High-frequency induction hardening apparatus, high-frequency heating apparatus, high-frequency induction hardening method, and high-frequency heating method

Abstract

The present invention provides a high-frequency induction hardening apparatus, a high-frequency induction heating apparatus, a high-frequency induction hardening method, and a high-frequency induction heating method that can improve productivity. [Solution] The high-frequency induction hardening apparatus comprises a plurality of heating units and a transport means capable of selecting and transporting one heating unit from the plurality of heating units. Each heating unit has a transformer stand that can be attached to and detached from the transport means, a transformer fixed to the transformer stand and supplied with high-frequency current without going through the transport means, and a heating coil fixed to the transformer and supplied with high-frequency current from the transformer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a high-frequency quenching device, a high-frequency heating device, a high-frequency quenching method, and a high-frequency heating method.

Background Art

[0002] In high-frequency quenching, a high-frequency current is supplied from a power supply device to a heating coil via a transformer, so that an induced current flows through the workpiece and the workpiece is heated. Since the optimal heating coil varies depending on the shape of the workpiece and the portion to be quenched, it is preferable to prepare a plurality of types of heating coils and connect the optimal heating coil to the transformer. However, when attaching or detaching the heating coil to the transformer, the quenching process must be interrupted, resulting in a problem of reduced productivity.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of embodiments of the present invention is to provide a high-frequency quenching device, a high-frequency heating device, a high-frequency quenching method, and a high-frequency heating method capable of improving productivity.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The high-frequency quenching device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of heating units and a conveying means capable of selecting and conveying one heating unit from the plurality of heating units. Each of the heating units has a transformer stand detachably attached to the conveying means, a transformer fixed to the transformer stand and supplied with a high-frequency current without passing through the conveying means, and a heating coil fixed to the transformer and supplied with a high-frequency current from the transformer.

[0006] An embodiment of the present invention provides a high-frequency induction hardening method comprising the steps of: a transport means selecting one heating unit from a plurality of heating units and mounting a transformer frame for the one heating unit; the transport means transporting the heating unit to the vicinity of a workpiece; and supplying a high-frequency current to a transformer fixed to the transformer frame without going through the transport means, thereby supplying a high-frequency current to a heating coil fixed to the transformer. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to embodiments of the present invention, a high-frequency induction hardening apparatus, a high-frequency induction heating apparatus, a high-frequency induction hardening method, and a high-frequency induction heating method that can improve productivity can be realized. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a high-frequency induction hardening apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a heating unit in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows the measurement unit in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a high-frequency induction hardening apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] <First Embodiment> Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 shows a high-frequency induction hardening apparatus according to this embodiment. Figure 2 shows one heating unit in this embodiment. Figure 3 shows the measurement unit in this embodiment.

[0010] As shown in Figure 1, the high-frequency induction hardening apparatus 1 according to this embodiment is provided with a multi-axis robot 10 as a transport means, a plurality of heating units 20, and one or more measuring units 30. The plurality of heating units 20 and measuring units 30 are each placed on a turntable 110. The plurality of turntables 110 are arranged, for example, along a first direction D1.

[0011] The multi-axis robot 10 includes a base unit 11, an arm unit 12, and a tool changer 13. For example, the base unit 11 is movable along a first direction D1. The base unit 11 is also movable near the workpiece 200 that is to be subjected to high-frequency induction hardening. The base end 12a of the arm unit 12 is connected to the base unit 11. The tip 12b of the arm unit 12 is connected to the tool changer 13. The arm unit 12 is provided with multiple joints 12c between the base end 12a and the tip 12b. This allows the arm unit 12 to move the tool changer 13 in, for example, six axes.

[0012] The heating unit 20 is electrically connected to the power supply unit 150 via a water cooling cable 120, a switch 130, and a busbar 140. A water supply pipe 160 is also connected to the heating unit 20. The water supply pipe 160 is connected to a pump (not shown) via a switching valve (not shown) to supply cooling water. A turntable 110, water cooling cable 120, switch 130, and water supply pipe 160 are provided for each heating unit 20. The busbar 140 and power supply unit 150 are provided in common to multiple heating units 20.

[0013] As shown in Figure 2, each heating unit 20 is provided with a transformer stand 21, a transformer 22, a heating coil 23, and a water cooling nozzle 24. The transformer stand 21 is detachable from the tool changer 13 of the multi-axis robot 10. The transformer stand 21 is made of metal, for example, aluminum or stainless steel, and its shape is, for example, a rectangular tubular shape.

[0014] The transformer 22 is located within the transformer frame 21 and is fixed to the transformer frame 21. The transformer 22 has a roughly rectangular shape, and almost all of its four sides, excluding the front 22a and rear 22b, are enclosed by the transformer frame 21. A water cooling cable 120 is electrically connected to the rear 22b of the transformer 22. A water supply pipe 160 is also connected to the rear 22b of the transformer 22, and cooling water is supplied through the water supply pipe 160. The transformer 22 is a transformer that converts the voltage and current of the high-frequency current supplied from the water cooling cable 120. The transformer 22 may be an air-core type or a core type.

[0015] The heating coil 23 and the water-cooling nozzle 24 are connected to the front surface 22a of the transformer 22. For example, the heating coil 23 is fixed to the transformer 22 by bolting or clamping. A high-frequency current is supplied to the heating coil 23 from the transformer 22. Cooling water is supplied to the water-cooling nozzle 24 from the transformer 22.

[0016] In the high-frequency induction hardening apparatus 1, multiple heating units 20 are provided, and in each heating unit 20, a transformer stand 21, a transformer 22, a heating coil 23, and a water-cooling nozzle 24 are fixed to each other. As a result, the multi-axis robot 10 can select and transport one heating unit 20 by attaching the transformer stand 21 to the tool changer 13.

[0017] The specifications of the heating coils 23 differ among the multiple heating units 20. Furthermore, the transformer 22 of each heating unit 20 is adapted to the heating coil 23 of that heating unit 20, and its impedance is adjusted to the heating coil 23. Therefore, the specifications of the transformers 22 often differ among the multiple heating units 20. The specifications of the transformer mounts 21 may be the same or different among the multiple heating units 20, but any of the transformer mounts 21 can be attached to and detached from the tool changer 13 of the multi-axis robot 10.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 3, the measurement unit 30 is also detachable from the tool changer 13 of the multi-axis robot 10. The measurement unit 30 measures some physical quantity with respect to the workpiece 200. For example, the measurement unit 30 has a touch probe 31. Thereby, the measurement unit 30 can measure the shape of the workpiece 200.

[0019] Next, the operation of the high-frequency quenching device 1 according to the present embodiment, that is, the high-frequency quenching method according to the present embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of heating units 20 are prepared in advance. As described above, the specifications of the heating coils 23 are made different from each other among the plurality of heating units 20. In each heating unit 20, a transformer 22 that is suitable for the heating coil 23 is prepared, and the impedance is adjusted so as to match the heating coil 23. Also, a measurement unit 30 is prepared. Further, the workpiece 200 to be subjected to the high-frequency quenching process is disposed within the moving range of the multi-axis robot 10.

[0020] An optimal heating coil 23 is selected according to conditions such as the shape of the workpiece 200, the portion of the workpiece 200 where quenching is planned, and the quenching depth. Then, the base portion 11 of the multi-axis robot 10 as a conveying means moves along the first direction D1 to select one heating unit 20 including the selected heating coil 23 from the plurality of heating units 20.

[0021] Next, as shown in FIG. 2, by driving the joint 12c of the arm portion 12 of the multi-axis robot 10, the position and orientation of the tool changer 13 are adjusted, and the tool changer 13 is disposed at a position and orientation where the transformer pedestal 21 of the selected heating unit 20 can be mounted. Then, the transformer pedestal 21 is mounted by the tool changer 13. Thereby, one heating unit 20 is mounted on the multi-axis robot 10.

[0022] Next, as shown in FIG. 1, the base portion 11 of the multi-axis robot 10 is moved to convey the mounted heating unit 20 to the vicinity of the workpiece 200.

[0023] Next, by switching the switch 130, a high-frequency current is supplied to the transformer 22 of the selected heating unit 20. The transformer 22 converts the voltage and current of the supplied high-frequency current and supplies it to the heating coil 23. The transformer 22 also discharges cooling water supplied from the water supply pipe 160 through the water cooling nozzle 24. Furthermore, by driving the arm 12 of the multi-axis robot 10, the heating coil 23 of the heating unit 20 is moved relative to the workpiece 200. As a result, the heating coil 23 induces heating of the surface portion of the workpiece 200, and the water cooling nozzle 24 discharges cooling water to rapidly cool it. In this way, the surface portion of the workpiece 200 is continuously hardened.

[0024] In this configuration, the high-frequency current is supplied to the transformer 22 via the busbar 140, switch 130, and water cooling cable 120 from the power supply unit 150, without passing through the multi-axis robot 10. Cooling water is also supplied to the transformer 22 via the water supply pipe 160, without passing through the multi-axis robot 10. A control signal may also be output to the transformer 22 from the tool changer 13 of the multi-axis robot 10.

[0025] The high-frequency induction hardening apparatus 1 replaces the heating coil 23 as needed when the workpiece 200 is changed, when the part of the workpiece 200 to be hardened is changed, or when the hardening conditions are changed. In this case, the supply of high-frequency current and cooling water is stopped, the multi-axis robot 10 moves away from the workpiece 200, and the heating unit 20 that was previously used is returned to its original position on the turntable 110. Then, the multi-axis robot 10 moves to the position of the heating unit 20 containing the heating coil 23 to be used next, and the tool changer 13 installs this heating unit 20. Next, it moves back to the vicinity of the workpiece 200, restarts the supply of high-frequency current and cooling water, and resumes the hardening process.

[0026] Furthermore, the high-frequency induction hardening apparatus 1 measures the workpiece 200 using the measurement unit 30 as needed. In this case, the multi-axis robot 10 selects the measurement unit 30 instead of the heating unit 20, mounts it on the tool changer 13, and transports it to the vicinity of the workpiece 200. Then, the measurement unit 30 measures the workpiece 200.

[0027] In one example, the workpiece 200 is a large helical gear, and the multi-axis robot 10 controls the position and orientation of the measuring unit 30 so that the tip of the touch probe 31 moves along the surface of the workpiece 200, while keeping the axis 31c of the touch probe 31 always perpendicular to the central axis 200c of the workpiece 200. By operating the measuring unit 30, the shape of the workpiece 200 is measured. For example, by measuring the shape of the workpiece 200 before the hardening process, the trajectory of the heating coil 23 during the hardening process is set.

[0028] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, any heating coil 23 can be selected by selecting one heating unit 20 from a plurality of heating units 20. Each heating coil 23 is connected to a transformer 22 that is compatible with the heating coil 23 and whose impedance has been pre-adjusted. The transformer 22 is also pre-fixed to a transformer stand 21. A water cooling cable 120 and a water supply pipe 160 are also connected to the transformer 22.

[0029] Therefore, once the tool changer 13 of the multi-axis robot 10 is fitted with the transformer stand 21, the heating coil 23 can be immediately selected and used. The work of fixing the transformer 22 to the transformer stand 21, the work of connecting the heating coil 23 to the transformer 22, and the work of adjusting the impedance of the transformer 22 to match the heating coil 23 can be performed separately from the hardening process, so the efficiency of the hardening process is not reduced due to these work processes. For this reason, according to this embodiment, a high-frequency induction hardening apparatus and high-frequency induction hardening method with high productivity can be realized.

[0030] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, each transformer 22 only needs to be compatible with each heating coil 23, so it can be made smaller compared to a transformer that can be compatible with all heating coils 23. For example, while a transformer that can be compatible with many heating coils 23 weighs 70 to 150 kg, a transformer that can be compatible with one heating coil 23 can weigh about 20 to 30 kg. As a result, the payload capacity of the multi-axis robot 10 can be reduced, making the multi-axis robot 10 smaller and less expensive.

[0031] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the heating coil 23 is fixed to the transformer 22 in each heating unit 20, the electrical connection between the transformer 22 and the heating coil 23 is stable. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of insufficient hardening or sparks caused by unstable connections.

[0032] In contrast, if the heating coil 23 is detached from the transformer 22 each time the heating coil 23 is changed, the electrical resistance may change due to the surface condition of the connection part of the heating coil 23, potentially leading to an unstable connection. For example, if oxide scale is formed on the surface of the connection part of the heating coil 23, or if it is corroded or has cooling water adhering to it, the contact resistance with the transformer 22 may fluctuate significantly, potentially causing sparks.

[0033] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the water supply pipe 160 is pre-connected to the transformer 22, and cooling water is supplied to the water cooling nozzle 24 without going through the multi-axis robot 10. Therefore, there is no need to attach or detach the water supply pipe 160 each time the heating coil 23 is changed. This also improves the productivity of the hardening process.

[0034] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the multi-axis robot 10 can also select a measurement unit 30 instead of a heating unit 20. This makes it possible to measure the workpiece 200 using the measurement unit 30 without reducing efficiency. This also improves the productivity of the hardening process. Note that the measurement unit 30 is not required to be provided in the high-frequency induction hardening apparatus 1.

[0035] In this embodiment, a plurality of heating units 20 are arranged along a first direction D1, and the base body 11 of the multi-axis robot 10 moves along the first direction D1, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the base body 11 may be fixed to the factory floor, and the plurality of heating units 20, measuring unit 30, and workpiece 200 may be arranged in a circular or arc shape within the reach of the arm 12 of the multi-axis robot 10.

[0036] <Second Embodiment> Figure 4 shows a high-frequency induction hardening apparatus according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, in the high-frequency induction hardening apparatus 2 according to this embodiment, a gantry-type machining center 40 is provided as a conveying means. The gantry-type machining center 40 is provided with a pair of pillar sections 41, a bridge section 42, a detachable section 43, and tires 44.

[0037] The tire 44 is provided at the lower end of the pillar section 41. This allows the pair of pillar sections 41 to move in a first direction D1 relative to the floor. The first direction D1 is the front-rear direction. The bridge section 42 is movably connected to the pair of pillar sections 41. The bridge section 42 is movably connected to the pair of pillar sections 41 in a second direction D2. The second direction D2 is the up-down direction. The detachable section 43 is movably connected to the bridge section 42. The detachable section 43 is movably connected to the bridge section 42 in a third direction D3. The third direction D3 is the left-right direction.

[0038] The attachment / detachment section 43 allows the heating unit 20 to be attached and detached. This enables the gantry machining center 40 to hold one heating unit 20 and transport it along the first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3. Multiple heating units 20 are arranged, for example, along the third direction D3. The workpiece 200 is positioned in the first direction D1 relative to the multiple heating units 20.

[0039] In this embodiment as well, the gantry-type machining center 40, which is the conveying means, can select one of the multiple heating units 20 and perform a hardening treatment on the workpiece 200. The configuration, operation, and effects in this embodiment other than those described above are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0040] In the first and second embodiments described above, the water-cooling nozzle 24 may be omitted, and the workpiece 200 heated by the heating coil 23 may be allowed to cool naturally. This makes it possible to realize a high-frequency heating apparatus and high-frequency heating method that can improve productivity. In this case, the heating temperature of the workpiece 200 may be lower than that when quenching is performed. This makes it possible to anneal the workpiece 200. The heat treatment applied to the workpiece 200 is not limited to quenching and annealing.

[0041] The embodiments described above are examples that embody the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. For example, the present invention is also included in the embodiments described above in which some components have been added, deleted, or modified.

[0042] The present invention includes the following embodiments.

[0043] (Note 1) Multiple heating units, A transport means capable of selecting and transporting one heating unit from the plurality of heating units, Equipped with, Each of the aforementioned heating units A transformer stand that can be attached to the aforementioned transport means, A transformer fixed to the transformer frame and supplied with high-frequency current without the transport means, A heating coil fixed to the transformer and supplied with high-frequency current from the transformer, A high-frequency induction hardening apparatus having a high-frequency induction hardening device.

[0044] (Note 2) The high-frequency induction hardening apparatus according to Appendix 1, wherein each heating unit is fixed to the transformer and further comprises a water-cooling nozzle to which cooling water is supplied without the use of the transport means.

[0045] (Note 3) Equipped with an additional measurement unit, The transport means is capable of selectively transporting the measurement unit instead of the heating unit, as described in Appendix 1 or 2 of the high-frequency induction hardening apparatus.

[0046] (Note 4) The transport means is a multi-axis robot, as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 3 of the high-frequency induction hardening apparatus.

[0047] (Note 5) Multiple heating units, A transport means capable of selecting and transporting one heating unit from the plurality of heating units, Equipped with, Each of the aforementioned heating units A transformer stand that can be attached to the aforementioned transport means, A transformer fixed to the transformer frame and supplied with high-frequency current without the transport means, A heating coil fixed to the transformer and supplied with high-frequency current from the transformer, A high-frequency heating device having the following features.

[0048] (Note 6) The process involves a transport means selecting one heating unit from a plurality of heating units and mounting the transformer stand of the said heating unit, The transport means includes the step of transporting the heating unit to the vicinity of the workpiece, The process involves supplying a high-frequency current to a transformer fixed to the transformer frame without using the transport means, thereby causing the transformer to supply a high-frequency current to a heating coil fixed to the transformer. Equipped with a high-frequency induction hardening method.

[0049] (Note 7) The high-frequency induction hardening method according to Appendix 6, wherein in the step of supplying the high-frequency current, the transport means moves the heating unit relative to the workpiece.

[0050] (Note 8) The high-frequency induction hardening method according to Appendix 6 or 7, wherein, in the step of supplying the high-frequency current, cooling water is supplied to a water-cooling nozzle fixed to the transformer without the conveying means, and the water-cooling nozzle discharges the cooling water toward the workpiece.

[0051] (Note 9) The process involves a transport means selecting one heating unit from a plurality of heating units and mounting the transformer stand of the said heating unit, The transport means includes the step of transporting the heating unit to the vicinity of the workpiece, The process involves supplying a high-frequency current to a transformer fixed to the transformer frame without using the transport means, thereby causing the transformer to supply a high-frequency current to a heating coil fixed to the transformer. A high-frequency heating method equipped with [a specific feature]. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0052] 1, 2 High-frequency induction hardening equipment 10 Multi-axis robots 11 Base part 12 Arm section 12a Proximal end 12b Tip 12c joint 13 Tool Changer 20 Heating Units 21 Transformer mounting frame 22 transformers 22a front 22b Back 23 Heating coil 24 water-cooled nozzles 30 measurement units 31 Touch probes 31c axis center 40 Gantry-type machining centers 41 Pillar section 42 Bridge section 43 Detachable part 44 tires 110 Turntable 120 Water Cooling Cables 130 cutter 140 ブスバー 150 power supply unit 160 water supply pipe 200 ワーク 200c central axis

Claims

1. Multiple heating units, A transport means capable of selecting and transporting one heating unit from the plurality of heating units, Equipped with, Each of the aforementioned heating units A transformer stand that can be attached to the aforementioned transport means, A transformer fixed to the transformer frame and supplied with high-frequency current without the transport means, A heating coil fixed to the transformer and supplied with high-frequency current from the transformer, A high-frequency induction hardening apparatus having a high-frequency induction hardening device.

2. The high-frequency induction hardening apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each heating unit is fixed to the transformer and further comprises a water-cooling nozzle to which cooling water is supplied without the use of the conveying means.

3. Equipped with an additional measurement unit, The high-frequency induction hardening apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transport means is capable of selectively transporting the measurement unit instead of the heating unit.

4. The high-frequency induction hardening apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transport means is a multi-axis robot.

5. Multiple heating units, A transport means capable of selecting and transporting one heating unit from the plurality of heating units, Equipped with, Each of the aforementioned heating units A transformer stand that can be attached to the aforementioned transport means, A transformer fixed to the transformer frame and supplied with high-frequency current without the transport means, A heating coil fixed to the transformer and supplied with high-frequency current from the transformer, A high-frequency heating device having the following features.

6. The process involves a transport means selecting one heating unit from a plurality of heating units and mounting the transformer stand of the said heating unit, The transport means includes the step of transporting the heating unit to the vicinity of the workpiece, The process involves supplying a high-frequency current to a transformer fixed to the transformer frame without using the transport means, thereby causing the transformer to supply a high-frequency current to a heating coil fixed to the transformer. Equipped with a high-frequency induction hardening method.

7. The high-frequency induction hardening method according to claim 6, wherein in the step of supplying the high-frequency current, the transport means moves the heating unit relative to the workpiece.

8. The high-frequency induction hardening method according to claim 6, wherein, in the step of supplying the high-frequency current, cooling water is supplied to a water-cooling nozzle fixed to the transformer without the conveying means, and the water-cooling nozzle discharges the cooling water toward the workpiece.

9. The process involves a transport means selecting one heating unit from a plurality of heating units and mounting the transformer stand of the said heating unit, The transport means includes the step of transporting the heating unit to the vicinity of the workpiece, The process involves supplying a high-frequency current to a transformer fixed to the transformer frame without using the transport means, thereby causing the transformer to supply a high-frequency current to a heating coil fixed to the transformer. A high-frequency heating method equipped with [a specific feature].

Images