Protective atmosphere experimental furnace with decarburization and multiple quenching functions and experimental method

Abstract

A protective atmosphere experimental furnace with decarburization and multiple quenching functions and an experimental method, the experimental furnace comprising a supporting base, a decarburization treatment chamber, a cooling chamber, a vertical automatic isolation door, a horizontal automatic isolation door, a quenching tank, a sample transfer mechanism, an atmosphere detection cabinet, an atmosphere control station and a control console; the decarburization treatment chamber and the cooling chamber are arranged side by side on the supporting base; the vertical automatic isolation door is arranged between the decarburization treatment chamber and the cooling chamber; the quenching tank is arranged on the supporting base and below the cooling chamber; the horizontal automatic isolation door is arranged between the cooling chamber and the quenching tank; and the sample transfer mechanism is arranged on the decarburization treatment chamber and the cooling chamber. The present application meets the experimental requirements of the composite carburization process of decarburization first and then carburization, meets the online switching of water quenching, oil quenching or salt bath quenching, automatically realizes the transfer of the sample from the decarburization treatment furnace to the quenching tank under the protective atmosphere, the sample transfer time and temperature are accurately controllable, the experimental efficiency is greatly improved, and the experimental cost is effectively reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of heat treatment technology for metallic materials, and in particular relates to a protective atmosphere experimental furnace and experimental method with decarburization and multiple quenching functions. Background Technology

[0002] Carburizing is an important process to improve the surface hardness and wear resistance of metal materials. The typical process of carburizing metal materials is to hold the material at a certain temperature and in a carburizing atmosphere for a certain time, and then perform water quenching, oil quenching, or salt bath quenching.

[0003] To obtain excellent strength, toughness and fatigue resistance, it is necessary to more precisely control the carbon content and carbon element distribution gradient on the surface of the metal material. A composite carburizing process of decarburization followed by carburizing has been proposed. The composite carburizing process usually involves: first, decarburizing the surface of the metal material in a heat treatment furnace using a decarburizing atmosphere; when the carbon content on the surface of the metal material is reduced to a certain level, then carburizing the surface of the metal material using a carburizing atmosphere, until the carbon content and carbon element distribution gradient on the surface of the metal material meet the design requirements.

[0004] In order to study the composite carburizing and quenching heat treatment process of metallic materials and to understand the influence of the composite carburizing process on the depth of the carburized layer, surface hardness, carbon element distribution gradient, and mechanical properties of the material, it is essential to explore the optimal process window through a large number of process experiments.

[0005] However, existing experiments on carburizing processes for metallic materials mainly rely on large-scale production line carburizing equipment or small laboratory carburizing furnaces. Large-scale production line carburizing equipment suffers from drawbacks such as large furnace size, complex process adjustments, and generally low control precision. If experiments are only conducted on single pieces or a small number of samples, not only is the experimental efficiency low, but the experimental cost is also high. Small laboratory carburizing furnaces, on the other hand, suffer from a small furnace size, which limits their applicability to small-sized samples.

[0006] In addition, whether it is existing large-scale production line carburizing equipment or small laboratory carburizing furnace, they usually lack controllable decarburization function, and the quenching function is also relatively simple. During the experiment, they can only meet one of water quenching, oil quenching or salt bath quenching, and cannot switch the quenching type online.

[0007] Furthermore, after the sample has completed carburizing in the carburizing furnace, it needs to be manually removed from the furnace and transferred to a quenching tank in an atmospheric environment for quenching. However, transferring the sample in an atmospheric environment will inevitably lead to oxidation of the sample surface, and the time and temperature during the sample transfer process cannot be precisely controlled. This will inevitably change the carburizing effect of the sample to some extent, thereby affecting the physical properties of the sample surface after quenching. Summary of the Invention

[0008] To address the problems existing in the prior art, this invention provides a protective atmosphere experimental furnace and experimental method with decarburization and multiple quenching functions. It can meet the experimental requirements of composite carburizing processes that involve decarburization followed by carburization, and can meet the online switching of water quenching, oil quenching, or salt bath quenching. It can automatically transfer the sample from the decarburization furnace to the quenching tank under a protective atmosphere, avoiding oxidation during sample transfer. The time and temperature during sample transfer can be precisely controlled, greatly improving experimental efficiency and effectively reducing experimental costs.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a protective atmosphere experimental furnace with decarburization and multiple quenching functions, comprising a support base, a decarburization treatment chamber, a cooling chamber, a vertical automatic isolation door, a horizontal automatic isolation door, a quenching tank, a sample transfer mechanism, an atmosphere detection cabinet, an atmosphere control station, and a control console; the decarburization treatment chamber and the cooling chamber are arranged side by side on the support base; the vertical automatic isolation door is located between the decarburization treatment chamber and the cooling chamber; the quenching tank is located on the support base and below the cooling chamber; the horizontal automatic isolation door is located between the cooling chamber and the quenching tank; the sample transfer mechanism is located on the decarburization treatment chamber and the cooling chamber; the atmosphere detection cabinet, the atmosphere control station, and the control console are arranged side by side with the support base on the laboratory floor.

[0010] The decarburization treatment chamber includes a shell, a refractory lining, a muffle tank, heating elements, and a forced atmosphere circulation unit. The shell is fixedly mounted on a support base. The refractory lining is fixedly laid on the inner surface of the shell. The muffle tank is horizontally fixed at the center of the shell. The heating elements are fixedly arranged between the muffle tank and the refractory lining. The forced atmosphere circulation unit is sealed through the shell and the refractory lining, with its fan end connected to the muffle tank and its main unit mounted on the support base. The electrical control terminals of the heating elements and the forced atmosphere circulation unit are both electrically connected to the control console.

[0011] The forced atmosphere circulation unit includes a forced atmosphere circulation drive motor, a roller-guided motor support, a belt and pulley transmission mechanism, a forced atmosphere circulation drive shaft, a forced atmosphere circulation fan impeller, and a heat-resistant bushing. The roller-guided motor support is mounted on a support base. The forced atmosphere circulation drive motor is a variable frequency speed control motor, horizontally fixed on the roller-guided motor support. The heat-resistant bushing is fixedly installed in the shell and refractory lining. The forced atmosphere circulation drive shaft is a hollow water-cooled shaft, with its water-cooling cavity connected to a cooling water circulation system. The forced atmosphere circulation drive shaft is coaxially rotatably connected to the heat-resistant bushing via a heat-resistant bearing. The motor shaft of the forced atmosphere circulation drive motor is connected to one end of the forced atmosphere circulation drive shaft via a belt and pulley transmission mechanism. The forced atmosphere circulation fan impeller is coaxially fixed to the other end of the forced atmosphere circulation drive shaft, located within the forced atmosphere circulation vent of the muffle tank. The electrical control terminal of the forced atmosphere circulation drive motor is electrically connected to the control console.

[0012] A thermocouple, an oxygen probe, an atmosphere inlet connector, and a combustible waste gas emission ignition processor are fixedly mounted on the housing. An atmosphere sampling port is installed on a muffle tank located outside the housing. The measuring end of the thermocouple extends into the chamber of the muffle tank to measure the temperature inside the chamber. The measuring end of the oxygen probe extends into the chamber of the muffle tank to measure the oxygen content in the atmosphere inside the chamber. The outlet end of the atmosphere inlet connector extends into the chamber of the muffle tank to introduce a protective atmosphere for the experiment into the chamber. The inlet end of the combustible waste gas emission ignition processor extends into the chamber of the muffle tank, and the exhaust combustion end of the combustible waste gas emission ignition processor is located outside the housing. The electrical control terminals of the thermocouple, oxygen probe, and combustible waste gas emission ignition processor are all electrically connected to the control console.

[0013] The cooling chamber includes a housing, a cooling drive motor, a fixed motor support, a cooling drive shaft, and a cooling fan impeller. The housing is fixedly mounted on a support base. The fixed motor support is mounted on the top of the housing. The cooling drive motor is vertically mounted on the fixed motor support with its shaft facing downwards. The cooling drive shaft is vertically positioned and passes through the housing in a sealed manner, with its upper end coaxially fixed to the motor shaft of the cooling drive motor. The cooling fan impeller is coaxially fixed to the lower end of the cooling drive shaft and is located inside the housing, above the control panel. The electrical control terminal of the cooling drive motor is electrically connected to the control console.

[0014] A lateral transfer channel is provided on the side panel of the housing opposite the vertical automatic isolation door. The lateral transfer channel is sealed to one side of the door frame of the vertical automatic isolation door, and the other side of the door frame of the vertical automatic isolation door is sealed to the sample inlet / outlet of the muffle tank. The gate plate of the vertical automatic isolation door is driven by a cylinder, and the control terminal of the vertical automatic isolation door is electrically connected to the control console. A vertical transfer channel is provided on the bottom plate of the housing opposite the horizontal automatic isolation door. The vertical transfer channel is connected to the horizontal automatic isolation door. The door frame is sealed on one side, and the other side of the horizontal automatic isolation door is sealed against the top of the quenching tank. The gate plate of the horizontal automatic isolation door is driven by a cylinder, and the control terminal of the horizontal automatic isolation door is electrically connected to the control console. A sample loading and unloading compartment door is provided on the side plate of the box adjacent to the lateral transfer channel opening, and a transparent observation window is provided on the side plate of the box directly opposite the lateral transfer channel opening. A protective atmosphere inlet, a protective atmosphere outlet, and an explosion-proof pressure relief outlet are also provided on the box.

[0015] The quenching tanks are classified into water quenching tanks, oil quenching tanks, and salt bath tanks according to the different quenching types. The tank structures of the water quenching tanks, oil quenching tanks, and salt bath tanks are identical, and each tank is equipped with a heating and temperature control component to heat and control the quenching medium within the tank. Each of the water quenching tanks, oil quenching tanks, and salt bath tanks is equipped with a tank cover mechanism at the top opening, on which a temperature equalization stirrer is installed to regulate the temperature of the quenching medium within the tank. Homogenization treatment; the bottom of the water quenching tank, oil quenching tank and salt bath tank are all equipped with track wheels; a water quenching tank guide rail is fixedly installed on the support base below the horizontal automatic isolation door, and the track wheels are guided and connected to the water quenching tank guide rail. The quenching tank moves in position through the cooperation of the track wheels and the water quenching tank guide rail; a water quenching tank lifting cylinder is vertically installed on the support base on both sides of the water quenching tank guide rail, with the piston rod of the water quenching tank lifting cylinder facing upward, and the control end of the water quenching tank lifting cylinder is electrically connected to the control console.

[0016] The sample transfer mechanism includes a sample transfer flatcar, a flatcar guide rail, a material basket, a sample horizontal transfer push-pull rod, a sample vertical transfer long-stroke cylinder, a sample vertical transfer short-stroke cylinder, a sample vertical transfer force transmission plate, a sample vertical transfer lifting rod, a lifting rod guide sealing support, a push-pull rod guide sealing support, and a material fork. The flatcar guide rail is horizontally laid throughout the decarburization treatment chamber and the cooling chamber. The sample transfer flatcar is set on the flatcar guide rail and is used to place the material basket, which is used to place the metal material sample. The push-pull rod guide sealing support is horizontally fixed to the side plate of the box below the transparent observation window. The sample horizontal transfer push-pull rod is horizontally inserted into the push-pull rod guide sealing support. A handle is fixedly installed at the end of the sample horizontal transfer push-pull rod on the outside of the box, and a hook is fixedly installed at the end of the sample horizontal transfer push-pull rod on the inside of the box. A hook seat is fixedly installed on the body of the sample transfer flatcar facing the transparent observation window, and the hook seat and hook head are engaged in a hook-and-hook engagement; the long-stroke vertical transfer cylinder for the sample is vertically fixed above the top plate of the box with the piston rod facing upward; the short-stroke vertical transfer cylinder for the sample is vertically installed above the long-stroke vertical transfer cylinder for the sample, with the piston rod of the short-stroke vertical transfer cylinder facing downward and coaxially fixed to the piston rod of the short-stroke vertical transfer cylinder for the sample; the vertical transfer force transmission plate for the sample is horizontally fixed to the top of the short-stroke vertical transfer cylinder for the sample; the lifting rod guide sealing support is vertically fixed to the top plate of the box; the vertical transfer lifting rod for the sample is vertically inserted into the lifting rod guide sealing support, and the top end of the vertical transfer lifting rod for the sample is fixedly connected to the vertical transfer force transmission plate for the sample; the fork is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the vertical transfer lifting rod for the sample and is directly opposite the sample loading and unloading compartment door, and the fork engages with the material basket.

[0017] The atmosphere detection cabinet is equipped with an infrared gas analyzer and a dew point meter. The infrared gas analyzer is connected to the atmosphere sampling port via a pipeline to detect the gas component content of the atmosphere inside the muffle tank. The dew point meter is also connected to the atmosphere sampling port via a pipeline to detect the H2O content of the atmosphere inside the muffle tank. The electrical control terminals of both the infrared gas analyzer and the dew point meter are electrically connected to the control console. The atmosphere control station includes a humidifier, an N2 supply regulation system, an H2 supply regulation system, a methanol supply evaporation system, a methane supply regulation system, an air supply regulation system, and a carbon potential meter. The electrical control terminals of the humidifier, N2 supply regulation system, H2 supply regulation system, methanol supply evaporation system, methane supply regulation system, air supply regulation system, and carbon potential meter are all electrically connected to the control console. The humidifier, N2 supply regulation system, and H2 supply regulation system together constitute a decarbonization atmosphere regulation component. The N2 supply regulation system, methanol supply evaporation system, methane supply regulation system, air supply regulation system, and carbon potential meter together constitute a carburizing atmosphere regulation component. Atmosphere conditioning components; the airflow rates output by the N2 supply conditioning system, H2 supply conditioning system, methanol supply evaporation system, methane supply conditioning system, and air supply conditioning system are all controlled by a gas mass flow controller; the outlet of the humidifier is connected to the atmosphere inlet connector via a pipeline, and the dew point of the decarbonization atmosphere is controlled by the humidifier; the outlet of the N2 supply conditioning system is connected to the atmosphere inlet connector and the protective atmosphere inlet connector via pipelines respectively; the outlets of the H2 supply conditioning system, methanol supply evaporation system, methane supply conditioning system, and air supply conditioning system are all connected to the atmosphere inlet connector via pipelines; the methanol output from the methanol supply evaporation system mixes with the N2 output from the N2 supply conditioning system to form a nitrogen-based atmosphere carrier gas, the methane output from the methane supply conditioning system serves as the enrichment gas, and the air output from the air supply conditioning system serves as the balance gas; the decomposition of methanol and methane, and their mixing with the introduced N2, forms the carburizing atmosphere required for the experiment, and the content ratio of N2, H2, and CO in the carburizing atmosphere is N2: H2:CO = 40:40:20. The carbon potential of the carburizing atmosphere is obtained by controlling the flow rates of N2, methanol, methane and air and adjusting the carbon potential using a carbon potential meter. The carbon potential adjustment range is 0.8% to 1.5%. A heating tape is wrapped around the atmosphere transmission pipeline connected to the atmosphere inlet connector. The heating tape heats the atmosphere transmission pipeline to prevent the gaseous methanol and H2O from condensing.

[0018] An experimental method for a composite carburizing and quenching heat treatment process of metallic materials, employing the aforementioned protective atmosphere experimental furnace with decarburizing and multiple quenching functions, includes the following steps: Step 1: Open the sample loading and unloading compartment door, place the metal material sample into the material basket, place the material basket containing the metal material sample onto the sample transfer flatcar, and then close the sample loading and unloading compartment door. Step 2: Move the selected quenching tank to the bottom of the horizontal automatic isolation door. The quenching medium in the quenching tank has been preheated and homogenized, and the quenching medium is in a constant temperature state in the quenching tank. Step 3: Activate the water quenching tank lifting cylinder to lift the quenching tank upwards until the top opening of the quenching tank is in sealing contact with the top of the horizontal automatic isolation door frame. Step 4: Activate the heating element to heat the environment surrounding the muffle tank. When the temperature rises to 300℃, purge the muffle tank chamber with N2 through the atmosphere inlet connector, and simultaneously purge the cooling chamber with N2 through the protective atmosphere inlet. When the temperature rises to 700℃ and the oxygen content in the muffle tank chamber is below 0.2%, open the gate of the vertical automatic isolation door to connect the cooling chamber with the muffle tank. Step 5: Hold the handle and push the sample translation and transfer push rod so that the hook head moves towards the hook seat and rests against the hook seat. Then continue to push the sample translation and transfer push rod to move the sample transfer flatcar along the flatcar guide rail from the cooling chamber to the muffle tank. Step 6: Pull back the sample translation and transfer push rod until the hook head disengages from the hook seat. Continue until the sample translation and transfer push rod returns to its initial position, leaving the sample transfer flatcar carrying the material basket and metal material sample in the muffle tank. Then close the gate plate of the vertical automatic isolation door to complete the sealing of the muffle tank. Step 7: Continue heating the environment around the muffle tank using electric heating elements until the temperature reaches the set decarburization process temperature; Step 8: At the decarburization process temperature, N2 and H2 are simultaneously introduced into the chamber of the muffle tank at a set flow rate through the atmosphere inlet connector to form a decarburization atmosphere. The dew point of the decarburization atmosphere is controlled by a humidifier until the set decarburization process holding time is reached, and then the temperature is adjusted to the carburizing process temperature. During the decarburization process, the forced atmosphere circulation unit is activated simultaneously. Step 9: At the carburizing process temperature, N2, methanol, methane, and air are simultaneously introduced into the muffle tank chamber through the atmosphere inlet connector at a set flow rate. H2O is introduced into the muffle tank chamber through the humidifier. The flow rates of methane and air are controlled based on the detection results of the carbon potential meter to form a carburizing atmosphere until the set carburizing process holding time is reached. During the carburizing process, the forced atmosphere circulation unit is activated simultaneously. Step 10: After the carburizing process heat preservation time is over, open the gate of the vertical automatic isolation door to reconnect the cooling chamber and the muffle tank. Step 11: Hold the handle and push the sample translation and transfer push rod to bring the hook head close to the hook seat and move it directly below the hook seat. Then rotate the sample translation and transfer push rod to screw the hook head into the hook seat and hook the hook head together with the hook seat. Then pull back the sample translation and transfer push rod to move the sample transfer flatcar along the flatcar guide rail from the muffle tank to the cooling chamber until the fork is inserted into the basket. Step 12: When performing the air cooling process, start the cooling drive motor directly. The rotating cooling fan impeller generates a flowing N2 protective atmosphere in the cooling chamber. The flowing N2 protective atmosphere is used to air cool the carburized metal sample. When performing the quenching process, open the gate of the horizontal automatic isolation door to connect the cooling chamber with the quenching tank. Step 13: Activate the short-stroke cylinder for vertical transfer of the sample, which will extend the piston rod of the cylinder and drive the cylinder barrel, the vertical transfer force plate, the vertical transfer rod and the fork of the cylinder to be lifted in a short stroke. The lifted fork will lift the basket containing the metal material sample away from the sample transfer flatcar. Step Fourteen: Continue to pull back the sample translation and transfer push rod so that the unloaded sample transfer flatcar moves away from under the material basket and the material basket is directly above the quenching tank. Then rotate the sample translation and transfer push rod in the opposite direction so that the hook head is unscrewed from the hook seat and the sample translation and transfer push rod returns to the initial position. Step 15: Activate the long-stroke vertical transfer cylinder for the sample, causing the piston rod of the long-stroke vertical transfer cylinder to retract, which in turn drives the short-stroke vertical transfer cylinder for the sample, the vertical transfer force plate for the sample, the vertical transfer lifting rod for the sample, and the fork to descend in a long stroke. The descending fork then drops the basket containing the metal material sample into the quenching medium in the quenching tank. Step 16: Restart the vertical transfer cylinder for the sample, so that the piston rod of the vertical transfer cylinder for the sample can reciprocate in a short stroke at a set frequency, causing the basket and the metal sample to reciprocate in a short stroke in the quenching medium, so that the metal sample can fully contact and exchange heat with the quenching medium until the set quenching time is reached. Step 17: After the quenching time is over, close the short-stroke cylinder for vertical transfer of the sample and start the long-stroke cylinder for vertical transfer of the sample again. Move the short-stroke cylinder for vertical transfer of the sample, the vertical transfer force plate for the sample, the vertical transfer rod for the sample and the fork to rise in a long stroke until the basket on the fork and the metal sample are raised to the height of the sample pick-up and drop-off compartment door. Step 18: Open the sample loading and unloading chamber door, remove the basket containing the metal material sample from the cooling chamber, and then restore the protective atmosphere experimental furnace to its initial state to prepare for the next experiment.

[0019] The beneficial effects of this invention are: The protective atmosphere experimental furnace and experimental method of the present invention, which have decarburization and multiple quenching functions, can meet the experimental requirements of composite carburizing process of decarburization first and then carburization, can meet the online switching of water quenching, oil quenching or salt bath quenching, can automatically transfer the sample from the decarburization treatment furnace to the quenching tank under the protective atmosphere, avoids oxidation during the sample transfer, and the time and temperature during the sample transfer process can be precisely controlled, which greatly improves the experimental efficiency and effectively reduces the experimental cost. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the protective atmosphere experimental furnace with decarburization and multiple quenching functions of the present invention (viewpoint 1, overall). Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram (view 2, cross-section) of the protective atmosphere experimental furnace (atmosphere detection cabinet, atmosphere control station and control console are not shown in the figure) with decarburization and multiple quenching functions of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the decarburization treatment chamber of the present invention (view 1, overall). Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the decarburization treatment chamber (partial structure of the sample transfer mechanism shown inside the muffle tank) of the present invention (viewpoint 2, cross-section). Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the decarburization treatment chamber (muffle tank and forced atmosphere circulation unit are not shown in the figure) of the present invention (view 2, cross-sectional view). Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram (cross-sectional view) of the combined structure of the muffle tank (with a partial structure of the sample transfer mechanism inside) and the forced atmosphere circulation unit of the present invention. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram (sectional view) of the combined structure of the cooling chamber, vertical automatic isolation door, horizontal automatic isolation door, quenching tank and sample transfer mechanism (partial) of the present invention. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the support base of the present invention (on which a water quenching tank lifting cylinder is shown); In the diagram, 1—support base, 2—decarburization treatment chamber, 3—cooling chamber, 4—vertical automatic isolation door, 5—horizontal automatic isolation door, 6—quenching tank, 7—sample transfer mechanism, 8—atmosphere detection cabinet, 9—atmosphere control station, 10—control console, 11—shell, 12—refractory lining, 13—muffle tank, 14—heating element, 15—forced atmosphere circulation unit, 16—forced atmosphere circulation drive motor, 17—roller-guided motor support, 18—belt and pulley transmission mechanism, 19—forced atmosphere circulation drive shaft, 20—forced atmosphere circulation fan impeller, 21—heat-resistant bushing, 22—temperature measuring thermocouple, 23—oxygen probe, 24—atmosphere inlet connector, 25—combustible waste gas emission ignition processor, 26—atmosphere sampling port, 27—box, 28—cooling drive motor, 29—fixed motor support, 30—cooling drive shaft, 31—cooling air... Fan impeller, 32—lateral transfer channel opening, 33—sample inlet / outlet channel opening, 34—vertical transfer channel opening, 35—sample loading / unloading chamber door, 36—transparent observation window, 37—protective atmosphere inlet, 38—protective atmosphere outlet, 39—explosion-proof pressure relief port, 40—water quenching tank, 41—oil quenching tank, 42—salt bath tank, 43—tank cover mechanism, 44—track wheel, 45—water quenching tank guide rail, 46—water quenching tank lifting cylinder, 47— Sample transfer flatcar, 48—flatcar guide rail, 49—material basket, 50—sample horizontal transfer push-pull rod, 51—sample vertical transfer long-stroke cylinder, 52—sample vertical transfer short-stroke cylinder, 53—sample vertical transfer force transmission plate, 54—sample vertical transfer lifting rod, 55—lifting rod guide sealing support, 56—push-pull rod guide sealing support, 57—material fork, 58—metal material sample, 59—handle, 60—hook head, 61—hook seat. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0022] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown, a protective atmosphere experimental furnace with decarburization and multiple quenching functions includes a support base 1, a decarburization treatment chamber 2, a cooling chamber 3, a vertical automatic isolation door 4, a horizontal automatic isolation door 5, a quenching tank 6, a sample transfer mechanism 7, an atmosphere detection cabinet 8, an atmosphere control station 9, and a control console 10. The decarburization treatment chamber 2 and the cooling chamber 3 are arranged side by side on the support base 1. The vertical automatic isolation door 4 is located between the decarburization treatment chamber 2 and the cooling chamber 3. The quenching tank 6 is located on the support base 1 and below the cooling chamber 3. The horizontal automatic isolation door 5 is located between the cooling chamber 3 and the quenching tank 6. The sample transfer mechanism 7 is arranged on the decarburization treatment chamber 2 and the cooling chamber 3. The atmosphere detection cabinet 8, the atmosphere control station 9, and the control console 10 are arranged side by side with the support base 1 on the laboratory floor.

[0023] The decarburization treatment chamber 2 includes a shell 11, a refractory lining 12, a muffle tank 13, an electric heating element 14, and a forced atmosphere circulation unit 15. The shell 11 is fixedly installed on the support base 1. The refractory lining 12 is fixedly laid on the inner surface of the shell 11. The muffle tank 13 is horizontally fixed at the center of the shell 11. The electric heating element 14 is fixedly arranged between the muffle tank 13 and the refractory lining 12. The forced atmosphere circulation unit 15 is sealed through the shell 11 and the refractory lining 12. The fan end of the forced atmosphere circulation unit 15 is connected to the muffle tank 13, and the main unit end of the forced atmosphere circulation unit 15 is set on the support base 1. The electric heating element 14 and the electrical control end of the forced atmosphere circulation unit 15 are both electrically connected to the control console 10.

[0024] The forced atmosphere circulation unit 15 includes a forced atmosphere circulation drive motor 16, a roller-guided motor support 17, a belt and pulley transmission mechanism 18, a forced atmosphere circulation drive shaft 19, a forced atmosphere circulation fan impeller 20, and a heat-resistant bushing 21. The roller-guided motor support 17 is mounted on a support base 1. The forced atmosphere circulation drive motor 16 is a variable frequency speed control motor, and is horizontally fixed on the roller-guided motor support 17. The heat-resistant bushing 21 is fixedly installed in the shell 11 and the refractory lining 12. The forced atmosphere circulation drive shaft 19 is a hollow water-cooled shaft. The forced circulation drive shaft 19 is connected to an external cooling water circulation system through a water-cooled cavity. The forced circulation drive shaft 19 is coaxially rotatably connected to the inside of the heat-resistant bushing 21 via a heat-resistant bearing. The motor shaft of the forced circulation drive motor 16 is connected to one end of the forced circulation drive shaft 19 via a belt and pulley transmission mechanism 18. The forced circulation fan impeller 20 is coaxially fixed to the other end of the forced circulation drive shaft 19 and is located inside the forced circulation ventilation port of the muffle tank 13. The electrical control terminal of the forced circulation drive motor 16 is electrically connected to the control console 10.

[0025] A thermocouple 22, an oxygen probe 23, an atmosphere inlet connector 24, and a combustible waste gas emission ignition processor 25 are fixedly installed on the housing 11. An atmosphere sampling port 26 is installed on the muffle tank 13 located outside the housing 11. The temperature measuring end of the thermocouple 22 extends into the chamber of the muffle tank 13 to measure the temperature inside the chamber. The measuring end of the oxygen probe 23 extends into the chamber of the muffle tank 13 to measure the oxygen content in the atmosphere inside the chamber. The outlet end of the atmosphere inlet connector 24 extends into the chamber of the muffle tank 13 to introduce a protective atmosphere for experiments into the chamber. The inlet end of the combustible waste gas emission ignition processor 25 extends into the chamber of the muffle tank 13, and the exhaust combustion end of the combustible waste gas emission ignition processor 25 is located outside the housing 11. The electrical control terminals of the thermocouple 22, the oxygen probe 23, and the combustible waste gas emission ignition processor 25 are all electrically connected to the control console 10.

[0026] The cooling chamber 3 includes a housing 27, a cooling drive motor 28, a fixed motor support 29, a cooling drive shaft 30, and a cooling fan impeller 31. The housing 27 is fixedly mounted on the support base 1. The fixed motor support 29 is mounted on the top of the housing 27. The cooling drive motor 28 is vertically fixed on the fixed motor support 29 with the motor shaft facing downwards. The cooling drive shaft 30 is vertically arranged and passes through the housing 27 in a sealed manner. The upper end of the cooling drive shaft 30 is coaxially fixedly connected to the motor shaft of the cooling drive motor 28. The cooling fan impeller 31 is coaxially fixedly mounted on the lower end of the cooling drive shaft 30, and the cooling fan impeller 31 is located inside the upper part of the housing 27. The electrical control terminal of the cooling drive motor 28 is electrically connected to the control console 10.

[0027] A lateral transfer channel 32 is provided on the side plate of the housing 27 opposite to the vertical automatic isolation door 4. The lateral transfer channel 32 is sealed to one side of the door frame of the vertical automatic isolation door 4, and the other side of the door frame of the vertical automatic isolation door 4 is sealed to the sample inlet / outlet 33 of the muffle tank 13. The gate plate of the vertical automatic isolation door 4 is driven by a cylinder, and the control terminal of the vertical automatic isolation door 4 is electrically connected to the control console 10. A vertical transfer channel 34 is provided on the bottom plate of the housing 27 opposite to the horizontal automatic isolation door 5. The vertical transfer channel 34 is connected to the horizontal automatic isolation door 5. The door frame of the horizontal automatic isolation door 5 is sealed on one side, and the other side of the door frame of the horizontal automatic isolation door 5 is sealed against the top of the quenching tank 6. The gate plate of the horizontal automatic isolation door 5 is driven by a cylinder to open and close. The control terminal of the horizontal automatic isolation door 5 is electrically connected to the control console 10. A sample loading and unloading door 35 is provided on the side plate of the box 27 adjacent to the lateral transfer channel 32. A transparent observation window 36 is provided on the side plate of the box 27 directly opposite to the lateral transfer channel 32. A protective atmosphere inlet 37, a protective atmosphere outlet 38, and an explosion-proof pressure relief outlet 39 are also provided on the box 27.

[0028] The quenching tank 6 is divided into a water quenching tank 40, an oil quenching tank 41, and a salt bath tank 42, depending on the quenching type. The water quenching tank 40, oil quenching tank 41, and salt bath tank 42 have the same tank structure, and each is equipped with a heating and temperature control component to heat and control the quenching medium within the tank. Each of the water quenching tank 40, oil quenching tank 41, and salt bath tank 42 has a tank cover mechanism 43 at the top opening, on which a temperature homogenizing stirrer is installed to homogenize the temperature of the quenching medium within the tank. The bottom of the water quenching tank 40, oil quenching tank 41, and salt bath tank 42 are all equipped with track wheels 44; a water quenching tank guide rail 45 is fixedly installed on the support base 1 below the horizontal automatic isolation door 5, and the track wheels 44 are guided and connected to the water quenching tank guide rail 45. The quenching tank 6 moves in position through the cooperation of the track wheels 44 and the water quenching tank guide rail 45; a water quenching tank lifting cylinder 46 is vertically installed on the support base 1 on both sides of the water quenching tank guide rail 45, with the piston rod of the water quenching tank lifting cylinder 46 facing upward, and the control end of the water quenching tank lifting cylinder 46 is electrically connected to the control console 10.

[0029] The sample transfer mechanism 7 includes a sample transfer flatcar 47, a flatcar guide rail 48, a material basket 49, a sample horizontal transfer push-pull rod 50, a sample vertical transfer long-stroke cylinder 51, a sample vertical transfer short-stroke cylinder 52, a sample vertical transfer force transmission plate 53, a sample vertical transfer lifting rod 54, a lifting rod guide sealing support 55, a push-pull rod guide sealing support 56, and a material fork 57; the flatcar guide rail 48 is horizontally laid through the decarburization treatment chamber 2 and the cooling chamber 3; the sample transfer flatcar 47 is mounted on the flatcar On the guide rail 48, a sample transfer flatcar 47 is used to place a material basket 49, and the material basket 49 is used to place a metal material sample 58; the push-pull rod guide sealing support 56 is horizontally fixed to the side plate of the box 27 below the transparent observation window 36; the sample translation transfer push-pull rod 50 is horizontally inserted into the push-pull rod guide sealing support 56, and a handle 59 is fixedly installed at the end of the sample translation transfer push-pull rod 50 on the outside of the box 27, and a handle 59 is fixedly installed at the end of the sample translation transfer push-pull rod 50 on the inside of the box 27. Hook head 60; A hook seat 61 is fixedly installed on the body of the sample transfer flatcar 47 facing the transparent observation window 36, and the hook seat 61 is hooked and engaged with the hook head 60; The sample vertical transfer long-stroke cylinder 51 is vertically fixed above the top plate of the box 27 with the piston rod facing upward; The sample vertical transfer short-stroke cylinder 52 is vertically installed above the sample vertical transfer long-stroke cylinder 51, and the piston rod of the sample vertical transfer short-stroke cylinder 52 faces downward and is coaxially fixed to the piston rod of the sample vertical transfer short-stroke cylinder 52; The sample vertical transfer force transmission plate 53 is horizontally fixed to the top of the sample vertical transfer short-stroke cylinder 52; the lifting rod guide sealing support 55 is vertically fixed to the top plate of the box 27; the sample vertical transfer lifting rod 54 is vertically inserted into the lifting rod guide sealing support 55, and the top end of the sample vertical transfer lifting rod 54 is fixedly connected to the sample vertical transfer force transmission plate 53; the material fork 57 is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the sample vertical transfer lifting rod 54 and is directly opposite to the sample pick-up and drop-off door 35, and the material fork 57 is engaged with the material basket 49.

[0030] The atmosphere detection cabinet 8 is equipped with an infrared gas analyzer and a dew point meter. The infrared gas analyzer is connected to the atmosphere sampling port 26 via a pipeline to detect the gas component content of the atmosphere inside the muffle tank 13. The dew point meter is also connected to the atmosphere sampling port 26 via a pipeline to detect the H2O content of the atmosphere inside the muffle tank 13. The electrical control terminals of both the infrared gas analyzer and the dew point meter are electrically connected to the control console 10. The atmosphere control station 9 includes a humidifier, an N2 supply regulation system, and an H2 supply regulation system. The system, methanol supply evaporation system, methane supply regulation system, air supply regulation system, and carbon potential meter, along with the humidifier, N2 supply regulation system, H2 supply regulation system, methanol supply evaporation system, methane supply regulation system, air supply regulation system, and carbon potential meter, are all electrically connected to the control console 10. The humidifier, N2 supply regulation system, and H2 supply regulation system together constitute a decarbonization atmosphere regulation component. The N2 supply regulation system, methanol supply evaporation system, methane supply regulation system, air supply regulation system, and carbon potential meter together constitute a carburizing atmosphere regulation component. The airflow rates output by the N2 supply regulation system, H2 supply regulation system, methanol supply evaporation system, methane supply regulation system, and air supply regulation system are all controlled by a gas mass flow controller. The outlet of the humidifier is connected to the atmosphere inlet connector 24 via a pipeline, and the dew point of the decarbonization atmosphere is controlled by the humidifier. The outlet of the N2 supply regulation system is connected to the atmosphere inlet connector 24 and the protective atmosphere inlet 37 via pipelines. The outlets of the methanol supply system, methane supply regulation system, and air supply regulation system are all connected to the atmosphere inlet connector 24 via pipelines. Methanol supplied by the methanol supply evaporation system mixes with N2 supplied by the N2 supply regulation system to form a nitrogen-based carrier gas atmosphere. Methane supplied by the methane supply regulation system serves as the enrichment gas, and air supplied by the air supply regulation system serves as the balance gas. The carbonizing atmosphere required for the experiment is formed by the decomposition of methanol and methane and their mixing with the introduced N2. The content ratio of N2, H2, and CO in the carbonizing atmosphere is N2:H2:CO = 40:40:20. The carbon potential of the carbonizing atmosphere is obtained by controlling the flow rates of N2, methanol, methane, and air and adjusting the carbon potential meter feedback. The carbon potential adjustment range is 0.8% to 1.5%. A heating cable is wrapped around the atmosphere transmission pipeline connected to the atmosphere inlet connector 24. The heating cable heats the atmosphere transmission pipeline to prevent the condensation of gaseous methanol and H2O.

[0031] An experimental method for a composite carburizing and quenching heat treatment process of metallic materials, employing the aforementioned protective atmosphere experimental furnace with decarburizing and multiple quenching functions, includes the following steps: Step 1: Open the sample pick-up and drop-off door 35, place the metal material sample 58 into the material basket 49, place the material basket 49 containing the metal material sample 58 onto the sample transfer flatcar 47, and then close the sample pick-up and drop-off door 35. Step 2: Move the selected quenching tank 6 to directly below the horizontal automatic isolation door 5. The quenching medium in the quenching tank 6 has been preheated and homogenized, and the quenching medium is in a constant temperature state in the quenching tank 6. Step 3: Start the water quenching tank lifting cylinder 46 to lift the quenching tank 6 upwards until the top opening of the quenching tank 6 is in sealing contact with the top of the door frame of the horizontal automatic isolation door 5. Step 4: Activate the heating element 14 to heat the environment of the muffle tank 13. When the temperature rises to 300°C, purge the chamber of the muffle tank 13 with N2 through the atmosphere inlet connector 24, and simultaneously purge the cooling chamber 3 with N2 through the protective atmosphere inlet 37. When the temperature rises to 700°C and the oxygen content in the chamber of the muffle tank 13 is less than 0.2%, open the gate of the vertical automatic isolation door 4 to connect the cooling chamber 3 with the muffle tank 13. Step 5: Hold the handle 59 and push the sample translation and transfer push rod 50 so that the hook head 60 moves towards the hook seat 61 and rests against the hook seat 61. Then continue to push the sample translation and transfer push rod 50 to drive the sample transfer flatcar 47 to move from the cooling chamber 3 to the muffle tank 13 along the flatcar guide rail 48. Step 6: Pull back the sample translation and transfer push rod 50, and the hook head 60 disengages from the hook seat 61 until the sample translation and transfer push rod 50 returns to the initial position, leaving the sample transfer flatcar 47 carrying the material basket 49 and the metal material sample 58 in the muffle tank 13. Then close the gate plate of the vertical automatic isolation door 4 to complete the sealing of the muffle tank 13. Step 7: Continue to heat the environment around the muffle tank 13 using the electric heating element 14 until the temperature reaches the set decarburization process temperature; Step 8: At the decarburization process temperature, N2 and H2 are simultaneously introduced into the chamber of the muffle tank 13 through the atmosphere inlet connector 24 at a set flow rate to form a decarburization atmosphere. The dew point of the decarburization atmosphere is controlled by a humidifier until the set decarburization process holding time is reached, and then the temperature is adjusted to the carburizing process temperature. During the decarburization process, the forced atmosphere circulation unit 15 is activated simultaneously. Step 9: At the carburizing process temperature, N2, methanol, methane, and air are simultaneously introduced into the chamber of muffle tank 13 at a set flow rate through atmosphere inlet connector 24. H2O is introduced into the chamber of muffle tank 13 through a humidifier. The flow rates of methane and air are controlled based on the detection results of the carbon potential meter to form a carburizing atmosphere until the set carburizing process holding time is reached. During the carburizing process, the forced atmosphere circulation unit 15 is activated simultaneously. Step 10: After the carburizing process heat preservation time is over, open the gate plate of the vertical automatic isolation door 4 to reconnect the cooling chamber 3 and the muffle tank 13. Step 11: Hold the handle 59 and push the sample translation and transfer push-pull rod 50 so that the hook head 60 is close to the hook seat 61 and moves directly below the hook seat 61. Then rotate the sample translation and transfer push-pull rod 50 so that the hook head 60 is screwed into the hook seat 61 and hooked together with the hook seat 61. Then pull back the sample translation and transfer push-pull rod 50 so that the sample transfer flatcar 47 moves along the flatcar guide rail 48 from the muffle tank 13 to the cooling chamber 3 until the fork 57 is inserted into the basket 49. Step 12: When performing the air cooling process, start the cooling drive motor 28 directly. The rotating cooling fan impeller 31 generates a flowing N2 protective atmosphere in the cooling chamber 3. The flowing N2 protective atmosphere is used to air cool the carburized metal material sample 58. When performing the quenching process, open the gate plate of the horizontal automatic isolation door 5 to make the cooling chamber 3 connected to the quenching tank 6. Step 13: Activate the short-stroke cylinder 52 for vertical transfer of the sample, so that the piston rod of the short-stroke cylinder 52 for vertical transfer of the sample extends, which drives the cylinder of the short-stroke cylinder 52 for vertical transfer of the sample, the vertical transfer force plate 53 for vertical transfer of the sample, the vertical transfer rod 54 for vertical transfer of the sample and the fork 57 to be lifted in a short stroke. The lifted fork 57 lifts the basket 49 containing the metal material sample 58 away from the sample transfer flatcar 47. Step Fourteen: Continue to pull back the sample translation and transfer push rod 50 so that the unloaded sample transfer flatcar 47 is moved away from under the material basket 49 and the material basket 49 is directly above the quenching tank 6. Then rotate the sample translation and transfer push rod 50 in the opposite direction so that the hook 60 is unscrewed from the hook seat 61 and the sample translation and transfer push rod 50 returns to the initial position. Step 15: Start the long-stroke vertical transfer cylinder 51 for the sample, causing the piston rod of the long-stroke vertical transfer cylinder 51 to retract, which drives the short-stroke vertical transfer cylinder 52 for the sample, the vertical transfer force plate 53 for the sample, the vertical transfer lifting rod 54 for the sample, and the fork 57 to descend in a long stroke. The descending fork 57 drops the basket 49 containing the metal material sample 58 into the quenching medium in the quenching tank 6. Step 16: Restart the vertical transfer cylinder 52 for the sample, so that the piston rod of the vertical transfer cylinder 52 for the sample can reciprocate in a short stroke at a set frequency, thereby driving the basket 49 and the metal sample 58 to reciprocate in a short stroke in the quenching medium, so that the metal sample 58 can fully contact and exchange heat with the quenching medium until the set quenching time is reached. Step 17: After the quenching time is over, close the short-stroke vertical transfer cylinder 52 for the sample and start the long-stroke vertical transfer cylinder 51 for the sample again. Move the short-stroke vertical transfer cylinder 52, the vertical transfer force plate 53, the vertical transfer rod 54 and the fork 57 for long-stroke lifting until the basket 49 on the fork 57 and the metal sample 58 are raised to the height of the sample pick-up and drop-off door 35. Step 18: Open the sample loading and unloading chamber door 35, take the basket 49 containing the metal material sample 58 out of the cooling chamber 3, and then restore the protective atmosphere experimental furnace to its initial state to prepare for the next experiment.

[0032] The solutions in the embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. All equivalent implementations or modifications that do not depart from the present invention are included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A protective atmosphere experimental furnace with decarburization and multiple quenching functions, characterized in that: The system includes a support base, a decarburization treatment chamber, a cooling chamber, a vertical automatic isolation door, a horizontal automatic isolation door, a quenching tank, a sample transfer mechanism, an atmosphere detection cabinet, an atmosphere control station, and a control console. The decarburization treatment chamber and the cooling chamber are arranged side by side on the support base. The vertical automatic isolation door is located between the decarburization treatment chamber and the cooling chamber. The quenching tank is located on the support base and below the cooling chamber. The horizontal automatic isolation door is located between the cooling chamber and the quenching tank. The sample transfer mechanism is located on the decarburization treatment chamber and the cooling chamber. The atmosphere detection cabinet, atmosphere control station, and control console are arranged side by side with the support base on the laboratory floor.

2. The protective atmosphere experimental furnace with decarburization and multiple quenching functions according to claim 1, characterized in that: The decarburization treatment chamber includes a shell, a refractory lining, a muffle tank, heating elements, and a forced atmosphere circulation unit. The shell is fixedly mounted on a support base. The refractory lining is fixedly laid on the inner surface of the shell. The muffle tank is horizontally fixed at the center of the shell. The heating elements are fixedly arranged between the muffle tank and the refractory lining. The forced atmosphere circulation unit is sealed through the shell and the refractory lining, with its fan end connected to the muffle tank and its main unit mounted on the support base. The electrical control terminals of the heating elements and the forced atmosphere circulation unit are both electrically connected to the control console.

3. The protective atmosphere experimental furnace with decarburization and multiple quenching functions according to claim 2, characterized in that: The forced atmosphere circulation unit includes a forced atmosphere circulation drive motor, a roller-guided motor support, a belt and pulley transmission mechanism, a forced atmosphere circulation drive shaft, a forced atmosphere circulation fan impeller, and a heat-resistant bushing. The roller-guided motor support is mounted on a support base. The forced atmosphere circulation drive motor is a variable frequency speed control motor, horizontally fixed on the roller-guided motor support. The heat-resistant bushing is fixedly installed in the shell and refractory lining. The forced atmosphere circulation drive shaft is a hollow water-cooled shaft, with its water-cooling cavity connected to a cooling water circulation system. The forced atmosphere circulation drive shaft is coaxially rotatably connected to the heat-resistant bushing via a heat-resistant bearing. The motor shaft of the forced atmosphere circulation drive motor is connected to one end of the forced atmosphere circulation drive shaft via a belt and pulley transmission mechanism. The forced atmosphere circulation fan impeller is coaxially fixed to the other end of the forced atmosphere circulation drive shaft, located within the forced atmosphere circulation vent of the muffle tank. The electrical control terminal of the forced atmosphere circulation drive motor is electrically connected to the control console.

4. The protective atmosphere experimental furnace with decarburization and multiple quenching functions according to claim 2, characterized in that: A thermocouple, an oxygen probe, an atmosphere inlet connector, and a combustible waste gas emission ignition processor are fixedly mounted on the housing. An atmosphere sampling port is installed on a muffle tank located outside the housing. The measuring end of the thermocouple extends into the chamber of the muffle tank to measure the temperature inside the chamber. The measuring end of the oxygen probe extends into the chamber of the muffle tank to measure the oxygen content in the atmosphere inside the chamber. The outlet end of the atmosphere inlet connector extends into the chamber of the muffle tank to introduce a protective atmosphere for the experiment into the chamber. The inlet end of the combustible waste gas emission ignition processor extends into the chamber of the muffle tank, and the exhaust combustion end of the combustible waste gas emission ignition processor is located outside the housing. The electrical control terminals of the thermocouple, oxygen probe, and combustible waste gas emission ignition processor are all electrically connected to the control console.

5. The protective atmosphere experimental furnace with decarburization and multiple quenching functions according to claim 4, characterized in that: The cooling chamber includes a housing, a cooling drive motor, a fixed motor support, a cooling drive shaft, and a cooling fan impeller. The housing is fixedly mounted on a support base. The fixed motor support is mounted on the top of the housing. The cooling drive motor is vertically mounted on the fixed motor support with its shaft facing downwards. The cooling drive shaft is vertically positioned and passes through the housing in a sealed manner, with its upper end coaxially fixed to the motor shaft of the cooling drive motor. The cooling fan impeller is coaxially fixed to the lower end of the cooling drive shaft and is located inside the housing, above the control panel. The electrical control terminal of the cooling drive motor is electrically connected to the control console.

6. The protective atmosphere experimental furnace with decarburization and multiple quenching functions according to claim 5, characterized in that: A lateral transfer channel is provided on the side panel of the housing opposite the vertical automatic isolation door. The lateral transfer channel is sealed to one side of the door frame of the vertical automatic isolation door, and the other side of the door frame of the vertical automatic isolation door is sealed to the sample inlet / outlet of the muffle tank. The gate plate of the vertical automatic isolation door is driven by a cylinder, and the control terminal of the vertical automatic isolation door is electrically connected to the control console. A vertical transfer channel is provided on the bottom plate of the housing opposite the horizontal automatic isolation door. The vertical transfer channel is connected to the horizontal automatic isolation door. The door frame is sealed on one side, and the other side of the horizontal automatic isolation door is sealed against the top of the quenching tank. The gate plate of the horizontal automatic isolation door is driven by a cylinder, and the control terminal of the horizontal automatic isolation door is electrically connected to the control console. A sample loading and unloading compartment door is provided on the side plate of the box adjacent to the lateral transfer channel opening, and a transparent observation window is provided on the side plate of the box directly opposite the lateral transfer channel opening. A protective atmosphere inlet, a protective atmosphere outlet, and an explosion-proof pressure relief outlet are also provided on the box.

7. The protective atmosphere experimental furnace with decarburization and multiple quenching functions according to claim 6, characterized in that: The quenching tanks are classified into water quenching tanks, oil quenching tanks, and salt bath tanks according to the different quenching types. The tank structures of the water quenching tanks, oil quenching tanks, and salt bath tanks are identical, and each tank is equipped with a heating and temperature control component to heat and control the quenching medium within the tank. Each of the water quenching tanks, oil quenching tanks, and salt bath tanks is equipped with a tank cover mechanism at the top opening, on which a temperature equalization stirrer is installed to regulate the temperature of the quenching medium within the tank. Homogenization treatment; the bottom of the water quenching tank, oil quenching tank and salt bath tank are all equipped with track wheels; a water quenching tank guide rail is fixedly installed on the support base below the horizontal automatic isolation door, and the track wheels are guided and connected to the water quenching tank guide rail. The quenching tank moves in position through the cooperation of the track wheels and the water quenching tank guide rail; a water quenching tank lifting cylinder is vertically installed on the support base on both sides of the water quenching tank guide rail, with the piston rod of the water quenching tank lifting cylinder facing upward, and the control end of the water quenching tank lifting cylinder is electrically connected to the control console.

8. The protective atmosphere experimental furnace with decarburization and multiple quenching functions according to claim 7, characterized in that: The sample transfer mechanism includes a sample transfer flatcar, a flatcar guide rail, a material basket, a sample horizontal transfer push-pull rod, a sample vertical transfer long-stroke cylinder, a sample vertical transfer short-stroke cylinder, a sample vertical transfer force transmission plate, a sample vertical transfer lifting rod, a lifting rod guide sealing support, a push-pull rod guide sealing support, and a material fork. The flatcar guide rail is horizontally laid throughout the decarburization treatment chamber and the cooling chamber. The sample transfer flatcar is set on the flatcar guide rail and is used to place the material basket, which is used to place the metal material sample. The push-pull rod guide sealing support is horizontally fixed to the side plate of the box below the transparent observation window. The sample horizontal transfer push-pull rod is horizontally inserted into the push-pull rod guide sealing support. A handle is fixedly installed at the end of the sample horizontal transfer push-pull rod on the outside of the box, and a hook is fixedly installed at the end of the sample horizontal transfer push-pull rod on the inside of the box. A hook seat is fixedly installed on the body of the sample transfer flatcar facing the transparent observation window, and the hook seat and hook head are engaged in a hook-and-hook engagement; the long-stroke vertical transfer cylinder for the sample is vertically fixed above the top plate of the box with the piston rod facing upward; the short-stroke vertical transfer cylinder for the sample is vertically installed above the long-stroke vertical transfer cylinder for the sample, with the piston rod of the short-stroke vertical transfer cylinder facing downward and coaxially fixed to the piston rod of the short-stroke vertical transfer cylinder for the sample; the vertical transfer force transmission plate for the sample is horizontally fixed to the top of the short-stroke vertical transfer cylinder for the sample; the lifting rod guide sealing support is vertically fixed to the top plate of the box; the vertical transfer lifting rod for the sample is vertically inserted into the lifting rod guide sealing support, and the top end of the vertical transfer lifting rod for the sample is fixedly connected to the vertical transfer force transmission plate for the sample; the fork is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the vertical transfer lifting rod for the sample and is directly opposite the sample loading and unloading compartment door, and the fork engages with the material basket.

9. A protective atmosphere experimental furnace with decarburization and multiple quenching functions according to claim 8, characterized in that: The atmosphere detection cabinet is equipped with an infrared gas analyzer and a dew point meter. The infrared gas analyzer is connected to the atmosphere sampling port via a pipeline to detect the gas component content of the atmosphere inside the muffle tank. The dew point meter is also connected to the atmosphere sampling port via a pipeline to detect the H2O content of the atmosphere inside the muffle tank. The electrical control terminals of both the infrared gas analyzer and the dew point meter are electrically connected to the control console. The atmosphere control station includes a humidifier, an N2 supply regulation system, an H2 supply regulation system, a methanol supply evaporation system, a methane supply regulation system, an air supply regulation system, and a carbon potential meter. The electrical control terminals of the humidifier, N2 supply regulation system, H2 supply regulation system, methanol supply evaporation system, methane supply regulation system, air supply regulation system, and carbon potential meter are all electrically connected to the control console. The humidifier, N2 supply regulation system, and H2 supply regulation system together constitute a decarbonization atmosphere regulation component. The N2 supply regulation system, methanol supply evaporation system, methane supply regulation system, air supply regulation system, and carbon potential meter together constitute a carburizing atmosphere regulation component. Atmosphere conditioning components; the airflow rates output by the N2 supply conditioning system, H2 supply conditioning system, methanol supply evaporation system, methane supply conditioning system, and air supply conditioning system are all controlled by a gas mass flow controller; the outlet of the humidifier is connected to the atmosphere inlet connector via a pipeline, and the dew point of the decarbonization atmosphere is controlled by the humidifier; the outlet of the N2 supply conditioning system is connected to the atmosphere inlet connector and the protective atmosphere inlet connector via pipelines respectively; the outlets of the H2 supply conditioning system, methanol supply evaporation system, methane supply conditioning system, and air supply conditioning system are all connected to the atmosphere inlet connector via pipelines; the methanol output from the methanol supply evaporation system mixes with the N2 output from the N2 supply conditioning system to form a nitrogen-based atmosphere carrier gas, the methane output from the methane supply conditioning system serves as the enrichment gas, and the air output from the air supply conditioning system serves as the balance gas; the decomposition of methanol and methane, and their mixing with the introduced N2, forms the carburizing atmosphere required for the experiment, and the content ratio of N2, H2, and CO in the carburizing atmosphere is N2: H2:CO = 40:40:

20. The carbon potential of the carburizing atmosphere is obtained by controlling the flow rates of N2, methanol, methane and air and adjusting the carbon potential using a carbon potential meter. The carbon potential adjustment range is 0.8% to 1.5%. A heating tape is wrapped around the atmosphere transmission pipeline connected to the atmosphere inlet connector. The heating tape heats the atmosphere transmission pipeline to prevent the condensation of gaseous methanol and H2O.

10. An experimental method for composite carburizing and quenching heat treatment of metallic materials, employing the protective atmosphere experimental furnace with carburizing, decarburizing, and multiple quenching functions as described in claim 9, characterized in that... Includes the following steps: Step 1: Open the sample loading and unloading compartment door, place the metal material sample into the material basket, place the material basket containing the metal material sample onto the sample transfer flatcar, and then close the sample loading and unloading compartment door. Step 2: Move the selected quenching tank to the bottom of the horizontal automatic isolation door. The quenching medium in the quenching tank has been preheated and homogenized, and the quenching medium is in a constant temperature state in the quenching tank. Step 3: Activate the water quenching tank lifting cylinder to lift the quenching tank upwards until the top opening of the quenching tank is in sealing contact with the top of the horizontal automatic isolation door frame. Step 4: Activate the heating element to heat the environment surrounding the muffle tank. When the temperature rises to 300℃, purge the muffle tank chamber with N2 through the atmosphere inlet connector, and simultaneously purge the cooling chamber with N2 through the protective atmosphere inlet. When the temperature rises to 700℃ and the oxygen content in the muffle tank chamber is below 0.2%, open the gate of the vertical automatic isolation door to connect the cooling chamber with the muffle tank. Step 5: Hold the handle and push the sample translation and transfer push rod so that the hook head moves towards the hook seat and rests against the hook seat. Then continue to push the sample translation and transfer push rod to move the sample transfer flatcar along the flatcar guide rail from the cooling chamber to the muffle tank. Step 6: Pull back the sample translation and transfer push rod until the hook head disengages from the hook seat. Continue until the sample translation and transfer push rod returns to its initial position, leaving the sample transfer flatcar carrying the material basket and metal material sample in the muffle tank. Then close the gate plate of the vertical automatic isolation door to complete the sealing of the muffle tank. Step 7: Continue heating the environment around the muffle tank using electric heating elements until the temperature reaches the set decarburization process temperature; Step 8: At the decarburization process temperature, N2 and H2 are simultaneously introduced into the chamber of the muffle tank at a set flow rate through the atmosphere inlet connector to form a decarburization atmosphere. The dew point of the decarburization atmosphere is controlled by a humidifier until the set decarburization process holding time is reached, and then the temperature is adjusted to the carburizing process temperature. During the decarburization process, the forced atmosphere circulation unit is activated simultaneously. Step 9: At the carburizing process temperature, N2, methanol, methane and air are simultaneously introduced into the muffle tank chamber through the atmosphere inlet connector at a set flow rate. H2O is introduced into the muffle tank chamber through the humidifier. The flow rates of methane and air are controlled based on the detection results of the carbon potential meter to form a carburizing atmosphere until the set carburizing process holding time is reached. During the carburizing process, the forced atmosphere circulation unit is activated simultaneously; Step 10: After the carburizing process heat preservation time is over, open the gate of the vertical automatic isolation door to reconnect the cooling chamber and the muffle tank. Step 11: Hold the handle and push the sample translation and transfer push rod to bring the hook head close to the hook seat and move it directly below the hook seat. Then rotate the sample translation and transfer push rod to screw the hook head into the hook seat and hook the hook head together with the hook seat. Then pull back the sample translation and transfer push rod to move the sample transfer flatcar along the flatcar guide rail from the muffle tank to the cooling chamber until the fork is inserted into the basket. Step 12: When performing the air cooling process, start the cooling drive motor directly. The rotating cooling fan impeller generates a flowing N2 protective atmosphere in the cooling chamber. The flowing N2 protective atmosphere is used to air cool the carburized metal sample. When performing the quenching process, open the gate of the horizontal automatic isolation door to connect the cooling chamber with the quenching tank. Step 13: Activate the short-stroke cylinder for vertical transfer of the sample, which will extend the piston rod of the cylinder and drive the cylinder barrel, the vertical transfer force plate, the vertical transfer rod and the fork of the cylinder to be lifted in a short stroke. The lifted fork will lift the basket containing the metal material sample away from the sample transfer flatcar. Step Fourteen: Continue to pull back the sample translation and transfer push rod so that the unloaded sample transfer flatcar moves away from under the material basket and the material basket is directly above the quenching tank. Then rotate the sample translation and transfer push rod in the opposite direction so that the hook head is unscrewed from the hook seat and the sample translation and transfer push rod returns to the initial position. Step 15: Activate the long-stroke vertical transfer cylinder for the sample, causing the piston rod of the long-stroke vertical transfer cylinder to retract, which in turn drives the short-stroke vertical transfer cylinder for the sample, the vertical transfer force plate for the sample, the vertical transfer lifting rod for the sample, and the fork to descend in a long stroke. The descending fork then drops the basket containing the metal material sample into the quenching medium in the quenching tank. Step 16: Restart the vertical transfer cylinder for the sample, so that the piston rod of the vertical transfer cylinder for the sample can reciprocate in a short stroke at a set frequency, causing the basket and the metal sample to reciprocate in a short stroke in the quenching medium, so that the metal sample can fully contact and exchange heat with the quenching medium until the set quenching time is reached. Step 17: After the quenching time is over, close the short-stroke cylinder for vertical transfer of the sample and start the long-stroke cylinder for vertical transfer of the sample again. Move the short-stroke cylinder for vertical transfer of the sample, the vertical transfer force plate for the sample, the vertical transfer rod for the sample and the fork to rise in a long stroke until the basket on the fork and the metal sample are raised to the height of the sample pick-up and drop-off compartment door. Step 18: Open the sample loading and unloading chamber door, remove the basket containing the metal material sample from the cooling chamber, and then restore the protective atmosphere experimental furnace to its initial state to prepare for the next experiment.

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