WO2009130186A2

WO2009130186A2 - Casting machine and casting machine modules

Info

Publication number: WO2009130186A2
Application number: PCT/EP2009/054672
Authority: WO
Inventors: Boris Ouriev
Original assignee: Bühler AG
Priority date: 2008-04-24
Filing date: 2009-04-20
Publication date: 2009-10-29
Also published as: DE102008001371A1; EP2271224A2; CN102015239A; WO2009130186A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a casting machine (1) for casting a flowable mass (M), in particular a flowable mass with suspended solid particles. Said claimed casting machine is equipped with a mass container unit (2) for receiving the flowable mass (M), a nozzle block unit (3) that is fludically connected to the mass container unit (2), a pump block unit (4) of generating a pressure change on a nozzle (32) of the nozzle block unit (3). Said mass container unit (2) comprises at least two separate mass containers (21, 22, 23, 24), and/or the nozzle block unit (3) comprises at least two separate nozzle blocks (31, 32, 33, 34), and/or the pump block unit (4) comprises at least two separate pump blocks (41, 42, 43, 44). Said mass containers (21, 22, 23, 24) and/or the nozzle blocks (31, 32, 33, 34) and/or the pump blocks (41, 42, 43, 44) can be connected in parallel in the machine (1) in relation to the mass transport direction.

Description

Casting machine and casting machine modules

The invention relates to a casting machine for casting a flowable mass, in particular a liquid mass with suspended solid particles.

Such a casting machine includes a mass container for receiving the flowable mass, at least one nozzle in fluid communication with the mass container interior, and a pumping means for generating a pressure gradient at the nozzle. The mass container serves for receiving and pretreating (for example tempering) the pourable mass. From its bottom fluid connections lead away, which open into several metering chambers, in each of which a piston is movable. Each of the chambers is connected to a respective nozzle.

In practice, such casting machines include a nozzle plate having a plurality of nozzles fixedly disposed on the nozzle plate. This nozzle plate is brought before the actual casting process to a plate-shaped mold, which also has a plurality of mold cavities or alveoli. The mass is then poured in the pourable state through the respective nozzles in a respective mold cavity of the mold, where you can then solidify the mass.

The nozzle plates and other parts of such a casting machine must be cleaned from time to time. Sometimes you also need to change the nozzle plates if you change the product (other pourable mass) or change the mold (other Alevolen size, other alveoli distance). Such and other modifications to the casting machine described above are laborious and time consuming.

The invention is therefore an object of the invention to provide a casting machine of the type mentioned, which can be rebuilt without much effort and without much time. This object is achieved by means of a casting machine according to one of claims 1 to 39.

casting machine

The inventive casting machine (1) is equipped with

> a mass container unit (2) for receiving the flowable mass (M);

a nozzle block unit (3) in fluid communication with the mass container unit (2);

a pump block unit (4) for generating a pressure gradient on a nozzle (32) of the nozzle block unit (3), wherein

the mass container unit (2) at least two separate mass containers

(21, 22, 23, 24); and / or the nozzle block unit (3) at least two separate nozzle blocks (31,

32, 33, 34); and / or the pump block unit (4) at least two separate pump blocks

(41, 42, 43, 44).

Preferably, mass containers (21, 22, 23, 24) and / or the nozzle blocks (31, 32, 33, 34) and / or the pump blocks (41, 42, 43, 44) with respect to the mass transport direction by the machine (1 ) connected in parallel.

Conveniently, the mass container unit (2), the nozzle block unit (3) and the pump block unit (4) are connected in series, wherein the pump block unit (4) along the mass transport direction by the machine (1) between the Mass container unit (2) and the nozzle block unit (3) is arranged.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the casting machine has at least two complete modules (KM1, KM2, KM3, KM4) arranged in a machine frame (8), each complete module comprising a mass container (21, 22, 23, 24), a nozzle block (31, 32, 33, 34) and a pump block (41, 42, 43, 44). Preferably, a complete module (KM1) along the mass transport direction comprises the following elements in series: a) mass containers (21); b) pump block (41); c) nozzle block (31).

Conveniently, the mass container (21, 22, 23, 24) and the pump block (41, 42, 43, 44) in each case via a mass transport line (51, 52, 53, 54) in fluid communication with each other. This can be rigid and short.

Preferably, the mass transport line (51, 52, 53, 54) is flexible.

The nozzle block unit (3) may be associated with at least one mold block (61, 62, 63, 64) with cavities or alveoli, wherein preferably the mold block (61, 62, 63, 64) below a nozzle block (31, 32, 33 , 34) is arranged.

The casting machine can also be assigned at least one transport device (7), in particular a chain transport or a conveyor belt. It is particularly advantageous if the machine frame (8) along the conveying direction of the at least one conveyor belt (7) viewed laterally to the right substantially in the form of a letter "C" or laterally to the left substantially in the form of an inverted letter "C" open is. The right open area or the left open area of the machine frame (8) preferably has at least one removable or swingable vertical support means for supporting the open "C".

Conveniently, the mass container unit (2), the nozzle block unit (3) and the pump block unit (4) supply means (35, 45) for supply lines, preferably each mass container (21, 22, 23, 24), each nozzle block (31, 32, 33, 34) and each pump block (41, 42, 43, 44) docking means for supply lines. These supply lines are preferably laid in or on supports of the machine frame (8), wherein the supply lines for electric power and the supply lines for heat transfer fluids in the machine frame (8) can be laid separately. The docking means may be couplings on the mass container unit (2), on the nozzle block unit and on the pump block unit (4) on the one hand and complementary couplings on elements of the machine frame (8), preferably each mass container ( 21, 22, 23, 24), each nozzle block (31, 32, 33, 34) and each pump block (41, 42, 43, 44) has coupling pieces. It is particularly advantageous if the coupling pieces and the complementary coupling pieces are quick couplings with seals.

A module block of the casting machine and in particular a complete module (KM1, KM2, KM3, KM4) can be pivotally suspended on the machine frame (8).

It is particularly advantageous if a module block, in particular a complete module (KM1, KM2, KM3, KM4), is suspended from the machine frame (8) in a double pivoting manner about two mutually parallel pivot axes A1, A2.

In a particularly user-friendly embodiment, the pump block unit (4) or individual pump blocks (41, 42, 43, 44) along a guide within the machine frame (8) are displaceable. This guide is preferably formed by two parallel cross members Q1, Q2 of the machine frame (8). In this case, the docking points for the supply lines are preferably arranged in the parallel cross members of the guide.

In order to increase the user-friendliness even further, the casting machine can be associated with a trolley (9), which can be moved up to the casting machine (1) to remove a pump block (41, 42, 43, 44) from the guide and then in to pick up the trolley (9).

Preferably, the trolley (9) a plurality of pump blocks (41, 42, 43, 44) stacked stacked. Conveniently, this is a pump block support base of the trolley moved vertically. It is particularly advantageous if the vertically displaceable supporting floor is guided in a vertical guide and is supported from below by means of a compression spring. To provide flushness between the level of the pump block tray and the level of the pump block guide For example, the spring constant k of the compression spring is chosen to be approximately k = MASS xg / HEIGHT, where "MASS" is the mass of a pump block, "HEIGHT" is the height of a pump block and "g" is approximately 9.81 m / s ² .

Conveniently, the nozzle block unit (3) and the pump block unit (4) are coupled together and define between them at least one metering chamber with a metering chamber volume defined by the distance between the nozzle block unit (3) and the pump block unit (3). 4) is determined, wherein the nozzle block unit (3) and the pump block unit (4) by means of a drive means (100) away from each other and to each other are movable.

The metering chamber preferably has a variable chamber volume (V) and at least one metering chamber outlet valve and a metering chamber inlet valve, wherein the metering chamber inlet valve is disposed in fluid communication between the mass container volume and the metering chamber volume.

In this case, a plurality of metering chambers can be defined between each nozzle block (31, 32, 33, 34) and each pump block (41, 42, 43, 44), wherein in particular each metering chamber has a metering chamber outlet valve and a metering chamber inlet valve. The respective chamber volumes of each of the metering chambers can then be changed coupled together. For this purpose, the drive means (100) mentioned above can be an eccentric drive or a cam drive.

By the periodic reciprocation or the periodic approach and removal of the nozzle block unit (3) and the pump block unit (4) to each other or by means of the drive means (100) results in a periodic sequence of intake and exhaust cycles.

This function of the inventive casting machine (1), modeled on the heart function, is explained in detail under "Valves" and "Pump block". valves

The valve according to the invention is suitable for installation in the casting machine described above. It has a valve body with a valve opening and at least one valve flap associated with the valve flap, which is hinged to the valve body and is subjected to a resilient bias, which presses the valve flap against the valve opening and seals.

Preferably, the valve flap is flexible. For this purpose, it consists of a sufficiently soft elastic material and / or is sufficiently small along one dimension, i. has a small flap thickness. It is particularly advantageous if the valve flap consists of elastomeric material which rests against the valve opening in the prestressed state. As a result, a good closing effect of the valve can be achieved.

To improve the symmetry of the flow through the valve, at least two valve flaps associated with the valve opening may be provided which are hinged to the valve body and each exposed to a resilient bias which urges the valve flaps against each other and seals the valve opening. In addition, the contribution to the valve opening is then distributed to two valve flaps, with the result that the deflection and / or deformation of each of the valve flaps is less. The material in the articulation region of the valve flaps on the valve body or the material of the valve flaps per se is less strained, which can increase the service life of the valves.

Preferably, the valve flap according to the invention has a geometry such that the flap edge of the at least one valve flap of the valve projected onto a valve cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the valve passage direction from a first radially outer point of the valve cross-sectional plane over a radially central point of the valve cross-sectional plane to a second radially outer point of the valve cross-sectional plane extends. This angular or curved course makes it possible to increase the pressing force of the valve flap or the flap edge to the valve opening or the opening edge, by the two radially outer points Valve cross-sectional plane in the articulation region in each case acts with a radially inwardly directed force on the valve flap.

It is advantageous if the valve has at least three valve openings associated with the valve opening, which are articulated to the valve body in a peripheral area and are each subjected to a resilient bias which presses the valve flaps against each other and seals the valve opening, the valve extending in the direction the valve-passage direction has a raised pyramidal shape, the pyramidal surfaces are each formed by a valve flap, so that extends between two respective adjacent pyramidal surfaces in each case a valve slot from a radially outer point to the radial center. This passageway-raised shape of the valve increases its resistance to overturning when the downstream-side fluid pressure is greater than the upstream-side fluid pressure in the valve-passing direction. On the other hand, each of the plurality of valve flaps requires only a relatively small amount of deformation to effect a sufficient opening of the valve. Such a valve may have three, four, five or six valve flaps and have a respective three-, four-, five- or hexahedral pyramidal shape.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, as viewed from the pyramid tip, the pyramidal surfaces are each concave shaped and formed by a respective concave shaped valve flap, the concavity of which extends between the limiting valve slots of the flap and the peripheral hinge portion of the flap. These concave valve flaps in their entirety form a multi-sided pyramid whose side surfaces, from the downstream side, are each designed as a concave facet. This contributes to the improved closing effect, i. a more stable closed state of the valve.

The valve body and the at least one valve flap may be integrally formed. Preferably, they are formed as a one-piece elastomeric casting. As a result, the valve according to the invention can be produced in a casting process, optionally with subsequent crosslinking, eg vulcanization. Alternatively, the valve body and the at least one valve flap can be connected to each other by a positive and / or non-positive plug connection. It is advantageous if the valve body and / or the valve flap (s) are made of flexible material. The degree of bendability (flexibility) of the valve may be determined by the modulus of elasticity and / or by the dimensions orthogonal to the bending line or bending plane of the valve sections or valve components, wherein increasing the modulus of elasticity or increasing the dimension reduces the flexibility and conversely a reduction of the modulus of elasticity or a reduction of the dimension increases the bendability. The valve body and / or the at least one valve flap may also be coupled to a stabilizing element or stiffening element. Conveniently, the stabilizing element or stiffening element of a first material and the valve or the valve body and / or the at least one valve of a second material, wherein the modulus of elasticity of the first material is greater than the modulus of elasticity of the second material.

In a preferred embodiment, the valve body is arranged in a coronary or annular surrounding valve seat, which consists of the first material. Preferably, the valve body and possibly the valve flaps made of a soft elastic material, while the coronary or annular valve seat consists of a hard elastic material.

All measures for stiffening or stabilizing the valve as a whole or its sections or components should be arranged inside a soft-elastic material or act on the valve from the valve seat, so as to ensure that the valve areas touching each other when closing the valve, e.g. Valve slots that can undergo necessary deformation. The areas of the valve touching one another during closing therefore form sealing areas or the actual valve seal.

In a further embodiment, the at least one valve passes through the transition from the closed to the open state of the valve or at the transition from the open to the closed state of the valve due to the Verfor- Valve of the valve, a pressure point in which the potential energy stored in the valve is maximum. The pressure point can occur, for example, when the valve experiences a first increasing and, after overcoming the pressure point, decreasing compression or compression along the bending line or bending plane when it is bent from the closed to the open state. The maximum potential energy is then predominantly in the form of compression energy. The deformation of the valve may be, for example, an everting of a valve flap from a concave shape of the valve flap to a convex shape of the valve flap.

pump blocks

Each pump block has a variable chamber volume metering chamber and at least one metering chamber outlet valve and a metering chamber inlet valve, wherein the metering chamber inlet valve is disposed in fluid communication between the mass container volume and the metering chamber volume.

A pump block is a pump whose operation has a suction stroke and a discharge stroke.

The variable chamber volume metering chamber, the metering chamber outlet valve, and the metering chamber inlet valve together form a metering unit. During an inlet stroke, mass enters the metering chamber via the open inlet valve with the outlet valve closed, and during an outlet stroke, mass exits the metering chamber via the open outlet valve when the inlet valve is closed, e.g. to be poured in molds, in alveoli or on a conveyor belt.

The pump block can additionally have a hermetically sealable and communicating with a pressure source mass container. As a result, the filling of the dosing chamber with mass (dosing) can take place or at least be assisted by the action of pressure on the mass in the mass container. As the pressure source, a source of compressed gas, in particular a compressed air source can be used. Instead of the pressure source or as a supplement to it, the pressure generating means have a hermetically sealable mass container with variable mass container volume. This allows a metering in the metering chamber causing or at least supporting pressure generation in the mass container by reducing the mass container volume.

The valve passage direction of the at least one metering chamber outlet valve preferably extends from the metering chamber volume to the atmosphere surrounding the casting machine and the valve passage direction of the metering chamber inlet valve from the mass container volume to the metering chamber volume. As a result, by increasing the metering chamber volume in the metering chamber, a negative pressure can be generated so that the metering chamber outlet valve remains closed and the metering chamber inlet valve opens, whereby mass flows into the metering chamber until pressure is equalized. By reducing the metering chamber volume, an overpressure can then be generated in the metering chamber so that the metering chamber inlet valve closes and the metering chamber outlet valve opens, causing mass to flow out of the metering chamber until pressure is equalized.

Preferably, the metering chamber has a plurality of metering chamber outlet valves and only one metering chamber inlet valve. Alternatively, the dosing chamber may have a plurality of dosing chamber outlet valves and a plurality of dosing chamber inlet valves.

In particular, the number of metering chamber outlet valves and the number of metering chamber inlet valves may be equal to one metering chamber, it being expedient for each metering chamber outlet valve to be assigned a metering chamber inlet valve.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the casting machine or its pump block has a plurality of metering chambers, wherein preferably each metering chamber has a metering chamber outlet valve and a metering chamber inlet valve. As a result, a multiplicity of metering chambers can be arranged in parallel in the casting machine, as a result of which a high throughput can be achieved. Preferably, the respective chamber volumes of each of the metering chambers are coupled to each other variable. Further advantages, features and applications of the invention will become apparent from the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of the inventive casting machine;

Fig. 2 is another schematic perspective view of the first embodiment of the inventive casting machine;

Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a part, i. some modules of the first embodiment of the inventive casting machine is; and

Fig. 4 is a side view of a part of a second embodiment of the inventive casting machine.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 casting machine

2 mass container unit

3 nozzle block unit

4 pump block unit

7 conveyor belt

8 machine frame

9 trolley

21, 22, 23, 24 separate mass containers

31, 32, 33, 34 separate nozzle blocks or "nozzle"

35 docking equipment

41, 42, 43, 44 separate pump blocks

45 docking equipment

51, 52,53,54 Bulk transport line (flexible)

61, 62, 63, 64 mold blocks

100 drive means

KM1.KM2, KM3, KM4 complete modules

A1. A2 swivel axes

Q1. Q2 cross member

M mass

Claims

claims

1. casting machine (1) for casting a flowable mass (M) with:

> a mass container unit (2) for receiving the flowable mass (M);

a pump block unit (4) for generating a pressure gradient on a nozzle (32) of the nozzle block unit (3), characterized in that the pump block unit (4) has at least two separate pump blocks (41, 42, 43, 44) having.

2. casting machine (1) for casting a flowable mass (M), in particular according to claim 1, with:

> a mass container unit (2) for receiving the flowable mass (M);

a pump block unit (4) for generating a pressure gradient on a nozzle (32) of the nozzle block unit (3), characterized in that the nozzle block unit (3) has at least two separate nozzle blocks (31, 32, 33, 34) having.

3. casting machine (1) for casting a flowable mass (M) with:

> a mass container unit (2) for receiving the flowable mass (M);

a pump block unit (4) for generating a pressure gradient on a nozzle (32) of the nozzle block unit (3), characterized in that the mass container unit (2) has at least two separate mass containers (21, 22, 23, 24) having.

4. Casting machine according to claim 3, characterized in that the mass containers (21, 22, 23, 24) with respect to the mass transport direction through the machine (1) are connected in parallel.

5. Casting machine according to claim 2, characterized in that the nozzle blocks (31, 32, 33, 34) with respect to the mass transport direction through the machine (1) are connected in parallel.

6. Casting machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the pump blocks (41, 42, 43, 44) are connected in parallel with respect to the mass transport direction through the machine (1).

7. Casting machine according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the mass container unit (2), the nozzle block unit (3) and the pump block unit (4) are connected in series, wherein the pump block unit (4 ) is arranged along the mass transport direction by the machine (1) between the mass container unit (2) and the nozzle block unit (3).

8. Casting machine according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the casting machine has at least two in a machine frame (8) arranged complete modules (KM1, KM2, KM3, KM4), each complete module comprises a mass container (21, 22, 23, 24), a nozzle block (31, 32, 33, 34) and a pump block (41, 42, 43, 44).

9. Casting machine according to claim 8, characterized in that a complete module (KM1) along the mass transport direction comprises the following elements in series: a) mass container (21); b) pump block (41); c) nozzle block (31).

10. Casting machine according to claim 9, characterized in that the mass container (21, 22, 23, 24) and the pump block (41, 42, 43, 44) in each case via a mass transport line (51, 52, 53, 54) with each other in fluid communication.

11. Casting machine according to claim 10, characterized in that the mass transport line (51, 52, 53, 54) is flexible.

12. Casting machine according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the nozzle block unit (3) at least one mold block (61, 62, 63, 64) with hollow shapes or alveoli can be assigned.

13. Casting machine according to claim 12, characterized in that the mold block (61, 62, 63, 64) under a nozzle block (31, 32, 33, 34) can be arranged.

14. Casting machine according to claim 13, characterized in that the casting machine (1) at least one transport device (71, 72), in particular a chain transport or a conveyor belt, can be assigned.

15. Casting machine according to claim 14, characterized in that the machine frame (8) along the conveying direction of the at least one conveyor belt (71, 72) viewed laterally to the right substantially in the shape of a letter "C" or laterally to the left substantially in the form of a reversed letter "C" is open.

16. Casting machine according to claim 15, characterized in that the region open to the right or the region of the machine frame (8) which is open to the left has at least one removable vertical support means (81, 82).

17. Casting machine according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the mass container unit (2), the nozzle block unit (3) and the pump block unit (4) have docking means for supply lines.

18. A casting machine according to claim 17, characterized in that each mass container (21, 22, 23, 24), each nozzle block (31, 32, 33, 34) and each pump block (41, 42, 43, 44) docking means for supply lines ,

19. Casting machine according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the supply lines are laid in or on supports of the machine frame (8).

20. Casting machine according to claim 19, characterized in that supply lines for electric power and supply lines for heat transfer fluids in the machine frame (8) are laid separately.

21. Casting machine according to one of claims 17 to 20, characterized in that the docking means by coupling pieces on the mass container unit (2), on the nozzle block unit and on the pump block unit (4) on the one hand and by complementary coupling pieces on elements of the Machine frame (8) are formed.

22. Casting machine according to one of claims 17 to 20, characterized in that each mass container (21, 22, 23, 24), each nozzle block (31, 32, 33, 34) and each pump block (41, 42, 43, 44) Has coupling pieces.

23. Casting machine according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that the coupling pieces and the complementary coupling pieces are quick couplings with seals.

24. Casting machine according to one of claims 8 to 23, characterized in that a module block, in particular a complete module (KM1, KM2, KM3, KM4) on the machine frame (8) is pivotally suspended.

25. Casting machine according to claim 24, characterized in that a module block, in particular a complete module (KM1, KM2, KM3, KM4) on the machine frame (8) is suspended double pivotally about two mutually non-parallel pivot axes.

26. Casting machine according to one of claims 7 to 25, characterized in that the pump block unit (4) or individual pump blocks (41, 42, 43, 44) along a guide within the machine frame (8) are displaceable.

27. Casting machine according to claim 26, characterized in that the guide is formed by two parallel cross members of the machine frame (8).

28. Casting machine according to claim 27, characterized in that the docking points for the supply lines are arranged in the parallel cross members of the guide.

29. Casting machine according to one of claims 26 to 28, characterized in that it is associated with a trolley (9) which can be moved up to the casting machine (1) to a pump block (41, 42, 43, 44) from the guide take out and take the pump block (41, 42, 43, 44) in the trolley (9).

30. Casting machine according to claim 29, characterized in that the transport carriage (9) a plurality of pump blocks (41, 42, 43, 44) can be stacked stacked.

31. Casting machine according to claim 30, characterized in that a pump block support floor of the trolley is vertically movable.

32. Casting machine according to claim 31, characterized in that the vertically movable support base is guided in a vertical guide and supported from below by means of a compression spring.

33. The casting machine according to claim 32, wherein the spring constant k of the compression spring is approximately k = MASS xg / HEIGHT, where "MASS" is the mass of a pump block, "HEIGHT" is the height of a pump block and "g" is approximately 9.81 m / s ² .

34. Casting machine according to one of claims 7 to 33, characterized in that the nozzle block unit (3) and the pump block unit (4) are coupled together and define between them at least one metering chamber with a metering chamber volume, by the distance between the nozzle Block unit (3) and the pump block unit (4) is determined, wherein the nozzle block unit (3) and the pump block unit (4) by means of a drive means (100) away from each other and to each other to move.

35. Casting machine according to claim 34, characterized in that the metering chamber has a variable chamber volume (V) and at least one metering chamber outlet valve and a metering chamber inlet valve, wherein the metering chamber inlet valve in the fluid connection between the mass container volume and the metering chamber Volume is arranged.

36. Casting machine according to claim 34 or 35, characterized in that between each nozzle block (31, 32, 33, 34) and each pump block (41, 42, 43, 44) a plurality of metering chambers are defined.

37. The casting machine according to claim 36, characterized in that each metering chamber has a metering chamber outlet valve and a metering chamber inlet valve.

38. Casting machine according to claim 37, characterized in that the respective chamber volumes of each of the metering chambers are coupled to each other changeable.

39. Casting machine according to one of claims 34 to 38, characterized in that the drive means (100) is an eccentric or cam drive.