• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    a molding machine for molding material is provided. the machine includes a cavity to be filled with molten metal and a conduit system leading into the cavity, thereby forming a system of interconnected hollow spaces. at least one pressure member is movable in at least part of the duct system. a centrifugal pump in fluid communication with a reservoir of molten metal is provided, the pump providing molten metal to the hollow space for receiving the at least one pressure member.
    公开号:BR112017006084B1
    申请号:R112017006084-1
    申请日:2015-09-25
    公开日:2021-08-31
    发明作者:Jon Tipton；Andrew Horsfall；Jay Fritzke；Richard S. Henderson
    申请人:Pyrotek, Inc；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    BACKGROUND
    [001] The present exemplary embodiment relates to a process and apparatus for dispensing a measured injection of molten metal. It finds particular application in conjunction with an injection sleeve of a die-casting machine, and will be described with particular reference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that the present exemplary embodiment is also amenable to other similar applications including delivering a metered injection to a spill container, ladle or mold.
    [002] In the smelting of ferrous and non-ferrous products (eg aluminium), the metal is cast in a furnace. Molten metal is stored in a molten state ready for distribution to a mold. A measured amount of molten metal is dispensed into the mold. Several devices have been proposed that will deliver a measured amount of molten metal, or an injection, to the mold. For example, "ladeling", magnetic pumps and pressurized furnaces, were employed.
    [003] An example of a pressurized furnace is described in United States Patent No. 2,846,740 (the description of which is incorporated herein by reference). The system comprises a crucible that communicates with a balance tube and a distribution tube. The balance tube communicates with the molten metal of a furnace and crucible. The manifold communicates with the crucible for dispensing the injection into the mold cavity. The crucible is initially depressurized. The molten metal inside the crucible is flush with a top of the balance tube. The upper part of the balance tube is slightly above the maximum level of molten metal inside the furnace. Air is forced into the crucible, and forces the molten metal through the manifold into a washer. The amount of metal dispensed is controlled by an adjustable timer. Once a predetermined period of time has elapsed, a vacuum is applied to the crucible drawing molten metal from both the balance tube and the manifold. The molten metal is removed in the crucible until its level is above the height of the balance tube. The crucible is then vented to atmosphere, allowing the metal to flow back into the furnace until the level of molten metal in the crucible is the same as the height of the balance tube. Unfortunately, the manifold and balance tube of this apparatus can degrade over time, and/or leak, resulting in poor injection size control.
    [004] Developments have been produced in order to increase the accuracy of the amount of dispensed injection. Such a device is described in United States Patent No. 4,220,319 (the description of which is incorporated herein by reference). In this device, complicated sequences of varying pressures over pre-determined time periods are used. Pressure sequences are designed to compensate for smaller amounts of metal being distributed due to the gradual lowering of the level of molten metal in the metering chamber. However, such devices are complicated, costly to produce, and can be difficult to operate.
    [005] A further example of a metering chamber is provided by United States Patent No. 6,426,037, the description of which is incorporated herein by reference. Referring to FIG. 1, a molten metal metering chamber is shown. The dosing chamber 10 is insertable into the metal holding chamber 5 of a molten metal furnace, generally identified 1. The chamber 10 is insertable through a housing opening 7 located on one side of the holding furnace housing 2 , or through the top opening 8 of the furnace 1. The casing opening 7 is sealable by means of a refractory socket 3. The dosing chamber 10 is shown in a horizontal orientation, and includes a first end portion 11, a portion of top 12, a bottom portion 13, and a second end portion 14, which form a chamber cavity 17 that is functionally adapted to hold and retain molten metal within its walls. Portion 11 includes a cleaning port 26 and socket 27. Gas inlet port 23 is provided in upper chamber portion 12. Inlet port 23 is seated with a seat 24 including a chamfered inner surface 25 which is functionally adapted. to receive the end of a stop tube 31. It is through this stop tube 31 that an inert gas, such as nitrogen, is introduced into cavity 17. Near the second end 14 of the upper surface 12, a metal discharge port 22 is provided. . The metal discharge port 22 includes a sealing lip 21 which is functionally adapted to be engageable with the filling end 41 of a stem tube 42, including discharge spout 43 and metering port and flow sensor 44. The tube stop 31 is vertically movable by virtue of the actuating assembly 36, 37. As recognized by the person skilled in the art, a vertical orientation of the metering chamber is also feasible.
    [006] As the melt fills the metal holding chamber 5, molten metal pours into the interior and fills the internal cavity 17 of the metering chamber 10. The stop tube 31 is then actuated to lower the end deeper into the engagement. with the seat 24. With the lower end 41 of the stem tube 42 located over the metal discharge port 22, the metering chamber 10 is ready to have a predetermined volume of gas introduced through the delivery line. gas 34, and in the metering chamber cavity 17. Since the gas will take over and fill the upper portions of the metering chamber cavity 17, the molten metal contained within the cavity 17 will be forced out of the metering chamber 10, via the discharge port 22. The molten metal will then travel to the stem tube 42, and out to the outside of the furnace 1 to a pouring vessel, injection sleeve, or other similar device 51. The system of FIG. 1 suffers from problems including variations in efficiency resulting from degradation of gas introduction components, the fact that a closed system is difficult to refill, the fact that gas compressibility degrades accuracy, and the requirement that a significant amount of space is consumed.
    [007] The present description contemplates the use of a centrifugal pump as a mechanism to distribute a measured amount of molten metal to a casting mold. Although centrifugal pumps operate satisfactorily for pumping molten metal, they were not used as a means of filling a casting mold injection sleeve. Preferably, as demonstrated above, this task has been left to magnetic pumps, pressurized furnaces, and ladeling. However, these devices suffer from a lack of control associated with the initial compression of air, or the lag in electromagnetic force. Known centrifugal pumps generally control a molten metal flow rate and pressure by modulating the impeller rotation rate and therefore offer the responsiveness advantage achieved via direct mechanical interaction with the molten metal. However, RPM control as a mechanism for regulating the flow rate and pressure transfer of molten metal was previously not considered adequate for dispensing a measured amount of molten metal to an injection sleeve. As recognized by the person skilled in the art, injection filling or over injection of a mold can have catastrophic consequences. BRIEF DESCRIPTION
    [008] Various details of the present description are hereinafter summarized to provide a basic understanding. This summary is not an extensive overview of the description, and is neither intended to identify certain elements of the description nor to delineate the scope of the description. Preferably, the main purpose of this summary is to present some concepts of the description in a simplified form before the more detailed description that is presented hereafter.
    [009] In one embodiment, a molding machine for molding material is provided. The machine includes a cavity to be filled with molten metal, and a conduit system leading to the cavity, thereby forming a system of interconnected hollow spaces. At least one pressure member movable in at least part of the conduit system is provided with means for controlling the movement of the pressure member. A centrifugal pump in fluid communication with a molten metal reservoir is provided, the pump providing molten metal to the hollow space receiving the at least one pressure member.
    [0010] In another embodiment of the present description, a method for dispensing molten metal to an injection sleeve of a casting machine is provided. The method includes the steps of: providing a molten metal furnace having a refractory lining for retaining molten material, introducing a molten metal pump into the furnace, providing the pump with a molten metal discharge conduit in fluid communication with the injection sleeve, and selectively rotating a pump shaft and impeller assembly to introduce molten metal into the injection sleeve in a predetermined amount.
    [0011] According to a further embodiment, a metering pump suitable for introducing a molten metal to a casting apparatus is disclosed. The pump comprises a base that houses an impeller. The base is arranged to discharge molten metal to the casting apparatus. The impeller is connected to a shaft and the shaft connected to a motor. The motor includes an inverter. The inverter is in communication with a PLC including a software program configured to change a current delivered to the inverter such that a predetermined injection weight of molten metal is distributed to the casting apparatus.
    [0012] In a further embodiment, a molding machine for molding the material is provided. The machine includes a mold having a cavity to be filled with molten metal and a pump in fluid communication with a reservoir of molten metal. An inlet to the cavity includes a shut-off valve comprised of a resilient material, and a plunger configured to deform the resilient material.
    [0013] In another embodiment, a method for dispensing molten metal to a mold cavity is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a molten metal furnace that retains molten material, associating a molten metal pump with the furnace, providing the pump with a molten metal discharge in fluid communication with the mold cavity, and introducing a molten metal in the cavity in a predetermined amount. Then, an inlet to the cavity is sealed by deformation of a resilient material. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
    FIGURE 1 is a front view of a prior art dosing assembly;
    [0015] FIGURE 2 is a side elevation view of a casting apparatus;
    [0016] FIGURE 3 is a flowchart representing the return loop logic of the present system in association with filling a molten metal injection sleeve;
    [0017] FIGURE 4 is a screen injection of a prototype controller associated with the present pump;
    [0018] FIGURE 5 is a cross-sectional view of the centrifugal pump of Fig. 2;
    [0019] FIGURE 6 is a side elevation view of an alternative configuration of a die-casting apparatus;
    [0020] FIGURE 7 is a schematic illustration of a shut-off valve assembly;
    [0021] FIGURE 8 is a schematic illustration of an alternative shutoff valve assembly; and
    [0022] FIGURE 9 is a schematic illustration of an alternative additional shut-off valve insert. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
    [0023] It is to be understood that the detailed figures are for purposes of illustrating exemplary embodiments only, and are not intended to be limiting. Additionally, it will be appreciated that the drawings are not to scale, and that portions of certain elements may be exaggerated for the sake of clarity and ease of illustration.
    [0024] The use of a centrifugal molten metal pump in the mold casting process is highly challenging. A typical mold casting cycle time is 30 to 90 seconds, which requires an injection sleeve to be filled in approximately 3 to 10 seconds. Also, the dispensed amount of molten metal should be within about 2% of the expected amount. Similarly, it is desirable to provide an initial "slow" speed fill period (eg 1/4 cycle time), a "high" intermediate speed fill period (eg 1/2 cycle time), and a third pressurized hold period (eg, 1/4 cycle time). This description is directed to a system that can fulfill these requirements.
    [0025] Referring to Fig. 2, a die-casting machine 100 comprises a stationary mold clamp plate 102 on which a stationary mold half 103 is mounted. This stationary mold halve 103, together with a movable mold halve 104, secured to a movable mold clamp plate 106, defines a mold cavity 107. An external after-pressure arrangement 108 may optionally be added to the mold cavity 107. after-press arrangement 108 can be connected to a control unit 114 by a data communication line 128.
    [0026] An injection sleeve 109 having a filling hole 110 is fixed to the stationary mold half 103. A casting piston 111 is displaceable in this injection sleeve 109 by means of a hydraulic drive unit 113, which acts after its piston rod. piston 112 so as to press metal, which has been filled in injection sleeve 109 through filling hole 110, in mold cavity 107. Hydraulic drive unit 113 is controlled by control unit 114 via data communication line 123 , which can involve both electrical-electronic components, as well as at least part of the hydraulic ones. For this purpose, a position sensor, and/or velocity sensor, and/or acceleration sensor 115, as well as other sensors, such as pressure sensors, are coupled to the control unit 114, via the data communication line 116, as is known.
    [0027] A vacuum valve 117 can be provided within the region of the separation plane of both half-molds 103, 104. The vacuum valve 117 can be controlled, in the present case, by a rapidly reacting metal front sensor 118 interfaced with the control unit 114, via the data communication line 119. The reaction speed of this sensor 118 is such that the valve is still able to close a vacuum conduit 120 in the region of the mold halves 103, 104 within a period of time of time that elapses until the moment when the metal arrives from the sensor 118 to the valve 117. The vacuum conduit 120, rather than comprising a separate control unit that includes a vacuum pump and a vacuum tank (like a vacuum source), and so on, is advantageously coupled to that control unit 114 which also controls the movement of the casting piston 111 so that the parts belonging to the control of the evacuation device are accommodated in the housing where the unit piston control 111 is mounted, and no separate control parts have to be provided.
    [0028] In a typical foundry establishment, the mold casting machine 100 is disposed on a base 130 on which a molten metal receiving cavity 132 can be formed. The molten metal receiving cavity 132 is in fluid communication with a refractory furnace from which molten metal 134 is received. Naturally, a variety of alternative molten metal retention environments exist, such as, for example, a cavity in which molten metal is deposited from a location remote from the furnace, via conveyor equipment. It would be similarly feasible for molten metal to be distributed to the cavity via the washing system. Nevertheless, the present invention is directed to the use of a centrifugal pump 140 to deliver molten metal, via a conduit 142 which extends between the base of molten metal 144 to the mold casting filling hole 110. conduit 142 in Figure 2 looks long, but this representation is provided only to illustrate the details of the various components. Furthermore, it is considered that the pump and the injection sleeve will in practice be located significantly closer together. The molten metal pump 140 may be of the type disclosed in US 2014/0044520, the description being incorporated herein by reference.
    [0029] The molten metal pump 140 is in communication with the controller 114. For example, the data communication line 150 may be provided between an inverter 152 and the controller 114. Similarly, a data communication line 154 may be provided between an RPM sensing device, such as an encoder 155, and the controller 114.
    [0030] Controller 114 is used to adjust the pump motor RPM 153. By controlling the pump RPM, the size and rate of molten metal flow injection can be controlled. A typical control system will include a programmable logic controller (PLC), a human-machine interface (HMI), and an inverter. An electronic motor encoder 155 may also be present to provide the PLC with a feedback circuit coupled with the drive to monitor pump speed. The motor illustrated in Figure 2 is a 3-phase variable frequency drive inverter. However, a DC servo motor would be just as adequate.
    [0031] Referring to FIGURE 3, an accurate injection weight can be provided by employing the depicted feedback loop logic control. The PLC logic includes a command speed sent to the pump motor, then using an RPM detection device, the pump motor speed is transmitted to the PLC and verified. The PLC program then makes adjustments to the pump motor drive speed. This cycle is repeated many times per second for precise control of pump motor RPM.
    [0032] Some of the parameters used to calculate the injection volume/amount may include: 1) cycle time in seconds; 2) RPM of pump motor; and 3) evaluation of drive settings including acceleration, deceleration, speed feedback power calculation parameters (other conditions may also be monitored).
    [0033] The controller may also be in communication with a sensor such as laser sensor 164 (see Figure 2) to determine the level of molten metal within the associated furnace. Furthermore, it is believed that the depth of molten metal can be an important variable that affects the filling of the injection sleeve. Consequently, the PLC receiving data concerning the molten metal depth level will adjust the pump RPM accordingly.
    [0034] The injection weight schedule can be automatically calculated from the data table included in the controller programming, based on the filling time an operator spends, via the HMI (See Figure 4). The operator can manually adjust the injection weight by changing the RPM at one or more input points, and/or the system can use return feed from the injection machine where, for example, the biscuit length is communicated to the controller, and the fill cycle points automatically adjusted to achieve the correct fill injection weight. (A biscuit is the metal remaining in an injection sleeve after the molten metal is dragged into the mold).
    [0035] Consequently, the present system can include automatic RPM tuning features represented by feed back from the pump inverter, and optionally, an encoder that are each instructive in the relative performance of the pump. Similarly, automatic RPM adjustment can be done in view of other detected conditions, such as molten metal depth and/or biscuit size. In addition, the system can be manually adjusted by an operator using the controller's HMI.
    [0036] With reference to Figure 4, the HMI screen is represented. The illustrated screen provides the programmed pump RPM at Vz second intervals through a sleeve injection fill cycle. It is assumed that these inputs can be adjusted by an operator. In addition, the HMI interface will include features such as cycle pause, and start switches. Similarly, the ability to monitor pump engine RPM, based on inventor data, can be provided. It is additionally considered that a pump control break will be accessible.
    [0037] With reference to FIGURE 5, the elements of the cast metal pump assembly 200 of the present description are illustrated. More particularly, elongated shaft 216 includes an elongated cylindrical orientation having an axis of rotation that is generally perpendicular to base member 220. The elongated shaft has a proximal end 228 that is adapted to be secured to the motor (see Fig. 2 ), and a distal end 230 that is connected to impeller 222. Impeller 222 is rotatably positioned within pump chamber 218 such that operation of the motor rotates elongated shaft 216 and impeller 222 within pump chamber 218.
    [0038] In a certain embodiment, it may be advantageous to provide the motor controlling the rotation of the cast metal shaft with an electronic brake (ie, 199 in Figure 2).
    The base member 220 defines the pump chamber 218 which rotatably receives the impeller 222. The base member 220 is configured to structurally receive the refractory posts P (see Fig. 2) through the passages 231. Each passage 231 is adapted to receive the metal rod component of the refractory post to rigidly attach to a PL platform (see Fig. 2). The platform supports the engine 153 above the molten metal.
    [0040] In one embodiment, the impeller 222 is configured with a first radial edge 232 that is axially spaced apart from a second radial edge 234. The first and second radial edges 232, 234 are located peripherally about the circumference of the impeller 222. radials can be formed from the impeller body (eg graphite), or they can be bearing rings (eg silicon carbide) seated in the impeller body. Pump chamber 218 includes a bearing assembly 235 having a first bearing ring 236 spaced apart from a second bearing ring 238. The first radial edge 232 is flush with the first bearing ring 236, and the second radial edge 234 is facially aligned with the second bearing ring 238. The bearing rings are produced from a material, such as silicon carbide, having frictional bearing properties at high temperatures to prevent cyclical failure due to high frictional forces. One of the bearings is adapted to support the rotation of the impeller 222 within the base member such that the pump assembly does not experience excessive vibration. More precisely, a bearing ring has a tight tolerance with the radial edge of the impeller to reduce excessive vibration. The second bearing ring is spaced from the radial edge of the impeller, and provides a wear surface for the pour path described below. The radial edges (or bearing ring seated thereon) of the impeller may similarly be comprised of a material such as silicon carbide. For example, the radial edges of impeller 222 can be comprised of a silicon carbide bearing ring.
    [0041] In one embodiment, the impeller 222 includes a first peripheral circumference 242 axially spaced from a second peripheral circumference 244. The elongated shaft 216 is secured to the impeller 222 at the first peripheral circumference 242. The second peripheral circumference 244 is spaced opposite the first peripheral circle. peripheral circumference 244, and aligned with a bottom surface 246 of base member 220. First radial edge 232 is adjacent to first peripheral circumference 242, and second radial edge 234 is adjacent to second peripheral circumference 244.
    [0042] A bottom inlet 248 is provided on the second peripheral circumference 244. More particularly, the inlet comprises the annular of a bird cage type of impeller 222. Of course, the inlet may be formed from vanes, holes, or other assemblies known in the art. As will be apparent from the following discussion, a perforated or bird-cage impeller can be advantageous because they include a defined radial edge that allows a designated tolerance (or offset clearance) to be created within the pump chamber 218. impeller 222 draws molten metal into inlet 248 and chamber 218, and continued rotation of impeller 222 causes molten metal to be forced out of pump chamber 218 to an outlet 250 from base member 220. Outlet 250 may be in fluid communication with conduit 142 (see Figure 2).
    [0043] A tight tolerance is maintained between the radial edge 232 of the impeller 222 and the first bearing ring 236 of the bearing assembly 235. For example, the first radial edge 232 surrounds the first bearing ring 236, such that the radial edge 232 rotates while maintaining contact with bearing ring 236 to provide rotational and structural support to impeller 222 within chamber 218. It is considered that such contact may be in the form of a thin lubricating layer of molten metal.
    [0044] A bypass clearance 260 is provided to handle a flow rate and head pressure of the molten metal. Bypass clearance 260 allows molten metal to leak from pump chamber 218 to an environment outside base member 220 at a predetermined rate. Also, the predetermined ratio can be controlled by the relative size of the deflection gap. The leakage of molten metal from pump chamber 218 during operation of the pump assembly allows an associated user to finely control the flow rate or volumetric amount of molten metal provided to the associated injection sleeve. The rate of molten metal leakage through the deflection clearance 260 improves the controllability of molten metal transport, and is at least in part because a static holding condition can be maintained while the impeller shaft assembly rotates.
    [0045] The deflection clearance 260 may be formed by the second bearing ring 238 in which the second bearing ring 238 includes an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the second radial edge 234. In addition, it is considered to be one of the sets The bearing ring has one radial edge engaging and rotatably supported against the bearing ring, while another radial edge is spaced from the associated bearing ring to provide offset clearance. Optionally, it is contemplated that the deflection clearance 260 may be provided between the first radial edge 232 and the first bearing ring 236.
    [0046] In one embodiment, the operation of the pump assembly of the present description includes an ability to statically position the molten metal pump by discharging at approximately 1.5 feet of main pressure above a molten metal body. In one embodiment, the impeller rotates approximately 850-1000 revolutions per minute such that molten metal is statically held approximately 1.5 feet above the molten metal body. The bypass clearance manipulates the relationship of volumetric flow rate and head pressure of the pump, such that an increased amount of impeller revolutions per minute would allow head pressure reduction in the molten metal flow rate, is increased.
    [0047] With reference to Fig. 6, an alternative bottom feed injection sleeve embodiment is represented. The apparatus depicted is largely the same as shown in Fig. 2. Consequently, much of the associated numbering has been retained. However, in this embodiment, an injection sleeve 209 having a filling hole 210 located in a lower surface 212, is provided. This design is considered highly beneficial because it facilitates low turbulence filling of the injection sleeve and associated improved metal quality. Furthermore, by providing the molten metal inlet to the injection sleeve in a lower half thereof, a relatively low turbulence filling can be achieved. It is noted that the present use of a centrifugal pump to deliver molten metal directly to the injection sleeve allows for a lower half inlet, a feature not easily achievable via a ladle filling, or pressurized furnace.
    [0048] It is also noted that the present pump is considered suitable for use with any type of casting apparatus. Also, it can be used in both vertical and horizontal casting. Additionally, it can be used with a vertically or horizontally oriented injection sleeve. Similarly, it can be used with a sleeve having a top, bottom, or side inlet location, and in which the injection sleeve is in any orientation. Advantageously, this allows mold casting operators significantly greater flexibility in the design layout of a casting apparatus, and/or multiple casting apparatus.
    [0049] The present embodiment is advantageous in that the need to expose the metal to the atmosphere during runoff can be avoided. Similarly, a filter(s) can be associated with the molten metal pump to distribute high quality metal that is provided with a furnace. In this context, the pump (eg adjacent to the molding apparatus) can be remote from the furnace, and powered by a heated wash system.
    [0050] It is considered that the object apparatus can benefit from the inclusion of a shut-off valve positioned adjacent to the inlet of the permanent mold body. For example, the shut-off valve can be placed between the discharge nozzle from the mold pump and the inlet to the permanent mold body. The shut-off valve may be particularly suitable for use in a mold system including a vertical bottom feed or a horizontal feed into the lower portion of the permanent mold body. More particularly, it is considered that the shut-off valve may be of value in preventing backflow of molten metal. In this regard, while the molten metal pump of the present description is capable of holding molten metal statically, it must remain engaged with the permanent mold during solidification of the molten for static positioning to prevent leakage. Therefore, the molten metal pump cannot be used immediately to fill a subsequent mold.
    [0051] In this context, it is contemplated that the closing valve can be closed after filling the mold, allowing the immediate disengagement of the pump nozzle from the mold body, and the new registration of the pump nozzle with a next mold cavity to be filled. The shutoff valve can be used to prevent the leakage of molten metal from the previously filled cavity during the solidification process. The inclusion of a shut-off valve can increase process efficiency by allowing the mold pump to more quickly engage the next mold cavity to be filled.
    [0052] It is considered that after all molds are filled, the permanent mold body can be removed from the casting location, and a new permanent mold body brought in association with the casting location. It is noted that the shut-off valve may be disposable, such that each mold body is emptied and prepared to reuse the spent shut-off valve which is removed and replaced with a new insert. Alternatively, the shutoff valve assembly can be of a reusable design. Without limitation, exemplary foundry equipment with which the present shutoff valve can be used includes equipment manufactured by Anderson Global, Maumee Pattern, TEI Tooling Equipment International, and Valiant. The present shut-off valve may have value in association with a rotary casting process. An exemplary rotary casting system is described in United States Patent 6,637,496, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
    [0053] Returning to Figures 7-9, the shutoff valves depicted therein efficiently (cost, speed, size) allow the flow to be closed in a permanent mold in which metal, such as aluminum, has been cast to prevent the metal from leak out. They can advantageously be actuated with a high degree of certainty in a short period of time, such as less than two seconds, or less than 1.5 seconds, or less than 1 second. The shut-off valve may be less than approximately 6" in length, particularly as used in association with permanent mold carousels.
    [0054] Returning to Figure 7, a heated ceramic body 701 is connected to a cast metal centrifugal pump shown schematically as 702, but which may be the type as shown in the preceding figures. However, it is noted that the shutoff valve described herein is not necessarily required to be associated with the mold pump described herein above, but may be used with other mold filling apparatus, such as low pressure systems.
    [0055] Pump 702 and nozzle 701 can be provided with vertical movement, for example in the range of about 1" to 2". This vertical movement can facilitate engagement and disengagement of the nozzle 701 with a permanent mold 703. Intermediate to the nozzle 701 and permanent mold 703 is a shutoff valve assembly 705.
    [0056] The shutoff valve assembly 705 may include a body portion 707 comprised of, for example, steel. Body portion 707 may be a separate component or an integral component of permanent mold 703. Body portion 707 may, for example, form a generally cylindrical space configured to receive insert 709. Insert 709 may, for example, be a cylindrical disc-shaped body. However, the insert is not considered limited to this shape. Insert 709 may be comprised of a resilient material, preferably a compressible material, such as, but not limited to, vacuum formed ceramic fiber, or low density ceramic substrate.
    [0057] The insert 709 may define a passage 710 intended for alignment with the inlet 711 to the permanent mold 703 for filling a cavity formed therein. Body portion 707 may have a slightly tapered (e.g., between 1° and 5°) innermost wall 713 configured to receive and register a similarly tapered end portion 714 of mouthpiece 701.
    [0058] An air cylinder 715 is in communication with a PLC of the pump 744, or other probe associated with the mold, such that the air cylinder 715 can be actuated and drive the piston 717 horizontally along the line 719 through the passage. 720 in body portion 707. Plunger 717 engages a closing plug 721 and actuates the valve by biasing plug 721 in passage 710 that seals the same. Preferably, air cylinder 715 and piston 717 will have a short stroke length, eg 2". Closing plug 721 may be formed with angled side walls (eg, between 1° and 5°). It is envisaged that insert 709 will be comprised of the same or a material of higher density or a lower density than socket 721. It is further contemplated that a socket receiving recess 723 may be formed in an opposite wall of insert 709.
    [0059] Referring to Figure 8, an alternative embodiment is depicted in which the closure valve insert body is a one-piece construction. In particular, the socket is integrally formed with the rest of the insert. The 809 insert can be constructed to have tapered sidewalls (eg 30°) 817 for easy registration with mold inlet. Furthermore, an insert 809 may be comprised of resilient material, such as vacuum formed ceramic fiber, in which a socket 821 is partially formed by cutting the material along lines 823 and 825 to create a preferred weakness of which the socket 821 can be separated from the remainder of insert 809 when actuated upon by plunger 819, and air cylinder 827 (the body portion of the shutoff valve has been omitted in this view). Uncut half-round sections can be formed with a cutting blade inserted into each side of the socket about halfway to the hole. Preferably, enough cut is made to allow the air cylinder to disengage the socket from the rest of the body and propel it into the flow of molten metal. After separation, socket 821 enters passage 829 blocking the flow of molten metal. This results in a stable flow cutting device for solidifying metal.
    [0060] Turning now to Figure 9, an alternative configuration is shown, in which a valve 901 is constructed without a socket, but formed of sufficiently resilient and deformable material such that the air cylinder 903 is seated with a ram in the form of a wedge 905 engages a sidewall causing deformation and perforation of passage 907 to seal the molten metal path. It may be desirable to provide a backside stop 909 to facilitate piercing the closed passage 907. It is envisaged that the valve may again be formed of resilient fiber reinforced ceramic, or a polymeric material. It may be advantageous for the ram 905 to remain engaged during solidification of the metal in the inlet portion, but nevertheless, removing the engagement of the mold pump nozzle and re-associating with a subsequent empty cavity is practicable to increase the efficiency of the molding operation. mold filling. In certain embodiments, it may be desirable to form the insert passage in an ovoid shape (longer in the x direction than the y direction), in which the ram can engage the insert in a direction transverse to the longer axis, such that an amount decreased deformation is required to close the passage.
    权利要求:
    Claims (14)
    [0001]
    1. Molding machine (100) comprising a cavity (107) to be filled with molten metal; a conduit system (142) leading to said cavity (107) and forming a system of interconnected hollow spaces; at least one pressure member comprising a casting piston (111) movable in at least part of said hollow space system comprising an injection sleeve (209); characterized in that a centrifugal pump (140) in fluid communication with a molten metal reservoir (132), and the part of said hollow space system receiving the at least one pressure member; and wherein said molten metal is introduced into said injection sleeve (209) at a bottom or end side.
    [0002]
    2. Molding machine (100), according to claim 1, characterized in that said centrifugal pump (140) includes an electronic brake (199).
    [0003]
    3. Molding machine (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a controller (114), said controller (114) configured to control a motor (153) associated with the centrifugal pump (140 ), said controller (114) receiving data from at least one position, velocity, acceleration, or pressure sensor.
    [0004]
    4. Molding machine (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a controller (114), said controller (114) configured to control a motor (153) associated with the centrifugal pump (140 ), said controller (114) receiving data concerning the depth of molten metal in said reservoir (132), or an associated furnace.
    [0005]
    5. Molding machine (100), according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes a closing valve (705) comprised of a compressible ceramic and a plunger (717) configured to deform or act on said compressible ceramic.
    [0006]
    6. Molding machine (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the centrifugal pump (140) comprises a metering pump, said pump comprising a base housing an impeller (222), the base arranged to release molten metal into the cavity (107), said impeller (222) connected to a shaft (216), said shaft (216) connected to a motor (153), said motor (153) including an inverter (152), said inverter (152) in communication with a controller (114), and said controller (114) including a software program configured to modify current delivered to said inverter (152) such that a predetermined injection weight of molten metal is distributed to the cavity (107).
    [0007]
    7. Molding machine (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that said controller (114) is in communication with at least one position sensor, speed sensor, acceleration sensor, pressure sensor, sensor laser, or an encoder (155).
    [0008]
    8. Molding machine (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that a return circuit is provided between the controller (114) and the inverter (152), and/or encoder (155).
    [0009]
    9. Molding machine (100), according to claim 7, characterized in that it further comprises a human-machine interface.
    [0010]
    10. Molding machine (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that said controller (114) provides automatic and/or operator RPM adjustment of the pump (153) based on injection weight data.
    [0011]
    11. Molding machine (100), according to claim 6, characterized in that biscuit length data is communicated to the controller (114).
    [0012]
    A method for dispensing molten metal to an injection sleeve (209) of a molding machine (100) as defined in claim 1, comprising the steps of: providing the molten metal reservoir (132) in the form of a furnace , said furnace having a refractory lining for retaining molten metal within it, characterized in that it further comprises: introducing a centrifugal pump (140) into said furnace, providing the pump (153) with a molten metal discharge conduit (142) in fluid communication with an inlet (210) disposed on a bottom or end side of the injection sleeve (209), and selectively rotating a shaft and impeller assembly (216, 222) of the pump (153) to introduce metal molten to the injection sleeve (209) in a predetermined quantity.
    [0013]
    13. The method of claim 12, wherein each fill of said injection sleeve (209) includes a cycle having a relatively low first fill rate, a relatively high second fill rate, and a third period of retention.
    [0014]
    14. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that it further comprises closing an inlet of said injection sleeve (209) via deformation or actuation of a compressible ceramic.
    类似技术:
    公开号 | 公开日 | 专利标题
    BR112017006084B1|2021-08-31|MOLDING MACHINE AND METHOD FOR DISTRIBUTING MOLDED METAL TO AN INJECTION GLOVE OF A MOLDING MACHINE
    US9724753B2|2017-08-08|System and method for injecting semisolid aluminum into a mould
    MX2008008042A|2009-03-04|Transferring molten metal from one structure to another.
    BRPI0610109A2|2010-05-25|alloy mud distributor
    CA2874307C|2020-07-28|Conveying device for molten metal in an injection die casting unit
    JP4913052B2|2012-04-11|Vertical micro injection molding machine
    CA3045329C|2020-06-23|Contaminant-purging cold chamber die casting apparatus and method
    KR20110071439A|2011-06-29|Pressure control casting device and casting method
    CN106493332B|2018-07-13|A kind of bearing race production equipment
    CN101653815A|2010-02-24|Nonferrous metal lost foam casting process and device
    WO2020252044A1|2020-12-17|Dosing pump trigger system
    JP3624885B2|2005-03-02|Metal forming machine
    EP3530375B1|2021-11-03|Lead delivery apparatus
    EP1152853A1|2001-11-14|Casting method and apparatus
    CN105517731A|2016-04-20|Die casting method and die casting device
    JP2018069273A|2018-05-10|Injection molding machine
    CN103357832B|2015-12-09|A kind of pneumatic feeding type automatic slag adding machine
    CN106659181B|2021-03-02|Pouring batching device for chocolate
    JP3593098B2|2004-11-24|Metal forming machine
    JP3701604B2|2005-10-05|Molding material supply device
    JP6754483B2|2020-09-09|Thermal conductivity measuring device
    TW202204065A|2022-02-01|Casting unit for a die casting machine
    EP3511145A1|2019-07-17|Device for injecting low-melting-point alloys or metals into an elastomer polymer mould, elastomer polymer mould used and method for operating the assembly
    JPH10244353A|1998-09-14|Device for supplying molten metal
    RU2327545C1|2008-06-27|Press chamber for press forms of casting under pressure
    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    PL3197620T3|2021-06-14|
    MX2017003856A|2017-06-30|
    CA2962445A1|2016-03-31|
    WO2016049468A1|2016-03-31|
    ES2853980T3|2021-09-20|
    CN107000047A|2017-08-01|
    US20170246681A1|2017-08-31|
    JP2017532205A|2017-11-02|
    EP3197620B1|2020-12-16|
    JP6647290B2|2020-02-14|
    CN107000047B|2020-06-16|
    EP3197620A1|2017-08-02|
    EP3197620A4|2018-03-21|
    BR112017006084A2|2017-12-19|
    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
    US2846740A|1956-09-17|1958-08-12|Lindberg Eng Co|Furnace ladling apparatus|
    US3252187A|1963-05-29|1966-05-24|Dow Chemical Co|Molten metal dispensing apparatus|
    US3235922A|1963-09-18|1966-02-22|Metal Pumping Services Inc|Pump control system with timing means responsive to actual initial fluid delivery|
    US3581767A|1969-07-01|1971-06-01|Dow Chemical Co|Coupling means for connecting molten metal transporting lines|
    GB1585151A|1978-05-31|1981-02-25|Westofen Gmbh|Ovens|
    US4356940A|1980-08-18|1982-11-02|Lester Engineering Company|Apparatus for dispensing measured amounts of molten metal|
    KR960007629B1|1990-08-09|1996-06-07|도오시바 기까이 가부시기가이샤|Injection control method of die cast machine|
    US5388633A|1992-02-13|1995-02-14|The Dow Chemical Company|Method and apparatus for charging metal to a die cast|
    US6152159A|1997-01-14|2000-11-28|Frank W. Schaefer, Inc.|Valve assembly and method for use in delivery of molten metal|
    JP2867133B1|1998-01-22|1999-03-08|株式会社篠塚製作所|Hot water supply method of cold chamber type die casting machine|
    JP2000158117A|1998-12-01|2000-06-13|Hiroshima Aluminum Industry Co Ltd|Molten metal supplying device|
    US6426037B1|1999-05-06|2002-07-30|John B. Fieber|Dosing chamber method and apparatus|
    JP2001239357A|2000-02-29|2001-09-04|Aisin Seiki Co Ltd|Apparatus for supplying molten metal|
    WO2002100574A1|2001-06-06|2002-12-19|Kubota Corporation|Molten metal feeder|
    US6637496B1|2001-11-30|2003-10-28|Hayes Lemmerz International, Inc.|Rotary casting system for pressurized casting machines|
    US7104275B2|2002-04-01|2006-09-12|Emerson Electric Co.|Pinch valve|
    US6926066B2|2002-11-13|2005-08-09|Alain Renaud Boulet|Magnesium die casting system|
    US7507365B2|2005-03-07|2009-03-24|Thut Bruno H|Multi functional pump for pumping molten metal|
    US20080190970A1|2007-02-13|2008-08-14|Pyrotek, Inc.|Dosing system|
    CN101073825A|2007-06-26|2007-11-21|南京云海特种金属股份有限公司|Method for supplying liquid to magnesium-alloy press caster and liquid supplier|
    KR20090118561A|2008-05-14|2009-11-18|한국생산기술연구원|Aluminum injection dosing pump and dosing method|
    WO2010147932A1|2009-06-16|2010-12-23|Pyrotek, Inc.|Overflow vortex transfer system|
    RU2592663C2|2011-04-18|2016-07-27|Пиротек, Инк.|Mould pump assembly|
    JP5772683B2|2012-03-30|2015-09-02|トヨタ自動車株式会社|Casting method and casting apparatus|
    CN202621902U|2012-04-26|2012-12-26|太仓市弧螺机电有限公司|Metal delivery pouring device|
    JP6135613B2|2014-07-22|2017-05-31|トヨタ自動車株式会社|Die casting apparatus and die casting method|US9205490B2|2007-06-21|2015-12-08|Molten Metal Equipment Innovations, Llc|Transfer well system and method for making same|
    US8366993B2|2007-06-21|2013-02-05|Cooper Paul V|System and method for degassing molten metal|
    US9409232B2|2007-06-21|2016-08-09|Molten Metal Equipment Innovations, Llc|Molten metal transfer vessel and method of construction|
    US8337746B2|2007-06-21|2012-12-25|Cooper Paul V|Transferring molten metal from one structure to another|
    US9410744B2|2010-05-12|2016-08-09|Molten Metal Equipment Innovations, Llc|Vessel transfer insert and system|
    US9156087B2|2007-06-21|2015-10-13|Molten Metal Equipment Innovations, Llc|Molten metal transfer system and rotor|
    US10428821B2|2009-08-07|2019-10-01|Molten Metal Equipment Innovations, Llc|Quick submergence molten metal pump|
    US8524146B2|2009-08-07|2013-09-03|Paul V. Cooper|Rotary degassers and components therefor|
    US9108244B2|2009-09-09|2015-08-18|Paul V. Cooper|Immersion heater for molten metal|
    US9903383B2|2013-03-13|2018-02-27|Molten Metal Equipment Innovations, Llc|Molten metal rotor with hardened top|
    US9011761B2|2013-03-14|2015-04-21|Paul V. Cooper|Ladle with transfer conduit|
    US10052688B2|2013-03-15|2018-08-21|Molten Metal Equipment Innovations, Llc|Transfer pump launder system|
    US10138892B2|2014-07-02|2018-11-27|Molten Metal Equipment Innovations, Llc|Rotor and rotor shaft for molten metal|
    US10947980B2|2015-02-02|2021-03-16|Molten Metal Equipment Innovations, Llc|Molten metal rotor with hardened blade tips|
    US10267314B2|2016-01-13|2019-04-23|Molten Metal Equipment Innovations, Llc|Tensioned support shaft and other molten metal devices|
    TWI617376B|2017-06-20|2018-03-11|財團法人金屬工業研究發展中心|A pump device for casting process|
    US11149747B2|2017-11-17|2021-10-19|Molten Metal Equipment Innovations, Llc|Tensioned support post and other molten metal devices|
    CN108237213A|2017-12-29|2018-07-03|上海天阳钢管有限公司|A kind of process for manufacturing bimetallic composite bearing blank|
    CN109812425A|2019-02-25|2019-05-28|昆山奥兰克泵业制造有限公司|High-precision fluid control method based on magnetic force driving pump|
    WO2020252044A1|2019-06-14|2020-12-17|Pyrotek, Inc.|Dosing pump trigger system|
    AT523252A1|2019-12-13|2021-06-15|Fill Gmbh|Casting device comprising a melt transport device with at least one melt container|
    法律状态:
    2019-08-27| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|
    2021-02-02| B07A| Application suspended after technical examination (opinion) [chapter 7.1 patent gazette]|
    2021-06-08| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|
    2021-08-31| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted [chapter 16.1 patent gazette]|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 25/09/2015, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    US201462055921P| true| 2014-09-26|2014-09-26|
    US62/055,921|2014-09-26|
    US201462076057P| true| 2014-11-06|2014-11-06|
    US62/076,057|2014-11-06|
    US201562193166P| true| 2015-07-16|2015-07-16|
    US62/193,166|2015-07-16|
    PCT/US2015/052244|WO2016049468A1|2014-09-26|2015-09-25|Mold pump|
    [返回顶部]