JP6771679B2 - Molds and mold manufacturing methods - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a mold, and more particularly to a mold formed by an additional manufacturing technique. The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such a mold.

Generally, a cylinder block of an internal combustion engine is manufactured by casting using a mold. During casting, the thin part of the mold (the part with a small thickness) tends to reach a high temperature because of its small heat capacity. Therefore, a cooling water flow path for flowing cooling water may be formed in the thin-walled portion.

For example, in a mold for manufacturing a cylinder block of a water-cooled internal combustion engine, a cooling water flow path is formed in a thin-walled portion for forming a water jacket. The cooling water flow path is formed by machining a mold formed by cutting from solid wood or the like using a drill or the like.

Japanese Patent No. 5739272

However, according to the study by the inventor of the present application, it has been found that even if the cooling water flow path as described above is provided, seizure occurs due to insufficient cooling in the thin-walled portion for forming the water jacket. The occurrence of seizure leads to an increase in manufacturing time and cost.

Therefore, the inventor of the present application has considered manufacturing a mold using a 3D printer. The technique of forming a three-dimensional structure (three-dimensional object) using a 3D printer is called additive manufacturing, and has been attracting attention in recent years. According to the additional manufacturing technique, even a three-dimensional structure having a complicated shape can be easily manufactured based on 3D CAD data and 3DCG data.

When the mold is manufactured by the additional manufacturing technology, the cooling water flow path is also formed at the same time in the process of manufacturing the mold, so that the shape and length of the cooling water flow path are different from the case where the cooling water flow path is formed by machining. Has almost no restrictions. Therefore, it is expected that the cooling capacity in the thin portion of the mold can be improved. Further, it is considered that the mold manufacturing itself can be performed in a shorter time and at a lower cost than in the conventional case by using the additional manufacturing technique.

Patent Document 1 discloses that a mold for forming a water jacket of a cylinder block is manufactured by an additional manufacturing technique. In the mold of Patent Document 1, one cooling water flow path is laid out for a long time in the thin-walled portion corresponding to the water jacket, whereby the flow path area is expanded.

However, as a result of further studies by the inventor of the present application, it has been found that simply forming a long cooling water flow path does not favorably cool the thin-walled portion. When one cooling water flow path is routed for a long time, for example, the cooling water becomes difficult to flow due to pressure loss, or the temperature of the cooling water rises to become steam and lose the cooling capacity.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to suitably perform temperature control by a heat medium flow path in a mold formed by an additional manufacturing technique.

The mold according to the embodiment of the present invention is a mold formed by an additional manufacturing technique, and is provided inside the mold, and a heat medium flow path through which a heat medium flows and the heat medium are introduced into the mold. The first flow path portion is formed so as to have a medium introduction port and a medium discharge port from which the heat medium is discharged to the outside of the mold, and the heat medium flow path is continuous from the medium introduction port. A second flow path portion formed so as to be continuous with the medium discharge port, and a plurality of third flow path portions having a diameter smaller than that of the first flow path portion and the second flow path portion, respectively. The first flow path portion includes a plurality of third flow path portions, one end of which is connected to the first flow path portion and the other end of each is connected to the second flow path portion. Alternatively, the second flow path portion has a plurality of solid portions, and each of the plurality of third flow path portions penetrates any of the plurality of solid portions.

In the mold according to the embodiment of the present invention, the heat medium flow path is a first flow path portion formed to be continuous from the medium introduction port and a second flow path portion formed to be continuous from the medium discharge port. And a plurality of relatively small diameters (smaller in diameter than the first flow path portion and the second flow path portion) in which one end and the other end of each are connected to the first flow path portion and the second flow path portion, respectively. Includes 3 flow paths. By providing a plurality of third flow paths having a relatively small diameter (that is, a plurality of narrow flow paths are arranged in parallel), the heat medium is difficult to flow due to pressure loss, unlike the case where one flow path is routed for a long time. It is possible to prevent the heat medium from becoming too high or too low. Further, it is possible to reduce the flow path resistance, improve the heat exchange efficiency by increasing the flow path surface area, and realize a more uniform temperature distribution. Further, if a large number of narrow flow paths are simply provided, it is necessary to provide a large number of inlets and outlets of the heat medium correspondingly. However, as in the embodiment of the present invention, the diameter is relatively large (from the third flow path portion). By connecting a plurality of third flow paths to the first flow path and the second flow path (which have a large diameter), the number of inlets and outlets of the heat medium is reduced (for example, the medium introduction port and the medium discharge port are respectively). Only one can be provided). As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, temperature control by the heat medium flow path can be preferably performed. Further, in the mold according to the embodiment of the present invention, the first flow path portion or the second flow path portion has a plurality of solid portions, and each of the plurality of third flow path portions has a first flow path portion. Alternatively, since it penetrates the solid portion of the second flow path portion, it is possible to realize a configuration in which the first flow path portion, the second flow path portion, and the plurality of third flow path portions overlap each other.

In certain embodiments, the first flow path portion, the second flow path portion, and the plurality of third flow path portions overlap each other when viewed from a certain direction.

By overlapping the first flow path portion, the second flow path portion, and the plurality of third flow path portions (so to speak, they are arranged in series), the space of the entire heat medium flow path can be reduced, and a relatively narrow area can be obtained. It becomes easy to arrange the heat medium flow path (for example, the thin-walled portion and its vicinity).

In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of third flow paths is substantially U-shaped.

Each of the plurality of third flow path portions is preferably substantially U-shaped. The substantially U-shaped third flow path portion includes a first portion and a second portion extending in a certain direction from the first flow path portion and the second flow path portion, respectively, and from the tip of the first portion to the tip of the second portion. It includes a third portion extending in a direction substantially orthogonal to that direction. The length of the third portion is preferably smaller than the length of the first portion and the length of the second portion, respectively.

In certain embodiments, the second flow path has a larger diameter than the first flow path.

From the viewpoint of preferably discharging the heat medium to the outside, it is preferable that the second flow path portion has a larger diameter than the first flow path portion.

In a certain embodiment, the second flow path portion has the plurality of solid portions, and each of the plurality of third flow path portions is a plurality of solid portions of the second flow path portion. It penetrates either.

In a certain embodiment, the first flow path portion has the plurality of solid portions, and each of the plurality of third flow path portions is a plurality of solid portions of the first flow path portion. It penetrates either.

In certain embodiments, the mold according to the invention includes a thin wall portion that is thinner than at least a portion of the other portion, and each of the plurality of third flow path portions includes a portion located within the thin wall portion. ..

The embodiment of the present invention is suitably used for a mold including a thin wall portion. In the mold including the thin-walled portion, each of the plurality of third flow path portions is arranged so as to include a portion located in the thin-walled portion.

In certain embodiments, the mold according to the present invention is a mold for forming at least a part of a cylinder block, and the thin portion is a portion corresponding to a water jacket of the cylinder block.

Embodiments of the present invention are suitably used for molds for forming at least a part of a cylinder block. In such a mold, the thin wall portion may be a portion corresponding to the water jacket of the cylinder block.

In a certain embodiment, the mold according to the present invention further has a plurality of communication passages communicating the heat medium flow path and the outside of the mold, and further has a plurality of communication passages that can be opened and closed with respect to the outside of the mold. Each of the plurality of communication passages is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of third flow path portions, and one end of each of the plurality of communication passages is one end of the corresponding third flow path portion. Is opposed to the other side of the first flow path portion via the first flow path portion, or is opposed to the other end of the corresponding third flow path portion via the second flow path portion.

When the mold has a plurality of communication passages that communicate the heat medium flow path and the outside of the mold, the unsintered (or unmelted) metal powder is molded by using the communication passage in the open state. Can be discharged to the outside of. For example, by blowing a gas into the corresponding third flow path portion through each communication passage, the metal powder in the third flow path portion can be easily discharged. It is also possible to confirm that each third flow path portion is not blocked (non-blockage confirmation) by using the continuous passage. Further, at the time of mold maintenance, it is possible to remove foreign matter by using the communication passage (for example, by blowing gas into the corresponding third flow passage portion through the communication passage).

In certain embodiments, one end of each of the plurality of passages faces the one end of the corresponding third passage through the first passage.

In certain embodiments, one end of each of the plurality of passages faces the other end of the corresponding third passage through the second passage.

In certain embodiments, the mold according to the present invention has a plurality of additional passages communicating the heat medium flow path and the outside of the mold, and has a plurality of additional passages that can be opened and closed with respect to the outside of the mold. Each of the plurality of further passages is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of third passages, and the plurality of passages are referred to as a plurality of first passages, and the plurality of further passages are referred to as the plurality of first passages. Assuming that the continuous passage is referred to as a second continuous passage, (A) one end of each of the plurality of first continuous passages faces the one end of the corresponding third flow path portion via the first flow path portion. And, one end of each of the plurality of second passages faces the other end of the corresponding third passage through the second passage, or (B) the said. One end of each of the plurality of first passages faces the other end of the corresponding third passage through the second passage, and each of the plurality of second passages. One end faces the one end of the corresponding third flow path portion via the first flow path portion.

Since the mold has a plurality of additional passages (second passage) in addition to the plurality of passages (first passage), the mold is unsintered (or unmelted) in the third passage portion. When discharging the metal powder of the above to the outside of the mold, not only the first passage but also the second passage can be used.

The method for producing a mold according to the embodiment of the present invention is a method for producing a mold having any of the above-described configurations, which comprises a deposition step of depositing metal powder in a layer with a predetermined thickness and the deposition step. After that, the heat medium flow path includes a laser irradiation step of irradiating the deposited metal powder with a laser to sinter or melt the deposited metal powder, and by alternately repeating the deposition step and the laser irradiation step. The mold containing the inside is formed.

In the mold manufacturing method according to the embodiment of the present invention, a mold containing a heat medium flow path inside can be suitably formed by alternately repeating a deposition step and a laser irradiation step.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, the temperature can be suitably controlled by the heat medium flow path in the mold formed by the additional manufacturing technique.

It is a perspective view which shows typically the mold 1 by embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows typically the mold 1 by embodiment of this invention, and the heat medium flow path 10 inside the mold 1 is shown by a dotted line. It is a perspective view which shows typically the heat medium flow path 10. It is a perspective view which shows typically the heat medium flow path 10. It is a figure which shows the part of the heat medium flow path 10 in an enlarged manner. It is a figure for demonstrating the preferable structure of the 3rd flow path part 13. It is a figure which shows the example of another structure of a mold 1. It is a perspective view which shows typically the mold 1A by embodiment of this invention, and the heat medium flow path 10 inside the mold 1A is shown by a dotted line. It is a perspective view which shows typically the heat medium flow path 10 of the mold 1A. It is a perspective view which shows typically the heat medium flow path 10 of the mold 1A. It is a figure which shows the part of the heat medium flow path 10 of the mold 1A enlarged. (A) and (b) are diagrams showing an example of a specific configuration for opening and closing the communication passage 20 with respect to the outside of the mold 1A. (A) and (b) are diagrams showing another example of a specific configuration for opening and closing the communication passage 20 with respect to the outside of the mold 1A. It is a figure which shows the example of another structure of a mold 1A. It is a figure which shows the example of another structure of a mold 1A. It is a figure which shows the example of another structure of a mold 1A.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

(Embodiment 1)
The mold 1 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the mold 1.

The mold 1 is a nesting mold that forms a part of a mold for forming a cylinder block. That is, the mold 1 is a mold for forming a part of the cylinder block. Since the shape of the entire mold for forming the cylinder block can be various known shapes, the description thereof will be omitted here. Here, the case where the number of cylinders is 2 is illustrated, but the number of cylinders is not limited to 2.

Further, FIG. 1 shows three directions (X direction, Y direction and Z direction) orthogonal to each other. The Z direction is a direction parallel to the cylinder axis (indicated by a chain line in FIG. 1). The X direction is a direction parallel to the plane including the two cylinder axes and orthogonal to the Z direction. The Y direction is orthogonal to the plane including the two cylinder axes and is orthogonal to the Z direction. In the following description, the Z direction may be referred to as the "vertical direction", and the direction orthogonal to the Z direction (for example, the X direction or the Y direction) may be referred to as the "horizontal direction", but these are convenient names. The orientation of the mold 1 when the mold 1 is actually used is not limited.

The mold 1 is formed by an additional manufacturing technique as described in detail later.

As shown in FIG. 1, the mold 1 includes a thin-walled portion 2 having a thickness smaller than at least a part of other portions, and a thick-walled portion 3 having a thickness larger than that of the thin-walled portion 2.

The thin portion 2 is a portion corresponding to the water jacket of the cylinder block. The thin-walled portion 2 has a shape in which a plurality of (here, two) cylinders are connected. The thin portion 2 extends upward from the thick portion 3 along the Z direction.

The thick portion 3 is located below the thin portion 2 and supports the thin portion 2. The upper surface 3a of the thick portion 3 defines the gasket surface of the cylinder block.

The mold 1 has a heat medium flow path (not shown in FIG. 1) provided inside the mold 1. A heat medium flows through the heat medium flow path, whereby the mold 1 is cooled and / or heated. The heat medium for cooling is, for example, water. The heat medium for heating is, for example, oil.

Here, a more specific configuration of the mold 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the mold 1 as in FIG. 1, and the heat medium flow path 10 inside the mold 1 is also shown by a dotted line. 3 and 4 are perspective views showing the heat medium flow path 10, respectively. FIG. 3 is a view viewed from the same direction as FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is a view viewed from a direction different from that of FIG. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view showing a part of the heat medium flow path 10.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the mold 1 has a heat medium flow path 10, a medium introduction port 4, and a medium discharge port 5. The medium introduction port 4 is an inlet of the heat medium, that is, a portion where the heat medium is introduced into the mold 1. The medium discharge port 5 is an outlet of the heat medium, that is, a portion where the heat medium is discharged to the outside of the mold 1. The medium introduction port 4 and the medium discharge port 5 are each provided in the thick portion 3.

The heat medium flow path 10 includes a first flow path portion 11, a second flow path portion 12, and a plurality of third flow path portions 13. That is, the heat medium flow path 10 in this embodiment is composed of three types of flow path portions 11, 12 and 13.

The first flow path portion 11 is formed so as to be continuous from the medium introduction port 4. That is, the first flow path portion 11 is connected to the medium introduction port 4. The second flow path portion 12 is formed so as to be continuous with the medium discharge port 5. That is, the second flow path portion 12 is connected to the medium discharge port 5. The first flow path portion 11 and the second flow path portion 12 are located in the thick portion 3. In the illustrated example, the second flow path portion 12 has a larger diameter than the first flow path portion 11.

The plurality of third flow path portions 13 have a smaller diameter than the first flow path portion 11 and the second flow path portion 12, respectively. As shown in FIG. 5, one end 13a of each third flow path portion 13 is connected to the first flow path portion 11. On the other hand, the other end 13b of each third flow path portion 13 is connected to the second flow path portion 12.

In the illustrated example, each of the plurality of third flow path portions 13 is substantially U-shaped. More specifically, the third flow path portion 13 extends from the first flow path portion 11 in the Z direction (vertical direction) and from the second flow path portion 12 in the Z direction (vertical direction). It includes a second portion p2 and a third portion p3 extending in a direction (horizontal direction) orthogonal to the Z direction from the tip of the first portion p1 to the tip of the second portion p2.

Each of the plurality of third flow path portions 13 includes a portion located in the thin wall portion 11. In the illustrated example, most of each third flow path portion 13 is located in the thin wall portion 11. Further, the plurality of third flow path portions 13 are arranged in parallel in the thin wall portion 2.

The second flow path portion 12 has a plurality of solid portions 12a. Here, the solid portion 12a is a region in which the material (metal material) constituting the mold 1 exists. Each of the plurality of third flow path portions 13 penetrates any of the plurality of solid portions 12a of the second flow path portion 12. More specifically, the first portion p1 of each third flow path portion 13 penetrates the corresponding solid portion 12a.

The first flow path portion 11, the second flow path portion 12, and the third flow path portion 13 overlap each other when viewed from a certain direction (here, the Z direction). The first flow path portion 11, the second flow path portion 12, and the third flow path portion 13 are arranged in this order from the lower side to the upper side. However, more strictly speaking, although most of the third flow path portion 13 is located above the second flow path portion 12, there is also a portion located below the second flow path portion 12. Includes.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the heat medium flow path 10 has a relatively large diameter (larger diameter than the third flow path portion 13) connected to the medium introduction port 4 and the medium discharge port 5, respectively. A relatively small diameter (first flow path portion 11) in which the first flow path portion 11 and the second flow path portion 12 and one end 13a and the other end 13b are connected to the first flow path portion 11 and the second flow path portion 12, respectively. It is configured to include a plurality of third flow path portions 13 (having a diameter smaller than that of the second flow path portion 12). Here, when the heat medium flow path 10 is regarded as the structure of a human (animal) blood vessel, the first flow path portion 11 is an artery, the second flow path portion 12 is a vein, and the third flow path portion 13 is a capillary. It can be said that it is equivalent. Hereinafter, the structure of the heat medium flow path 10 including the three types of flow path portions 11, 12 and 13 may be referred to as a “vascular structure” in analogy to the structure of a blood vessel.

In the vascular structure, since a plurality of third flow paths 13 having a relatively small diameter are provided (that is, a plurality of narrow flow paths are arranged in parallel), unlike the case where one flow path is routed for a long time, due to pressure loss. It is possible to prevent the heat medium from becoming difficult to flow, and it is possible to prevent the temperature of the heat medium from rising or falling too much. Further, it is possible to reduce the flow path resistance, improve the heat exchange efficiency by increasing the flow path surface area, and realize a more uniform temperature distribution. Further, if a large number of narrow flow paths are simply provided, it is necessary to provide a large number of inlets and outlets of the heat medium correspondingly. However, as in the present embodiment, the first flow path portions 11 and the second flow paths having a relatively large diameter are provided. By connecting a plurality of third flow paths 13 to the flow path 12, the number of inlets and outlets of the heat medium is reduced (as illustrated here, one medium introduction port 4 and one medium discharge port 5 are provided. Can only be provided).

As described above, by adopting the "vascular structure" in the heat medium flow path 10, the temperature control by the heat medium flow path 10 can be suitably performed.

Further, in the present embodiment, each of the third flow path portions 13 penetrates the solid portion 12a of the second flow path portion 12, whereby the first flow path portion 11, the second flow path portion 12 and the like. It is possible to realize a configuration in which a plurality of third flow path portions 13 overlap each other. By overlapping the first flow path portion 11, the second flow path portion 12, and the plurality of third flow path portions 13 with each other (so to speak, they are arranged in series), the space of the entire heat medium flow path 10 can be reduced. It becomes easy to arrange the heat medium flow path 10 in the thin portion 11 and its vicinity.

In this embodiment, the configuration in which the second flow path portion 12 has a diameter larger than that of the first flow path portion 11 is illustrated, but the second flow path portion 12 has the same diameter as the first flow path portion 11. It may have a smaller diameter than the first flow path portion 11. However, from the viewpoint of preferably discharging the heat medium to the outside, it is preferable that the second flow path portion 12 has a larger diameter than the first flow path portion 11. When the heat medium flowing in the heat medium flow path 10 expands (volume increases) due to heat reception, pressure loss due to the wall surface increases. By making the diameter of the second flow path portion 12 larger than that of the first flow path portion 11, it is possible to suppress such an increase in pressure loss.

The diameter of the first flow path portion 11 and the second flow path portion 12 may be larger than that of the third flow path portion 13, and the thickness thereof is not particularly limited.

The diameter of the third flow path portion 13 may be smaller than that of the first flow path portion 11 and the second flow path portion 12, and the thickness thereof is not particularly limited.

In the example shown in the figure, the first flow path portion 11, the second flow path portion 12, and the third flow path portion 13 have a substantially circular cross-sectional shape, but the first flow path portion 11, the first flow path portion 11, and the third flow path portion 13 have a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. The cross-sectional shapes of the two flow path portions 12 and the third flow path portion 13 are not limited to a substantially circular shape, and may be a substantially elliptical shape, a substantially rectangular shape, or the like.

Further, in the example shown in the figure, 24 third flow path portions 13 (12 per cylinder) are provided in the entire mold 1, but the number of the plurality of third flow path portions 13 is increased. There is no limit. However, from the viewpoint of sufficiently obtaining the effect of adopting the vascular structure, it is preferable that the third flow path portion 13 is provided in a certain number or more.

Here, another preferable configuration of the third flow path portion 13 will be described with reference to FIG.

Of the three portions p1, p2 and p3 of the third flow path portion 13, the third portion p3 is located on the most tip side of the thin-walled portion 2, and is therefore the portion that contributes most to the cooling of the thin-walled portion 2. Also, it is the most heat-sensitive part.

From the viewpoint of increasing the cooling capacity, it can be said that the distance d1 from the tip (surface) of the thin wall portion 2 to the third portion p3 of the third flow path portion 13 is preferably small.

The length L of the third portion p3 is preferably larger than a certain level from the viewpoint of increasing the cooling capacity. Further, from the viewpoint of suppressing an excessive increase or decrease in the temperature of the heat medium (specifically, an excessive increase or decrease in the temperature of the cooling medium or an excessive decrease in the temperature of the heating medium), the third part p3 The length L is preferably smaller than the length of the first portion p1 and the length of the second portion p2, respectively.

The distance d2 between the third flow path portions 13 adjacent to each other is not particularly limited.

[Other configurations of mold]
Another configuration of the mold 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

In the example shown in FIG. 7, the first flow path portion 11 is arranged above the second flow path portion 12. That is, the second flow path portion 12, the first flow path portion 11, and the third flow path portion 13 are arranged in this order from the lower side to the upper side. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the first flow path portion 11 has a plurality of solid portions 11a, and each third flow path portion 13 is any of the plurality of solid portions 11a of the first flow path portion 11. Penetrates.

In the example shown in FIG. 7, similarly to the example shown in FIG. 5, a configuration in which the first flow path portion 11, the second flow path portion 12, and the plurality of third flow path portions 13 overlap each other is realized. be able to. In addition, as in the example shown in FIG. 5, the configuration in which the second flow path portion 12 is arranged above the first flow path portion 11 includes the first flow path portion 11, the second flow path portion 12, and the second flow path portion 12. It is preferably used in an arrangement (series arrangement) in which a plurality of third flow path portions 13 overlap each other. In the case of the series arrangement, since the solid portion 12a is provided in the second flow path portion 12 in order to penetrate the third flow path portion 13, the cross-sectional area of the second flow path portion 12 is reduced by the solid portion 12a. This is because, as illustrated, when the second flow path portion 12 has a larger diameter than the first flow path portion 11, the influence thereof is small. On the other hand, when adopting a configuration in which the first flow path portion 11 is arranged above the second flow path portion 12 as in the example shown in FIG. 7, in order to penetrate the third flow path portion 13. Since the solid portion 11a is provided in the first flow path portion 11, it is preferable to design the shape in consideration of the variation in the cross-sectional area due to the provision.

(Embodiment 2)
The mold 1A in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 11. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the mold 1A, and the heat medium flow path 10 inside the mold 1A is also shown by a dotted line. 9 and 10 are perspective views showing the heat medium flow path 10 of the mold 1A, respectively. 9 is a view seen from the same direction as FIG. 8, and FIG. 10 is a view seen from a different direction from FIG. FIG. 11 is an enlarged view showing a part of the heat medium flow path 10. Hereinafter, the points that the mold 1A is different from the mold 1 in the first embodiment will be mainly described.

As shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10, the mold 1A of the present embodiment further has a plurality of communication passages 20 that communicate the heat medium flow path 10 with the outside of the mold 1A. It is different from the mold 1 of 1. The plurality of communication passages 20 can be opened and closed with respect to the outside of the mold 1A.

Each of the plurality of communication passages 20 is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of third flow path portions 13. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, one end 20a of each communication passage 20 faces the one end 13a of the corresponding third flow path portion 13 via the first flow path portion 11. Each passage 20 extends along the Z direction.

12A and 12B show an example of a specific configuration for opening and closing the communication passage 20 with respect to the outside of the mold 1A. For example, as shown in FIG. 12A, by screwing the bolt 21 into the end of each communication passage 20, the communication passage 20 can be closed to the outside (closed state). On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12B, by removing the bolt 21 from the end of each communication passage 20, the communication passage 20 can be opened to the outside (open state). When this configuration is adopted, a thread groove is formed on the inner peripheral surface of each communication passage 20.

The configuration for opening and closing the communication passage 20 with respect to the outside of the mold 1A is not limited to those illustrated in FIGS. 12A and 12B. For example, an O-ring 23 may be used as shown in FIGS. 13 (a) and 13 (b). In the configurations shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the other end 20b of the communication passage 20 is a large diameter portion having a larger diameter than the other portions. As shown in FIG. 13A, the O-ring 23 is arranged in the large diameter portion 20b, and the upper surface 20bt of the large diameter portion 20b and the surface 24a facing the large diameter portion 20b (here, the plate-shaped lid member 24). By sandwiching the O-ring 23 with the upper surface of the passage 20), a state in which the communication passage 20 is closed to the outside (closed state) can be realized. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 13B, by taking out the O-ring 23 from the large diameter portion 20b of the communication passage 20, the communication passage 20 can be opened to the outside (open state).

As described above, the mold 1 of the first embodiment is formed by an additional manufacturing technique. For example, when the laser sintering method is used, the deposition step of depositing the metal powder in layers with a predetermined thickness and the laser irradiation step of irradiating the deposited metal powder with a laser to sinter are alternately repeated. , The mold 1 including the heat medium flow path 10 inside is formed. In the mold 1 of the first embodiment, it may be difficult to sufficiently discharge the unsintered metal powder existing in the third flow path portion 13 which is a narrow flow path.

On the other hand, since the mold 1A of the present embodiment has a plurality of communication passages 20 that communicate the heat medium flow path 10 and the outside of the mold 1A, the communication passage 20 in the open state is used. The unsintered metal powder can be discharged to the outside of the mold 1A. For example, by blowing a gas into the corresponding third flow path portion 13 through each communication passage 20, the metal powder in the third flow path portion 13 can be easily discharged. It is also possible to confirm that each third flow path portion 13 is not blocked (non-blockage confirmation) by using the communication passage 20. Further, at the time of maintenance of the mold 1A, it is possible to remove the foreign matter by using the communication passage 20 (for example, by blowing gas into the corresponding third flow passage portion 13 through the communication passage 20). Needless to say, when the mold 1A is used, if the plurality of communication passages 20 are closed, the temperature can be adjusted by the heat medium flow path portion 10 without any problem.

[Other configurations of mold]
Other configurations of the mold 1A of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 14, 15 and 16.

In the example shown in FIG. 14, a plurality of additional communication passages 22 that communicate the heat medium flow path 10 with the outside of the mold 1A are provided. The plurality of additional passages 22 can be opened and closed with respect to the outside of the mold 1A, like the plurality of passages 20.

Each of the plurality of additional passages 22 is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of third passages 13. Here, the continuous passage 20 will be referred to as a "first continuous passage", and the further continuous passage 22 will be referred to as a "second continuous passage".

One end 20a of each first passage 20 faces the one end 13a of the corresponding third flow path portion 13 via the first flow path portion 11. On the other hand, one end 22a of each second passage 22 faces the other end 13b of the corresponding third flow path portion 13 via the second flow path portion 12. In the illustrated example, the first flow path portion 11 has a plurality of solid portions 11a, and each second continuous passage 22 is any one of the plurality of solid portions 11a of the first flow path portion 11. Penetrates.

As described above, in the example shown in FIG. 14, the first continuous passage 20 corresponding to one end 13a of the third flow path portion 13 is provided, and the second passage 13b corresponding to the other end 13b of the third flow path portion 13 is provided. A communication passage 22 is provided. Therefore, when the unsintered metal powder in the third flow path portion 13 is discharged to the outside of the mold 1A, not only the first continuous passage 20 but also the second continuous passage 22 can be used. The configuration for opening and closing the second passage 22 may be the same as the configuration for opening and closing the first passage 20.

In the example shown in FIG. 15, the first flow path portion 11 is arranged above the second flow path portion 12. That is, the second flow path portion 12, the first flow path portion 11, and the third flow path portion 13 are arranged in this order from the lower side to the upper side. One end 20a of each communication passage 20 faces the other end 13b of the corresponding third flow path portion 13 via the second flow path portion 12. Further, the first flow path portion 11 has a plurality of solid portions 11a, and each third flow path portion 13 penetrates any of the plurality of solid portions 11a of the first flow path portion 11. There is.

In the example shown in FIG. 15, as in the example shown in FIG. 11, it is possible to obtain the effect that the unfired metal powder can be discharged by using each passage 20. As in the example shown in FIG. 11, the configuration in which the second flow path portion 12 is arranged above the first flow path portion 11 includes the first flow path portion 11, the second flow path portion 12, and the second flow path portion 12. It is preferably used in an arrangement (series arrangement) in which a plurality of third flow path portions 13 overlap each other. In the case of the series arrangement, since the solid portion 12a is provided in the second flow path portion 12 in order to penetrate the third flow path portion 13, the cross-sectional area of the second flow path portion 12 is reduced by the solid portion 12a. This is because, as illustrated, when the second flow path portion 12 has a larger diameter than the first flow path portion 11, the influence thereof is small. On the other hand, when adopting a configuration in which the first flow path portion 11 is arranged above the second flow path portion 12 as in the example shown in FIG. 15, in order to penetrate the third flow path portion 13. Since the solid portion 11a is provided in the first flow path portion 11, it is preferable to design the shape in consideration of the variation in the cross-sectional area due to the provision.

The example shown in FIG. 16 is different from the example shown in FIG. 15 in that a plurality of additional communication passages 22 for communicating the heat medium flow path 10 and the outside of the mold 1A are provided. The plurality of additional passages 22 can be opened and closed with respect to the outside of the mold 1A, like the plurality of passages 20.

Each of the plurality of additional passages 22 is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of third passages 13. Here, the continuous passage 20 will be referred to as a "first continuous passage", and the further continuous passage 22 will be referred to as a "second continuous passage".

One end 20a of each first continuous passage 20 faces the other end 13b of the corresponding third flow path portion 13 via the second flow path portion 12. On the other hand, one end 22a of each second passage 22 faces the one end 13a of the corresponding third flow path portion 13 via the first flow path portion 11. In the illustrated example, the second flow path portion 12 has a plurality of solid portions 12a, and each second continuous passage 22 is any one of the plurality of solid portions 12a of the second flow path portion 12. Penetrates.

As described above, in the example shown in FIG. 16, not only the first passage 20 but also the second passage 22 is provided, so that the unsintered metal powder in the third passage portion 13 is used in the mold 1A. When discharging to the outside, not only the first passage 20 but also the second passage 22 can be used.

(Mold manufacturing method)
The manufacturing method of the molds 1 and 1A in the first and second embodiments will be described.

Molds 1 and 1A are formed using additional manufacturing techniques. As the additional manufacturing technique, various methods using a 3D printer can be used, and for example, a laser sintering method can be preferably used.

Specifically, the methods for producing the molds 1 and 1A include a deposition step in which metal powder is deposited in layers with a predetermined thickness, and after the deposition step, the deposited metal powder is sintered by irradiating a laser. Includes a laser irradiation step. By alternately repeating the deposition step and the laser irradiation step, the mold 1 including the heat medium flow path 10 inside and the mold 1A including the heat medium flow path 10 and the plurality of communication passages 20 are formed. be able to.

As the metal powder, various metal powders can be used, and for example, maraging steel and SKD61 equivalent steel can be preferably used. The thickness of the metal powder deposited in one deposition step is, for example, 30 μm to 50 μm.

In the laser irradiation step, the laser irradiation is not performed on the region that becomes the heat medium flow path 10 or the plurality of communication passages 20. Therefore, unsintered metal powder exists in the region of the heat medium flow path 10 and the plurality of communication passages 20.

The method for producing the mold 1A of the second embodiment may further include a powder discharge step. The powder discharge step is performed after the deposition step and the laser irradiation step are alternately repeated. In the powder discharge step, the unsintered metal powder is discharged to the outside of the mold 1A by utilizing the plurality of communication passages 20. The powder discharge step includes, for example, a step of blowing a gas into a plurality of third flow paths 13 through the plurality of communication passages 20. This step can be performed, for example, by inserting a tool for air purging (air duster gun or the like) into each passage 20.

Although the case where the laser sintering method is used is illustrated here, the laser melting method can also be used. When the laser melting method is used, in the laser irradiation step, the metal powder is melted by the irradiation of the laser. Further, in the powder discharge step, the unmelted metal powder is discharged to the outside of the mold 1A by utilizing the plurality of communication passages 20.

(Application to other molds)
In the above description, the molds 1 and 1A for forming at least a part of the cylinder block (the mold in which the thin portion 2 corresponds to the water jacket of the cylinder block) 1 and 1A have been illustrated, but the embodiment of the present invention has been illustrated. Is not limited to such molds. The embodiment of the present invention can be widely used for a mold having a thin wall portion, and can be suitably used for, for example, a mold for forming a water jacket of a water-cooled motor. Further, the embodiment of the present invention can be particularly preferably used when the thickness of the thin portion is about 10 mm or less.

In the description so far, the configurations in which the molds 1 and 1A include only one set of the heat medium flow path 10, the medium introduction port 4, and the medium discharge port 5 have been illustrated, but the sizes of the molds 1 and 1A are large. Molds 1 and 1A may include a plurality of these sets depending on the pod application and the like.

As described above, the molds 1 and 1A according to the embodiment of the present invention are the molds 1 and 1A formed by the additional manufacturing technique, and are provided inside the mold and the heat medium flow path 10 through which the heat medium flows. A medium introduction port 4 in which the heat medium is introduced into the mold and a medium discharge port 5 in which the heat medium is discharged to the outside of the mold are provided, and the heat medium flow path 10 is the medium. The first flow path portion 11 formed to be continuous from the introduction port 4, the second flow path portion 12 formed to be continuous from the medium discharge port 5, and the first flow path portion 11 and each of them. A plurality of third flow paths 13 having a diameter smaller than that of the second flow path 12, one end 13a of which is connected to the first flow path 11, and the other end 13b of each is the second. The first flow path portion 11 or the second flow path portion 12 includes a plurality of third flow path portions 13 connected to the flow path portion 12, and the first flow path portion 11 or the second flow path portion 12 has a plurality of solid portions 11a and 12a. Each of the plurality of third flow path portions 13 penetrates any of the plurality of solid portions 11a and 12a.

In the molds 1 and 1A according to the embodiment of the present invention, the heat medium flow path 10 is formed so as to be continuous with the first flow path portion 11 formed so as to be continuous from the medium introduction port 4 and the medium discharge port 5. The second flow path portion 12 and the respective one ends 13a and the other end 13b are connected to the first flow path portion 11 and the second flow path portion 12, respectively, and have relatively small diameters (first flow path portion 11 and second flow path portion 11 and second). It includes a plurality of third flow path portions 13 (having a diameter smaller than that of the flow path portion 12). By providing a plurality of third flow paths 13 having a relatively small diameter (that is, a plurality of narrow flow paths are arranged in parallel), the heat medium flows due to the pressure loss, unlike the case where one flow path is routed for a long time. It is possible to prevent it from becoming difficult, and it is possible to prevent the temperature of the heat medium from rising or falling too much. Further, it is possible to reduce the flow path resistance, improve the heat exchange efficiency by increasing the flow path surface area, and realize a more uniform temperature distribution. Further, if a large number of narrow flow paths are simply provided, it is necessary to provide a large number of inlets and outlets of the heat medium correspondingly, but as in the embodiment of the present invention, a relatively large diameter (third flow path portion 13) is provided. By connecting a plurality of third flow paths 13 to the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 (having a larger diameter than), the number of inlets and outlets of the heat medium is reduced (for example, the medium introduction port 4 and Only one medium discharge port 5 can be provided). As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the temperature can be preferably controlled by the heat medium flow path 10. Further, in the molds 1 and 1A according to the embodiment of the present invention, the first flow path portion 11 or the second flow path portion 12 has a plurality of solid portions 11a and 12a, and the plurality of third flow path portions Since each of 13 penetrates the solid portions 11a and 12a of the first flow path portion 11 or the second flow path portion 12, the first flow path portion 11, the second flow path portion 12 and the plurality of third streams It is possible to realize a configuration in which the road portions 13 overlap each other.

In one embodiment, the first flow path portion 11, the second flow path portion 12, and the plurality of third flow path portions 13 overlap each other when viewed from a certain direction.

By overlapping the first flow path portion 11, the second flow path portion 12, and the plurality of third flow path portions 13 with each other (so to speak, they are arranged in series), the space of the entire heat medium flow path 10 can be reduced. It becomes easy to arrange the heat medium flow path 10 in a relatively narrow region (for example, a thin-walled portion and its vicinity).

In one embodiment, each of the plurality of third flow path portions 13 is substantially U-shaped.

Each of the plurality of third flow path portions 13 is preferably substantially U-shaped. The substantially U-shaped third flow path portion 13 is formed from the first portion p1 and the second portion p2 extending in a certain direction from the first flow path portion 11 and the second flow path portion 12, respectively, and from the tip of the first portion p1. It includes a third portion p3 extending in a direction substantially orthogonal to the tip of the second portion p2. The length L of the third portion p3 is preferably smaller than the length of the first portion p1 and the length of the second portion p2, respectively.

In certain embodiments, the second flow path portion 12 has a larger diameter than the first flow path portion 11.

From the viewpoint of preferably discharging the heat medium to the outside, it is preferable that the second flow path portion 12 has a larger diameter than the first flow path portion 11.

In a certain embodiment, the second flow path portion 12 has the plurality of solid portions 12a, and each of the plurality of third flow path portions 13 is the plurality of the plurality of the second flow path portions 12. It penetrates any of the solid portions 12a.

In a certain embodiment, the first flow path portion 11 has the plurality of solid portions 11a, and each of the plurality of third flow path portions 13 is the plurality of the plurality of the first flow path portions 11. It penetrates any of the solid portions 11a.

In a certain embodiment, the molds 1 and 1A according to the present invention include a thin-walled portion 2 having a thickness smaller than at least a part of other portions, and each of the plurality of third flow path portions 13 includes the thin-walled portion 2. Including the part located inside.

The embodiment of the present invention is suitably used for molds 1 and 1A including a thin portion 2. In the molds 1 and 1A including the thin-walled portion 2, each of the plurality of third flow path portions 13 is arranged so as to include a portion located in the thin-walled portion 2.

In a certain embodiment, the molds 1 and 1A according to the present invention are molds for forming at least a part of a cylinder block, and the thin portion 2 is a portion corresponding to a water jacket of the cylinder block. ..

Embodiments of the present invention are suitably used for molds 1 and 1A for forming at least a part of a cylinder block. In such molds 1 and 1A, the thin-walled portion 2 may be a portion corresponding to the water jacket of the cylinder block.

In a certain embodiment, the mold 1A according to the present invention is a plurality of communication passages 20 that communicate the heat medium flow path 10 with the outside of the mold, and the plurality of communication passages 20 that can be opened and closed with respect to the outside of the mold. Each of the plurality of communication passages 20 is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of third flow path portions 13, and one end 20a of each of the plurality of communication passages 20 corresponds to the above. The second flow path portion 12 is opposed to the one end 13a of the third flow path portion 13 via the first flow path portion 11 or to the other end 13b of the corresponding third flow path portion 13. They are facing each other through.

When the mold 1A has a plurality of communication passages 20 that communicate the heat medium flow path 10 and the outside of the mold, the unsintered (or unmelted) metal is utilized by using the communication passages 20 in the open state. The powder can be discharged to the outside of the mold 1A. For example, by blowing a gas into the corresponding third flow path portion 13 through each communication passage 20, the metal powder in the third flow path portion 13 can be easily discharged. It is also possible to confirm that each third flow path portion 13 is not blocked (non-blockage confirmation) by using the communication passage 20. Further, at the time of maintenance of the mold 1A, it is possible to remove the foreign matter by using the communication passage 20 (for example, by blowing gas into the corresponding third flow passage portion 13 through the communication passage 20).

In a certain embodiment, one end 20a of each of the plurality of passages 20 faces the one end 13a of the corresponding third flow path portion 13 via the first flow path portion 11.

In a certain embodiment, one end 20a of each of the plurality of communication passages 20 faces the other end 13b of the corresponding third flow path portion 13 via the second flow path portion 12.

In a certain embodiment, the mold 1A according to the present invention is a plurality of additional passages 22 that communicate the heat medium flow path 10 with the outside of the mold, and the plurality of additional passages 22 that can be opened and closed with respect to the outside of the mold. The passage 22 is provided, and each of the plurality of further communication passages 22 is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of third flow path portions 13, and the plurality of communication passages 20 are provided with the plurality of first communication passages 20. If the plurality of additional passages 22 are referred to as a second passage, (A) one end 20a of each of the plurality of first passages 20 is the one end 13a of the corresponding third passage portion 13. The second one end 22a of each of the plurality of second passages 22 faces the other side 13b of the corresponding third passage portion 13. The second flow is such that one end 20a of each of the plurality of first passages 20 facing each other via the flow path portion 12 or (B) the other end 13b of the corresponding third flow path portion 13. One end 22a of each of the plurality of second passages 22 facing each other via the road portion 12 passes through the first flow path portion 11 to the one end 13a of the corresponding third flow path portion 13. Are facing each other.

Since the mold 1A has a plurality of additional passages (second passages) 22 in addition to the plurality of passages (first passages) 20, the mold 1A is unsintered in the third passage portion 13. When discharging the (or unmelted) metal powder to the outside of the mold 1A, not only the first passage 20 but also the second passage 22 can be used.

The method for producing the molds 1 and 1A according to the embodiment of the present invention is the method for producing the molds 1 and 1A having any of the above-described configurations, and is a deposition step of depositing metal powder in a layer with a predetermined thickness. And the laser irradiation step of irradiating the deposited metal powder with a laser to sinter or melt the deposited metal powder after the deposition step, and by alternately repeating the deposition step and the laser irradiation step. , The mold including the heat medium flow path 10 inside is formed.

In the method for manufacturing the molds 1 and 1A according to the embodiment of the present invention, the depositing step and the laser irradiation step are alternately repeated to preferably form the molds 1 and 1A including the heat medium flow path 10 inside. be able to.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, the temperature can be suitably controlled by the heat medium flow path in the mold formed by the additional manufacturing technique. The embodiment of the present invention can be suitably used for, for example, a mold having a thin wall portion.

1: Mold, 1A: Mold, 2: Thin-walled part, 3: Thick-walled part, 4: Medium introduction port, 5: Medium discharge port, 10: Heat medium flow path, 11: First flow path part, 11a: Solid part of the first flow path, 12: Second flow path, 12a: Solid part of the second flow path, 13: Third flow path, 13a: One end of the third flow path, 13b: The other end of the third flow path, 20: communication passage (first communication passage), 20a: one end of the communication passage, 21: bolt, 22: further communication passage (second communication passage), 22a: one end of the further communication passage. , 23: O-ring, p1: 1st part of 3rd flow path, p2: 2nd part of 3rd flow path, p3: 3rd part of 3rd flow path

Claims (8)

A mold formed by additional manufacturing technology
A heat medium flow path provided inside the mold and through which the heat medium flows,
A medium introduction port into which the heat medium is introduced into the mold, and
A medium discharge port from which the heat medium is discharged to the outside of the mold,
Have,
The heat medium flow path is
A first flow path portion formed so as to be continuous from the medium introduction port,
A second flow path portion formed so as to be continuous with the medium discharge port,
Each is a plurality of third flow paths having a diameter smaller than that of the first flow path and the second flow path, and one end of each is connected to the first flow path and the other end of each. With a plurality of third flow paths connected to the second flow path
Including
The first flow path portion, the second flow path portion, and the plurality of third flow path portions are arranged in this order along a certain direction.
Before the second channel portion SL has a plurality of solid portions is a region where the material constituting the mold is present,
A mold in which each of the plurality of third flow path portions penetrates any of the plurality of solid portions of the second flow path portion . A mold formed by additional manufacturing technology
A heat medium flow path provided inside the mold and through which the heat medium flows,
A medium introduction port into which the heat medium is introduced into the mold, and
A medium discharge port from which the heat medium is discharged to the outside of the mold,
Have,
The heat medium flow path is
A first flow path portion formed so as to be continuous from the medium introduction port,
A second flow path portion formed so as to be continuous with the medium discharge port,
Each is a plurality of third flow paths having a diameter smaller than that of the first flow path and the second flow path, and one end of each is connected to the first flow path and the other end of each. With a plurality of third flow paths connected to the second flow path
Including
The second flow path portion, the first flow path portion, and the plurality of third flow path portions are arranged in this order along a certain direction.
The first flow path portion has a plurality of solid portions which are regions in which the material constituting the mold exists.
A mold in which each of the plurality of third flow path portions penetrates any of the plurality of solid portions of the first flow path portion . The first flow path portion, said second flow path section and the plurality of third flow path part, the mold according to claim 1 or 2 overlap one another when viewed from the one direction. The mold according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each of the plurality of third flow path portions is substantially U-shaped. The mold according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the second flow path portion has a diameter larger than that of the first flow path portion. A thin-walled portion having a thickness of 10 mm or less, which is smaller than at least a part of the other portion.
The mold according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein each of the plurality of third flow path portions includes a portion located in the thin-walled portion. A mold for forming at least a part of a cylinder block,
The mold according to claim 6 , wherein the thin portion is a portion corresponding to a water jacket of the cylinder block. The mold manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 .
A deposition process in which metal powder is deposited in layers with a predetermined thickness,
A laser irradiation step of irradiating the deposited metal powder with a laser to sinter or melt the deposited metal powder after the deposition step is included.
A method for manufacturing a mold, in which the mold including the heat medium flow path is formed by alternately repeating the deposition step and the laser irradiation step.

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