JP2014217865A - Manufacturing apparatus of semi-solidified metal, manufacturing method of semi-solidified metal, and molding method using semi-solidified metal - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a manufacturing apparatus of a semi-solidified metal which can supply a liquid metallic material to a container while inhibiting a gas from being mixed in the metallic material.SOLUTION: A manufacturing apparatus 1 of a semi-solidified metal includes: a container 21 to which a liquid metallic material M is supplied, the container 21 for cooling the metallic material; and a vacuum device 37 which may evacuate the container 21.

Description

  The present invention relates to a semi-solid metal production apparatus, a semi-solid metal production method, and a molding method using a semi-solid metal. The molding method is, for example, a semi-solid die casting method.

  As a method for producing a semi-solid metal, a method is known in which a liquid metal material is poured into a container and the metal material is cooled in the container to form a semi-solid state (for example, Patent Document 1). In Patent Document 1, in order to suppress oxidation of the metal material, the container before the metal material is poured is filled with an inert gas.

JP 2011-104600 A

  However, in a technique such as Patent Document 1, when a metal material is poured into a container, the metal material may involve air or an inert gas. As a result, a nest is formed in a molded product molded using the metal material.

  Therefore, a semi-solid metal production apparatus, a semi-solid metal production method, and a molding method using a semi-solid metal that can supply a liquid metal material to a container while suppressing entrainment of gas in the metal material are provided. Is desirable.

  An apparatus for producing a semi-solid metal according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a container that is supplied with a liquid metal material and cools the metal material, and a vacuum apparatus that can evacuate the container.

  Preferably, the manufacturing apparatus further includes a relay member that is detachable from the container without closing the opening of the container, and that has a flow path that communicates with the container when the container is attached to the container. The vacuum device can evacuate the container through the flow path.

  Preferably, the relay member includes a funnel for pouring the liquid metal material and guiding the poured metal material to the container.

  Preferably, the relay member further includes a flow path member detachably fixed to the funnel, and the flow path is formed in the flow path member.

  Preferably, the relay member is formed with an introduction hole that guides the liquid metal material into the container when the relay member is attached to the container, and the introduction hole retains the liquid metal material. The container has a staying part capable of forming a sealed space, and the flow path opens into the sealed space.

  An apparatus for producing a semi-solid metal according to an aspect of the present invention includes a container that is supplied with a liquid metal material and cools the metal material, and a relay member that can be attached to and detached from the container. The member includes a funnel in which the liquid metal material is poured, the funnel that guides the poured metal material to the container, and a flow path member in which a flow path communicating between the inside and the outside of the container is formed.

  The method for producing a semi-solid metal according to one aspect of the present invention includes a vacuuming step for evacuating a container, and a supplying step for supplying a liquid metal material into the evacuated container.

  Preferably, the manufacturing method further includes a sealing step in which the liquid metal material is retained in an introduction hole communicating with the container to form a sealed space in the container, and in the vacuuming step, the sealing is performed. The space is evacuated, and in the supplying step, the metal material is drawn into the container using the negative pressure generated in the sealed space by evacuation.

  In a molding method using a semi-solid metal according to an aspect of the present invention, a semi-solid metal material produced by the above-described semi-solid metal production method is injected into a mold to produce a molded product.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, a liquid metal material can be supplied to a container, suppressing gas being involved in a metal material.

The schematic diagram which shows the structure of the principal part of the molding machine containing the manufacturing apparatus of the semi-solidified metal which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The disassembled perspective view which shows the structure which concerns on the evacuation of the manufacturing apparatus of the semi-solidified metal of FIG. The disassembled perspective view of the relay member of the structure which concerns on the evacuation of FIG. 4A to 4C are a perspective view, a top view, and a side view showing a flow path member among the relay members in FIG. Sectional drawing which shows the container periphery of the structure which concerns on evacuation of FIG. FIG. 6A to FIG. 6D are schematic diagrams for explaining an operation related to evacuation.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a molding machine (forming apparatus) 101 including a semi-solid metal manufacturing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The molding machine 101 solidifies the metal material M in the cavity 103a of the mold 103 to manufacture a molded product. The molding machine 101 is, for example, a die casting machine. In this case, the metal material M is, for example, an aluminum alloy.

  The molding machine 101 includes a manufacturing apparatus 1 that manufactures a semi-solid metal material M from a liquid metal material M, an injection apparatus 105 that injects the semi-solid metal material M into a cavity 103a in a mold 103, And a control device 107 that controls the manufacturing device 1 and the injection device 105 and the like. Although not particularly shown, the molding machine 101 includes a mold clamping device for clamping the mold 103, an extrusion device for extruding a molded product formed by the mold 103, and the like. Controls the mold clamping device and the extrusion device.

  The injection device 105 includes a sleeve 109 that communicates with the cavity 103a in the mold 103, a plunger 111 that slides inside the sleeve 109 to push out the metal material M, and a drive device (not shown) that drives the plunger 111. Yes. A supply port 109 a is opened on the upper surface of the sleeve 109. The semi-solid metal material M is dropped into the sleeve 109 through the supply port 109a.

  The control device 107 is constituted by a computer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and an external storage device, for example. The control device 107 may be configured by a control device provided for each of various devices included in the molding machine 101, or may be configured by one control device that controls all the devices included in the molding machine 101. Alternatively, it may be configured by a control device that controls a plurality of devices included in the molding machine 101 and a control device that controls other devices.

  The manufacturing apparatus 1 includes, for example, a holding furnace 3 that holds a liquid metal material M, a pouring device 5 that pumps the liquid metal material from the holding furnace 3, and a liquid metal material is poured by the pouring apparatus 5. And a semi-solidifying device 7 for bringing the poured liquid metal material into a semi-solid state.

  The holding furnace 3 may have a known configuration. The holding furnace 3 may also serve as a melting furnace. For example, the holding furnace 3 includes a furnace body 11 that houses the metal material M, a heating device 13 that heats the metal material M housed in the furnace body 11, and the temperature of the metal material M housed in the furnace body 11. And a furnace temperature sensor 15 for detecting.

  Although the furnace body 11 is not specifically illustrated, for example, a container made of a metal having a solidus temperature or a melting point higher than the liquidus temperature of the metal material M is placed in a container made of a material having excellent heat insulation such as ceramic. Arranged and configured. The heating device 13 includes, for example, a coil that heats the metal material M by electromagnetic induction, or a combustion device that heats the metal material M by burning gas. The furnace temperature sensor 15 is constituted by, for example, a thermocouple type temperature sensor or a radiation thermometer.

  The pouring device 5 may have a known configuration. For example, the pouring device 5 includes a ladle 17 and a ladle transport device 19 that can drive the ladle 17.

  The ladle 17 is a container having a spout 17a made of a material having a solidus temperature or a melting point higher than the liquidus temperature of the metal material M, and can store the metal material M for one shot. The ladle transport device 19 is constituted by, for example, an articulated robot, and can move the ladle 17 in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction, and can tilt the ladle 17 so as to move the spout 17a up and down. Is possible.

  The semi-solidifying device 7 includes, for example, a container 21 to which the liquid metal material M is supplied by the pouring device 5, a cooling device 23 that cools the container 21 before supplying the liquid metal material to the container 21, 21 includes a placement device 25 on which the container 21 is placed when the liquid metal material M is supplied to the container 21, and a container transport device 27 that transports the container 21.

  The container 21 is made of a material (preferably metal) having a solidus temperature or a melting point higher than the liquidus temperature of the metal material M and preferably having a relatively high thermal conductivity. The container 21 can store the metal material M for one shot.

  For example, the cooling device 23 cools the container 21 by immersing the container 21 in a cooling medium. The cooling medium may be a gas or a liquid. As will be described later, the container 21 includes a separable hollow member 31 and a bottom member 33, and the cooling device 23 cools only the hollow member 31.

  The mounting device 25 has, for example, a cooling unit for cooling the container 21, a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the metal material M in the container 21, and the like, although not particularly illustrated. In addition, it may replace with the mounting apparatus 25 and the mounting base which supports the container 21 may be provided.

  The container transport device 27 is constituted by, for example, an articulated robot, can move the container 21 in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction, and changes the vertical direction of the container 21 (the container 21 is turned upside down). Is possible). The container transport device 27 performs transfer of the container 21 from the cooling device 23 to the mounting device 25, transfer of the container 21 from the mounting device 25 onto the sleeve 109, and the like.

  The container 21 is evacuated (exhausted) after being placed on the placement device 25 and before the liquid metal material M is supplied. Thereby, when the metal material M is supplied to the container 21, it is suppressed that the metal material M entraps air. Specifically, it is as follows.

  FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration relating to evacuation.

  The container 21 has the hollow member 31 which comprises the wall part of the said container 21, and the bottom member 33 which comprises the bottom part of the container 21, These are separable. A relay member 35 that contributes to facilitating the supply of the metal material M to the container 21 is disposed above the container 21. The manufacturing apparatus 1 has a vacuum device 37 for evacuating the inside of the container 21.

  The hollow member 31 is formed in a hollow shape whose upper and lower ends are open. Although the shape seen in the opening direction of the hollow member 31 may be appropriately set, a circular shape is preferable from the viewpoint of cooling the metal material M evenly (the hollow member 31 is preferably cylindrical). Further, the inner diameter of the hollow member 31 is, for example, larger on the upper side than on the lower side. The thickness of the hollow member 31 is constant, for example.

  The bottom member 33 is a substantially plate-shaped member, for example. The planar shape of the bottom member 33 may be set as appropriate. The outer shape of the bottom member 33 in plan view is set wider than the opening of the hollow member 31. The thickness of the bottom member 33 is, for example, constant. However, the thickness may be different between the central side and the outer peripheral side. Further, the upper surface of the bottom member 33 may be provided with an inclination such that the height is different between the central side and the outer peripheral side.

  The hollow member 31 is placed on the upper surface of the bottom member 33, and the opening below the hollow member 31 is closed by the bottom member 33, whereby the container 21 is configured. A minute gap that does not significantly affect the evacuation may be formed between the hollow member 31 and the bottom member 33.

  The hollow member 31 and the bottom member 33 are fixed to each other, for example, when the bottom member 33 is supported by the mounting device 25 and the hollow member 31 is pressed from above by the relay member 35. The relay member 35 is held in position by, for example, the container transport device 27 or another robot, and is given a force for pressing the hollow member 31.

  Note that the hollow member 31 and the bottom member 33 may be fixed to each other by appropriate clamping means. The bottom member 33 is preferably fixed to the mounting device 25. For example, the bottom member 33 is fixed to the base body of the mounting device 25 by screws (not shown). The hollow member 31 and the bottom member 33 may have a positioning portion for positioning each other in the horizontal direction. For example, the bottom member 33 may be formed with a groove that accommodates the lower edge of the hollow member 31.

  The material constituting the bottom member 33 is made of, for example, a material having higher thermal conductivity than the material constituting the hollow member 31. For example, the hollow member 31 is made of stainless steel, whereas the bottom member 33 is made of copper (pure copper). However, the bottom member 33 and the hollow member 31 may be made of the same material. Further, the bottom member 33 may be configured to be thicker than the thickness of the hollow member 31.

  The vacuum device 37 includes, for example, a tank 39, a pump 41 that evacuates the tank 39, and a valve 43 that opens and closes the tank 39. The tank 39 communicates with the inside of the container 21 through a flow path (described later) of the relay member 35 and the hose 45. The hose 45 has flexibility.

  The tank 39 is depressurized by the pump 41 with the valve 43 closed. And when it becomes necessary to evacuate the container 21, the valve | bulb 43 is opened and the container 21 is evacuated rapidly by this.

  FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the relay member 35.

  The relay member 35 communicates the funnel 47 for facilitating pouring of the liquid metal material M, the auxiliary member 49 that contributes to improving the handleability of the funnel 47, the container 21 and the vacuum device 37. A flow path member 53 and a connecting member 51 for fixing the funnel 47 and the flow path member 53 are provided.

  The funnel 47 is made of a material (for example, metal) having a solidus temperature or a melting point higher than the liquidus temperature of the metal material M. The funnel 47 is a hollow member whose diameter increases toward the upper side, and its lower end is directed to the opening above the container 21. Note that the inclination of the inner wall of the funnel 47 is preferably larger than the inclination of the inner wall of the container 21.

  The auxiliary member 49 is, for example, an annular member having a certain thickness. For example, the auxiliary member 49 is inserted into the hole formed in the funnel 47 and the hole formed in the auxiliary member 49 from above, and screwed into the female screw portion formed in the connecting member 51. It is fixed to the funnel 47. By providing the auxiliary member 49, for example, the robot can easily grasp the funnel 47. The auxiliary member 49 may be omitted.

  The connecting member 51 is constituted by, for example, a shaft-like member extending vertically, and a plurality (four in this embodiment) are arranged along the circumferential direction of the funnel 47. For example, the connecting member 51 is fixed to the funnel 47 by the screw 55 as described above. In addition, the connecting member 51 is inserted into the hole formed in the flow channel member 53 from below and screwed into the female screw portion formed in the connecting member 51, for example. Fixed. That is, the connecting member 51 is fixed to the funnel 47 and the flow path member 53, and eventually fixes these members.

  As described above, the funnel 47 and the flow path member 53 are fixed by tightening the screws 55 and 57. Conversely, the funnel 47 and the flow path member 53 can be separated by removing the screws 55 and 57. That is, the funnel 47 and the flow path member 53 are detachably fixed.

  4A to 4C are a perspective view, a top view, and a side view from the bottom surface side of the flow path member 53. FIG.

  The channel member 53 is made of a material (for example, metal) having a solidus temperature or a melting point higher than the liquidus temperature of the metal material M, like the funnel 47 and the like. For example, the flow path member 53 is generally formed in a plate shape as a whole.

  More specifically, the flow path member 53 has a base 53a formed in a generally plate shape and a shielding wall 53b (FIGS. 4A and 4C) protruding downward from the base 53a. ing. For example, the base 53a and the shielding wall 53b are integrally formed.

  The planar shape and thickness of the base 53a may be set as appropriate. In this embodiment, the disk-shaped base 53a is illustrated. The base 53a has a communication hole 53d for connecting the lower opening of the funnel 47 and the upper opening of the container 21, and a flow for connecting the upper opening of the container 21 and the hose 45 (vacuum device 37). A path 53e is formed.

  The communication hole 53d is a hole that vertically penetrates the base 53a. For example, the upper part of the communication hole 53d is a part into which the lower end of the funnel 47 is inserted, and the remaining part of the lower part is a part through which the metal material M from the funnel 47 passes. The upper portion of the communication hole 53d has, for example, a shape in which the lower end of the funnel 47 is fitted (tapered with a diameter increasing toward the upper side). For example, the lower portion of the communication hole 53d has a constant diameter in the vertical direction, and the diameter is the same as the diameter of the lower end opening of the funnel 47, for example.

  For example, a plurality of flow paths 53e are provided. Although not particularly illustrated, a plurality of hoses 45 are also provided in correspondence with the plurality of flow paths 53e. The vacuum device 37 is connected to a plurality of hoses 45, for example, by branching a pipe line ahead of the valve 43.

  The position and shape of the flow path 53e may be appropriately set as long as the flow path member 53 can be communicated with the inside and outside of the container 21 when the flow path member 53 is disposed in the container 21. For example, the flow path 53e extends in the radial direction of the base 53a, the outer end 53ea opens on the outer peripheral surface of the base 53a, and the inner end 53eb opens on the lower surface of the base 53a outside the communication hole 53d. ing. The inner end portion 53eb is exposed in the container 21 through the opening above the container 21. The diameter of the flow path 53e may be appropriately set according to the required vacuuming speed or the like.

  The shielding wall 53b protrudes downward from the lower surface of the base 53a and is provided so as to surround the communication hole 53d. The shielding wall 53b separates the lower end of the communication hole 53d from the inner end 53eb of the flow path 53e. Therefore, the possibility that the inner end portion 53eb is blocked by the metal material M when the liquid metal material M passes through the communication hole 53d is reduced.

  FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the container 21 and the relay member 35 with the relay member 35 mounted on the container 21.

  The diameter of the communication hole 53 d of the flow path member 53 is smaller than the diameter of the opening above the container 21. The shielding wall 53 b is inserted into the opening above the container 21. Further, the inner end portion 53eb of the flow path 53e located outside the shielding wall 53b is exposed in the container 21 through the opening above the container 21 as described above.

  An introduction hole 35 h for guiding the liquid metal material M to the container 21 is configured by the internal space of the funnel 47, the communication hole 53 d of the flow path member 53, and the internal space of the shielding wall 53 b. Since the introduction hole 35h includes the internal space of the funnel 47, the lower cross-sectional area is smaller than the upper cross-sectional area. As will be described later, the portion whose cross-sectional area is reduced functions as a retention portion 35ha that temporarily retains the metal material M.

(Operation of manufacturing equipment)
Next, the operation of the molding machine 101 will be described focusing on the operation of the manufacturing apparatus 1.

The controller 107 controls the heating device 13 based on the detected value of the furnace for temperature sensor 15, to maintain the temperature of the metallic material M contained in the furnace body 11 to a predetermined first temperature T _1. The first temperature T ₁ of is a temperature higher than the liquidus temperature of the metallic material M, a metal material M, the whole is a liquid.

The bottom member 33 of the container 21 is placed on the mounting device 25 throughout the entire process of the molding machine 101. The control device 107 controls a cooling unit (not shown) of the mounting device 25 based on a detection value of a temperature sensor (not shown), and sets the temperature of the bottom member 33 before the metal material M is supplied to the container 21 to a predetermined value. the second to a temperature _{T 2.} The second temperature T ₂ is a temperature lower than the liquidus temperature of the metallic material M.

The hollow member 31 in the container 21 is movable between the cooling device 23, the mounting device 25, and the sleeve 109 by being conveyed to the container conveying device 27. The controller 107 controls the vessel conveying device 27 to convey the hollow member 31 to the cooling apparatus 23, and controls the cooling device 23 to the temperature of the hollow member 31 to a predetermined third temperature T _3. Third temperature T ₃ is a temperature lower than the liquidus temperature of the metallic material M.

T ₂ = T ₃ or T ₂ <T ₃ or the like may be used. In the case of T ₂ <T ₃ , solidification of the metal material M easily proceeds on the bottom side of the container 21 as compared with T ₂ = T ₃ . Thereby, in the process which takes out the semi-solid-state metal material M from the container 21, it is suppressed that a liquid phase part droops from the bottom part of the metal material M.

  As shown in FIG. 1, when the hollow member 31 is cooled by the cooling device 23, the control device 107 controls the container transport device 27 so as to transport the hollow member 31 onto the bottom member 33. Thereby, the container 21 including the hollow member 31 and the bottom member 33 is configured.

  Next, the control device 107 controls the container transport device 27 or another robot (not shown) so as to transport the relay member 35 onto the hollow member 31. Then, the control device 107 controls the ladle transport device 19 so that the ladle 17 supplies the liquid metal material M to the container 21 via the relay member 35.

  The controller 107 controls the vacuum device 37 so as to evacuate the container 21 when supplying the metal material M into the container 21. Thereby, it is suppressed that the metal material M which flowed in in the container 21 entrains air.

  The metal material M supplied into the container 21 is rapidly cooled by contacting the container 21, whereby a large number of crystal nuclei are generated in the metal material M. A large number of crystal nuclei are agitated by a flow when the metal material M is supplied into the container 21 as described later. Thereby, the branches of the precipitated resinous crystals are cut or melted by shearing force, and crystal nuclei proliferate.

  When the metal material M is supplied to the container 21, the temperature is rapidly increased, and the function of cooling the metal material M in the container 21 is rapidly decreased. As a result, after a large number of crystal nuclei are formed, the crystal growth rate decreases rapidly, and the crystal grows round instead of growing in a resinous form.

While the metal material M is thus cooled in the container 21 and its solid phase ratio is increasing, the control device 107 sets the temperature of the metal material M in the container 21 detected by a temperature sensor (not shown). Monitoring is performed to determine whether or not the temperature has reached a predetermined target temperature _Tt .

The target temperature T _t is higher than the solidus temperature of the metal material M and lower than the liquidus temperature. That is, the target temperature T _t is a temperature at which the liquid phase and the solid phase are mixed in the metal material M. There is a correlation between the temperature of the metal material M and the solid phase rate of the metal material M, and the target temperature T _t is set according to the desired solid phase rate.

Note that the container 21 is sufficiently cooled and / or poured so that the container 21 and the metal material M do not reach thermal equilibrium before the temperature of the metal material M reaches the target temperature _Tt. After that, cooling by the cooling unit of the mounting device 25 is continued. However, the container 21 may be cooled so that the temperature of the metal material M becomes the target temperature T _t when the thermal equilibrium is reached.

When the temperature of the metal material M reaches the target temperature T _t , the control device 107 stops the cooling of the metal material M and starts a process for taking out the metal material M from the container 21. For example, the control device 107 conveys the hollow member 31 from the bottom member 33 onto the supply port 109a, and inverts the hollow member 31 to drop the metal material M into the sleeve 109 through the supply port 109a. The container transport device 27 is controlled.

  Thereafter, the plunger 111 advances in the sleeve 109. As a result, the metal material M is injected into the mold 103 (more specifically, into the cavity 103a in the mold 103). Then, the metal material M is cooled and solidified in the cavity 103a, whereby a molded product is formed.

  FIG. 6A to FIG. 6D are diagrams for explaining an operation related to the supply of the metal material M to the container 21 among the operations of the molding machine 101 described above.

  First, as illustrated in FIG. 6A, the control device 107 controls the container transport device 27 or another robot (not illustrated) so that the relay member 35 is disposed on the container 21.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 6B, the control device 107 controls the hot water pouring device 5 so as to pour the liquid metal material M into the funnel 47.

  As shown in FIG. 6 (c), the metal material M poured into the funnel 47 (introduction hole 35h) cannot pass through the staying portion 35ha due to the resistance due to its viscosity or the like, and the inside of the introduction hole 35h. Stays on. As a result, at least the opening below the introduction hole 35h is blocked, and the inside of the container 21 is sealed.

  Such stagnation of the liquid metal material M occurs, for example, by increasing the resistance of the flow of the metal material M in the stagnation part 35ha or by reducing the force for dropping the metal material M in the stagnation part 35ha. Can be made.

  More specifically, for example, the cross-sectional area of the staying portion 35ha may be reduced, the area of the staying portion 35ha in the flow direction may be increased, or the inner surface of the funnel 47 may be gently inclined. Since the specific configuration (including dimensions) of the retaining portion 35ha capable of retaining the metal material M differs depending on the viscosity (material) and amount of the liquid metal material M, these values (may be an approximate range) Once determined, the above cross-sectional area and the like may be determined based on experiments or from empirical judgment.

  As shown by an arrow in FIG. 6C, the control device 107 starts the evacuation (opens the valve 43) in the container 21 (sealed space) at substantially the same timing as the above-described sealing. 37 is controlled. The evacuation may be started before the container 21 is sealed with the metal material M, may be started simultaneously, or may be started after the container 21 is sealed.

  When the inside of the container 21 is evacuated while being sealed with the metal material M, the inside of the container 21 is depressurized and a negative pressure is generated. As a result, the metal material M is drawn into the container 21 as shown in FIG. That is, the metal material M is supplied into the container 21.

  Since the metal material M is drawn by the negative pressure in the container 21, it is expected that a stronger flow is generated as compared with a case where the metal material M is simply dropped by gravity. As a result, it is expected that stirring is performed more suitably.

  When the metal material M is drawn into the container 21 by the negative pressure and the state where the introduction hole 35h is blocked is released, the evacuation is substantially finished. The control device 107 closes the valve 43 when a predetermined condition is satisfied, for example, a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of evacuation.

  The retention of the metal material M in the retention portion 35ha may not be such that the flow of the metal material M completely stops. Since it is only necessary to realize the operation of evacuating the sealed container 21 as described above, it may be in a state in which the time during which the metal material M flows from the staying portion 35ha becomes longer than the cycle time.

  As described above, the semi-solid metal production apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is supplied with the liquid metal material M, the container 21 for cooling the metal material, and the vacuum device 37 capable of evacuating the container 21. And have.

  Further, in the method for producing a semi-solid metal according to the present embodiment, a vacuuming step (FIG. 6C) for evacuating the inside of the container 21 and supplying the liquid metal material M into the evacuated container 21. A supply step (FIG. 6D).

  Further, the molding method using the semi-solid metal according to the present embodiment is such that a semi-solid metal material M manufactured by the above-described semi-solid metal manufacturing method according to the present embodiment is injected into the cavity 103a. Manufacturing.

  Therefore, air is suppressed from being caught in the metal material M when the metal material M flows into the container 21. As a result, the quality of the semi-solid metal is improved, and as a result, the quality of the molded product manufactured using the semi-solid metal is improved.

  In the present embodiment, the manufacturing apparatus 1 can be attached to and detached from the container 21 without closing the opening of the container 21, and the relay in which the flow path 53 e that leads into the container 21 when attached to the container 21 is formed. A member 35 is further provided. The vacuum device 37 can evacuate the container 21 through the flow path 53e.

  Therefore, since the flow path 53e is not formed in the container 21, but is formed in the relay member 35 that can be attached to and detached from the container 21, the handleability (conveyance and cooling) of the container 21 is facilitated. Further, since the relay member 35 does not block the opening of the container 21, it is possible to perform the vacuuming and supply of the metal material M to the container 21 in an overlapping manner.

  In the present embodiment, the relay member 35 includes a funnel 47 into which the liquid metal material M is poured and guides the poured metal material M to the container 21.

  Therefore, if the funnel 47 for facilitating the supply of the liquid metal material M to the container 21 is disposed in the container 21 instead of attaching or detaching a member dedicated to evacuation to the container 21, there is a tendency to automatically perform evacuation. It will be in order. As a result, the configuration and the process can be simplified.

  In the present embodiment, the relay member 35 further includes a flow path member 53 that is detachably fixed to the funnel 47, and the flow path 53 e is formed in the flow path member 53.

  Therefore, it is possible to remove the flow path member 53 from the funnel 47 and arrange only the funnel 47 in the container 21. That is, whether to evacuate can be an option. As a result, it is possible to meet various needs of users at low cost.

  In the present embodiment, the relay member 35 is formed with an introduction hole 35 h that guides the liquid metal material M into the container 21 when the relay member 35 is attached to the container 21. The introduction hole 35 h has a retention portion 35 ha that can retain the liquid metal material M to form a sealed space in the container 21. The flow path 53e (inner end 53eb) opens into the sealed space.

  In other words, the present embodiment further includes a sealing step (FIG. 6C) that forms a sealed space in the container 21 by retaining the liquid metal material M in the introduction hole 35 h communicating with the container 21. In the evacuation step (FIG. 6C), the sealed space is evacuated, and in the supply step (FIG. 6D), the metal material M is placed in the container using the negative pressure generated in the sealed space by evacuation. Pull into 21.

  Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a lid member for sealing the inside of the container for the purpose of increasing the degree of vacuum. Furthermore, the metal material M is drawn into the container 21 by the negative pressure, and the stirring necessary for producing the semi-solid metal is suitably performed. As a result, for example, the necessity of providing a stirring device such as an electromagnetic stirring device can be reduced.

  In another aspect, the semi-solid metal production apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is supplied with a liquid metal material M, a container 21 for cooling the metal material, and a relay member 35 that can be attached to and detached from the container 21. And have. The relay member 35 has a liquid metal material M poured therein, a funnel 47 that guides the poured metal material M to the container 21, a flow path member 53 in which a flow path 53e that communicates inside and outside the container 21 is formed, Have

  Therefore, when the funnel 47 for facilitating the supply of the liquid metal material M to the container 21 is disposed in the container 21, the flow path 53 e automatically communicates with the container 21. As a result, the gas (or liquid) in the container 21 can be easily controlled.

  In another aspect, use of the flow path 53e is not limited to evacuation in the container 21.

  For example, before supplying the liquid metal material M to the funnel 47, an inert gas (for example, nitrogen) is supplied into the container 21 through the flow path 53e, and the gas in the container 21 is replaced with an inert gas. Also good. In this case, for example, oxidation of the metal material M is suppressed.

  Further, for example, before supplying the liquid metal material M to the funnel 47, the active gas is supplied into the container 21 through the flow path 53e, and the gas in the container 21 is replaced with an active gas (for example, oxygen). Also good. In this case, the metal material M and the active gas are prevented from reacting and mixing the gas into the metal material M is suppressed.

  Further, for example, before supplying the liquid metal material M to the funnel 47, the release agent may be supplied into the container 21 through the flow path 53e. In this case, extraction of the semi-solid metal material M from the container 21 is facilitated.

  Further, for example, a flow path 53e for supplying an active gas or an inert gas as described above and a flow path 53e for supplying a release agent are provided, and a flow path 53e having a different application is also provided. Also good. One flow path 53e may be used for a plurality of applications.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and may be implemented in various aspects.

  The semi-solid metal production apparatus may not be a part of the molding machine. That is, the semi-solid metal manufactured by the manufacturing apparatus may not be directly supplied to the sleeve of the injection apparatus, but may be rapidly solidified to form a semi-molten metal material (billet).

  The overall configuration of the semi-solid metal production apparatus is not limited to a configuration in which a liquid metal material is pumped out from a holding furnace by a ladle and poured into a container. For example, instead of the holding furnace and the ladle, a crucible for melting one shot of metal material may be used, and the metal material may be poured into the container with the crucible. Further, for example, a liquid metal material may be poured from the holding furnace to the container through an appropriate flow path.

  The production of semi-solid metal does not have to be performed automatically by the production equipment in all steps. For example, at least one of the control of the heating device, the control of the pouring device, and the control of the semi-solidifying device may be performed by an operator. Further, for example, at least one of heating, pouring, and cooling may be realized without using equipment that can be said to be an apparatus.

  In the embodiment, the metal material is agitated by drawing the metal material by the negative pressure in the container, but an agitator such as an electromagnetic agitator or an agitator that moves the container may be provided. Further, in the embodiment, a part of the liquid phase portion is not discharged at all from the semi-solid metal, but the discharge may be performed.

  The container is not limited to one having a separable hollow member and a bottom member, and may be a bottomed and integrally formed container. The container or the hollow member need not have a reduced diameter on the lower side. Even if the inner diameter of the hollow member is constant from the upper side to the lower side, the semi-solid metal material is prevented from falling from the hollow member during conveyance by conveying the hollow member sideways, etc. Can do.

  The flow path for evacuation may be provided in the container itself. Further, the member that can be attached to and detached from the container without closing the opening of the container and in which the flow path is formed may be able to temporarily close the opening of the container. For example, when a sliding or rotating door (valve) is provided on the member, the container is closed by the door and the container is evacuated, and the metal material is supplied onto the door, and the evacuation proceeds to some extent. The door may be opened (or pulled open by negative pressure) and the metal material may be drawn into the container by negative pressure.

  Further, the member (relay member) in which the flow path is formed does not need to include a funnel, for example, a member that is simply locked to a part of the edge of the opening above the container. Also good. When the funnel is included, the portion where the flow path is formed (flow path member) and the funnel may be welded or integrally formed without being detachably fixed.

  In the present application, the evacuation may be performed by evacuating to some extent and generating a state where the pressure is reduced from atmospheric pressure to some extent, and the degree of vacuum may not be high.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Manufacturing apparatus, 21 ... Container, 37 ... Vacuum apparatus, M ... Metal material.

Claims (9)

A liquid metal material is supplied, and a container for cooling the metal material;
A vacuum device capable of evacuating the container;
An apparatus for producing semi-solid metal. A relay member that is detachable from the container without blocking the opening of the container, and has a flow path that communicates with the container when attached to the container;
The semi-solid metal manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the vacuum device is capable of evacuating the container through the flow path. The semi-solid metal manufacturing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the relay member includes a funnel in which the liquid metal material is poured and the poured metal material is guided to the container. The relay member further includes a flow path member detachably fixed to the funnel,
The semi-solid metal manufacturing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the flow path is formed in the flow path member. The relay member is formed with an introduction hole that guides the liquid metal material into the container when it is attached to the container.
The introduction hole has a retention part that can retain the liquid metal material to form a sealed space in the container,
The semi-solid metal manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the flow path opens into the sealed space. A liquid metal material is supplied, and a container for cooling the metal material;
A relay member removable from the container;
Have
The relay member is
A funnel for pouring the liquid metal material and guiding the poured metal material to the container;
A semi-solid metal production apparatus comprising: a flow path member having a flow path communicating between the inside and outside of the container. A vacuuming step for evacuating the inside of the container;
Supplying a liquid metal material into the evacuated container; and
A method for producing a semi-solid metal having: A sealing step of forming a sealed space in the container by retaining the liquid metal material in the introduction hole communicating with the container;
In the evacuation step, the sealed space is evacuated,
The method for producing a semi-solid metal according to claim 7, wherein in the supplying step, the metal material is drawn into the container using a negative pressure generated in the sealed space by evacuation. A molding method using a semi-solid metal, wherein a semi-solid metal material produced by the method for producing a semi-solid metal according to claim 7 or 8 is injected into a mold.

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