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EP1356247B1 - Support for parts to be heat treated in a furnace, and a heat treatment method for metal parts - Google Patents

Support for parts to be heat treated in a furnace, and a heat treatment method for metal parts Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1356247B1
EP1356247B1 EP01995793A EP01995793A EP1356247B1 EP 1356247 B1 EP1356247 B1 EP 1356247B1 EP 01995793 A EP01995793 A EP 01995793A EP 01995793 A EP01995793 A EP 01995793A EP 1356247 B1 EP1356247 B1 EP 1356247B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
support
ceramic
metal body
metal
heat treatment
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP01995793A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1356247A1 (en
Inventor
Jean-Pierre Maumus
Serge Chateigner
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Safran Ceramics SA
Original Assignee
SNECMA Propulsion Solide SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by SNECMA Propulsion Solide SA filed Critical SNECMA Propulsion Solide SA
Publication of EP1356247A1 publication Critical patent/EP1356247A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1356247B1 publication Critical patent/EP1356247B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F27—FURNACES; KILNS; OVENS; RETORTS
    • F27D—DETAILS OR ACCESSORIES OF FURNACES, KILNS, OVENS OR RETORTS, IN SO FAR AS THEY ARE OF KINDS OCCURRING IN MORE THAN ONE KIND OF FURNACE
    • F27D5/00—Supports, screens or the like for the charge within the furnace
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C21—METALLURGY OF IRON
    • C21D—MODIFYING THE PHYSICAL STRUCTURE OF FERROUS METALS; GENERAL DEVICES FOR HEAT TREATMENT OF FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS METALS OR ALLOYS; MAKING METAL MALLEABLE, e.g. BY DECARBURISATION OR TEMPERING
    • C21D9/00—Heat treatment, e.g. annealing, hardening, quenching or tempering, adapted for particular articles; Furnaces therefor
    • C21D9/0006—Details, accessories not peculiar to any of the following furnaces
    • C21D9/0025—Supports; Baskets; Containers; Covers
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S269/00—Work holders
    • Y10S269/903—Work holder for electrical circuit assemblages or wiring systems

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a support for supporting a piece, in particular a metal part, during a treatment thermal of said room in an oven.
  • the heat treatment is a cementation treatment with low pressure of a steel part using, for example, gas, oil, etc.
  • Patent Application FR-A-2 772 467 discloses a device for supporting parts to be thermally treated in an oven, comprising trays on each of which are mounted groups of metal pegs. Each group of metal pegs serves as support a piece to be treated in the form of a pinion. The trays are designed to can be superimposed vertically.
  • the loading of the pieces on the trays and the Overlay trays are performed by a robot.
  • the robot presents the piece above the group of pawns, then the coward.
  • the present invention aims in the first place to provide support which improves the efficiency of loading a part to be treated thermally.
  • a support is provided to support the less in part; a part during a heat treatment of said part, comprise a guiding element allowing guide the workpiece towards a surface or part of a support surface of said support when it is put in place on the support.
  • the expression “at least in” means that the support according to the invention can be used to completely support the part, or, alternatively, to partially support only said part.
  • the support effort is shared between the support according to the invention and one or more other supports, preferably identical to the support according to the invention.
  • the guide element of the support according to the invention facilitates the setting up of the part to be treated, especially when this setting up is robotic, and compensates for a possible inaccuracy of the robot.
  • the guide element consists of an elongated element extending from a base of the support substantially perpendicularly at this base and having an end portion, opposite the base, warhead shape. More particularly, the guiding element can include a stem terminated by a head, the head constituting the said end portion in the shape of an ogive.
  • the stem has a diameter less than that of the head.
  • the end of the guide element opposite the base is rounded.
  • the support according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises a body metal part, of which the guide element may be part, and an element ceramic embedded in the metal body and defining said support surface.
  • a heat treatment operation of the part for example type carburizing (especially when the piece is in steel), can be carried out without the support surface and the part being stick to each other. Unloading the part, once the treatment finished, is thus facilitated.
  • the fact of embedding the ceramic element in a metal body allows to increase the impact resistance of the ceramic. It is thus possible to previously load the part to be treated by placing this piece on top of the holder and then releasing it, all at medium of a robot, and with a reduced risk of breakage of the ceramic.
  • the ceramic element can be mounted in the metal body so that it can be easily replaced.
  • the ceramic element can be crimped into the body metallic, simply placed in a recess of the metal body without to be fixed, or placed in a recess of the metal body and retained in this recess by one or more point (s) of solder or solder formed on or near an upper edge of the recess.
  • the ceramic used in the present invention is mullite. This material presents indeed a good mechanical resistance.
  • the ceramic element is embedded in the metal body with a clearance allowing the ceramic element and the metal body to expand freely.
  • the element ceramics is enshrined in a base of the metallic body constituting the aforementioned base of the support.
  • the ceramic element can thus consist of an annular piece having an axis of symmetry common with the element of guide.
  • the support surface is inclined, or comprises an inclined part to prevent lateral movement of the workpiece when it rests, at least in part, flat on the support.
  • the support surface is shaped to ensure contact only in one or more discrete points with a directory part when such an annular piece rests, at least in part, flat on the support.
  • the support surface may have, for example, a shape frustoconical, or be in the form of a surface part spherical.
  • the element ceramic is enshrined in the end part of the element of guide.
  • the support according to the invention can be present in the form of a pawn.
  • the support according to the invention furthermore typically comprises fastening means to a support plate.
  • Such fixing means may comprise a projection of the support, intended to be introduced into a corresponding ferry hole from the support plate, from a first end of this hole, and comprising a thin frustoconical portion adapted to cooperate with a chamfer provided at a second end, opposite to the first, of the hole ferry.
  • the present invention also relates to equipment for support comprising a support plate and at least one support such as defined above, mounted on the support plate.
  • the support plate is preferably made of a material thermo-structural composite, such as a carbon-carbon composite material.
  • the or each support, and more particularly the body metal of the latter, is advantageously mounted on the plate of support by crimping and with a game.
  • the point of intersection between an axis of symmetry the or each support and the plane of a surface of the support plate receiving the or each support is substantially coincident with the vertex cone defined by an outer surface of the thin frustoconical portion.
  • the equipment of support according to the invention comprises at least one group of three supports arranged in a triangle.
  • the present invention further aims at providing a method of heat treatment of a metal part which facilitates durable, the unloading of the part after the heat treatment.
  • a heat treatment process is provided of a metal part, characterized in that one uses, to support said part, at least one support having a ceramic surface, of preferably in mullite, on which at least a part of said room.
  • the metal part is in contact with the ceramic surface only in one or more discrete points.
  • the treatment thermal consists of a carburizing operation of a steel part.
  • support equipment for the treatment of a metal part, such as the cementation of a piece of steel, includes a support plate 1 and supports in the form of pins 2 mounted on the support plate 1.
  • the pawns 2 are grouped by three. In each group of pions (only one group is shown in Figure 2), the pins 2 are arranged in a triangle, preferably in equilateral triangle.
  • the support plate 1 is of preferably made of a thermo-structural composite material, such as a carbon-carbon composite material. Alternatively, however, it can be designed in metal.
  • Each peg 2 comprises a metal body 20 constituted a projecting lower part 21 housed in a cylindrical hole corresponding 10 of the support plate 1, and an upper part 22 extending beyond the upper surface, designated 11, of the support plate 1, and perpendicular to this surface.
  • the body 20 is preferably monolithic.
  • each pin 2 is fixed to the support plate 1 by crimping.
  • the lower part 21 has, at its lower end, a thin frustoconical portion 210 cooperating with a chamfer 12 practiced on the lower edge of the ferry hole 10.
  • the support equipment according to the invention is assembled by presenting each pawn 2 over the ferry hole corresponding 10, then introducing the lower part 21 into the hole 10, down, until the frustoconical portion 210 come cooperate with chamfer 12.
  • each peg 2 comprises a base 220 in skirt shape that rests on the upper surface 11 of the plate of support 1, and a central and elongated guide member 221 extending perpendicular to the support plate 1 and the 220 based since the upper end of the base 220 along an axis of symmetry AS1 of pawn 2.
  • the base 220 is cylindrical at the bottom, and frustoconical in the upper part. It further comprises a recess in which is housed a ceramic element 23 in the form of a annular pellet having a frustoconical upper surface 230.
  • the ceramic chip 23 is more particularly crimped to the base 220, by cooperation between a chamfer practiced on the upper outer edge of the pellet 23 and a projection 222 of an annular edge 223 of the base 220.
  • ceramic chip 23 can nevertheless be mounted differently in the recess of the base 220. It can for example simply be asked in this recess, without being crimped or otherwise fixed, in order to facilitate its replacement in case of breakage. It can also be placed in the recess and retained in it simply by one or several point (s) of solder or solder 224 formed on or near an upper edge of the recess, as shown in Figure 3.
  • the frustoconical upper surface 230 of the pellet in ceramic 23 is flush with the upper face of the base 220, so that it can serve as a support surface, and is arranged so that the vertex (not shown) of the cone defined by this surface is directed towards the upper end of the pin 2, along the axis AS1.
  • the guide element 221 comprises a rod 225 which is complete, its upper end, opposite the base 220, by a head 226.
  • the shape of the head 226 is chosen to allow effective guidance during the positioning of a workpiece on the pawn 2.
  • the head 226 has a shell or warhead shape, preferably an ogival shape as illustrated in the figures.
  • the upper end 226a the head 226 is rounded rather than pointed.
  • the diameter of the rod 225 is smaller than that of the head 226.
  • each pin 2 is arranged by plate 1 so that the point of intersection, designated at the FIG. 1 by the reference O, between the axis of symmetry AS1 of the pin 2 and the plane defined by the upper surface 11 of the plate 1 is substantially confused with the top of the cone defined by the surface external (in contact with the chamfer 12) of the thin frustoconical part 210.
  • a slight clearance 211 may be provided between the outer face of the protruding bottom portion 21 of each pin 2 and the inner face of the hole 10 corresponding.
  • the differential dilations between the ceramic chip 23 and the metal body 20 of each pin 2 can be absorbed by a slight lateral play 231 between the faces inside and / or outside of the pellet 23 and the wall or walls corresponding to the annular recess of the body 20.
  • annular metal part 3 with heat treatment such as a pinion, is placed flat on a group three pins 2 so as to bear against the frustoconical surfaces in 2.
  • the expression "flat” means that the axis of symmetry (designated by the mark AS2) of the annular piece 3 is perpendicular to the support plate 1 or, in other words, parallel to the axis of symmetry AS1 of each pin 2.
  • the contact between the piece 3 and each of the ceramic support surfaces 230 is punctual.
  • the piece 3 is thus supported by the support equipment 1, 2 according to the invention in three discrete points A, B and C.
  • the guide elements 221 fit within the inner surface 30 of the piece 3 and are away from this internal surface, that is to say that they do not enter any place in contact with the room 3. Thanks to the inclination of the support 230, the part 3 is well maintained on the pins 2 under the effect of gravitation: In particular, piece 3 can not move laterally to come into contact with the guide elements 221.
  • the establishment of the piece 3 on the pawns 2 is preferably performed by means of a robot, which places the piece 3 above the pieces 2 and then the coward so that she falls on them.
  • the piece 3 is guided by the respective warhead-shaped heads 226 of the elements of 221. Due to the difference in diameter between rods 225 and heads 226 (the rods 225 are narrower than the heads 226), the piece 3, after having been guided by the heads 226, is no longer in contact with the guiding elements 221. This facilitates the fall of the piece 3 towards the support surfaces 230.
  • each pawn 2 is encased in the metal body 20, that is to say is mounted in a recess of the body 20, increases the impact strength of the pellet 23. Therefore, the risk of breakage of the ceramic when piece 3 arrives in contact with the pins 2 is reduced.
  • the latter is designed in mullite.
  • the assembly consisting of support equipment 1, 2 and part 3 is placed in an oven such as a carburising reactor (not shown), where piece 3 undergoes heat treatment.
  • an oven such as a carburising reactor (not shown)
  • piece 3 undergoes heat treatment.
  • the piece 3 can be removed without difficulty from the support equipment 1, 2 since, thanks to the ceramic material constituting the support surfaces 230 in direct contact with the metal part 3, the piece 3 and the pieces 2 will not be glued to each other.
  • the annular piece 3 and the pins 2 are arranged so that the guide elements 21 are inscribed in the central empty space of room 3 delimited by inner annular surface thereof.
  • the guide elements 221 are located beyond the outer annular surface of the part 3.
  • the 3 is not necessarily annular, but may also be cylindrical.
  • FIG. 5 also shows, by way of example, pions of support 2 according to the invention supporting an elongated vertical piece 4 in piston shape. Although only two pawns 2 are represented at the figure 5, we use at least three to ensure a good maintenance of the room 4.
  • Figure 6 shows another type of configuration, in which each pawn 2 supports completely, and not only partially as in the arrangements of Figures 1 to 5, a metal part annular 5.
  • the axis of symmetry of the annular piece 5 is thus confused with the axis AS1 of the pion 2.
  • FIG. 7 shows a pawn 2 according to the invention supporting completely a part 6 in the form of a piston comprising a part lower ring 60.
  • each ceramic support surface 230 can have slight bosses in places intended to define points of contact with the piece 5, 6.
  • the invention is not limited to a particular form for the surfaces of ceramic support 230, and that there are many ways of conform these surfaces so that they each ensure a contact only in one or more discrete points with an annular piece when such an annular piece rests flat, completely or in part, on the corresponding pawn.
  • FIG. 8 shows, by way of example, a second mode of embodiment of the invention, wherein each pin 2 '(only one pin 2' is shown in Figure 8) has a ceramic support surface 230 'shaped spherical surface portion.
  • FIGS. 9 and 10 represent pions of support 7 and 8 according to a third embodiment of the invention.
  • the pions 7, 8 differ from the pawns 2, 2 'essentially in that their element ceramic is embedded in the head of the guide element, rather only in the base of the metallic body (see the markers 70 and 80).
  • the element ceramic 70 (respectively 80) has a support surface rounded 71 (respectively 81) on which can come to rest a piece.
  • the ceramic elements 70 and 80 are simply laid, without being fixed, in a recess of the head of the element of guidance, so that they can be replaced easily in case of breakage. Alternatively, they can nevertheless be crimped into the recess or blocked by one or more solder points in a manner comparable to the example of Figure 3.
  • the pins 7, 8 can be used, for example, as illustrated in Figure 11.
  • a group of three support pieces of the type of pins 7 or 8 supports, in three points of contact, a metal part 72 having an annular lower part and a cylindrical upper solid part.
  • the contact between room 72 and the pins 7 or 8 is between a metal bearing surface 73 of the piece 72 and the ceramic surface 71 or 81 of each peg.
  • the implementation of the piece 72 on the pins 7 or 8 is facilitated by the guide elements.
  • Figure 12 illustrates a support pin 9.
  • the pawn 9 consists of a body 90 and a ceramic coating layer 91 covering the head of a guide element of the metal body 90 and attached to this head for example by gluing or brazing, as represented at the level of reference 92.
  • the element ceramic 91 is not encased in the metal body.
  • pion 9 can also be used to support a metal part to heat treatment, such as a piece of steel to be cements, by example in the manner illustrated in Figure 11 for pins 7, 8.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Crystallography & Structural Chemistry (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Metallurgy (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Furnace Charging Or Discharging (AREA)
  • Heat Treatments In General, Especially Conveying And Cooling (AREA)
  • Furnace Details (AREA)
  • Heat Treatment Of Articles (AREA)
  • Control Of Heat Treatment Processes (AREA)

Abstract

A support slug ( 2 ) used for the heat treatment of a part ( 3 ), particularly for the hardening of a steel part, comprises a guide element ( 221 ) that is used to guide the part ( 3 ) towards a supporting surface ( 230 ) of the support slug ( 2 ) when said part is being positioned on the support slug. A ceramic element ( 23 ) including the supporting surface ( 230 ) is embedded in the metal body ( 20 ) of the support slug.

Description

DOMAINE DE L'INVENTION ET DESCRIPTTON DE LA TECHNIQUE ANTERIEUREFIELD OF THE INVENTION AND DESCRIPTTON OF THE TECHNIQUE BACKGROUND

La présente invention concerne un support destiné à supporter une pièce, notamment une pièce métallique, lors d'un traitement thermique de ladite pièce dans un four.The present invention relates to a support for supporting a piece, in particular a metal part, during a treatment thermal of said room in an oven.

Selon une application particulière, mais non exclusive, de l'invention, le traitement thermique est un traitement de cémentation à basse pression d'une pièce en acier utilisant, par exemple, du gaz, de l'huile, etc.According to a particular, but not exclusive, application of the invention, the heat treatment is a cementation treatment with low pressure of a steel part using, for example, gas, oil, etc.

On connaít par la demande de brevet FR-A-2 772 467 un dispositif pour le support de pièces à traiter thermiquement dans un four, comprenant des plateaux sur chacun desquels sont montés des groupes de pions métalliques. Chaque groupe de pions métalliques sert de support à une pièce à traiter en forme de pignon. Les plateaux sont conçus pour pouvoir être superposés verticalement.Patent Application FR-A-2 772 467 discloses a device for supporting parts to be thermally treated in an oven, comprising trays on each of which are mounted groups of metal pegs. Each group of metal pegs serves as support a piece to be treated in the form of a pinion. The trays are designed to can be superimposed vertically.

En pratique, le chargement des pièces sur les plateaux et la superposition des plateaux sont effectués par un robot. Pour positionner une pièce donnée sur son groupe de pions de support, le robot présente la pièce au-dessus du groupe de pions, puis la lâche.In practice, the loading of the pieces on the trays and the Overlay trays are performed by a robot. To position a given piece on his group of support pins, the robot presents the piece above the group of pawns, then the coward.

La précision du robot étant limitée, il arrive parfois que la pièce ne tombe pas correctement sur son groupe de pions de support et se retrouve, après sa chute, mal positionnée sur celui-ci. Dans une telle situation, si le robot est équipé d'un système de détection de présence de pièce, il détectera une anomalie et se bloquera. Une intervention manuelle sera alors nécessaire pour positionner correctement la pièce et redémarrer le robot Si le robot n'est pas équipé d'un système de détection de présence de pièce, il continuera le chargement des pièces sur le plateau mais la superposition du plateau suivant sera gênée par la pièce mal positionnée. Dans certains cas, le plateau suivant pourra même se casser au moment de sa mise en place sous l'effet des contraintes antagonistes exercées par le robot et la pièce mal positionnée.The precision of the robot being limited, it sometimes happens that the piece does not fall properly on his support pawn group and found, after its fall, poorly positioned on it. In such a situation, if the robot is equipped with a presence detection system of piece, it will detect an anomaly and will lock. Manual intervention will then be necessary to correctly position the room and restart the robot If the robot is not equipped with a detection system piece presence, it will continue loading the pieces on the board but the superposition of the next board will be hampered by the wrong piece positioned. In some cases, the next tray may even break at the moment of its establishment under the effect of the antagonistic constraints exerted by the robot and the poorly positioned part.

Outre ces problèmes relatifs au chargement des pièces, il a été observé que, lorsque les pièces à traiter sont métalliques, celles-ci ont tendance à se coller à leurs pions de support lors du traitement thermique, ce qui gêne leur déchargement une fois le traitement thermique terminé.In addition to these problems relating to the loading of the parts, it has been observed that when the parts to be treated are metallic, they have tendency to stick to their support pins during heat treatment, which hinders their unloading once the heat treatment is complete.

Pour éviter ce phénomène de collage, la demande de brevet précitée FR-A-2 772 467 propose de revêtir les pions de support de cuivre. Cette solution est efficace à court terme, mais ne produit plus l'effet recherché après une utilisation répétée des pions de support, lesquels doivent donc être fréquemment remplacés.To avoid this sticking phenomenon, the patent application FR-A-2 772 467 proposes to coat the copper support pins. This solution is effective in the short term, but no longer produces the effect searched after repeated use of the support pins, which therefore need to be replaced frequently.

L'utilisation de pions en céramique comme supports de pièces soumises à un traitement CVD est connue de US-A-5 576 058.The use of ceramic pegs as part supports subjected to a CVD treatment is known from US-A-5 576 058.

OBJECTIFS ET RESUME DE L'INVENTIONOBJECTIVES AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

La présente invention vise en premier lieu à fournir un support qui permette d'améliorer l'efficacité du chargement d'une pièce à traiter thermiquement.The present invention aims in the first place to provide support which improves the efficiency of loading a part to be treated thermally.

A cette fin, il est prévu un support destiné à supporter, au moins en partie; une pièce lors d'un traitement thermique de ladite pièce, comprenent un élément de guidage permettant de guider la pièce vers une surface ou partie de surface de support dudit support lors de sa mise en place sur le support.For this purpose, a support is provided to support the less in part; a part during a heat treatment of said part, comprise a guiding element allowing guide the workpiece towards a surface or part of a support surface of said support when it is put in place on the support.

Par l'expression « au moins en parce », on entend que le support selon l'invention peut servir à supporter complètement la pièce, ou, en variante, à supporter en partie seulement ladite pièce. Dans ce dernier cas, l'effort de support est partagé entre le support selon l'invention et un ou plusieurs autres supports, de préférence identiques au support selon l'invention.The expression "at least in" means that the support according to the invention can be used to completely support the part, or, alternatively, to partially support only said part. In this case, the support effort is shared between the support according to the invention and one or more other supports, preferably identical to the support according to the invention.

L'élément de guidage du support selon l'invention facilite la mise en place de la pièce à traiter, notamment lorsque cette mise en place est robotisée, et permet de compenser une éventuelle imprécision du robot.The guide element of the support according to the invention facilitates the setting up of the part to be treated, especially when this setting up is robotic, and compensates for a possible inaccuracy of the robot.

L'élément de guidage consiste en un élément allongé s'étendant depuis une base du support sensiblement perpendiculairement à cette base et comportant une partie d'extrémité, opposée à la base, en forme d'ogive. Plus particulièrement, l'élément de guidage peut comprendre une tige terminée par une tête, la tête constituant ladite partie d'extrémité en forme d'ogive. Avantageusement, la tige a un diamètre inférieur à celui de la tête. De préférence, l'extrémité de l'élément de guidage opposée à la base est arrondie.The guide element consists of an elongated element extending from a base of the support substantially perpendicularly at this base and having an end portion, opposite the base, warhead shape. More particularly, the guiding element can include a stem terminated by a head, the head constituting the said end portion in the shape of an ogive. Advantageously, the stem has a diameter less than that of the head. Preferably, the end of the guide element opposite the base is rounded.

De manière à fournir un support qui permette, de manière durable, un déchargement pratique et efficace d'une pièce métallique traitée thermiquement, le support selon l'invention est caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte un corps métallique, duquel peut faire partie l'élément de guidage, et un élément en céramique enchâssé dans le corps métallique et définissant ladite surface de support.In order to provide support that allows for a practical and efficient unloading of a thermally treated metal part, the support according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises a body metal part, of which the guide element may be part, and an element ceramic embedded in the metal body and defining said support surface.

Grâce à l'utilisation d'une matière céramique pour former la surface de support sur laquelle vient reposer directement la pièce métallique à traiter, une opération de traitement thermique de la pièce, par exemple du type cémentation (en particulier lorsque la pièce est en acier), peut être effectuée sans que la surface de support et la pièce ne se collent l'une à l'autre. Le déchargement de la pièce, une fois le traitement terminé, en est donc facilité.Thanks to the use of a ceramic material to form the support surface on which the piece rests directly metal to be treated, a heat treatment operation of the part, for example type carburizing (especially when the piece is in steel), can be carried out without the support surface and the part being stick to each other. Unloading the part, once the treatment finished, is thus facilitated.

D'autre part, le fait d'enchâsser l'élément en céramique dans un corps métallique permet d'accroítre la résistance aux chocs de la céramique. Il est ainsi possible de charger préalablement la pièce à traiter en plaçant cette pièce au-dessus du support puis en la lâchant, le tout au moyen d'un robot, et avec un risque réduit de cassure de la céramique.On the other hand, the fact of embedding the ceramic element in a metal body allows to increase the impact resistance of the ceramic. It is thus possible to previously load the part to be treated by placing this piece on top of the holder and then releasing it, all at medium of a robot, and with a reduced risk of breakage of the ceramic.

En outre, une éventuelle cassure de la céramique n'affectera pas l'intégralité du support et ne nécessitera de remplacer que l'élément en céramique. A cet égard, l'élément en céramique peut être monté dans le corps métallique de façon à pouvoir être remplacé facilement. A titre d'exemple, l'élément en céramique peut être serti dans le corps métallique, simplement posé dans un évidement du corps métallique sans y être fixé, ou posé dans un évidement du corps métallique et retenu dans cet évidement par un ou plusieurs point(s) de soudure ou de brasure formées) sur ou à proximité d'un bord supérieur de l'évidement.In addition, a possible breakage of the ceramic will not affect not the full support and will only need to replace the element ceramic. In this respect, the ceramic element can be mounted in the metal body so that it can be easily replaced. As for example, the ceramic element can be crimped into the body metallic, simply placed in a recess of the metal body without to be fixed, or placed in a recess of the metal body and retained in this recess by one or more point (s) of solder or solder formed on or near an upper edge of the recess.

Avantageusement, la céramique utilisée dans la présente invention est de la mullite. Cette matière présente en effet une bonne résistance mécanique. Advantageously, the ceramic used in the present invention is mullite. This material presents indeed a good mechanical resistance.

De préférence, l'élément en céramique est enchâssé dans le corps métallique avec un jeu permettant à l'élément en céramique et au corps métallique de se dilater librement.Preferably, the ceramic element is embedded in the metal body with a clearance allowing the ceramic element and the metal body to expand freely.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'élément en céramique est enchâssé dans une base du corps métallique constituant la base précitée du support. L'élément en céramique peut ainsi consister en une pièce annulaire ayant un axe de symétrie commun avec l'élément de guidage.According to one embodiment of the invention, the element ceramics is enshrined in a base of the metallic body constituting the aforementioned base of the support. The ceramic element can thus consist of an annular piece having an axis of symmetry common with the element of guide.

De préférence, la surface de support est inclinée, ou comporte une partie inclinée, afin d'empêcher un mouvement latéral de la pièce lorsque celle-ci repose, au moins en partie, à plat sur le support. On assure ainsi un bon maintien de la pièce sur le support, sous l'effet de la force de gravitation à laquelle est soumise la pièce, tout en évitant le contact entre la pièce et l'élément de guidage.Preferably, the support surface is inclined, or comprises an inclined part to prevent lateral movement of the workpiece when it rests, at least in part, flat on the support. We thus ensures a good maintenance of the part on the support, under the effect of the gravitational force to which the piece is subjected, while avoiding the contact between the workpiece and the guide element.

De préférence, la surface de support est conformée pour assurer un contact seulement en un ou plusieurs points discrets avec une pièce annuaire lorsqu'une telle pièce annulaire repose, au moins en partie, à plat sur le support.Preferably, the support surface is shaped to ensure contact only in one or more discrete points with a directory part when such an annular piece rests, at least in part, flat on the support.

Un tel contact en un ou plusieurs points discrets seulement permet de maintenir la pièce quasiment en suspension lors de son traitement, et, par conséquent, de faire en sorte qu'une partie la plus importante possible de la surface de la pièce soit soumise à ce traitementSuch contact in one or more discrete points only keeps the room almost suspended during its treatment, and therefore to ensure that some of the most significant potential of the surface of the room be subjected to this treatment

Ainsi, la surface de support peut avoir, par exemple, une forme tronconique, ou se présenter sous la forme d'une partie de surface sphérique.Thus, the support surface may have, for example, a shape frustoconical, or be in the form of a surface part spherical.

Selon un autre mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'élément en céramique est enchâssé dans la partie d'extrémité de l'élément de guidage.According to another embodiment of the invention, the element ceramic is enshrined in the end part of the element of guide.

De manière générale, le support selon l'invention peut se présenter sous la forme d'un pion.In general, the support according to the invention can be present in the form of a pawn.

Le support selon l'invention comprend en outre typiquement des moyens de fixation à une plaque de support.The support according to the invention furthermore typically comprises fastening means to a support plate.

De tels moyens de fixation peuvent comprendre une saillie du support, destinée à être introduite dans un trou traversier correspondant de la plaque de support, depuis, une première extrémité de ce trou, et comprenant une partie tronconique mince apte à coopérer avec un chanfrein prévu à une seconde extrémité, opposée à la première, du trou traversier.Such fixing means may comprise a projection of the support, intended to be introduced into a corresponding ferry hole from the support plate, from a first end of this hole, and comprising a thin frustoconical portion adapted to cooperate with a chamfer provided at a second end, opposite to the first, of the hole ferry.

La présente invention concerne également un équipement de support comprenant une plaque de support et au moins un support tel que défini ci-dessus, monté sur la plaque de support.The present invention also relates to equipment for support comprising a support plate and at least one support such as defined above, mounted on the support plate.

La plaque de support est de préférence conçue en un matériau composite thermo-structural, tel qu'un matériau composite carbone-carbone. Le ou chaque support, et plus particulièrement le corps métallique de celui-ci, est avantageusement monté sur la plaque de support par sertissage et avec un jeu.The support plate is preferably made of a material thermo-structural composite, such as a carbon-carbon composite material. The or each support, and more particularly the body metal of the latter, is advantageously mounted on the plate of support by crimping and with a game.

Afin d'éviter d'éventuels problèmes de désolidarisation du (des) support(s) sur la plaque de support, en raison de différences de dilatation thermique entre le corps du (des) supports) et la plaque de support lors du traitement de la pièce, le point d'intersection entre un axe de symétrie du ou de chaque support et le plan d'une surface de la plaque de support recevant le ou chaque support est sensiblement confondu avec le sommet du cône défini par une surface externe de la partie tronconique mince.In order to avoid possible problems of dissociation of support (s) on the support plate, due to differences in expansion between the body of the support (s) and the support plate when of the workpiece processing, the point of intersection between an axis of symmetry the or each support and the plane of a surface of the support plate receiving the or each support is substantially coincident with the vertex cone defined by an outer surface of the thin frustoconical portion.

Selon un mode de réalisation particulier, l'équipement de support selon l'invention comprend au moins un groupe de trois supports disposés en triangle.According to a particular embodiment, the equipment of support according to the invention comprises at least one group of three supports arranged in a triangle.

La présente invention vise en outre à proposer un procédé de traitement thermique d'une pièce métallique qui facilite, de manière durable, le déchargement de la pièce à l'issue du traitement thermique.The present invention further aims at providing a method of heat treatment of a metal part which facilitates durable, the unloading of the part after the heat treatment.

A cette fin, il est prévu un procédé de traitement thermique d'une pièce métallique, caractérisé en ce que l'on utilise, pour supporter ladite pièce, au moins un support ayant une surface en céramique, de préférence en mullite, sur laquelle repose, au moins en partie, ladite pièce.For this purpose, a heat treatment process is provided of a metal part, characterized in that one uses, to support said part, at least one support having a ceramic surface, of preferably in mullite, on which at least a part of said room.

De préférence, la pièce métallique est en contact avec la surface en céramique seulement en un ou plusieurs points discrets.Preferably, the metal part is in contact with the ceramic surface only in one or more discrete points.

Selon une application particulière de l'invention, le traitement thermique consiste en une opération de cémentation d'une pièce en acier.According to a particular application of the invention, the treatment thermal consists of a carburizing operation of a steel part.

Il a été observé que, lorsqu'une telle opération de cémentation était mise en oeuvre avec un support purement métallique de la technique antérieure, un phénomène de micro-diffusion de carbone se produisait au niveau du support, qui tendait à abaisser le point de fusion de ce dernier et entraínait en conséquence un collage de la pièce sur le support.It has been observed that when such a carburizing operation was implemented with a purely metallic support of the technique earlier, a phenomenon of micro-diffusion of carbon occurred at level of support, which tended to lower the melting point of the latter and resulted in a collage of the piece on the support.

L'utilisation, selon l'invention, de céramique pour constituer la surface de support destinée à être en contact avec la pièce à traiter remédie à ce problème de collage.The use, according to the invention, of ceramic to constitute the support surface intended to be in contact with the workpiece fix this collage problem.

BREVE DESCRIPTION DES DESSINSBRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Dans les dessins annexés :

  • la figure 1 est une demi-vue en coupe suivant le plan I de la figure 2 d'une partie d'un équipement de support selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention, sur laquelle repose une pièce annulaire ;
  • la figure 2 montre la partie de l'équipement de support et la pièce annulaire de la figure 1 en vue de dessus ;
  • la figure 3 représente, dans le même type de vue que la figure 1, une variante du premier mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
  • la figure 4 montre, en vue de dessus, une autre manière de positionner une pièce annulaire sur l'équipement de support selon l'invention ;
  • la figure 5 montre, en coupe, comment peut être positionnée une pièce verticale allongée en forme de piston sur l'équipement de support selon l'invention ;
  • la figure 6 montre, en coupe, encore une autre manière de positionner une pièce annulaire sur l'équipement de support selon l'invention;
  • la figure 7 montre, en coupe, une autre manière de positionner une pièce verticale allongée en forme de piston sur l'équipement de support selon l'invention ;
  • la figure 8 est une vue en coupe d'une partie d'un équipement de support selon un second mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
  • les figures 9 et 10 sont des vues en coupe d'une partie d'un équipement de support selon un troisième mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
  • la figure 11 est une vue en coupe partielle montrant l'équipement de support selon le troisième mode de réalisation de l'invention supportant une pièce ; et
  • la figure 12 est une vue en coupe d'une partie d'un équipement de support.
In the accompanying drawings:
  • Figure 1 is a half-sectional view along the plane I of Figure 2 of a portion of a support equipment according to a first embodiment of the invention, on which rests an annular piece;
  • Figure 2 shows the part of the support equipment and the annular part of Figure 1 in plan view;
  • FIG. 3 represents, in the same type of view as FIG. 1, a variant of the first embodiment of the invention;
  • FIG. 4 shows, in plan view, another way of positioning an annular piece on the support equipment according to the invention;
  • Figure 5 shows, in section, how can be positioned an elongated piece in the form of piston on the support equipment according to the invention;
  • Figure 6 shows, in section, yet another way of positioning an annular piece on the support equipment according to the invention;
  • Figure 7 shows, in section, another way of positioning an elongate piece in the form of piston on the support equipment according to the invention;
  • Figure 8 is a sectional view of a portion of a support equipment according to a second embodiment of the invention;
  • Figures 9 and 10 are sectional views of a portion of a support equipment according to a third embodiment of the invention;
  • Fig. 11 is a partial sectional view showing the support equipment according to the third embodiment of the invention supporting a workpiece; and
  • Figure 12 is a sectional view of a portion of a support equipment.

DESCRIPTION DE PLUSIEURS MODES DE REALISATION DE L'INVENTIONDESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Plusieurs modes de réalisation de l'invention sont maintenant décrits en détail.Several embodiments of the invention are now described in detail.

En référence aux figures 1 et 2, un équipement de support selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention pour le traitement thermique d'une pièce métallique, tel que la cémentation d'une pièce en acier, comprend une plaque de support 1 et des supports en forme de pions 2 montés sur la plaque de support 1. Comme montré à la figure 2, les pions 2 sont groupés par trois. Dans chaque groupe de pions (un seul groupe est représenté à la figure 2), les pions 2 sont disposés en triangle, de préférence en triangle équilatéral. La plaque de support 1 est de préférence conçue en un matériau composite thermo-structural, tel qu'un matériau composite carbone-carbone. En variante, elle peut toutefois être conçue en métal.With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, support equipment according to a first embodiment of the invention for the treatment of a metal part, such as the cementation of a piece of steel, includes a support plate 1 and supports in the form of pins 2 mounted on the support plate 1. As shown in Figure 2, the pawns 2 are grouped by three. In each group of pions (only one group is shown in Figure 2), the pins 2 are arranged in a triangle, preferably in equilateral triangle. The support plate 1 is of preferably made of a thermo-structural composite material, such as a carbon-carbon composite material. Alternatively, however, it can be designed in metal.

Chaque pion 2 comprend un corps métallique 20 constitué d'une partie basse saillante 21 logée dans un trou traversier cylindrique correspondant 10 de la plaque de support 1, et d'une partie haute 22 s'étendant au-delà de la surface supérieure, désignée par le repère 11, de la plaque de support 1, et perpendiculairement à cette surface. Le corps 20 est de préférence monolithique.Each peg 2 comprises a metal body 20 constituted a projecting lower part 21 housed in a cylindrical hole corresponding 10 of the support plate 1, and an upper part 22 extending beyond the upper surface, designated 11, of the support plate 1, and perpendicular to this surface. The body 20 is preferably monolithic.

Chaque pion 2 est fixé à la plaque de support 1 par sertissage. A cet effet, la partie basse 21 comporte, à son extrémité inférieure, une partie tronconique mince 210 coopérant avec un chanfrein 12 pratiqué sur !'arête inférieure du trou traversier 10.Each pin 2 is fixed to the support plate 1 by crimping. For this purpose, the lower part 21 has, at its lower end, a thin frustoconical portion 210 cooperating with a chamfer 12 practiced on the lower edge of the ferry hole 10.

En pratique, l'équipement de support selon l'invention est assemblé en présentant chaque pion 2 au-dessus du trou traversier correspondant 10, puis en introduisant la partie basse 21 dans le trou 10, vers le bas, jusqu'à ce que la partie tronconique 210 viennent coopérer avec le chanfrein 12.In practice, the support equipment according to the invention is assembled by presenting each pawn 2 over the ferry hole corresponding 10, then introducing the lower part 21 into the hole 10, down, until the frustoconical portion 210 come cooperate with chamfer 12.

La partie haute 22 de chaque pion 2 comporte une base 220 en forme de jupe qui repose sur la surface supérieure 11 de la plaque de support 1, et un élément de guidage central et allongé 221 s'étendant perpendiculairement à la plaque de support 1 et à la basé 220 depuis l'extrémité supérieure de la base 220, suivant un axe de symétrie AS1 du pion 2.The upper part 22 of each peg 2 comprises a base 220 in skirt shape that rests on the upper surface 11 of the plate of support 1, and a central and elongated guide member 221 extending perpendicular to the support plate 1 and the 220 based since the upper end of the base 220 along an axis of symmetry AS1 of pawn 2.

La base 220 est cylindrique en partie inférieure, et tronconique en partie supérieure. Elle comprend, en outre, un évidement dans lequel est logé un élément en céramique 23 se présentant sous la forme d'une pastille annulaire ayant une surface supérieure tronconique 230. La pastille en céramique 23 est plus particulièrement sertie à la base 220, par coopération entre un chanfrein pratiqué sur l'arête externe supérieure de la pastille 23 et une saillie 222 d'un bord annulaire 223 de la base 220. La pastille en céramique 23 peut néanmoins être montée différemment dans l'évidement de la base 220. Elle peut par exemple être simplement posée dans cet évidement, sans être sertie ni fixée d'une autre manière, afin de faciliter son remplacement en cas de cassure. Elle peut également être posée dans l'évidement et retenue dans celui-ci simplement par un ou plusieurs point(s) de soudure ou de brasure 224 formé(s) sur ou à proximité d'un bord supérieur de l'évidement, comme illustré à la figure 3.The base 220 is cylindrical at the bottom, and frustoconical in the upper part. It further comprises a recess in which is housed a ceramic element 23 in the form of a annular pellet having a frustoconical upper surface 230. The ceramic chip 23 is more particularly crimped to the base 220, by cooperation between a chamfer practiced on the upper outer edge of the pellet 23 and a projection 222 of an annular edge 223 of the base 220. ceramic chip 23 can nevertheless be mounted differently in the recess of the base 220. It can for example simply be asked in this recess, without being crimped or otherwise fixed, in order to facilitate its replacement in case of breakage. It can also be placed in the recess and retained in it simply by one or several point (s) of solder or solder 224 formed on or near an upper edge of the recess, as shown in Figure 3.

La surface supérieure tronconique 230 de la pastille en céramique 23 affleure au niveau de la face supérieure de la base 220, de sorte qu'elle peut servir de surface de support, et est agencée pour que le sommet (non représenté) du cône défini par cette surface soit dirigé vers l'extrémité supérieure du pion 2, le long de l'axe AS1.The frustoconical upper surface 230 of the pellet in ceramic 23 is flush with the upper face of the base 220, so that it can serve as a support surface, and is arranged so that the vertex (not shown) of the cone defined by this surface is directed towards the upper end of the pin 2, along the axis AS1.

L'élément de guidage 221 comprend une tige 225 terminée, à son extrémité supérieure, opposée à la base 220, par une tête 226. La forme de la tête 226 est choisie pour permettre un guidage efficace lors du positionnement d'une pièce à traiter sur le pion 2. Typiquement, la tête 226 a une forme d'obus ou d'ogive, de préférence une forme d'ogive comme illustré sur les figures. De préférence, l'extrémité supérieure 226a de la tête 226 est arrondie plutôt que pointue. Avantageusement, le diamètre de la tige 225 est inférieur à celui de la tête 226.The guide element 221 comprises a rod 225 which is complete, its upper end, opposite the base 220, by a head 226. The shape of the head 226 is chosen to allow effective guidance during the positioning of a workpiece on the pawn 2. Typically, the head 226 has a shell or warhead shape, preferably an ogival shape as illustrated in the figures. Preferably, the upper end 226a the head 226 is rounded rather than pointed. Advantageously, the diameter of the rod 225 is smaller than that of the head 226.

Lors de l'utilisation de l'équipement de support selon l'invention dans un four de traitement thermique, tel qu'un réacteur à cémentation, des dilatations différentielles se produisent entre les corps respectifs 20 des pions 2 et la plaque de support 1 lorsque ces éléments ne sont pas conçus dans le même matériau. Il peut en résulter une désolidarisation de la liaison entre les pions 2 et la plaque de support 1.When using the support equipment according to the invention in a heat treatment furnace, such as a cementation reactor, differential dilations occur between the respective bodies 20 2 pieces and the support plate 1 when these elements are not designed in the same material. This can result in a disconnection of the connection between the pins 2 and the support plate 1.

Afin de remédier à ce problème, chaque pion 2 est agencé par rapport à la plaque 1 de façon que le point d'intersection, désigné à la figure 1 par le repère O, entre l'axe de symétrie AS1 du pion 2 et le plan géométrique défini par la surface supérieure 11 de la plaque 1 soit sensiblement confondu avec le sommet du cône défini par la surface externe (en contact avec le chanfrein 12) de la partie tronconique mince 210. En outre, un léger jeu 211 peut être prévu entre la face externe de la partie basse saillante 21 de chaque pion 2 et la face interne du trou 10 correspondant. De façon comparable, les dilatations différentielles entre la pastille en céramique 23 et le corps métallique 20 de chaque pion 2 peuvent être absorbées par un léger jeu latéral 231 entre les faces intérieure et/ou extérieure de la pastille 23 et la ou les parois correspondantes de l'évidement annulaire du corps 20.In order to remedy this problem, each pin 2 is arranged by plate 1 so that the point of intersection, designated at the FIG. 1 by the reference O, between the axis of symmetry AS1 of the pin 2 and the plane defined by the upper surface 11 of the plate 1 is substantially confused with the top of the cone defined by the surface external (in contact with the chamfer 12) of the thin frustoconical part 210. In addition, a slight clearance 211 may be provided between the outer face of the protruding bottom portion 21 of each pin 2 and the inner face of the hole 10 corresponding. In a similar way, the differential dilations between the ceramic chip 23 and the metal body 20 of each pin 2 can be absorbed by a slight lateral play 231 between the faces inside and / or outside of the pellet 23 and the wall or walls corresponding to the annular recess of the body 20.

En référence à la figure 2, une pièce métallique annulaire 3 à traiter thermiquement, telle qu'un pignon, est placée à plat sur un groupe de trois pions 2 de façon à venir en appui sur les surfaces tronconiques en céramique 230 des pions 2. Par l'expression « à plat », on entend que l'axe de symétrie (désigné par le repère AS2) de la pièce annulaire 3 est perpendiculaire à la plaque de support 1 ou, en d'autres termes, parallèle à l'axe de symétrie AS1 de chaque pion 2.With reference to FIG. 2, an annular metal part 3 with heat treatment, such as a pinion, is placed flat on a group three pins 2 so as to bear against the frustoconical surfaces in 2. The expression "flat" means that the axis of symmetry (designated by the mark AS2) of the annular piece 3 is perpendicular to the support plate 1 or, in other words, parallel to the axis of symmetry AS1 of each pin 2.

Du fait des formes respectives annulaire et tronconique de la pièce 3 et de la surface de support en céramique 230 de chaque pion 2, et de la position des pions 2 par rapport à la pièce 3, le contact entre la pièce 3 et chacune des surfaces de support en céramique 230 est ponctuel. La pièce 3 est ainsi supportée par l'équipement de support 1, 2 selon l'invention en trois points discrets A, B et C.Because of the respective annular and frustoconical shapes of the piece 3 and the ceramic support surface 230 of each peg 2, and the position of the pins 2 with respect to the piece 3, the contact between the piece 3 and each of the ceramic support surfaces 230 is punctual. The piece 3 is thus supported by the support equipment 1, 2 according to the invention in three discrete points A, B and C.

Comme montré à la figure 2, les éléments de guidage 221 s'inscrivent à l'intérieur de la surface interne 30 de la pièce 3 et sont éloignés de cette surface interne, c'est-à-dire qu'ils n'entrent à aucun endroit en contact avec la pièce 3. Grâce à l'inclinaison des surfaces de support 230, la pièce 3 est bien maintenue sur les pions 2 sous l'effet de la gravitation: En particulier, la pièce 3 ne peut se déplacer latéralement pour venir en contact avec les éléments de guidage 221.As shown in FIG. 2, the guide elements 221 fit within the inner surface 30 of the piece 3 and are away from this internal surface, that is to say that they do not enter any place in contact with the room 3. Thanks to the inclination of the support 230, the part 3 is well maintained on the pins 2 under the effect of gravitation: In particular, piece 3 can not move laterally to come into contact with the guide elements 221.

La mise en place de la pièce 3 sur les pions 2 est de préférence effectuée au moyen d'un robot, lequel place la pièce 3 au-dessus des pions 2 puis la lâche pour qu'elle tombe sur ces derniers. Lors de sa chute en direction des surfaces de support en céramique 230, la pièce 3 est guidée par les têtes respectives 226 en forme d'ogive des éléments de guidage 221. Du fait de la différence de diamètre entre les tiges 225 et les têtes 226 (les tiges 225 sont moins larges que les têtes 226), la pièce 3, après avoir été guidée par les têtes 226, n'est plus en contact avec les éléments de guidage 221. Ceci facilite la chute de la pièce 3 vers les surfaces de support 230.The establishment of the piece 3 on the pawns 2 is preferably performed by means of a robot, which places the piece 3 above the pieces 2 and then the coward so that she falls on them. During his fall in the direction of the ceramic support surfaces 230, the piece 3 is guided by the respective warhead-shaped heads 226 of the elements of 221. Due to the difference in diameter between rods 225 and heads 226 (the rods 225 are narrower than the heads 226), the piece 3, after having been guided by the heads 226, is no longer in contact with the guiding elements 221. This facilitates the fall of the piece 3 towards the support surfaces 230.

Le fait que la pastille en céramique 23 de chaque pion 2 soit enchâssée dans le corps métallique 20, c'est-à-dire soit montée dans un évidement du corps 20, augmente la résistance aux chocs de la pastille 23. Dès lors, le risque de cassure de la céramique lorsque la pièce 3 arrive au contact des pions 2 est réduit. De préférence, afin d'accroítre encore la résistance de l'élément 23, ce dernier est conçu en mullite.The fact that the ceramic pellet 23 of each pawn 2 is encased in the metal body 20, that is to say is mounted in a recess of the body 20, increases the impact strength of the pellet 23. Therefore, the risk of breakage of the ceramic when piece 3 arrives in contact with the pins 2 is reduced. Preferably, in order to increase the resistance of the element 23, the latter is designed in mullite.

Après mise en place de la pièce métallique 3 sur les pions 2, l'ensemble constitué par l'équipement de support 1, 2 et la pièce 3 est placé dans un four tel qu'un réacteur à cémentation (non représenté), où la pièce 3 subit un traitement thermique. A l'issue de ce traitement, la pièce 3 pourra être retirée sans difficulté de l'équipement de support 1, 2 puisque, grâce à la matière céramique constituant les surfaces de support 230 en contact direct avec la pièce métallique 3, la pièce 3 et les pions 2 ne seront pas collés l'un à l'autre.After placing the metal part 3 on the pins 2, the assembly consisting of support equipment 1, 2 and part 3 is placed in an oven such as a carburising reactor (not shown), where piece 3 undergoes heat treatment. At the end of this treatment, the piece 3 can be removed without difficulty from the support equipment 1, 2 since, thanks to the ceramic material constituting the support surfaces 230 in direct contact with the metal part 3, the piece 3 and the pieces 2 will not be glued to each other.

Dans l'agencement illustré aux figures 1 et 2, la pièce annulaire 3 et les pions 2 sont disposés de telle sorte que les éléments de guidage 21 s'inscrivent dans l'espace vide central de la pièce 3 délimité par la surface annulaire intérieure de celle-ci. Toutefois, d'autres configurations sont possibles. Par exemple, en référence à la figure 4, les pions 2 peuvent être agencés pour que les éléments de guidage 221 se trouvent au-delà de la face annulaire extérieure de la pièce 3. Dans ce cas, la pièce 3 n'est pas nécessairement annulaire, mais peut être également cylindrique.In the arrangement illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the annular piece 3 and the pins 2 are arranged so that the guide elements 21 are inscribed in the central empty space of room 3 delimited by inner annular surface thereof. However, other configurations are possible. For example, with reference to FIG. can be arranged so that the guide elements 221 are located beyond the outer annular surface of the part 3. In this case, the 3 is not necessarily annular, but may also be cylindrical.

La figure 5 montre, également à titre d'exemple, des pions de support 2 selon l'invention supportant une pièce verticale allongée 4 en forme de piston. Bien que seulement deux pions 2 soient représentés à la figure 5, on en utilise au moins trois pour assurer un bon maintien de la pièce 4.FIG. 5 also shows, by way of example, pions of support 2 according to the invention supporting an elongated vertical piece 4 in piston shape. Although only two pawns 2 are represented at the figure 5, we use at least three to ensure a good maintenance of the room 4.

La figure 6 montre un autre type de configuration, dans lequel chaque pion 2 supporte complètement, et non plus en partie seulement comme dans les agencements des figures 1 à 5, une pièce métallique annulaire 5. L'axe de symétrie de la pièce annulaire 5 est ainsi confondu avec l'axe AS1 du pion 2.Figure 6 shows another type of configuration, in which each pawn 2 supports completely, and not only partially as in the arrangements of Figures 1 to 5, a metal part annular 5. The axis of symmetry of the annular piece 5 is thus confused with the axis AS1 of the pion 2.

La figure 7 montre un pion 2 selon l'invention supportant complètement une pièce 6 en forme de piston comportant une partie inférieure annulaire 60.FIG. 7 shows a pawn 2 according to the invention supporting completely a part 6 in the form of a piston comprising a part lower ring 60.

Lorsque les pions 2 sont destinés à un usage tel qu'illustré aux figures 6 et 7, il peut être envisagé de conformer leurs surfaces de support en céramique 230 de manière à assurer un contact entre chaque pion 2 et la pièce 5, 6 correspondante en des points discrets uniquement. A titre d'exemple, chaque surface de support en céramique 230 peut comporter des légers bossages en des endroits destinés à définir des points de contact avec la pièce 5, 6.When the pins 2 are intended for use as illustrated in the Figures 6 and 7, it may be envisaged to conform their surfaces of ceramic support 230 so as to ensure contact between each pin 2 and the corresponding piece 5, 6 at discrete points only. For example, each ceramic support surface 230 can have slight bosses in places intended to define points of contact with the piece 5, 6.

De manière générale, l'homme du métier comprendra que l'invention n'est pas limitée à une forme particulière pour les surfaces de support en céramique 230, et qu'il existe de nombreuses manières de conformer ces surfaces pour qu'elles assurent chacune un contact seulement en un ou plusieurs points discrets avec une pièce annulaire lorsqu'une telle pièce annulaire repose à plat, complètement ou en partie, sur le pion correspondant.In general, those skilled in the art will understand that the invention is not limited to a particular form for the surfaces of ceramic support 230, and that there are many ways of conform these surfaces so that they each ensure a contact only in one or more discrete points with an annular piece when such an annular piece rests flat, completely or in part, on the corresponding pawn.

La figure 8 montre, à titre d'exemple, un second mode de réalisation de l'invention, dans lequel chaque pion 2' (un seul pion 2' est représenté à la figure 8) présente une surface de support en céramique 230' en forme de partie de surface sphérique.FIG. 8 shows, by way of example, a second mode of embodiment of the invention, wherein each pin 2 '(only one pin 2' is shown in Figure 8) has a ceramic support surface 230 'shaped spherical surface portion.

Dans tous les exemples décrits ci-dessus, les pièces à traiter reposent sur des surfaces en céramique situées sur les bases des pions 2, 2'. In all the examples described above, the parts to be treated based on ceramic surfaces located on the bases of pions 2, 2 '.

Les figures 9 et 10 représentent respectivement des pions de support 7 et 8 selon un troisième mode de réalisation de l'invention. Les pions 7, 8 diffèrent des pions 2, 2' essentiellement en ce que leur élément en céramique est enchâssé dans la tête de l'élément de guidage, plutôt que dans la base du corps métallique (cf. les repères 70 et 80). L'élément en céramique 70 (respectivement 80) présente une surface de support arrondie 71 (respectivement 81) sur laquelle peut venir reposer une pièce. Avantageusement, les éléments en céramique 70 et 80 sont simplement posés, sans être fixés, dans un évidement de la tête de l'élément de guidage, afin qu'ils puissent être remplacés facilement en cas de cassure. En variante, ils peuvent néanmoins être sertis dans l'évidement ou bloqués par un ou plusieurs points de soudure de façon comparable à l'exemple de la figure 3.FIGS. 9 and 10 represent pions of support 7 and 8 according to a third embodiment of the invention. The pions 7, 8 differ from the pawns 2, 2 'essentially in that their element ceramic is embedded in the head of the guide element, rather only in the base of the metallic body (see the markers 70 and 80). The element ceramic 70 (respectively 80) has a support surface rounded 71 (respectively 81) on which can come to rest a piece. Advantageously, the ceramic elements 70 and 80 are simply laid, without being fixed, in a recess of the head of the element of guidance, so that they can be replaced easily in case of breakage. Alternatively, they can nevertheless be crimped into the recess or blocked by one or more solder points in a manner comparable to the example of Figure 3.

Les pions 7, 8 peuvent être utilisés, par exemple, comme illustré à la figure 11. Dans l'agencement de la figure 11, un groupe de trois pions de support du type des pions 7 ou 8 supporte, en trois points de contact, une pièce métallique 72 ayant une partie inférieure annulaire et une partie supérieure cylindrique pleine. Le contact entre la pièce 72 et les pions 7 ou 8 s'effectue entre une surface métallique d'appui 73 de la pièce 72 et la surface en céramique 71 ou 81 de chaque pion. Comme dans les modes de réalisation précédents, la mise en place de la pièce 72 sur les pions 7 ou 8 est facilitée par les éléments de guidage.The pins 7, 8 can be used, for example, as illustrated in Figure 11. In the arrangement of Figure 11, a group of three support pieces of the type of pins 7 or 8 supports, in three points of contact, a metal part 72 having an annular lower part and a cylindrical upper solid part. The contact between room 72 and the pins 7 or 8 is between a metal bearing surface 73 of the piece 72 and the ceramic surface 71 or 81 of each peg. As in the previous embodiments, the implementation of the piece 72 on the pins 7 or 8 is facilitated by the guide elements.

La figure 12 illustre un pion de support 9. Le pion 9 est constitué d'un corps métallique 90.et d'une couche de revêtement céramique 91 recouvrant la tête d'un élément de guidage du corps métallique 90 et fixée à cette tête par exemple par collage ou brasage, comme représenté au niveau du repère 92. A la différence des pions précédemment décrits, l'élément en céramique 91 n'est pas enchâssé dans le corps métallique. Toutefois, le pion 9 peut également être utilisé pour supporter une pièce métallique à traiter thermiquement, telle qu'une pièce en acier à cémenter, par exemple de la manière illustrée à la figure 11 pour les pions 7, 8.Figure 12 illustrates a support pin 9. The pawn 9 consists of a body 90 and a ceramic coating layer 91 covering the head of a guide element of the metal body 90 and attached to this head for example by gluing or brazing, as represented at the level of reference 92. Unlike the pions previously described, the element ceramic 91 is not encased in the metal body. However, pion 9 can also be used to support a metal part to heat treatment, such as a piece of steel to be cements, by example in the manner illustrated in Figure 11 for pins 7, 8.

Claims (33)

  1. A support (2) for supporting, at least in part, a part (3) during heat treatment of said part, the support including a guide element (221) for guiding the part (3) towards a surface or a support surface portion (230) of the support (2) while the part is being put into place on the support (2), the guide element (221) consisting in an elongate element extending from a base (220) of the support (2) substantially perpendicularly to said base (220) and having an end portion opposite the base (220) that is bullet-shaped (226), the support being characterised in that it comprises a metal body (20) and a ceramic element (23; 70; 80) set in the metal body and defining said support surface (230; 71; 81).
  2. A support according to claim 1, characterised in that the guide element (221) comprises a rod (225) terminated by a head (226), the head constituting said bullet-shaped end portion.
  3. A support according to claim 2, characterised in that the rod (225) is of diameter smaller than that of the head (226).
  4. A support according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the end (226a) of the guide element (221) opposite the base (220) is rounded.
  5. A support according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that said ceramic consists in mullite.
  6. A support according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the ceramic element (23) is crimped in the metal body (20).
  7. A support according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the ceramic element (23) is placed in a recess of the metal body (20) and is retained in said recess by one or more bonding or brazing points (224) formed on or close to a top edge of the recess.
  8. A support according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the ceramic example (70; 80) is merely placed in a recess of the metal body (20).
  9. A support according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the ceramic element (23; 70, 80) is set in the metal body (20) with clearance (231) allowing the ceramic element and the metal body to expand freely.
  10. A support according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the guide element (221) forms part of the metal body (20).
  11. A support according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the base (220) of the support forms part of the metal body (20), and in that the ceramic element (23) is set in said base (220).
  12. A support according to claim 11, characterised in that the ceramic element (23) consists in an annular part having an axis of symmetry (AS1) in common with the guide element (221).
  13. A support according to claim 11 or 12, characterised in that the support surface (230) is shaped to provide contact at one or a plurality only of discrete points with an annular part (3; 5) when such an annular part rests, at least in part, flat on the support.
  14. A support according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterised in that the support surface (230) is inclined, or includes an inclined portion, so as to prevent lateral movement of the part (3; 5) when it rests, at least in part, flat on the support (2).
  15. A support according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterised in that the support surface (230) is frustoconical in shape.
  16. A support according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterised in that the support surface is in the form of part of a spherical surface (230').
  17. A support according to claim 10, characterised in that the ceramic element (70; 80) is set in the end portion (226) of the guide element (221).
  18. A support according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterised in that it is constituted by a generally pawn-shaped peg.
  19. A support according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterised in that it further comprises means (21) for fixing to a support plate (1).
  20. A support according to claim 19, characterised in that the fixing means comprise a projection (21) from the support, for insertion into a corresponding through hole (10) in the support plate (1) from a first end of said hole, and having a thin flared portion (210) suitable for co-operating with a chamfer (12) provided at a second end of the through hole (10), opposite the first end.
  21. A support equipment comprising a support plate (1) and at least one support (2) as defined in any one of claims 1 to 19, mounted on the support plate (1).
  22. A support equipment according to claim 21, characterised in that the support plate is made of a thermostructural composite material.
  23. A support equipment according to claim 21, characterised in that the support plate is made of a carbon-carbon composite material.
  24. A support equipment according to claim 22 or 23, characterised in that the or each support (2) is mounted on the support plate (1) by crimping.
  25. A support equipment according to claim 24, characterised in that the or each support (2) is mounted on the support plate (1) with clearance (211 ).
  26. A support equipment according to any one of claims 21 to 25, characterised in that the or each support (2) includes a projection (21) terminated by a thin flared portion (210), and the support plate (1) has at least one through hole (10) receiving the projection (21) of the support (2) or a corresponding support (2) and having a chamfer (12) which cooperates with the thin flared portion (210) to hold the projection (21) in the through hole (10).
  27. A support equipment according to claim 26, characterised in that the point of intersection (O) between an axis of symmetry (AS1) of the or each support (2) and the plane of a surface (11) of the support plate (1) receiving the or each support (2) coincides substantially with the apex of the cone defined by an outside surface of the thin flared portion (210).
  28. A support equipment according to any one of claims 21 to 27, characterised in that it comprises at least one group of three supports (2) disposed in a triangle.
  29. A use of a support (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 17 for supporting a metal part (3,5) during heat treatment of said part.
  30. A use according to claim 29, characterised in that the metal part (3) is a steel part and the heat treatment consists in cementation of the steel part.
  31. A method of performing heat treatment on a metal part (3), the method being characterised in that, in order to support said part, use is made of at least one support (2) as defined in any one of claims 1 to 20.
  32. A method according to claim 31, characterised in that the metal part (3) comes into contact with a ceramic surface (230) of the support (2) at one or a plurality only of discrete points.
  33. A method according to claim 31 or 32, characterised in that the metal part is a steel part, and the heat treatment consists in cementation of the steel part.
EP01995793A 2000-12-28 2001-12-26 Support for parts to be heat treated in a furnace, and a heat treatment method for metal parts Expired - Lifetime EP1356247B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0017168 2000-12-28
FR0017168A FR2819047B1 (en) 2000-12-28 2000-12-28 MEDIUM SUITABLE FOR THE HEAT TREATMENT OF A METAL PART AND A METHOD OF HEAT TREATMENT
PCT/FR2001/004197 WO2002053997A1 (en) 2000-12-28 2001-12-26 Support for parts to be heat treated in a furnace, and a heat treatment method for metal parts

Publications (2)

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EP1356247A1 EP1356247A1 (en) 2003-10-29
EP1356247B1 true EP1356247B1 (en) 2005-03-02

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EP01995793A Expired - Lifetime EP1356247B1 (en) 2000-12-28 2001-12-26 Support for parts to be heat treated in a furnace, and a heat treatment method for metal parts

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US (1) US6939131B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1356247B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2004535512A (en)
KR (1) KR20030067721A (en)
AT (1) ATE290196T1 (en)
DE (1) DE60109211T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2234931T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2819047B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2002053997A1 (en)

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DE202008008067U1 (en) * 2008-06-18 2009-10-29 Edag Gmbh & Co. Kgaa Device for fixing a component during a heat treatment
WO2015182552A1 (en) * 2014-05-28 2015-12-03 京セラ株式会社 Cutting insert manufacturing method
FR3040476B1 (en) * 2015-08-31 2018-08-31 Safran Aircraft Engines FRAMEWORK FOR HANDLING AUBES
JP6697902B2 (en) * 2016-02-26 2020-05-27 株式会社三井ハイテック Tray and heat treatment method
DE102016211775A1 (en) * 2016-06-29 2018-01-04 Schunk Kohlenstofftechnik Gmbh Workpiece carrier and method for producing a workpiece carrier
WO2018028776A1 (en) * 2016-08-10 2018-02-15 Härterei Reese Bochum Gmbh Charging apparatus for the dimensionally stable heat treatment of workpieces
DE102016216808B4 (en) 2016-09-06 2018-11-22 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Positioning device and positioning device
JP6739417B2 (en) * 2017-10-31 2020-08-12 Ｄｏｗａサーモテック株式会社 Heat treatment equipment
MX2021013795A (en) * 2020-02-26 2021-12-10 Nikko Kinzoku Co Ltd Member for heat treatment and structure for heat treatment.
WO2021172389A1 (en) * 2020-02-26 2021-09-02 日光金属株式会社 Member for heat treatment and structure for heat treatment
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Publication number Publication date
ATE290196T1 (en) 2005-03-15
JP2004535512A (en) 2004-11-25
FR2819047B1 (en) 2003-06-27
EP1356247A1 (en) 2003-10-29
DE60109211D1 (en) 2005-04-07
KR20030067721A (en) 2003-08-14
FR2819047A1 (en) 2002-07-05
US6939131B2 (en) 2005-09-06
US20050100852A1 (en) 2005-05-12
WO2002053997A1 (en) 2002-07-11
DE60109211T2 (en) 2006-02-16
ES2234931T3 (en) 2005-07-01

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