[go: up one dir, main page]

EP3448599A1 - Method and device for shell-moulding a metal alloy - Google Patents

Method and device for shell-moulding a metal alloy

Info

Publication number
EP3448599A1
EP3448599A1 EP17720104.3A EP17720104A EP3448599A1 EP 3448599 A1 EP3448599 A1 EP 3448599A1 EP 17720104 A EP17720104 A EP 17720104A EP 3448599 A1 EP3448599 A1 EP 3448599A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
molding
cavity
temperature
mold
inductor
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP17720104.3A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3448599B1 (en
Inventor
José FEIGENBLUM
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.)
RocTool SA
Original Assignee
RocTool 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 RocTool SA filed Critical RocTool SA
Publication of EP3448599A1 publication Critical patent/EP3448599A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3448599B1 publication Critical patent/EP3448599B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
    • B22D—CASTING OF METALS; CASTING OF OTHER SUBSTANCES BY THE SAME PROCESSES OR DEVICES
    • B22D17/00—Pressure die casting or injection die casting, i.e. casting in which the metal is forced into a mould under high pressure
    • B22D17/20—Accessories: Details
    • B22D17/22—Dies; Die plates; Die supports; Cooling equipment for dies; Accessories for loosening and ejecting castings from dies
    • B22D17/2218—Cooling or heating equipment for dies
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
    • B22C—FOUNDRY MOULDING
    • B22C9/00—Moulds or cores; Moulding processes
    • B22C9/06—Permanent moulds for shaped castings
    • B22C9/061—Materials which make up the mould
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
    • B22C—FOUNDRY MOULDING
    • B22C9/00—Moulds or cores; Moulding processes
    • B22C9/06—Permanent moulds for shaped castings
    • B22C9/065—Cooling or heating equipment for moulds
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
    • B22D—CASTING OF METALS; CASTING OF OTHER SUBSTANCES BY THE SAME PROCESSES OR DEVICES
    • B22D17/00—Pressure die casting or injection die casting, i.e. casting in which the metal is forced into a mould under high pressure
    • B22D17/007—Semi-solid pressure die casting
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
    • B22D—CASTING OF METALS; CASTING OF OTHER SUBSTANCES BY THE SAME PROCESSES OR DEVICES
    • B22D17/00—Pressure die casting or injection die casting, i.e. casting in which the metal is forced into a mould under high pressure
    • B22D17/20—Accessories: Details
    • B22D17/2007—Methods or apparatus for cleaning or lubricating moulds
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
    • B22D—CASTING OF METALS; CASTING OF OTHER SUBSTANCES BY THE SAME PROCESSES OR DEVICES
    • B22D17/00—Pressure die casting or injection die casting, i.e. casting in which the metal is forced into a mould under high pressure
    • B22D17/20—Accessories: Details
    • B22D17/22—Dies; Die plates; Die supports; Cooling equipment for dies; Accessories for loosening and ejecting castings from dies
    • B22D17/2209—Selection of die materials
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
    • B22D—CASTING OF METALS; CASTING OF OTHER SUBSTANCES BY THE SAME PROCESSES OR DEVICES
    • B22D17/00—Pressure die casting or injection die casting, i.e. casting in which the metal is forced into a mould under high pressure
    • B22D17/20—Accessories: Details
    • B22D17/32—Controlling equipment
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
    • B22D—CASTING OF METALS; CASTING OF OTHER SUBSTANCES BY THE SAME PROCESSES OR DEVICES
    • B22D21/00—Casting non-ferrous metals or metallic compounds so far as their metallurgical properties are of importance for the casting procedure; Selection of compositions therefor
    • B22D21/002—Castings of light metals
    • B22D21/007—Castings of light metals with low melting point, e.g. Al 659 degrees C, Mg 650 degrees C

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method and a device for molding under pressure, commonly referred to by the English term "die casting", a metal alloy.
  • the invention is more particularly, but not exclusively, dedicated to the field of liquid-phase molding or thixomolding of a light alloy based on magnesium or aluminum.
  • Thixomolding consists of casting the metal under pressure in a semi-solid state, that is to say at a casting temperature at which the liquid and solid phases coexist.
  • the pressure-molded molding of a metal alloy makes it possible to obtain a finished part directly at molding and is used in very large quantities for the manufacture of many parts used in consumer products such as supports or casings, in particular smartphone, tablet computer, camera, but also parts subject to high stresses, particularly in the automotive industry, such as fuel injection ramps, or hydraulic distributors without these examples being limiting.
  • the parts of this process are of complex shape, combining areas of very variable thickness and having thin areas. These parts must be made respecting tight constraints of appearance and precision, while maintaining production rates compatible with mass production.
  • the material constituting the future part is brought to a suitable temperature, then is injected under pressure into the cavity of a mold resistant to the molding temperature and comprising two or more metal shells.
  • the mold is preheated to a temperature below the temperature of the injected material, so that said material cools in contact with the walls of the mold.
  • the part is cooled in the mold to a demolding temperature, the temperature at which the mold is opened and the solidified part is ejected from the mold.
  • a demolding temperature the temperature at which the mold is opened and the solidified part is ejected from the mold.
  • the surfaces constituting the cavity of said mold are sprinkled with a release agent, usually an aqueous product, ensuring the absence of attachment or bonding of the future molded part on the walls of the mold.
  • the mold is then closed and the cycle starts again.
  • the metal is injected at a temperature between 550 ° C and 650 ° C depending on the grade of material and the type of molding: liquid phase or thixomolding, while the mold is preheated at a temperature of 300 ° C.
  • FIG. 1, relating to the prior art, represents, FIG.
  • FIG. 1A an example of a thermal cycle corresponding to the process described above, showing the evolution of the temperature (102) at the surface of the cavity of a mold in function time (101), evolution obtained by installing a temperature probe on one of the surfaces delimiting the cavity of the mold, or by means of an infrared thermography of said surface, said mold consisting of a tooling steel of DIN type 1 .2343 (AISI H11, EN X38CrMoV5-1) and being intended for molding a fine piece of magnesium alloy, the projected area of the impression being 200 x 300 mm 2 .
  • the mold is preheated by means of a circulation of oil in conduits made for this purpose in the mold.
  • the metal is injected into the mold.
  • Said mold is preheated to a nominal temperature (105) of preheating, frequently of the order of 1/3 to 1/2 of the casting temperature expressed in ° C, so that said metal solidifies in contact with the walls of the mold .
  • a demolding step (120) the mold is opened, then the piece is extracted from the mold during an ejection step (130). During these steps, the temperature of the cavity is kept close to the preheating temperature.
  • a spraying step (140) a release agent is sprayed onto the surfaces of the molding cavity. The mold is then closed again and the temperature control means thereof take effect during a heating step (150) to bring it to the preheating nominal temperature (105), a heating step that takes place continues until the cycle is restarted.
  • the spraying step (140) considerably reduces the temperature of the surfaces of the molding cavity, so that the conventional means for heating the mold, in particular by oil circulation, do not allow the nominal temperature (105) to be reached. adapted preheating, while respecting the production rates targeted.
  • the thermal energy transmitted by the oil to the mold is a function of the temperature difference between the mold and oil, so that the more the temperature of the mold approaches the temperature of the oil and the less this transfer is effective.
  • the time to reach this temperature again is conditioned by the heat exchanges between the oil and the mold, which take place over periods that are not compatible with the target rates.
  • the temperature reached on the surfaces of the molding cavity after the preheating step decreases from cycle to cycle.
  • the actual preheating temperature (106) during the 10 th cycle is only 195 ° C and 185 ° C at the 14 th cycle.
  • the duration of the cycle is of the order of one minute
  • the duration of the ejection step (130) is of the order of 8 seconds
  • the duration of the step (140) of spraying and closing the mold is of the order of 10 seconds.
  • the rates corresponding to these times do not allow the temperature rise of the mold by heat exchange with the circulating oil.
  • the rise to the target preheating temperature in the time considered, implies a heat transfer power of several tens of KW, which can not be achieved by exchange with the circulating oil, more particularly when the difference temperature between the heating oil and the mold is reduced. It is also not possible to achieve the dissipation of such heating power on the molding surfaces by conductive exchange with heating resistors.
  • the maximum speed of heating of the molding surfaces during step (150) is reduced as the temperature difference between the oil and the mold is reduced, to go down to speeds of order of a few degrees per minute on the last ten degrees of preheating.
  • the metal cools faster in contact with them and loses fluidity more rapidly, which results in defects in the quality of the part produced, in particular defects in appearance or lack of material, especially in thin areas.
  • the document US 2016/101460 discloses a molding process comprising a step of spraying with a release agent molding surfaces of a cavity defined by the two parts of a mold. During the spraying step, in order to avoid thermal shocks on the molding surface and the risk of cracking, because of the high cooling speed imposed by the spraying of the release agent, this document recommends a cooling said surfaces by means of the circulation of a fluid in the mold.
  • the aim of the invention is to remedy the shortcomings of the prior art and for this purpose concerns a process for molding a metal in a cavity in a shell, using a mold comprising:
  • an inductor running in a hose made in the block carrying the molding surface vs. a generator for supplying said inductor with a high frequency current so as to heat the walls of the casing (340); d. the inductor being placed at a distance d from the molding surface so that the heat conduction of the wall of the casing comprising the inductor at the molding surface, through the thickness of said block, leads to a uniform distribution of the temperature on the molding surface;
  • step iii) of opening the mold and before step v) of spraying the molding surfaces a step consisting in:
  • step v) inductively heating the molding surfaces of the cavity while the piece is no longer in contact with said surfaces, and continue this heating during step v) sprinkling.
  • the combination of the induction heating means and the anticipated release of this heating before and during the spraying make it possible to at least partially compensate for the loss of temperature due to the spraying of the surfaces of the cavity.
  • the induction heating concentrates its effects on the molding surfaces and thus allows to evenly heat these surfaces in a very short time, while the mold is open, dispensing in said surfaces a heating power of several tens of KW, without effect of the temperature of said surfaces on the heating efficiency.
  • the time required to restore the preheating temperature adapted to the cavity surfaces is reduced and the initial molding conditions are kept from cycle to cycle, without interruption or drop in rate.
  • step i) it comprises between step i) and step ii) forced cooling of the molding cavity.
  • step ii) forced cooling of the molding cavity.
  • This embodiment thus makes it possible to fill the cavity to a preheating temperature. high, ensuring the fluidity of the material and the uniform filling thereof, while controlling the cooling cycle of the material and limiting the influence of the cooling time on the cycle time.
  • the forced cooling is achieved by the circulation of a coolant in a conduit made in the mold.
  • the temperature T1 is between 200 ° C. and 400 ° C., preferably between 250 ° C. and 300 ° C.
  • These preheating temperatures out of reach over time by heating systems by circulation of oil or electrical resistance, in the targeted cycle times, are particularly suitable for the implementation of magnesium alloys, alloys of aluminum or zinc alloys, without these examples being limiting, the high preheating temperatures also having a beneficial effect on the mechanical and metallurgical characteristics of the parts, in particular by obtaining finer grains or the absence of porosity .
  • the heating rate during step vi) is greater than 2 ° C. s 1 and preferably of the order of 5 ° C. s "1.
  • the concentration of the heating action on the walls of the molding cavity achieves such a heating rate with a reduced energy consumption and this independently of the mold surface.
  • the temperature of the molding surfaces reached during step iv) and before step v) is greater than T1.
  • This controlled overheating of the molding surfaces while the piece is no longer in contact with said surfaces makes it possible to limit the minimum temperature reached during the sprinkling.
  • the warming during step v) is faster.
  • the molding cavity being brought to a temperature of between 200 ° C. and 400 ° C.
  • the metal alloy used by the process forming the subject of the invention is a magnesium alloy of AM20, AM50, AM60 or AZ91 D type.
  • the method which is the subject of the invention makes it possible to mold such materials, which are known to be difficult to mold under cycle time conditions compatible with mass production.
  • the metal alloy is an aluminum and silicon alloy comprising less than 2% silicon, for example an Al-Mg-Si-Mn type alloy.
  • This type of aluminum alloy is anodizable, has a higher solidification start temperature than conventional Al-Si casting alloys, which results in better mechanical characteristics and increased temperature stability, to the detriment of its ease of molding.
  • the method which is the subject of the invention makes it possible to use such a material in a reproducible manner under mass production conditions.
  • the method which is the subject of the invention is also suitable for the shell molding of zinc alloys of the Zamac type, injection-molded under pressure in a hot chamber for producing parts in large series.
  • the method which is the subject of the invention is suitable for molding metal alloys injected in the liquid phase during step i). It is also suitable for the thixomolding of these alloys, injected in the semi-solid phase during step i).
  • the block carrying the molding surface is made of a steel type HTCS 130.
  • the high thermal conductivity and high thermal diffusivity of this steel allow a more reactive temperature control of the molding surfaces.
  • the block carrying the molding surface is made of a non-ferromagnetic material, wherein the casing comprising the inductor is lined with a layer of a material of magnetic permeability high.
  • This embodiment is more suitable for press-molded molding of high melting temperature materials, or capable of chemically reacting with ferrous metals at the casting temperature.
  • FIG. 1 shows, according to time-temperature diagrams, the evolution of the temperature of the surfaces of the molding cavity of a press-mold mold under pressure preheated by a circulation of oil, FIG. 1A during a molding cycle, and FIG. 1B during a plurality of successive molding cycles;
  • FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic sectional view of the matrices delimiting the molding cavity of a tooling adapted to the injection molding of a material; metallic ;
  • FIG. 3 shows, in a sectional view, an embodiment of one of the matrix of a tool according to the invention adapted to the injection molding of a metal material;
  • FIG. 4 shows in detail view an embodiment of the installation of the inductors in a matrix, as shown in Figure 3, consisting of a non-ferromagnetic material;
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a thermal cycle of the molding surfaces of a mold under pressure mold molding by the implementation of the tooling and the method of the invention in comparison with the thermal cycle shown in FIG. 1A.
  • the tool object of the invention comprises two matrices (210, 220) and means (not shown) for bringing said matrices closer together and away from one another. other, so close and open the mold.
  • the mold is closed, a molding cavity is formed, the cavity defined by the molding surfaces (21 1, 221) of said matrices.
  • the dies of the tooling which is the subject of the invention comprise, in particular, conduits for supplying the material molded in the molding cavity of the tooling as well as means for ejecting the molded part after its solidification.
  • one of the matrices (210), and preferably the two matrices comprise induction heating means comprising a plurality of casings (340) in which conduct inductors performing an induction circuit.
  • Said inductors (341) are, for example, constituted by a copper tube or braid, isolated from the walls of the matrix by a ceramic tube (342), for example a silica sheath, transparent screw to the magnetic field generated by said inductors.
  • Copper braid inductors are preferred for tracking sinuous paths with small radii of curvature. The path of the inductors is determined in particular by thermal simulation in order to obtain an even distribution of the temperature on the molding surface, while ensuring a heating time of said molding area as small as possible.
  • the matrix (210) is made in two parts (31 1, 312).
  • the casings (340) for the passage of the inductors are made by grooving said parts before assembly.
  • One or more cooling ducts (350) are provided in the die (210), by drilling or grooving and assembly, as for the casings receiving the inductors.
  • This duct (350) allows the circulation, by appropriate means, of a coolant in said matrix to ensure its cooling.
  • Said coolant circulates in said conduits at a temperature significantly lower than the temperature T1 to ensure rapid cooling.
  • the coolant circulates in the liquid phase, for example if said fluid is an oil, or in the gas phase, if said fluid is air or another heat-transfer gas.
  • the cooling circuit comprises a refrigeration unit (not shown) for cooling the heat transfer fluid to a temperature below room temperature.
  • the circulation of the heat transfer fluid makes it possible to cool the matrix (210) and more particularly the molding surface (211).
  • the cooling duct (350) is placed on the same plane as the inductors and is at an equivalent distance from the molding surface, or the cooling duct (350) is placed at a greater distance from the duct. the molding surface that the inductors, the latter then being between the cooling duct and the molding surface, this embodiment giving preference to the heating rate with respect to the cooling rate, or else the cooling duct is positioned between the molding surface and the inductors, this embodiment favoring the cooling rate.
  • the circulation of heat transfer fluid and induction heating can be used together for purposes of temperature control or cooling rate.
  • a temperature sensor (360), for example a thermocouple, is advantageously placed near the molding surface (21 1) in order to measure its temperature and, if necessary, to control the heating and cooling conditions.
  • the use of oil as coolant coolant ensures the cooling of the mold in the conditions for carrying out pressure die casting of a light alloy of aluminum, magnesium, or zinc, the gas-phase cooling is advantageous for higher processing temperatures as encountered for alloys of copper, titanium or nickel.
  • the block (31 1) of material comprising the molding surface (21 1) is sufficiently thick, so that the casings (340) in which the inductors (341) are placed are spaced a distance d from said molding surface, so that that it is heated, at least in part, by conduction of the heat produced by the rise of the temperature on the walls of said casings (340), this temperature rise resulting from the circulation of a high frequency electric current in the inductor (341).
  • the distance d is for example determined by numerical simulation of the heating according to the properties of the materials in the presence.
  • the network of hoses (340) receiving the inductors (341) is here represented as extending in a plane, said hoses are, depending on the intended application, advantageously distributed in the thickness of the block (31 1) around the molding surface.
  • the block (31 1) carrying the molding surface (21 1) consists of a metallic material in order to have sufficient thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity for the implementation of the heating and cooling phases of the process that is the subject of the invention. invention.
  • said material is ferromagnetic, for example a martensitic or ferritic-martensitic steel whose Curie temperature is equal to or greater than the preheating temperature targeted for the molding process.
  • the block (31 1) carrying the molding surface is made of a steel of DIN type 1.2344 (AISI H13, EN X40CrMoV5-1) or DIN 1.12343 (AISI H1 1, EN X38CrMoV5-1).
  • said block consists of a tooling steel as described in document EP 2,236,639 and commercially distributed under the name HTCS 130® by the company Rolvala SA, 08228 Terrassa, Spain.
  • This steel has high thermal conductivity and high thermal diffusivity, which reduces cycle times.
  • the inductors (341) are connected to a high-frequency current generator, typically a frequency between 10 kHz and 200 kHz, by means (not shown) capable of tuning the resulting resonant circuit, including, but not limited to, a cabinet capacitors and an impedance matching coil, as described in WO 2013/021055.
  • the high frequency current generator and the tuning means of the resonant circuit are selected so as to provide an induction heating power of the molding surface (21 1) of the order of 100 kW.
  • the two matrices constituting the mold are connected to the same high frequency generator or to two different generators.
  • the material constituting the block (31 1) carrying the molding surface of the matrix is not ferromagnetic.
  • the hoses comprising the inductors (441) are lined with a layer (443) of high magnetic permeability steel and advantageously retaining its ferromagnetic properties up to high temperature, for example 700 ° C. .
  • the magnetic field produced by the inductor (441) is concentrated in the liner (443) which rises rapidly in temperature and transmits this temperature by conduction to the matrix. Since the heat is transmitted by conduction to the molding surface, the judicious arrangement of the inductors makes it possible, as previously, to ensure a uniform temperature on this molding surface.
  • the block (31 1) carrying the molding surface is made of copper, an austenitic stainless steel or a nickel-based alloy resistant to high temperature INCONEL type 718 ® , without these examples being limiting.
  • the heating action of the inductors is divided between a direct induction heating of the molding surfaces and the heat conduction from the walls of the ducts (340) comprising the inductors.
  • the distribution of energy between these two heating modes is a function of the distance d.
  • the block (311) consists of a non-ferromagnetic material, a similar effect is obtained by depositing, on the molding surfaces, a ferromagnetic coating, for example nickel base.
  • FIG. 5 is a comparison of the thermal cycles (501, 502) experienced by the molding surfaces between the thermal cycle (501) resulting from an oil circulating heating mold and the thermal cycle (502) resulting from the application of
  • the tooling object of the invention shows that the time (520) required to obtain the preheating temperature (105) from the beginning of the spraying phase (140) of the molding surfaces is reduced.
  • This effect is related to the ability to dispense on the molding surfaces a greater heating power by the induction heating means, in comparison with the means of the prior art, and thus to obtain a faster heating rate, the order of 5 ° Cs "1 on said molding surfaces, a projected surface area of 200 x 300 mm 2 and a heating power of the order of 100 kW.
  • the use of induction heating initiates heating of the molding surfaces during the step (130) of ejecting the workpiece at a time (510) after ejection of the workpiece, but prior to the beginning of the step (140) of spraying
  • This pre-induction induction heating is performed when the molding surfaces are approximately at the preheating temperature (105) of the molding cavity, said heating having the effect of bringing said surfaces to a temperature (505) greater than said preheating temperature (105) so as to limit the temperature drop subsequent to the spraying operation (140).
  • the heating power provided by the inductors on the molding surfaces is sufficient to achieve this heating without slowing down the ejection step (130) and without delaying the spraying step (140).
  • the combination of the premature start of heating, the superheating of the molding surface at a temperature (505) greater than the nominal temperature (105) of preheating allows, on the one hand, to ensure the obtaining of the temperature (105) targeted preheating on the molding surfaces, in the targeted cycle time, and thus to ensure the consistency of the quality of the parts made in successive cycles and thus reduce the scrap rates.
  • this same combination of means and method of implementation makes it possible to perform the molding cycle in a reduced time (530) compared to the prior art, the heating power dispensed being greater and independent of the temperature.
  • the molding surfaces are at a temperature close to the nominal preheating temperature (105) when the anticipated heating of said surfaces is triggered, the implementation of this measurement by means of heating by circulation of oil would have no effect, the proximity of the circulating oil and the temperature of the mold does not allow the realization of a heat exchange between the oil and the material constituting the mold.
  • the combination of the induction heating means and the cooling means of the molding surface of the tooling that is the subject of the invention makes it possible to regulate the temperature of the mold and the charge of material molded during the step (1). ) casting.
  • the tool object of the invention makes it possible to inject the metal alloy into a hotter mold, to ensure a better filling thereof, while ensuring a sufficiently fast cooling of the material, in particular to avoid the appearance of porosity or uneven grain size.
  • the thermal kinematics of the casting phase (1 10) is dictated by the passive heat exchange between the mold and the material
  • the implementation of the tooling which is the subject of the invention makes it possible to regulate, at least in part, this kinematics.
  • the method implemented by means of the tool object of the invention improves the intrinsic quality of the molded parts by this method.
  • the ability to preheat the molding surfaces to a higher temperature and maintain and regulate this temperature during the step (1 10) of casting allows the implementation of alloys whose starting temperature of solidification is higher, while ensuring the filling of the molding cavity, including aluminum alloys comprising less than 2% silicon, hypoeutectic compared to the AISi system, maintaining production rates comparable to those obtained for eutectic or quasi-eutectic alloys.
  • the method and tooling objects of the invention facilitate the implementation of alloys with higher mechanical characteristics, especially alloys Al-Si-Mg, Al-Mg-Si and Al-Mg-Si-Mn, and the implementation by mass-casting of aluminum alloys adapted to an anodizing finish.
  • the effects of the method of the invention implementing a tool comprising inductive heating and described above are not limited to the molding surfaces of the tool but also apply to the material supply ducts practiced in the matrix.
  • the process and tooling objects of the invention are presented as applied to one of the matrices, they are applicable to all the matrices defining the molding cavity of the tool.
  • the inductors for heating the molding surfaces of said matrices are connected to a single high-frequency current generator or to generators dedicated to each matrix.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Molds, Cores, And Manufacturing Methods Thereof (AREA)
  • Moulds For Moulding Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
  • Coating By Spraying Or Casting (AREA)

Abstract

A method for shell-moulding a metal in a cavity, implementing a mould comprising: a. two dies (210, 220) each comprising a block (311) carrying a moulding surface (211, 221), such that said moulding surfaces delimit a moulding cavity; b. in at least one of the dies, an inductor (341, 441) running through a pipe (340) provided in the block (311) carrying the moulding surface; c. a generator for powering said inductor (341, 441) with a high-frequency current so as to heat the walls of the pipe (340); d. the inductor (341, 41 ) being positioned at a distance d from the moulding surface such that the conduction of heat from the wall of the pipe (340) comprising the inductor to the moulding surface, through the thickness of said block (311), produces a uniform distribution of the temperature over the moulding surface; the method comprising the steps of: i. filling (110) the moulding cavity by injecting metal into said cavity, said cavity being preheated to a nominal preheating temperature Tl (105) by circulating a high-frequency electric current through the inductor (341); ii. solidifying the metal in the moulding cavity; iii. opening (120) the mould and ejecting (130) the part; v. spraying (140) the moulding surfaces of the moulding cavity, the mould being open, with a demoulding agent; vi. closing the mould and heating (150) the cavity to the temperature Tl (105); characterised in that it comprises, after the step iii) of opening the mould and before the step v) of spraying the moulding surfaces, a step consisting of: iv. heating the moulding surfaces of the cavity by induction when the part is no longer in contact with said surfaces, and continuing said heating during the spraying step v).

Description

PROCÉDÉ ET DISPOSITIF POUR LE MOULAGE EN COQUILLE D'UN  METHOD AND DEVICE FOR SHELL MOLDING A
ALLIAGE MÉTALLIQUE  METALLIC ALLOY
L'invention concerne un procédé et un dispositif pour le moulage en coquille sous pression, couramment désigné par le terme anglo-saxon de « die casting », d'un alliage métallique. L'invention est plus particulièrement, mais non exclusivement, dédiée au domaine du moulage en phase liquide ou en thixomoulage d'un alliage léger à base de magnésium ou d'aluminium. Le thixomoulage consiste à couler sous pression le métal dans un état semi-solide c'est-à-dire à une température de coulée à laquelle les phases liquides et solides coexistent. The invention relates to a method and a device for molding under pressure, commonly referred to by the English term "die casting", a metal alloy. The invention is more particularly, but not exclusively, dedicated to the field of liquid-phase molding or thixomolding of a light alloy based on magnesium or aluminum. Thixomolding consists of casting the metal under pressure in a semi-solid state, that is to say at a casting temperature at which the liquid and solid phases coexist.
Le moulage en coquille sous pression d'un alliage métallique permet d'obtenir une pièce finie directement au moulage et est utilisé en très grande série pour la fabrication de nombreuses pièces entrant dans des produits de grande consommation tels que des supports ou des carters, notamment de téléphone intelligent, de tablette ordinateur, d'appareil photo, mais également des pièces soumises à des contraintes élevées, notamment dans l'industrie automobile, telles que des rampes d'injection de carburant, ou des distributeurs hydrauliques sans que ces exemples ne soient limitatifs. Typiquement, les pièces redevables de ce procédé sont de forme complexe, combinant des zones d'épaisseur très variables et comportant des zones de faible épaisseur. Ces pièces doivent être réalisées en respectant des contraintes d'aspect et de précision serrées, tout en maintenant des cadences de production compatibles avec la fabrication en grande série. Selon ce procédé, la matière constituant la future pièce est portée à une température adaptée, puis est injectée sous pression dans la cavité d'un moule résistant à la température de moulage et comprenant deux coquilles métalliques, ou plus. Le moule est préchauffé à une température inférieure à la température de la matière injectée, de sorte que ladite matière se refroidit au contact des parois du moule. La pièce est refroidie dans le moule jusqu'à une température de démoulage, température à laquelle le moule est ouvert et la pièce, solidifiée, est éjectée du moule. Avant de réaliser une nouvelle pièce, le moule étant ouvert, les surfaces constituant la cavité dudit moule sont aspergées d'un produit démoulant, généralement un produit aqueux, assurant l'absence d'accrochage ou de collage de la future pièce moulée sur les parois du moule. Le moule est alors refermé et le cycle recommence. À titre d'exemple de mise en œuvre, le métal est injecté à une température comprise entre 550 °C et 650 °C selon la nuance de matière et le type de moulage : en phase liquide ou en thixomoulage, alors que le moule est préchauffé à une température de 300 °C. La figure 1 , relative à l'art antérieur représente, figure 1A, un exemple de cycle thermique correspondant au procédé décrit ci-avant, montrant l'évolution de la température (102) à la surface de la cavité d'un moule en fonction du temps (101 ), évolution obtenue en installant une sonde de température sur une des surfaces délimitant la cavité du moule, ou encore au moyen d'une thermographie infrarouge de ladite surface, ledit moule étant constitué d'un acier à outillage de type DIN 1 .2343 (AISI H11 , EN X38CrMoV5-1 ) et étant destiné au moulage d'une pièce fine en alliage de magnésium, la surface projetée de l'empreinte étant de 200 x 300 mm2. Selon cet art antérieur, le moule est préchauffé au moyen d'une circulation d'huile dans des conduits pratiqués à cet effet dans le moule. Au cours de l'étape (1 10) de coulée, le métal est injecté dans le moule. Ledit moule est préchauffé à une température (105) nominale de préchauffage, fréquemment de l'ordre de 1/3 à 1/2 de la température de coulée exprimée en °C, de sorte que ledit métal se solidifie au contact des parois du moule. Au cours d'une étape (120) de démoulage, le moule est ouvert, puis la pièce est extraite du moule au cours d'une étape (130) d'éjection. Au cours de ces étapes, la température de la cavité est maintenue proche de la température de préchauffage. Au cours d'une étape (140) d'aspersion, un agent démoulant est pulvérisé sur les surfaces de la cavité moulante. Le moule est ensuite refermé et les moyens de régulation en température de celui-ci entrent en œuvre au cours d'une étape de chauffage (150) pour amener celui-ci à la température (105) nominale de préchauffage, étape de chauffage qui se poursuit jusqu'au recommencement du cycle. L'étape d'aspersion (140) réduit considérablement la température des surfaces de la cavité moulante, de sorte que les moyens conventionnels de chauffage du moule, notamment par circulation d'huile, ne permettent pas d'atteindre la température (105) nominale de préchauffage adaptée, tout en respectant les cadences de production visées. The pressure-molded molding of a metal alloy makes it possible to obtain a finished part directly at molding and is used in very large quantities for the manufacture of many parts used in consumer products such as supports or casings, in particular smartphone, tablet computer, camera, but also parts subject to high stresses, particularly in the automotive industry, such as fuel injection ramps, or hydraulic distributors without these examples being limiting. Typically, the parts of this process are of complex shape, combining areas of very variable thickness and having thin areas. These parts must be made respecting tight constraints of appearance and precision, while maintaining production rates compatible with mass production. According to this method, the material constituting the future part is brought to a suitable temperature, then is injected under pressure into the cavity of a mold resistant to the molding temperature and comprising two or more metal shells. The mold is preheated to a temperature below the temperature of the injected material, so that said material cools in contact with the walls of the mold. The part is cooled in the mold to a demolding temperature, the temperature at which the mold is opened and the solidified part is ejected from the mold. Before making a new part, the mold being open, the surfaces constituting the cavity of said mold are sprinkled with a release agent, usually an aqueous product, ensuring the absence of attachment or bonding of the future molded part on the walls of the mold. The mold is then closed and the cycle starts again. As an example of implementation, the metal is injected at a temperature between 550 ° C and 650 ° C depending on the grade of material and the type of molding: liquid phase or thixomolding, while the mold is preheated at a temperature of 300 ° C. FIG. 1, relating to the prior art, represents, FIG. 1A, an example of a thermal cycle corresponding to the process described above, showing the evolution of the temperature (102) at the surface of the cavity of a mold in function time (101), evolution obtained by installing a temperature probe on one of the surfaces delimiting the cavity of the mold, or by means of an infrared thermography of said surface, said mold consisting of a tooling steel of DIN type 1 .2343 (AISI H11, EN X38CrMoV5-1) and being intended for molding a fine piece of magnesium alloy, the projected area of the impression being 200 x 300 mm 2 . According to this prior art, the mold is preheated by means of a circulation of oil in conduits made for this purpose in the mold. During the casting step (1 10), the metal is injected into the mold. Said mold is preheated to a nominal temperature (105) of preheating, frequently of the order of 1/3 to 1/2 of the casting temperature expressed in ° C, so that said metal solidifies in contact with the walls of the mold . During a demolding step (120), the mold is opened, then the piece is extracted from the mold during an ejection step (130). During these steps, the temperature of the cavity is kept close to the preheating temperature. During a spraying step (140), a release agent is sprayed onto the surfaces of the molding cavity. The mold is then closed again and the temperature control means thereof take effect during a heating step (150) to bring it to the preheating nominal temperature (105), a heating step that takes place continues until the cycle is restarted. The spraying step (140) considerably reduces the temperature of the surfaces of the molding cavity, so that the conventional means for heating the mold, in particular by oil circulation, do not allow the nominal temperature (105) to be reached. adapted preheating, while respecting the production rates targeted.
En effet, dans le cas d'un chauffage par circulation d'huile, l'énergie thermique transmise par l'huile au moule est fonction de la différence de température entre le moule et l'huile, de sorte que plus la température du moule se rapproche de la température de l'huile et moins ce transfert est efficace. L'huile circulant à une température égale ou légèrement supérieure à la température nominale de préchauffage, le temps pour atteindre de nouveau cette température est conditionné par les échanges thermiques entre l'huile et le moule, lesquels se réalisent sur des durées non compatibles avec les cadences visées. Indeed, in the case of heating by circulating oil, the thermal energy transmitted by the oil to the mold is a function of the temperature difference between the mold and oil, so that the more the temperature of the mold approaches the temperature of the oil and the less this transfer is effective. As the oil circulates at a temperature equal to or slightly above the nominal preheating temperature, the time to reach this temperature again is conditioned by the heat exchanges between the oil and the mold, which take place over periods that are not compatible with the target rates.
Ainsi, figure 1 B, la température atteinte sur les surfaces de la cavité moulante après l'étape de préchauffage, diminue de cycle en cycle. À titre d'exemple, pour une température d'huile en circulation de 250 °C, et une température nominale de préchauffage visée de 230 °C, la température (106) effective de préchauffage lors du 10ème cycle n'est plus que de 195 °C et de 185 °C lors du 14ème cycle. À titre d'exemple, la durée du cycle est de l'ordre de la minute, la durée de l'étape d'éjection (130) est de l'ordre de 8 secondes et la durée de l'étape (140) d'aspersion et de fermeture du moule est de l'ordre de 10 secondes. Ces durées étant variables selon la matière moulée, le volume et la complexité de la pièce ainsi que les moyens mis en œuvre. Les cadences correspondant à ces temps ne permettent pas la remontée en température du moule par échange thermique avec l'huile en circulation. En effet, la remontée à la température de préchauffage visée, dans le temps considéré, implique une puissance de transfert thermique de plusieurs dizaines de KW, ce qui ne peut pas être atteint par échange avec l'huile en circulation, plus particulièrement lorsque la différence de température entre l'huile de chauffage et le moule est réduite. Il n'est pas non plus possible d'atteindre la dissipation d'une telle puissance de chauffage sur les surfaces moulantes par échange conductif avec des résistantes chauffantes. Thus, in FIG. 1B, the temperature reached on the surfaces of the molding cavity after the preheating step decreases from cycle to cycle. By way of example, for a circulating oil temperature of 250 ° C., and a target preheating temperature of 230 ° C., the actual preheating temperature (106) during the 10 th cycle is only 195 ° C and 185 ° C at the 14 th cycle. By way of example, the duration of the cycle is of the order of one minute, the duration of the ejection step (130) is of the order of 8 seconds and the duration of the step (140) of spraying and closing the mold is of the order of 10 seconds. These durations being variable according to the molded material, the volume and the complexity of the part as well as the means implemented. The rates corresponding to these times do not allow the temperature rise of the mold by heat exchange with the circulating oil. Indeed, the rise to the target preheating temperature, in the time considered, implies a heat transfer power of several tens of KW, which can not be achieved by exchange with the circulating oil, more particularly when the difference temperature between the heating oil and the mold is reduced. It is also not possible to achieve the dissipation of such heating power on the molding surfaces by conductive exchange with heating resistors.
Ainsi, selon ces mêmes mesures, la vitesse maximale de chauffage des surfaces moulantes au cours de l'étape (150) se réduit à mesure que la différence de température entre l'huile et le moule se réduit, pour descendre à des vitesses de l'ordre de quelques degrés par minute sur les dernières dizaines de degrés de préchauffage.  Thus, according to these same measurements, the maximum speed of heating of the molding surfaces during step (150) is reduced as the temperature difference between the oil and the mold is reduced, to go down to speeds of order of a few degrees per minute on the last ten degrees of preheating.
La température des surfaces moulantes de la cavité étant plus froide, le métal se refroidit plus rapidement au contact de celles-ci et perd plus rapidement en fluidité ce qui se traduit par des défauts de qualité de la pièce réalisée, notamment des défauts d'aspect ou des manques de matière, plus particulièrement dans les zones de faible épaisseur. As the temperature of the molding surfaces of the cavity is colder, the metal cools faster in contact with them and loses fluidity more rapidly, which results in defects in the quality of the part produced, in particular defects in appearance or lack of material, especially in thin areas.
Le document US 2016/101460 divulgue un procédé de moulage comportant une étape d'aspersion par un agent démoulant des surfaces moulantes d'une cavité délimitée par les deux parties d'un moule. Durant l'étape d'aspersion, afin d'éviter les chocs thermiques sur la surface moulante et les risques de fissuration, du fait de la forte vitesse de refroidissement imposée par l'aspersion de l'agent démoulant, ce document préconise un pré-refroidissement desdites surfaces au moyen de la circulation d'un fluide dans le moule.  The document US 2016/101460 discloses a molding process comprising a step of spraying with a release agent molding surfaces of a cavity defined by the two parts of a mold. During the spraying step, in order to avoid thermal shocks on the molding surface and the risk of cracking, because of the high cooling speed imposed by the spraying of the release agent, this document recommends a cooling said surfaces by means of the circulation of a fluid in the mold.
Le document US2016/101551 décrit un moule à chauffage et refroidissement autonomes, le chauffage étant réalisé par induction au moyen d'inducteurs s'étendant dans des boyaux pratiqués dans le moule. Ce document ne décrit pas d'opérations d'aspersion des surfaces moulantes, ni de contrôle du refroidissement de ces surfaces durant leur aspersion.  The document US2016 / 101551 describes a self-heating and cooling mold, the heating being carried out by induction by means of inductors extending in casings made in the mold. This document does not describe any spraying operations of the molding surfaces, nor control of the cooling of these surfaces during their spraying.
L'invention vise à remédier aux insuffisances de l'art antérieur et concerne à cette fin un procédé pour le moulage en coquille d'un métal dans une cavité, mettant en oeuvre un moule comprenant :  The aim of the invention is to remedy the shortcomings of the prior art and for this purpose concerns a process for molding a metal in a cavity in a shell, using a mold comprising:
a. deux matrices comprenant chacune un bloc portant une surface moulante, de sorte que lesdites surfaces moulantes délimitent une cavité moulante ;  at. two dies each comprising a block carrying a molding surface, so that said molding surfaces define a molding cavity;
b. dans au moins une des matrices, un inducteur cheminant dans un boyau pratiqué dans le bloc portant la surface moulante ; c. un générateur pour alimenter par un courant à haute fréquence ledit inducteur de sorte à chauffer les parois du boyau (340) ; d. l'inducteur étant placé à une distance d de la surface moulante de sorte que la conduction de chaleur de la paroi du boyau comprenant l'inducteur à la surface moulante, à travers l'épaisseur dudit bloc, conduise à une distribution uniforme de la température sur la surface moulante ;  b. in at least one of the dies, an inductor running in a hose made in the block carrying the molding surface; vs. a generator for supplying said inductor with a high frequency current so as to heat the walls of the casing (340); d. the inductor being placed at a distance d from the molding surface so that the heat conduction of the wall of the casing comprising the inductor at the molding surface, through the thickness of said block, leads to a uniform distribution of the temperature on the molding surface;
le procédé comprenant les étapes de :  the method comprising the steps of:
i. remplissage a cavité moulante par injection du métal dans ladite cavité, ladite cavité étant préchauffée à une température nominale de préchauffage T1 par la circulation d'un courant électrique à haute fréquence dans l'inducteur ; i. cavity-filling injection molding of the metal in said cavity, said cavity being preheated to a temperature nominal preheating T1 by the circulation of a high frequency electric current in the inductor;
ii. solidification du métal dans la cavité moulante ; iii. ouverture du moule et éjection de la pièce ;  ii. solidification of the metal in the molding cavity; iii. opening the mold and ejecting the piece;
v. aspersion des surfaces moulantes de la cavité moulante, le moule étant ouvert, par un agent démoulant ;  v. spraying the molding surfaces of the molding cavity, the mold being opened, with a release agent;
vi. fermeture du moule et chauffage de la cavité à la température T1 ;  vi. closing the mold and heating the cavity at temperature T1;
lequel procédé comprend après l'étape iii) d'ouverture du moule et avant l'étape v) d'aspersion des surfaces moulantes, une étape consistant à :  which method comprises after step iii) of opening the mold and before step v) of spraying the molding surfaces, a step consisting in:
iv. chauffer par induction les surfaces moulantes de la cavité alors que la pièce n'est plus en contact avec lesdites surfaces, et poursuivre ce chauffage durant étape v) d'aspersion.  iv. inductively heating the molding surfaces of the cavity while the piece is no longer in contact with said surfaces, and continue this heating during step v) sprinkling.
Ainsi, la combinaison des moyens de chauffage par induction et le déclenchement anticipé de ce chauffage avant et pendant l'aspersion permettent de compenser au moins partiellement la perte de température liée à l'aspersion des surfaces de la cavité. Contrairement aux moyens de l'art antérieur de chauffage qui nécessitent de chauffer le moule dans sa masse, le chauffage par induction concentre ses effets sur les surfaces moulantes et permet ainsi de chauffer de manière uniforme ces surfaces en un temps très bref, alors que le moule est ouvert, en dispensant dans lesdites surfaces une puissance de chauffage de plusieurs dizaines de KW, sans effet de la température desdites surfaces sur l'efficacité du chauffage. Ainsi, le temps nécessaire pour rétablir la température de préchauffage adaptée sur les surfaces de la cavité est réduit et les conditions initiales de moulage sont conservées de cycle en cycle, sans interruption ni baisse de cadence.  Thus, the combination of the induction heating means and the anticipated release of this heating before and during the spraying make it possible to at least partially compensate for the loss of temperature due to the spraying of the surfaces of the cavity. Unlike the means of the prior art of heating which require heating the mold in its mass, the induction heating concentrates its effects on the molding surfaces and thus allows to evenly heat these surfaces in a very short time, while the mold is open, dispensing in said surfaces a heating power of several tens of KW, without effect of the temperature of said surfaces on the heating efficiency. Thus, the time required to restore the preheating temperature adapted to the cavity surfaces is reduced and the initial molding conditions are kept from cycle to cycle, without interruption or drop in rate.
L'invention est avantageusement mise en œuvre selon les modes de réalisation et les variantes exposés ci-après, lesquels sont à considérer individuellement ou selon toute combinaison techniquement opérante.  The invention is advantageously implemented according to the embodiments and variants described below, which are to be considered individually or in any technically operative combination.
Selon un mode de réalisation du procédé objet de l'invention, celui-ci comprend entre l'étape i) et l'étape ii) un refroidissement forcé de la cavité moulante. Ce mode de réalisation permet ainsi de remplir la cavité à une température de préchauffage élevée, assurant la fluidité de la matière et le remplissage uniforme de celle-ci, tout en contrôlant le cycle de refroidissement de la matière et en limitant l'influence du temps de refroidissement sur le temps de cycle. According to one embodiment of the method which is the subject of the invention, it comprises between step i) and step ii) forced cooling of the molding cavity. This embodiment thus makes it possible to fill the cavity to a preheating temperature. high, ensuring the fluidity of the material and the uniform filling thereof, while controlling the cooling cycle of the material and limiting the influence of the cooling time on the cycle time.
Selon un mode de réalisation le refroidissement forcé est réalisé par la circulation d'un fluide caloporteur dans un conduit pratiqué dans le moule.  According to one embodiment, the forced cooling is achieved by the circulation of a coolant in a conduit made in the mold.
Avantageusement, la température T1 est comprise entre 200 °C et 400 °C, préférentiellement entre 250 °C et 300 °C. Ces températures de préchauffage, hors d'atteinte dans la durée par les systèmes de chauffage par circulation d'huile ou par résistance électrique, dans les temps de cycle visés, sont particulièrement adaptées à la mise en œuvre des alliages de magnésium, des alliages d'aluminium ou des alliages de zinc, sans que ces exemples ne soient limitatifs, les températures de préchauffage élevées ayant également un effet bénéfique sur les caractéristiques mécaniques et métallurgiques des pièces, avec notamment l'obtention de grains plus fins ou l'absence de porosité.  Advantageously, the temperature T1 is between 200 ° C. and 400 ° C., preferably between 250 ° C. and 300 ° C. These preheating temperatures, out of reach over time by heating systems by circulation of oil or electrical resistance, in the targeted cycle times, are particularly suitable for the implementation of magnesium alloys, alloys of aluminum or zinc alloys, without these examples being limiting, the high preheating temperatures also having a beneficial effect on the mechanical and metallurgical characteristics of the parts, in particular by obtaining finer grains or the absence of porosity .
Avantageusement, la vitesse de chauffage au cours de l'étape vi) est supérieure à 2 °C. s 1 et préférentiellement de l'ordre de 5 °C. s"1. La concentration de l'action de chauffage sur les parois de la cavité moulante permet d'atteindre une telle vitesse de chauffage avec une consommation réduite d'énergie et ceci de manière indépendante de la surface du moule. Advantageously, the heating rate during step vi) is greater than 2 ° C. s 1 and preferably of the order of 5 ° C. s "1. The concentration of the heating action on the walls of the molding cavity achieves such a heating rate with a reduced energy consumption and this independently of the mold surface.
Avantageusement, la température des surfaces moulantes atteinte durant l'étape iv) et avant l'étape v) est supérieure à T1 . Cette surchauffe contrôlée des surfaces moulantes alors que la pièce n'est plus en contact avec lesdites surfaces, permet de limiter la température minimale atteinte lors de l'aspersion. Ainsi le réchauffement au cours de l'étape v) est plus rapide.  Advantageously, the temperature of the molding surfaces reached during step iv) and before step v) is greater than T1. This controlled overheating of the molding surfaces while the piece is no longer in contact with said surfaces, makes it possible to limit the minimum temperature reached during the sprinkling. Thus the warming during step v) is faster.
Avantageusement, la cavité moulante étant portée à une température comprise entre 200 °C et 400 °C, l'alliage métallique mis en œuvre par le procédé objet de l'invention est un alliage de magnésium de type AM20, AM50, AM60 ou AZ91 D. Ainsi le procédé objet de l'invention permet le moulage de tels matériaux, réputés difficile à mouler dans des conditions de temps de cycle compatibles avec une production en grande série.  Advantageously, the molding cavity being brought to a temperature of between 200 ° C. and 400 ° C., the metal alloy used by the process forming the subject of the invention is a magnesium alloy of AM20, AM50, AM60 or AZ91 D type. Thus, the method which is the subject of the invention makes it possible to mold such materials, which are known to be difficult to mold under cycle time conditions compatible with mass production.
Avantageusement, l'alliage métallique est un alliage d'aluminium et de silicium comprenant moins de 2 % de silicium, par exemple un alliage de type Al-Mg-Si-Mn. Ce type d'alliage d'aluminium est anodisable, présente une température de début de solidification plus élevée que les alliages de fonderie Al-Si classiques, ce qui se traduit par de meilleures caractéristiques mécaniques et une stabilité accrue en température, au détriment de sa facilité de moulage. Le procédé objet de l'invention permet la mise en œuvre d'un tel matériau de manière reproductible dans des conditions de production en grande série. Advantageously, the metal alloy is an aluminum and silicon alloy comprising less than 2% silicon, for example an Al-Mg-Si-Mn type alloy. This type of aluminum alloy is anodizable, has a higher solidification start temperature than conventional Al-Si casting alloys, which results in better mechanical characteristics and increased temperature stability, to the detriment of its ease of molding. The method which is the subject of the invention makes it possible to use such a material in a reproducible manner under mass production conditions.
Le procédé objet de l'invention est également adapté au moulage en coquille des alliages de zinc de type Zamac, moulés par injection sous pression en chambre chaude pour la réalisation de pièces en grande série.  The method which is the subject of the invention is also suitable for the shell molding of zinc alloys of the Zamac type, injection-molded under pressure in a hot chamber for producing parts in large series.
Le procédé objet de l'invention est adapté au moulage des alliages métalliques, injectés en phase liquide lors de l'étape i). Il est également adapté au thixomoulage de ces alliages, injectés en phase semi-solide lors de l'étape i).  The method which is the subject of the invention is suitable for molding metal alloys injected in the liquid phase during step i). It is also suitable for the thixomolding of these alloys, injected in the semi-solid phase during step i).
Avantageusement, le bloc portant la surface moulante est constitué d'un acier de type HTCS 130. La conductivité thermique et la diffusivité thermique élevées de cet acier permettent une régulation en température plus réactive des surfaces moulantes.  Advantageously, the block carrying the molding surface is made of a steel type HTCS 130. The high thermal conductivity and high thermal diffusivity of this steel allow a more reactive temperature control of the molding surfaces.
Selon une variante de réalisation de l'outillage objet de l'invention, le bloc portant la surface moulante est constitué d'un matériau non ferromagnétique, dans lequel le boyau comprenant l'inducteur est chemisé avec une couche d'un matériau de perméabilité magnétique élevée. Ce mode de réalisation est plus adapté au moulage en coquille sous pression de matériaux à température de fusion élevée, ou susceptibles de réagir chimiquement avec les métaux ferreux à la température de coulée.  According to an alternative embodiment of the tool object of the invention, the block carrying the molding surface is made of a non-ferromagnetic material, wherein the casing comprising the inductor is lined with a layer of a material of magnetic permeability high. This embodiment is more suitable for press-molded molding of high melting temperature materials, or capable of chemically reacting with ferrous metals at the casting temperature.
L'invention est exposée ci-après selon ses modes de réalisation préférés, nullement limitatifs, et en référence aux figures 1 à 5, dans lesquelles :  The invention is explained below according to its preferred embodiments, in no way limiting, and with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, in which:
- la figure 1 , relative à l'art antérieur montre , selon des diagrammes temps- température, l'évolution de la température des surfaces de la cavité moulante d'un moule de moulage en coquille sous pression préchauffé par une circulation d'huile, figure 1A au cours d'un cycle de moulage, et figue 1 B au cours d'une pluralité de cycles de moulage successifs ;  FIG. 1, relating to the prior art, shows, according to time-temperature diagrams, the evolution of the temperature of the surfaces of the molding cavity of a press-mold mold under pressure preheated by a circulation of oil, FIG. 1A during a molding cycle, and FIG. 1B during a plurality of successive molding cycles;
- la figure 2 est une vue schématique en coupe des matrices délimitant la cavité moulante d'un outillage adapté au moulage par injection d'un matériau métallique ; FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic sectional view of the matrices delimiting the molding cavity of a tooling adapted to the injection molding of a material; metallic ;
- la figure 3 représente, selon une vue en coupe, un exemple de réalisation de l'une des matrice d'un outillage selon l'invention adapté au moulage par injection d'un matériau métallique ;  - Figure 3 shows, in a sectional view, an embodiment of one of the matrix of a tool according to the invention adapted to the injection molding of a metal material;
- la figure 4 représente selon une vue de détail un exemple de réalisation de l'installation des inducteurs dans une matrice, telle que représentée figure 3, constituée d'un matériau non-ferromagnétique ;  - Figure 4 shows in detail view an embodiment of the installation of the inductors in a matrix, as shown in Figure 3, consisting of a non-ferromagnetic material;
- et la figure 5 illustre un cycle thermique des surfaces moulantes d'un moule de moulage en coquille sous pression par la mise en oeuvre de l'outillage et du procédé objets de l'invention en comparaison du cycle thermique représenté figure 1A.  and FIG. 5 illustrates a thermal cycle of the molding surfaces of a mold under pressure mold molding by the implementation of the tooling and the method of the invention in comparison with the thermal cycle shown in FIG. 1A.
Figure 2, selon un schéma de principe de réalisation de l'outillage objet de l'invention, celui-ci comprend deux matrices (210, 220) et des moyens (non représentés) pour rapprocher et éloigner lesdites matrices l'une de l'autre, de sorte à fermer et à ouvrir le moule. Lorsque le moule est fermé, une cavité moulante est formée, cavité délimitée par les surfaces moulantes (21 1 , 221 ) desdites matrices.  2, according to a schematic diagram of the embodiment of the tool object of the invention, it comprises two matrices (210, 220) and means (not shown) for bringing said matrices closer together and away from one another. other, so close and open the mold. When the mold is closed, a molding cavity is formed, the cavity defined by the molding surfaces (21 1, 221) of said matrices.
Seuls les éléments de l'outillage essentiels à la mise en œuvre de l'invention sont ici décrits les autres caractéristiques de l'outillage étant connues de l'homme du métier dans le domaine du moulage en coquille sous pression. Ainsi, les matrices de l'outillage objet de l'invention comprennent notamment des conduits d'adduction de la matière moulée dans la cavité moulante de l'outillage ainsi que des moyens d'éjection de la pièce moulée après sa solidification.  Only the elements of the tools essential to the implementation of the invention are described here the other characteristics of the tooling being known to those skilled in the field of molding in a pressure shell. Thus, the dies of the tooling which is the subject of the invention comprise, in particular, conduits for supplying the material molded in the molding cavity of the tooling as well as means for ejecting the molded part after its solidification.
Figure 3, selon un exemple de réalisation de l'outillage objet de l'invention, l'une des matrices (210), et préférentiellement les deux matrices, comprennent des moyens de chauffage par induction comprenant une pluralité de boyaux (340) dans lesquels cheminent des inducteurs réalisant un circuit d'induction. Lesdits inducteurs (341 ) sont, à titre d'exemple, constitués d'un tube ou d'une tresse de cuivre, isolés des parois de la matrice par un tube (342) en céramique, par exemple une gaine en silice, transparente vis-à-vis du champ magnétique généré par lesdits inducteurs. Les inducteurs en tresse de cuivre sont préférés pour le suivi de cheminements sinueux comportant des faibles rayons de courbure. Le cheminement des inducteurs est déterminé notamment par simulation thermique afin d'obtenir une répartition uniforme de la température sur la surface moulante, tout en assurant un temps de chauffage de ladite surface moulante le plus réduit possible. 3, according to an exemplary embodiment of the tool object of the invention, one of the matrices (210), and preferably the two matrices, comprise induction heating means comprising a plurality of casings (340) in which conduct inductors performing an induction circuit. Said inductors (341) are, for example, constituted by a copper tube or braid, isolated from the walls of the matrix by a ceramic tube (342), for example a silica sheath, transparent screw to the magnetic field generated by said inductors. Copper braid inductors are preferred for tracking sinuous paths with small radii of curvature. The path of the inductors is determined in particular by thermal simulation in order to obtain an even distribution of the temperature on the molding surface, while ensuring a heating time of said molding area as small as possible.
Avantageusement, la matrice (210) est réalisée en deux parties (31 1 , 312). Ainsi, les boyaux (340) pour le passage des inducteurs sont réalisés par rainurage desdites parties avant leur assemblage.  Advantageously, the matrix (210) is made in two parts (31 1, 312). Thus, the casings (340) for the passage of the inductors are made by grooving said parts before assembly.
Un conduit ou plusieurs conduits (350) de refroidissement sont ménagés dans la matrice (210), par perçage ou par rainurage et assemblage, comme pour les boyaux recevant les inducteurs. Ce conduit (350) permet la circulation, par des moyens appropriés, d'un fluide caloporteur dans ladite matrice afin d'assurer son refroidissement. Ledit fluide caloporteur circule dans lesdits conduits à une température très nettement inférieure à la température T1 afin d'assurer un refroidissement rapide. Selon des variantes de réalisation, le fluide caloporteur circule en phase liquide, par exemple si ledit fluide est une huile, ou en phase gazeuse, si ledit fluide est de l'air ou un autre gaz caloporteur. Avantageusement le circuit de refroidissement comprend un groupe frigorifique (non représenter) pour la refroidissement du fluide caloporteur à une température inférieure à la température ambiante. La circulation du fluide caloporteur permet de refroidir la matrice (210) et plus particulièrement la surface moulante (211 ). Selon des variantes de réalisation, le conduit (350) de refroidissement est placé sur le même plan que les inducteurs et se trouve à une distance équivalente de la surface moulante, ou le conduit (350) de refroidissement est placé à une distance plus élevée de la surface moulante que les inducteurs, ces derniers étant alors compris entre le conduit de refroidissement et la surface moulante, ce mode de réalisation privilégiant la vitesse de chauffage par rapport à la vitesse de refroidissement, ou encore, le conduit de refroidissement est positionné entre la surface moulante et les inducteurs, ce mode de réalisation privilégiant la vitesse de refroidissement. La circulation du fluide caloporteur et le chauffage par induction sont utilisables conjointement à des fins de régulation de la température ou de la vitesse de refroidissement. Un capteur de température (360), par exemple un thermocouple, est avantageusement placé près de la surface moulante (21 1 ) afin d'en mesurer sa température et pour, le cas échéant, asservir les conditions de chauffage et de refroidissement. L'utilisation d'huile comme fluide caloporteur de refroidissement permet d'assurer le refroidissement du moule dans les conditions de mise en œuvre d'un moulage en coquille sous pression d'un alliage léger d'aluminium, de magnésium, ou de zinc, le refroidissement en phase gazeuse est avantageux pour des températures de mise en œuvre plus élevées tels que rencontrées pour des alliages de cuivre, de titane ou de nickel. One or more cooling ducts (350) are provided in the die (210), by drilling or grooving and assembly, as for the casings receiving the inductors. This duct (350) allows the circulation, by appropriate means, of a coolant in said matrix to ensure its cooling. Said coolant circulates in said conduits at a temperature significantly lower than the temperature T1 to ensure rapid cooling. According to alternative embodiments, the coolant circulates in the liquid phase, for example if said fluid is an oil, or in the gas phase, if said fluid is air or another heat-transfer gas. Advantageously, the cooling circuit comprises a refrigeration unit (not shown) for cooling the heat transfer fluid to a temperature below room temperature. The circulation of the heat transfer fluid makes it possible to cool the matrix (210) and more particularly the molding surface (211). According to alternative embodiments, the cooling duct (350) is placed on the same plane as the inductors and is at an equivalent distance from the molding surface, or the cooling duct (350) is placed at a greater distance from the duct. the molding surface that the inductors, the latter then being between the cooling duct and the molding surface, this embodiment giving preference to the heating rate with respect to the cooling rate, or else the cooling duct is positioned between the molding surface and the inductors, this embodiment favoring the cooling rate. The circulation of heat transfer fluid and induction heating can be used together for purposes of temperature control or cooling rate. A temperature sensor (360), for example a thermocouple, is advantageously placed near the molding surface (21 1) in order to measure its temperature and, if necessary, to control the heating and cooling conditions. The use of oil as coolant coolant ensures the cooling of the mold in the conditions for carrying out pressure die casting of a light alloy of aluminum, magnesium, or zinc, the gas-phase cooling is advantageous for higher processing temperatures as encountered for alloys of copper, titanium or nickel.
Le bloc (31 1 ) de matière comprenant la surface moulante (21 1 ) est suffisamment épais, de sorte que les boyaux (340) dans lesquels sont placés les inducteurs (341 ) soient éloignés d'une distance d de ladite surface moulante, afin que celle-ci soit chauffée, au moins en partie, par conduction de la chaleur produite par l'élévation de la température sur les parois desdits boyaux (340), cette élévation de température résultant de la circulation d'un courant électrique à haute fréquence dans l'inducteur (341 ). Ainsi, la distribution de température, résultant de la mise en œuvre du chauffage par induction, est uniforme sur ladite surface moulante. La distance d est par exemple déterminée par simulation numérique du chauffage en fonction des propriétés des matériaux en présence. Bien que le réseau de boyaux (340) recevant les inducteurs (341 ) soit ici représenté comme s'étendant dans un plan, lesdits boyaux sont, selon l'application visée, avantageusement répartis dans l'épaisseur du bloc (31 1 ) autour de la surface moulante.  The block (31 1) of material comprising the molding surface (21 1) is sufficiently thick, so that the casings (340) in which the inductors (341) are placed are spaced a distance d from said molding surface, so that that it is heated, at least in part, by conduction of the heat produced by the rise of the temperature on the walls of said casings (340), this temperature rise resulting from the circulation of a high frequency electric current in the inductor (341). Thus, the temperature distribution, resulting from the implementation of induction heating, is uniform on said molding surface. The distance d is for example determined by numerical simulation of the heating according to the properties of the materials in the presence. Although the network of hoses (340) receiving the inductors (341) is here represented as extending in a plane, said hoses are, depending on the intended application, advantageously distributed in the thickness of the block (31 1) around the molding surface.
Le bloc (31 1 ) portant la surface moulante (21 1 ) est constitué d'un matériau métallique afin de présenter une conductivité thermique et une diffusivité thermique suffisantes pour la mise en œuvre des phases de chauffage et de refroidissement du procédé objet de l'invention. Avantageusement ledit matériau est ferromagnétique, par exemple un acier martensitique ou ferrito-martensitique dont la température de Curie est égale ou supérieure à la température de préchauffage visée pour le procédé de moulage. À titre d'exemple, pour le moulage en coquille sous pression d'un alliage léger, le bloc (31 1 ) portant la surface moulante est constitué d'un acier de type DIN 1.2344 (AISI H13, EN X40CrMoV5-1 ) ou DIN 1.12343 (AISI H1 1 , EN X38CrMoV5-1 ). Avantageusement, ledit bloc est constitué d'un acier d'outillage tel que décrit dans le document EP 2 236 639 et distribué commercialement sous la dénomination HTCS 130® par la société ROVALMA SA, 08228 Terrassa, Espagne. Cet acier présente une conductivité thermique et une diffusivité thermique élevées, ce qui permet de réduire les temps de cycle. Les inducteurs (341 ) sont connectés à un générateur de courant à haute fréquence, typiquement une fréquence comprise entre 10 kHz et 200 kHz, par des moyens (non représentés) aptes à accorder le circuit résonnant résultant, notamment, mais non exclusivement, un coffret de capacités et une bobine d'adaptation d'impédance, tels que décrits dans le document WO 2013/021055. Le générateur de courant à haute fréquence et les moyens d'accord du circuit résonnant sont sélectionnés de sorte à dispenser une puissance de chauffage par induction de la surface moulante (21 1 ) de l'ordre de 100 kW. Selon des variantes de réalisation, fonction notamment de la dimension du moule, les deux matrices constituant le moule sont connectées au même générateur à haute fréquence ou à deux générateurs différents. The block (31 1) carrying the molding surface (21 1) consists of a metallic material in order to have sufficient thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity for the implementation of the heating and cooling phases of the process that is the subject of the invention. invention. Advantageously, said material is ferromagnetic, for example a martensitic or ferritic-martensitic steel whose Curie temperature is equal to or greater than the preheating temperature targeted for the molding process. By way of example, for the pressure-molded molding of a light alloy, the block (31 1) carrying the molding surface is made of a steel of DIN type 1.2344 (AISI H13, EN X40CrMoV5-1) or DIN 1.12343 (AISI H1 1, EN X38CrMoV5-1). Advantageously, said block consists of a tooling steel as described in document EP 2,236,639 and commercially distributed under the name HTCS 130® by the company Rolvala SA, 08228 Terrassa, Spain. This steel has high thermal conductivity and high thermal diffusivity, which reduces cycle times. The inductors (341) are connected to a high-frequency current generator, typically a frequency between 10 kHz and 200 kHz, by means (not shown) capable of tuning the resulting resonant circuit, including, but not limited to, a cabinet capacitors and an impedance matching coil, as described in WO 2013/021055. The high frequency current generator and the tuning means of the resonant circuit are selected so as to provide an induction heating power of the molding surface (21 1) of the order of 100 kW. According to alternative embodiments, in particular function of the mold dimension, the two matrices constituting the mold are connected to the same high frequency generator or to two different generators.
Figure 4, selon un autre mode de réalisation, le matériau constituant le bloc (31 1 ) portant la surface moulante de la matrice n'est pas ferromagnétique. Dans ce cas, selon un exemple de réalisation, les boyaux comprenant les inducteurs (441 ) sont chemisés avec une couche (443) d'acier de perméabilité magnétique élevée et conservant avantageusement ses propriétés ferromagnétiques jusqu'à haute température, par exemple 700 °C. Ainsi, le champ magnétique produit par l'inducteur (441 ) est concentré dans le chemisage (443) qui monte rapidement en température et transmet cette température par conduction à la matrice. La chaleur étant transmise par conduction jusqu'à la surface moulante, la disposition judicieuse des inducteurs permet, comme précédemment, d'assurer une température uniforme sur cette surface moulante. Selon des exemples de réalisation de cette variante, le bloc (31 1 ) portant la surface moulante est constitué de cuivre, d'un acier inoxydable austénitique ou encore d'un alliage à base de nickel résistant à haute température de type INCONEL 718 ®, sans que ces exemples ne soient limitatifs. Figure 4, according to another embodiment, the material constituting the block (31 1) carrying the molding surface of the matrix is not ferromagnetic. In this case, according to an exemplary embodiment, the hoses comprising the inductors (441) are lined with a layer (443) of high magnetic permeability steel and advantageously retaining its ferromagnetic properties up to high temperature, for example 700 ° C. . Thus, the magnetic field produced by the inductor (441) is concentrated in the liner (443) which rises rapidly in temperature and transmits this temperature by conduction to the matrix. Since the heat is transmitted by conduction to the molding surface, the judicious arrangement of the inductors makes it possible, as previously, to ensure a uniform temperature on this molding surface. According to embodiments of this variant, the block (31 1) carrying the molding surface is made of copper, an austenitic stainless steel or a nickel-based alloy resistant to high temperature INCONEL type 718 ® , without these examples being limiting.
Lorsque le bloc (31 1 ) est constitué d'un acier ferromagnétique, l'action de chauffage des inducteurs se répartit entre un chauffage direct par induction des surfaces moulantes et la conduction de chaleur depuis les parois des conduits (340) comprenant les inducteurs. La répartition de l'énergie entre ces deux modes de chauffage est fonction de la distance d. Lorsque le bloc (311 ) est constitué d'un matériau non ferromagnétique, un effet similaire est obtenu en déposant, sur les surfaces moulantes, un revêtement ferromagnétique, par exemple un revêtement à base de nickel. When the block (31 1) consists of a ferromagnetic steel, the heating action of the inductors is divided between a direct induction heating of the molding surfaces and the heat conduction from the walls of the ducts (340) comprising the inductors. The distribution of energy between these two heating modes is a function of the distance d. When the block (311) consists of a non-ferromagnetic material, a similar effect is obtained by depositing, on the molding surfaces, a ferromagnetic coating, for example nickel base.
Figure 5, la comparaison des cycles thermiques (501 , 502) subits par les surfaces moulantes, entre le cycle thermique (501 ) résultant d'un moule à chauffage par circulation d'huile et le cycle thermique (502) résultant de la mise en œuvre de l'outillage objet de l'invention, montre que la durée (520) nécessaire pour obtenir la température (105) de préchauffage à partir du début de la phase (140) d'aspersion des surfaces moulantes est réduite. Cet effet est lié à la capacité de dispenser sur les surfaces moulantes une puissance de chauffage plus importante par les moyens de chauffage par induction, en comparaison des moyens de l'art antérieur, et d'obtenir ainsi une vitesse de chauffe plus rapide, de l'ordre de 5 °C.s"1 sur lesdites surfaces moulantes, d'une empreinte de surface projetée de 200 x 300 mm2 et une puissance de chauffage de l'ordre de 100 kW. De plus, l'utilisation du chauffage par induction permet de déclencher le chauffage des surfaces moulantes durant l'étape (130) d'éjection de la pièce à un temps (510) postérieur à l'éjection de la pièce, mais antérieur au début de l'étape (140) d'aspersion. Ce déclenchement anticipé du chauffage par induction est réalisé lorsque les surfaces moulantes sont approximativement à la température (105) nominale de préchauffage de la cavité moulante. Ledit chauffage a pour effet de porter lesdites surfaces à une température (505) supérieure à ladite température (105) de préchauffage, de sorte à limiter la chute de température consécutive à l'opération (140) d'aspersion. La puissance de chauffage dispensée par les inducteurs sur les surfaces moulantes est suffisante pour obtenir cet échauffement sans ralentir l'étape (130) d'éjection et sans retarder l'étape (140) d'aspersion. Ainsi, la combinaison du démarrage anticipé du chauffage, de la surchauffe d la surface moulante à une température (505) supérieure à la température (105) nominale de préchauffage, permet, d'une part, d'assurer l'obtention de la température (105) de préchauffage visée sur les surfaces moulantes, dans le temps de cycle visé, et ainsi d'assurer la constance de la qualité des pièces réalisées au long des cycles successifs et ainsi de réduire les taux de rebut. De plus, cette même combinaison de moyens et de méthode de mise en œuvre, permet de réaliser le cycle de moulage en un temps (530) réduit par rapport à l'art antérieur, la puissance de chauffage dispensée étant supérieure et indépendante de la température des surfaces chauffées, apportant ainsi un gain de productivité en même temps que l'amélioration de la fiabilité du procédé. Les surfaces moulantes se trouvant à une température proche de la température (105) nominale de préchauffage lorsque le chauffage anticipé desdites surfaces est déclenché, la mise en œuvre de cette mesure au moyen d'un chauffage par circulation d'huile serait sans effet, la proximité des températures de l'huile en circulation et de celle du moule ne permettant pas la réalisation d'un échange thermique entre l'huile et le matériau constituant le moule. FIG. 5 is a comparison of the thermal cycles (501, 502) experienced by the molding surfaces between the thermal cycle (501) resulting from an oil circulating heating mold and the thermal cycle (502) resulting from the application of The tooling object of the invention shows that the time (520) required to obtain the preheating temperature (105) from the beginning of the spraying phase (140) of the molding surfaces is reduced. This effect is related to the ability to dispense on the molding surfaces a greater heating power by the induction heating means, in comparison with the means of the prior art, and thus to obtain a faster heating rate, the order of 5 ° Cs "1 on said molding surfaces, a projected surface area of 200 x 300 mm 2 and a heating power of the order of 100 kW.In addition, the use of induction heating initiates heating of the molding surfaces during the step (130) of ejecting the workpiece at a time (510) after ejection of the workpiece, but prior to the beginning of the step (140) of spraying This pre-induction induction heating is performed when the molding surfaces are approximately at the preheating temperature (105) of the molding cavity, said heating having the effect of bringing said surfaces to a temperature (505) greater than said preheating temperature (105) so as to limit the temperature drop subsequent to the spraying operation (140). The heating power provided by the inductors on the molding surfaces is sufficient to achieve this heating without slowing down the ejection step (130) and without delaying the spraying step (140). Thus, the combination of the premature start of heating, the superheating of the molding surface at a temperature (505) greater than the nominal temperature (105) of preheating, allows, on the one hand, to ensure the obtaining of the temperature (105) targeted preheating on the molding surfaces, in the targeted cycle time, and thus to ensure the consistency of the quality of the parts made in successive cycles and thus reduce the scrap rates. Moreover, this same combination of means and method of implementation makes it possible to perform the molding cycle in a reduced time (530) compared to the prior art, the heating power dispensed being greater and independent of the temperature. heated surfaces, thus bringing a productivity gain in same time as improving the reliability of the process. Since the molding surfaces are at a temperature close to the nominal preheating temperature (105) when the anticipated heating of said surfaces is triggered, the implementation of this measurement by means of heating by circulation of oil would have no effect, the proximity of the circulating oil and the temperature of the mold does not allow the realization of a heat exchange between the oil and the material constituting the mold.
La combinaison des moyens de chauffage par induction et des moyens de refroidissement de la surface moulante de l'outillage objet de l'invention, permet de réguler la température du moule et de la charge de matière moulée au cours de l'étape (1 10) de coulée. Ainsi, l'outillage objet de l'invention permet d'injecter l'alliage métallique dans un moule plus chaud, pour assurer un meilleur remplissage de celui- ci, tout en assurant un refroidissement suffisamment rapide de la matière, notamment pour éviter l'apparition de porosités ou une taille de grain non homogène. À la différence de l'art antérieur, où la cinématique thermique de la phase (1 10) de coulée est dictée par les échanges thermiques passifs entre le moule et la matière, la mise en œuvre de l'outillage objet de l'invention permet de réguler, au moins en partie, cette cinématique. Ainsi, le procédé mis en œuvre au moyen de l'outillage objet de l'invention permet d'améliorer la qualité intrinsèque des pièces moulées par ce procédé.  The combination of the induction heating means and the cooling means of the molding surface of the tooling that is the subject of the invention makes it possible to regulate the temperature of the mold and the charge of material molded during the step (1). ) casting. Thus, the tool object of the invention makes it possible to inject the metal alloy into a hotter mold, to ensure a better filling thereof, while ensuring a sufficiently fast cooling of the material, in particular to avoid the appearance of porosity or uneven grain size. Unlike the prior art, where the thermal kinematics of the casting phase (1 10) is dictated by the passive heat exchange between the mold and the material, the implementation of the tooling which is the subject of the invention makes it possible to regulate, at least in part, this kinematics. Thus, the method implemented by means of the tool object of the invention improves the intrinsic quality of the molded parts by this method.
La capacité de préchauffer les surfaces moulantes à une température plus élevée et de maintenir et de réguler cette température durant l'étape (1 10) de coulée, permet la mise en œuvre d'alliages dont la température de début de solidification est plus élevée, tout en assurant le remplissage de la cavité moulante, notamment des alliages d'aluminium comprenant moins de 2 % de silicium, hypoeutectiques par rapport au système AISi, en conservant des cadences de production comparables à celles obtenues pour des alliages eutectiques ou quasi-eutectiques. Ainsi, le procédé et l'outillage objets de l'invention facilitent la mise en œuvre d'alliages aux caractéristiques mécaniques plus élevées, notamment les alliages Al-Si-Mg, Al-Mg-Si et Al-Mg-Si-Mn, et la mise en oeuvre par moulage en grande série d'alliages d'aluminium adaptés à une finition par anodisation.  The ability to preheat the molding surfaces to a higher temperature and maintain and regulate this temperature during the step (1 10) of casting, allows the implementation of alloys whose starting temperature of solidification is higher, while ensuring the filling of the molding cavity, including aluminum alloys comprising less than 2% silicon, hypoeutectic compared to the AISi system, maintaining production rates comparable to those obtained for eutectic or quasi-eutectic alloys. Thus, the method and tooling objects of the invention facilitate the implementation of alloys with higher mechanical characteristics, especially alloys Al-Si-Mg, Al-Mg-Si and Al-Mg-Si-Mn, and the implementation by mass-casting of aluminum alloys adapted to an anodizing finish.
Les effets du procédé objet de l'invention mettant en œuvre un outillage comprenant un chauffage par induction et décrits ci-avant ne sont pas limités aux surfaces moulantes de l'outillage mais s'appliquent également aux canaux d'adduction de matière pratiqués dans la matrice. Bien que le procédé et l'outillage objets de l'invention soient présentés comme appliqués à l'une des matrices, ceux-ci sont applicables à l'ensemble des matrices délimitant la cavité moulante de l'outillage. Selon des exemples de réalisation, les inducteurs assurant le chauffage des surfaces moulantes desdites matrices sont connectés à un seul générateur de courant à haute fréquence ou à des générateurs dédiés à chaque matrice. The effects of the method of the invention implementing a tool comprising inductive heating and described above are not limited to the molding surfaces of the tool but also apply to the material supply ducts practiced in the matrix. Although the process and tooling objects of the invention are presented as applied to one of the matrices, they are applicable to all the matrices defining the molding cavity of the tool. According to exemplary embodiments, the inductors for heating the molding surfaces of said matrices are connected to a single high-frequency current generator or to generators dedicated to each matrix.
La description ci-avant et les exemples de réalisation, montrent que l'invention atteint le but visé, et permet, en regard de l'art antérieur, d'augmenter les cadences de production, d'améliorer la répétabilité de la qualité des pièces moulées, d'améliorer la qualité métallurgique et la qualité de réalisation desdites pièces et d'ouvrir la possibilité de mise en œuvre de matériaux de coulabilité plus difficile dans les mêmes conditions de productivité et de répétabilité.  The description above and the exemplary embodiments show that the invention achieves the intended purpose, and makes it possible, with respect to the prior art, to increase the production rates, to improve the repeatability of the quality of the parts. molded, improve the metallurgical quality and the quality of realization of said parts and open the possibility of implementation of flowability materials more difficult under the same conditions of productivity and repeatability.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
Procédé pour le moulage en coquille d'un métal dans une cavité, mettant en oeuvre un moule comprenant : A method for molding a metal in a cavity in a shell, using a mold comprising:
a. deux matrices (210, 220) comprenant chacune un bloc (31 1 ) portant une surface moulante (211 , 221 ), de sorte que lesdites surfaces moulantes délimitent une cavité moulante ; at. two dies (210, 220) each comprising a block (31 1) carrying a molding surface (211, 221), so that said molding surfaces define a molding cavity;
b. dans au moins une des matrices, un inducteur (341 , 441 ) cheminant dans un boyau (340) pratiqué dans le bloc (31 1 ) portant la surface moulante ; b. in at least one of the dies, an inductor (341, 441) running in a hose (340) formed in the block (31 1) carrying the molding surface;
c. un générateur pour alimenter par un courant à haute fréquence ledit inducteur (341 , 441 ) de sorte à chauffer les parois du boyau (340) ; vs. a generator for supplying said inductor (341, 441) with a high frequency current so as to heat the walls of the casing (340);
d. l'inducteur (341 , 41 ) étant placé à une distance d de la surface moulante de sorte que la conduction de chaleur de la paroi du boyau (340) comprenant l'inducteur à la surface moulante, à travers l'épaisseur dudit bloc (31 1 ), conduise à une distribution uniforme de la température sur la surface moulante ; d. the inductor (341, 41) being located at a distance d from the molding surface so that the heat conduction of the wall of the casing (340) including the inductor at the molding surface, through the thickness of said block ( 31 1), lead to a uniform distribution of the temperature on the molding surface;
le procédé comprenant les étapes de : the method comprising the steps of:
i. remplissage (1 10) la cavité moulante par injection du métal dans ladite cavité, ladite cavité étant préchauffée à une température nominale de préchauffage T1 (105) par la circulation d'un courant électrique à haute fréquence dans l'inducteur (341 ); ii. solidification du métal dans la cavité moulante ; i. filling (1 10) the metal injection molding cavity in said cavity, said cavity being preheated to a nominal preheating temperature T1 (105) by the circulation of a high frequency electric current in the inductor (341); ii. solidification of the metal in the molding cavity;
iii. ouverture (120) du moule et éjection (130) de la pièce ; iii. opening (120) the mold and ejecting (130) the workpiece;
v. aspersion (140) des surfaces moulantes de la cavité moulante, le moule étant ouvert, par un agent démoulant ; v. spraying (140) the molding surfaces of the molding cavity, the mold being opened, by a release agent;
vi. fermeture du moule et chauffage (150) de la cavité à la température T1 (105) ; vi. closing the mold and heating (150) the cavity at temperature T1 (105);
caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend après l'étape iii) d'ouverture du moule et avant l'étape v) d'aspersion des surfaces moulantes, une étape consistant à : characterized in that it comprises after the step iii) of opening the mold and before the step v) of spraying the molding surfaces, a step consists in :
iv. chauffer par induction les surfaces moulantes de la cavité alors que la pièce n'est plus en contact avec lesdites surfaces, et poursuivre ce chauffage durant étape v) d'aspersion. iv. inductively heating the molding surfaces of the cavity while the piece is no longer in contact with said surfaces, and continue this heating during step v) sprinkling.
Procédé selon la revendication 1 , comprenant entre l'étape i) et l'étape ii) un refroidissement forcé de la cavité moulante. The process of claim 1 comprising between step i) and step ii) forced cooling of the molding cavity.
Procédé selon la revendication 2 dans lequel le refroidissement forcé est réalisé par la circulation d'un fluide caloporteur dans un conduit (350) pratiqué dans le moule. The method of claim 2 wherein the forced cooling is achieved by the circulation of a heat transfer fluid in a conduit (350) formed in the mold.
Procédé selon la revendication 1 , dans lequel la température T1 (105) est comprise entre 200°C et 400° C, préférentiellement entre 250° C et 300° C. Process according to claim 1, wherein the temperature T1 (105) is between 200 ° C and 400 ° C, preferably between 250 ° C and 300 ° C.
Procédé selon la revendication 4, dans lequel la température (505) des surfaces moulantes atteinte durant l'étape iv) et avant l'étape v) est supérieure à T1 (105). The method of claim 4, wherein the temperature (505) of the molding surfaces attained during step iv) and before step v) is greater than T1 (105).
Procédé selon la revendication 4, dans lequel le métal est un alliage parmi : The method of claim 4 wherein the metal is an alloy of:
un alliage de magnésium de type AM20, AM50 , AM60 ou AZ91 D, ou  a magnesium alloy of AM20, AM50, AM60 or AZ91 D type, or
un alliage d'aluminium comprenant moins de 2 % de sillicium, notamment de type Al-Mg-Si-Mn, ou  an aluminum alloy comprising less than 2% of silicon, in particular of Al-Mg-Si-Mn type, or
un alliage de zinc d'aluminium, de magnésium et de cuivre de type Zamac.  a zinc alloy of aluminum, magnesium and copper Zamac type.
Procédé selon la revendication 6, dans lequel le métal est injecté en phase liquide au cours de l'étape i). The method of claim 6, wherein the metal is injected in the liquid phase during step i).
Procédé selon la revendication 6, dans lequel le métal est injecté en phase semi-solide au cours de l'étape i). The method of claim 6, wherein the metal is injected in the semi-solid phase during step i).
Procédé selon la revendication 1 , dans lequel le bloc (31 1 ) portant la surface moulante est constitué d'un acier de type HTCS 130. The method of claim 1, wherein the block (31 1) carrying the molding surface consists of a steel type HTCS 130.
Procédé selon la revendication 1 , dans lequel le bloc portant la surface moulante est constitué d'un matériau non ferromagnétique, dans lequel le boyau comprenant l'inducteur est chemisé avec une couche (443) d'un matériau perméabilité magnétique élevée. The method of claim 1, wherein the block carrying the molding surface is made of a non-ferromagnetic material, wherein the casing comprising the inductor is lined with a layer (443) of high magnetic permeability material.
EP17720104.3A 2016-04-26 2017-04-26 Device for shell-moulding a metal alloy Active EP3448599B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1670196A FR3050390B1 (en) 2016-04-26 2016-04-26 METHOD AND DEVICE FOR SHELL MOLDING OF A METAL ALLOY
PCT/EP2017/059998 WO2017186824A1 (en) 2016-04-26 2017-04-26 Method and device for shell-moulding a metal alloy

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3448599A1 true EP3448599A1 (en) 2019-03-06
EP3448599B1 EP3448599B1 (en) 2020-06-17

Family

ID=56511808

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP17720104.3A Active EP3448599B1 (en) 2016-04-26 2017-04-26 Device for shell-moulding a metal alloy

Country Status (8)

Country Link
US (1) US10773299B2 (en)
EP (1) EP3448599B1 (en)
JP (1) JP6957512B2 (en)
KR (1) KR102352445B1 (en)
CN (1) CN109195728B (en)
CA (1) CA3021395C (en)
FR (1) FR3050390B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2017186824A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN108672656A (en) * 2018-08-08 2018-10-19 溧阳市新力机械铸造有限公司 A kind of casting method of turbo blade casting device and turbo blade
IT201900021714A1 (en) 2019-11-20 2021-05-20 Form S R L Die casting mold and related die casting process
CN112916826A (en) * 2021-01-22 2021-06-08 广西南宁市高创机械技术有限公司 Preparation method of thin-wall die-casting aluminum alloy

Family Cites Families (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2705259B1 (en) * 1993-05-19 1995-07-07 Pont A Mousson Device for supplying molten metal, in particular cast iron, to a casting machine, and casting installation integrating this supply device.
JP3393079B2 (en) * 1999-02-01 2003-04-07 株式会社日本製鋼所 Light metal injection molding method
PT2236639E (en) 2009-04-01 2012-08-02 Isaac Valls Angles Hot work tool steel with outstanding toughness and thermal conductivity
CN201644756U (en) * 2010-03-25 2010-11-24 清华大学 A multi-point precise temperature control system for die-casting molds
FR2979047B1 (en) 2011-08-10 2014-09-19 Roctool PROVITF FOR ADJUSTING THE QUALITY FACTOR OF AN INDUCTION HEATING SYSTEM, IN PARTICULAR AN INDEPENDENT HEATING MOLD
JP5587845B2 (en) * 2011-09-20 2014-09-10 株式会社ナカキン Aluminum casting equipment
CN102363211B (en) * 2011-10-10 2016-06-22 江苏海达船用阀业有限公司 A kind of extrusion casting method of aluminium alloy automobile gear box casing
FR2991902A1 (en) * 2012-06-18 2013-12-20 Roctool METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PREHEATING A MOLD IN PARTICULAR INJECTION MOLDING
KR102142976B1 (en) * 2012-06-19 2020-08-10 록툴 Quick heating and cooling mold
CN102865354B (en) * 2012-10-16 2015-01-14 山东银光钰源轻金属精密成型有限公司 Automobile reduction gearbox casing and preparation process of casing
FR3015918A1 (en) * 2013-12-31 2015-07-03 Roctool DEVICE FOR HEATING A MOLD
JP6474988B2 (en) * 2014-10-14 2019-02-27 株式会社鈴木精機 Casting device in which cooling channel is formed by welding and method for manufacturing casting device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP6957512B2 (en) 2021-11-02
US20190118250A1 (en) 2019-04-25
US10773299B2 (en) 2020-09-15
CA3021395C (en) 2023-09-26
CN109195728B (en) 2021-01-22
FR3050390B1 (en) 2020-01-24
KR102352445B1 (en) 2022-01-17
WO2017186824A1 (en) 2017-11-02
EP3448599B1 (en) 2020-06-17
KR20180137007A (en) 2018-12-26
JP2019522566A (en) 2019-08-15
CA3021395A1 (en) 2017-11-02
FR3050390A1 (en) 2017-10-27
CN109195728A (en) 2019-01-11

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP3448599B1 (en) Device for shell-moulding a metal alloy
NL2010182C2 (en) DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ROTATION CASTING OF PLASTIC.
US5979535A (en) Methods for semi-melting injection molding
JPH09510400A (en) Metal products with heat transfer channels
FR2672536A1 (en) PROCESS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF A HOLLOW PLASTIC MATERIAL USING A WATER-SOLUBLE RESIN.
TWI604903B (en) Semi-solidified metal manufacturing apparatus, molding apparatus, semi-solidified metal production method and molding method
FR2671992A1 (en) PRESSURE CASTING METHOD, COLD CHAMBER.
US8356655B2 (en) Shot tube plunger for a die casting system
US8342230B2 (en) Casting method
EP3455045B1 (en) Method and device for heating a mould
EP3475012B1 (en) Directional solidification cooling furnace and cooling process using such a furnace
CN105880523A (en) Automobile hub pouring system and pouring method
JP4387531B2 (en) Casting mold
JP2005211958A (en) Method for forming low melting point metal alloy
Mrozek Optimization of injection mold design through application of external selective induction heating
WO2012168669A2 (en) Method for forming channels in a tool, tool thus formed and computer program product that performs such a method
FR3143393A1 (en) METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING HOLLOW METAL PARTS BY MOLDING, WITHOUT CORE
JP6256093B2 (en) Injection sleeve temperature control method for casting die casting machine
NL1040965B1 (en) Die casting method with associated product and apparatus.
Ren et al. NUMERICAL ASSESSMENT OF INTERFACIAL HEAT TRANSFER COEFFICIENT IN A MG SQUEEZE CASTING WITH VARIOUS SECTION THICKNESS BY POLYNOMINAL EXTRAPOLATION
Zhang et al. Estimation of Heat Transfer Coefficient in Squeeze Casting of Wrought Aluminum Alloy 7075 by the Polynomial Curve Fitting Method
Marathe et al. Thermal Factor of Aluminium High pressure Die Casting Container (Mould) to achieve Six Sigma Quality of Castings
JP2004154954A (en) Mold assembly
JP2005040802A (en) Precast molding method for low melting alloy and molding machine

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: UNKNOWN

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION HAS BEEN MADE

PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20181124

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

DAV Request for validation of the european patent (deleted)
DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: B22D 17/22 20060101ALI20191125BHEP

Ipc: B22C 9/06 20060101AFI20191125BHEP

Ipc: B22D 21/00 20060101ALI20191125BHEP

Ipc: B22D 17/00 20060101ALI20191125BHEP

Ipc: B22D 17/02 20060101ALI20191125BHEP

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20200102

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: FRENCH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602017018324

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 1280697

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20200715

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200918

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200617

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200617

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200917

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200617

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20200617

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200617

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200617

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200617

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200917

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 1280697

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20200617

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200617

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200617

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200617

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200617

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200617

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200617

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200617

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200617

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201019

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200617

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200617

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201017

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602017018324

Country of ref document: DE

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200617

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20210318

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200617

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200617

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20210426

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210426

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20210430

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210430

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210430

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210426

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210426

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201017

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210430

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200617

P01 Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered

Effective date: 20230531

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20170426

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200617

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20240502

Year of fee payment: 8

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20240426

Year of fee payment: 8

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20240430

Year of fee payment: 8

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200617