Heating and press hardening of components

Abstract

A device (1) comprises a furnace (2) having a furnace chamber (3), in which a component plane (4) is formed within the furnace chamber (3), in which the furnace (2) is designed to heat a component (5) placed in the component plane (4), in which the furnace (3) has at least one pair (6), which in each case comprises a gas inlet (7) for introducing a gas into the furnace chamber (3) and a flow amplifier (8) corresponding to the gas inlet (7), wherein a flow amplifier (8) is arranged within the furnace chamber (3) and is configured to amplify the gas flow (9) exiting the gas inlet (7) corresponding to the flow amplifier (8); a pressing device (10) configured to press-harden the component (5) heated in the furnace (2) and arranged directly or indirectly downstream of the furnace (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an apparatus comprising a furnace for heating components and a pressing device for subsequently pressing and hardening the heated components. The invention also relates to the use of this apparatus and methods for processing components using this apparatus. This invention is particularly applicable to the production of body parts in the automotive manufacturing industry. Background Technology

[0002] It is known that metal components are heated and then pressed to harden them. This is typically achieved using a device that includes a furnace and a pressing apparatus. The furnace usually has a furnace cavity within which a planar surface of the component is formed. The component, housed in the planar surface, can be heated using the furnace. The pressing apparatus is designed to press-harden the component heated in the furnace in this manner and is located downstream of the furnace.

[0003] Heating components for press curing is typically energy-intensive. Therefore, there is a need for components that can be heated more efficiently. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a device that can press-harden and heat components in an energy-saving manner.

[0005] This objective is achieved by means of the apparatus, use, and method according to the independent claims.

[0006] According to the present invention, an apparatus is provided, comprising: - A furnace having a cavity, wherein a component plane is formed within the cavity, wherein the furnace is designed to heat components housed in the component plane, wherein the furnace has at least one pair of gas inlets and flow amplifiers associated with the gas inlets, the gas inlets being used to introduce gas into the furnace cavity, wherein the flow amplifiers are arranged within the furnace cavity and are designed to enhance the airflow exiting from the gas inlets associated with the flow amplifiers. - A pressing device, which is designed to press and harden components heated in the furnace and is arranged directly or indirectly downstream of the furnace.

[0007] Using the aforementioned apparatus, components can be first heated and then pressed and hardened. Heating takes place in a furnace, while pressing and hardening occur in a pressing device. In this respect, the pressing device is arranged directly or indirectly downstream of the furnace. In normal operation, the components are first heated in the furnace, then transferred to the pressing device, and finally pressed and hardened therein. The heating and pressing and hardening of the components are collectively referred to herein as component processing.

[0008] This apparatus is particularly suitable for heating and pressing hardened metal components. However, the specific components processed using this apparatus naturally depends on how it is used. Therefore, the apparatus is preferably used for heating and pressing hardened metal components, especially steel components. The components are preferably coated, particularly having a reflective coating that is at least reflective before heating in the furnace. Components are particularly preferably coated with AlSi or zinc.

[0009] The components processed by the device are preferably components for motor vehicle bodies. Press hardening can achieve advantageous properties, especially for such components. However, the device can also be used for any other components that are preheated and then pressed hardened.

[0010] The pressing device is located directly or indirectly downstream of the furnace. If the components enter the pressing device after leaving the furnace and are not processed in another device during this period, the pressing device is directly downstream of the furnace. If the components first enter one or more other devices after leaving the furnace and then enter the pressing device, the pressing device is indirectly downstream of the furnace.

[0011] Specifically, the components can be first heated in a furnace, then subjected to locally different heat treatments in a tempering station before being fed into the pressing unit. The locally different heat treatments in the tempering station are used to impart different microstructures to the components, thereby giving them different ductility in specific areas. Alternatively, the components can be first heated in a furnace, then subjected to locally different heat treatments in the tempering station, then heated in another furnace before being fed into the pressing unit. The additional furnace is used to reduce the temperature difference between different regions of the component set in the tempering station, thereby reducing component deformation during the pressing and hardening process.

[0012] The furnace of the described apparatus allows components to be heated particularly efficiently. This is fundamentally an advantage independent of the subsequent press hardening performed in the pressing device. However, combining it with a pressing device can yield further advantages. Heating for press hardening typically requires a fairly large furnace. This results in correspondingly high costs and requires a significant amount of space. However, using a smaller, conventional furnace requires a correspondingly longer heating time for the components. Press hardening cannot then be performed at the cycle rates achievable by the pressing device used. Therefore, the combination of the furnace and the pressing device offers the particular advantage that a relatively small furnace is sufficient to allow the pressing device to operate at full speed. This means that short cycle times can be achieved with lower costs and smaller space requirements. Short cycle times are particularly valuable in many applications.

[0013] The furnace has a furnace cavity. When the components are located in the furnace cavity, they can be heated. A component plane is formed inside the furnace cavity. This means that the component plane has at least one section formed inside the furnace cavity. The component plane can also, and preferably, extend outside the furnace cavity. A component inlet can be provided in front of the furnace in the component conveying direction, forming part of the component plane. A transfer device can be provided between the furnace and the pressing device, forming part of the component plane. The pressing device can also form part of the component plane.

[0014] The furnace is designed to heat components housed in a component plane. The furnace is preferably designed as a continuous furnace, particularly a roller hearth furnace. In this case, the component plane can be formed by roller conveyors. However, the advantages of the apparatus described herein can be achieved regardless of the type of furnace. In particular, it is irrelevant whether the components are conveyed through the furnace or remain stationary during heating. Therefore, the furnace can also be, for example, a box furnace, particularly a multi-layer box furnace. The furnace can also be designed as a batch furnace.

[0015] The heating method of the furnace is also irrelevant to the function of the device. For example, a radiant tube can be used in the furnace cavity, in which gas is burned as fuel. The components located in the furnace are heated by thermal radiation from the radiant tube. As an alternative to or supplement to this gas heating, the furnace can also be heated, for example, by electricity.

[0016] In a furnace, components can be heated specifically by radiant heat and / or convection. This invention is based on the understanding that enhancing convective heating can accelerate the heating of components. This is particularly applicable to steel components with an AlSi coating. Such components have relatively highly reflective surfaces, especially when the AlSi coating melts. If such components are heated by radiant heat, a significant proportion of the energy is reflected rather than absorbed by the component. Therefore, by enhancing convective heating, the heating process can be made more energy-efficient.

[0017] This invention is also based on the insight that enhanced convection heating improves energy efficiency not only in AlSi-coated steel components but also in components with other coatings and even uncoated components. Particularly significant efficiency improvements can be achieved for components with highly reflective surfaces. Therefore, the device is preferably used with components whose surfaces are reflective for at least a portion of the heating step. However, convection heating can also be used for components with weakly reflective or non-reflective surfaces. In this respect, the invention also allows for efficiency improvements in components with weakly reflective or non-reflective surfaces. Therefore, the device can be advantageously used for any component.

[0018] Furthermore, the present invention is based on a method for achieving the desired enhancement of convective heating. To this end, the furnace is configured with at least one pair of gas inlets and a flow amplifier associated with each gas inlet for introducing gas into the furnace cavity. The flow amplifier is arranged inside the furnace cavity and designed to enhance the airflow emanating from the gas inlet associated with the flow amplifier.

[0019] The furnace has one or more gas inlets. Having multiple gas inlets is preferred. However, for simplicity, the case with only one gas inlet will be described first. Gas can be introduced into the furnace cavity through the gas inlet. Preferably, the gas is compressed air. Therefore, the gas inlet can also be called a compressed air inlet. However, the gas does not necessarily need to meet the definition of air. Alternatively, nitrogen can be used, for example. Another gas can also be used to set the desired furnace atmosphere.

[0020] Gas can be introduced into the furnace cavity through a gas inlet, forming or at least contributing to the furnace atmosphere. Introducing gas into the furnace cavity is particularly effective in removing moisture, which can damage components and / or the furnace. Preferably, the gas is dried. For example, the gas can first pass through a dryer before entering the furnace cavity. In particular, compressed air can pass through an air dryer before entering the furnace cavity. However, moisture in the furnace cavity can also be removed using untreated gas (especially untreated compressed air). This can be achieved simply by the movement of gas within the furnace cavity.

[0021] Introducing gas into a furnace is known in itself. However, according to the present invention, the flow rate of the gas exiting from the gas inlet is amplified. For this purpose, a flow amplifier is provided in the furnace cavity. The flow amplifier is assigned to (or corresponds to) the gas inlet. This is equivalent to the gas inlet being assigned to the flow amplifier. Therefore, pairs consisting of a flow amplifier and a gas inlet are also mentioned here. This is particularly relevant if the furnace has multiple such pairs. The association between the flow amplifier and the gas inlet in a pair is that the flow amplifier is designed to amplify the gas flow emanating from that gas inlet.

[0022] A flow amplifier can also be called an airflow amplifier. However, the gas exiting from the gas inlet is not necessarily air. Therefore, the term gas flow amplifier is also commonly used. Flow amplifiers are designed to amplify airflow. Flow amplifiers can also be synonymously called convection modules or convection elements. Flow amplifiers are used to enhance the convective heating of components.

[0023] The flow amplifier enhances the convective heating of the assembly. This allows the assembly to be heated particularly quickly and energy-efficiently. This advantage of the invention can be achieved with only one pair of gas inlets and flow amplifiers. However, generally, the more such pairs provided, the greater the advantage. In this case, each gas inlet is assigned one flow amplifier. However, for simplicity, the case of only one such pair is described herein. The description of this pair also applies similarly to other pairs. In addition to at least one pair of gas inlets and flow amplifiers, additional gas inlets without associated flow amplifiers can be provided to achieve the desired furnace atmosphere. These additional gas inlets are not part of the pairs described herein and will not be described further.

[0024] A flow amplifier is a component located inside the furnace cavity. The flow amplifier preferably has an inlet and an outlet. The flow amplifier is aligned such that at least a portion of the gas flow exiting from the associated gas inlet can enter the flow amplifier through the inlet. This gas flow can then exit from the outlet of the flow amplifier in an amplified manner. Due to mass conservation, amplification of the gas flow requires that, in addition to the gas from the gas flow to be amplified, other gases also enter the flow amplifier. These other gases can enter the flow amplifier through an inlet and / or through another inlet. These other gases can have the same or different chemical composition as the gas from the gas flow to be amplified.

[0025] The amplified gas flow discharged from the flow amplifier can be directed in different directions. The advantages described in this article are generally achieved through the fact that the amplification of the gas flow within the furnace cavity leads to increased circulation, thereby enhancing convective heating.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the flow amplifier is designed to amplify the airflow from the gas inlet associated with it along the direction of the component plane. In this case, the flow amplifier is arranged between the gas inlet associated with it and the component plane. A pair consisting of the flow amplifier and the gas inlet can be arranged above or below the component plane. This allows heating of the top or bottom of the component. If multiple pairs are provided, they can all be arranged above the component plane, all below the component plane, or partially above and partially below the component plane. Therefore, the component can be subjected to enhanced airflow from one side above the component plane, one side below the component plane, or both sides. In the latter case, the component can be heated particularly intensely by convection.

[0027] The amplified flow is preferably directed toward the component plane. In this case, the airflow can also be referred to as an impinging flow. However, advantages can also be achieved if the airflow impinges on the component plane at an angle. This is also referred to herein as "towards the component plane." Typically, the amplified airflow is directed toward the component plane when the center of the airflow is located on an axis intersecting the component plane within the furnace cavity. For example, the flow amplifier can also be configured to amplify the airflow originating from the gas inlet associated with the flow amplifier along an angle ranging from 30 to 60° with the component plane.

[0028] In an alternative preferred embodiment, the flow amplifier is configured to amplify the gas flow from the gas inlet associated with it in a direction parallel to the component plane. In this case, the flow amplifier cannot be located between the gas inlet associated with it and the component plane. Instead, the flow amplifier and the associated gas inlet are arranged either in, above, or below the component plane, such that they are on an axis parallel to the component plane. The gas flow can cross the component surface tangentially. This also allows the component to be convectively heated. This is especially true if the center of the amplified gas flow exiting the flow amplifier is located in or at most 30 cm above or below the component plane. Even at a greater distance from the component plane, the advantage can still be achieved because the gas flow exiting the flow amplifier causes the gas in the furnace cavity to move as a whole.

[0029] If multiple pairs are provided, the two embodiments described above can be combined with each other. This allows the component to be subjected to enhanced airflow from multiple directions and different angles, and to be convectively heated with corresponding intensity. The first portion of the pair of flow amplifiers and gas inlets is designed to amplify the airflow emitted from the gas inlet associated with the flow amplifier along the direction of the component plane. These pairs can be arranged entirely above the component plane, entirely below the component plane, or partially above and partially below the component plane. These pairs can be designed to amplify the airflow toward the component plane at the same or different angles. The second portion of these pairs is designed to amplify the airflow emitted from the gas inlet associated with the flow amplifier along a direction parallel to the component plane.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of the device, the flow amplifier is passive.

[0031] If a flow amplifier amplifies the input airflow without being supplied with energy independently, then the flow amplifier is passively designed. Therefore, the energy driving the airflow comes from the input airflow itself. The term "passive flow amplifier" should be understood in contrast to the term "active flow amplifier," which is, for example, a fan or propeller. As an alternative to this embodiment, it is preferable that the flow amplifier is actively designed, particularly as a fan. Therefore, the flow amplifier does not necessarily have to be passively designed.

[0032] However, passive flow amplifiers are generally more robust than active flow amplifiers. This is especially important given the temperature conditions inside the furnace. Furthermore, passive flow amplifiers do not require the installation of power supply lines within the furnace chamber.

[0033] Passive flow amplification can be achieved, for example, by introducing gas from a gas inlet as the primary gas into the flow amplifier, thereby entraining gas from the surrounding environment as the secondary gas. If compressed air is introduced into the furnace cavity through a gas inlet, this compressed air can also be referred to as primary air. If air near the flow amplifier is entrained, it can also be referred to as secondary air. The general terms primary gas and secondary gas should be understood accordingly. In particular, the use of these terms does not imply that the primary gas and secondary gas must have different chemical compositions. The terms primary gas and secondary gas refer only to the source of the gas.

[0034] Flow amplifiers can utilize their shape in various ways to amplify the gas flow originating from an associated gas inlet in a desired direction. In the simplest case, a flow amplifier is a tube whose cross-section varies along its length. One possible design will be described in more detail below. However, regardless of the flow amplifier design used, the advantages of the device described herein can be achieved.

[0035] In another preferred embodiment of the device, the flow amplifier has a hollow body with an inlet opening on a first end face and an outlet opening on a second end face opposite to the first end face, wherein the inlet opening faces a gas inlet associated with the flow amplifier and the outlet opening faces the assembly plane, and wherein the internal space of the hollow body has a contraction / contraction between the inlet opening and the outlet opening.

[0036] Gas exiting from the gas inlet can flow into the inlet opening of the flow amplifier, pass through the internal space of the hollow body, and exit from the outlet opening. During this process, gas surrounding the flow amplifier is entrained. This amplifies the airflow. The aforementioned constriction section particularly contributes to this effect.

[0037] In another preferred embodiment of the device, the internal space of the hollow body is designed to be rotationally symmetrical with respect to the axis of the flow amplifier, so that when viewed from the inlet opening toward the outlet opening, the axis of the flow amplifier faces the component plane.

[0038] Rotationally symmetric design is advantageous in manufacturing. When viewed from the inlet opening towards the outlet opening, the axis of the flow amplifier aligns with the component plane, meaning the amplified gas flow exiting the flow amplifier is oriented towards the component plane. Therefore, the gas flow exiting the gas inlet can be amplified along the direction of the component plane.

[0039] In another preferred embodiment of the device, the flow amplifier is designed to be supplied with gas as the primary gas from a gas inlet associated with the flow amplifier, and thereby draw in gas around the flow amplifier as the secondary gas.

[0040] The primary gas is preferably compressed air. In this case, the primary gas can also be referred to as primary air. The secondary gas is preferably air from the environment surrounding the flow amplifier. In this case, the secondary gas can also be referred to as secondary air.

[0041] As an alternative to this embodiment, it is conceivable to introduce the secondary gas separately into the flow amplifier. It is not necessarily required to obtain the secondary gas from the environment surrounding the flow amplifier. However, using gas from the environment surrounding the flow amplifier as the secondary gas has the advantage that the gas is already heated and readily available.

[0042] In another preferred embodiment of the apparatus, the furnace is a continuous furnace, wherein the furnace has multiple pairs, each pair including a gas inlet and an associated flow amplifier, wherein these pairs are arranged in different positions when viewed along the conveying direction of the furnace.

[0043] The advantages described herein can, in principle, be achieved with only one pair of gas inlets and flow amplifiers. However, in a continuous furnace, the component passes through the furnace during heating. Therefore, the component is typically only briefly within the influence area of ​​a single pair of gas inlets and flow amplifiers. Conversely, if multiple such pairs are arranged along the length of the furnace, as described in this embodiment, the component repeatedly passes through one of the pairs. Thus, the advantages described herein can be achieved to a greater extent.

[0044] In another preferred embodiment of the device, the number of said pairs arranged in the first half of the furnace through which the components first pass is greater than the number of said pairs arranged in the second half of the furnace through which the components subsequently pass.

[0045] In a continuous furnace, the position along the conveying direction corresponds to gradual heating. Depending on the location of the pair of gas inlets and flow amplifiers, the gas flow amplified by the flow amplifiers will therefore encounter components with higher or lower heating levels. It has been found that the effect of convective heating is particularly significant in the initial stage of the heating process. This is especially true for coated components, particularly those coated with AlSi or zinc. In this embodiment, taking this finding into account, the number of the aforementioned pairs arranged in the first half of the furnace is greater than in the second half. For example, it is sufficient to arrange such pairs only in the first 30 to 70% of the furnace length. However, it is also harmless to arrange pairs in the rear of the furnace. Furthermore, it is also harmless to arrange gas inlets without flow amplifiers in the rear of the furnace. Even more preferably, in addition to the paired gas inlets and flow amplifiers, additional gas inlets without associated flow amplifiers are provided to achieve the desired furnace atmosphere. These additional gas inlets are not part of the pairs described herein and will not be described further.

[0046] Coated components can be reflective, especially due to their coating. Radiant heat may therefore be reflected rather than absorbed by the component. However, the deeper the component is heated, the less the coating reflects. This is particularly true for AlSi and zinc. Therefore, it is meaningful to concentrate paired gas inlets and flow amplifiers at the front of the furnace, especially for coated components.

[0047] Coatings typically exhibit particularly high reflectivity when molten. This is especially true for AlSi coatings. Therefore, paired gas inlets and flow amplifiers are preferably located where the coating is expected to be in a molten state. If the component is heated above the melting temperature of the coating material and held above it for a sufficiently long time, the coating material diffuses into the material of the rest of the component. Once the diffusion process is complete, the component's reflectivity is typically significantly reduced compared to before.

[0048] In another preferred embodiment of the device, the furnace is a multi-layer box furnace.

[0049] In a multi-layer box furnace (MLK), components can be arranged in multiple layers. Therefore, multiple component layers can be set up.

[0050] As another aspect of the invention, a use of an apparatus designed as described is proposed, wherein a metal component is heated in a furnace and then pressed and hardened in a pressing device.

[0051] The advantages and features of the device are applicable and transferable to this use, and vice versa.

[0052] Metal components are preferably made of one of the following materials: Uncoated steel, Coated steel, especially AlSi or zinc-coated steel, Aluminum alloys, especially high-strength aluminum alloys that are particularly suitable for hot forming, such as one of the 6.xxx or 7.xxx types.

[0053] In the case of coated steel components, the coating can be pre-diffused. This means that the coating has already diffused into the material of the rest of the component prior to the heat treatment described herein. Alternatively, the coating can be applied to the component prior to the heat treatment described herein, such that the coating diffuses into the remaining material of the component during the heat treatment process.

[0054] The use of the device is particularly preferred in the case of steel components with AlSi or zinc coatings. It has been found that the advantages described herein can be realized to a particularly large extent due to the reflective properties of these coatings. As another aspect of the invention, a method for processing metal components using the device as designed is proposed. The method includes: a) Heating the component in the furnace. b) Press and harden the component in the pressing device.

[0055] The advantages and features described above regarding the apparatus and its uses are applicable and transferable to the method, and vice versa. Attached Figure Description

[0056] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings illustrate particularly preferred embodiments, but the invention is not limited to these embodiments. The drawings and the dimensions shown therein are merely schematic. They illustrate: Figure 1 Side view of the device according to the present invention; Figure 2 : Figure 1 An enlarged side view of the furnace in the central device; Figure 3 : Figure 2 A further enlarged side view of a cross-section of the furnace. Detailed Implementation

[0057] Figure 1 The apparatus 1, comprising a furnace 2 and a pressing device 10, is shown. The furnace 2 is designed to heat the assembly 5. For this purpose, the assembly 5 can be placed in the assembly plane 4 of the furnace 2 and conveyed through the furnace 2 along the conveying direction 19. The assembly 5 can then be conveyed from the furnace 2 to the pressing device 10. This is in... Figure 1 The component plane 4 extends to the pressing device 10. The pressing device 10 is designed to press and harden the component 5 after it has been heated in the furnace 2. In the conveying direction 19, the pressing device 10 is located directly downstream of the furnace 2.

[0058] Figure 2 With Figure 1The same perspective shown illustrates Figure 1 Furnace 2. Furnace 2 has a furnace cavity 3. Component plane 4 is formed inside the furnace cavity 3. Furnace 2 is designed to heat component 5 held in component plane 4. Furnace 3 has multiple pairs 6, each pair including a gas inlet 7 for introducing gas into the furnace cavity 3 and a flow amplifier 8 associated with the gas inlet 7. For example, in Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, four such pairs 6 are provided. Compressed air source 22 is connected to gas inlet 7 via compressed air dryer 23. This allows compressed air to be introduced as gas into furnace chamber 3 through gas inlet 7.

[0059] For clarity, only one pair 6 is labeled with reference numerals for further explanation. The following description applies to each pair 6. A flow amplifier 8 is arranged within the furnace cavity 3, between the associated gas inlet 7 and the assembly plane 4, and is designed to amplify the gas flow 9 exiting the associated gas inlet 7 towards the assembly plane 4. This is in Figure 2 The middle part is indicated by a dashed line.

[0060] Furnace 2 is a continuous furnace. Component 5 can be conveyed through furnace 2 via conveyor rollers 24 along conveying direction 19 (from left to right in the example shown). When viewed along conveying direction 19 of furnace 2, these pairs 6 are arranged in different positions. As component 5 passes through furnace 2, it gradually passes each pair 6. Three pairs 6 are arranged in the first half 20 of furnace 2, through which component 5 first passes, and one pair 6 is arranged in the second half 21 of furnace 2. In this respect, there are more pairs 6 arranged in the first half 20 of furnace 2 than in the second half 21. Therefore, the flow amplifier 8 is mainly used in the initial stage of heating component 5.

[0061] Figure 3 With Figure 1 and Figure 2 The same perspective shown illustrates Figure 2 A cross-section of furnace 2. One of the six can be seen. Figure 3 The content shown and the following description also apply to all pairs 6.

[0062] exist Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the gas inlet 7 is designed as a pipe fitting, which is arranged on the top wall 25 of the furnace cavity 3. The pipe fitting passes through the insulation layer 26. In this respect, compressed air can be introduced into the furnace cavity 3 as gas from outside the furnace cavity 3, particularly from the compressed air source 22, through the gas inlet 7. The compressed air introduced into the furnace cavity 3 in this way impacts the flow amplifier 8. For this purpose, the flow amplifier 8 is fixed to the top wall 25 by a bracket 27, below the gas inlet 7. The flow amplifier 8 directs the airflow of compressed air towards the component plane (located in the direction of the component plane). Figure 3 (The lower side outside the section shown is enlarged.)

[0063] The flow amplifier 8 is a passive design. This means that the amplification of the compressed air flow does not require an external energy supply. More precisely, the amplification is achieved through the physical shape of the flow amplifier 8. In the illustrated embodiment, the flow amplifier 8 has a hollow body 11 with an inlet opening 14 on a first end face 12 and an outlet opening 15 on a second end face 13 opposite to the first end face 12. The inlet opening 14 faces the gas inlet 7, and the outlet opening 15 faces the assembly plane 4. The internal space 16 of the hollow body 11 has a constriction 17 between the inlet opening 14 and the outlet opening 15. The internal space 16 of the hollow body 11 is rotationally symmetrical with respect to the axis 18 of the flow amplifier 8. When viewed from the inlet opening 14 toward the outlet opening 15, the axis 18 of the flow amplifier 8 faces the assembly plane 4. The gas inlet 7 is also located on the axis 18 of the flow amplifier 8. The axis of the gas inlet 7 coincides with the axis 18 of the flow amplifier 8. This shape allows the flow amplifier 8 to use compressed air supplied (introduced) from the gas inlet 7 as the primary gas, and thereby draw in the gas surrounding the flow amplifier 8 from the furnace cavity 3 as the secondary gas.

[0064] List of reference numerals 1 device 2 furnaces 3. Furnace cavity 4 Component Plane 5 components 6 pairs 7 Gas Inlet 8 Flow Amplifier 9. Airflow 10. Pressing device 11 Hollow bodies 12 First end face 13 Second end face 14. Entrance opening 15. Exit opening 16. Interior Space 17. Contraction section 18 axis lines 19 Conveying direction 20 Part 1 21 Part Two 22 Compressed air source 23 Compressed Air Dryer 24 Conveyor Rollers 25 Top Wall 26. Insulation layer 27 stents

Claims

1. An apparatus (1), characterized in that, include: - A furnace (2) having a furnace cavity (3) in which an assembly plane (4) is formed, wherein the furnace (2) is designed to heat an assembly (5) placed in the assembly plane (4), wherein the furnace (3) has at least one pair (6) of gas inlets (7) and a flow amplifier (8) associated with the gas inlets (7) for introducing gas into the furnace cavity (3), wherein the flow amplifier (8) is arranged within the furnace cavity (3) and is designed to enhance the airflow (9) exiting from the gas inlet (7) associated with the flow amplifier (8). - A pressing device (10) designed to press and harden the component (5) heated in the furnace (2) and disposed directly or indirectly downstream of the furnace (2).

2. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flow amplifier (8) is a passive design.

3. The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The flow amplifier (8) has a hollow body (11) having an inlet opening (14) on a first end face (12) and an outlet opening (15) on a second end face (13) opposite to the first end face (12), wherein the inlet opening (14) faces a gas inlet (7) associated with the flow amplifier (8) and the outlet opening (15) faces the component plane (4), and wherein the internal space (16) of the hollow body (11) has a contraction (17) between the inlet opening (14) and the outlet opening (15).

4. The apparatus (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The internal space (16) of the hollow body (11) is designed to be rotationally symmetrical with respect to the axis (18) of the flow amplifier (8), and wherein the axis (18) of the flow amplifier (8) faces the component plane (4) when viewed from the inlet opening (14) toward the outlet opening (15).

5. The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The flow amplifier (8) is designed to use the gas supplied from the gas inlet (7) associated with the flow amplifier (8) as the primary gas, and thereby draw in the gas around the flow amplifier (8) as the secondary gas.

6. The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The furnace (2) is a continuous furnace, wherein the furnace (2) has a plurality of the pairs (6), each pair including a gas inlet (7) and an associated flow amplifier (8), and wherein the pairs (6) are arranged in different positions when viewed along the conveying direction (19) of the furnace (2).

7. The apparatus (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The number of pairs (6) arranged in the first half (20) of the furnace (2) first passed by the component (5) is greater than the number of pairs (6) arranged in the second half (21) of the furnace (2) subsequently passed by the component (5).

8. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The furnace (2) is a multi-layer box furnace.

9. Use of the apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The metal component (5) is heated in the furnace (2) and then pressed and hardened in the pressing device (10).

10. A method for processing a metal component (5) using the apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, include: a) Heating the component (5) in the furnace (2), b) Press and harden the component (5) in the pressing device (10).

Images