JP4149707B2 - Metal supply system and metal supply method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a molten metal supply system that supplies a molten metal of, for example, aluminum, titanium, magnesium or the like to a use point.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a factory where aluminum is formed using a large number of die-casting machines, aluminum materials are often supplied not only from within the factory but also from outside the factory. In this case, a container such as a ladle containing molten aluminum is transported from the material supply factory to the molding factory, and the molten material is supplied to each die cast machine. It has been broken.
[0003]
In such a supply system, it is important to manage the molten material accommodated in the container so as not to have a melting point or less. For example, the container structure is devised or a heating means is provided in the container. ing. In addition, as many containers as the required amount are delivered from the material supply side factory to the molding side factory at a predetermined time according to the time schedule of the molding side factory. In the factory on the molding side, the containers thus delivered are appropriately transported to each die-casting machine using a forklift or the like.
[0004]
When supplying the molten metal to the local furnace, a method of rotating the fork portion of the forklift and tilting the ladle greatly is common. Since the molten metal is very hot, such tilting and rotating operations are accompanied by great danger, so a safer method for supplying molten metal is required.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the conventional supply system, when the die-casting machine is stopped due to maintenance or failure, and the time schedule is out of order, the container such as the ladle that has already been received at the factory on the molding side will be in a waiting state and heated. In some cases, energy loss may be very large due to the need for remelting.
[0006]
In addition, in factories where various types of die-casting machines are deployed, it is expected that the shape of the container will differ depending on the die-casting machine. In such cases, the required number is simply determined at a determined time. There is a possibility that it will not be possible to deal with by simply delivering the container.
[0007]
The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and provides a metal supply system and a metal supply method capable of reducing the waiting state of a container containing molten metal as much as possible and suppressing energy loss. The purpose is to do.
[0008]
It is another object of the present invention to provide a metal supply system and a metal supply method capable of delivering molten metal using a container having a form corresponding to a use point.
[0009]
An object of this invention is to provide the metal supply system and metal supply method which can supply a molten metal to a use point efficiently and safely.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In the present invention, as one means for supplying molten metal (molten metal), a technique is adopted in which the inside of a sealed container containing molten metal is pressurized and the molten metal is pumped to a local furnace through a pipe connected to the container. According to this technique, there is an advantage that the safety is improved because the molten metal is supplied without rotating the container.
[0011]
A metal supply system according to a main aspect of the present invention includes a container that can send molten metal contained therein due to a pressure difference to the outside, and a holding unit that rotatably holds the container up and down and vertically as a rotation axis. A drive unit that drives the holding unit to rotate up and down and about the vertical direction as a rotation axis; and a pressure adjusting mechanism that adjusts the inside of the container Means for measuring the weight of the container held by the holding part; and means for controlling the pressure regulation by the pressure regulation mechanism based on the measurement result by the measurement means; Equipped with a vehicle equipped with The control means is provided to be operated in the vehicle. It is characterized by that.
[0012]
In this invention, it becomes possible to supply a molten metal rapidly with respect to a use point by using the container and vehicle which were comprised in this way. Thereby, it can reduce as much as possible that the container which accommodated the molten metal will be in a waiting state, and can suppress energy loss.
[0013]
A metal supply system according to another aspect of the present invention includes a first factory having a use point, a second factory having means for melting and storing the metal in a container, the second factory, and the first factory. The container is delivered to the use point and supplied to the use point in a state where the container is mounted on a holding unit that rotatably holds the container up and down and vertically as a rotation axis. A vehicle, and means for mounting the container on the holding portion. The vehicle is configured to measure the weight of the container held by the holding unit, a driving unit that drives the holding unit to move up and down and rotate about the vertical direction as a rotation axis, a pressure regulating mechanism that regulates the inside of the container, and And means for controlling pressure regulation by the pressure regulation mechanism based on the measurement result by the measurement means. It is characterized by this.
[0014]
Furthermore, a metal supply method according to another aspect of the present invention is to dissolve a metal in a second factory and store it in a container, deliver the container to a first factory having a use point, and supply the container to the vehicle. The container is moved up and down and moved to a holding part that can rotate about the vertical direction as a rotation axis, and the molten metal is supplied to the use point while the container is mounted on the holding part. The vehicle measures the weight of the container held by the holding unit, a drive unit that drives the holding unit to move up and down and rotates about the vertical direction as a rotation axis, a pressure adjusting mechanism that adjusts the inside of the container, and the like. Means for controlling the pressure regulation by the pressure regulation mechanism based on the measurement result by the measurement means, and the supply of the molten metal is the weight of the container held by the holding part by the measurement means Is controlled to stop the pressurization by the pressure regulating mechanism when a decrease in the predetermined weight is detected. It is characterized by that.
[0015]
In addition, a metal supply system according to another aspect of the present invention includes a container capable of sending molten metal accommodated therein due to a pressure difference, and a pressure regulating mechanism that mounts the container and regulates the inside of the container. And a vehicle equipped with a lifting mechanism for raising and lowering the pallet.
[0016]
The metal supply system according to the present invention includes a first factory having a use point, a second factory having a means for melting and storing the metal in a container, the second factory, and the first factory. Means for delivering the container between, and the container Provided with a pressure regulating mechanism that regulates the inside of the container It is characterized by comprising means for mounting on a pallet, and a vehicle for delivering the molten metal to the use point while the container is mounted on the pallet.
[0017]
In the metal supply method of the present invention, the metal is melted and stored in a container in a second factory, and the container is delivered to a first factory having a use point. Provided with a pressure regulating mechanism that regulates the inside of the container The molten metal is transferred to the pallet and delivered to the use point with the container mounted on the pallet.
[0018]
That is, in the present invention, a container that can send the molten metal accommodated therein due to a pressure difference to the outside is adopted, and the container is used as a medium with a vehicle or a pallet provided with a pressure regulating mechanism for regulating the inside of the container. The vehicle is provided up to a use point with a vehicle equipped with a lifting mechanism for moving up and down and a rotating mechanism for rotating.
[0019]
As the container, an airtight frame whose inner surface is covered with a heat insulating material, a first pipe communicating from the bottom in the container to the outside, and a second pipe for pressurizing or restoring the inside of the container Can be mentioned.
That is, this container is a container having an airtight structure. It is preferable to arrange a heat-resistant material on the inner surface. The inside of the container is separated from the external space by a lid that can be hermetically closed. Therefore, when pressurized by the pressurizing mechanism, the contained molten metal is pushed out of the pipe by pressurization and supplied to the outside.
[0020]
Further, the container may be provided with a liquid level sensor for detecting the liquid level of the molten metal contained therein.
[0021]
The pallet adopted in the present invention is a plate, a plate support portion disposed so as to be able to support and lift the plate from below, and a pallet disposed on the plate so as to send pressurized gas. And a pressure mechanism.
[0022]
The plate has a plate-like structure with a mounting surface for mounting the container. In order to improve the mechanical strength of the plate, a reinforcing structure such as a honeycomb structure may be employed. The plate support portion is a leg, plate, or the like that mechanically supports the plate from below, and is mechanically connected to the lower surface or side surface of the plate. This plate support part is arranged so that it can be scooped up by, for example, a vehicle in which the loading platform moves up and down or a forklift.
[0023]
Further, the pallet is equipped with a pressure adjusting mechanism such as a pressurizing mechanism for supplying pressurized gas and performing leak (return pressure), or a decompression mechanism capable of depressurizing and leaking a predetermined space. Pressurization and decompression can be combined. The pressure adjusting mechanism includes, for example, a pressurized tank (reserved tank for pressurized gas), piping, valves, a pressure controller, and the like. The decompression mechanism includes, for example, a decompression tank (a reserve tank whose interior is decompressed), piping, valves, and the like. A compressor can be used instead of the pressurized tank, and a vacuum pump can be used instead of the decompressed tank, but it is preferable to use a tank from the viewpoint of portability including power access.
[0024]
By adopting such a configuration, an object to be mounted on the pallet can be pressurized or depressurized. For example, consider the case where the container of the present invention is mounted on a pallet. By mounting a pressurizing mechanism and a decompression mechanism in advance as in the pallet of the present invention, it is possible to supply molten metal from the container by exchanging only the container. It is also possible to fix the container and the pressure adjusting mechanism. However, in this case, a pallet and a pressure adjusting mechanism are required for each container, which increases the cost. Thus, it can be said that the pallet and the container of the present invention are in a relationship that expresses another effect by combining them, for example, bolts and nuts.
[0025]
The plate may further include a rotation mechanism capable of rotating a container (for example, the container of the present invention) mounted on the plate. This facilitates handling of the container.
[0026]
The plate may further include means for measuring the weight of a container (for example, the container of the present invention) mounted on the plate. The principle of weight measurement may be mechanical, electromagnetic, or pressure sensitive. By adopting such a configuration, the supply amount can be appropriately managed when the molten metal in the container is supplied to the outside. Various feedback controls according to the supply amount can be performed.
[0027]
Moreover, it is preferable to further comprise a fixing mechanism that is disposed on the plate and fixes a load mounted on the plate. For example, the fixing mechanism may wire-connect a plate and a mounted object such as a container at a plurality of points, or a belt-like fixing tool may be provided on the plate and fixed by the fixing tool.
[0028]
The vehicle employed in the metal supply system of the present invention can be moved up to a use point by crawling up with the container mounted on the pallet. Therefore, this vehicle is equipped with a lifting mechanism that can lift up the pallet. The vehicle also includes a control panel that controls the pressure adjusting mechanism or the lifting mechanism. The control panel is preferably arranged in the cab of the vehicle so that an operator faces the container when facing the control panel. This is because when a high-temperature molten metal is supplied to a use point such as a holding furnace of a die-cast machine, it is safe for an operator to perform the work while visually observing this.
[0029]
In addition, in the pressure supply of molten metal, it is preferable to actively control the pressure applied by the pressure adjusting mechanism in accordance with the level of the metal in the container. In particular, in the final stage of pumping, intermittent discharge of the molten metal and gas is likely to occur. In this case, the temperature of the molten metal is lost to the pumped gas and the viscosity is increased, and the hot molten metal is likely to be scattered. According to the present invention, hot water supply can be safely stopped and stopped by actively controlling the applied pressure. In addition, the time required for stopping hot water supply can be shortened.
Therefore, for example, a pressure controller may be provided that is interposed between the pressure regulating mechanism and the container and adjusts the pressure applied by the pressure regulating mechanism in accordance with an input set value. Further, the pressure applied by the pressure adjusting mechanism may be adjusted according to the detected liquid level.
[0030]
The metal supply system according to the present invention includes a first factory having a use point, a second factory having a furnace for melting metal, and a request according to a request from the use point of the first factory. ), And a means for containing the molten metal from the furnace in a container and delivering the container to the use point. The said use point means the point which uses molten metal like a die-casting machine, for example.
[0031]
In the present invention, according to the request from the first factory or use point, the metal melted from the furnace is appropriately contained in the container, and the pallet is used as an interface to deliver the container to the use point. Multiple types of containers with different volumes and shapes can be delivered to the point of use on a single pallet. In addition, since the pressure adjusting mechanism is mounted on the pallet, it is not necessary to provide a pressure adjusting mechanism or a control system for each container, thereby improving productivity. Further, if the control system of the pressure adjusting mechanism is mounted on the vehicle, the productivity is further improved. This is because the pressure regulating mechanism is used only when the vehicle, the pallet, and the container are combined.
[0032]
Moreover, according to this invention, according to the request | requirement from a use point, the container of the form which matched the request | requirement each time can be used, for example. That is, the molten metal can be delivered using a container having a form corresponding to the use point. In short, the present invention makes it possible to deliver molten metal using a container according to the point of use while suppressing energy loss as much as possible by applying a so-called on-demand system to a metal supply system. .
[0033]
Here, the requirements generated in the first factory include the form of the container, the use time of the molten metal at the use point, the use amount of the molten metal at the use point, and the like. By requesting the form of the container from the first factory, it becomes possible to deliver the molten metal using a container having a form corresponding to the use point. The form of the container is, for example, the length of the pipe, the height of the tip of the pipe, or the size or shape of the container when the supply pipe is distributed from the container. Or
[0034]
In addition, by requesting the use time of the molten metal at the point of use from the first factory, it becomes possible to deliver the container from the second factory to the first factory at an optimal time, and to minimize energy loss. It becomes possible. In this case, for example, it is configured to include means for estimating the temperature of the molten metal at the use point, and means for adjusting the temperature of the molten metal stored in the container according to the estimated temperature. do it. For the estimation means, for example, a thermometer for detecting the temperature of the molten metal at the use point, and how much the temperature of the molten metal has decreased between that temperature and the second factory to the use point is calculated. Means are included. For example, the temperature adjusting means adjusts the temperature of the furnace in the second factory.
[0035]
Further, by requesting the amount of molten metal used at the point of use from the first factory, it is possible to avoid a situation where the molten metal is unnecessarily delivered.
[0036]
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 diagram showing an overall configuration of a metal supply system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
[0037]
As shown in the figure, the first factory 10 and the second factory 20 are provided, for example, in places separated by a public road 30.
[0038]
In the first factory 10, a plurality of die cast machines 11 as use points are arranged. Each die-casting machine 11 uses a molten aluminum as a raw material and molds a product having a desired shape by injection molding. Examples of the product include parts related to an automobile engine. Of course, the molten metal is not limited to an aluminum alloy but may be an alloy mainly composed of other metals such as magnesium and titanium. In the vicinity of each die-casting machine 11, a holding furnace (hand holding furnace) 12 for temporarily storing molten aluminum before a shot is arranged. The holding furnace 12 is configured to store molten aluminum for a plurality of shots so that molten aluminum is injected from the holding furnace 12 to the die cast machine 11 via a ladle 13 or a pipe every shot. It has become. Each holding furnace 12 has a liquid level detection sensor (not shown) for detecting the liquid level of molten aluminum stored in the container and a temperature sensor (not shown) for detecting the temperature of molten aluminum. Has been placed. The detection results by these sensors are transmitted to the control panel of each die-cast machine 11 or the central control unit 16 of the first factory 10.
[0039]
The container 100 received on the pallet 17 of the receiving part of the first factory 10 is mounted on the delivery vehicle 18. The container 100 is delivered to a predetermined die casting machine 11 by the delivery vehicle 18, and molten aluminum is supplied from the container 100 to the holding furnace 12. The container 100 that has been supplied is returned to the pallet 17 of the receiving unit by the delivery vehicle 18 again.
[0040]
The first factory 10 is provided with a first furnace 19 for melting and supplying aluminum to the container 100, and the container 100 supplied with the molten aluminum by the first furnace 19 is also a delivery vehicle 18. Is delivered to a predetermined die-casting machine 11.
[0041]
The first factory 10 is provided with a display unit 15 that displays when it is necessary to add molten aluminum in each die-casting machine 11. More specifically, for example, a unique number is assigned to each die-casting machine 11, and the number is displayed on the display unit 15. This corresponds to the number of the die-casting machine 11 that requires addition of molten aluminum. The number on the display unit 15 to be lit is turned on. Based on the display on the display unit 15, the worker uses the delivery vehicle 18 to carry the container 100 to the die cast machine 11 corresponding to the number and sequentially supplies molten aluminum. The display on the display unit 15 is performed by the central control unit 16 controlling based on the detection result by the liquid level detection sensor.
[0042]
The second factory 20 is provided with a second furnace 21 for melting aluminum and supplying it to the container 100. A plurality of types of containers 100 having different capacities, pipe lengths, heights, widths, and the like are prepared. For example, there are a plurality of types having different capacities depending on the capacity of the holding furnace 12 of the die casting machine 11 in the first factory 10. The container 100 supplied with molten aluminum by the second furnace 21 is placed on a transport truck 32 by a forklift. The truck 32 carries the containers 100 through the public road 30 to the vicinity of the pallet 17 in the receiving part of the first factory 10, and these containers 100 are temporarily placed on the pallet 17 by a forklift, and the containers 100 placed on the pallet 17 are delivered. It is mounted on the car 18. The empty container 100 on the pallet 17 of the receiving part is mounted on the truck 32 by a forklift and is returned to the second factory 20.
[0043]
The second factory 20 is provided with a display unit 22 that displays when it is necessary to add molten aluminum to each die-casting machine 11 in the first factory 10. The configuration of the display unit 22 is substantially the same as that of the display unit 15 arranged in the first factory 10. The display on the display unit 22 is performed by, for example, being controlled by the central control unit 16 in the first factory 10 via the communication line 33. In addition, in the display part 22 in the 2nd factory 20, it was determined that molten aluminum is supplied from the 1st furnace 19 in the 1st factory 10 among the die-cast machines 11 which need supply of molten aluminum. The die cast machine 11 is displayed separately from the other die cast machines 11. For example, the number corresponding to the die cast machine 11 determined in such a manner blinks. As a result, it is possible to prevent the molten aluminum from being erroneously supplied from the second factory 20 side to the die cast machine 11 determined to be supplied with the molten aluminum from the first furnace 19. In addition to the above, the display unit 22 displays data transmitted from the central control unit 16.
[0044]
Next, the operation of the metal supply system configured as described above will be described.
[0045]
The central control unit 16 monitors the amount of molten aluminum in each holding furnace 12 via a liquid level detection sensor provided in each holding furnace 12. Here, when the necessity of supplying molten aluminum occurs in a certain holding furnace 12, the central control unit 16 detects the “unique number” of the holding furnace 12 by a temperature sensor provided in the holding furnace 12. The “temperature data” of the holding furnace 12, “morphological data” regarding the form of the holding furnace 12 (to be described later), the final “time data” when the molten aluminum disappears from the holding furnace 12, “traffic of the public road 30 Data, “quantity data” and “temperature data” of the molten aluminum required in the holding furnace 12 are transmitted to the second factory 20 side via the communication line 33. In the second factory 20, these data are displayed on the display unit 22. Based on these displayed data, the operator empirically reaches the holding furnace 12 immediately before the molten aluminum is exhausted from the holding furnace 12, and the second temperature is set so that the molten aluminum at that time reaches a desired temperature. The shipping time of the container 100 from the factory 20 and the temperature at the time of shipping the molten aluminum are determined. Alternatively, these data are taken into, for example, a personal computer (not shown), and the container 100 reaches the holding furnace 12 immediately before the molten aluminum runs out from the holding furnace 12 using predetermined software, and the molten aluminum at that time has a desired temperature. The shipping time of the container 100 from the second factory 20 and the temperature at the time of shipping the molten aluminum may be estimated and the time and temperature may be displayed. Alternatively, the temperature of the second furnace 21 may be automatically controlled based on the estimated temperature. The amount of molten aluminum to be accommodated in the container 100 may also be determined based on the “quantity data”.
[0046]
When the truck 32 on which the container 100 is loaded departs at the shipping time and arrives at the first factory 10 through the public road 30, the container 100 is received from the truck 32 onto the pallet 17 of the receiving portion by a forklift.
[0047]
Thereafter, the received container 100 is mounted on the delivery car 18 from the pallet 17 and delivered to a predetermined die casting machine 11, and molten aluminum is supplied from the container 100 to the holding furnace 12.
[0048]
Next, a container 100 suitable for the system configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 is a sectional view of the container 100, and FIG. 3 is a plan view thereof.
[0049]
The container 100 has a large lid 52 disposed in an upper opening 51 of a bottomed and cylindrical main body 50. Flange 53 and 54 are provided in the outer periphery of the main body 50 and the large lid 51, respectively, and the main body 50 and the large lid 51 are fixed by fastening between these flanges with the volt | bolt 55. The main body 50 and the large lid 51 are, for example, made of metal on the outer side and made of a refractory material on the inner side, and a heat insulating material is interposed between the outer metal and the refractory material.
[0050]
At one location on the outer periphery of the main body 50, a pipe mounting portion 58 provided with a flow path 57 communicating from the inside of the main body 50 to the pipe 56 is provided.
[0051]
The flow path 57 in the pipe attachment portion 58 extends toward the upper portion 57b on the outer periphery of the main body 50 via an opening 57a provided at a position near the container main body bottom portion 50a on the inner periphery of the main body 50. A pipe 56 is fixed so as to communicate with the flow path 57 of the pipe mounting portion 58. The one end port 59 of the pipe 56 faces downward. A heat insulating member 56 a is disposed around the pipe 56 in the vicinity of the pipe mounting portion 58 so as to surround the pipe 56.
[0052]
An opening 60 is provided substantially at the center of the large lid 52, and a hatch 62 to which a handle 61 is attached is disposed in the opening 60. The hatch 62 is provided at a position slightly higher than the upper surface of the large lid 52. The hatch 62 is attached to the large lid 52 through a hinge 63 at one location on the outer periphery. Thereby, the hatch 62 can be opened and closed with respect to the opening 60 of the large lid 52. Further, bolts 64 with handles for fixing the hatch 62 to the large lid 52 are attached at two locations on the outer periphery of the hatch 62 so as to face the position where the hinge 63 is attached. The hatch 62 is fixed to the large lid 52 by closing the opening 60 of the large lid 52 with the hatch 62 and rotating the bolt 64 with a handle. In addition, the hatch 64 can be opened from the opening 60 of the large lid 52 by reversely rotating the bolt 64 with the handle to release the fastening. And the maintenance of the inside of the container 100 and the insertion of the gas burner at the time of preheating are performed through the opening part 60 with the hatch 62 opened.
[0053]
Further, at the center of the hatch 62 or a position slightly deviated from the center, an internal pressure adjusting through hole 65 for reducing the pressure and pressurizing the container 100 is provided. The through-hole 65 is connected to a pressure / reduction pipe 66. The pipe 66 extends upward from the through hole 65, bends at a predetermined height, and extends in the horizontal direction therefrom. A thread is formed on the surface of the insertion portion of the pipe 66 into the through hole 65, and a thread is also formed in the through hole 65, whereby the pipe 66 is fixed to the through hole 65 by screwing. It has come to be.
[0054]
One of the pipes 66 can be connected to a pressurizing or depressurizing pipe, and the pressurizing pipe is connected to a tank or pressurizing pump accumulated in the pressurized gas. A decompression pump is connected to this pipe. Then, it is possible to introduce molten aluminum into the container 100 through the pipe 56 and the flow path 57 by using the pressure difference by reducing pressure, and the flow path 57 and the pipe 56 by using the pressure difference by applying pressure. The molten aluminum can be led out to the outside of the container 100.
[0055]
A pressure release through hole 68 is provided at a position slightly offset from the center of the hatch 62 and opposed to the pressure increasing / decreasing through hole 65. The pressure release through hole 68 includes a relief valve. (Not shown) is attached. Thereby, for example, when the inside of the container 100 becomes a predetermined pressure or more, the inside of the container 100 is opened to the atmospheric pressure from the viewpoint of safety.
[0056]
In the large lid 52, two through holes 70 for a liquid level sensor into which two electrodes 69 as liquid level sensors are respectively inserted are arranged at a predetermined interval. Electrodes 69 are inserted into the through holes 70, respectively. These electrodes 69 are arranged so as to face each other in the container 100, and their respective tips extend to substantially the same position as the maximum liquid level of the molten metal in the container 100, for example. It is possible to detect the maximum liquid level of the molten metal in the container 100 by monitoring the conduction state between the electrodes 69, and thereby more reliably prevent the excessive supply of the molten metal to the container 100. It has become.
[0057]
For example, a leg portion (channel member) 71 having a cross-sectional mouth shape into which a fork (not shown) of a forklift is inserted, for example, is inserted at a predetermined interval on the bottom rear surface of the main body 50 so as to be parallel, for example. The book is arranged.
[0058]
4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the delivery vehicle 18, FIG. 5 is a side view thereof, and FIG. 6 is a plan view.
[0059]
As shown in these drawings, the delivery vehicle 18 includes a driving unit 181 and a container mounting unit 182 provided behind the driving unit 181.
[0060]
The driver 181 has two driver seats 181a and 181b adjacent to each other. One driver's seat 181a has a handle 181c in the forward direction (driver section 181 side), and the other driver's seat 181b has a handle 181d in the rear direction. Near the handle 181d of the other driver's seat 181b, operation switches for performing operations such as raising and lowering and rotating the container 100 mounted on the container mounting portion 182 described later are arranged. The position of the driving unit 181 is set so that the line of sight of the operator of the driving unit 181 is higher than the upper part of the container 100 mounted on the container mounting unit 182. Thereby, the operator of the driver's seat 181b can easily perform operations such as raising and lowering and rotating the container 100. In particular, it is possible to accurately and quickly align the pipe 56 of the container 100 with the server.
[0061]
The container mounting portion 182 is provided with a holding base 182a that holds the container 100 so as to be movable up and down and substantially at the center thereof. The holding base 182 a has a disk shape and has a pair of chamfered portions 182 b so that the distance between both ends is slightly larger than the distance between the leg portions (channel members) 71. A pair of guide rails 182c for guiding the outside of each leg portion (channel member) 71 is provided inside each chamfered portion 182b.
[0062]
At the lower part of the holding table 182a, for example, four load cells 182d for measuring the weight of the load mounted on the holding table 182a are provided. Further below that, a rotational drive mechanism 182e for rotationally driving the holding base 182a is provided. The rotation drive mechanism 182e can be realized by a combination of a gear and a motor, for example. Below the rotation drive mechanism 182e, an elevating drive mechanism 182f for elevating and driving the holding base 182a together with the rotation drive mechanism 182e and the like is provided. The lift drive mechanism 182f can be realized by using a hydraulic cylinder or the like. In the present embodiment, the above-described rotation driving mechanism 182e and the elevation driving mechanism 182f realize the elevation and rotation driving of the holding base 182a. For example, the holding base 182a can be moved up and down together with the container 100 from the position of the solid line in the figure to the position of the chain line.
[0063]
Between the operation part 181 and the container mounting part 182, a columnar pressurized tank 183 a that can store pressurized gas is horizontally placed and fixed. A hose 183d is connected to the pressurized tank 183a. The pressurized gas in the pressurized tank 183a is applied to the container 100 via the hose 183d, whereby the molten metal is discharged from the pipe 56 of the container 100 to the outside. A pressurization valve 183e is provided between the pressurization tank 183a and the container 100, and the control of the pressurization valve 183e is performed by the control unit 183f. For example, when 200 kg of molten metal is set to be supplied by the operation switches on the operation unit 181 side, the control unit 183f opens the pressurization valve 183e and detects that the load cell 182d has decreased by 200 kg, the pressurization valve 183e is set. Control to close. As a result, a desired amount of molten metal can be automatically supplied from the container 100. A hydraulic unit 183b used for the lifting drive mechanism 182f is disposed below the pressurized tank 183a, and a battery 183c serving as a power source for the delivery vehicle 18 is disposed further below the hydraulic unit 183b.
[0064]
Front and rear axles 184a are provided on substantially both sides of the lower portion of the delivery vehicle 18, and tires 184b are attached to the axles 184a. In the present embodiment, the holding table 182a is arranged so that the center of gravity of the container 100 is positioned between the axles 184a. Thereby, it is possible to transport a very heavy container 100 in a balanced manner.
[0065]
Figure 7 shows the above Second FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the pallet 17. Second It is the figure which showed the relationship between the pallet 17 and the delivery vehicle 18. FIG.
[0066]
As shown in FIG. Second The pallet 17 is configured by arranging a pair of holding members 171 having an inverted L-shaped cross section with a predetermined interval L1. The container 100 is mounted on the holding member 171.
[0067]
Here, as shown in FIG. 8, the interval L1 between the holding members 171 is set to be larger than the interval L2 between the pair of chamfered portions 182b in the holding table 182a and sufficiently smaller than the diameter R of the container 100. ing. Accordingly, the holding member 171 does not hold the leg portions 71 but holds the back surface of the container 100 outside each leg portion 71. Further, when the interval between the pair of guide rails 182c is L3 and the interval between the outer sides of the pair of leg portions 71 is L4,
L1>L2>L3> L4
The dimensions of each part are set so that
[0068]
In the present embodiment, first, the fork of the forklift is inserted into the leg portion 71 of the container 100. Second The container 100 is loaded from the front of the pallet 17 so that the state shown in FIG. Second The container 100 is mounted on the pallet 17.
[0069]
Next, the delivery vehicle 18 moves the container mounting part 182 from the container mounting part 182 side. Second Enter the pallet 17. At that time, the container mounting portion 182 is placed so that the chamfered portion 182b of the holding base 182a and the opposing surfaces of the pair of holding members 171 are parallel to each other. Second Enter the pallet 17. FIG. 8 shows this state.
[0070]
Next, the holding stand 182a is raised, the container 100 is mounted on the holding stand 182a, and the delivery vehicle 18 is moved. Second palette 17 Take out.
[0071]
In this embodiment, Second palette 17 The holding stand 182a and the leg portion 71 of the container 100 do not interfere with each other in the vertical direction, that is, with a forklift only by direct delivery. Second Delivery of the container 100 can be realized between the pallet 17 and the transport vehicle 18. That is, according to the present embodiment, as an acceptance buffer Second The delivery of the container 100 between the forklift (supply side) and the delivery vehicle 18 (demand side) can be realized by a very simple operation via the pallet 17.
[0072]
As shown in FIG. 9, in this example, high-pressure air is sent from the receiver tank 101 into the sealed container 100 so that the molten aluminum contained in the container 100 is discharged from the pipe 102 and enters the holding furnace 12. It comes to be supplied. In FIG. 9, 103 is a pressurizing valve, and 104 is a leak valve.
[0073]
Here, the holding furnace 12 has various heights, and can be adjusted by an elevating mechanism provided in the delivery vehicle 180 so that the tip of the pipe 102 is at an optimum position on the holding furnace 12. However, depending on the height of the holding furnace 12, there are cases in which it is not possible to cope with only the lifting mechanism. Therefore, in the present system, as “form data” regarding the form of the holding furnace 12, data relating to the height of the holding furnace 12, the distance to the holding furnace 12, and the like are sent to the second factory 20 side in advance, and the second factory 20 On the side, based on this data, an optimal form, for example, an optimal height container 100 is selected and delivered. Note that an optimally sized container 100 may be selected and delivered according to the amount to be supplied.
[0074]
Thus, in this embodiment, according to the request | requirement from the 1st factory 10 side, since molten aluminum was accommodated in the container 100 and it comprised so that this container 100 might be delivered to the required holding furnace 12, It is possible to deliver an optimal amount of molten aluminum using an optimal container 100 at an optimal temperature and an optimal temperature. Therefore, it is possible to deliver molten aluminum using the container 100 having a form corresponding to the use point while suppressing energy loss as much as possible.
[0075]
Here, the pallet 170 according to the present embodiment will be described. The pallet 17 is combined with the container 100 like a bolt and a nut, so that it has a different effect.
[0076]
FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing the pallet 170. The pallet 170 is disposed on the plate 41, the support portion 42 arranged so as to be able to support and lift the plate 41 from below, and the pallet 170 is disposed on the plate 41. The pressure regulating mechanism 220 can be provided. In this example, the pressure adjusting mechanism 220 includes at least a pressure tank 223, a pressure valve 221, and a leak valve 230. 221b is a joint with piping, and 223b is a pressure gauge. The configuration of such a pressure regulating mechanism is arbitrary, and may include a decompression tank, a vacuum pump, and the like.
[0077]
Further, the plate 41 is provided with a turntable 43 that is a rotation mechanism capable of rotating a load (for example, the container 100) mounted on the plate. Reference numeral 44 denotes a motor for rotating the turntable. Further, a pressure sensitive sensor 45 such as a piezoelectric element for measuring the weight of the load is provided on the turntable 43.
[0078]
The plate 41 has a plate-like structure having a mounting surface for mounting a load such as a container 100 on the pallet 170. In order to improve the mechanical strength of the plate 41, a reinforcing structure such as a honeycomb structure in which the extension direction is parallel to the normal direction of the plate may be employed inside the plate. In this example, the support portion 42 of the plate 41 is a leg that mechanically supports the plate 41 from below, but a plate-like support portion may be adopted. Further, the number of support portions may be determined as necessary, such as the weight of the load.
[0079]
This support part can hold a predetermined space between the lower surface of the plate and the ground so that the loading platform can be scooped up by a vehicle in which the loading platform moves up and down or a forklift, and the loading platform can be inserted into this space. Are arranged as follows.
[0080]
Furthermore, a pressure adjusting mechanism 220 for supplying pressurized gas is mounted on the plate 41. In this example, the pressure tank 223 is mounted, but a pressure reducing mechanism capable of depressurizing a predetermined space may be mounted.
[0081]
By adopting such a configuration, an object to be mounted on the pallet 170 can be pressurized or depressurized.
[0082]
FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which the container 100 is mounted on the pallet 170. FIG. 12 is a view showing a state in which the pallet 170 is lifted by the delivery vehicle 180 that the loading platform 51 moves up and down.
[0083]
By installing a pressure adjusting mechanism such as a pressurizing mechanism or a pressure reducing mechanism in advance like the pallet 170, it is possible to supply molten metal from the container 100 if only the container 100 is replaced. With this configuration, productivity can be improved as compared with the case where the container 100 and the pressure regulating mechanism 220 are fixed.
[0084]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the waiting state of the container containing the molten metal as much as possible, to suppress energy loss, and to use the container in a form according to the use point. Can be delivered.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a metal supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a container according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a plan view of the container shown in FIG.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a delivery vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a side view of the delivery vehicle shown in FIG.
6 is a plan view of the delivery vehicle shown in FIG. 4. FIG.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a pallet according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a front view of the pallet shown in FIG.
FIG. 9 is a view showing a relationship between a container and a holding furnace according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a view schematically showing a pallet according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which a container is mounted on a pallet according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a view showing a state in which a pallet carrier according to another embodiment of the present invention is lifted by a delivery vehicle that moves up and down.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 First factory
11 Die-casting machines
12 Holding furnace
13 ladle
16 Central control unit
17 palettes
18 Delivery car
19 First furnace
20 Second factory
21 Second furnace
30 public roads
32 tracks
100 containers
182a Holding stand
182b Chamfer
182d load cell
182e Rotation drive mechanism
182f Elevating drive mechanism
183a Pressurized tank
183f control unit
184a axle

Claims (9)

A container capable of sending the molten metal contained inside due to the pressure difference to the outside;
A holding unit that rotatably holds the container up and down and up and down as a rotation axis; a drive unit that drives the holding unit up and down and up and down as a rotation axis; and a pressure adjustment mechanism that adjusts the inside of the container A vehicle comprising: means for measuring the weight of the container held by the holding unit; and means for controlling pressure regulation by the pressure regulation mechanism based on a measurement result by the measurement means ;
Metal delivery system wherein, characterized that you have provided assuming that operated in the vehicle. The metal supply system according to claim 1.
2. The metal supply system according to claim 1, wherein the pressure adjusting mechanism includes a pressurized tank capable of accommodating a pressurized gas. The metal supply system according to claim 1 or 2,
The container is
An airtight frame whose inner surface is covered with thermal insulation,
A first pipe communicating from the bottom in the container to the outside;
And a second pipe for pressurizing or restoring the inside of the container. The metal supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The metal supply system further comprising a second pallet capable of temporarily holding the container and capable of transferring the container directly to and from the holding portion of the vehicle. A first factory with a use point;
A second factory having means for melting and storing the metal in a container;
Means for delivering the container between the second factory and the first factory;
A vehicle that delivers the molten metal by delivering it to the use point in a state where the container is mounted on a holding unit that holds the container up and down and rotatable about the vertical direction as a rotation axis;
Means for mounting the container on the holding part ,
The vehicle includes a drive unit that drives the holding unit up and down and rotationally about a vertical axis as a rotation axis, a pressure adjustment mechanism that adjusts the pressure inside the container, and a unit that measures the weight of the container held by the holding unit; , metal delivery system, wherein the basis of the measurement result by the measurement means, to have a means for controlling the pressure regulation by the pressure regulating mechanism. In the second factory, the metal is melted and stored in a container.
Delivering the container to a first factory with a use point;
The container is moved to a holding unit that holds the container of the vehicle so that the container can be rotated up and down and up and down as a rotation axis.
Delivering the molten metal to the use point with the container mounted on the holding unit ,
The vehicle includes a drive unit that drives the holding unit to rotate up and down and the vertical direction as a rotation axis, a pressure regulating mechanism that regulates the inside of the container, and a unit that measures the weight of the container held by the holding unit; And a means for controlling the pressure regulation by the pressure regulation mechanism based on the measurement result by the measurement means,
The supply of molten metal, weight of the container held by the holding portion by said means for measuring detects whether a predetermined weight loss, the pressure regulating mechanism in the case where reduction of the predetermined weight is detected metal delivery wherein the der Rukoto controls to stop the pressurization by. A container capable of sending the molten metal contained inside due to the pressure difference to the outside;
A pallet equipped with a pressure regulating mechanism for regulating the inside of the container;
A metal supply system comprising: a vehicle including an elevating mechanism for elevating and lowering the pallet. A first factory with a use point;
A second factory having means for melting and storing the metal in a container;
Means for delivering the container between the second factory and the first factory;
Means for mounting the container on a pallet having a pressure regulating mechanism for regulating the inside of the container;
A metal supply system comprising: a vehicle that delivers the molten metal to the use point in a state where the container is mounted on the pallet. In the second factory, the metal is melted and stored in a container.
Delivering the container to a first factory with a use point;
Transfer the container to a pallet equipped with a pressure regulating mechanism for regulating the inside of the container,
The molten metal is supplied by delivering the container to the use point in a state where the container is mounted on the pallet.

Images