Press device with temperature-controlled forming tool part

Abstract

The invention relates to a powder press device, in particular a press device for pressing metal powder and / or ceramic powder and / or polymer-bound granules, comprising at least one temperature-controlled shaping tool part and at least one temperature control device (8, 15), in particular a heating device (8, 15), which is configured to temperature-controlled, in particular to heat, the temperature-controlled shaping tool part, wherein the temperature-controlled shaping tool part is removable from the temperature control device (8, 15).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a powder press device, in particular a press device for pressing metal powder and / or ceramic powder and / or polymer-bonded granules, with at least one temperature-controllable shaping tool part, in particular with at least one heatable shaping tool part.

[0002] Powder presses are known from the prior art in which forming tool parts (e.g., upper or lower punches) are directly equipped with heating elements and sensors for temperature control within a single component. Such (temperature-controlled) powder press systems are considered comparatively complex to operate, especially when changing a tool part.

[0003] It is an object of the invention to propose a powder press device with which a comparatively simple operation and in particular a comparatively simple and rapid tool part change can be carried out.

[0004] The object is achieved in particular by a powder press device, in particular a press device for pressing metal powder and / or ceramic powder and / or polymer-bonded granules, comprising at least one temperature-controlled shaping tool part and at least one temperature control device (in particular a heating device) configured to temperature-control, in particular to heat, the temperature-controlled shaping tool part, wherein the temperature-controlled shaping tool part is removable (non-destructively) from the temperature control device. The temperature-controlled shaping tool part preferably comprises (or forms) a punch, in particular an upper and / or lower punch, or a pin or a die.

[0005] In general, a forming tool part is understood to be a part of the powder press device that at least co-defines the shape of the component (made from powder). In particular, the forming tool part can be a pressing part, in particular a punch, e.g., an upper and / or lower punch. Passive forming tool parts, such as a pin, a (core) rod, and / or a die, are also possible as a tool part.

[0006] A temperature control device is understood, in particular, to be a device configured to heat and / or cool the temperature-controlled molding tool part. The temperature control device is preferably controllable or regulatable such that at least two or at least five temperature values, optionally one temperature from a continuum of temperature values ​​(for example, temperature values ​​of at least one heating element), can be set.

[0007] The temperature control device preferably comprises at least one heating element, preferably comprising at least one fluid channel and / or at least one electrical heating element, preferably a resistance heating element, and / or at least one temperature sensor. A heating element is understood, in particular, to be an element that can be brought to a (predetermined) temperature, in particular heated, by the supply of material and / or energy (in particular from the outside).

[0008] For example, the heating element may comprise a guide (in particular a fluid channel) in which a fluid (e.g. externally heated) may be accommodated, in particular may flow.

[0009] The energy for an electric heating element can, if necessary, be provided externally (from outside the temperature control device) (via appropriate connections for the electrical power supply). The electric heating element can be a resistance heater, which is designed, for example (at least in sections), as a rod and / or spiral and / or meandering and / or as a layered heating element.

[0010] The tempering device (associated with a respective temperable forming tool part) is preferably designed as a (separable) assembly and / or in one piece, for example as a block.

[0011] The powder press device, in particular its tempering device, can be designed to provide a temperature of at least 40 °C, preferably at least 60 °C, optionally at least 100 °C and / or at most 800 °C or at most 250 °C at least at one point of the tempering device.

[0012] The powder press device can have a control device configured to control the temperature control device. The control device can optionally communicate with the temperature sensor, in particular in such a way that measurements from the temperature sensor can be forwarded to the control device, so that the temperature control device can be controlled or regulated accordingly.

[0013] The control device may comprise a (micro)controller and / or an (electronic) memory and / or a power supply (e.g. battery).

[0014] Furthermore, the control device can have at least one input and / or output device, for example to record measurements of the temperature sensor and / or to give commands to the temperature control device.

[0015] It can be provided that temperature specifications can be entered into the control device externally (e.g., by a user and / or an external device). The control device can also (alternatively or additionally) include stored information, for example, at least one specification, for example, at least one program, for temperature control.

[0016] The temperature-controlled moldable tool part and the temperature control device are preferably connected to one another over a surface or (in a state in which they are not connected) can be connected accordingly. A surface connection is understood in particular to mean that the mutually facing sides of the temperature-controlled moldable tool part and the temperature control device are in contact with the respective complementary device to an extent of at least 40 percent of the surface area, preferably at least 80 percent of the surface area.

[0017] Mutually facing surfaces of the temperature-controllable shaping tool part and the temperature control device are preferably (each) flat and / or can (each) have a circumferential line which has a rectangular, in particular square, or a round, in particular circular, shape.

[0018] The temperature-controllable forming tool part and the temperature control device are preferably connectable or connected to one another by a clamping connection (by means of at least one clamping connection device).

[0019] Alternatively or additionally, the temperature-controllable shaping tool part and the temperature control device can be connected or connected to one another by means of at least one wedge and / or at least one screw and / or at least one pin and / or at least one undercut and / or at least one magnetic connecting device.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the temperature-controllable shaping tool part and the temperature control device are connectable or connected to one another by means of a clamping connection which has at least one wedge which is designed such that, during a translational movement into the temperature-controllable shaping tool part and the temperature control device, it successively presses (presses) the temperature-controllable shaping tool part and the temperature control device against one another.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally, the temperature-controllable shaping tool part and the temperature control device are connectable or connected to one another by means of a clamping connection which has at least one cone or cone section which is designed such that it successively presses (presses) the temperature-controllable shaping tool part and the temperature control device against one another during a translational movement (preferably realized by screwing in) into the temperature-controllable shaping tool part and the temperature control device.

[0022] In embodiments, several shaping tool parts (in particular punches) can be provided and, if necessary, nested.

[0023] For a weight G1 of the tempering device and a weight G2 of the temperable forming tool part, the following preferably applies: G1 / G2 ≥ 1.5; more preferably G1 / G2 ≥ 3; more preferably G1 / G2 ≥ 5. An upper limit for G1 / G2 can be 500, preferably 100.

[0024] The temperature-controlled molding tool part preferably has a surface facing the temperature control device that is at least 0.5 times, preferably at least 0.8 times, as large and / or at most 2 times, preferably at most 1.5 times, as large (or substantially the same size) as a complementary surface of the temperature control device facing the temperature-controlled molding component. Such surface alignment allows for effective heat transfer.

[0025] On a surface of the temperature control device not facing the temperature-controlled molding tool part, insulation (e.g., an insulating layer) for thermal and / or electrical insulation can be arranged. The insulation preferably has a thermal conductivity coefficient (at 20 °C) of ≤ 10 W / mK, preferably ≤ 1 W / mK, even more preferably ≤ 0.1 W / mK and / or at least 0.0001 W / mK or at least 0.001 W / mK.

[0026] The above-mentioned object is also achieved in particular by a method for powder pressing a powder pressed part, in particular a press device for pressing metal powder and / or ceramic powder and / or polymer-bonded granules, using the press device described above and below.

[0027] The temperable forming tool part can be pre-tempered (in particular pre-heated) externally before being connected to the centering device, so that a (lengthy) heating phase can be reduced or completely eliminated until the pressing of components begins.

[0028] Further process features arise directly from the above and / or following corresponding configurations and functions relating to the press equipment. The respective configuration or function can be implemented through a corresponding process step. For example, if parts of the press equipment are referred to as "connectable," this means, in particular, that the corresponding parts are connected to one another in a corresponding process step. If tempering, in particular heating, is referred to, this means, in particular, that a corresponding tempering or heating step is carried out.

[0029] The above-mentioned object is further achieved in particular by a pressing tool, in particular for a powder pressing device, comprising the at least one temperature-controllable shaping tool part and at least one temperature control device, as described above and / or below.

[0030] One or more of the following materials can be used as the starting material (powder) for pressing the components: sintered metal, magnetic material, technical ceramic powder, hard metal, ceramic powder, plastic (especially thermoplastic and / or thermoset), and diamond powder. Metal, especially hard metal, is particularly preferred.

[0031] One idea of ​​the invention is that the temperature-controlled shaping tool part (e.g. upper punch, lower punch, pin and / or die) is provided separately from the component for generating the temperature. This makes it possible to provide a comparatively cost-effective tool part (as a wearing part). The weight when changing it (manually and / or by means of automation) is comparatively low. The risk of damaging heating elements and / or sensors is no longer a problem. Overall, tool parts can be changed quickly. The (time-consuming) connection and disconnection of connections to the heating elements and / or sensors can be eliminated. The heating elements can be electrically operated. A further advantage is that media separation is not required. When fluid-carrying lines are separated, media can escape, which can lead to contamination or for safety or security reasons.are undesirable for environmental reasons.

[0032] A clamp connection between the temperature-controlled moldable tool part and the temperature control device is preferably made in such a way that a full-surface contact is ensured between the tool part and the temperature control device (or the component for temperature generation). This allows for improved (optimal) heat flow.

[0033] At least one wedge, pin, screw, undercut, magnetic plate, mechanical component (e.g. a spring-loaded pressure piece and / or a locking bolt) can be used for such a clamping.

[0034] Clamping can be done manually. Alternatively, or additionally, clamping can also be done automatically.

[0035] An electrical, hydraulic and / or pneumatic device (traversing device) can be used to create the clamping.

[0036] The clamping method can be designed to ensure that forces can be safely transmitted during the process. The clamping method is preferably designed to accommodate different forming tool parts (through standardization).

[0037] The clamping system can be designed to accommodate multiple nested punches, with each punch being designed with or without its own dedicated temperature control device (component for generating heat). The design can be such that the die can remain installed when changing the respective punch.

[0038] The structure can be designed in such a way that an insulating layer, e.g. made of ceramic material, prevents the flow of heat into the machine.

[0039] The structure can be such that a position of the respective stamp is clearly defined by at least one centering.

[0040] The (to be changed) temperature-controlled forming tool parts can be preheated externally, in particular to an operating temperature.

[0041] A measure due to the thermal expansion of the temperable forming tool part can be at least substantially equal to the tempering device (the component for heat generation).

[0042] Overall, time can be saved by eliminating the need to cool and reheat the entire tool block.

[0043] The tempering device can have a height H1 and the temperable forming tool part can have a height H2, wherein preferably: H1 / H2 ≥ 1.5; preferably H2 / H1 ≥ 3, more preferably H1 / H2 ≥ 5 and / or H1 / H2 ≤ 500 or H1 / H2 ≤ 100.

[0044] The shaping tool part can have a weight of at least 100 g, preferably at least 1 kg, for example at least 8 kg and / or at most 100 kg, preferably at most 25 kg, preferably at most 15 kg.

[0045] The temperature-controllable shaping tool part can have a height of at least 1 mm, preferably at least 5 mm, for example at least 12 mm and / or at most 10 cm, preferably at most 2.5 cm.

[0046] Any preheating of the temperable forming tool part can be carried out in a heating oven and / or a corresponding (external) heating device.

[0047] A cooling device (e.g. water cooling device) can be arranged between a traverse and an adaptation (tool holder).

[0048] Further features arise from the subclaims.

[0049] The invention is described below using exemplary embodiments, which are explained in more detail with reference to the figures. Herein: Fig. 1 shows a section of a press device according to the invention; and Fig. 2 parts of a press device according to the invention in a schematic sectional view.

[0050] In the following description, the same reference numbers are used for identical and equivalent parts.

[0051] Fig. 1 shows sections of a press device according to the invention in an oblique, sectional view.

[0052] A lower punch 10 is connected to a heating device 8 (comprising at least one heating element or several heating elements and a temperature sensor) via a lower punch interface 9.

[0053] An upper punch 13 is connected to a heating device 15 (comprising at least one, preferably several, heating elements and at least one temperature sensor) via a clamping interface 14.

[0054] An (optional) insulation layer 16 is provided on a side of the heating device 15 facing away from the upper punch 13.

[0055] An upper punch holder 17 is provided adjacent to the heating device 15 (or adjacent to the insulation layer 16).

[0056] Accordingly, an (optional) insulation layer 7 is arranged on one side of the heating device 8, which faces away from the lower punch 10 and reduces the heat transfer to the lower punch holder 6.

[0057] Furthermore, Fig. 1 a die 12 can be seen, which is or can be connected to a press main body (not shown) via a clamping interface 11.

[0058] In the lower part of Fig. 1 shows a core rod 5, which is connected or connectable to a core rod holder 3 via a clamping interface 4. The core rod holder 3 is in turn connected to a drive 1 for the core rod (in particular for the multiple core rods, as shown) via a clamping interface 2.

[0059] In Fig. Figure 2 shows parts of a press device according to the invention in a schematic sectional view. The upper punch 13 is connected to a cross member 26 via the temperature control device 15 (possibly including a subsequent insulation layer 16) and the upper punch holder 17.

[0060] Specifically, a clamping connection device 25a is shown for a clamping connection between the upper punch 13 and the temperature control device 15. The clamping connection device 25a comprises a (translationally displaceable) clamping wedge 20, which interacts with a corresponding inclined surface 21 of the upper punch 13 (specifically, a corresponding projection that can be inserted into the temperature control device 15) such that insertion of the clamping wedge 20 presses the upper punch toward the temperature control device 15. This allows the upper punch to be clamped to the temperature control device 15.

[0061] A clamping connection device 25b can be used alternatively or additionally. The clamping connection device 25b comprises a (section-wise) conical (generally: tapered) clamping part 22, which interacts with a corresponding recess 23 in a structure (specifically: projection) of the upper punch 13 in such a way that, when the clamping part 22 is screwed in (and / or pushed in), the upper punch 13 is pressed toward the temperature control device 15.

[0062] At this point, it should be noted that all parts described above, viewed individually and in any combination, particularly the details shown in the drawings, are claimed as essential to the invention. Modifications to these are familiar to those skilled in the art.

[0063] Furthermore, it is pointed out that the broadest possible scope of protection is sought. In this respect, the disclosure contained in the claims may also be further clarified by features that are described with additional features (even without these additional features being mandatory). It is explicitly pointed out that parentheses and the term "in particular" are intended to emphasize the optionality of features in the respective context (which does not imply, conversely, that without such identification, a feature is to be considered mandatory in the corresponding context). Reference symbol 1 drive 2 terminal interface 3 core rod holder 4 terminal interface 5 core rod 6 Lower punch holder 7 Insulation layer 8 Heating device / temperature control device 9 Lower stamp interface 10 lower stamps 11 Terminal interface 12 die 13 upper stamps 14 terminal interface 15 Heating device / temperature control device 16 Insulation layer 17 Upper punch holder 20 clamping wedge 21 Inclined surface 22 clamping part 23 Recess 25a Clamp connection device 25b Clamp connection device 26 traverse

Claims

[1] Powder press device, in particular press device for pressing metal powder and / or ceramic powder and / or polymer-bound granules, comprising at least one temperature-controlled shaping tool part and at least one temperature-controlling device (8, 15), in particular heating device (8, 15), which is configured to temperature-control, in particular to heat, the temperature-controllable shaping tool part, wherein the temperature-controllable shaping tool part is removable from the temperature-controlling device (8, 15). [2] Press device according to claim 1, characterized by that the temperable shaping tool part forms or comprises a punch, in particular an upper or lower punch (10, 13), or a pin or a die. [3] Press device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the temperature control device (8,15) has at least one heating element (8,15), preferably comprising at least one fluid channel and / or at least one electrical heating element (8,15), and / or at least one temperature sensor. [4] Press device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the temperable shaping tool part and the tempering device (8,15) can be or are connected to one another in a planar manner. [5] Press device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the temperature-controllable shaping tool part and the temperature control device (8,15) can be or are connected to one another by means of a clamping connection. [6] Press device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the temperature-controllable shaping tool part and the temperature control device (8, 15) can be or are connected to one another by means of at least one wedge and / or at least one screw and / or at least one pin and / or at least one undercut and / or at least one magnetic connecting device. [7] Press device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that several shaping tools, in particular punches, are provided and nested. [8] Press device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that for a weight G1 of the tempering device (8,15) and a weight G2 of the temperable shaping tool part, the following applies: G1 / G2 greater than or equal to 1.5; preferably G1 / G2 greater than or equal to 3; further preferably G1 / G2 greater than or equal to 5. [9] Press device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that the temperature-controllable shaping tool part has a surface facing the temperature control device (8, 15) which is at least 0.5 times as large and / or at most 2 times as large, preferably at least substantially the same size, as a complementary surface of the temperature control device (8, 15) facing the temperature-controllable shaping tool part. [10] Press device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that insulation is arranged on a surface of the tempering device (8,15) which does not face the temperable shaping tool part. [11] Method for powder pressing a powder pressed part, in particular a ceramic powder pressed part and / or a metal powder pressed part and / or a pressed part made of polymer-bonded granules, using a press device according to one of the preceding claims. [12] Method according to the immediately preceding claim, characterized bythat the temperable shaping tool part is pre-tempered, in particular pre-heated, externally before being connected to the tempering device (8,15).

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