[go: up one dir, main page]

WO2025220248A1 - Procédé de coulée et installation de coulée - Google Patents

Procédé de coulée et installation de coulée

Info

Publication number
WO2025220248A1
WO2025220248A1 PCT/JP2024/035831 JP2024035831W WO2025220248A1 WO 2025220248 A1 WO2025220248 A1 WO 2025220248A1 JP 2024035831 W JP2024035831 W JP 2024035831W WO 2025220248 A1 WO2025220248 A1 WO 2025220248A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
molten metal
tapping
chamber
holding chamber
unit
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.)
Pending
Application number
PCT/JP2024/035831
Other languages
English (en)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
城也太 望月
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.)
TOUNETSU Co Ltd
Original Assignee
TOUNETSU Co Ltd
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 TOUNETSU Co Ltd filed Critical TOUNETSU Co Ltd
Publication of WO2025220248A1 publication Critical patent/WO2025220248A1/fr
Pending 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
    • B22D17/30—Accessories for supplying molten metal, e.g. in rations
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
    • B22D—CASTING OF METALS; CASTING OF OTHER SUBSTANCES BY THE SAME PROCESSES OR DEVICES
    • B22D18/00—Pressure casting; Vacuum casting
    • B22D18/04—Low pressure casting, i.e. making use of pressures up to a few bars to fill the mould
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
    • B22D—CASTING OF METALS; CASTING OF OTHER SUBSTANCES BY THE SAME PROCESSES OR DEVICES
    • B22D35/00—Equipment for conveying molten metal into beds or moulds
    • B22D35/04—Equipment for conveying molten metal into beds or moulds into moulds, e.g. base plates, runners
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
    • B22D—CASTING OF METALS; CASTING OF OTHER SUBSTANCES BY THE SAME PROCESSES OR DEVICES
    • B22D39/00—Equipment for supplying molten metal in rations
    • B22D39/06—Equipment for supplying molten metal in rations having means for controlling the amount of molten metal by controlling the pressure above the molten metal
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
    • B22D—CASTING OF METALS; CASTING OF OTHER SUBSTANCES BY THE SAME PROCESSES OR DEVICES
    • B22D45/00—Equipment for casting, not otherwise provided for
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
    • B22D—CASTING OF METALS; CASTING OF OTHER SUBSTANCES BY THE SAME PROCESSES OR DEVICES
    • B22D46/00—Controlling, supervising, not restricted to casting covered by a single main group, e.g. for safety reasons

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a tapping method and tapping equipment for tapping molten metal such as aluminum, aluminum alloys, and non-ferrous metals (hereinafter also referred to as "molten metal” or "molten metal”).
  • molten metal such as aluminum, aluminum alloys, and non-ferrous metals
  • Patent Document 1 discloses a two-chamber low-pressure casting molten metal holding furnace.
  • This two-chamber low-pressure casting molten metal holding furnace is equipped with a lift-up shutoff valve that opens and closes a molten metal flow passage opening that connects the molten metal holding chamber and the pressurizing chamber, and the pressurizing chamber has a pressurizing section and a molten metal tapping section that communicate with each other at their bottoms.
  • the pressurizing chamber With the molten metal flow passage opening closed, pressure is applied to the molten metal surface in the pressurizing section by a pressurized gas, thereby filling the molten metal in the outlet section into the cavity of the mold.
  • the inner wall surfaces of the pressurizing section and the molten metal outlet section are constituted by lining members made of a cylindrical, integrally fired fine ceramic product, and the lower end of the lining member of the pressurizing section is positioned below the molten metal surface level when the molten metal is completely filled into the cavity, while the upper end of the lining member of the molten metal outlet section is positioned above the upper limit molten metal surface level of the molten metal holding chamber and its lower end is positioned below the molten metal surface level when the pressure in the pressurizing section is released, and the fixed molten metal surface level of the pressurizing section is set to the lower limit molten metal surface level of the molten metal holding chamber.
  • the two-chamber low-pressure casting molten metal holding furnace of Patent Document 1 supplies pressurizing gas to the pressurizing section, thereby pushing up the molten metal in the tapping section connected to the pressurizing section, and supplying the molten metal from the tapping section into the cavity of the mold.
  • the molten metal stored in the molten metal holding chamber is supplied to the adjacent pressurizing chamber with the molten metal flow port open. Due to the difference in the metal surface levels between the molten metal holding chamber and the pressurizing chamber, the molten metal in the molten metal holding chamber flows into the pressurizing chamber, but it is not intended to discharge large amounts of molten metal.
  • the main objective of this invention is to provide a tapping method and tapping equipment that can tap large amounts of molten metal.
  • a tapping chamber for tapping molten metal for tapping molten metal; a molten metal holding chamber communicating with the tapping chamber and holding the molten metal; an adjustment unit that allows or blocks movement of the molten metal from the molten metal holding chamber to the tapping chamber between the molten metal holding chamber and the tapping chamber; a tapping passage provided in the tapping chamber and used for tapping the molten metal to the outside of the tapping chamber; a gas supply unit capable of supplying gas from the outside to the inside of the tap chamber; and (1) a moving step of performing at least one of the following: moving the molten metal in the molten metal holding chamber into the tapping chamber by natural flow caused by a difference in the level of the molten metal between the molten metal holding chamber and the tapping chamber while the adjustment unit is allowing the movement of the molten metal; and moving the molten metal in the molten metal holding chamber into the tapping chamber by pressurizing the gas supplied from a pressurizing unit that has a pressurizing unit capable of supplying gas from the outside to the inside
  • a tapping chamber for tapping molten metal for tapping molten metal; a molten metal holding chamber communicating with the tapping chamber and holding the molten metal; an adjustment unit that allows or blocks movement of the molten metal from the molten metal holding chamber to the tapping chamber between the molten metal holding chamber and the tapping chamber; a tapping passage provided in the tapping chamber and used for tapping the molten metal to the outside of the tapping chamber; an air supply/exhaust section capable of supplying and exhausting gas under pressure from the outside to the inside of the tap chamber; and (6) a moving step of performing at least one of: moving the molten metal in the molten metal holding chamber into the tapping chamber by natural flow caused by a difference in the level of the molten metal between the molten metal holding chamber and the tapping chamber while the adjustment unit is allowing the molten metal to move; and moving the molten metal in the molten metal holding chamber into the tapping chamber by exhausting air from the air supply and exhaust unit while the adjustment unit is allowing the molten metal to move;
  • a tapping chamber for tapping molten metal for tapping molten metal; a molten metal holding chamber communicating with the tapping chamber and holding the molten metal; an adjustment unit that allows or blocks movement of the molten metal from the molten metal holding chamber to the tapping chamber between the molten metal holding chamber and the tapping chamber; a tapping passage provided in the tapping chamber and used for tapping the molten metal to the outside of the tapping chamber; a gas supply unit capable of supplying gas from the outside to the inside of the tap chamber; A control unit; and The control unit (11) With the adjustment unit allowing the movement of the molten metal, the molten metal in the molten metal holding chamber is moved into the tapping chamber by natural flow caused by a difference in the level of the molten metal between the molten metal holding chamber and the tapping chamber; and with a pressurizing unit capable of supplying gas from the outside to the inside of the molten metal holding chamber, with the adjustment unit allowing the movement of the molten metal, the molten metal in the molten metal holding chamber
  • a tapping chamber for tapping molten metal for tapping molten metal; a molten metal holding chamber communicating with the tapping chamber and holding the molten metal; an adjustment unit that allows or blocks movement of the molten metal from the molten metal holding chamber to the tapping chamber between the molten metal holding chamber and the tapping chamber; a tapping passage provided in the tapping chamber and used for tapping the molten metal to the outside of the tapping chamber; an air supply/exhaust section capable of supplying and exhausting gas under pressure from the outside to the inside of the tap chamber; A control unit; and The control unit (16) With the adjustment unit allowing the movement of the molten metal, the molten metal in the molten metal holding chamber is moved into the tapping chamber by natural flow caused by a difference in the level of the molten metal between the molten metal holding chamber and the tapping chamber, and with the adjustment unit allowing the movement of the molten metal, the molten metal in the molten metal holding chamber is moved into the tapping chamber by exhausting air from the air supply and exhaust unit,
  • large amounts of molten metal can be poured by repeating the pouring process multiple times.
  • FIG. 33 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along Z1-Z1 in FIG. 32, showing the tapping furnace according to the first embodiment.
  • 2 is a schematic view showing the first embodiment of FIG. 1 immediately after the molten metal has been transferred from the molten metal holding chamber to the tapping chamber.
  • FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the flow of the molten metal is blocked by the adjusting section in FIG. 2 .
  • 1 is a schematic diagram showing the state immediately after pressurized gas is supplied from the gas supply unit and molten metal is completely discharged from the discharge channel.
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the flow of the molten metal is permitted by the adjusting unit after the state shown in FIG. 4 in which the flow of the molten metal is blocked.
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the molten metal has been stopped from moving by the adjusting unit after the molten metal has completely moved from the molten metal holding chamber to the tapping chamber, following the state shown in FIG. 5 .
  • 7 is a schematic diagram showing the state immediately after pressurized gas is supplied from the gas supply unit and the molten metal is completely discharged from the discharge channel, following the state shown in FIG. 6.
  • this is a schematic diagram of the state immediately after the molten metal heater in the molten metal holding chamber is exposed from the surface of the molten metal, a liquid level sensor is installed to indicate the limit at which dry-fire occurs, pressurized gas is supplied from the pressurizing section, and the molten metal has completed moving from the molten metal holding chamber to the tapping chamber.
  • 33 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along Z1-Z1 in FIG. 32, showing a tapping furnace according to a second embodiment.
  • 10 is a schematic view showing the second embodiment of FIG. 9 immediately after the molten metal has been completely moved from the molten metal holding chamber to the tapping chamber.
  • FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the flow of the molten metal is blocked by the adjusting portion in FIG. 10 .
  • 1 is a schematic diagram showing the state immediately after pressurized gas is supplied from the gas supply unit and molten metal is completely discharged from the discharge channel.
  • FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the flow of the molten metal is permitted by the adjusting portion after the state shown in FIG. 12 in which the flow of the molten metal is blocked.
  • 14 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the molten metal has been stopped from moving by the adjusting section after the molten metal has completely moved from the molten metal holding chamber to the tapping chamber, following the state shown in FIG. 13 .
  • FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing the state immediately after pressurized gas is supplied from the gas supply unit and the molten metal is completely discharged from the discharge channel, following the state shown in FIG. 14 .
  • 35 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along Z1-Z1 in FIG. 34, showing a tapping furnace according to a third embodiment.
  • FIG. 17 is a schematic view showing the third embodiment of FIG. 16 immediately after the molten metal has been transferred from the molten metal holding chamber to the tapping chamber.
  • FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the flow of the molten metal is blocked by the adjusting portion in FIG. 17 .
  • 20 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the flow of the molten metal MM is permitted by the adjusting unit after being blocked from the state shown in FIG. 19 .
  • 21 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the molten metal has been stopped from moving by the adjusting section after the molten metal has completely moved from the molten metal holding chamber to the tapping chamber, following the state shown in FIG. 20 .
  • 22 is a schematic diagram showing the state immediately after pressurized gas is supplied from the supply and exhaust unit and the molten metal is completely discharged from the discharge channel, following the state shown in FIG. 21 .
  • this is a schematic diagram of the state immediately after the molten metal heater in the molten metal holding chamber is exposed from the surface of the molten metal, a liquid level sensor is installed to indicate the limit at which dry firing occurs, gas is exhausted from the intake and exhaust section, and the molten metal has completed moving from the molten metal holding chamber to the tapping chamber.
  • 35 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line Z1-Z1 in FIG. 34, showing a tapping furnace according to an improved embodiment of the fourth embodiment.
  • 25 is a schematic view showing the state immediately after the molten metal has been completely moved from the molten metal holding chamber to the tapping chamber according to the fourth embodiment of FIG. 24 .
  • 26 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the flow of the molten metal is blocked by the adjusting portion in FIG. 25 .
  • This is a schematic diagram of the state immediately after pressurized gas is supplied from the air supply and exhaust section and the molten metal has been discharged from the discharge channel.
  • 28 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the flow of the molten metal is permitted by the adjusting unit after being blocked from the state shown in FIG. 27.
  • FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the molten metal has been stopped from moving by the adjusting section after the molten metal has completely moved from the molten metal holding chamber to the tapping chamber, following the state shown in FIG. 28 .
  • FIG. 29A and 29B are schematic diagrams showing the state immediately after pressurized gas is supplied from the supply and exhaust section and the molten metal is completely discharged from the discharge passage.
  • 10A to 10C are schematic diagrams showing modified examples of the position where the melt discharge passage (e.g., melt discharge pipe) penetrates and modified examples of the adjustment portion in the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a plan view of the tapping furnace according to the first or second embodiment.
  • FIG. 1 is a plan view of a tapping furnace according to an improved embodiment of the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 10 is a plan view of a tapping furnace according to a third or fourth embodiment.
  • FIG. 10 is a plan view of a tapping furnace according to an improved embodiment of the third embodiment.
  • tapping furnace 1 A preferred embodiment of the tapping furnace 1 according to the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Please note that the following description and drawings merely show one example of an embodiment of the present invention, and the content of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to this embodiment.
  • Figures 1 to 7 show a first embodiment, and Figure 8 shows an improved version of the first embodiment.
  • Figures 9 to 15 show a second embodiment.
  • Figures 16 to 22 show a third embodiment, and Figure 23 shows an improved version of the third embodiment.
  • Figures 24 to 30 show a fourth embodiment.
  • the first and second embodiments are embodiments of the first aspect described above, and the third and fourth embodiments are embodiments of the second aspect described above.
  • Figure 31 shows modified examples of the adjustment unit 4 and modified examples of the penetration position of the tapping passage 3 (e.g., the tapping pipe 6).
  • the white arrows in Figures 4, 7, 12, 13, 15, 19, 22, 23, 27, and 30 indicate the pressurization or depressurization of the gas in the pressurizing unit 13A, the gas supply unit 16A, and the air supply/exhaust unit 16G, and the tapping of the molten metal MM in the tapping passage 3.
  • the dashed lines in Figures 2, 4, 6 to 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21 to 23, 25, 27, 29, and 30 indicate the molten metal surface before the molten metal MM moves.
  • the dashed arrows in Figures 32 to 35 indicate signals sent from the control unit 50 to the tapping furnace 1.
  • the molten metal holding chamber 13 is the space inside the molten metal holding chamber vessel 13D, and the molten metal MM is held inside this molten metal holding chamber 13.
  • a molten metal heater 2 is provided to heat the molten metal MM inside the molten metal holding chamber 13 and prevent a drop in temperature.
  • a molten metal holding chamber upper cover 13C that closes the upper opening of the molten metal holding chamber 13 and a molten metal supply port cover 13B that supplies the molten metal MM from outside the tapping furnace 1 are provided above the molten metal holding chamber 13.
  • a liquid level sensor 13E is provided on the molten metal holding chamber upper cover 13C.
  • molten metal MM can be supplied from outside the tapping furnace 1 using a ladle or the like.
  • the method of supplying molten metal MM from outside the tapping furnace 1 is not limited to this.
  • a trough is inserted through the side wall of the tapping furnace 1 that forms the molten metal holding chamber 13, and a trough is installed in the penetrated section.
  • the trough can be connected to a melting furnace or buffer furnace located outside the tapping furnace 1, and the molten metal MM from the melting furnace or buffer furnace can be supplied into the molten metal holding chamber 13 via the trough.
  • the molten metal holding chamber 13 itself can be given a melting function, allowing ingots, returned material, or scrap (e.g., briquettes or chips) to be directly melted to produce molten metal MM.
  • the molten metal heater 2 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that it does not hinder the movement of the molten metal MM, and an elongated cylindrical heater is preferable to a plate-shaped heater. Specifically, it is preferable to use a tubular heater such as a tube burner or tube heater. There is no particular limit to the number of molten metal heaters 2, as long as they can properly maintain the temperature of the molten metal MM. In the illustrated example, for example, three molten metal heaters 2 are installed in the molten metal holding chamber 13.
  • the lower end of the liquid level sensor 13E is installed at the same height as the lower end of a liquid level sensor 16E of the tapping chamber 16, which will be described later.
  • the sensor notifies the timing of the supply of the molten metal MM from outside the tapping furnace 1 into the molten metal holding chamber 13.
  • the molten metal MM is supplied from the molten metal supply port cover 13B.
  • a liquid level sensor 13F may be provided in addition to the liquid level sensor 13E that indicates the lower limit of the amount of molten metal in order to detect the upper limit of the supply of molten metal.
  • a pressurizing section 13A may be provided for the molten metal holding chamber 13, and dry air or an inert gas (nitrogen gas, argon gas, etc.) may be supplied in a pressurized state through the pressurizing section 13A. That is, by opening the molten metal flow passage 5 in advance using the adjusting unit 4 and pressurizing the interior of the molten metal holding chamber 13, the molten metal MM can be efficiently transported from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16 via the molten metal flow passage 5 until it is detected by the liquid level sensor 16E of the tapping chamber 16. Details will be described later.
  • the tapping chamber 16 is the space inside the tapping chamber vessel 16D, and the molten metal MM is held in this tapping chamber 16.
  • a gas supply section 16A is provided inside the tapping chamber 16 to be used for tapping the molten metal MM that has moved from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16.
  • a tapping pipe 6 that penetrates the wall of the tapping chamber 16 can be used, and by using this tapping pipe 6, the tapping opening can be positioned at the bottom inside the tapping chamber 16.
  • the tapping path 3 may simply be a hole opened in the wall of the tapping chamber 16. It is desirable to provide a molten metal heater 2 to prevent the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 from heating up and decreasing in temperature.
  • a tapping chamber lid 16C is provided above the tapping chamber 16 at the upper US to close the tapping chamber 16.
  • the tapping chamber lid 16C ensures complete sealing, and is equipped with a liquid level sensor 16E and a thermocouple 16B.
  • the molten metal heater 2 is not particularly limited, but may be the same as that installed in the molten metal holding chamber 13. In the illustrated example, for example, one molten metal heater 2 is installed in the tapping chamber 16.
  • the liquid level relationship of the molten metal MM in Figure 1 indicates that the level of the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is higher than the level of the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16.
  • the system includes a moving process that performs at least one of the following: 1) closing the molten metal flow passage 5 with the adjustment unit 4 to block the movement of the molten metal MM; 2) opening the molten metal flow passage 5 with the adjustment unit 4 to allow the movement of the molten metal MM; 3) allowing the molten metal MM to move from the molten metal holding chamber 13 into the tapping chamber 16 by natural flow due to the difference in the level of the molten metal MM between the molten metal holding chamber 13 and the tapping chamber 16; 4) allowing the molten metal MM to move; and 5) applying pressure to the gas supplied from the pressurizing unit 13A to move the molten metal MM from the molten metal holding chamber 13 into the tapping chamber
  • the surface height (level) of the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is higher than the surface height (level) of the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16, it is preferable to move the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 into the tapping chamber 16 by natural flow due to the difference in the surface levels of the molten metal MM between the molten metal holding chamber 13 and the tapping chamber 16.
  • the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 can also be moved into the tapping chamber 16 by pressurizing the gas supplied from the pressurizing unit 13A, but using the pressurizing unit 13A incurs costs such as operating electricity.
  • the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 can be forced to move into the tapping chamber 16 by pressurizing the gas supplied from the pressurizing unit 13A of the molten metal holding chamber 13.
  • this pressurization allows additional molten metal MM to be transferred, so that more molten metal MM can be transferred to the tapping chamber 16 without waste, and it is also possible to tap a large amount of molten metal MM.
  • the gas supplied into the molten metal holding chamber 13 can be dry air or an inert gas (nitrogen gas, argon gas, etc.). Furthermore, when pressurizing and supplying gas, the molten metal holding chamber 13 is completely sealed by the molten metal holding chamber top lid 13C and the molten metal supply lid 13B.
  • a pressure gauge confirms that the dry air or inert gas (nitrogen gas, argon gas, etc.) compressed and pressurized by a compressor has been adjusted to the desired pressure using a pressure reducing valve, and the adjusted dry air or inert gas (nitrogen gas, argon gas, etc.) is then sent into the molten metal holding chamber 13 via the pressurizing unit 13A.
  • the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is moved into the tapping chamber 16 by gravity flow due to the difference in level of the molten metal MM between the molten metal holding chamber 13 and the tapping chamber 16.
  • the molten metal flow passage 5 is closed by the adjustment unit 4, blocking the movement of the molten metal MM, and then the molten metal flow passage 5 is opened by the adjustment unit 4, allowing the movement of the molten metal MM, and the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is moved into the tapping chamber 16 by natural flow due to the difference in the surface levels of the molten metal MM between the molten metal holding chamber 13 and the tapping chamber 16.
  • the regulating unit 4 provided in the molten metal flow passage 5 closes the molten metal flow passage 5 to block the movement of the molten metal MM and stop the movement of the molten metal MM from the molten metal flow passage 5 to the tapping chamber 16.
  • the level of the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 may still be higher than the level of the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16.
  • the regulating unit 4 can close the molten metal flow passage 5 to block the movement of the molten metal MM.
  • the tapping step in which, with the movement of the molten metal MM blocked by the adjustment unit 4, the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 is tapped through the tapping passage 3 (for example, the inside of the tapping pipe 6) to a target location (for example, into the sleeve of a die-casting machine) by pressurizing the gas supplied from the gas supply unit 16A.
  • the gas taken into the tapping chamber 16 via the gas supply unit 16A is not limited, but it is preferable to use dry air or an inert gas (nitrogen gas, argon gas, etc.), which is less likely to affect the quality of the molten metal MM. Since the gas is supplied under pressure, the tapping chamber 16 can be completely sealed with the tapping chamber cover 16C, allowing the required amount of tapping to be dispensed without causing oxidation.
  • the gas supply unit 16A may be provided with a pressure gauge for pressurization, a speed meter for measuring the gas supply speed, etc. These devices may be provided together with the gas supply unit 16A or may be provided separately from the gas supply unit 16A.
  • the combination of the supply of pressurized gas from the gas supply unit 16A and the tapping path 3 (e.g., tapping pipe 6) of the embodiment makes it possible to accurately tap the molten metal and to tap a large amount of molten metal MM.
  • a pressure gauge is used to confirm that the dry air or inert gas (nitrogen gas, argon gas, etc.) compressed and pressurized by a compressor (not shown) has been adjusted to the desired pressure using a pressure reducing valve, and the adjusted dry air or inert gas (nitrogen gas, argon gas, etc.) is sent into the pouring chamber 16 via the gas supply section 16A.
  • tapping of the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 begins with the surface of the molten metal MM always touching the lower end of the liquid level sensor 16E.
  • tapping begins when the surface of the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 is at a constant position (also referred to as a "constant surface").
  • This allows for a constant supply of pressurized gas from the gas supply unit 16A, making management easier.
  • the tapping chamber 16 can be made smaller, and in this case, the amount of gas used for pressurization from the gas supply unit 16A can also be reduced. This makes it possible to create a smaller tapping chamber than conventional tapping chambers. A smaller tapping chamber requires less gas pressure for tapping, which reduces the power costs required for tapping.
  • Figure 4 shows the state of the molten metal MM immediately after it has been tapped.
  • the pressure is reduced by exhaust through the gas supply unit 16A, returning it to atmospheric pressure.
  • the gas supply unit 16A is capable of not only pressurizing but also depressurizing. After the pouring process, for example, as shown in Figure 4, the level of the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 may still be higher than the level of the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16.
  • the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is moved into the tapping chamber 16 by gravity flow, and pressurization from the gas supply unit 16A causes the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 to pass through the tapping path 3 (for example, the inside of the tapping pipe 6) and be tapped to the target location (for example, into the sleeve of a die-casting machine), either once or multiple times.
  • the tapping path 3 for example, the inside of the tapping pipe 6
  • the target location for example, into the sleeve of a die-casting machine
  • the amount of molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 gradually decreases.
  • the lower end of the liquid level sensor 13E is installed at the same height as the lower end of the liquid level sensor 16E in the tapping chamber 16. This is because when it becomes difficult for the molten metal MM to move from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16 by gravity alone and the molten metal surface moves away from the lower end of the liquid level sensor 13E (i.e., when the molten metal MM can no longer move from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16 by gravity), this notifies the timing of the supply of the molten metal MM from outside the tapping furnace 1 into the molten metal holding chamber 13. When the time comes to supply the molten metal, the molten metal MM is supplied from the molten metal supply port cover 13B.
  • the lower end of the liquid level sensor 13E (referred to as "lower limit 1") is a position where the molten metal heater 2 is exposed above the surface of the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13, preventing dry heating. It is also a position where the pressurizing section 13A can pressurize the molten metal holding chamber 13 with dry air or an inert gas (nitrogen gas, argon gas, etc.), forcing the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 to move to the tapping chamber 16. Nevertheless, this is the timing for supplying molten metal, and there is a risk of frequent supply of molten metal.
  • a liquid level sensor 13G is provided in the molten metal holding chamber 13 in addition to the liquid level sensor 13E. This means that the molten metal heating body 2 extends to a certain height, but is below lower limit 1, for example.
  • the molten metal heating body 2 in the molten metal holding chamber 13 will be exposed from the surface of the molten metal MM, and the height of the molten metal surface at the limit at which dry firing occurs is set in advance, and the lower end of the liquid level sensor 13G (referred to as "lower limit 2") is aligned with this height.
  • the timing for supplying the molten metal MM from outside the tapping furnace 1 into the molten metal holding chamber 13 is not notified by lower limit 1 but by lower limit 2
  • the molten metal MM can be efficiently moved from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16, and the timing for supplying the molten metal MM into the molten metal holding chamber 13 from outside the tapping furnace 1 can be determined, eliminating the need to supply the molten metal frequently.
  • This configuration is considered an improved version of the first embodiment.
  • the pressurizer 13A when the surface of the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 moves away from the lower limit 1 (i.e., when the molten metal MM can no longer move from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16 by gravity), the pressurizer 13A is activated, and the molten metal holding chamber 13 is pressurized with dry air or an inert gas (nitrogen gas, argon gas, etc.) by the pressurizer 13A, forcibly moving the molten metal MM from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16.
  • an inert gas nitrogen gas, argon gas, etc.
  • the pressurized gas supply by the pressurizer 13A is stopped, and the regulating unit 4 provided in the molten metal flow passage 5 closes the molten metal flow passage 5, blocking the movement of the molten metal MM from the molten metal flow passage 5 to the tapping chamber 16.
  • the pressure inside the molten metal holding chamber 13 is then reduced by exhaust via the pressurizer 13A, returning it to atmospheric pressure.
  • the pressurizing unit 13A can not only pressurize but also depressurize. To operate the pressurizing unit 13A, the molten metal holding chamber 13 must be completely sealed by the molten metal holding chamber top lid 13C and the molten metal supply port lid 13B.
  • the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 is discharged through the tapping path 3 (for example, the inside of the tapping pipe 6) to the target location (for example, inside the sleeve of a die-casting machine) by pressurizing the gas supplied from the gas supply unit 16A, and the pressure is then reduced by exhaust via the gas supply unit 16A to return to atmospheric pressure.
  • the tapping path 3 for example, the inside of the tapping pipe 6
  • the target location for example, inside the sleeve of a die-casting machine
  • the pressure unit 13A is activated, and the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is forcibly moved to the tapping chamber 16 by applying pressure using the pressure unit 13A.
  • the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 is then tapped through the tapping passage 3 (e.g., the inside of the tapping pipe 6) to the target location (e.g., the sleeve of a die-casting machine) by applying pressure using gas supplied from the gas supply unit 16A.
  • This process is carried out once or repeatedly. Then, when the molten metal surface moves away from the lower end (lower limit 2) of the liquid level sensor 13G (i.e., when the molten metal heater 2 in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is exposed from the surface of the molten metal MM and the limit for dry-fire operation is reached), the timing for supplying the molten metal MM into the molten metal holding chamber 13 is notified from outside the tapping furnace 1, and the molten metal MM is then supplied.
  • the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is moved into the tapping chamber 16 by gravity flow due to the difference in the surface levels of the molten metal MM, and when the surface height (level) of the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 and the surface height (level) of the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 become the same level (in other words, when the molten metal MM can no longer move from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16 by gravity flow), the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is moved into the tapping chamber 16 by forcibly pressurizing with gas supplied from the pressurizing section 13A.
  • the pressurizing unit 13A As can be seen from the above, if the molten metal MM is simply being moved from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16 by gravity, the pressurizing unit 13A is not necessarily required, and if a pressurizing unit 13A is installed, it should be ensured that no outside air enters the molten metal holding chamber 13 from outside. Therefore, the pressurizing unit 13A shown in Figures 1 to 7 is designed to prevent outside air from entering the molten metal holding chamber 13 from outside.
  • one idea is to simply set the lower end of the liquid level sensor 13E to lower limit 2 from the beginning, but if the molten metal MM is moved from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16 by natural flow due to the difference in level of the molten metal MM between the molten metal holding chamber 13 and the tapping chamber 16, the lower end of the liquid level sensor 16E in the tapping chamber 16 would also need to be installed at the same height as the lower end of the liquid level sensor 13E, which would require the tapping chamber 16 itself to be installed at a lower position than the molten metal holding chamber 13, which is not desirable as it could distort the shape of the tapping furnace 1 itself.
  • the pressurizing unit 13A when the surface of the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 moves away from the lower limit 1 (i.e., when the molten metal MM can no longer move from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16 by gravity flow), which is confirmed before actual operation, the pressurizing unit 13A is activated, and the pressurizing unit 13A applies pressure to the inside of the molten metal holding chamber 13 to forcibly move the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16, and information is recorded until the surface of the molten metal MM touches the lower end of the liquid level sensor 16E.
  • the pressurizing unit 13A is activated again, and the pressurizing unit 13A applies pressure to forcibly move the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16, and this is repeated once or multiple times until the surface of the molten metal MM touches the lower end of the liquid level sensor 16E.
  • FIG. 9 A second embodiment of a tapping furnace 1 according to the present invention is shown in Figures 9 to 15. Explanations of parts overlapping with those of the first embodiment will be omitted.
  • a pressurizing section 13A is provided for the molten metal holding chamber 13, and the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is moved into the tapping chamber 16 simply by supplying pressurized dry air or an inert gas (nitrogen gas, argon gas, etc.) through this pressurizing section 13A.
  • the adjustment unit 4 is set to a state in which the movement of the molten metal MM is permitted, and the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is moved into the tapping chamber 16 by pressurizing the gas supplied from the pressure unit 13A.
  • the pressurized supply of gas by the pressurizing unit 13A is stopped.
  • the molten metal flow passage 5 is closed by the adjusting unit 4 provided in the molten metal flow passage 5, blocking the movement of the molten metal MM and stopping the movement of the molten metal MM from the molten metal flow passage 5 to the tapping chamber 16. Thereafter, the pressure inside the molten metal holding chamber 13 is reduced by exhausting air via the pressurizing unit 13A to return it to atmospheric pressure.
  • the pressurizing unit 13A can perform not only pressurization but also depressurization. Note that, to operate the pressurizing unit 13A, the molten metal holding chamber 13 is completely sealed by the molten metal holding chamber top lid 13C and the molten metal feed port lid 13B.
  • FIG 12 there is a tapping process in which, with the movement of the molten metal MM blocked by the adjustment unit 4, the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 is tapped through the tapping passage 3 (for example, the inside of the tapping pipe 6) to the target location (for example, the inside of the sleeve of a die-casting machine) by pressurizing the gas supplied from the gas supply unit 16A. Furthermore, because the gas is supplied under pressure, the tapping chamber 16 can be completely sealed by the tapping chamber lid 16C, allowing the required amount of molten metal to be tapped without causing oxidation.
  • the tapping passage 3 for example, the inside of the tapping pipe 6
  • the target location for example, the inside of the sleeve of a die-casting machine
  • the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is pressurized through the pressurizing section 13A and moved into the discharge chamber 16, and by applying pressure from the gas supply section 16A, the molten metal MM in the discharge chamber 16 is passed through the inside of the discharge path 3 (e.g., the discharge pipe 6) and discharged to the target location (e.g., into the sleeve of a die-casting machine), either once or repeatedly multiple times. By repeating this process multiple times, the amount of molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 gradually decreases.
  • a liquid level sensor 13G is provided instead of the liquid level sensor 13E of the first embodiment. This extends to a certain height directly above the molten metal heating element 2, but for example, this is below the height of the lower end of the liquid level sensor 16E in the discharge chamber 16.
  • the pressurizing element 13A pressurizes the molten metal holding chamber 13 with dry air or an inert gas (nitrogen gas, argon gas, etc.) to forcibly move the molten metal MM from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the discharge chamber 16, the molten metal heating element 2 in the molten metal holding chamber 13 will be exposed from the surface of the molten metal MM, and the upper limit of the molten metal surface at which dry firing occurs is set in advance, and the lower end of the liquid level sensor 13G (referred to as "lower limit 2”) is aligned with this height.
  • an inert gas nitrogen gas, argon gas, etc.
  • the molten metal MM can be efficiently moved from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16, and the timing for supplying the molten metal MM into the molten metal holding chamber 13 from outside the tapping furnace 1 can be determined, eliminating the need to supply the molten metal frequently.
  • this is performed once or repeatedly multiple times, and when the molten metal surface moves away from the lower end (lower limit 2) of the liquid level sensor 13G (in other words, when the molten metal heater 2 in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is exposed from the surface of the molten metal MM and it reaches the limit of dry firing), the timing for supplying the molten metal MM into the molten metal holding chamber 13 is notified from outside the tapping furnace 1, and the molten metal MM is supplied.
  • the operation panel of the tapping furnace 1 is used to input various preliminary information that has been confirmed before actual operation, and pressurization and depressurization are carried out during actual operation, ensuring accurate pressurized supply.
  • FIGS. 16 A third embodiment of the tapping furnace 1 according to the present invention is shown in FIGS. 16, the lower end of the liquid level sensor 13E is installed at the same height as the lower end of a liquid level sensor 16E of the tapping chamber 16, which will be described later.
  • the molten metal MM is supplied from the molten metal supply port cover 13B.
  • a liquid level sensor 13F may be provided in addition to the liquid level sensor 13E that indicates the lower limit of the amount of molten metal in order to detect the upper limit of the supply of molten metal.
  • an air supply/exhaust section 16G can be provided for the tap chamber 16, and the gas in the tap chamber 16 can be exhausted through this air supply/exhaust section 16G to create a reduced pressure state.
  • the molten metal MM can be efficiently transported from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16 via the molten metal flow passage 5 until it is detected by the liquid level sensor 16E in the tapping chamber 16. Details will be described later.
  • the liquid level relationship of the molten metal MM in Figure 16 shows that the level of the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is higher than the level of the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16.
  • the system includes a moving process that performs at least one of the following: 1) closing the molten metal flow passage 5 with the adjustment unit 4 to block the movement of the molten metal MM; 2) opening the molten metal flow passage 5 with the adjustment unit 4 to allow the movement of the molten metal MM; 3) allowing the molten metal MM to move from within the molten metal holding chamber 13 into the tapping chamber 16 by natural flow due to the difference in the level of the molten metal MM between the molten metal holding chamber 13 and the tapping chamber 16; 4) allowing the movement of the molten metal MM; and 5) moving the molten metal MM from within the molten metal holding chamber 13 into the tapping chamber 16 by exhausting air from the air supply and exhaust unit
  • the tapping chamber 16 When the level of the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is higher than the level of the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16, it is preferable to move the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 into the tapping chamber 16 by natural flow due to the difference in the level of the molten metal MM between the molten metal holding chamber 13 and the tapping chamber 16.
  • the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 can also be moved into the tapping chamber 16 by evacuating the gas in the tapping chamber 16 through the intake and exhaust section 16G to reduce the pressure, but using the intake and exhaust section 16G incurs costs such as operating electricity. Note that in order to evacuate the gas and reduce the pressure using the intake and exhaust section 16G, and to supply gas to increase the pressure, as will be described later, the tapping chamber 16 is completely sealed by the tapping chamber lid 16C.
  • the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 can be forced to move into the tapping chamber 16 by evacuating the gas from the intake and exhaust unit 16G of the tapping chamber 16 and reducing the pressure in the tapping chamber 16.
  • the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is moved into the tapping chamber 16 by gravity flow due to the difference in level of the molten metal MM between the molten metal holding chamber 13 and the tapping chamber 16.
  • the molten metal flow passage 5 is closed by the adjustment unit 4, changing from a state in which the movement of the molten metal MM is blocked to a state in which the movement of the molten metal MM is allowed by the adjustment unit 4, and the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is moved into the tapping chamber 16 by natural flow due to the difference in the surface levels of the molten metal MM between the molten metal holding chamber 13 and the tapping chamber 16.
  • the regulating unit 4 provided in the molten metal flow passage 5 closes the molten metal flow passage 5 to block the movement of the molten metal MM and stop the movement of the molten metal MM from the molten metal flow passage 5 to the tapping chamber 16.
  • the level of the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 may still be higher than the level of the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16.
  • the regulating unit 4 closes the molten metal flow passage 5 to block the movement of the molten metal MM.
  • a tapping step in which, with the movement of the molten metal MM blocked by the adjustment unit 4, the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 is tapped through the inside of the tapping passage 3 (e.g., the tapping pipe 6) to a target location (e.g., the inside of a sleeve of a die-casting machine) by pressurizing the gas supplied from the supply and exhaust unit 16G.
  • a target location e.g., the inside of a sleeve of a die-casting machine
  • the hot water outlet chamber 16 is completely sealed by the hot water outlet chamber cover 16C, so that the required amount of hot water can be dispensed without causing oxidation.
  • the air supply/exhaust unit 16G may be provided with a pressure gauge for pressurizing and depressurizing, a speed meter for measuring the gas supply speed and exhaust speed, etc. These devices may be provided together with the air supply/exhaust unit 16G, or may be provided separately from the air supply/exhaust unit 16G.
  • the combination of the supply of pressurized gas from the air supply/exhaust section 16G and the melt discharge passage 3 (e.g., the melt discharge pipe 6) of the embodiment makes it possible to accurately discharge the melt and to discharge a large amount of molten metal MM.
  • a pressure gauge is used to confirm that the dry air or inert gas (nitrogen gas, argon gas, etc.) compressed and pressurized by a compressor (not shown) has been adjusted to the desired pressure using a pressure reducing valve, and the adjusted dry air or inert gas (nitrogen gas, argon gas, etc.) is then sent into the pouring chamber 16 via the supply and exhaust section 16G.
  • a pressure gauge is used to confirm that the dry air or inert gas (nitrogen gas, argon gas, etc.) compressed and pressurized by a compressor (not shown) has been adjusted to the desired pressure using a pressure reducing valve, and the adjusted dry air or inert gas (nitrogen gas, argon gas, etc.) is then sent into the pouring chamber 16 via the supply and exhaust section 16G.
  • tapping of the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 begins when the surface of the molten metal MM always touches the lower end of the level sensor 16E.
  • tapping begins when the surface of the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 is at a constant level (also referred to as a "constant level").
  • a constant level also referred to as a "constant level”
  • the tapping chamber 16 can be made smaller, and in this case, the amount of gas required for pressurization from the supply and exhaust section 16G can also be reduced. This allows for a smaller tapping chamber than conventional tapping chambers.
  • the size of the tapping chamber is reduced, only a small pressure of gas is required for tapping, so the power cost required for tapping can be reduced.
  • the pressure is reduced by exhaust through the intake and exhaust section 16G to return to atmospheric pressure.
  • the intake and exhaust section 16G is capable of not only pressurizing but also depressurizing. After the pouring process, for example, as shown in Figure 19, the level of the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 may still be higher than the level of the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16.
  • the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is moved into the tapping chamber 16 by gravity flow, and by applying pressure from the air supply and exhaust section 16G, the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 is passed through the inside of the tapping path 3 (e.g., the tapping pipe 6) and tapped to the target location (e.g., into the sleeve of a die-casting machine), either once or repeatedly multiple times.
  • the target location e.g., into the sleeve of a die-casting machine
  • the lower end of the liquid level sensor 13E is installed at the same height as the lower end of the liquid level sensor 16E in the tapping chamber 16. This is because when it becomes difficult for the molten metal MM to move from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16 by gravity alone and the molten metal surface moves away from the lower end of the liquid level sensor 13E (i.e., when the molten metal MM can no longer move from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16 by gravity), this notifies the timing of the supply of the molten metal MM from outside the tapping furnace 1 into the molten metal holding chamber 13. When the time comes to supply the molten metal, the molten metal MM is supplied from the molten metal supply port cover 13B.
  • the lower end of the liquid level sensor 13E (referred to as "lower limit 1") is a position where the molten metal heater 2 is exposed above the surface of the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13, preventing dry heating, and is also a position where the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 can be forcibly moved to the tapping chamber 16 by evacuating the gas in the tapping chamber 16 from the supply and exhaust section 16G to reduce the pressure. Nevertheless, this is the timing for supplying molten metal, and there is a risk that molten metal will be supplied frequently.
  • a liquid level sensor 13G is provided in the molten metal holding chamber 13 in addition to the liquid level sensor 13E. This extends to a certain height directly above the molten metal heating body 2, but for example, if it is below lower limit 1 and the molten metal MM is forcibly moved from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16 by evacuating the gas in the tapping chamber 16 through the intake and exhaust section 16G to reduce the pressure, the molten metal heating body 2 in the molten metal holding chamber 13 will be exposed from the surface of the molten metal MM, and the limit of the molten metal surface height at which dry firing occurs is set in advance, and the lower end of the liquid level sensor 13G (referred to as "lower limit 2”) is aligned with this height.
  • the timing for supplying the molten metal MM from outside the tapping furnace 1 into the molten metal holding chamber 13 is not notified by lower limit 1 but by lower limit 2
  • the molten metal MM can be efficiently moved from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16, and the timing for supplying the molten metal MM into the molten metal holding chamber 13 from outside the tapping furnace 1 can be determined, eliminating the need to supply the molten metal frequently.
  • This configuration is considered an improved version of the third embodiment.
  • the intake and exhaust unit 16G is activated, and the gas in the tapping chamber 16 is evacuated and depressurized by the intake and exhaust unit 16G, forcibly moving the molten metal MM from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16.
  • the exhaust and depressurization of the gas by the intake and exhaust unit 16G is stopped, and the regulating unit 4 provided in the molten metal flow passage 5 closes the molten metal flow passage 5, blocking the movement of the molten metal MM and stopping the movement of the molten metal MM from the molten metal flow passage 5 to the tapping chamber 16.
  • air is supplied via the intake and exhaust unit 16G to temporarily pressurize the interior of the tapping chamber 16 back to atmospheric pressure.
  • the movement of the molten metal MM from the molten metal flow passage 5 to the tapping chamber 16 is stopped.
  • the tapping chamber 16 is completely sealed by the tapping chamber cover 16C.
  • the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 is tapped to the destination (such as the sleeve of a die-casting machine) through the inside of the tapping passage 3 (e.g., tapping pipe 6) by pressurizing the gas supplied from the intake and exhaust unit 16G, and the pressure is then reduced by exhaust through the intake and exhaust unit 16G to return to atmospheric pressure.
  • the adjustment unit 4 switches from blocking the movement of the molten metal MM to allowing the movement of the molten metal MM, and the intake and exhaust unit 16G is again operated, reducing the pressure using the intake and exhaust unit 16G to forcibly move the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16.
  • the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 is then tapped to the destination (such as the sleeve of a die-casting machine) through the inside of the tapping passage 3 (e.g., tapping pipe 6) by pressurizing the gas supplied from the intake and exhaust unit 16G. This process is carried out once or repeatedly multiple times.
  • the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is moved into the tapping chamber 16 by gravity flow due to the difference in the surface levels of the molten metal MM, and when the surface height (level) of the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 and the surface height (level) of the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 become the same level (in other words, when the molten metal MM can no longer move from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16 by gravity flow), the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is moved into the tapping chamber 16 by reducing the pressure of the gas forcibly exhausted from the supply and exhaust section 16G.
  • one idea is to simply set the lower end of the liquid level sensor 13E to lower limit 2 from the beginning, but if the molten metal MM is moved from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16 by natural flow due to the difference in level of the molten metal MM between the molten metal holding chamber 13 and the tapping chamber 16, the lower end of the liquid level sensor 16E in the tapping chamber 16 would also need to be installed at the same height as the lower end of the liquid level sensor 13E, which would require the tapping chamber 16 itself to be installed at a lower position than the molten metal holding chamber 13, which is not desirable as it could distort the shape of the tapping furnace 1 itself.
  • the intake and exhaust unit 16G is activated, and the gas in the tapping chamber 16 is evacuated from the intake and exhaust unit 16G to reduce the pressure, thereby forcibly moving the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16, and information is collected until the surface of the molten metal MM touches the lower end of the liquid level sensor 16E, and then the intake and exhaust unit 16G is activated again, and the gas in the tapping chamber 16 is evacuated from the intake and exhaust unit 16G to reduce the pressure, thereby forcibly moving the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16, and information is collected once or multiple times until the surface of the molten metal MM touches the lower end of the liquid
  • the tapping furnace 1's operation panel is used to input information for repeatedly performing this operation, as well as information on whether operating the intake and exhaust unit 16G and evacuating the gas in the tapping chamber 16 from the intake and exhaust unit 16G to forcefully move the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 will cause the molten metal surface to move away from the lower end (lower limit 2) of the liquid level sensor 13G (i.e., the molten metal heater 2 in the molten metal holding chamber 13 will be exposed from the surface of the molten metal MM, reaching the limit of dry firing).
  • This information also includes information on the elapsed time and number of times the intake and exhaust unit 16G is operated from the start of operation until the molten metal MM surface touches the lower end of the liquid level sensor 16E, the pressure, speed, and supply time of the gas supplied to the molten metal holding chamber 13, and the configuration of the molten metal flow passage 5 (inner diameter, length, flow, etc.). During actual operation, pressurization and depressurization are performed, and the molten metal is accurately pressurized and supplied.
  • FIG. 24 to 30 A fourth embodiment of the tapping furnace 1 according to the present invention is shown in Figures 24 to 30. Explanations of parts overlapping with those of the third embodiment will be omitted.
  • an intake and exhaust section 16G is provided for the tapping chamber 16, and the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is moved into the tapping chamber 16 simply by evacuating the gas in the tapping chamber 16 from this intake and exhaust section 16G to reduce the pressure. This allows the molten metal MM to be moved regardless of the level difference, whether the level of the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is higher than, the same as, or lower than the level of the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16.
  • the adjustment section 4 allows the movement of the molten metal MM, and the gas in the tapping chamber 16 is evacuated from the air intake and exhaust section 16G to reduce the pressure, thereby moving the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 into the tapping chamber 16.
  • the molten metal flow passage 5 is closed by the adjustment unit 4 provided in the molten metal flow passage 5 to block the movement of the molten metal MM, stopping the movement of the molten metal MM from the molten metal flow passage 5 to the tapping chamber 16.
  • Air is then supplied via the air supply and exhaust unit 16G to pressurize the inside of the tapping chamber 16 and return it to atmospheric pressure.
  • the movement of the molten metal MM from the molten metal flow passage 5 to the tapping chamber 16 can be left stopped.
  • the tapping chamber 16 is completely sealed by the tapping chamber lid 16C.
  • FIG. 27 there is a tapping process in which, with the movement of the molten metal MM blocked by the adjustment unit 4, the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 is tapped through the inside of the tapping passage 3 (e.g., the tapping pipe 6) to the target location (e.g., the inside of the sleeve of a die-casting machine) by pressurizing the gas supplied from the supply and exhaust unit 16G. Furthermore, because the gas is supplied under pressure, the tapping chamber 16 can be completely sealed by the tapping chamber lid 16C, allowing the required amount of molten metal to be tapped without causing oxidation.
  • the tapping passage 3 e.g., the tapping pipe 6
  • the target location e.g., the inside of the sleeve of a die-casting machine
  • the adjustment unit 4 changes from a state in which the movement of the molten metal MM is blocked to a state in which the movement of the molten metal MM is permitted.
  • the gas in the tapping chamber 16 is evacuated from the intake and exhaust unit 16G to reduce the pressure, thereby moving the molten metal MM from the molten metal holding chamber 13 into the tapping chamber 16 through a movement process in which the molten metal MM is moved from the molten metal holding chamber 13 into the tapping chamber 16.
  • the intake and exhaust unit 16G stops decompressing and exhausting the gas, and the adjustment unit 4 provided in the molten metal flow passage 5 closes the molten metal flow passage 5 to block the movement of the molten metal MM, stopping the movement of the molten metal MM from the molten metal flow passage 5 to the tapping chamber 16. Thereafter, the interior of the tapping chamber 16 is pressurized by supplying air via the intake and exhaust unit 16G to return to atmospheric pressure. Alternatively, the movement of the molten metal MM from the molten metal flow passage 5 to the tapping chamber 16 is stopped.
  • the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 is tapped through the tapping process, in which pressurized gas supplied from the supply and exhaust unit 16G is used to tap the molten metal MM inside the tapping chamber 16 through the inside of the tapping passage 3 (e.g., tapping pipe 6) to the target location (e.g., inside the sleeve of a die-casting machine).
  • pressurized gas supplied from the supply and exhaust unit 16G is used to tap the molten metal MM inside the tapping chamber 16 through the inside of the tapping passage 3 (e.g., tapping pipe 6) to the target location (e.g., inside the sleeve of a die-casting machine).
  • the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is moved into the discharge chamber 16 by reducing the pressure from the air supply and exhaust section 16G, and the molten metal MM in the discharge chamber 16 is then pressurized from the air supply and exhaust section 16G to be discharged through the inside of the discharge path 3 (e.g., the discharge pipe 6) to the target location (e.g., into the sleeve of a die-casting machine), and this is carried out once or repeatedly multiple times. By repeating this process multiple times, the amount of molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 gradually decreases.
  • a liquid level sensor 13G is provided instead of the liquid level sensor 13E of the third embodiment. This extends to a certain height just above the molten metal heating element 2, but for example, it is lower than the height of the lower end of the liquid level sensor 16E in the tapping chamber 16. If the molten metal MM is forcibly moved from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16 by evacuating the gas in the tapping chamber 16 through the supply and exhaust section 16G to reduce the pressure, the molten metal heating element 2 in the molten metal holding chamber 13 will be exposed from the surface of the molten metal MM, and the lower end of the liquid level sensor 13G (referred to as "lower limit 2”) is set to a predetermined height limit at which dry firing occurs.
  • the molten metal MM can be efficiently moved from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16, and the timing for supplying the molten metal MM from outside the tapping furnace 1 into the molten metal holding chamber 13 can be obtained, eliminating the need to supply the molten metal frequently.
  • this is performed once or repeatedly multiple times, and when the molten metal surface moves away from the lower end (lower limit 2) of the liquid level sensor 13G (i.e., when the molten metal heater 2 in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is exposed from the molten metal surface of the molten metal MM and the limit is reached where dry firing occurs), the timing for supplying the molten metal MM into the molten metal holding chamber 13 is notified from outside the tapping furnace 1, and the molten metal MM is supplied.
  • the operation panel of the tapping furnace 1 is used to input various preliminary information data that has been confirmed before actual operation, and pressurization and depressurization are carried out during actual operation, ensuring accurate pressurized supply.
  • the volume of the molten metal holding chamber 13 is ensured to a certain extent, it is possible to increase the amount of molten metal MM that can be stored in the molten metal holding chamber 13.
  • the volume of the tapping chamber 16 is small, by moving the molten metal MM from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16 and storing the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 each time, it is possible to accurately tap the molten metal MM from the tapping chamber 16.
  • the ladle in the conventional method of pouring molten metal into a ladle and then transferring it from the ladle to, for example, a cavity, if the ladle is to receive the amount of molten metal required by the cavity in one pour, then the ladle must be large enough to accommodate the cavity capacity.
  • the equipment cost of the tapping furnace increases, and the enlargement of the tapping port increases the amount of heat dissipation energy, which increases the contact area of the molten metal with the atmosphere and increases the degree of oxidation of the molten metal.
  • the above problem becomes more pronounced when, for example, with the expansion of electric vehicle (EV) production, casting equipment such as die-casting machines increases the capacity of a single molten metal discharged into equipment known as "gigacast.”
  • the embodiment does not have a tap port that causes the above-mentioned problem.
  • the required amount of molten metal per shot can be secured by thickening the tapping pipe 6 or increasing the number of tapping pipes 6, thereby solving the above-mentioned problem.
  • the movement of the molten metal MM by pressurization from the pressurization section 13A in the molten metal holding chamber 13 and depressurization from the intake and exhaust section 16G in the tapping chamber 16 also allows a large amount of molten metal MM to be stored in the tapping chamber 16, thereby securing the required amount of molten metal per shot (one tapping), thereby solving the above-mentioned problem.
  • the tapping furnace 1 uses a tapping path 3 (e.g., tapping pipe 6), which means there is no risk of the molten metal MM spilling during the scooping process, and there is no risk of workers being injured by spilled molten metal MM, making it very safe.
  • the tapping chamber 16 can be completely sealed by the tapping chamber lid 16C, allowing the required amount of molten metal to be tapped without causing oxidation.
  • the tapping passage 3 (e.g., tapping pipe 6) is arranged to pass through the side wall of the tapping furnace 1, but as shown in Figure 31, the tapping passage 3 (e.g., tapping pipe 6) may also be arranged to pass through the tapping chamber cover 16C.
  • the tapping furnace 1 and the tapping passage 3 (e.g., tapping pipe 6) may be manufactured as a single unit. If the tapping furnace 1 and the tapping passage 3 (e.g., tapping pipe 6) are separate, it is possible to replace only the tapping passage 3 (e.g., tapping pipe 6) when it is time to replace the tapping passage 3 (e.g., tapping pipe 6).
  • the tapping passage 3 is the space within the tapping passage 3 (e.g., tapping pipe 6) through which the molten metal MM passes when the molten metal MM is tapped outside the tapping furnace 1.
  • the tapping path 3 (e.g., tapping pipe 6) has one end immersed in the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16, which serves as an inlet 9 for the molten metal MM, and the other end, where the molten metal MM is tapped out of the tapping furnace 1, penetrates from within the tapping chamber 16 through the side wall of the tapping furnace 1 or the tapping chamber cover 16C, protruding out of the tapping furnace 1, and serves as an outlet 7 for the molten metal MM.
  • the tapping pipe 6 is not limited to any particular material, but from the standpoint of strength and durability, it is preferable that it be a long, slender cylinder made of, for example, fine ceramics or ceramic-based aluminum titanate.
  • the tapping chamber 16 By pressurizing the tapping chamber 16 for a certain period of time with pressurized dry air or inert gas (nitrogen gas, argon gas, etc.) via the gas supply section 16A or the air intake and exhaust section 16G, the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 is pushed out through the tapping path 3 (e.g., the tapping pipe 6), thereby making it possible to tap the molten metal outside the tapping furnace 1.
  • the tapping path 3 e.g., the tapping pipe 6
  • the melt discharge passage 3 (for example, the melt discharge pipe 6) is formed with an inlet 9 and an outlet 7, and the melt discharge passage 3 (for example, the melt discharge pipe 6) may be provided with a one-way valve means.
  • the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 is pressurized, the molten metal MM flows in through the inlet 9 of the tapping passage 3 (e.g., the tapping pipe 6), moves through the tapping passage 3 (e.g., the tapping pipe 6), and a predetermined amount of the molten metal MM flows out through the outlet 7.
  • the one-way valve means acts to close the tapping passage 3 (e.g., the tapping pipe 6), preventing outside air from flowing into the tapping chamber 16 and preventing oxidation of the molten metal MM stored in the tapping chamber 16.
  • the outlet 7 of the outlet pipe 6 can be used to pour molten metal MM into the sleeve of a die-casting machine, or the mold (cavity) for the part to be manufactured can be attached and the molten metal MM can be poured into it.
  • the molten metal holding chamber 13 and the tapping chamber 16 are in communication with each other via a molten metal flow passage 5.
  • the molten metal flow passage 5 is provided with an adjustment unit 4 that separates the molten metal holding chamber 13 from the tapping chamber 16 and that can open and close the molten metal flow passage 5 by, for example, raising and lowering it.
  • the adjustment unit 4 can be raised and lowered manually, or it may be configured so that when the molten metal MM flows from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16 with the adjustment unit 4 raised and the molten metal level rises enough to be detected by a liquid level sensor 16E, the adjustment unit 4 automatically lowers to prevent further inflow of the molten metal MM, thereby closing the molten metal flow passage 5.
  • the adjustment unit 4 is provided with a lift-and-rotate shutoff valve 12 for opening and closing the molten metal flow passage 5.
  • the lift-and-rotate shutoff valve 12 moves up and down; when it rises, the molten metal flow passage 5 is opened, and when it lowers, the molten metal flow passage 5 is blocked and closed.
  • the lift-and-rotate shutoff valve 12 can also be opened and closed manually.
  • molten metal MM flows into the tapping chamber 16.
  • the lift-and-rotate shutoff valve 12 automatically lowers to prevent further inflow of molten metal MM, thereby closing the molten metal flow passage 5.
  • the adjustment unit 4 may be provided on the molten metal holding chamber 13 side of the molten metal flow passage 5, on the tapping chamber 16 side, or midway along the molten metal flow passage 5, as long as it separates the molten metal holding chamber 13 and the tapping chamber 16.
  • the tapping furnace 1 can repeatedly tap molten metal MM, making it possible to tap large volumes of molten metal MM.
  • Control unit The above-described pouring method is preferably carried out under a pouring equipment having a control unit 50 shown in FIGS.
  • the control unit 50 is connected to the gas supply unit 16A or the air supply/exhaust unit 16G, the pressurization unit 13A, and the adjustment unit 4 to receive and transmit control signals, and also receives signals from the liquid level sensors 13E, 13F, 13G, and 16E.
  • the control unit 50 may also include a CPU, a storage device, and a program for executing the hot water dispensing operation, all of which are not shown.
  • the control unit 50 With the adjustment unit 4 allowing the molten metal MM to move, the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is moved into the tapping chamber 16 by natural flow caused by a difference in the level of the molten metal MM between the molten metal holding chamber 13 and the tapping chamber 16; and with the adjustment unit 4 allowing the molten metal MM to move, the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is moved into the tapping chamber 16 by pressurizing the gas supplied from the pressurizing unit 13A, which has a pressurizing unit 13A capable of supplying gas from the outside to the inside of the molten metal holding chamber 13.
  • the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 is tapped to a target location through the inside of the tapping path 3 by pressurizing the gas supplied from the gas supply unit 16A. It functions to exert control.
  • the control unit 50 With the adjustment unit 4 allowing the movement of the molten metal MM, at least one of the following is performed: the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is moved into the tapping chamber 16 by natural flow due to a difference in the level of the molten metal MM between the molten metal holding chamber 13 and the tapping chamber 16; and with the adjustment unit 4 allowing the movement of the molten metal MM, the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is moved into the tapping chamber 16 by exhausting air from the intake and exhaust unit 16G.
  • the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 is tapped to the target location through the inside of the tapping path 3 by pressurizing and supplying gas from the supply and exhaust unit 16G. It functions to exert control.
  • the molten metal MM may be aluminum or an aluminum alloy, or other molten metal MM.
  • the tapping furnace 1 of the present invention can also be used in metal molten metal furnaces, molten metal tapping furnaces, melting furnaces, holding furnaces, low-pressure casting furnaces, etc.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Casting Support Devices, Ladles, And Melt Control Thereby (AREA)

Abstract

[Problème] Fournir un procédé de coulée et une installation de coulée permettant de couler une grande quantité de métal fondu. [Solution] La présente invention concerne : une installation de coulée comprenant une chambre de coulée 16 pour couler du métal fondu MM, une chambre de maintien de métal fondu 13 pour contenir le métal fondu MM, une unité de réglage 4 pour permettre ou interrompre le déplacement du métal fondu MM de la chambre de maintien de métal fondu 13 vers la chambre de coulée 16, entre la chambre de maintien de métal fondu 13 et la chambre de coulée 16, un passage de coulée 3 utilisé pour couler le métal fondu MM à l'intérieur de la chambre de coulée 16 vers l'extérieur, et une unité d'alimentation en gaz 16A apte à fournir du gaz depuis l'extérieur de la chambre de coulée 16 ; et un procédé de coulée comprenant (1) une étape de déplacement pour déplacer le métal fondu MM à l'intérieur de la chambre de maintien de métal fondu 13 dans la chambre de coulée 16 par écoulement naturel vers le bas en raison d'une différence de niveau de la surface de métal fondu du métal fondu MM entre la chambre de maintien de métal fondu 13 et la chambre de coulée 16, et/ou, avec une unité de mise sous pression 13A apte à fournir du gaz depuis l'extérieur de la chambre de maintien de métal fondu 13, déplacer le métal fondu MM à l'intérieur de la chambre de maintien de métal fondu 13 dans la chambre de coulée 16 par mise sous pression avec du gaz provenant de l'unité de mise sous pression 13A, et (2) une étape de coulée pour prélever le métal fondu MM à l'intérieur de la chambre de coulée 16 à un emplacement cible à travers l'intérieur du passage de coulée 3 par mise sous pression avec du gaz provenant de l'unité d'alimentation en gaz 16A.
PCT/JP2024/035831 2024-04-17 2024-10-07 Procédé de coulée et installation de coulée Pending WO2025220248A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2024067001A JP2025163586A (ja) 2024-04-17 2024-04-17 出湯方法および出湯設備
JP2024-067001 2024-04-17

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2025220248A1 true WO2025220248A1 (fr) 2025-10-23

Family

ID=97396426

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/JP2024/035831 Pending WO2025220248A1 (fr) 2024-04-17 2024-10-07 Procédé de coulée et installation de coulée

Country Status (3)

Country Link
JP (2) JP2025163586A (fr)
CN (1) CN120828125A (fr)
WO (1) WO2025220248A1 (fr)

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH08197226A (ja) * 1995-01-20 1996-08-06 Ube Ind Ltd 溶融金属保持炉
JPH11320083A (ja) * 1998-03-13 1999-11-24 Tounetsu:Kk 溶解保持炉
JP2001239357A (ja) * 2000-02-29 2001-09-04 Aisin Seiki Co Ltd 給湯装置
JP2006297422A (ja) * 2005-04-18 2006-11-02 Tounetsu Co Ltd 溶湯定量供給用保持炉
JP2007313547A (ja) * 2006-05-26 2007-12-06 Tounetsu Co Ltd ２室型低圧鋳造用溶湯保持炉
CN106623876A (zh) * 2016-12-27 2017-05-10 惠州市朝鲲科技有限公司 一种液位恒定的定量给汤机

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH08197226A (ja) * 1995-01-20 1996-08-06 Ube Ind Ltd 溶融金属保持炉
JPH11320083A (ja) * 1998-03-13 1999-11-24 Tounetsu:Kk 溶解保持炉
JP2001239357A (ja) * 2000-02-29 2001-09-04 Aisin Seiki Co Ltd 給湯装置
JP2006297422A (ja) * 2005-04-18 2006-11-02 Tounetsu Co Ltd 溶湯定量供給用保持炉
JP2007313547A (ja) * 2006-05-26 2007-12-06 Tounetsu Co Ltd ２室型低圧鋳造用溶湯保持炉
CN106623876A (zh) * 2016-12-27 2017-05-10 惠州市朝鲲科技有限公司 一种液位恒定的定量给汤机

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP2025163586A (ja) 2025-10-29
CN120828125A (zh) 2025-10-24
JP2025163693A (ja) 2025-10-29

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6103182A (en) Dispensing apparatus and method
EP3253897B1 (fr) Appareil et procédé pour le retrait d'inclusions non souhaitées de matière fondue métallique
JP4422045B2 (ja) 低圧鋳造用溶湯保持炉及びそこでの溶湯供給方法
CN101094740A (zh) 熔液定量供给用保持炉
WO2025220248A1 (fr) Procédé de coulée et installation de coulée
JP4519806B2 (ja) ２室型低圧鋳造用溶湯保持炉
JP2010089135A (ja) 鋳造溶湯保持炉
JP7716788B1 (ja) 出湯炉、出湯管および出湯方法
JP6613106B2 (ja) 溶融金属の供給方法、取鍋、加圧制御装置及び取鍋の再生産方法
JPH037468B2 (fr)
KR101132930B1 (ko) 용탕 정량 공급용 유지로
US6600768B2 (en) Induction melting furnace with metered discharge
CN111032249A (zh) 用于在压力下进行铸造的铸造设备
KR101367301B1 (ko) 플럭스 공급장치 및 공급방법
JP4239160B2 (ja) 低圧鋳造システム
JP2021146381A (ja) 二槽型低圧鋳造用溶湯保持炉
JPS6232020B2 (fr)
US6426037B1 (en) Dosing chamber method and apparatus
JP2010260068A (ja) 溶解機能及び加圧機能付き小型鋳造装置
JP4431078B2 (ja) 溶湯定量供給用保持炉
JP2001138033A (ja) 注湯装置
JP4446086B2 (ja) 溶湯充填方法及び鋳造装置
JP2025013006A (ja) 溶湯保持炉
JP4086506B2 (ja) プリフォームの加圧鋳造方法、プリフォームの加圧鋳造装置
JP5455983B2 (ja) 冶金学的に改善された溶融金属を供給する方法

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 24935848

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1