaten Maschinenfundamenten angeordnet. Als Vorteil ergibt sich, dass sowohl für die Temperierstation, als auch für das Warmumform- und Presshärtewerkzeug kleinere Standardpressen verwendet werden können. Beispielsweise kann für das Warmumform- und Presshärtewerkzeug eine Presse mit einer Presskraft vom 1500 bis 2500 t, insbesondere 1800 bis 2200 t und bevorzugt 2000 t verwendet werden. Für die Temperierstation kann eine Presse mit einer Presskraft von 20 bis 100 t, insbesondere 30 bis 70 t, bevorzugt 50 t verwendet werden.Furthermore, the temperature control station and the press frame with hot forming and press hardening tools are particularly preferably arranged close to one another. This means within the scope of the invention that the distance between the press frame and temperature control station is less than 2 m, preferably less than 1 m, in particular less than 50 cm. However, these are particularly preferably formed immediately adjacent to one another. This means that the distance is a few centimeters or directly next to one another. The distance is therefore less than 10 cm, in particular less than 5 cm, so that the hot-forming and press-hardening tool is decoupled from the temperature control station. The decoupling particularly affects vibrations as well as temperature lines and kinematic movements. In particular, with the linear conveyor system according to the invention in the longitudinal direction of the rails, and thus in the horizontal direction, the total displacement path from receiving the circuit board to depositing the manufactured component can be realized with an overall length of less than 15 m, in particular less than 10 m. This means that approx. 2 m for the temperature control station, 2.2 m for the press frame of the hot forming and press hardening tool, 1 m each for an inlet and outlet as well as the remaining space in the longitudinal direction for the receptacles for temperature control and forming as well as a storage container used to store finished components. This information relates to the double falling version of the temperature control station and the thermoforming tool. The temperature control station and the hot-forming and press-hardening tool are preferably arranged on separate machine foundations. The advantage is that smaller standard presses can be used for the temperature control station as well as for the hot forming and press hardening tool. For example, a press with a pressing force of 1500 to 2500 t, in particular 1800 to 2200 t and preferably 2000 t can be used for the hot forming and press hardening tool. A press with a pressing force of 20 to 100 t, in particular 30 to 70 t, preferably 50 t can be used for the temperature control station.

In einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausgestaltungsvariante ist es jedoch möglich, dass die Temperierstation direkt mit dem Warmumform- und Presshärtewerkzeug gekoppelt ist. Insbesondere ist die Temperierstation an das Pressengestell angeflanscht. Zudem ist es möglich, dass die Temperierstation parallel zu dem Antrieb des Warmumform- und Presshärtewerkzeugs angesteuert ist und beide Stationen synchron bzw. im selben Takt arbeiten. Hierzu kann die Temperierstation insbesondere die gleiche Steuerung bevorzugt auch den gleichen Antrieb, besitzen wie das Warmumform- und Presshärtewerkzeug im Pressengestell.In a further preferred embodiment variant, however, it is possible for the temperature control station to be coupled directly to the hot-forming and press-hardening tool. In particular, the temperature control station is flanged to the press frame. It is also possible that the temperature control station is controlled in parallel to the drive of the hot forming and press hardening tool and both stations work synchronously or in the same cycle. For this purpose, the temperature control station can in particular have the same control, preferably also the same drive, as the hot forming and press hardening tool in the press frame.

Insbesondere ist es damit möglich, die Temperierstation und das Warmumform- und Presshärtewerkzeug über den gleichen Antrieb synchron zu öffnen bzw. zu schließen. Die Öffnung- bzw. Schließbewegung erfolgt somit im gleichen Pressentakt. Alternativ ist es auch vorteilhaft, wenn die Temperierstation gegenüber dem Warmumform- und Presshärtewerkzeug zeitlich verspätet bzw. nachgelagert geöffnet wird. Somit ergibt sich insbesondere bei Kontakterwärmung durch Anliegen von Temperierplatten eine bessere Wärmeeinwirkung bzw. nach Öffnung der Temperierstation eine geringere Kühlrate. Erst wenn das Warmumformwerkzeug geöffnet ist, bzw. kurz vor Beginn des Transportes der erwärmten Platinen in das Warmumformwerkzeug wird somit die Temperierstation geöffnet.In particular, it is possible to synchronously open and close the temperature control station and the hot forming and press hardening tool using the same drive. The opening or closing movement takes place in the same press cycle. Alternatively, it is also advantageous if the temperature control station is opened later or later than the hot forming and press hardening tool. This results in a better effect of heat or in a lower cooling rate after the temperature control station is opened, especially when the temperature of the contact is increased. The temperature control station is thus only opened when the hot-forming tool is open, or shortly before the heated blanks are transported into the hot-forming tool.

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft weiterhin ein Verfahren zum Betreiben der zuvor beschriebenen Warmformlinie. Hierzu wird eine Platine ergriffen und durch Axialbewegung von mindestens zwei gegenüberliegenden Platinengreifern in die Temperierstation befördert und in dieser abgelegt. Parallel dazu wird eine in der Temperierstation erwärmte Platine von zumindest zwei gegenüberliegenden Temperiergreifern in der Temperierstation ergriffen und in das Warmumform- und Presshärtewerkzeug befördert und dort abgelegt. Wiederum parallel dazu wird ein warmumgeformtes und gehärtetes Stahlblechprodukt aus dem Warmumform- und Presshärtewerkzeug von mindestens zwei sich gegenüberliegenden Produktgreifern ergriffen und auf einen Ablagestapel befördert oder die hergestellten Stahlblechprodukte werden von einem nachgeordneten Transfersystem auf den Ablagestapel befördert.The present invention further relates to a method for operating the previously described thermoforming line. For this purpose, a circuit board is gripped and conveyed into the temperature control station by axial movement of at least two opposite circuit board grippers and placed in this. At the same time, a board heated in the temperature control station is gripped by at least two opposite temperature control grippers in the temperature control station and conveyed into the hot-forming and press-hardening tool and deposited there. Again, parallel to this, a hot-formed and hardened sheet steel product from the hot-forming and press-hardening tool is gripped by at least two opposing product grippers and conveyed to a storage stack, or the manufactured steel sheet products are conveyed to the storage stack by a downstream transfer system.

Weitere Vorteile, Merkmale, Eigenschaften und Aspekte der vorliegenden Erfindung sind Gegenstand der nachfolgenden Beschreibung erläutert. Bevorzugte Ausgestaltungsvarianten werden in den schematischen Figuren dargestellt. Diese dienen dem einfachen Verständnis der Erfindung. Es zeigen:

Figur 1 bis 3
den Verfahrensablauf einer erfindungsgemäßen Warmformlinie,
Figur 4a und b
ein Warmumform- und Presshärtewerkzeug mit seitlich angeflanschter Temperierstation,
Figur 5
ein Warmumform- und Presshärtewerkzeug mit seitlich angeflanschten Temperierstationen,
Figur 6
ein Warmumform- und Presshärtewerkzeug zu Figur 5 in alternativer Ausgestaltungsvariante,
Figur 7a und
b eine Anhebefunktion eines Linearfördersystems mit festen Greifelementen,
Figur 8a und
b eine Anhebefunktion eines Linearfördersystems mit relativbeweglichen Greifelementen,
Figur 9a bis c
erfindungsgemäße Aktivgreifer,
Figur 10
eine Warmformlinie mit teilbarer Schiene und
Figur 11
eine Warmformlinie mit Temperierstation und Warmumform- und Presshärtewerkzeug mit einem Abstand kleiner 50 cm zueinander.
Further advantages, features, properties and aspects of the present invention are explained in the following description. Preferred design variants are shown in the schematic figures. These serve the simple understanding of the invention. Show it:
Figure 1 to 3
the process sequence of a thermoforming line according to the invention,
Figure 4a and b
a hot forming and press hardening tool with a temperature control station flanged on the side,
Figure 5
a hot forming and press hardening tool with tempering stations flanged on the side,
Figure 6
a hot forming and press hardening tool Figure 5 in an alternative design variant,
Figure 7a and
b a lifting function of a linear conveyor system with fixed gripping elements,
Figure 8a and
b a lifting function of a linear conveyor system with relatively movable gripping elements,
Figure 9a to c
active gripper according to the invention,
Figure 10
a thermoforming line with divisible rail and
Figure 11
a hot forming line with temperature control station and hot forming and press hardening tool with a distance of less than 50 cm to each other.

In den Figuren werden gleiche oder ähnliche Bauteile dieselben Bezugszeichen verwendet, auch wenn eine wiederholte Beschreibung aus Vereinfachungsgründen entfällt.In the figures, the same or similar components have the same reference numerals, even if a repeated description is omitted for reasons of simplification.

Figur 1 zeigt eine erfindungsgemäße Warmformlinie 1 aufweisend eine Temperierstation 2 sowie ein Warmumform- und Presshärtewerkzeug 3 sowie ein daran angeordnetes Linearfördersystem 4. Das Linearfördersystem 4 weist zwei parallel zueinander angeordnete Schienen 5 auf, wobei an den Schienen 5 Greifelemente angeordnet sind. Auf die Bildebene bezogen von links nach rechts sind zwei Platinengreifer 6 angeordnet. Auf die Bildebene bezogen in der Mitte sind zwei Temperiergreifer 7 angeordnet und auf die Bildebene bezogen auf der rechten Seite sind zwei Produktgreifer 8 angeordnet. Die Warmformlinie 1 ist somit zweifach fallend. Sie kann auch dreifach, vierfach oder mehrfach fallend ausgebildet sein. Ferner ist ein Gesamtverlagerungsweg 6 dargestellt. Figure 1 shows a thermoforming line 1 according to the invention, comprising a temperature control station 2 and a hot-forming and press-hardening tool 3 and a linear conveyor system 4 arranged thereon. The linear conveyor system 4 has two rails 5 arranged parallel to one another, with 5 gripping elements being arranged on the rails. Two board grippers 6 are arranged from left to right in relation to the image plane. Two temperature grippers 7 are arranged in the middle in relation to the image plane and two product grippers 8 are arranged in relation to the image plane on the right side. The thermoforming line 1 is therefore double falling. It can also be designed to fall three, four or more times. A total displacement path 6 is also shown.

Gemäß der hier dargestellten Variante sind die Greifelemente auf die Axialrichtung 9 der Schienen 5 bezogen zu den Schienen 5 lagefixiert, wobei die Schienen 5 in deren Axialrichtung 9 bewegbar sind. Alternativ wäre es auch vollstellbar, dass die Greifelemente in Axialrichtung 9 zu den Schienen 5 verlagerbar sind.According to the variant shown here, the gripping elements are fixed in position in relation to the rails 5 in the axial direction 9 of the rails 5, the rails 5 being movable in their axial direction 9. Alternatively, it would also be possible to move the gripping elements in the axial direction 9 to the rails 5.

Weiterhin dargestellt ist, dass die Schienen 5 eine Relativbewegung 10 bezogen auf deren Axialrichtung 9 orthogonal nach innen ausgeführt haben. Die jeweiligen Greifelemente sind somit in Eingriff mit den Blechplatinen 11, den zu erwärmenden Blechplatinen 12 bzw. den Stahlblechprodukten 13 gebracht.It is also shown that the rails 5 have carried out a relative movement 10 in relation to their axial direction 9 orthogonally inwards. The respective gripping elements are thus brought into engagement with the sheet metal plates 11, the sheet metal plates 12 to be heated or the sheet steel products 13.

Das Linearfördersystem 4 führt dann eine Transportbewegung 14 in Axialrichtung 9 der Schienen 5 durch. Die Endposition ist in Figur 2 dargestellt. Die umgeformten Stahlblechprodukte 13 werden auf einem schematisch dargestellten Ablagestapel 15 abgelegt. Die erwärmten Blechplatinen 12 werden auf dem Warmumform- und Presshärtewerkzeug 3 abgelegt. Die neu aufgenommenen Blechplatinen 11 werden auf der Temperierstation 2 abgelegt und es liegen wiederum neue Blechplatinen 11 bereit. Im Anschluss daran wird von den Schienen 5 eine Bewegung nach außen 16 ausgeführt, so dass die gesamten Schienen 5 mit den jeweiligen Greifelementen auf die Axialrichtung 9 der Schienen 5 bezogen nach außen bewegt werden und nicht mehr im Eingriff mit den Blechplatinen 11, 12 und Stahlblechprodukten 13 stehen.The linear conveyor system 4 then carries out a transport movement 14 in the axial direction 9 of the rails 5. The end position is in Figure 2 shown. The formed sheet steel products 13 are placed on a depicted stack 15. The heated sheet metal plates 12 are placed on the hot-forming and press-hardening tool 3. The newly picked sheet metal plates 11 are placed on the temperature control station 2 and new sheet metal plates 11 are again ready. Subsequently, the rails 5 move outwards 16 so that the entire rails 5 with the respective gripping elements are moved outwards in relation to the axial direction 9 of the rails 5 and are no longer in engagement with the sheet metal plates 11, 12 and sheet steel products 13 stand.

Sodann wird in Axialrichtung 9 der Schienen 5 eine Rückführbewegung 17 durchgeführt, insbesondere wird diese Rückführbewegung 17 mit beiden Schienen 5 synchron durchgeführt, wie in Figur 3 gezeigt. Danach beginnt der Vorgang wiederum wie in Figur 1 dargestellt. Die zurückgeführten Schienen 5 werden aufeinander zu bewegt, so dass die Greifelemente mit den erwärmten Blechplatinen 12 und den Stahlblechprodukten 13 in Eingriff kommen.A return movement 17 is then carried out in the axial direction 9 of the rails 5, in particular this return movement 17 is carried out synchronously with both rails 5, as in FIG Figure 3 shown. Then the process begins again as in Figure 1 shown. The returned rails 5 are moved towards each other so that the gripping elements come into engagement with the heated sheet metal plates 12 and the sheet steel products 13.

Figur 4a und b zeigen die erfindungsgemäße Warmformlinie 1 jeweils in einer Seitenansicht. Zu erkennen sind die Schienen 5. Von einem Blechplatinenstapel 18 aufgenommene Blechplatinen 11 werden der Temperierstation 2 zugeführt. Die Temperierstation 2 ist dabei optional an das Pressengestell 19 angeflanscht. Gemäß Figur 4b haben Warmumform- und Presshärtewerkzeug 3 sowie Temperierstation 2 synchron eine Schließbewegung durchgeführt und erwärmen die in die Temperierstation 2 eingelegten Blechplatinen 11 und formen die erwärmten Blechplatinen 12 um zu den Stahlblechprodukten 13, welche auf einem Ablagenstapel 15 gelagert werden. Die Temperierstation 2 weist dabei einen Aktor 20 auf, so dass die Temperierstation 2 unabhängig von dem Warmumform- und Presshärtewerkzeug 3 angesteuert werden kann. Der Aktor 20 kann oben und/oder unten an der Temperierstation 2 angeordnet sein. Figure 4a and b show the thermoforming line 1 according to the invention in each case in a side view. The rails 5 can be seen. Sheet metal plates 11 picked up from a stack of sheet metal plates 18 are fed to the temperature control station 2. The temperature control station 2 is optionally flanged to the press frame 19. According to Figure 4b have the hot-forming and press-hardening tool 3 and the temperature control station 2 perform a closing movement synchronously and heat the sheet metal plates 11 inserted in the temperature control station 2 and form the heated sheet metal plates 12 into the steel sheet products 13, which are stored on a stack 15. The temperature control station 2 has an actuator 20 so that the temperature control station 2 can be controlled independently of the hot forming and press hardening tool 3. The actuator 20 can be arranged at the top and / or bottom of the temperature control station 2.

Figur 5 zeigt eine alternative Ausgestaltungsvariante der Warmformlinie 1 aufweisend ein Warmumform- und Presshärtewerkzeugen und eine dem nachgeschaltete separate Temperierstation 21, die Temperierstationen 21 und das Warmumform- und Presshärtewerkzeug 24 sind an eine gemeinsame Steuereinheit 22 angeschlossen. Eine Steuereinheit 22 steuert dabei alle einzelnen Stationen taktsynchron oder sogar gleichzeitig an. Bevorzugt können bei allen in den Figuren dargestellten Baueinheiten Schwingungsdämpfer 23 in der Koppelung eingesetzt werden. Die Temperierstation 21 dient einer lokalen Entfestigung oder einer andere lokalen Gefügeeinstellung des pressgehärteten Stahlblechprodukts. Figure 5 shows an alternative embodiment variant of the hot-forming line 1 comprising a hot-forming and press-hardening tools and a temperature control station 21 connected downstream, the temperature-regulating stations 21 and the hot-forming and press-hardening tool 24 are connected to a common control unit 22. A control unit 22 controls all individual stations isochronously or even simultaneously. Vibration dampers 23 can preferably be used in the coupling in all of the structural units shown in the figures. The temperature control station 21 serves for local softening or other local structural adjustment of the press-hardened sheet steel product.

Figur 6 zeigt eine Ausgestaltungsvariante gemäß Figur 5 mit dem Unterschied, dass die Temperierstation 2 und die Temperierstation 21 an einem Oberwerkzeug 25 des Warmumform- und Presshärtewerkzeuges 24 bzw. dessen Pressengestell 19 gekoppelt sind, so dass die Öffnungs- und Schließbewegung vom Oberwerkzeug 25 taktsynchron und gleichzeitig mit der Temperierstation 2 ausgeführt werden. Figure 6 shows an embodiment variant according to Figure 5 with the difference that the temperature control station 2 and the temperature control station 21 are coupled to an upper tool 25 of the hot-forming and press-hardening tool 24 or its press frame 19, so that the opening and closing movement of the upper tool 25 are carried out synchronously and simultaneously with the temperature control station 2.

Figur 7a und b zeigen einen Anhebevorgang der Schienen 5 mit den Platinengreifern 6. Die Schienen 5 haben eine Bewegung 10 orthogonal zur deren Axialrichtung 9 aufeinander zu ausgeführt, so dass die Platinengreifer 6 sich auf die Vertikalrichtung V bezogen unterhalb der Blechplatine 11 befinden. Im Anschluss daran wird eine Anhebebewegung, dargestellt in Figur 7b durch die Schienen 5 ausgeführt. Dies bedeutet, dass die gesamten Schienen 5 auf die Vertikalrichtung V nach oben bewegt werden. Gleichsam liegt dann die Blechplatine 11 auf den Platinengreifern 6 auf und wird ebenfalls angehoben. Figure 7a and b show a lifting process of the rails 5 with the plate grippers 6. The rails 5 have a movement 10 orthogonal to their axial direction 9 towards each other, so that the plate grippers 6 are located in relation to the vertical direction V below the sheet metal plate 11. Following this, a lifting movement is shown in Figure 7b run through the rails 5. This means that the entire rails 5 are moved upwards in the vertical direction V. As it were, the sheet metal plate 11 then lies on the plate grippers 6 and is also raised.

Figur 8a und b zeigen eine dazu alternative Ausgestaltungsvariante. Hier werden nicht die Schienen 5 auf die Vertikalrichtung V bezogen angehoben, sondern nur die Platinengreifer 6. Diese sind somit relativbeweglich an den Schienen 5 auf die Vertikalrichtung V bezogen gelagert und können auch angehoben werden bzw. abgesenkt werden. Figure 8a and b show an alternative design variant. Here, it is not the rails 5 that are raised in relation to the vertical direction V, but only the plate grippers 6. These are thus mounted on the rails 5 in a relatively movable manner in relation to the vertical direction V and can also be raised or lowered.

Figur 9a bis c zeigen eine analoge Relativbewegung 10 zu Figur 8a und b mit dem Unterschied, dass hier die Platinengreifer 6 als Aktivgreifer dargestellt sind. Diese sind in einer Offenstellung gemäß Figur 9a dargestellt, so dass die Schienen 5 eine aufeinander zu gerichtete Bewegung 10 ausgeführt haben. Gemäß Figur 9b werden dann die Platinengreifer 6 als Aktivgreifer geschlossen und gemäß Figur 9c wieder auf die Vertikalrichtung V bezogen angehoben. Figure 9a to c show an analog relative movement 10 Figure 8a and b with the difference that the board grippers 6 are shown here as active grippers. These are in an open position according to Figure 9a shown, so that the rails 5 have a movement 10 directed towards each other. According to Figure 9b the board grippers 6 are then closed as active grippers and according to Figure 9c raised to the vertical direction V again.

Figur 10 zeigt die erfindungsgemäße Warmformlinie 1 in einem Ruhezustand. Die auf die Bildebene bezogene obere Schiene 5 ist in deren Axialrichtung 9 zweifach geteilt nach außen verlagert. Dadurch wird ein freier Zugriff 26 auf das dahinter befindliche Warmumform- und Presshärtewerkzeug 3 ermöglicht, so dass ein schematisch angedeuteter Werkzeugwechsel 27 stattfinden kann. Im Anschluss daran werden die beiden Schienenteile wieder aufeinander zu bewegt, miteinander gekoppelt und die Warmformlinie 1 betrieben. Figure 10 shows the thermoforming line 1 according to the invention in an idle state. The upper rail 5 related to the image plane is displaced outwards in two parts in its axial direction 9. This enables free access 26 to the hot forming and press hardening tool 3 located behind it, so that a schematically indicated tool change 27 can take place. The two rail parts are then moved towards one another again, coupled to one another and the hot-forming line 1 is operated.

Ferner dargestellt ist, dass zwei auf die Bildebene bezogen in der Mitte angeordneten Greiferpaare, welche insbesondere Temperiergreifer 7 sind, in ihrem Abstand A1 zueinander veränderbar sind. Dadurch ist es möglich, von der Temperierstation 21 zwei temperierte Platinen in einem Abstand B1 aufzunehmen und in dem Warmumform- und Presshärtewerkzeug 24 durch Vergrößerung des Abstandes A1 der Temperiergreifer 7 zueinander in Axialrichtung 9 der Schienen 5 mit einem Abstand B1 abzulegen. Die Breite B2 ist dabei größer als die Breite B1.It is also shown that two gripper pairs arranged in the middle in relation to the image plane, which are in particular temperature control grippers 7, can be changed in their distance A1 from one another. This makes it possible to receive two tempered blanks from the temperature control station 21 at a distance B1 and to place them in the hot-forming and press-hardening tool 24 by increasing the distance A1 between the temperature grippers 7 in the axial direction 9 of the rails 5 with a distance B1. The width B2 is larger than the width B1.

Figur 11 zeigt eine Warmformlinie 1. Die Temperierstation 2 und das Warmumform- und Presshärtewerkezug 3 sind dicht nebeneinander mit einem Abstand 28 von weniger als 50 cm angeordnet. Die Temperierstation 2 und das Warmumform- und Presshärtewerkzeug 3 können synchron angetrieben werden. Dies kann über eine gemeinsame Steuerung erfolgen oder mittels übergeordneter Steuerung zweier verbundener Einzelsteuerungen. Wichtig ist eine gemeinsame Öffnungsphase, so dass das Linearfördersystem 4 in kurzer Zeit einen jeweiligen Transport vornehmen kann. Figure 11 shows a thermoforming line 1. The temperature control station 2 and the hot forming and press hardening tool 3 are arranged close to each other with a distance 28 of less than 50 cm. The temperature control station 2 and the hot forming and press hardening tool 3 can be driven synchronously. This can be done via a common control or by means of a higher-level control of two connected individual controls. A common opening phase is important so that the linear conveyor system 4 can carry out a respective transport in a short time.

Bezugszeichen:Reference numerals:

1 -1 -
WarmformlinieThermoforming line
2 -2 -
TemperierstationTemperature control station
3 -3 -
Warmumform- und PresshärtewerkzeugHot forming and press hardening tool
4 -4 -
LinearfördersystemLinear conveyor system
5 -5 -
Schienerail
6 -6 -
PlatinengreiferBoard gripper
7 -7 -
TemperiergreiferTemperature gripper
8 -8th -
ProduktgreiferProduct gripper
9 -9 -
Axialrichtung zu 5Axial direction to 5
10 -10 -
RelativbewegungRelative motion
11 -11 -
BlechplatineSheet metal
12 -12 -
erwärmte Blechplatineheated sheet metal
13 -13 -
StahlblechprodukteSheet steel products
14 -14 -
TransportbewegungTransport movement
15 -15 -
AblagenstapelStorage pile
16 -16 -
Bewegung nach außenOutward movement
17 -17 -
RückführbewegungReturn movement
18 -18 -
BlechplatinenstapelSheet metal stack
19 -19 -
PressengestellPress frame
20 -20 -
AktorActuator
21 -21 -
TemperierstationTemperature control station
22 -22 -
SteuereinheitControl unit
23 -23 -
SchwingungsdämpferVibration damper
24 -24 -
Warmumform- und PresshärtewerkzeugHot forming and press hardening tool
25 -25 -
OberwerkzeugUpper tool
26 -26 -
freier Zugrifffree access
27 -27 -
WerkzeugwechselTool change
28 -28 -
Abstanddistance
A1 -A1 -
Abstanddistance
B1 -B1 -
Abstanddistance
B2 -B2 -
Abstanddistance
V -V -
VertikalrichtungVertical direction

Claims (13)

  1. Hot-forming line (1) for producing hot-formed and press-hardened sheet steel products (13), having a tempering station (2) for heating at least one sheet blank (11) and a hot-forming and press-hardening tool (3), and in that there is provided along the hot-forming line (1) a linear conveying system (4), characterised in that the linear conveying system (4) is formed from at least two parallel opposing rails (5), wherein the rails (5) are displaceable in at least a translational direction and gripping elements are arranged on the rails (5), wherein the gripping elements are displaceable in the axial direction (9) of the rails (5) and in that the gripping elements can be raised and lowered orthogonally to the axial direction (9) of the rails (5), wherein the hot-forming and press-hardening tool (3) and the tempering station (2) are disposed at a spacing of less than 2 m, preferably less than 1 m, more particularly less than 50 cm, and in that the hot-forming line (1) is formed to be at least two-fall, so that initially two sheet blanks (11) can be heated simultaneously and at least two sheet steel products (13) can be hot-formed and press-hardened simultaneously.
  2. Hot-forming line according to claim 1, characterised in that the total displacement travel from receiving a blank to depositing the produced component has a total length of less than 15 m, more particularly less than 10 m.
  3. Hot-forming line according to claim 2, characterised in that a length of 2 m is used for the tempering station (2) and/or in that a length of 2.2 m is used for the press frame (19) of the hot-forming and press-hardening tool (3) and/or in that 1 m is used for an inlet and an outlet, respectively.
  4. Hot-forming line according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that a press with a press force of 1,500 t to 2,500 t, more particularly 1,800 t to 2,200 t, preferably 2,000 t, is used for the hot-forming and press-hardening tool (3).
  5. Hot-forming line according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that a press with a press force of 20 t to 100 t, more particularly 30 t to 70 t, preferably 50 t, is used for the tempering station (2).
  6. Hot-forming line according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that translational travel of the gripping elements of between 5 and 250 mm, more particularly 10 to 50 mm from an idle position to a gripping position is provided.
  7. Hot-forming line according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the tempering station is flanged onto the hot-forming and press-hardening tool (3) or in that the tempering station and the hot-forming and press-hardening tool are arranged immediately next to each other, with a spacing (28) of less than 50 cm, more particularly less than 20 cm, preferably less than or equal to 10 cm.
  8. Hot-forming line according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the tempering station (21) is actuated so as to be synchronous with the cycle of the drive of the hot-forming and press-hardening tool (24), or in that the tempering station (21), for the opening movement thereof, is actuated so as to be temporally delayed in relation to the hot-forming and press-hardening tool (24).
  9. Hot-forming line according to claim 1, characterised in that the tempering station (2) and the hot-forming and press-hardening tool (3) are opened and closed in a synchronous manner by the same drive.
  10. Method for operating a hot-forming line (1) with the features of at least claim 1, characterised in that a sheet blank (11) is gripped and conveyed through axial movement of at least two opposite sheet blank grippers (6) into the tempering station (2) and is deposited there, wherein parallel to this a heated sheet blank (12) is gripped by at least two opposite tempering grippers (7) in the tempering station (2) and is conveyed into the hot-forming and press-hardening tool (3), wherein parallel to this two formed and hardened sheet steel products (13) from the hot-forming and press-hardening tool (3) are gripped by at least two product grippers (8) lying opposite each other and are conveyed onto a holding pile (15) or in that a downstream transfer of the finished sheet steel product (13) onto a holding pile (15) takes place.
  11. Method for operating a hot-forming line according to claim 10, characterised in that an opening movement of the tempering station (2) is executed some time after the opening movement of the hot-forming and press-hardening tool (3).
  12. Method for operating a hot-forming line in accordance with claim 10 or 11, characterised in that in the case of a two-fall hot-forming line (1) two pairs of gripping elements executing the transport movement of two sheet blanks (11) and/or sheet steel products (13) can be changed in respect of the spacing (A1) between them in the axial direction (9).
  13. Method for operating a hot-forming line according to any of claims 10 to 12, characterised in that a time for transporting a sheet blank (11) or the sheet steel product (13) is less than 5s, more particularly less than 3s.
EP18168502.5A 2015-12-23 2016-12-23 Hot forming line for producing thermoformed and press-hardened sheet steel products and method for operating the same Active EP3395965B1 (en)

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DE102015122796.7A DE102015122796A1 (en) 2015-12-23 2015-12-23 Hot forming line for the production of hot-formed and press-hardened sheet steel products and method for its operation
EP16206591.6A EP3184656B1 (en) 2015-12-23 2016-12-23 Hot forming line for producing thermoformed and press-hardened sheet steel products and method for operating the same

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CN110961543B (en) * 2019-12-20 2021-12-21 翟述基 Comprehensive conveying and feeding equipment for high-strength steel plate stamping and hot forming production line
CN113083933B (en) * 2021-03-26 2022-12-23 武汉理工大学 Preparation method of large-sized ultrafine-grained isotropic plate
DE102021110702A1 (en) 2021-04-27 2022-10-27 Voestalpine Metal Forming Gmbh Process and device for manufacturing hardened steel components with different ductile areas

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EP3395965A1 (en) 2018-10-31
DE102015122796A1 (en) 2017-06-29
ES2787030T3 (en) 2020-10-14
ES2699916T3 (en) 2019-02-13
CN106916930B (en) 2019-03-26
EP3184656A1 (en) 2017-06-28
PL3184656T3 (en) 2019-02-28
US10954577B2 (en) 2021-03-23
EP3184656B1 (en) 2018-10-24
US20170183755A1 (en) 2017-06-29
CN106916930A (en) 2017-07-04

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