Induction-hardening system for induction hardening of a large rolling-element bearing ring

Abstract

An induction-hardening system for induction hardening a bearing ring, including a first inductor and a second inductor that each include a heating element for heating the bearing ring and a quenching device for quenching the bearing ring heated by the heating element. The first and the second inductor are respectively disposed on a first and a second traversing element that are configured to move the first and the second inductor in respectively opposing directions along the circumference of the bearing ring from a start zone to a diametrically opposing end zone. The first and the second inductor are each configured to heat the bearing ring from the start zone up to the end zone and to quench after the heating. In the region of the end zone at least one third quenching device is provided configured to replace the first and the second quenching device in the end zone.

1 . An induction-hardening system for induction hardening a bearing ring, the induction hardening system comprising:
 a first inductor and a second inductor that each include a heating element for heating the to-be-hardened bearing ring and a quenching device for quenching the bearing ring heated by the heating element, wherein   the first and the second inductor are respectively disposed on a first and a second traversing element, wherein   the traversing elements are configured to move the first and the second inductor in respectively opposite directions along the circumference of the bearing ring from a start zone (A) to a diametrically opposing end zone (E), wherein   the first and the second inductor are each configured to heat the bearing ring from the start zone (A) up to the end zone (A) and to quench after the heating, and wherein   in the region of the end zone (E) at least one third quenching device is provided that is configured to replace the first and the second quenching device in the end zone.   
     
     
         2 . The induction-hardening system according to  claim 1 , further comprising a third and a fourth quenching device being provided, wherein the third quenching device is configured to replace the quenching device in the end zone (E), and the fourth quenching device is configured to replace the second quenching device in the end zone (E). 
     
     
         3 . The induction-hardening system according to  claim 1 , further comprising a third traversing element being provided on which a third inductor including a third heating element is provided, which is configured to heat the end zone (E) of the bearing ring, during operation of the first and second inductor. 
     
     
         4 . The induction-hardening system according to  claim 3 , wherein the at least one third quenching device is attached to the third traversing element, wherein the at least one third quenching device is disposed and configured such that with operation of the third inductor in the end zone the at least one third quenching device is inactive. 
     
     
         5 . The induction-hardening system according to  claim 4 , wherein the third traversing element is configured and controllable such that with a movement of the third traversing element for removing the third inductor from the bearing ring the at least one third quenching device is movable into a position that is adjustable able into an operative position on the bearing ring. 
     
     
         6 . The induction-hardening system according to  claim 3 , wherein the first, second, and/or the at least one third quenching device are each attached to a first, second, and/or at least one third carrier element movable independently of the heating element of the associated inductor, wherein the carrier elements are configured to bring the respective quenching device into the operative position on the bearing ring to be processed and to remove it from the operating position thereon. 
     
     
         7 . The induction-hardening system according to  claim 6 , wherein the carrier elements are controllable such that a removal of the first and/or second quenching device from the operative position on the bearing ring effects an essentially simultaneous bringing-into-the-operative-position of the at least one third quenching device on the bearing ring. 
     
     
         8 . The induction-hardening system according to  claim 3 , wherein the at least one third traversing element and/or the at least one third carrier element is configured to move the at least one third quenching device into the end zone (E) on the bearing ring in the circumferential direction. 
     
     
         9 . The induction-hardening system according to  claim 3 , wherein the third traversing element includes a third and a fourth carrier element that correspondingly carry the third and the fourth quenching device, bring them into operative position on the bearing ring, and move them toward each other in the circumferential direction. 
     
     
         10 . The induction-hardening system according to  claim 1 , wherein the respective heating elements of the first and second inductor are disposed on a fifth and sixth carrier element, and the fifth and sixth carrier element and/or the first and second traversing element are configured to remove the first and second heating element from the operative position on the bearing ring when the first and second inductor in the end zone are not movable further toward each other. 
     
     
         11 . The induction-hardening system according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the heating elements and/or at least one of the quenching devices has a contour adapted to the contour of the bearing ring to be hardened.