EP4072751B1 - Casting device and method of casting - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a casting device and a method for casting melt. The DE 10 2007 011 253 A1 discloses a casting device with a melt container for metallic materials. An injector is arranged on the underside of the melt container and has an opening for discharging the melt. Furthermore, a closing device is designed, which serves to close the opening.

Other such casting devices with an injector are from the EP 3 274 113 B1 and from the DE 10 2009 004 613 A1 known. In addition, a master's thesis "Classification and characterization of process-related casting defects in an innovative permanent mold casting process", which was submitted to the Montanuniversität Leoben in February 2014, discloses such a casting device with an injector and a casting process that can be carried out with it.

Further casting devices are from the JP H11 33696 A , the WO 2019/204845 A1 , the JP 2000 042723 A , the EP 1 428 599 A1 and the US 6,332,357 B1 disclosed.

Further casting devices are available EP 3 378 582 A1 and the KR 2009 0072127 A 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 casting melt.

This task is solved by a device and a method according to the claims.

The scope of the present invention is defined by independent claims 1 and 9, and further embodiments of the invention are specified in dependent claims 2-8 and 10-15.

A lance in the sense of this document is seen as a spout with a narrowed cross-section in relation to the melt container. In particular, it can be provided that the lance is at least partially tubular. The device according to the invention has the advantage that melt can be introduced into casting molds more easily.

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 improved quality of the casting can be achieved.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the pivoting device has a horizontally oriented pivot bearing, by means of which the melt container can be pivoted about a horizontal axis of rotation. The melt container can be easily brought into its correct angular position, particularly using a horizontally aligned swivel 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 castings can be cast in parallel using the two melt containers. Surprisingly, the melt containers according to the invention with the lance at the bottom 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 identically. Particularly when casting identical cast workpieces, 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, this measure can ensure that the first melt container and the second melt container are guided synchronously with one another despite the technically simplest possible means.

Furthermore, it can be useful if a distance between the lance of the first melt container and the lance of the second melt container can be adjusted. This measure makes it possible to move the two lances of the two melt containers towards each other in order to absorb melt into the two melt containers and thus to immerse the lance in a melting crucible, so that both lances can be immersed in the melting crucible at the same time. To cast the cast workpiece, the distance between the two lances can be adjusted can be enlarged to each other so that the molds can be spaced at a sufficient distance and a lance can be inserted into each mold.

According to the invention, the lance is removably arranged on the melt container.

This has the advantage that the lance can be easily replaced if it is damaged or if the lance is excessively contaminated 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 replaced without tools and therefore 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 melting crucible when the lance is immersed in a melting crucible, so that the lance can be dipped under the layer of the oxide skin to fill the melt container and, as a result, the oxide skin is not possible when filling the melt container enters 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 using 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 precise positioning of the melt container is required and the mass of the melt container can also be kept low.

Another advantageous embodiment is if the control is designed to be dependent on the filling level. Such a system can, for example, be implemented using a flatness-based control approach and enable the adjustment of parameters in the control based on the actual mass and fill level of the melt.

With simple designs of melt containers, which can hold melt by means of a negative pressure in the melt receiving space, the problem arises that the negative pressure in the melt receiving space is applied by a gas and thus a compressible medium. If the weight of the melt fluctuates, for example because the melt is accelerated, the actual filling level cannot be maintained due to the compressibility of the gas, which can lead to unwanted 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. Using the acceleration sensor, the accelerations occurring at the melt container can be detected and, based on these detected acceleration values, the movement parameters of the melt container and/or the internal pressure in the melt receiving space can be adjusted.

Furthermore, it can be provided that at least one partition wall is formed in the melt container. This has the advantage that this measure allows the sloshing movement of the melt received in the melt receiving space to be kept as low as possible.

In a first exemplary embodiment, the partition wall can be arranged on the ceiling of the melt container and extend from above to below the target filling level.

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

Of course, several partitions can also be formed.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the partitions are designed to be displaceable, so that they are designed to float 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 calmed over a wide range of filling heights.

Furthermore, it can be provided that there is a floating cover or floating body on the melt, which reduces the free movement of the melt. This swimmer Body stabilizes the melt surface and the suction volume. The floating body can be solidified melt areas that form a lid. It can also be slag or bound slag and melt and slag. Furthermore, it is also conceivable that media of different viscosity stabilize the surface. This is particularly advantageous if the lance is not completely emptied when melt is dispensed, but rather the filling quantity level is constantly within the melt receiving space during casting. This ensures 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, wherein the structural element has a cross section that widens upwards, and wherein the structural element extends below the target filling quantity level. This measure makes it possible to keep the volume of air remaining in the melt receiving space as low as possible when the melt receiving space is filled to the target filling level. As a result, a shift in the actual filling quantity level, which is due to an acceleration-related change in the weight of the melt, can be kept as small as possible, since even a small shift in the actual filling quantity level leads to a high percentage change in the air volume remaining in the melt receiving space. This high percentage change in the air volume remaining in the melt receiving space leads to an increase or decrease in pressure in the melt receiving space, which again 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 a container which is open at the top, the container being displaceable relative to the lance, so that a pouring channel of the lance can be closed from the environment. This has the advantage that this measure can prevent the melt from spilling over.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if a gas line in which the gas valve is arranged is designed with a barrier for melt. This has the advantage that melt moved by dynamic effects cannot penetrate into the gas line and contaminate the gas line there. Such protection can be, for example, a grid, sieve or porous materials such as Flushing stones of melting furnaces that pass through gas 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 closure is formed that prevents melt from entering the gas line. In particular, it is conceivable that the mechanical closure is designed as a float. Furthermore, it is also conceivable that the mechanical closure is formed by a lump of slag which floats on the melt.

The invention also relates to a method for casting melt according to independent claim 9.

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 cast, the melt container is tilted out of a vertical position. With this measure, calm watering can be achieved. In particular, it can be advantageous if, when casting the at least one cast workpiece, the melt container and also the casting mold are moved, 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 at the same angle and/or moved synchronously with each other. This has the advantage that a surprisingly high quality of the cast workpiece can be achieved. In particular, this measure can achieve particularly smooth casting of the cast workpiece.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the casting device comprises at least a first melt container and a second melt container, wherein during casting a first cast workpiece from the first melt container and a second cast workpiece from the second melt container are cast simultaneously. This has the advantage that the casting device can achieve 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, a 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 being used to fill 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 melting crucible and wherein when casting a first cast workpiece and a second cast workpiece, the distance between the lance of the first melt container and the lance of the second melt container is increased, 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 easily filled and the molds can be at a sufficiently large distance from one another.

Furthermore, it can be provided that when casting the at least one cast workpiece, the melt from the melt container is admitted 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 process step the melt is let into the 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 admitted into the mold can be kept as low as possible.

Furthermore, it can be provided that when filling the melt container with melt in a first process step, the lance moves on the surface of the melting crucible in such a way that in particular pivoted, the oxide skin located on the surface is torn open and in a second process step the lance is immersed in the torn area of the oxide skin into the melt located in the melting crucible. This has the advantage that this measure can keep the oxide skin 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 using the immersion aid.

Furthermore, it can be provided that when filling the melt container with melt, so much more melt is taken up into 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 is above the lance, in particular within the melt receiving space . This has the advantage that the oxide skin on the melt surface remains in an area with an approximately constant cross-section and is therefore not excessively deformed. This means that 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 upwards 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 this measure can compensate for a change in the weight of the melt, so that there is no undesirable leakage of the melt.

It can preferably be provided that the adjustment of the interior pressure in the melt receiving space takes place shortly before the start of a relevant movement or simultaneously with 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 adjusted during a subsequent casting cycle based on the determined acceleration values. This has the advantage that the control process can be easily adjusted for recurring cycles.

In addition, it can be provided that a necessary adjustment of the interior pressure of the melt receiving space is calculated in a simulation to compensate for accelerations of the melt container and that the interior pressure of the melt receiving space is adjusted during a casting cycle on the basis of the calculations. This has the advantage that no training cycles are necessary. This means the benefits can be applied immediately to every 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 unwanted pouring of the melt.

An advantageous embodiment 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 target values and/or actual values of movement, movement speed and acceleration determined in the robot program can be used in a pre-control of the negative pressure 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 taken into account in order to prevent the melt from spilling over during vertical acceleration. The surface of the siphon should be 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 holding space in the area of the target filling level makes sense because the area ratio to the siphon becomes smaller. The smaller the remaining air volume in the melt receiving space in a melt container filled with melt, the better this is when the melt container accelerates during a movement of the melt container.

For a better understanding of the invention, it will be explained in more detail using the following figures.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Schnittdarstellung eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels einer Schmelzetransportvorrichtung mit einem Siphon;

Fig. 2

einzelne Verfahrensschritte eines erstmaligen Füllvorganges zum Füllen eines Schmelzeaufnahmeraumes mit Schmelze;

Fig. 3

einzelne Verfahrensschritte eines erneuten Füllvorganges zum Füllen eines Schmelzeaufnahmeraumes mit Schmelze;

Fig. 4

einzelne Verfahrensschritte eines alternativen Füllvorganges zum Füllen eines Schmelzeaufnahmeraumes mit Schmelze;

Fig. 5

eine schematische Darstellung eines weiteren alternativen Füllvorganges zum Füllen eines Schmelzeaufnahmeraumes mit Schmelze unter Verwendung eines Niederdruckofens;

Fig. 6

eine erste Ausführungsvariante einer Ausgussöffnung;

Fig. 7

eine zweite Ausführungsvariante einer Ausgussöffnung;

Fig. 8

eine dritte Ausführungsvariante einer Ausgussöffnung;

Fig. 9

eine vierte Ausführungsvariante einer Ausgussöffnung;

Fig. 10

ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel einer Gießvorrichtung;

Fig. 11

ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel einer Gießvorrichtung;

Fig. 12

ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines Schnellverschlusses zum Ankoppeln einer Lanze an einen Schmelzebehälter;

Fig. 13

eine schematische Schnittdarstellung eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels der Schmelzetransportvorrichtung mit Trennwänden.

They show in a highly simplified, schematic representation:

Fig. 1

a schematic sectional view of a first exemplary embodiment of a melt transport device with a siphon;

Fig. 2

individual process steps of an initial filling process for filling a melt receiving space with melt;

Fig. 3

individual process steps of a new filling process for filling a melt receiving space with melt;

Fig. 4

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

Fig. 5

a schematic representation of a further alternative filling process for filling a melt receiving space with melt using a low-pressure furnace;

Fig. 6

a first embodiment variant of a pouring opening;

Fig. 7

a second embodiment variant of a pouring opening;

Fig. 8

a third embodiment variant of a pouring opening;

Fig. 9

a fourth embodiment variant of a pouring opening;

Fig. 10

a first embodiment of a casting device;

Fig. 11

a second embodiment of a casting device;

Fig. 12

an embodiment of a quick-release fastener for coupling a lance to a melt container;

Fig. 13

a schematic sectional view of a further exemplary embodiment of the melt transport device with partitions.

As an introduction, it should be noted that in the differently described embodiments, the same parts are provided with the same reference numbers or the same component names, whereby the disclosures contained in the entire description can be transferred analogously to the same parts with the same reference numbers or the same component names. The position information selected in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., is also related to the figure directly described and shown and, in the event of a change in position, these position information must be transferred accordingly to the new position.

Fig. 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 serves to hold the melt 2. The melt receiving space 4 has a surface 38 on its inside, which is in contact with the melt 2 when the melt receiving space 4 is filled.

Furthermore, the melt transport device 1 includes a spout 5, which is coupled to the melt container 3. The spout 5 can be designed as an integral part of the melt container 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 that the pouring opening 6 has a rectangular cross section, in particular a longitudinal extent of the pouring opening 6, which runs normal to the cutting plane, can have a large extent. For example, the longitudinal extent of the pouring opening 6 can be up to 2000mm, in particular up to 500mm. This is particularly advantageous for 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 embodiment variants.

Furthermore, a gas valve 7 is formed, which is fluidly 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 filling level maximum is selected so that when the melt container 3 is filled with melt 2 up to the filling level maximum 8, a gas-filled space remains in the melt receiving space 4, in which a pressure can be adjusted using 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 adjusted specifically using the gas valve 7.

As in the exemplary embodiment Fig. 1 Furthermore, it can be seen that it can be provided that the melt transport device 1 has a fill level sensor 10, which serves to detect an actual fill quantity level 11. The actual filling quantity level 11 can thus be continuously recorded and compared with a target filling quantity level 12.

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

How out Fig. 1 Furthermore, it can be seen 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 projects 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 gas-tight with respect to the outside of the melt container 16. Here, the siphon 13 is designed in the spout 5 so that the reservoir 14 has the overflow level 17, with the siphon wall 15 being designed such that it has a lower edge 32 of the siphon wall. The siphon wall 15 projects into the reservoir 14 in such a way that a lower edge 32 of the siphon wall 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. How out Fig. 1 As can be seen, the structure described results in a first melt surface 18, which is arranged on the outside of the melt container 16 or is assigned to it. Further 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 filling 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 in Fig. 1 shown, the first melt surface 18 is slightly below the overflow level 17. This means that spilling of the melt 2 can be avoided as best as possible. 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 slightly tilted immediately 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.

How out Fig. 1 Furthermore, according to the invention, the spout 5 is designed in the form of a lance 20 and the siphon 13 is arranged on the underside of the lance 20.

In the illustrations of the exemplary embodiments, the diameter of the lance 20 is shown to be excessively large to improve 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 into 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 an upwardly open container 21, 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. In the present exemplary embodiment Fig. 1 If gas is admitted into the melt receiving space 4 by means of the gas valve 7, the second melt surface 19 lowers, as a result of which the melt 2 located in the melt receiving space 4 runs through a pouring channel 23 into the reservoir 14, whereby the first melt surface 18 is raised. The first The melt surface 18 rises until the melt 2 runs out over the overflow level 17.

Furthermore, it can also be provided that the container 21, which is open at the top, is arranged on the spout 5 in a changeable manner.

How out Fig. 1 Furthermore, it can be seen that it can be provided that an immersion aid 47 is arranged on the underside of the lance 20a, 20b. The dipping aid 47 serves to tear open the oxide skin located on the surface of the melting crucible 25 when the lance 20a, 20b is dipped into the melting crucible 25, so that the lance 20a, 20b can be dipped under the layer of the oxide skin to fill the melt container and further When filling the melt container 3, the oxide skin should, if possible, not get into the melt receiving space 4. In particular, it can be provided that the immersion aid 47 has a pointed shape, so that tearing open the oxide skin is made easier.

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 they do 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 to point obliquely downwards, so that the oxide skin is rejected when the lance 20a, 20b is pulled out.

In the Figures 2a to 2c a further and possibly independent embodiment of the melt transport device 1 is shown, again with the same reference numbers or component names for the same parts as in the previous one Figure 1 be used. In order to avoid unnecessary repetitions, please refer to the detailed description in the previous section Figure 1 pointed out or referred to.

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

How out Fig. 2a As can be seen, 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.

How out Fig. 2b As can be seen, the melt container 3 can be at least partially immersed in the melt 2 arranged in the melting crucible 25 in a further process step, so that the pouring opening 6 is immersed in the melting crucible 25 below the crucible filling level 27 of the melt 2. 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 actual filling level 11 will adapt to the furnace filling level 27 when the melt container 3 is filled. 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.

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

When the melt container 3 is lifted, as much melt 2 flows from the melt receiving space 4 back into the melting crucible 25 until a pressure that is reduced compared to the environment 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 then 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 fill level of melt 2 can be selected in this way

This desired level of melt 2 in the melt receiving space 4 is selected so that after casting the cast workpiece or workpieces, a remainder of melt 2 remains in the melt receiving space 4.

In a subsequent process step, the melt container 3 can be transported to its casting position.

In the Figures 3a to 3c a further and possibly independent embodiment of the melt transport device 1 is shown, with the same reference numbers or component names as in the previous ones for the same parts Figures 1 and 2 be used. In order to avoid unnecessary repetitions, please refer to the detailed description in the previous sections Figures 1 and 2 pointed out or referred to.

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

How out Fig. 3a As can be seen, it can be provided that immediately before the melt container 3 is refilled, 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, the melt 2 was not completely poured out during the previous casting process. Of course, several cast workpieces can also have been cast, although not all of the melt 2 located in the melt receiving space 4 of the melt container 3 was consumed when the last cast workpiece was cast.

In the Fig. 3a This situation is not explicitly shown, but it is possible that before the melt container 3 is immersed in the melting crucible 25, at least part of the melt 2 still in the melt receiving space 4 of the melt container 3 is drained off, so that this melt jet penetrates the oxide skin of the melt 2 Crucible 25 breaks open and displaced.

In the Figures 4a and 4b a further and possibly independent embodiment of the melt transport device 1 is shown, with the same reference numbers or component names as in the previous ones for the same parts Figures 1 to 2 be used. In order to avoid unnecessary repetitions, please refer to the detailed description in the previous sections Figures 1 to 2 pointed out or referred to.

In the 4a and 4b an alternative method for filling the melt receiving space 4 with melt 2 is shown.

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

In order to now reach the target filling quantity 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 level 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 lifting the melt container 3, as in Fig. 4b is shown, has already been evacuated by the vacuum pump 28, the actual filling level 11 in the melt receiving space 4 will only decrease slightly when it is raised.

In the Figure 5 a further and possibly independent embodiment of the melt transport device 1 is shown, with the same reference numbers or component names as in the previous ones for the same parts Figures 1 to 4 be used. In order to avoid unnecessary repetitions, please refer to the detailed description in the previous sections Figures 1 to 4 pointed out or referred to.

How out Fig. 5 As can be seen, it can be provided that the melt transport device 1 is filled by means of a low-pressure furnace 33 known to those skilled in the art. Here, a riser pipe 34, which projects into the melting 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 function of the low-pressure furnace 33 can be used to push the melt 2 upwards in the riser pipe 34 until the melt receiving space 4 is filled with melt 2 up to its target filling level 12.

In such an embodiment variant it can also be provided that the riser pipe 34 of the low-pressure furnace 33 and the spout 5 are coupled to one another by means of a coupling 31.

In the In the Figures 6 to 9 A further and possibly independent embodiment of the siphon 13 is shown in each case, with the same reference numbers or component names as in the previous ones for the same parts Figures 1 to 5 be used. In order to avoid unnecessary repetitions, please refer to the detailed description in the previous sections Figures 1 to 5 pointed out or referred to.

Like from the Fig. 6 to 9 As can be seen, it can be provided that the siphon 13 is tubular. In the Fig. 6 to 9 Various design options for 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 is the pouring opening 6 also, as in the exemplary embodiment Fig. 6 , arranged at right angles to the pipe center axis. The pipe is in the exemplary embodiment Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 in the area of the pouring opening 6 when the lance 20 is in a vertical position, it is slightly inclined downwards, with a pipe end angle 36 being formed at an angle smaller than 90°.

In the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 8 the pipe is cut obliquely in the area of the pouring opening 6, so that the pouring opening 6 is oval.

How out Fig. 9 As can be seen, it can be provided that the pouring opening 6 is fan-shaped 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 casting wide cast workpieces.

In the Fig. 10 A further and possibly independent embodiment of the casting device 37 is shown, with the same reference numbers or component names as in the previous ones for the same parts Figures 1 to 9 be used. Around To avoid unnecessary repetitions, refer to the detailed description in the preceding Figures 1 to 9 pointed out or referred to.

Fig. 10 shows a first embodiment of a casting device 37 for casting cast workpieces. How out Fig. 10 As can be seen, 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.

How out Fig. 10 Furthermore, it can be seen that it can be provided that the second melt container 3b can be designed to be identical to 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 such 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 includes a casting mold 29, which has a mold cavity 30. In particular, a first mold 29a is assigned to the first melt container 3a and a second mold 29b is assigned to the second melt container 3b. By means of the in Fig. 10 In the casting device 37 shown, two casting workpieces can be cast using just one melt transport device 1. The structure or control of the melt transport device 1 can be kept as simple as possible.

How out Fig. 10 Furthermore, it can be seen that a pivoting device 40 is designed, which has a pivot bearing 41, by means of which the melt containers 3a, 3b can be pivoted about a horizontal axis of rotation 42. How out Fig. 10 As can be seen, 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. The mold 29 and the melt container 3 can thus be pivoted at the same time.

How out Fig. 10 Furthermore, it can be seen that it can be provided that a distance adjustment device 44 is formed, by means of which a distance 45 of 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.

The distance adjustment device 44 can be as follows Fig. 10 can be seen, for example in the form of a linear adjustment device.

In a further embodiment, it is also conceivable that the distance adjustment device 44 is designed, for example, in the form of a fastening arm for receiving the melt container 3a, 3b, with a change in the distance 45 being achieved by pivoting the fastening arm and thus the melt container 3a, 3b about a vertical axis can be.

In the Fig. 11 A further and possibly independent embodiment of the casting device 37 is shown, with the same reference numbers or component names as in the previous ones for the same parts Figures 1 to 10 be used. In order to avoid unnecessary repetitions, please refer to the detailed description in the previous sections Figures 1 to 10 pointed out or referred to. In particular, the in Fig. 11 Casting device 37 shown has a similar structure to that in Fig. 10 illustrated casting device 37.

How out Fig. 11 As can be seen, it can be provided that both melt containers 3a, 3b are arranged on a common receptacle, the pivot bearing 41 being designed such that both melt containers 3a, 3b can be pivoted at the same time about the horizontal axis of rotation 42 by means of the one pivot drive 43.

In the Fig. 12 A further and possibly independent embodiment of the casting device 37 is shown, with the same reference numbers or

Component names as in the previous ones Figures 1 to 11 be used. In order to avoid unnecessary repetitions, please refer to the detailed description in the previous sections Figures 1 to 11 pointed out or referred to.

How out Fig. 12 As can be seen, it can be provided that the lance 20 is coupled to the melt container 3 by means of a quick-release fastener 46, in particular by means of a bayonet fastener. In the present exemplary 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. If the lance 20 is placed on the melt container 3 and rotated through a certain angle, the lance 20 can be locked on the melt container 3 using the quick-release fastener 46.

In the Fig. 13 a further and possibly independent embodiment of the melt transport device 1 is shown, with the same reference numbers or component names as in the previous ones for the same parts Figures 1 to 13 be used. In order to avoid unnecessary repetitions, please refer to the detailed description in the previous sections Figures 1 to 13 pointed out or referred to. As from Fig. 13 As can be seen, it can be provided that several partition walls are formed in the melt receiving space 4 of the melt container 3. The partitions can divide the melt receiving space 4 into several small chambers. Furthermore, it can be provided that a flow opening 49 is formed in the partition walls, which serves to allow melt 2 to flow between the individual chambers or to the pouring opening 6.

How out Fig. 13 Furthermore, it can be seen 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.

How out Fig. 13 Furthermore, it can be seen that a structural element is formed on a ceiling of the melt receiving space 4.

How out Fig. 13 Furthermore, it can be seen that an actuator 54 is designed, 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 to 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. for example, be designed 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.

In the Fig. 14 a further and possibly independent embodiment of the melt transport device 1 is shown, with the same reference numbers or component names as in the previous ones for the same parts Figures 1 to 13 be used. In order to avoid unnecessary repetitions, please refer to the detailed description in the previous sections Figures 1 to 13 pointed out or referred to.

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

The exemplary embodiments show possible embodiment variants, whereby it should be noted at this point that the invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated embodiment variants, but rather various combinations of the individual embodiment variants with one another are possible and this variation possibility is based on the teaching on technical action through the subject invention Skills of the specialist working in this technical field.

The scope of protection is determined by the claims. However, the description and drawings must be used to interpret the claims. Individual features or combinations of features from the different exemplary embodiments shown and described can represent independent inventive solutions in their own right. The task underlying the independent inventive solutions can be found in the description.

All information on value ranges in this description should be understood to include any and all sub-ranges, e.g. the information 1 to 10 should be understood to include all sub-ranges, starting from the lower limit 1 and the upper limit 10 , that is, all subranges begin with a lower limit of 1 or greater and end with 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 in order to better understand the structure, elements have sometimes been shown out of scale and/or enlarged and/or reduced in size. List of reference symbols 1 Melt transport device 31 coupling 2 melt 32 Lower edge of siphon wall 3 melt container 33 Low pressure furnace 4 Melt receiving room 34 Riser pipe 5 spout 35 Drip nose 6 Spout opening 36 Pipe end angle 7 Gas valve 37 Casting device 8th Fill level maximum 38 Surface melt receiving space 9 Pressure sensing means 10 Level sensor 39 load cell 11 Actual filling level 40 Swivel device 12 Target filling level 41 Pivot bearing 13 siphon 42 horizontal axis of rotation 14 reservoir 43 Swivel drive 15 Siphon wall 44 Distance adjustment device 16 Melt container outside 45 Distance 17 Overflow level 46 Quick release 18 first melt surface 47 Immersion aid 19 second melt surface 48 partition wall 20 lance 49 Flow opening 21 container 50 Accelerometer 22 strut 51 Ceiling 23 Spout channel 52 Structural element 24 smelting furnace 53 Swing arm robot 25 melting pot 54 Actor 26 Filling position 27 Crucible level 28 vacuum pump 29 mold 30 Mold cavity

Claims (15)

1. A 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 lance (20a, 20b) lying at the bottom of the melt container (3a, 3b) is formed, wherein the spout (5a, 5b) has a spout orifice (6a, 6b) which is flow-connected to the melt receiving space (4a, 4b), wherein a siphon (13) is formed on an underside of the lance (20), characterized in that the lance (20a, 20b) is arranged removably on the melt container (3a, 3b).
2. The casting device (37) according to claim 1, wherein the casting device (37) comprises at least a first melt container (3a) and a second melt container (3b), which are arranged at the melt transport device (1).
3. The casting device (37) according to claim 2, wherein the first melt container (3a) and the second melt container (3b) are embodied identically.
4. The casting device (37) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first melt container (3a) and the second melt container (3b) have a common swivel drive (43).
5. The casting device (37) according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein a distance adjusting 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.
6. The casting device (37) according to claim 1, wherein the lance (20a, 20b) is coupled to the melt container (3a, 3b) by means of a quick-release connector (46), in particular by means of a bayonet lock.
7. The casting device (37) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an acceleration sensor (50) is formed, which is coupled to the melt container (3a, 3b).
8. The casting device (37) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the spout (5a, 5b) comprises a siphon (13), wherein the siphon (13) comprises a container (21) that is open towards the top, wherein the container (21) is movable relative to the lance (20a, 20b) such that a spout channel (23) of the lance (20a, 20b) is closable with respect to the environment.
9. A method for casting melt (2) by means of a melt container (3a, 3b) in which a melt receiving space (4a, 4b) is formed, wherein the melt container (3a, 3b) has a spout (5a, 5b) in the form of a lance (20a, 20b) located at the bottom of the melt container (3a, 3b), wherein a siphon (13) is formed on a bottom side of the lance (20), wherein the method comprises the following method steps:

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

   - casting 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) is introduced into a mold (29a, 29b) via the spout orifice (6a, 6b) of the lance (20a, 20b);

   - refilling the melt container (3a, 3b) with melt (2), characterized in that the lance (20a, 20b) is removably arranged on the melt container (3a, 3b), wherein the lance (20a, 20b) can be easily replaced if the lance (20a, 20b) is damaged or if the lance (20a, 20b) is excessively contaminated by the melt (2).
10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the casting device (37) comprises at least a first melt container (3a) and a second melt container (3b), wherein during casting a first cast workpiece from the first melt container (3a) and a second cast workpiece from the second melt container (3b) are cast simultaneously.
11. The method according to one of claims 9 to 10, wherein the casting device (37) comprises at least a first melt container (3a) and a second melt container (3b), wherein a distance (45) between the lance (20a) of the first melt container (3a) and the lance (20b) of the second melt container (3b) is adjustable, wherein for filling the melt containers (3a, 3b) with melt (2) the distance (45) between the lance (20a) of the first melt container (3a) and the lance (20b) of the second melt container (3b) is reduced, so that both lances (20a, 20b) are simultaneously immersed in a common crucible (25), and wherein the distance (45) between the lance (20a) of the first melt container (3a) and the lance (20b) of the second melt container (3b) is increased during the casting of a first cast workpiece and a second cast workpiece, wherein the lance (20a) of the first melt container (3a) is inserted into a first mold (29a) and the lance (20b) of the second melt container (3b) is inserted into a second mold (29b).
12. The method according to one of claims 9 to 11, wherein, during casting of the at least one cast workpiece, the melt (2) is admitted from the melt container (3a, 3b) into the mold (29a, 29b) in a first method step at a first inflow rate until the spout orifice (6) is at least partially immersed in the melt (2) introduced into the mold (29a, 29b), and that, in a second method step, the melt (2) is admitted into the mold (29a, 29b) at a second inflow rate, wherein the second inflow rate is greater than the first inflow rate.
13. The method according to one of claims 9 to 12, wherein, during filling of the melt container (3) with melt (2), so much more melt (2) is received in the melt receiving space (4) that when the melt container (3) is refilled with melt (2), the level of the melt surface (19) of the melt remaining in the melt receiving space (4) lies above the lance (20), in particular within the melt receiving space (4).
14. The method according to one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the melt container (3a, 3b) is actively tilted when the melt container (3a, 3b) is accelerated in a horizontal direction.
15. The method according to one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the acceleration of the melt container (3a, 3b) is selectively changed during the traversing movement of the melt container (3a, 3b) in order to compensate for a sloshing movement of the melt (2) received in the melt receiving space (4a, 4b) and thus to steady the melt (2).

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