JP2019022897A - Semi-solidified metal production device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a semi-solidified metal production device, even in the case the weight of a liquid metallic material poured into a container is increased, capable of uniformizing the metallic structure of a semi-solidified metal with a simple configuration.SOLUTION: Provided is a semi-solidified metal production device 104 comprising: a container 3 to be poured with a liquid metallic material; a semi-solidification apparatus 4 installed with the container 3 and semi-solidifying the metallic material poured into the container 3; and a vibrator 5 mechanically vibrating the container 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to a semi-solid metal production apparatus, and more particularly to a semi-solid metal production apparatus provided with a container in which semi-solid metal is accommodated.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a semi-solid metal production apparatus including a crucible (container) in which a semi-solid metal is accommodated (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, a crucible into which a liquid metal material is poured, and the metal material in the crucible is stirred by moving the crucible in a predetermined plane pattern (by swirling motion), thereby semi-solidifying the metal material. A semi-solid metal manufacturing apparatus is disclosed that includes a moving device for shaping.

  Moreover, the semi-solidified metal manufacturing apparatus provided with the pouring part (container) into which molten metal is poured conventionally is known (for example, refer patent document 2).

  In Patent Document 2, a molten metal is poured, and a molten metal is disposed by surrounding the molten metal by applying an electric magnetic field to the molten metal poured into the molten metal. A semi-solid metal production apparatus (so-called electromagnetic stirring apparatus) including a stirring unit that is semi-solidified is disclosed.

Special table 2003-505251 gazette JP 2005-88083 A

  However, in the semi-solid metal production apparatus of Patent Document 1, since the crucible (container) is simply moved, when the weight of the liquid metal material poured into the crucible increases, There is an inconvenience that the inner side and the outer side of the metal material are not easily stirred. As a result, there is a problem that a temperature gradient is generated in the semi-solid metal in the container, and as a result, the metal structure becomes non-uniform.

  In addition, the semi-solid metal production apparatus (so-called electromagnetic stirrer) of Patent Document 2 described above needs to include a stirrer in which an electromagnetic field applying coil device is disposed so as to surround a predetermined space in order to apply an electric magnetic field. Therefore, there is a problem that the device configuration becomes complicated.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems. One object of the present invention is to reduce the weight of a liquid metal material poured into a container by a simple configuration even if the weight of the liquid metal material is increased. An object of the present invention is to provide a semi-solid metal production apparatus capable of homogenizing the metal structure of a solid metal.

  In order to achieve the above object, a semi-solid metal production apparatus according to the present invention comprises a container into which a liquid metal material is poured, and a semi-solid metal container in which the metal material poured into the container is semi-solidified. And a vibrator that mechanically vibrates the container.

  In this semi-solid metal production apparatus, as described above, a container is provided, and a semi-solidification apparatus that semi-solidifies the metal material poured into the container and a vibrator that mechanically vibrates the container are provided. . As a result, the container can be vibrated by a vibrator that mechanically vibrates by itself, so that the weight of the liquid metal material poured into the container is increased compared to the case where the container is simply moved as in the prior art. Even in this case, the metal material can be effectively stirred inside and outside the metal material in the container. As a result, it is possible to suppress a temperature gradient from being produced in the semi-solid metal to be manufactured, so that even if the weight of the liquid metal material poured into the container increases, the metal structure of the semi-solid metal is made uniform. be able to. Further, unlike a conventional electromagnetic stirrer that requires an electromagnetic field application coil, a liquid metal material poured into a container can be vibrated with a simple configuration called a vibrator. As described above, the semi-solid metal production apparatus can homogenize the metal structure of the semi-solid metal even when the weight of the liquid metal material poured into the container increases with a simple configuration. Further, unlike a conventional electromagnetic stirring device, a stirring device (vibrator) can be obtained at a relatively low cost.

  In the semi-solidified metal manufacturing apparatus, the vibrator is preferably attached to the semi-solidifying device and configured to vibrate the container via the semi-solidifying device. If comprised in this way, the vibration of a vibrator | oscillator can be easily transmitted to a container via the semi-solidification apparatus in which a container is installed.

  In this case, preferably, the semi-solidifying device includes a holding unit to which the vibrator is attached and holds the container, and the vibrator is configured to vibrate the container through the holding part. If comprised in this way, it can make it easier to transmit the vibration of a vibrator | oscillator to a container by attaching a vibrator | oscillator to the holding | maintenance part which adjoins a container.

  In the configuration in which the semi-solidifying apparatus includes a holding part, preferably, the holding part has a shape along the outer surface of the container to be held. According to this configuration, the container can be fixedly arranged with respect to the holding unit by holding the container with the holding unit having a shape along the outer surface of the container. When vibrated, the vibration of the vibrator can be effectively transmitted from the holding portion to the container. As a result, even when the weight of the liquid metal material poured into the container is increased, it is possible to further suppress the temperature gradient in the semi-solid metal produced, so that the metal structure of the semi-solid metal is made more uniform. can do.

  In the configuration in which the holding portion has a shape along the outer surface of the container, preferably, the outer surface of the container has a cylindrical shape, and the holding portion has an arc-shaped holding surface along the outer surface. The holding surface holds the outer surface of the container in a surface contact state. If comprised in this way, since a container can be arranged more fixedly to a holding part by holding a container in a state of surface contact by a holding part, when the holding part is vibrated by a vibrator, The vibration of the vibrator can be effectively transmitted from the holding unit to the container. As a result, even when the weight of the liquid metal material poured into the container is increased, it is possible to further suppress the temperature gradient in the semi-solid metal produced, so that the metal structure of the semi-solid metal is made more uniform. can do.

  In the configuration in which the semi-solidifying apparatus includes the holding unit, the vibrator is preferably configured to vibrate the container in a state where the container into which the metal material is poured is lifted by the holding unit. According to this configuration, when the holding portion is vibrated by the vibrator, the vibration of the vibrator can be effectively transmitted from the holding portion to the container as compared with the case where the lower end of the container is installed. it can. As a result, even when the weight of the liquid metal material poured into the container is increased, it is possible to further suppress the temperature gradient in the semi-solid metal produced, so that the metal structure of the semi-solid metal is made more uniform. can do.

  In the configuration in which the semi-solidifying device includes an installation portion, preferably, the semi-solidification device includes an installation portion in which a container is installed and a bottom portion of the metal material poured into the container is solidified by cooling. After the bottom portion of the metal material is solidified by cooling, the container is vibrated by the vibrator in a state where the container is lifted so as to be separated from the installation portion by the holding portion. If comprised in this way, the bottom part of a metal material can be solidified by cooling by an installation part. As a result, the solidified bottom can be made difficult to adhere to the surroundings, so that the semi-solid metal can be easily taken out from the container.

  In the above-described semi-solid metal production apparatus, preferably, the vibrator is configured to continuously vibrate the container from when the metal material is poured into the container until the metal material is semi-solidified after the pouring is finished. Has been. If comprised in this way, compared with the case where it vibrates after a metal material is poured into a container, it can suppress that the outer side of a metal material is cooled earlier than an inner side with a container. As a result, it is possible to effectively suppress the occurrence of a temperature gradient in the semi-solid metal.

  In this case, preferably, the semi-solidifying device is configured so that the container can be vibrated in an installation part in which the container is installed, a support part that supports the installation part so as to vibrate, and an installation part supported by the support part. The vibrator is configured to vibrate the container in a state where the container is installed on the installation unit. If comprised in this way, since an installation part is supported so that vibration is possible by a support part and a container can be vibrated in the state where a container was installed in an installation part, a container is installed in an installation part and metal material is poured. From the time, the metallic material in the container can be effectively stirred. As a result, the metal structure of the semi-solid metal can be made more uniform.

  In the configuration in which the semi-solidifying device includes an installation portion, a support portion, and a pressing portion, preferably, one of the pressing portion and the container has a container with respect to the pressing portion in a direction along the contact surface between the pressing portion and the container. There is provided a friction reducing portion that enables the movement of. If comprised in this way, since a movement of the container with respect to a press part is accept | permitted by a friction reduction part, a container can be vibrated more greatly at the time of a vibration. As a result, the metal material in the container can be effectively stirred.

  In the configuration in which the container is continuously vibrated from when the vibrator is poured into the container until the metal material is semi-solidified, it is preferable that the inside of the container is poured when the metal material is poured into the container. Is further included. If comprised in this way, since the air in a container can be discharged | emitted out of a container with a decompression device, when pouring a metal material into a container, it can suppress that an air is caught in a metal material. As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a cast hole (small pore portion remaining inside) in the molded product.

  In the semi-solidified metal manufacturing apparatus, preferably, the semi-solidifying apparatus includes a holding unit that holds the container, and the upper end portion of the container has a lower surface that comes into contact with the holding unit, and the horizontal cross-sectional shape is increased. A flange portion is provided. If comprised in this way, since a flange part can be supported from the downward direction by a holding | maintenance part, it can prevent that a container moves below with respect to a holding | maintenance part.

  In the above-mentioned semi-solid metal production apparatus, preferably, the container is provided with a held portion that is held by the holding portion while the horizontal cross-sectional shape is substantially constant and extends in the vertical direction. If comprised in this way, a holding | maintenance part can hold | maintain a container stably with a to-be-held part. Further, since the horizontal cross-sectional shape of the held portion is substantially constant, the holding portion can be formed in a simple shape corresponding to the shape of the held portion.

  In the above-mentioned semi-solidified metal manufacturing apparatus, preferably, the container includes a hollow member that is open at both upper and lower ends, and the semi-solidified apparatus has an installation portion that closes the opening on the lower side of the hollow member. Including. If comprised in this way, the semi-solid metal manufactured in the container can be taken out from a container by extrusion with the hollow member which the upper and lower ends open.

  In the above-mentioned semi-solid metal production apparatus, preferably, the container has a cylindrical shape whose inner diameter decreases downward. If comprised in this way, when lifting a container, it can suppress that the metallic material in a container falls out downward.

  According to the present invention, as described above, the metal structure of the semi-solid metal can be made uniform with a simple configuration even when the weight of the liquid metal material poured into the container is increased.

It is the schematic diagram which showed the whole structure of the die-casting machine provided with the semi-solidified metal manufacturing apparatus by 1st-3rd embodiment. It is sectional drawing which showed the container of the semi-solidified metal manufacturing apparatus by 1st Embodiment. It is the perspective view which showed the container of the semi-solidified metal manufacturing apparatus by 1st Embodiment. It is the typical side view which showed the whole structure of the semi-solid metal production apparatus by 1st Embodiment, and is a figure at the time of installing a container in an installation part. It is the typical side view which showed the whole structure of the semi-solid metal production apparatus by 1st Embodiment, and is the figure which showed the state which is pressing the container by the press part. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 600-600 in FIG. 4. It is the typical side view which showed the vibrator | oscillator of the semi-solid metal production apparatus by 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the manufacturing process of the semi-solidified metal in 1st Embodiment. It is the side view which showed the container of the semi-solidified metal manufacturing apparatus by 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the manufacturing process of the semi-solidified metal in 2nd Embodiment. It is the typical side view which showed the whole structure of the semi-solidified metal manufacturing apparatus by 3rd Embodiment, and is the figure which showed the state in the middle of pouring a liquid metal material into a container. It is a figure for demonstrating the manufacturing process of the semi-solidified metal in 3rd Embodiment.

  DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments embodying the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
With reference to FIGS. 1-8, the structure of the die-casting machine 100 with which the semi-solid-metal manufacturing apparatus 104 by 1st Embodiment is provided is demonstrated.

(Configuration of die casting machine)
As shown in FIG. 1, the die casting machine 100 is provided with an injection apparatus 101, a die plate drive mechanism 102, a control apparatus 103, and a semi-solid metal production apparatus 104 according to the first embodiment.

  The die-cast molding machine 100 supplies the semi-solid metal produced by the semi-solid metal production apparatus 104 into the injection sleeve 100c, and in the mold M (cavity M3) attached to the die-cast molding machine 100, the injection apparatus 101. It is an apparatus for injecting with the plunger 100d. The die casting machine 100 is a cold chamber type apparatus.

  The mold M includes a fixed mold M1 and a moving mold M2. The fixed mold M1 is attached and fixed to a fixed die plate 100a of the die casting machine 100. The movable mold M2 is attached to the movable die plate 100b of the die casting machine 100, and is held so as to be movable in a direction approaching or separating from the fixed mold M1. In the mold M, a cavity (hollow portion) M3 into which the semi-solid metal is pushed is formed. The mold M communicates the cavity M3 and the injection sleeve 100c via the runner M4. That is, the runner M4 is a semi-solid metal supply passage.

  The injection device 101 includes a plunger 100d and a drive unit (not shown). The plunger 100d is an injection member that is inserted into the injection sleeve 100c and pushes the semi-solid metal supplied into the injection sleeve 100c into the mold M. The drive unit is connected to the plunger 100d and is configured to move the plunger 100d forward and backward in the injection sleeve 100c. The drive unit is, for example, a hydraulic cylinder driven by a hydraulic circuit.

  The die plate drive mechanism 102 is configured to perform mold clamping and mold opening by moving the movable mold M2 in a direction in which the movable mold M2 approaches or separates from the fixed mold M1.

  The control device 103 is configured to control each part of the die casting machine 100 such as the injection device 101, the die plate drive mechanism 102, and the semi-solid metal production device 104. The control device 103 is constituted by a computer having a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and an external storage device, for example. The control device 103 may be configured by a control device provided for each of various devices provided in the die casting machine 100, or may be configured by one control device that controls all the devices included in the die casting machine 100. Alternatively, it may be configured by a control device that controls a plurality of devices included in the die casting machine 100 and a control device that controls other devices.

(Configuration of semi-solid metal production equipment)
As shown in FIG. 1, the semi-solid metal production apparatus 104 includes a holding furnace 1 that holds a liquid metal material, a pouring apparatus 2 that pumps the liquid metal material from the holding furnace 1, and a liquid pouring apparatus 2 A container 3 into which a metal material is poured, a semi-solidification device 4 that cools a liquid metal material poured into the container 3 into a semi-solid metal, and a vibrator 5 that mechanically vibrates the container 3 It has. The vibrator 5 is attached to a holding part 41 (to be described later) of the semi-solidifying device 4.

<Configuration of holding furnace and pouring device>
The holding furnace 1 is configured to accommodate a metal material, and may also serve as a melting furnace. The holding furnace 1 includes, for example, a heating device (not shown) for heating the metal material and a furnace temperature sensor (not shown) for detecting the temperature of the metal material accommodated. The holding furnace 1 is formed of a material having excellent heat insulation properties such as ceramics. In the holding furnace 1, for example, an aluminum alloy or the like is accommodated as a metal material.

  The pouring device 2 includes a ladle 21 and a ladle transport device 22 that can transport the ladle 21. The ladle 21 is a container having a handle shape for drawing a liquid metal material. In addition, the ladle 21 is configured to be able to draw a metal material for one shot (one injection) from the holding furnace 1. The ladle transport device 22 is constituted by, for example, a robot having a multi-joint arm (multi-joint robot). The ladle transport device 22 is configured to be able to move the ladle 21 in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. The ladle transport device 22 is configured to be able to tilt the ladle 21.

<Construction of container>
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the container 3 is formed of a hollow member that is open at both upper and lower ends. The container 3 has a cylindrical shape whose inner diameter (the diameter of the inner surface 3b) becomes smaller downward. That is, the container 3 has an upper opening 31 having a diameter D1 at the upper end and a lower opening 32 having a diameter D2 smaller than the diameter D1 at the lower end (D1> D2). The container 3 is configured such that the inner diameter decreases linearly from the upper opening 31 having the diameter D1 toward the lower opening 32 having the diameter D2. Further, in the vertical direction, an outer surface 3a excluding the held portion 33 described later is provided substantially parallel to the inner surface 3b. That is, the container 3 generally has a cylindrical shape whose outer shape (the diameter of the outer surface 3a) decreases downward.

  The container 3 is provided with a held portion 33 and a flange portion 34 provided at an upper end portion of the held portion 33 (container 3).

  The held portion 33 is a portion that is held (held) by a holding portion 41 (see FIG. 4), which will be described later, while the horizontal cross-sectional shape is constant and extends in the vertical direction. The held portion 33 has a constant horizontal cross-sectional shape and extends vertically. Specifically, the held portion 33 is an outer surface whose horizontal cross section has an annular shape, and extends vertically without changing the size within a predetermined height range. The held portion 33 has a diameter (outer diameter) D3. In short, the held portion 33 has a cylindrical shape with a diameter D3.

  The flange portion 34 is formed so that the horizontal cross-sectional shape is larger than the held portion 33. The flange portion 34 (outer edge portion of the flange portion 34) has a diameter D4 (outer diameter) larger than the diameter D3 of the held portion 33 (D4> D3). The flange portion 34 has a lower surface 34 a that contacts the holding portion 41 in a state where the held portion 33 of the container 3 is held (gripped) by the holding portion 41. That is, the flange portion 34 restricts the container 3 from sliding down from the holding portion 41 by bringing the lower surface 34a into contact with and engaging with the upper surface of a movable portion 41b (see FIG. 4) described later of the holding portion 41. It has a function to do. That is, the movable portion 41b of the holding portion 41 supports the flange portion 34 from below. The lower surface 34a extends substantially in the horizontal direction.

<Configuration of semi-solidification device>
As shown in FIG. 4, the semi-solidifying device 4 includes a holding unit 41 that holds (holds) the container 3, an installation unit 42 in which the container 3 is installed, and a ball plunger 43 that supports the installation unit 42 from below. The pressing unit 44 is disposed immediately above the installation unit 42 and presses the container 3 installed on the installation unit 42 toward the installation unit 42, and a funnel 45. Further, the semi-solidifying device 4 is fixedly fixed above the base portion 46 via a base portion 46 that supports each component of the semi-solidifying device 4 from below and a plurality of support portions 46 a fixed to the base portion 46. And a fixing member 47 to be arranged. An installation portion 42 is attached to the fixing member 47 via a ball plunger 43. The holding part 41 includes a main body part 41a and a pair of movable parts 41b. The pair of movable portions 41b are connected to the main body portion 41a so as to be movable (movable). The pair of movable portions 41b are configured to be movable so that the tips are separated from each other and approach each other. In short, the pair of movable parts 41b is configured to hold the container 3 by movement, and the main body 41a is configured to support the pair of movable parts 41b movably. The ball plunger 43 is an example of the “support portion” in the claims.

  Hereinafter, the configuration of each part of the semi-solidifying device 4 will be described.

<Configuration of holding unit>
As shown in FIG. 4, the holding part 41 is configured to hold the container 3 by sandwiching the held part 33 of the container 3. The holding portion 41 is configured to hold (hold) the container 3 with the upper surface in contact with the lower surface 34 a of the flange portion 34. The holding unit 41 is installed on the installation unit 42 while holding the container 3.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the container 3 installed on the installation unit 42 is directed toward the installation unit 42 by the pressing unit 44 that descends from directly above the container 3 while maintaining the holding unit 41. Pressed.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the holding | maintenance part 41 has a shape along the outer surface of the container 3 to hold | maintain. Specifically, the holding portion 41 has an arc-shaped holding surface 410 along the cylindrical outer surface of the held portion 33 (see FIG. 2) of the container 3 on the inner side. The holding part 41 is configured to hold the container 3 by moving the pair of movable parts 41 b and sandwiching the held part 33 (outer surface) of the container 3 in a surface contact state by the holding surface 410. In other words, the holding unit 41 secures a wide contact area with the container 3 as compared with the case where the container 3 is held by making the flat surface line contact or point contact with the container 3, thereby preventing the holding unit 41. The container 3 is configured to suppress movement.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the holding portion 41 is connected to an air cylinder 41 d that raises and lowers the holding portion 41 in the up and down direction, one end connected to a cylinder shaft 41 e that is raised and lowered to the main body of the air cylinder 41 d, and the other end. And a connection portion 41f connected to the. The connecting portion 41f has a bar shape extending in the horizontal direction. The holding portion 41 is configured to be rotatable in the horizontal direction about the cylinder shaft 41e of the air cylinder 41d by a rotation mechanism (not shown). Thereby, as shown in FIG. 6, the holding portion 41 is retracted in the horizontal direction between the pressing portion 44 and the installation portion 42 (pouring position) and between the pressing portion 44 and the installation portion 42 (retraction). Position).

<Configuration of installation unit>
As shown in FIG. 5, the installation part 42 is a flat plate-like member extending in the horizontal direction, and closes the lower opening 32 of the container 3 in a state where the container 3 is installed on the installation part 42. It is configured. The installation unit 42 includes a refrigerant path 42a and a thermocouple 42b. The coolant path 42a is a path through which a cooling medium such as water is passed, for example, and the liquid is poured into the container 3 on the installation part 42 by cooling the installation part 42 by passing the cooling medium. It is configured to cool the bottom B of the metal material. The thermocouple 42b is arranged in the installation part 42, and is configured to measure the temperature of the metal material (the bottom B to be solidified) poured into the installation part 42. The fixing member 47 has a groove 47a that is recessed downward from the upper surface. The installation part 42 is configured to be attached to the fixing member 47 by being fitted into the groove part 47a from above.

  The installation part 42 is formed of, for example, a material having a higher thermal conductivity than the material constituting the container 3. For example, the container 3 is made of stainless steel, whereas the installation part 42 is made of copper (pure copper). However, the installation part 42 and the container 3 may be formed of the same material.

<Ball plunger configuration>
As shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of ball plungers 43 are provided on the lower surface of the installation part 42, and are configured to support the installation part 42 from below. Further, the ball plunger 43 has a function of allowing the installation portion 42 to move in the vertical direction within a predetermined range. Further, the plurality of ball plungers 43 are installed in the groove portion 47 a of the fixing member 47. Further, since the plurality of ball plungers 43 allow the installation portion 42 to move in the vertical direction at each contact point with the installation portion 42, the lower end of the container 3 is inclined from the horizontal state due to thermal expansion or the like. Also, it has a function of ensuring a surface contact state between the installation portion 42 and the lower end of the container 3. For example, when the installation part 42 has a rectangular shape, the ball plungers 43 are provided in the vicinity of the four corners of the lower surface of the installation part 42.

<Configuration of pressing part>
As shown in FIG. 5, the pressing portion 44 is disposed immediately above the installation portion 42. The pressing portion 44 is a plate-like member that contacts the container 3 from above and presses the container 3 downward (on the installation portion 42 side). The pressing portion 44 is provided with a through hole 44a extending in the vertical direction at a position corresponding to the upper opening 31 so as not to block the upper opening 31 of the container 3 when pressed. Further, a plurality (a pair) of air cylinders 44b for raising and lowering the pressing portion 44 in the vertical direction are provided at both ends of the pressing portion 44 in the horizontal direction. That is, the pressing portion 44 is configured to press the container 3 downward (on the installation portion 42 side) by being lowered by the air cylinder 44b, and from the container 3 by being lifted by the air cylinder 44b. It is configured to retreat (separate) upward.

<Composition of funnel>
As shown in FIG. 5, the funnel 45 is a member that assists the supply of the liquid metal material into the container 3 by the pouring device 2. Moreover, the funnel 45 is comprised so that it may be spaced apart or in contact with the pressing portion 44 during pouring. The funnel 45 is provided with an air cylinder 45a that moves the funnel 45 up and down.

<Structure of vibrator>
As shown in FIG. 7, the vibrator 5 is fixedly attached to the holding portion 41 of the semi-solidifying device 4. Specifically, the vibrator 5 is fixedly attached to the upper surface of the main body 41 a and configured to mechanically (forcefully) vibrate the container 3 via the holding part 41. Although it is an example, the vibrator | oscillator 5 is a general vibration apparatus which has a motor and the weight (not shown) attached eccentrically to a motor shaft.

(Process for producing semi-solid metal in the first embodiment)
Next, with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 6, and FIG. 8 (a)-FIG.8 (f), the manufacturing process of the semi-solid metal by the semi-solidification apparatus 4 is demonstrated. The description will be made from the process of installing the container 3 to the installation part 42 to the process from the formation of the semi-solid metal in the container 3 to the injection sleeve 100c.

  First, although not shown, as a previous step, the container 3 is cooled by being held by the holding portion 41 and immersed in a cooling medium built in the cooling device. The cooling medium may be either a liquid or a gas medium.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 8A, the holding part 41 holds the held part 33 of the container 3 and installs the container 3 on the installation part 42. That is, the container 3 is arranged in a contact state on the upper surface of the installation part 42 located between the installation part 42 and the pressing part 44.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 8B, the container 3 is pressed against the installation part 42 by the pressing part 44 by lowering the pressing part 44 and bringing the pressing part 44 into contact with the upper end of the container 3. That is, the container 3 is sandwiched between the pressing part 44 and the installation part 42. At this time, the through hole 44a of the pressing portion 44 is arranged at a position where the upper opening 31 of the container 3 overlaps in the vertical direction (a position where the opening centers coincide with each other). Further, the funnel 45 is disposed immediately above the pressing portion 44. At this time, the funnel 45 may be spaced upward from the pressing portion 44 or may be in contact with the pressing portion 44.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 8C, a liquid metal material is poured into the container 3 through the funnel 45 by the hot water pouring device 2. Specifically, the ladle 21 of the pouring device 2 is moved to pump out a liquid metal material from the holding furnace 1. Then, the ladle 21 is moved above the funnel 45 and tilted to pour (pour) a liquid metal material into the container 3.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 8D, while the temperature of the installation unit 42 is managed by the thermocouple 42b, the installation unit 42 is cooled by passing a cooling medium such as water through the refrigerant path 42a provided in the installation unit 42. To do. Thereby, the bottom B of the metal material on the installation part 42 is solidified. As a result, even if the container 3 is lifted by the holding portion 41, the liquid or semi-solid metal material can be prevented from leaking from the lower opening 32 of the container 3.

  Next, as shown in FIG.8 (e), the funnel 45 and the press part 44 are each retracted | saved from the container 3 by moving upwards. That is, the holding (clamping) of the container 3 by the pressing portion 44 is released.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 8F, the holding portion 41 is moved upward. As a result, the container 3 is lifted by the holding unit 41, and the container 3 is separated from the installation unit 42. The vibrator 5 is vibrated in a state where the container 3 poured with the metal material is lifted by the holding portion 41. Thereby, the vibration of the vibrator 5 is transmitted to the container 3 through the holding portion 41. As a result, the metal material on the upper side of the bottom portion B is evenly stirred, and a semi-solid metal having a dense and uniform metal structure is obtained. In addition, the vibration of the vibrator 5 is stopped when, for example, a predetermined time elapses after being lifted by the holding unit 41.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 6, the container 3 is retreated in the horizontal direction from between the pressing portion 44 (see FIG. 8) and the installation portion 42 (see FIG. 8) by the holding portion 41.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 1, the container 3 is tilted toward the inlet of the injection sleeve 100c at the retracted position. By inserting the pressing member P into the container 3 from the lower opening 32, the semi-solid metal is extruded from the container 3. Then, the extruded semi-solid metal is supplied into the injection sleeve 100c.

(Effect of 1st Embodiment)
Next, effects of the first embodiment will be described.

  In the first embodiment, as described above, the container 3 is installed, the semi-solidifying device 4 for semi-solidifying the metal material poured into the container 3, and the vibrator 5 for mechanically vibrating the container 3. And provide. Thereby, since the container 3 can be vibrated by the vibrator 5 that mechanically vibrates itself, the liquid metal material poured into the container 3 as compared with the case where the container 3 is simply moved as in the prior art. Even when the weight of the metal material increases, the metal material can be effectively stirred inside and outside the metal material in the container 3. As a result, even when the weight of the liquid metal material poured into the container 3 is increased, it is possible to suppress a temperature gradient from being produced in the semi-solid metal produced, so that the liquid metal material poured into the container 3 Even when the weight of the metal is increased, the metal structure of the semi-solid metal can be made uniform (spheroidized or granulated). Further, unlike a conventional electromagnetic stirrer that requires an electromagnetic field application coil, the liquid metal material poured into the container 3 can be vibrated with a simple configuration of the vibrator 5. As described above, the semi-solid metal production apparatus can homogenize the metal structure of the semi-solid metal even when the weight of the liquid metal material poured into the container 3 is increased with a simple configuration. Further, unlike a conventional electromagnetic stirring device, a stirring device (vibrator 5) can be obtained at a relatively low cost.

  In the first embodiment, as described above, the vibrator 5 is attached to the semi-solidifying device 4 and is configured to vibrate the container 3 via the semi-solidifying device 4. Thereby, the vibration of the vibrator 5 can be easily transmitted to the container 3 through the semi-solidifying device 4 in which the container 3 is installed.

  Further, in the first embodiment, as described above, the vibrator 5 is attached to the semi-solidifying device 4 and the holding unit 41 that holds the container 3 is provided, and the vibrator 5 is connected to the container via the holding unit 41. 3 is configured to vibrate. Accordingly, by attaching the vibrator 5 to the holding portion 41 adjacent to the container 3, the vibration of the vibrator 5 can be more easily transmitted to the container 3.

  Moreover, in 1st Embodiment, as mentioned above, the holding | maintenance part 41 is formed in the shape along the outer surface of the container 3 to hold | maintain. Thereby, since the container 3 can be fixedly arranged with respect to the holding part 41 by holding the container 3 with the holding part 41 having a shape along the outer surface of the container 3, the holding part 41 vibrates. When vibrated by the child 5, the vibration of the vibrator 5 can be effectively transmitted from the holding portion 41 to the container 3. As a result, even when the weight of the liquid metal material poured into the container 3 is increased, it is possible to further suppress the temperature gradient in the semi-solid metal to be produced, so that the metal structure of the semi-solid metal is more uniform. Can be

  Further, in the first embodiment, as described above, the outer surface of the container 3 is formed in a cylindrical shape, the holding portion 41 is formed on the arc-shaped holding surface 410 along the outer surface, and the holding portion 41 is formed. The holding surface 410 is configured to hold the outer surface of the container 3 in a surface contact state. As a result, the container 3 can be arranged more fixedly with respect to the holding part 41 by holding the container 3 in a surface contact state by the holding part 41, so that the holding part 41 is vibrated by the vibrator 5. At this time, the vibration of the vibrator 5 can be effectively transmitted from the holding portion 41 to the container 3. As a result, even when the weight of the liquid metal material poured into the container 3 is increased, it is possible to further suppress the temperature gradient in the semi-solid metal to be produced, so that the metal structure of the semi-solid metal is more uniform. Can be

  In the first embodiment, as described above, the vibrator 5 is configured to vibrate the container 3 in a state where the container 3 into which the metal material is poured is lifted by the holding unit 41. Thereby, when the holding | maintenance part 41 is vibrated by the vibrator | oscillator 5, compared with the case where the lower end of the container 3 is installed, the vibration of the vibrator | oscillator 5 is effectively transmitted to the container 3 from the holding | maintenance part 41. be able to. As a result, even when the weight of the liquid metal material poured into the container 3 is increased, it is possible to further suppress the temperature gradient in the semi-solid metal to be produced, so that the metal structure of the semi-solid metal is more uniform. Can be

  In the first embodiment, as described above, the semi-solidifying device 4 is provided with the installation unit 42 in which the container 3 is installed and the bottom B of the metal material poured into the container 3 is solidified by cooling. After the solidification device 4 is solidified by cooling the bottom B of the metal material by the installation part 42, the vibrator 5 is lifted by the holding part 41 so that the container 3 is lifted away from the installation part 42. The container 3 is configured to vibrate. Thereby, the bottom B of the metal material can be solidified by cooling by the installation part 42. As a result, the solidified bottom B can be made difficult to adhere to the surroundings, so that the semi-solid metal can be easily taken out from the container 3.

  In the first embodiment, as described above, the semi-solidifying device 4 is provided with the holding portion 41 that holds the container 3, and the upper end portion of the container 3 has the lower surface 34 a that contacts the holding portion 41, A flange portion 34 having a large horizontal sectional shape is provided. Thereby, since the flange part 34 can be supported from below by the holding part 41, the container 3 can be prevented from moving downward relative to the holding part 41.

  Further, in the first embodiment, as described above, the container 3 is provided with the held portion 33 held by the holding portion 41 while the horizontal cross-sectional shape is substantially constant and extends in the vertical direction. Thereby, the holding part 41 can hold the container 3 stably by the held part 33. Further, since the horizontal cross-sectional shape of the held portion 33 is substantially constant, the holding portion 41 can be formed in a simple shape corresponding to the shape of the held portion 33.

  Moreover, in 1st Embodiment, as above-mentioned, let the container 3 be the hollow member which the upper and lower ends open, and the container 3 is installed in the semi-solidification apparatus 4, and the lower opening of a hollow member is plugged up. An installation part 42 is provided. Thereby, the semi-solid metal manufactured in the container 3 can be taken out from the container 3 by extrusion by the hollow member with both upper and lower ends opened.

  Further, in the first embodiment, as described above, the container 3 is formed in a cylindrical shape whose inner diameter decreases downward. Thereby, when the container 3 is lifted, it is possible to prevent the metal material in the container 3 from falling out downward.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 9, FIG. 10 (a), (b), the semi-solid metal manufacturing apparatus 204 of 2nd Embodiment is demonstrated. In the second embodiment, unlike the first embodiment in which the liquid metal material is poured into the container 3 and the vibrator 5 is vibrated after the container 3 is lifted, the liquid metal material is poured into the container 203. An example in which the vibrator 5 is vibrated from time to time will be described.

(Configuration of semi-solid metal production equipment)
The semi-solid metal production apparatus 204 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. The vibrator 5 is attached to the holding part 41 of the semi-solidifying device 4.

<Construction of container>
As shown in FIG. 9, a plurality of friction reducing portions 35 are provided on the upper surface of the flange portion 34 of the container 203. The friction reducing unit 35 has a function that enables the container 203 to move relative to the pressing unit 44 in a direction (horizontal direction) along the contact surface between the pressing unit 44 and the container 203. In detail, the friction reduction part 35 is a spherical member, a part protrudes upward from the upper surface of the flange part 34, and most (volume part larger than half of the whole) is arrange | positioned in the flange part 34. Has been. In addition, the plurality of friction reducing portions 35 are arranged on the upper surface of the flange portion 34 at substantially constant intervals in the circumferential direction. Further, the friction reducing portion 35 is configured to be rotatable with respect to the flange portion 34 while keeping the same position without moving with respect to the flange portion 34. The plurality of friction reducing portions 35 come into contact with the pressing portion 44 from above and rotate in the same direction as the moving direction of the container 203 as the container 203 moves in the horizontal direction with respect to the pressing portion 44. It is comprised so that the friction (resistance at the time of sliding) of the container 203 with respect to may be reduced. Thereby, the container 203 and the pressing part 44 are configured to be relatively movable in the horizontal direction easily during vibration by the vibrator 5 (see FIG. 10B).

(Process for producing semi-solid metal in the second embodiment)
Next, with reference to FIG. 10 (a), (b), the manufacturing process of the semi-solid metal by the semi-solidification apparatus 4 (refer FIG. 1) is demonstrated. Note that description of the same steps as those in the first embodiment is omitted.

  First, as illustrated in FIG. 10A, the container 203 installed in the installation unit 42 is pressed by the pressing unit 44. That is, the pressing portion 44 and the friction reducing portion 35 of the container 203 are brought into contact with each other. Further, the funnel 45 is disposed immediately above the pressing portion 44.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 10B, the vibrator 5 starts when the liquid metal material is poured into the container 203 by the ladle 21 of the pouring device 2 (for example, substantially simultaneously with or immediately before the start of the inclination of the ladle 21). Start to vibrate. Thereafter, steps similar to those in the first embodiment (steps similar to those in FIGS. 8D to 8F) are sequentially performed while the vibrator 5 is vibrated. In addition, even after the pouring device 2 finishes pouring the metal material, the vibrator 5 vibrates the container 3 by continuously vibrating so that the metal material is semi-solidified.

  Other configurations of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

(Effect of 2nd Embodiment)
Next, effects of the second embodiment will be described.

  In the second embodiment, as described above, the vibrator 5 is continuously vibrated from when the metal material is poured into the container 203 until the metal material is semi-solidified after the pouring is finished. Configure. Thereby, compared with the case where it vibrates after a metal material is poured into the container 203, it can suppress that the outer side of a metal material is cooled by the container 203 earlier than an inner side. As a result, it is possible to effectively suppress the occurrence of a temperature gradient in the semi-solid metal.

  In the second embodiment, as described above, the semi-solidifying device 4 is provided with the installation portion 42 where the container 203 is installed, the ball plunger 43 that supports the installation portion 42 so as to be able to vibrate, and the ball plunger 43. The installation unit 42 is provided with a pressing unit 44 that presses the container 203 in a state where the container 203 can vibrate, and the vibrator 5 is configured to vibrate the container 203 while the container 203 is installed on the installation unit 42. Thereby, the installation part 42 is supported by the ball plunger 43 so as to be able to vibrate, and the container 203 can be vibrated in a state where the container 203 is installed on the installation part 42. When pouring the material, the metal material in the container 203 can be effectively stirred. As a result, the metal structure of the semi-solid metal can be made more uniform.

  Moreover, in 2nd Embodiment, as mentioned above, the friction reduction part 35 which enables the movement of the container 203 with respect to the press part 44 to the container 203 in the direction along the contact surface of the press part 44 and the container 203 is provided. Provide. Thereby, since the movement of the container 203 with respect to the press part 44 is permitted by the friction reduction part 35, the container 203 can be vibrated more greatly at the time of a vibration. As a result, the metal material in the container 203 can be effectively stirred.

  Other effects of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 (a), (b), the semi-solid metal manufacturing apparatus 304 of 3rd Embodiment is demonstrated. In the third embodiment, an example in which a decompression device 6 capable of decompressing the inside of the container 3 is provided in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment.

(Configuration of semi-solid metal production equipment)
The semi-solid metal production apparatus 304 of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 1 includes a semi-solidification apparatus 4a and a decompression apparatus 6 (see FIG. 11). The vibrator 5 is attached to the holding part 41 of the semi-solidifying device 4a.

  The semi-solidifying device 4a includes a pressing portion 344 as shown in FIG.

<Configuration of pressing part>
As shown in FIG. 11, the pressing portion 344 is provided with a plurality of tubular exhaust passages 344a. One end of the exhaust path 344a is connected to the upper opening 31 of the container 3 (internal space of the container 3). One end of the exhaust path 344 a is passed through the pressing portion 344, and the other end is connected to the decompression device 6.

  In the through hole 44a of the pressing portion 344, the funnel 45 is lowered from above and is attached in a close contact state. Thereby, between the through-hole 44a and the funnel 45 is sealed. Further, the pressing portion 344 is configured to be in close contact with the container 3 and to seal between the container 3 by pressing the container 3 downward. The pressing portion 344 is configured to seal between the container 3 and the installation portion 42 by pressing the container 3 downward. Therefore, when the pressing portion 344 is pressing the container 3, the container 3 is in a state where the inflow of outside air is cut off except for the opening portion of the funnel 45.

<Configuration of decompression device>
The decompression device 6 includes a vacuum pump 61 and is configured to be able to exhaust the air in the container 3 by sucking air from the internal space of the container 3 via the exhaust path 344a.

(Process for producing semi-solid metal in the third embodiment)
Next, with reference to FIG. 12 (a), (b), the manufacturing process of the semi-solid metal by the semi-solidification apparatus 4a is demonstrated. Note that description of the same steps as those in the first embodiment is omitted.

  First, as shown in FIG. 12A, the pressing part 344 is lowered from above the container 3, and the container 3 installed in the installation part 42 is pressed by the pressing part 344. That is, the pressing portion 344 and the container 3 are brought into close contact with each other, and the installation portion 42 and the container 3 are brought into close contact with each other. Further, the funnel 45 is lowered from above the pressing portion 344 and the funnel 45 is arranged in close contact with the pressing portion 344.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 12 (b), when the liquid metal material is poured into the container 3 by the pouring device 2, the vacuum pump 61 of the decompression device 6 exhausts the air in the container 3 (in the container 3. Start depressurization). In addition, when the liquid metal material is poured into the container 3 by the pouring device 2, the vibrator 5 starts to vibrate. Note that the pressure reducing device 6 starts the pressure reduction, for example, when the ladle 21 of the pouring device 2 is inclined and the liquid metal material is poured into the opening of the funnel 45 (at the start of pouring). is there. By closing the opening of the funnel 45 with the metal material, a sealed space is formed in the container 3 that is blocked from the outside air. That is, a closed space that can be effectively decompressed by the decompression device 6 is formed in the container 3. Thereafter, steps similar to those in the first embodiment (steps similar to those in FIGS. 8D to 8F) are sequentially performed while the vibrator 5 vibrates.

  Other configurations of the third embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

(Effect of the third embodiment)
Next, effects of the third embodiment will be described.

  In 3rd Embodiment, as above-mentioned, when pouring a metal material into the container 3, the pressure reduction apparatus 6 which can pressure-reduce the inside of the container 3 is further provided. Thereby, since the air in the container 3 can be discharged | emitted out of the container 3 by the decompression device 6, when pouring a metal material into the container 3, it can suppress that air is caught in a metal material. As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a cast hole (small pore portion remaining inside) in the molded product.

  Other effects of the third embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[Modification]
It should be thought that embodiment disclosed this time is an illustration and restrictive at no points. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the description of the above-described embodiment but by the scope of claims for patent, and further includes all modifications (modifications) within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims for patent.

  For example, in the first to third embodiments, the example in which the vibrator is attached to the holding portion has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, as long as the container can be vibrated, the vibrator may be attached to a configuration other than the holding unit, such as a pressing unit, a funnel, and the container itself.

  Moreover, in the said 1st-3rd embodiment, although the example which formed the container so that upper and lower both ends opened was shown, this invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, for example, the container may be formed such that the upper end is open and the lower end has a bottom.

  Moreover, in the said 1st-3rd embodiment, although the example which comprised the support part of this invention by the ball plunger was shown, this invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, for example, the support portion of the present invention may be formed of an elastic member such as a compression spring.

  Moreover, in the said 1st-3rd embodiment, although the example which formed the container in the cylindrical shape was shown, this invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, for example, the container may be formed in a polygonal cylindrical shape.

  Moreover, although the example which provided the funnel and the press part was shown in the said 1st-3rd embodiment, this invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the funnel may also serve as the pressing portion.

  Moreover, although the example which provided the friction reduction part in the container was shown in the said 2nd Embodiment, this invention is not limited to this. In this invention, you may provide a friction reduction part in a press part.

  Moreover, although the example which formed the friction reduction part with the spherical member was shown in the said 2nd Embodiment, this invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, for example, the friction reducing portion may be formed by a cylindrical roller.

  Moreover, in the said 1st-3rd embodiment, a vibrator | oscillator is the timing at the time of pouring a molten metal in the state which pressed the container with the press part at the timing which lifted the container with the holding part after pouring (just before pouring). Although the example which started this vibration was shown, this invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the timing for starting the vibration of the vibrator is not limited to the above embodiments, for example, the vibration of the vibrator is started while pouring water into the container.

3, 203 Container 4, 4a Semi-solidifying device 5 Vibrator 6 Depressurizing device 33 Holding part 34 Flange part 34a Lower surface 35 Friction reducing part 41 Holding part 42 Installation part 43 Ball plunger (supporting part)
44, 344 Pressing part 104, 204, 304 Semi-solid metal production apparatus 410 Holding surface B Bottom

Claims (15)

A container into which a liquid metal material is poured;
A semi-solidifying device in which the container is installed and the metal material poured into the container is semi-solidified;
A semi-solid metal manufacturing apparatus comprising: a vibrator that mechanically vibrates the container.   The semi-solid metal production apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the vibrator is attached to the semi-solidification device and configured to vibrate the container via the semi-solidification device. The semi-solidifying device includes a holding unit to which the vibrator is attached and holds the container,
The semi-solid metal manufacturing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the vibrator is configured to vibrate the container via the holding portion.   The semi-solid metal production apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the holding portion has a shape along an outer surface of the container to be held. The outer surface of the container has a cylindrical shape,
The said holding | maintenance part has an arc-shaped holding surface along the said outer surface, and is comprised so that the outer surface of the said container may be hold | maintained by a surface contact state with the said holding surface. Semi-solid metal production equipment.   6. The vibrator according to claim 3, wherein the vibrator is configured to vibrate the container in a state where the container into which the metal material is poured is lifted by the holding unit. Semi-solid metal production equipment. The semi-solidifying device includes an installation unit in which the container is installed, and a bottom of the metal material poured into the container is solidified by cooling,
After the bottom of the metal material is solidified by cooling by the installation part, the container is vibrated by the vibrator in a state where the container is lifted by the holding part so that the container is separated from the installation part. The semi-solid metal manufacturing apparatus of Claim 6 comprised by these.   The vibrator is configured to continuously vibrate the container from when the metal material is poured into the container until the metal material is semi-solidified after pouring. The semi-solid metal production apparatus of any one of -7. The semi-solidifying device is configured to press the container against the installation unit on which the container is installed, a support unit that supports the installation unit so as to vibrate, and the installation unit supported on the support unit in a state where the container can be vibrated. Including a pressing portion,
The semi-solid metal production apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the vibrator is configured to vibrate the container in a state where the container is installed in the installation unit.   One of the said press part and the said container is provided with the friction reduction part which enables the movement of the said container with respect to the said press part in the direction along the contact surface of the said press part and the said container. The semi-solid metal production apparatus according to 9.   The semi-solid metal production apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 10, further comprising a decompression device capable of decompressing the inside of the container when the metal material is poured into the container. The semi-solidifying device includes a holding unit that holds the container,
The semi-solid metal production according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein a flange portion having a lower surface in contact with the holding portion and having a large horizontal sectional shape is provided at an upper end portion of the container. apparatus.   The semi-solid metal manufacturing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the container is provided with a held portion that is held by the holding portion and has a horizontal cross-sectional shape that is substantially constant and extends in a vertical direction. The container includes a hollow member whose upper and lower ends are open,
The semi-solidified metal manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the semi-solidified apparatus includes an installation part in which the container is installed and closes an opening on a lower side of the hollow member.   The semi-solid metal production apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the container has a cylindrical shape with an inner diameter that decreases downward.

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