Mechanical applicator for applying thermochromic inks to aluminum heat-treated panels during stamping die processing

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a system and method for applying a marking to a part in a stamping die. The system includes a mechanical application device having a controlled volume of a marking medium coupled to a moving portion of the stamping die. In one form, the controlled volume of the marking medium is neither regulated by an external pneumatic source nor by an external power source.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to stamping dies, and more particularly, to applying markings to parts formed in a stamping die process. Background Art

[0002] The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

[0003] Applications of metal alloys such as aluminum are emerging in the manufacturing and assembly processes of the automotive industry due to their strength, light weight, environmental benefits such as recycling capabilities, and ability to absorb energy caused by a collision.

[0004] In the stamping industry, more formable aluminum alloys are used to stamp automotive parts such as panels. Once the vehicle part is formed into its shape, it can be heat treated to obtain the desired mechanical properties, such as hardness and strength. Properly identifying the successful heat treatment of aluminum parts is important for the manufacture and assembly of safe and reliable vehicles. If a weaker non-heat treated aluminum panel is misidentified as a heat treated panel, the weaker non-heat treated panel may still be assembled into the vehicle.

[0005] Aluminum parts are visually indistinguishable before and after the heat treatment process, which presents a challenge in verifying which parts have undergone the heat treatment process. The present disclosure addresses this challenge as well as other challenges of using aluminum in the manufacturing and assembly processes in the automotive industry. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present disclosure provides a system for applying markings to a part in a stamping die, the system comprising a mechanical application device having a controlled volume of a marking medium coupled to a moving portion of the stamping die. In one form, the marking medium is neither regulated by an external pneumatic source nor by an external power source. The marking medium may be a thermo-chromatic ink.

[0007] In one form, the mechanical applicator is mounted to an upper die of the stamping die to couple the controlled volume of the marking medium to a moving portion of the stamping die.

[0008] In one variation, the mechanical coating device includes a housing defining an internal fluid reservoir and a flange disposed at a lower end. A sphere is disposed within the housing and defines a seal at the lower end of the housing. A retaining member is fixed to an upper portion of the housing, and an elastic member is disposed within the housing. The elastic member contacts the sphere and the retaining member. The device also includes a lower end surface applicator disposed at a lower portion of the plunger.

[0009] In another variation, the mechanical coating device further comprises an o-ring disposed within the lower end surface of the housing and radially spaced away from the ball, wherein a gap is defined between the ball and the o-ring, the gap being configured to receive the thermochromic ink. In another variation, the lower end surface of the housing may further comprise a peripheral ledge extending radially away from the lower end surface and defining a gap between the ball and the peripheral ledge, the gap being configured to receive the thermochromic ink.

[0010] The system may also include a gravity-fed supply line in fluid communication with the mechanical coating device.

[0011] In another form, the system includes a venting device operatively engaged with the mechanical coating device. In yet another form, the system includes a fluid control device, such as, for example, a low pressure check valve, operatively engaged with the mechanical coating device.

[0012] The present disclosure also provides a system for applying markings to a part in a stamping die, the system consisting of a mechanical application device having a controlled volume of marking medium coupled to a moving portion of the stamping die.

[0013] The present disclosure also provides a method of applying markings to a part in a stamping die. The method includes coupling a mechanical application device having a controlled volume of a marking medium to a moving portion of the stamping die. The marking medium may be a thermochromic ink. In one form, the controlled volume of the marking medium is neither regulated by an external pneumatic source nor by an external power source.

[0014] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein.It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The present disclosure will be more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which:

[0016] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a system having a mechanical coating apparatus according to the teachings of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 2 is another perspective view of a system according to the present disclosure mounted to an upper mold;

[0018] Figure 3 is another view of a system according to the present disclosure mounted to an upper die of a stamping die;

[0019] Figure 4is a perspective cutaway view of a mechanical coating apparatus having an inverted hammer constructed in accordance with one form of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative lower end surface applicator constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 6 According to the present disclosure Figure 4 An enlarged perspective view of a distal end portion of a mechanical coating device;

[0022] Figure 7 A diagram showing a volume of marking media being controlled by movement of a stamping die according to the present disclosure Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a mechanical coating device;

[0023] Figure 8 is a perspective view of another form of a mechanical coating device having a sprayer constructed in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0024] Fig. 9 According to the present disclosure Figure 8 A side partial cross-sectional view of a mechanical coating device;

[0025] Fig.10 According to the present disclosure Figure 8 A partial side cross-sectional view of a mechanical coating device, wherein the device is activated;

[0026] Fig.11 According to the present disclosure Figure 8 A side partial cross-sectional view of a mechanical coating device, wherein the device is activated and sprays a controlled volume of marking medium; and

[0027] Fig.12 is a perspective view of a fluid reservoir assembly mounted to a stamping die in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0028] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses.

[0030] refer to Figures 1 to 3 , a system for applying markings to a part in a stamping die according to one form of the present disclosure is shown and generally indicated by reference numeral 20. The system 20 includes a mechanical application device 22 having a controlled volume of a marking medium (such as, for example, a thermochromic ink) coupled to a moving portion of the stamping die. Although a system having two (2) mechanical application devices 22 is shown, it should be understood that one or more mechanical application devices 22 may be employed while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0031] The marking medium may be any of a variety of media, and in one form, the marking medium is a thermochromic ink. Because thermochromic inks undergo a color change when exposed to increasing or decreasing temperatures, a stamped part, such as a part formed from an aluminum alloy, may be visually identified as successfully heat treated by marking the part with a thermochromic ink by determining whether a color change is present. It should be understood that the use of thermochromic inks is merely exemplary and other forms of marking medium may be employed while still remaining within the scope of the present disclosure, such as any substance that can mark the part 10, such as a fluid or powder, among other substances.

[0032] Advantageously, the controlled volume of marking medium is regulated neither by an external pneumatic source nor by an external electrical source, but rather by the mechanical movement of the stamping die. Thus, in one form, the system 20 consists of a mechanical applicator 22 (and only the mechanical applicator 22) having a controlled volume of marking medium coupled to a moving portion of the stamping die.

[0033] As further shown, in one form, the mechanical coating device 22 is mounted in a retaining fixture 30, which includes a receiving base 32, two opposing arms 34 and a mounting plate 36. The mounting plate 36 is fixed to the upper die 26 of the stamping die, thereby coupling the moving portion of the stamping die to the moving portion of the mechanical coating device, as described in more detail below. Alternatively, among other components of the stamping die, the mechanical coating device 22 can be mounted to the lower die (not shown) of the stamping die, provided that the controlled volume of the marking medium is coupled to the moving portion of the stamping die. In other words, when one or more components of the stamping die move, the volume of the marking medium is controlled by the moving portion.

[0034] A variety of means may be employed to mount the mechanical coating device 22 to the stamping die, and in one form, the mounting plate 36 is secured to the upper die 26 with bolts 27 extending through mounting holes 28. However, it will be appreciated that other mounting means or fixtures for holding the mechanical coating device 22 may be employed while still remaining within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0035] refer to Figures 4 to 7, shows a mechanical coating device 22 according to one form of the present disclosure. In this form, the mechanical coating device 22 includes: a housing 100; a ball 102; a retaining member 104; an elastic member 106; and a lower end surface applicator 108. The housing 100 defines an internal fluid reservoir 110 and a flange 112 disposed at a lower end 114 thereof. More specifically, in this form, the housing 100 is a two-piece type, wherein the flange 112 is part of an insert 113 disposed within the housing body 101, as shown. The ball 102 is disposed within the housing 100 and forms a seal at the lower end 114 of the housing 100. The seal is formed between the ball 102 and an edge 115 of an orifice 117 formed through the insert 113. The ball 102 is in positive contact with the edge 115 through the elastic member 106, which in this form is a compression spring disposed between the ball 102 and the retaining member 104. The retaining member 104 is secured to the upper portion 118 of the insert 113 as shown. In this form, the retaining member 104 is a hollow component that includes a central opening 105 that allows the marking medium to pass through.

[0036] The mechanical applicator 22 also includes an o-ring 124 disposed within the lower end surface applicator 108 of the housing 100 and radially spaced away from the ball 102. The o-ring 124 contacts the part 10 to be marked and thereby defines a gap 126 between the ball 102, the part, and the o-ring 124. The gap 126 is configured to receive a marking medium, as described in more detail below.

[0037] In such Figure 5 In another form shown, the o-ring 124 is replaced by a peripheral protrusion 128 extending radially away from the lower end surface 108. As shown, the peripheral protrusion 128 contacts the part 10 to be marked and thereby defines a gap 126 between the ball 102 and the peripheral protrusion 128, which is configured to receive a marking medium.

[0038] The mechanical coating device 22 also includes a displacement control spring 130 disposed against a bushing 131 fixed to the upper die 26. The displacement control spring 130 engages the housing body 101 along the shoulder 107 and is sized to allow the lower end surface coater 108 to remain against the part 10 to be marked during movement of the stamping die.

[0039] Reference now Figure 7In operation, as the stamping die 12 moves toward the part 10, the mechanical applicator 22 moves in unison with the stamping die 12 in the direction of arrow A. As the mechanical applicator 22 moves distally toward the part 10, the ball 102 makes contact with the part 10 and compresses the resilient member 106, causing the ball 102 to move proximally away from the part 10 and break the seal at the edge 115 of the orifice 117 formed by the insert 113. The o-ring 124 also makes contact with the part 10 and thereby causes the marking medium to flow into the gap 126 and against the part 10, thereby marking the part 10.

[0040] refer to Figures 8 to 11 , another form of mechanical coating device is shown and generally indicated by reference numeral 200. In this form, the mechanical coating device 200 is a "sprayer" as opposed to a "dabber" in the previously described forms. The mechanical coating device 200 includes: a housing 201; a nozzle 202; a collar 204 disposed about a distal end 232 of a plunger 206; and a stem sealing cap 208 secured to a lower end 226 of the housing 201. The stem sealing cap 208 acts to constrain actuation of the plunger 206 against the housing 201 and to provide a seal to an internal reservoir 228 from the external environment.

[0041] The housing 201 defines an interior chamber 214, and the plunger 206 is disposed within the chamber 214, as shown. The plunger 206 defines a flange 220 that seats the plunger 206 within the housing 201. As shown, the distal end 232 of the plunger 206 extends beyond the lower end 226 of the housing 201 and is secured to the nozzle 202. The plunger 206 also includes an o-ring 238 (or other equivalent sealing means) for sealing the chamber 214 from the marking medium.

[0042] The retaining member 210 and the resilient member 212 are disposed within the chamber 214 of the housing 201. The retaining member 210 seals the top 216 of the chamber 214 and contacts the resilient member 212, as shown. In this form, the resilient member 212 is a compression spring, however, other forms of resilient members may be employed while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure. The resilient member 212 maintains a compressive force on the plunger 206 and biases the plunger 206 against the housing 201. More specifically, when the resilient member 212 is biased, the lower surface 222 of the flange 220 makes positive contact with the shoulder 224 of the housing 200. As described in more detail below, when the collar 204 of the mechanical coating device 201 contacts a portion of the part or stamping die 12 being formed, the plunger 206 is displaced proximally, thereby allowing the marking medium to flow into the housing 201. More specifically, the lower end 226 of the housing 200 defines an internal fluid reservoir 228 surrounding a portion 234 of the plunger 206. The plunger 206 defines a passage 242 in fluid communication with the internal fluid reservoir 228 through which the marking medium flows to the nozzle 206.

[0043] The mechanical coating device 200 also includes a supply line 238, which in one form of the present disclosure may be a gravity-fed supply line. In another form, the gravity-fed supply line is a passive pressure supply line. The supply line 238 is fed from a fluid reservoir assembly 240 ( Fig.12 ) extends to the mechanical applicator 200. In one form, a check valve 207 is also employed and controls the flow direction of the marking medium in conjunction with the nozzle 202. When the mechanical applicator 200 is moving with the stamping die 12 and contacting the part, a predetermined volume of marking medium is withdrawn from the fluid reservoir assembly 240 into the internal fluid reservoir 228 and into the nozzle 202, as described in more detail below.

[0044] Reference now Fig.10 and Fig.11 In operation, the mechanical coating device 200 moves in unison with the stamping die 12 in the direction of arrow A as the stamping die 12 moves toward the part 10 being formed. As the mechanical coating device 200 moves distally toward the part 10, the collar 204 comes into contact with a portion of the pad 13, which causes the plunger 206 to move axially proximally within the housing 201 to fill the internal fluid reservoir 228. During this movement, the channel 242 within the plunger 206 is exposed to the internal fluid reservoir 228 and the marking medium supplied from the fluid reservoir assembly 240. As a result, the marking medium flows through the mechanical coating device 200 and toward the nozzle 202. As further shown, a vent 244 is provided to relieve pressure buildup caused by the actuation of the plunger 206 in the chamber 214.

[0045] Reference now Fig.11 As the stamping die 12 moves away from the part 10 being formed, the mechanical coating device 200 moves in unison with the stamping die 12 in the direction of arrow B. As the mechanical coating device 200 moves distally away from the part 10, the plunger 206 extends relative to the housing 201 and the marking medium within the internal fluid reservoir 228 is forced out of the nozzle 202, thereby marking the part 10 being formed.

[0046] As previously described, the controlled volume of marking medium is regulated neither by an external pneumatic source nor by an external electrical source, but rather by the mechanical movement of the stamping die 12 .

[0047] In summary, the system 20 of the present disclosure applies a marking medium directly to a part 10 during a stamping die operation. In one form, the marking medium is a thermochromic ink that allows for easy detection of successfully heat treated parts. Automatically applying the thermochromic ink during stamping die operation increases efficiency and reduces manufacturing costs associated with other ink application devices by reducing the amount of equipment, labor, handling and shipping, and other resources.

[0048] It should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to the various forms described and illustrated. Many modifications have been described and more are only part of what is known to those skilled in the art. Without departing from the scope of protection of the present disclosure and this patent, any substitutes of these and other modifications and technical equivalents may be added to the description and drawings.

[0049] According to the present invention, a system for applying markings to a part in a stamping die is provided, the system having a mechanical application device with a controlled volume of marking medium coupled to a moving portion of the stamping die.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the controlled volume of marking medium is regulated neither by an external pneumatic source nor by an external electrical source.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the mechanical application device is mounted to an upper die of the stamping die to couple the controlled volume of the marking medium to a moving portion of the stamping die.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the marking medium is a thermochromic ink.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the mechanical coating device includes: a shell, which defines an internal fluid reservoir and a flange arranged at a lower end; a sphere, which is arranged in the shell and defines a seal at the lower end of the shell; a retaining member, which is fixed to the upper part of the shell; an elastic member, which is arranged in the shell and contacts the sphere and the retaining member; and a lower end surface applicator, which is arranged at the lower part of the flange.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized by an o-ring disposed within the lower end surface of the housing and radially spaced away from the ball, wherein a gap is defined between the ball and the o-ring, the gap being configured to receive the thermochromic ink.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the lower end surface includes a peripheral protrusion extending radially away from the lower end surface and defining a void between the ball and the peripheral protrusion, the void being configured to receive the thermochromic ink.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the above invention also features a supply line in fluid communication with the mechanical coating device, wherein the supply line is a gravity-fed supply line or a passive pressure supply line.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the above invention also features a venting device operatively engaged with the mechanical application device.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the above invention also features a fluid control device operatively engaged with the mechanical application device.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the fluid control device is a low pressure check valve.

[0060] According to the present invention, a system for applying markings to a part in a stamping die consists of a mechanical application device having a controlled volume of marking medium coupled to a moving portion of the stamping die.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the mechanical application device is mounted to an upper die of the stamping die to couple the controlled volume of the marking medium to a moving portion of the stamping die.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the marking medium is a thermochromic ink.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the mechanical coating device includes: a shell defining an internal fluid reservoir and a flange arranged at a lower end; a sphere, which is arranged in the shell and defines a seal at the lower end of the shell; a retaining member, which is fixed to the upper part of the shell; an elastic member, which is arranged in the shell and contacts the sphere and the retaining member; and a lower end surface applicator, which is arranged at the lower part of the plunger.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized by an o-ring disposed within the lower end surface of the housing and radially spaced away from the ball, wherein a gap is defined between the ball and the o-ring, the gap being configured to receive the marking medium.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the lower end surface includes a peripheral protrusion extending radially away from the lower end surface and defining a void between the ball and the peripheral protrusion, the void being configured to receive the marking medium.

[0066] According to the invention, a method of applying markings to a part in a stamping die comprises coupling said mechanical application device having a controlled volume of a marking medium to a moving portion of said stamping die.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the controlled volume of marking medium is regulated neither by an external pneumatic source nor by an external electrical source.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the marking medium is a thermochromic ink.

Claims

1. A system for applying a marking to a part in a stamping die, the system comprising a mechanical application device having a controlled volume of a marking medium coupled to a moving portion of the stamping die; The mechanical coating device has a housing and a holding member; in The housing defines an internal fluid reservoir and a flange disposed at a lower end; The housing comprises a housing body and an insert, wherein the flange is a part of the insert disposed in the housing body; The retaining member is fixed to the upper portion of the insert; The mechanical coating device further comprises: a ball disposed within the housing and defining a seal at the lower end of the housing; A lower end surface applicator, the lower end surface applicator being disposed at a lower portion of the flange; It also includes an o-ring or peripheral protrusion; the o-ring being disposed within the lower end surface applicator of the housing and radially spaced away from the ball, wherein a void is defined between the ball and the o-ring, the void being configured to receive a marking medium; The peripheral projection extends radially away from the lower end surface and defines a void between the ball and the peripheral projection, the void being configured to receive a marking medium.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the controlled volume of marking medium is regulated neither by an external pneumatic source nor by an external electrical source.

3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the mechanical application device is mounted to an upper die of the stamping die to couple the controlled volume of the marking medium to a moving portion of the stamping die.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the marking medium is a thermochromic ink.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the mechanical coating device further comprises: An elastic member is disposed in the housing and contacts the ball and the retaining member.

6. The system of claim 1, further comprising a supply line in fluid communication with the mechanical coating device, wherein the supply line is a gravity-fed supply line or a passive pressure supply line.

7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a venting device operatively engaged with the mechanical coating device.

8. The system of claim 1, further comprising a fluid control device operatively engaged with the mechanical coating device.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the fluid control device is a low pressure check valve.

10. A method of applying a marking to a part in a stamping die, the method comprising coupling a mechanical application device having a controlled volume of a marking medium to a moving portion of the stamping die; The mechanical coating device has a housing and a holding member; in The housing defines an internal fluid reservoir and a flange disposed at a lower end; The housing comprises a housing body and an insert, wherein the flange is a part of the insert disposed in the housing body; The retaining member is fixed to the upper portion of the insert; The mechanical coating device further comprises: a ball disposed within the housing and defining a seal at the lower end of the housing; A lower end surface applicator, the lower end surface applicator being disposed at a lower portion of the flange; It also includes an o-ring or peripheral protrusion; the o-ring being disposed within the lower end surface applicator of the housing and radially spaced away from the ball, wherein a void is defined between the ball and the o-ring, the void being configured to receive a marking medium; The peripheral projection extends radially away from the lower end surface and defines a void between the ball and the peripheral projection, the void being configured to receive a marking medium.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the controlled volume of marking medium is regulated neither by an external pneumatic source nor by an external electrical source.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the marking medium is a thermochromic ink.

13. The method of claim 10, further comprising venting pressure from the mechanical coating device to relieve pressure buildup.

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