US20200222973A1 - Casting mold height changing unit, flaskless molding machine, and casting mold height changing method - Google Patents
Casting mold height changing unit, flaskless molding machine, and casting mold height changing method Download PDFInfo
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- US20200222973A1 US20200222973A1 US16/630,958 US201816630958A US2020222973A1 US 20200222973 A1 US20200222973 A1 US 20200222973A1 US 201816630958 A US201816630958 A US 201816630958A US 2020222973 A1 US2020222973 A1 US 2020222973A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- filling frame
- cylinder
- flask
- squeeze board
- squeeze
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
- B22C—FOUNDRY MOULDING
- B22C11/00—Moulding machines characterised by the relative arrangement of the parts of same
- B22C11/10—Moulding machines characterised by the relative arrangement of the parts of same with one or more flasks forming part of the machine, from which only the sand moulds made by compacting are removed
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
- B22C—FOUNDRY MOULDING
- B22C15/00—Moulding machines characterised by the compacting mechanism; Accessories therefor
- B22C15/28—Compacting by different means acting simultaneously or successively, e.g. preliminary blowing and finally pressing
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
- B22C—FOUNDRY MOULDING
- B22C11/00—Moulding machines characterised by the relative arrangement of the parts of same
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
- B22C—FOUNDRY MOULDING
- B22C11/00—Moulding machines characterised by the relative arrangement of the parts of same
- B22C11/02—Machines in which the moulds are moved during a cycle of successive operations
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
- B22C—FOUNDRY MOULDING
- B22C15/00—Moulding machines characterised by the compacting mechanism; Accessories therefor
- B22C15/02—Compacting by pressing devices only
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
- B22C—FOUNDRY MOULDING
- B22C15/00—Moulding machines characterised by the compacting mechanism; Accessories therefor
- B22C15/02—Compacting by pressing devices only
- B22C15/08—Compacting by pressing devices only involving pneumatic or hydraulic mechanisms
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
- B22C—FOUNDRY MOULDING
- B22C19/00—Components or accessories for moulding machines
- B22C19/04—Controlling devices specially designed for moulding machines
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
- B22C—FOUNDRY MOULDING
- B22C11/00—Moulding machines characterised by the relative arrangement of the parts of same
- B22C11/02—Machines in which the moulds are moved during a cycle of successive operations
- B22C11/04—Machines in which the moulds are moved during a cycle of successive operations by a horizontal rotary table or carrier
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
- B22C—FOUNDRY MOULDING
- B22C9/00—Moulds or cores; Moulding processes
- B22C9/02—Sand moulds or like moulds for shaped castings
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to a mold height changing unit, a flaskless molding machine, and a mold height changing method.
- Patent Document 1 discloses a flaskless molding machine that forms a flaskless type mold that does not have any flask.
- the molding machine includes paired of an upper flask and a lower flask that clamp a match plate where a model is disposed, a filling frame, a supply mechanism that supplies molding sand, and a squeezing mechanism that compresses the molding sand.
- the molding machine moves the lower flask the filling frame close to the upper flask, and causes the upper flask and the lower flask to clamp the match plate.
- the molding machine operates the supply mechanism to supply the molding sand into upper and lower molding spaces formed by the upper flask, the lower flask, and the filling frame.
- the molding machine operates the squeezing mechanism to compress the molding sand in the upper and lower molding spaces.
- the upper mold and the lower mold are formed at the same time through the above-described processes.
- the flaskless molding machine according to Patent Document 1 can form a mold with only one type of a height (thickness). If the mold height can be changed depending on a height of a product, it is possible to optimize a usage of the molding sand. Therefore, in this technical field, it is desirable to provide a mold height changing unit, a flaskless molding machine, and a mold height changing method that each can change the mold height.
- a mold height changing unit used in a flaskless molding machine includes an upper flask, a lower flask capable of clamping a match plate with the upper flask, a filling frame connectable to the lower flask, a first squeeze board movable into and out from the upper flask, a second squeeze board movable into and out from the filling frame, a filling frame cylinder moving the filling frame relative to the second squeeze board, a squeeze cylinder integrally moving the filling frame, the second squeeze board, and the filling frame cylinder, and a control unit configured to control the filling frame cylinder and the squeeze cylinder.
- the mold height changing unit includes a stopper limiting a stroke length of the filling frame cylinder to a predetermined length.
- the second squeeze board and the filling frame cylinder are integrally operated. Further, the stroke length of the filling frame cylinder is limited to the predetermined length by the stopper.
- the stroke length of the filling frame cylinder is limited by the stopper, a raised distance of the filling frame with respect to the second squeeze board (movable distance of filling frame toward lower flask) is reduced. Therefore, as compared with a case where the stroke length of the filling frame cylinder is not limited, a height of a molding space for a lower mold defined by the match plate, the lower flask, the filling frame, and the second squeeze board is reduced. As a result, a mold with a low height is formed as compared with the case where the stroke length of the filling frame cylinder is not limited.
- the mold height changing unit can change the mold height with use of the stopper.
- the stopper may include a rod member and a contact member.
- the rod member includes a first end part and a second end part, and the first end part is fixed to the filling frame and is inserted into a through hole provided in a frame supporting the filling frame cylinder.
- the contact member is attached to the second end part of the rod member and abuts on the frame when the filling frame is moved in a direction separating from the frame.
- the rod member is raised together with the filling frame. Further, when the filling frame is raised by the length of the rod member or more, the contact member attached to the second end part of the rod member abuts on the frame. As described above, the stopper can limit the stroke length of the filling frame cylinder to the predetermined length through contact of the contact member with the frame.
- a length from the frame to the contact member of the rod member when the filling frame is located at a position closest to the frame may be shorter than the stroke length of the filling frame cylinder.
- the stopper can limit the stroke length.
- the filling frame cylinder may be an air cylinder. It is difficult for the air cylinder to accurately stand on the way of the stroke.
- the mold height changing unit can cause the air cylinder to accurately stand with use of the stopper member even on the way of the stroke of the air cylinder.
- the mold height changing unit may include a position detection sensor connected to the control unit.
- the position detection sensor detects that the filling frame cylinder has been expanded to the predetermined length.
- the position detection sensor can detect that the filling frame has been moved to a position limited by the stopper.
- the mold height changing unit may include a spacer member attached to a principle surface of the first squeeze board facing the match plate. In such a configuration, a height of a molding space for an upper mold defined by the match plate, the upper flask, and the first squeeze board is reduced. As a result, as compared with a case where the spacer member is not provided, the mold with a low height is formed. As described above, the mold height changing unit can change the mold height.
- a material of the spacer member may be a resin. In such a configuration, the spacer member that is hardly deformed and is easily attached is provided.
- the spacer member may be fixed to the first squeeze board by a screw.
- the spacer member is fixable by the screw, which enables a worker to easily adjust the mold height.
- the spacer member may be fixed to the first squeeze board with use of a liner attachment screw hole provided in the first squeeze board. In such a configuration, the worker can attach the spacer member without modifying the flaskless molding machine.
- a flaskless molding machine includes an upper flask, a lower flask capable of clamping a match plate with the upper flask, a filling frame connectable to the lower flask, a first squeeze board movable into and out from the upper flask, a second squeeze board movable into and out from the filling frame, a filling frame cylinder moving the filling frame relative to the second squeeze board, a squeeze cylinder integrally moving the filling frame, the second squeeze board, and the filling frame cylinder, a control unit configured to control the filling frame cylinder and the squeeze cylinder, and a stopper limiting a stroke length of the filling frame cylinder to a predetermined length.
- the second squeeze board and the filling frame cylinder are integrally operated. Further, the stroke length of the filling frame cylinder is limited to the predetermined length by the stopper.
- the stroke length of the filling frame cylinder is limited by the stopper, a raised distance of the filling frame with respect to the second squeeze board (movable distance of filling frame toward lower flask) is reduced. Therefore, as compared with a case where the stroke length of the filling frame cylinder is not limited, a height of a molding space for a lower mold defined by the match plate, the lower flask, the filling frame, and the second squeeze board is reduced. As a result, a mold with a low height is formed as compared with the case where the stroke length of the filling frame cylinder is not limited. As described above, the flaskless molding machine can change the mold height.
- the stopper may include a rod member and a contact member.
- the rod member includes a first end part and a second end part, and the first end part is fixed to the filling frame and is inserted into a through hole provided in a frame supporting the filling frame cylinder.
- the contact member is attached to the second end part of the rod member and abuts on the frame when the filling frame is moved in a direction separating from the frame.
- the rod member is raised together with the filling frame. Further, when the filling frame is raised by the length of the rod member or more, the contact member attached to the second end part of the rod member abuts on the frame. As described above, the stopper can limit the stroke length of the filling frame cylinder to the predetermined length through contact of the contact member with the frame.
- a length from the frame to the contact member of the rod member when the filling frame is located at a position closest to the frame may be shorter than the stroke length of the filling frame cylinder.
- the stopper can limit the stroke length.
- the filling frame cylinder may be an air cylinder. It is difficult for the air cylinder to accurately stand on the way of the stroke.
- the mold height changing unit can cause the air cylinder to accurately stand with use of the stopper member even on the way of the stroke of the air cylinder.
- the flaskless molding machine may include a position detection sensor connected to the control unit.
- the position detection sensor detects that the filling frame cylinder has been expanded to the predetermined length.
- the position detection sensor can detect that the filling frame has been moved to a position limited by the stopper.
- the flaskless molding machine may include a spacer member attached to a principle surface of the first squeeze board facing the match plate.
- a height of a molding space for an upper mold defined by the match plate, the upper flask, and the first squeeze board is reduced.
- the mold height changing unit can change the mold height.
- a material of the spacer member may be a resin. In such a configuration, the spacer member that is hardly deformed and is easily attached is provided.
- the spacer member may be fixed to the first squeeze board by a screw.
- the spacer member is fixable by the screw, which enables a worker to easily adjust the mold height.
- the spacer member may be fixed to the first squeeze board with use of a liner attachment screw hole provided in the first squeeze board. In such a configuration, the worker can attach the spacer member without modifying the flaskless molding machine.
- the flaskless molding machine may include an input unit connected to the control unit.
- the input unit allows for selection of one of a first mode in which a mold is formed without limiting the stroke length of the filling frame cylinder and a second mode in which a mold is formed while the stroke length of the filling frame cylinder is limited by the stopper.
- the input unit can receive mode switching operation by the worker.
- the mold in the second mode, may be formed by further using a spacer member attached to a principle surface of the first squeeze board facing the match plate. As described above, in the second mode, thicknesses of both of the upper mold and the lower mold may be reduced.
- a flaskless molding machine includes an upper flask, a lower flask capable of clamping a match plate with the upper flask, a filling frame connectable to the lower flask, a first squeeze board movable into and out from the upper flask, a second squeeze board movable into and out from the filling frame, a filling frame cylinder moving the filling frame relative to the second squeeze board, a squeeze cylinder integrally moving the filling frame, the second squeeze board, and the filling frame cylinder, a control unit configured to control the filling frame cylinder and the squeeze cylinder, a first position detection sensor connected to the control unit and detecting that the filling frame cylinder has been expanded to a first length, and a second position detection sensor connected to the control unit and detecting that the filling frame cylinder has been expanded to a second length shorter than the first length.
- the control unit is configured to switch a mode between a first operation mode in which the filling frame cylinder is operated to be expanded up to the first length based on a result detected by the first position detection sensor and a second operation mode in which the filling frame cylinder is operated to be expanded up to the second length based on a result detected by the second position detection sensor.
- the first position detection sensor detects that the filling frame cylinder has been expanded to the first length
- the second position detection sensor detects that the filling frame cylinder has been expanded to the second length.
- the control unit switches the mode between the first mode in which the filling frame cylinder is operated to be expanded up to the first length and the second mode in which the filling frame cylinder is operated to be expanded up to the second length.
- the flaskless molding machine can change the mold height with use of the position detection sensors.
- a mold height changing method for a flaskless molding machine includes an upper flask, a lower flask capable of clamping a match plate with the upper flask, a filling frame connectable to the lower flask, a first squeeze board movable into and out from the upper flask, a second squeeze board movable into and out from the filling frame, a first filling frame cylinder moving the filling frame relative to the second squeeze board, and a squeeze cylinder integrally moving the filling frame, the second squeeze board, and the filling frame cylinder.
- the mold height changing method includes preparing a second filling frame cylinder having a stroke length different from a stroke length of the first filling frame cylinder, and replacing the first filling frame cylinder with the second filling frame cylinder.
- the second filling frame cylinder that has the stroke length different from the stroke length of the first filling frame cylinder is previously prepared. Further, the mold height can be changed by replacing the first filling frame cylinder with the second filling frame cylinder.
- a mold height changing method for a flaskless molding machine includes an upper flask, a lower flask capable of clamping a match plate with the upper flask, a filling frame connectable to the lower flask, a first squeeze board movable into and out from the upper flask, a second squeeze board movable into and out from the filling frame, a first filling frame cylinder moving the filling frame relative to the second squeeze board, and a squeeze cylinder integrally moving the filling frame, the second squeeze board, and the filling frame cylinder.
- the mold height changing method includes any one of attaching a spacer member on a principle surface of the first squeeze board facing the match plate, attaching a spacer member on a principle surface on side opposed to the principle surface of the first squeeze board facing the match plate, and replacing the first squeeze board with a third squeeze board having a thickness different from a thickness of the first squeeze board.
- the mold height can be changed by attaching the spacer member on the first squeeze board or by replacing the first squeeze board with the third squeeze board that has the thickness different from the thickness of the first squeeze board.
- the mold height changing unit, the flaskless molding machine, and the mold height changing method that each can change the mold height are provided.
- FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating an example of a flaskless molding machine according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating the machine in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is a schematic enlarged view illustrating a vicinity of a lower squeeze board of the machine in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 4 is a schematic enlarged view illustrating a vicinity of an upper flask cylinder of the machine in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an electric system and a pneumatic-hydraulic system of the machine in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 6 is a pneumatic-hydraulic circuit diagram of a flask set squeeze cylinder driving mechanism of the machine in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a molding method.
- FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a state where a pattern shuttling-in step in the molding method has ended.
- FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a state where a sand filling step in the molding method has ended.
- FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state where a squeezing step in the molding method has ended.
- FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a state where a mold removing (drawing) step in the molding method has ended.
- FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a state where a pattern shuttling-out step in the molding method has ended.
- FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a state where a mold mating step in the molding method has ended.
- FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a state where an upper mold is drawn from an upper flask in a flask stripping-off step in the molding method.
- FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a state where the flask stripping-off step in the molding method has ended.
- FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of an attachment position of a spacer member according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of an attachment position of a stopper according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of the attachment position of the stopper according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a height of a molding space changed by the stopper according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating another example of the stopper according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 21 is a top view illustrating an example of a position detection sensor.
- FIG. 22 is a side view illustrating an example of the position detection sensor.
- FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a state where the sand filling step has ended in a case where the height of the molding space is changed.
- FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a method of changing the height of the molding space.
- FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating another example of the stopper according to the embodiment.
- a horizontal direction corresponds to a direction of an X axis and a Y axis
- a vertical direction top-bottom direction
- FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating an example of a flaskless molding machine according to the embodiment.
- a flaskless molding machine 100 is a molding machine that forms a flaskless upper mold and a flaskless lower mold.
- the flaskless molding machine 100 includes a molding unit 100 A that forms a mold consisting of an upper mold and a lower mold, a lower flask advance/retract driving unit 100 B that advances and retracts the lower flask to/from the molding unit 100 A, a mold pushing unit 100 C that pushes out the mold formed by the molding unit 100 A to outside, and a molding-sand supply unit 100 D that supplies molding sand to the molding unit 100 A.
- a box-shaped upper flask and a filling frame that are operable in the top-bottom direction (Z-axis direction) are disposed in the molding unit 100 A.
- the lower flask advance/retract driving unit 100 B introduces a match plate on which a model is disposed and the lower flask, into a space between the upper flask and the filling frame of the molding unit 100 A.
- the upper flask, the lower flask, and the filling frame of the molding unit 100 A are moved to be close to one another, and the upper flask and the lower flask clamp the match plate.
- the molding-sand supply unit 100 D fills the upper flask, the lower flask, and the filling frame with the molding sand.
- the molding sand filled in the upper flask, the lower flask, and the filling frame is pressurized in the top-bottom direction by a squeezing mechanism provided in the molding unit 100 A.
- a squeezing mechanism provided in the molding unit 100 A.
- the upper mold and the lower mold are formed at the same time.
- the upper mold is drawn from the upper flask
- the lower mold is drawn from the lower flask and the filling frame
- the upper mold and the lower mold are conveyed to the outside of the machine by the mold pushing unit 100 C.
- the flaskless molding machine 100 forms the flaskless upper mold and the flaskless lower mold in the above-described manner.
- FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating the machine in FIG. 1 .
- the flaskless molding machine 100 includes a portal frame 1 .
- the portal frame 1 is formed by integrally coupling a lower base frame 1 a and an upper frame 1 b with columns 1 c located therebetween at four corners in a plan view. A position surrounded by the columns 1 c is also referred to as a “molding position”.
- FIG. 3 is a schematic enlarged view illustrating a vicinity of a lower squeeze board of the machine illustrated in FIG. 1 .
- a flask set squeeze cylinder 2 (example of squeeze cylinder) is attached to be directed upward at a center part on a top surface of the lower base frame 1 a .
- a lower squeeze board 4 (example of second squeeze board) is attached at a front end of a piston rod 2 a of the flask set squeeze cylinder 2 with an upper end part 3 a of a lower squeeze frame 3 located therebetween.
- the lower squeeze board 4 is a plate member that is configured to be movable into and out from a lower filling frame, and seals and squeezes the molding sand filled in a lower molding space of the lower flask and the filling frame.
- a main body portion 2 b of the flask set squeeze cylinder 2 is inserted into an insertion hole 3 c that is provided at a center of a lower end part 3 b of the lower squeeze frame 3 .
- Sliding bushes (not illustrated) each having a height of 10 mm or more may be provided at respective four corners of a plane of the lower base frame 1 a to maintain a horizontal state of the lower squeeze frame 3 .
- each of the lower filling frame cylinders 5 is an air cylinder.
- Each of the lower filling frame cylinders 5 may be a hydraulic cylinder or an electric cylinder.
- Piston rods 5 a on upper side of the respective lower filling frame cylinders 5 pass through, for example, respective insertion holes 3 d provided at the lower end part 3 b of the lower squeeze frame 3 , and the lower filling frame 6 (example of filling frame) is attached to front ends of the respective piston rods 5 a .
- the lower filling frame 6 is a box-shaped frame having an open upper end and an open lower end, and the lower end is connectable to a lower end of the lower flask described below.
- An inner surface 6 a of the lower filling frame 6 is formed in a tapered shape such that an internal space of the lower filling frame 6 becomes narrow as it goes downward.
- the lower squeeze board 4 can be fitted into the lower filling frame 6 while maintaining an airtight state.
- a molding-sand introduction hole 6 c is provided in a side-wall part 6 b of the lower filling frame 6 .
- Positioning pins 7 are provided on a top surface of the lower filling frame 6 .
- the lower squeeze board 4 is attached to the front end of the piston rod 2 a of the flask set squeeze cylinder 2 with the upper end part 3 a of the lower squeeze frame 3 located therebetween, the lower filling frame cylinders 5 are attached to the lower end part 3 b of the lower squeeze frame 3 , and the lower filling frame 6 is attached to the front ends of the piston rods 5 a on the upper side of the respective lower filling frame cylinders 5 .
- the lower squeeze board 4 , the lower squeeze frame 3 , the lower filling frame cylinders 5 , and the lower filling frame 6 are integrally raised or lowered at the same time when the piston rod 2 a of the flask set squeeze cylinder 2 is operated to expand and contract.
- the lower filling frame 6 is raised and lowered relative to the lower squeeze board 4 .
- the lower filling frame 6 can be raised and lowered independently of the lower squeeze board 4 at the same time.
- the lower filling frame 6 can be raised and lowered with the lower squeeze board 4 at the same time when the lower squeeze board 4 is raised and lowered by the flask set squeeze cylinder 2 .
- an original position (initial position) of the lower filling frame 6 that is vertically movable is a lowered end.
- the lower squeeze board 4 when the lower squeeze board 4 is moved upward relative to the lower filling frame 6 that is moved upward, the lower squeeze board 4 is moved to a predetermined position inside the lower filling frame 6 , and forms a molding space (sand filling space) with the lower flask 23 .
- the lower squeeze board 4 is moved upward relative to the lower filling frame 6 , thereby performing squeezing operation and returning to the original position.
- FIG. 4 is a schematic enlarged view illustrating a vicinity of an upper flask cylinder of the machine illustrated in FIG. 1 .
- an upper squeeze board 8 (example of first squeeze board) is provided and fixed to a bottom surface of the upper frame 1 b , and the upper squeeze board 8 is located at a position facing the lower squeeze board 4 from above.
- the upper squeeze board 8 is a plate member that is configured to be movable into and out from the upper flask and seals and squeezes the molding sand filled in an upper molding space of the upper flask.
- An upper flask cylinder 9 consisting of an air cylinder is fixed to the upper frame 1 b to be directed downward.
- An upper flask 10 is attached to a front end of a piston rod 9 a of the upper flask cylinder 9 .
- the upper flask 10 is a box-shaped flask having an open upper end and an open lower end.
- An inner surface 10 a of the upper flask 10 is formed in a tapered shape such that an internal space of the upper flask 10 becomes wide as it goes downward.
- the upper squeeze board 8 can be fitted into the upper flask 10 while maintaining an airtight state.
- a molding-sand introduction hole 10 c is provided in a side-wall part 10 b of the upper flask 10 .
- a space S to which the lower flask 23 described below can enter and in which the entered lower flask 23 can be raised and lowered is provided at an intermediate position between the upper squeeze board 8 and the lower squeeze board 4 .
- Paired travelling rails 11 that extend in parallel in a lateral direction (lateral direction is defined based on state illustrated in FIG. 1 , same hereinafter) on the same horizontal plane are laid inside the columns 1 c.
- the lower flask advance/retract driving unit 100 B is disposed on side (negative X direction in embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 ) of the columns 1 c.
- the lower flask advance/retract driving unit 100 B includes a pattern shuttle cylinder 21 .
- the pattern shuttle cylinder 21 is a cylinder that advances and retracts the match plate including patterns on a top side and a bottom side to the molding position and a standby position.
- a master plate 22 is horizontally attached to a front end of a piston rod 21 a of the pattern shuttle cylinder 21 .
- the master plate 22 is attached to the front end of the piston rod 21 a in such a way as to be separable upward from the front end of the piston rod 21 a.
- the lower flask 23 is attached to a bottom surface of the master plate 22 .
- the lower flask 23 is a box-shaped flask that can clamp the match plate with the upper flask, and has an open upper end and an open lower end.
- a match plate 24 including a model on each of a top surface and a bottom surface is attached to a top surface of the master plate 22 .
- the match plate 24 is a plate member including models on respective surfaces of a pattern plate.
- the master plate 22 includes roller arms 22 a that are vertically provided at respective four corners of the plane. Flanged rollers 22 b and 22 c are respectively provided at an upper end and a lower end of each of the roller arms 22 a.
- the four flanged rollers 22 c on the lower side come into contact with paired guide rails 25 to be rollable along the paired guide rails 25 .
- the paired guide rails 25 extend in parallel in the lateral direction (X direction) on the same horizontal plane.
- the four flanged rollers 22 b on the upper side are configured such that only the two flanged rollers 22 b on right side are placed on left end parts of the paired travelling rails 11 extending from the columns 1 c when the piston rod 21 a of the pattern shuttle cylinder 21 is in the retracted state, and the two flanged rollers 22 b on left side are also placed on the paired travelling rails 11 when the piston rod 21 a is put into the advanced state.
- the mold pushing unit 100 C is disposed on a side (negative X direction in embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 ) of the columns 1 c .
- the mold pushing unit 100 C includes a mold pushing cylinder 31 .
- the mold pushing cylinder 31 is a cylinder that pushes out the formed upper mold and the formed lower mold to the outside of the machine.
- a pushing plate 32 is coupled to a front end of a piston rod 31 a of the mold pushing cylinder 31 .
- the molding-sand supply unit 100 D is disposed on the upper frame 1 b .
- the molding-sand supply unit 100 D includes a molding-sand supply port 41 , a sand gate 42 that opens and closes the molding-sand supply port 41 , and an aeration tank 43 disposed below the sand gate 42 .
- a front end of the aeration tank 43 is bifurcated in the top-bottom direction to configure sand introduction holes 43 a ( FIG. 8 ).
- FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an electric system and a pneumatic-hydraulic system of the machine in FIG. 1 .
- the electric system of the flaskless molding machine 100 includes a sequencer 200 (example of control unit), and the electric system is formed by electrically connecting a touch panel 300 ( FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , example of input unit), solenoid valves SV 1 , SV 2 , SV 3 , SV 5 , SV 6 , SV 7 , and SV 8 , and a cut valve CV to the sequencer 200 .
- various kinds of sensors 201 are electrically connected to the sequencer 200 .
- Examples of the various kinds of sensors 201 include a sensor that detects a return end (retract end) of the mold pushing cylinder, a pressure switch PS described below, a pressure switch that monitors whether pressure of supplied compressed air is equal to or higher than prescribed pressure, a reed switch or a proximity switch that checks an advance end and a return end of each of the cylinders, and a proximity switch that monitors a thickness of the mold to prevent it from being lower than a prescribed thickness in squeezing.
- the solenoid valves SV 1 , SV 2 , and SV 3 and the cut valve CV are components of a flask set squeeze cylinder driving mechanism 400 illustrated in FIG. 6 , and are described below.
- the solenoid valve SV 5 feeds and exhausts compressed air to/from the mold pushing cylinder 31 to advance and retract the piston rod 31 a .
- the solenoid valve SV 6 feeds and exhausts compressed air to/from the pattern shuttle cylinder 21 to advance and retract the piston rod 21 a .
- the solenoid valve SV 7 feeds and exhausts compressed air to/from the upper flask cylinder 9 to advance (lower) and retract (raise) the piston rod 9 a .
- the solenoid valve SV 8 feeds and exhausts compressed air to/from the lower filling frame cylinders 5 to advance (raise) and retract (lower) the piston rods 5 a.
- FIG. 6 is a pneumatic-hydraulic circuit diagram of the flask set squeeze cylinder driving mechanism of the machine in FIG. 1 .
- the flask set squeeze cylinder driving mechanism 400 includes a compressed air source 401 , an oil tank 402 , and a booster cylinder 403 , and is driven by air-on-oil driving derived from a composite circuit including a pneumatic circuit 404 and a hydraulic circuit 405 .
- the air-on-oil driving is driving by a pneumatic-hydraulic composite function to transform pneumatic pressure into hydraulic pressure to be used. In the air-on-oil driving, only a compressed air source is used without using a dedicated hydraulic unit using a hydraulic pump.
- the oil tank 402 includes a pneumatic chamber 402 a on an upper part, and the pneumatic chamber 402 a communicates with one of the compressed air source 401 and the atmosphere (silencer 406 ) through a valve (first valve) V 1 that is controlled in two positions in conjunction with the solenoid valve (first solenoid valve) SV 1 .
- the solenoid valve SV 1 makes a control port of the valve V 1 communicate with a silencer 407 to maintain the valve V 1 in a non-operation state, and makes the pneumatic chamber 402 a of the oil tank 402 communicate with the silencer 406 to maintain atmospheric pressure inside the pneumatic chamber 402 a .
- the solenoid valve SV 1 makes the control port of the valve V 1 communicate with the compressed air source 401 to maintain the valve V 1 in an operation state, and makes the pneumatic chamber 402 a of the oil tank 402 communicate with the compressed air source 401 to supply the compressed air into the pneumatic chamber 402 a.
- the booster cylinder 403 is a booster cylinder using Pascal's principle, and has a pneumatic-hydraulic composite function to transform low pneumatic pressure into high hydraulic pressure to be used. In the air-on-oil driving, a hydraulic pump is unnecessary and only the pneumatic source is used.
- the booster cylinder 403 includes a cylinder portion 403 a and a piston portion 403 b .
- the cylinder portion 403 a includes an upper pneumatic chamber 403 c and a lower hydraulic chamber 403 d , and an area ratio of a cross-sectional area of the pneumatic chamber 403 c and a cross-sectional area of the hydraulic chamber 403 d is set to a large value, for example, 10:1.
- the piston portion 403 b is disposed in the pneumatic chamber 403 c of the cylinder portion 403 a , and includes a large-diameter piston portion 403 g and a small-diameter piston portion 403 h .
- the large-diameter piston portion 403 g divides the pneumatic chamber 403 c into an upper pneumatic chamber 403 e and a lower pneumatic chamber 403 f .
- the small-diameter piston portion 403 h extends downward from the large-diameter piston portion 403 g and has a front end part that is disposed in the hydraulic chamber 403 d .
- the booster cylinder 403 generates hydraulic pressure ten times greater than the compressed air pressure.
- the upper pneumatic chamber 403 e of the booster cylinder 403 communicates with one of the compressed air source 401 and the atmosphere (silencer 408 ) through a valve (second valve) V 2 a that is controlled in two positions in conjunction with the solenoid valve (second solenoid valve) SV 2 .
- the solenoid valve SV 2 makes a control port of the valve V 2 communicate with the silencer 407 to maintain the valve V 2 a in a non-operation state, and makes the upper pneumatic chamber 403 e of the booster cylinder 403 communicate with the silencer 408 to maintain atmospheric pressure inside the upper pneumatic chamber 403 e .
- the solenoid valve SV 2 makes the control port of the valve V 2 a communicate with the compressed air source 401 to maintain the valve V 2 a in an operation state, and makes the upper pneumatic chamber 403 e communicate with the compressed air source 401 to supply the compressed air into the upper pneumatic chamber 403 e .
- a regulator 409 is disposed in a pneumatic piping between the compressed air source 401 and the valve V 2 a.
- the lower pneumatic chamber 403 f of the booster cylinder 403 communicates with one of the compressed air source 401 and the atmosphere (silencer 410 ) through a valve V 2 b that is controlled in two positions in conjunction with the solenoid valve SV 2 .
- the solenoid valve SV 2 makes a control port of the valve V 2 b communicate with the compressed air source 401 to maintain the valve V 2 b in an operation state, and makes the lower pneumatic chamber 403 f of the booster cylinder 403 communicate with the compressed air source 401 to supply the compressed air into the lower pneumatic chamber 403 f .
- the solenoid valve SV 2 makes the control port of the valve V 2 b communicate with a silencer 411 to maintain the valve V 2 a in a non-operation state, and makes the lower pneumatic chamber 403 f communicate with the silencer 410 to maintain atmospheric pressure inside the lower pneumatic chamber 403 f.
- the flask set squeeze cylinder 2 includes the main body portion (cylinder portion) 2 b , a piston 2 c disposed inside the main body portion 2 b , and the piston rod 2 a that extends upward from the piston 2 c .
- the lower squeeze board 4 is coupled to the front end of the piston rod 2 a .
- the main body portion 2 b includes an upper pneumatic chamber 2 d and a lower hydraulic chamber 2 e , and the piston 2 c partitions the pneumatic chamber 2 d and the hydraulic chamber 2 e.
- the pneumatic chamber 2 d of the flask set squeeze cylinder 2 communicates with one of the compressed air source 401 and the atmosphere (silencer 407 ) through the solenoid valve (third solenoid valve) V 3 .
- the solenoid valve SV 3 makes the pneumatic chamber 2 d communicate with the silencer 407 to maintain atmospheric pressure inside the pneumatic chamber 2 d .
- the solenoid valve SV 3 makes the pneumatic chamber 2 d communicate with the compressed air source 401 to supply the compressed air into the pneumatic chamber 2 d.
- the hydraulic circuit 405 has a configuration in which the oil tank 402 and the hydraulic chamber 2 e of the flask set squeeze cylinder 2 fluidly communicate with each other through a hydraulic piping 412 , a speed controller SC and the cut valve CV are disposed in a middle of a hydraulic piping portion 412 a on the oil tank 402 side, the hydraulic piping portion 412 b on the flask set squeeze cylinder 2 side fluidly communicates with the hydraulic chamber 403 d of the booster cylinder 403 , and the pressure switch PS is disposed in a hydraulic piping portion 412 b on the flask set squeeze cylinder 2 side.
- the pressure switch PS monitors that pressure of hydraulic oil 402 b inside the hydraulic piping portion 412 b becomes predetermined pressure.
- the cut valve CV maintains a shutoff state between the oil tank 402 and the hydraulic chamber 2 e of the flask set squeeze cylinder 2 and between the oil tank 402 and the hydraulic chamber 403 d of the booster cylinder 403 . Further, during energization, the cut valve CV is operated by the compressed air pressure, and maintains a communication state between the oil tank 402 and the hydraulic chamber 2 e of the flask set squeeze cylinder 2 and between the oil tank 402 and the hydraulic chamber 403 d of the booster cylinder 403 .
- FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a molding method.
- the flaskless molding method includes a series of steps including a pattern shuttling-in step S 1 , a flask setting step S 2 , a sand filling step S 3 , a squeezing step S 4 , a mold removing (drawing) step S 5 , a pattern shuttling-out step S 6 , a mold mating step S 7 , a flask stripping-off step S 8 , and a mold pushing step S 9 .
- the solenoid valves SV 1 and SV 2 are both maintained in the non-energized state, and the solenoid valve SV 3 and the cut valve CV are both maintained in the energized state. Since the solenoid valve SV 3 is in the energized state, the piston 2 c and the piston rod 2 a of the flask set squeeze cylinder 2 are located at a lower end (lowered end) and the lower squeeze board 4 is held at the lower end (lowered end). Since the cut valve CV is in the energized state, the cut valve CV maintains the fluid communication state between the oil tank 402 and the hydraulic chamber 2 e of the flask set squeeze cylinder 2 and between the oil tank 402 and the hydraulic chamber 403 d of the booster cylinder 403 .
- step S 1 the solenoid valves SV 1 and SV 2 are both maintained in the non-energized state, and the solenoid valve SV 3 and the cut valve CV are both maintained in the energized state, similarly to the beginning of the molding.
- the energization to the solenoid valve SV 1 is started and the energization to the solenoid valve SV 3 is stopped.
- the hydraulic oil 402 b supplied to the hydraulic chamber 2 e of the flask set squeeze cylinder 2 raises the piston 2 c
- the lower squeeze board 4 is raised via the piston rod 2 a
- the flask is set.
- the energization to the solenoid valve SV 1 and the cut valve CV is stopped, and the energization to the solenoid valve SV 2 is started.
- the compressed air supplied into the upper pneumatic chamber 403 e of the booster cylinder 403 depresses the large-diameter piston portion 403 g .
- the small-diameter piston portion 403 h extrudes the hydraulic oil 402 b inside the hydraulic chamber 403 d along with lowering of the large-diameter piston portion 403 g .
- the extruded hydraulic oil 402 b is supplied to the hydraulic chamber 2 e of the flask set squeeze cylinder 2 . Accordingly, the lower squeeze board 4 is raised, and the squeezing step is performed. Note that the squeezing step S 4 is completed when the pressure switch PS detects that the pressure of the hydraulic oil 402 b becomes the predetermined pressure.
- step S 5 the energization to the solenoid valve SV 2 is stopped, and the energization to the solenoid valve SV 3 and the cut valve CV is started.
- the piston portion 403 b is raised to an upper end (raised end).
- the energization to the cut valve CV is started, the path between the oil tank 402 and the hydraulic chamber 2 e of the flask set squeeze cylinder 2 and the path between the oil tank 402 and the hydraulic chamber 403 d of the booster cylinder 403 are returned to the fluid communication state.
- the energization to the solenoid valve SV 1 is started and the energization to the solenoid valve SV 3 is stopped, similar to the flask setting step S 2 .
- the hydraulic oil 402 b inside the oil tank 402 receives depressing force by the compressed air supplied into the pneumatic chamber 402 a , is extruded from the oil tank 402 , and is supplied to the hydraulic chamber 2 e of the flask set squeeze cylinder 2 through the speed controller SC and the cut valve CV. Accordingly, the piston 2 c of the flask set squeeze cylinder 2 is raised.
- the energization to the solenoid valve SV 1 is stopped, and the energization to the solenoid valve SV 3 is started.
- the pneumatic chamber 2 d of the flask set squeeze cylinder 2 communicates with the compressed air source 401 , and the compressed air is supplied into the pneumatic chamber 2 d .
- the piston 2 c of the flask set squeeze cylinder 2 is depressed by the compressed air pressure. Therefore, the hydraulic oil 402 b inside the hydraulic chamber 2 e is extruded.
- the extruded hydraulic oil 402 b is returned into the oil tank 402 .
- the piston 2 c of the flask set squeeze cylinder 2 is lowered.
- a flowchart (B) illustrates operation of the cylinder in each of the steps.
- the piston rod 2 a of the flask set squeeze cylinder 2 is located at the retract end and the lower squeeze board 4 is located at the lowered end in the molding unit 100 A. Further, the piston rods 5 a on the upper side of the respective lower filling frame cylinders 5 are located at the respective retract ends, and the lower filling frame 6 is located at the lowered end. Furthermore, the piston rod 9 a of the upper flask cylinder 9 is located at the advance end, and the upper flask 10 is located at the lowered end.
- the piston rod 21 a of the pattern shuttle cylinder 21 is located at the retract end, and the master plate 22 , the lower flask 23 , and the match plate 24 are located at the respective retract ends.
- the piston rod 31 a of the mold pushing cylinder 31 is located at the retract end, and the pushing plate 32 is located at the retract end.
- the aeration tank 43 is filled with the molding sand 51 ( FIG. 8 ).
- the type of the molding sand 51 is not limited, the molding sand 51 is, for example, green sand using bentonite as a binder.
- FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a state where the pattern shuttling-in step in the molding method has ended.
- the piston rod 2 a of the flask set squeeze cylinder 2 is advanced to raise the lower squeeze board 4
- the lower filling frame cylinders 5 are advanced to raise the lower filling frame 6 .
- the positioning pins 7 of the lower filling frame 6 are inserted into respective positioning holes (not illustrated) of the lower flask 23 to overlap the lower filling frame 6 with the bottom surface of the lower flask 23 .
- a lower mold space that is sealed by the lower squeeze board 4 , the lower filling frame 6 , the lower flask 23 , and the match plate 24 is defined.
- raising and lowering the flask set squeeze cylinder 2 enables the lower squeeze frame 3 to be raised and lowered together with the lower squeeze board 4 .
- the lower squeeze frame 3 and the lower squeeze board 4 are integrally raised, the positioning pins 7 are inserted into the bottom surface of the upper flask 10 to overlap the lower flask 23 with the bottom surface of the upper flask 10 with the match plate 24 and the master plate 22 located therebetween.
- an upper mold space that is sealed by the upper squeeze board 8 , the upper flask 10 , and the match plate 24 is formed.
- the advancing power of the flask set squeeze cylinder 2 at this time is only required for the weight of the object to be raised.
- the relatively low-pressure cylinder can be adopted. Note that, when the upper mold space is formed, the piston rod 2 a of the flask set squeeze cylinder 2 has not reached the advance end (raised end).
- FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a state where the sand filling step in the molding method has ended.
- FIG. 9 illustrates a state where the upper mold space and the lower mold space are filled with the molding sand 51 ; however, the flask setting step S 2 corresponds to a state before the molding sand 51 is filled.
- the sand gate 42 ( FIG. 2 ) is closed, and the compressed air is supplied into the aeration tank 43 .
- the molding sand 51 inside the aeration tank 43 is introduced, by the compressed air pressure, into the lower mold space through the lower sand introduction hole 43 a and the molding-sand introduction hole 6 c of the lower filling frame 6 .
- the molding sand 51 is introduced, by the compressed air pressure, into the upper mold space through the upper sand introduction hole 43 a and the molding-sand introduction hole 10 c of the upper flask 10 .
- the sand filling step S 3 only the compressed air is exhausted to the outside from an exhaust holes (not illustrated) provided on side walls of the upper flask 10 and the lower flask 23 .
- FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state where the squeezing step in the molding method has ended.
- the booster cylinder 403 ( FIG. 6 ) is lowered to supply the high-pressure hydraulic oil to the flask set squeeze cylinder 2 , and the upper and lower molds with predetermined hardness are formed.
- the pressure switch PS ( FIG. 6 ) determines timing when lowering of the booster cylinder 403 is stopped. It is preferable that pressure when the pressure boosting (lowering) of the booster cylinder 403 is stopped be set within a range from 0.1 MPa to 21 MPa. When the pressure exceeds 21 MPa, it is necessary to use the device withstanding pressure of 21 MPa or higher, which increases the cost. In contract, when the pressure is lower than 0.1 MPa, hardness to form a mold is not obtainable.
- the booster cylinder 403 is lowered and the flask set squeeze cylinder 2 is activated at high pressure from the beginning of the squeezing step; however, the flask set squeeze cylinder 2 may be advanced (raised) at low pressure while the booster cylinder 403 is stopped at the beginning of the squeezing step, and the booster cylinder 403 may be then activated. Beginning the squeezing step at low pressure makes it possible to shorten a stroke of the flask set squeeze cylinder 2 for squeezing at high pressure. This allows for further downsizing of the booster cylinder.
- the piston rod 2 a of the flask set squeeze cylinder 2 is retracted to lower the lower squeeze board 4 .
- the lower flask 23 , the match plate 24 , the master plate 22 , and the lower filling frame 6 are also lowered along with the lower squeeze board 4 .
- the four flanged rollers 22 b on the upper side of the master plate 22 are placed on the paired travelling rails 11 , the lowering of the master plate 22 , the lower flask 23 , and the match plate 24 is stopped while the lower squeeze board 4 and the lower filling frame 6 are continuously lowered.
- FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a state where the mold removing (drawing) step in the molding method has ended.
- the master plate 22 is coupled to the front end of the piston rod 21 a of the pattern shuttle cylinder 21 when the four flanged rollers 22 b on the upper side of the master plate 22 are placed on the paired travelling rails 11 in the mold removing (drawing) step S 5 .
- the piston rod 21 a of the pattern shuttle cylinder 21 is retracted to the retract end.
- the piston rod 21 a is retracted, the four flanged rollers 22 b on the lower side of the master plate 22 are placed on the paired guide rails 25 and the two flanged rollers 22 b on the left side among the four flanged rollers 22 b on the upper side of the master plate 22 are separated from the paired travelling rails 11 . Thereafter, the master plate 22 , the lower flask 23 , and the match plate 24 are returned to the respective retract ends (respective original positions).
- FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a state where the pattern shuttling-out step in the molding method has ended.
- FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a state where the mold mating step in the molding method has ended.
- FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a state where the upper mold is drawn from the upper flask in the flask stripping-off step in the molding method.
- the piston rod 9 a ( FIG. 4 ) of the upper flask cylinder 9 ( FIG. 4 ) is retracted to raise the upper flask 10 . Raising the upper flask 10 causes the upper mold 54 to strip off the upper flask 10 .
- the piston rod 9 a of the upper flask cylinder 9 is advanced to return the upper flask 10 to the lowered end (original position).
- FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a state where the flask stripping-off step in the molding method has ended.
- the flask set squeeze cylinder 2 is retracted at low pressure while the booster cylinder is stopped, as with the mold mating step S 7 . Further, the flask set squeeze cylinder 2 may be activated at low speed immediately before the lowered end of the flask set squeeze cylinder 2 , in order to prevent impact from being applied to the stripped mold.
- the piston rod 31 a of the mold pushing cylinder 31 is advanced to advance the pushing plate 32 , and the molds (upper mold 54 and lower mold 55 ) on the lower squeeze board 4 are sent out to a conveyance line. Thereafter, the piston rod 31 a of the mold pushing cylinder 31 is retracted and returned to the original position.
- the power of the low-pressure activation to advance or to retract the flask set squeeze cylinder 2 in the flask setting step S 2 , the mold removing (drawing) step S 5 , the mold mating step S 7 , and the flask stripping-off step S 8 described above may be set to a range from 0.1 MPa to 0.6 MPa.
- the above-described air-on-oil driving is applied to the flask set squeeze cylinder driving mechanism 400 .
- the pressure supplied by the compressed air source 401 is set to about 0.6 MPa. Although it is possible to set the pressure to be higher than 0.6 MPa, it is necessary to improve performance of the compressor.
- the pressure may be set to be equal to or lower than 0.6 MPa in terms of energy saving. Further, when the pressure is lower than 0.1 MPa, it is difficult to drive the flask set squeeze cylinder 2 due to the weight of an object to be driven and frictional resistance of a packing or the like inside the cylinder.
- the piston rod 21 a of the pattern shuttle cylinder 21 is advanced and retracted at the pneumatic pressure of 0.1 MPa to 0.6 MPa. As described above, it is sufficient for the pattern shuttle cylinder 21 to advance and retract the master plate 22 , the lower flask 23 , and the match plate 24 . Therefore, the pneumatic pressure of 0.1 MPa to 0.6 MPa is sufficient. As described above, the pressure supplied from the compressed air source in the common foundry is about 0.6 MPa. Therefore, the pneumatic pressure to activate the pattern shuttle cylinder 21 may be set to be equal to or lower than 0.6 MPa in terms of energy saving. If the pneumatic pressure is lower than 0.1 MPa, it is difficult to activate the pattern shuttle cylinder 21 due to the weight of the object to be advanced and retracted, the frictional resistance inside the cylinder, and the like.
- the pneumatic pressure to advance (raise) and retract (lower) the piston rods 5 a of the respective lower filling frame cylinders 5 may be 0.1 MPa to 0.6 MPa.
- the lower filling frame cylinders 5 are used to lift up the lower filling frame 6 , the lower flask 23 , and the match plate 24 and to draw the lower mold from the lower filling frame 6 . Therefore, the lower filling frame cylinders 5 can be activated at the pneumatic pressure from 0.1 MPa to 0.6 MPa. Since the pressure supplied from the compressed air source 401 in the common foundry is about 0.6 MPa, the pneumatic pressure to activate the lower filling frame cylinders 5 may be set to be equal to or lower than 0.6 MPa in terms of energy saving. If the pneumatic pressure is lower than 0.1 MPa, it is difficult to activate the lower filling frame cylinders 5 due to the weight of the object to be raised and the frictional resistance inside the cylinder.
- the above-described flaskless molding machine 100 can form the upper mold and the lower mold with only one type of a height.
- a mold height changing unit 500 applicable to the above-described flaskless molding machine 100 will be described.
- the mold height changing unit 500 may include a spacer member to change the mold height.
- FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of an attachment position of the spacer member according to the embodiment.
- a spacer member 600 is attached on a bottom surface 8 c (example of principle surface facing match plate 24 ) of the upper squeeze board 8 .
- the spacer member 600 is fixed to the bottom surface 8 c of the upper squeeze board 8 by, for example, screws. Note that, in a case where screw holes (liner attachment screw holes) for attachment of a liner serving as an abrasion countermeasure are provided on the bottom surface 8 c of the upper squeeze board 8 , the spacer member 600 may be fixed to the upper squeeze board 8 with use of such screw holes.
- a material of the spacer member 600 is not particularly limited, for example, a resin is used.
- a weight of the spacer member 600 is reduced as compared with a case where the spacer member 600 is made of a metal. This facilitates attachment of the spacer member 600 .
- a thickness of the spacer member 600 is not particularly limited, the spacer member 600 has a thickness of, for example, about 15 mm to about 75 mm. Providing the spacer member 600 makes it possible to reduce the height of the molding space for the upper mold by the thickness of the spacer member 600 . As a result, it is possible to reduce the thickness of the upper mold.
- the mold height changing unit 500 may include a stopper to change the height of the lower mold.
- FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 are diagrams each illustrating an example of an attachment position of the stopper according to the embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 , at least one stopper 601 that limits stroke lengths of the lower filling frame cylinders 5 to predetermined lengths is attached to the lower filling frame 6 . As an example, two stoppers 601 are provided at each of two opposing end parts of the lower filling frame 6 .
- each of the stoppers 601 includes a rod member 602 and a contact member 603 .
- Each of the rod members 602 includes a first end part 602 a and a second end part 602 b .
- the first end parts 602 a are detachably attached to the lower filling frame 6 .
- the first end parts 602 a are fixed to the lower filling frame 6 by screws 604 to 606 .
- Through holes 3 e are provided at the lower end part 3 b of the lower squeeze frame 3 to which the lower filling frame cylinders 5 are fixed.
- the rod members 602 extend downward from the lower filling frame 6 and are inserted into the respective through holes 3 e provided on the lower squeeze frame 3 that supports the lower filling frame cylinders 5 .
- a length (projection length L 1 ) from the lower squeeze frame 3 to the contact members 603 of the rod members 602 is shorter than the stroke lengths of the lower filling frame cylinders 5 . More specifically, when the lower filling frame 6 is located at a position closest to the lower squeeze frame 3 , the length (projection length L 1 ) from the bottom surface (contact surface) of the lower squeeze frame 3 to the top surfaces (contact surfaces) of the contact members 603 of the rod members 602 is shorter than the stroke lengths of the lower filling frame cylinders 5 .
- the stroke length is a sliding distance in one stroke of the cylinder, and is a distance from a top dead center to a bottom dead center.
- the contact members 603 are attached to the second end parts 602 b of the respective rod members 602 .
- the contact members 603 are detachable from the rod members 602 .
- the contact members 603 are nuts, and are attached to the second end parts 602 b of the respective rod members 602 by being screwed with male screws provided at the second end parts 602 b .
- the contact members 603 each have a size and a shape that cannot pass through the through holes 3 e.
- the rod members 602 and the contact members 603 are moved together with the lower filling frame 6 by the lower filling frame cylinders 5 . Therefore, in the case where the lower filling frame 6 is moved by a length equal to or larger than the projection length L 1 in a direction separating from the lower end part 3 b of the lower squeeze frame 3 , the contact members 603 abut on the lower squeeze frame 3 . This restricts the movement of the lower filling frame cylinders 5 in the expanding direction, and limits the relative distance between the lower filling frame 6 and the lower squeeze frame 3 . As a result, the height of the molding space is changed.
- FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating the height of the molding space changed by the stoppers according to the embodiment.
- a diagram illustrated on left side of an alternate long and short dash line illustrates expansion end positions of the lower filling frame cylinders 5 in the machine provided with no stopper 601 .
- a diagram illustrated on right side of the alternate long and short dash line illustrates the expansion end positions of the lower filling frame cylinders 5 in the machine provided with the stoppers 601 .
- the lower filling frame 6 is raised up to the expansion end positions of the lower filling frame cylinders 5 .
- the molding operation is executed while the lower filling frame 6 is located at the expansion end positions of the lower filling frame cylinders 5 .
- a height from an upper end of the lower filling frame 6 coupled to the lower flask 23 to the lower squeeze board 4 is denoted by H 1 .
- the raising of the lower filling frame 6 is limited by the stoppers 601 before the lower filling frame 6 is raised to the expansion end positions of the lower filling frame cylinders 5 . More specifically, the raising of the lower filling frame 6 is limited to the projection length L 1 .
- a height from the upper end of the lower filling frame 6 coupled to the lower flask 23 to the lower squeeze board 4 is denoted by H 2 .
- H 3 A height from the upper end of the lower filling frame 6 coupled to the lower flask 23 to the lower squeeze board 4 .
- Such stoppers 601 are more effective to the flaskless molding machine in which the positions of the lower filling frame cylinders 5 are not controlled.
- the flaskless molding machine in which the positions of the lower filling frame cylinders 5 are not controlled has various advantages such as a simple structure, less occurrence of machine stoppage caused by minor abnormality of the cylinders, and high positional accuracy.
- the flaskless molding machine in which the positions of the lower filling frame cylinders 5 are not controlled has disadvantage that the thickness of the mold is not changeable. Providing the stoppers 601 , however, can eliminate only the disadvantage.
- the mold height changing unit 500 may include the touch panel 300 that is connected to the sequencer 200 and allows for selection of one of the first mode and the second mode. Note that, in the second mode, the above-described spacer member 600 that is attached to the bottom surface 8 c of the upper squeeze board 8 may be used.
- FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating another example of a stopper according to the embodiment.
- each of the lower filling frame cylinders 5 includes a stopper 611 . It is sufficient to provide the stopper 611 on at least one of the lower filling frame cylinders 5 provided in the flaskless molding machine 100 .
- each of the four lower filling frame cylinders 5 includes the stopper 611 .
- the stoppers 611 limit the stroke lengths of the lower filling frame cylinders 5 to predetermined lengths, as with the stoppers 601 . In other words, the flaskless molding machine 100 can adopt the stoppers 611 in place of the stoppers 601 .
- each of the stoppers 611 includes a rod member 612 and a contact member 613 .
- Each of the rod members 612 includes a first end part 612 a and a second end part 612 b .
- the first end parts 612 a of the rod members 612 are provided at the lower ends of the piston rods 5 a of the respective lower filling frame cylinders 5 such that the rod members 612 are integrally operated with the piston rods 5 a of the respective lower filling frame cylinders 5 .
- the second end parts 612 b of the rod members 612 are located below the respective lower filling frame cylinders 5 .
- the rod members 612 enter the respective lower filling frame cylinders 5 along with rise of the piston rods 5 a .
- the contact members 613 are attached to the second end parts 612 b of the respective rod members 612 .
- a length (projection length L 2 ) from the lower ends of the lower filling frame cylinders 5 to the contact members 613 of the rod members 612 is shorter than the stroke lengths of the lower filling frame cylinders 5 . More specifically, when the lower filling frame 6 is located at a position closest to the lower squeeze frame 3 , the length (projection length L 2 ) from the lower ends (contact surfaces) of the lower filling frame cylinders 5 to the top surfaces (contact surfaces) of the contact members 613 of the rod members 612 is shorter than the stroke lengths of the lower filling frame cylinders 5 .
- the contact members 613 are detachable from the respective rod members 612 .
- the contact members 613 are nuts, and are attached to the rod members 612 by being screwed with male screws provided at the second end parts 612 b of the rod members 612 .
- the contact members 613 each have a cross-sectional surface larger than a cross-sectional surface of each of the rod members 612 .
- the rod members 612 and the contact members 613 are moved together with the piston rods 5 a of the lower filling frame cylinders 5 . Therefore, in the case where the piston rods 5 a have been expanded to be equal to or larger than the projection length L 2 , the contact members 613 abut on the lower ends of the lower filling frame cylinders 5 . This restricts the movement of the lower filling frame cylinders 5 in the expanding direction, and limits the relative distance between the lower filling frame 6 and the lower squeeze frame 3 . As a result, the height of the molding space is changed.
- Liner members 614 to prevent abrasion may be provided at the lower ends of the lower filling frame cylinders 5 .
- Each of the rod members 612 and the corresponding piston rod 5 a may be made up of a single member.
- the lower filling frame cylinders 5 may be so-called double-rod cylinders.
- the positions of the expansion ends (top dead centers) of the lower filling frame cylinders 5 are changed.
- the height position in the mold mating and the position at which the thickness of the mold is monitored in the squeezing are also changed.
- the mold height changing unit 500 is provided, as an example of the sensors 201 , position detection sensors that each detect the expansion ends (example of predetermined length) of the lower filling frame cylinders 5 after the mold height is changed, the position at which the mold thickness is monitored after the mold height is changed, and the height position in the mold mating after the mold height is changed may be further provided.
- the position detection sensors a proximal sensor or a reed switch that is provided at each stop position and detects the stop position, or an encoder that can constantly detect the position over a predetermined range (movable range) is used.
- FIG. 21 is a top view illustrating an example of the position detection sensor.
- FIG. 22 is a front view illustrating an example of the position detection sensor.
- a position detection sensor 70 includes a magnet 60 and a magnetic field detection section 61 .
- the magnet 60 is attached to members 62 and 63 that are moved together with the lower filling frame 6 .
- the magnet 60 may be directly attached to the lower filling frame 6 .
- the magnet 60 is an annular member having a partial notch.
- the magnetic field detection section 61 consists of a longitudinal member that is attached to the columns 1 c as the fixing frames and extends in the top-bottom direction, and detects a magnetic field occurred between the magnet 60 and the magnetic field detection section 61 .
- the magnetic field detection section 61 is provided along a moving direction of the lower filling frame 6 .
- the magnet 60 is disposed such that the magnetic field detection section 61 is located inside the magnet 60 . Since the magnet 60 is moved together with the lower filling frame 6 , the position detection sensor 70 can detect the height position (absolute position) of the lower filling frame 6 through detection of the magnetic field position.
- FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating the state where the sand filling step has ended in the case where the height of the molding space is changed.
- the position detection sensor 70 is provided to detect the changed height position of the lower filling frame 6 .
- the position detection sensor 70 that monitors the thickness of the mold to prevent it from being lower than the predetermined thickness in the squeezing may be separately added.
- the sensors 201 are connected to the sequencer 200 .
- the sequencer 200 may display a detection result of the position detection sensor 70 on the touch panel 300 . For example, during monitoring to prevent the thickness of the mold from being lower than the predetermined thickness in the squeezing, an alarm and the like are output based on the detection result of the position detection sensor 70 .
- the sequencer 200 may display a monitoring result based on a monitoring mode. For example, in a first monitoring mode, the sequencer 200 monitors only the mold height of the upper flask 10 and displays a result of the monitoring. In a second monitoring mode, the sequencer 200 monitors only the mold height of the lower flask 23 and displays a result of the monitoring.
- the sequencer 200 monitors the mold height of each of the upper flask 10 and the lower flask 23 and displays a result of the monitoring.
- the touch panel 300 may display a screen for selection of the monitoring mode, and causes a worker to select the monitoring mode. Note that, as described above, in the case where the mold height changing unit 500 is attached, the monitoring position is changed. Therefore, the flaskless molding machine 100 may include the touch panel 300 on which the worker can select whether the mold height changing unit 500 has been attached. When the worker selects attachment of the mold height changing unit 500 , the sequencer 200 may display a monitoring result on the touch panel 300 , based on the position detection sensor that detects the changed height position.
- the sequencer 200 may change the mold height based on the position detection sensor.
- the above-described sensors 201 include, for example, a first position detection sensor detecting that the lower filling frame cylinders 5 have been expanded to the expansion ends (example of first length), and a second position detection sensor detecting that the lower filling frame cylinders 5 have been expanded to a length lower than the expansion ends (example of second length).
- the sequencer 200 is configured to switch a mode between a first operation mode in which the lower filling frame cylinders 5 are operated to be expanded up to the expansion ends based on the detection result of the first position detection sensor, and a second operation mode in which the lower filling frame cylinders 5 are operated to be expanded up to the length lower than the expansion ends based on the detection result of the second position detection sensor.
- the sequencer 200 stops the lower filling frame cylinders 5 when the position detection sensor detects that the lower filling frame cylinders 5 have been expanded up to the length lower than the expansion ends. This makes it possible to change the mold height.
- the sequencer 200 may further include one or a plurality of other operation modes as necessary.
- a third position detection sensor may be further provided to execute a third operation mode.
- the sequencer 200 operates the lower filling frame cylinders 5 to be expanded up to a position detected by the third position detection sensor.
- the encoder in FIG. 21 and FIG. 22 constantly detects the position. Therefore, in the case where the encoder in FIG. 21 and FIG. 22 is used, it is possible to easily add an optional number of operation modes without newly providing a position detection sensor.
- the mold height can be changed.
- the mold height can be changed in the following order. First, a second filling frame cylinder that has a stroke length different from a stroke length of a first filling frame cylinder is prepared. Next, the first filling frame cylinder is replaced with the second filling frame cylinder.
- the mold height can be easily changed in the above-described manner.
- FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a method of changing the height of the molding space.
- An element (A) of FIG. 24 illustrates positional relationship between the upper squeeze board 8 and the upper flask 10 before the height of the upper molding space is changed.
- the mold height changing method includes, for example, a step of attaching the spacer member 600 having the thickness dl to the bottom surface 8 c (principle surface facing match plate 24 ) of the upper squeeze board 8 .
- the height of the upper molding space is reduced by the thickness dl of the spacer member 600 .
- an upper squeeze board 8 A having a thickness larger by the thickness dl than the thickness of the upper squeeze board 8 (third squeeze board having thickness different from thickness of first squeeze board) may be prepared, and the upper squeeze board 8 may be replaced with the upper squeeze board 8 A.
- the mold height changing method may include a step of attaching a spacer member 600 A having the thickness dl to a top surface 8 d on side opposite to the bottom surface 8 c of the upper squeeze board 8 .
- the height of the upper molding space is reduced by the thickness dl of the spacer member 600 A.
- the mold height changing method includes any one of the above-described steps.
- the lower squeeze board 4 and the lower filling frame cylinders 5 are integrally operated. Further, the stroke lengths of the lower filling frame cylinders 5 are limited to the predetermined length by the stoppers 601 . When the stroke lengths of the lower filling frame cylinders 5 are limited by the stoppers 601 , the raising distance of the lower filling frame 6 with respect to the lower squeeze board 4 (movable distance of lower filling frame 6 toward lower flask 23 ) is reduced.
- the mold height changing unit 500 can change the mold height with use of the stoppers 601 .
- the mold height can be changed at low cost only by attaching the spacer member 600 or the stoppers 601 .
- the above-described embodiment illustrates an example of the flaskless molding machine according to the present disclosure.
- the flaskless molding machine according to the present disclosure is not limited to the flaskless molding machine 100 according to the embodiment, and the flaskless molding machine 100 according to the embodiment may be deformed or applied to the other apparatus without departing from the scope described in appended claims.
- the pneumatic cylinder is used as the pattern shuttle cylinder 21 in the embodiment, an electric cylinder may be used in place of the pneumatic cylinder. In the case of using the electric cylinder, the pneumatic piping for the pattern shuttle cylinder 21 becomes unnecessary, which results in a simple configuration.
- the squeeze force is applied from the lower side toward the upper side in the embodiment, the squeeze force may be applied from the upper side toward the lower side or in the horizontal direction.
- FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating another example of the stopper according to the embodiment.
- a through hole 3 f having an asymmetric opening is provided at the lower end part 3 b of the lower squeeze frame 3 .
- a contact member 608 having an asymmetric shape corresponding to the shape of the through hole 3 f is attached to each of the second end parts 602 b of the rod members 602 .
- the contact member 608 is attached to be rotatable around an axis Z 1 of each of the rod members 602 .
- Such a configuration makes it possible to change the mold height only by changing a direction of the contact member 608 .
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Abstract
A flaskless molding machine includes an upper flask, a lower flask capable of clamping a match plate with the upper flask, a filling frame connectable to the lower flask, a first squeeze board movable into and out from the upper flask, a second squeeze board movable into and out from the filling frame, a filling frame cylinder moving the filling frame relative to the second squeeze board, a squeeze cylinder integrally moving the filling frame, the second squeeze board, and the filling frame cylinder, and a control unit configured to control the filling frame cylinder and the squeeze cylinder. A mold height changing unit includes a stopper limiting a stroke length of the filling frame cylinder to a predetermined length.
Description
- The present disclosure relates to a mold height changing unit, a flaskless molding machine, and a mold height changing method.
-
Patent Document 1 discloses a flaskless molding machine that forms a flaskless type mold that does not have any flask. The molding machine includes paired of an upper flask and a lower flask that clamp a match plate where a model is disposed, a filling frame, a supply mechanism that supplies molding sand, and a squeezing mechanism that compresses the molding sand. The molding machine moves the lower flask the filling frame close to the upper flask, and causes the upper flask and the lower flask to clamp the match plate. In this state, the molding machine operates the supply mechanism to supply the molding sand into upper and lower molding spaces formed by the upper flask, the lower flask, and the filling frame. The molding machine operates the squeezing mechanism to compress the molding sand in the upper and lower molding spaces. The upper mold and the lower mold are formed at the same time through the above-described processes. - Patent Document
- Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5168743
- The flaskless molding machine according to
Patent Document 1 can form a mold with only one type of a height (thickness). If the mold height can be changed depending on a height of a product, it is possible to optimize a usage of the molding sand. Therefore, in this technical field, it is desirable to provide a mold height changing unit, a flaskless molding machine, and a mold height changing method that each can change the mold height. - According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a mold height changing unit used in a flaskless molding machine is provided. The flaskless molding machine includes an upper flask, a lower flask capable of clamping a match plate with the upper flask, a filling frame connectable to the lower flask, a first squeeze board movable into and out from the upper flask, a second squeeze board movable into and out from the filling frame, a filling frame cylinder moving the filling frame relative to the second squeeze board, a squeeze cylinder integrally moving the filling frame, the second squeeze board, and the filling frame cylinder, and a control unit configured to control the filling frame cylinder and the squeeze cylinder. The mold height changing unit includes a stopper limiting a stroke length of the filling frame cylinder to a predetermined length.
- In the flaskless molding machine that is targeted by the mold height changing unit, the second squeeze board and the filling frame cylinder are integrally operated. Further, the stroke length of the filling frame cylinder is limited to the predetermined length by the stopper. When the stroke length of the filling frame cylinder is limited by the stopper, a raised distance of the filling frame with respect to the second squeeze board (movable distance of filling frame toward lower flask) is reduced. Therefore, as compared with a case where the stroke length of the filling frame cylinder is not limited, a height of a molding space for a lower mold defined by the match plate, the lower flask, the filling frame, and the second squeeze board is reduced. As a result, a mold with a low height is formed as compared with the case where the stroke length of the filling frame cylinder is not limited. As described above, the mold height changing unit can change the mold height with use of the stopper.
- In an embodiment, the stopper may include a rod member and a contact member. The rod member includes a first end part and a second end part, and the first end part is fixed to the filling frame and is inserted into a through hole provided in a frame supporting the filling frame cylinder. The contact member is attached to the second end part of the rod member and abuts on the frame when the filling frame is moved in a direction separating from the frame.
- In such a configuration, the rod member is raised together with the filling frame. Further, when the filling frame is raised by the length of the rod member or more, the contact member attached to the second end part of the rod member abuts on the frame. As described above, the stopper can limit the stroke length of the filling frame cylinder to the predetermined length through contact of the contact member with the frame.
- In an embodiment, a length from the frame to the contact member of the rod member when the filling frame is located at a position closest to the frame may be shorter than the stroke length of the filling frame cylinder. In such a configuration, the stopper can limit the stroke length.
- In an embodiment, the filling frame cylinder may be an air cylinder. It is difficult for the air cylinder to accurately stand on the way of the stroke. The mold height changing unit can cause the air cylinder to accurately stand with use of the stopper member even on the way of the stroke of the air cylinder.
- In an embodiment, the mold height changing unit may include a position detection sensor connected to the control unit. The position detection sensor detects that the filling frame cylinder has been expanded to the predetermined length. In such a configuration, the position detection sensor can detect that the filling frame has been moved to a position limited by the stopper.
- In an embodiment, the mold height changing unit may include a spacer member attached to a principle surface of the first squeeze board facing the match plate. In such a configuration, a height of a molding space for an upper mold defined by the match plate, the upper flask, and the first squeeze board is reduced. As a result, as compared with a case where the spacer member is not provided, the mold with a low height is formed. As described above, the mold height changing unit can change the mold height.
- In an embodiment, a material of the spacer member may be a resin. In such a configuration, the spacer member that is hardly deformed and is easily attached is provided.
- In an embodiment, the spacer member may be fixed to the first squeeze board by a screw. The spacer member is fixable by the screw, which enables a worker to easily adjust the mold height.
- In an embodiment, the spacer member may be fixed to the first squeeze board with use of a liner attachment screw hole provided in the first squeeze board. In such a configuration, the worker can attach the spacer member without modifying the flaskless molding machine.
- A flaskless molding machine according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes an upper flask, a lower flask capable of clamping a match plate with the upper flask, a filling frame connectable to the lower flask, a first squeeze board movable into and out from the upper flask, a second squeeze board movable into and out from the filling frame, a filling frame cylinder moving the filling frame relative to the second squeeze board, a squeeze cylinder integrally moving the filling frame, the second squeeze board, and the filling frame cylinder, a control unit configured to control the filling frame cylinder and the squeeze cylinder, and a stopper limiting a stroke length of the filling frame cylinder to a predetermined length.
- In the flaskless molding machine, the second squeeze board and the filling frame cylinder are integrally operated. Further, the stroke length of the filling frame cylinder is limited to the predetermined length by the stopper. When the stroke length of the filling frame cylinder is limited by the stopper, a raised distance of the filling frame with respect to the second squeeze board (movable distance of filling frame toward lower flask) is reduced. Therefore, as compared with a case where the stroke length of the filling frame cylinder is not limited, a height of a molding space for a lower mold defined by the match plate, the lower flask, the filling frame, and the second squeeze board is reduced. As a result, a mold with a low height is formed as compared with the case where the stroke length of the filling frame cylinder is not limited. As described above, the flaskless molding machine can change the mold height.
- In an embodiment, the stopper may include a rod member and a contact member. The rod member includes a first end part and a second end part, and the first end part is fixed to the filling frame and is inserted into a through hole provided in a frame supporting the filling frame cylinder. The contact member is attached to the second end part of the rod member and abuts on the frame when the filling frame is moved in a direction separating from the frame.
- In such a configuration, the rod member is raised together with the filling frame. Further, when the filling frame is raised by the length of the rod member or more, the contact member attached to the second end part of the rod member abuts on the frame. As described above, the stopper can limit the stroke length of the filling frame cylinder to the predetermined length through contact of the contact member with the frame.
- In an embodiment, a length from the frame to the contact member of the rod member when the filling frame is located at a position closest to the frame may be shorter than the stroke length of the filling frame cylinder. In such a configuration, the stopper can limit the stroke length.
- In an embodiment, the filling frame cylinder may be an air cylinder. It is difficult for the air cylinder to accurately stand on the way of the stroke. The mold height changing unit can cause the air cylinder to accurately stand with use of the stopper member even on the way of the stroke of the air cylinder.
- In an embodiment, the flaskless molding machine may include a position detection sensor connected to the control unit. The position detection sensor detects that the filling frame cylinder has been expanded to the predetermined length. In such a configuration, the position detection sensor can detect that the filling frame has been moved to a position limited by the stopper.
- In an embodiment, the flaskless molding machine may include a spacer member attached to a principle surface of the first squeeze board facing the match plate. In such a configuration, a height of a molding space for an upper mold defined by the match plate, the upper flask, and the first squeeze board is reduced. As a result, as compared with a case where the spacer member is not provided, the mold with a low height is formed. As described above, the mold height changing unit can change the mold height.
- In an embodiment, a material of the spacer member may be a resin. In such a configuration, the spacer member that is hardly deformed and is easily attached is provided.
- In an embodiment, the spacer member may be fixed to the first squeeze board by a screw. The spacer member is fixable by the screw, which enables a worker to easily adjust the mold height.
- In an embodiment, the spacer member may be fixed to the first squeeze board with use of a liner attachment screw hole provided in the first squeeze board. In such a configuration, the worker can attach the spacer member without modifying the flaskless molding machine.
- In an embodiment, the flaskless molding machine may include an input unit connected to the control unit. The input unit allows for selection of one of a first mode in which a mold is formed without limiting the stroke length of the filling frame cylinder and a second mode in which a mold is formed while the stroke length of the filling frame cylinder is limited by the stopper. In such a configuration, the input unit can receive mode switching operation by the worker.
- In an embodiment, in the second mode, the mold may be formed by further using a spacer member attached to a principle surface of the first squeeze board facing the match plate. As described above, in the second mode, thicknesses of both of the upper mold and the lower mold may be reduced.
- A flaskless molding machine according to still another aspect of the present disclosure includes an upper flask, a lower flask capable of clamping a match plate with the upper flask, a filling frame connectable to the lower flask, a first squeeze board movable into and out from the upper flask, a second squeeze board movable into and out from the filling frame, a filling frame cylinder moving the filling frame relative to the second squeeze board, a squeeze cylinder integrally moving the filling frame, the second squeeze board, and the filling frame cylinder, a control unit configured to control the filling frame cylinder and the squeeze cylinder, a first position detection sensor connected to the control unit and detecting that the filling frame cylinder has been expanded to a first length, and a second position detection sensor connected to the control unit and detecting that the filling frame cylinder has been expanded to a second length shorter than the first length. The control unit is configured to switch a mode between a first operation mode in which the filling frame cylinder is operated to be expanded up to the first length based on a result detected by the first position detection sensor and a second operation mode in which the filling frame cylinder is operated to be expanded up to the second length based on a result detected by the second position detection sensor.
- In the flaskless molding machine, the first position detection sensor detects that the filling frame cylinder has been expanded to the first length, and the second position detection sensor detects that the filling frame cylinder has been expanded to the second length. Further, the control unit switches the mode between the first mode in which the filling frame cylinder is operated to be expanded up to the first length and the second mode in which the filling frame cylinder is operated to be expanded up to the second length. As described above, the flaskless molding machine can change the mold height with use of the position detection sensors.
- According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, a mold height changing method for a flaskless molding machine is provided. The flaskless molding machine includes an upper flask, a lower flask capable of clamping a match plate with the upper flask, a filling frame connectable to the lower flask, a first squeeze board movable into and out from the upper flask, a second squeeze board movable into and out from the filling frame, a first filling frame cylinder moving the filling frame relative to the second squeeze board, and a squeeze cylinder integrally moving the filling frame, the second squeeze board, and the filling frame cylinder. The mold height changing method includes preparing a second filling frame cylinder having a stroke length different from a stroke length of the first filling frame cylinder, and replacing the first filling frame cylinder with the second filling frame cylinder.
- In this method, the second filling frame cylinder that has the stroke length different from the stroke length of the first filling frame cylinder is previously prepared. Further, the mold height can be changed by replacing the first filling frame cylinder with the second filling frame cylinder.
- According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, a mold height changing method for a flaskless molding machine is provided. The flaskless molding machine includes an upper flask, a lower flask capable of clamping a match plate with the upper flask, a filling frame connectable to the lower flask, a first squeeze board movable into and out from the upper flask, a second squeeze board movable into and out from the filling frame, a first filling frame cylinder moving the filling frame relative to the second squeeze board, and a squeeze cylinder integrally moving the filling frame, the second squeeze board, and the filling frame cylinder. The mold height changing method includes any one of attaching a spacer member on a principle surface of the first squeeze board facing the match plate, attaching a spacer member on a principle surface on side opposed to the principle surface of the first squeeze board facing the match plate, and replacing the first squeeze board with a third squeeze board having a thickness different from a thickness of the first squeeze board.
- In this method, the mold height can be changed by attaching the spacer member on the first squeeze board or by replacing the first squeeze board with the third squeeze board that has the thickness different from the thickness of the first squeeze board.
- According to the various aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure, the mold height changing unit, the flaskless molding machine, and the mold height changing method that each can change the mold height are provided.
-
FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating an example of a flaskless molding machine according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating the machine inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a schematic enlarged view illustrating a vicinity of a lower squeeze board of the machine inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4 is a schematic enlarged view illustrating a vicinity of an upper flask cylinder of the machine inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an electric system and a pneumatic-hydraulic system of the machine inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 6 is a pneumatic-hydraulic circuit diagram of a flask set squeeze cylinder driving mechanism of the machine inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a molding method. -
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a state where a pattern shuttling-in step in the molding method has ended. -
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a state where a sand filling step in the molding method has ended. -
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state where a squeezing step in the molding method has ended. -
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a state where a mold removing (drawing) step in the molding method has ended. -
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a state where a pattern shuttling-out step in the molding method has ended. -
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a state where a mold mating step in the molding method has ended. -
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a state where an upper mold is drawn from an upper flask in a flask stripping-off step in the molding method. -
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a state where the flask stripping-off step in the molding method has ended. -
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of an attachment position of a spacer member according to the embodiment. -
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of an attachment position of a stopper according to the embodiment. -
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of the attachment position of the stopper according to the embodiment. -
FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a height of a molding space changed by the stopper according to the embodiment. -
FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating another example of the stopper according to the embodiment. -
FIG. 21 is a top view illustrating an example of a position detection sensor. -
FIG. 22 is a side view illustrating an example of the position detection sensor. -
FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a state where the sand filling step has ended in a case where the height of the molding space is changed. -
FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a method of changing the height of the molding space. -
FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating another example of the stopper according to the embodiment. - An embodiment will be described below with reference to accompanying drawings. Note that identical or equivalent parts are denoted by the same reference numerals in the accompanying drawings, and overlapped description is omitted. In the following, a horizontal direction corresponds to a direction of an X axis and a Y axis, and a vertical direction (top-bottom direction) corresponds to a direction of a Z axis.
- [Overview of Flaskless Molding Machine]
-
FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating an example of a flaskless molding machine according to the embodiment. Aflaskless molding machine 100 is a molding machine that forms a flaskless upper mold and a flaskless lower mold. As illustrated inFIG. 1 , theflaskless molding machine 100 includes amolding unit 100A that forms a mold consisting of an upper mold and a lower mold, a lower flask advance/retract drivingunit 100B that advances and retracts the lower flask to/from themolding unit 100A, amold pushing unit 100C that pushes out the mold formed by themolding unit 100A to outside, and a molding-sand supply unit 100D that supplies molding sand to themolding unit 100A. - A box-shaped upper flask and a filling frame that are operable in the top-bottom direction (Z-axis direction) are disposed in the
molding unit 100A. The lower flask advance/retract drivingunit 100B introduces a match plate on which a model is disposed and the lower flask, into a space between the upper flask and the filling frame of themolding unit 100A. The upper flask, the lower flask, and the filling frame of themolding unit 100A are moved to be close to one another, and the upper flask and the lower flask clamp the match plate. The molding-sand supply unit 100D fills the upper flask, the lower flask, and the filling frame with the molding sand. The molding sand filled in the upper flask, the lower flask, and the filling frame is pressurized in the top-bottom direction by a squeezing mechanism provided in themolding unit 100A. As a result, the upper mold and the lower mold are formed at the same time. Thereafter, the upper mold is drawn from the upper flask, the lower mold is drawn from the lower flask and the filling frame, and the upper mold and the lower mold are conveyed to the outside of the machine by themold pushing unit 100C. Theflaskless molding machine 100 forms the flaskless upper mold and the flaskless lower mold in the above-described manner. - [
Molding Unit 100A] -
FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating the machine inFIG. 1 . As illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2 , theflaskless molding machine 100 includes aportal frame 1. Theportal frame 1 is formed by integrally coupling alower base frame 1 a and anupper frame 1 b withcolumns 1 c located therebetween at four corners in a plan view. A position surrounded by thecolumns 1 c is also referred to as a “molding position”. -
FIG. 3 is a schematic enlarged view illustrating a vicinity of a lower squeeze board of the machine illustrated inFIG. 1 . As illustrated inFIG. 3 , a flask set squeeze cylinder 2 (example of squeeze cylinder) is attached to be directed upward at a center part on a top surface of thelower base frame 1 a. A lower squeeze board 4 (example of second squeeze board) is attached at a front end of apiston rod 2 a of the flask setsqueeze cylinder 2 with anupper end part 3 a of alower squeeze frame 3 located therebetween. Thelower squeeze board 4 is a plate member that is configured to be movable into and out from a lower filling frame, and seals and squeezes the molding sand filled in a lower molding space of the lower flask and the filling frame. Amain body portion 2 b of the flask setsqueeze cylinder 2 is inserted into aninsertion hole 3 c that is provided at a center of alower end part 3 b of thelower squeeze frame 3. Sliding bushes (not illustrated) each having a height of 10 mm or more may be provided at respective four corners of a plane of thelower base frame 1 a to maintain a horizontal state of thelower squeeze frame 3. - Four lower
filling frame cylinders 5 are vertically attached to thelower end part 3 b of thelower squeeze frame 3 in such a way as to surround the flask setsqueeze cylinder 2. The lowerfilling frame cylinders 5 move thelower filling frame 6 relative to thelower squeeze board 4. As an example, each of the lowerfilling frame cylinders 5 is an air cylinder. Each of the lowerfilling frame cylinders 5 may be a hydraulic cylinder or an electric cylinder.Piston rods 5 a on upper side of the respective lowerfilling frame cylinders 5 pass through, for example,respective insertion holes 3 d provided at thelower end part 3 b of thelower squeeze frame 3, and the lower filling frame 6 (example of filling frame) is attached to front ends of therespective piston rods 5 a. Thelower filling frame 6 is a box-shaped frame having an open upper end and an open lower end, and the lower end is connectable to a lower end of the lower flask described below. - An
inner surface 6 a of thelower filling frame 6 is formed in a tapered shape such that an internal space of thelower filling frame 6 becomes narrow as it goes downward. Thelower squeeze board 4 can be fitted into thelower filling frame 6 while maintaining an airtight state. A molding-sand introduction hole 6 c is provided in a side-wall part 6 b of thelower filling frame 6. Positioning pins 7 are provided on a top surface of thelower filling frame 6. - As described above, the
lower squeeze board 4 is attached to the front end of thepiston rod 2 a of the flask setsqueeze cylinder 2 with theupper end part 3 a of thelower squeeze frame 3 located therebetween, the lowerfilling frame cylinders 5 are attached to thelower end part 3 b of thelower squeeze frame 3, and thelower filling frame 6 is attached to the front ends of thepiston rods 5 a on the upper side of the respective lowerfilling frame cylinders 5. Accordingly, thelower squeeze board 4, thelower squeeze frame 3, the lowerfilling frame cylinders 5, and thelower filling frame 6 are integrally raised or lowered at the same time when thepiston rod 2 a of the flask setsqueeze cylinder 2 is operated to expand and contract. - Further, when the
piston rods 5 a on the upper side of the respective lowerfilling frame cylinders 5 are operated to expand and contract, thelower filling frame 6 is raised and lowered relative to thelower squeeze board 4. As described above, thelower filling frame 6 can be raised and lowered independently of thelower squeeze board 4 at the same time. In other words, only thelower filling frame 6 can be raised and lowered by the lowerfilling frame cylinders 5 independently of thelower squeeze board 4, and thelower filling frame 6 can be raised and lowered with thelower squeeze board 4 at the same time when thelower squeeze board 4 is raised and lowered by the flask setsqueeze cylinder 2. - Note that an original position (initial position) of the
lower filling frame 6 that is vertically movable is a lowered end. In other words, when thelower squeeze board 4 is moved upward relative to thelower filling frame 6 that is moved upward, thelower squeeze board 4 is moved to a predetermined position inside thelower filling frame 6, and forms a molding space (sand filling space) with thelower flask 23. Thelower squeeze board 4 is moved upward relative to thelower filling frame 6, thereby performing squeezing operation and returning to the original position. -
FIG. 4 is a schematic enlarged view illustrating a vicinity of an upper flask cylinder of the machine illustrated inFIG. 1 . As illustrated inFIG. 4 , an upper squeeze board 8 (example of first squeeze board) is provided and fixed to a bottom surface of theupper frame 1 b, and theupper squeeze board 8 is located at a position facing thelower squeeze board 4 from above. Theupper squeeze board 8 is a plate member that is configured to be movable into and out from the upper flask and seals and squeezes the molding sand filled in an upper molding space of the upper flask. Anupper flask cylinder 9 consisting of an air cylinder is fixed to theupper frame 1 b to be directed downward. Anupper flask 10 is attached to a front end of apiston rod 9 a of theupper flask cylinder 9. Theupper flask 10 is a box-shaped flask having an open upper end and an open lower end. - An
inner surface 10 a of theupper flask 10 is formed in a tapered shape such that an internal space of theupper flask 10 becomes wide as it goes downward. Theupper squeeze board 8 can be fitted into theupper flask 10 while maintaining an airtight state. A molding-sand introduction hole 10 c is provided in a side-wall part 10 b of theupper flask 10. - As illustrated in
FIG. 1 andFIG. 2 , a space S to which thelower flask 23 described below can enter and in which the enteredlower flask 23 can be raised and lowered is provided at an intermediate position between theupper squeeze board 8 and thelower squeeze board 4. Paired travellingrails 11 that extend in parallel in a lateral direction (lateral direction is defined based on state illustrated inFIG. 1 , same hereinafter) on the same horizontal plane are laid inside thecolumns 1 c. - [Lower Flask Advance/Retract
Driving Unit 100B] - As illustrated in
FIG. 1 , the lower flask advance/retract drivingunit 100B is disposed on side (negative X direction in embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1 ) of thecolumns 1 c. - The lower flask advance/retract driving
unit 100B includes apattern shuttle cylinder 21. Thepattern shuttle cylinder 21 is a cylinder that advances and retracts the match plate including patterns on a top side and a bottom side to the molding position and a standby position. Amaster plate 22 is horizontally attached to a front end of apiston rod 21 a of thepattern shuttle cylinder 21. Themaster plate 22 is attached to the front end of thepiston rod 21 a in such a way as to be separable upward from the front end of thepiston rod 21 a. - The
lower flask 23 is attached to a bottom surface of themaster plate 22. Thelower flask 23 is a box-shaped flask that can clamp the match plate with the upper flask, and has an open upper end and an open lower end. Amatch plate 24 including a model on each of a top surface and a bottom surface is attached to a top surface of themaster plate 22. Thematch plate 24 is a plate member including models on respective surfaces of a pattern plate. - The
master plate 22 includesroller arms 22 a that are vertically provided at respective four corners of the plane.Flanged rollers roller arms 22 a. - When the
piston rod 21 a of thepattern shuttle cylinder 21 is in a retracted state, the fourflanged rollers 22 c on the lower side come into contact with pairedguide rails 25 to be rollable along the paired guide rails 25. The pairedguide rails 25 extend in parallel in the lateral direction (X direction) on the same horizontal plane. When the above-describedpiston rod 21 a is put into the advanced state, theflanged rollers 22 c are separated from the pairedguide rails 25 and are moved inside thecolumns 1 c. - The four
flanged rollers 22 b on the upper side are configured such that only the twoflanged rollers 22 b on right side are placed on left end parts of the paired travellingrails 11 extending from thecolumns 1 c when thepiston rod 21 a of thepattern shuttle cylinder 21 is in the retracted state, and the twoflanged rollers 22 b on left side are also placed on the paired travellingrails 11 when thepiston rod 21 a is put into the advanced state. - [Mold Pushing
Unit 100C] - As illustrated in
FIG. 1 , themold pushing unit 100C is disposed on a side (negative X direction in embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1 ) of thecolumns 1 c. Themold pushing unit 100C includes amold pushing cylinder 31. Themold pushing cylinder 31 is a cylinder that pushes out the formed upper mold and the formed lower mold to the outside of the machine. A pushingplate 32 is coupled to a front end of apiston rod 31 a of themold pushing cylinder 31. - [Molding-
Sand Supply Unit 100D] - As illustrated in
FIG. 1 andFIG. 2 , the molding-sand supply unit 100D is disposed on theupper frame 1 b. The molding-sand supply unit 100D includes a molding-sand supply port 41, asand gate 42 that opens and closes the molding-sand supply port 41, and anaeration tank 43 disposed below thesand gate 42. A front end of theaeration tank 43 is bifurcated in the top-bottom direction to configure sand introduction holes 43 a (FIG. 8 ). - [Electric System and Pneumatic-Hydraulic System]
-
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an electric system and a pneumatic-hydraulic system of the machine inFIG. 1 . As illustrated inFIG. 5 , the electric system of theflaskless molding machine 100 includes a sequencer 200 (example of control unit), and the electric system is formed by electrically connecting a touch panel 300 (FIG. 1 andFIG. 2 , example of input unit), solenoid valves SV1, SV2, SV3, SV5, SV6, SV7, and SV8, and a cut valve CV to thesequencer 200. Further, various kinds ofsensors 201 are electrically connected to thesequencer 200. Examples of the various kinds ofsensors 201 include a sensor that detects a return end (retract end) of the mold pushing cylinder, a pressure switch PS described below, a pressure switch that monitors whether pressure of supplied compressed air is equal to or higher than prescribed pressure, a reed switch or a proximity switch that checks an advance end and a return end of each of the cylinders, and a proximity switch that monitors a thickness of the mold to prevent it from being lower than a prescribed thickness in squeezing. - The solenoid valves SV1, SV2, and SV3 and the cut valve CV are components of a flask set squeeze cylinder driving mechanism 400 illustrated in
FIG. 6 , and are described below. The solenoid valve SV5 feeds and exhausts compressed air to/from themold pushing cylinder 31 to advance and retract thepiston rod 31 a. The solenoid valve SV6 feeds and exhausts compressed air to/from thepattern shuttle cylinder 21 to advance and retract thepiston rod 21 a. The solenoid valve SV7 feeds and exhausts compressed air to/from theupper flask cylinder 9 to advance (lower) and retract (raise) thepiston rod 9 a. The solenoid valve SV8 feeds and exhausts compressed air to/from the lowerfilling frame cylinders 5 to advance (raise) and retract (lower) thepiston rods 5 a. - [Flask Set Squeeze Cylinder Driving Mechanism]
-
FIG. 6 is a pneumatic-hydraulic circuit diagram of the flask set squeeze cylinder driving mechanism of the machine inFIG. 1 . As illustrated inFIG. 6 , the flask set squeeze cylinder driving mechanism 400 includes acompressed air source 401, anoil tank 402, and abooster cylinder 403, and is driven by air-on-oil driving derived from a composite circuit including apneumatic circuit 404 and ahydraulic circuit 405. The air-on-oil driving is driving by a pneumatic-hydraulic composite function to transform pneumatic pressure into hydraulic pressure to be used. In the air-on-oil driving, only a compressed air source is used without using a dedicated hydraulic unit using a hydraulic pump. - (Pneumatic Circuit 404)
- The
oil tank 402 includes apneumatic chamber 402 a on an upper part, and thepneumatic chamber 402 a communicates with one of thecompressed air source 401 and the atmosphere (silencer 406) through a valve (first valve) V1 that is controlled in two positions in conjunction with the solenoid valve (first solenoid valve) SV1. During non-energization, the solenoid valve SV1 makes a control port of the valve V1 communicate with asilencer 407 to maintain the valve V1 in a non-operation state, and makes thepneumatic chamber 402 a of theoil tank 402 communicate with thesilencer 406 to maintain atmospheric pressure inside thepneumatic chamber 402 a. Further, during energization, the solenoid valve SV1 makes the control port of the valve V1 communicate with thecompressed air source 401 to maintain the valve V1 in an operation state, and makes thepneumatic chamber 402 a of theoil tank 402 communicate with thecompressed air source 401 to supply the compressed air into thepneumatic chamber 402 a. - The
booster cylinder 403 is a booster cylinder using Pascal's principle, and has a pneumatic-hydraulic composite function to transform low pneumatic pressure into high hydraulic pressure to be used. In the air-on-oil driving, a hydraulic pump is unnecessary and only the pneumatic source is used. Thebooster cylinder 403 includes acylinder portion 403 a and apiston portion 403 b. Thecylinder portion 403 a includes an upperpneumatic chamber 403 c and a lowerhydraulic chamber 403 d, and an area ratio of a cross-sectional area of thepneumatic chamber 403 c and a cross-sectional area of thehydraulic chamber 403 d is set to a large value, for example, 10:1. Thepiston portion 403 b is disposed in thepneumatic chamber 403 c of thecylinder portion 403 a, and includes a large-diameter piston portion 403 g and a small-diameter piston portion 403 h. The large-diameter piston portion 403 g divides thepneumatic chamber 403 c into an upperpneumatic chamber 403 e and a lowerpneumatic chamber 403 f. The small-diameter piston portion 403 h extends downward from the large-diameter piston portion 403 g and has a front end part that is disposed in thehydraulic chamber 403 d. In the case where the above-described area ratio is set to 10:1, thebooster cylinder 403 generates hydraulic pressure ten times greater than the compressed air pressure. - The upper
pneumatic chamber 403 e of thebooster cylinder 403 communicates with one of thecompressed air source 401 and the atmosphere (silencer 408) through a valve (second valve) V2 a that is controlled in two positions in conjunction with the solenoid valve (second solenoid valve) SV2. During non-energization, the solenoid valve SV2 makes a control port of the valve V2 communicate with thesilencer 407 to maintain the valve V2 a in a non-operation state, and makes the upperpneumatic chamber 403 e of thebooster cylinder 403 communicate with thesilencer 408 to maintain atmospheric pressure inside the upperpneumatic chamber 403 e. Further, during energization, the solenoid valve SV2 makes the control port of the valve V2 a communicate with thecompressed air source 401 to maintain the valve V2 a in an operation state, and makes the upperpneumatic chamber 403 e communicate with thecompressed air source 401 to supply the compressed air into the upperpneumatic chamber 403 e. Aregulator 409 is disposed in a pneumatic piping between thecompressed air source 401 and the valve V2 a. - The lower
pneumatic chamber 403 f of thebooster cylinder 403 communicates with one of thecompressed air source 401 and the atmosphere (silencer 410) through a valve V2 b that is controlled in two positions in conjunction with the solenoid valve SV2. During non-energization, the solenoid valve SV2 makes a control port of the valve V2 b communicate with thecompressed air source 401 to maintain the valve V2 b in an operation state, and makes the lowerpneumatic chamber 403 f of thebooster cylinder 403 communicate with thecompressed air source 401 to supply the compressed air into the lowerpneumatic chamber 403 f. Further, during energization, the solenoid valve SV2 makes the control port of the valve V2 b communicate with asilencer 411 to maintain the valve V2 a in a non-operation state, and makes the lowerpneumatic chamber 403 f communicate with thesilencer 410 to maintain atmospheric pressure inside the lowerpneumatic chamber 403 f. - The flask set
squeeze cylinder 2 includes the main body portion (cylinder portion) 2 b, a piston 2 c disposed inside themain body portion 2 b, and thepiston rod 2 a that extends upward from the piston 2 c. As described above, thelower squeeze board 4 is coupled to the front end of thepiston rod 2 a. Themain body portion 2 b includes an upperpneumatic chamber 2 d and a lowerhydraulic chamber 2 e, and the piston 2 c partitions thepneumatic chamber 2 d and thehydraulic chamber 2 e. - The
pneumatic chamber 2 d of the flask setsqueeze cylinder 2 communicates with one of thecompressed air source 401 and the atmosphere (silencer 407) through the solenoid valve (third solenoid valve) V3. During non-energization, the solenoid valve SV3 makes thepneumatic chamber 2 d communicate with thesilencer 407 to maintain atmospheric pressure inside thepneumatic chamber 2 d. Further, during energization, the solenoid valve SV3 makes thepneumatic chamber 2 d communicate with thecompressed air source 401 to supply the compressed air into thepneumatic chamber 2 d. - (Hydraulic Circuit 405)
- The
hydraulic circuit 405 has a configuration in which theoil tank 402 and thehydraulic chamber 2 e of the flask setsqueeze cylinder 2 fluidly communicate with each other through ahydraulic piping 412, a speed controller SC and the cut valve CV are disposed in a middle of ahydraulic piping portion 412 a on theoil tank 402 side, thehydraulic piping portion 412 b on the flask setsqueeze cylinder 2 side fluidly communicates with thehydraulic chamber 403 d of thebooster cylinder 403, and the pressure switch PS is disposed in ahydraulic piping portion 412 b on the flask setsqueeze cylinder 2 side. The pressure switch PS monitors that pressure ofhydraulic oil 402 b inside thehydraulic piping portion 412 b becomes predetermined pressure. - During non-energization, the cut valve CV maintains a shutoff state between the
oil tank 402 and thehydraulic chamber 2 e of the flask setsqueeze cylinder 2 and between theoil tank 402 and thehydraulic chamber 403 d of thebooster cylinder 403. Further, during energization, the cut valve CV is operated by the compressed air pressure, and maintains a communication state between theoil tank 402 and thehydraulic chamber 2 e of the flask setsqueeze cylinder 2 and between theoil tank 402 and thehydraulic chamber 403 d of thebooster cylinder 403. - Using the two-speed control cut valve that can regulate the flow rate of the hydraulic oil as the cut valve CV makes it possible to activate the flask set
squeeze cylinder 2 with high responsiveness at two speed of high speed and low speed. - [Flaskless Molding Method]
-
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a molding method. As illustrated in a flowchart (A), the flaskless molding method includes a series of steps including a pattern shuttling-in step S1, a flask setting step S2, a sand filling step S3, a squeezing step S4, a mold removing (drawing) step S5, a pattern shuttling-out step S6, a mold mating step S7, a flask stripping-off step S8, and a mold pushing step S9. First, operation of the flask set squeeze cylinder driving mechanism 400 will be described in association with the above-described steps. - (Beginning of Molding)
- At the beginning of the molding, the solenoid valves SV1 and SV2 are both maintained in the non-energized state, and the solenoid valve SV3 and the cut valve CV are both maintained in the energized state. Since the solenoid valve SV3 is in the energized state, the piston 2 c and the
piston rod 2 a of the flask setsqueeze cylinder 2 are located at a lower end (lowered end) and thelower squeeze board 4 is held at the lower end (lowered end). Since the cut valve CV is in the energized state, the cut valve CV maintains the fluid communication state between theoil tank 402 and thehydraulic chamber 2 e of the flask setsqueeze cylinder 2 and between theoil tank 402 and thehydraulic chamber 403 d of thebooster cylinder 403. - (Pattern Shuttling-in Step S1)
- In the pattern shuttling-in step S1, the solenoid valves SV1 and SV2 are both maintained in the non-energized state, and the solenoid valve SV3 and the cut valve CV are both maintained in the energized state, similarly to the beginning of the molding.
- (Flask Setting Step S2)
- In the flask setting step S2, the energization to the solenoid valve SV1 is started and the energization to the solenoid valve SV3 is stopped. When the energization to the solenoid valve SV1 is started and the energization to the solenoid valve SV3 is stopped, the
hydraulic oil 402 b supplied to thehydraulic chamber 2 e of the flask setsqueeze cylinder 2 raises the piston 2 c, thelower squeeze board 4 is raised via thepiston rod 2 a, and the flask is set. - (Squeezing Step S4)
- In the squeezing step S4, the energization to the solenoid valve SV1 and the cut valve CV is stopped, and the energization to the solenoid valve SV2 is started. When the energization to the solenoid valve SV2 is started, the compressed air supplied into the upper
pneumatic chamber 403 e of thebooster cylinder 403 depresses the large-diameter piston portion 403 g. The small-diameter piston portion 403 h extrudes thehydraulic oil 402 b inside thehydraulic chamber 403 d along with lowering of the large-diameter piston portion 403 g. The extrudedhydraulic oil 402 b is supplied to thehydraulic chamber 2 e of the flask setsqueeze cylinder 2. Accordingly, thelower squeeze board 4 is raised, and the squeezing step is performed. Note that the squeezing step S4 is completed when the pressure switch PS detects that the pressure of thehydraulic oil 402 b becomes the predetermined pressure. - (Mold Removing (Drawing) Step S5)
- In the mold removing (drawing) step S5, the energization to the solenoid valve SV2 is stopped, and the energization to the solenoid valve SV3 and the cut valve CV is started. When the energization to the solenoid valve SV2 is stopped, the
piston portion 403 b is raised to an upper end (raised end). When the energization to the cut valve CV is started, the path between theoil tank 402 and thehydraulic chamber 2 e of the flask setsqueeze cylinder 2 and the path between theoil tank 402 and thehydraulic chamber 403 d of thebooster cylinder 403 are returned to the fluid communication state. - When the energization to the solenoid valve SV2 is stopped and the energization to the solenoid valve SV3 and the cut valve CV is started, the piston 2 c of the flask set
squeeze cylinder 2 is depressed by the compressed air pressure. As a result, thehydraulic oil 402 b inside thehydraulic chamber 2 e is extruded. The extrudedhydraulic oil 402 b is returned into thehydraulic chamber 403 d of thebooster cylinder 403 and theoil tank 402. Accordingly, the piston 2 c of the flask setsqueeze cylinder 2 is lowered, and thepiston portion 403 b of thebooster cylinder 403 is raised. - (Mold Mating Step S7)
- In the mold mating step S7, first, the energization to the solenoid valve SV1 is started and the energization to the solenoid valve SV3 is stopped, similar to the flask setting step S2. In this state, the
hydraulic oil 402 b inside theoil tank 402 receives depressing force by the compressed air supplied into thepneumatic chamber 402 a, is extruded from theoil tank 402, and is supplied to thehydraulic chamber 2 e of the flask setsqueeze cylinder 2 through the speed controller SC and the cut valve CV. Accordingly, the piston 2 c of the flask setsqueeze cylinder 2 is raised. - (Flask Stripping-Off Step S8)
- In the flask stripping-off step S8, the energization to the solenoid valve SV1 is stopped, and the energization to the solenoid valve SV3 is started. When the energization to the solenoid valve SV3 is started, the
pneumatic chamber 2 d of the flask setsqueeze cylinder 2 communicates with thecompressed air source 401, and the compressed air is supplied into thepneumatic chamber 2 d. As a result, the piston 2 c of the flask setsqueeze cylinder 2 is depressed by the compressed air pressure. Therefore, thehydraulic oil 402 b inside thehydraulic chamber 2 e is extruded. The extrudedhydraulic oil 402 b is returned into theoil tank 402. As a result, the piston 2 c of the flask setsqueeze cylinder 2 is lowered. - The series of the steps in the flaskless molding method according to the embodiment will be described below in order of steps. A flowchart (B) illustrates operation of the cylinder in each of the steps.
- (Beginning of Molding (
FIG. 1 toFIG. 4 )) - At the beginning of the molding, the
piston rod 2 a of the flask setsqueeze cylinder 2 is located at the retract end and thelower squeeze board 4 is located at the lowered end in themolding unit 100A. Further, thepiston rods 5 a on the upper side of the respective lowerfilling frame cylinders 5 are located at the respective retract ends, and thelower filling frame 6 is located at the lowered end. Furthermore, thepiston rod 9 a of theupper flask cylinder 9 is located at the advance end, and theupper flask 10 is located at the lowered end. - In the lower flask advance/retract driving
unit 100B, thepiston rod 21 a of thepattern shuttle cylinder 21 is located at the retract end, and themaster plate 22, thelower flask 23, and thematch plate 24 are located at the respective retract ends. - In the
mold pushing unit 100C, thepiston rod 31 a of themold pushing cylinder 31 is located at the retract end, and the pushingplate 32 is located at the retract end. - In the molding-
sand supply unit 100D, theaeration tank 43 is filled with the molding sand 51 (FIG. 8 ). Although the type of themolding sand 51 is not limited, themolding sand 51 is, for example, green sand using bentonite as a binder. - (Pattern Shuttling-In Step S1 (
FIG. 2 andFIG. 8 )) - In the pattern shuttling-in step S1, the
piston rod 21 a of thepattern shuttle cylinder 21 is advanced. When thepiston rod 21 a is advanced, themaster plate 22 is accordingly advanced, the twoflanged rollers 22 b on the left side among the fourflanged rollers 22 b on the upper side are placed on the paired travellingrails 11, and the fourflanged rollers 22 c on the lower side are separated from the paired guide rails 25. When thepiston rod 21 a is advanced to the advance end, themaster plate 22, thelower flask 23, and thematch plate 24 are set to respective predetermined positions inside thecolumns 1 c of themolding unit 100A.FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a state where the pattern shuttling-in step in the molding method has ended. - (Flask Setting Step S2 (
FIG. 9 )) - In the flask setting step S2, the
piston rod 2 a of the flask setsqueeze cylinder 2 is advanced to raise thelower squeeze board 4, and the lowerfilling frame cylinders 5 are advanced to raise thelower filling frame 6. The positioning pins 7 of thelower filling frame 6 are inserted into respective positioning holes (not illustrated) of thelower flask 23 to overlap thelower filling frame 6 with the bottom surface of thelower flask 23. As a result, a lower mold space that is sealed by thelower squeeze board 4, thelower filling frame 6, thelower flask 23, and thematch plate 24 is defined. At this time, since thelower squeeze board 4 and thelower squeeze frame 3 are integrated, raising and lowering the flask setsqueeze cylinder 2 enables thelower squeeze frame 3 to be raised and lowered together with thelower squeeze board 4. - Next, the
lower squeeze frame 3 and thelower squeeze board 4 are integrally raised, the positioning pins 7 are inserted into the bottom surface of theupper flask 10 to overlap thelower flask 23 with the bottom surface of theupper flask 10 with thematch plate 24 and themaster plate 22 located therebetween. As a result, an upper mold space that is sealed by theupper squeeze board 8, theupper flask 10, and thematch plate 24 is formed. The advancing power of the flask setsqueeze cylinder 2 at this time is only required for the weight of the object to be raised. Thus, the relatively low-pressure cylinder can be adopted. Note that, when the upper mold space is formed, thepiston rod 2 a of the flask setsqueeze cylinder 2 has not reached the advance end (raised end). - When the upper mold space is formed, the molding-
sand introduction hole 6 c of thelower filling frame 6 is aligned with the lowersand introduction hole 43 a of theaeration tank 43.FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a state where the sand filling step in the molding method has ended.FIG. 9 illustrates a state where the upper mold space and the lower mold space are filled with themolding sand 51; however, the flask setting step S2 corresponds to a state before themolding sand 51 is filled. - (Sand Filling Step S3 (
FIG. 9 )) - In the sand filling step S3, in the molding-
sand supply unit 100D, the sand gate 42 (FIG. 2 ) is closed, and the compressed air is supplied into theaeration tank 43. Themolding sand 51 inside theaeration tank 43 is introduced, by the compressed air pressure, into the lower mold space through the lowersand introduction hole 43 a and the molding-sand introduction hole 6 c of thelower filling frame 6. In addition, themolding sand 51 is introduced, by the compressed air pressure, into the upper mold space through the uppersand introduction hole 43 a and the molding-sand introduction hole 10 c of theupper flask 10. In the sand filling step S3, only the compressed air is exhausted to the outside from an exhaust holes (not illustrated) provided on side walls of theupper flask 10 and thelower flask 23. - (Squeezing Step S4 (
FIG. 10 )) - In the squeezing step S4, the
piston rod 2 a of the flask setsqueeze cylinder 2 is further advanced, andmolding sand 52 inside the upper mold space andmolding sand 53 inside the lower mold space are pressed and squeezed by theupper squeeze board 8 and thelower squeeze board 4. In the squeezing step S4, thelower filling frame 6, thelower flask 23, thematch plate 24, and theupper flask 10 are also raised along with thelower squeeze board 4. Anupper mold 54 and alower mold 55 are formed by the squeezing step S4.FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state where the squeezing step in the molding method has ended. - When the squeezing is performed, the booster cylinder 403 (
FIG. 6 ) is lowered to supply the high-pressure hydraulic oil to the flask setsqueeze cylinder 2, and the upper and lower molds with predetermined hardness are formed. After the squeezing is started, the pressure switch PS (FIG. 6 ) determines timing when lowering of thebooster cylinder 403 is stopped. It is preferable that pressure when the pressure boosting (lowering) of thebooster cylinder 403 is stopped be set within a range from 0.1 MPa to 21 MPa. When the pressure exceeds 21 MPa, it is necessary to use the device withstanding pressure of 21 MPa or higher, which increases the cost. In contract, when the pressure is lower than 0.1 MPa, hardness to form a mold is not obtainable. - Note that, in the present embodiment, the
booster cylinder 403 is lowered and the flask setsqueeze cylinder 2 is activated at high pressure from the beginning of the squeezing step; however, the flask setsqueeze cylinder 2 may be advanced (raised) at low pressure while thebooster cylinder 403 is stopped at the beginning of the squeezing step, and thebooster cylinder 403 may be then activated. Beginning the squeezing step at low pressure makes it possible to shorten a stroke of the flask setsqueeze cylinder 2 for squeezing at high pressure. This allows for further downsizing of the booster cylinder. - (Mold Removing (Drawing) Step S5 (
FIG. 11 )) - In the mold removing (drawing) step S5, the
piston rod 2 a of the flask setsqueeze cylinder 2 is retracted to lower thelower squeeze board 4. Thelower flask 23, thematch plate 24, themaster plate 22, and thelower filling frame 6 are also lowered along with thelower squeeze board 4. In the middle of the lowering, the fourflanged rollers 22 b on the upper side of themaster plate 22 are placed on the paired travellingrails 11, the lowering of themaster plate 22, thelower flask 23, and thematch plate 24 is stopped while thelower squeeze board 4 and thelower filling frame 6 are continuously lowered. - To retract the
piston rod 2 a of the flask setsqueeze cylinder 2, the pressure boosting (lowering) of the booster cylinder 403 (FIG. 6 ) is stopped, and thebooster cylinder 403 is raised and activated at low pressure. Further, when the match plate is drawn from the mold, the flask setsqueeze cylinder 2 may be activated at low speed in order to prevent a product surface of the mold from collapsing.FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a state where the mold removing (drawing) step in the molding method has ended. - (Pattern Shuttling-Out Step S6 (
FIG. 12 )) - In the pattern shuttling-out step S6, the
master plate 22 is coupled to the front end of thepiston rod 21 a of thepattern shuttle cylinder 21 when the fourflanged rollers 22 b on the upper side of themaster plate 22 are placed on the paired travellingrails 11 in the mold removing (drawing) step S5. - In the pattern shuttling-out step S6, the
piston rod 21 a of thepattern shuttle cylinder 21 is retracted to the retract end. When thepiston rod 21 a is retracted, the fourflanged rollers 22 b on the lower side of themaster plate 22 are placed on the pairedguide rails 25 and the twoflanged rollers 22 b on the left side among the fourflanged rollers 22 b on the upper side of themaster plate 22 are separated from the paired travelling rails 11. Thereafter, themaster plate 22, thelower flask 23, and thematch plate 24 are returned to the respective retract ends (respective original positions). After the pattern shuttling-out step S6 ends, a core is settable inside thecolumns 1 c, and the core is set as necessary. The core setting is not essential in the present disclosure.FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a state where the pattern shuttling-out step in the molding method has ended. - (Mold Mating Step S7 (
FIG. 13 )) - In the mold mating step S7, the
piston rod 2 a of the flask setsqueeze cylinder 2 is advanced to raise thelower squeeze board 4, thereby bringing thelower mold 55 into close contact with a bottom surface of theupper mold 54. At this time, the flask setsqueeze cylinder 2 is advanced at low pressure while the booster cylinder is stopped as with the flask setting step S2. Further, it is preferable that the flask setsqueeze cylinder 2 be moved at low speed immediately before theupper mold 54 and thelower mold 55 are brought into close contact with each other, in order to prevent the molds from collapsing due to impact of the contact.FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a state where the mold mating step in the molding method has ended. - (Flask Stripping-Off Step S8 (
FIG. 14 andFIG. 15 ))FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a state where the upper mold is drawn from the upper flask in the flask stripping-off step in the molding method. In the flask stripping-off step S8, as illustrated inFIG. 14 , thepiston rod 9 a (FIG. 4 ) of the upper flask cylinder 9 (FIG. 4 ) is retracted to raise theupper flask 10. Raising theupper flask 10 causes theupper mold 54 to strip off theupper flask 10. After stripping, thepiston rod 9 a of theupper flask cylinder 9 is advanced to return theupper flask 10 to the lowered end (original position). - Subsequently, the
piston rod 2 a of the flask setsqueeze cylinder 2 is retracted to return thelower squeeze board 4 to the lowered end (original position). Further, thepiston rods 5 a on the upper side of the respective lowerfilling frame cylinders 5 are retracted to return thelower filling frame 6 to the lowered end (original position).FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a state where the flask stripping-off step in the molding method has ended. - At this time, the flask set
squeeze cylinder 2 is retracted at low pressure while the booster cylinder is stopped, as with the mold mating step S7. Further, the flask setsqueeze cylinder 2 may be activated at low speed immediately before the lowered end of the flask setsqueeze cylinder 2, in order to prevent impact from being applied to the stripped mold. - (Mold Pushing-Out Step S9 (
FIG. 1 )) - In the mold pushing-out step S9, the
piston rod 31 a of themold pushing cylinder 31 is advanced to advance the pushingplate 32, and the molds (upper mold 54 and lower mold 55) on thelower squeeze board 4 are sent out to a conveyance line. Thereafter, thepiston rod 31 a of themold pushing cylinder 31 is retracted and returned to the original position. - Note that the power of the low-pressure activation to advance or to retract the flask set
squeeze cylinder 2 in the flask setting step S2, the mold removing (drawing) step S5, the mold mating step S7, and the flask stripping-off step S8 described above may be set to a range from 0.1 MPa to 0.6 MPa. The above-described air-on-oil driving is applied to the flask set squeeze cylinder driving mechanism 400. In a common foundry, the pressure supplied by thecompressed air source 401 is set to about 0.6 MPa. Although it is possible to set the pressure to be higher than 0.6 MPa, it is necessary to improve performance of the compressor. Therefore, the pressure may be set to be equal to or lower than 0.6 MPa in terms of energy saving. Further, when the pressure is lower than 0.1 MPa, it is difficult to drive the flask setsqueeze cylinder 2 due to the weight of an object to be driven and frictional resistance of a packing or the like inside the cylinder. - Note that the
piston rod 21 a of thepattern shuttle cylinder 21 is advanced and retracted at the pneumatic pressure of 0.1 MPa to 0.6 MPa. As described above, it is sufficient for thepattern shuttle cylinder 21 to advance and retract themaster plate 22, thelower flask 23, and thematch plate 24. Therefore, the pneumatic pressure of 0.1 MPa to 0.6 MPa is sufficient. As described above, the pressure supplied from the compressed air source in the common foundry is about 0.6 MPa. Therefore, the pneumatic pressure to activate thepattern shuttle cylinder 21 may be set to be equal to or lower than 0.6 MPa in terms of energy saving. If the pneumatic pressure is lower than 0.1 MPa, it is difficult to activate thepattern shuttle cylinder 21 due to the weight of the object to be advanced and retracted, the frictional resistance inside the cylinder, and the like. - Further, the pneumatic pressure to advance (raise) and retract (lower) the
piston rods 5 a of the respective lowerfilling frame cylinders 5 may be 0.1 MPa to 0.6 MPa. The lowerfilling frame cylinders 5 are used to lift up thelower filling frame 6, thelower flask 23, and thematch plate 24 and to draw the lower mold from thelower filling frame 6. Therefore, the lowerfilling frame cylinders 5 can be activated at the pneumatic pressure from 0.1 MPa to 0.6 MPa. Since the pressure supplied from the compressedair source 401 in the common foundry is about 0.6 MPa, the pneumatic pressure to activate the lowerfilling frame cylinders 5 may be set to be equal to or lower than 0.6 MPa in terms of energy saving. If the pneumatic pressure is lower than 0.1 MPa, it is difficult to activate the lowerfilling frame cylinders 5 due to the weight of the object to be raised and the frictional resistance inside the cylinder. - [Mold Height Changing Unit]
- The above-described
flaskless molding machine 100 can form the upper mold and the lower mold with only one type of a height. In the following, a moldheight changing unit 500 applicable to the above-describedflaskless molding machine 100 will be described. - (Mold Height Changing Unit for Upper Mold)
- The mold
height changing unit 500 may include a spacer member to change the mold height.FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of an attachment position of the spacer member according to the embodiment. As illustrated inFIG. 16 , aspacer member 600 is attached on abottom surface 8 c (example of principle surface facing match plate 24) of theupper squeeze board 8. Thespacer member 600 is fixed to thebottom surface 8 c of theupper squeeze board 8 by, for example, screws. Note that, in a case where screw holes (liner attachment screw holes) for attachment of a liner serving as an abrasion countermeasure are provided on thebottom surface 8 c of theupper squeeze board 8, thespacer member 600 may be fixed to theupper squeeze board 8 with use of such screw holes. - Although a material of the
spacer member 600 is not particularly limited, for example, a resin is used. When thespacer member 600 is made of a resin, a weight of thespacer member 600 is reduced as compared with a case where thespacer member 600 is made of a metal. This facilitates attachment of thespacer member 600. Although a thickness of thespacer member 600 is not particularly limited, thespacer member 600 has a thickness of, for example, about 15 mm to about 75 mm. Providing thespacer member 600 makes it possible to reduce the height of the molding space for the upper mold by the thickness of thespacer member 600. As a result, it is possible to reduce the thickness of the upper mold. - (Mold Height Changing Unit for Lower Mold)
- The mold
height changing unit 500 may include a stopper to change the height of the lower mold.FIG. 17 andFIG. 18 are diagrams each illustrating an example of an attachment position of the stopper according to the embodiment. As illustrated inFIG. 17 andFIG. 18 , at least onestopper 601 that limits stroke lengths of the lowerfilling frame cylinders 5 to predetermined lengths is attached to thelower filling frame 6. As an example, twostoppers 601 are provided at each of two opposing end parts of thelower filling frame 6. - As an example, each of the
stoppers 601 includes arod member 602 and acontact member 603. Each of therod members 602 includes afirst end part 602 a and asecond end part 602 b. Thefirst end parts 602 a are detachably attached to thelower filling frame 6. As an example, thefirst end parts 602 a are fixed to thelower filling frame 6 byscrews 604 to 606. Throughholes 3 e are provided at thelower end part 3 b of thelower squeeze frame 3 to which the lowerfilling frame cylinders 5 are fixed. Therod members 602 extend downward from thelower filling frame 6 and are inserted into the respective throughholes 3 e provided on thelower squeeze frame 3 that supports the lowerfilling frame cylinders 5. A length (projection length L1) from thelower squeeze frame 3 to thecontact members 603 of therod members 602 is shorter than the stroke lengths of the lowerfilling frame cylinders 5. More specifically, when thelower filling frame 6 is located at a position closest to thelower squeeze frame 3, the length (projection length L1) from the bottom surface (contact surface) of thelower squeeze frame 3 to the top surfaces (contact surfaces) of thecontact members 603 of therod members 602 is shorter than the stroke lengths of the lowerfilling frame cylinders 5. Note that the stroke length is a sliding distance in one stroke of the cylinder, and is a distance from a top dead center to a bottom dead center. - The
contact members 603 are attached to thesecond end parts 602 b of therespective rod members 602. Thecontact members 603 are detachable from therod members 602. As an example, thecontact members 603 are nuts, and are attached to thesecond end parts 602 b of therespective rod members 602 by being screwed with male screws provided at thesecond end parts 602 b. Thecontact members 603 each have a size and a shape that cannot pass through the throughholes 3 e. - The
rod members 602 and thecontact members 603 are moved together with thelower filling frame 6 by the lowerfilling frame cylinders 5. Therefore, in the case where thelower filling frame 6 is moved by a length equal to or larger than the projection length L1 in a direction separating from thelower end part 3 b of thelower squeeze frame 3, thecontact members 603 abut on thelower squeeze frame 3. This restricts the movement of the lowerfilling frame cylinders 5 in the expanding direction, and limits the relative distance between thelower filling frame 6 and thelower squeeze frame 3. As a result, the height of the molding space is changed. -
FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating the height of the molding space changed by the stoppers according to the embodiment. A diagram illustrated on left side of an alternate long and short dash line illustrates expansion end positions of the lowerfilling frame cylinders 5 in the machine provided with nostopper 601. A diagram illustrated on right side of the alternate long and short dash line illustrates the expansion end positions of the lowerfilling frame cylinders 5 in the machine provided with thestoppers 601. As illustrated in the diagram on the left side, in the case where nostopper 601 is provided, thelower filling frame 6 is raised up to the expansion end positions of the lowerfilling frame cylinders 5. Accordingly, in the case where nostopper 601 is provided, the molding operation is executed while thelower filling frame 6 is located at the expansion end positions of the lowerfilling frame cylinders 5. A height from an upper end of thelower filling frame 6 coupled to thelower flask 23 to thelower squeeze board 4 is denoted by H1. - As illustrated in the diagram on the right side, in the case where the
stoppers 601 are provided, the raising of thelower filling frame 6 is limited by thestoppers 601 before thelower filling frame 6 is raised to the expansion end positions of the lowerfilling frame cylinders 5. More specifically, the raising of thelower filling frame 6 is limited to the projection length L1. A height from the upper end of thelower filling frame 6 coupled to thelower flask 23 to thelower squeeze board 4 is denoted by H2. As a result of provision of thestoppers 601, the height of the molding space for the lower mold is reduced by a height H3 that is obtained by subtracting the height H2 from the height H1. As a result, it is possible to reduce the thickness of the lower mold.Such stoppers 601 are more effective to the flaskless molding machine in which the positions of the lowerfilling frame cylinders 5 are not controlled. The flaskless molding machine in which the positions of the lowerfilling frame cylinders 5 are not controlled has various advantages such as a simple structure, less occurrence of machine stoppage caused by minor abnormality of the cylinders, and high positional accuracy. In contrast, the flaskless molding machine in which the positions of the lowerfilling frame cylinders 5 are not controlled has disadvantage that the thickness of the mold is not changeable. Providing thestoppers 601, however, can eliminate only the disadvantage. - In the following, a mode in the case where molds are formed without limiting the stroke lengths of the lower
filling frame cylinders 5 is referred to as a first mode, and a mode in a case where molds are formed while the stroke lengths of the lowerfilling frame cylinders 5 are limited by thestoppers 601 is referred to as a second mode. The moldheight changing unit 500 may include thetouch panel 300 that is connected to thesequencer 200 and allows for selection of one of the first mode and the second mode. Note that, in the second mode, the above-describedspacer member 600 that is attached to thebottom surface 8 c of theupper squeeze board 8 may be used. - (Another Example of Mold Height Changing Unit for Lower Mold)
- The mold
height changing unit 500 for the lower mold is not limited to the above-describedstoppers 601.FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating another example of a stopper according to the embodiment. As illustrated inFIG. 20 , each of the lowerfilling frame cylinders 5 includes astopper 611. It is sufficient to provide thestopper 611 on at least one of the lowerfilling frame cylinders 5 provided in theflaskless molding machine 100. As an example, each of the four lowerfilling frame cylinders 5 includes thestopper 611. Thestoppers 611 limit the stroke lengths of the lowerfilling frame cylinders 5 to predetermined lengths, as with thestoppers 601. In other words, theflaskless molding machine 100 can adopt thestoppers 611 in place of thestoppers 601. - As an example, each of the
stoppers 611 includes arod member 612 and acontact member 613. Each of therod members 612 includes afirst end part 612 a and asecond end part 612 b. Thefirst end parts 612 a of therod members 612 are provided at the lower ends of thepiston rods 5 a of the respective lowerfilling frame cylinders 5 such that therod members 612 are integrally operated with thepiston rods 5 a of the respective lowerfilling frame cylinders 5. Thesecond end parts 612 b of therod members 612 are located below the respective lowerfilling frame cylinders 5. Therod members 612 enter the respective lowerfilling frame cylinders 5 along with rise of thepiston rods 5 a. Thecontact members 613 are attached to thesecond end parts 612 b of therespective rod members 612. A length (projection length L2) from the lower ends of the lowerfilling frame cylinders 5 to thecontact members 613 of therod members 612 is shorter than the stroke lengths of the lowerfilling frame cylinders 5. More specifically, when thelower filling frame 6 is located at a position closest to thelower squeeze frame 3, the length (projection length L2) from the lower ends (contact surfaces) of the lowerfilling frame cylinders 5 to the top surfaces (contact surfaces) of thecontact members 613 of therod members 612 is shorter than the stroke lengths of the lowerfilling frame cylinders 5. - The
contact members 613 are detachable from therespective rod members 612. As an example, thecontact members 613 are nuts, and are attached to therod members 612 by being screwed with male screws provided at thesecond end parts 612 b of therod members 612. Thecontact members 613 each have a cross-sectional surface larger than a cross-sectional surface of each of therod members 612. - The
rod members 612 and thecontact members 613 are moved together with thepiston rods 5 a of the lowerfilling frame cylinders 5. Therefore, in the case where thepiston rods 5 a have been expanded to be equal to or larger than the projection length L2, thecontact members 613 abut on the lower ends of the lowerfilling frame cylinders 5. This restricts the movement of the lowerfilling frame cylinders 5 in the expanding direction, and limits the relative distance between thelower filling frame 6 and thelower squeeze frame 3. As a result, the height of the molding space is changed. -
Liner members 614 to prevent abrasion may be provided at the lower ends of the lowerfilling frame cylinders 5. Each of therod members 612 and thecorresponding piston rod 5 a may be made up of a single member. In other words, the lowerfilling frame cylinders 5 may be so-called double-rod cylinders. - [Position Detection Sensor]
- In the case where the mold
height changing unit 500 is attached, the positions of the expansion ends (top dead centers) of the lowerfilling frame cylinders 5 are changed. In addition, since the thickness of the mold is reduced, the height position in the mold mating and the position at which the thickness of the mold is monitored in the squeezing are also changed. Accordingly, in the case where the moldheight changing unit 500 is provided, as an example of thesensors 201, position detection sensors that each detect the expansion ends (example of predetermined length) of the lowerfilling frame cylinders 5 after the mold height is changed, the position at which the mold thickness is monitored after the mold height is changed, and the height position in the mold mating after the mold height is changed may be further provided. As the position detection sensors, a proximal sensor or a reed switch that is provided at each stop position and detects the stop position, or an encoder that can constantly detect the position over a predetermined range (movable range) is used. - An example of the encoder will be described as an example of the representative position detection sensor.
FIG. 21 is a top view illustrating an example of the position detection sensor.FIG. 22 is a front view illustrating an example of the position detection sensor. As illustrated inFIG. 21 andFIG. 22 , aposition detection sensor 70 includes amagnet 60 and a magneticfield detection section 61. Themagnet 60 is attached tomembers lower filling frame 6. Themagnet 60 may be directly attached to thelower filling frame 6. Themagnet 60 is an annular member having a partial notch. The magneticfield detection section 61 consists of a longitudinal member that is attached to thecolumns 1 c as the fixing frames and extends in the top-bottom direction, and detects a magnetic field occurred between themagnet 60 and the magneticfield detection section 61. The magneticfield detection section 61 is provided along a moving direction of thelower filling frame 6. Themagnet 60 is disposed such that the magneticfield detection section 61 is located inside themagnet 60. Since themagnet 60 is moved together with thelower filling frame 6, theposition detection sensor 70 can detect the height position (absolute position) of thelower filling frame 6 through detection of the magnetic field position. - As an example of the above-described position detection, the sand filling step S3 will be described.
FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating the state where the sand filling step has ended in the case where the height of the molding space is changed. As illustrated inFIG. 23 , in the case where thespacer member 600 and thestoppers 601 as the moldheight changing unit 500 are attached, the height of the molding space for the upper mold and the height of the molding space for the lower mold are changed. Therefore, theposition detection sensor 70 is provided to detect the changed height position of thelower filling frame 6. Likewise, theposition detection sensor 70 that monitors the thickness of the mold to prevent it from being lower than the predetermined thickness in the squeezing may be separately added. - [Control Using Position Detection Sensor]
- The sensors 201 (including position detection sensor 70) are connected to the
sequencer 200. Thesequencer 200 may display a detection result of theposition detection sensor 70 on thetouch panel 300. For example, during monitoring to prevent the thickness of the mold from being lower than the predetermined thickness in the squeezing, an alarm and the like are output based on the detection result of theposition detection sensor 70. Thesequencer 200 may display a monitoring result based on a monitoring mode. For example, in a first monitoring mode, thesequencer 200 monitors only the mold height of theupper flask 10 and displays a result of the monitoring. In a second monitoring mode, thesequencer 200 monitors only the mold height of thelower flask 23 and displays a result of the monitoring. In a third monitoring mode, thesequencer 200 monitors the mold height of each of theupper flask 10 and thelower flask 23 and displays a result of the monitoring. Thetouch panel 300 may display a screen for selection of the monitoring mode, and causes a worker to select the monitoring mode. Note that, as described above, in the case where the moldheight changing unit 500 is attached, the monitoring position is changed. Therefore, theflaskless molding machine 100 may include thetouch panel 300 on which the worker can select whether the moldheight changing unit 500 has been attached. When the worker selects attachment of the moldheight changing unit 500, thesequencer 200 may display a monitoring result on thetouch panel 300, based on the position detection sensor that detects the changed height position. - [Another Example 1 of Mold Height Changing Method]
- The
sequencer 200 may change the mold height based on the position detection sensor. The above-described sensors 201 (position detection sensor 70) include, for example, a first position detection sensor detecting that the lowerfilling frame cylinders 5 have been expanded to the expansion ends (example of first length), and a second position detection sensor detecting that the lowerfilling frame cylinders 5 have been expanded to a length lower than the expansion ends (example of second length). Thesequencer 200 is configured to switch a mode between a first operation mode in which the lowerfilling frame cylinders 5 are operated to be expanded up to the expansion ends based on the detection result of the first position detection sensor, and a second operation mode in which the lowerfilling frame cylinders 5 are operated to be expanded up to the length lower than the expansion ends based on the detection result of the second position detection sensor. In the case where thesequencer 200 is operated in the second operation mode, thesequencer 200 stops the lowerfilling frame cylinders 5 when the position detection sensor detects that the lowerfilling frame cylinders 5 have been expanded up to the length lower than the expansion ends. This makes it possible to change the mold height. Thesequencer 200 may further include one or a plurality of other operation modes as necessary. For example, a third position detection sensor may be further provided to execute a third operation mode. In this case, in the third operation mode, thesequencer 200 operates the lowerfilling frame cylinders 5 to be expanded up to a position detected by the third position detection sensor. Note that the encoder inFIG. 21 andFIG. 22 constantly detects the position. Therefore, in the case where the encoder inFIG. 21 andFIG. 22 is used, it is possible to easily add an optional number of operation modes without newly providing a position detection sensor. - [Another Example 2 of Mold Height Changing Method]
- In the case where the expansion ends of the lower
filling frame cylinders 5 are different from one another, the mold height can be changed. The mold height can be changed in the following order. First, a second filling frame cylinder that has a stroke length different from a stroke length of a first filling frame cylinder is prepared. Next, the first filling frame cylinder is replaced with the second filling frame cylinder. The mold height can be easily changed in the above-described manner. - [Another Example 3 of Mold Height Changing Method]
-
FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a method of changing the height of the molding space. An element (A) ofFIG. 24 illustrates positional relationship between theupper squeeze board 8 and theupper flask 10 before the height of the upper molding space is changed. In the following, a case where the height of the upper molding space is changed by a height dl will be described as an example. The mold height changing method includes, for example, a step of attaching thespacer member 600 having the thickness dl to thebottom surface 8 c (principle surface facing match plate 24) of theupper squeeze board 8. In this case, as illustrated in an element (B) ofFIG. 24 , the height of the upper molding space is reduced by the thickness dl of thespacer member 600. Alternatively, in the mold height changing method, anupper squeeze board 8A having a thickness larger by the thickness dl than the thickness of the upper squeeze board 8 (third squeeze board having thickness different from thickness of first squeeze board) may be prepared, and theupper squeeze board 8 may be replaced with theupper squeeze board 8A. In this case, as illustrated in an element (C) ofFIG. 24 , the height of the upper molding space is reduced by the difference dl between the thickness of theupper squeeze board 8 and the thickness of theupper squeeze board 8A. Alternatively, the mold height changing method may include a step of attaching aspacer member 600A having the thickness dl to atop surface 8 d on side opposite to thebottom surface 8 c of theupper squeeze board 8. In this case, as illustrated in an element (D) ofFIG. 24 , the height of the upper molding space is reduced by the thickness dl of thespacer member 600A. The mold height changing method includes any one of the above-described steps. - In the
flaskless molding machine 100 that is targeted by the moldheight changing unit 500, thelower squeeze board 4 and the lowerfilling frame cylinders 5 are integrally operated. Further, the stroke lengths of the lowerfilling frame cylinders 5 are limited to the predetermined length by thestoppers 601. When the stroke lengths of the lowerfilling frame cylinders 5 are limited by thestoppers 601, the raising distance of thelower filling frame 6 with respect to the lower squeeze board 4 (movable distance oflower filling frame 6 toward lower flask 23) is reduced. As a result, as compared with a case where the stroke lengths of the lowerfilling frame cylinders 5 are not limited, the height of the molding space for the lower mold that is defined by thematch plate 24, thelower flask 23, thelower filling frame 6, and thelower squeeze board 4 is reduced. Accordingly, the mold with the low height is formed as compared with the case where the stroke lengths of the lowerfilling frame cylinders 5 are not limited. As described above, the moldheight changing unit 500 can change the mold height with use of thestoppers 601. - It is possible to save the molding sand by adjusting the mold height to a small height, which makes it possible to reduce the running cost. Further, the mold height can be changed at low cost only by attaching the
spacer member 600 or thestoppers 601. - Note that the above-described embodiment illustrates an example of the flaskless molding machine according to the present disclosure. The flaskless molding machine according to the present disclosure is not limited to the
flaskless molding machine 100 according to the embodiment, and theflaskless molding machine 100 according to the embodiment may be deformed or applied to the other apparatus without departing from the scope described in appended claims. - For example, some of the steps in the method according to the above-described embodiment may be performed in independent order. In other words, some of the steps can be executed in order different from the above-described order.
- Although the pneumatic cylinder is used as the
pattern shuttle cylinder 21 in the embodiment, an electric cylinder may be used in place of the pneumatic cylinder. In the case of using the electric cylinder, the pneumatic piping for thepattern shuttle cylinder 21 becomes unnecessary, which results in a simple configuration. - Further, although the squeeze force is applied from the lower side toward the upper side in the embodiment, the squeeze force may be applied from the upper side toward the lower side or in the horizontal direction.
- Although the
contact members 603 of thestoppers 601 cannot pass through the throughholes 3 e in the above-described embodiment, the configuration is not limited thereto.FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating another example of the stopper according to the embodiment. As illustrated in an element (A) ofFIG. 25 , a throughhole 3 f having an asymmetric opening is provided at thelower end part 3 b of thelower squeeze frame 3. Further, as illustrated in an element (B) ofFIG. 25 , acontact member 608 having an asymmetric shape corresponding to the shape of the throughhole 3 f is attached to each of thesecond end parts 602 b of therod members 602. Thecontact member 608 is attached to be rotatable around an axis Z1 of each of therod members 602. Such a configuration makes it possible to change the mold height only by changing a direction of thecontact member 608. - 2 . . . Flask set squeeze cylinder (squeeze cylinder), 4 . . . Lower squeeze board (second squeeze board), 5 . . . Lower filling frame cylinder (filling frame cylinder), 6 . . . Lower filling frame (filling frame), 8 . . . Upper squeeze board (first squeeze board), 8A . . . Upper squeeze board (third squeeze board), 10 . . . Upper flask, 21 . . . Pattern shuttle cylinder, 23 . . . Lower flask, 24 . . . Match plate, 51 . . . Molding sand, 54 . . . Upper mold, 55 . . . Lower mold, 100 . . . Flaskless molding machine, 500 . . . Mold height changing unit, 600 . . . Spacer member, 601, 611 . . . Stopper.
Claims (25)
1: A mold height changing unit used in a flaskless molding machine, the flaskless molding machine including an upper flask, a lower flask capable of clamping a match plate with the upper flask, a filling frame connectable to the lower flask, a first squeeze board movable into and out from the upper flask, a second squeeze board movable into and out from the filling frame, a filling frame cylinder moving the filling frame relative to the second squeeze board, a squeeze cylinder integrally moving the filling frame, the second squeeze board, and the filling frame cylinder, and a control unit configured to control the filling frame cylinder and the squeeze cylinder,
the mold height changing unit comprising a stopper limiting a stroke length of the filling frame cylinder to a predetermined length.
2: The mold height changing unit according to claim 1 , wherein the stopper includes
a rod member including a first end part and a second end part, the first end part being fixed to the filling frame and being inserted into a through hole provided in a frame supporting the filling frame cylinder, and
a contact member being attached to the second end part of the rod member and abutting on the frame when the filling frame is moved in a direction separating from the frame.
3: The mold height changing unit according to claim 2 , wherein a length from the frame to the contact member of the rod member when the filling frame is located at a position closest to the frame is shorter than the stroke length of the filling frame cylinder.
4: The mold height changing unit according to claim 1 , wherein the stopper includes
a rod member including a first end part and a second end part, the first end part being provided at a lower end of a piston rod of the filling frame cylinder, the second end part being located below the filling frame cylinder and entering the filling frame cylinder along with rise of the piston rod, and
a contact member being attached to the second end part of the rod member and abutting on a lower end of the filling frame cylinder when the filling frame is moved in a direction separating from a frame supporting the filling frame cylinder.
5: The mold height changing unit according to claim 4 , wherein a length from a lower end of the filling frame cylinder to the contact member of the rod member when the filling frame is located at a position closest to the frame is shorter than the stroke length of the filling frame cylinder.
6: The mold height changing unit according to claim 1 , wherein the filling frame cylinder is an air cylinder.
7: The mold height changing unit according to claim 1 , further comprising a position detection sensor connected to the control unit, the position detection sensor detecting that the filling frame cylinder has been expanded to the predetermined length.
8: The mold height changing unit according to claim 1 , further comprising a spacer member attached to a principle surface of the first squeeze board facing the match plate.
9: The mold height changing unit according to claim 8 , wherein a material of the spacer member is a resin.
10: The mold height changing unit according to claim 8 , wherein the spacer member is fixed to the first squeeze board by a screw.
11: The mold height changing unit according to claim 10 , wherein the spacer member is fixed to the first squeeze board with use of a liner attachment screw hole provided in the first squeeze board.
12: A flaskless molding machine, comprising:
an upper flask;
a lower flask capable of clamping a match plate with the upper flask;
a filling frame connectable to the lower flask;
a first squeeze board movable into and out from the upper flask;
a second squeeze board movable into and out from the filling frame;
a filling frame cylinder moving the filling frame relative to the second squeeze board;
a squeeze cylinder integrally moving the filling frame, the second squeeze board, and the filling frame cylinder;
a control unit configured to control the filling frame cylinder and the squeeze cylinder; and
a stopper limiting a stroke length of the filling frame cylinder to a predetermined length.
13: The flaskless molding machine according to claim 12 , wherein the stopper includes
a rod member including a first end part and a second end part, the first end part being fixed to the filling frame and being inserted into a through hole provided in a frame supporting the filling frame cylinder, and
a contact member being attached to the second end part of the rod member and abutting on the frame when the filling frame is moved in a direction separating from the frame.
14: The flaskless molding machine according to claim 13 , wherein a length from the frame to the contact member of the rod member when the filling frame is located at a position closest to the frame is shorter than the stroke length of the filling frame cylinder.
15: The flaskless molding machine according to claim 1 , wherein the filling frame cylinder is an air cylinder.
16: The flaskless molding machine according to claim 1 , further comprising a position detection sensor connected to the control unit, the position detection sensor detecting that the filling frame cylinder has been expanded to the predetermined length.
17: The flaskless molding machine according to claim 1 , further comprising a spacer member attached to a principle surface of the first squeeze board facing the match plate.
18: The flaskless molding machine according to claim 17 , wherein a material of the spacer member is a resin.
19: The flaskless molding machine according to claim 17 , wherein the spacer member is fixed to the first squeeze board by a screw.
20: The flaskless molding machine according to claim 19 , wherein the spacer member is fixed to the first squeeze board with use of a liner attachment screw hole provided in the first squeeze board.
21: The flaskless molding machine according to claim 1 , further comprising an input unit connected to the control unit, the input unit allowing for selection of one of a first mode in which a mold is formed without limiting the stroke length of the filling frame cylinder and a second mode in which a mold is formed while the stroke length of the filling frame cylinder is limited by the stopper.
22: The flaskless molding machine according to claim 21 , wherein, in the second mode, the mold is formed by further using a spacer member attached to a principle surface of the first squeeze board facing the match plate.
23: A flaskless molding machine, comprising:
an upper flask;
a lower flask capable of clamping a match plate with the upper flask;
a filling frame connectable to the lower flask;
a first squeeze board movable into and out from the upper flask;
a second squeeze board movable into and out from the filling frame;
a filling frame cylinder moving the filling frame relative to the second squeeze board;
a squeeze cylinder integrally moving the filling frame, the second squeeze board, and the filling frame cylinder;
a control unit configured to control the filling frame cylinder and the squeeze cylinder;
a first position detection sensor connected to the control unit, the first position detection sensor detecting that the filling frame cylinder has been expanded to a first length; and
a second position detection sensor connected to the control unit, the second position detection sensor detecting that the filling frame cylinder has been expanded to a second length shorter than the first length, wherein
the control unit is configured to switch a mode between a first operation mode in which the filling frame cylinder is operated to be expanded up to the first length based on a result detected by the first position detection sensor and a second operation mode in which the filling frame cylinder is operated to be expanded up to the second length based on a result detected by the second position detection sensor.
24: A mold height changing method for a flaskless molding machine, the flaskless molding machine including an upper flask, a lower flask capable of clamping a match plate with the upper flask, a filling frame connectable to the lower flask, a first squeeze board movable into and out from the upper flask, a second squeeze board movable into and out from the filling frame, a first filling frame cylinder moving the filling frame relative to the second squeeze board, and a squeeze cylinder integrally moving the filling frame, the second squeeze board, and the filling frame cylinder,
the mold height changing method comprising:
preparing a second filling frame cylinder having a stroke length different from a stroke length of the first filling frame cylinder; and
replacing the first filling frame cylinder with the second filling frame cylinder.
25: A mold height changing method for a flaskless molding machine, the flaskless molding machine including an upper flask, a lower flask capable of clamping a match plate with the upper flask, a filling frame connectable to the lower flask, a first squeeze board movable into and out from the upper flask, a second squeeze board movable into and out from the filling frame, a first filling frame cylinder moving the filling frame relative to the second squeeze board, and a squeeze cylinder integrally moving the filling frame, the second squeeze board, and the filling frame cylinder,
the mold height changing method comprising any one of attaching a spacer member on a principle surface of the first squeeze board facing the match plate, attaching a spacer member on a principle surface on side opposed to the principle surface of the first squeeze board facing the match plate, and replacing the first squeeze board with a third squeeze board having a thickness different from a thickness of the first squeeze board.
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PCT/JP2018/015575 WO2019017024A1 (en) | 2017-07-18 | 2018-04-13 | Casting mold height changing unit, flaskless molding machine, and casting mold height changing method |
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JPS5924552A (en) * | 1982-07-30 | 1984-02-08 | Sintokogio Ltd | Simultaneous forming machine of flaskless type top and bottom molds |
JPH0688101B2 (en) * | 1993-03-11 | 1994-11-09 | 金森新東株式会社 | Mold making method and apparatus |
JP3264418B2 (en) * | 1995-11-10 | 2002-03-11 | 新東工業株式会社 | Mold making device using two types of flasks with different heights |
JP2983208B1 (en) * | 1998-09-21 | 1999-11-29 | メタルエンジニアリング株式会社 | Mold making equipment |
ES2654247T3 (en) * | 2001-08-06 | 2018-02-12 | Sintokogio, Ltd. | Method and system to monitor a molding machine |
CN100515602C (en) * | 2001-08-06 | 2009-07-22 | 新东工业株式会社 | System for monitoring a molding machine |
JP5168743B2 (en) * | 2009-11-05 | 2013-03-27 | 新東工業株式会社 | Simultaneous mold making method and blank frame mold making apparatus |
JP5126695B2 (en) * | 2009-10-28 | 2013-01-23 | 新東工業株式会社 | Punching mold making equipment |
BRPI1015077B1 (en) * | 2010-01-15 | 2018-05-29 | Sintokogio, Ltd. | MOLDING MACHINE WITHOUT MOLDING BOX |
CN102892531B (en) * | 2010-05-13 | 2015-09-30 | 新东工业株式会社 | Mold forming apparatus and process for making molds |
CN105234354B (en) * | 2015-11-16 | 2017-03-22 | 广州市铸王机械设备有限公司 | Automatic sand block forming equipment |
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US20220324137A1 (en) * | 2021-04-08 | 2022-10-13 | Sintokogio, Ltd. | Molding unit, molding machine, and molding method |
US11883980B2 (en) * | 2021-04-08 | 2024-01-30 | Sintokogio, Ltd. | Molding unit, molding machine, and molding method |
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TW201908032A (en) | 2019-03-01 |
EP3656484A4 (en) | 2020-12-16 |
CN110891709A (en) | 2020-03-17 |
BR112020000598A2 (en) | 2020-07-14 |
RU2020106895A (en) | 2021-08-18 |
KR20200031640A (en) | 2020-03-24 |
JPWO2019017024A1 (en) | 2020-05-28 |
EP3656484A1 (en) | 2020-05-27 |
JP6856123B2 (en) | 2021-04-07 |
WO2019017024A1 (en) | 2019-01-24 |
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