Hot stamping device and hot stamping system

Abstract

FIELD: metal forming.SUBSTANCE: invention relates to hot stamping equipment. The hot stamping device comprises a frame, upper and lower sliders, a transfer unit mounted on the frame and a controller. The transfer unit includes a drive component connected to a power conversion component in the form of a gear wheel. A torque transmission mechanism in the form of a gear wheel is connected to the power conversion component. A feedback signal encoder is provided, configured to obtain the angle of rotation of the torque transmission mechanism. The torque transmission mechanism is designed to cause the upper slider to move towards or away from the lower slider. The controller is connected to the drive component and the feedback signal encoder and controls the operation of the drive component based on the angle of rotation of the torque transmission mechanism received by the feedback signal encoder.EFFECT: increasing the accuracy of workpiece processing.11 cl, 14 dwg

Description

[0001] This application claims priority on the filing date of Chinese Patent Application No. 202510122620.0, "HOT-FORMING APPARATUS AND HOT-FORMING SYSTEM", filed on January 24, 2025, in the National Intellectual Property Administration of China, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD TO WHICH THE INVENTION RELATS

[0002] The present application relates to the field of hot stamping technology, and in particular to a hot stamping device and a hot stamping system.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Amid strict energy consumption regulations in the automotive industry and the rapid development of new energy vehicles, safety and lightweight design requirements are becoming increasingly important. Hot stamping steel, due to its exceptionally high strength and easy processing, is widely used in vehicle structural components. The primary production process for hot stamping steel involves heating steel sheets to high temperatures to ensure complete austenitization of their microstructure, followed by rapid cooling. This process comprehensively increases the strength of the steel sheets, achieving yield strengths exceeding 1000 MPa.At the same time, there is a significant increase in the demand for components with separate, so-called cooled and hot zones, especially in terms of battery protection, which requires both high strength of the workpiece and excellent welding characteristics of the same component.

[0004] Stamping and forming equipment in related technologies typically utilizes a stamping press structure. It performs contour pressing of hot stamped parts using molds and uses water to dissipate heat and quench the hot stamped parts. This approach requires a large-capacity device, resulting in high energy consumption, significant manufacturing costs, and a large installation area. For specific operating modes requiring frequent and precise positioning in multiple locations, such a device is generally insufficient to meet these requirements. Furthermore, the main power transmission of this device relies on hydraulic mechanisms, and the use of hydraulic fluid may have adverse environmental impacts.Alternatively, some hot metal forming presses can be used, allowing for quick assembly and disassembly of the upper and lower press tables, facilitating regular maintenance. However, these hot metal forming machines also resemble conventional hydraulic presses and weigh heavily, requiring higher investment costs and longer maintenance times.

[0005] Therefore, the problem of how to simplify the production process and reduce the cost of a hot stamping device is a technical problem that needs to be solved by specialists in this field of technology. ESSENCE OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a hot stamping apparatus and a hot stamping system that can significantly shorten the processing cycle of a workpiece by hot stamping and improve the processing efficiency and accuracy.

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the following technical solutions are proposed according to the present application.

[0008] Hot stamping device includes:

[0009] device frame;

[0010] an upper slider and a lower slider that are mounted on the frame of the device, wherein the upper slider is configured to drive the upper part of the mold, and the lower slider is configured to provide support for the lower part of the mold;

[0011] a transmission unit mounted on a frame of the device, wherein the transmission unit includes a drive component, a power converting component connected to the drive component, a torque transmitting mechanism connected to the power converting component, and a feedback signal encoder configured to obtain the angle of rotation of the torque transmitting mechanism, wherein both the power converting component and the torque transmitting mechanism are made in the form of gears, and the torque transmitting mechanism is configured to drive the upper slider in motion toward or away from the lower slider; and

[0012] a controller, wherein both the drive component and the feedback signal encoder are connected to the controller, and the controller is configured to control the operation of the drive component based on the rotation angle of the torque transmission mechanism received by the feedback signal encoder.

[0013] According to another aspect of the invention, the transmission unit further includes a brake transmission component configured to transmit power from the drive component to the power conversion component. The brake transmission component is connected between the drive component and the power conversion component and is coupled to a controller. The controller is further configured to control the brake transmission component to stop when the upper slider moves to a predetermined position.

[0014] According to another aspect of the invention, the transmission unit further includes a rotary coupling component. One end of the rotary coupling component is pivotally connected to the torque transmission mechanism, and the other end of the rotary coupling component is pivotally connected to the upper slider. The torque transmission mechanism is configured to drive the upper slider in an up and down motion by means of the rotary coupling component. The number of power conversion components, the number of torque transmission mechanisms, and the number of rotary coupling components is at least two for each of them.At least two power conversion components are symmetrically located on the left and right sides of the brake transmission component, at least two torque transmission mechanisms are symmetrically located on the left and right sides of the brake transmission component, and at least two rotary coupling components are symmetrically located on the left and right sides of the brake transmission component. At least one of the rotary coupling components is connected to the left side of the upper slider, and at least one of the rotary coupling components is connected to the right side of the upper slider.

[0015] According to another aspect of the invention, a working surface is provided on the upper portion of the lower slider. The working surface has a plurality of positioning grooves configured to position the lower portion of the mold, and a plurality of locking grooves configured to lock the lower portion of the mold. The positioning grooves and locking grooves are arranged in correspondingly specific orders.

[0016] According to another aspect of the invention, the hot stamping device further comprises a hot stamping mold, which includes:

[0017] an upper part of the mold and a lower part of the mold, wherein between the upper part of the mold and the lower part of the mold a profiled cavity is formed, configured to accommodate a workpiece, each of the upper part of the mold and the lower part of the mold has a cavity inside and is provided with hollow sections at predetermined positions on one side thereof, close to the profiled cavity, and the hollow sections communicate with the cavity, providing the possibility of injecting the working medium from the cavity onto the workpiece through the hollow sections;

[0018] a plurality of injection elements that are installed in the cavity of the upper part of the mold and / or the lower part of the mold; and

[0019] a plurality of working medium pipelines located in the cavities, wherein the plurality of working medium pipelines are configured to supply the working medium to the injection elements, wherein the pressure in each of the working medium pipelines is adjustable.

[0020] According to another aspect of the invention, the hot stamping device further includes a mounting adapter for supplying water to the upper part of the mold, configured to be connected to an external pipeline.

[0021] The water supply adapter for the upper mold section is mounted on the device frame. The upper mold section has a quick-release connector that is detachably connected to the water supply adapter for the upper mold section and communicates with the working fluid pipeline.

[0022] According to another aspect of the invention, the hot stamping device further includes:

[0023] an exhaust gas collecting component configured to collect exhaust gas during the quenching process, wherein the exhaust gas collecting component is installed on an upper portion of the device frame; and

[0024] a water circulation system configured to collect and return a working medium for recirculation, wherein the water circulation system includes: a circulating water collection tank configured to accumulate cooling water collected from a hot stamping mold and to perform preliminary filtration of the cooling water; a water return component configured to pump cooling water from the hot stamping mold into the circulating water collection tank and connected to the circulating water collection tank; a water storage tank configured to store pre-filtered circulating water coming from the circulating water collection tank;a water supply component configured to receive pre-filtered circulating water from a collection tank for circulating water and to supply the pre-filtered circulating water to a water storage tank, wherein the water storage tank is connected to a water supply channel configured to supply cooling water to a hot stamping mold; a secondary cleaning filter and / or a tertiary cleaning filter installed in the water supply channel and configured to perform secondary and / or tertiary filtration of the cooling water in the water supply channel; and a high-pressure water pump installed on the water supply pipe and configured to regulate the pressure of the supplied water in the water supply channel with an adjustment range of 0-3 MPa.

[0025] According to another aspect of the invention, the hot stamping device further includes a guide mechanism mounted in the device frame, and an upper slider is slidably connected to the guide mechanism. The lower slider is slidably mounted in the device frame and is movable from the inside to the outside of the device frame for mold replacement.

[0026] Further provided is a hot stamping system according to the present application, including a hot stamping device according to any of the above-described solutions.

[0027] According to another aspect of the invention, the hot stamping system further includes a tunnel furnace, a device for loading into a working position, an automatic loading robot, a gantry manipulator, and a device for feeding and returning the working medium. The tunnel furnace comprises a part for accommodating the workpiece, a heating zone, a heating holding zone, and an in-furnace gripping zone, which are arranged sequentially from the loading end to the unloading end of the tunnel furnace. The automatic loading robot is configured to grip the workpiece from the device for loading into a working position and to place the workpiece in the part for accommodating the workpiece. The hot stamping device is located between the gantry manipulator and the device for feeding and returning the working medium, and the gantry manipulator is configured to move the workpiece from the in-furnace gripping zone to the hot stamping device.

[0028] According to another aspect of the invention, a gantry manipulator includes a first support column, a second support column, a transverse support member, a gripping mechanism, and a movable mechanism unit. The first support column and the second support column are respectively located at two ends of the transverse support member, and the gripping mechanism is suspended from below the movable mechanism unit via a four-axis connecting mechanism. The gripping mechanism includes a gripping mechanism frame, a gripping mechanism pneumatic cylinder, a gripping mechanism transmission rod, a transmission rod locking adapter, and a power transmission lever. The gripping mechanism pneumatic cylinder is mounted on the gripping mechanism frame, and a pneumatic cylinder protective cover is provided on the outer side of the gripping mechanism pneumatic cylinder. The transmission rod of the gripping mechanism is slidably connected to the transmission rod locking adapter.One end of the gripper's transmission rod is connected to the gripper's pneumatic cylinder, and the other end of the gripper's transmission rod is connected to the power transmission lever. A first gripper (hook) is located on the underside of the gripper's frame, and a second gripper (hook) is located on the lower end of the power transmission lever. When the workpiece is moved into the tunnel kiln's gripping zone, the first gripper is configured to engage one end of the workpiece, and the gripper's pneumatic cylinder is configured to drive the gripper's transmission rod into a reciprocating motion, thereby causing the power transmission lever to rotate, causing the second gripper to engage the other end of the workpiece.

[0029] According to another aspect of the invention, the movable mechanism assembly includes a movable supporting body of the mechanism and a four-axis servomotor, a protective motor cover, a wave gear reducer, a drive component, and a heat-insulating panel, which are mounted on the movable supporting body of the mechanism. The protective motor cover covers the four-axis servomotor, the wave gear reducer is connected between the four-axis servomotor and the drive component, and the heat-insulating panel is fixed to the end of the drive component close to the gripping mechanism. The gripping mechanism is fixed to the drive component and moves together with the drive component. A cooling component is additionally mounted on the movable supporting body, configured to supply cold air to the movable supporting body of the mechanism to cool the four-axis servomotor.

[0030] A hot stamping device proposed in accordance with the present application includes: a device frame; an upper slider and a lower slider, both mounted on the device frame, wherein the upper slider is configured to drive an upper part of a mold, and the lower slider is configured to provide support for the lower part of the mold; a transmission unit mounted on the device frame, wherein the transmission unit includes a drive component, a power converting component connected to the drive component, a torque transmitting mechanism connected to the power converting component, and a feedback signal encoder configured to obtain an angle of rotation of the torque transmitting mechanism, wherein both the power converting component and the torque transmitting mechanism are made in the form of gears,and the torque transmitting mechanism is configured to drive the upper slider in a direction toward or away from the lower slider; and a controller, wherein both the drive component and the feedback signal encoder are connected to the controller, the controller is configured to control the operation of the drive component based on the rotation angle of the torque transmitting mechanism received by the feedback signal encoder. The hot stamping device according to the present application uses a gear transmission between the drive component, the power converting component and the torque transmitting mechanism to improve the positional accuracy of the movement of the upper slider, thereby effectively increasing the positional accuracy of the closing of the upper part of the mold and the lower part of the mold and, consequently, increasing the accuracy of the workpiece processing. In addition, due to the presence of the feedback signal encoder,which receives the rotation angle of the torque transmission mechanism and transmits it via the feedback channel to the controller, the position of the slider during the movement can be transmitted via the feedback channel more accurately, which further increases the positional accuracy of the closing of the upper part of the mold and the lower part of the mold and further improves the accuracy of processing the workpieces.

[0031] In one embodiment, the hot stamping apparatus further includes a guide mechanism mounted in the apparatus frame, and the upper slider is slidably connected to the guide mechanism. The lower slider is slidably mounted in the apparatus frame and can be moved from the inside to the outside of the apparatus frame for mold replacement. In the above-described structure, the guide mechanism may be a guide rail, such as a steel guide rail. The presence of the guide mechanism can improve the smoothness of the upper slider's movement during its ascent or descent, thereby further enhancing the positional accuracy of the upper slider and, consequently, the positioning accuracy of the upper part of the mold.In addition, since the lower slider can be moved from the inside to the outside of the device frame, that is, the lower slider serves as a movable work table that can be moved horizontally from the device frame to replace the mold, the mold replacement is performed more conveniently and timely.

[0032] The hot stamping system according to the present application includes the above-mentioned hot stamping device. Since the hot stamping device achieves the above-described technical effects, the hot stamping system having the hot stamping device also achieves the corresponding technical effects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] To more clearly explain the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions of the prior art, the drawings used to describe the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art are briefly presented below. It is obvious that the drawings in the following description show only some embodiments of the present invention. Based on the given drawings, those skilled in the art can derive other drawings without any creative efforts.

[0034] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a hot stamping apparatus according to a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Fig. 2 is a diagram of the power transmission control mechanism of the hot stamping device shown in Fig. 1;

[0036] Fig. 3 is a view illustrating the structure of the water circulation system of the hot stamping device shown in Fig. 1;

[0037] Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a hot stamping mold of the hot stamping device shown in Fig. 1;

[0038] Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of the structure of the contact support sections and the hollow sections in the upper part of the mold and the lower part of the mold shown in Fig. 4;

[0039] Fig. 6 is a sectional view of the injection element and the working medium pipeline shown in Fig. 4;

[0040] Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of a structure explaining the closing of the upper part of the mold and the lower part of the mold in the hot stamping mold shown in Fig. 4;

[0041] Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram of a structural embodiment of a hot stamping mold according to an embodiment of the present invention, which can provide a distinction between hot and cooled zones;

[0042] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of a structural embodiment of a hot stamping mold according to another embodiment of the present invention, which can provide a distinction between hot and cooled zones;

[0043] Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram explaining the operation process of a hot stamping system according to a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a hot stamping system according to a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Fig. 12 is a sectional view of the portal manipulator of the hot stamping device shown in Fig. 10;

[0046] Fig. 13 is a schematic representation of the design of the gripping mechanism of the gantry manipulator shown in Fig. 12; and

[0047] Fig. 14 is a schematic representation of the design of the movable unit of the portal manipulator mechanism shown in Fig. 12.

[0048] The reference numbers in the drawings are as follows: 1 hot stamping mold; 2 hot stamping device; 3 hot stamping system; 4 workpiece; 11 upper mold part; 12 lower mold part; 13 hollow section; 14 injection member; 15 working medium pipeline; 16 upper mold part connection plate; 17 lower mold part connection plate; 18 upper connecting member; 19 lower connecting member; 110 contact support section; 21 device frame; 22 upper slider; 23 lower slider; 24 transmission unit; 24-1 drive component; 24-2 power conversion component; 24-3 torque transmission mechanism; 24-4 feedback signal encoder; 24-5 brake transmission component; 24-6 rotary connecting component; 24-7 equalizing pneumatic cylinder; 25 mounting adapter for supplying water to the upper part of the mold; 26 upper branch pipe of the water channel; 27 lower branch pipe of the water channel;28 exhaust gas collecting component; 29 water circulation system; 29-1 circulating water collecting tank; 29-2 water return component; 29-3 water storage tank; 29-4 water supply component; 29-5 secondary cleaning filter; 29-6 tertiary cleaning filter; 29-7 high-pressure water pump; 29-8 water supply pipe; 210 guide mechanism; 211 hardening device protective cover; 212 mold fixing part; 31-1 workpiece placement part; 31-2 heating zone; 31-3 heating holding zone; 31-4 in-furnace gripping zone; 32 device for loading into working position; 33 automatic loading robot; 34 gantry manipulator; 34-1 first support column; 34-2 second support column; 34-3 transverse support element; 34-4 gripping mechanism; 34-4-1 gripping mechanism frame; 34-4-2 gripping mechanism pneumatic cylinder; 34-4-3 gripping mechanism transmission rod; 34-4-4 transmission rod locking adapter; 34-4-5 power transmission lever;34-4-6 pneumatic cylinder protective cover; 34-4-7 first gripper (hook); 34-4-8 second gripper (hook); 34-4-9 floating connector; 34-5 movable mechanism unit; 34-5-1 four-axis servomotor; 34-5-2 motor protective cover; 34-5-3 wave gear reducer; 34-5-4 drive component; 34-5-5 heat-insulating panel; 34-5-6 cooling component; 34-5-7 bearing; 35 device for supplying and returning the working medium.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF IMPLEMENTATION OPTIONS;

[0049] The essence of the present invention is to provide a hot stamping apparatus and a hot stamping system that can improve the positional accuracy of the closing of the upper part of the mold and the lower part of the mold, thereby improving the processing accuracy of the workpieces.

[0050] The technical solutions according to the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. It is obvious that the described embodiments are only some, not all, embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by persons skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without any creative efforts shall fall within the scope of legal protection of the present invention.

[0051] Hot stamping technology refers to a process in which steel sheets are heated at high temperatures until their microstructure is completely austenitized, and then rapidly cooled. This process comprehensively improves the strength of the steel sheets, raising their yield strength to levels exceeding 1000 MPa. For example, when this material is used in vehicle body components, the weight of the vehicle body can be reduced and the strength of the vehicle body can be increased, thereby achieving improved collision safety. Therefore, hot stamping technology has become widely used in the automotive industry.

[0052] In the hot stamping process and related technologies, press quenching is a critical step in achieving final properties, and the mold is a key factor in controlling the cooling process. The preliminary design of a hot stamping mold with indirect heat transfer involves calculating the energy released by the heated workpiece per unit time based on the thermal conductivity parameters of the water channels and the material, and determining the cooling rate to achieve the required workpiece strength. However, press quenching presents several challenges. First, it is difficult to precisely control the placement of the heated steel workpiece into the mold cavity, complicating process control.Secondly, the non-planar shape of the heated steel blank, which typically includes structures like corners, can cause uneven cooling rates, resulting in uneven internal hardness and uncontrolled strength. Thirdly, the water channels in the mold do not directly contact the steel blank, resulting in slow cooling rates and low cooling efficiency. Fourthly, the high cost of hot stamping molds makes them unaffordable for conventional companies, significantly limiting the widespread use of hot stamping with indirect heat transfer.

[0053] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1-3, the hot stamping device 2 includes:

[0054] frame 21 devices;

[0055] an upper slider 22 and a lower slider 23, both mounted on a frame 21 of the device, wherein the upper slider 22 is configured to drive the upper part 11 of the mold, and the lower slider 23 is configured to provide support for the lower part 12 of the mold;

[0056] a transmission unit 24 mounted on a frame 21 of the device, wherein the transmission unit 24 includes a drive component 24-1, a power converting component 24-2 connected to the drive component 24-1, a torque transmitting mechanism 24-3 connected to the power converting component 24-2, and a feedback signal encoder 24-4 configured to obtain an angle of rotation of the torque transmitting mechanism 24-3, wherein both the power converting component 24-2 and the torque transmitting mechanism 24-3 have the shape of a gear wheel, and the torque transmitting mechanism 24-3 is configured to drive the upper slider 22 in motion toward or away from the lower slider 23; and

[0057] a controller connected to both the drive component 24-1 and the feedback signal encoder 24-4, wherein the controller is configured to control the operation of the drive component 24-1 based on the angle of rotation of the torque transmission mechanism 24-3 received by the feedback signal encoder 24-4.

[0058] In this case, the torque transmission mechanism 24-3 rotates to drive the upper slider 22 in the vertical direction, enabling the opening and closing of the mold of the entire device. The drive component 24-1 provides power support for the downward pressing, positioning, and lifting operations of the upper slider of the upper slider 22. The drive component 24-1 can adjust the torque of the device based on the actual requirements, thereby controlling the pressure of the device in the adjustable range of 1-600 t (tons). The drive component 24-1 can interact with the torque transmission mechanism 24-3 and send a signal to this mechanism to form a closed-loop control of the power transmission position to ensure precise positioning control with a reproducible positioning accuracy of ±0.03 mm.When using the power conversion components 24-2 and the torque transmission mechanisms 24-3 with different technical characteristics, the transmission ratio between the power conversion components 24-2 and the torque transmission mechanism 2 4-3 can be changed in the range of 1-100 to meet various usage requirements.

[0059] The hot stamping device 2 uses a gear transmission between the drive component 24-1, the power conversion component 24-2 and the torque transmission mechanism 24-3 to improve the positional accuracy of the movement of the upper slider 22, thereby effectively improving the positional accuracy of the closing of the upper mold part 11 and the lower mold part 12 and further improving the processing accuracy of the workpiece 4. In addition, due to the presence of the feedback signal encoder 24-4, the rotation angle of the torque transmission mechanism 24-3 is detected and transmitted via a feedback channel to the controller, making it possible to improve the position feedback of the upper slider 22 during the movement process, which also improves the positional accuracy when closing the upper mold part 11 and the lower mold part 12 and further improves the processing accuracy of the workpiece 4.

[0060] In some embodiments of the invention, the transmission unit 24 further includes a braking transmission component 24-5, which is configured to transmit power from the drive component 24-1 to the power conversion component 24-2. The braking transmission component 24-5 is connected between the drive component 24-1 and the power conversion component 24-2 and is also connected to the controller. The controller is further configured to control the braking transmission component 24-5 to stop as soon as the upper slider 22 moves to a predetermined position. The braking transmission component 24-5 is also a gear transmission connected to the drive component 24-1 and engaged with the power conversion component 24-2 to transmit the movements of the drive component 24-1 to the power conversion component 24-2.The brake transmission component 24-5 can protect the drive component 24-1, improve the positioning accuracy of the device, and ensure the positioning stability of the entire device.

[0061] In some embodiments of the invention, the transmission unit 24 further includes a rotary coupling component 24-6. One end of the rotary coupling component 24-6 is pivotally connected to the torque transmission mechanism 24-3, and the other end is pivotally connected to the upper slider 22. The torque transmission mechanism 24-3 drives the upper slider 22 in an up and down motion by means of the rotary coupling component 24-6, ensuring smooth movement of the upper slider 22 in the vertical direction. The transmission unit 24 serves as a source of force for the device and a mechanical part of the closed-loop control system for the position of the device as a whole.

[0062] In some embodiments of the invention, there are at least two power converting components 24-2, at least two torque transmission mechanisms 24-3 and at least two rotary coupling components 24-6, which are symmetrically located on both sides of the brake transmission component 24-5. At least one of the rotary coupling components 24-6 is connected to the left side of the upper slider 22, and at least the other one of the rotary coupling components 24-6 is connected to the right side of the upper slider 22. This arrangement ensures synchronous movement of the two sides of the upper slider 22, which leads to increased positioning accuracy.

[0063] In some embodiments of the invention, the transfer unit 24 further includes a balancing pneumatic cylinder 24-7, which is configured to balance the physical weights of the upper slider 22 and the upper part 11 of the mold to reduce the torque and power of the drive component 24-1 to save energy. The speed of opening and closing the mold of the device can reach a maximum of 2 m / s and can vary in the range from 0.1 m / s to 2 m / s, and the speed is adjustable. The stroke of the upper part 11 of the mold can vary in the range of 0-4 m, and the opening distance of the mold can vary in the range of 0-3 m and is adjustable. Due to the high control accuracy of the device, the size of the working surface of the lower module can reach 3500 mm by 5000 mm to meet the requirements of low-force processing of a large-sized workpiece 4.

[0064] In some embodiments of the invention, the upper portion of the lower slider 23 has a working surface. The working surface has a plurality of positioning grooves for positioning the lower portion 12 of the mold and a plurality of locking grooves for securing the lower portion 12 of the mold. Both the positioning grooves and the locking grooves are arranged in specific patterns. In particular, the working surface of the lower slider 23 has cross-shaped positioning grooves for replacing the mold and positioning the mold. When using hot stamping molds 1 that have the same model, the mounting blocks can be installed in the positioning grooves, eliminating the need for repeated positioning, which improves the efficiency of mold installation.The fixing grooves are T-shaped and can be used to attach and fix the lower part 12 of the mold in the hot stamping mold 1, ensuring a stable position of the lower part 12 of the mold.

[0065] In some embodiments of the invention, as shown in Fig. 4-9, the hot stamping device further includes a hot stamping mold 1, which includes an upper mold portion 11, a lower mold portion 12, a plurality of injection elements 14, and a plurality of working medium pipelines 15. Between the upper mold portion 11 and the lower mold portion 12, a profiled cavity is formed for accommodating the blank 4. Each of the upper mold portion 11 and the lower mold portion 12 has a cavity inside. In addition, in each of the upper mold portion 11 and the lower mold portion 12, there are hollow sections 13 at predetermined positions on the side that is close to the profiled cavity. The hollow sections 13 are connected to the cavity, allowing the working medium to be injected from the cavity onto the blank 4 through the hollow sections 13.Injection elements 14 are mounted in cavities of the upper portion 11 of the mold and / or the lower portion 12 of the mold. Working medium pipelines 15 are provided in the cavities. The working medium pipelines 15 are configured to supply the working medium to the injection elements 14, and the pressure in each working medium pipeline 15 is adjustable.In particular, the hot stamping mold 1 is suitable for most hot stamping materials in the automobile industry, such as highly corrosion-resistant steel sheets used in hot stamping processes and having single-layer metallic or composite coatings, including a hot-dip galvanizing coating, a hot-dip galvanizing coating in the presence of nickel, a hot-dip galvanizing coating to form an iron-zinc alloy, a coating applied by electrolytic galvanizing, a coating applied by electrolytic galvanizing in the presence of nickel, a hot-dip aluminizing coating to form an aluminum-zinc alloy, and a hot-dip aluminizing coating in the presence of silicon.The products produced by this mould have very high mechanical properties and corrosion resistance during application and are suitable for components such as front and rear bumpers, longitudinal support beams, upper side beams, door panel stiffeners, cross support beams, floor channels, suspension brackets, A / B pillars, door sill protectors and battery housings in both conventional fuel vehicles and new energy vehicles.

[0066] The specific shape and dimensions of the workpiece 4 can be formed by the design of the profiled cavity between the upper mold portion 11 and the lower mold portion 12 in the hot stamping mold 1. In order to meet the requirements of delimitation between the soft and hard zones of the blank 4, cavities are formed inside both the upper part 11 of the press mold and the lower part 12 of the press mold according to the present application, and hollow sections 13 are provided on the sides of the upper part 11 of the press mold and the lower part 12 of the press mold, which are close to the profiled cavity. The hollow sections 13 must be located in predetermined positions on the upper part 11 of the press mold and the lower part 12 of the press mold, and the predetermined positions are set based on the need to create soft and hard zones of the blank 4. In particular, the hard zone of the blank 4 requires a relatively high cooling rate, therefore the hollow sections 13 can be placed in positions corresponding to the hard zone.When the working medium pipelines 15 are arranged in cavities with injection elements 14 (i.e. nozzles) distributed on the working medium pipelines 15, the working medium present in the working medium pipelines 15 can be injected onto the workpieces 4 by means of the injection elements 14 in order to provide an increased cooling rate in the hard zone of the workpiece 4. For the soft zone of the workpiece 4, it is not necessary to provide hollow sections 13 in order to reduce the cooling rate of the workpiece 4. More specifically, the number and dimensions of the hollow sections 13 can be correspondingly increased in positions corresponding to the hard zone of the workpiece 4 in order to increase the contact area between the working medium and the workpiece 4, thereby increasing the cooling rate in these positions of the workpiece 4. In addition, the direction of the working medium pipelines 15 is adapted to the shape of the workpiece 4, and the pressure of the working medium in the same working medium pipeline 15 is uniform.For example, the pressure in the working medium pipeline 15 corresponding to the hard zone of the workpiece 4 may be higher than the pressure in the working medium pipeline 15 corresponding to the soft zone of the workpiece 4. Alternatively, different temperature control in the soft and hard zones can be achieved by providing different types of working medium or different temperatures of the working medium in different working medium pipelines 15, which improves the accuracy and efficiency of stamping the workpiece 4, effectively eliminates the deformation of the workpiece 4 caused by quenching, ensures high welding characteristics and prevents oxidation of the surface of the workpiece 4.The hot stamping mold can meet the requirements of hot stamping processing in terms of dividing into soft and hard zones or maximum hardness zones, and is characterized by precise stamping, high welding performance, effective elimination of quenching-induced deformation, and oxidation resistance of the surface of the quenched workpiece 4.

[0067] In some embodiments of the invention, the pressures in at least two of the working medium lines 15 differ from each other. A higher pressure results in an increased cooling rate of the workpiece 4. Different pressures can be applied to the soft and hard zones to meet different requirements. In some embodiments of the invention, the temperatures of the working medium in at least two of the working medium lines 15 differ from each other. A reduced temperature of the working medium results in an increased cooling rate of the workpiece 4. Different temperatures can be applied to the soft and hard zones to meet different requirements. In some embodiments of the invention, the types of working medium in at least two of the working medium lines 15 differ from each other. Options for selecting a working medium include liquid water, compressed air, or a gas-liquid mixture.By feeding working media of different types into the working media pipelines 15, different cooling requirements can be satisfied.

[0068] In some embodiments of the invention, the hot stamping device further includes a connecting plate 16 of the upper part of the mold and a connecting plate 17 of the lower part of the mold. The upper part 11 of the mold is fixed on the connecting plate 16 of the upper part of the mold and moves together with the connecting plate 16 of the upper part of the mold, and the lower part 12 of the mold is fixed on the connecting plate 17 of the lower part of the mold and moves together with the connecting plate 17 of the lower part of the mold. In addition, the connecting plate 16 of the upper part of the mold and the connecting plate 17 of the lower part of the mold are mounted, respectively, on the upper slider 22 and the lower slider 23 of the hot stamping device 2.The upper slider 22 and the lower slider 23 move closer to or further from each other, which enables the connecting plate 16 of the upper part of the press mold and the connecting plate 17 of the lower part of the press mold to move closer to or further from each other, thereby performing the closing and opening of the upper part 11 of the press mold and the lower part 12 of the press mold.

[0069] In some embodiments of the invention, the positions of the hollow sections 13 correspond to the hard zone of the workpiece 4. Since the working medium has direct contact with the workpiece 4 at the hollow sections 13, the workpiece 4 can be quickly cooled by the working medium through the hollow sections 13, which leads to increased hardness of the workpiece 4 in this area. In addition, in order to enhance the effect of the injection elements 14 on the workpiece 4, the installation positions of the injection elements 14 correspond to the positions of the hollow sections 13. Of course, the positions of the injection elements 14 can be adjusted based on actual needs or taking into account the size and shape of the cavities. The cooling rate of the workpiece 4 is mainly controlled by the positions and sizes of the hollow sections 13, as well as the pressure, temperature and type of the working medium.

[0070] In some embodiments of the invention, each hollow section 13 is located between adjacent support sections 110 of the contact. The support sections 110 of the contact and the hollow sections 13 are arranged alternately. Such an alternate arrangement facilitates processing and optimizes the limitation on the position of the workpiece 4. In addition, the hollow sections 13 can be located more densely in positions corresponding to the solid zone of the workpiece 4. The support sections 110 of the contact are in the form of elastic strips. In particular, the support sections 110 of the contact use structures in the form of strips that allow a certain amount of elastic deflection that can adapt to the workpiece 4 during the entire quenching process, during which the workpiece 4, heated to a temperature above Ac3 (the upper critical temperature), is cooled to or below a predetermined temperature to complete the transformation of austenite into martensite. The predetermined temperature can vary in the range of 0-400°C.Since the blank 4 undergoes significant deformation during the entire hardening process, the bar-shaped design imposes a certain degree of restriction on the change in the shape of the blank 4, which is advantageous for hot stamping of the blank 4 and increases the stamping accuracy of the blank 4.

[0071] In some embodiments of the invention, the width of each contact support portion 110 varies within the range of 3 mm to 50 mm. The width of the contact support portion 110 should not be too small to provide sufficient support for the workpiece 4, and should not be too large, since this will worsen the cooling performance. The width of each hollow portion 13 varies within the range of 3 mm to 90 mm. The width of the hollow portion 13 should not be too small, since this will worsen the cooling performance, and should not be too large, since this will affect the width of the contact support portion 110, making it unable to provide reliable support for the workpiece 4. And / or the distance between the injection elements 14 and the workpiece 4 varies within the range of 120 mm to 600 mm.The distance between the injection elements 14 and the workpiece 4 refers to the gap between the injection elements 14 and the workpiece 4 after the upper part 11 of the mold and the lower part 12 of the mold are closed. This distance between the injection elements 14 and the workpiece 4 affects the injection speed and the flow rate of the working medium and can be adjusted if necessary. The injection shape of the injection element 14 is conical with a cone angle of no more than 125 degrees. This configuration optimizes the injection of the working medium onto the workpiece 4, increasing the cooling rate of the workpiece 4. In addition, the width of the transition zone between the soft and hard zones varies within the range of 3 mm to 60 mm, providing a wide range of application possibilities. The support section 110 of the contact is made of stainless steel and / or has a wear-resistant coating on its surface to extend the service life.

[0072] In some embodiments of the invention, the hot stamping device further includes connecting elements configured to install the working medium pipelines 15 in the cavities. The positions of the connecting elements are adjustable to change the positions and angles of the working medium pipelines 15 in the cavities. In particular, the connecting elements include two upper connecting elements 18 and two lower connecting elements 19. The working medium pipeline 15 in the upper part 11 of the mold is installed between the two upper connecting elements 18, and the working medium pipeline 15 in the lower part 12 of the mold is installed between the two lower connecting elements 19.The installation height of the pipeline 15 of the working medium in the upper part 11 of the press mould can be adjusted by means of the upper connecting elements 18, and the installation height of the pipeline 15 of the working medium in the lower part 12 of the press mould can be adjusted by means of the lower connecting elements 19, thereby changing the distance between the injection elements 14 and the workpiece 4.

[0073] In some embodiments of the invention, the hot stamping device further includes several pressure amplifiers, and the controller is connected to the pressure amplifiers. The number of working medium pipelines 15 is equal to the number of pressure amplifiers, and the working medium pipelines 15 are in a one-to-one correspondence with the pressure amplifiers. The controller is configured to receive the positions of the soft and hard zones of the workpiece 4 and to determine the target pressure required for each of the working medium pipelines 15, based on the positions of the soft and hard zones of the workpiece 4. The controller is also configured to control the operation of the pressure amplifiers based on the target pressure. When using this configuration, the controller controls the pressure amplifiers, thereby regulating the pressure in each working medium pipeline 15 to fulfill the injection pressure requirement of the injection element 14 on each working medium pipeline 15.Since the working medium pipelines 15 are in a one-to-one correspondence with the pressure amplifiers, automatic control can be achieved only by adjusting the pressure generated by the pressure amplifier, based on the obtained distributed positions of the soft and hard zones in the workpiece 4. This increases the level of automation, reduces the frequency of operator interventions and maximizes the accuracy and efficiency of hot stamping of the workpiece 4, thereby increasing the quality of the products.

[0074] In some embodiments of the invention, the hot stamping device further includes a mounting adapter 25 for supplying water to the upper part of the mold.

[0075] The mounting adapter 25 for supplying water to the upper part of the mold is configured to be connected to an external pipeline. The mounting adapter 25 for supplying water to the upper part of the mold is mounted on the frame 21 of the device, and the upper part 11 of the mold has a quick-release connector that is removably connected to the mounting adapter 25 for supplying water to the upper part of the mold. The quick-release connector communicates with the pipeline 15 of the working medium. In particular, the mounting adapter 25 for supplying water to the upper part of the mold can be directly included in the frame 21 of the device or bolted to the frame 21 of the device. The external pipeline supplies the cooling working medium to the mounting adapter 25 for supplying water to the upper part of the mold through flexible or rigid connections.The upper part 11 of the mold in the hot stamping mold 1 has a quick-release connector, and a flexible or rigid pipe for supplying a cooling working medium can be connected between the upper part 11 of the mold and the mounting adapter 25 for supplying water to the upper part of the mold. Of course, a mounting adapter for supplying water to the lower part of the mold can also be provided for connecting to an external pipeline. The mounting adapter for supplying water to the lower part of the mold is mounted on the frame 21 of the device, and the lower part 12 of the mold has a quick-release connector, which is removably connected to the mounting adapter for supplying water to the lower part of the mold. The quick-release connector communicates with the pipeline 15 of the working medium. In particular, the mounting adapter for supplying water to the lower part of the mold can be directly included in the frame 21 of the device or bolted to the frame 21 of the device.An external pipeline supplies a cooling working medium to the mounting adapter for supplying water to the lower part of the mold via flexible or rigid connections. The lower part 12 of the hot stamping mold 1 has a quick-release connector, and a flexible or rigid pipe for supplying a cooling working medium can be connected between the lower part 12 of the mold and the mounting adapter for supplying water to the lower part of the mold. Furthermore, the mounting adapter 25 for supplying water to the upper part of the mold and the mounting adapter for supplying water to the lower part of the mold are compatible with both high and low pressures, varying from 0.1 MPa to 30 MPa, thereby meeting the requirements of various operating modes.

[0076] In some embodiments of the invention, the hot stamping device further includes an upper water channel pipe 26 and a lower water channel pipe 27. The upper water channel pipe 26 is fixed to the upper slider 22, and the lower water channel pipe 27 is fixed to the lower slider 23. The upper water channel pipe 26 communicates with a quick-release connector and is connected to the mounting adapter 25 for supplying water to the upper part of the mold via a flexible or rigid pipe, thereby supplying the working medium to the upper part 11 of the mold and supporting the quenching process.

[0077] In some embodiments of the invention, the hot stamping device further includes an exhaust gas collection component 28 and a water circulation system 2 9.

[0078] The exhaust gas collecting component 28 is configured to collect exhaust gas generated during the quenching process and is installed on the upper portion of the frame 21 of the device.

[0079] The water circulation system 2 9 is configured to collect the working medium and return it to a repeated cycle. The water circulation system 29 includes: a circulating water collection tank 29-1 configured to accumulate cooling water collected from the hot stamping mold 1 and perform pre-filtration of the cooling water; a water return component 29-2 configured to pump cooling water from the hot stamping mold 1 to the circulating water collection tank 29-1 and connected to the circulating water collection tank 29-1; a water storage tank 29-3 configured to store pre-filtered circulating water supplied from the circulating water collection tank 29-1, wherein the water storage tank 29-3 can stabilize the pressure and volume of water, ensuring a continuous and stable water supply for the quenching fixture;a water supply component 29-4 configured to receive pre-filtered circulating water from a collection tank 29-1 for circulating water and to supply it to a water storage tank 29-3, wherein the water storage tank 29-3 is connected to a water supply channel configured to supply cooling water to the hot stamping mold 1; a secondary cleaning filter 29-5 and / or a tertiary cleaning filter 29-6 installed in the water supply channel and configured to perform secondary and / or tertiary filtration of the cooling water in the water supply channel, wherein the secondary cleaning filter 29-5 filters the water in the water supply channel, and the tertiary cleaning filter 29-6 filters the water again to ensure the purity of the water used in the device; and a high-pressure water pump 29-7 installed on the water supply pipe 29-8 and configured to regulate the water supply pressure in the water supply channel with an adjustment range of 0-3 MPa.

[0080] In some embodiments of the invention, the hot stamping device further includes a guide mechanism 210 mounted in the frame 21 of the device, and an upper slider 22 is slidably connected to the guide mechanism 210. The lower slider 23 is slidably mounted in the frame 21 of the device and can be moved from the inside to the outside of the frame of the device for changing the mold. In the above-described structure, the guide mechanism 210 can be a guide rail, for example, a steel guide rail. The presence of the guide mechanism 210 increases the smoothness of the vertical movement of the upper slider 22, thereby increasing the accuracy of its positioning during movement. Therefore, the positioning accuracy of the upper part 11 of the mold can be improved.In addition, the lower slider 23, which functions as a movable work table, can be moved from the frame 21 of the device, that is, it can be moved to the left or right to exit the frame 21 of the device for replacing the mold, increasing the convenience and efficiency of replacing the mold.

[0081] In some embodiments of the invention, the lower portion of the device frame 21 additionally includes a device base. The device frame 21 is mounted on the device base. This provides more reliable support for the device frame 21, ensuring its stability and thus ensuring smooth movements of the upper mold portion 11 and the lower mold portion 12.

[0082] In some embodiments of the invention, a protective cover 211 of the quenching fixture is also installed on the frame 21 of the device to protect against splashing of the working medium during the quenching process. In addition, a mold fixing portion 212 is installed on the frame 21 of the device, and the hot stamping mold 1 can be installed and replaced using the mold fixing portion 212.

[0083] In a specific embodiment of the invention, the hot stamping device 2 includes a device frame 21 and a device base. The device frame 21 consists of two parts. One of the two parts is mounted on the device base, and the other part serves as a support for the transmission unit 24. The two parts of the device frame and the device base constitute the main frame of the device, providing an installation and support base for all mechanisms and providing installation positions for standard components. The drive component 24-1 provides power for the vertical movement and positioning of the device. The brake transmission component 24-5 is configured to transmit power from the drive component 24-1 and perform braking when positioning is required. The power conversion component 24-2 serves to expand the dimensions of the power transmission system, ensuring a uniform distribution of force over the entire working surface.The torque transmission mechanism 24-3 serves to expand the force-bearing area of ​​the device and increase its clamping force. The guide mechanism 210 is configured to smoothly move the upper slider 22 in the vertical direction. The upper slider 22 has mounting grooves and mounting plates configured to mount the upper part 11 of the press mold. The hot stamping press mold 1 can facilitate the formation of delimited cooled and hot zones and is intended for the complete hardening process of hot-stamped parts. The lower slider 23 has mounting grooves and mounting plates for installing and securing the lower part 12 of the press mold. The equalizing pneumatic cylinder 24-7 is configured to balance the mounting grooves and mounting plates of the upper slider 22, as well as the physical weight of the upper part 11 of the press mold, thereby reducing the requirements for the torque and power of the power system and saving energy.The exhaust gas collecting device is configured to collect exhaust gas generated during the quenching process during hot stamping for centralized return and cleaning and has a flow rate that allows air in the device to be replaced every 10 seconds. The upper branch pipe 26 of the water channel is connected to the upper part 11 of the mold in the hot stamping mold 1, delimiting the soft-hard zones, for supplying the upper part 11 of the mold with a working medium for the quenching operation. The lower branch pipe 27 of the water channel is connected to the lower part 12 of the mold in the hot stamping mold 1, delimiting the soft-hard zones, for supplying the lower part 12 of the mold with a working medium for the quenching operation. The above-described configuration reduces the energy consumption of the device, increases its efficiency and minimizes its installation area.

[0084] The hot stamping process using the hot stamping device 2 includes the following steps.

[0085] Stage S1 involves cutting galvanized steel sheets. At this stage, the steel is processed into coils or sheets and cut to the required dimensions. This stage is also applicable to cutting Al-Si-coated steel sheets (aluminized in the presence of silicon).

[0086] Stage S2 involves cold stamping. At this stage, steel blank 4 is formed using a cold stamping method using a die.

[0087] Step S3 involves heating. In this step, steel workpiece 4 is heated to a temperature above Ac3. If the surface of the steel material is uncoated in step S1, then in step S3, steel workpiece 4 is first heated to a temperature above 700°C at a rate of 12°C / s to 28°C / s, then heated to a temperature above Ac3 at a rate of 1°C / s to 5°C / s and held at this temperature for 28-55 seconds. If the steel material in step S1 has been subjected to surface treatment by any method of galvanizing, aluminizing, Al-Si coating or high-temperature oxidation, then in step S3 the steel workpiece 4 is heated to 500°C at a rate of 8°C / s to 15°C / s, then heated to a temperature of 560°C to 980°C at a rate of 15-30°C / s and then heated to a temperature above Ac3 at a rate of 1-5°C / s and held at this temperature for 28-55 seconds.

[0088] Step S4 involves transferring the workpiece 4 to the hot stamping device 2, which performs the hardening functions of soft-hard zones and full area hardening.

[0089] Step S5 includes moving the upper slide 22 to close the upper and lower parts of the mold in the hot stamping mold 1.

[0090] Step S6 includes turning on the high-pressure water pump 29-7 and the pressure boosters to supply water to the working medium pipelines 15. At this stage, a plurality of injection elements 14 spray the working medium under pressure to quench the workpiece 4. At the same time, the exhaust gas collecting device at the upper section of the exhaust gas collecting device is also turned on.

[0091] Step S7 involves simultaneously turning off the pressure boosters after the quenching is completed and turning off the exhaust gas collecting device.

[0092] Step S8 includes moving the upper slider 22 to open the mold until the mold opening operation is completed.

[0093] In the above process, the mold is closed and opened by moving the upper slider 22, and thus the device can vertically press and release the workpiece 4 and can also clamp the workpiece 4 to be stamped. The pressure amplifiers are turned on after the workpiece 4 is clamped, and turning on the pressure amplifiers allows the injection elements 14 to spray the working medium for quenching. The pressure amplifiers are turned off after the mold opening operation is completed. The exhaust gas collecting device is turned on after the mold closing operation is completed, and is turned off after the mold opening operation is completed. The water circulation system 29 is started synchronously with the mold closing operation of the device and stops synchronously with the moment when quenching is completed.

[0094] In addition to the above-mentioned hot stamping device 2, a hot stamping system 3 according to the present invention is further provided, including the above-mentioned hot stamping device 2.

[0095] In some embodiments of the invention, as shown in Fig. 10-14, the system further includes a tunnel furnace that has a part 31-1 for placing a workpiece, a heating zone 31-2, a heating holding zone 31-3 and an intra-furnace gripping zone 31-4, which are arranged sequentially from the loading end to the unloading end of the tunnel furnace. The system further includes a device 32 for loading into a working position and an automatic loading robot 33. The automatic loading robot 33 is configured to grip the workpiece 4 from the device 32 for loading into a working position and place it on the part 31-1 for placing the workpiece. The system further includes a gantry manipulator 34 and a device 35 for feeding and returning the working medium. The device 2 for hot stamping is located between the gantry manipulator 34 and the device 35 for feeding and returning the working medium.The portal manipulator 34 is configured to move the blank 4 from the in-furnace gripping zone 31-4 into the hot stamping device 2. In particular, the device 32 for loading into the working position may be a six-position loading device 32 for manual loading, with one active loading position and five reserve positions. Each of the positions can accommodate from one to four blanks 4. The loading is performed by an automatic loading robot 33, which is configured to automatically grip the blank 4 from the six-position loading device 32 and load the blank 4. The automatic loading robot 33 operates in cooperation with the portal manipulator 34 to perform the gripping and placement of the blank 4 from start to finish. The part 31-1 for placing the blank serves as an out-of-furnace area for placing the blank 4, gripped by the automatic loading robot 33.In the heating zone 31-2, the tunnel furnace can simultaneously heat both the upper and lower surfaces of the blank 4. The heating holding zone 31-3 can transport the blank 4, while simultaneously maintaining the temperature of the heated blank 4. The intra-furnace gripping zone 31-4 allows for precise positioning and gripping of the heated blank 4. The gantry manipulator 34 is used for positioning and gripping the blank 4, which is heated and maintained at its temperature, and places the blank into the hot stamping mold 1. The hot stamping device 2 performs quenching of the heated blank 4 to obtain the specified mechanical properties. The device 35 for feeding and returning the working medium is configured to filter, increase the pressure and transport the cooling working medium for returning it to the repeated cycle. The hot stamping mold 1 is used for quenching the blank 4, placed inside the hot stamping device 2.

[0096] Alternatively, the tunnel furnace can be replaced with a chamber furnace. Hot forging mold 1 is placed inside the chamber furnace, and blank 4 is placed in the chamber furnace for the entire process, with the position of blank 4 in the chamber furnace remaining unchanged throughout.

[0097] In some embodiments of the invention, the gantry manipulator 34 includes a first support column 34-1, a second support column 34-2, a transverse support member 34-3, a gripping mechanism 34-4 and a movable unit 34-5 of the mechanism. The first support column 34-1 and the second support column 34-2 are located, respectively, at two ends of the transverse support member 34-3. The gripping mechanism 34-4 is suspended from below the movable unit 34-5 of the mechanism by means of a four-axis connecting mechanism. In addition, at the end of the pneumatic cylinder 34-4-2 of the gripping mechanism, a floating connector 34-4-9 is provided, pivotally connected to the end of the transmission rod 34-4-3 of the gripping mechanism. The attached drawings show the structure in a state where the floating connector 34-4-9 is not connected to the transmission rod 34-4-3 of the gripping mechanism. In particular, the first support post 34-1 and the second support post 34-2 serve to support the gripping mechanism 34-4.At the gripping end of the gripping mechanism 34-4, a first gripper 34-4-7 and a second gripper 34-4-8 are located, and a pneumatic cylinder 34-4-2 of the gripping mechanism ensures the left and right movements of the gripping end. A transverse support element 34-3 serves as a support for the transverse movement of the gantry manipulator 34. The gripping mechanism 34-4 can also move forward and backward, that is, it can move in three directions: up and down, left and right, and forward and backward. The first support post 34-1 and the second support post 34-2 together form a self-supporting structure of the gantry manipulator 34, increasing the flexibility and adaptability to space during installation of the device. To secure the gantry manipulator 34, a mounting base plate of the gantry manipulator 34 is used, ensuring the stable operation of the device. The gripping mechanism 34-4 is designed with the possibility of continuously gripping the workpiece 4 from the furnace under high temperature conditions.The frame 34-4-1 of the gripping mechanism serves as a four-axis mechanism of the portal manipulator 34, bearing the weight and the tilting force of the grippers at the gripping end of the gripping mechanism 34-4.

[0098] In some embodiments of the invention, the gripping mechanism 34-4 includes a frame 34-4-1 of the gripping mechanism, a pneumatic cylinder 34-4-2 of the gripping mechanism, a transmission rod 34-4-3 of the gripping mechanism, a locking adapter 34-4-4 of the transmission rod and a lever 34-4-5 of the power transmission. The pneumatic cylinder 34-4-2 of the gripping mechanism is mounted on the frame 34-4-1 of the gripping mechanism, and a protective cover 34-4-6 of the pneumatic cylinder is located on the outer side of the pneumatic cylinder 34-4-2 of the gripping mechanism. The transmission rod 34-4-3 of the gripping mechanism is slidably connected to the locking adapter 34-4-4 of the transmission rod. One end of the transmission rod 34-4-3 of the gripping mechanism is connected to the pneumatic cylinder 34-4-2 of the gripping mechanism, and the other end of the transmission rod 34-4-3 of the gripping mechanism is connected to the lever 34-4-5 of the power transmission.In addition, the lower side of the frame 34-4-1 of the gripping mechanism is provided with a first gripper 34-4-7, and the lower end of the lever 34-4-5 of the power transmission is provided with a second gripper 34-4-8. When the workpiece 4 moves into the intra-furnace zone 31-4 of the gripper inside the tunnel furnace, one end of the workpiece 4 moves into engagement with the first gripper 34-4-7. The pneumatic cylinder 34-4-2 of the gripping mechanism sets the transmission rod 34-4-3 of the gripping mechanism in a reciprocating motion, thereby forcing the lever 34-4-5 of the power transmission to rotate. The lever 34-4-5 of the power transmission forces the second gripper 34-4-8 to rotate so that the second gripper 34-4-8 engages with the other end of the workpiece 4. In particular, the frame 34-4-1 of the gripping mechanism serves to mount the overall mechanical structure of the gripping mechanism 34-4 and as a support for it and is made of heat-resistant materials to allow continuous operation under high temperature conditions.The protective cover 34-4-6 of the pneumatic cylinder serves to delay thermal radiation and ensures the durability of the transmission mechanism, i.e., the pneumatic cylinder 34-4-2 of the gripping mechanism. The floating connector 34-4-9 is configured to connect the pneumatic cylinder 34-4-2 of the gripping mechanism and the transmission rod 34-4-3 of the gripping mechanism. The transmission rod 34-4-3 of the gripping mechanism is used to transmit the movements and operations of the entire mechanical mechanism, including the clamping and transfer operations. The locking adapter 34-4-4 of the transmission rod is used to stabilize the forward and backward movement of the transmission rod 34-4-3 of the gripping mechanism during the transmission of motion. The lever 34-4-5 of the power transmission is configured to clamp or rotate under the action of the transmission rod 34-4-3 of the gripping mechanism in order to grip the workpiece 4.

[0099] In some embodiments of the invention, the movable unit 34-5 of the mechanism includes a movable supporting body of the mechanism, as well as a four-axis servomotor 34-5-1, a protective cover 34-5-2 of the motor, a wave gear reducer 34-5-3, a drive component 34-5-4 and a heat-insulating panel 34-5-5, which are mounted on the movable supporting body of the mechanism. The protective cover 34-5-2 of the motor covers the four-axis servomotor 34-5-1, and the wave gear reducer 34-5-3 is connected between the four-axis servomotor 34-5-1 and the drive component 34-5-4. The heat-insulating panel 34-5-5 is fixed to the end of the drive component 34-5-4 close to the gripping mechanism 34-4. The gripping mechanism 34-4 is fixed to the drive component 34-5-4 and can move together with the drive component 34-5-4.The movable supporting body of the mechanism is additionally equipped with a cooling component 34-5-6, which is used to supply cold air to the movable supporting body of the mechanism to cool the four-axis servomotor 34-5-1. The fourth axis of the gantry manipulator 34 uses a servomotor combined with a wave gear reducer 34-5-3. Bearings 34-5-7 are installed between the drive component 34-5-4 and the movable supporting body of the mechanism. These bearings can be double-row radial thrust bearings 34-5-7 with angular contact or bearings 34-5-7 with crossed rollers. To counteract the transverse force applied by the gripping mechanism 34-4, the bearings are designed to withstand an axial load of 500 kg.To ensure the long service life of 34-5-7 bearings under radiant heat, dual thermal protection is employed, using a thermal insulation material and a thermal insulation coating, allowing for continuous operation of the bearings under high-temperature radiant heat. A 34-5-5 thermal insulation panel is used to inhibit thermal conductivity and insulate heat-emitting components.

[0100] The hot stamping system 3 adopts an in-furnace gripping solution, which reduces the air cooling time of hot stamped parts. The cycle time from gripping the workpiece 4 to placing it on the hot stamping mold 1 can be reduced to 11 seconds or less, better ensuring the microstructural changes of the components. In addition, the quenching fixture, hot stamping mold 1, and water cooling system operate according to automated logic. In the first stage, a fluid cooling working medium is injected and sprayed to directly contact the surface of the steel workpiece 4 heated to a temperature above Ac3, causing the temperature of the workpiece 4 to drop to a level between 250°C and 450°C within an adjustable time of 3 to 15 seconds.In the second stage, a fluid cooling working medium is pumped and sprayed to come into direct contact with the surface of steel blank 4, reducing its temperature to below 180°C in a controlled time of 3 to 10 seconds. Alternatively, the surface temperature of steel blank 4 can be reduced continuously in a single stage. For example, the surface temperature of steel blank 4 is reduced to below 100°C in a controlled time of 2 to 30 seconds. This process ensures hardening of blank 4 via heat dissipation. The hardening fixture features dual control of both pressure and positioning, which can ensure complete mating between the upper and lower parts of the mold. The pressure requirement is not strict, and a total force ranging from 200 to 300 tons is acceptable.The gripping mechanism 34-4 of the gantry manipulator 34 is made of heat-resistant materials, allowing continuous operation at temperatures up to 1000°C. The frame 34-4-1 of the gripping mechanism of the gantry manipulator 34 contains a heat-resistant coating and cold air circulating inside, allowing the frame 34-4-1 of the gripping mechanism to constantly maintain mechanical properties and performance characteristics under thermal radiation conditions of up to 1100°C and to continuously operate under these conditions. The fourth axis of the gantry manipulator 34 uses a servomotor combined with a 34-5-3 wave gear reducer. To counteract the lateral force of the gripping mechanism 34-4, a double-row radial-thrust bearing 34-5-7 with angular contact or a bearing 34-5-7 with crossed rollers is used, which is designed to withstand an allowable axial load of 500 kg.To ensure the longevity of the 34-5-7 bearing under radiant heat, dual thermal protection is employed, using thermal insulation material and a thermal insulation coating, allowing for continuous bearing operation under high-temperature radiant heat. This hot stamping system requires manual loading only at the loading point of the six-position rotary table in the first operating position; all other operations are fully automated. The hot stamping system features fully automated software control and can support fully automated production of the process line.

[0101] Specifically, the hot stamping process carried out by the hot stamping system 3 includes the following steps.

[0102] Stage S1 involves cutting galvanized steel sheets. At this stage, the steel is processed into coils or sheets and cut to the required dimensions. This stage is also applicable to cutting Al-Si-coated steel sheets.

[0103] Stage S2 involves cold stamping. At this stage, steel blank 4 is formed using a cold stamping method using a die.

[0104] Step S3 involves heating. In this step, steel workpiece 4 is heated to a temperature above Ac3. If the surface of the steel material is uncoated in step S1, then in step S3, steel workpiece 4 is first heated to a temperature above 700°C at a rate of 12-28°C / s, then heated to a temperature above Ac3 at a rate of 1-5°C / s and held at this temperature for 28-55 seconds. If the steel material in step S1 has been subjected to surface treatment by any method of galvanizing, aluminizing, Al-Si coating or high-temperature oxidation, then in step S3 the steel workpiece 4 is heated to 500°C at a rate of 8-15°C / s, then heated to a temperature of 560°C to 980°C at a rate of 15-30°C / s and then heated to a temperature above Ac3 at a rate of 1-5°C / s and held at this temperature for 28-55 seconds.

[0105] Step S4 involves transferring the workpiece 4 to the hot stamping device 2 by means of a gantry manipulator.

[0106] Step S5 includes moving the upper mold portion 11 unit along the X direction to close the mold, so that the upper mold portion 11 unit gradually comes into contact with the workpiece 4 and is pressed against the lower mold portion 12 unit.

[0107] Step S6 involves turning on the quenching device in the hot stamping device 2 for quenching. At this step, a plurality of injection elements 14 spray a working medium under pressure to quench the workpiece 4.

[0108] Step S7 involves turning off the pressure boosters after the quenching is completed.

[0109] Step S8 includes moving the upper part unit 11 of the mold in the opposite direction until the mold opening operation is completed.

[0110] Step S9 involves the robot lifting the hardened product and placing it into the shot blasting and lubrication device for the next processing.

[0111] This hot stamping system 3 improves the controllability of steel quenching, simplifies the hot stamping production process, reduces the energy consumption of the hot stamping device 2, improves the efficiency of the device, and minimizes the installation area of ​​the device.

[0112] The embodiments of the invention in the present description are described in a step-by-step manner, and each embodiment of the invention focuses on the difference from other embodiments of the invention. Identical or similar parts in each embodiment of the invention may be cross-referenced to each other.

[0113] The hot stamping apparatus according to the present application has been described in detail above. The principle and implementation of the present invention are explained herein using specific embodiments of the invention. The above descriptions of the embodiments of the invention serve only to facilitate the understanding of the method and the basic idea of ​​the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make a number of improvements and modifications to this description of the invention without departing from the principle of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications are also within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A hot stamping device comprising: frame (21) of the device; an upper slider (22) and a lower slider (23) mounted on a frame (21) of the device, wherein the upper slider (22) is configured to move the upper part (11) of the press mold, and the lower slider (23) is configured to provide support for the lower part (12) of the press mold; a transmission unit (24) mounted on a frame (21) of the device, wherein the transmission unit (24) comprises a drive component (24-1), at least one power converting component (24-2) connected to the drive component (24-1), at least one torque transmitting mechanism (24-3) connected to the at least one power converting component (24-2), and a feedback signal encoder (24-4) configured to obtain an angle of rotation of at least one torque transmitting mechanism (24-3), wherein the at least one power converting component (24-2) and at least one torque transmitting mechanism (24-3) have the form of a gear wheel and the at least one torque transmitting mechanism (24-3) is configured to move the upper slider (22) towards the lower slider (23) or away from it; a controller, wherein the drive component (24-1) and the feedback signal encoder (24-4) are connected to the controller, and the controller is configured to control the operation of the drive component (24-1) based on the angle of rotation of at least one torque transmission mechanism (24-3) received by the feedback signal encoder (24-4); and a hot stamping mold (1) comprising an upper mold portion (11) and a lower mold portion (12), wherein between the upper mold portion (11) and the lower mold portion (12) a profiled cavity is formed, configured to accommodate a workpiece (4), each of the upper mold portion (11) and the lower mold portion (12) has a cavity inside and is provided with hollow sections in positions on one side thereof, and the hollow sections (13) communicate with the cavity, providing the ability to inject a working medium from the cavity onto the workpiece (4) through the hollow sections (13); injection elements (14) installed in the cavity of the upper part (11) of the press mould and / or the lower part (12) of the press mould; and pipelines (15) of the working medium, located in the cavities, wherein the pipelines of the working medium (15) are designed with the possibility of supplying the working medium to the injection elements (14), with the possibility of regulating the pressure in each of the pipelines of the working medium (15).

2. The device according to claim 1, in which the transmission unit (24) further comprises a brake transmission component (24-5) configured to transmit power from the drive component (24-1) to the power conversion component (24-2), wherein the brake transmission component (24-5) is connected between the drive component (24-1) and the power conversion component (24-2) and is connected to the controller, and the controller is further configured to control the brake transmission component (24-5) to stop when the upper slider (22) moves to a predetermined position.

3. The device according to paragraph 2, in which the transmission unit (24) further comprises a rotary coupling component (24-6), wherein one end of the rotary coupling component (24-6) is pivotally connected to the torque transmission mechanism (24-3), and the other end of the rotary coupling component (24-6) is pivotally connected to the upper slider (22), and the torque transmission mechanism (24-3) is configured to move the upper slider (22) up and down by means of the rotary coupling component (24-6); the number of power converting components (24-2), the number of torque transmitting mechanisms (24-3) and the number of rotary connecting components (24-6) is equal to at least two for each of them, wherein at least two power converting components (24-2) are symmetrically located on the left and right sides of the brake transmitting component (24-5), at least two torque transmitting mechanisms (24-3) are symmetrically located on the left and right sides of the brake transmitting component (24-5) and at least two rotary connecting components (24-6) are symmetrically located on the left and right sides of the brake transmitting component (24-5); and at least one of the rotary connecting components (24-6) is connected to the left side of the upper slider (22) and at least the other one of the rotary connecting components (24-6) is connected to the right side of the upper slider (22).

4. The device according to claim 1, in which on the upper part of the lower slider (23) there is a working surface, wherein the working surface has positioning grooves made with the possibility of positioning the lower part (12) of the press mold, and locking grooves made with the possibility of fixing the lower part (12) of the press mold.

5. The device according to item 1, further comprising a mounting adapter (25) for supplying water to the upper part of the press mould, configured to be connected to an external pipeline, wherein the mounting adapter (25) for supplying water to the upper part of the press mould is mounted on the frame (21) of the device and the upper part (11) of the press mould has a quick-release connector, which is detachably connected to the mounting adapter (25) for supplying water to the upper part of the press mould and communicates with the pipeline of the working medium (15).

6. The device according to paragraph 1, additionally containing: an exhaust gas collection component (28) configured to collect exhaust gas during the quenching process, wherein the exhaust gas collection component (28) is mounted on the upper portion of the frame (21) of the device; and a water circulation system (29) designed with the ability to collect and return water to the recycle of the working environment, wherein the water circulation system (29) contains: a collecting tank (29-1) for circulating water, configured to accumulate cooling water collected from the hot stamping mold (1) and to perform preliminary filtration of the cooling water; a water return component (29-2) configured to pump cooling water from the hot stamping mold (1) into a collection tank (29-1) for circulating water and connected to the collection tank (29-1) for circulating water; a water storage tank (29-3) configured to store pre-filtered circulating water coming from a collection tank (29-1) for circulating water; a water supply component (29-4) configured to receive pre-filtered circulating water from a collection tank (29-1) for circulating water and to supply the pre-filtered circulating water to a water storage tank (29-3), wherein the water storage tank (29-3) is connected to a water supply channel configured to supply cooling water to a hot stamping mold (1); a secondary filter (29-5) and / or a tertiary filter (29-6) installed in the water supply channel and configured to perform secondary and / or tertiary filtration of the cooling water in the water supply channel; and a high-pressure water pump (29-7) mounted on a water supply pipe (29-8) and configured to regulate the pressure of the supplied water in the water supply channel with an adjustment range of 0-3 MPa.

7. The device according to any one of paragraphs 1-6, further comprising a guide mechanism (210) installed in the frame (21) of the device, wherein the upper slider (22) is connected with the possibility of sliding to the guide mechanism (210), and the lower slider (23) is installed with the possibility of sliding in the frame of the device (21) and is capable of moving from the inside to the outside of the frame of the device (21) to replace the mold.

8. A hot stamping system comprising a hot stamping device (2) according to any one of claims 1-7.

9. The system according to item 8, further comprising a tunnel furnace, a device (32) for loading into the working position, an automatic loading robot (33), a gantry manipulator (34) and a device (35) for feeding and returning the working medium, wherein the tunnel furnace comprises a part (31-1) for placing the workpiece, a heating zone (31-2), a heating holding zone (31-3) and an intra-furnace gripping zone (31-4), which are arranged sequentially from the loading end to the unloading end of the tunnel furnace; the automatic loading robot (33) is configured to grip the workpiece (4) from the loading device (32) into the working position and to place the workpiece (4) on the part (31-1) for placing the workpiece; and the device (2) for hot stamping is located between the portal manipulator (34) and the device (35) for feeding and returning the working medium, and the portal manipulator (34) is configured to move the workpiece (4) from the intra-furnace gripping zone (31-4) into the device (2) for hot stamping.

10. The system according to paragraph 9, in which the portal manipulator (34) comprises a first support post (34-1), a second support post (34-2), a transverse support element (34-3), a gripping mechanism (34-4) and a movable unit (34-5) of the mechanism; the first support post (34-1) and the second support post (34-2) are located, respectively, at two ends of the transverse support element (34-3) and the gripping mechanism (34-4) is suspended from the movable unit (34-5) of the mechanism by means of a four-axis connecting mechanism; the gripping mechanism (34-4) comprises a frame (34-4-1) of the gripping mechanism, a pneumatic cylinder (34-4-2) of the gripping mechanism, a transmission rod (34-4-3) of the gripping mechanism, a locking adapter (34-4-4) of the transmission rod and a lever (34-4-5) of the power transmission; the pneumatic cylinder (34-4-2) of the gripping mechanism is mounted on the frame (34-4-1) of the gripping mechanism, on the outside of the pneumatic cylinder (34-4-2) of the gripping mechanism there is a protective cover (34-4-6) of the pneumatic cylinder, the transmission rod (34-4-3) of the gripping mechanism is slidably connected to the locking adapter (34-4-4) of the transmission rod, one end of the transmission rod (34-4-3) of the gripping mechanism is connected to the pneumatic cylinder (34-4-2) of the gripping mechanism, and the other end of the transmission rod (34-4-3) of the gripping mechanism is connected to the lever (34-4-5) of the power transmission; and on the lower side of the frame (34-4-1) of the gripping mechanism there is a first hook (34-4-7), on the lower end of the lever (34-4-5) of the power transmission there is a second hook (34-4-8), while when moving the workpiece (4) into the intra-furnace zone (31-4) of the tunnel kiln grip, the first hook (34-4-7) is configured to interact with one end of the workpiece (4) and the pneumatic cylinder (34-4-2) of the gripping mechanism is configured to drive the transmission rod (34-4-3) of the gripping mechanism into translational movement for rotary movement of the lever (34-4-5) of the power transmission so that the lever (34-4-5) of the power transmission forces the second hook (34-4-8) to rotate to interact with the other end of the workpiece (4).

11. The system according to claim 10, in which the movable unit (34-5) of the mechanism comprises a movable supporting body of the mechanism and a four-axis servomotor (34-5-1), a protective cover (34-5-2) of the motor, a wave gear reducer (34-5-3), a drive component (34-5-4) and a heat-insulating panel (34-5-5), which are installed on the movable supporting body of the mechanism; and a protective cover (34-5-2) of the motor covers the four-axis servo motor (34-5-1), a wave gear reducer (34-5-3) is connected between the four-axis servo motor (34-5-1) and the driving component (34-5-4), a heat-insulating panel (34-5-5) is installed at the end of the driving component (34-5-4) close to the gripping mechanism (34-4), and the gripping mechanism (34-4) is installed on the driving component (34-5-4) and is movable together with the driving component (34-5-4); and On the movable supporting body of the mechanism, a cooling component (34-5-6) is additionally installed, designed with the possibility of supplying cold air into the movable supporting body of the mechanism for cooling the four-axis servomotor (34-5-1).

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