A temperature controllable electrically assisted aging treatment device

Abstract

The utility model discloses a temperature controllable electric auxiliary aging treatment device, including insulating box, low electrically conductive solution, temperature control component, insulating platform, electrically conductive clamp and electric auxiliary power supply. Heating is placed in low electrically conductive solution, and cooling component is by circulating pump, discharge pipe, inflow pipe and cooling water tank constitute loop, and temperature measuring component is arranged in the periphery of workpiece and forms closed loop control with temperature control unit. The upper end of electrically conductive clamp is connected with power supply, and the lower end clamps the both ends of workpiece, so that power supply - clamp - workpiece constitute clear through-flow path, and low electrically conductive solution provides uniform hot bath and inhibits current shunt. The device realizes temperature uniformity, parameter adjustable, safe operation and strong adaptability, and is applicable to electric auxiliary aging treatment of aluminum alloy, magnesium alloy and other metals.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of metal heat treatment technology, specifically to a temperature-controllable electric-assisted aging treatment device, which is suitable for the electric-assisted aging process of age-hardenable metals such as aluminum alloys, magnesium alloys, and titanium alloys and their composite materials. Background Technology

[0002] Aging treatment is a crucial step in metal heat treatment processes, especially in precipitation-strengthened alloys such as age-hardenable aluminum alloys. By controlling the aging process, the precipitation behavior of precipitated phases can be significantly affected, thereby improving the mechanical properties of the material. Currently, common aging processes include single-stage aging (such as T6 treatment) and graded aging (such as T73 and T76 treatments). However, these traditional processes typically suffer from slow heating and cooling rates and long holding times, leading to extended research and industrial production cycles and low efficiency.

[0003] To improve aging efficiency, electric-assisted aging technology has gradually attracted attention. This technology accelerates the precipitation process of precipitated phases by applying an electric current to the metal part, utilizing the combined effects of Joule heating and the electric field, thus improving material properties while shortening the aging cycle. However, existing electric-assisted aging technologies still have the following shortcomings:

[0004] 1. Due to the complex shape of the metal parts and the differences in heat dissipation boundary conditions, temperature differences often occur in different areas during the electric heating process, resulting in inconsistent aging strengthening.

[0005] 2. Adjustments to electrical parameters such as current, voltage, and frequency often cause simultaneous changes in the temperature and potential fields, making it difficult to separate the influence of a single variable in the experiment, thus limiting the process window.

[0006] 3. Traditional electric auxiliary devices usually have a lot of exposed live parts, and the coexistence of high temperature and energized operation poses a high risk of use;

[0007] 4. Existing solutions mostly involve direct electric heating, which makes it difficult to balance uniformity, stability, and flexibility, thus limiting their further application in scientific research and industry.

[0008] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a new electric-assisted aging treatment device that can achieve a uniform and stable temperature field by introducing a hot bath medium, effectively separate the electro-thermal effects, and incorporate temperature control and safety protection designs to improve the efficiency, uniformity, and reliability of electric-assisted aging treatment. Utility Model Content

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a temperature-controllable electrically assisted aging treatment device. This device effectively separates the electro-thermal effect by placing a low-conductivity solution in an insulating box and combining heating, cooling and temperature measuring components to form a uniform temperature bath environment, thereby ensuring that the metal parts complete the aging treatment under controllable parameters.

[0010] The temperature-controllable electrically assisted aging treatment device provided by this utility model includes:

[0011] An insulating enclosure containing a low-conductivity solution to provide a uniformly heated environment.

[0012] A temperature control component is installed in the insulating enclosure for adjusting and monitoring the temperature of the low-conductivity solution;

[0013] An insulating platform is positioned above the insulating enclosure;

[0014] At least two conductive clamps, each with its upper end fixed to the insulating platform and its lower end immersed in the low-conductivity solution, are configured to hold both ends of a metal component; and

[0015] An auxiliary power supply is electrically connected to the upper end of the at least two conductive clamps, thereby forming an auxiliary aging circuit with the auxiliary power supply, the conductive clamps, and the metal parts.

[0016] Preferably, the electric auxiliary power supply is a DC power supply or an AC power supply, and its current, voltage and frequency are adjustable.

[0017] Preferably, the temperature control component includes a heating component, a cooling component, and a temperature measuring component;

[0018] The heating component is used to heat the low conductivity solution;

[0019] The cooling component is used to cool the low conductivity solution;

[0020] The temperature measuring component is used to detect the temperature of the low conductivity solution.

[0021] Preferably, the cooling assembly includes a circulating pump, a discharge pipe, an inflow pipe, a connecting pipeline, and a cooling water tank. The discharge pipe and the inflow pipe are both located inside the insulating box and are close to the inner walls of both sides of the insulating box. The lower ends of the discharge pipe and the inflow pipe are immersed in the low conductivity solution. The upper ends of the discharge pipe and the inflow pipe are connected to the cooling water tank and the circulating pump through the connecting pipeline to form a cooling circuit.

[0022] Preferably, the temperature measuring component has a temperature range of room temperature to 200°C, and the detection points are set in multiple areas in the low conductivity solution near the at least two conductive clamps, with the number of detection points being 2 to 8.

[0023] Preferably, the switching and power of the heating component can be controlled independently to allow for fine adjustment of the heating rate of the low conductivity solution.

[0024] Preferably, the conductive clamps are made of highly conductive and thermally conductive metal, and there are 2 to 6 of them, which are symmetrically arranged in the central area of ​​the insulating box.

[0025] Preferably, the at least two conductive clamps are fixed to the insulating platform by an adjustable mounting structure and can move along the insulating platform to accommodate metal parts of different sizes.

[0026] Preferably, the low-conductivity solution is pure water, glycerin, silicone oil, or other low-conductivity liquid with a boiling point of not less than 100°C.

[0027] Preferably, the device further includes a drive mechanism for driving the insulating platform to move horizontally.

[0028] One or more technical solutions provided in this utility model have at least the following technical effects or advantages:

[0029] This invention utilizes a low-conductivity solution within an insulating chamber to create a uniformly heated bath, significantly reducing localized overheating and cold spots around the workpiece. A temperature control component regulates and monitors the medium synchronously, forming a closed-loop temperature control system to ensure stable operation according to a set curve. At least two conductive clamps and an auxiliary power supply form a defined circuit, ensuring that the effective current primarily flows through the workpiece, reducing medium current shunting, achieving relative decoupling of the electrical effect and thermal field, and making parameters easier to control. The insulating chamber and the insulating platform on top of it reduce the exposure of charged parts and facilitate clamping operations, improving electrical safety and operational convenience. Overall, this design enhances the consistency, repeatability, and efficiency of aging treatment. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model;

[0031] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention.

[0032] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1-Auxiliary power supply; 2-Heating component; 3-Cooling component; 31-Circulating pump; 32-Discharge pipe; 33-Inflow pipe; 34-Connecting pipeline; 35-Cooling water tank; 4-Temperature measuring component; 5-Conductive clamp; 6-Insulating platform; 7-Insulating box; 8-Low conductivity solution; 9-Metal part; 10-Wire. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the temperature-controllable electrically assisted aging treatment device in this embodiment includes: an electrically assisted power supply 1, a heating component 2, a cooling component 3 (including a circulating pump 31, a discharge pipe 32, an inflow pipe 33, a connecting pipeline 34, and a cooling water tank 35), a temperature measuring component 4, a conductive clamp 5, an insulating platform 6, an insulating box 7, a low-conductivity solution 8, metal parts 9, and wires 10.

[0035] An insulating box 7 contains a low-conductivity solution 8. The heating component 2, cooling component 3, and temperature measuring component 4 are positioned within the low-conductivity solution 8. The upper end of a conductive fixture 5 is fixed to an insulating platform 6, while its lower end is immersed in the low-conductivity solution 8 and clamps a metal part 9. An auxiliary power supply 1 is electrically connected to the upper end of the conductive fixture 5 via a wire 10, forming a current-carrying loop between the power supply, fixture, and workpiece, and performing aging treatment in a hot bath environment. Utilizing the convection and heat conduction of the low-conductivity solution 8, the temperature distribution around the metal part 9 becomes more uniform. Simultaneously, the low conductivity of the low-conductivity solution 8 reduces current shunting within it, allowing the effective current to primarily pass through the metal part 9. This facilitates the decoupling of electrical and thermal parameters, thereby expanding the controllable process window and improving the repeatability of results.

[0036] The insulating enclosure 7 is preferably made of materials with good high-temperature resistance, medium resistance, and electromechanical insulation properties (such as heat-resistant engineering plastics or composite materials with insulating coatings). The inner wall of the insulating enclosure 7 can be provided with flow-guiding ribs or rounded corners to reduce dead corners and facilitate circulation. The upper opening of the insulating enclosure 7 can be equipped with a sealed or semi-sealed component to reduce the risk of evaporation, splashing, and leakage of the low-conductivity solution 8 and improve maintenance safety.

[0037] The low-conductivity solution 8 is pure water, glycerin, silicone oil, or other low-conductivity liquids with a boiling point not lower than 100°C. When the target temperature is high or a long-term constant temperature is required, silicone oil with higher thermal stability and boiling point is preferred to maintain thermal field stability and broaden the usable temperature range. By selecting a medium with appropriate viscosity and specific heat, a balance can be achieved between response speed and temperature uniformity, which is beneficial for both rapid processes and mechanism studies.

[0038] The heating component 2 is housed within an insulating enclosure 7 and immersed in a low-conductivity solution 8, and is used to heat the medium. Its switching and power can be independently controlled: higher power can be used to shorten the temperature rise time when rapid heating is required, while power can be reduced to suppress overshoot and improve temperature profile tracking when approaching the target temperature or during a gradual temperature rise phase. In engineering implementation, immersion-type electric heating tubes, PTC heating units, or sheathed heaters can be used, with staged or continuous power regulation achieved through solid-state relays or SCRs in conjunction with a temperature controller (PID or equivalent algorithm). This arrangement balances heating speed and steady-state accuracy, contributing to improved aging consistency.

[0039] The cooling assembly 3 consists of a circulating pump 31, a discharge pipe 32, an inflow pipe 33, connecting pipes 34, and a cooling water tank 35, forming a closed-loop circulation circuit. The discharge pipe 32 and inflow pipe 33 are located within the insulating housing 7 and are close to the inner walls on both sides. The lower ends of both the discharge pipe 32 and inflow pipe 33 are immersed in a low-conductivity solution 8, and the upper ends of both are connected to the cooling water tank 35 and the circulating pump 31 via connecting pipes 34. The symmetrical arrangement of the discharge pipe 32 and inflow pipe 33 within the insulating housing 7 facilitates the formation of a more uniform flow field and heat exchange interface, reducing dead zones and localized temperature differences. When higher heat exchange capacity is required, the cooling water tank 35 can be replaced with a plate heat exchanger or a bypass regulating valve can be added to refine the cooling slope and improve the response speed.

[0040] Temperature sensing component 4 is used to detect the temperature of the low-conductivity solution 8, with a preferred range covering room temperature to 200°C. In one embodiment, 2 to 8 temperature sensing points (thermocouples or resistance thermometers) are arranged along both sides of the conductive clamp 5 and the periphery of the metal part 9 to cover key heat transfer and flow paths; in conjunction with a temperature controller, a closed-loop control is formed, which can finely adjust the heating power, circulation pump 31 speed, or valve opening according to the differences of each sensing point, thereby reducing overshoot or hysteresis and improving thermal uniformity. If necessary, non-contact infrared temperature inspection can be superimposed for rapid screening of surface anomalies.

[0041] The conductive clamps 5 are preferably made of highly conductive and thermally conductive metal (such as copper or copper alloy), and there are 2 to 6 of them, which are symmetrically arranged in the central area of ​​the insulating box 7. The highly conductive material can reduce the uncertainty of contact resistance and contact heating, and improve the stability of power supply and energy utilization.

[0042] The conductive clamp 5 is fixed to the insulating platform 6 via an adjustable mounting structure. The conductive clamp 5 can slide along the guide rail of the insulating platform 6 and quickly reset through positioning holes or scales to accommodate metal parts 9 of different lengths and end shapes. The gripper ends of the conductive clamp 5 can adopt flat, arc-shaped, or flexible pad structures (metal contact surfaces under a heat-resistant insulating layer) according to the cross-section of the workpiece to reduce indentation and end damage while ensuring reliable conductivity.

[0043] In the common two-conductive clamp scheme, the two ends of the metal part 9 are connected to the positive and negative poles of the power supply, respectively. When a special flow direction or current density distribution is required, a three-conductive clamp scheme or a multi-conductive clamp scheme (e.g., the middle conductive clamp 5 is connected to one pole of the power supply, and the two conductive clamps 5 at both ends are connected to the other pole of the power supply) can be used to shape the desired current path, thereby obtaining a more uniform comprehensive effect in combination with the workpiece geometry and heat transfer conditions.

[0044] The auxiliary power supply 1 can be either DC or AC, with adjustable current, voltage, and frequency to match different material systems and research / production goals. The output terminal of the auxiliary power supply 1 is reliably connected to the upper end of the conductive clamp 5 via a conductor 10. The conductor 10 is preferably a heat-resistant, dielectric-resistant cable with insulation class and current-carrying capacity meeting the requirements of the energized operating conditions. It is fixed to the cable tray or fixed point on the insulating platform 6 using clamps or terminals, reducing exposed live parts and minimizing poor contact and resistance fluctuations caused by conductor movement. To reduce contact interface resistance, plating or a flexible crimping structure can be used at the clamp terminals, and the contact surfaces should be cleaned regularly.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the electrically assisted aging treatment device further includes a drive mechanism for driving the insulation platform 6 to move horizontally. The drive mechanism can be a hand-cranked screw, rack and pinion, electric push rod, or hydraulic cylinder structure, preferably with self-locking or anti-fall-back functions. The lifting of the insulation platform 6 helps reduce personnel exposure time and improve clamping efficiency in high-temperature or electrically powered environments; in scenarios with high automation requirements, it can be used with limit switches or encoders to achieve position memory and repeatable positioning. Using only a fixed insulation platform 6 structure does not affect the basic functions of the device, but the ease of clamping and safety boundaries will be correspondingly reduced.

[0046] Furthermore, the design concept of this device can be extended to higher-temperature electrically assisted aging treatment scenarios. For example, for materials such as titanium alloys that require aging treatment at 450-550℃, the low-conductivity solution 8 can be a molten salt that remains liquid and has low conductivity within this temperature range. By selecting a suitable molten salt system, the goal of decoupling the uniform heat bath from the electrothermal process can also be achieved, thereby extending the application of this device to the field of high-temperature alloys.

[0047] The working process of the electric-assisted aging treatment device in this embodiment is as follows:

[0048] 1. Check the sealing and structural integrity of the insulation box 7, select and add low conductivity solution 8 to the safe level according to the target temperature; confirm that the sealing of each connection point of the cooling circuit is reliable, the circulation pump 31 is operating normally, and the immersion depth and symmetrical arrangement of the discharge pipe 32 and the inflow pipe 33 meet the design requirements; set up and calibrate 2 to 8 measuring points of the temperature measuring component 4.

[0049] 2. Slide the conductive clamp 5 to the position of the matching metal part 9 and clamp the metal part 9; reliably connect the electric auxiliary power supply 1 to the upper end of each conductive clamp 5 through the wire 10, and confirm the polarity, phase and fastening status;

[0050] 3. Start the heating component 2 to raise the temperature of the low conductivity solution 8 according to the preset curve; reduce the power when approaching the target temperature, and use intermittent or segmented power if necessary to suppress overshoot; check the uniformity through feedback from each temperature measuring point and fine-tune the speed of the circulating pump 31 or the valve opening.

[0051] 4. After the temperature stabilizes, start the electric auxiliary power supply 1 and power it with the set current, voltage and frequency parameters; observe the changes in the electric current at each temperature measuring point, and make fine adjustments to the power and flow rate if necessary to ensure that the effective current passes through the metal part 9 stably and maintains a uniform thermal field.

[0052] 5. After power is cut off, the cooling circuit is turned on, and the symmetrically arranged discharge pipe 32 and inflow pipe 33 are used to accelerate and uniformly cool down. After the temperature drops to the safe threshold, the drive mechanism is activated to lift the insulating platform 6 (or manually operated after power is cut off and cooling is completed), the conductive clamp 5 is released and the metal part 9 is taken out, and one cycle is completed.

[0053] This specification and accompanying drawings are merely illustrative examples of this application and are intended to cover any and all modifications, variations, combinations, or equivalents within the scope of this application. Clearly, those skilled in the art can make various alterations and modifications to this application without departing from its scope. Therefore, if such modifications and modifications fall within the scope of this application and its equivalents, this application intends to include such modifications and modifications.

Claims

1. A temperature controllable electrically assisted aging treatment device, characterized in that, The device comprises: an insulated box (7) containing a low-conductivity solution (8) to provide a thermal bath environment with uniform temperature; a temperature control assembly arranged in the insulated box (7) for adjusting and monitoring the temperature of the low-conductivity solution (8); an insulated platform (6) arranged above the insulated box (7); at least two electrically-conductive clamps (5) each having an upper end fixed to the insulated platform (6) and a lower end immersed in the low-conductivity solution (8) and configured to clamp two ends of a metal piece (9); and an electric auxiliary power source (1) electrically connected to the upper ends of the at least two electrically-conductive clamps (5) to form an electric auxiliary aging circuit with the electric auxiliary power source (1), the electrically-conductive clamps (5) and the metal piece (9).

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The electric auxiliary power source (1) is a direct current power source or an alternating current power source, and the current, voltage and frequency thereof are adjustable.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The temperature control assembly comprises a heating assembly (2), a cooling assembly (3) and a temperature measuring assembly (4); the heating assembly (2) is used for heating the low-conductivity solution (8); the cooling assembly (3) is used for cooling the low-conductivity solution (8); the temperature measuring assembly (4) is used for detecting the temperature of the low-conductivity solution (8).

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein, The cooling assembly comprises a circulating pump (31), a discharge pipe (32), an inflow pipe (33), a connecting pipeline (34) and a cooling water tank (35), wherein the discharge pipe (32) and the inflow pipe (33) are located in the insulated box (7) and are close to the inner walls of the two sides of the insulated box (7), respectively, the lower ends of the discharge pipe (32) and the inflow pipe (33) are immersed in the low-conductivity solution (8), and the upper ends of the discharge pipe (32) and the inflow pipe (33) are connected to the cooling water tank (35) and the circulating pump (31) through the connecting pipeline (34) to form a cooling loop.

5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein, The temperature measuring assembly (4) has a temperature range of room temperature to 200℃, and detection points are arranged in multiple regions near the at least two electrically-conductive clamps (5) in the low-conductivity solution (8), and the number of detection points is 2 to 8.

6. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein, The switch and power of the heating assembly (2) can be independently controlled to finely adjust the heating rate of the low-conductivity solution (8).

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The electrically-conductive clamps (5) are made of high-conductivity and high-thermal-conductivity metal, and the number thereof is 2 to 6, and the electrically-conductive clamps (5) are symmetrically arranged in the central region of the insulated box (7).

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein: The at least two electrically-conductive clamps (5) are fixed to the insulated platform (6) through adjustable mounting structures and can move along the insulated platform (6) to adapt to metal pieces (9) of different sizes.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: The low-conductivity solution (8) is pure water, glycerol, silicone oil or other low-conductivity liquid with a boiling point not lower than 100℃.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: The device further comprises a driving mechanism for driving the insulated platform (6) to move up and down in parallel.

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