EP4072751A1

EP4072751A1 - Casting device comprising a melt transport device having at least one melt container

Info

Publication number: EP4072751A1
Application number: EP20838331.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Gerhard Sieglhuber; Harald SEHRSCHÖN; Johannes VOITHOFER
Original assignee: Fill GmbH
Current assignee: Fill GmbH
Priority date: 2019-12-13
Filing date: 2020-12-11
Publication date: 2022-10-19
Anticipated expiration: 2040-12-11
Also published as: AT523252A1; EP4072751C0; WO2021113893A1; EP4072751B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a casting device (37) comprising a melt transport device (1) having at least one melt container (3a, 3b) in which a melt receiving space (4a, 4b) and an outlet (5a, 5b) in the form of a lance (20a, 20b) below the melt container (3a, 3b) are formed, wherein the outlet (5a, 5b) has an outlet opening (6a, 6b) which is fluidically connected to the melt receiving space (4a, 4b).

Description

CASTING DEVICE INCLUDING A MELT TRANSPORT DEVICE

WITH AT LEAST ONE MELT CONTAINER

The invention relates to a casting device and a method for casting melt.

DE 102007 011 253 A1 discloses a casting device with a melt container for metallic materials. An injector is arranged on an underside of the melt container and has an opening for discharging the melt. Furthermore, a United locking device is formed, which is used to close the opening.

Further such casting devices with an injector are known from EP 3 274 113 B1 and from DE 102009004 613 A1. In addition, in a master's thesis "Classification and characterization of process-related casting defects in an innovative mold casting process", which was submitted to the Montan University Leoben in February 2014, such a casting device with an injector and a casting process that can be carried out with it is disclosed.

The object of the present invention was to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide an improved device and a method for pouring melt.

This object is achieved by a device and a method according to the claims.

According to the invention, a casting device comprising a melt transport device is formed with at least one melt container, in which a melt receiving space and a spout are formed in the form of a lance located at the bottom of the melt container, the spout having a pouring opening which is flow-connected to the melt receiving space.

A spout with a cross section that is narrowed in relation to the melt container is seen as a lance in the context of this document. In particular, it can be provided that the lance is tubular at least in some areas.

The device according to the invention has the advantage that melt can be introduced into casting molds in a simplified manner. Furthermore, it can be expedient if the melt transport device comprises a pivoting device by means of which the melt container can be tilted out of a vertical position. This has the advantage that the lance can be pivoted during the casting process, so that an improved quality of the cast part can be achieved.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the pivoting device has a horizontally aligned pivot bearing, by means of which the melt container can be pivoted about a horizontal axis of rotation. The melt container can easily be brought into its correct angular position, particularly by means of a horizontally aligned pivot bearing.

In addition, it can be provided that the casting device comprises at least a first melt container and a second melt container, which are arranged on the melt transport device. This has the advantage that two cast pieces can be cast in parallel by means of the two melt containers. Surprisingly, the melt containers according to the invention with the lance lying below can be easily synchronized during the casting process.

An embodiment is also advantageous according to which it can be provided that the first melt container and the second melt container are designed to be identical. Particularly when casting cast workpieces of the same construction, it can be achieved that both cast workpieces have the same quality.

According to a further development, it is possible for the first melt container and the second melt container to have a common pivot drive. This has the advantage that, on the one hand, only a single swivel drive is used for both melt containers, which simplifies the casting device. In addition, it can be achieved by this measure that the first melt container and the second melt container are guided synchronously with one another despite technically simple means.

Furthermore, it can be expedient if a distance between the lance of the first melt container and the lance of the second melt container can be adjusted. By this measure, it can be sufficient that the two lances of the two melt containers are moved towards each other to take up melt in the two melt containers and thus to immerse the lance in a crucible, so that both lances can immerse into the crucible at the same time. For casting the cast workpiece, the distance between the two lances are enlarged to one another so that the casting molds can be spaced a sufficient distance apart and a lance can be inserted into a casting mold in each case.

In addition, it can be provided that the lance is removably arranged on the melt container. This has the advantage that the lance can easily be replaced if it is damaged, for example, or if the lance is excessively soiled by the melt.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the lance can be coupled to the melt container by means of a quick-release fastener, in particular a bayonet fastener. This has the advantage that the lance can be exchanged without tools and thus as quickly and easily as possible.

It is also possible for an immersion aid to be arranged on the underside of the lance. The immersion aid is used to tear open the oxide skin on the surface of the crucible when the lance is immersed in a crucible, so that the lance can be immersed under the layer of oxide skin to fill the melt container and, subsequently, the oxide skin as possible when filling the melt container does not get into the melt receiving space.

In addition, it can be provided that the melt transport device comprises a swivel arm robot on which the melt container is arranged. This has the advantage that the melt container can be freely guided by means of such a swivel arm robot in order to move the melt container into the desired position. This is particularly advantageous for small cast workpieces, since the melt container must be precisely positioned and the mass of the melt container can also be kept ring.

Another advantageous feature is when the control is designed to be dependent on the fill level. Such a system can, for example, be implemented using a flatness-based control approach and allow parameters in the control to be adjusted based on the actual mass and fill level of the melt. In the case of simple designs of melt containers, which can hold melt through a negative pressure in the melt receiving space, the problem arises that the un negative pressure in the melt receiving space is brought up by a gas and thus a compressible medium. If the weight of the melt fluctuates, for example because the melt is being accelerated, the compressibility of the gas means that the filling quantity cannot be maintained, which can lead to an undesired leakage of the melt. This can be counteracted by the following measures.

Furthermore, it can be provided that an acceleration sensor is formed which is coupled to the melt container. The accelerations occurring at the melt container can be recorded by means of the acceleration sensor and the movement parameters of the melt container and / or the internal pressure in the melt receiving space can be adjusted on the basis of these recorded acceleration values.

Furthermore, it can be provided that at least one partition is designed in the melt container. This has the advantage that by this measure a sloshing movement of the melt accommodated in the melt receiving space can be kept as small as possible.

In a first embodiment, the partition can be arranged on the ceiling of the Schmelzebehäl age and extend from above to below the target fill level.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the partition can be arranged directly in the melt receiving space and attached to a side wall of the melt receiving space.

Of course, several partition walls can also be formed.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the partition walls are designed to be displaceable, so that they are designed to be floating on the melt, for example, or are designed to be displaceable by an actuator (not shown). This has the advantage that the melt surface can be smoothed over a wide range of the filling level.

It can also be provided that a floating lid or floating body is located on the melt, which reduces the free movement of the melt. This swimming Mende body stabilizes the melt surface and the suction volume. The floating body can be solidified melt areas that form a cover. It can also be slag or bound slag and melt and slag. It is also conceivable that different viscous media stabilize the surface. This is particularly advantageous if the lance is not completely emptied when the melt is dispensed, but the actual filling quantity is always within the melt receiving space during casting. It can thus be achieved that such a floating body does not settle in the melt receiving space.

Furthermore, it can be provided that at least one structural element is arranged on a ceiling of the melt container, the structural element having an upwardly widening cross-section, and the structural element extending below the target fill level. This measure makes it possible to keep the volume of air remaining in the melt receiving space as small as possible when the melt receiving space is filled up to the desired fill level. As a result, a shift in the actual filling quantity, which is due to an acceleration-related change in the weight of the melt, can be kept as low as possible, since even a slight shift in the actual filling quantity leads to a high percentage change in the air volume remaining in the melt receiving space. This high percentage change in the volume of air remaining in the melt receiving space leads to an increase or decrease in pressure in the melt receiving space, which counteracts the acceleration-related change in the weight of the melt.

In addition, it can be provided that the spout comprises a siphon, the siphon comprising an upwardly open container, the container being displaceable relative to the lance so that a spout of the lance can be closed off from the environment. This has the advantage that this measure can prevent the melt from spilling over.

It is also advantageous if a gas line, in which the gas valve is arranged, is designed with a barrier for melt. The advantage of this is that the melt, which is moved by dynamic effects, cannot penetrate the gas line and contaminate the gas line there. Such protection can be, for example, a grid, sieve or porous materials, such as Purging plugs from melting furnaces that are gas-permeable but prevent a surge of melt caused by a sloshing movement.

It is also advantageous if the gas line is heated in the connection area to the melt receiving space in order to prevent the melt from solidifying in this area.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that a mechanical lock is formed which prevents the entry of melt into the gas line. In particular, it is conceivable here that the mechanical lock is designed as a float. Furthermore, it is also conceivable that the mechanical closure is formed by a block of slag which floats on the melt.

The invention also relates to a method for pouring melt by means of a melt container in which a melt receiving space is formed, the melt container having a spout in the form of a lance located at the bottom of the melt container, the method comprising the following method steps:

- Filling the melt container with melt, wherein the melt is introduced into the melt receiving space of the Schmelzebehäl age via a Ausgussöff voltage of the lance from a crucible;

- Pouring at least one cast workpiece with melt from the melt container, the melt received in the melt receiving space being introduced into a casting mold via the pouring opening of the lance;

- Refill the melt container with melt.

The method according to the invention has the advantage that cast workpieces can be cast with improved quality.

According to an advantageous development, it can be provided that when the at least one cast workpiece is being cast, the melt container is tilted out of a vertical position. By this measure, a calm pouring can be achieved.

In particular, it can be advantageous if the melt container and also the casting mold are moved during the casting of the at least one cast workpiece, in particular that the melt container and the casting mold are moved simultaneously with one another or relative to one another, in particular that the melt container and the casting mold are moved at the same angle and / or are moved synchronously with one another. This has the advantage that a surprisingly high quality of the cast workpiece can be achieved. In particular, this measure enables a particularly smooth casting of the cast workpiece to be achieved.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the casting device comprises at least a first melt container and a second melt container, a first cast workpiece from the first melt container and a second cast workpiece from the second melt container being cast at the same time during casting. This has the advantage that the casting device can achieve an increased capacity with the same effort.

In addition, it can be provided that the casting device comprises at least a first melt container and a second melt container, the distance between the lance of the first melt container and the lance of the second melt container being adjustable, the distance between the lance of the first melt container for filling the melt container with melt and the lance of the second melt container is reduced so that both lances are simultaneously immersed in a common crucible, and the distance between the lance of the first melt container and the lance of the second melt container is increased during the casting of a first cast workpiece and a second cast workpiece, the lance of the first Melt container is introduced into a first mold and the lance of the second melt container is inserted into a second mold. This has the advantage that the melt containers can be filled easily and the casting molds can have a sufficiently large distance from one another.

Furthermore, it can be provided that during the casting of the at least one cast workpiece, the melt from the melt container is let into the casting mold in a first process step at a first inflow speed until the pouring opening is at least partially immersed in the melt introduced into the casting mold and that in a second In the process step, the melt is admitted into the casting mold at a second inflow speed, the second inflow speed being greater than the first inflow speed. This has the advantage that the turbulence when the melt is poured into the casting mold can be kept as low as possible.

Furthermore, it can be provided that when the melt container is filled with melt in a first process step, the lance is moved on the surface of the crucible in such a way that In particular, it is swiveled so that the oxide skin on the surface is torn open and in a second process step the lance dips into the melt in the crucible in the torn area of the oxide skin. This has the advantage that this measure enables the oxide skin to be kept away from the lance, so that contamination of the lance by the oxide skin can be largely prevented.

In particular, it can be provided that the oxide skin is torn open by means of the immersion aid.

It can also be provided that when the melt container is filled with melt, so much more melt is taken up in the melt receiving space that when the melt container is filled again with melt, the level of the melt surface of the melt remaining in the melt receiving space above the lance, in particular within the melt receiving space lies. This has the advantage that the oxide skin located on the melt surface remains in an area with an approximately constant cross section and is therefore not excessively deformed. As a result, the oxide skin is not mixed with the melt.

In addition, it can be provided that an internal pressure in the melt receiving space is reduced when the melt container is accelerated upward in a vertical direction and that the internal pressure in the melt receiving space is increased again when the vertical acceleration of the melt container is ended. This has the advantage that a change in the weight of the melt can be compensated for by this measure, so that there is no undesired leakage of the melt.

It can preferably be provided that the adaptation of the interior pressure in the melt receiving space takes place shortly before the start of a relevant movement or at the same time as the movement of the melt container.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the acceleration occurring on the melt container during a casting cycle is determined by means of an acceleration sensor and that the interior pressure in the melt receiving space is adapted during a subsequent casting cycle on the basis of the acceleration values determined. This has the advantage that a simple adaptation of the control sequence can take place in the case of recurring cycles. In addition, it can be provided that a necessary adjustment of the interior pressure of the melt receiving space to compensate for accelerations of the melt container is calculated in a simulation and that the interior pressure of the melt receiving space is adjusted on the basis of the calculations during a casting cycle. This has the advantage that no fitting cycles are necessary. This means that the advantages can be applied immediately to each new cycle.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the melt container is actively tilted when the melt container is accelerated in a horizontal direction. This measure can counteract a sloshing movement of the melt.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that the acceleration of the melt container is specifically changed during the movement of the melt container in order to compensate for a sloshing movement of the melt received in the melt receiving space and thus to calm the melt. This has the advantage that this measure can prevent undesired pouring out of the melt.

An advantageous feature of the system is when the planned movement of the swivel arm robot and the accelerations of the swivel arm robot are used to control the negative pressure. For example, the setpoint values and / or actual values of the movement, movement speed and acceleration determined in the robot program can be used in a pre-control of the vacuum change. The values can also be determined by a calculation program on a computer for the movement programmed on the swivel arm robot.

In summary, it can be stated that the following design features must be observed in order to prevent the melt from spilling over when accelerating vertically. The surface of the siphon should be chosen as large as possible. The surface of the melt receiving space should be as large as possible so that the height of the melt column remains small. A narrowing of the melt receiving space in the area of the target fill level makes sense, since the area ratio to the siphon becomes smaller. The smaller the remaining air volume in the melt receiving space in the case of a melt container filled with melt, the better this is when the melt container accelerates in the course of a movement of the melt container. For a better understanding of the invention, it is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

They each show in a greatly simplified, schematic representation:

1 shows a schematic sectional illustration of a first exemplary embodiment of a melt transport device with a siphon;

2 shows individual method steps of a first-time filling process for filling a melt receiving space with melt;

3 shows individual method steps of a renewed filling process for filling a melt receiving space with melt;

4 shows individual method steps of an alternative filling process for filling a melt receiving space with melt;

Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of a further alternative filling process for Fül len a melt receiving space with melt using a low-pressure furnace;

6 shows a first variant embodiment of a pouring opening;

7 shows a second embodiment variant of a pouring opening;

8 shows a third variant embodiment of a pouring opening;

9 shows a fourth variant embodiment of a pouring opening;

10 shows a first embodiment of a casting device;

11 shows a second exemplary embodiment of a casting device;

12 shows an exemplary embodiment of a quick-release fastener for coupling a fance to a melt container;

13 shows a schematic sectional illustration of a further exemplary embodiment of the melt transport device with partition walls. By way of introduction, it should be noted that in the differently described embodiments, the same parts are provided with the same reference numerals or the same component names, whereby the disclosures contained in the entire description can be applied accordingly to the same parts with the same reference numerals or the same component names. The position details chosen in the description, such as above, below, side, etc., also relate to the figure immediately described and shown and these position details are to be transferred accordingly to the new position in the event of a change in position.

1 shows a first exemplary embodiment of a melt transport device 1 which is used to transport melt 2.

The melt transport device 1 has a melt container 3 in which a melt receiving space 4 is formed, which is used to receive the melt 2. The melt receiving space 4 has on its inside a surface 38 which is in contact with the melt 2 in the filled state of the melt receiving space 4.

Furthermore, the melt transport device 1 comprises a spout 5 which is coupled to the melt container 3. The spout 5 can be designed as an integral part of the melt zebehälters 3. Furthermore, it is also conceivable that the spout 5 is designed as a separate component which is coupled to the melt container 3. The spout 5 has a pouring opening 6 through which the melt 2 received in the melt container 3 can flow out of the melt transport device 1 into a casting mold.

The pouring opening 6 can have a circular cross section. Furthermore, it is also conceivable that the pouring opening 6 has a square cross section. In addition, it is also conceivable for the pouring opening 6 to have a rectangular cross section, wherein in particular a longitudinal extension of the pouring opening 6, which runs normal to the cutting plane, can have a large extension. For example, the longitudinal extent of the pouring opening 6 can be up to 2000mm, in particular up to 500mm. This is particularly advantageous in the case of elongated cast workpieces such as cylinder blocks or cylinder heads.

Of course, this elongated extension of the pouring opening 6 can also be advantageous in the other design variants. Furthermore, a gas valve 7 is formed which is flow-connected to the melt receiving space 4 and which is designed to regulate the gas entry into the otherwise gas-tight melt receiving space 4. The gas valve 7 is arranged above a filling level maximum 8, so that no melt 2 can flow into the gas valve 7. The maximum filling level is selected so that when the melt container 3 is filled with melt 2 up to the maximum filling level 8, a gas-filled space remains in the melt receiving space 4, in which a pressure can be set by means of the gas valve 7.

Furthermore, a pressure detection means 9 can be provided, by means of which an internal pressure in the melt receiving space 4 can be detected. The gas pressure in the melt receiving space 4 can thus be set in a targeted manner by means of the gas valve 7.

As can also be seen from the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1, it can be provided that the melt transport device 1 has a fill level sensor 10 which is used to detect an actual fill quantity 11. The actual filling quantity level 11 can thus be continuously recorded and compared with a target filling quantity level 12.

Furthermore, a load cell 39 can be formed, by means of which the weight and thus the fill level of the melt receiving space 4 can be recorded.

As can also be seen from FIG. 1, it can be provided that the melt transport device 1 has a siphon 13 which has a reservoir 14 which is arranged between the melt receiving space 4 and the pouring opening 6. Furthermore, a siphon wall 15 is formed which protrudes into the reservoir 14 in such a way that, when the reservoir 14 is filled with melt up to an overflow level 17, the melt receiving space 4 is closed in a gas-tight manner with respect to an outer side 16 of the melt container. Here, the siphon 13 is formed in the spout 5 such that the reservoir 14 has the overflow level 17, the siphon wall 15 being formed in such a way that it has a lower edge 32 of the siphon wall. The siphon wall 15 protrudes into the reservoir 14 in such a way that a siphon wall lower edge 32 is arranged at a lower level than the overflow level 17.

In FIG. 1, the melt container 3 is shown partially filled with melt 2. As can be seen from FIG. 1, the structure described results in a first melt surface 18 which is arranged on the outside 16 of the melt container or is assigned to it. Furthermore a second melt surface 19 is formed, which is arranged in the melt receiving space 4 of the melt container 3. The second melt surface 19 corresponds to the actual fill level 11. The ambient pressure of the melt container 3 acts on the first melt surface 18. The internal pressure of the melt receiving space 4 acts on the second melt surface 19.

For the transport of the melt container 3, it can be advantageous if, as shown in FIG. 1, the first melt surface 18 is slightly below the overflow level 17. Spilling of the melt 2 can thereby be avoided in the best possible way. This level difference can be achieved, for example, by reducing the pressure in the melt receiving space 4. Alternatively, the melt container 3 can be shaken or tilted slightly after filling in order to achieve this level difference immediately after the melt container 3 has been filled. Of course, it is also possible for the melt container 3 to be manipulated while the level of the first melt surface 18 is the same as the overflow level 17.

As can also be seen from FIG. 1, it can be provided that the spout 5 is designed in the form of a lance 20 and that the siphon 13 is arranged on the underside of the lance 20. In the representations of the exemplary embodiments, the lance 20 is shown excessively large in diameter to improve the clarity. In particular, it can be provided that the lance 20 is designed to be slimmer than shown and therefore has a greater length compared to its diameter.

Furthermore, it can of course also be provided that the siphon 13 is integrated directly into the lance 20. A siphon 13 integrated in the lance 20 can work according to the same operating principle as described here.

In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1, the siphon 13 can comprise a container 21 which is open at the top and which is coupled to the spout 5 by means of struts 22. In this exemplary embodiment, an upper edge of the container 21 simultaneously defines the overflow level 17. If, in the present embodiment according to FIG. 1, gas is let into the melt receiving space 4 by means of the gas valve 7, the second melt surface 19 lowers, causing the melt in the melt receiving space 4 2 runs through a pouring channel 23 into the reservoir 14, whereby the first melt surface 18 rises. The first Melt surface 18 is raised until the melt 2 runs out over the Überlaufni level 17.

Furthermore, it can also be provided that the container 21, which is open at the top, is arranged on the spout 5 such that it can be replaced.

As can also be seen from FIG. 1, it can furthermore be provided that an immersion aid 47 is arranged on the underside of the lance 20a, 20b. The immersion aid 47 serves to tear open the oxide skin on the upper surface of the crucible 25 when the lance 20a, 20b is immersed in the crucible 25, so that the lance 20a, 20b can be immersed under the layer of oxide skin to fill the melt container and in As a further consequence, the oxide skin does not get into the melt receiving space 4 as far as possible when the melt container 3 is filled. In particular, it can be provided that the immersion aid 47 has a pointed shape, so that the tearing open of the oxide skin is facilitated.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the underside of the lance 20a, 20b or the immersion aid 47 is designed in such a way that it does not have any protruding surfaces, so that when the lance 20a, 20b is pulled out of the crucible 25, there is as little oxide skin as possible on the lance 20a, 20b adheres. In particular, it can be provided that all upwardly directed surfaces of the lance 20a, 20b are designed to be conical or obliquely pointing downward, so that the oxide skin is rejected when the lance 20a, 20b is pulled out.

In FIGS. 2a to 2c, a further and possibly independent embodiment of the melt transport device 1 is shown, the same reference numerals or component designations being used for the same parts as in the previous FIG. In order to avoid unnecessary repetitions, reference is made to the detailed description in the preceding FIG. 1.

A possible filling process for filling the melt receiving space 4 with melt 2 is shown schematically in FIGS. 2a to 2c.

As can be seen from FIG. 2a, it can be provided that the melt 2 is provided in a melting crucible 25 of a melting furnace 24 and that the melt container 3 is positioned above the melting crucible 25. As can be seen from FIG. 2b, in a further process step the melt container 3 can at least partially dip into the melt 2 arranged in the crucible 25, so that the pouring opening 6 is immersed below the crucible filling level 27 of the melt 2 in the crucible 25. If the gas valve 7 is now opened or is already open during immersion, the melt 2 can flow into the melt receiving space 4 of the melt container 3 via the pouring opening 6. This position of the melt container 3 can also be referred to as the filling position 26.

If the gas flowing out of the melt receiving space 4 can pass through the gas valve 7 without pressure, the filling quantity nesting level 11 will adapt to the furnace filling level 27 in the filled state of the melt container 3. When the gas valve 7 is subsequently closed and the melt container 3 is raised, the actual filling level 11 will decrease until the negative pressure in the melt receiving space 4 is sufficiently large to keep the melt 2 at the same level due to the pressure difference between the interior pressure in the melt receiving space 4 and the ambient pressure hold.

When the target level 12 is reached in the melt receiving space 4, the gas valve 7 can be closed and the melt container 3, as can be seen in Fig. 2c, can be raised again.

When the melt container 3 is raised, so much melt 2 flows out of the melt receiving space 4 back into the crucible 25 until a pressure that is lower than that of the surroundings is established in the melt receiving space 4, which holds the melt in the melt receiving space 4.

In a further development, it can be provided that further melt 2 is subsequently drained from the melt receiving space 4 by opening the gas valve 7 until a desired fill level of melt 2 in the melt receiving space 4 is reached. The desired level of melt 2 can be selected in this way

This desired level of melt 2 in the melt receiving space 4 is selected in such a way that a remainder of melt 2 remains in the melt receiving space 4 after the casting of the cast workpiece or workpieces. In a subsequent process step, the melt container 3 can be transported to its Gießposi tion.

FIGS. 3a to 3c show a further and possibly independent embodiment of the melt transport device 1, the same reference numerals or component names being used for the same parts as in the previous FIGS. 1 and 2. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the detailed description in the preceding FIGS. 1 and 2.

A possible filling process for renewed or repeated filling of the melt receiving space 4 with melt 2 is shown schematically in FIGS. 3a to 3c.

As can be seen from Fig. 3a, it can be provided that immediately before filling the melt container 3 again, a remainder of melt 2, which has an oxide skin formed on the melt surface 19, is located in the melt receiving space 4 of the melt container 3. In other words, during the previous casting process, the melt 2 was not completely poured out. Of course, several cast work pieces can also have been cast, whereby when the last cast work piece was cast, not all of the melt 2 located in the melt receiving space 4 of the melt container 3 was used.

This situation is not explicitly shown in FIG. 3a, but it is possible that before the melt container 3 is immersed in the crucible 25, at least part of the melt 2 still located in the melt receiving space 4 of the melt container 3 is drained, so that this melt jet the Oxide skin of the melt 2 in the crucible 25 breaks and displaces.

FIGS. 4a and 4b show a further and possibly independent embodiment of the melt transport device 1, the same reference numerals or component designations being used for the same parts as in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 2. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the detailed description in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 2. 4a and 4b, an alternative method for filling the Schmelzaufnahmemerau mes 4 with melt 2 is shown.

As can be seen from FIGS. 4a and 4b, it can be provided that the melt container 3 only dips so far into the crucible 25 that the pouring opening 6 is below the level 27 of the tie.

In order to reach the desired fill level 12 in the melt receiving space 4, the melt receiving space 4 can be evacuated by means of a vacuum pump 28, whereby the melt 2 is drawn into the melt receiving space 4. The gas valve 7 can then be closed in order to keep the actual filling quantity 11 in the melt receiving space 4 at a constant level during the transport of the melt transport device 1.

Since the melt receiving space 4 before the lifting of the melt container 3, as shown in Fig.

4b is already evacuated by the vacuum pump 28, the actual filling quantity level 11 in the melt receiving space 4 will only drop slightly when it is raised.

In FIG. 5, a further and possibly independent embodiment of the melt transport device 1 is shown, with the same reference characters or component names as in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 4 being used for the same parts. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the detailed description in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 4.

As can be seen from FIG. 5, it can be provided that the melt transport device 1 is filled by means of a low-pressure furnace 33 known to a person skilled in the art. Here, a riser pipe 34, which protrudes into the crucible 25 of the low-pressure furnace 33, can be coupled directly to the pouring opening 6 in order to establish a flow connection between the riser pipe 34 and the melt receiving space 4. If the gas valve 7 is opened during the filling process, the melt 2 in the riser 34 can be pushed upwards through the function of the low pressure furnace 33 until the melt receiving space 4 is filled with melt 2 up to its target level 12.

In such an embodiment variant, provision can also be made for the riser pipe 34 of the low-pressure furnace 33 and the spout 5 to be coupled to one another by means of a coupling 31. In FIGS. 6 to 9, a further and possibly independent embodiment of the siphon 13 is shown, again with the same reference numerals or component names as in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 5 being used for the same parts. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the detailed description in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 5.

As can be seen from FIGS. 6 to 9, it can be provided that the siphon 13 is tubular. In FIGS. 6 to 9, various possible embodiments of the pouring opening 6 are shown.

In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 6, the pouring opening 6 is round. Such a shape of the pouring opening 6 results when the pipe which forms the siphon 13 is cut off normal to the pipe center axis.

In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 7 it is provided that a drip nose 35 is formed on the pouring opening 6. The drip nose 35 serves to keep the oxide adhesion to the pouring opening 6 as low as possible when casting a cast workpiece. In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 7, the pouring opening 6 is also, as in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 6, arranged at a right angle to the pipe center axis. In the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 6 and 7, the tube is designed to be slightly inclined downward in the area of the pouring opening 6 with the lance 20 in a vertical position, with a tube end angle 36 being designed at an angle smaller than 90 °.

In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 8, the tube is cut obliquely in the region of the pouring opening 6, so that the pouring opening 6 is oval.

As can be seen from FIG. 9, it can be provided that the pouring opening 6 is designed in the shape of a fan and thus has a greater extent in its width than the extent in its height. A pouring opening 6 designed in this way is particularly suitable for pouring wide cast workpieces.

In FIG. 10, a further and possibly independent embodiment of the casting device 37 is shown, whereby the same reference numerals or component designations as in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 9 are again used for the same parts. Around To avoid unnecessary repetitions, reference is made to the detailed description in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 9.

Fig. 10 shows a first embodiment of a casting device 37 for casting cast workpieces. As can be seen from FIG. 10, it can be provided that the melt transport device 1 has a first melt container 3a and a second melt container 3b. The first melt container 3a has a first melt receiving space 4a and a first spout 5a in the form of a lance 20a located at the bottom of the first melt container 3a. The spout 5a has a pouring opening 6a.

As can also be seen from FIG. 10, it can be provided that the second melt container 3b can be constructed in the same way as the first melt container 3a.

The second melt container 3b has a second melt receiving space 4b and a second spout 5b in the form of a lance 20b located at the bottom of the second melt container 3b. The spout 5b has a pouring opening 6b.

The melt transport device 1 can be designed in such a way that both melt containers 3a, 3b can be moved simultaneously and synchronously with one another. In particular, it can be provided that both melt containers 3a, 3b are moved together by means of common drive devices. As a result, the structure of the melt transport device 1 can be kept as simple as possible.

The casting device 37 also comprises a casting mold 29 which has a mold cavity 30. In particular, a first casting mold 29a is assigned to the first melt container 3a and a second casting mold 29b is assigned to the second melt container 3b. By means of the casting device 37 shown in FIG. 10, two cast workpieces can be cast with only one melt transport device 1. In this case, the structure or the control of the melt transport device 1 can be kept as simple as possible.

As can also be seen from FIG. 10, it can be provided that a swivel device 40 is formed which has a swivel bearing 41 by means of which the melt container 3a, 3b can be swiveled about a horizontal axis of rotation 42. As can be seen from FIG. 10, it can be provided that each of the melt containers 3a, 3b has its own pivot drive 43 has. The two melt containers 3a, 3b can thus be pivoted individually and independently of one another.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the mold 29 can also be pivoted about a horizontal axis. Thus, the mold 29 and the melt container 3 can be pivoted at the same time.

As can also be seen from FIG. 10, it can be provided that a distance adjustment device 44 is formed, by means of which a distance 45 between the lance 20a of the first melt container 3a and the lance 20b of the second melt container 3b can be adjusted to one another.

From the standver adjusting device 44 can, as can be seen from Fig. 10, for example in the form of a linear adjusting device.

In a further embodiment it is also conceivable that the distance adjusting device

44 is designed, for example, in the form of a fastening arm for receiving the melt container 3a, 3b, whereby a change in the distance 45 can be achieved by pivoting the fastening arm and thus the melting container 3a, 3b about a vertical axis.

In FIG. 11, a further and possibly independent embodiment of the casting device 37 is shown, the same reference numerals or component designations being used again for the same parts as in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 10. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the detailed description in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 10. In particular, the casting device 37 shown in FIG. 11 has a similar structure to the casting device 37 shown in FIG. 10.

As can be seen from Fig. 11, it can be provided that both melt containers 3a, 3b are arranged on a common receptacle, the pivot bearing 41 being designed in such a way that both melt containers 3a, 3b simultaneously by means of a pivot drive 43 about the horizontal axis of rotation 42 are pivotable.

In FIG. 12, a further and possibly independent embodiment of the casting device 37 is shown, again with the same reference symbols or Component designations as in the preceding Figures 1 to 11 are used. In order to avoid unnecessary repetitions, reference is made to the detailed description in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 11.

As can be seen from FIG. 12, it can be provided that the lance 20 is coupled to the melt container 3 by means of a quick-release connector 46, in particular by means of a bayonet connector. In the present embodiment according to FIG. 12, a shaped element is formed in the melt container 3, with a recess corresponding to the shaped element being formed on the lance 20. When the lance 20 is attached to the melt container 3 and rotated through a certain angle, locking of the lance 20 on the melt container 3 can be achieved by means of the Schnellverschlus ses 46.

13 shows a further and possibly independent embodiment of the melt transport device 1, again with the same reference characters or component names as in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 13 being used for the same parts. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the detailed description in the preceding Figures 1 to 13.

13, it can be provided that a plurality of partition walls 48 are formed in the melt receiving space 4 of the melt container 3. The partition walls 48 can divide the melt receiving space 4 into several small chambers. Furthermore, it can be provided that a throughflow opening 49 is formed in each of the partition walls 48, which is used to allow melt 2 to flow between the individual chambers or to the pouring opening 6.

As can also be seen from FIG. 13, it can be provided that an acceleration sensor 50 is arranged on the melt container 3. The acceleration sensor 50 can be designed, for example, in the form of a gyro sensor.

As can also be seen from FIG. 13, it can be provided that a structural element 52 is formed on a ceiling 51 of the melt receiving space 4.

As can also be seen from FIG. 13, it can be provided that an actuator 54 is formed, by means of which the container 21 can be displaced relative to the lance 20a, 20b. As a result, a pouring channel 23 of the lance 20a, 20b can be closed off from the environment. The actuator 54 can be designed for example in the form of a cylinder. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the actuator 54 is designed in the form of an electric motor drive.

14 shows a further and possibly independent embodiment of the melt transport device 1, the same reference characters or component designations being used for the same parts as in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 13. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the detailed description in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 13.

As can be seen from FIG. 14, it can be provided that the melt container 3 is arranged on a swivel arm robot 53.

The exemplary embodiments show possible design variants, whereby it should be noted at this point that the invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated design variants, but rather various combinations of the individual design variants are possible with one another and this possible variation is based on the teaching on technical action due to the present invention is within the ability of a person skilled in the art working in this technical field.

The scope of protection is determined by the claims. However, the description and the drawings are to be used to interpret the claims. Fine features or combinations of features from the different exemplary embodiments shown and described can represent independent inventive solutions for themselves. The task on which the independent inventive solutions are based can be found in the description.

All information on value ranges in the present description are to be understood in such a way that they include any and all sub-areas, e.g. the information 1 to 10 should be understood to include all sub-areas, starting from the lower limit 1 and the upper limit 10 are, ie all sub-ranges begin with a lower limit of 1 or greater and end at an upper limit of 10 or less, for example 1 to 1.7, or 3.2 to 8.1, or 5.5 to 10. For the sake of order, it should finally be pointed out that, for a better understanding of the structure, some elements have been shown not to scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced.

List of reference symbols melt transport device 31 Melt coupling 32 Siphon wall lower edge Melt container 33 Low pressure furnace Melt receiving space 34 Riser pipe pouring 35 Drip nose pouring opening 36 Pipe end angle gas valve 37 Pouring device Filling level maximum 38 Surface of melt receiving pressure recording means space Filling level sensor 39 Weighing cell, siphon storage level 40 Pivoting device, Swiveling device, target level of the siphon wall, 41 Pivoting device, distance 42 Pivoting device, target level Overflow level 46 Quick lock first melt surface 47 Immersion aid second melt surface 48 Partition wall, lance 49 Flow opening, container 50 Acceleration sensor strut 51 Ceiling pouring channel 52 Structural element melting furnace 53 Swivel arm robot melting crucible 54 Actuator filling position crucible filling level Vacuum pump casting mold Mold cavity

Claims

Patent claims

1. Casting device (37) comprising a melt transport device (1) with at least one melt container (3a, 3b) in which a melt receiving space (4a, 4b) and a spout (5a, 5b) in the form of a melt container (3a, 3b) below Lance (20a, 20b) is formed, the spout (5a, 5b) having a pouring opening (6a, 6b) which is connected to the melt receiving space (4a, 4b) flow s.

2. Casting device (37) according to claim 1, characterized in that the melt transport device (1) comprises a pivoting device (40) by means of which the melt container (3a, 3b) can be tilted from a vertical position.

3. Pouring device (37) according to claim 2, characterized in that the pivoting device (40) has a horizontally aligned pivot bearing (41) with means of which the melt container (3a, 3b) can be pivoted about a horizontal axis of rotation (42).

4. Casting device (37) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the casting device (37) comprises at least one first melt container (3a) and a second melt container (3b), which are net angeord on the melt transport device (1) .

5. Casting device (37) according to claim 4, characterized in that the first melt container (3a) and the second melt container (3b) are formed identically.

6. Casting device (37) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the first melt container (3a) and the second melt container (3b) have a common pivot drive (43).

7. Pouring device (37) according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that a distance adjusting device (44) is formed, by means of which a distance (45) the lance (20a) of the first melt container (3a) and the lance (20b) of the second melt container (3b) is adjustable.

8. Casting device (37) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lance (20a, 20b) is removably arranged on the melt container (3a, 3b).

9. Pouring device (37) according to claim 8, characterized in that the lance (20a, 20b) can be coupled to the melt container (3a, 3b) by means of a quick release fastener (46), in particular a bayonet joint.

10. Pouring device (37) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an immersion aid (47) is arranged on the underside of the lance (20a, 20b).

11. Casting device (37) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the melt transport device (1) comprises a swivel arm robot (53) on which the melt container (3a, 3b) is arranged.

12. Casting device (37) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an acceleration sensor (50) is formed which is coupled to the melt zebehält (3 a, 3 b).

13. Casting device (37) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one partition (48) is formed in the melt container (3a, 3b).

14. Casting device (37) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one structural element (52) is arranged on a ceiling (51) of the melt container (3a, 3b), the structural element (52) following one another Has widening cross-section at the top, and wherein the structural element (52) extends to below the fill quantity target level (12).

15. Pouring device (37) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spout (5a, 5b) comprises a siphon (13), wherein the siphon (13) comprises egg NEN upwardly open container (21), wherein the Container (21) is displaceable relative to the lance (20a, 20b) so that a pouring channel (23) of the lance (20a, 20b) can be closed off from the environment.

16. A method for pouring melt (2) by means of a melt container (3a, 3b) in which a melt receiving space (4a, 4b) is formed, the melt container (3a, 3b) having a spout (5a, 5b) in the form of a melt container (3a, 3b) has the lance (20a, 20b) lying below, the method comprising the following method steps:

- Filling the melt container (3a, 3b) with melt (2), wherein the melt (2) via a pouring opening (6a, 6b) of the lance (20a, 20b) from a crucible (25) into the melt receiving space (4a, 4b) ) the melt container (3a, 3b) is introduced;

- Pouring at least one cast workpiece with melt (2) from the melt container (3a, 3b), wherein the melt (2) received in the melt receiving space (4a, 4b) via the pouring opening (6a, 6b) of the lance (20a, 20b) into a Casting mold (29a, 29b) is introduced;

- Refilling the melt container (3a, 3b) with melt (2).

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that when casting the at least one cast workpiece, the melt container (3a, 3b) is tilted from a vertical position.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that when casting the at least one cast workpiece, the melt container (3a, 3b) and also the casting mold (29a, 29b) are moved, in particular that the melt container (3a, 3b) and the casting mold ( 29a, 29b) are moved simultaneously with one another or relative to one another, in particular that the melt container (3a, 3b) and the casting mold (29a, 29b) are moved at the same angle and / or synchronously with one another.

19. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that the casting device (37) comprises at least a first melt container (3a) and a second melt container (3b), with a first casting from the first Melt container (3a) and a second cast workpiece from the second melt container (3b) are cast at the same time.

20. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 19, characterized in that the casting device (37) comprises at least a first melt container (3a) and a second melt container (3b), a distance (45) of the lance (20a) of the first melt container (3a) and the lance (20b) of the second melt container (3b) is adjustable, whereby the distance (45) of the lance (20a) of the first melt container (3a) to fill the melt container (3a, 3b) with melt (2) and the lance (20b) of the second melt container (3b) is reduced so that both lances (20a, 20b) dip into a common crucible (25) at the same time and the distance (45) of the The lance (20a) of the first melt container (3a) and the lance (20b) of the second melt container (3b) are enlarged, the lance (20a) of the first melt container (3a) being inserted into a first mold (29a) and the lance ( 20b) the second n melt container (3b) is introduced into a second casting mold (29b).

21. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 20, characterized in that when pouring the at least one cast workpiece, the melt (2) from the melt container (3a, 3b) in a first process step with a first inflow speed into the mold (29a, 29b ) until the pouring opening (6) is at least partially immersed in the melt (2) introduced into the casting mold (29a, 29b) and that in a second process step the melt (2) flows into the casting mold (29a, 29b), the second inflow speed being greater than the first inflow speed.

22. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 21, characterized in that when filling the melt container (3a, 3b) with melt (2) in a first process step, the lance (20) is moved on the surface of the crucible (25), In particular, it is pivoted so that the oxide skin on the surface is torn open and, in a second process step, the lance (20) dips into the melt in the crucible (25) in the torn area of the oxide skin.

23. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 22, characterized in that when the melt container (3) is filled with melt (2), so much more melt (2) is received in the melt receiving space (4) that when the melt is filled again Melt container (3) with melt (2), the level of the melt surface (19) of the melt remaining in the melt receiving space (4) is above the lance (20), in particular within the melt receiving space (4).

24. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 23, characterized in that an interior pressure in the melt receiving space (4) is reduced when the melt container (3a, 3b) is accelerated upwards in a vertical direction and that the interior pressure in the melt receiving space ( 4) is increased again when the vertical acceleration of the melt container (3a, 3b) is ended.

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that an acceleration sensor (50) is used to determine the acceleration occurring during a casting cycle on the melt container (3a, 3b) and that the interior pressure in the melt receiving space (4) during a subsequent casting cycle is based on the determined acceleration values is adjusted.

26. The method according to any one of claims 24 to 25, characterized in that a necessary adjustment of the interior pressure of the melt receiving space (4) to compensate for accelerations of the melt container (3a, 3b) is calculated in a simulation and that the interior pressure of the during a casting cycle Melt receiving space (4) is adapted on the basis of the calculations.

27. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 26, characterized in that the melt container (3a, 3b) is actively tilted when the melt container (3a, 3b) is accelerated in a horizontal direction.

28. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 27, characterized in that during the movement of the melt container (3a, 3b), the acceleration of the melt container (3a, 3b) is specifically changed to prevent a sloshing movement of the im To compensate for the melt (2) received in the melt receiving space (4a, 4b) and thus to calm the melt (2).