Heat treatment equipment for vehicle body parts

Abstract

This application relates to a heat treatment apparatus for a vehicle body component, the apparatus comprising: a clamping base; a lower fixed mold fixedly mounted on the clamping base and configured to support the mold in forming a vehicle body component into a predetermined shape; a heating unit mounted on the lower fixed mold and locally heating the vehicle body component; a plurality of side movable molds disposed on both sides of the lower fixed mold and capable of reciprocating movement, mounted on the clamping base and selectively engaged with the lower fixed mold; a cooling unit mounted on each side movable mold and cooling the heated portion of the vehicle body component; and an upper movable mold reciprocating in a vertical direction corresponding to the lower fixed mold and configured to clamp the vehicle body component in the combined lower fixed mold and at least one side movable mold.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0093488, filed on July 28, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a manufacturing system for a vehicle body component. Background Technology

[0004] The descriptions in this section provide only background information relevant to this disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

[0005] Typically, to achieve high fuel economy, vehicle parts / components are continuously strengthened while their weight is reduced. Additionally, in some vehicle components, localized areas are reinforced due to their structural characteristics.

[0006] Traditionally, publicly available heat treatment equipment enhances the local strength of a pressure panel by heating and cooling local areas of a pressure panel that has been molded into a predetermined shape.

[0007] However, traditionally, due to the clamping and heat treatment of some areas of the pressure panel, the final product's dimensions can be extremely deformed, and it is difficult to inspect the heating / cooling units of the pressure panel and set the heat treatment conditions.

[0008] The information disclosed in the background section above is only intended to enhance the understanding of the background of the present invention, and therefore may contain information that does not constitute prior art, which is information known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0009] An exemplary heat treatment apparatus for a vehicle body component according to one form of the present disclosure includes: i) a clamping base; ii) a lower fixed mold fixedly mounted on the clamping base and supporting the mold to form a vehicle body component into a predetermined shape; iii) a heating unit mounted on the lower fixed mold and locally heating the vehicle body component; iv) side movable molds respectively disposed on both sides of the lower fixed mold, mounted on the clamping base to be reciprocating and selectively engaged with the lower fixed mold; v) a cooling unit mounted on each side movable mold and cooling the heated portion of the vehicle body component; and vi) an upper movable mold mounted to be reciprocating in a vertical direction corresponding to the lower fixed mold, and configured to clamp the vehicle body component in the combined lower fixed mold and side movable molds.

[0010] In addition, with a heat treatment apparatus for body parts according to one form of the present disclosure, the heating unit can locally inductively heat a portion of the body part by providing power to the induction coil.

[0011] In addition, through a heat treatment apparatus for body parts according to one form of the present disclosure, the cooling unit can directly inject coolant toward the heated portion of the body parts.

[0012] Additionally, a heat treatment apparatus for body parts according to one form of the present disclosure may further include: a first drive power source mounted on a fixture base and connected to a side movable mold; and a second drive power source mounted on a fixture frame above the fixture base and connected to an upper movable mold.

[0013] Additionally, an exemplary heat treatment apparatus is used for locally heat-treating a vehicle body component, which is an induction-heated object, molded into a predetermined shape, and may include: i) a lower fixed mold, fixedly mounted on a clamping base and supporting the lower surface of the induction-heated object; ii) an induction coil, mounted on the lower fixed mold and configured to have a predetermined gap with the heating portion of the induction-heated object; iii) side movable molds, respectively disposed on both sides of the lower fixed mold and mounted on the clamping base to be reciprocating, selectively engaging with the lower fixed mold and supporting two edge portions of the induction-heated object; iv) a plurality of coolant injection members, mounted on each side movable mold and injecting coolant into the heating portion of the induction-heated object; and v) an upper movable mold, mounted to be reciprocating in the vertical direction corresponding to the lower fixed mold, and configured to clamp the induction-heated object by means of the lower fixed mold and the side movable molds combined together.

[0014] Additionally, a heat treatment apparatus for vehicle body parts according to one form of the present disclosure may also include a mounting bracket mounted on top of a lower fixed mold, configured to fix an induction coil, and made of a thermally insulating material.

[0015] Additionally, in a heat treatment apparatus for a vehicle body component according to one form of the present disclosure, a lower fixed mold can form a first loading portion that supports the lower surface of the induction-heated object on the upper surface of the lower fixed mold.

[0016] In addition, using a heat treatment apparatus for body parts according to one form of the present disclosure, the lower fixed die can continuously form channels and ribs along the length direction on both sides of the lower fixed die where the first loading part is inserted.

[0017] Additionally, the mounting bracket can be installed on the channel using a heat treatment apparatus for body parts according to one form of the present disclosure.

[0018] Additionally, in a heat treatment apparatus for a vehicle body component according to one form of the present disclosure, the lower fixed mold may include a first loading portion disposed on the upper surface, corresponding to the shape of the induction-heated object, and configured to support the lower surface of the induction-heated object.

[0019] Additionally, in a heat treatment apparatus for a vehicle body component according to one form of the present disclosure, corresponding to the first loading portion, the upper movable mold may include a first clamping portion formed on the lower surface.

[0020] Additionally, in a heat treatment apparatus for a vehicle body component according to one form of the present disclosure, the first loading portion may include: a first portion supporting a first end of an induction-heated object; a second portion supporting a second end of an induction-heated object; and a third portion connecting the first portion and the second portion and supporting a lower surface between the first end and the second end of the induction-heated object.

[0021] In addition, in a heat treatment apparatus for vehicle body parts according to one form of the present disclosure, the induction coil can be formed along at least two predetermined paths corresponding to the object to be induction heated.

[0022] Additionally, in a heat treatment apparatus for a vehicle body component according to one form of the present disclosure, a side-movable mold may include a second loading portion disposed on an upper surface, corresponding to the shape of the induction-heated object, and configured to support the corresponding edge portion of the induction-heated object.

[0023] Additionally, in a heat treatment apparatus for a vehicle body component according to one form of the present disclosure, corresponding to the second loading portion, the upper movable mold includes a second clamping portion formed on the lower surface.

[0024] Additionally, the lower fixed mold may include, according to one form of heat treatment apparatus for vehicle body parts, a body portion corresponding to the lower surface shape of the induction-heated object, and wing portions extending in a left-right direction from a first end and a second end of the body portion, respectively.

[0025] Additionally, the side movable mold, according to one form of heat treatment apparatus for body parts of the present disclosure, may include: a first joining portion that can be joined to a main body portion between the wing portions; and a second joining portion formed at a first end and a second end of the first joining portion and that can be joined to the wing portions.

[0026] Additionally, a first bonding surface that bonds with the first bonding portion can be formed on the main body using a heat treatment apparatus for a vehicle body component according to one form of the present disclosure.

[0027] Additionally, a second bonding surface that bonds to the second bonding portion can be formed on the wing portion using a heat treatment apparatus for a vehicle body component according to one form of the present disclosure.

[0028] Additionally, in a heat treatment apparatus for a vehicle body component according to one form of the present disclosure, the coolant injection component may include: a connector portion installed in a coolant supply hole of a movable die penetrating the side and connected to the coolant supply hole; and a nozzle portion rotatably connected to the connector portion.

[0029] Additionally, in a heat treatment apparatus for body parts according to one form of the present disclosure, the lower fixed mold may include coolant discharge portions disposed on both sides of the lower fixed mold, and forming coolant discharge passages when the lower fixed mold is engaged with the side movable mold.

[0030] According to one form of this disclosure, the degree of freedom in heat treatment conditions relative to the induction-heated object can be increased, and thus the machining quality of body parts such as vehicle panels can be improved. Furthermore, the amount of dimensional deformation caused by thermal deformation of the induction-heated object can be reduced, and dimensional deviations can be kept within minimum tolerances.

[0031] Other applicable areas will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the descriptions and specific examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0032] To facilitate understanding of this disclosure, various forms of this disclosure will be described herein by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0033] Figures 1 to 3 These are perspective views of a heat treatment apparatus for vehicle body parts according to one form of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 4 This is a front view of a heat treatment apparatus for vehicle body parts according to one form of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 5 This is a plan view of a heat treatment apparatus for vehicle body parts according to one form of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 6 This is a bottom view of a heat treatment apparatus for body parts according to one form of this disclosure;

[0037] Figure 7 A lower fixed die is shown applied to a heat treatment apparatus for body parts according to one form of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 8An induction coil is shown applied to a heat treatment apparatus for body parts according to one form of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 9 A side-movable die is shown applied to a heat treatment apparatus for body parts according to one form of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 10 A coupling structure for a side-movable mold and a coolant injection member applied to a heat treatment apparatus for a vehicle body component according to the present disclosure is shown;

[0041] Figure 11 A coolant injection component is shown applied to a heat treatment apparatus for body parts according to one form of the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 12 A side-movable die is shown applied to a heat treatment apparatus for body parts according to one form of this disclosure; and

[0043] Figures 13 to 15 The operation of a heat treatment apparatus for vehicle body parts according to one form of this disclosure is shown.

[0044] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure in any way. Detailed Implementation

[0045] The following description is exemplary in nature only and is not intended to limit this disclosure, its application, or its uses. It should be understood that in all the figures, corresponding reference numerals denote the same or corresponding parts and features.

[0046] The present disclosure will be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate exemplary forms of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the entire contents of the disclosure can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

[0047] For clarity, irrelevant details will be omitted, and throughout the specification, the same reference numerals will denote the same components.

[0048] Furthermore, since the dimensions and thicknesses of each component illustrated in the accompanying drawings are arbitrarily represented for ease of interpretation, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated dimensions and thicknesses of each component, and the thicknesses of layers, films, panels, regions, etc., are enlarged in the drawings for clear representation.

[0049] Furthermore, in the following description, for components with the same relationship, in order to distinguish them, the names of the components are divided into first, second, etc., and the components are not limited to the order of description.

[0050] Furthermore, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the words “comprising” and variations such as “including” or “containing” will be understood to imply inclusion of the stated elements, but not exclusion of any other elements.

[0051] Furthermore, the terms “…unit”, “…mechanism”, “…part”, “…component”, etc., used in this document refer to a unit that contains components that perform at least one or more functions or operations.

[0052] Figures 1 to 3 These are perspective views of a heat treatment apparatus for vehicle body parts according to one form of this disclosure.

[0053] refer to Figures 1 to 3 According to this disclosure, a heat treatment apparatus 100 for body parts can be applied to a sub-assembly line for manufacturing body parts 1, such as body panels, in a body factory.

[0054] In the sub-assembly line, processes such as stretching, trimming, punching, bending, forming, and heat treatment are performed to shape and process the raw material panel, which serves as the blank, into a predetermined shape.

[0055] One form of this disclosure can be applied to the following process: in a sub-assembly line, body parts 1, which are collision components (such as center pillars, roof longitudinal beams, bumpers, and anti-collision beams), are formed and processed into a predetermined shape.

[0056] Additionally, one form of this disclosure can be applied to the following process: Figure 2 and Figure 3 The outer panel 3 of the center pillar shown is molded and processed into a predetermined shape as a body component 1.

[0057] Furthermore, according to one form of the present disclosure, a heat treatment process for heating and rapid cooling is performed on a local area of ​​a body part 1 that has been molded into a predetermined shape by a heat treatment apparatus 100 for body parts according to one form of the present disclosure, and this can be applied to manufacture a body part 1 in which the local area is strengthened to a high strength.

[0058] However, the scope of this disclosure should not be construed as limited to manufacturing body parts 1 such as center pillar outer panel 3, and the technical concepts of this disclosure can be applied to manufacturing metal panel parts used in structures of various types and uses.

[0059] In the following text, the length direction of the vehicle body component 1 is defined as the front-to-back direction, and the direction perpendicular to the front-to-back direction is defined as the left-to-right direction and the up-to-down direction. However, the definition of direction is relative, and the direction can be changed according to the reference position of the device 100 and the reference position of the vehicle body component 1, so the above reference direction is not limited to the reference direction in this example.

[0060] Additionally, in the following text, "end (one end, the other end, etc.)" can be defined as either any end or as a portion including that end (one end portion, the other end portion, etc.).

[0061] According to one form of the present disclosure, a heat treatment apparatus 100 for a body component performs a heat treatment process for induction heating and cooling of local areas of a molded and structurable body component 1, thereby reducing dimensional changes in the body component 1 and making inspection and setup easier.

[0062] In the following text, the body part 1 formed by compression molding as described above will be referred to as an induction-heated object, and the same reference numerals as those used for body part 1 will be designated for the induction-heated object.

[0063] Figure 4 This is a front view of a heat treatment device used for vehicle body parts. Figure 5 It is a plan view of heat treatment equipment used for vehicle body parts, and Figure 6 This is a bottom view of a heat treatment apparatus for body parts according to one form of the present disclosure.

[0064] refer to Figures 1 to 6 According to this disclosure, a heat treatment apparatus 100 for body parts includes a lower fixed mold 20, a heating unit 40, a side movable mold 60, a cooling unit 80, and an upper movable mold 90.

[0065] The constituent elements described above are constructed in a fixing device, for example, a clamp base 11 and a clamp frame 12. The clamp base 11 is mounted on the floor of the work area, and the clamp frame 12 is mounted above the clamp base 11, and the two are separate from each other.

[0066] The fixture base 11 and fixture frame 12 are used to mount the various constituent elements as described below, and can be configured as a frame divided into one frame or two or more component frames.

[0067] The clamp base 11 and clamp frame 12 may include various accessory elements to support the constituent elements, such as brackets, rods, bars, plates, housings, boxes, blocks, partitions, ribs, tracks, and bushings.

[0068] However, since the various accessory elements described above are used to mount the constituent elements in the clamp base 11 and clamp frame 12 as described below, in one form of this disclosure, the accessory elements described above are collectively referred to as the clamp base 11 and clamp frame 12, unless otherwise explicitly described.

[0069] In one embodiment of this disclosure, a lower fixed mold 20 supports the induction-heated object 1 and is fixedly mounted on a fixture base 11. The lower fixed mold 20 supports the lower formed surface of the induction-heated object 1, and in one embodiment of this disclosure, the lower fixed mold can be defined as a central mold.

[0070] As in Figure 7 As shown, the lower fixed mold 20 includes a first loading portion 21 that supports the lower surface of the induction-heated object 1 (see reference). Figure 2 and Figure 3 The first loading portion 21 is formed on the upper surface of the lower fixed mold 20 along the length direction of the induction heating object 1 of the first loading portion 21.

[0071] The first loading portion 21 includes a first portion 23, a second portion 25, and a third portion 27. The first portion 23 supports the front end (first end) of the induction heating object 1 and is disposed on the front upper surface of the lower fixed mold 20.

[0072] The second part 25 supports the rear end (second end) of the induction-heated object 1 and is disposed on the rear upper surface of the lower fixed mold 20. Additionally, the third part 27 is disposed on the upper surface between the front upper surface and the rear upper surface of the lower fixed mold 20. The third part 27 connects the first part 23 and the second part 25 and supports the lower surface between the first end and the second end of the induction-heated object 1.

[0073] In addition, the lower fixed mold 20 continuously forms channels 29 and ribs 31 on both sides along its length, and the first loading part 21 is inserted between the two sides.

[0074] Furthermore, the lower fixed mold 20 described above includes a main body portion 33 and a wing portion 35. The main body portion 33 is the portion that forms the third portion 27 of the first loading portion 21, and is configured to correspond to the shape of the lower surface along the length direction of the induction-heated object 1.

[0075] Furthermore, the wing portions 35 are integrally connected to the first end (front end) and the second end (rear end) of the main body portion 33, respectively, and extend from the first end and the second end of the main body portion 33 in the left-right direction. The wing portions 35 form the first end 23 and the second end 25 of the first loading portion 21, respectively.

[0076] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 In some forms of this disclosure, the heating unit 40 is used to locally heat a predetermined local area of ​​the induction-heated object 1 (hereinafter, for ease of description, it is referred to as the heating portion). The heating unit 40 is mounted on the top of the lower fixed mold 20.

[0077] The heating unit 40 includes an induction coil 41, which is used to inductively heat the (partial) heating portion of the induction heating object 1 when power is supplied. The induction coil 41 is disposed on the top of the lower fixed mold 20 and has a predetermined gap with the heating portion of the induction heating object 1.

[0078] In this article, the term induction heating refers to heating a metal object using the electromagnetic induction principle of a high-frequency current when an electric current is supplied.

[0079] The induction coil 41 generates eddy currents in the heating part of the object to be heated by induction heating 1, and the heating part can be heated by Joule heat generated by the resistance of the metal.

[0080] The induction coil 41 is arranged along a predetermined path corresponding to the heating portion of the induction heating object 1, and therefore can be arranged along at least two paths that can be arranged at a predetermined interval.

[0081] The induction coil 41 has a hollow tube shape, for example, it can be a copper tube made of copper. (As in...) Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the induction coil 41 is mounted on the channel 29 of the lower fixed mold 20 and can be configured to run along the heating portion of the induction heating object 1.

[0082] For this purpose, in one form of this disclosure, a mounting bracket 50 is used for mounting (fixing) the induction coil 41 to the channel 29 above the lower fixed mold 20.

[0083] The mounting bracket 50 is made of a high-temperature resistant insulating material, such as ceramic, and is fixedly mounted in the channel 29 of the lower fixed mold 20. The mounting bracket 50 can secure the induction coil 41 with fasteners (not shown), such as bolts and nuts.

[0084] refer to Figures 1 to 6 In one embodiment of this disclosure, the side-movable molds 60 are disposed on both sides of the lower fixed mold 20 and mounted on the clamp base 11 to be capable of reciprocating motion. Thus, the two side-movable molds 60 are selectively engaged with both sides of the lower fixed mold 20.

[0085] When engaged with both sides of the lower fixed mold 20, the side movable mold 60 supports the two edge portions of the induction-heated object 1. In one embodiment of this disclosure, the side movable mold 60 may be referred to as a side mold.

[0086] As in Figure 9As shown, the side-movable mold 60 also includes a second loading portion 61 disposed on its upper surface, the shape of which corresponds to the shape of the induction-heated object 1. The second loading portion 61 supports two edge portions respectively along the length direction of the induction-heated object 1.

[0087] In addition, the side-movable mold 60 also includes a first connecting portion 63 and a second connecting portion 65, which can be connected to both sides of the lower fixed mold 20 (see reference). Figure 7 The first joining portion 63 is a portion corresponding to the main body portion 33 of the lower fixed mold 20, and can be joined to both sides of the main body portion 33 between the wing portions 35 of the lower fixed mold 20.

[0088] Furthermore, the second connecting portion 65 corresponds to the wing portion 35 of the lower fixed mold 20 and is integrally connected to the first end (front end) and the second end (rear end) of the first connecting portion 63. The second connecting portion 65 can be connected to the wing portion 35 of the lower fixed mold 20 in the left-right direction.

[0089] In this design, a first engagement surface 37, which can engage with the first engagement portion 63 of the side-movable mold 60, is formed on the main body portion 33 of the lower fixed mold 20. Additionally, a second engagement surface 39, which can engage with the second engagement portion 65 of the side-movable mold 60, is formed on the wing portion 35 of the lower fixed mold 20.

[0090] At the same time, such as in Figure 4 As shown, the side movable mold 60 is disposed on both sides of the lower fixed mold 20 and mounted on the clamp base 11 so that it can move in the left and right direction by the first drive power source 67.

[0091] That is, when the lower fixed mold 20 is located between the side movable molds 60, the side movable molds 60 can move toward the lower fixed mold 20 via the first driving power source 67 to engage with both sides of the lower fixed mold 20. In addition, the side movable molds 60 can move away from the lower fixed mold 20 via the first driving power source 67 to separate from the lower fixed mold 20.

[0092] In this document, the first drive power source 67 may include an operating cylinder 68 of known technology, which is fixedly mounted on the clamp base 11. The operating cylinder 68 is connected to each of the side movable molds 60 via an operating lever, which is operated forward and backward by hydraulic or pneumatic pressure.

[0093] refer to Figure 3 In one form of this disclosure, the cooling unit 80 is used to (rapidly) cool the heating portion of the induction-heated object 1 that is induction-heated by the induction coil 41.

[0094] As in Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the cooling unit 80 includes a plurality of coolant injection members 81 mounted in each of the side-movable molds 60. The coolant injection members 81 can inject coolant directly into the heated portion of the induction-heated object 1 to rapidly cool the heated portion.

[0095] Coolant injection component 81 is installed in coolant supply hole 82, which penetrates the side movable mold 60 and is formed towards the downward fixed mold 20 (reference). Figure 3 In this paper, coolant supply holes 82 are arranged on the side movable mold 60 along the heating portion of the induction heated object 1.

[0096] The coolant injection component 81 includes a connector portion 83 and a nozzle portion 85. The connector portion 83 is installed in a coolant supply port 82 of a side-movable mold 60. The connector portion 83 forms a hydraulic line connected to the coolant supply port 82.

[0097] Additionally, the nozzle portion 85 is a nozzle body that generally injects coolant and forms a nozzle passage for connecting to the hydraulic line of the connector portion 83. The nozzle portion 85 is rotatably connected to the connector portion 83.

[0098] The nozzle portion 85 is rotatably connected to the connector portion 83 via a ball joint 87. Therefore, the nozzle portion 85 can rotate at the connector portion 83 via the ball joint 87, and the spray angle of the coolant can be adjusted.

[0099] At the same time, such as in Figure 7 The lower fixed mold 20 shown forms a coolant discharge portion 32 to discharge coolant. The coolant discharge portion 32 is provided in the form of a groove on both sides of the lower fixed mold 20 in the vertical direction.

[0100] As in Figure 6 As shown, when the side movable mold 60 is attached to both sides of the lower fixed mold 20, the coolant discharge portion 32 can form a coolant discharge passage 34 that discharges coolant to a predetermined area.

[0101] refer to Figures 1 to 6 In one embodiment of this disclosure, the upper movable mold 90 is mounted such that it can reciprocate in the vertical direction corresponding to the lower fixed mold 20 disposed below.

[0102] The upper movable mold 90 is mounted on the clamp frame 12 above the clamp base 11 so that it can move back and forth in the vertical direction, and in one form of this disclosure, the upper movable mold 90 may be called an upper mold.

[0103] The upper movable mold 90 can be connected to the lower fixed mold 20 via the first loading portion 21 (see reference). Figure 7 ) and the second loading section of the side movable mold 60 (refer to Figure 9 Pressurize the induction-heated object 1 to clamp it.

[0104] As in Figure 12 As shown, the upper movable mold 90 includes a first clamping portion 91 and a second clamping portion 92 disposed on the lower surface of the upper movable mold 90.

[0105] Corresponding to the first loading portion 21 of the lower fixed mold 20, the first clamping portion 91 is formed to protrude in the downward direction on the lower surface of the upper movable mold 90.

[0106] From above the lower fixed mold 20, the first clamping portion 91 applies pressure to the upper surface and two lateral sides of the induction heating object 1 disposed on the first loading portion 21 of the lower fixed mold 20.

[0107] Corresponding to the second loading portion 61 of the side movable mold 60, a second clamping portion 92 is planarly formed on the lower surface and both sides of the upper movable mold 90, and the first clamping portion 91 is inserted therein. From above the side movable mold 60, the second clamping portion 92 applies pressure to the two edge portions of the induction heating object 1 provided on the second loading portion 61 of the side movable mold 60.

[0108] At the same time, such as in Figure 4 As shown, the upper movable mold 90 can be moved in the vertical direction corresponding to the lower fixed mold 20 by the second driving power source 95.

[0109] In this document, the second drive power source 95 may include a known operating cylinder 96, which is fixedly mounted on the clamping frame 12. The operating cylinder 96 is connected to the upper movable mold 90 via an operating lever, which is operated forward and backward by hydraulic or pneumatic pressure.

[0110] The operation of a heat treatment apparatus 100 for vehicle body parts according to this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0111] Figures 13 to 15 The operation of a heat treatment apparatus for vehicle body parts according to one form of this disclosure is shown.

[0112] Firstly, in one form of this disclosure, the induction heating object 1 is configured as a body part molded into a predetermined shape.

[0113] In this article, such as in Figure 13As shown, the side movable mold 60 is mounted on the fixture base 11, and the lower fixed mold 20 is inserted therein. The side movable mold has been moved away from the lower fixed mold 20 (i.e., backward) by the first drive power source 67. In addition, the upper movable mold 90 has been moved upward corresponding to the lower fixed mold 20 by the second drive power source 95.

[0114] In this state, in one form of the present disclosure, the induction-heated object 1 is mounted on the first loading portion 21 of the lower fixed mold 20. At this time, the first portion 23 of the first loading portion 21 supports the front end (first end) of the induction-heated object 1, the second portion 25 supports the rear end (second end) of the induction-heated object 1, and the third portion 27 supports the lower surface between the first end and the second end of the induction-heated object 1.

[0115] Then, in one form of this disclosure, the upper movable mold 90 moves downward by the operation of the second drive power source 95, and the upper surface side of the induction heating object 1 is pressurized by the first clamping portion 91 of the upper movable mold 90.

[0116] Following the above process, in one form of this disclosure, it is checked whether interference occurs between the heating portion of the induction heating object 1 and the induction coil 41 of the heating unit 40, and the distance between the heating portion and the induction coil 41 is measured.

[0117] In this paper, when the distance between the induction coil 41 and the heating part of the induction heating object 1 is different from the predetermined gap, in one form of this disclosure, the mounting position of the induction coil 41 relative to the lower fixed mold 20 is adjusted to change the heating conditions of the induction heating object 1 for the induction coil 41.

[0118] In another embodiment of this disclosure, the coolant injection angle of the coolant injection member 81 relative to the cooling unit 80 is adjusted according to changes in the heating conditions of the induction heating object 1 caused by the induction coil 41. In this embodiment, the nozzle portion 85 of the coolant injection member 81 is rotated, and the coolant injection angle can be adjusted.

[0119] Therefore, in one form of this disclosure, by checking and adjusting the heating unit 40 and cooling unit 80 as described above, the heating conditions can be set to optimally heat and cool the heating portion of the induction heating object 1.

[0120] Then, in one form of this disclosure, the upper movable mold 90 moves upward by the operation of the second drive power source 95 and unloads the induction-heated object 1 from the first loading portion 21 of the lower fixed mold 20.

[0121] Subsequently, in one form of this disclosure, such as in Figure 14 As shown, the side movable mold 60 moves forward toward the lower fixed mold 20 located at the center of the side movable mold 60 by the operation of the first drive power source 67.

[0122] Then, the side movable mold 60 is joined to both sides of the lower fixed mold 20. In this text, the first joining portion 63 of the side movable mold 60 is joined to the first joining surface 37 on both sides of the main body portion 33 between the wing portions 35 of the lower fixed mold 20, and the second joining portion 65 is joined to the second joining surface 39 of the second wing portion 35.

[0123] When the movable side mold 60 is engaged with both sides of the lower fixed mold 20, the coolant discharge portion 32 on both sides of the lower fixed mold 20 forms a coolant discharge passage 34 to discharge coolant.

[0124] Subsequently, in one form of this disclosure, the induction-heated object 1 is mounted on a first loading portion 21 of a lower fixed mold 20 and a second loading portion 61 of a side-movable mold 60 that are joined together.

[0125] At this time, the first portion 23 of the first loading portion 21 supports the front end (first end) of the induction heating object 1, the second portion 25 supports the rear end (second end) of the induction heating object 1, and the third portion 27 supports the lower surface between the first end and the second end of the induction heating object 1. In addition, the second loading portion 61 supports two edge portions along the length direction of the induction heating object 1.

[0126] Then, in one form of this disclosure, the upper movable mold 90 moves downward by the operation of the second drive power source 95, and the lower surface of the induction heating object 1 placed on the first loading portion 21 is pressed by the first clamping portion 91 of the upper movable mold 90.

[0127] Subsequently, in one form of this disclosure, the two edge portions of the induction-heated object 1 placed on the second loading portion 61 are pressurized by the second clamping portion 92 of the upper movable mold 90.

[0128] Therefore, in one form of this disclosure, as described above, the entire area of ​​the induction-heated object 1 placed on the first loading portion 21 of the lower fixed mold 20 and the second loading portion 61 of the side movable mold 6, which are combined together, can be clamped by the first clamping portion 91 and the second clamping portion 92 of the upper movable mold 90.

[0129] Subsequently, in one form of this disclosure, by providing power to the induction coil 41 of the heating unit 40, the heating portion of the object to be heated is inductively heated for a predetermined time by the electromagnetic induction principle of high-frequency current.

[0130] In one form of this disclosure, the power applied to the induction coil 41 is cut off while the heating portion of the object 1 being inductively heated for a predetermined time as described above.

[0131] Then, in one form of this disclosure, such as in Figure 15 As shown, coolant is injected directly into the heating portion of the induction-heated object 1 through the nozzle portion 85 of the coolant injection member 81, and then the heating portion is rapidly cooled for a predetermined time.

[0132] In this process, coolant from the coolant supply source (not shown) flows into the connector portion 83 through the coolant supply hole 82 of the side movable mold 60, and is then injected directly into the heating portion of the induction heating object 1 through the nozzle portion 85.

[0133] In this article, the nozzle portion 85 of the coolant injection member 81 can inject coolant toward the heating portion of the induction-heated object 1 at a position that is rotated to a predetermined angle relative to the heating portion of the induction-heated object 1 via the ball joint 87.

[0134] In addition, the coolant flowing down after the heating part of the induction heating object 1 is discharged to the outside through the coolant discharge passage 34.

[0135] After cooling the heated portion of the induction-heated object 1 in this manner, in one form of the present disclosure, the upper movable mold 90 moves upward by the operation of the second drive power source 95 and unloads the induction-heated object 1 from the first loading portion 21 of the lower fixed mold 20 and the second loading portion 61 of the side movable mold 60.

[0136] Therefore, in one form of this disclosure, a local area of ​​the inductively heated object 1 can be inductively heated and cooled by a series of processes as described above, and a body part, such as a panel part, in which the local area is highly reinforced can be manufactured.

[0137] According to one form of the heat treatment apparatus 100 for vehicle body parts disclosed herein as described above, the lower fixed mold 20 and the side movable mold 60 are separated before performing the heat treatment process on the induction-heated object 1. In this state, the heating unit 40 and the cooling unit 80 can be set to conditions for optimal heating and cooling of the heated portion of the induction-heated object 1 by checking and adjusting.

[0138] In another embodiment of this disclosure, the entire area of ​​the induction-heated object 1 placed on the first loading portion 21 of the lower fixed mold 20 and the second loading portion 61 of the side movable mold 60, which are combined together, can be clamped by the first clamping portion 91 and the second clamping portion 92 of the upper movable mold 90.

[0139] Therefore, in one form of this disclosure, the degree of freedom in the heat treatment conditions relative to the induction-heated object 1 can be increased, and thus the processing quality of body parts such as vehicle panels can be improved.

[0140] In another embodiment of this disclosure, by performing heat treatment while clamping the entire area of ​​the induction-heated object 1, the amount of dimensional deformation caused by thermal deformation of the induction-heated object 1 can be reduced, and dimensional deviations can be kept within minimum tolerances.

[0141] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, since the heating unit 40 and the cooling unit 80 are fixedly mounted on the lower fixed mold 20, the heat treatment of the induction-heated object 1 can be performed simultaneously by the heating unit 40 and the cooling unit 80 while the object 1 is constrained by the upper movable mold 90. This reduces the manufacturing cycle of panel parts.

[0142] Although this disclosure has described exemplary forms that are considered practical, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the disclosed forms. Rather, this disclosure is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements that are included within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0143] Symbol description:

[0144] 1: Vehicle body parts or objects subject to induction heating

[0145] 3: Outer panel of the center column

[0146] 11: Fixture base

[0147] 12: Fixture frame

[0148] 20: Lower fixed mold

[0149] 21: First loading section

[0150] 23: Part One

[0151] 25: Part Two

[0152] 27: Part Three

[0153] 29: Passage

[0154] 31: Ribs

[0155] 32: Coolant discharge section

[0156] 33: Main Body

[0157] 34: Coolant discharge passage

[0158] 35: Wing section

[0159] 37: First bonding surface

[0160] 39: Second bonding surface

[0161] 40: Heating unit

[0162] 41: Induction coil

[0163] 50: Mounting bracket

[0164] 60: Side-movable mold

[0165] 61: Second loading section

[0166] 63: First Combination Part

[0167] 65: Second Combination Part

[0168] 67: Primary driving force

[0169] 68, 96: Operating cylinders

[0170] 80: Cooling unit

[0171] 81: Coolant injection component

[0172] 82: Coolant supply hole

[0173] 83: Connector section

[0174] 85: Nozzle section

[0175] 87: Ball joint

[0176] 90: Upper movable mold

[0177] 91: First clamping part

[0178] 92: Second clamping part

[0179] 95: Second driving power source

[0180] 100: Heat treatment equipment for vehicle body parts

Claims

1. A heat treatment apparatus for a vehicle body part, the heat treatment apparatus comprising: a jig base; a lower fixed press die fixedly installed on the jig base and configured to support the vehicle body part; a heating unit installed on the lower fixed press die and configured to locally heat the vehicle body part; a plurality of side movable press dies provided at both sides of the lower fixed press die and installed on the jig base, wherein the plurality of side movable press dies are configured to reciprocally move and selectively assemble with the lower fixed press die; a cooling unit installed on each of the plurality of side movable press dies and configured to cool a heated portion of the vehicle body part, the cooling unit being configured to directly inject a coolant toward the heated portion of the vehicle body part; and an upper movable press die configured to reciprocally move in an up-and-down direction corresponding to the lower fixed press die and clamp the vehicle body part by the lower fixed press die and at least one of the plurality of side movable press dies assembled together; the lower fixed press die includes a coolant discharge portion provided in the form of a groove at both sides of the lower fixed press die in the up-and-down direction and forms a coolant discharge passage when the lower fixed press die and the plurality of side movable press dies are assembled.

2. The heat treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heating unit is configured to locally inductively heat a portion of the vehicle body part by supplying power to an induction coil. 3.The heat treatment apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a first driving power source installed on the jig base and connected to the at least one of the plurality of side movable press dies; and a second driving power source installed on a jig frame above the jig base and connected to the upper movable press die. 4.A heat treatment apparatus for local heat treatment of a vehicle body part, the heat treatment apparatus comprising: a lower fixed press die fixedly installed on a jig base and configured to support a lower surface of the vehicle body part; an induction coil installed on the lower fixed press die and provided to have a predetermined gap from a heated portion of the vehicle body part; a plurality of side movable press dies provided at both sides of the lower fixed press die and installed on the jig base and configured to support two edge portions of the vehicle body part, wherein the plurality of side movable press dies are configured to reciprocally move and selectively assemble with the lower fixed press die; a plurality of coolant injection members installed on each of the plurality of side movable press dies and configured to directly inject a coolant to the heated portion of the vehicle body part; and an upper movable press die configured to reciprocally move in an up-and-down direction corresponding to the lower fixed press die and clamp the vehicle body part by the lower fixed press die and at least one of the plurality of side movable press dies assembled together. The lower fixed press mold includes coolant discharge portions provided in the form of grooves at both sides of the lower fixed press mold in the up-and-down direction and forming coolant discharge passages when the lower fixed press mold is assembled with the plurality of side movable press mold groups.

5. The thermal processing apparatus of claim 4, further comprising: A mounting bracket is mounted on a top of the lower fixed press mold, configured to fix the induction coil, and made of a heat insulating material. 6.The thermal treatment apparatus of claim 5, wherein: the lower fixed press mold forms a first loading portion, an upper surface of the first loading portion configured to support a lower surface of the body part, the lower fixed press mold continuously forms a plurality of channels and ribs on both sides of the lower fixed press mold in which the first loading portion is interposed, in the length direction, and the mounting bracket is mounted on the plurality of channels. 7.The thermal treatment apparatus of claim 4, wherein: the lower fixed press mold includes a first loading portion, an upper surface of the first loading portion formed in a shape corresponding to a shape of the body part, and the lower fixed press mold is configured to support a lower surface of the body part.

8. The heat treatment apparatus according to claim 7, wherein corresponding to the upper surface of the first loading portion, the upper movable press mold includes a first clamping portion formed on a lower surface of the upper movable press mold.

9. The heat treatment apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the first loading portion includes: a first portion supporting a first end portion of the body part; a second portion supporting a second end portion of the body part; and a third portion connecting the first portion and the second portion and supporting a lower surface between the first end portion and the second end portion of the body part.

10. The heat treatment apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the induction coil is formed along at least two predetermined paths corresponding to the body part.

11. The heat treatment apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of side movable press molds include a second loading portion, an upper surface of the second loading portion formed in a shape corresponding to a shape of the body part, and the second loading portion is configured to support a corresponding edge portion of the body part.

12. The heat treatment apparatus according to claim 11, wherein corresponding to the second loading portion, the upper movable press mold includes a second clamping portion formed on a lower surface of the upper movable press mold.

13. The heat treatment apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the lower fixed press mold includes: a main portion corresponding to a lower surface shape of the body part; and a wing portion extending in left and right directions from first and second end portions of the main portion, respectively.

14. The heat treatment apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the side movable press mold includes: a first coupling portion configured to be assembled with the main portion between the wing portion; and a second coupling portion configured to be assembled with the wing portion and formed at first and second end portions of the first coupling portion. 15.The thermal treatment apparatus of claim 14, wherein: a first coupling surface configured to be assembled with the first coupling portion is formed on the main portion; and a second coupling surface configured to be assembled with the second coupling portion is formed on the wing portion.

16. The heat treatment apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a coolant injection member of the plurality of coolant injection members includes: a joint portion mounted in and connected to a coolant supply hole penetrating at least one of the plurality of side movable press molds; and a coolant injection member of the plurality of coolant injection members includes: a joint portion mounted in and connected to a coolant supply hole penetrating at least one of the plurality of side movable press molds; and A nozzle portion is rotatably connected to the joint portion.

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