PARTS TREATMENT APPARATUS

Description

Title: Parts processing apparatus * * * * DESCRIPTION The present invention has as its object an apparatus for parts treatment, in particular responsible for permanent mutual connection of semi-finished products and pieces in general through treatments such as, for for example, those of the type known as “diffusion bonding” or those for welding (resistance or other nature). However, the use is not excluded of the apparatus for other types of treatments. The term “diffusion bonding” identifies a specific permanent connection technique between two pieces, which can be made in materials that are equal or different from each other. It is is based on the physical phenomenon by which two (metallic) surfaces pressed against each other tend to exchange atoms over time, until form a stable and resistant bond. To implement this technique it is necessary to bring the two pieces of interest at high temperatures (however lower than the fusion one) and apply high pressure on them: you can so get permanent connection without resort to any merger and possibly without request the contribution of further material. In detail, the execution of a process of “diffusion bonding” requires that the two pieces are bitten between two crews or equipment, at least one of which is mobile to the other according to a common direction of approaching and / or moving away, ensuring that the surfaces designated for mating are pressed against each other. Next, the pieces are brought to temperature desired, thanks to the current that flows through the crews, and therefore a strong pressure, for the time necessary to obtain the permanent link (may be required) several hours), due to the exchange of atoms between the surfaces pressed together, intended to form the junction area. For the ways in which the connection, the technique described above is not a real welding technique (although it is sometimes called "diffusion bonding" atomic"); in any case, it allows to obtain results comparable or even better than those achievable precisely with welding and finds application, for example, for connecting permanent distribution-related components of power in the automotive sector and beyond. However, this technique is affected by some limitations. To ensure a uniform joint, as required by market needs, the pieces to be connect must be in perfect contact reciprocal for the entire extension of the surfaces intended to form the junction area. In this context, any planar irregularity of the pieces, or even of the components involved in the treatment, compromises the success of the treatment itself and this translates into the request for high flatness precision, which have so far limited the applicability of the small component process, with dimensions of the involved surfaces similar to each other (both in length and width). Only in these conditions in fact it has been possible up to now ensure the necessary uniformity of the applied pressure, without which it is not it is possible to get a link in turn uniform and quality. Furthermore, it is the very nature of the process that introduces thermal deformations where a piece heats up more, thus leading to further irregularities in the result obtained. The main task of this invention is to solve the problems above, creating a device that allows the connection to be obtained permanent of pieces of any shape and size, while still ensuring high quality and consistency of the result obtained. Within this task, one aim of the found is to create a device that allows for "diffusion" treatments to be carried out bonding" or in any case of permanent connection on large pieces, ensuring high quality and consistency of the result obtained. Another purpose of the invention is to realize a device capable of ensuring high quality and consistency even in the presence of irregularities planar parts or components of the apparatus same. Another purpose of the invention is to realize a device that can operate effectively, even on large pieces, with consumption energy content. Another purpose of the invention is to realize a device capable of making uniform and constant pressure exerted on the surfaces contact. Another purpose of the invention is to realize a device that ensures high reliability of operation. Another aim of the invention is to propose a apparatus that adopts a technical architecture and structural alternative to those of the apparatuses of known type. Not least, the aim of the invention is to to create a device that is easily obtainable starting from elements and materials of commonly available on the market. Another aim of the invention is to to create a low-cost and high-quality apparatus safe application. This task and these and other purposes that will become clearer later on are reached by an apparatus according to the claim 1. Further features and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, form of execution of the apparatus according to the invention, illustrated in indicative and non-limiting title, in the united drawings, in which: Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the apparatus according to the finding, in front and rear axonometric view rear; Figure 3 illustrates the apparatus of the figures previous ones, seen from above; Figure 4 is a section of Figure 3, performed along the IV-IV axis; Figure 5 is a very particular enlarged figure 4; Figure 6 shows the device compensation of the figure apparatus previous ones, in axonometric view; Figure 7 shows the device of Figure 6, seen from above; Figure 8 is a section of Figure 7, performed along the VIII-VIII axis; Figure 9 is a section of Figure 7, performed along the IX-IX axis. With particular reference to the figures cited, it is indicated globally with the reference number 1, a parts handling apparatus, which They could be of any type and preferably, not necessarily, they are made of metal. In particular, the apparatus 1 can be used to permanently connect two (or more) semi-finished products or other pieces through a treatment of "diffusion bonding" (or, in other words, by atomic diffusion welding). In this way context, for example the pieces could be components responsible for the distribution of the power, intended for the automotive or other sectors. Without going beyond the scope of protection here claimed, the apparatus 1 can still be effectively used to connect in a way permanent any type of piece, by means of "diffusion bonding" or even through treatments of various types of welding (resistance for example), or even to carry out other treatments, where the person with expertise in the sector deems it appropriate possible or profitable to take advantage of the peculiarities illustrated below. The process of "diffusion bonding" (which identifies precisely the preferred scope of application, not exclusive, of the invention) is well known in the art and, beyond what is discussed below, Device 1 can be responsible for carrying it out according to the usual methods, well known to the an expert in the sector. Second note known modes, the device 1 can therefore be configured to permanently connect two (or more) pieces by atomic exchange between surfaces placed in contact (mutually pressed and subjected to temperature conditions (check). Welding processes and any other treatments that may be given from the apparatus 1 can be performed according to known modalities, beyond the peculiarities that will be illustrated below. Apparatus 1 comprises, first of all, at least one support frame 2 for two groups 3a, 3b of clamping, which are equipped with possibility of relative translation according to a main direction of approach and mutual estrangement. In particular, the main direction A is preferably vertical (as in the attached figures), but it could also be differently oriented, without coming out from the scope of protection claimed herein. Along the main direction A, in a first option corresponding to the solution of the figures attached, only one of the groups 3a, 3b is mobile (for example the upper one indicated with 3b in the figures), which can thus move closer or further away on the other. In a different option, however included in the finding, both groups 3a, 3b they are mobile. By "relative translation" we mean precisely that the motion involves at least one of the two groups 3a, 3b compared to the other. Groups 3a, 3b include respective electrodes 4 mutually facing and configured for the clamping of a pair of pieces to be connected permanently. According to traditional methods, the pieces to be permanently connected are placed between the electrodes 4 so that, by bringing them closer together they groups 3a, 3b, electrodes 4 can apply adequate pressure on the pieces themselves (brought to the desired temperature) and allow the union at the surfaces at mutual contact, through welding, diffusion bonding or something else. In particular, in the case of "diffusion bonding" the clamping action involves developing a force which, having in the meantime provided for raise the temperature of the pieces, it is able to generate pressure on the aforementioned surfaces sufficient to trigger the phenomenon of atomic exchange. The frame 2 can be of known type and, as in the attached figures, it can for example include a 5-door wardrobe that offers accommodation and / or support to components necessary for correct functioning of the apparatus 1, including for example the engine 6a which operates the handling equipment 6b, which is they are in charge of moving along the direction main A one or both groups 3a, 3b. Furthermore, the apparatus 1 can be equipped with a independent control and command station 7 from cabinet 5 (as in the attached figures) or integrated into it. It should be emphasized, however, that, in all respects not covered in this report, any construction detail regarding apparatus 1 may be of a known type. In particular, therefore, Device 1 can be equipped with all the components necessary or useful for the operation that the person expert in the field would be able to identify based on common sector expertise and in function of specific needs, without however go out of scope of protection here claimed. Regarding the components needed for the correct functioning, it is worth noting here how in the solution of the attached figures the electrodes 4 are brought to the desired temperature from plates 8 (in copper) carrying current, applied on the 4 electrodes themselves by opposite to the mutually facing portions of the latter. According to the invention, at least a first group 3a comprises a compensation device 9, in particular, of the planar irregularities of the pieces and / or groups 3a, 3b and / or other components of the apparatus 1 involved in the treatment. Yes specifies in this regard that the distinction between "first" group 3a and "second" group 3b has here solely the aim of distinguishing the group (3rd note) equipped with device 9, from group (3b) which is devoid of it. In the attached figures, the first group 3a is the one at the bottom, but it could be the one at the top too; it is not excluded moreover the possibility that both groups 3a, 3b are equipped with a respective device 9. The device 9 comprises a plurality of organs 10 pressure devices capable of exercising, in at least one active configuration, a press also indirect on the respective electrode 4 (belonging that is, to the same group 3a) and facing the other electrode 4 (the one from the other group 3b). By "indirect" pressure we mean that between the organ 10 and the electrode 4 can be interposed other components (absent in the case, still included in the scope of protection here claimed, of "direct" pressure). Each member 10 comprises a piston 11, preferably axisymmetric, which is mobile parallel to the main direction A (along an electrode interception trajectory 4) and partially housed in a sliding manner inside a respective room 12, in its preferably cylindrical or vaulted axisymmetric. Between piston 11 and (the boundary wall of the) chamber 12 the use of elements is foreseen of sealing, even of a known type, so as to avoid the risk of leaks. Room 12 features a first floor inside compartment 13a and a second compartment 13b, separated (delimited) by the piston 11. At least the first 13a compartments, that is, those arranged on the opposite side to the corresponding electrode 4, are placed in mutual communication through a circuit of compensation 14, which in use is kept closed and filled with a pressurized fluid, in turn capable of maintaining the pressure organs 10 in the active configuration. It is therefore "active configuration" any position that the piston 11 can assume in its translational motion (sliding) parallel to the main direction A, in which you can press against electrode 4, directly or indirectly, in particular because pushed by opposite side from the pressurized fluid. In the preferred embodiment, however not limiting the finding, even the second ones compartments 13b are placed in reciprocal communication, by means of an auxiliary circuit 15, which in use is kept closed and preferably is filled with air. In other words therefore, and as can be seen from example from figures 8 and 9, the space delimited by each room 12 is partly occupied by the respective piston 11: the compartment portions do not occupied by piston 11, of variable volume due to the movement of the latter, they constitute compartments 13a and 13b. At rest, the organs 10 and the pistons 11 in in particular they are at a "zero" level, in which they are already in the active configuration and press directly or indirectly against the respective electrode 4, or in any case they are in direct contact with the electrode 4 itself, kept in such condition from the pressurized fluid in the first compartments 13a and from the balance of power that is generates with the opposite thrust produced by the air in the second compartments 13b (or produced in another way). When groups 3a, 3b are brought together each other to bite the pieces, a any planar irregularity imprints a (also slight) deviation in a piston 11 (or in some of them). This deviation is reflected in a pressure on the fluid contained in the corresponding first sector 13a, which thanks to the compensation circuit 14 is in communication with the other first compartments 13a. Thus, it generates automatically more pressure on others pistons 11 thanks to the balancing action of the pressurized fluid, which allows to maintain (constantly) all 11 pistons in adequate pressure against electrode 4, achieving the intended purpose. In particular, in the embodiment preferred, the fluid that fills the circuit Compensation 14 is hydraulic oil; it is not excluded however to resort to another liquid, or even to air or other gas. Oil, or other fluid, is preferably degassed, so as to contain or eliminate a possible elasticity of response. It is also reiterated that the role of the circuit auxiliary 15 and in general of the air that fills the second compartments 13b is to contribute to the definition of that "zero level" at which they are normally maintained the pistons 11, when not subjected to forces; a similar role could be also performed by springs. More generally, the device 1 may be equipped with any appropriately powered device that takes charge to bring the 11 pistons back to "zero level" mentioned above. Usefully, the plungers 11 can be arranged in mutual parallelism along one or more mutually parallel, oriented rows perpendicular to the direction main A. The arrangement of the pistons 11 will still be such as to keep them almost at the same level same longitudinal dimension (the one defined from the main direction A), so as to be able to react appropriately to any irregularities to glide. In particular, in the embodiment of the attached figures, see for example figure 6, the device 9 comprises three pistons 11 lined up along a (single) row; any matrix distribution (or other nature) is however to be understood as included within the scope of protection claimed here. The choice in this sense can for example depend on the size and shapes of the pieces to be treated (and of the electrode 4), as well as the desire to ensure greater or less distribution of stresses pressure along the entire extension of the surfaces involved. With further reference to the form of preferred realization, proposed in the figures attached for illustrative but not limiting purposes of the finding, the device 9 may comprise a plate 16 (preferably but not necessarily in metallic material), which has a length of his face 16a, facing the respective electrode 4, a plurality of access ports 17 to the respective 12 rooms, which are precisely made inside plate 16. As can be seen for example from figures 8 and 9, at least a part of the circuits 14, 15 can be made inside plate 16. Usefully, the device 9 may comprise at least a verification tool 18, which is configured for the detection of the pressure value in the compensation circuit 14. For example then, if a lower pressure value is detected the desired one can be accessed temporarily to the compensation circuit 14 (when device 1 is not in use) to add oil (or other fluid) and restore the value desired. Instrument 18 can for example be (or (understand) a pressure switch, which as in the figures attached is overlooking a stretch of the circuit of compensation 14. However, you can use any other component, even of a commercial nature, that the an expert in the sector would be able to consider suitable for carrying out the task above indicated. In the preferred embodiment, however not limiting the application of the invention, the device 9 comprising a plurality of flanges 19, permanently interposed between respective pistons 11 and the boundary wall of the corresponding rooms 12. The flanges 19 (preferably cylindrical or (axially symmetrical) facilitate the assembly of the device 9 and organs 10 in particular; they can also accommodate at least part of the auxiliary circuit 15. Helpfully, at least one of the circuits 14, 15 includes at least one bleed branch 14a, 15a, open to the outside at a orifice removably closed by a plug 14b, 15b. More specifically, preferably both circuits 14, 15 are equipped with one or more respective bleed branches 14a, 15a, as shown clearly figures 8 and 9. With further reference to figures 8, 9, the branches 14a purge circuit 14 for example, at least partially in plate 16 and / or in the pistons 11, while the bleed branches 15a of the circuit auxiliary 15, as already anticipated, can be made partly in the flanges 19, as well as in plate 16. In the preferred form, (at least) the first group 3a may also include a reference plate 20, which is interposed between the device 9 and the respective electrode 4: in this case, the organs pressure devices 10 are suitable for exercising, at least in the active configuration, one press (direct) on plate 20 itself and therefore, indirectly, on electrode 4. Even more particularly, between the device 9 and the respective electrode 4 can be both plate 20 and plates 8 are interposed traversed by current. Helpfully, the 9 device is self-sufficient from the energy point of view. In fact, as it is seen, the movement and the position assumed by the stems 11 (with respect to the translation trajectory allowed to them), as well as their return to the level "zero", are determined solely by the pressurized fluid in the first compartments 13a (and, for example, from the air in the second compartments 13b), without any need for external sources of power or energy. The operation of the apparatus 1 was in fact already illustrated: the treatment of the pieces takes place according to traditional methods, thanks to the clamping of the pieces themselves between the 3a groups, 3b and electrodes 4 in particular, but, in a way completely unique and innovative, thanks to the device 9 is effectively compensated any planar irregularity, be it its own of the treated parts or components of the apparatus 1 involved. In fact, in the known solutions the irregularities planar generate non-homogeneous forces which cause that the pressure on the clamped pieces is not uniform for all surfaces in contact (with serious consequences on the quality of welding / permanent connection obtained). Conversely, in apparatus 1 they cause a translational movement of one or more pistons 11, but this is immediately compensated by the pressurized fluid in the first compartments 13a: when irregularities "move" one or more pistons 11, the pressurized fluid contained in the first compartments 13a redistributes the corresponding pressure gradients generated by the displacement on the other pistons 11 (thanks to the fact that all the first 13a compartments are in communication thanks to the compensation circuit 14) and therefore the non-homogeneous forces are balanced and compensated. The corresponding electrode 4 is then constantly pressed against the pieces with uniform and constant pressure on all the surfaces involved. This allows you to get the connection permanent of pieces of any shape and size, while still ensuring high quality and consistency of the result obtained, even in the presence of planar irregularities of the pieces or components of the apparatus itself. In particular, apparatus 1 can perform "diffusion bonding" treatments on large pieces, thus ensuring high quality and consistency of the results obtained. Thanks to the perfect adhesion of the surfaces and of the pieces to be connected, the device 1 requires a significantly low power consumption for make the required permanent connection and this allows the device 1 itself to operate effectively, even on large pieces dimensions, while still improving contact between surfaces and equipment. As we have seen, Device 9 does not require any source external power supply, thereby ensuring a once again low energy consumption for the apparatus 1 of which it is a part. The invention, thus conceived, is susceptible to numerous changes and variants all included within the scope of the inventive concept; furthermore, all the details may be replaced by others technically equivalent. In the illustrated examples of individual implementations characteristics, reported in relation to specific examples, may actually be replaced with other different features, existing in other examples of embodiment. In practice the materials used, as well as the dimensions, they can be any according to the needs and the state of the art.

Claims

1. Apparatus for processing pieces, comprising at least one support frame (2) for two clamping groups (3a, 3b), equipped with the possibility of relative translation according to a main direction (A) of mutual approach and separation, said groups (3a, 3b) comprising respective electrodes (4) facing each other and configured for clamping a pair of pieces to be permanently connected, characterised in that at least a first said group (3a) comprises a compensation device (9);said device (9) comprising a plurality of pressure members (10) capable of exerting, in at least one active configuration, even indirect pressure on the respective said electrode (4) and directed towards the other said electrode (4), each of said members (10) comprising a piston (11) movable parallel to said main direction (A) and partially housed in a sliding manner inside a respective chamber (12), presenting a first M236200 compartment (13a) and a second compartment (13b) separated from said piston (11), at least said first compartments (13a), arranged on the opposite side with respect to the corresponding said electrode (4), being placed in mutual communication by means of a compensation circuit (14), in use closed and filled with a pressurised fluid, capable of maintaining said pressure members (10) in said active configuration.; 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterised in that said second compartments (13b) are placed in mutual communication by means of an auxiliary circuit (15), in use closed and preferably filled with air.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that said fluid is hydraulic oil.

4. Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that said pistons (11) are arranged in mutual parallelism along one or more mutually parallel rows, oriented perpendicularly with respect to M236200 said main direction (A).

5. Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that said device (9) comprises a plate (16) having along one of its faces (16a), facing the respective said electrode (4), a plurality of openings (17) for access to respective said chambers (12), made inside said plate (16).

6. Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that said device (9) comprises at least one verification instrument (18) configured for detecting the pressure value in said compensation circuit (14).

7. Apparatus according to claim 6, characterised in that said instrument (18) is a pressure switch, facing a section of said compensation circuit (14).

8. Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that said device (9) comprises a plurality of flanges (19) stably interposed between M236200 respective said pistons (11) and the delimiting wall of corresponding said chambers (12).

9. Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one of said circuits (14, 15) comprises at least one purge branch (14a, 15a), open towards the outside at an orifice removably closed by a plug (14b, 15b).

10. Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that said first group (3a) comprises a contact plate (20), interposed between said device (9) and the respective said electrode (4), said pressure members (10) being able to exert, in at least said active configuration, a pressure on said plate (20).

11. Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that said device (9) is self-sufficient from an energy point of view.