WO2019044763A1

WO2019044763A1 - High-frequency heat treatment equipment

Info

Publication number: WO2019044763A1
Application number: PCT/JP2018/031566
Authority: WO
Inventors: 義也真野; 慎太郎鈴木
Original assignee: Ntn株式会社
Priority date: 2017-08-28
Filing date: 2018-08-27
Publication date: 2019-03-07
Also published as: JP6832812B2; JP2019039052A

Abstract

The present invention comprises one high-frequency power source 2, a first adjusting plate 3 and a second adjusting plate 4, a power supply destination switch 5, a first line 10 having first and second quenching devices 11, 14, and a second line 20 having a first quenching device 21. Heating units 12, 22, which are respectively provided to the first quenching devices 11, 21 of the two lines 10, 20, are electrically connected to the high-frequency power source 2 via a first current supply destination switch 6, the first adjusting plate 3, and the power supply destination switch 5, which switch the supply destination of a resonance current generated by the first adjusting plate 3 between the heating units 12, 22. A heating unit 15, which is provided to the second quenching device 14 of the first line 10, is electrically connected to the high-frequency power source via the second adjusting plate 4 and the power supply destination switch 5. Each of the high-frequency power source 2, the first adjusting plate 3, the second adjusting plate 4, the power supply destination switch 5, and the first current supply destination switch 6 is electrically connected to a control device 8 that outputs control signals.

Description

High frequency heat treatment equipment

The present invention relates to high-frequency heat treatment equipment, and more particularly, a high-frequency heat treatment that can be preferably used when induction hardening is performed on steel members having a large number of model numbers, such as the outer joint member of a constant velocity universal joint. It relates to a heat treatment facility.

For example, in the manufacturing process of the outer joint member 100 of the constant velocity universal joint integrally including the cup portion 101 and the shaft portion 102 as shown in FIG. 8, the mechanical strength etc. required for the outer joint member 100 are given. Heat treatment (quench hardening treatment) is carried out. The outer joint member 100 does not have to have high mechanical strength in its entirety due to its function, and it is often the case that high mechanical strength is required. Specifically, as shown by cross hatching in FIG. 8, a hardened layer H by heat treatment is formed on the inner diameter surface of the cup portion 101 including the track groove and the outer diameter surface of the shaft portion 102. For this reason, as a method of quench hardening treatment for the outer joint member (a base of the outer joint member; hereinafter, simply referred to as "work") 100, a heating coil is used to target the required quenching area of the work to a target temperature. It is common to adopt so-called induction hardening which cools the region requiring quenching of the work after induction heating.

From the above reasons, when changing the work to be introduced into the heat treatment equipment (high-frequency heat treatment equipment) (when changing the model number), the heating coil corresponds to the shape of the required quenching area of the work after changing the model number As it is replaced, the hardening conditions are changed. As described above, when the heating coil is replaced or the quenching condition is changed, usually, first, a quenching sample subjected to induction hardening under a predetermined quenching condition is manufactured and cut, and the quenching is performed. Quality inspection (this quality inspection is also referred to as destructive inspection) is performed such as measuring depth (hardened layer thickness), surface hardness, etc. and observing the metal structure of the hardened layer with a microscope. Then, after confirming that there is no problem in the shape and installation mode of the heating coil, and the quenching condition etc. by quality inspection, the high frequency heat treatment equipment is practically operated and induction hardening is performed on the workpiece after the model number change. Apply.

The time required for replacing the heating coil described above and changing the setting of the quenching conditions (setup time), and the time required for the preparation of a quenched sample and the destructive inspection as a quality inspection (inspection time) are all so-called In the case of a down time, taking the high-frequency heat treatment equipment used for performing induction hardening on the outer joint member 100 shown in FIG. 8 as an example, the down time occurring at the time of model number change may increase to about 120 minutes in total. (Setup time: about 30 minutes, examination time: about 90 minutes). Therefore, particularly as in the outer joint member 100 shown in FIG. 8, there is a problem that the high frequency heat treatment equipment used to apply induction hardening to a work having a large number of model numbers has a low operation rate.

As a technical means for shortening the down time of the high frequency heat treatment equipment accompanying the model number change, there is a method of shortening the setup time by facilitating replacement of the heating coil and position adjustment (for example, Patent Document 1- 3).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-34129 JP-A-8-73928 JP 2012-31489 A JP 2007-85949 A JP 2006-337250 A

However, even if the setup time can be shortened by adopting the technical means described in Patent Documents 1 to 3, the inspection time which occupies about 3/4 of the down time still remains. The examination time can be shortened, for example, by adopting a method of detecting a tissue change by ultrasonic waves (Patent Document 4), a method of measuring a quenching depth using eddy current (Patent Document 5), or the like. However, all the methods described in

Patent Documents

4 and 5 are only methods capable of measuring and inspecting some quality characteristics, and whether or not the workpiece is appropriately subjected to induction hardening. It is not enough to judge. Therefore, it is the fact that the technical means described in

Patent Documents

4 and 5 can not be adopted as an alternative means of the destructive inspection described above.

When top priority is given to carrying out a destructive inspection as a quality inspection, it is conceivable to install a large number of high-frequency heat treatment facilities. However, such measures can not be practically adopted because they can not only improve the operation rate of individual heat treatment facilities but also require a large investment and installation space.

In view of the above-described circumstances, the present invention has an object to provide a high-frequency heat treatment facility which is compact, has a high facility operation rate, and is capable of appropriately performing induction hardening on a work.

The induction heating apparatus (1) according to the present invention invented to achieve the above object is:
・ One high frequency power supply (2),
A first matching board (3) and a second matching board (4) for generating a resonant current in response to high frequency power output from the high frequency power supply (2);
A power supply destination switch (5) for switching the supply destination of high frequency power output from the high frequency power supply (2) between the first matching board (3) and the second matching board (4);
A first line (10) having a first hardening device (11) and a second hardening device (14), each capable of performing induction hardening on the required quenching area of the work;
A second line (20) having a first hardening device (21) capable of performing induction hardening on a required quenching area of a work;
A heating unit (12) provided in the first hardening device (11) of the first line (10), and a heating unit (22) provided in the first hardening device (21) of the second line (20) A first current supply destination switcher (6) for switching the supply destination of the resonance current generated in the first matching board (3) between the two heating units 12, 22), the first matching board (3) And a heating unit (15) electrically connected to the high frequency power supply (2) via the power supply destination switch (5) and provided in the second hardening device (14) of the first line (10), It is electrically connected to the high frequency power supply (2) through the second matching board (4) and the power supply destination switch (5), and the high frequency power supply (2), the first matching board (3), the second matching board ( 4) A control device (8) in which each of the power supply destination switch (5) and the first current supply destination switch (6) outputs a control signal Characterized in that it is electrically connected.

According to the heat treatment facility (1) having the above configuration, for example, the first line (10) can be obtained by appropriately switching the output destination of the control signal output from the control device (8) while the heat treatment facility (1) is in operation. A workpiece (the first workpiece) having a shape different from the workpiece (the first workpiece) inserted into the first line (10) in the second line (20) while induction hardening is performed on the workpiece in 2) So-called setup work including installation work of heating part (heating coil) for performing induction hardening on 2) and setting of hardening conditions etc. Furthermore, preparation and quality inspection of hardened sample of second work Can be performed. In this case, when induction hardening for the first work in the first line is completed, it is possible to smoothly shift to induction hardening for the second work, so the operating rate of the entire heat treatment facility (1) is It can be enhanced. In addition, even if a so-called destructive inspection is performed as a quality inspection, the time required for the inspection does not directly correspond to the downtime of the heat treatment facility (1), so a drastic decrease in the facility operation rate due to the destructive inspection is suppressed. Alternatively, it can be prevented. Therefore, the destructive inspection as a quality inspection can be appropriately implemented. Therefore, in addition to appropriately performing induction hardening on a work, induction hardening can be efficiently performed on a plurality of types of works having different shapes (model numbers).

Also, the high-frequency power supply (2) is shared by the heating units (12, 15, 22) provided in the respective quenching devices (11, 14, 21), and the first alignment board (3) is It is shared by the heating parts (12, 22) respectively provided in the first hardening device (11, 21) of the line (10) and the second line (20). Therefore, a compact and inexpensive heat treatment facility (1) is realized as compared to the case where high-frequency power supplies and matching boards are individually connected to the heating parts (12, 15, 22) of the respective quenching devices (11, 14, 21). It can also be done.

If the first line (10) and the second line (20) are accommodated in one frame (9), it is advantageous for realizing a compact high-frequency heat treatment facility (1).

A first current supply destination switch (6), a first hardening device (11) constituting a first line (10), and a first hardening device (21) constituting a second line (20) Between the first hardening device (11) of the first line (10) and the first hardening device (21) of the second line (20). In this case, for example, while the induction hardening is performed on the first work in the first line (10), the first hardening device of the second line (20) is provided without providing a separate partition or the like. In (21), it is possible to secure the safety when performing setup work such as coil replacement manually.

If the first alignment board (3) is disposed above the first hardening device (11) of the first line (10) and the first hardening device (21) of the second line (20), compact heat treatment is performed. It is advantageous to realize the equipment (1).

The second line (20) may further include a second hardening device (24) capable of performing induction hardening on the required quenching area of the work. In this way, since it is possible to perform induction hardening in two steps on the work introduced into the second line (20), the versatility of the heat treatment equipment (1) can be enhanced. In this case, the heating unit (15) provided in the second hardening device (14) of the first line (10) and the heating unit provided in the second hardening device (24) of the second line (20) (25) is electrically connected to the control device (8), and the destination of the resonance current generated in the second matching board (4) is switched between the two heating units (15, 25) It can be connected to the high frequency power supply (2) through the 2 current supply destination switch (7), and the second matching board (4) and the power supply destination switch (5). In this way, the high frequency power supply (2) is shared by the heating units (12, 15, 22, 25) provided in the respective quenching devices (11, 14, 21, 24), and the second matching is performed. Since the board (4) is shared by the heating parts (15, 25) provided respectively in the second hardening device (14, 24) of the first line (10) and the second line (20), the whole as a whole It is possible to realize a heat treatment facility (1) which is compact but has high versatility.

If the second alignment board (4) is disposed above the second hardening device (14) of the first line (10) and the second hardening device (24) of the second line (20), at least four units are provided. It is advantageous in achieving the compactification of the heat treatment equipment (1) equipped with the quenching device of the present invention.

If a transfer robot (50) for transferring the work in the high-frequency heat treatment facility (1) is disposed between the first line (10) and the second line (20), a simple and compact heat treatment facility can be realized. Can.

Since the heat treatment equipment according to the present invention has the above-mentioned features, it has a large number of model numbers, and members that are frequently changed in model number, for example, an outer joint member of a constant velocity universal joint is induction hardened. It can be suitably used as a heat treatment facility for applying. Further, the heat treatment facility according to the present invention comprises a hub ring of a wheel bearing device having a flange portion for wheel attachment and an inner raceway surface, and an outer ring of a wheel bearing device having an outer raceway surface facing the inner raceway surface. It can also be suitably used as a heat treatment facility for performing induction hardening on the above groups.

From the above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a high-frequency heat treatment facility which is compact, has a high operation rate, and is capable of appropriately performing an induction hardening process on a work.

It is a perspective view of high-frequency heat treatment equipment concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a top view of the induction hardening apparatus installation shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows notionally the apparatus structure of the 1st hardening apparatus of a 1st line. It is a figure which shows notionally the apparatus structure of the 2nd hardening apparatus of a 1st line. It is a figure which shows notionally the apparatus structure of the 1st hardening apparatus of a 2nd line. It is a figure which shows notionally the apparatus structure of the 2nd hardening apparatus of a 2nd line. It is a block diagram which shows the heating system of the high frequency heat-treatment installation shown in FIG. It is a top view of high-frequency heat treatment equipment concerning a 2nd embodiment of the present invention. It is a sectional view showing an example of a bearing device for wheels. It is a block diagram which shows the heating system of the high frequency heat processing installation which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows an example of the outer joint member of a constant velocity universal joint.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the high-frequency heat treatment equipment 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a top view of the heat treatment equipment 1. The high-frequency heat treatment facility 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 has a first line 10 having a first hardening device 11 and a second hardening device 14 each capable of performing induction hardening on a work (first work W1). A second hardening device 21 and a second hardening device 24 each capable of performing induction hardening on a workpiece (in particular, a second workpiece W2 different in shape and model number from the first workpiece W1) A line 20, a carry-in device 30 for carrying the work into the heat treatment equipment 1, a carry-out device 40 for carrying the work after quenching completion out of the heat treatment equipment 1, and disposed between the first line 10 and the second line 20 And a transfer robot 50 as an internal transfer device. The first line 10, the second line 20, and the transfer robot 50 are housed and arranged inside a frame (housing) 9 having a rounded rectangular shape in a plan view.

The loading device 30 of the illustrated example is a conveyer having two rows of convey paths. In this embodiment, one of the two rows of transport paths is used to transport the first workpiece W1, and the other is used to transport the second workpiece W2. Further, like the loading device 30, the unloading device 40 is a transport conveyor having two rows of transport paths. Further, as the transfer robot 50 as the internal transfer device, a transfer robot having an extendable, retractable, swingable, and rotatable (pivotal) arm is adopted.

In the following, the work to be heat-treated (both the first work W1 and the second work W2) to be introduced into the heat treatment facility 1 is outside the constant velocity universal joint integrally having the cup portion 101 and the shaft portion 102 shown in FIG. The specific configuration of the heat treatment equipment 1 of the present embodiment will be described by taking the case of the joint member (base material) 100 as an example.

The first hardening device 11 provided in the first line 10 performs the induction hardening on the inner diameter surface of the cup portion 101 of the outer joint member 100 as the first work W 1, and the inner diameter side surface layer of the cup portion 101 The hardened layer H is formed in the portion, and the second hardening device 14 forms the hardened layer H in the outer diameter side surface layer portion of the shaft portion 102 by performing induction hardening on the outer diameter surface of the shaft portion 102. The first work W 1 that has reached the end position (downstream end) of the loading device 30 is transported by the transport robot 50 in the order of the first hardening device 11 → the second hardening device 14 → the unloading device 40.

As conceptually shown in FIG. 3A, as the first hardening device 11, for example, a temperature is aimed at a necessary quenching area of the first work W1 (here, the inner diameter surface of the cup portion 101) in a cylindrical housing. The heating part 12 having a heating coil for induction heating and the cooling part can be jetted toward the required quenching region of the first work W1 which is disposed on the lower side of the heating part 12 and heated by the heating part 12 What provided the cooling part 13 which has a cooling jacket, and the raising / lowering mechanism outside the illustration which raises / lowers and moves in the state holding the 1st workpiece | work W1 is employ | adopted. As the elevating mechanism moves up and down, the required quenching area of the first workpiece W1 is arranged in the order of the facing area of the heating unit 12 (heating coil) → the facing area of the cooling unit 13 (cooling jacket).

As conceptually shown in FIG. 3B, as the second hardening device 14, like the first hardening device 11, in the cylindrical housing, the required quenching area of the first work W 1 (here, the shaft portion A heating area 15 having a heating coil for induction heating to a temperature aimed at an outer diameter surface of 102, and a quenching area of the first work W1 disposed on the lower side of the heating area 15 and heated by the heating area 15 A cooling unit 16 having a cooling jacket capable of injecting a coolant and a lifting mechanism (not shown) moving up and down while holding the first workpiece W1 are employed. As the elevating mechanism moves up and down, the required quenching area of the first workpiece W1 is arranged in the order of the facing area of the heating unit 15 (heating coil) → the facing area of the cooling unit 16 (cooling jacket). However, the heating coil provided in the heating unit 15 and the cooling jacket provided in the cooling unit 16 respectively heat the first hardening device 11 so that the outside diameter surface of the shaft 102 can be induction heated and cooled. The heating coil and the cooling jacket provided in the portion 12 and the cooling portion 13 respectively have different shapes.

The first line 10 mainly has the above configuration, and performs induction hardening on the cup portion 101 and the shaft portion 102 of the outer joint member 100 as the first work W1 in the mode described below.

First, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, after the first workpiece W1 having reached the downstream end of the loading device 30 is transported by the transport robot 50 to the workpiece delivery position 11a provided in the first hardening device 11, , Is held by a lifting mechanism (not shown). Next, the elevating mechanism is driven, and the cup portion 101 of the first work W1 is disposed in the opposite region of the heating unit 12 (heating coil) in the energized state for a predetermined time. As a result, the inner diameter surface of the cup portion 101 is inductively heated to the target temperature. After the inner diameter surface of the cup portion 101 is heated to the target temperature, the raising and lowering mechanism is driven again to arrange the inner diameter surface of the cup portion 101 in the opposing region of the cooling portion 13 (cooling jacket) The liquid cools the inner diameter surface of the cup portion 101. Thereby, the first work W1 in which the hardened layer H is formed on the inner diameter side surface layer portion of the cup portion 101 is obtained. After the first workpiece W1 is returned to the workpiece delivery position 11a, the transport robot 50 transports the first workpiece W1 to the workpiece delivery position 14a provided in the second hardening device 14. In the second hardening device 14, in the heating unit 15 and the cooling unit 16, the same processes as the heating unit 12 and the cooling unit 13 of the first hardening device 11 are performed. Thereby, the first work W1 in which the hardened layer H is formed on the outer diameter side surface layer portion of the shaft portion 102 is obtained. As described above, the hardened first workpiece W1 in which the hardened layer H is formed on each of the inner diameter surface layer portion of the cup portion 101 and the outer diameter side surface layer portion of the shaft portion 102 2) The work is transferred from the work transfer position 14 a of the hardening device 14 to the unloading device 40 and is unloaded out of the heat treatment facility 1.

Next, the first hardening device 21 provided in the second line 20 is an outer joint member as the second work W2 (in detail, the shape etc. of the outer joint member 100 as the first work W1 (model number) The hardened layer H is formed on the inner surface side surface layer portion of the cup portion 101 by performing induction hardening on the inner diameter surface of the cup portion 101 among the outer joint members 100 having different By subjecting the outer diameter surface of the shaft 102 to induction hardening, the hardened layer H is formed on the outer surface side surface portion of the shaft portion 102. The second workpiece W 2 that has reached the downstream end of the loading device 30 is transported by the transport robot 50 in the order of the first hardening device 21 → the second hardening device 24 → the unloading device 40.

As conceptually shown in FIG. 3C, as the first hardening device 21, as in the first hardening device 11 of the first line 10, a heating unit 22 having a heating coil in a cylindrical housing, and cooling What provided the cooling part 23 which has a jacket, and a raising / lowering mechanism is employ | adopted. The heating coil provided in the heating unit 22 and the cooling jacket provided in the cooling unit 23 each have a shape corresponding to the inner diameter surface of the cup portion 101 of the second work W2. Further, as conceptually shown in FIG. 3D, as the second hardening device 24, as in the second hardening device 14 of the first line 10, a heating unit 25 having a heating coil in a cylindrical housing is provided. , A cooling unit having a cooling jacket and a lifting mechanism are adopted. The heating coil provided in the heating unit 25 and the cooling jacket provided in the cooling unit 26 each have a shape corresponding to the outer diameter surface of the shaft portion 102 of the second workpiece W2.

The second line 20 performs induction hardening on the cup portion 101 and the shaft portion 102 of the outer joint member 100 as the second work W 2 in the same procedure as the first line 10.

The heat treatment equipment 1 of the present embodiment is characterized mainly in the heating system of the work including the

heating units

12, 15, 22, 25 described above. If it demonstrates with reference to FIG. 4, the heating part 12 provided in the 1st hardening apparatus 11 of the 1st line 10 and the heating part 22 provided in the 1st hardening apparatus 21 of the 2nd line 20 are respectively The high frequency power supply 2 is electrically connected via the first current supply destination switch 6, the first matching board 3 and the power supply destination switch 5. Further, the heating unit 15 provided in the second hardening device 14 of the first line 10 and the heating unit 25 provided in the second hardening device 24 of the second line 20 respectively switch the second current supply destination. It is electrically connected to the high frequency power supply 2 via the unit 7, the second matching board 4 and the power supply destination switch 5. That is, the four

heating units

12, 15, 22, 25 provided in the heat treatment facility 1 share one high frequency power supply 2. The

heating units

12 and 22 share the first alignment board 3, and the

heating units

15 and 25 share the second alignment board 4.

Although detailed illustration is omitted, cooling

units

13 and 16 provided in both hardening

devices

11 and 14 in the first line 10 and lifting and lowering mechanisms, and hardening

devices

21 and 24 in the second line 20, respectively. The cooling

units

23 and 26 and the elevating mechanism provided are operated by receiving power supplied from an AC power supply (not shown).

Although detailed illustration is omitted, each of the first matching board 3 and the second matching board 4 is provided with a resonant circuit that receives high frequency power output from the high frequency power supply 2 and generates a resonant current. As the resonant circuit, for example, one configured by a plurality of capacitors and a transformer is used. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the first alignment board 3 straddles the first hardening device 11 of the first line 10 and the first hardening device 21 of the second line 20 so as to cover both hardening devices. It is disposed on the upper side of 11 and 21 and held by the ceiling of the frame 9. Further, the second alignment board 4 is disposed above the hardening

devices

14 and 24 so as to straddle the second hardening device 14 of the first line 10 and the second hardening device 24 of the second line 20. And is held on the ceiling of the frame 9.

As shown in FIG. 4, the power supply destination switch 5 is provided on an electric wire electrically connecting both the

matching boards

3 and 4 and the high frequency power source 2, and the high frequency power output from the high frequency power source 2 The supply destination is switched between the first alignment board 3 and the second alignment board 4.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first current supply destination switching device 6 includes the first matching board 3 and the heating portion 12 provided in the first hardening device 11 of the first line 10 and the first of the second line 20. The first line 10 is provided on an electric wire electrically connecting the heating unit 22 provided in the hardening device 21, and a supply destination of the resonance current generated in (the resonance circuit of) the first matching board 3. Switching between (the heating coil of) the heating unit 12 and the (heating coil) of the heating unit 22 of the second line 20. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first current supply destination switch 6 is disposed between the first hardening device 11 of the first line 10 and the first hardening device 21 of the second line 20. Of the internal space of the frame 9 as a partition separating the space in which the first hardening device 11 of the first line 10 is disposed and the space in which the first hardening device 21 of the second line 20 is disposed. Also works.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, the second current supply destination switch 7 includes the second matching board 4 and the heating unit 15 and the second line 20 provided in the second hardening device 14 of the first line 10. It is provided on the electric wire electrically connecting the heating unit 25 provided in the second hardening device 24, and the supply destination of the resonance current generated in (the resonance circuit of) the second matching board 4 is the first Switching is performed between (the heating coil of) the heating portion 15 of the line 10 and (the heating coil of) the heating portion 25 of the second line 20. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the second current supply destination switch 7 is disposed between the second hardening device 14 of the first line 10 and the second hardening device 24 of the second line 20. Of the internal space of the frame 9 and a partition that separates the space in which the second hardening device 14 of the first line 10 is disposed and the space in which the second hardening device 24 of the second line 20 is disposed. It also works as

As shown in FIG. 4, the heat treatment facility 1 further includes a control device 8. The control device 8 includes a high frequency power source 2, a first matching board 3, a second matching board 4, a power supply destination switch 5, and The first current supply destination switch 6, the second current supply destination switch 7 and the transfer robot 50 are electrically connected.

The control device 8 stores data on heating (quenching) conditions for each model number of the workpiece to be quenched, and when operating the heat treatment facility 1 (the first line 10 and the second line 20) When the operator operates the control panel (not shown) to select the model number of the workpiece to be heat-treated, the control signal related to the quenching condition according to the model number of the workpiece is the high frequency power supply 2 from the controller 8 and the first matching panel 3 and the second alignment board 4 (see dashed arrow in FIG. 4). Then, the high frequency power supply 2 outputs a predetermined amount of high frequency power for a predetermined time based on the control signal output from the control device 8, and the

matching boards

3 and 4 use the control signal output from the control device 8, for example The number of capacitors electrically connected to the transformer is increased or decreased to generate a predetermined amount of resonance current.

Further, while the heat treatment facility 1 is in operation, the control device 8 supplies the high-frequency power output from the high-frequency power supply 2 and the resonance current generated in the first matching board 3 as indicated by the broken arrow in FIG. The control signals relating to the supply destinations of the resonance current generated in the first and second matching boards 4 are sent to the power supply destination switch 5, the first current supply destination switch 6, and the second current supply destination switch 7, respectively. Output at a predetermined timing. Furthermore, a program related to the operation mode of the transfer robot 50 is stored in the control device 8, and the transfer robot 50 operates based on a control signal (see a broken arrow in FIG. 4) output from the control device 8.

Hereinafter, the operation (operation) procedure of the high-frequency heat treatment equipment 1 having the above configuration will be described.

[First step: hardening of the first work and preparation of the second work]
First, the first line 10 is operated, and induction hardening is sequentially performed on the outer joint member 100 as the first workpiece W1 sequentially conveyed by the loading device 30. At this time, the control device 8 performs the following for each of the first matching board 3, the second matching board 4, the first current supply destination switch 6, the second current supply destination switch 7, and the transfer robot 50. Output a control signal such as
First alignment board 3: A control signal according to the hardening condition of the cup portion 101 of the first work W1.
Second alignment board 4: A control signal according to the hardening condition of the shaft portion 102 of the first work W1.
· First current supply destination switching device 6: electrically connect the first matching board 3 and the heating unit 12 of the first hardening device 11 (the destination of the resonance current generated in the first matching board 3 is the heating unit 12) Control signal.
· Second current supply destination switch 7: electrically connects the second matching board 4 and the heating unit 15 of the second hardening device 14 (the supply destination of the resonance current generated in the second matching board 4 is the heating unit 15) Control signal.
Transport robot 50: downstream end of loading device 30 → work delivery position 11a of first hardening device 11 (see FIG. 2) → work delivery position 14a of second hardening device 14 (see FIG. 2) → unloading device 40 Control signal that makes the upstream end one cycle operation.

Further, at this time, the control device 8 adjusts the timing of the first work W1 to be input to the first hardening device 11 and applies the first work W1 to the high frequency power source 2 and the power supply destination switch 5 respectively. A control signal according to the hardening condition of the cup portion 101 and a control signal for electrically connecting the high frequency power supply 2 and (the resonance circuit of) the first matching board 3 are output, and the first work W1 is a second baking. Control signals according to the hardening conditions of the shaft portion 102 of the first work W 1 to the high frequency power supply 2 and the power supply destination switch 5 in accordance with the timing of being supplied to the insertion device 14, and the high frequency power supply 2 And the second matching board 4 (the resonant circuit thereof) are electrically connected.

While the first line 10 is in operation by outputting a control signal from the control device 8 in the above mode, the high frequency power supply 2 and the two

heating units

22 and 25 provided on the second line 20 are electrically In the second line 20, a heating coil corresponding to the shape of the required area of the outer joint member 100 as the second work W2 is set in the

heating portion

22, 25 or the like. Carry out work.

As described above, between the first hardening device 11 of the first line 10 and the first hardening device 21 of the second line 20, and the second hardening device 14 of the first line 10 and the second line 20. Because the first current supply destination switching device 6 and the second current supply destination switching device 7 functioning as partition walls are disposed between the second hardening device 24 and the second hardening device 24 respectively, The safety of the workers who carry out the work is secured to some extent.

However, the first work W 1 which has been hardened is carried out by the transfer robot 50 so as to pass between the first hardening device 21 and the second hardening device 24 which constitute the second line 20, so that the unloading device 40 is carried out. The operator in the setup work contacts (collision) with the transfer robot 50, and the high temperature coolant adhering to the first work W1 for which the quenching is completed is sent to the worker in the setup work. There is a possibility that a situation such as scattering may occur. Therefore, in the heat treatment equipment 1 of the present embodiment, movable partition walls 60 between the first hardening

device

11, 21 and the transfer robot 50 and between the

second hardening device

21, 24 and the transfer robot 50. Are provided respectively. As a result, while any one of the first line 10 and the second line 20 is in operation, the safety of the operator at the time of performing the setup work or the like in the other line is ensured.

[Second step: Trial hardening of second work (preparation of hardened sample)]
If the setup work in the second line 20 is completed while sequentially performing the hardening process on the plurality of first works W1 in the above manner, the first line 10 is temporarily stopped (the first works W1 While the second line 20 is temporarily operated to perform trial hardening (preparation of a quenched sample) of the second work W2. At this time, the control device 8 performs the following for each of the first matching board 3, the second matching board 4, the first current supply destination switch 6, the second current supply destination switch 7, and the transfer robot 50. Output a control signal such as
First alignment board 3: A control signal according to the quenching condition of the cup portion 101 of the second workpiece W2.
Second alignment board 4: A control signal according to the hardening condition of the shaft portion 102 of the second workpiece W2.
First current supply destination switching device 6: electrically connect the first matching board 3 and the heating unit 22 of the first hardening device 21 (the supply destination of the resonance current generated in the first matching board 3 is the heating unit 22) control signal.
· Second current supply destination switch 7: electrically connects the second matching board 4 and the heating unit 25 of the second hardening device 24 (the supply destination of the resonance current generated in the second matching board 4 is the heating unit 25) control signal.
Transport robot 50: downstream end of loading device 30 → work delivery position 21a of first hardening device 21 (see FIG. 2) → work delivery position 24a of second hardening device 24 (see FIG. 2) → unloading device 40 Control signal that makes the upstream end one cycle operation.

Further, at this time, the control device 8 controls the second work W2 for each of the high frequency power supply 2 and the power supply destination switch 5 in accordance with the timing when the second work W2 is put into the first hardening device 21. And a control signal for electrically connecting the high-frequency power supply 2 to the first matching board 3 and a second work W2 to the second hardening device 24. The control signal according to the hardening condition of the shaft portion 102 of the second work W2 and the second matching with the high frequency power supply 2 for each of the high frequency power supply 2 and the power supply destination switch 5 in accordance with the timing of turning on. A control signal for electrically connecting the board 4 is output.

[Third step: quality inspection of the first work hardening and the second work hardening sample]
When the preparation of the quenched sample of the second work W2 is completed in the second step described above, the second line 20 is stopped, and the first line 10 is restarted to resume induction hardening for the first work W1. . The output mode of the control signal from the control device 8 at this time is the same as that of the first step described above. After resuming induction hardening for the first work W1, the quenching depth (thickness of the hardened layer H), surface hardness, etc. of the quenched sample of the second work W2 are measured, and the metal structure of the hardened layer H is Conduct a destructive inspection as a quality inspection such as observing with a microscope. As a result of the quality inspection, if the desired hardened layer H is not formed on the quenched sample of the second workpiece W2, the above-mentioned second step and the third step are executed again after appropriately modifying the quenching conditions.

[Fourth step: end of first work hardening and start of second work hardening]
When the induction hardening for all the first works W1 is completed, the first line 10 is stopped, and the second line 20 is operated to start induction hardening for the second works W2. The output mode of the control signal from the control device 8 at this time is the same as that of the second step described above.

[Step 5: Hardening the second workpiece and setup work for the next model number]
After induction hardening for the second workpiece W2 is started, in the first line 10, removal work of heating coils attached to the

heating parts

12 and 15 of both hardening

devices

11 and 14 and the heat treatment equipment 1 concerned A stage of the next model number including an operation of attaching a heating coil corresponding to the shape of a work (for example, the outer joint member 100 having a shape and model number different from that of the second work W2) to be introduced next Removal work is carried out.

Thereafter, the first step to the fifth step described above are sequentially performed to complete the hardening of the second workpiece W2. Then, using the first line 10, the high frequency power is applied to the outer joint member 100 of the next model number. Harden.

As described above, according to the heat treatment facility 1 of the present invention, the first line 10 and the second line 20 can be appropriately switched by appropriately switching the output destination of the control signal from the control device 8 while the heat treatment facility 1 is in operation. A workpiece whose shape is different from that of the workpiece being quenched in the other line while induction hardening is performed on the workpiece in any one of the lines It is possible to perform so-called setup work including installation of heating coils for induction hardening on workpieces and setting of quenching conditions, and further, preparation and quality inspection of quenched samples of workpieces of the next model number . In this case, when induction hardening for the workpiece in one of the lines is completed, transition to induction hardening for the workpiece of the next model number can be made smoothly, so the facility operation rate of the entire heat treatment equipment 1 can be increased. Can.

In addition, even if a so-called destructive inspection is performed as a quality inspection of a quenched sample, the time required for the inspection does not directly become the down time of the heat treatment equipment 1, and the equipment operation rate is greatly increased by performing the destructive inspection. The reduction can be suppressed or prevented. Therefore, a destructive inspection as a quality inspection can be appropriately performed. Therefore, in addition to appropriately performing induction hardening on a work, induction hardening can be efficiently performed on a plurality of types of works having different shapes (model numbers).

In addition, the high frequency power source 2 is provided to the

heating units

12 and 15 provided in both hardening

devices

11 and 14 of the first line 10 and the heating units 22 provided to both hardening

devices

21 and 24 in the second line 20, The heating section 12 is shared by the first aligning plate 3 and provided in the first hardening device 11 of the first line 10, and the heating part provided in the first hardening device 21 of the second line 20. 22, and the second alignment board 4 is provided in the heating unit 15 provided in the second hardening device 14 of the first line 10 and in the second hardening device 24 of the second line 20. It is shared with the heating unit 25. Therefore, compared with the case where a high frequency power supply and a matching board are individually connected to the heating part of each of the hardening

devices

11, 12, 21 and 22, the compact and inexpensive heat treatment equipment 1 can be realized.

Further, the heat treatment facility 1 of the present embodiment accommodates the first line 10 and the second line 20 in one frame 9, and the inside disposed between the first line 10 and the second line 20. A further compact heat treatment facility 1 can be realized by carrying the work introduced into each of the first line 10 and the second line 20 by the transfer robot 50 as the transfer device.

In the above, when performing induction hardening on the outer joint member 100 of the constant velocity universal joint as shown in FIG. 8, the case of using the induction heat treatment equipment 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention has been described. The installation 1 can be preferably used also when performing induction hardening on other works.

FIG. 5 shows a top view of the high-frequency heat treatment equipment 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Note that this embodiment is a specific example in the case where the work to be quenched is changed to a work consisting of a set of a hub ring of the wheel bearing device and an outer ring of the wheel bearing device. The entire configuration is substantially the same as the heat treatment equipment 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. That is, the work (first work W11) according to the present embodiment is a set of one outer ring W11a and one hub ring W11b, and the outer ring W11a and the hub ring W11b form a pair in the heat treatment equipment 1 It is carried in.

Here, based on FIG. 6, an example of the wheel bearing device will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, the wheel bearing device 200 includes a hub wheel 201, an outer ring 202 and an inner member 203 each having a cylindrical shape, a plurality of rolling elements (balls) 204 arranged in two rows, and a ball. And a holder 205 for holding 204. The hub wheel 201 has a flange portion 201a for wheel attachment and an inner raceway surface 201b on which balls 204 of one row of the balls 204 arranged in two rows roll and includes the inner raceway surface 201b. A hardened layer H (shown by cross hatching in FIG. 6) is formed on the outer diameter side surface layer portion. Further, the outer ring 202 has an outer raceway surface 202a facing the inner raceway surface 201b of the hub wheel 201 (and the inner raceway surface provided on the outer diameter surface of the inward member 203), and includes an inner raceway surface 202a. A hardened layer H is formed on the side surface layer portion. The high-frequency heat treatment equipment 1 shown in FIG. 5 is used to form the hardened layer H on the hub wheel W11b and the outer ring W11a corresponding to the hub ring 201 and the outer ring 202 shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 5, the outer ring W11a that has reached the downstream end of the loading device 30 is transported by the transport robot 50 in the order of (the work delivery position 11a of the first hardening device 11 of the first line 10) → the unloading device 40. The induction hardening is performed on the inner diameter surface (outer raceway surface) of the outer ring W11a loaded into the first hardening device 11. Also, the hub wheel W11b that has reached the downstream end of the loading device 30 is transported by the transport robot 50 in the order of (the work delivery position 14a of the second hardening device 14 of the first line 10) → the unloading device 40, Induction hardening is performed on the outer diameter surface of the hub wheel W11b inserted into the insertion device 14. In this case, control from the control device 8 to each of the high frequency power supply 2, the first matching board 3, the second matching board 4, the first current supply destination switch 6, the second current supply destination switch 7 and the transfer robot 50 The output aspect of the signal is basically the same as the output aspect of the control signal in the first step described above.

In one cycle operation of the transfer robot 50 in the present embodiment, for example, the outer ring W11a that has reached the downstream end of the loading device 30 is transferred to the workpiece delivery position 11a of the first hardening device 11 → at the downstream end of the loading device 30 Transport the hub wheel W11b that has reached to the work delivery position 14a of the second hardening device 14 → transport the hardened outer ring W11a returned to the work delivery position 11a of the first hardening device 11 to the unloading device 40 → the first 2) It is possible to set the hardened and completed hub wheel W11b returned to the work delivery position 14a of the hardening device 14 to be transported. By operating the transfer robot 50 in such a mode, it is possible to effectively reduce the cycle time when performing high frequency hardening on the first work W11 formed of a set of the outer ring W11a and the hub ring W11b.

Then, while the first line 10 is operating in the above-described manner (while induction hardening is applied to the outer ring W11a and the hub wheel W11b), in the second line 20, as in the first embodiment described above. Step work required for induction hardening of the next model number (the second work consisting of an outer ring different in shape and model number from the outer ring W11a and a hub wheel different in shape and model number from the hub wheel W11b) carry out. Thereafter, the above-described second to fifth steps are sequentially performed. In this way, induction hardening can be performed efficiently and accurately on a plurality of types of workpieces each consisting of a set of one outer ring and one hub ring.

As mentioned above, although the high frequency heat-treatment equipment 1 which concerns on embodiment of this invention was demonstrated, to this high frequency heat-treatment equipment 1, a proper change can be given in the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention.

For example, in the embodiment described above, two hardening devices are provided in each of the first line 10 and the second line 20, but the second line 20 is one hardening device (first hardening It is also possible to comprise only the device 21). Thus, the block diagram of the heating system of high frequency heat-treatment installation 1 'which comprised 2nd line 20 only by one hardening apparatus (1st hardening apparatus 21) is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, in the heat treatment equipment 1 ′, the second hardening device 24 provided in the second line 20 of the heat treatment equipment 1 shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5 is omitted. Therefore, in the heating system of the heat treatment facility 1 ′, the second current supply destination switch 7 provided in the heating system of the heat treatment facility 1 is omitted.

Even with such a configuration, it is possible to realize a heat treatment facility 1 ′ having a high facility operation rate and capable of appropriately performing induction hardening on a work, as in the heat treatment facility 1 of the first embodiment. . In addition, the high frequency power source 2 is provided by the

heating units

12 and 15 provided in both hardening

devices

11 and 14 in the first line 10 and the heating unit 22 provided in the first hardening device 21 in the second line 20. The heating unit 12 shared by the first alignment board 3 is provided in the first hardening device 11 of the first line 10, and the heating unit 22 provided in the first hardening device 21 of the second line 20. Shared. Therefore, it becomes compact and cheap heat treatment equipment 1 '.

Also, as the internal transfer device, it is possible to use a transfer conveyor instead of the transfer robot 50. Further, although not particularly referred to in the embodiment described above, each of the

quenching devices

11, 14, 21, 24 performs so-called non-oxidative burning which performs induction hardening on a work in a non-oxidizing gas atmosphere. It is also possible to use an insertion device. In this way, it is possible to prevent, as much as possible, the generation of an oxide scale that degrades the appearance quality of the workpiece on the workpiece surface, and therefore, it is possible to obtain a high quality quenched and finished workpiece.

Also, the case has been described above in which the high-frequency heat treatment equipment 1 according to the present invention is used when performing high-frequency hardening on the outer joint member of a constant velocity universal joint or a combination of a hub ring and an outer ring. The high-frequency heat treatment equipment 1 according to the invention is also preferable when performing high-frequency hardening on other work (for example, slide bearing, inner joint member of constant velocity universal joint, bearing ring of rolling bearing, etc.) having many model numbers. It can apply.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and may be embodied in various forms without departing from the scope of the present invention. That is, the scope of the present invention is indicated by the scope of the claims, and further includes the equivalent meaning described in the scope of the claims, and all the modifications within the scope.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 high frequency heat processing installation 2 high frequency power supply 3 1st matching board 4 2nd matching board 5 electric power supply destination switch 6 1st electric current supply destination switch 7 2nd electric current supply destination switch 8 control apparatus 9 frame 10 1st line 11 1st line 1 hardening device 12 heating unit 14 second hardening device 15 heating unit 20 second line 21 first hardening device 22 heating unit 24 second hardening device 25 heating unit 50 transport robot (internal transfer device)
60 Movable partition W1 1st outer joint member (1st work)
W2 2nd outer joint member (2nd work)
W11 1st work

Claims

One high frequency power supply (2),
A first matching board (3) and a second matching board (4) for generating a resonance current in response to high frequency power output from the high frequency power supply (2);
A power supply destination switch (5) for switching a supply destination of high frequency power output from the high frequency power supply (2) between the first matching board (3) and the second matching board (4);
A first line (10) having first and second hardening devices (11, 14) each capable of performing induction hardening on the required hardening area of the work;
A high frequency heat treatment equipment (1) comprising: a second line (20) having a first hardening device (21) capable of performing induction hardening on a required quenching area of a work;
The heating unit (12) provided in the first hardening device (11) of the first line (10), and the heating unit (12) provided in the first hardening device (21) of the second line (20) 22) a first current supply destination switcher (6) for switching the supply destination of the resonant current generated in the first matching board (3) between the two heating units (12, 22); 1 electrically connected to the high frequency power supply (2) through the matching board (3) and the power supply destination switch (5),
The heating unit (15) provided in the second hardening device (14) of the first line (10) is configured to transmit the high frequency power through the second matching board (4) and the power supply destination switch (5). Electrically connected to the power supply (2),
Each of the high frequency power supply (2), the first matching board (3), the second matching board (4), the power supply destination switch (5), and the first current supply destination switch (6) A high-frequency heat treatment facility (1) characterized by being electrically connected to a control device (8) for outputting a control signal.
The high frequency heat treatment equipment (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first line (10) and the second line (20) are accommodated in one frame (9).
The first current supply destination switch (6) is disposed between the first hardening device (11) of the first line (10) and the first hardening device (21) of the second line (20). The high frequency heat treatment equipment (1) according to claim 1 or 2, which is arranged.
The first alignment board (3) is disposed above the first hardening device (11) of the first line (10) and the first hardening device (21) of the second line (20). The high frequency heat treatment equipment (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
The second line (20) is further provided with a second hardening device (24) capable of performing induction hardening on the required hardening area of the workpiece;
A heating unit (15) provided to the second hardening device (14) of the first line (10), and a heating unit provided to the second hardening device (24) of the second line (20) Each of 25) is electrically connected to the control device (8), and switches the supply destination of the resonant current generated in the second matching board (4) between the two heating units (15, 25) The second high-frequency power supply (2) is electrically connected via the second current supply destination switch (7), the second matching board (4) and the power supply destination switch (5). The induction heat-treatment equipment (1) as described in any one of -4.
The second alignment board (4) is disposed above the second hardening device (14) of the first line (10) and the second hardening device (24) of the second line (20). The high frequency heat treatment equipment (1) according to claim 5.
The transfer robot (50) for transferring a work in the high-frequency heat treatment facility (1) is disposed between the first line (10) and the second line (20). The high frequency heat treatment equipment (1) according to one item.
The high frequency heat treatment equipment (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the work is an outer joint member of a constant velocity universal joint.
The work is a set of a hub ring of a bearing device for a wheel having a flange portion for wheel attachment and an inner raceway surface and an outer ring of a bearing device for a wheel having an outer raceway surface facing the inner raceway surface. The high frequency heat treatment equipment (1) according to any one of 1 to 7.