Method for changing temperature zone of semi-axle automatic tempering production line
By using a temperature zone change method in the automatic tempering production line for half-shafts, and utilizing equipment such as a PLC control system and an air booster pump, heat recycling and automated temperature regulation are achieved. This solves the problem of long temperature adjustment time in the heat treatment of automotive half-shafts, and improves production efficiency and energy saving.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- JINGJIANG HALF AXLE (HUBEI) CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2023-05-24
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-24
AI Technical Summary
In existing technologies, the heat treatment process for automotive half-shafts suffers from a single heating device, which necessitates temperature readjustment each time based on different diameters and materials, resulting in long cooling times and reduced work efficiency.
The automatic tempering production line adopts a temperature zone switching method. The PLC control system adjusts the solenoid valves and blowers in the high-temperature zone and the low-temperature zone to achieve heat recycling and automated temperature regulation. The air booster pump and flow meter monitor the air flow rate to achieve rapid temperature adjustment.
It achieves heat recycling, energy saving and consumption reduction, improves production efficiency, reduces the labor intensity of workers, and shortens the temperature adjustment time.
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of machining technology, and in particular to a method for temperature zone changing in an automatic tempering production line for half-shafts. Background Technology
[0002] Tempering is a comprehensive heat treatment process combining quenching and high-temperature tempering. The heat treatment process for tempered steel includes annealing, normalizing, quenching, tempering, and surface heat treatment. Tempering further includes tempering and aging treatment. Tempering of steel involves reheating quenched steel to a specific temperature range (350℃~650℃) to achieve the desired mechanical properties. Carbon precipitates as finely distributed cementite. As the tempering temperature increases, the carbide particles enlarge, the yield point and tensile strength decrease, hardness and brittleness decrease, and elongation and reduction of shape increase. The purpose is to eliminate the internal stress generated during quenching to achieve the expected mechanical properties. Tempering is classified into three categories: high-temperature tempering, medium-temperature tempering, and low-temperature tempering. High-temperature tempering: 500℃~650℃; medium-temperature tempering: 300℃~450℃; low-temperature tempering: 150℃~250℃.
[0003] In mechanical products, quenched and tempered parts have varying performance requirements due to different stress conditions. These parts are mainly structural components of various machines and mechanisms, such as shafts, connecting rods, studs, and gears, and are widely used in machine tool, automobile, and tractor manufacturing industries. Quenching and tempering is particularly prevalent for large components in heavy machinery manufacturing. Therefore, quenching and tempering plays a very important role in heat treatment. Generally speaking, all quenched and tempered parts should possess excellent comprehensive mechanical properties, namely a proper combination of high strength and high toughness, to ensure long-term smooth operation.
[0004] Currently, the automotive half-shaft, as a crucial component of automobiles, functions to transmit torque and withstand bending moments, thus placing high demands on its heat treatment process. Commonly used half-shaft heating devices are limited in variety, requiring temperature readjustment for each half-shaft with different diameters and materials. Existing technology involves allowing the heating device to cool naturally from room temperature, resulting in a long cooling time and reduced efficiency. Summary of the Invention
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a method for temperature zone changing in an automatic half-shaft conditioning production line, which not only realizes heat recycling and energy saving and consumption reduction, but also improves production efficiency and reduces the labor intensity of workers.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a method for temperature zone changing in an automatic tempering production line for half-shafts, the steps of which are as follows:
[0007] S1. Adjust the parameter settings of the quenching and tempering heating zone according to the machining requirements of the half shaft;
[0008] S2. The solenoid valves at the outlet of the high-temperature zone and the inlet of the low-temperature zone are opened by the PLC control system to transfer heat.
[0009] S3. When the temperature in the low-temperature zone rises to the critical value of the set temperature, the PLC control system reduces the airflow rate in the high-temperature zone.
[0010] S4, PLC control system starts the blower in the high temperature zone and low temperature zone;
[0011] S5. When the temperature in the low-temperature zone reaches the set temperature, the PLC control system closes the solenoid valves of the high-temperature zone outlet and the low-temperature zone inlet, the blower stops working, and the temperature adjustment of each zone is completed.
[0012] Preferably, in step S1, the parameter setting steps for the tempering and heating temperature zone are as follows:
[0013] S11. In the PLC control system, the temperature parameters of the quenching and heating zone are manually input;
[0014] S12. Send the set parameter signal to the temperature sensor of the tempering and heating zone.
[0015] Preferably, in step S2, the specific steps of heat transfer are as follows:
[0016] S21. The PLC control system opens the solenoid valve at the high-temperature zone outlet and starts the air booster pump, which is located at the outlet.
[0017] S22, The PLC control system opens the solenoid valve of the air inlet in the low temperature zone, and at the same time, the air flow meter at the air inlet sends the air flow rate signal to the PLC control system.
[0018] S23. The temperature sensor in the low-temperature zone monitors the indoor temperature in real time and sends the data to the PLC control system.
[0019] Preferably, in step S3, when the temperature of the low-temperature zone rises to the critical value of the set temperature, the operation is as follows:
[0020] S31, The PLC control system shuts down the air booster pump at the outlet of the high-temperature zone;
[0021] S32, The air flow meter at the air inlet of the low temperature zone monitors the air flow rate in real time and transmits the signal to the PLC control system;
[0022] S33: The temperature sensor in the low-temperature zone monitors the indoor temperature in real time and sends the data to the PLC control system.
[0023] Preferably, after step S2, the method further includes connecting the air outlet of the high-temperature zone to the pipeline below the water storage tank, and controlling the opening and closing of the solenoid valve on the pipeline according to the temperature sensor on the pipeline.
[0024] The present invention employs a temperature zone changing method for an automatic half-shaft tempering production line. This method not only achieves heat recycling and energy saving, but also improves production efficiency and reduces the labor intensity of workers.
[0025] In this invention, when switching to a new product in the quenching and tempering furnace, if the material or steel diameter is different from the parameters of the previously heated product, the temperature needs to be readjusted. Therefore, it is not necessary to completely cool the furnace. Through the temperature zone switching method of the half-shaft automatic quenching and tempering production line, when the temperature sensor detects that the furnace temperature is too high, it is only necessary to readjust the quenching and tempering program to transfer the heat from the high-temperature zone to the low-temperature zone. This can reduce the waiting time for the high-temperature zone to cool down, and at the same time, improve the energy utilization rate for heating the low-temperature zone.
[0026] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described in detail below through embodiments. Specific Implementation Method of Temperature Zone Change Method for Automatic Tempering Production Line of Half-Shaft
[0027] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below through embodiments.
[0028] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this invention shall have the ordinary meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.
[0029] The steps for temperature zone switching in an automatic half-shaft tempering production line are as follows:
[0030] S1. Adjust the parameter settings of the quenching and tempering heating zone according to the machining requirements of the half shaft;
[0031] In step S1, the parameter setting steps for the tempering and heating temperature zone are as follows:
[0032] S11. In the PLC control system, the temperature parameters of the high-temperature zone are manually input;
[0033] S12. Send the set parameter signal to the temperature sensor in the high-temperature zone.
[0034] This process only requires manual input of the required heating temperature into the PLC control system. The PLC control system automatically matches the low-temperature zone where heat exchange can occur based on the temperature signal returned by the temperature sensor in the high-temperature zone, thereby achieving automated temperature adjustment.
[0035] S2. The solenoid valves at the outlet of the high-temperature zone and the inlet of the low-temperature zone are opened by the PLC control system to transfer heat through the gas.
[0036] If the heat output required by the high-temperature zone is significantly greater than that required by the low-temperature zone, heat exchange can be performed between the high-temperature zone and the corresponding water tanks. During operation, a pipe connected to the high-temperature zone is placed in the water tank to achieve partial heat output and facilitate rapid heat transfer from the high-temperature zone outwards.
[0037] In step S2, an air booster pump is installed at the air outlet, and an air flow meter is installed at the air inlet. The specific steps of heat transfer are as follows:
[0038] S21, The PLC control system opens the solenoid valve at the high-temperature zone outlet and starts the air booster pump at the same time.
[0039] In step S1, the temperature of the tempering and heating zone is set. After the PLC control system selects a suitable low-temperature zone for heat exchange, it opens the solenoid valve at the air outlet of the high-temperature zone. Heat exchange occurs through the cooling pipe and the air pipe. At the same time, the air booster pump is started to increase the air flow rate in the pipe, accelerate the heat transfer speed, quickly increase the indoor temperature of the low-temperature zone, reduce heating time, and save energy.
[0040] S22, the PLC control system opens the solenoid valve at the air inlet of the low-temperature zone, and at the same time, the air flow meter sends the air flow rate signal to the PLC control system.
[0041] When air carrying heat is transferred to the low-temperature zone through the air duct, the PLC control system opens the solenoid valve at the air inlet of the low-temperature zone, allowing heat to enter the low-temperature zone. At the same time, the air flow meter at the air inlet of the low-temperature zone monitors the air flow rate in real time and sends the signal to the PLC control system in real time.
[0042] S23. The temperature sensor in the low-temperature zone monitors the indoor temperature in real time and sends the data to the PLC control system.
[0043] S3. When the temperature in the low-temperature zone rises to the critical value of the set temperature, the PLC control system reduces the air flow rate at the outlet of the high-temperature zone and can also limit the flow rate of the gas flowing through the water tank, thereby stabilizing the temperature in the high-temperature zone.
[0044] In step S3, when the temperature in the low-temperature zone rises to the critical value of the set temperature:
[0045] S31, the PLC control system shuts down the air booster pump at the outlet of the high-temperature zone, and slowly transfers the heat-carrying air to other low-temperature zones through air pressure to prevent the temperature of the low-temperature zone from exceeding the set parameters.
[0046] S32, the air flow meter at the air inlet of the low-temperature zone monitors the air flow rate in real time and transmits the signal to the PLC control system. In case of emergencies, timely manual intervention can be carried out to prevent problems, reduce maintenance cycles, and improve production efficiency.
[0047] S33. The temperature sensor in the low-temperature zone monitors the indoor temperature in real time and sends the data to the PLC control system. This facilitates the comparison of the temperature before and after adjusting the tempering and heating zone, enabling timely execution of the next step and achieving automated and intelligent temperature zone switching.
[0048] S4, PLC control system starts the blower in the high-temperature zone;
[0049] When the temperature in the high-temperature zone is higher than the set temperature, the PLC control system blows cold air into the high-temperature zone's blower, and the temperature stabilizes after a period of time; when the temperature in the high-temperature zone is lower than the set temperature, the PLC control system starts the heating system in the high-temperature zone, and the temperature stabilizes after a period of time.
[0050] The half-shaft to be processed is sent to a temperature zone with a pre-adjusted temperature for heat treatment; after heat treatment, the half-shaft is automatically sent into a water tank for quenching.
[0051] In step S4, after the temperature in the high-temperature zone stabilizes, the PLC control system needs to start the blower in the high-temperature zone. Because the air duct concentrates and quickly transfers heat to the low-temperature zone, it may cause uneven heat distribution in the high-temperature zone. Starting the blower makes the heat distribution more uniform.
[0052] For the water tank, since the half-shaft needs to be heated and quenched during the tempering process, the water temperature of the tank is set between 40℃ and 52℃. This temperature setting can prevent the quenched half-shaft from cracking and is a conventional temperature range in this field. While transferring heat from the high-temperature zone to the low-temperature zone, heat can also be transferred to the water tank, improving energy utilization.
[0053] A temperature sensor is installed on the side of the water tank, and a PLC control system adjusts the water temperature in real time to keep it within the set range. The extended pipes at the bottom of the cooling tank are distributed in a serpentine pattern to increase the heat transfer area and quickly regulate the cooling water temperature. In addition, the water tank is connected to an external cold water circulation system for hot and cold water exchange.
[0054] In this invention, when switching to a new product in the quenching and tempering furnace, the temperature needs to be readjusted because the material or steel diameter is different from the parameters of the previously heated product. Therefore, it is not necessary to completely cool the furnace. Through the temperature zone switching method of the semi-shaft automatic quenching and tempering production line of this invention, when the temperature sensor detects that the furnace temperature is too high, it is only necessary to readjust the quenching and tempering program to transfer the heat of the high-temperature zone to the low-temperature zone through the air pipe and cooling pipe. This can reduce the cooling time of the high-temperature zone.
[0055] Therefore, the present invention adopts a temperature zone change method for an automatic half-shaft conditioning production line, which not only realizes heat recycling and energy saving and consumption reduction, but also improves production efficiency and reduces the labor intensity of workers.
[0056] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and not to limit them. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can still be made to the technical solutions of the present invention, and these modifications or equivalent substitutions cannot cause the modified technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention.
Claims
1. A method for changing the temperature zone in an automatic tempering production line for half-shafts, characterized in that, The steps are as follows: S1. Adjust the parameter settings of the quenching and tempering heating zone according to the machining requirements of the half shaft; S2. The solenoid valves at the outlet of the high-temperature zone and the inlet of the low-temperature zone are opened by the PLC control system to transfer heat. The specific steps of heat transfer are as follows: S21. The PLC control system opens the solenoid valve at the high-temperature zone outlet and starts the air booster pump, which is located at the outlet. S22, The PLC control system opens the solenoid valve of the air inlet in the low temperature zone, and at the same time, the air flow meter at the air inlet sends the air flow rate signal to the PLC control system. S23. The temperature sensor in the low-temperature zone monitors the indoor temperature in real time and sends the data to the PLC control system. Additionally, the air outlet of the high-temperature zone is connected to the pipeline below the water storage tank, and the opening and closing of the solenoid valve on the pipeline is controlled by the temperature sensor on the pipeline. S3. When the temperature in the low-temperature zone reaches the set critical value, the PLC control system reduces the airflow rate in the high-temperature zone, as follows: S31, The PLC control system shuts down the air booster pump at the outlet of the high-temperature zone; S32, The air flow meter at the air inlet of the low temperature zone monitors the air flow rate in real time and transmits the signal to the PLC control system; S33, The temperature sensor in the low-temperature zone monitors the indoor temperature in real time and sends the data to the PLC control system; S4, PLC control system starts the blower in the high temperature zone and low temperature zone; S5. When the temperature in the low-temperature zone reaches the set temperature, the PLC control system closes the solenoid valve at the outlet of the high-temperature zone and the solenoid valve at the inlet of the low-temperature zone, the blower stops working, and the temperature adjustment of the temperature zone is completed.
2. The temperature zone changing method for the automatic tempering production line of the half-shaft according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S1, the parameter setting steps for the tempering and heating temperature zone are as follows: S11. In the PLC control system, the temperature parameters of the quenching and heating zone are manually input; S12. Send the set parameter signal to the temperature sensor of the tempering and heating zone.