A heat treatment apparatus

Abstract

The application discloses a heat treatment equipment, and relates to the technical field of heat treatment, which comprises a first heat treatment device, a second heat treatment device, a first heat exchange device and a second heat exchange device. The first heat treatment device comprises a first preheating module, a first heating module and a first cooling module which are sequentially connected. The second heat treatment device comprises a second cooling module, a second heating module and a second preheating module which are sequentially connected. The first heat exchange device is connected to at least part of the first preheating module and at least part of the second cooling module, and is used for transferring heat of the second cooling module to the first preheating module. The second heat exchange device is connected to at least part of the first cooling module and at least part of the second preheating module, and is used for transferring heat of the first cooling module to the second preheating module. The heat treatment equipment realizes full utilization of the waste heat of the workpiece in the cooling section, and avoids waste of the waste heat when the workpiece is cooled.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of heat treatment technology, and in particular to a heat treatment apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Waste of residual heat during workpiece cooling in heat treatment equipment is a common energy efficiency problem in the industry. After high-temperature processing, workpieces need to be cooled from several hundred degrees Celsius to a safe temperature. During this process, the heat carried by the workpiece itself is not effectively utilized, becoming a major source of energy loss. Therefore, existing heat treatment equipment leads to the waste of residual heat in the cooling section of the workpiece. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides a heat treatment device that makes full use of the residual heat of the workpiece in the cooling section and avoids the waste of residual heat during the workpiece cooling process.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following solution:

[0005] This invention provides a heat treatment apparatus, including a first heat treatment device, a second heat treatment device, a first heat exchange device, and a second heat exchange device. The second heat treatment device is disposed above the first heat treatment device. The first heat treatment device includes a first preheating module, a first heating module, and a first cooling module connected in sequence. A first conveying device is provided in the first heat treatment device for conveying a workpiece sequentially through the first preheating module, the first heating module, and the first cooling module. The second heat treatment device includes a second cooling module, a second heating module, and a second preheating module connected in sequence. A second conveying device is provided in the second heat treatment device for conveying a workpiece sequentially through the first preheating module, the first heating module, and the first cooling module. The conveying device is used to sequentially convey the workpiece through the second preheating module, the second heating module, and the second cooling module; the second cooling module corresponds to the position of the first preheating module, the second heating module corresponds to the position of the first heating module, and the second preheating module corresponds to the position of the first cooling module; the first heat exchange device is connected to at least a portion of the first preheating module and at least a portion of the second cooling module, and is used to transfer heat from the second cooling module to the first preheating module; the second heat exchange device is connected to at least a portion of the first cooling module and at least a portion of the second preheating module, and is used to transfer heat from the first cooling module to the second preheating module.

[0006] Preferably, the first preheating module includes a plurality of first preheating units arranged sequentially from left to right, the first cooling module includes a plurality of first cooling units arranged sequentially from left to right, and the first conveying device is used to convey the workpiece sequentially from left to right through the plurality of first preheating units, the first heating module, and the plurality of first cooling units; the second cooling module includes a plurality of second cooling units arranged sequentially from left to right, the second cooling units being arranged one-to-one with the first preheating units, each of the plurality of first preheating units away from the first heating module being connected to a second cooling unit corresponding to its position through the first heat exchange device, the second preheating module includes a plurality of second preheating units arranged sequentially from left to right, the second preheating units being arranged one-to-one with the first cooling units, each of the plurality of second preheating units away from the second heating module being connected to a first cooling unit corresponding to its position through the second heat exchange device, and the second conveying device is used to convey the workpiece sequentially from right to left through the plurality of second preheating units, the second heating module, and the plurality of second cooling modules.

[0007] Preferably, a first heat insulation structure is provided between the plurality of first preheating units that exchange heat through the first heat exchange device and the plurality of second cooling units corresponding to their positions, and a second heat insulation structure is provided between the plurality of second preheating units that exchange heat through the second heat exchange device and the plurality of first cooling units corresponding to their positions.

[0008] Preferably, each of the remaining first preheating units near the first heating module is connected to a second cooling unit corresponding to its position, and each of the remaining second preheating units near the second heating module is connected to a first cooling unit corresponding to its position.

[0009] Preferably, the system further includes a controller. Each of the first preheating units, first cooling units, second preheating units, second cooling units, first heating modules, and second heating modules is equipped with a temperature sensor. Each temperature sensor, the first conveying device, and the second conveying device are all connected to the controller. Each of the first preheating units located far from the first heating module and having a preset temperature value lower than a preset temperature threshold is connected to a corresponding second cooling unit via a first heat exchange device. Similarly, each of the second preheating units located far from the second heating module and having a preset temperature value lower than a preset temperature threshold is connected to a corresponding first cooling unit via a second heat exchange device. The preset temperature threshold is greater than or equal to 400°C.

[0010] Preferably, the first heat exchange device includes a plurality of first heat pipe assemblies, and each of the several first preheating units located away from the first heating module is connected to a first heat pipe assembly and a second cooling unit corresponding to its position through a first heat pipe assembly, wherein the first heat pipe assembly has a liquid wick; the second heat exchange device includes a plurality of second heat pipe assemblies, and each of the several second preheating units located away from the second heating module is connected to a second heat pipe assembly and a first cooling unit corresponding to its position through a second heat pipe assembly.

[0011] Preferably, the heat transfer efficiency of the first heat pipe assemblies connected to the first preheating unit decreases sequentially from the distance from the first heating module to the distance from the distance from the first heating module to the distance from the distance from the first heating module to the distance from the distance from the first heating module to the distance from the distance from the second heating module to the distance from the distance from the second heating module to the distance from the distance from the second heating module to the distance from the second preheating unit.

[0012] Preferably, a first mounting port is provided on the outer side of the outermost first preheating unit, the outer side of the outermost first cooling unit, between any two adjacent first preheating units, between adjacent first preheating units and the first heating module, between adjacent first cooling units and the first heating module, and between any two adjacent first cooling units. Each first mounting port is provided with an automatically opening and closing first insulated furnace door. When the first insulated furnace door is opened, the first conveying device can carry the workpiece through the first mounting port. A second mounting port is provided on the outer side of the outermost second preheating unit, the outer side of the outermost second cooling unit, between any two adjacent second preheating units, between adjacent second preheating units and the second heating module, between adjacent second cooling units and the second heating module, and between any two adjacent second cooling units. Each second mounting port is provided with an automatically opening and closing second insulated furnace door. When the second insulated furnace door is opened, the second conveying device can carry the workpiece through the second mounting port. Each first insulated furnace door and each second insulated furnace door is connected to the controller.

[0013] Preferably, the first conveying device includes a first motor and a plurality of first transmission rollers arranged sequentially. A plurality of first transmission rollers are rotatably mounted on the bottom of each of the first preheating units, the first cooling units, and the first heating modules. One end of each first transmission roller extends to the outside of the first preheating unit, the first cooling unit, or the first heating module and is fixedly fitted with a first sprocket. A first chain is wound around the plurality of first sprockets. The first motor is used to drive one of the first sprockets to rotate. The second conveying device includes a second motor and a plurality of second transmission rollers arranged sequentially. A plurality of second transmission rollers are rotatably mounted on the bottom of each of the second preheating units, the second cooling units, and the second heating modules. One end of each second transmission roller extends to the outside of the second preheating unit, the second cooling unit, or the second heating module and is fixedly fitted with a second sprocket. A second chain is wound around the plurality of second sprockets. The second motor is used to drive one of the second sprockets to rotate. Both the first motor and the second motor are connected to the controller.

[0014] Preferably, the device further includes two lifting and gripping devices. One lifting and gripping device is located on the side of the first preheating module away from the first heating module and is used to transfer the heat treatment carrier on the second conveying device to the first conveying device. The other lifting and gripping device is located on the side of the first cooling module away from the first heating module and is used to transfer the heat treatment carrier on the first conveying device to the second conveying device.

[0015] The present invention achieves the following technical effects compared to the prior art:

[0016] The heat treatment equipment of the present invention includes a first heat treatment device, a second heat treatment device, a first heat exchange device, and a second heat exchange device. The first heat treatment device includes a first preheating module, a first heating module, and a first cooling module connected in sequence. The second heat treatment device includes a second cooling module, a second heating module, and a second preheating module connected in sequence. The first heat exchange device connects at least a portion of the first preheating module and at least a portion of the second cooling module, and is used to transfer heat from the second cooling module to the first preheating module. The second heat exchange device connects at least a portion of the first cooling module and at least a portion of the second preheating module, and is used to transfer heat from the first cooling module to the second preheating module. In the present invention, the first heat treatment device and the second heat treatment device are stacked in opposite directions to achieve space efficiency. At the same time, it can transfer heat from at least a portion of the first cooling module and the second cooling module to at least a portion of the second preheating module and the first preheating module, respectively, thereby making full use of the residual heat of the workpiece in the cooling section and avoiding waste of residual heat during workpiece cooling. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the heat treatment equipment provided by the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Sectional view along the middle AA direction;

[0020] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Sectional view along the BB direction.

[0021] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 100, heat treatment equipment; 10, first heat treatment device; 11, first preheating module; 111, first preheating unit; 12, first heating module; 13, first cooling module; 131, first cooling unit; 20, second heat treatment device; 21, second preheating module; 211, second preheating unit; 22, second heating module; 23, second cooling module; 231, second cooling unit; 30, first heat pipe; 31, first condensing section; 32, first evaporating section; 33, liquid suction core; 40, second heat pipe; 41, second condensing section; 42, second evaporating section; 50, insulated furnace door; 60, heat insulation structure; 70, lifting and gripping device; 71, base; 72, tilting arm; 73, gripper mechanism; 80, first drive roller; 90, second drive roller. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0023] The purpose of this invention is to provide a heat treatment device that fully utilizes the residual heat of the workpiece in the cooling section and avoids the waste of residual heat during workpiece cooling.

[0024] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0025] like Figures 1-3 As shown, this embodiment provides a heat treatment device 100, including a first heat treatment apparatus 10, a second heat treatment apparatus 20, a first heat exchange apparatus, and a second heat exchange apparatus. The second heat treatment apparatus 20 is disposed above the first heat treatment apparatus 10. The first heat treatment apparatus 10 includes a first preheating module 11, a first heating module 12, and a first cooling module 13 connected in sequence. A first conveying device is provided in the first heat treatment apparatus 10, which is used to convey the workpiece sequentially through the first preheating module 11, the first heating module 12, and the first cooling module 13. The process flow direction of the first heat treatment apparatus 10 is a first direction. The workpiece can be preheated in the first preheating module 11, gradually increasing in temperature, and then conveyed along the first direction to the first heating module 12 for heating to a high temperature. Finally, it is conveyed along the first direction to the first cooling module 13 for cooling down.

[0026] The second heat treatment apparatus 20 includes a second cooling module 23, a second heating module 22, and a second preheating module 21 connected in sequence. A second conveying device is provided in the second heat treatment apparatus 20 to sequentially convey the workpiece through the second preheating module 21, the second heating module 22, and the second cooling module 23; that is, the conveying direction of the second conveying device is opposite to that of the first conveying device. The process flow direction of the second heat treatment apparatus 20 is the second direction. The workpiece can be preheated in the second preheating module 21, gradually increasing its temperature, and then conveyed along the second direction to the second heating module 22 for heating to a high temperature. Finally, it is conveyed along the second direction to the second cooling module 23 for cooling.

[0027] The second cooling module 23 corresponds to the first preheating module 11, the second heating module 22 corresponds to the first heating module 12, and the second preheating module 21 corresponds to the first cooling module 13. A first heat exchange device connects at least a portion of the first preheating module 11 and at least a portion of the second cooling module 23, and is used to transfer heat from the second cooling module 23 to the first preheating module 11. A second heat exchange device connects at least a portion of the first cooling module 13 and at least a portion of the second preheating module 21, and is used to transfer heat from the first cooling module 13 to the second preheating module 21. The portions of the first preheating module 11 and the second cooling module 23 not connected by the first heat exchange device are directly connected, and heat exchange occurs through air transfer. Similarly, the portions of the second preheating module 21 and the first cooling module 13 not connected by the second heat exchange device are directly connected, and heat exchange occurs through air transfer.

[0028] Heat from the first cooling module 13 can be transferred to the second preheating module 21, and heat from the second cooling module 23 can be transferred to the first preheating module 11. Furthermore, the closer the first cooling module 13 and the first preheating module 11 are to the first heating device, the higher their temperature; similarly, the closer the second cooling module 23 and the second preheating module 21 are to the second heating module 22, the higher their temperature. This arrangement ensures that the high-temperature zones of the first cooling module 13 and the second preheating module 21 are aligned, and the high-temperature zones of the second cooling module 23 and the first preheating module 11 are aligned, thus achieving cascaded utilization of thermal energy.

[0029] When heat is transferred through air, the heat transfer efficiency in the high-temperature region is higher than that in the low-temperature region. In this embodiment, the heat transfer efficiency of the heat exchange device is greater than that of air, so as to balance the time difference in reaching uniform temperature caused by the different heat transfer efficiencies in different temperature areas. That is, in the high temperature area, heat transfer is achieved by direct connection through air, while in the low temperature area, heat transfer is achieved by connection through the heat exchange device. In this embodiment, the part of the first preheating module 11 far away from the first heating module 12 is connected to the part of the second cooling module 23 corresponding to its position through the first heat exchange device, and the remaining part of the first preheating module 11 close to the first heating module 12 is directly connected to the remaining part of the second cooling module 23 corresponding to its position. The part of the first cooling module 13 far away from the first heating module 12 is connected to the second preheating module 21 corresponding to its position through the second heat exchange device, and the remaining part of the first cooling module 13 close to the first heating module 12 is directly connected to the second preheating module 21 corresponding to its position. Thus, by setting the first heat exchange device and the second heat exchange device, the uniform temperature of different temperature areas is achieved synchronously. This avoids the accumulation of workpieces in some temperature areas, which is beneficial for the start and stop design of the conveyor line, improves the utilization rate of heat energy and production efficiency, and also reduces the number of heat exchange devices, thus reducing costs.

[0030] In this embodiment, the first heat treatment device 10 and the second heat treatment device 20 are stacked in opposite directions to achieve space efficiency. At the same time, at least a portion of the heat from the first cooling module 13 and the second cooling module 23 can be transferred to at least a portion of the second preheating module 21 and the first preheating module 11, thereby making full use of the residual heat of the workpiece in the cooling section and avoiding waste of residual heat during workpiece cooling.

[0031] The first heat treatment device 10 and the second heat treatment device 20 are two heat treatment devices that can operate independently. When the two heat treatment devices are running at the same time, they can use the residual heat released by the other heated workpiece during the cooling process to preheat their own low-temperature workpiece.

[0032] In this embodiment, both the first heat treatment device 10 and the second heat treatment device 20 are bogie-type annealing furnaces, bogie-type tempering furnaces, or kilns. That is, the heat treatment equipment 100 in this embodiment can be used to perform heat treatment processes such as annealing and tempering on workpieces. Annealing is a process in which the workpiece is heated above the critical point and held at that temperature for a period of time, and then slowly cooled; tempering is a process in which the workpiece is quenched and then reheated, and then cooled at a certain rate.

[0033] Specifically, both the first heat treatment device 10 and the second heat treatment device 20 are linear structures. It should be noted that the first heat treatment device 10 and the second heat treatment device 20 can also be in other forms besides linear, such as L-shaped, arc-shaped or other shapes, as long as the first preheating module 11 and the second cooling module 23 are stacked, and the first cooling module 13 and the second preheating module 21 are stacked.

[0034] In this embodiment, the first preheating module 11, the first heating module 12, and the first cooling module 13 are arranged from left to right, and the second cooling module 23, the second heating module 22, and the second preheating module 21 are arranged from left to right.

[0035] Specifically, the first preheating module 11 includes a plurality of first preheating units 111 arranged sequentially from left to right, the first cooling module 13 includes a plurality of first cooling units 131 arranged sequentially from left to right, and the first conveying device is used to convey the workpiece sequentially from left to right through the plurality of first preheating units 111, the first heating module 12 and the plurality of first cooling units 131.

[0036] The second cooling module 23 includes a plurality of second cooling units 231 arranged sequentially from left to right. The second cooling units 231 are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the first preheating units 111. Each of the first preheating units 111 located away from the first heating module 12 is connected to a second cooling unit 231 corresponding to its position through a first heat exchange device, so that each second cooling unit 231 can transfer heat to the first preheating unit 111 corresponding to its position through the first heat exchange device.

[0037] The second preheating module 21 includes a plurality of second preheating units 211 arranged sequentially from left to right. The second preheating units 211 are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the first cooling units 131. Each of the several second preheating units 211 located away from the second heating module 22 is connected to a first cooling unit 131 corresponding to its position through a second heat exchange device, so that each first cooling unit 131 can transfer heat to the second preheating unit 211 corresponding to its position through the second heat exchange device. The second conveying device is used to convey the workpiece sequentially from right to left through the plurality of second preheating units 211, the second heating module 22 and the plurality of second cooling modules 23.

[0038] A first heat insulation structure 60 is provided between several first preheating units 111 that exchange heat through a first heat exchange device and several second cooling units 231 that correspond to their positions. A second heat insulation structure 60 is provided between several second preheating units 211 that exchange heat through a second heat exchange device and several first cooling units 131 that correspond to their positions.

[0039] Specifically, both the first and second heat insulation structures 60 are heat insulation boards. The materials of the heat insulation boards include, but are not limited to, ceramic fibers, rock wool, and other materials that are resistant to high temperatures and have low thermal conductivity. By setting up heat insulation boards, the heat exchange path between two opposing chambers in the vertical direction can be controlled, so that the two chambers exchange heat only through heat exchange devices, which is beneficial to controlling the heat transfer efficiency and thus the time required to reach a uniform temperature.

[0040] Each of the remaining first preheating units 111 near the first heating module 12 is connected to a corresponding second cooling unit 231, allowing each second cooling unit 231 to directly transfer heat to its corresponding first preheating unit 111. Similarly, each of the remaining second preheating units 211 near the second heating module 22 is connected to a corresponding first cooling unit 131, allowing each first cooling unit 131 to directly transfer heat to its corresponding second preheating unit 211.

[0041] This embodiment also includes a controller. Temperature sensors are installed in each of the first preheating unit 111, each first cooling unit 131, each second preheating unit 211, each second cooling unit 231, the first heating module 12, and the second heating module 22. Each temperature sensor, the first conveying device, and the second conveying device are connected to the controller. When a temperature sensor detects that the temperature in the corresponding chamber has reached a preset temperature value, the controller controls the first or second conveying device to transfer the workpiece to the next chamber for preheating or cooling.

[0042] The preset temperature values ​​of multiple first preheating units 111 arranged sequentially from left to right increase sequentially, while the preset temperature values ​​of multiple first cooling units 131 arranged sequentially from left to right decrease sequentially. The preset temperature value of the first heating module 12 is greater than the preset temperature values ​​of the first preheating unit 111 and the first cooling unit 131 adjacent to it. The preset temperature values ​​of multiple second cooling units 231 arranged sequentially from left to right increase sequentially, while the preset temperature values ​​of multiple second preheating units 211 arranged sequentially from left to right decrease sequentially. The preset temperature value of the second heating module 22 is greater than the preset temperature values ​​of the second preheating unit 211 and the second cooling unit 231 adjacent to it.

[0043] The preset temperature values ​​of the first preheating unit 111 and the first cooling unit 131 corresponding to the position are the same, and the preset temperature values ​​of the second preheating unit 211 and the first cooling unit 131 corresponding to the position are the same.

[0044] Each of the first preheating units 111, which are located far from the first heating module 12 and whose preset temperature values ​​are lower than the preset temperature threshold, is connected to a second cooling unit 231 corresponding to its position via a first heat exchange device. Each of the second preheating units 211, which are located far from the second heating module 22 and whose preset temperature values ​​are lower than the preset temperature threshold, is connected to a first cooling unit 131 corresponding to its position via a second heat exchange device.

[0045] Specifically, the preset temperature threshold is greater than or equal to 400℃, such as 400℃, 410℃, 500℃ or higher.

[0046] As can be seen, in this embodiment, the first preheating unit 111 with a preset temperature value lower than the preset temperature threshold exchanges heat with the second cooling unit 231 corresponding to its position through the first heat exchange device, while the first preheating unit 111 with a preset temperature value higher than the preset temperature threshold exchanges heat directly with the second cooling unit 231 corresponding to its position through air heat transfer. Similarly, the second preheating unit 211 with a preset temperature value lower than the preset temperature threshold exchanges heat with the first cooling unit 131 corresponding to its position through the second heat exchange device, while the second preheating unit 211 with a preset temperature value higher than the preset temperature threshold exchanges heat directly with the first cooling unit 131 corresponding to its position through air heat transfer.

[0047] In this embodiment, based on the different heat transfer efficiencies under natural conditions in different temperature regions, a first heat exchange device and a second heat exchange device are adaptively set up so that different temperature regions have similar or the same heat transfer efficiencies, thereby achieving synchronous temperature uniformity, which is beneficial to improving thermal energy utilization and production efficiency.

[0048] The first heat exchange device includes multiple first heat pipe assemblies. Each of the several first preheating units 111 located away from the first heating module 12 is connected to a second cooling unit 231 corresponding to its position through a first heat pipe assembly. The first heat pipe assembly has a liquid wick 33. The second heat exchange device includes multiple second heat pipe assemblies. Each of the several second preheating units 211 located away from the second heating module 22 is connected to a first cooling unit 131 corresponding to its position through a second heat pipe assembly.

[0049] The first heat pipe assembly in this embodiment includes a plurality of first heat pipes 30. Each first heat pipe 30 has a liquid wick 33. The first condensing section 31 of each first heat pipe 30 is located in a first preheating unit 111, and the first evaporating section 32 of each first heat pipe 30 is located in a second cooling unit 231. The two ends of the liquid wick 33 are connected to the first evaporating section 32 and the first condensing section 31, respectively, for transferring the first heat-conducting medium of the first condensing section 31 to the first evaporating section 32.

[0050] The first heat transfer medium vaporizes in the first evaporation section 32, absorbing heat from the second cooling unit 231, and flows to the first condensation section 31 under pressure difference. The gaseous first heat transfer medium liquefies and releases heat in the first condensation section 31, raising the temperature of the first preheating unit 111, thereby preheating the workpiece within the first preheating unit 111. Since the first condensation section 31 is located at a lower position, the liquid first heat transfer medium would be difficult to flow back to the higher first evaporation section 32 under natural conditions. Therefore, a first heat pipe 30 with a wick 33 is used. The wick 33 has a capillary pumping effect, which adsorbs the liquid first heat transfer medium in the first condensation section 31 and overcomes gravity through capillary pressure difference to transport the first heat transfer medium to the higher first evaporation section 32, where it vaporizes again to absorb heat, completing one round of heat transfer. Repeating these steps achieves long-term, cyclical heat exchange.

[0051] The second heat pipe assembly in this embodiment includes a plurality of second heat pipes 40. Each second heat pipe 40 does not have a liquid wick 33. The second condensation section 41 of each second heat pipe 40 is located in a second preheating unit 211, and the second evaporation section 42 of each second heat pipe 40 is located in a first cooling unit 131.

[0052] The second heat transfer medium liquefies and releases heat in the second condensation section 41 to raise the temperature in the second preheating unit 211, thereby preheating the workpiece in the second preheating unit 211. After condensation and liquefaction, the second heat transfer medium can flow to the lower second evaporation section 42 under the action of gravity. The liquid second heat transfer medium vaporizes and absorbs heat in the second evaporation section 42, and then moves upward under the pressure difference to return to the second condensation section 41 and liquefy and release heat, completing one round of heat transfer.

[0053] In this specific embodiment, the outer shells of the first heat pipe 30 and the second heat pipe 40 are made of stainless steel, and both the first heat-conducting medium and the second heat-conducting medium are water.

[0054] Specifically, the second condensing section 41 of the second heat pipe 40 is located at the top of the second preheating unit 211, and the second evaporating section 42 is located at the bottom of the first cooling unit 131. Since hot fluids (such as heated air) naturally rise, this arrangement allows more heat to be transferred from the first cooling unit 131 to the second condensing section 41, and heat from the second evaporating section 42 to be transferred upwards to the second preheating module 21, thus improving thermal energy utilization.

[0055] When air is used as a medium for heat transfer, the heat transfer efficiency in the high-temperature region is higher than that in the low-temperature region. In order to further achieve synchronous temperature uniformity in different temperature regions, the heat transfer efficiency of the first heat pipe assembly and the second heat pipe assembly located in different positions is made to be different. Specifically, the first heat pipe assembly and the second heat pipe assembly in the higher temperature region are set to have lower heat transfer efficiency, while the first heat pipe assembly and the second heat pipe assembly in the lower temperature region are set to have higher heat transfer efficiency.

[0056] In this specific embodiment, the heat transfer efficiency of the multiple first heat pipe assemblies connected to the first preheating unit 111 decreases sequentially from the distance from the first heating module 12 to the distance from the distance from the first heating module 12 to the distance from the distance from the first heating module 12 to the distance from the distance from the first heating module 22 to the distance from the distance from the second heating module 22 to the distance from the distance from the second heating module 22 to the distance from the distance from the second heating module 22 to the distance from the second heating module 22, so that different corresponding units have similar or the same heat transfer efficiency.

[0057] In this specific embodiment, the preset temperature threshold is 400℃. The first preheating module 11 includes eight first preheating units 111, and the second cooling module 23 includes eight second cooling units 231, along the first direction ( Figure 1(As shown in the x direction), the preset temperature values ​​of the eight first preheating units 111 in the first preheating module 11 are 25℃, 50℃, 100℃, 200℃, 300℃, 400℃, 500℃ and 600℃ respectively. The preset temperature values ​​of the eight second cooling units 231 in the second cooling module 23 are 25℃, 50℃, 100℃, 200℃, 300℃, 400℃, 500℃ and 600℃ respectively. The first heat exchange device includes five first heat pipe assemblies. Each first heat pipe assembly is connected to the first preheating unit 111 and the second cooling unit 231 with corresponding positions and preset temperature values ​​of 25℃, 50℃, 100℃, 200℃ and 300℃. For example, the first preheating unit 111 in the first preheating module 11 with a preset temperature value of 50℃ and the second cooling unit 231 in the second cooling module 23 with a preset temperature value of 50℃ are connected through a first heat pipe assembly to transfer heat. In this embodiment, the first preheating module 11 and the second cooling module 23 are divided into multiple chambers, and multiple first heat pipe assemblies are used to connect the chambers with the same preset temperature value. This allows the workpiece to be heated to rise steadily in a step-by-step manner, and the heated workpiece to cool down steadily in a step-by-step manner. This avoids the stress concentration inside the workpiece caused by sudden temperature changes during preheating and cooling, which can lead to cracking or deformation, thereby reducing workpiece defects and improving yield.

[0058] The second preheating module 21 includes eight second preheating units 211, and the first cooling module 13 includes eight first cooling units 131, along the first direction ( Figure 1 (As shown in the x direction), the preset temperature values ​​of the eight first preheating units 111 in the first cooling module 13 are 600℃, 500℃, 400℃, 300℃, 200℃, 100℃, 50℃ and 25℃ respectively. The preset temperature values ​​of the eight second preheating units 211 in the second preheating module 21 are 600℃, 500℃, 400℃, 300℃, 200℃, 100℃, 50℃ and 25℃ respectively. The second heat exchange device includes five second heat pipe assemblies. Each second heat pipe assembly is connected to the second preheating unit 211 and the first cooling unit 131 with corresponding positions and preset temperature values ​​of 25℃, 50℃, 100℃, 200℃ and 300℃. For example, the second preheating unit 211 with a preset temperature value of 300℃ in the second preheating module 21 and the first cooling unit 131 with a preset temperature value of 300℃ in the first cooling module 13 are connected through a second heat pipe assembly to transfer heat. In this embodiment, the second preheating module 21 and the first cooling module 13 are divided into multiple chambers, and multiple second heat pipe assemblies are used to connect the chambers with the same preset temperature value. This allows the workpiece to be heated to rise steadily in a stepped manner, and the heated workpiece to cool down steadily in a stepped manner. This avoids the stress concentration inside the workpiece caused by sudden temperature changes during preheating and cooling, which can lead to cracking or deformation, thereby reducing workpiece defects and improving yield.

[0059] Temperature sensors, a first conveying device, and a controller in each chamber work together to convey the workpiece. The temperature sensors determine if the chamber has reached a preset temperature value. If the preset temperature value is reached, the controller activates the first conveying device to move the workpiece to the next chamber. The workpiece to be processed (temperature 20°C) enters the first preheating unit 111 from the end of the first preheating module 11 furthest from the first heating module 12 and exchanges heat with the first cooling unit 131 above it to reach a preset temperature of 25°C. Then, the workpiece is conveyed along the first direction towards the first heating module 12 to the second preheating unit 111, where it exchanges heat with the first cooling unit 131 above it to reach a preset temperature of 50°C. This process continues until the workpiece reaches the eighth preheating unit 111, where it is preheated to a preset temperature of 600°C. Finally, the workpiece is conveyed to the first heating module 111. 2. The workpiece is heated to 700°C for a certain period of time, the specific time of which can be set according to process requirements without excessive restrictions. Then, the workpiece is conveyed to the eighth first cooling unit 131 to exchange heat with the second preheating unit 211 located above it, and cooled to the preset temperature value of 600°C. Then, the workpiece moves along the first direction away from the first heating module 12 to the seventh first cooling unit 131 and is cooled to the preset temperature value of 500°C. And so on. When the workpiece is conveyed to the first first cooling unit 131, it will be cooled to the preset temperature value of 25°C and then removed from the outside of the first heat treatment device 10 to complete the annealing or tempering process.

[0060] A first mounting port is provided on the outer side of the outermost first preheating unit 111, the outer side of the outermost first cooling unit 131, between any two adjacent first preheating units 111, between adjacent first preheating units 111 and the first heating module 12, between adjacent first cooling units 131 and the first heating module 12, and between any two adjacent first cooling units 131. Each first mounting port is provided with a first insulated furnace door 50 that can be automatically opened and closed. When the first insulated furnace door 50 is opened, the first conveying device can drive the workpiece through the first mounting port.

[0061] Second mounting ports are provided on the outer side of the outermost second preheating unit 211, the outer side of the outermost second cooling unit 231, between any two adjacent second preheating units 211, between adjacent second preheating units 211 and the second heating module 22, between adjacent second cooling units 231 and the second heating module 22, and between any two adjacent second cooling units 231. Each second mounting port is provided with an automatically opening and closing second insulated furnace door 50. When the second insulated furnace door 50 is opened, the second conveying device can carry the workpiece through the second mounting port. Each first insulated furnace door 50 and each second insulated furnace door 50 are connected to a controller, which is used to control the opening and closing of each first insulated furnace door 50 and each second insulated furnace door 50.

[0062] When the insulated furnace door 50 is closed, adjacent chambers operate independently until the workpiece is preheated or cooled to the preset temperature value of its chamber. Once the workpiece's temperature reaches the preset temperature value of its chamber, the controller opens the insulated furnace door 50 to connect the adjacent chambers, allowing the workpiece to be transferred between them via a first or second conveying device. By installing the insulated furnace door 50 between adjacent chambers, multiple chambers can form independent spaces, enabling stepwise preheating and cooling of the workpiece.

[0063] Specifically, in this embodiment, the insulated furnace door 50 is not fully opened when open; it is only necessary to ensure that the open passage is large enough for the workpiece to pass through, in order to avoid excessive heat exchange between adjacent chambers in the same heat treatment device. This embodiment does not impose excessive limitations on the opening method of the insulated furnace door 50; the insulated furnace door 50 can be able to move vertically, translate horizontally, flip (axial direction parallel to horizontal direction), or rotate (axial direction parallel to vertical direction). In this embodiment, the insulated furnace door 50 is made of high-temperature resistant and low thermal conductivity materials such as ceramic fiber and rock wool.

[0064] The first conveying device includes a first motor and a plurality of first drive rollers 80 arranged sequentially. The bottom of each first preheating unit 111, each first cooling unit 131 and the first heating module 12 is rotatably mounted with a plurality of first drive rollers 80. One end of each first drive roller 80 extends to the outside of the first preheating unit 111, the first cooling unit 131 or the first heating module 12 and is fixedly fitted with a first sprocket. A first chain is wound around the plurality of first sprockets. The first motor is used to drive one of the first sprockets to rotate.

[0065] The second conveying device includes a second motor and a plurality of second drive rollers 90 arranged in sequence. The bottom of each second preheating unit 211, each second cooling unit 231, and the second heating module 22 is rotatably mounted with a plurality of second drive rollers 90. One end of each second drive roller 90 extends to the outside of the second preheating unit 211, the second cooling unit 231, or the second heating module 22 and is fixedly fitted with a second sprocket. A second chain is wound around the plurality of second sprockets. The second motor is used to drive one of the second sprockets to rotate. Both the first motor and the second motor are connected to a controller. The controller controls the start and stop of the first conveying device and the second conveying device by controlling the opening and closing of the first motor and the second motor.

[0066] This embodiment also includes two lifting and gripping devices 70. One lifting and gripping device 70 is located on the side of the first preheating module 11 away from the first heating module 12, and is used to transfer the heat treatment carrier on the second conveying device to the first conveying device. Specifically, the heat treatment carrier carrying the cooled workpiece in the second heat treatment device 20 can be gripped by the lifting and gripping device 70, and the cooled workpiece can be placed there. Then, the heat treatment carrier carries the workpiece to be preheated and transfers it to the entrance of the first preheating module 11 of the first heat treatment device 10. The other lifting and gripping device 70 is located on the side of the first cooling module 13 away from the first heating module 12, and is used to transfer the heat treatment carrier on the first conveying device to the second conveying device. By setting lifting and gripping devices 70 at both ends of the first heat treatment device 10 and the second heat treatment device 20, the heat treatment carrier can be used in a cyclical manner.

[0067] Specifically, the lifting and gripping device 70 includes a base 71, a tilting arm 72, and a gripper mechanism 73. One end of the tilting arm 72 is rotatably connected to the base 71, and the other end is rotatably connected to the gripper mechanism 73. A first drive motor drives the tilting arm 72 to rotate relative to the base 71, and a second drive motor drives the gripper mechanism 73 to rotate relative to the tilting arm 72. In this embodiment, the gripper mechanism 73 is an electrically controlled gripper mechanism 73. The first drive motor, the second drive motor, and the electrically controlled gripper mechanism 73 are all connected to a controller. The base 71 can be set on the ground. The gripper mechanism 73 is used to grip and transfer the heat treatment carrier. The tilting arm 72 tilts relative to the base 71 and the gripper mechanism 73, which can both adjust the height of the gripper mechanism 73 and tilt the heat treatment carrier at a certain angle to unload the material.

[0068] This specification uses specific examples to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of the present invention. The descriptions of these embodiments are merely for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of the present invention. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that, based on the ideas of the present invention, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

Claims

1. A heat treatment apparatus, characterized in that, The system includes a first heat treatment apparatus, a second heat treatment apparatus, a first heat exchange apparatus, and a second heat exchange apparatus. The second heat treatment apparatus is disposed above the first heat treatment apparatus. The first heat treatment apparatus includes a first preheating module, a first heating module, and a first cooling module connected in sequence. A first conveying device is provided in the first heat treatment apparatus to convey the workpiece sequentially between the first preheating module, the first heating module, and the first cooling module. The second heat treatment apparatus includes a second cooling module, a second heating module, and a second preheating module connected in sequence. A second conveying device is provided in the second heat treatment apparatus to convey the workpiece sequentially between the second preheating module and the second heating module. The heat is transported in the second heating module and the second cooling module; the second cooling module corresponds to the position of the first preheating module, the second heating module corresponds to the position of the first heating module, and the second preheating module corresponds to the position of the first cooling module; the first heat exchange device connects at least a portion of the first preheating module and at least a portion of the second cooling module, and is used to transfer heat from the second cooling module to the first preheating module; the second heat exchange device connects at least a portion of the first cooling module and at least a portion of the second preheating module, and is used to transfer heat from the first cooling module to the second preheating module; the first preheating module includes a plurality of first preheating modules arranged sequentially from left to right. The unit comprises a first cooling module including multiple first cooling units arranged sequentially from left to right. The first conveying device is used to convey the workpiece sequentially from left to right through multiple first preheating units, a first heating module, and multiple first cooling units. The second cooling module includes multiple second cooling units arranged sequentially from left to right, with each second cooling unit corresponding to one of the first preheating units. Each of the first preheating units located away from the first heating module is connected to a corresponding second cooling unit via a first heat exchange device. The second preheating module includes multiple second preheating units arranged sequentially from left to right. The second preheating units are connected to the first preheating unit. The first cooling units are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence. Each of the second preheating units in the plurality of second preheating units located away from the second heating module is connected to a first cooling unit corresponding to its position through the second heat exchange device. The second conveying device is used to convey the workpiece from right to left through the plurality of second preheating units, the second heating module and the plurality of second cooling modules. The system also includes a controller. Each of the first preheating units, each of the first cooling units, each of the second preheating units, each of the second cooling units, the first heating module and the second heating module is provided with a temperature sensor. Each of the temperature sensors, the first conveying device and the second conveying device are all connected to the controller.Each of the first preheating units, located away from the first heating module and with preset temperature values ​​below a preset temperature threshold, is connected to a corresponding second cooling unit via a first heat exchange device. Similarly, each of the second preheating units, located away from the second heating module and with preset temperature values ​​below a preset temperature threshold, is connected to a corresponding first cooling unit via a second heat exchange device. The preset temperature threshold is greater than or equal to 400°C. The portions of the first preheating module and the second cooling module not connected via the first heat exchange device are directly connected, allowing heat exchange via air transfer.

2. The heat treatment equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, A first heat insulation structure is provided between several first preheating units that exchange heat through the first heat exchange device and several second cooling units that correspond to their positions. A second heat insulation structure is provided between several second preheating units that exchange heat through the second heat exchange device and several first cooling units that correspond to their positions.

3. The heat treatment equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the remaining first preheating units near the first heating module is connected to a second cooling unit corresponding to its position, and each of the remaining second preheating units near the second heating module is connected to a first cooling unit corresponding to its position.

4. The heat treatment equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first heat exchange device includes multiple first heat pipe assemblies. Each of the several first preheating units located away from the first heating module is connected to a corresponding second cooling unit via a first heat pipe assembly. The first heat pipe assembly has a liquid wick. The second heat exchange device includes multiple second heat pipe assemblies. Each of the several second preheating units located away from the second heating module is connected to a corresponding first cooling unit via a second heat pipe assembly.

5. The heat treatment equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that, The heat transfer efficiency of the first heat pipe assemblies connected to the first preheating unit decreases sequentially from the distance from the first heating module to the distance from the distance from the first heating module to the distance from the distance from the first heating module to the distance from the distance from the first heating module to the distance from the distance from the second heating module to the distance from the distance from the second heating module to the distance from the second preheating unit.

6. The heat treatment equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, A first mounting port is provided on the outer side of the outermost first preheating unit, the outer side of the outermost first cooling unit, between any two adjacent first preheating units, between adjacent first preheating units and the first heating module, between adjacent first cooling units and the first heating module, and between any two adjacent first cooling units. Each first mounting port is provided with an automatically opening and closing first insulated furnace door. When the first insulated furnace door is opened, the first conveying device can carry the workpiece through the first mounting port. A second mounting port is provided on the outer side of the outermost second preheating unit, the outer side of the outermost second cooling unit, between any two adjacent second preheating units, between adjacent second preheating units and the second heating module, between adjacent second cooling units and the second heating module, and between any two adjacent second cooling units. Each second mounting port is provided with an automatically opening and closing second insulated furnace door. When the second insulated furnace door is opened, the second conveying device can carry the workpiece through the second mounting port. Each first insulated furnace door and each second insulated furnace door is connected to the controller.

7. The heat treatment equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first conveying device includes a first motor and a plurality of first transmission rollers arranged sequentially. The bottom of each of the first preheating units, the first cooling units, and the first heating modules is rotatably mounted with a plurality of first transmission rollers. One end of each first transmission roller extends to the outside of the first preheating unit, the first cooling unit, or the first heating module and is fixedly fitted with a first sprocket. A first chain is wound around the plurality of first sprockets. The first motor is used to drive one of the first sprockets to rotate. The second conveying device includes a second motor and a plurality of second transmission rollers arranged sequentially. The bottom of each of the second preheating units, the second cooling units, and the second heating modules is rotatably mounted with a plurality of second transmission rollers. One end of each second transmission roller extends to the outside of the second preheating unit, the second cooling unit, or the second heating module and is fixedly fitted with a second sprocket. A second chain is wound around the plurality of second sprockets. The second motor is used to drive one of the second sprockets to rotate. Both the first motor and the second motor are connected to the controller.

8. The heat treatment equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes two lifting and gripping devices. One lifting and gripping device is located on the side of the first preheating module away from the first heating module and is used to transfer the heat treatment carrier on the second conveying device to the first conveying device. The other lifting and gripping device is located on the side of the first cooling module away from the first heating module and is used to transfer the heat treatment carrier on the first conveying device to the second conveying device.

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