Patent ID: 6018155
Filing Date: 2000-01-25
Classification: H05B

Abstract:
An induction hardening apparatus for inductively heating and quench hardening a crankshaft, said induction hardening apparatus comprising:fixture means for positioning and supporting a crankshaft at a crankshaft location;rotary drive means for rotating said crankshaft;an induction hardening station positioned adjacent said crankshaft location and including a contact-free induction coil and a contact-free positioning system for moving said induction coil in a predetermined path;control means for generating coil path data based upon the geometry and dimensions of a portion of said crankshaft to be induction hardened, said control means being operatively connected to said positioning system; andsaid portion of said crankshaft moving in an orbital path during crankshaft rotation and said predetermined path generated by said positioning system tracking said orbital path whereby the spacing between an inside surface of said induction coil and said crankshaft portion during rotation of said crankshaft remaining substantially uniform, said induction coil being moved so as to be free of any contact with said crankshaft portion.