JP3987374B2 - Metal melting heating device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a metal melting and heating apparatus for heating and melting a metal material by induction heating.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In the field of casting apparatuses such as die casting machines, it is necessary to heat and melt a metal in a solid state to form a molten metal (molten metal), and to supply the molten metal to the casting apparatus. As a method for melting metal by heating, a technique is known in which metal is melted by induction heating to form a molten metal, and this molten metal is supplied to a casting apparatus. Induction heating is a heating method in which a current is induced in a metal used for casting by electromagnetic induction, and the metal is heated by its ohmic loss.
On the other hand, the melted metal material is usually much higher in temperature than the surroundings and is difficult to handle when fed to a casting apparatus. For example, in a method in which a molten metal material is drawn out and supplied to a casting apparatus, the metal material may be solidified and oxidized.
As another method, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-239354 discloses that a metal is melted by induction heating in a cylindrical container provided for a cylinder of an injection device, and this molten metal is used as a die casting machine. A hot water supply apparatus to be supplied is disclosed.
The hot water supply apparatus includes an opening for discharging the molten metal formed in the lower portion of the cylindrical container to the cylinder, and a lid for opening and closing the opening. By opening the opening by sliding the lid, the molten metal melted in the cylindrical container flows into the cylinder by gravity.
This hot water supply apparatus can supply the molten metal in a required amount to the injection apparatus without contacting the air, and can maintain the quality of the molten metal.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in the hot water supply apparatus as disclosed in the above-mentioned publication, an improvement for melting the metal material in a shorter time and heating the molten metal more effectively is desired.
[0004]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and its purpose is to more effectively heat and melt a required amount of a metal material in a container to obtain a molten metal, An object of the present invention is to provide a metal melting heating apparatus capable of heating more effectively.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The metal melting and heating apparatus of the present invention is a metal melting and heating apparatus that heats and melts a metal material in a solid state, or heats a melted metal material, and has an opening at the bottom to accommodate the metal material. A container, a lid that closes the opening, a drive unit that moves the lid relative to the container, and opens and closes the opening, and induction of electric current to the metal material in the container. An induction heating coil for heating, and the lid isA second opening communicating with the first opening is formed on an end surface that contacts the lower end surface of the storage container when the first opening is closed, and the diameter of the second opening decreases toward the side that contacts the storage container. A cylindrical member having a first taper surface formed on the inner peripheral surface thereof, and a second taper surface formed in a plate shape that fits into the second opening and in contact with the outer surface facing the first taper surface. A contact member that is exposed to the inside of the receiving container through the first opening and the second opening and supports the metal material from below when the first opening is closed, and when the first opening is closed. An elastic member that supports the contact member from below; and a support member that supports the elastic member and the cylindrical member from below when the first opening is closed..
[0006]
In the present invention, when an induced current flows through the molten metal in the container, the molten metal is heated by the induced current. The opening at the bottom of the container is closed by the lid, but the lid is made of a non-ferromagnetic material to prevent the lid from being heated by the magnetic field generated by the induction heating coil. Thus, energy loss during induction heating is suppressed.
[0007]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
First embodiment
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a metal melting and heating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
A metal melting and heating apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a melting and heating unit 2 and a material supply mechanism unit 51.
[0008]
The material supply mechanism 51 includes a hopper 55, a cylinder 52, and a screw 53.
The hopper 55 has a conical outer shape and can accommodate the metal material M therein. The hopper 55 has a supply port 55a communicating with the inside of the cylinder 52 at the lower end.
The metal material M supplied into the hopper 55 is supplied into the cylinder 52 through its supply port 55a by its own weight.
The metal material M stored in the hopper 55 is, for example, a metal such as an aluminum alloy formed into a spherical shape or an elongated granular shape.
[0009]
The cylinder 52 is made of a cylindrical member, and a communication hole 52a that communicates with the supply port 55a of the hopper 55 is formed in a part of the outer periphery.
The tip end side of the cylinder 52 is connected to an upper end portion of the storage container 3 to be described later, and the inside of the cylinder 52 and the inside of the storage container 3 communicate with each other.
[0010]
The screw 53 is rotatably provided inside the cylinder 52. One end of the screw 53 is connected to an output shaft 54 a of a motor 54 fixed to one end of the cylinder 52.
When the screw 53 is rotated in a predetermined direction by the rotation of the motor 54, the metal material M supplied from the hopper 55 into the cylinder 52 is conveyed in the direction of the arrow J shown in FIG. Drop into 3 The conveyance amount (supply amount) of the metal material M to the storage container 3 is determined according to the rotation amount of the screw 53.
[0011]
The melting and heating unit 2 includes a storage container 3 disposed above a hot water supply port 70 h of a sleeve 70 of a die casting machine, which will be described later, an induction heating coil 10 disposed around the storage container 3, and an opening / closing mechanism 21. .
[0012]
The opening / closing mechanism 21 includes a lid 22 and a cylinder device 23.
The lid 22 is a plate-like member that can close the opening 3d by being opposed to the opening 3d at the bottom (lower end) of the container 3.
The cylinder device 23 includes a piston rod 24 whose tip is connected to the lid 22, and the piston rod 24 is expanded and contracted in the directions of arrows D1 and D2 by, for example, compressed air or hydraulic force. By opening the piston rod 24 in the directions D1 and D2, the opening 3d at the lower end of the container 3 is opened and closed by the lid 22.
[0013]
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a main configuration of an example of a die casting machine as a casting apparatus.
As shown in FIG. 2, the die casting machine 60 includes a fixed mold 90, a moving mold 80 that can be opened and closed with respect to the fixed mold, and a sleeve made of a cylindrical member provided in the fixed mold 90. 70 and a plunger tip 72 that is fixed to the distal end portion of the plunger rod 73 and is fitted to the inner periphery of the sleeve 70.
The sleeve 70 communicates with a cavity Ca formed between the clamped fixed mold 90 and the movable mold 80.
[0014]
A predetermined amount of molten metal (molten metal) ML is supplied into the sleeve 70 through the hot water supply port 70h formed in the sleeve 70 with the fixed mold 90 and the movable mold 80 clamped by a mold clamping mechanism (not shown). Is done.
Thereafter, the molten metal ML in the sleeve 70 is injected and filled into the cavity Ca formed between the fixed mold 90 and the movable mold 80 by driving the plunger chip 72.
After the molten metal ML filled in the cavity Ca is solidified, the moving mold 80 is opened, and the casting product in the cavity Ca is pushed out by the extrusion pin 91 provided on the moving mold 80.
[0015]
3A and 3B are diagrams showing the structures of the storage container 3 and the induction heating coil 10, wherein FIG. 3A is a top view of the storage container 3, and FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA shown in FIG. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, the storage container 3 is made of a cylindrical member having a storage space 3 a in which the metal material M can be stored. As the material for forming the container 3, for example, austenitic stainless steel, a metal that is not a ferromagnetic material such as copper or a copper alloy, or an insulating material such as an electrically insulating ceramic is used. These materials are non-ferromagnetic materials. The reason for using such a non-ferromagnetic material is to prevent the magnetic flux from concentrating on the container 3 during induction heating, and the metal material M accommodated in the container 3 by the induction heating coil 10. This is because a larger electromagnetic force is applied.
[0016]
As shown in FIG. 3, the opening 3 d at the lower end of the storage container 3 is closed by a lid 22. At this time, the contact surface 22s of the lid 22 facing the lower end surface 3e of the storage container 3 is disposed so as to contact the lower end surface 3e, but there is a gap between the lower end surface 3e and the contact surface 22s. It may be formed.
[0017]
The induction heating coil 10 is arranged around the container 3 and concentrically with the central axis O of the container 3.
The lower end side of the induction heating coil 10 along the central axis O is located in the vicinity of the contact position between the lower end surface 3 e of the container 3 and the contact surface 22 s of the lid 22.
Further, the diameter d1 on the upper end side along the central axis O of the induction heating coil 10 is the maximum, the diameter d2 on the lower end side is the minimum, and the diameter of the induction heating coil 10 is the lower end from the upper end side. The diameter gradually decreases toward the side.
[0018]
The induction heating coil 10 is supplied with a high-frequency current of about several tens of kHz, for example. When a high frequency current is supplied to the induction heating coil 10, a magnetic field is generated. This magnetic field induces an electric current in the metal material M in the container 3. When a current flows through the metal material M, the metal material M is heated and melted by ohmic loss. Thereby, the metal material M becomes the molten metal ML.
After the metal material M becomes the molten metal ML, an electromagnetic force acts on the molten metal ML by an electromagnetic induction effect of an induction current flowing in the molten metal ML and a magnetic field generated by the induction heating coil 10. This electromagnetic force is mainly a force toward the center of the container 3.
[0019]
Here, the force which acts on the molten metal ML melted by the induction heating coil 10 having the above shape will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 4 is a graph showing the electromagnetic force F acting on the molten metal ML and the fluid pressure P of the molten metal ML by the electromagnetic induction effect of the induction current flowing in the molten metal ML and the magnetic field generated by the induction heating coil 10. .
The contact position between the lower end surface 3e of the container 3 and the contact surface 22s of the lid 22 is defined as a reference height h.₀Then, the hydraulic pressure acting on the molten metal ML of the container 3 that has become liquid is the reference height h.₀ And becomes smaller toward the upper side of the container 3.
[0020]
On the other hand, since the induction heating coil 10 has the above-described shape, the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field generated on the inner peripheral side of the induction heating coil 10 is maximized on the lower end side of the induction heating coil 10, and the upper end side. The magnetic flux density decreases toward.
For this reason, the electromagnetic force F acting on the molten metal ML in the direction of the central axis of the container 3 by the induction heating coil 10 depends on the shape of the induction heating coil 10 and has a reference height h.₀ It becomes the maximum near and becomes smaller toward the upper side of the container 3.
[0021]
Therefore, the molten metal ML of the container 3 has a shape as shown in FIG. 3, for example.
The shape of the molten metal ML shown in FIG. 3 is a shape close to a cylindrical shape having substantially the same diameter from the lower end to the upper end, and the inner peripheral surface of the receiving container 3 is separated from the molten metal ML on the lower end side of the receiving container 3. It has a shape.
That is, the molten metal ML in the storage container 3 is subjected to a force that prevents leakage from between the lower end surface 3e of the storage container 3 and the contact surface 22s of the lid 22 while keeping the height relatively low. It is in a state.
For this reason, it is possible to prevent the molten metal ML from leaking out due to its own weight from the container 3 in the state where the opening 3d is closed by the lid 22.
[0022]
Here, FIG. 5 shows a container in the case where the induction heating coil 300 having a constant diameter d is arranged on the entire outer periphery of the container 3 along the central axis O without considering the shape of the coil for induction heating. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a state of a molten metal ML in 3. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, when the diameter d of the induction heating coil 300 is constant, the electromagnetic force F acting on the molten metal ML in the central axis direction of the container 3 is, for example, as shown in FIG. The value is substantially constant along the central axis direction.
On the other hand, the hydraulic pressure P acting on the molten metal ML of the container 3 that has become liquid is a reference height h.₀ And becomes smaller toward the upper side of the container 3.
Therefore, due to the relationship between the electromagnetic force F and the hydraulic pressure P, the molten metal ML has a high height and a divergent shape as shown in FIG. There is a possibility that the molten metal ML leaks from between the contact surface 22s, and in order to prevent this, it is necessary to apply a stronger electromagnetic force.
[0023]
As described above, when the shape of the induction heating coil 10 is set to an appropriate shape, the molten metal ML leaks by its own weight from the container 3 in which the opening 3d is closed by the lid 22 with a relatively small electromagnetic force. Can be prevented. Further, not only the shape of the induction heating coil 10 but also the shape of the induction heating coil 10 and the arrangement of the induction heating coil 10 with respect to the receiving container 3 or the arrangement of the induction heating coil 10 with respect to the receiving container 3 are appropriately selected. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the molten metal ML from leaking out due to its own weight from the container 3 in the state where the opening 3d is closed by the lid 22.
In order to determine the shape and arrangement of the induction heating coil 10, the strength of the magnetic field generated by the induction heating coil 10, the amount of the metal material M supplied into the container 3, the induction heating coil 10 It is necessary to consider the interrelationship between the height H along the central axis O and the like.
[0024]
Here, another example of the induction heating coil capable of preventing leakage of the molten metal ML from between the lower end surface 3e of the container 3 and the contact surface 22s of the lid 22 will be described with reference to FIG. To do.
The induction heating coil 10 </ b> A shown in FIG. 7A is arranged on the outer periphery of the container 3 in the same manner as the induction heating coil 10 described above. The induction heating coil 10A has the same diameter d from the upper end to the lower end, and the lower end portion of the induction heating coil 10A is a position where the lower end surface 3e of the storage container 3 and the contact surface 22s of the lid 22 abut. It is arranged in the vicinity.
The height H of the induction heating coil 10A in the direction along the central axis O is limited to a predetermined value so that the electromagnetic force acts only below the molten metal ML in the container 3. That is, the induction heating coil 10 </ b> A acts by concentrating the electromagnetic force toward the central axis O only in the lower region of the molten metal ML in the storage container 3 in relation to the amount of the molten metal ML in the storage container 3. Are arranged to be. Thereby, the height of the molten metal ML is suppressed, the hydraulic pressure in the lower region is lowered, and balance is achieved with a relatively low electromagnetic force.
Thus, by limiting the height H of the induction heating coil 10A in relation to the amount of the molten metal ML in the storage container 3, as shown in FIG. The inner circumferential surface of the storage container 3 and the molten metal ML can be separated from each other, and leakage of the molten metal ML from between the lower end surface 3e of the storage container 3 and the contact surface 22s of the lid 22 is prevented. It becomes possible.
[0025]
The induction heating coil 10B shown in FIG. 7 (b) has the same shape and arrangement as the induction heating coil 10A shown in FIG. 7 (a), but the lower end of the induction heating coil 10B is The container 3 is arranged further below the lower end surface 3e.
In this way, by arranging the lower end portion of the induction heating coil 10B further below the lower end surface 3e of the storage container 3, the central axis O at the lower end position of the storage container 3 compared to the induction heating coil 10A. The electromagnetic force toward can be increased. As a result, as compared with the induction heating coil 10A, it is possible to more reliably prevent the molten metal ML from leaking between the lower end surface 3e of the container 3 and the contact surface 22s of the lid 22.
[0026]
FIG. 8 is a view showing another example of the above-described container 3, wherein (a) is a front view, and (b) is a cross-sectional view in the direction of the line CC in (a).
When the container 3 is formed of a ferromagnetic material such as iron, an eddy current is generated in the circumferential direction of the container 3 by the magnetic field generated by the induction heating coil 10 described above, and the container 3 is heated. May occur.
For this reason, the accommodation container 3A shown in FIG. 8 has a notch 3k formed in part along the central axis O. By forming the notch 3k, the current path in the circumferential direction of the container 3A generated during induction heating is blocked, and the container 3A can be prevented from being heated.
In addition, an insulating member Is such as ceramic is embedded in the notch 3k. Thereby, air can be prevented from entering the interior of the storage container 3A, and the interior of the storage container 3A can be made a non-oxidizing atmosphere. If there is no problem even if the atmosphere enters the storage container 3A, the insulating member Is may be omitted.
[0027]
As another method for preventing the storage container 3 from being heated, it is conceivable to adjust the thickness Th of the storage container 3 shown in FIG.
The penetration depth δ of the eddy current generated in the container 3 is the resistance ρ [Ω · cm] of the container 3, the magnetic permeability μ of the container 3, and the frequency f [Hz] of the current applied to the induction heating coil 10. Can be obtained by a predetermined relational expression.
By making the thickness Th of the container 3 thinner than the penetration depth δ of eddy current, the container 3 can be prevented from being heated.
[0028]
In the metal melting and heating apparatus 1 having the above-described configuration, after the metal material M is heated and melted in the container 3 and brought to a predetermined temperature, as shown in FIG. 9, when the lid 22 is slid in the direction of D1, The molten metal ML falls by its own weight from the opening 3d of the storage container 3d, and is supplied to the sleeve 70 of the die casting machine through the hot water supply port 70h.
[0029]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the metal material M in the container 3 is made into the molten metal ML by induction heating, the metal material M is induction-heated and the lower end surface of the container 3 of the molten metal ML. By determining the shape and / or arrangement of the induction heating coil 10 so as to be able to generate a magnetic field that acts on the molten metal ML to prevent leakage from between the contact surface 22s of the lid 3a and the contact surface 22s. Leakage of the molten metal ML can be prevented without modifying the opening / closing mechanism 21 of the container 3.
[0030]
In the above-described embodiment, the induction heating coil 10 has been described with a plurality of forms. However, the present invention is not limited to these, and the above-described plurality of forms may be combined. However, other forms can be employed.
[0031]
Second embodiment
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration of a metal melting and heating apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In addition, in FIG. 10, the same code | symbol is used about the component same as the metal melting heating apparatus 1 which concerns on 1st Embodiment.
In the first embodiment described above, the material supply mechanism 51 that supplies a solid state metal material as an example of the metal material supply unit of the present invention has been described as an example. However, in the metal melting and heating apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment, The container 3 is supplied with a molten metal ML that is a liquid metal material instead of a solid metal material, and the other components are exactly the same as in the first embodiment.
In FIG. 10, the melting furnace 401 contains, for example, a molten metal ML in which aluminum is melted.
Usually, in the melting furnace 401, the temperature of aluminum can only be raised to about 750 ° C. However, there is a case where it is desired to supply aluminum to a die casting machine at a very high temperature of about 800 ° C., for example.
[0032]
In such a case, a predetermined amount of aluminum molten metal ML in the melting furnace 401 is pumped up by a ladle 400 held by a transport mechanism (not shown), which is transported and supplied to the container 3.
In the storage container 3, as in the above-described embodiment, the molten metal of the aluminum metal ML is heated by induction heating to raise the temperature.
As described above, with the configuration of the present embodiment, for example, the temperature of the molten metal ML can be raised to a temperature that cannot be raised in the melting furnace 401 and supplied to a casting apparatus such as a die casting machine.
[0033]
In addition, the metal melt | dissolution heating apparatus 200 which concerns on this embodiment can apply the various modifications of the storage container 3 and the induction heating coil 10 which were mentioned above.
[0034]
Third embodiment
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of a metal melting and heating apparatus according to still another embodiment of the present invention. In addition, in FIG. 11, the same code | symbol is used about the component same as the metal melting heating apparatus 1 which concerns on 1st Embodiment.
In the first and second embodiments, the case where a granular metal material or molten metal is supplied to the storage container 3 has been described. However, in this embodiment, a solid state metal such as an ingot or billet is supplied to the storage container 3. The case where it does is demonstrated.
[0035]
The metal melting and heating apparatus 301 shown in FIG. 11 has an opening / closing mechanism 21B. The opening / closing mechanism 21B includes a lid 22B, and an elevating cylinder 25 that raises and lowers the lid 22B in the vertical direction indicated by arrows E1 and E2. Have
The lid 22B is connected to the piston rod 26 of the lifting cylinder 25, and can turn in the directions of arrows R1 and R2 about the shaft 27 with respect to the piston rod 26.
[0036]
FIG. 12 is a view showing a state before the ingot IG is stored in the storage container 3 in the metal melting and heating apparatus 301.
The lid 22B is lowered in the direction of the arrow E2, and the ingot IG is placed on the lid 22B maintained in a horizontal state.
From this state, when the lid 22B is raised in the direction of the arrow E1, the lid 22B comes into contact with the lower end surface 3e of the storage container 3 and the opening 3d of the storage container 3 is closed as shown in FIG.
[0037]
In the state shown in FIG. 11, the ingot IG is heated and melted by induction heating, and then the lid 22B is turned in the direction of arrow R1 to open the opening 3d of the storage container 3 as shown in FIG. Thus, the molten metal ML is supplied into the sleeve 70.
As described above, in the metal melting and heating apparatus 301 of the present embodiment, the opening / closing mechanism 21 </ b> B opens and closes the opening 3 d of the storage container 3 and plays the role of a metal material supply unit that supplies the ingot IG into the storage container 3. .
According to the metal melting and heating apparatus 301 of the present embodiment, since it is not necessary to hold a large amount of molten metal, it is possible to safely supply the molten metal to the die casting machine and improve the working environment. be able to.
Note that various modifications of the container 3 and the induction heating coil 10 described above can be applied to the metal melting and heating apparatus 301 according to the present embodiment.
[0038]
Fourth embodiment
14-17 is a figure which shows the structure of the metal melt | dissolution heating apparatus which concerns on further another embodiment of this invention.
In each of the above-described embodiments, even when a gap is formed between the lid 22 and the lower end surface 3e of the storage container 3, a technique for preventing the molten metal ML in the storage container 3 from leaking from the gap has been described. .
On the other hand, when the metal material is dissolved in the container 3 by induction heating, the atmosphere in the container 3 is preferably an inert gas atmosphere from the viewpoint of suppressing metal oxidation.
However, the larger the gap formed between the lid 22 and the lower end surface 3e of the storage container 3, the longer it takes to replace the atmosphere and the more inert gas is required.
Further, when the gap formed between the lid 22 and the lower end surface 3e of the storage container 3 is large, when induction heating is stopped due to a power failure or the like while melting the metal material in the storage container 3 by induction heating, There is a possibility that the molten metal leaks from a gap formed between the lid 22 and the lower end surface 3e of the container 3.
For this reason, it is preferable to make the clearance gap formed between the lid | cover 22 and the lower end surface 3e of the storage container 3 as small as possible.
This embodiment demonstrates the structure which can reduce the clearance gap formed between the lid | cover 22 and the lower end surface 3e of the storage container 3. FIG.
[0039]
The metal melting and heating apparatus 500 shown in FIG. 14 is different from the metal melting and heating apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment described above only in the opening / closing mechanism 21C, and the other configurations are the same.
In FIG. 14, the opening / closing mechanism 21 </ b> C includes a lid 22 </ b> C and an actuator 30 that turns the lid 22 </ b> C around a shaft 27.
The actuator 30 is configured by, for example, an electric motor and a transmission mechanism.
[0040]
When the actuator 30 is driven to rotate the lid 22C in the direction of the arrow R2, the contact surface 22Cs of the cover 22C contacts the lower end surface 3e of the storage container 3.
In a state where the contact surface 22Cs of the lid 22C is in contact with the lower end surface 3e of the storage container 3, the output of the actuator 30 is kept constant, and the contact surface 22Cs of the cover 22C is fixed to the lower end surface 3e of the storage container 3. By pressing with the force f, the gap formed between the contact surface 22Cs and the lower end surface 3e can be reduced.
[0041]
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a metal melting and heating apparatus including an opening / closing mechanism having another configuration. The metal melting and heating apparatus 501 shown in FIG. 15 has the same configuration as the metal melting and heating apparatus 500 shown in FIG. 14 except for the opening / closing mechanism. Moreover, the same code | symbol is used about the same component as the metal melting heating apparatus 500 shown in FIG.
[0042]
The opening / closing mechanism 21D shown in FIG. 15 includes a lid 22D, an actuator 30 that turns the lid 22D around a shaft 27, a wedge member 32, a cylinder device 29, and a guide member 31.
[0043]
The lid 22D includes an inclined surface 22Da that is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the contact surface 22Ds on the side opposite to the contact surface 22Ds.
[0044]
The wedge member 32 is supported by the guide member 31 so as to be movable in the horizontal direction indicated by arrows D1 and D2. The wedge member 32 includes, on the surface opposite to the surface supported by the guide member 31, an inclined surface 32a that is opposed to the inclined surface 22Da of the lid 22D and is inclined at the same angle as the inclined surface 22Da.
[0045]
Although not shown, the guide member 31 is arranged in parallel on both sides below the container 3 so as not to obstruct the supply path to the sleeve 70 of the molten metal ML discharged from the opening 3d of the container 3. .
[0046]
The cylinder device 29 includes a piston rod 28 that expands and contracts in the directions of arrows D 1 and D 2, and the tip of the piston rod 28 is connected to a wedge member 32. The cylinder device 29 moves the wedge member 32 in the directions of the arrows D1 and D2 by expanding and contracting the piston rod 28 in the directions of the arrows D1 and D2.
[0047]
When the actuator 30 is driven to rotate the lid 22D in the direction of the arrow R2, the contact surface 22Ds of the cover 22D contacts the lower end surface 3e of the storage container 3.
If the wedge member 32 is moved in the direction of the arrow D1 from this state, the inclined surface 32a of the wedge member 32 and the inclined surface 22Da of the lid 22D come into contact with each other. Further, the wedge member 32 is advanced in the direction of the arrow D1, and the wedge member 32 is pressed with a force f2.
The force f2 that presses the wedge member 32 is converted into a force f3 that presses the lid 22D toward the lower end surface 3e of the storage container 3. At this time, the force f3 is amplified more than the force f2 by the wedge effect.
Accordingly, the lid 22D can be pressed toward the lower end surface 3e of the storage container 3 with a large force, and the gap formed between the contact surface 22Ds and the lower end surface 3e can be reduced. That is, in the configuration of the opening / closing mechanism shown in FIG. 14, it is necessary to generate a large force in the actuator 30, but in this example, the output of the cylinder device 29 can be converted into a large force by the wedge effect. There is no need to generate a large force at 30.
[0048]
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a metal melting and heating apparatus having still another opening / closing mechanism. The metal melting and heating apparatus 502 shown in FIG. 16 has the same configuration as the metal melting and heating apparatus 500 shown in FIG. 14 except for the opening / closing mechanism.
The opening / closing mechanism 21E shown in FIG. 16 includes a lid 22E, a cylinder device 23, and a guide member 35.
[0049]
The lid 22E is supported by the guide member 35 so as to be movable in the horizontal direction indicated by arrows D1 and D2.
The contact surface 22Es of the lid 22E is not orthogonal to the central axis O of the container 3 but is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to a plane orthogonal to the central axis O.
[0050]
On the other hand, the lower end surface 3e of the storage container 3 is not orthogonal to the central axis O of the storage container 3, but is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to a plane orthogonal to the central axis O.
[0051]
The cylinder device 23 moves the lid 22 in the directions of arrows D1 and D2 by extending and contracting the piston rod 24 in the directions of arrows D1 and D2.
[0052]
Although not shown, the guide member 35 is arranged in parallel on both sides below the container 3 so as not to obstruct the supply path to the sleeve 70 of the molten metal ML discharged from the opening 3d of the container 3. .
[0053]
When the cover 22E is moved in the direction of the arrow D2 by the cylinder device 23, the contact surface 22Es of the cover 22E contacts the lower end surface 3e of the storage container 3, and the opening 3d of the storage container 3 is closed by the cover 22E.
When the lid 22E is further pressed with the force f2 in the direction of the arrow D2 from this state, the force f2 presses the lid 22E toward the lower end surface 3e of the container 3 due to the wedge effect of the lower end surface 3e and the contact surface 22Es. Converted to force f3. The force f3 is amplified more than the force f2. Thereby, the lid 22E can be pressed toward the lower end surface 3e of the container 3 with a large force, and the gap formed between the contact surface 22Es and the lower end surface 3e can be reduced.
[0054]
In this example, the gap formed between the contact surface 22Es and the lower end surface 3e is reduced using the driving force of the cylinder device 23 that is an actuator that opens and closes the lid 22E with respect to the opening 3d of the storage container 3. Therefore, it is not necessary to separately provide an actuator for pressing the lid 22E toward the storage container 3.
[0055]
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a metal melting and heating apparatus having an opening / closing mechanism of still another configuration. The metal melting and heating apparatus 503 shown in FIG. 17 has the same configuration as the metal melting and heating apparatus 500 shown in FIG. 14 except for the opening / closing mechanism.
The opening / closing mechanism 21F illustrated in FIG. 17 includes a lid 22F and a cylinder device 38. The cylinder device 38 includes a piston rod 39 that expands and contracts in the directions of arrows G1 and G2, and the tip of the piston rod 39 is fixed to the lid 22F.
The expansion / contraction directions G1 and G2 of the piston rod 39 are not parallel to the lower end surface 3e of the storage container 3, but are inclined at a predetermined angle θ with respect to the lower end surface 3e.
[0056]
The lid 22F is fixed to the piston rod 39 so that the contact surface 22Fs is parallel to the lower end surface 3e of the container 3.
[0057]
When the piston rod 39 is extended to bring the contact surface 22Fs of the lid 22F into contact with the lower end surface 3e of the container 3, and the contact surface 22Fs is pressed against the lower end surface 3e, the lid 22F is brought into contact with the cylinder device 38 due to the wedge effect. Is pressed against the lower end surface 3e of the container 3 with a force larger than the output of.
[0058]
In addition, although the metal melting | dissolving heating apparatus 500-503 shown in FIGS. 14-17 demonstrated the case where the material supply mechanism 51 was provided as a metal material supply means, metal melting | dissolving heating apparatus 500-503 is used in 2nd Embodiment. It is also possible to apply the metal material supply means described.
In addition, the metal melting heating apparatuses 500 to 503 according to the present embodiment can be applied to various modifications of the storage container 3 and the induction heating coil 10 described above.
[0059]
Fifth embodiment
FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a metal melting and heating apparatus according to still another embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 18, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as those in the above-described embodiment. Further, the configuration of the container 3 and the induction heating coil 10 is the same as that of the above-described embodiment.
[0060]
In the metal melting and heating apparatus according to each embodiment described above, the magnetic flux generated by the induction heating coil 10 passes through the lid 22. When the material for forming the lid 22 is, for example, a ferromagnetic material such as iron, an eddy current is generated in the lid 22 by the passage of magnetic flux, and the lid 22 is heated. That is, since a part of the energy used for induction heating is used for heating the lid 22, energy loss occurs.
Moreover, if the heating by the eddy current of the cover 22 continues, the temperature of the cover 22 may rise too much and be damaged.
This embodiment demonstrates the structure which can prevent the energy loss by the lid | cover 22 and can prevent the lid | cover 22 from being heated.
[0061]
18, the opening / closing mechanism 21G includes a contact member 601 as another member of the present invention, an elastic member 602, a flange member 603, a cylindrical member 604, a holding member 605, and an actuator 610.
The contact member 601, the elastic member 602, the flange member 603, the cylindrical member 604, and the holding member 605 constitute the lid of the present invention.
[0062]
Actuator 610 rotates holding member 605 in the directions of arrows R1 and R2.
[0063]
The contact member 601 is a disk-shaped member that is disposed at a position that directly touches the molten metal ML in the storage container 3. The outer peripheral surface of the contact member 601 is a tapered surface 601t that is inclined at a predetermined angle.
[0064]
The cylindrical member 604 is formed of a cylindrical member, and an inner peripheral surface on the upper end side is a tapered surface 604t for supporting the tapered surface 601t of the contact member 601. The outer periphery of the cylindrical member 604 is fitted in a circular hole 605 a formed in the holding member 605.
[0065]
The flange member 603 includes a protruding portion 603 a inserted into the inner periphery of the cylindrical member 604, and the outer periphery is fastened to the holding member 605 with a bolt 608. The upper surface of the protruding portion 603 a of the flange member 603 is a support surface 603 b that supports the lower surface side of the contact member 601 via the elastic member 602.
[0066]
The elastic member 602 is a circular member, and is sandwiched between the lower surface of the contact member 601 and the support surface 603b of the flange member 603. The elastic member 602 is formed of a material that can be elastically deformed when a compressive force is applied by the lower surface of the contact member 601 and the support surface 603b of the flange member 603. Specifically, it is formed of bulk fiber paper or the like.
[0067]
The holding member 605 has a notch (not shown) so as to block the current path of the induced current generated by the magnetic field generated by the induction heating coil 10 on the outer periphery of the circular hole 605a in which the cylindrical member 604 is fitted.
[0068]
In this embodiment, in order to prevent the lid from being heated by eddy current during induction heating, the lid material is not a ferromagnetic material such as iron, but a metal or ceramic that is not a ferromagnetic material such as austenitic stainless steel or copper. It is formed with the material of the insulators (these are made nonferromagnetic).
Specifically, the forming material of the holding member 605 is, for example, copper, and the forming material of the contact member 601, the flange member 603, and the cylindrical member 604 is, for example, a ceramic material.
[0069]
Further, since the contact member 601 directly touches the molten metal ML, a large amount of heat is transmitted in a short time. For this reason, the contact member 601 is formed of a material that is particularly stable at high temperatures and tough against thermal shock. Specifically, for example, silicon nitride (Si_Three N_Four ), Sialon (Si_Three N_Four -Al₂ O_Three ), Boron nitride (BN), aluminum titanate (TiO)₂ -Al₂ O_Three ) And other ceramic materials.
[0070]
Furthermore, since the contact member 601 may be damaged by thermal stress when the temperature difference increases inside the contact member 601, it is preferable to make the heat capacity of the contact member 601 as small as possible. For this reason, the contact member 601 is plate-shaped, and the thickness is determined in consideration of the thermal conductivity of the forming material of the contact member 601 and the toughness against internal stress due to heat. Specifically, when a metal such as aluminum or magnesium is dissolved and a ceramic material is used as a material for forming the contact member 601, considering that the melting temperature of aluminum or magnesium is about 700 ° C., the contact member 601 The thickness is preferably about 3 to 8 mm. If the thickness exceeds this, a large temperature difference occurs between the surface of the contact member 601 in contact with the molten metal ML and the surface on the opposite side, and in a direction along the surface of the contact member 601. Cracks occur and cannot be used. Further, if it is too thin, it is easily cracked in strength, so that it is preferably 3 mm or more as described above.
[0071]
In the metal melting and heating apparatus 600 having the above-described configuration, when the metal material is melted by induction heating in the container 3, the contact member 601 is in contact with the molten metal ML and thus becomes very hot and thermally expands.
The thermal expansion in the radial direction of the contact member 601 is absorbed by the contact member 601 moving downward by the interaction between the tapered surface 601t of the contact member 601 and the tapered surface 604t of the cylindrical member 604, and crushing the elastic member 602. Is done.
The thermal expansion in the thickness direction of the contact member 601 is absorbed by the contact member 601 crushing the elastic member 602 as it is.
Therefore, the contact member 601 is not easily damaged by thermal stress.
[0072]
As described above, according to the metal melting and heating apparatus 600 according to the present embodiment, by appropriately selecting a lid material that does not require heating, energy loss during induction heating can be suppressed, and the lid Heating can be suppressed, and the life of the lid can be extended.
Further, the lid is composed of a plurality of members, and in particular, the portion that directly touches the molten metal ML is composed of the contact member 601, and the structure that can absorb the thermal expansion of the contact member 601 makes it the most damaged. The service life of the contact member 601 having a high possibility can be greatly extended.
[0073]
In this embodiment, the horizontal cross-sectional shapes of the container 3, the contact member 601, the cylindrical member 604, the flange member 603, and the elastic member 602 are circular, but the horizontal cross-sectional shapes of these members are arbitrary. It is good also as a structure which gives a gradient to the surface where the contact member 601 and the cylindrical member 604 contact, for example.
In the present embodiment, the elastic member 602 is used to absorb the thermal expansion of the contact member 601. However, when a ceramic material is used for the contact member 601, the coefficient of thermal expansion is not so large, and the expansion of the contact member 601 can be absorbed by the ceramic material used as the forming material of the flange member 603 without using the elastic member 602. Materials may be selected.
[0074]
In addition, the metal melting and heating apparatus 600 according to the present embodiment does not include a metal material supply unit that supplies a metal material to the storage container, but the metal melting and heating apparatus 600 includes, for example, the first to third embodiments. It is also possible to provide a metal melting and heating apparatus to which the metal material supply means as described is applied.
Various modifications of the container 3 and the induction heating coil 10 described above can be applied to the metal melting and heating apparatus 600 according to the present embodiment.
Furthermore, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the lid of the metal melting and heating apparatus 600 according to the present embodiment is pressed against the lower end surface of the container 3 by applying the technique described in the fourth embodiment.
[0075]
As mentioned above, although the metal melting | dissolving heating apparatus of this invention was demonstrated giving various embodiment, this invention is not limited to embodiment mentioned above.
In the embodiment described above, the die casting machine has been described as an example of the casting apparatus that receives the supply of the molten metal from the metal melting and heating apparatus of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can be applied to a casting apparatus using other casting methods such as sand mold casting and gravity mold casting.
Moreover, although the metal material heated and melted by the metal melting and heating apparatus of the above-described embodiment has been described mainly in the case of aluminum, it is typified by magnesium or titanium by setting the inside of the container to an inert gas atmosphere. Heating and melting of refractory metals and the like are also possible.
[0076]
【The invention's effect】
ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the metal melting heating apparatus which can heat and melt | dissolve a required amount of metal materials more effectively in a container to make a molten metal, and can more effectively heat a molten metal is provided. The
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a metal melting and heating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a main configuration of an example of a die casting machine as a casting apparatus.
FIG. 3 is a view showing the structure of the container 3 and the induction heating coil 10;
4 is a graph showing an electromagnetic force F acting on the molten metal ML and a fluid pressure P of the molten metal ML by an electromagnetic induction effect of an induction current flowing through the molten metal ML and a magnetic field generated by the induction heating coil 10. FIG. .
FIG. 5 shows the inside of the container 3 when the induction heating coil 300 having a constant diameter d is arranged on the entire circumference along the central axis O on the outer periphery of the container 3 without considering the shape of the induction heating coil. It is sectional drawing which shows an example of the state of the molten metal ML.
6 is a graph showing an electromagnetic force F acting on the molten metal ML and a fluid pressure P of the molten metal ML in the case of the induction heating coil shown in FIG.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the induction heating coil according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a view showing another example of the storage container 3 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the molten metal ML is dropped by its own weight from the opening 3d of the storage container 3d and supplied to the sleeve 70. FIG.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration of a metal melting and heating apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of a metal melting and heating apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
12 is a view showing a state before the ingot IG is stored in the storage container 3 in the metal melting and heating apparatus 301. FIG.
13 is a diagram for explaining a procedure for supplying molten metal ML into a sleeve 70 in the metal melting and heating apparatus 301. FIG.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a configuration of a metal melting and heating apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a view showing a metal melting and heating apparatus having another opening / closing mechanism.
FIG. 16 is a view showing a metal melting and heating apparatus having still another opening / closing mechanism.
FIG. 17 is a view showing a metal melting and heating apparatus having still another opening / closing mechanism.
FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a metal melting and heating apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1,200,301,500-503,600 ... Metal melting and heating apparatus
2 ... Melting heating section
3 ... Container
3a ... accommodating part
3d ... Opening
3e ... Bottom end
10 ... Induction heating coil
22 ... Lid
23 ... Cylinder device
51 ... Material supply mechanism
60 ... Die casting machine
70 ... Sleeve
601 ... Contact member
602 ... Elastic member
603 ... Flange member
604 ... cylindrical member
605 ... Holding member
610 ... Actuator
M ... Metal material
ML ... molten metal

Claims (8)

A metal melting heating apparatus for heating and melting a solid metal material or heating a melted metal material,
A container having a first opening at the bottom and containing a metal material;
A lid that closes the first opening;
Driving means for moving the lid with respect to the container and opening and closing the first opening;
An induction heating coil for heating the metal material by induction of a current to the metal material in the container;
The lid,
A second opening communicating with the first opening is formed on an end surface that contacts the lower end surface of the storage container when the first opening is closed, and the diameter of the second opening is reduced toward the side that contacts the storage container. A cylindrical member having a first tapered surface formed on the inner peripheral surface;
A second tapered surface is formed on the outer peripheral surface so as to be in contact with the first tapered surface so as to be opposed to the first tapered surface. When the first opening is closed, the first opening and the first opening are formed. A contact member that is exposed into the receiving container through two openings and supports the metal material from below;
An elastic member that supports the contact member from below when the first opening is closed;
A support member for supporting the elastic member and the cylindrical member from below when the first opening is closed;
A metal melting and heating apparatus. The induction heating coil generates a magnetic field that causes a force toward the center of the storage container to act on the molten metal, isolates the molten metal from the inner peripheral surface of the storage container, and contacts only the contact member.
The metal dissolution heating apparatus according to claim 1. The induction heating coil surrounds the outer periphery of the side surface of the storage container, and the lower end is disposed further below the lower end of the storage container,
The cylindrical member is formed in such a size that a portion on the second opening side can be inserted into a lower end side portion of the induction heating coil when the first opening is closed,
The drive means opens and closes the first opening by turning the lid around a horizontal axis.
The metal dissolution heating apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. Before SL contact member, metal melting heating apparatus according to claim 1, which is an insulator. The contact member is a metal dissolution heating apparatus according to claim 1 is the thickness of 3 to 8 mm. The metal melting heating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a material for forming the contact member is any one of silicon nitride, ceramic, sialon, boron nitride, and aluminum titanate. The first opening, the metal dissolution heating apparatus according to claim 1 which is disposed in a position for supplying the molten metal to the hot water outlet of the casting apparatus. Metal melting heating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a metal material feeding means for feeding the metal material in the container.

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