JP7157644B2 - Die casting machine and metal heating supply device - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to die casting machines and metal heating and feeding apparatus.

A metal heating and feeding device (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as a "supplying device") that heats a billet-shaped metal material (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as a "billet") and supplies it to an injection device of a die casting machine is known. (For example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). The injection device has, for example, an injection sleeve leading into the mold and a plunger slidable within the injection sleeve. Metal material is supplied into the injection sleeve, and the metal material is injected into the mold by advancing the plunger in the injection sleeve toward the mold. Here, the axis of the injection sleeve and the plunger is called the "injection axis".

In Patent Literatures 1 and 2, the supply device includes a support member that is rotatable around a horizontal or horizontally inclined rotation axis, and is held on the same circumference around the rotation axis by the support member. and heating means for heating the billets in the plurality of containers. A plurality of containers are supplied with billets at predetermined positions on a trajectory about the axis of rotation. The billet is heated to a semi-molten state while the container is moving on the track. Then, when the container reaches a predetermined supply position on the track, the semi-molten metal material is supplied to the injection device.

In Patent Document 1, the rotation axis of the supply device is parallel to the horizontal injection axis, and the trajectories of the plurality of containers intersect the injection axis. The plurality of containers have a shape in which both sides in the direction parallel to the injection axis are open, and sequentially constitute a part of the injection sleeve by moving on the track. Thereby, the semi-molten metal material is supplied to the injection device. The rotating shaft is positioned vertically above the injection axis.

In Patent Document 1, the rotation axis of the supply device is parallel to the horizontal direction orthogonal to the horizontal injection axis. When each container reaches a predetermined position on the track, it is transported by the robot onto the injection sleeve and turned over on the injection sleeve. This causes the metal material to fall from the container into the injection sleeve.

JP-A-8-300126 JP-A-8-215819

The setting of the rotation axis of the supply device in Patent Documents 1 and 2 may cause various inconveniences. For example, injection frames may be positioned above and below the injection axis. In this case, if the rotating shaft is positioned vertically above the injection axis as in Patent Document 1, the trajectories of the plurality of containers are likely to interfere with the injection frame. Further, for example, if the rotating shaft is orthogonal to the injection axis as in Patent Document 2, the configuration in which the container is part of the injection sleeve as in Patent Document 1 cannot be adopted.

Accordingly, there is a need for a die casting machine and metal heating and feeding apparatus with optimized component placement.

A die casting machine according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a mold clamping device that holds a mold, and a plunger that drives a plunger along a horizontal or horizontally inclined injection axis to insert a metal material into the mold. and a supply device for heating and supplying the metal material to the injection device, wherein the supply device is a support member that rotates around a rotation axis parallel to the injection axis. a plurality of containers supported by the support member on the same circumference about the rotation axis; and a heating unit for heating the metal material in the plurality of containers, wherein the The rotation axis is shifted in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the injection axis with respect to the injection axis.

In one example, the injection device extends along the injection axis and includes a sleeve body that communicates with the mold and an injection sleeve that includes the sleeve body to move the plunger along the injection axis. and an injection drive unit driven by the injection drive unit, wherein the plurality of containers are open on both sides in a direction parallel to the rotation axis, and orbits around the rotation axis intersect the injection axis. As the support member rotates, the sleeve body and the injection sleeve are sequentially configured at rearward and coaxial feeding positions with respect to the sleeve body.

In one example, the supply device includes a rotation drive unit that rotates the support member about the rotation axis, and a rotation drive unit that temporarily stops the support member at a plurality of main stop positions about the rotation axis to cause the plurality of containers to rotate. and a rotation control section for controlling the rotation drive section so that the rotation drive section is sequentially temporarily stopped at the supply position, and the rotation control section controls the rotation control section so that the support member is positioned between the plurality of main stop positions. The rotary drive unit is controlled so as to temporarily stop also at the auxiliary stop position of .

In one example, the die-casting machine includes an injection-side ejection device that ejects an ejection target toward at least one of the sleeve body and the plunger, and the support member temporarily stops at the plurality of secondary stop positions. and an ejection-side ejection control section that controls the ejection-side ejection device so that the ejection target is ejected when the ejection target is ejected.

In one example, the die casting machine is configured such that the support member among the plurality of containers temporarily stops at the plurality of main stop positions and the plurality of sub stop positions so that the plurality of containers are positioned next to the supply position. It further has a container-side ejection device for ejecting objects to be ejected toward the inside of the container at the position to stop sequentially.

In one example, the support member has a plurality of extensions radially extending from the axis of rotation, and the plurality of extensions individually support the plurality of containers.

In one example, the die casting machine has a pair of seal members that cannot rotate about the rotation axis, and the pair of seal members are arranged at both ends of the plurality of containers in a direction parallel to the rotation axis. It has a pair of sliding surfaces facing each other across the tracks of the plurality of containers in a direction parallel to the rotation axis so as to block the openings of the Among the plurality of containers, a partial range of the track so as to block the opening of at least one container before reaching the supply position and open the openings of at least two containers after passing the supply position It covers only

In one example, the die casting machine includes a power supply unit that supplies power to the heating unit, and a heating control that controls the power supply unit so that the metal material becomes molten metal when the container reaches the supply position. and .

In one example, the injection device injects the metal material extracted from a container at a predetermined supply position on a track of the plurality of containers among the plurality of containers, and the heating unit It has a plurality of individual heating devices that rotate about the rotation axis and individually heat the plurality of containers, and the supply device includes a plurality of individual power sources that individually supply power to the plurality of individual heating devices. a supply unit, a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the metal material in a container located at a predetermined temperature detection position on the orbit among the plurality of containers, and a plurality of individual power supply units for individually controlling the plurality of individual power supply units. and an individual heating control unit, wherein each of the plurality of individual heating control units, when the container corresponding to itself is in at least a partial range from the temperature detection position to the supply position , a temperature for controlling the individual power supply unit corresponding to the self so that power corresponding to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor of the container corresponding to the self is supplied to the individual heating device corresponding to the self It has a post-detection control unit.

In one example, the supply device further includes a plurality of power detection units that individually detect power supplied from the plurality of individual power supply units to the plurality of individual heating devices, and the plurality of individual heating controls In each of the units, when the container corresponding to the self is in at least a part of the range from the supply position to the temperature detection position, the power supplied to the individual heating tool corresponding to the self is maintained in the orbit. It further has a pre-temperature-detection control section for controlling the corresponding individual power supply section so as to achieve a target power preset according to the upper position.

In one example, the temperature detection position is a position where the plurality of containers sequentially stop immediately before the supply position by temporarily stopping the support member at the plurality of main stop positions and the plurality of sub stop positions. .

In one example, the die casting machine includes a target value setting unit that sets the target power for the position on the track based on information on the components of the metal material and information on a target solid phase ratio at the time of injection of the metal material. further has

A metal heating and feeding device according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a metal heating and feeding device that heats a metal material and supplies it to an injection device, and includes a support that rotates around a rotation axis that is horizontal or inclined in the horizontal direction. a member, a plurality of containers supported by the support member on the same circumference around the rotation axis, a heating unit for heating the metal material in the plurality of containers, and the rotation of the support member. A rotation driving unit that rotates about an axis, and a plurality of main stop positions that are set about the rotation axis at the same pitch as the arrangement pitch of the plurality of containers about the rotation axis. a rotation control unit for controlling the rotation drive unit to temporarily stop, wherein the rotation control unit causes the support member to temporarily stop even at a plurality of sub-stop positions between the plurality of main stop positions. Control the rotary drive to stop.

According to the above configuration, the arrangement of the components of the die casting machine is optimized.

1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a main part of a die casting machine according to a first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the main configuration of the metal heating supply device of the die casting machine of FIG. 1; Sectional drawing in the III-III line of FIG. 4(a) and 4(b) are schematic diagrams showing an example of the configuration of an injection-side ejection device and a container-side ejection device of the die casting machine of FIG. 1; FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the die casting machine in FIG. 1, focusing on the configuration of the signal processing system; 6A and 6B are diagrams for explaining a method of setting a target temperature and a target power; FIG. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of processing related to metal heating supply executed by the control device of the die casting machine of FIG. 1; FIG. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of processing executed by an individual heating control unit of the die casting machine of FIG. 1; FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing details of step ST13 in FIG. 8; FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a main part of a metal heating and supplying apparatus according to a second embodiment; Sectional drawing in the XI-XI line of FIG.

[First embodiment]
(Overview of die casting machine)
FIG. 1 is a side view, partly including a cross-sectional view, showing the main configuration of a die casting machine 1 according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 1, the vertical direction is the vertical direction.

The die casting machine 1 heats a billet-like (in other words, solid) metal material into a semi-molten state or a molten metal state (completely molten state), and places the metal material in a mold 101 (a space such as a cavity Ca). , and so on.). The metal material injected into the mold 101 is solidified by being deprived of heat by the mold 101 to become a die-cast product (molded product).

The metal material may be any suitable one, for example aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The billet has a size necessary and sufficient for casting one shot. Moreover, the shape of the billet may be any shape as long as it does not interfere with the placement in the container, which will be described later. The semi-molten state is, in other words, a state in which a liquid phase and a solid phase are mixed. The molten metal state is, in other words, the state of the liquid phase.

The mold 101 includes, for example, a stationary mold 103 and a moving mold 105. As shown in FIG. In the description of this embodiment, for convenience, the cross section of the fixed mold 103 or the movable mold 105 is indicated by one type of hatching, but these molds may be of a direct carving type or telescopic type. can be anything. Further, the fixed mold 103 and the movable mold 105 may be combined with a core or the like.

The die casting machine 1 includes a metal heating supply device 2 (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "supply device 2") that heats a billet into a semi-molten state or a molten metal state, and a semi-molten state supplied from the supply device 2. Alternatively, it has a machine body 3 (narrowly defined die casting machine) that fills the metal mold 101 with molten metal, and a control unit 5 that controls them.

(machine body)
The machine body 3 may be similar to various known configurations. For example, the machine main body 3 (or the die casting machine 1) may be of an all-electric type in which the entire operation is realized by an electric power source. In other words, the machine body 3 (or the die casting machine 1) may not have a hydraulic cylinder, an air cylinder, or the like.

The machine body 3 includes, for example, a mold clamping device 7 for opening and closing the mold 101 and clamping the mold, an injection device 9 for injecting a metal material into the mold 101, and a fixed mold 103 or a movable mold 105 for inserting the die cast product. and an extruder 11 for extruding from (movable mold 105 in FIG. 1).

The mold clamping device 7 has, for example, a fixed die plate 13 that holds a fixed die 103 and a movable die plate 15 that holds a movable die 105 . The movable die plate 15 is driven by the driving force of the electric motor 17 in the directions of approaching and separating from the stationary die plate 13 (mold opening and closing directions). The illustrated example discloses a configuration in which the rotation of the electric motor 17 is converted into translational motion by a screw mechanism and transmitted to the movable die plate 15 via the link mechanism 18 . The mold clamping device 7 is of a so-called horizontal mold clamping type. That is, the mold opening/closing direction is horizontal.

The injection device 9 has, for example, an injection sleeve 19 that communicates with the mold 101 , a plunger 21 that can slide inside the injection sleeve 19 , and an injection drive section 23 that drives the plunger 21 . In the description of injection, the mold 101 side (the left side of the paper surface of FIG. 1) is sometimes referred to as the front, and the opposite side is referred to as the rear.

The injection sleeve 19 is, for example, a tubular member connected to the stationary mold 103 . The plunger 21 has a plunger tip 21a slidable in the injection sleeve 19 in the front-rear direction, and a plunger rod 21b whose tip is fixed to the plunger tip 21a. The injection drive unit 23, for example, is hidden by a housing (reference numerals omitted) in FIG. 1 and cannot be seen. It is Note that the electric motor 25 may be a linear motor.

The injection drive unit 23 (its housing, etc.) may be fixed to the injection frame 27, for example. The configuration of the injection frame 27 may be similar to various known configurations, for example. For example, the injection frame 27 is a so-called C frame, and is curved in a C shape as shown. Both ends of the C shape are fixed to the fixed die plate 13 . When seen from above, the ejection sleeve 19 and the plunger 21 are positioned, for example, at the center of the ejection frame 27 in the width direction (the penetrating direction through the plane of FIG. 1).

The injection device 9 is of a so-called horizontal injection type. That is, the injection axis CL1 is horizontal. The injection axis CL1 is the axis of the injection sleeve 19 and the plunger 21 as described in the background art.

The extrusion device 11 is configured, for example, to extrude an extrusion pin (reference numeral omitted) from the surface of the movable mold 105 facing the fixed mold 103 by the driving force of the electric motor 29 . The electric motor 29 may be a rotary type or a linear motor.

In the above description, the mold clamping device 7, the injection device 9, and the extrusion device 11 are described assuming that the die casting machine 1 is a fully electric type. However, the die casting machine 1 may be of a hydraulic type in which the driving force for each of these devices is obtained by a hydraulic cylinder, or may be of a hybrid type in which a hydraulic type and an electric type are combined.

The mold 101 is closed by the mold clamping device 7 , and when the mold is further clamped, the supply device 2 supplies one shot of the metal material into the injection sleeve 19 . In addition, when the metal material to be supplied is in a semi-molten state, it is also possible to supply the metal material to the injection sleeve 19 before clamping the molds. The injection device 9 then advances the plunger 21 within the injection sleeve 19 from the initial position shown. Thereby, the metal material in the injection sleeve 19 is extruded (injected) into the mold 101 . The metal material in the mold 101 is solidified by being deprived of heat by the mold 101 to become a die cast product.

Thereafter, the mold clamping device 7 moves the movable mold 105 away from the fixed mold 103 to open the mold. Also, during or after this mold opening, the extruder 11 extrudes the die cast product from the moving mold 105 . The injection device 9 retracts the plunger 21 to return to the initial position. The injection device 9 may push the die-cast product with the plunger 21 so that the die-cast product is separated from the fixed mold 103 as the mold is opened before retracting the plunger 21 .

The die casting machine 1 basically repeats a casting cycle including the series of operations described above at regular intervals.

In this embodiment, as will be understood from the description below, the die casting machine 1 includes a die casting machine that injects a semi-molten metal material into the mold 101 and a die casting machine that injects a molten metal material into the mold 101. It may be configured or operated as any die casting machine. Specific operations of the injection device 9 and the like may also be appropriately set according to the state of the metal material. For example, in a mode in which a semi-molten metal material is injected, the plunger 21 may be driven forward at a relatively low constant injection speed like so-called laminar flow filling. Further, for example, in a mode in which molten metal material is injected, the plunger 21 may be driven forward so that so-called low-speed injection and high-speed injection are sequentially performed.

(Metal heating supply device)
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the main configuration of the supply device 2. As shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a view of the supply device 2 seen from line II-II of FIG. 1 (a view of the supply device 2 located behind the fixed die plate 13 from the right side of the paper surface of FIG. 1). The upper side of the plane of FIG. 2 is the vertically upper side. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III--III in FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the supply device 2 viewed from above. As can be understood from the positional relationship between the injection axis CL1 and the rotation axis CL2 (described later), the lower side of the paper surface of FIG. 3 corresponds to the left side of the paper surface of FIG.

The supply device 2 includes, for example, a plurality of containers 31 that store billets 111 (FIG. 3), a support member 33 that holds the plurality of containers 31, and a rotation drive unit that rotates the support members 33 around a rotation axis CL2. 35 and a heating unit 37 for heating the plurality of containers 31 . Further, the supply device 2 may have a sealing mechanism 39 that seals the container 31 . The rotation axis CL2 here is not a specific member but a conceptual axis indicating the rotation center of the support member 33 . The rotation axis CL2 is parallel (for example, parallel, or horizontal from another point of view) to the injection axis CL1.

By rotating the support member 33 around the rotation axis CL2, the plurality of containers 31 move on the same orbit OB. Each container 31 is subjected to various processes while making one turn around the orbit OB. For example, the container 31 rotates counterclockwise as indicated by an arrow y1 in FIG. 2, air blowing or the like is performed at the first position Ps1, and the billet 111 is carried in at the second position Ps2. Further, during the period from the second position Ps2 to the supply position Ps0 via the seventh position Ps7, the billet 111 in the container 31 is heated by the heating unit 37, and the billet 111 is in a semi-molten state. Alternatively, it is made into a metal material in a molten metal state. Leakage of the liquid phase portion of the metal material from the container 31 is reduced by the sealing mechanism 39 . At the supply position Ps0, the semi-molten or molten metal material is taken out from the container 31. As shown in FIG. The period in which each container 31 rotates once is the same as the casting period (injection period, etc.). Although FIG. 3 shows the billet 111 at the fourth position Ps4, the billet 111 may already be in a semi-molten state at the fourth position Ps4.

For the sake of convenience, the supply position Ps0 and the first position Ps1 to the seventh position Ps7 are expressed as positions on the orbit OB (positions through which the container 31 passes) and as rotational positions of the support member 33. There are times when it is expressed. The same applies to a main stop position PsM and a sub stop position PsS, which will be described later.

The die casting machine 1 has a device for performing the various processes described above in synchronization with the rotation of the support member 33 along the orbit OB, as schematically shown by a rectangle in FIG. For example, the die casting machine 1 includes an injection-side ejection device 41 for lubricating the plunger 21, a container-side ejection device 43 for blowing air into the container 31, a carrying-in device 45 for carrying the billet 111 into the container 31, and the container 31. and a temperature sensor 47 for detecting the temperature of the metal material inside. It should be noted that the injection-side ejection device 41 may be regarded as part of the injection device 9 . The container-side ejection device 43 , the loading device 45 and/or the temperature sensor 47 may be regarded as part of the supply device 2 .

(container and injection sleeve)
As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of containers 31 form part of the injection sleeve 19 in sequence at the feed position Ps0 by moving on the trajectory OB. In other words, the injection sleeve 19 includes a sleeve body 19a leading into the mold 101, a container 31 coaxially positioned behind the sleeve body 19a, and a sleeve coaxially positioned behind the container 31. and a rear end 19b. Therefore, the semi-molten or molten metal material melted in the container 31 is pushed out by the plunger 21 toward the sleeve main body 19 a and is taken out from the container 31 . That is, taking out the metal material from the container 31 is part of the injection operation.

The configuration of the sleeve body 19a and the sleeve trailing end 19b may generally be that of a known injection sleeve without an intermediate portion. The sleeve main body 19a and the sleeve rear end 19b are fixed parts with respect to the fixed die plate 13 and the like, and the members for supporting these members may have an appropriate structure. In the illustrated example, the sleeve body 19a is supported by being fitted into a hole (not shown) of the fixed die plate 13 or the like. The rear end 19b of the sleeve is supported by a seal mechanism 39 as will be described later.

The container 31 may have, for example, a configuration substantially similar to that of the intermediate portion of a known injection sleeve with appropriate modifications added. Therefore, the container 31 is basically cylindrical with an axial direction parallel to the injection axis CL1 (rotational axis CL2). Moreover, the inner diameter is constant in the axial direction, and both ends in the axial direction are open. In the illustrated example, the container 31 has a flange (reference numerals omitted) near the end on the fixed die plate 13 side for fixing to the support member 33 . In the illustrated example, the thickness of the container 31 is reduced toward the end faces at both ends, and the area of the end faces is reduced. This contributes to, for example, reducing sliding resistance with the seal mechanism 39, as will be understood from the description below. The material of the container 31 may differ from that of the normal injection sleeve in view of the fact that the billet 111 is melted inside it.

(support member)
The support member 33 may have various configurations capable of holding the container 31 on the same circumference around the rotation axis CL2. In the illustrated example, the support member 33 has a metal plate portion 33 a that faces the back surface of the fixed die plate 13 . The plate portion 33a has a plurality of extending portions 33aa extending radially from the rotation axis CL2, as shown in FIG. A plurality of containers 31 are held at the tips of the plurality of extension portions 33aa.

The number of extension portions 33 aa is the same as the number of containers 31 . In the illustrated example, the number of extensions 33aa (containers 31) is relatively small. For example, the number of extension portions 33aa is 8 or less or 4 or less. The plurality of extending portions 33aa (from another point of view, the plurality of containers 31) are evenly arranged around the rotation axis CL2. That is, the pitch Pt ₁ (FIG. 2) of the plurality of containers 31 is constant. In the illustrated example, since the number of extension portions 33aa is four, the pitch Pt- ₁ is 90° with the center of the container 31 as a reference when expressing the pitch Pt- ₁ as an angle around the rotation axis CL2.

The thickness of the plate portion 33a may be set as appropriate, and is, for example, ⅕ or less of the axial length of the container 31 . In addition, the plate portion 33a may hold an appropriate position of the container 31. In the illustrated example, a portion of the container 31 on the fixed die plate 13 side (for example, a portion of the container 31 divided into four equal parts in the axial direction) is shown. end portion). When the end portion side of the container 31 is held by one plate portion 33a in this way, for example, various devices such as the heating portion 37, the injection side ejection device 41, and the container side ejection device 43 are arranged and/or Securing the space required for operation is facilitated.

A method for fixing the plate portion 33a (extending portion 33aa) and the container 31 may be appropriately selected. In the illustrated example, the plate portion 33a is formed with a plurality of holes (reference numerals omitted) on the same circumference around the rotation axis CL2. A plurality of containers 31 are inserted into the plurality of holes. As a result of this insertion, the collar portion (reference numerals omitted) of the container 31 overlaps the plate portion 33a. The collar portion and the plate portion 33a are fixed to each other by bolts (not shown).

The support member 33 may also be rotatably supported. In the illustrated example, the supply device 2 has a shaft member 49 (FIG. 3) non-rotatably attached to the stationary die plate 13 . The support member 33 is attached to the shaft member 49 via an appropriate bearing (reference numerals omitted) so as to be rotatable and axially immovable. More specifically, the support member 33 has a cylindrical portion 33b projecting from the plate portion 33a to the side opposite to the fixed die plate 13, and the shaft member 49 is inserted through the cylindrical portion 33b. By providing such a cylindrical portion 33b, for example, the inclination of the support member 33 with respect to the shaft member 49 is reduced.

(Rotating axis position and direction of rotation)
The rotation axis CL2 is, for example, deviated from the ejection axis CL1 in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the ejection axis CL1. The amount of displacement in the horizontal direction may be set appropriately. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the rotation axis CL2 is separated from the injection axis CL1 to a position where it does not overlap the injection frame 27 when viewed in the vertical direction. The vertical position of the rotation axis CL2 may be set appropriately. In the illustrated example, the height of the rotation axis CL2 is the same as the height of the injection axis CL1.

By disposing the rotating shaft CL2 as described above, for example, the support member 33 and the injection frame 27 are less likely to interfere with each other. From another point of view, the radius of the support member 33 (orbit OB from another point of view) can be increased. In the illustrated example, the lower portion of the injection frame 27 and the lower portion of the support member 33 overlap when viewed in the horizontal direction orthogonal to the injection axis CL1.

In addition, due to the arrangement of the rotation axis CL2 as described above, the supply position Ps0 at which the container 31 constitutes a part of the injection sleeve 19 is positioned horizontally (at the same height from another point of view) with respect to the rotation axis CL2. ing. The rotation direction of the support member 33 may be the direction in which the container 31 moves downward from the supply position Ps0 as in the illustrated example, or may be the opposite direction.

(Rotating drive unit)
The rotation drive unit 35 is configured to transmit rotation of a rotary electric motor 51 ( FIG. 3 ) to the support member 33 , for example. The configuration of the transmission mechanism 53 for transmitting the rotation from the electric motor 51 to the support member 33 may be made as appropriate. In the illustrated example, the transmission mechanism 53 has a speed reducer 55 to which the rotation of the electric motor 51 is input, and a winding transmission mechanism 57 that transmits the rotation output from the speed reducer 55 to the support member 33 .

The electric motor 51 may be of an appropriate type such as a DC motor, an AC motor, an induction motor, a synchronous motor, a stepping motor, a servomotor, a motor with a brake, or the like. Also, the position and orientation of the electric motor 51 may be appropriately set. In the illustrated example, the electric motor 51 is fixed to the side surface (or the top surface) of the fixed die plate 13 with the output shaft (hidden by the speed reducer 55 and not shown) facing behind the fixed die plate 13. there is

The speed reducer 55, although not particularly illustrated, is configured by, for example, a gear device, and reduces the speed of rotation of the electric motor 51 and outputs the speed. The position, orientation, etc. of the speed reducer 55 may be set appropriately. In the illustrated example, the speed reducer 55 is fixed to the side surface (or the top surface) of the fixed die plate 13 on the output shaft side of the electric motor 51 . Also, the speed reducer 55 has its output shaft (reference numeral omitted) facing behind the fixed die plate 13 .

The winding transmission mechanism 57 is configured by, for example, a roller chain drive. Specifically, the winding transmission mechanism 57 includes a first sprocket 59 concentrically fixed to the output shaft of the speed reducer 55, and a roller chain 61 (schematically shown) that is hung on the first sprocket 59. , and a second sprocket 63 (FIG. 3) on which the roller chain 61 is wound. The second sprocket 63 is coaxially fixed to the support member 33 . Therefore, the rotation of the speed reducer 55 is transmitted to the support member 33 via the first sprocket 59 , the roller chain 61 and the second sprocket 63 .

More specifically, for example, the second sprocket 63 has a ring shape having a hole (not shown) through which the shaft member 49 is inserted. It is fixed to the end on the 13 side. Although not shown, the winding transmission mechanism 57 may have a pinch roller that presses the roller chain 61 . The winding transmission mechanism 57 contributes to, for example, transmitting the rotation to the rotation shaft CL<b>2 located away from the axial centers of the electric motor 51 and the speed reducer 55 . The winding transmission mechanism 57 may reduce the speed of rotation from the speed reducer 55 (the example shown in the figure) or may not reduce the speed.

Here, a trial calculation example of the positioning accuracy of the rotary drive unit 35 will be described. A five-phase stepping motor that rotates 0.72° per pulse is assumed as the electric motor 51 . It is assumed that the reduction gear 55 and the winding transmission mechanism 57 reduce the rotation of the electric motor 51 to 1/20 and transmit it to the support member 33 . It is also assumed that the diameter of the orbit OB of the container 31 is 1000 mm. In this case, the distance that the container 31 moves on the orbit OB with one pulse is π×1000 mm×0.72°/360°×1/20=approximately 0.31 mm. Assuming that the positioning accuracy of the electric motor 51 is ±0.05°, it can be seen that the container 31 can be positioned around the rotation axis CL2 with sufficient accuracy without providing a positioning mechanism separate from the rotary drive unit 35 .

(Heating part)
The heating unit 37 has, for example, a plurality of individual heating tools 65 ( FIG. 3 ) individually provided for the plurality of containers 31 . For example, the plurality of individual heating tools 65 can rotate around the rotation axis CL2 together with the plurality of containers 31 and heat the plurality of containers 31 independently of each other. Each individual heating tool 65 is composed of, for example, an induction heating coil wound around the corresponding container 31 . The configuration of the induction heating coil may be of various known types. Fixation of the induction heating coil to the container 31 (in another respect, the support member 33) may also be done by any suitable method.

(seal mechanism)
The seal mechanism 39 has a first seal member 67 (FIG. 3) and a second seal member 69 (FIGS. 2 and 3) that are not rotatable around the rotation axis CL2. The first sealing member 67 and the second sealing member 69 have a first sliding surface 67a and a second sliding surface 69a facing each other across the track OB in the direction parallel to the rotation axis CL2. The plurality of containers 31 move on the track OB while sliding both ends in the direction parallel to the rotation axis CL2 on the first sliding surface 67a and the second sliding surface 69a. As a result, the openings at both ends of the container 31 are closed by the first sliding surface 67a and the second sliding surface 69a.

The first sealing member 67 and the second sealing member 69 are disengaged at the supply position Ps0 where the container 31 forms part of the injection sleeve 19. As shown in FIG. As a result, the container 31 positioned at the supply position Ps0 is not blocked by the first sealing member 67 and the second sealing member 69, and the plunger 21 can slide inside.

Specifically, for example, the first seal member 67 has a hole 67h (FIG. 3) that communicates the sleeve body 19a and the container 31 with each other. Further, the second sealing member 69 has, for example, a notch 69h (FIG. 2) into which a part of the rear end 19b of the sleeve is fitted. Although not shown, the second sealing member 69 may have a hole communicating between the container 31 and the sleeve rear end 19b, or may have a hole through which the sleeve rear end 19b is inserted. may

The shape of the second sliding surface 69a (second seal member 69) when viewed parallel to the rotation axis CL2 is illustrated by dotted lines in FIG. When viewed in a direction parallel to the rotation axis CL2, the shape of the first sliding surface 67a (first seal member 67) is roughly the sum of the shape of the second sliding surface 69a and the shape of the sleeve rear end 19b. shape. The first sliding surface 67a and the second sliding surface 69a spread over only a partial range of the track OB, for example, when viewed parallel to the rotation axis CL2.

Therefore, only some of the containers 31 out of the plurality of containers 31 are blocked by the first sliding surface 67a and the second sliding surface 69a. Specifically, for example, the first sliding surface 67a and the second sliding surface 69a extend from the supply position Ps0 where the container 31 constitutes the ejection sleeve 19 to the seventh position Ps7 in front thereof. Therefore, the opening of the container 31 is closed from the seventh position Ps7 to just before the supply position Ps0. In FIG. 3, the portion of the seal mechanism 39 on the front side of the cross section shown in the figure is indicated by a chain double-dashed line.

From another point of view, for example, the first sliding surface 67a and the second sliding surface 69a are located at least one of the plurality of containers 31 (one in the illustrated example) before reaching the supply position Ps0. is closed, and at least two containers 31 (three in the illustrated example) after passing the supply position Ps0 are opened (not closed). When at least one container 31 is closed before reaching the supply position Ps0, it means, for example, that the entire opening of at least one container 31 is at least temporarily closed. Therefore, for example, the length in which the sliding surface extends from the supply position Ps to the seventh position Ps7 is shorter than in the illustrated example (for example, about half), resulting in a state in which there is not even a single container 31 whose opening is closed. good too. Similarly, when two containers 31 are opened after passing the supply position Ps0, it is sufficient that there are two containers 31 whose entire openings are opened, even temporarily. In addition, the container 31 before reaching the supply position Ps0 and the container 31 after passing the supply position Ps0, the container 31 whose opening overlaps the empty space for opening the opening of the container 31 at the supply position Ps0 Not included. Therefore, the two containers are exposed to the outside of the sealing member through two holes, one for supplying the metal material to the injection sleeve and the other for supplying the billet into the container (see Patent Document 1). ) is not included in the state in which at least two containers 31 are open after the supply position Ps0.

From yet another viewpoint, for example, the first sliding surface 67a and the second sliding surface 69a block the opening of the container 31 in the range of 270° or less, 180° or less, 90° or less, or 45° or less. In the illustrated example, the first sliding surface 67a and the second sliding surface 69a block the opening of the container 31 within a range of approximately 45°.

The configuration for supporting the first seal member 67 and the second seal member 69 so as not to rotate about the rotation axis CL2 may be made as appropriate. In the illustrated example, the first seal member 67 is fixed to the fixed die plate 13 by bolts (not shown) or the like. In the illustrated example, the second seal member 69 is supported so as to be movable in a direction parallel to the injection axis CL1, and is urged toward the first seal member 67 with an appropriate amount of force. . By supporting the second seal member 69 in this way, for example, the contact pressure (sliding resistance in another point of view) against the first sliding surface 67a and the second sliding surface 69a of the container 31 can be appropriately increased. can be made Instead of or in addition to the second seal member 69, a support structure capable of moving in a direction parallel to the injection axis CL1 may be applied to the first seal member 67.

Specifically, for example, the seal mechanism 39 has a connecting member 71 through which the shaft member 49 is inserted. The connecting member 71 is movable in the axial direction with respect to the shaft member 49 and is not rotatable about the axis by a known structure such as a keyway. A second seal member 69 is fixed to the connecting member 71 . For example, the second seal member 69 is fixed to the connecting member 71 via a fixing member 73 projecting from the second seal member 69 toward the connecting member 71 at the seventh position Ps7. Also, the connecting member 71 holds the sleeve rear end 19 b via the holding member 75 , and the second sealing member 69 is engaged with or fixed to the sleeve rear end 19 b and/or the holding member 75 .

The seal mechanism 39 also has a locking member 77 fixed to the shaft member 49 on the end side (away from the fixed die plate 13 ) rather than the connecting member 71 . A compressed elastic member 79 (FIG. 3) is interposed between the connecting member 71 and the locking member 77 . As a result, the connecting member 71 is biased toward the stationary die plate 13 side, and the second sealing member 69 is biased toward the first sealing member 67 side. FIG. 3 illustrates a coil spring as the elastic member 79 . An actuator may be provided as an urging means for urging the connecting member 71 instead of or in addition to the elastic member 79 .

As can be understood from the above description, in the illustrated example, the sleeve rear end 19b is also urged toward the stationary die plate 13 by the sealing mechanism 39. As shown in FIG. Thereby, the contact pressure between the container 31 and the rear end 19b of the sleeve can also be appropriately increased.

(Stop Position of Supporting Member and Operation at Stop Position)
As already mentioned, in this embodiment the container 31 forms part of the injection sleeve 19 . Therefore, it is necessary that the support member 33 is stopped at least while the plunger 21 advances in the injection sleeve 19 until it retreats. The plurality of containers 31 are evenly arranged around the rotation axis CL2, and sequentially constitute a part of the injection sleeve 19 at the supply position Ps0. Therefore, the support member 33 stops once every time it moves at the same pitch Pt ₁ as the pitch Pt ₁ at which the plurality of containers 31 are arranged.

_In the following description, the pitch Pt1 may be expressed as the arrangement pitch of the containers 31 or as the intermittent rotation pitch of the support members 33 . _The same applies to pitch Pt2, which will be described later.

The rotational position of the support member 33 when one of the containers 31 is positioned at the supply position Ps0 as described above is called the main stop position PsM. The main stop positions PsM are the supply position Ps0, the second position Ps2, the fourth position Ps4 and the sixth position Ps6 in the example of FIG. The support member 33 basically has a shape of (360/n)° rotational symmetry (n is the number of extensions 33aa). However, in the description of the present disclosure, it may be expressed that the support member 33 sequentially reaches the plurality of main stop positions PsM, with any one extending portion 33aa as a reference. The same applies to a secondary stop position PsS, which will be described later.

In this embodiment, the support member 33 also temporarily stops when reaching a plurality of sub-stop positions PsS between a plurality of main stop positions PsM. The secondary stop positions PsS are the first position Ps1, the third position Ps3, the fifth position Ps5 and the seventh position Ps7 in the example of FIG. By temporarily stopping the support member 33 also at a plurality of sub-stop positions PsS, for example, each container 31 can be stopped before or after the timing when each container 31 is temporarily stopped at one of the main stop positions PsM. It is easy to perform a predetermined process on the data.

The relative position of each secondary stop position PsS with respect to the main stop positions PsM on both sides thereof may be appropriately set, and in the illustrated example, it is the center of the main stop positions PsM on both sides. That is, the pitch Pt2 between the main stop position PsM and the sub stop position PsS adjacent to _each other is Pt1/ ₂ . From another point of view, the support member 33 temporarily stops at the main stop position PsM or the sub stop position PsS _each time it moves at the pitch Pt2.

An appropriate operation may be set as the operation when the support member 33 temporarily stops at the main stop position PsM and the sub stop position PsS. For example, the plunger 21 is lubricated or the like each time the support member 33 is temporarily temporarily stopped at a plurality of sub-stop positions PsS. In addition, when focusing on one container 31, as already described, for example, the metal material is taken out (injected) at the supply position Ps0, air blown at the first position Ps1, and air blown at the second position Ps2. Then, the billet 111 is carried in. The supply position Ps0 and the second position Ps2 are each the main stop position PsM, and the first position Ps1 is the sub stop position PsS. Therefore, from the perspective of the supply device 2 as a whole, injection and billet 111 are carried in each time the support member 33 is sequentially temporarily stopped at the plurality of main stop positions PsM, and the support member 33 is sequentially temporarily stopped at the plurality of secondary stop positions PsS. It means that the container 31 is being blown with air every time it stops.

The stop times at the plurality of main stop positions PsM are, for example, the same. The stop times at the plurality of secondary stop positions PsS are, for example, the same. The stop time at the main stop position PsM and the stop time at the sub stop position PsS may be the same or different. In the latter case, for example, the stop time at the secondary stop position PsS may be shorter or longer than the stop time at the main stop position PsM.

The moving speed from the main stop position PsM to the sub stop position PsS is, for example, the same for the plurality of main stop positions PsM. The speed of movement from the sub stop position PsS to the main stop position PsM is, for example, the same for the plurality of main stop positions PsM. The former moving speed and the latter moving speed may be the same or different.

(Injection side ejection device)
FIG. 4(a) is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the injection-side ejection device 41 schematically shown in the vicinity of the supply position Ps0 in FIG.

The ejection-side ejection device 41 ejects an ejection target onto at least one of the inner surface of the sleeve main body 19a, the inner surface of the sleeve rear end 19b, and the surface of the plunger 21. As shown in FIG. The ejected object is, for example, a cleaning gas (eg, air or nitrogen) and/or an ejecting agent (eg, a lubricant and/or a release agent).

In FIG. 4A, nozzles 81A and 81B for spraying the ejection target against the inner surface of the sleeve body 19a, and nozzles 81C and 81D for spraying the ejection target against the inner surface of the sleeve rear end 19b and the surface of the plunger 21 are illustrated. The nozzles 81A and 81C eject gas for cleaning, for example, and are connected to the gas supply section 83 . The nozzles 81B and 81D eject, for example, an ejecting agent and are connected to an ejecting agent supply section 85 .

The configurations of the nozzles 81A to 81D, the gas supply section 83, and the ejecting agent supply section 85 may be similar to various known ones. For example, the gas supply unit 83 may include a pump, an accumulator, and a valve (not shown). The jetting agent supply unit 85 may include, in addition to the configuration of the gas supply unit 83, a tank and a valve for supplying the jetting agent to the gas flow path. Part of the gas supply unit 83 and the jetting agent supply unit 85 may be shared. The gas supply part 83 and/or the jetting agent supply part 85 may be separately provided for the nozzle for the sleeve main body 19a and the nozzle for the sleeve rear end 19b.

The plurality of nozzles 81A to 81D are movably held by, for example, a moving mechanism 87 having an appropriate configuration. As a result, the tips of the plurality of nozzles 81A to 81D are moved in and out of the area (the area between the sleeve main body 19a and the sleeve rear end 19b) located when the container 31 constitutes the injection sleeve 19. As shown in FIG. The tips of the nozzles 81A to 81D inserted into the region where the container 31 is to be arranged are directed into the sleeve main body 19a or the sleeve rear end 19b (plunger 21). In this state, the ejection target is ejected from the tips of the nozzles 81A to 81D.

The configuration of the moving mechanism 87 may be made appropriate. In the illustrated example, the moving mechanism 87 has a nozzle holding member 87a that holds a plurality of nozzles 81A to 81D together, and a moving mechanism body 87b that moves the nozzle holding member 87a. The moving mechanism main body 87b includes, for example, an electric motor (not shown), and moves the nozzle holding member 87a in at least one axial direction. Note that the moving mechanism 87 may be configured to move the plurality of nozzles 81A to 81D separately.

(container side ejection device)
FIG. 4(b) is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the container-side ejection device 43 schematically shown at the first position Ps1 in FIG.

The container-side ejection device 43 is for ejecting an ejection target against the inner surface of the container 31 . The ejected object is, for example, a cleaning gas (eg, air or nitrogen) and/or an ejecting agent (eg, a lubricant and/or a release agent). FIG. 4B illustrates two nozzles 81E and 81F. The nozzle 81E ejects gas for cleaning, for example, and is connected to the gas supply section 89 . The nozzle 81</b>F, for example, ejects an ejection agent and is connected to an ejection agent supply section 91 .

The configurations of the nozzles 81E and 81F, the gas supply section 89, and the jetting agent supply section 91 may be similar to various known ones used for injection sleeves and the like. Part of the gas supply unit 89 and the jetting agent supply unit 91 may be shared. The gas supply part 89 may be shared with part or all of the gas supply part 83 of the injection-side ejection device 41 . The ejection agent supply unit 91 may be partially or wholly shared with the ejection agent supply unit 85 of the ejection side ejection device 41 .

The nozzles 81E and 81F are, for example, fixedly provided with respect to the fixed die plate 13 or the like. When the container 31 moves on the track OB and is positioned at the second position Ps2, the tips of the nozzles 81E and 81F are directed into the container 31 as a result. Note that the container-side ejection device 43 is, for example, a movement mechanism that advances and retracts the nozzles 81E and 81F in the axial direction of the container 31 positioned at the second position Ps2 to move the tips of the nozzles 81E and 81F into and out of the container 31. can have

For example, the container-side ejection device 43 is positioned after the supply position Ps0 among a plurality of positions (Ps0 to Ps7) where each container 31 temporarily stops with the intermittent rotation of the support member 33, and the billet 111 is moved to the container. The ejection target is sprayed onto the container 31 located in front of the position where it is carried into the container 31. - 特許庁In the illustrated example, as described above, the container-side ejection device 43 sprays the ejection target onto the container 31 positioned at the first position Ps1. The first position Ps1 is one of the plurality of secondary stop positions PsS, and from another point of view, the container 31 is temporarily stopped after the supply position Ps0.

Note that, unlike the illustrated example, the container-side blowout device 43 may be configured to blow a jetting target into the container 31 before the billet 111 is carried into the container 31 at the position where the billet 111 is carried into the container 31 . Also, although not shown, in a metal heating supply device in which the container does not constitute a part of the injection sleeve, at the supply position where the metal material is taken out from the container, the object to be ejected is sprayed into the container after the metal material is taken out. is also possible.

(Loading device)
A loading device 45 for loading the billet 111 into the container 31, which is schematically shown near the second position Ps2 in FIG. 2, may be configured appropriately. For example, the carrying-in device 45 may be configured by a general-purpose robot including an electric motor, such as an orthogonal robot, a SCARA robot, or an articulated robot. Moreover, the loading device 45 may be configured as a dedicated device for transporting the billet 111 into the container 31 .

For example, the carrying-in device 45 is positioned after the supply position Ps0 and relatively close to the supply position Ps0 among a plurality of positions (Ps0 to Ps7) where the containers 31 temporarily stop with the intermittent rotation of the support member 33. The billet 111 is carried into the container 31 at a position (eg, closer to the supply position Ps0 than the position symmetrical to the supply position Ps0). By carrying the billet 111 into the container 31 at a position close to the supply position Ps0, the heating time can be lengthened. In the illustrated example, as described above, the loading device 45 loads the billet 111 into the container 31 positioned at the second position Ps2. The second position Ps2 is one of the plurality of main stop positions PsM, and from another point of view, is the position where the container 31 temporarily stops after the position (Ps1) where the ejection target is sprayed.

In addition, as described in the description of the container-side ejection device 43, the position at which the object to be ejected into the container 31 and the position at which the billet 111 is carried into the container 31 can be the same position. In this case, the position where the billet 111 is carried into the container 31 may be the first position Ps1. Also, although not shown, in a metal heating and feeding apparatus in which the container does not constitute a part of the injection sleeve, it is possible to carry the billet into the container at the feeding position where the metal material is removed from the container.

(temperature sensor)
The temperature sensor 47 schematically shown at the seventh position Ps7 in FIG. 2 may be configured appropriately. For example, the temperature sensor 47 may be of a contact type that contacts the metal material in the container 31 and detects the temperature of the metal material. As a contact-type temperature sensor, for example, a thermocouple can be used.

The contact-type temperature sensor 47 is, for example, fixed to the fixing member 73 of the seal mechanism 39 and exposed from the second sliding surface 69a at the seventh position Ps7. Therefore, when the container 31 reaches the seventh position Ps7, the temperature sensor 47 contacts the metal material through the opening of the container 31 on the side of the second sliding surface 69a. A moving mechanism (not shown) for moving the temperature sensor 47 into and out of the container 31 may be provided.

For example, the temperature sensor 47 is located in front of the supply position Ps0 and relatively close to the supply position Ps0 among a plurality of positions (Ps0 to Ps7) where each container 31 temporarily stops with the intermittent rotation of the support member 33. The temperature of the metal material held by the container 31 at a position (for example, the supply position Ps0 side of the position symmetrical to the supply position Ps0) is detected. In the illustrated example, as described above, the temperature sensor 47 detects the temperature of the metal material inside the container 31 positioned at the seventh position Ps7. The seventh position Ps7 is one of the plurality of sub stop positions PsS, and from another point of view, is a position where the supply position Ps0 is temporarily stopped immediately before (one before) the supply position Ps0.

In addition to the temperature sensor 47, a temperature sensor 48 (FIG. 2) may be provided at a position (for example, the sixth position Ps6) before the arrangement position of the temperature sensor 47 (here, the seventh position Ps7). This temperature sensor 48 is configured by, for example, a non-contact temperature sensor. Examples of non-contact temperature sensors include radiation thermometers.

(Controller unit)
Returning to FIG. 1, the control unit 5 includes, for example, a control device 93 (see FIG. 5) that performs various calculations and outputs control commands, an input device 95 that receives operator input operations, and a display that displays images. a device 97; From another point of view, the control unit 5 has, for example, a control panel (not shown) having a power supply circuit, a control circuit, and the like, and an operation section 99 as a user interface. In addition, when paying attention to the supply device 2 in the die casting machine 1 , the control unit 5 may be regarded as a control unit of the supply device 2 .

The control device 93 is provided in, for example, a control panel and an operation unit 99 (not shown). The control device 93 may be divided or distributed as appropriate. For example, the control device 93 is a subordinate control device for each of the mold clamping device 7, the injection device 9, the extrusion device 11, and the supply device 2, and a superordinate control device that performs control such as synchronizing the subordinate control devices. and may be configured to include

The display device 97 and the input device 95 are provided in the operation section 99, for example. The operation part 99 may be provided at an appropriate position such as a fixed part of the mold clamping device 7, for example. The display device 97 is composed of, for example, a touch panel including a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The input device 95 is composed of, for example, mechanical switches and the touch panel.

(Block diagram centered on the signal processing system, etc.)
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the die casting machine 1, focusing on the configuration of the signal processing system. Here, in particular, a portion relating to the supply device 2 is shown.

The left side of FIG. 5 schematically shows the various components of the die casting machine 1, and the right side of FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of the control device 93. As shown in FIG. Specifically, on the left side of the paper, from the top, the injection drive unit 23, the rotation drive unit 35, the operation unit 99, the heating unit 37, the temperature sensor 47, the injection side ejection device 41, the container side ejection device 43, and the carry-in device 45 are shown. As already mentioned, injection drive 23 includes electric motor 25 . Rotation drive unit 35 includes an electric motor 51 . An operation unit 99 includes an input device 95 and a display device 97 . The heating section 37 includes a plurality of individual heating tools 65 .

The supply device 2 has a power supply section 121 that supplies power to the heating section 37 . The power supply unit 121 , for example, converts commercial power into an appropriate AC voltage and supplies the AC voltage to the heating unit 37 . More specifically, for example, the power supply unit 121 can control the power supplied to the plurality of individual heating tools 65 independently of each other. That is, as represented by the symbol of the AC power supply in FIG. can do.

The supply device 2 also has a plurality of power detection units 125 that individually measure the power supplied from the individual power supply units 123 to the individual heating tools 65 . The power detection unit 125 outputs, for example, an integrated value of power supplied to the individual heating device 65 from a predetermined start time to the present time. 5, the power detection unit 125 is shown as a separate configuration from the control device 93. As shown in FIG. However, the power detection unit 125 may be configured by a detector that detects the power every moment and a functional unit in the control device 93 that integrates the detected value.

The control device 93 is configured by, for example, a computer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM and an external storage device (not shown). Various functional units (93a, 93b, 93c, 93d, 93e, 93f, and 93k) are constructed by the CPU executing programs stored in the ROM and/or the external storage device.

The injection control section 93a controls the injection drive section 23 (the electric motor 25). The rotation control section 93b controls the rotation driving section 35 (electric motor 51). The ejection side ejection control section 93 e controls the ejection side ejection device 41 . The container-side ejection control section 93 f controls the container-side ejection device 43 . The carry-in control unit 93 k controls the carry-in device 45 .

The target value setting unit 93c sets various target values based on information obtained via the input device 95 and information obtained by referring to the database 93s. The target value setting section 93c has, for example, a target temperature setting section 93g and a target power setting section 93h.

The target temperature setting unit 93g, for example, based on information obtained via the input device 95 and information obtained by referring to the database 93s, determines the temperature of the metal material in the container 31 when the container 31 reaches the supply position Ps0. set the target temperature of

The target power setting unit 93h sets the target value of power to be supplied to the heating unit 37, for example, based on information obtained by referring to the target temperature set by the target temperature setting unit 93g and the database 93s. Specifically, the target value of the power that the individual power supply unit 123 supplies to the individual heating device 65 while each container 31 makes one turn around the orbit OB is set. This target value is, for example, commonly set for a plurality of individual heating tools 65 (a plurality of containers 31 from another point of view).

Also, the target power value is set for one or more passing positions on the orbit OB, for example. Specifically, for example, a target value is set for the integrated value of electric power supplied to the individual heating device 65 until the container 31 reaches a predetermined passing position from a predetermined power supply start position on the orbit OB. A plurality of passing positions for which target values are set may be set on the trajectory OB. In this embodiment, an example is taken in which the main stop position PsM and/or the sub stop position PsS are used as the plurality of passing positions.

It should be noted that the time at which the container 31 passes through a predetermined passage position on the orbit OB is constant for a plurality of cycles within the period in which the container 31 circulates on the orbit OB. Therefore, the setting of the target value for the passing position on the orbit OB and the setting of the target value for the time within the cycle are substantially the same. In the description of the present disclosure, for the sake of convenience, the power target value and the like will be described based on the concept of the position on the orbit OB. However, in actual calculation, time may be used instead of position.

The heating control section 93d controls the power supply section 121 . More specifically, the heating controller 93 d has a plurality of individual heating controllers 93 p that individually control the plurality of individual power supply units 123 . As illustrated in the uppermost one of the plurality of individual heating control units 93p, each individual heating control unit 93p includes a first control unit 93m (an example of a pre-temperature detection control unit) and a second control unit 93n. (an example of a post-temperature-detection control unit).

The first control unit 93m controls the individual power supply unit 123 based on the power detected by the power detection unit 125 so that the power supplied to the individual heating device 65 reaches the target power set by the target power setting unit 93h. Control. The second control unit 93n controls the individual power supply unit 123 based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 47 so that the temperature of the metal material in the container 31 reaches the target temperature set by the target temperature setting unit 93g. .

(How to set the target value)
FIG. 6(a) is a diagram for explaining a method of setting the target temperature.

More specifically, FIG. 6(a) is a schematic phase diagram of an Al—Si alloy. In this figure, the horizontal axis indicates the mass ratio of Al and Si, and the numbers attached to the horizontal axis indicate the mass % of Si. Also, the vertical axis indicates the temperature. In the figure, the state of the alloy, such as a solid phase state or a liquid phase state, is indicated. As understood from this figure, the solid phase ratio can be obtained from the alloy composition and temperature, and the temperature can be obtained from the alloy composition and solid phase ratio.

The database 93s (FIG. 5) holds, for example, data corresponding to the phase diagram shown in FIG. 6(a) for one or more alloys. The target temperature setting unit 93g, for example, inputs information on the alloy composition of the billet 111 and information on the target value of the solid fraction of the metal material in the container 31 located at the supply position Ps0 via the input device 95. accept. Then, the target temperature setting unit 93g refers to the data (state diagram) recorded in the database 93s, specifies the temperature corresponding to the target values of the obtained alloy composition and solid fraction, and sets this temperature as the target. Set as temperature.

FIG.6(b) is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the setting method of target electric power. In this figure, the horizontal axis indicates the temperature of the metal material in the container 31, and the vertical axis indicates the electric power supplied to the individual heater 65. As shown in FIG.

The database 93s stores, for example, the power (integrated value) supplied to the individual heating tool 65 and the metal material inside the container 31 when the power is supplied, as conceptually shown in FIG. It holds the data of the correspondence with temperature. Such data may be obtained by experiments in advance, for example, before the die casting machine 1 is put into operation. Although not shown, such data is obtained for each mass and/or shape of the billet 111 and stored in the database 93s.

The target power setting unit 93h receives input of information on the shape and/or mass of the billet 111 via the input device 95, for example. Also, the target power setting unit 93h acquires information on the target temperature set by the target temperature setting unit 93g. Then, the target power setting unit 93h refers to the data recorded in the database 93s (data corresponding to FIG. 6B, etc.), and refers to the shape and/or mass of the billet 111 and the power corresponding to the target temperature. Identify (integrated value). Furthermore, the target power setting unit 93h sets the specified power to be supplied to the individual heating tool 65 while the container 31 moves from the heating start position on the orbit OB to the heating end position (supply position Ps0). , power is distributed to a plurality of areas on the orbit OB, and target power is set for a plurality of positions.

The target temperature may be directly set by the operator via the input device 95 instead of being set by the target temperature setting section 93g. Also, various information other than the information described above may be used for setting the target temperature and/or the target power. For example, information about the period of the casting cycle and/or information about the temperature around the die casting machine 1 may be input via the input device 95 and used to set the target power.

(Operation of metal heating supply device)
FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing an example of the procedure of processing executed by the control device 93 . Here, the processing related to the operation of the feeding device 2 is mainly extracted and shown. The processing shown in FIG. 7 is started, for example, when an operation is input to the input device 95 to instruct the die casting machine 1 to perform a predetermined number of casting cycles.

First, in step ST1, the control device 93 performs an initial operation. In this initial operation, necessary operations are performed in order to shift to a series of operations that are repeatedly performed in steps ST2 to ST6. The specific contents thereof are, for example, modified steps ST2 to ST6, which will be described later.

In step ST2, the control device 93 (rotation control section 93b) controls the rotation drive section 35 to move the support member 33 at a pitch _Pt2 . Here, it is assumed that the support member 33 moves from the main stop position PsM to the sub-stop position PsS.

In step ST3, the control device 93 performs processing that is performed when the support member 33 is temporarily stopped at the sub-stop position PsS. Specifically, for example, the control device 93 (ejection side ejection control section 93e) controls the ejection side ejection device 41 so as to eject the ejection target against the sleeve body 19a and/or the plunger 21 (sleeve rear end 19b). do. Further, for example, the control device 93 (container-side ejection control section 93f) controls the container-side ejection device 43 so as to spray the ejection target onto the container 31 positioned at the first position Ps1. Also, for example, the control device 93 (one of the individual heating control units 93p) acquires from the temperature sensor 47 the temperature of the metal material held by the container 31 positioned at the seventh position Ps7.

In step ST4, the control device 93 (rotation control section 93b) controls the rotation drive section 35 to move the support member 33 at a pitch _Pt2 . Here, it is assumed that the support member 33 moves from the sub stop position PsS to the main stop position PsM.

In step ST5, the control device 93 performs processing that is performed when the support member 33 is temporarily stopped at the main stop position PsM. Specifically, for example, the control device 93 (injection control section 93a) controls the injection device 9 (injection drive section 23) so that a series of operations related to injection from advancing the plunger 21 to retreating are performed. Further, for example, the control device 93 (carrying-in control section 93k) controls the carrying-in device 45 so as to carry the billet 111 into the container 31 positioned at the second position Ps2.

In step ST6, the control device 93 determines whether or not conditions for ending the casting cycle are satisfied. For example, it is determined whether or not the casting cycle has been performed a predetermined number of times. When the determination is negative, the control device 93 returns to step ST2, and when the determination is positive, the process ends.

In step ST1, for example, processes excluding inexecutable and/or unnecessary processes from steps ST2 to ST5 are repeatedly performed an appropriate number of times. For example, immediately after the supply device 2 starts operating, the container 31 at any position does not hold the metal material. Therefore, the same operations as steps ST2 to ST5 are repeated until the container 31 holding the metal material reaches the supply position Ps0 while the injection operation and the like are omitted.

Although not shown, after step ST6 or in the casting cycle just before the repetition of the casting cycle ends, the supply device 2 is in an initial state (for example, a state in which no metal material is held in the container 31). In such a manner, the processes excluding some processes from steps ST2 to ST5 may be performed.

(Processing of individual heating control section)
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of processing executed by each individual heating control section 93p of the control device 93. As shown in FIG. That is, FIG. 8 shows the procedure of heating control processing for one container 31 . The processing shown in FIG. 8 is executed each time one container 31 makes one turn around the orbit OB.

8 and 9 below, the container 31, the individual heating tools 65, the power detection unit 125, the individual power supply unit 123, and the individual heating control unit 93p correspond to the plurality of containers 31, the plurality of individual heating tools 65, the plurality of of the power detection unit 125, the plurality of individual power supply units 123, and the plurality of individual heating control units 93p, which correspond to each other.

In step ST11, the individual heating controller 93p determines whether or not the container 31 has reached the second position Ps2. When the determination is negative, the individual heating control section 93p waits, and when the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step ST12.

In step ST<b>12 , the individual heating control section 93 p controls the individual power supply section 123 to start supplying power to the individual heating tool 65 . Further, the individual heating control section 93p instructs the power detection section 125 to start measuring the integrated value of the power supplied to the individual heating tool 65 .

In step ST13, the individual heating control section 93p performs control by the first control section 93m. As described above, the first control unit 93m controls the power detected by the power detection unit 125 so that the integrated value of the power supplied to the individual heating device 65 becomes the target power set by the target power setting unit 93h. The individual power supply unit 123 is controlled based on the integrated value of .

In step ST14, the individual heating controller 93p determines whether or not the container 31 has reached the seventh position Ps7. Then, when the determination is negative, the individual heating control section 93p returns to step ST13 to continue the first control, and when the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step ST15.

In step ST15, the individual heating control section 93p performs control by the second control section 93n. That is, with the shift from step ST14 to step ST15, the control of the individual heating control section 93p shifts from the first control to the second control. As described above, the second control unit 93n controls the individual power supply based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 47 so that the temperature of the metal material in the container 31 reaches the target temperature set by the target temperature setting unit 93g. It controls the supply unit 123 . The detected temperature used at this time is the temperature detected at the time corresponding to the affirmative determination of step ST14 (step ST3 from the viewpoint of FIG. 7 described above). That is, the temperature of the metal material in one container 31 is not continuously detected while the one container 31 is moving on the orbit OB, but is detected when the one container 31 is at the seventh position Ps7. It is detected by the temperature sensor 47 stationary with respect to the seventh position Ps7 when positioned. Then, based on this detected temperature, the second control is performed for the one container 31 after leaving the seventh position Ps7. Note that the individual heating control section 93p may complete the temperature detection and start the second control before the container 31 leaves the seventh position Ps7.

In step ST16, the individual heating controller 93p determines whether or not the container 31 has reached the supply position Ps0. Then, when the determination is negative, the individual heating control section 93p returns to step ST15 to continue the second control, and when the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step ST17.

In step ST<b>17 , the individual heating control section 93 p controls the individual power supply section 123 to end power supply to the individual heating tool 65 . Further, the individual heating control section 93p instructs the power detection section 125 to finish measuring the integrated value of the power supplied to the individual heating tool 65 and reset the integrated value.

After that, the individual heating control section 93p returns to step ST11. Steps ST11 to ST17 are also repeated by the container 31 repeatedly circling the orbit OB. As can be understood from the above description, the control by the first control section 93m is performed from the second position Ps2 to the seventh position Ps7, and the control by the second control section 93n is performed from the seventh position Ps7 to the supply position Ps0. done.

Determinations as to whether the container 31 has reached a predetermined position in steps ST11, ST14 and ST16 may be made as appropriate. For example, when the electric motor 51 of the rotary drive unit 35 for moving the container 31 on the orbit OB is a stepping motor, the determination may be made by the number of pulses input to the electric motor 51 . Further, for example, when the electric motor 51 is a servomotor, the determination may be made based on the detected value of the encoder. As already mentioned, it may be determined based on time instead of location.

(Processing of first control unit and second control unit)
FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing an example of a predetermined procedure executed by the first control section 93m in step ST13 of FIG.

As a premise of this flowchart, for example, the target power setting unit 93h sets a target value of power (integrated value) supplied to the individual heating device 65 until the container 31 reaches the fourth position Ps4 and the sixth position Ps6. do. Specifically, for example, first, the target power setting unit 93h sets the target power to be supplied from the target temperature when the container 31 reaches the supply position Ps0 to the target temperature when the container 31 reaches the supply position Ps0 as described above. Identify power. Then, the target power setting unit 93h divides the target power by the interval (for example, angle or time) from the power supply start position (second position Ps2) to the power supply position Ps0, and the power input pace (for example, per unit angle or per unit time). input power) is calculated. Then, from the integrated value of the power input pace, a target value of power to be supplied to the individual heating device 65 until the container 31 reaches the fourth position Ps4 and the sixth position Ps6 is set.

In the above description, the positions at which the target value of electric power is set are the fourth position Ps4 and the sixth position Ps6, but other positions may be used. Also, the power input pace has been described as being constant from the second position Ps2 to the supply position Ps0, but it may be changed according to the position on the orbit OB. For example, the power input pace may be different from the second position Ps2 to the fourth position Ps4 and from the fourth position Ps4 to the sixth position Ps6.

Although not shown, the first control unit 93m controls the individual power supply unit 123 so that power is supplied to the individual heating device 65 at the above power input pace. At this time, feedback control may be performed based on the momentary power detected by the power detection unit 125 so that the set power input pace is maintained.

In step ST21, the first controller 93m determines whether the container 31 has reached the fourth position Ps4 or the sixth position Ps6. When the determination is negative, step ST22 is skipped and the process proceeds to step ST14 in FIG. Then, when a negative determination is made in step ST14 and the process returns to step ST13, the process of FIG. 9 is executed again. Therefore, unless an affirmative determination is made in step ST14, power supply is maintained at the current power input pace.

When it is determined in step ST21 that the fourth position Ps4 has been reached, in step ST22, the first control section 93m acquires the detected value of the integrated value of power from the power detection section 125, and this detected value and the fourth position It compares with the target value of the integrated power value set for Ps4. If there is a difference between the two, the first control unit 93m restarts the power input pace so that the target value of the integrated power set for the sixth position Ps6 and/or the supply position Ps0 is achieved. set. From another point of view, when the container 31 is at the fourth position Ps4, the first control unit 93m reduces the power input pace if the detected value is greater than the target value, and if the detected value is smaller than the target value, Increase power input pace. The same applies to the operation when it is determined in step ST21 that the sixth position Ps6 has been reached.

Although not shown, the second controller 93n (step ST15) performs processing similar to the above-described processing of the first controller 93m. For example, when it is determined in step ST14 that the container 31 has reached the seventh position Ps7, the second control section 93n adjusts the power input pace as in step ST22.

However, at this time, the second control unit 93n does not compare the electric power, but for example, compares the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 47 with the target temperature set for the supply position Ps0. Then, the second control unit 93n calculates the electric power to be supplied to the individual heating device 65 in order to eliminate the temperature difference, and furthermore, the calculated electric power is maintained until the container 31 reaches the supply position Ps0. set the power input pace to provide Note that the calculation of the required electric power based on the temperature difference may be performed based on an appropriate database, for example, as described with reference to FIG. 6(b).

As can be understood from the above description, the control by the second control section 93n sets the target power based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 47, and the power supplied to the individual heating device 65 reaches the target power. It can be understood that the individual power supply unit 123 is controlled so as to become.

Although not particularly shown, in step ST22, when the difference between the target value and the detected value of the integrated power value exceeds a predetermined threshold value, predetermined abnormal processing may be performed. The abnormality process is, for example, a process of causing the display device 97 to display an image notifying of an abnormality. Such determination and processing may be performed not only at the fourth position Ps4 and the sixth position Ps6, but also at the seventh position Ps7 where control based on temperature detection is started.

Similarly, when comparing the target temperature value and the detected temperature value, if the difference between the two exceeds a predetermined threshold value, a predetermined abnormal process may be performed. Such determination and processing may be performed not only at the seventh position Ps7 at which the temperature is detected by the temperature sensor 47, but also at the sixth position Ps6 at which the temperature is detected by the temperature sensor .

As described above, in this embodiment, the die casting machine 1 has the mold clamping device 7 , the injection device 9 and the supply device 2 . The mold clamping device 7 holds the mold 101 . The injection device 9 drives the plunger 21 along a horizontal or horizontally inclined injection axis CL1 to inject the metal material into the mold 101 . The supply device 2 heats the metal material (billet 111 ) and supplies it to the injection device 9 . The supply device 2 also has a support member 33 , a plurality of containers 31 , and a heating section 37 . The support member 33 rotates around a rotation axis CL2 parallel to the injection axis CL1. A plurality of containers 31 are supported by support members 33 on the same circumference around the rotation axis CL2. The heating unit 37 heats the metal material inside the plurality of containers 31 . The rotation axis CL2 is displaced from the ejection axis CL1 in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the ejection axis CL1.

In the die casting machine 1, it is necessary to secure a circular area around the rotation axis CL2 as the range in which the support member 33 is arranged and/or moved. Naturally, the top and bottom of this circular area are located directly above and below the rotation axis CL2. From another point of view, the length of the circular area in the vertical direction becomes shorter as the position is horizontally eccentric from the rotation axis CL2. Therefore, when the rotation axis CL2 is displaced horizontally with respect to the injection axis CL1, the top and bottom of the circular area are displaced horizontally from the injection axis CL1. As a result, the support member 33 is less likely to interfere with members (for example, the injection frame 27) located above and/or below the injection axis CL1.

Further, in this embodiment, the injection device 9 has a sleeve main body 19 a and an injection drive section 23 . The sleeve body 19 a extends along the injection axis CL<b>1 and communicates with the inside of the mold 101 . The injection drive unit 23 drives the plunger 21 along the injection axis CL1 within the injection sleeve 19 including the sleeve body 19a. The plurality of containers 31 are open on both sides in the direction parallel to the rotation axis CL2, the orbit OB around the rotation axis CL2 intersects the injection axis CL1, and as the support member 33 rotates, Sequentially, the sleeve body 19a and the injection sleeve 19 are constructed at the supply position Ps0 that is rearward and coaxial with the sleeve body 19a.

In this case, for example, a dedicated mechanism for taking out the metal material from the container 31 and supplying it to the injection sleeve is unnecessary (a device provided with such a mechanism may also be included in the technology according to the present disclosure). . In addition, effects such as shortening of cycle time and reduction of oxidation of metal materials are also exhibited. In such a configuration, it is necessary to bring the rotation axis CL2 parallel to and close to the injection axis CL1. Therefore, the rotation axis CL2 is shifted horizontally with respect to the injection axis CL1 to reduce the possibility of interference between the supply device 2 and members above and/or below the injection axis CL1 (e.g. injection frame 27). Effectively works.

In this embodiment, the number of containers 31 is relatively small. As an example, the number of containers 31 is four.

In this case, for example, as the number of containers 31 is reduced, the number of individual heating tools 65 and the like can also be reduced, and the configuration of the supply device 2 is dramatically simplified. Further, for example, since the mass of the container 31 or the like to be rotationally driven is reduced, the load on the support member 33 and the rotational drive section 35 is reduced. Unlike the present embodiment, in the mode where the openings of most of the containers 31 are sealed by sliding surfaces, the reduction in the number of containers 31 also reduces the sliding resistance.

Further, in this embodiment, the supply device 2 has a rotation drive section 35 and a rotation control section 93b. The rotation drive unit 35 rotates the support member 33 around the rotation axis CL2. The rotation control unit 93b controls the rotation driving unit 35 so that the support member 33 temporarily stops at a plurality of main stop positions PsM about the rotation axis CL2, thereby causing the plurality of containers 31 to sequentially temporarily stop at the supply position Ps0. do. The rotation control section 93b also controls the rotation driving section 35 so that the support member 33 temporarily stops at a plurality of sub-stop positions PsS between the plurality of main stop positions PsM.

In this case, for example, as described above, it is possible to perform a predetermined process on each container 31 before or after the timing when each container 31 is temporarily stopped at one of the main stop positions PsM. facilitated. As a result, for example, even if the number of containers 31 is reduced, the containers 31 that have passed the supply position Ps0 can be quickly air-blown and the billets 111 can be quickly supplied. Also, for example, even when the number of containers 31 is reduced, it is easy to detect the temperature of the metal material in the container 31 at a position near the supply position Ps0. Further, for example, since the support member 33 is stopped when none of the containers 31 constitutes the injection sleeve 19, the processing of the sleeve body 19a and the plunger 21 is facilitated.

Further, in this embodiment, the die casting machine 1 has an ejection side ejection device 41 and an ejection side ejection control section 93e. The ejection-side ejection device 41 ejects an ejection target (gas or ejection agent) toward at least one of the sleeve body 19a and the plunger 21 (both in the example of FIG. 4A). The ejection-side ejection control section 93e controls the ejection-side ejection device 41 so that the ejection target is ejected while the support member 33 is temporarily stopped at the plurality of sub-stop positions PsS.

In this case, for example, the inside of the sleeve body 19a and/or the plunger 21 (sleeve rear end 19b) is cleaned and/or lubricated, and the quality of the die-cast product is improved. Since the support member 33 temporarily stops not only at the main stop position PsM but also at the sub-stop position PsS, it is possible to secure a time during which the container 31 is not interposed between the sleeve body 19a and the plunger 21, as described above. be. As a result, for example, the insertion and removal of the nozzles 81A to 81D between the sleeve body 19a and the plunger 21 is facilitated. From another point of view, the degree of freedom in the configuration of the injection-side ejection device 41 is improved.

Further, in this embodiment, the die casting machine 1 has a container-side ejection device 43 . In the container-side ejection device 43, among the plurality of containers 31, the support member 33 temporarily stops at the plurality of main stop positions PsM and the plurality of sub-stop positions PsS, so that the plurality of containers 31 are successively placed next to the supply position Ps0. The object to be ejected (gas and/or ejecting agent) is ejected into the container 31 located at the first position Ps1 to stop.

In this case, for example, the container 31 is cleaned and/or lubricated, and the quality of the die-cast product is improved. Further, since the container 31 is cleaned at the first position Ps1, which is the stop position next to the supply position Ps0, preparations for carrying the billet 111 into the container 31 are completed early. As a result, it becomes easier to secure a long time during which the billet 111 is heated within the period in which the container 31 goes around the orbit OB. As a result, the period in which the container 31 goes around the orbit OB can be shortened. The cycle in which the container 31 revolves around the orbit OB and the number of containers 31 on the orbit OB are set so that the former divided by the latter is the same as the casting cycle. Therefore, by shortening the period in which the containers 31 revolve around the orbit OB, for example, the number of containers 31 can be reduced.

In this embodiment, the support member 33 has a plurality of extending portions 33aa extending radially from the rotation axis CL2, and the plurality of containers 31 are individually supported by the extending portions 33aa. there is

In this case, for example, the plate portion 33a is disk-shaped without having a plurality of extension portions 33aa (such an aspect may also be included in the technology according to the present disclosure). By reducing the mass of 33a, it is possible to reduce the load on the rotary drive unit 35 and the like. In addition, for example, compared to the aspect in which the plate portion 33a is disk-shaped, members such as the nozzles 81A to 81D of the injection-side ejection device 41 that move in synchronization with the rotation of the plate portion 33a interfere with the plate portion 33a. Probability can be reduced.

Further, in this embodiment, the die casting machine 1 has a pair of seal members (the first seal member 67 and the second seal member 69) that cannot rotate around the rotation axis CL2. The first sealing member 67 and the second sealing member 69 sandwich the trajectory of the plurality of containers 31 in the direction parallel to the rotation axis CL2 so as to close the openings at both ends of the plurality of containers 31 in the direction parallel to the rotation axis CL2. It has a pair of sliding surfaces (a first sliding surface 67a and a second sliding surface 69a) facing each other. The first sliding surface 67a and the second sliding surface 69a block the opening of at least one container 31 before reaching the supply position Ps0 among the plurality of containers 31, and close the opening of at least one container 31 after passing the supply position Ps0. It covers only a partial extent of the track OB so as to open the openings of the two containers 31 .

In this case, first, the probability that the liquid phase portion of the metal material leaks from the container 31 is reduced. As a result, for example, the supply device 2 can be configured or operated not only as a device for supplying a semi-molten metal material, but also as a device for supplying a molten metal material. In addition, for example, even when used as a device for supplying a semi-molten metal material, the probability that the liquid phase portion leaks and the mass of the metal material in the container 31 is reduced is reduced, and the quality of the die cast product is improved. can be improved. Furthermore, the first sliding surface 67a and the second sliding surface 69a block only some of the containers 31 located in front of the supply position Ps0. Therefore, for example, as compared to a mode in which the container 31 is closed over the entire area from the supply of the billet 111 to the supply position Ps0 (such a mode may also be included in the technology according to the present disclosure). , the sliding resistance when rotating the support member 33 can be reduced. As a result, the load on the rotary drive unit 35 and the like can be reduced. Further, for example, wear of the container 31 can be reduced, and the life of the container 31 can be extended.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the injection device 9 injects the metal material taken out from the container 31 at a predetermined supply position Ps0 on the trajectory OB of the plurality of containers 31 among the plurality of containers 31 . The heating section 37 has a plurality of individual heating tools 65 . The plurality of individual heating tools 65 rotates together with the plurality of containers 31 around the rotation axis CL2, and heats the plurality of containers 31 individually. The supply device 2 has a plurality of individual power supply units 123, a plurality of power detection units 125, a temperature sensor 47, and a plurality of individual heating control units 93p. The plurality of individual power supply units 123 individually supply power to the plurality of individual heating tools 65 . The multiple power detection units 125 individually detect the power supplied from the multiple individual power supply units 123 to the multiple individual heating tools 65 . The temperature sensor 47 detects the temperature of the metal material in the container 31 at a predetermined temperature detection position (seventh position Ps7 in this embodiment) on the track OB among the plurality of containers 31 . The multiple individual heating controllers 93p individually control the multiple individual power supply units 123 . Each of the individual heating controllers 93p has a first controller 93m and a second controller 93n. When the container 31 corresponding to itself is in at least a partial range from the supply position Ps0 to the seventh position Ps7 (in this embodiment, from the second position Ps2 to the seventh position Ps7), the first control unit 93m controls the individual power supply unit 123 corresponding to itself so that the power supplied to the individual heating tool 65 corresponding to itself becomes the target power preset according to the position on the orbit OB. When the container 31 corresponding to itself is in at least a part of the range from the seventh position Ps7 to the supply position Ps0 (from the seventh position Ps7 to the supply position Ps0 in this embodiment), the second control unit 93n , controls the individual power supply unit 123 corresponding to itself so that power corresponding to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 47 for the container 31 corresponding to itself is supplied to the individual heating tool 65 corresponding to itself.

In this case, for example, during a period when the container 31 is far from the supply position Ps0, simple control is performed based on power detection, and during a period when the container 31 is near the supply position Ps0, temperature detection is performed. High-precision control based on values can be performed. In other words, the temperature sensor 47 only needs to be provided near the supply position Ps0, thereby reducing costs.

Further, in the present embodiment, the position where the temperature is detected by the temperature sensor 47 is the supply position Ps0 when the support member 33 temporarily stops at the plurality of main stop positions PsM and the plurality of sub stop positions PsS. (seventh position Ps7 in this embodiment).

In this case, for example, the temperature can be detected while the container 31 is stopped, so the temperature detection accuracy is improved. Furthermore, since the temperature is measured at the stop position closest to the supply position Ps0, the injection device 9 can be supplied with the metal material whose temperature is controlled with high accuracy. The support member 33 stops not only at the main stop position PsM but also at the sub stop position PsS. The seventh position Ps7 is closer to the supply position Ps0 than the stop position closest to the supply position Ps0 in a mode in which the support member 33 stops only at the main stop position PsM (such a mode may also be included in the technology according to the present disclosure). Close to the supply position Ps0. Therefore, the precision of the temperature of the metal material supplied to the injection device 9 is further improved.

Further, in this embodiment, the die casting machine 1 has a target value setting section 93c. The target value setting unit 93c sets a target power for a position on the orbit OB based on the information on the components of the metal material and the information on the target solid phase ratio at the time of injection of the metal material. In this case, for example, the solid phase ratio intended by the operator is automatically realized by the controller 93, which is highly convenient.

[Second embodiment]
10 and 11 are diagrams showing the main configuration of a supply device 202 according to the second embodiment, and correspond to FIGS. 2 and 3 of the first embodiment. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI of FIG. 10. FIG.

In the explanation of the second embodiment, basically only the differences from the first embodiment will be explained. Items not specifically mentioned may be the same as those in the first embodiment. Moreover, for convenience of explanation, the same reference numerals may be given to the configurations corresponding to the configurations of the first embodiment even if there are differences.

To put it simply, the supply device 202 has a configuration in which the seal mechanism 39 is eliminated from the supply device 2 of the first embodiment. Accordingly, for example, the structure of the shaft member 249 that supports the support member 33 and the specific structure of the cover 277 that covers the end of the shaft member 249 are different from those of the shaft member 49 and the locking member 77 of the first embodiment. there is Also, the injection sleeve 219 does not include a sealing member. Further, since the opening of the container 31 is not blocked by the sealing member, the temperature sensor 47 at the seventh position Ps7 can be easily configured by not only a contact temperature sensor but also a non-contact temperature sensor.

For example, unlike the supply device 2 of the first embodiment, such a supply device 202 is configured and operated as a device that supplies a semi-molten metal material to the injection device 9 (does not supply a molten metal material). be done.

The technology according to the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and may be implemented in various forms.

The mold clamping device is not limited to a so-called horizontal mold clamping device, and may be a vertical mold clamping device. The injection axis and the rotation axis may not be parallel to the horizontal direction, but may be inclined to the horizontal direction. The rotation axis may not be at the same height as the injection axis, but may be shifted upward or downward with respect to the injection axis.

The supply device need not, as already mentioned, be such that the container forms part of the injection sleeve. For example, a configuration in which the container is tilted to drop the metal material into the injection sleeve, or a configuration in which the semi-molten metal material is taken out of the container and transported to the injection sleeve by a robot may be adopted.

As mentioned in the description of the embodiments, the support member may not have extensions extending radially from the axis of rotation. Also, the number of extensions may differ from the number of containers. For example, there may be an extension to which a container may be attached, but which is not attached to the container during operation of the die casting machine. Also, the plurality of containers and/or the plurality of extensions may not be arranged at uniform pitches around the rotation axis. From another point of view, the plurality of main stop positions may not be set at even pitches.

The number of main stop positions is the same as the number of containers. However, the containers here are those that stop at the supply position, and do not include dummy containers. As also mentioned in the description of the embodiments, the support member does not have to stop at multiple secondary stop positions between multiple primary stop positions. In addition, the sub stop positions may be located at positions other than the center between the main stop positions adjacent to each other, or two or more sub stop positions may be set.

A mechanism for rotating the support member is not limited to one having a rotary electric motor. For example, it is possible to convert linear motion into rotational motion of the support member, as disclosed in US Pat. In such an aspect, for example, a linear motor or the like may be used. Further, when a rotary electric motor is used, unlike the embodiment, the rotation of the electric motor may be directly transmitted to the support member without using the transmission mechanism. different transmission mechanisms may be utilized.

The configuration of the heating unit is not limited to a configuration in which a plurality of containers can be individually heated, and can heat containers in groups containing two or more containers (see, for example, Patent Document 2), or heat a plurality of containers as a whole. It may be configured. Also, in the embodiment, the heating section (individual heating device) was fixed with respect to the support member and rotated together with the container. However, the heating part may be fixed to a fixed die plate or the like and heat the metal material in the container passing near the heating part.

In the embodiment, the detected value of the integrated value of electric power is compared with the target value at the position (main stop position or secondary stop position) where the support member temporarily stops. However, the detected value of the integrated value and the target value may be compared at a position in the middle of the movement of the support member from the stop position to the next stop position. Also, instead of a specific position such as a stop position, the detected integrated value and the target value may be compared in real time to adjust the power input pace.

In embodiments, the temperature of the metal material in the container was detected at a stop position before and near the feed position where the metal material was removed from the container. However, the temperature detection may be done at a position remote from the supply position and/or at a position during movement of the container. Also, in the embodiment, the temperature sensor is fixed with respect to the fixed die plate or the like. However, the temperature sensor may be stationary with respect to the support member. For example, a temperature sensor may be provided for each of the plurality of containers. As can be appreciated from this, the temperature of the metallic material within the container may be detected in real time, not just when the container reaches a particular position.

In the embodiment, the control based on the detected power value and the control based on the detected temperature value are sequentially performed. However, only one of them may be performed.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Die casting machine 2... Metal heating supply apparatus 7... Mold clamping apparatus 9... Injection apparatus 19... Injection sleeve 19a... Sleeve main body 21... Plunger 31... Container 33... Supporting member 37... Heating part , 101... Mold, CL1... Injection axis, CL2... Rotation shaft.

Claims (13)

a mold clamping device that holds the mold;
an injection device that drives a plunger along a horizontal or horizontally inclined injection axis to inject a metal material into the mold;
a supply device that heats the metal material and supplies it to the injection device;
an injection frame fixed to a fixed die plate of the mold clamping device and to which a driving portion of the injection device for driving the plunger is fixed;
and
The injection frame has a portion positioned above and a portion positioned below the injection axis,
The supply device is
a support member that rotates around a rotation axis parallel to the injection axis;
a plurality of containers supported on the same circumference around the rotation axis by the support member;
a heating unit that heats the metal material in the plurality of containers,
The die casting machine, wherein the rotating shaft is displaced from the injection axis in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the injection axis. The injection device is
a sleeve body extending along the injection axis and communicating with the mold;
an injection drive unit for driving the plunger along the injection axis within the injection sleeve including the sleeve body;
The plurality of containers are open on both sides in a direction parallel to the rotation axis, and the trajectory around the rotation axis intersects the injection axis. 2. A die casting machine according to claim 1, wherein said sleeve body and said injection sleeve are arranged at a rearward and coaxial feed position with respect to said sleeve body. a mold clamping device that holds the mold;
an injection device that drives a plunger along a horizontal or horizontally inclined injection axis to inject a metal material into the mold;
a supply device that heats the metal material and supplies it to the injection device;
and
The supply device is
a support member that rotates around a rotation axis parallel to the injection axis;
a plurality of containers supported on the same circumference around the rotation axis by the support member;
a heating unit that heats the metal material in the plurality of containers;
a rotational drive unit that rotationally drives the support member about the rotation axis;
and a rotation control unit that controls the rotation drive unit,
the rotation axis is displaced from the injection axis in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the injection axis;
The injection device is
a sleeve body extending along the injection axis and communicating with the mold;
an injection drive unit for driving the plunger along the injection axis within the injection sleeve including the sleeve body;
The plurality of containers are open on both sides in a direction parallel to the rotation axis, and the trajectory around the rotation axis intersects the injection axis. configuring the sleeve body and the injection sleeve at a feed position rearward and coaxial with the sleeve body;
The rotation control unit is
The rotation driving is performed so that the plurality of containers temporarily stop sequentially at the supply position by causing the support member to temporarily stop at a plurality of main stop positions, the number of which is the same as the number of the plurality of containers, around the rotation axis. control the department, and
controlling the rotation drive unit so that the support member temporarily stops even at a plurality of sub-stop positions between the plurality of main stop positions;
die casting machine. an ejection side ejection device for ejecting an ejection target toward at least one of the sleeve body and the plunger;
an ejection-side ejection control unit that controls the ejection-side ejection device so that the ejection target is ejected when the support member is temporarily stopped at the plurality of sub-stop positions;
4. The die casting machine of claim 3, further comprising: Among the plurality of containers, the support member temporarily stops at the plurality of main stop positions and the plurality of sub-stop positions, thereby causing the plurality of containers to stop sequentially after the supply position. The die casting machine according to claim 3 or 4, further comprising a container-side ejection device for ejecting the ejection target toward. a mold clamping device that holds the mold;
an injection device that drives a plunger along a horizontal or horizontally inclined injection axis to inject a metal material into the mold;
a supply device that heats the metal material and supplies it to the injection device;
and
The supply device is
a support member that rotates around a rotation axis parallel to the injection axis;
a plurality of containers supported on the same circumference around the rotation axis by the support member;
a heating unit that heats the metal material in the plurality of containers,
the rotation axis is displaced from the injection axis in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the injection axis;
The injection device is
a sleeve body extending along the injection axis and communicating with the mold;
an injection drive unit for driving the plunger along the injection axis within the injection sleeve including the sleeve body;
The plurality of containers are open on both sides in a direction parallel to the rotation axis, and the trajectory around the rotation axis intersects the injection axis. configuring the sleeve body and the injection sleeve at a feed position rearward and coaxial with the sleeve body;
The support member has a plurality of extensions radially extending from the rotation axis, and the plurality of extensions individually support the plurality of containers ,
The number of the plurality of extensions is 4 or less
die casting machine. a mold clamping device that holds the mold;
an injection device that drives a plunger along a horizontal or horizontally inclined injection axis to inject a metal material into the mold;
a supply device that heats the metal material and supplies it to the injection device;
and
The supply device is
a support member that rotates around a rotation axis parallel to the injection axis;
a plurality of containers supported on the same circumference around the rotation axis by the support member;
a heating unit that heats the metal material in the plurality of containers;
a pair of seal members that are not rotatable around the rotation axis;
the rotation axis is displaced from the injection axis in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the injection axis;
The injection device is
a sleeve body extending along the injection axis and communicating with the mold;
an injection drive unit for driving the plunger along the injection axis within the injection sleeve including the sleeve body;
The plurality of containers are open on both sides in a direction parallel to the rotation axis, and the trajectory around the rotation axis intersects the injection axis. configuring the sleeve body and the injection sleeve at a feed position rearward and coaxial with the sleeve body;
The pair of sealing members are opposed to each other across the tracks of the plurality of containers in the direction parallel to the rotation axis so as to block openings at both ends of the plurality of containers in the direction parallel to the rotation axis. It has a pair of sliding surfaces,
The pair of sliding surfaces closes the opening of at least one of the plurality of containers before reaching the supply position, and opens the openings of at least two containers after passing the supply position. only a partial range of the trajectory so as to
The partial range is a range of 180° or less around the rotation axis
die casting machine. a power supply unit that supplies power to the heating unit;
a heating control unit that controls the power supply unit so that the metal material becomes molten when the container reaches the supply position;
8. The die casting machine of claim 7, further comprising: a mold clamping device that holds the mold;
an injection device that drives a plunger along a horizontal or horizontally inclined injection axis to inject a metal material into the mold;
a supply device that heats the metal material and supplies it to the injection device;
and
The supply device is
a support member that rotates around a rotation axis parallel to the injection axis;
a plurality of containers supported on the same circumference around the rotation axis by the support member;
a heating unit that heats the metal material in the plurality of containers,
the rotation axis is displaced from the injection axis in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the injection axis;
The injection device injects the metal material taken out of the plurality of containers at a predetermined supply position on the track of the plurality of containers,
The heating unit has a plurality of individual heating tools that rotate about the rotation axis together with the plurality of containers and individually heat the plurality of containers,
The supply device is
a plurality of individual power supply units that individually supply power to the plurality of individual heating devices;
a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the metal material in a container located at a predetermined temperature detection position on the track among the plurality of containers;
and a plurality of individual heating control units that individually control the plurality of individual power supply units,
Each of the plurality of individual heating control units controls the temperature of the container corresponding to the self by the temperature sensor when the container corresponding to the self is in at least a part of the range from the temperature detection position to the supply position. It has a post-temperature detection control section that controls the individual power supply section corresponding to itself so that power corresponding to the detected temperature is supplied to the individual heating device corresponding to itself.
die casting machine. The supply device further includes a plurality of power detection units that individually detect power supplied from the plurality of individual power supply units to the plurality of individual heating devices,
Each of the plurality of individual heating control units supplies to the individual heating tool corresponding to the self when the container corresponding to the self is in at least a partial range from the supply position to the temperature detection position. 10. A temperature pre-detection control unit that controls the individual power supply unit corresponding to itself so that the power supplied to the vehicle reaches a target power that is preset according to the position on the orbit. The die casting machine described in . The injection device is
a sleeve body extending along the injection axis and communicating with the mold;
an injection drive unit for driving the plunger along the injection axis within the injection sleeve including the sleeve body;
The plurality of containers are open on both sides in a direction parallel to the rotation axis, and the trajectory around the rotation axis intersects the injection axis. configuring the sleeve body and the injection sleeve at a feed position rearward and coaxial with the sleeve body;
The supply device is
a rotational drive unit that rotationally drives the support member about the rotation axis;
The rotation driving is performed so that the plurality of containers temporarily stop sequentially at the supply position by causing the support member to temporarily stop at a plurality of main stop positions, the number of which is the same as the number of the plurality of containers, around the rotation axis. and a rotation control unit that controls the unit,
The rotation control section controls the rotation drive section so that the support member temporarily stops also at a plurality of sub-stop positions between the plurality of main stop positions,
The temperature detection position is a position where the plurality of containers sequentially stop immediately before the supply position by temporarily stopping the support member at the plurality of main stop positions and the plurality of sub stop positions.
A die casting machine according to claim 9. It further comprises a target value setting unit for setting the target electric power for the position on the orbit based on the information on the components of the metal material and the information on the target solid fraction at the time of injection of the metal material. 11. The die casting machine according to 10 . A metal heating and feeding device that heats a metal material and feeds it to an injection device,
a support member rotating about a horizontal or horizontally inclined axis of rotation;
a plurality of containers supported on the same circumference around the rotation axis by the support member;
a heating unit that heats the metal material in the plurality of containers;
a rotational drive unit that rotationally drives the support member about the rotation axis;
The rotation drive unit is controlled such that the support member sequentially temporarily stops at a plurality of main stop positions set around the rotation axis at the same pitch as the arrangement pitch of the plurality of containers around the rotation axis. and a rotation control unit for
The rotation control section controls the rotation drive section such that the support member temporarily stops even at a plurality of sub-stop positions between the plurality of main stop positions.

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