Gas quenching unit

Abstract

The present specification relates to a gas cooling unit, comprising: a chamber; at least one opening in the chamber, leading to a processing space inside the chamber; at least one door, which is used to close the opening; and a system (4) located inside the chamber, which includes at least one wall (42), which is movable between a first position and a second position, in which the wall forms a barrier between the opening and the processing space, and in which the wall enables a passage from the opening to the processing space to be unobstructed.

Description

[0001] French patent application FR 19 / 11902 from which this patent application claims priority is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to metal or glass part processing apparatus, and more particularly to gas quenching units. Background Art

[0003] Gas quenching units are particularly widely used in industry for processing components made of metal or metal-based alloys or even glass. Such processing of solid components is usually a heat treatment with rapid cooling (quenching).

[0004] The quenching unit is usually formed by a sealed chamber with a gas (or gas for quenching) circulation for cooling the parts to be treated placed in the chamber and prepared therein. This circulation determines the quality of the treatment and the performance of the device. Summary of the invention

[0005] One embodiment overcomes all or some of the disadvantages of known quench units.

[0006] One embodiment provides a quench unit with improved quench gas circulation.

[0007] One embodiment provides a gas cooling unit, the gas cooling unit comprising:

[0008] a generally cylindrical chamber;

[0009] at least one opening in the chamber that leads to a processing space within the chamber;

[0010] at least one door for closing the opening; and

[0011] A system located inside a chamber, comprising at least one wall that can move along a direction parallel to the axis of the cylindrical chamber between a first position and a second position, wherein the first position forms a barrier between an opening and a processing space, and wherein the second position allows a passage from the opening to the processing space to be unobstructed.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the moving wall directs the gas flow towards the processing space.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the unit comprises a plurality of openings leading to the processing volume, the system comprising a mobile wall between each opening and the processing volume.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the chamber comprises two openings to the processing space.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the system comprises four walls arranged to form a frame around the processing space.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the frame is intended to enclose a load arranged in the processing space when it is in the first position.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the gas circulation in the chamber is performed in a closed loop in a first direction in a central portion of the chamber including the processing space and in a second direction in the periphery of the chamber.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the wall is provided with a deflection element at the level of its lower edge.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the wall is able to move vertically during translation.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the unit further comprises means for controlling the displacement of the system with the mobile wall from one position to another.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the mechanism comprises:

[0022] an axis of rotation along an axis perpendicular to the direction of movement of the moving wall; and

[0023] At least one arm for converting the rotational movement of the rotating shaft into the translational movement of the moving wall.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the rotation of the rotating shaft is caused from outside the chamber by a connecting rod mechanism, which converts the translational movement of the cylinder into the rotational movement of the rotating shaft.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the processing space comprises a load support intended to receive a load.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the unit comprises a turbine arranged perpendicular to the load support, the turbine comprising:

[0027] a fan located inside the chamber; and

[0028] An actuator is located outside the chamber.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the fan is located within the duct for directing the gas to the processing space.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the wall in its first position continues the whole wall or part of the wall of the duct. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The above features and advantages as well as other features and advantages will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, but not as a limitation, in which:

[0032] Figure 1 is an external perspective view of an embodiment of a quenching unit;

[0033] Figure 2 Partial perspective cutaway views A and B of an embodiment of a quenching unit are shown;

[0034] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a system with moving walls for a quenching unit; and

[0035] Figure 4 is a perspective cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a moving wall system and its actuation mechanism integrated into a quenching unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The same features are denoted by the same reference numerals in the various figures. In particular, common structural and / or functional features in the various embodiments may have the same reference numerals and may be provided with the same structure, dimensions and material properties.

[0037] For the sake of clarity, only the steps and elements useful for understanding the embodiments described herein are explained and described in detail. In particular, the effects of different quenching gases on the treated components, according to the flow rates, volumes, temperatures and pressures of these gases, are known and will not be described in detail, the described embodiments being compatible with conventional processes and parameters (flow rates, volumes, pressures, temperatures, etc.).

[0038] Unless otherwise specified, when referring to two elements being connected together, this means a direct connection without any intermediate elements except conductors, and when referring to two elements being coupled together, this means the two elements can be connected or they can be coupled via one or more other elements.

[0039] In the following description, when referring to terms defining absolute positions (such as terms "front", "rear", "top", "bottom", "left", "right", etc.) or terms defining relative positions (such as terms "above", "below", "upper", "lower", etc.) or terms defining directions (such as terms "horizontal", "vertical", etc.), unless otherwise specified, it refers to the direction of the drawing or the quenching unit in the normal use position.

[0040] Unless otherwise indicated, "around", "substantially" and "approximately" mean within 10%, preferably within 5%.

[0041] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a rapid cooling unit or quenching unit 1 .

[0042] Such a unit 1 generally forms part of an installation or a production line for processing components made of metal, metal alloys or glass, which installation or this production line comprises stations for manufacturing and processing of other components.

[0043] The gas quenching unit 1 comprises a (eg generally cylindrically shaped) chamber 3. The chamber 3 has a main direction (main gas circulation direction) which is vertical or horizontal.

[0044] exist Figure 1 In the preferred example shown, the chamber 3 is a cylindrical chamber with a vertical axis. The chamber 3 is located on supports 5 or legs.

[0045] The chamber 3 includes two openings leading to the processing space inside the chamber ( Figure 1 1 and 2). The two openings preferably face each other. The two openings are used, in particular in an inline installation, for introducing or loading the parts to be treated and for unloading the treated parts, i.e. for load transfer. As a variant, depending on the arrangement of the units in the processing device, the chamber comprises a single opening for loading and unloading the parts. Each opening is associated with a door 9 outside the chamber 3. The door 9 is, for example, a door slidably assembled between (e.g. horizontal) rails 11 and moved by a motor 13. The door 9 ensures a tight closure of the unit 1, the interior of the chamber 3 of the quenching unit 1 being under a pressure typically in the range of 1 to 20 bar during operation.

[0046] In the example shown, one of the openings is associated with an element 15 for coupling the unit 1 to a module (not shown) of the rest of the device comprising the unit 1. For example, the module is a heating unit or a transfer chamber. This connection makes it possible to facilitate the automatic transfer of the parts to be treated between the treatment module and the quenching unit without having to place them back in the open air. The two openings can each be associated with a module outside the unit.

[0047] The gas quenching unit 1 also includes an exchanger ( Figure 1 The exchanger is supplied with a coolant (for example water) via a pipe 17 to cool the gas during quenching.

[0048] exist Figure 1 In the example of the unit of , the gas is introduced by a pipe 19 located in the upper part of the chamber 3. As an example, the gas used for quenching in the unit 1 is nitrogen, helium and / or argon.

[0049] Figure 2 An embodiment of a quenching unit is shown in partial perspective cross-sectional views A and B;

[0050] Figure 2 View A of shows the cell 1 during a quenching cycle, with the cell door 9 closed. Figure 2 View B of WO 2014 / 03668 shows the unit 1 with the door 9 opened (eg during a phase of loading components to be processed or unloading processed components).

[0051] The unit 1 comprises, inside the chamber 3, at the level of the processing space 39, a support 21 intended to receive a load 23 to be processed. The load support 21 is selected so as to be able to arrange the load 23 inside the chamber 3 so that it is centered in the horizontal plane of the chamber 3 and in contact with the opening 25 ( Figure 2 B) Alignment.

[0052] Load 23 in Figure 2 In the figure, it is schematically shown by a cuboid, which represents the volume occupied by the load in the chamber. In practice, the load comprises a plurality of parts to be processed, which are arranged in one or more open work baskets and / or on an open work board.

[0053] The unit 1 also comprises a turbine aligned vertically with the load support 21. The turbine comprises a fan 27 inside the chamber 3 and a drive motor 29 outside the chamber. A shaft 31 passes through the upper part of the chamber 3 and couples the motor 29 to the fan 27.

[0054] The fan 27 is arranged in a duct 32 for directing the gas towards the load support 21. The fan 27 is preferably located inside the upper end of the duct 32. The duct 32 preferably has a circular cross section in its upper part including the fan and a square or rectangular cross section at its other end adapted to the shape of the load to be processed inside.

[0055] The circulation of the quenching gas in the chamber 3 of the unit 1 is generally carried out in a closed circuit during the quenching of the load 23. The fan 27 drives the gas in the duct 32 downwards, in other words towards the support 21 and thus towards the load 23 to be treated. The quenching gas passes through the load 23 placed in the treatment space 39 and then rises back into the chamber via the peripheral space between the duct 32 and the wall of the chamber 3.

[0056] The circulation of the gas accelerated by the fan allows for more rapid cooling. Rapid refers to cooling rates of the metal parts in the range of from about 5 degrees per second to about 10 degrees per second.

[0057] A heat exchanger 33 is located in this peripheral space, preferably above the level of the fan 27. The exchanger 33 has the function of cooling the gas before it is pushed again towards the load 23 in a closed loop circulation.

[0058] To promote air circulation in the lower part of the chamber, more specifically to redirect the air from the central part to the periphery of the chamber, an upwardly directed conical structure 35 is arranged below the load support 21. The tip of the cone 35 is substantially coaxial with the axis of the fan 27.

[0059] A similar cone-shaped structure 35' pointing downwards is provided in the upper part of the chamber to bring the airflow cooled by the exchanger from the peripheral circulation space back to the centre of the chamber. The tip of the cone of the structure 35' is substantially coaxial with the axis of the fan.

[0060] The tapered structures 35 and 35' promote gas circulation from top to bottom in the center of the chamber and from bottom to top at the periphery of the chamber.

[0061] Preferably, a grid 37 for homogenizing the airflow onto the load is arranged inside the duct 32 , preferably at the level of the lower end of the duct. The function of the grid 37 is to make the airflow at the level of the load 23 laminar.

[0062] The process quality and the performance of the device depend on the uniformity of the gas circulation in the chamber 3. The described embodiment results from a novel analysis of the gas flow in the process chamber. From this analysis it emerges that the presence of the door 9, more specifically the opening 25 and the corresponding door frame, tends to create eddies that disturb the laminar flow of the gas in the chamber. This disturbs not only the upward gas flow at the periphery, but also, in particular, the uniformity of the downward gas flow from top to bottom at the level of the load and at the level of the load portion in the load located in front of the opening 25. This phenomenon is intensified in the case of a cylindrical chamber, which corresponds to the majority of cases.

[0063] To overcome this phenomenon, a mobile wall system 42 is provided in the unit 1, associated with each opening 25 of the chamber 3, the mobile wall 42 being movable inside the chamber and in the axial direction of the cylindrical chamber, the openings 25 being on the periphery of the chamber and not at the axial ends. In other words, the openings 25 and the wall 42 are in a plane parallel to the axis of the chamber.

[0064] The function of the wall 42 is to form a barrier between the openings 25 and the processing space 39, more specifically between the openings 25 and at least part of the load 23 in front of these openings. In order to avoid hindering the unit 1 from loading the parts to be processed and unloading the processed parts, the wall 42 is at least in the first (low) position ( Figure 2 A) and the second (highest) position ( Figure 2 B), in a first position, these walls form a barrier between the load 23 and the corresponding opening 25, and in a second position, these walls clear the passage to the load support 21 and thus to the processing space 39.

[0065] Figure 2 The view A of 40 shows the position of the walls 42 during the quenching cycle. Each mobile wall 42 is positioned as a continuation of the wall of the duct 32. In this position, the mobile wall 42 protects the downward flow through the load 23 from possible disturbances of the upward flow in the chamber 3 generated by the opening 25. In the example shown, the mobile wall 42 further serves to direct the downward flow towards the load by continuation of the duct 32 downward.

[0066] Figure 2 View B of 1 shows the position of the wall 42 outside the quenching cycle (e.g. when the door 9 of the unit 1 is open). The mobile wall 42 is then positioned to clear the passage to the opening 25 and in turn to clear the passage to the processing space 39 and thus to the load. Preferably, in this position, the mobile wall 42 (e.g. on either side of the duct 32) is raised.

[0067] The number of mobile walls 42 may vary and depends, for example, on the shape of the chamber 3 and the elements inside the chamber. In the described embodiment, the chamber has a substantially cylindrical shape and the wall is movable in a direction parallel to the chamber axis. For example, a chamber with a single opening 25 may be provided with a single mobile wall. According to a preferred embodiment, four mobile walls are provided. This makes it possible to surround the processing space 39 and thus the load 23 and thus improve the function of the airflow directed therethrough. .

[0068] The air flow guidance operated by the wall 42 makes it possible to separate the downward air flow from the upward air flow after passing through the load. Therefore, the downward air flow (for processing the load) is less or no longer disturbed by possible gas vortex effects at the level of the frame 25 of the door 9. This makes it possible to homogenize the processing flow and thus improve the quality of the processed parts.

[0069] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a system 4 with a moving wall 42 for a quenching unit.

[0070] According to this embodiment, the system 4 comprises four walls 42 arranged to form a frame 44 or a sleeve or a flue (e.g. a rectangular parallelepiped). The frame 44 is in a high position (view B, Figure 2 ) and low position (view A, Figure 2 ) along an axis parallel to the cylindrical chamber. For example, the frame 44 comprises, in the upper part of the two opposite walls 42, a tongue 46 intended to be coupled (suspended) to a control mechanism 5 suitable for moving the frame 44 between the two positions.

[0071] For example, the mechanism 5 includes a horizontal shaft 54 ​​having a first end of a curved arm 52 coupled thereto. The second end of the arm 52 includes a port or slot 56 that follows a circular arc in a vertical plane. Each port 56 slidably receives a horizontal pin 48 for one of the vertical tabs 46 of the suspension frame 44.

[0072] The function of the mechanism 5 is to convert the rotational movement of the shaft 54 ​​about its axis X into a vertical translational movement of the frame 44 between its high and low positions, the pin 48 sliding in the port 56 to move from one position to another with the vertical pivoting of the arm 52 under the effect of the rotation of the shaft 54. The axis X of the shaft 54 ​​is therefore perpendicular to the direction of movement of the wall 42.

[0073] The shaft 54 ​​is preferably arranged in a transversely offset manner relative to the frame 44, outside the duct 32 and not interfering with the gas circulation.

[0074] One advantage of providing such a motion conversion is that it facilitates controlling the vertical translation of the system 4 with the mobile wall 42 from the outside of the chamber, while maintaining the tightness of the unit 3. For example, a shaft 54 ​​passes horizontally through the chamber 3 while being supported by a tight connection, and the rotation of this shaft is controlled from the outside by a mechanism 6 which converts the (e.g. vertical) translational motion of the cylinder 66 into a rotational motion of the shaft 54 ​​via a connecting rod 64.

[0075] In the low position, the frame 44 of the wall 42 surrounds the load and protects it from the airflow rising along the periphery of the chamber. The load is therefore not affected by possible laminar flow disturbances generated by the opening 25 of the chamber 3.

[0076] (such as Figure 3 One advantage of a system that surrounds the load (as shown in FIG. 1 ) is that, in a low position, the wall 42 allows the duct 32 to continue, thereby facilitating laminar gas flow from the chamber top to the processing space 39.

[0077] Preferably, the wall 42 comprises, in its lower part, a deflector 425 of circular shape to reduce the influence of the lower edge of the wall 42 on the gas circulation, especially in the direction of circulation from downward to upward.

[0078] Figure 4 is equipped with (such as Figure 3 1. Partial perspective view of a vertical cross section of an embodiment of a quenching unit 1 of a system 4 as described.

[0079] Can find Figure 2 and Figure 3 Different components related to Figure 4 In the view of FIG. 4 , the frame 44 is in a low position. The lower part of the unit is Figure 4 Not shown.

[0080] Figure 4 The eccentric position of the shaft 54 ​​is emphasized to avoid disturbing the gas circulation relative to the mechanism placed below the fan. The fact that the shaft 54 ​​is not aligned with the fan due to the eccentric rotational movement also justifies the shape of the arm.

[0081] Figure 4 Also shown are fasteners 67 of the mechanism 6 to the chamber and an actuator 68 of the cylinder 66 .

[0082] Various embodiments and variations have been described. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain features of these various embodiments and variations can be combined, and that other variations will occur to those skilled in the art. In particular, based on the above disclosure, the adaptation of the system 4 with the mobile wall 42 and its wall displacement mechanism 5 to the shape of the chamber 3 and the consideration of the constraints associated with this shape are within the capabilities of those skilled in the art.

[0083] Finally, the practical implementation of the described embodiments and variants, based on the functional indications given above, in particular their adaptation to the associated quenching unit and more generally to the treatment device, lies within the capabilities of a person skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A gas cooling unit (1), comprising: a generally cylindrical chamber (3); at least one opening (25) in the chamber (3) leading to a processing space (39) inside the chamber; at least one door (9) for closing the opening; as well as A system (4) located inside a chamber (3), comprising at least one wall (42), said at least one wall being movable in a direction parallel to the axis of the cylindrical chamber between a first position, in which the wall forms a barrier between the opening and the processing space, and a second position, in which the wall clears a passage from the opening to the processing space, The gas circulation in the chamber (3) is carried out in a closed loop in a first direction in a central part of the chamber including a processing space (39), and in a second direction at the periphery of the chamber.

2. The unit according to claim 1, wherein: The movable wall (42) guides the air flow toward the processing space (39).

3. A unit according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a plurality of openings (25) leading to the treatment space (39), the system (4) comprising a mobile wall (42) between each opening (25) and the treatment space (39).

4. A unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The chamber (3) comprises two openings (25) leading to the processing space (39).

5. A unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The system (4) comprises four walls (42) arranged to form a frame (44) around a processing space (39).

6. The unit according to claim 5, wherein: The frame (44) is intended to surround a load (23) arranged in the processing space (39) when it is in the first position.

7. A unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The wall ( 42 ) is provided with a deflection element ( 425 ) at the level of its lower edge.

8. A unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The wall (42) is able to move vertically during translation.

9. Unit according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising means (5) for controlling the displacement of the system (4) with mobile walls from one position to another.

10. The unit according to claim 9, wherein: The mechanism (5) comprises: an axis of rotation (54) along an axis (X) perpendicular to the direction of movement of the moving wall; and At least one arm (52) is provided for converting the rotational movement of the shaft into the translational movement of the mobile wall (42).

11. The unit according to claim 10, wherein: The rotation of the shaft (54) is caused from outside the chamber (3) through a connecting rod mechanism (6), which converts the translational movement of the cylinder (66) into the rotational movement of the shaft (54).

12. A unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The processing space (39) comprises a load support (21) intended to receive a load (23).

13. A unit according to claim 12, comprising a turbine arranged perpendicular to the load support (21), the turbine comprising: a fan (27) located inside the chamber (3); and The actuator (29) is located outside the chamber.

14. The unit of claim 13, wherein: The fan (27) is located within a duct (32) for directing gas to a processing space (39).

15. The unit of claim 14, wherein: In its first position, the wall (42) continues all or part of the wall of the duct (32).

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