Aluminum alloy solution cooling device

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of aluminium alloy solid solution cooling device, including the solid solution furnace being installed on portal frame, slide rail is laid below solid solution furnace, fan bracket is further installed on the slide rail, the fan bracket is quadrilateral frame structure and is enclosed square cooling area in the four lateral surfaces of slide rail, cooling water recovery bottom box is installed in fan bracket bottom, cooling fan is installed on fan bracket, water mist sprayer is further installed on cooling fan, and the water mist sprayer is communicated with water storage tank by inlet pipe;Water outlet is equipped on the cooling water recovery bottom box, and the water outlet is communicated with water storage tank by backflow pipe;Water pressure valve is installed on the inlet pipe, and the control end of water pressure valve and the control end of cooling fan are electrically connected with the control terminal being equipped in the side of slide rail.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of aluminum alloy heat treatment equipment, specifically a cooling device for aluminum alloy solution treatment. Background Technology

[0002] Solution treatment of aluminum alloys is a key process for improving material strength. Its core lies in rapidly cooling the alloy after heating it above the solidification line to suppress the precipitation of second phases. Insufficient cooling rate (e.g., <200℃ / s) during treatment can lead to coarsening of the θ or S phases, reducing the age-hardening effect; while uneven or excessively rapid cooling can cause workpiece deformation or even cracking. Currently, the mainstream cooling method typically uses a single water immersion method, which has the following drawbacks:

[0003] Because water cooling instantly forms a vapor film covering the workpiece surface (Leidenfrost effect), the subsequent rupture of the vapor film triggers localized rapid cooling, resulting in a non-linear cooling curve exhibiting a "sharp drop-rebound-secondary sharp drop" characteristic. Actual measurement data shows that the peak temperature difference between the surface and core of a 6mm thick 7075 aluminum alloy plate during water cooling reaches 180℃, inducing residual stress >150MPa. This excessively rapid cooling rate easily leads to workpiece deformation, high residual stress, and poor cooling uniformity (especially for complex structural components). In response, some industry players have made improvements to the cooling method, such as using air cooling. However, air cooling alone suffers from insufficient cooling rate, failing to meet the critical cooling rate requirements of high-strength aluminum alloys, and is prone to the precipitation of coarse second phases, reducing mechanical properties. There is also a sequential separation mode, such as the one used in Chinese patent CN112410536A, which employs air cooling followed by water mist. However, this mode suffers from problems such as uneven atomization and water vapor accumulation in the water mist cooling device. Furthermore, the linear nozzle layout results in a more than 40% reduction in mist flux at the edge of the cavity, and water mist particles larger than 300μm tend to converge into droplets on the workpiece surface, causing localized soft spots during quenching. Therefore, it is necessary to modify the existing methods and equipment for aluminum alloy solution cooling to solve these technical problems. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this utility model introduces an aluminum alloy solution cooling device that can combine air cooling and water mist cooling to solve the current problem of the inability to simultaneously achieve cooling speed and uniformity, thereby reducing workpiece deformation and improving mechanical properties.

[0005] This utility model discloses an aluminum alloy solution cooling device, comprising a solution furnace mounted on a portal frame, a slide rail laid below the solution furnace, and a cooling water tank mounted on the slide rail and aligned with the solution furnace after sliding. The device is characterized by a fan bracket mounted on the slide rail, the fan bracket being a quadrilateral frame structure forming a square cooling area on the four sides of the slide rail. A cooling water recovery box is mounted at the bottom of the fan bracket and fixed to the slide rail. A cooling fan is mounted on the fan bracket, the air outlet of the cooling fan being aligned with the center of the cooling area. A water mist nozzle is also mounted on the cooling fan, and the water mist nozzle is connected to a water storage tank located on the side of the slide rail via an inlet pipe. An outlet is provided on the cooling water recovery box, and the outlet is connected to the water storage tank via a return pipe. A water pressure valve for controlling the water pressure of the water mist nozzle is installed on the inlet pipe, and the control terminals of the water pressure valve and the cooling fan are electrically connected to a control terminal located next to the slide rail.

[0006] In this invention, based on the existing aluminum alloy solution furnace, the cooling device is structurally improved by combining air cooling, water cooling and mist cooling to meet the needs of different workpieces and different temperature environments. Combined with an intelligent control terminal, it achieves precise control such as adjustable water pressure and controllable temperature, thereby achieving rapid cooling and improving the heat treatment accuracy of the workpiece.

[0007] Ideally, a water pump is installed inside the water storage tank, and the water pump is connected to the return pipe. This water pump enables rapid recovery of water from the cooling water recovery box, preventing localized water accumulation.

[0008] Ideally, four cooling fans are installed on the fan brackets on each side of the slide rail, and at least one water mist nozzle is installed on the frame of each cooling fan. This arrangement of four fans per group, combined with the water mist nozzles, typically allows for four water mist nozzles to be installed on a single fan. Experiments have shown that this method achieves a large water mist coverage area, and combined with the airflow, it enables rapid cooling while also being water-saving.

[0009] Ideally, an automatic water level balancer is installed inside the water storage tank. The function of this automatic water level balancer is to ensure that the water level in the tank reaches a predetermined height, automatically replenishing water when the water level is insufficient and stopping replenishment when the water level is sufficient. This avoids a situation where no water mist is sprayed due to insufficient water during use. The automatic water level balancer used here is a commercially available device that simply needs to be installed inside the water storage tank.

[0010] Ideally, the cooling water recovery box is equipped with crisscrossing water distribution strips arranged in a grid pattern. These strips ensure more even water distribution within the box, facilitating cooling water recovery.

[0011] Ideally, there are two water storage tanks, distributed on both sides of the slide rail. This distribution results in better water supply.

[0012] Ideally, the fan bracket has adjustable support feet at the bottom of its four corner posts, which are threadedly connected to the bottom of the fan bracket. These support feet ensure greater stability after installation and allow for flexible height adjustment to suit different workpiece requirements.

[0013] Ideally, the control terminal is connected to a temperature sensor, which is located within the cooling area to monitor the workpiece temperature. Based on the feedback signal from the temperature sensor, the control terminal automatically adjusts the speed of the cooling fan and the water pressure of the water mist nozzles. This invention utilizes a control terminal to achieve intelligent regulation of water pressure and temperature, improving both the precision of heat treatment and processing efficiency.

[0014] Ideally, the water mist nozzle is mounted on the frame of the cooling fan via a universal joint, allowing the spray angle of the water mist nozzle to be adjustable. Using an adjustable water mist nozzle helps to maximize the cooling effect of the water mist, resulting in a more noticeable and rapid temperature reduction.

[0015] Ideally, a filter screen is installed at the outlet of the cooling water recovery box; and a secondary filter is installed at the inlet of the return pipe into the water storage tank.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0017] 1. Controllable cooling rate: This utility model adopts air-cooled pre-cooling to avoid drastic changes in the high-temperature zone, and water mist critical cooling ensures the suppression of precipitated phase; it can obtain a wind-mist synergistic cooling mechanism to improve heat exchange efficiency.

[0018] 2. Improved uniformity: Due to the adoption of a three-dimensional surrounding spray structure, the effect of cyclone flow field + pulse spray can be obtained, the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the workpiece is ≤15℃, and the cooling dead zone is eliminated.

[0019] 3. It avoids localized overcooling caused by water mist condensation and dripping, and reduces water consumption by 60%, with no quenching oil pollution. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a top view of the aluminum alloy solution cooling device of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 2 for Figure 1 View A in the diagram.

[0022] In the diagram, 1—solution furnace, 2—slide rail, 3—cooling water tank, 4—fan bracket, 5—cooling area, 6—cooling water recovery box, 61—water distribution bar, 7—cooling fan, 8—water mist nozzle, 9—inlet pipe, 10—water storage tank, 11—outlet, 12—return pipe, 13—water pressure valve, 14—control terminal, 15—water pump, 16—automatic water level balancer, 17—support foot, 18—temperature sensor, 19—filter screen, 20—secondary filter. Detailed Implementation

[0023] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 This invention discloses an aluminum alloy solution cooling device, comprising a solution furnace 1 mounted on a portal frame. The solution furnace 1 is an existing device used for heat treatment of workpieces. A slide rail 2 is laid below the solution furnace 1, parallel to the portal frame at the bottom of the furnace 1. A cooling water tank 3 is mounted on the slide rail 2 and, after sliding, faces the solution furnace 1. The cooling water tank 3 stores cooling water for cooling the workpieces. The traditional operation involves directly immersing the heat-treated workpiece in the cooling water tank below for rapid cooling. However, considering the changes in the internal molecular structure of the material caused by rapid cooling, not all workpiece materials are suitable for the same cooling method, and the resulting changes vary. This invention considers using a synergistic effect of water cooling, air cooling, and atomization to meet the heat treatment requirements of different materials. This invention employs a fan bracket 4 mounted on the slide rail 2. The fan bracket 4 is a quadrilateral frame structure that encloses a square cooling area 5 on the four sides of the slide rail 2. Adjustable height support feet 17 are provided at the bottom of the four corner posts of the fan bracket 4, and these support feet 17 are threadedly connected to the bottom of the fan bracket. Each side of the fan bracket 4 has a grid-like structure, and four cooling fans 7 are mounted on each side of the fan bracket 4. The air outlet of each cooling fan 7 is directly opposite the center of the cooling area 5. At least one water mist nozzle 8 is mounted on the frame of each cooling fan 7. To improve the water mist coverage, four water mist nozzles 8 are typically evenly distributed on each cooling fan 7, resulting in better coverage and no dead spots. This invention further considers the coverage effect; therefore, the water mist nozzles 8 can also be mounted on the frame of the cooling fan 7 via universal joints, making the spray angle of the water mist nozzles adjustable.

[0024] The water mist nozzle 8 is connected to a water storage tank 10 located on the side of the slide rail 2 via a water inlet pipe 9. A water pressure valve 13 is installed on the water inlet pipe 9 to control the water pressure of the water mist nozzle 8. The water pressure valve 13 controls the amount of water entering the nozzle and can be either a manual or automatic valve, allowing the user to choose flexibly according to their needs. The control terminals of the water pressure valve 13 and the cooling fan 7 are both electrically connected to a control terminal 14 located next to the slide rail. The control terminal 14 is connected to a temperature sensor 18, which is located within the cooling area 5 to monitor the real-time temperature of the workpiece cooling area. The control terminal 14 automatically adjusts the speed of the cooling fan 7 and the water pressure of the water mist nozzle 8 based on the feedback signal from the temperature sensor 18. In this invention, the control terminal 14 uses existing hardware. The function of the control terminal 14 is to preset values ​​for different needs, such as temperature control range, cooling time range, spray size, and water volume. The operator selects the corresponding data to control the cooling effect according to the required state, thereby achieving differentiated responses and improving cooling accuracy.

[0025] When installing the water storage tanks 10, considering water demand and water supply balance, two water storage tanks 10 are installed, distributed on both sides of the slide rail 2. A water pump 15 is installed inside each water storage tank 10, and the water pump 15 is connected to the return pipe 12. The water pump 15 enables rapid water circulation, reducing water consumption. See also... Figure 1 A cooling water recovery box 6 is also installed at the bottom of the fan bracket 4, and the cooling water recovery box 6 is fixed on the slide rail 2. The cooling water recovery box 6 is provided with crisscrossing water dividers 61, which are distributed in a grid pattern. The cooling water recovery box 6 is provided with a water outlet 11, which is connected to the water storage tank 10 through a return pipe 12. A filter screen 19 is provided at the water outlet of the cooling water recovery box 6. A secondary filter 20 is provided at the inlet of the return pipe 12 into the water storage tank 10. Through the dual filtration effect of the filter screen 19 and the secondary filter 20, impurities in the return water can be filtered out, thereby avoiding nozzle clogging.

[0026] In this utility model, an automatic water level balancer 16 is provided in the water storage tank 10. The automatic water level balancer 16 is used to monitor the water level in the water storage tank 10, so as to ensure sufficient water storage and avoid the interruption of cooling water due to insufficient water storage during operation.

[0027] Working Principle: When cooling of the workpiece is required, the heated workpiece in the solution furnace 1 is suspended above the cooling zone 5. At this time, the cooling fan 7 and water mist nozzles 8 are activated via the control terminal 14. Depending on the working conditions, the cooling fan 7 or water mist nozzles 8 can be activated individually, simultaneously, or partially, thus achieving precise control of localized cooling or different cooling temperatures in different areas. The duration of the cooling fan 7 and the water volume of the water mist nozzles 8 can be adjusted synchronously. The sprayed cooling water flows into the cooling water recovery box 6 below and is collected, then returned to the water storage tank 10 via the return pipe 12 for reuse, thus achieving water conservation. If the workpiece needs immersion cooling, simply control the slide rail to move the cooling water tank 3 so that it is positioned below the solution furnace.

[0028] This utility model's cooling device incorporates an adjustable support foot design for the fan bracket, ensuring stable installation on the slide rail and adapting to slightly uneven ground conditions, thus improving the overall stability and reliability of the device. Furthermore, the introduction of a temperature sensor and closed-loop control logic allows the cooling process to automatically adjust the fan speed and water mist volume based on the actual workpiece temperature, achieving more precise and efficient cooling, avoiding overcooling or undercooling, and potentially saving energy. Simultaneously, the universal joint design allows for flexible adjustment of the water mist nozzle angle, enabling more effective spray cooling of workpieces of different shapes, sizes, or placement positions, improving cooling uniformity and efficiency. A further filtration device (filter screen and secondary filter) is added to intercept aluminum shavings, oxide scale, or other impurities that may be carried during the cooling water recovery process. This effectively protects the water tank, water pump, water pressure valve, and water mist nozzles, preventing clogging and wear, extending equipment lifespan, reducing maintenance needs, and ensuring the cleanliness of the spray water.

[0029] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solution of this utility model and not to limit the technical solution. Although the applicant has described the utility model in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that any modifications or equivalent substitutions made to the technical solution of this utility model that do not depart from the spirit and scope of this technical solution should be covered within the scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. An aluminum alloy solution cooling device, comprising a solution furnace (1) mounted on a portal frame, a slide rail (2) laid below the solution furnace (1), and a cooling water tank (3) mounted on the slide rail (2) and facing the solution furnace (1) after sliding, characterized in that, A fan bracket (4) is also installed on the slide rail (2). The fan bracket (4) is a quadrilateral frame structure and forms a square cooling area (5) on the four sides of the slide rail (2). A cooling water recovery box (6) is installed at the bottom of the fan bracket (4) and is fixed on the slide rail (2). A cooling fan (7) is installed on the fan bracket (4). The air outlet of the cooling fan (7) is directly opposite the center of the cooling area (5). A water mist sprayer is also installed on the cooling fan (7). The water mist nozzle (8) is connected to the water storage tank (10) located on the side of the slide rail (2) via the water inlet pipe (9); the cooling water recovery box (6) is provided with a water outlet (11), which is connected to the water storage tank (10) via the return pipe (12); a water pressure valve (13) for controlling the water pressure of the water mist nozzle (8) is installed on the water inlet pipe (9), and the control terminal of the water pressure valve (13) and the control terminal of the cooling fan (7) are electrically connected to the control terminal (14) located next to the slide rail.

2. The aluminum alloy solution cooling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A water pump (15) is installed in the water storage tank (10), and the water pump (15) is connected to the return pipe (12).

3. The aluminum alloy solution cooling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Four cooling fans (7) are installed on the fan brackets (4) on each side of the slide rail (2), and at least one water mist nozzle (8) is installed on the frame of each cooling fan (7).

4. The aluminum alloy solution cooling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, An automatic water level balancer (16) is provided inside the water storage tank (10).

5. The aluminum alloy solution cooling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cooling water recovery box (6) is provided with crisscrossing water distribution strips (61), which are distributed in a grid pattern.

6. The aluminum alloy solution cooling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are two water storage tanks (10) distributed on both sides of the slide rail (2).

7. The aluminum alloy solution cooling device according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that, The fan bracket (4) has adjustable height support feet (17) at the bottom of its four corner columns. The support feet (17) are installed at the bottom of the fan bracket by threaded connection.

8. The aluminum alloy solution cooling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control terminal (14) is connected to a temperature sensor (18), which is located in the cooling area (5) and is used to monitor the workpiece temperature. The control terminal (14) automatically adjusts the speed of the cooling fan (7) and the water pressure of the water mist nozzle (8) according to the feedback signal of the temperature sensor (18).

9. The aluminum alloy solution cooling device according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that, The water mist nozzle (8) is mounted on the frame of the cooling fan (7) via a universal joint, making the spray angle of the water mist nozzle adjustable.

10. The aluminum alloy solution cooling device according to claim 9, characterized in that, A filter screen (19) is provided at the outlet of the cooling water recovery box (6); a secondary filter (20) is provided at the inlet of the return pipe (12) into the water storage tank (10).

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