Thermal forming die temperature monitoring system and part production optimization method

Abstract

The invention provides a temperature monitoring system for a thermal forming die and a part production optimization method, and relates to the technical field of automobile part production. According to the intelligent temperature monitoring system for the thermal forming die, a fixed support is arranged on a rack or a cross beam of a thermal forming press; therefore, the infrared temperature detector is fixed at the position where the interior of a mold cavity or a part taking-out path can be detected. A complete'sensing, decision-making and response 'closed loop is constructed through the temperature measuring module, the mounting module, the control module and the alarm module, so that the online real-time monitoring function of the final-state temperature of a part is embedded into the thermoforming production takt, and the problem that the quality state is invisible is solved. And the measuring point is arranged at the moment when the part is exposed after the mold is opened, so that the timeliness of data is ensured, a control module and an alarm module are integrated near an existing press control system, seamless connection with the production process is realized, and a physical basis is provided for transparent and intelligent management and control of the production process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive parts manufacturing technology, and more specifically, to a thermoforming mold temperature monitoring system and a parts manufacturing optimization method. Background Technology

[0002] In the automotive manufacturing industry, ultra-high strength steel hot forming technology is widely used in the production of critical safety components such as A-pillars, B-pillars, and anti-collision beams. The core process of this technology is as follows: a specific sheet material (such as 22MnB5) is heated to the austenitizing temperature (approximately 900-950℃), then rapidly transferred to a hot forming press, where it is stamped using a die while being rapidly cooled (quenched). Finally, it is held under pressure for a period of time to allow the part temperature to drop to the martensitic transformation completion temperature (usually required to be below 200℃), thereby obtaining the required high strength.

[0003] Existing thermoforming production systems mainly focus on heating, stamping, and cooling water circuits. However, after the stamping and holding processes are completed, the quenching effect can usually only be indirectly evaluated in two ways on the production site: one is to extract parts from the production line afterward for destructive metallographic analysis, which is both time-consuming and costly; the other is to ensure that everything goes smoothly, given that the mold cooling capacity may decrease with the increase in production batches, a conservative strategy is generally adopted, which is to uniformly set a longer holding time (such as 5-10 seconds) to "ensure" that the part temperature meets the standard by extending the cooling time.

[0004] However, in the existing technology, it is impossible to know the quenching temperature of each part in real time during the production process, the quality status is not visible, there is a potential risk that the performance of the parts will not meet the standards due to insufficient quenching, and it is impossible to scientifically and dynamically optimize the holding time. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an intelligent temperature monitoring system for thermoforming molds, so as to alleviate the technical problems in the prior art that it is impossible to know the quenching temperature of each part in real time during the production process, and that it is impossible to scientifically and dynamically optimize the holding pressure time.

[0006] This invention provides an intelligent temperature monitoring system for thermoforming dies, including a temperature measurement module, an installation module, a control module, and an alarm module.

[0007] The temperature measurement module includes at least one infrared temperature detector for non-contact measurement of the surface temperature of parts after hot forming and stamping.

[0008] The mounting module includes a mounting bracket for fixing the infrared temperature detector. The mounting bracket is mounted on the frame or beam of the thermoforming press, such that the detection direction of the infrared temperature detector is directed toward the surface of the part in the mold cavity below the press slide or a predetermined measurement point on the part removal path.

[0009] The control module is located in the press control cabinet or a separate control box and is connected in communication with the infrared temperature detector. The control module is used to output a control signal based on the comparison result of the preset temperature threshold and the surface temperature data.

[0010] The alarm module is located on the compressor operation panel and is connected in communication with the control module.

[0011] Furthermore, the fixed bracket is a multi-angle adjustable bracket.

[0012] The infrared temperature detectors are multiple and are respectively installed on the operating side and non-operating side of the thermoforming press via the fixed bracket, so as to perform multi-point temperature measurement on different areas of one or more parts formed in a single stamping.

[0013] Furthermore, the infrared temperature detector has a laser-assisted positioning function.

[0014] The laser-assisted positioning indicator line emitted by the infrared temperature detector is used to assist in installation and debugging, ensuring that its detection direction is relative to the predetermined measurement point.

[0015] Furthermore, the control module also includes a data storage unit.

[0016] The data storage unit is used to continuously record and store historical temperature data at each temperature measurement point for analyzing the changing trend of the mold's cooling capacity.

[0017] Furthermore, the temperature threshold preset in the control module is a first upper limit value.

[0018] When the surface temperature data exceeds the first upper limit value, the control signal is an alarm signal.

[0019] Furthermore, the alarm module includes at least two levels of alarm indication units, and the control module is configured as follows: When the temperature data of any of the infrared temperature detectors exceeds the first upper limit, a first-level alarm signal is triggered, controlling the first alarm indication unit to operate.

[0020] When the temperature data of any of the infrared temperature detectors exceeds the first upper limit value multiple times consecutively, a second-level alarm signal is triggered, controlling the second alarm indication unit to operate.

[0021] Furthermore, the alarm module also includes a device linkage unit that is linked to the compressor main controller.

[0022] When the second-level alarm signal is triggered, the control module controls the thermoforming press to stop through the equipment linkage unit.

[0023] Furthermore, the infrared temperature detector performs 8 or more detections and 12 or fewer detections.

[0024] Furthermore, the temperature threshold ranges from 150°C to 200°C.

[0025] The present invention also aims to provide a method for optimizing the production of parts, applied to a provided intelligent temperature monitoring system for thermoforming dies, comprising the following steps: After the thermoforming press has finished holding pressure and before the mold is opened and the part is removed, the measured temperature of the part surface is obtained by the infrared temperature detector.

[0026] The measured temperature is compared with a preset temperature threshold.

[0027] Based on the comparison results, determine whether to adjust the pressure holding time parameters in subsequent production and / or whether to trigger an alarm.

[0028] Beneficial effects: Specifically, the intelligent temperature monitoring system for thermoforming dies provided in this embodiment uses a fixed bracket on the frame or beam of the thermoforming press to fix the infrared temperature detector at a location capable of detecting the inside of the mold cavity or the part removal path. A complete "sensing, decision-making, and response" closed loop is constructed through a temperature measurement module, installation module, control module, and alarm module, thereby embedding the online real-time monitoring function of the part's final temperature into the thermoforming production cycle, solving the problem of invisible quality status. Furthermore, by setting the measurement point at the instant the part is exposed after mold opening, the timeliness of the data is ensured. Integrating the control and alarm modules near the existing press control system achieves seamless integration with the production process, providing a physical basis for transparent and intelligent management of the production process. Attached Figure Description

[0029] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the thermoforming mold temperature monitoring system provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] icon: 100 - Press slide block; 200 - Infrared temperature detection mounting bracket; 300 - Infrared temperature detector; 400 - Infrared temperature detection laser aiming line; 500 - Part. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, 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. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0033] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the invention.

[0034] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0035] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this invention is in use. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention. In addition, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0036] Furthermore, terms such as "horizontal" and "vertical" do not imply that components must be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather that they can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal than "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0037] In the description of this invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0038] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0039] See Figure 1 The intelligent temperature monitoring system for thermoforming molds provided in this embodiment includes a temperature measurement module, an installation module, a control module, and an alarm module.

[0040] The temperature measurement module includes at least one infrared temperature detector 300 for non-contact measurement of the surface temperature of the part 500 after hot forming and stamping. The mounting module includes a mounting bracket for fixing the infrared temperature detector 300. The bracket is mounted on the frame or crossbeam of the hot forming press, such that the detection direction of the infrared temperature detector 300 is directed towards the surface of the part 500 in the mold cavity below the press slide 100 or a predetermined measurement point on the part 500's removal path. The control module is located in the press control cabinet or a separate control box and is communicatively connected to the infrared temperature detector 300. The control module outputs a control signal based on a comparison between a preset temperature threshold and surface temperature data. The alarm module is located on the press operation panel and is communicatively connected to the control module.

[0041] Specifically, the intelligent temperature monitoring system for thermoforming molds provided in this embodiment fixes the infrared temperature detector 300 at a position that can detect the mold cavity or the path of the part 500 being removed by setting a fixed bracket on the frame or crossbeam of the thermoforming press.

[0042] After each press completes the stamping and holding process and the slide opens, the infrared temperature detector 300 immediately performs non-contact temperature measurement on the exposed surface of the part 500. The measured temperature data is the current surface temperature data, which is transmitted in real time to the control module located in the control cabinet. The control module compares the received real-time temperature data with a pre-stored temperature threshold (e.g., 180°C) that characterizes a qualified process and performs logical judgment. Based on the judgment result, the control module generates a corresponding control signal and sends it to the alarm module installed on the operation panel, driving the alarm module to execute a preset response action (e.g., illuminating an indicator light or sounding a buzzer).

[0043] In this embodiment, a complete "perception, decision-making, and response" closed loop is constructed through multiple modules, thereby embedding the online real-time monitoring function of the final temperature of part 500 into the thermoforming production cycle, solving the problem of the invisible quality status. Furthermore, by setting the measurement point at the instant part 500 is exposed after mold opening, the timeliness of the data is ensured. Integrating the control and alarm modules near the existing press control system achieves seamless integration with the production process, providing a physical basis for transparent and intelligent management of the production process.

[0044] In this embodiment, the fixed bracket is a multi-angle adjustable bracket.

[0045] Multiple infrared temperature detectors 300 are installed on the operating side and non-operating side of the thermoforming press via fixed brackets to perform multi-point temperature measurement on different areas of one or more parts 500 formed in a single stamping.

[0046] In this embodiment, multiple infrared temperature detectors 300 are used, and multiple multi-angle adjustable fixing brackets are used to install the multiple infrared temperature detectors 300 on the operating side (usually the front side) and non-operating side (usually the rear side) of the press respectively.

[0047] During installation and debugging, by adjusting the angle of each bracket, the measuring spot of each infrared temperature detector 300 can cover different parts 500 in the mold or different key areas of the same part 500 (such as the two ends of part 500 or parts with large differences in wall thickness), so as to realize multi-point synchronous temperature measurement of one or more parts 500 produced in a single batch.

[0048] In this embodiment, comprehensive monitoring is achieved through a multi-point deployment of infrared temperature detectors 300. A single measurement point may not be able to represent the overall quenching uniformity of part 500. However, in this embodiment, by arranging multiple measurement points at key locations on the front and back sides of part 500, the spatial distribution of the mold cooling effect can be more comprehensively reflected. This facilitates the detection of localized insufficient cooling caused by uneven distribution of cooling water channels or the complex structure of part 500, making the collected temperature data more representative and valuable for process guidance.

[0049] In this embodiment, the infrared temperature detector 300 has a laser-assisted positioning function.

[0050] The laser-assisted positioning indicator line emitted by the infrared temperature detector 300 is used to assist in installation and debugging, so as to ensure that its detection direction is relative to the predetermined measurement point.

[0051] Specifically, in this embodiment, the infrared temperature detector 300 integrates a laser emitter that emits a visible laser-assisted positioning indicator line. During the initial installation of the system or recalibration after mold replacement, the operator visually observes the actual landing point of the laser line on the surface of the mold or trial production part 500, compares it with the preset measurement point position, and finely adjusts the angle of the fixed bracket and the orientation of the detector accordingly until the laser point stably lands in the target area.

[0052] In this embodiment, the laser-assisted positioning function on the infrared temperature detector 300 provides an intuitive and accurate calibration method, ensuring that the measurement spot of each infrared temperature detector 300 can be aligned stably with the preset feature point that is crucial for quality control for a long time. This alleviates the problems of installation and debugging accuracy and efficiency, thereby ensuring the accuracy and repeatability of monitoring data and avoiding data distortion caused by installation deviation.

[0053] In this embodiment, the control module further includes a data storage unit.

[0054] The data storage unit is used to continuously record and store historical temperature data from each temperature measurement point for analyzing the changing trends of the mold's cooling capacity.

[0055] The data storage unit (such as a solid-state drive or industrial SD card) in this embodiment can quickly process instantaneous data. It can also continuously and automatically save the temperature readings from each infrared temperature detector 300 in each production cycle, along with timestamps, mold numbers, and other information, according to a certain data structure (such as a database or CSV file), to form a complete historical database of production process temperature.

[0056] The data storage function enables the traceability and analyzability of process information. Stored historical data allows operators or engineers to review the temperature status of parts 500 at any batch and any point in time. Furthermore, in this embodiment, by performing trend analysis on these time-series data (e.g., observing the slow upward trend of temperature at a specific measuring point with increasing production shifts), the degradation of mold cooling performance can be indirectly assessed.

[0057] In this embodiment, the preset temperature threshold in the control module is a first upper limit value.

[0058] When the surface temperature exceeds the first upper limit, the control signal is an alarm signal.

[0059] Specifically, in this embodiment, the first upper limit is 180°C. This value is determined based on material phase transformation theory and process practice, and represents the highest permissible surface temperature safety boundary for ensuring sufficient martensitic transformation when part 500 is demolded. The comparison unit of the control module continuously compares the real-time collected temperature data with this threshold. Once the reading of any channel exceeds 180°C, the logic judgment unit immediately determines that there is a risk of insufficient quenching in this production and generates an alarm trigger signal.

[0060] In this embodiment, the alarm module includes at least two levels of alarm indication units, and the control module is configured as follows: When the temperature data of any infrared temperature detector 300 exceeds the first upper limit value in a single instance, a first-level alarm signal is triggered, controlling the first alarm indication unit to operate. When the temperature data of any infrared temperature detector 300 exceeds the first upper limit value multiple times consecutively, a second-level alarm signal is triggered, controlling the second alarm indication unit to operate.

[0061] The alarm module in this embodiment specifically includes two independent alarm indicator units (specifically, a yellow flashing light and a red constant light in this embodiment).

[0062] Furthermore, the logic of the control module in this embodiment is further programmed to possess hierarchical judgment capabilities: when a single over-limit situation as described in claim 5 occurs, a first-level alarm signal is triggered, only illuminating a flashing yellow alarm light to prompt the operator to check, but production can continue. When the system detects that the temperature data at the same temperature measuring point exceeds the threshold multiple times consecutively (10 consecutive production cycles in this embodiment), it is determined to be a systemic and continuous process abnormality. At this time, a higher-level second-level alarm signal is triggered, illuminating a red alarm light and possibly accompanied by different audible prompts.

[0063] This setup enables a differentiated risk handling mechanism, distinguishing between occasional, transient anomalies (potentially caused by measurement interference or minor fluctuations) and persistent, trend-based failures (indicating a severe decrease in mold cooling capacity or water circuit blockage). This reduces unnecessary downtime caused by occasional false alarms, maintaining production continuity. Simultaneously, it allows for significantly escalated warnings for confirmed risks that could trigger batch quality incidents, improving alarm accuracy and the rationality of production response.

[0064] In this embodiment, the alarm module also includes a device linkage unit that is linked to the compressor main controller.

[0065] When the second-level alarm signal is triggered, the control module controls the thermoforming press to stop through the equipment linkage unit.

[0066] In this embodiment, the equipment linkage unit interacts with the main controller of the thermoforming press via hardwiring. When the control module determines that the conditions are met and issues a second-level alarm signal, it illuminates a red light and sends an emergency stop command to the press's main controller via the equipment linkage unit. Upon receiving this command, the press's main controller either interrupts the start of the next work cycle or places the press into a safe stop state. This automatically prevents continued production under abnormal process conditions when the system confirms a persistent quality risk, effectively intercepting the generation of batches of defective products. This is a crucial step in elevating quality monitoring from "auxiliary detection" to "proactive prevention," reducing potential quality losses and rework costs to a lower level.

[0067] In this embodiment, the infrared temperature detector 300 performs 8 or more detections and 12 or fewer detections.

[0068] Specifically, in this embodiment, the infrared temperature detector 300 performs 10 checks. The production cycle in this embodiment is 4-6 stampings per minute. Considering the reliability of fault confirmation and the need to prevent the spread of defective products, the system's internal counter continuously counts 10 instances of exceeding limits at the same measuring point before triggering a second-level alarm. This allows the system to observe a short-term trend, confirming that the fault is not isolated, while simultaneously controlling the number of defective products within a small batch, achieving a balance between production efficiency protection and quality risk control.

[0069] In this embodiment, the temperature threshold ranges from 150°C to 200°C.

[0070] In this embodiment, the temperature threshold is specifically 180°C.

[0071] The part production optimization method provided in this embodiment is applied to the provided intelligent temperature monitoring system for thermoforming dies, and includes the following steps: After the thermoforming press has finished holding pressure and before the mold is opened and the part is removed, the measured temperature of the surface of the part 500 is obtained by infrared temperature detector 300.

[0072] The measured temperature is compared with the preset temperature threshold.

[0073] Based on the comparison results, determine whether to adjust the pressure holding time parameters in subsequent production and / or whether to trigger an alarm.

[0074] Specifically, in this embodiment, the measured temperature is acquired at fixed moments in each production cycle (after pressure holding ends and mold opening). The measured data is then automatically compared with a preset threshold. Two types of decisions are driven by the comparison results.

[0075] The two types of decisions are process optimization decisions and quality control decisions. Process optimization decisions involve the following: if long-term monitoring data shows that the temperature is consistently below the threshold, then the holding time can be gradually and slightly shortened to improve production efficiency while ensuring quality.

[0076] The quality control decision is to perform corresponding inspection, maintenance, or shutdown actions based on the different levels of alarms triggered by the system.

[0077] The method provided in this embodiment transforms the output of the hardware system (temperature data and alarm signals) into specific production action instructions. This forms a virtuous cycle of optimization from monitoring to decision-making to execution, which not only prevents quality risks but also proactively explores process potential and improves production efficiency.

[0078] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit them. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. An intelligent temperature monitoring system for thermoforming dies, characterized in that, include: The temperature measurement module includes at least one infrared temperature detector (300) for non-contact measurement of the surface temperature of a part (500) after hot forming and stamping. The mounting module includes a mounting bracket (200) for fixing the infrared temperature detector (300), the mounting bracket (200) being mounted on the frame or beam of the thermoforming press, and the detection direction of the infrared temperature detector (300) being directed toward the surface of the part (500) in the mold cavity below the press slide (100) or a predetermined measurement point on the removal path of the part (500); The control module is located in the press control cabinet or an independent control box and is communicatively connected to the infrared temperature detector (300). The control module is used to output a control signal based on the comparison result between the preset temperature threshold and the surface temperature data. An alarm module is installed on the compressor's operation panel and communicates with the control module.

2. The intelligent temperature monitoring system for thermoforming dies according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixed bracket (200) is a multi-angle adjustable bracket; Multiple infrared temperature detectors (300) are installed on the operating side and non-operating side of the thermoforming press via the fixed bracket (200) to perform multi-point temperature measurement on different areas of one or more parts (500) formed in a single stamping.

3. The intelligent temperature monitoring system for thermoforming dies according to claim 2, characterized in that, The infrared temperature detector (300) has a laser-assisted positioning function; The laser-assisted positioning indicator line (400) emitted by the infrared temperature detector (300) is used to assist in installation and debugging to ensure that its detection direction is relative to the predetermined measurement point.

4. The intelligent temperature monitoring system for thermoforming dies according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The control module also includes a data storage unit; The data storage unit is used to continuously record and store historical temperature data at each temperature measurement point for analyzing the changing trend of the mold's cooling capacity.

5. The intelligent temperature monitoring system for thermoforming dies according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The temperature threshold preset in the control module is a first upper limit value; When the surface temperature data exceeds the first upper limit value, the control signal is an alarm signal.

6. The intelligent temperature monitoring system for thermoforming dies according to claim 5, characterized in that, The alarm module includes at least two levels of alarm indication units, and the control module is configured as follows: When the temperature data of any of the infrared temperature detectors (300) exceeds the first upper limit value, a first-level alarm signal is triggered, and the first alarm indication unit is controlled to operate. When the temperature data of any of the infrared temperature detectors (300) exceeds the first upper limit value multiple times in a row, a second-level alarm signal is triggered, and the second alarm indication unit is controlled to operate.

7. The intelligent temperature monitoring system for thermoforming dies according to claim 6, characterized in that, The alarm module also includes a device linkage unit that is linked to the compressor main controller; When the second-level alarm signal is triggered, the control module controls the thermoforming press to stop through the equipment linkage unit.

8. The intelligent temperature monitoring system for thermoforming dies according to claim 6, characterized in that, The infrared temperature detector (300) performs 8 or more and 12 or fewer detections.

9. The intelligent temperature monitoring system for thermoforming dies according to claim 1, characterized in that, The temperature threshold ranges from 150°C to 200°C.

10. A method for optimizing parts production, characterized in that, The intelligent temperature monitoring system for thermoforming dies, as described in any one of claims 1-9, is characterized by comprising the following steps: After the thermoforming press has finished holding pressure and before the mold is opened and the part is removed, the measured temperature of the surface of the part (500) is obtained by the infrared temperature detector (300); The measured temperature is compared with a preset temperature threshold. Based on the comparison results, determine whether to adjust the pressure holding time parameters in subsequent production and / or whether to trigger an alarm.

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