Lifting and retracting systems, methods, and motor extension systems for high temperature environments

Abstract

A component, system, assembly, and related method for a lifting and retraction system for a sintering chamber. The lifting and retraction system includes a motor extension system for use with a motor and a sintering chamber having walls and ports within the walls. The system includes flanges and opposing ends, each end having an orifice, and a shaft support capable of being inserted into the port up to the flange. The shaft is rotatably supported by the shaft support. At least one annular seal is disposed around the shaft, forming a seal between the shaft and the shaft support. The shaft includes opposing ends, wherein when the shaft support is inserted into the port, one end protrudes into the chamber, and the other end remains outside the chamber for coupling to a motor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One aspect relates generally to systems and methods for supporting molds in a sintering chamber, and more specifically to supporting molds in a chamber for spark plasma sintering (SPS) (also known as direct current sintering (DCS)), which uses a lifting and retraction system to apply and remove heat insulation to the mold and protect its motor from high temperatures. Background Technology

[0002] Discharge plasma sintering (“SPS”), also known as direct current sintering (“DCS”) and field-assisted sintering (“FAST”), is a pressure-assisted sintering technique capable of processing both conductive and non-conductive materials. In a typical SPS / DCS process, an ON-OFF DC pulse or non-pulsed DC current is applied to powder contained within a mold material (called the mold) made of graphite, metal, ceramic, or composite material to generate Joule heat; however, graphite is most commonly used because it is a good conductor and can withstand high temperatures. The abbreviation DCS is sometimes used to refer to a system that provides non-pulsed DC current to the mold. However, SPS and DCS are frequently used to refer to the same type of device and are used interchangeably herein. In an SPS / DCS device, heat is transferred to the powder via thermal conduction from the mold, and if the powder is conductive, current can flow directly through the powder, generating Joule heat directly within the material being sintered.

[0003] Hot pressing is another technique used to sinter materials in a mold. Unlike heating by passing an electric current through the mold, hot pressing relies on a heating element outside the mold. This is generally a slower process because some heat is lost as it is conducted from the heating element to the mold and then to the material inside. Graphite molds are most commonly used in hot pressing and SPS equipment due to cost, weight considerations, and their ability to withstand high temperatures.

[0004] During sintering, the temperature inside the hot press or SPS equipment is typically in the range of 1000°C to 2000°C. However, the combustion temperature of graphite is around 400°C. To prevent the graphite from igniting, the sintering chamber of the hot press or SPS equipment is evacuated or filled with an inert gas (such as argon), eliminating oxygen and thus preventing the graphite from burning within the sintering chamber.

[0005] While evacuating or filling the chamber with an inert gas is satisfactory in preventing the combustion of graphite and other materials, it introduces other challenges. For example, in the case of a vacuum chamber, an airtight seal must be maintained to prevent the surrounding atmosphere from leaking into the chamber; and if the chamber is filled with an inert gas, an airtight seal must be maintained to prevent the inert gas from escaping from the chamber. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To meet these and other needs, and for their purposes, this disclosure relates to components and related methods for use in high-temperature environments. In one aspect, this disclosure describes a lifting and retraction system for use with a sintering chamber, wherein the sintering chamber includes a wall having a port defined therein. The system includes a shaft support having flanges and opposing ends, each end having an orifice, and the shaft support is insertable into the port up to the flange. The system includes a shaft rotatably supported by the shaft support, the shaft including opposing ends, wherein when the shaft support is inserted into the port, one end protrudes into the sintering chamber, and the other end remains outside the sintering chamber. The system also includes an annular seal surrounding the shaft, the annular seal forming a seal between the shaft and the shaft support.

[0007] The system includes a motor coupled to an end of a shaft retained outside a sintering chamber, wherein the shaft is driven to rotate when the motor is operated. The system includes fasteners that secure flanges and ports together and seal the flanges and ports to each other. The system includes a transmission mechanism mounted in the sintering chamber, and the transmission mechanism includes at least one gear coupled to an end of the shaft protruding into the chamber. The system also includes a mold support coupled to the transmission mechanism, wherein the transmission mechanism raises the mold support mechanism when the shaft rotates in one direction, and retracts the mold support mechanism when the shaft rotates in the opposite direction, and the motor is operable to rotate the shaft in both directions.

[0008] In one aspect, the system includes a sintering chamber receiving the mold. Another aspect includes a ceramic spacer disposed on a mold support, and a drive mechanism operable to lift the mold support until the ceramic spacer contacts the mold. In yet another aspect, the system includes a heat insulation component disposed on the mold support, wherein the drive mechanism lifts the mold support until the ceramic spacer contacts the mold and the heat insulation component approaches the mold. In still another aspect, the heat insulation component mold support comprises a carbon fiber composite material, the heat insulation component is disposed on the carbon fiber composite material, and the heat insulation component provides heat insulation for the mold.

[0009] In one aspect, the transmission device includes a rod having a longitudinal axis, wherein at least one gear engages the rod. When the gear rotates, the gear drives the rod to translate along the longitudinal axis of the rod. In yet another aspect, the system includes a load balancer connecting the mold support and the rod, wherein the load balancer comprises a material capable of elastic deformation.

[0010] In another aspect, the automated equipment is operable to insert and remove molds from the sintering chamber. In this respect, the system also includes a controller that communicates with the automated equipment and motors, wherein the controller receives signals from the automated equipment to raise and retract the molds.

[0011] This disclosure also describes and illustrates a method for providing power in a sintering chamber, wherein the sintering chamber includes a wall having a port defined therein. The method includes providing a shaft support including a flange and opposing ends, each end having an orifice. The method further includes providing an annular seal around the shaft and rotatably supporting the shaft in the shaft support, wherein the shaft includes opposing ends, one end extending through an orifice and the opposing end extending through another orifice. The method further includes inserting the shaft support into the port until the flange, wherein one end of the shaft protrudes into the chamber and the opposing end of the shaft remains outside the chamber. The method also includes coupling a motor to the end of the shaft held outside the chamber and driving the shaft to rotate when the motor is operated. Furthermore, the method includes sealing the flange and the port to each other.

[0012] In another aspect, the method further includes mounting a transmission device in a chamber, wherein the transmission device includes at least one gear and engages the at least one gear with an end of a shaft protruding into the chamber. Furthermore, the method in this aspect includes engaging a mold support member with the transmission device, wherein the shaft is rotated in one direction and in opposite directions by operating a motor; when the shaft rotates in one direction, the transmission device lifts the mold support member, and when the shaft rotates in the opposite direction, the transmission device retracts the mold support member.

[0013] In another aspect, the method further includes placing a ceramic spacer on a mold support and raising the mold support until the ceramic spacer contacts the mold. In yet another detailed aspect, wherein the mold includes a lower surface, the method further includes placing a heat insulation member on the mold support and insulating the lower surface of the mold by raising the mold support at least until the ceramic spacer contacts the mold and the heat insulation member is close to the mold.

[0014] In another aspect, the method also includes connecting the transmission to the mold support using a load balancer. In more detail, sealing the flange and port to each other includes placing a sealing material between the flange and the port.

[0015] This disclosure further describes and illustrates a motor extension system for use with a motor and a sintering chamber, wherein the sintering chamber includes a wall having a port defined within the wall. The system includes a shaft support having flanges and opposing ends, each end having an orifice, and the shaft support is insertable into the port up to the flange. The system also includes a shaft rotatably supported by the shaft support, extending through each orifice, the shaft including opposing ends, wherein when the shaft support is inserted into the port, one end protrudes into the chamber, and the other end remains outside the chamber for coupling to a motor. The system also includes an annular seal disposed around the shaft, thereby maintaining a seal between the shaft and the shaft support.

[0016] In a more detailed aspect, the motor includes a shaft, and another end of the shaft includes a groove for receiving the motor shaft within the groove. In yet another detailed aspect, the motor extension system includes a motor mount having opposing sides, wherein one side of the motor mount is connected to a shaft support, and the opposing ends are capable of being fastened to the motor. In yet another detailed aspect, the system includes a second flange extending from the shaft support, wherein the second flange supports the motor mount. In yet another more detailed aspect, the system also includes another annular seal disposed around the shaft, wherein each annular seal maintains a seal between the shaft and the shaft support. In even more detailed aspects, at least one of these annular seals includes a rotating shaft seal. In another aspect, the motor extension system includes an O-ring disposed around the shaft support and located between the flange and the port when the shaft support is inserted into the port.

[0017] The structure, overall operation, and technical features of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings herein.

[0018] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and illustrative, intended to provide further explanation of the claimed invention. Attached Figure Description

[0019] This disclosure is best understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be emphasized that, by convention, the various features in the drawings are not to scale. Rather, for clarity, the dimensions of the various features have been arbitrarily enlarged or reduced. The drawings include the following figures:

[0020] Figure 1 A portion of an SPS device is shown;

[0021] Figure 2 A mold is schematically illustrated between the upper and lower pressure heads, with the mold support in a raised position;

[0022] Figure 3 An exploded view of the motor extension system and the motor is shown;

[0023] Figure 4 A partial sectional view of the motor and its extension system is shown;

[0024] Figure 5 Examples Figure 1 An enlarged view of a portion of the transmission device and a part of the mold support;

[0025] Figure 6 A mold is schematically illustrated between the upper and lower pressure heads, with the mold support in the retracted position;

[0026] Figure 7 An automated device and a lifting and retraction system, including a controller, are schematically illustrated; and

[0027] Figure 8 An example of a method for providing power in a sintering chamber is illustrated. Detailed Implementation

[0028] One embodiment relates to lifting and retraction systems and methods, as well as motor extension systems, for high-temperature environments, such as in the sintering chamber of a hot press or SPS equipment. Exemplary systems and methods are shown and described. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this is merely illustrative and not limiting in nature, presented only by way of example. Many modifications and other embodiments are also within the scope of those skilled in the art and are considered to be within the scope of the invention. Furthermore, those skilled in the art should understand that the specific conditions and configurations are exemplary, and the actual conditions and configurations will depend on the specific application. In this regard, these methods and systems have been described and shown in conjunction with the sintering chamber of an SPS equipment, but with a few exceptions, these methods and systems can be applied to other types of high-temperature environments, such as the sintering chamber of a hot press. One exception is that insulation should not be applied to the mold in a hot press, as it would impede the transfer of heat from the heating element to the mold. However, the embodiments described herein can be used to support the mold in a hot press. Those skilled in the art will also be able to recognize and identify equivalents of the specific elements shown using experiments not exceeding those of the conventional method.

[0029] Switch to the attached image. Figure 1 Examples of SPS devices commercially available from manufacturers such as Thermal Technology LLC of Minden, Nevada, USA are shown. Specifically, Figure 1 The sintering chamber 10 and the pressure head 12 are illustrated. Figure 2 A mold 14 is schematically illustrated between a lower pressure head 12 and an upper plunger 15. To sinter a material (typically a powder), the material is placed in the mold 14, and the mold 15 is placed on the lower pressure head 12. The upper pressure head 15 is then lowered to apply pressure to the upper punch (not shown) of the mold 14, thereby compressing and sintering the material within the mold. Specifically, the upper pressure head 15 presses the punch of the mold 14 against the lower pressure head 12 to compress and sinter the material within the mold. Heat is also applied by passing an electric current through the mold 14, and, if conductive, through the material within the mold 14. For efficiency, the outer circumference of the mold 14 and its exposed upper surface are typically covered with a sheath (not shown). The bottom of the mold 14 also has layers of heat insulation 68 adjacent to it (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 2 The heat insulation element 68 helps retain heat within the mold 14 to promote sintering. The heat insulation element 68 preferably comprises graphite fibers.

[0030] During the sintering process, the material in mold 14 sintersects into a solid sintered body and may shrink and detach from the inner wall of the mold. This shrinkage may cause mold 14 to slide downward toward the pressure head 12 relative to the sintered body in the mold. To prevent mold 14 from sliding downward, Figure 1 An example is shown of a lifting and retraction system 16 used to support mold 14.

[0031] The sintering chamber 10 includes opposing walls 18 defining the vertical sides of the chamber. Each wall 18 includes multiple ports 20 (only a few representative ports 20 are shown for clarity and to avoid clutter). A lifting and retraction system 16 is mounted to the walls 18 of the sintering chamber 18 and to four of the ports 20. The portion of each port 20 located outside the sintering chamber 10 includes a flange conforming to ISO 2861 clamp-type quick-release fittings (referred to as KF flanges), which are commercially available from suppliers such as Thorlabs Inc. of Newton, New Jersey, USA. The abbreviation "KF" is an abbreviation of the German phrase "klein flansche," meaning small flange. These flanges are available in several standard sizes with inner diameters of 16 mm, 25 mm, and 40 mm, with the 40 mm flange suitable for larger sintering chambers that accommodate larger and heavier molds (requiring more robust structural components for support).

[0032] Figure 1 Each of the four ports 20 used by the lifting and retraction system 16 includes a motor 24 mounted to port 20. The motor 24 can be a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) product, such as a PG977 geared motor (977:1 reduction) with a hexagonal output shaft and encoder, available from suppliers such as AndyMark Inc., Kokomo, Indiana, USA, or McMaster-Carr Supply Company, Elmhust, Illinois, USA. Figure 3 As shown, each motor 24 is mounted to its corresponding port 20 via a motor extension system 22, which is shown in an exploded view.

[0033] refer to Figure 3The motor extension system 22 includes a shaft support 26 comprising a flange 28 and opposing ends 30 and 32, each end having an aperture 34, and the shaft support 26 being insertable into a port 20 until the flange 28 abuts against the port 20. The aperture 34 at each end 30 and 32 of the shaft support 26 includes an opening leading to a hole in the shaft support 26 extending along the longitudinal axis of the shaft support 26. The motor extension system 22 includes a shaft 40 rotatably supported by the shaft support 26. Specifically, the shaft 40 is supported in a hole extending along the longitudinal axis of the shaft support 26. The shaft 40 includes opposing ends 42 and 44, with end 42 protruding into the sintering chamber 10 when the shaft support 26 is inserted into the port 20, and the other end 44 remaining outside the sintering chamber 10.

[0034] An annular seal 36 is disposed around the shaft 40, forming a seal between the shaft 40 and the shaft support 26. The annular seal 36 extends near the end 42 of the shaft support 26 that protrudes into the sintering chamber 10. Figure 4 A partial cross-sectional view of the motor extension 22 is shown, illustrating another annular seal 36 disposed around the shaft 40, spaced apart from yet another annular seal 36 and close to the end 44 of the shaft 40 that remains outside the sintering chamber 10. Each annular seal 36 preferably comprises an O-ring made of a chemically resistant fluoroelastomer material.

[0035] Figure 3 and Figure 4 A further example is a spring-loaded rotary shaft seal 38, also referred to as an oil seal, disposed between the proximal end 32 (the end closest to the motor 24) of the shaft support 26 and its nearest annular seal 36. The distal end 34 (the end furthest from the motor 24) of the shaft support 26 includes a sleeve bearing 48, preferably made of oil-impregnated bronze. The sleeve bearing 48 is disposed between the distal end 34 of the shaft support 26 and its nearest annular seal 36. The annular seal 36, the rotary shaft seal 38, and the sleeve bearing 48 are COTS products available from suppliers such as McMaster-Carr Supply Company of Elmhurst, Illinois, USA. Each annular seal 36 forms a seal between the shaft 40 and the shaft support 26, more specifically, between the shaft 40 and the inner surface of the bore passing through the shaft support 26. A single annular seal 36 may be used, but a pair of seals 36 is preferred. If the vacuum or inert atmosphere within the sintering chamber 10 is disrupted due to leakage of the seals during sintering, the material within the mold 14 typically must be scrapped. Therefore, it is preferable to use two seals 36 for redundancy.

[0036] As described above, the motor extension system 22 includes a shaft 40 rotatably supported by a shaft support 26. The shaft 40 extends through each annular seal 36, a rotating shaft seal 38, and a sleeve bearing 48, wherein an airtight seal is maintained between the shaft 40 and each of the seals 36. The rotating shaft seal 38 and the sleeve bearing 48 allow the shaft 40 to rotate about its longitudinal axis while the seals 36 maintain an airtight seal. The rotating shaft seal 38 also contributes to maintaining an airtight seal. The shaft 40 includes opposing ends 42 and 44, one of which end 42 protrudes into the sintering chamber 10 (see [link to sintering chamber 10]). Figure 1 The other end 44 remains outside the sintering chamber 10. The motor 24 is coupled to the end 44 of the shaft 40 that remains outside the sintering chamber 10 (see [link]). Figure 1 When motor 24 is operated, shaft 40 is driven to rotate. In this respect, motor 24 is coupled to the end 44 of shaft 40 that remains outside the sintering chamber 10, whereby when motor 24 is operated, shaft 40 is driven to rotate. By coupling motor 24 to the outer end 44 of shaft 40, motor 24 is kept outside the sintering chamber 10, thus protected from the high temperatures inside.

[0037] Fastener 50 (see) Figure 1 The flange 28 and port 20 are fastened together and sealed to each other. More specifically, the flange 28 preferably has an outer diameter that substantially corresponds to the maximum outer diameter of the port 20, and the distal end 34 of the shaft support 26 is inserted into the port 20 until the flange 28 abuts the port 20. Thereafter, the fastener 50 secures the flange 28 to the port 20. The fastener 50 is preferably a conventional clamp type, also known as a hinged clamp, which extends around the outer circumference of both the flange 28 and the port 20, and fastens and seals them to each other. The fastener 50 includes a seal 52 disposed between the flange 28 and the port 20 (see [link to seal]). Figure 3 and Figure 4 The flange 28 and port 20 are sealed together by pressing against the seal 52. The seal 52 preferably comprises a resiliently deformable member 54 disposed on the outer periphery of the annular metal support 56, such as a seal 52 commercially available from McMaster-Carr Supply Company of Elmhurst, Illinois, USA. Suitable fasteners 50 are also available from the aforementioned supplier.

[0038] return Figure 1 The lifting and retraction system 16 includes a transmission device 58 installed in the sintering chamber 10. The transmission device 58 includes at least one gear 62 (see...). Figure 5 The at least one gear is coupled to the end 42 of the shaft 40 that protrudes into the sintering chamber 10. The transmission device 58 is coupled to the end 42 of each shaft 40 that protrudes into the sintering chamber 10. Figure 5 Examples Figure 1 A partially enlarged view shows a drive mechanism 58 and a portion of a mold support 64 coupled to the drive mechanism 58. When the shaft 40 rotates in one direction, the drive mechanism 58 raises the mold support 64, and when the shaft 40 rotates in the opposite direction, the drive mechanism 59 retracts the mold support 64, wherein the motor 24 is operable to rotate the shaft in both directions. Each drive mechanism 58 is coupled to the mold support 64, and each of the motors 24 operates its corresponding drive mechanism 58 such that all motors 24 work together to raise and retract the mold support 64 via the drive mechanism 58. The mold support 64 preferably comprises a carbon fiber composite material having a central hole 66 through which the pressure head 12 extends. Specifically, the motors 24 and the drive mechanism 58 work together to raise and retract the mold support 64 relative to the pressure head 12.

[0039] Figure 2 The mold support 64 in the raised position is schematically illustrated. In the raised position, the mold support 64 positions the heat insulation member 68 near the bottom of the mold 14, thus leaving a gap 69 between the heat insulation member 68 and the lower surface of the mold. More specifically, the lifting and retraction system 16 includes ceramic spacers 70 disposed on the mold support 64, and the drive 58 is operable to lift the mold support until the ceramic spacers 70 contact the mold 14. Preferably, a plurality of ceramic spacers are spaced apart around the mold support 64, each spacer 70 being embedded in a corresponding groove formed in the heat insulation member 68. The ceramic spacers 70 prevent the heat insulation member 68 from making full contact with the lower surface of the mold because the height of the spacer is greater than that of the heat insulation member 68. The ceramic spacers 70 are electrical insulators and inhibit the flow of current between the mold 14 and the mold support 64. Current flowing through the mold support 68 is undesirable because it does not contribute to effective heating of the mold 14 and may reduce the service life of the mold support 64. The heat insulation element 68 preferably comprises conductive graphite fibers. Some fibers may come into contact with the lower surface of the mold; however, the ceramic spacer 70 prevents large-area contact between the heat insulation element 68 and the lower surface of the mold, thereby maintaining the gap 69 and suppressing current flow through the mold support 64.

[0040] Figure 6 The mold support 64 in the retracted position is schematically illustrated. In the retracted position, it is connected to... Figure 2 Compared to the gap 69, the heat insulation element 68 is spaced further away from the lower surface of the mold 14. This space allows for the placement and removal of the mold 14 within the sintering chamber 10 using a forklift (not shown). Figure 6In the example, the upper pressure head 15 is retracted from the mold 14, so that the fork forks of the forklift arm can lift the mold 14 from the lower pressure head 12 and remove the mold from the sintering chamber 10.

[0041] refer to Figure 5 The portion of the mold support 64 located below the heat insulation element 68 includes multiple openings 72 (for ease of understanding and to prevent clutter in the drawings, only a few representative through holes are indicated, labeled 72). In use, the heat insulation element 68 is sewn onto the mold support 64, using the openings 72 to secure it in place. When the heat insulation element 68 deteriorates due to use, it can be replaced.

[0042] Continue to refer to Figure 5 The transmission device 58 includes a rod 74 having a longitudinal axis, wherein a gear 62 of the transmission device 58 engages the rod 74. When the gear 62 rotates, the gear drives the rod 74 to translate along the longitudinal axis of the rod. The gear 62 includes threads or teeth 73 that engage with threads or teeth 75 on the rod 74, driving the rod 74 to move when the gear 62 rotates. The lifting and retraction system 16 also includes a load balancer 76 connected to the mold support 64 and the rod 74. The load balancer 76 comprises a material capable of elastic deformation that is resistant to high-temperature degradation. Preferably, the elastically deformable material comprises a steel spring capable of withstanding the high temperatures of the sintering chamber 10. The elastically deformable material deforms more with increasing load and helps to accommodate uneven slippage that may occur on the mold 14.

[0043] like Figure 1 As can be seen, the mold support 64 includes a downwardly inclined portion 78 relative to the load balancer 76. The downwardly inclined portion 78 reduces the height of the mold support 64 in the area surrounding the mold 12 to avoid obstructing the window 80 on the wall 18 of the sintering chamber 10. It also avoids blocking the vacuum port 82 used for evacuating the mold chamber 10 during sintering.

[0044] Return to Figure 3 and Figure 4The motor extension 22 also includes a motor mount 84 having opposing sides. One side of the motor mount 84 is connected to the shaft support 26, and the opposing end is fastened to the motor 24. The motor extension 22 also includes a second flange 86 extending from the shaft support 22, wherein the second flange supports the motor mount 84. Fasteners 88 fasten the motor mount 84 to the flange 86 of the shaft support 22. The motor shaft 90 has a polyhedral shape (preferably hexagonal) and is received in a corresponding recess in the proximal end 44 of the shaft 40 of the shaft support 26. The motor mount 84 includes opposing apertures 92 that allow access to the proximal end 44 of the shaft when the shaft 40 is fitted onto the motor shaft 90. The apertures 92 allow tools (such as screwdrivers or wrenches) to be inserted therein to drive the fasteners and secure the shaft 40 to the motor shaft 90. Specifically, fasteners can be inserted into the opening 92 of the proximal end 44 of the shaft 40 to tighten the fastener (not shown) in the hole 94 of the proximal end 44 of the shaft.

[0045] Figure 7 An automated device 96, which may be provided for use with the sintering chamber 10, is schematically illustrated. The automated device 96 includes a robotic arm, forklift, or other device operable to insert and remove the mold 14 from the sintering chamber 10. When used with the automated device 96, the lifting and retraction system 16 also includes a controller 98 communicating with the automated device 96. The controller 98 also communicates with the motors 24, and more preferably with each motor 24. The controller 98 receives a signal 97 from the automated device 96 to lift and retract the mold 14. Based on the received signal, the controller 98 transmits and receives signals 103 with each motor 24 to coordinate the control of the motors 24, thereby lifting and retracting the mold 14 according to the signal 97 received by the controller 98 from the automated device 96. The controller 98 may also transmit the signal 97 to the automated device 96.

[0046] For example, after sintering, the automated equipment 96 can send a signal to the controller 98 to control the motor 24 to retract the mold support 64. In response, the controller 98 sends a signal 103 to the motor 24 to lower the mold support 64 to... Figure 6 The position shown. In this position, the forks of the lifting device or robotic arm can be inserted below the mold 14 and around the lower pressure head 12 to lift the mold 14 from the lower pressure head 12 and remove the mold 14 from the sintering chamber 10. Conversely, after the mold 14 is placed into the sintering chamber 10 and before sintering begins, the automated equipment 96 can signal the controller 98 to lift the mold support 68 to... Figure 2 The illustrated position positions the heat insulation 68 near the bottom of the mold 14 and the ceramic spacer 70 in contact with the mold 14.

[0047] Figure 8 A method 99 for providing power in a sintering chamber 10 is illustrated, wherein the sintering chamber includes a wall 18 having a port 20 defined therein. The method begins at block 100. The next step 102 is to provide a shaft support 26, which includes a flange 28 and opposing ends 30 and 32, each end having an orifice 34. Next, the method includes block 104, the steps of which are: providing an annular seal 36 around a shaft 40 and rotatably supporting the shaft 40 in the shaft support 26, the shaft 40 including opposing ends 42 and 44, one end passing through one orifice and the opposing end passing through the other orifice. More specifically, the shaft 40 is inserted into the shaft support 26 to rotatably support the shaft 40, wherein the annular seal 36 forms a gas seal between the shaft 40 and the shaft support 26 and maintains the gas seal as the shaft rotates. Preferably, a plurality of annular seals 36 are present (see...). Figure 4 ).

[0048] Subsequently, method 99 proceeds to block 106, in which the shaft support 26 is inserted into port 20 up to flange 28, wherein one end 42 of the shaft 40 protrudes into chamber 10, and the opposite end 44 of the shaft remains outside chamber 10. Next is block 108, in which a motor 24 is coupled to the end 44 of the shaft 40 remaining outside chamber 10, and the shaft 40 is driven to rotate when the motor 24 is operated. The next step is block 110, which provides a step of sealing flange 28 and port 20 together. This method allows motor 24 to operate outside the harsh environment of sintering chamber 10 while providing power within chamber 10 via shaft 40, shaft support 26, and port 20. Furthermore, maintaining the seal allows the sintering chamber to be evacuated or filled with a selected gas, such as argon, nitrogen, helium, or other selected gases.

[0049] On the other hand, method 99 also includes box 112 (see Figure 8 The steps are as follows: A transmission device 58 is installed in chamber 10, wherein the transmission device 58 includes at least one gear 62 and engages the gear 62 with the end of shaft 40 protruding into chamber 10. Next is frame 114, where the steps are as follows: A mold support 64 is engaged with the transmission device 58, wherein the shaft 40 is rotated in one direction and in the opposite direction by operating motor 24. When shaft 40 rotates in one direction, transmission device 58 lifts mold support 64, and when shaft 40 rotates in the opposite direction, transmission device 58 retracts mold support 64. Therefore, the rotational force from each motor 24 can be converted, according to the rotation of motor shaft 90, into lifting and retraction forces for mold support 64 via the transmission device.

[0050] In another aspect, method 99 includes block 116, which involves: placing a ceramic spacer 70 on a mold support 64 and raising the mold support 64 until the spacer 70 contacts the mold 14. Preferably, a plurality of spacers 70 are present. Block 118 further includes: placing a heat insulation member 68 on the mold support and raising the mold support until the ceramic spacer 70 contacts the mold 14 and the heat insulation member 68 is close to the mold. In this step, the ceramic spacer 70 helps prevent current from flowing between the heat insulation member 68 and the mold 14, while bringing the heat insulation member 68 close enough to the mold 14 to provide insulation. This also helps protect the mold support 64 from heat radiation emitted from the mold 14.

[0051] Box 120 shows that method 99 also includes connecting the drive 58 to the mold support 64 using a load balancer 76 to accommodate uneven sliding of the mold 14. The load balancer 76 comprises a resiliently deformable material capable of withstanding high-temperature environments, such as a steel spring. To ensure that chamber 10 remains sealed, box 121 further specifies the step of sealing flange 28 and port 20 together (box 110) including placing a sealing material between flange 28 and port 20. Method 99 then ends at box 122.

[0052] The foregoing description of preferred embodiments of the invention is presented for illustrative and descriptive purposes. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Modifications and alterations may be made in accordance with the foregoing teachings, or may be obtained in the practice of the invention. For example, a chain drive may be used instead of rod 74 to lift and retract the mold support 64 via drive gear 62. A pneumatic motor may be used instead of electric motor 24. The embodiments were chosen and described to explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, enabling those skilled in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications suitable for the particular intended use. The scope of the invention is intended to be defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A lifting and retraction system for use with a sintering chamber, wherein the sintering chamber includes a wall having a port defined therein, the system comprising: A shaft support member, the shaft support member including a flange and opposing ends, each end having an opening, and the shaft support member being insertable into the port up to the flange; A shaft, rotatably supported by a shaft support, the shaft including opposing ends, wherein when the shaft support is inserted into the port, one end protrudes into the sintering chamber and the other end remains outside the sintering chamber; An annular seal is disposed around the shaft and forms a seal between the shaft and the shaft support. A motor is coupled to the end of the shaft that is held outside the sintering chamber, and when the motor is operated, the shaft is driven to rotate. Fasteners that secure the flange and the port together and seal the flange and the port to each other; A transmission device, the transmission device being installed in the sintering chamber, the transmission device including at least one gear, the at least one gear being coupled to one end of the shaft protruding into the chamber; A mold support member is connected to the transmission device, wherein the transmission device lifts the mold support member when the shaft rotates in one direction and retracts the mold support member when the shaft rotates in the opposite direction, and the motor is operable to rotate the shaft in the one direction and the opposite direction.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the sintering chamber receiving mold further comprises a ceramic spacer disposed on the mold support, and the transmission device is operable to lift the mold support until the ceramic spacer contacts the mold.

3. The system of claim 2 further includes a heat insulation member disposed on the mold support member, wherein the transmission device lifts the mold support member until the ceramic spacer contacts the mold and the heat insulation member approaches the mold.

4. The system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the mold support comprises a carbon fiber composite material, the heat insulation element is disposed on the carbon fiber composite material, and the heat insulation element provides heat insulation for the mold.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the transmission device comprises a rod having a longitudinal axis, the at least one gear engaging the rod, and driving the rod to translate along the longitudinal axis of the rod when the gear rotates.

6. The system of claim 5 further includes a load balancer connected to the mold support and the rod, the load balancer comprising a material capable of elastic deformation.

7. The system according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, wherein the automated equipment is operable to insert the mold into the sintering chamber and remove the mold from the sintering chamber, the system further comprising a controller communicating with the automated equipment and the motor, the controller receiving signals from the automated equipment to raise and retract the mold.

8. A method for providing power in a sintering chamber, wherein the sintering chamber includes a wall having a port defined therein, the method comprising: Provides a shaft support including a flange and opposing ends, each end having an orifice; An annular seal is provided around the shaft, and the shaft is rotatably supported in the shaft support. The shaft includes opposing ends, one end extending through an orifice, and the opposing ends extending through another orifice. The shaft support is inserted into the port until the flange, wherein one end of the shaft protrudes into the chamber, and the opposite end of the shaft remains outside the chamber; The motor is connected to the end of the shaft that is held in the outdoor area, and drives the shaft to rotate when the motor is operated; as well as The flange and the port are sealed to each other.

9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: A transmission device is installed in the chamber, wherein the transmission device includes at least one gear, and the at least one gear is coupled to one end of the shaft that protrudes into the chamber; and The mold support is connected to the transmission device, wherein the shaft is rotated in one direction and in opposite directions by operating the motor. When the shaft rotates in the one direction, the transmission device lifts the mold support, and when the shaft rotates in the opposite direction, the transmission device retracts the mold support.

10. The method of claim 8, further comprising disposing a ceramic spacer on the mold support and raising the mold support until the ceramic spacer contacts the mold.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the mold includes a lower surface, the method further comprising providing a heat insulation member on the mold support, and insulating the lower surface of the mold by raising the mold support until the ceramic spacer contacts the mold and the heat insulation member approaches the mold.

12. The method according to claim 9, 10 or 11, further comprising connecting the transmission device to the mold support using a load balancer.

13. The method according to claim 8, 10 or 11, wherein sealing the flange and the port to each other comprises providing a sealing material between the flange and the port.

14. A motor extension system for use with a motor and a sintering chamber, wherein the sintering chamber includes a wall having a port defined therein, the system comprising: A shaft support member, the shaft support member including a flange and opposing ends, each end having an opening, and the shaft support member being insertable into the port up to the flange; A shaft, rotatably supported by a shaft support, extends through each orifice, the shaft including opposing ends, wherein when the shaft support is inserted into the port, one end protrudes into the chamber, and the other end remains outside the chamber for coupling to the motor; and An annular seal is disposed around the shaft to maintain a seal between the shaft and the shaft support.

15. The motor extension system of claim 14, wherein the motor includes a shaft, and the other end of the shaft includes a groove for receiving the motor shaft therein.

16. The motor extension system of claim 14 or 15 further includes a motor mount, the motor mount having opposing sides, wherein one side of the motor mount is connected to the shaft support, and the opposing ends are capable of being fastened to the motor.

17. The motor extension system of claim 16, further comprising a second flange extending from the shaft support, wherein the second flange supports the motor mount.

18. The motor extension system of claim 14 or 15, further comprising another annular seal disposed around the shaft, wherein each annular seal maintains a seal between the shaft and the shaft support.

19. The motor extension system of claim 18, wherein at least one of the annular seals comprises a rotating shaft seal.

20. The motor extension system of claim 14, further comprising an O-ring disposed around the shaft support and located between the flange and the port when the shaft support is inserted into the port.

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