WO2023031532A1

WO2023031532A1 - Treatment of metal parts by depositing different materials in series

Info

Publication number: WO2023031532A1
Application number: PCT/FR2022/051519
Authority: WO
Inventors: Melissa Gouault; Lionel Meslin; Marc Courteaux; Philippe Beyet
Original assignee: Psa Automobiles Sa
Priority date: 2021-08-30
Filing date: 2022-07-28
Publication date: 2023-03-09
Also published as: FR3126429A1; CN117916402A; FR3126429B1; EP4396390A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a treatment apparatus (IT) for treating a metal part (PM) having first (F1) and second (F2) opposing faces. This apparatus (IT) comprises a first device (D1) capable of moving along a selected path with respect to the metal part (PM) in order to deposit a first material on a first zone (Z1) of the first face (F1), and a second device (D2) capable of moving along this selected path with respect to the metal part (PM) in order to deposit a layer of second anticorrosion material on this first zone (Z1) at a selected time offset with respect to the deposit of the first material.

Description

DESCRIPTION

TITLE: TREATMENT OF METALLIC PARTS BY SUCCESSIVE DEPOSITS OF DIFFERENT MATERIALS

The present invention claims the priority of French application 2109009 filed on August 30, 2021, the content of which (text, drawings and claims) is incorporated herein by reference.

Technical field of the invention

The invention relates to the treatment of metal parts.

State of the art

In certain technical fields, such as for example that of vehicles (possibly automobiles), treatments are carried out on certain metal parts intended to deposit a first material on a first zone of a first face. For example and non-limitingly, this deposit can materialize in the form of a weld bead.

Sometimes, before being the subject of a deposition of the first material, the metal part has previously been the subject of an anti-corrosion treatment by cataphoresis with a second material, such as for example zinc. However, during the deposition of the first material in a first zone of a metal part, the first temperature to which this first zone is heated can cause in the latter damage, or even elimination, of the second anti-corrosion material previously deposited when the second melting temperature of this second anti-corrosion material is strictly lower than the first melting temperature. For example, when the metal part is made of steel, its first melting temperature is equal to approximately 1500°C, whereas the second melting temperature of zinc is equal to approximately 420°C.

In the presence of such damage or such removal, one is forced to carry out anti-corrosion touch-ups later and with a treatment installation which is notably different from that initially used to carry out the initial anti-corrosion treatment because it does not You no longer have to carry out many sub-steps of a complete anti-corrosion treatment that are essential for a “raw” metal part. The need to use two anti-corrosion treatment facilities in two different positions increases the manufacturing costs of the systems comprising the treated metal parts, but also increases the number of operations that must be supervised by technicians, which further increases the manufacturing costs. Furthermore, some anti-corrosion retouching can only be carried out once the metal parts have been treated and shaped (for example by cutting and/or stamping), or even assembled with other metal parts. However, certain areas treated and needing to be touched up may find themselves placed in what those skilled in the art call “hollow bodies” where they are inaccessible to the anticorrosion touch-up installation.

The aim of the invention is therefore in particular to improve the situation.

Presentation of the invention

It proposes in particular for this purpose a treatment method intended to treat a metal part comprising first and second opposite faces.

This treatment method is characterized in that it comprises a step in which a first material is deposited on a first zone of the first face by means of a first device having a chosen trajectory, then less on this first zone a layer of second anti-corrosion material by means of a second device following this trajectory with a chosen time lag.

Thus, an anti-corrosion touch-up can advantageously be carried out in each first zone which has just been the subject of a first deposit in the event that the anti-corrosion protection previously carried out has been degraded or eliminated by this first deposit.

The treatment method according to the invention may comprise other characteristics which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

- in its step, at least a sub-part of the first zone can be cooled before depositing the anti-corrosion layer on this cooled sub-part;

- in the presence of the first option, in its step, the first zone can be cooled continuously by continuously moving the second device, before depositing the anti-corrosion layer continuously;

- in its step, it is possible to deposit on a second zone of the second face, located under the first zone, another layer of second anti-corrosion material by means of a third device coupled in displacement to the second device in order to follow the trajectory with the offset time chosen; - in the presence of the last option, in its step, at least one sub-part of the second zone can be cooled before depositing the other anti-corrosion layer on this cooled sub-part;

- in the presence of the last sub-option, in its step, the second zone can be cooled continuously by continuously moving the third device, before depositing the other anti-corrosion layer continuously.

The invention also proposes a treatment installation intended to treat a metal part comprising first and second opposite faces.

This treatment installation is characterized in that it comprises a first device capable of moving along a chosen path relative to the metal part in order to deposit a first material on a first zone of its first face, and a second device capable of moving along the chosen trajectory relative to the metal part in order to deposit a layer of second anti-corrosion material on this first zone, with a chosen time lag relative to the deposition of the first material.

The treatment installation according to the invention may comprise other characteristics which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

- Its second device can be suitable for cooling at least a sub-part of the first zone before depositing the anti-corrosion layer on this cooled sub-part;

- it may comprise a third device coupled in displacement to the second device to follow the trajectory relative to the metal part with the chosen time lag, in order to deposit another layer of second anti-corrosion material on a second zone of the second face, located under the first area;

- in the presence of the last option, its third device can be suitable for cooling at least a sub-part of the second zone before depositing the other anti-corrosion layer on this cooled sub-part.

Brief description of figures

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examination of the detailed description below, and of the appended drawings, in which:

[Fig. 1] schematically and functionally illustrates, in a side view, a first embodiment of a treatment installation according to the invention, during a first phase of treatment of a metal part, [Fig. 2] illustrates schematically and functionally, in a side view, the processing installation of Figure 1, during a second processing phase of the metal part,

[Fig. 3] illustrates schematically and functionally, in a side view, the processing installation of Figure 1, at the end of the processing of the metal part,

[Fig. 4] illustrates schematically and functionally, in a side view, a second embodiment of a treatment installation according to the invention, during a first phase of treatment of a metal part,

[Fig. 5] illustrates schematically and functionally, in a side view, the processing installation of Figure 4, during a second phase of processing the metal part,

[Fig. 6] illustrates schematically and functionally, in a side view, the processing installation of Figure 4, during a third phase of processing the metal part,

[Fig. 7] illustrates schematically and functionally, in a side view, the processing installation of Figure 4, at the end of the processing of the metal part,

[Fig. 8] schematically and functionally illustrates, in a side view, a third embodiment of a treatment installation according to the invention, during a third phase of treatment of a metal part, and

[Fig. 9] schematically illustrates an example of an algorithm implementing a processing method according to the invention.

Detailed description of the invention

The object of the invention is in particular to propose a treatment method, and an associated IT treatment installation, intended to allow the treatment of metal parts PM, having previously undergone an anticorrosion treatment with a second material, by deposit of a first material followed immediately after by a deposition of the second anti-corrosion material to carry out anti-corrosion touch-ups.

In what follows, it is considered, by way of non-limiting example, that the metal parts PM are steel sheets. But the invention is not limited to this type of metal part. It relates in fact to any type of metal part having previously been the subject of an anti-corrosion treatment with a second material before being the subject of a deposit of a first material then a deposit of the second anti-corrosion material to carry out anti-corrosion touch-ups.

Furthermore, it is considered in what follows, by way of non-limiting example, that the metal parts PM are intended to form part of systems constituting vehicles of the automotive type, such as cars for example. But PM metal parts can be fitted to any system, and in particular vehicles (land, sea (or river), and air), installations (possibly of the industrial type), and buildings.

As mentioned above, the invention proposes in particular a treatment method intended to allow the treatment of metal parts PM (comprising each of the first F1 and second F2 opposite faces of which at least one has previously been the subject of a treatment anti-corrosion with a second material) by depositing a first material (having a first melting temperature) followed immediately after by depositing the second anti-corrosion material (having a second melting temperature) to perform anti-corrosion touch-ups.

This (treatment) method can be implemented by a treatment installation IT of the type illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 8. As illustrated, a treatment installation IT, according to the invention, comprises at least a first device D1 and a second device D2.

The first device D1 is able to move on a path chosen with respect to the metal part PM (arrow F) in order to deposit a first material on a first zone Z1 of the first face F1 of this metal part PM. For example and non-limitingly, this deposit can materialize in the form of a weld bead. But other types of deposit can be considered.

For example, the first device D1 is mounted in translation (arrow F) on a support (not shown) and may comprise means making it possible to vary the position of the place where it carries out its deposition of first material, including when it is not not move.

It will be noted that the movement of the first device D1 with respect to the metal part PM (arrow F) is relative, and therefore in an alternative embodiment it is the metal part PM which could be moved with respect to the first device D1 (then fixed ), but can always include means for varying the position of the place where he makes his first deposition of first material.

The second device D2 is able to move on the chosen trajectory with respect to the metal part PM in order to deposit a layer of second anti-corrosion material on this first zone Z1, with a time lag chosen with respect to the deposition of the first material. In other words, the movements of the second device D2 are coupled to those of the first device D1 so that the second deposition of the second anticorrosion material takes place just after the first deposition of the first material.

For example, the second device D2 can be fixedly secured to the first device D1 in order to follow the same (relative) trajectory as the latter (D1). It may also include means making it possible to vary the position of the place where it makes its second deposit of second material, including when it is not moving. However, in a variant embodiment, the second device D2 could comprise movement means different from those of the first device D1 and possibly mounted on a support different from that of the first device D1.

Also for example, the second device D2 can be arranged so as to carry out a second deposition by cataphoresis (and therefore by projecting droplets GP, for example by means of a deposition nozzle BD (see FIGS. 2, 6 and 8)) . In this case, the second anti-corrosion material may be zinc. But other second anti-corrosion materials could be deposited, possibly using techniques other than cataphoresis.

The second device D2 may comprise a body (or casing) CD comprising part of the means ensuring the cataphoresis (and in particular (here) the supply of zinc wire), and to which is attached the deposition nozzle BD responsible for generating the droplets of zinc GP from the zinc wire that feeds it.

As illustrated without limitation in Figure 9, the method (of treatment), according to the invention, comprises a step 10-40.

This step 10-40 firstly comprises a sub-step 10 in which a first deposition of first material is carried out on a first zone Z1 of the first face F1 of the metal part PM by means of the first device D1 (which has a chosen trajectory (arrow F)). It will be understood that in this sub-step 10 (illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4) the first device D1 is moved (relatively with respect to the metal part PM) and positioned in order to start its first deposition at the start of the first zone Z1 then to continue this first deposit in the first zone Z1 until the end of the latter (Z1). Step 10-40 also includes a sub-step 30 in which a layer of second anti-corrosion material is deposited at least on the first zone Z1 by means of the second device D2 which follows the trajectory of the first device D1 with a chosen time lag. This sub-step 30 is illustrated in Figures 2, 6 and 8. It will be understood that this time lag between the passages of the first D1 and second D2 devices at the same point of their common trajectory allows the local temperature in the first zone Z1 (strongly increased by the first deposition) to drop before the second begins. deposit. This advantageously makes it possible to carry out an anticorrosion touch-up in each first zone Z1 which has just been the subject of a first deposit in the event that the anticorrosion protection previously produced has been degraded or eliminated by this first deposit.

It will be noted that in step 10-40, when the second device D2 is mechanically coupled to the first device D1, the time shift can be a function of the speed of movement of the first device D1 and of the distance separating the places where the first D1 and second devices D2 perform their respective first and second deposits.

It will also be noted, as illustrated without limitation in FIGS. 3, 7 and 9, that step 10-40 can comprise a sub-step 40 in which the first D1 and second D2 devices are continued to be moved relatively with respect to the part metal PM after completing the second deposition of the second anticorrosion material. Then, it is possible either to carry out at least one other treatment (first and second deposits) in another first zone Z1 of the metal part PM, or to remove the metal part PM which has just been treated (first and second deposits) in order to carry out the processing of another metal part PM. This sub-step 40 is illustrated in Figures 3 and 7.

It will also be noted, as illustrated without limitation in FIGS. 5 and 9, that step 10-40 can comprise a sub-step 20 in which at least a sub-portion of the first zone Z1 is cooled before deposit the layer of second anti-corrosion material on this cooled sub-part. This option must be implemented when the duration of the aforementioned time lag is not long enough for the temperature in the first zone Z1 to drop substantially below the second melting temperature of the second anti-corrosion material. Sub-step 20 is illustrated in Figure 5.

This option requires the second device D2 of the treatment installation IT to be capable of cooling at least a sub-part of the first zone Z1 before depositing the anti-corrosion layer on this cooled sub-part. To this end, and as illustrated without limitation in FIGS. 4 to 8, the second device D2 may comprise a cooling air diffuser DR interposed between the first device D1 and the deposition nozzle BD. In this case, the body (or casing) CD can comprise an air generator of cooling which feeds the cooling air diffuser DR upstream of the deposition nozzle BD.

For example, in step 10-40, the first zone Z1 can be cooled continuously by continuously moving the second device D2, before depositing the anticorrosion layer continuously. In other words, everything here is done in series. Cooling begins when (or just before) the start of the first zone Z1 reaches below the cooling air diffuser DR, and continues at least until the entire first zone Z1 has passed under the cooling air diffuser DR, and the projection of droplets GP begins when (or just before) the start of the first zone Z1 (does not) reach under the deposition nozzle BD , and continues at least until the entire first zone Z1 has passed under the deposition nozzle BD.

It will also be noted, as illustrated without limitation in FIGS. 8 and 9, that in sub-step 30 of step 10-40 it is also possible to deposit on a second zone Z2 the second face F2 of the metal part PM, located under the first zone Z1, another layer of second anti-corrosion material by means of a third device D3 which is coupled in displacement to the second device D2 in order to follow the aforementioned trajectory with the chosen time shift. This option must be implemented when there is a risk that the first deposit (carried out on the first face F1 ) causes in the second zone Z1 (located under the first zone Z1 ) a degradation or removal of the anti-corrosion protection previously carried out on the second face F2.

It will be noted that the third device D3 is substantially identical to the second device D2. It can be fixedly secured to the first device D1 or to the second device D2, in order to follow the same (relative) trajectory (arrow F). It may also include means making it possible to vary the position of the place where it makes its second deposit of second material, including when it is not moving. However, in a variant embodiment, the third device D3 could comprise movement means different from those of the second D2 or first device D1 and possibly mounted on a support different from that of the second D2 or first device D1.

Also for example, the third device D3 can be arranged so as to carry out a second deposition by cataphoresis (and therefore by projecting droplets (here of zinc) GP', for example by means of a deposition nozzle BD' (see figure 8)).

The third device D3 may comprise a body (or casing) CD comprising a part of the means ensuring the cataphoresis (and in particular (here) the reserve of zinc wire) and to which is secured the deposition nozzle BD' responsible for generating the droplets of zinc GP' from the zinc wire which feeds it.

It will also be noted, as illustrated without limitation in FIG. 8, that in sub-step 20 of step 10-40, it is also possible to cool at least a sub-portion of the second zone Z2 before depositing the another anti-corrosion layer on this cooled sub-part. This option must be implemented when the duration of the aforementioned time lag is not long enough for the temperature in the second zone Z2 to drop substantially below the second melting temperature of the second anti-corrosion material.

This option requires, as illustrated without limitation in FIG. 8, that the third device D3 comprises a cooling air diffuser DR′ placed upstream of its deposition nozzle BD′. In this case, the body (or casing) CD′ may comprise a cooling air generator which supplies the cooling air diffuser DR′ upstream of the deposition nozzle BD′.

For example, in step 10-40, the second zone Z2 can be cooled continuously by continuously moving the third device D3, before depositing the other anticorrosion layer continuously. In other words, everything here is done in series. Cooling begins when (or just before) the start of the second zone Z2 (does) reach (does) t under the cooling air diffuser DR ', and continues at least until the entirety of the second zone Z2 has passed under the cooling air diffuser DR′, and the projection of droplets GP′ begins when (or just before) the start of the second zone Z2 (does) reach(n)t under the nozzle deposition BD', and continues at least until the entirety of the second zone Z2 has passed under the deposition nozzle BD'.

Claims

1. Method for treating a metal part (PM) comprising first (F1) and second (F2) opposite faces, characterized in that it comprises a step (10-40) in which a deposit of a first material on a first zone (Z1) of said first face (F1) by means of a first device (D1) having a chosen trajectory, then a layer of second anti-corrosion material is deposited at least on this first zone (Z1) means of a second device (D2) following this trajectory with a chosen time shift.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that in said step (10-40) at least a sub-portion of said first zone (Z1) is cooled before depositing said layer on this cooled sub-portion .

3. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that in said step (10-40) said first zone (Z1) is continuously cooled by continuously moving said second device (D2), before depositing said layer continuously. .

4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that in said step (10-40) is deposited on a second zone (Z2) of said second face (F2), located under said first zone (Z1) , another layer of second anti-corrosion material by means of a third device (D3) coupled in displacement to said second device (D2) in order to follow said trajectory with said chosen time offset.

5. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that in said step (10-40) at least a sub-portion of said second zone (Z2) is cooled before depositing said other layer on this sub-portion. cooled.

6. Method according to claim 5, characterized in that in said step (10-40) said second zone (Z2) is continuously cooled by a continuous displacement of said third device (D3), before depositing said other layer so as to keep on going.

7. Treatment installation (IT) for treating a metal part (PM) comprising first (F1) and second (F2) opposite faces, characterized in that it comprises i) a first device (D1) adapted to move on a trajectory chosen with respect to said metal part (PM) in order to deposit a first material on a first zone (Z1) of said first face (F1), and ii) a second device (D2) capable of moving on said path chosen with respect to said metal part (PM) in order to deposit a layer of second anti-corrosion material on this first zone (Z1), with a time shift chosen with respect to said deposition of the first material.

8. Installation according to claim 7, characterized in that said second device (D2) is adapted to cool at least a sub-portion of said first zone (Z1) before depositing said layer on this cooled sub-portion.

9. Installation according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that it comprises a third device (D3) coupled in displacement to said second device (D2) to follow said trajectory with respect to said metal part (PM) with said chosen time offset in order to deposit another layer of second anti-corrosion material on a second zone (Z2) of said second face (F2), located under said first zone (Z1).

10. Installation according to claim 9, characterized in that said third device

(D3) is capable of cooling at least a sub-portion of said second zone (Z2) before depositing said other layer on this cooled sub-portion.