WO2024149840A1

WO2024149840A1 - Device for metering melt to a die casting machine

Info

Publication number: WO2024149840A1
Application number: PCT/EP2024/050588
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas NINKEL
Original assignee: Ninkel Thomas
Priority date: 2023-01-12
Filing date: 2024-01-11
Publication date: 2024-07-18
Also published as: DE102023100621A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for metering melt to a die casting machine, comprising a casting chamber (1) with a closure piston (2) and at least one suction assembly (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19), wherein the at least one suction assembly (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19) is designed in multiple parts and has a connection socket (3), which has a first end and a second end lying opposite the first end, and at least one suction tube (5, 24), which has a first end and a second end lying opposite the first end, wherein the connection socket (3) and the at least one suction tube (5, 24) are connected together in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner. The invention additionally relates to a die casting machine comprising a device for metering a melt.

Description

'Device for melt dosing on a die casting machine'

The invention relates to a device for dosing melt on a die casting machine and a die casting machine according to the preamble of the independent claims.

The conventional cold chamber die casting process is one of the casting processes with rapid mold filling, in which a certain amount of molten metal is dosed into the casting chamber from above in contact with atmospheric air and is conveyed into the mold cavity or cavity with a high static pressure by the casting force acting on the casting piston surface. In the conventional cold chamber die casting process, oxide formation and the inclusion of fluids such as air and/or gases occur in all three casting phases, but mainly during the dosing and mold filling phase of the casting cycle, which lead to reduced casting quality.

In order to counteract these process-related contaminations and also to increase the mold filling capacity, die casting under vacuum has become established in the conventional cold chamber die casting process. A vacuum chamber located in the mold cavity supports The second phase begins by building up a negative pressure in the mold cavity and in the casting system, provided that the casting piston surface has exceeded the dosing opening in the casting chamber and a spatial separation between the casting system and the atmosphere is created.

In the most rudimentary form of vacuum die casting, the negative pressure is generated via a vent valve located on the mold. Due to the insufficient process time remaining after the pouring piston has passed over the dosing opening and the often limited venting cross-sections of the valves and the connecting channels to the mold, the mold cavity, the runner and the casting chamber can often only be partially evacuated sufficiently.

An improvement of the dosing process under exclusion of atmospheric air is the die casting process described in the publication DE 30 41 340 A1 for producing low-gas, low-porosity and low-oxide castings using a cold chamber die casting machine. According to the process, the dosing process takes place via the negative pressure that builds up in the mold, which extends from the casting chamber into the suction pipe, whereby the melt is sucked up into the casting chamber under negative pressure and the casting is then cast under vacuum. The mold must, however, be sealed vacuum-tight. This process leads to an improvement in the quality of the castings compared to conventional die casting and vacuum die casting. The process described in the publication DE 30 41 340 A1 with this structure, however, has weaknesses in practice, which are discussed in more detail below.

The suction pipe from the publication DE 30 41 340 Al is a one-piece pipe with an upper conical part, which is attached directly to the conical opening on the casting chamber by means of a holding device not described in detail. The conical end of the suction pipe opens vertically into the conical opening on the casting chamber. This conicity limits the degrees of freedom in the Suction pipe alignment. The suction pipe is therefore designed without any degrees of freedom of movement and is rigidly installed in the longitudinal axis of the casting chamber, ie the suction pipe and the lower end of the suction pipe with the throttle are completely fixed and immobile. Due to the process, the holding furnace must therefore be arranged below the end of the suction pipe and installed within the die casting machine between the fixed clamping plate and the casting drive of the casting piston.

The document EP 0 051 3 10 A1 describes a die casting machine for producing low-gas, low-porosity and low-oxide castings, which is characterized in that the heat-holding device is arranged below the filling chamber between a fixed clamping plate and the drive for the casting piston. However, the die casting machine described in the document EP 0 051 3 10 A1 has weak points in practice, which are discussed in more detail below.

The document EP 0 051 3 10 A l describes the design of the suction pipe, casting chamber, holder and suspension clamp mechanism. Accordingly, the suction pipe is designed without any degrees of freedom of movement and is rigidly installed in the longitudinal axis of the casting chamber, i.e. the suction pipe and the lower end of the suction pipe with the throttle are completely fixed and immobile. Due to the process, the holding furnace must therefore be arranged below the end of the suction pipe and installed within the die casting machine between the fixed clamping plate and the casting drive of the casting piston. According to the document, this must be height-adjustable and also designed to be laterally movable so that the suction pipe can be removed or replaced. Due to the spring-loaded suspension of the suction pipe on the casting chamber, neither a firm form fit nor a clear force fit of this connection is possible, which leads to leaks in the vacuum system and misalignments during installation and removal, and therefore to a constant and repeatable die casting process. Leaks also directly affect part quality. Over-tightening or over-tightening the tightening torque also leads to cracks in the suction pipe receiving area, which further increases the problem of leaks, and in extreme cases can even lead to sudden suction pipe breaks in the middle of the casting process, which can lead to the escape of liquid melt and the resulting consequences. The massive pressure and pulse shocks that are always present in the die casting process during every casting process and are caused by the casting drive can also lead to damage to the suction pipe, thus reducing its service life and thus adversely affecting the process reliability of the die casting machine.

In practice, the process-related arrangement also leads to a special design of the die casting machine, which makes an open space between the fixed clamping plate and the casting drive of the casting piston absolutely necessary. Due to its typical features, this arrangement cannot be used on new conventional die casting machines that do not have these features, and cannot be retrofitted to conventional die casting machines from ongoing production. Due to this arrangement, the operator must buy a new die casting machine with these features.

Due to the necessary frequent cleaning, care and maintenance of the suction pipe and the resulting interruptions in production, the die casting machine described in EP 0 051 3 10 A1 is limited in terms of its practical suitability and associated economic efficiency and is therefore at a disadvantage compared to conventional die casting machines which are operated with vacuum.

The vertical transition to the conical area and then from the conical area also opening vertically into the casting chamber creates a directed melt flow, which, depending on the casting chamber inner diameter, the inner upper wall, which is opposite the Melt inlet opening is reached at the beginning of the dosing process and can lead to washing out and erosion in this area. Because the ratio between the inner diameter of the suction pipe and the diameter of the inlet opening remains the same, there is no reduction in the melt speed when dosing into the casting chamber. This effect is detrimental to the service life of the casting chamber and, like the problem described above, leads to disruptions in production, quality problems in the casting and reduced profitability.

There is therefore a great need for a device for dosing melt on a die casting machine, which enables the production of low-porosity, oxide-free, stress-free, heat-treatable, weldable, forgeable and/or improved cast parts in a simple, fast, reliable and cost-effective manner. Another focus of the invention is on greater flexibility in handling the device, on easy adaptation or retrofitting to existing and new die casting machines from the state of the art and on increased and improved process stability compared to the state of the art. Furthermore, the cast parts that can be produced using the die casting machine should be cost-effective, individually and according to requirements design and adaptation, as well as durable, long-lasting and error-free, in order above all to keep the production-related costs low. The invention therefore has the task of providing a device for dosing melt on a die casting machine and a die casting machine in order to overcome the above-mentioned difficulties.

This object is achieved in a surprisingly simple but effective manner by a device for dosing melt on a die casting machine and by a die casting machine according to the teaching of the independent claims. According to the invention, a device for dosing melt on a die casting machine is proposed, which comprises a casting chamber with a casting piston and at least one suction arrangement. The device is characterized in that the at least one suction arrangement is designed in several parts and has a connection socket having a first end and a second end opposite the first end and at least one suction pipe having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the connection socket and the at least one suction pipe are connected to one another in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner.

The basic idea of the invention is that the at least one suction arrangement is designed in several parts from at least two components or individual parts, namely the connection socket which is connected in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner to the at least one suction pipe, in order to absorb, mitigate and/or compensate for the oscillations and/or vibrations that occur during the production of low-porosity, oxide-free, stress-free, heat-treatable, weldable, forgeable and/or improved cast parts, in particular large cast parts, using any die-casting machine and the pressure and pulse shocks of the casting drive during the casting cycle as best as possible. This is important because the oscillations and/or vibrations that occur on a die-casting machine, as well as the pressure and pulse shocks, can have a negative effect on the casting quality and/or the cast part to be produced. In the casting operation, all contact surfaces and parting planes thus remain fully functional in the long term.

The device for dosing melt on a die casting machine comprises a casting chamber with a casting piston and at least one suction arrangement. It is understandable to a person skilled in the art that the device for producing the cast parts additionally comprises a die casting machine, preferably operated by means of vacuum and/or negative pressure, which forms a cavity, and a preferably closed melt Dosing furnace with melt. It is intended that the device is used on and/or with a die casting machine which forms the cavity.

The term "vacuum" refers to a space in which there is no matter, in particular no gas, no gas mixture and in particular no air. The term "negative pressure" refers to a gas pressure in a space that is lower than the ambient gas pressure of a gas outside the space. As a rule, the gas outside the space is air and the ambient gas pressure is the atmospheric gas pressure. The atmospheric gas pressure depends on the location; at sea level it is approximately 1 bar.

The term "melt" is known to a person skilled in the art and refers to flowable, compressible and/or meterable liquid material for producing the cast parts. The melt is preferably a metal melt.

Any shape of the casting chamber is conceivable within the scope of the invention. The casting chamber preferably has a first end and a second end opposite the first end, as well as an upper end formed between the first and second ends and a lower end formed between the first and second ends, which is opposite the upper end. It is conceivable that the casting chamber is designed in one or more parts and has two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more identically or differently designed modules. Preferably, at least one of the modules, preferably several or all modules, comprises a suitably designed structure for fluid-tight, in particular gas- and/or air-tight, connection of these. The casting chamber also has a casting piston. The casting piston is preferably designed to be self-sealing and/or self-sealing using measures known to a person skilled in the art. According to the invention, the device has at least one, preferably two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 or more suction arrangements of the same or different designs. The melt dosing furnace can be connected to the casting chamber via the suction arrangement in such a way that the melt can be dosed into the grit chamber by means of a generated vacuum and/or negative pressure. It is understandable to the person skilled in the art that the suction arrangement opens into the casting chamber in such a way that the casting chamber can be filled with the melt dosing weight as required and in accordance with the casting to be produced. Within the scope of the invention, the basic arrangement of the suction arrangement on the casting chamber is arbitrary and is subject to expert skill. Preferably, a plurality of suction arrangements are grouped, adjacent, paired, next to one another and/or arranged one behind the other in order to enable an increased melt flow from a plurality of melt dosing furnaces while at the same time allowing them to be assigned and accessed more easily. This is particularly useful for castings with a dosing weight of more than 30 kg, in particular from more than 50 kg to 200 kg. In addition, the casting time is reduced considerably and the melt flows away more quickly, which contributes significantly to improving the quality of the casting by avoiding and/or preventing deposits. Preferably, the suction arrangement is arranged in the region of the first end, in the middle or in the region of the second end of the casting chamber. More preferably, the suction arrangement is arranged on the lower end face of the casting chamber. A person skilled in the art will understand that the suction arrangement is made of a suitable material that meets the requirements.

The term "within the range" refers to a spatial arrangement. The term "substantially" means that there is only a minor, in particular insignificant, change, modification and/or deviation from the relevant conditions. Within the scope of the invention, it has been recognized as essential that the at least one suction arrangement is made up of several parts and consists of at least two, preferably three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 or more, identically or differently designed components or individual parts, wherein each component or individual part can also occur multiple times, as described in detail elsewhere. It is essential that a suction arrangement has a connection socket having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, and at least one suction pipe having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. Within the scope of the invention, it has been recognized that the multi-part suction arrangement ensures that the cast parts produced are low in pores, oxide-free, stress-free, heat-treatable, forgeable, weldable, individually and according to requirements designed and adapted and/or durable due to the absorption, compensation and/or mitigation of oscillations and/or vibrations. At the same time, this design enables the interchangeability of individual or multiple components and is the reason for the high adaptability to all die casting machines known from the state of the art and the retrofittability of the device. For example, it is conceivable that one suction pipe is exchanged for another in order to cast in a different casting position with the die casting machine, for example, without further changes to the device and/or the die casting machine being necessary. This ensures a long service life for all components, while at the same time avoiding all leaks in the device, especially since the other components remain unchanged, and at the same time maintaining the function.

Furthermore, the suction arrangement has at least one, preferably two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 or more suction pipes of the same or different design, which can be connected and extended as desired in order to adapt the device even better to the prevailing conditions. It has also been recognized as essential that the connection of the at least two components or individual parts of the multi-part suction arrangement, ie the connection socket and the suction pipe and/or the suction pipes, is made with the measures known to a person skilled in the art and is positively and/or force-fitting and fluid-tight as required. Within the scope of the invention, it is conceivable that the connection is detachable or non-detachable and/or direct or indirect. A person skilled in the art is aware of corresponding possibilities for connecting two or more components.

Furthermore, it has been recognized as essential that the connection of the at least two components or individual parts of the multi-part suction arrangement has a tightness and/or sealing in accordance with the requirements. Suitable additional means, such as a sealing element, and/or a correspondingly tight configuration are known to a person skilled in the art.

The term "sealing" or "tightness" describes a measure of the tightness of the device with respect to a fluid, such as air, gas and/or a mixture. Preferably, the tightness and/or sealing is at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.1%, 99.2%, 99.3%, 99.4%, 99.5%, 99.6%, 99.7%, 99.8%, 99.9%, 99.91%, 99.92%, 99.93%, 99.94%, 99.95%, 99.96%, 99.97%, 99.98% or 99.99%. Suitable means for determining the tightness and/or sealing are known to a person skilled in the art. It is understandable that the term sealing and/or tightness is a relative term, since there is no absolutely tight device and/or parts thereof. In the context of the invention, sealing or tightness is to be understood as always relating to previously determined and/or predetermined framework conditions, whereby it is understandable that fluid can enter or pass through the device for a short time. The possibility of such a short-term fluid entry or passage into the device is, however, of secondary importance. For a It is therefore obvious to those skilled in the relevant field that the design according to the invention is not intended to achieve absolute tightness. Rather, it is preferred that the fluid entry or passage into the device is impeded as far as possible. Even more preferably, the fluid entry or passage into the device is completely impeded, so that absolute tightness can be achieved at least partially and/or for a short time. Tightness can also be adapted to the requirements of the processes through design effort and/or appropriate use of materials, although this is associated with increased costs.

By means of the device according to the invention and in particular the suction arrangement designed in several parts according to the invention, it is possible to adapt these to existing and new die casting machines from the state of the art while simultaneously increasing and improving process stability or to retrofit them accordingly. At the same time, due to the suction arrangement designed in several parts, the oscillations and/or vibrations occurring on a die casting machine, as well as the pressure and pulse shocks of the casting drive, are absorbed, mitigated and/or balanced as best as possible during the casting cycle in order to enable the production of low-porosity, oxide-free, stress-free, heat-treatable, forgeable and/or weldable cast parts, in particular large cast parts. In addition, all contact surfaces and/or parting planes of the suction arrangement designed in several parts remain fully functional in the long term during the casting operation. Furthermore, by means of the device it is possible to carry out the production of the cast parts in a stable, error-free and low-maintenance manner in a simple, fast, reliable and cost-effective manner.

Advantageous developments of the invention, which can be implemented individually or in combination, are presented in the subclaims.

In a further development, it is conceivable that the at least one suction arrangement has several components or individual parts, namely at least one connecting pipe having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a suction pipe nozzle configured in one piece or in multiple parts with the suction pipe, a suction pipe holder having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, at least one fastening means, such as a screw, a bolt, a pin, a rivet and/or a flange, at least one sealing element, such as a vacuum- and/or negative pressure-tight and/or temperature-resistant seal, for example temperature-resistant up to 500°C, for example a sealing ring, at least one insulating element, at least one support ring and/or at least one locking ring. It is further conceivable that at least two, preferably three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 or more, identically or differently designed fastening means, sealing elements, insulating elements, support rings and/or securing rings are provided. It is conceivable that the suction arrangement, in particular the suction pipe, has the insulating element at least in part and/or in sections. Suitable means and materials are known to a person skilled in the art. It is conceivable that the insulating element is made of a ceramic flow material, in particular a heat-resistant ceramic flow material, which is temperature-resistant up to 1,000°C and/or chemically inert to molten metal. By means of this design, it is possible to adapt the device, in particular the suction arrangement, to different die casting machines and/or melt dosing furnaces in a simple manner, and to design it to be compact and robust.

It is also conceivable that the connection socket in the area of the first end opens into the casting chamber at least in part and/or in sections, preferably completely, is connected to the casting chamber in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner and/or is arranged flush with the casting chamber. Preferably, the connection socket is completely immersed in the casting chamber on the lower end face and is closed off flush with it in a form-fitting manner on the lower end face. In this way, a detachable This creates a tight, yet reliable connection between the connection socket and the casting chamber. It also makes it possible to design a compact and robust device that compensates for oscillations, vibrations, pressure and/or impulse shocks.

It is also conceivable that the connecting pipe is connected to the second end of the connection socket in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner in the area of the first end and/or is arranged flush with the second end of the connection socket. In this way, the connecting pipe is flush with the connection socket, so that a detachable but at the same time tight connection is created between them. It is also possible to design a compact and robust device that compensates for oscillations, vibrations, pressure and/or impulse shocks.

In one embodiment, it is conceivable that the size of the inner diameter of the connection socket at the second end is at least equal to, preferably greater than, the size of the inner diameter of the connecting pipe at the first end and/or that the size of the inner diameter of the connection socket at the first end is at least equal to, preferably greater than, the size of the inner diameter of the connection socket at the second end. The advantage of this embodiment is that the flow speed of the melt as it flows through the connection socket decreases due to the increase in the inner diameter at the second end of the connection socket compared to the inner diameter of the connecting pipe. A further throttling of the flow speed of the melt as it flows through the connection socket takes place due to the increase in the inner diameter at the first end compared to the inner diameter at the second end of the connection socket. A significant advantage of this embodiment of the connection socket is that the reduction in the flow speed of the melt in the connection socket allows the melt to flow laminarly into the casting chamber and no erosion occurs in the upper area of the inner diameter of the casting chamber.

In a further development, it is conceivable that the suction pipe holder is connected to the casting chamber in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner in the region of the first end and/or is arranged flush with the casting chamber. The suction pipe holder preferably ends with the casting chamber at its lower end face. It is conceivable that a sealing element described elsewhere is arranged between the suction pipe holder and the casting chamber in order to seal the parting plane between them against the ingress of fluids such as air, gas and/or a mixture as soon as a vacuum is introduced into the casting chamber and/or a negative pressure is generated in the casting chamber. In this way, a detachable but at the same time tight connection as required is realized between them. It is also conceivable that the suction pipe holder is attached, secured and/or fixed to the casting chamber by means of a fastening means described elsewhere. In addition, it is possible to design a compact and robust device that compensates for oscillations, vibrations, pressure and/or pulse shocks.

In yet another development, it is conceivable that the suction pipe in the region of the first end is immersed in the suction pipe holder at least in regions and/or sections, preferably completely, and is connected to the second end of the suction pipe holder in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner, preferably laterally in the region of the first end, and/or is arranged flush with the second end of the suction pipe holder. It is conceivable that a sealing element described elsewhere is arranged between the suction pipe and the suction pipe holder in order to seal the parting plane between them against the ingress of fluids, such as air, gas and/or a mixture, as soon as a vacuum is introduced into the casting chamber and/or a negative pressure is generated in the casting chamber. In this way, a detachable, but at the same time tight connection as required is realized between them. Furthermore, it is It is conceivable that the suction pipe is attached, secured and/or fixed to the suction pipe holder by means of a fastening means described elsewhere. In addition, it is possible to design a compact and robust device that compensates for oscillations, vibrations, pressure and/or impulse shocks.

In a further development, it is conceivable that the suction pipe holder encloses the connection socket, the connecting pipe and/or the suction pipe at least in part and/or in sections, preferably completely. The connection socket and/or the suction pipe is preferably encloses at least in part and/or in sections, preferably in the region of the second end of the connection socket or in the region of the first end of the suction pipe, by the suction pipe holder. The connecting pipe is further preferably completely encloses the suction pipe holder, and even more preferably the connecting pipe is flush with the suction pipe holder in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner in the region of the second end. In this way, a tight connection between them is realized as required. In addition, it is possible to design a compact and robust device that compensates for oscillations, vibrations, pressure and/or impulse shocks.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that the connection socket in the region of the first end and/or the second end, the connecting pipe in the region of the first end and/or the second end and/or the suction pipe holder in the region of the first end and/or the second end have an arithmetic mean roughness value (R _a ) of at least 2.0 pm, 1.9 pm, 1.8 pm, 1.7 pm, 1.6 pm, 1.5 pm, 1.4 pm, 1.3 pm, 1.2 pm, 1.1 pm, 1.0 pm or smaller. The processing is carried out using measures and means known to a person skilled in the art, such as planar, mechanical, chemical and/or a mixture thereof.

It is also conceivable that the connecting pipe and/or the suction pipe holder is connected and/or arranged at any adjustment angle 1, wherein the adjustment angle 1 in the vertical Plane between the longitudinal axis of the casting chamber and the axis of the suction pipe is 0° to 90°, preferably 30° to 70°. Preferably, the adjustment angle 1 is at least 1°, 2°, 3°, 4°, 5°, 6°, 7°, 8°, 9°, 10°,

1 1°, 12°, 13°, 14°, 15°, 16°, 17°, 18°, 19°, 20°, 21°, 22°, 23°, 24°, 25°,

26°, 27°, 28°, 29°, 30°, 3 1°, 32°, 33°, 34°, 35°, 36°, 37°, 38°, 39°, 40°,

41°, 42°, 43°, 44°, 45°, 46°, 47°, 48°, 49°, 50°, 51°, 52°, 53°, 54°, 55°,

56°, 57°, 58°, 59°, 60°, 61°, 62°, 63°, 64°, 65°, 66°, 67°, 68°, 69°, 70°,

71°, 72°, 73°, 74°, 75°, 76°, 77°, 78°, 79°, 80°, 81°, 82°, 83°, 84°, 85°,

68°, 87°, 88° or 89°. This provides a high degree of freedom in connection with different lengths of the intake manifold.

It is also conceivable that the suction pipe is connected and/or arranged at any desired adjustment angle 2, wherein the adjustment angle 2 in the horizontal plane between the longitudinal axis of the casting chamber, which represents 0°, and the axis of the ceramic suction pipe is 0° to 90° or 0° to -90°. Preferably, the adjustment angle 2 is at least 1°, 2°, 3°, 4°, 5°, 6°, 7°, 8°, 9°, 10°, 11°, 12°, 13°, 14°, 15°,

16°, 17°, 18°, 19°, 20°, 21°, 22°, 23°, 24°, 25°, 26°, 27°, 28°, 29°, 30°,

31°, 32°, 33°, 34°, 35°, 36°, 37°, 38°, 39°, 40°, 41°, 42°, 43°, 44°, 45°,

46°, 47°, 48°, 49°, 50°, 51°, 52°, 53°, 54°, 55°, 56°, 57°, 58°, 59°, 60°,

61°, 62°, 63°, 64°, 65°, 66°, 67°, 68°, 69°, 70°, 71°, 72°, 73°, 74°, 75°,

76°, 77°, 78°, 79°, 80°, 81 °, 82°, 83°, 84°, 85°, 68°, 87°, 88° or 89°.

More preferably, the adjustment angle 2 is at least - 1 °, -2°, -3°, -4°, -5°, .6°, -7°, -8°, -9°, - 10°, - 1 1 °, - 12°, - 13°, - 14°, - 15°, - 16°, - 17°, - 18°, - 19°, -20°, -21 °, -22°, -23°, -24°, -25°, -26°, -27°, -28°, -29°, -30°, -31 °, -32°, -33°, -34°, -35°, -36°, -37°, -38°, -39°, -40°, -41 °, -42°, -43°,

-44°, -45°, -46°, -47°, -48°, -49°, -50°, -51°, -52°, -53°, -54°, -55°, -56 °,

-57°, -58°, -59°, -60°, -61°, -62°, -63°, -64°, -65°, -66°, -67°, -68°, -69 °,

-70°, -71°, -72°, -73°, -74°, -75°, -76°, -77°, -78°, -79°, -80°, -81°, -82 °,

-83°, -84°, -85°, 68°, -87°, -88° or -89°. This adjustment angle 2 is possible due to the unchangeable central position of the connection socket in the casting chamber, the flat surface of the casting chamber at the interface between the casting chamber and the suction pipe holder. ter and the fastening means that can be positioned anywhere. The combination of the adjustment angle 1, the at least one suction pipe and the adjustment angle 2 results in any position of the suction pipe in this spatial area. This creates the possibility of no longer having to position a melt dosing furnace between the fixed clamping plate and the casting drive of the die casting machine, as in the prior art, but rather of being able to set it up anywhere and in accordance with the conditions prevailing at the installation location of the die casting machine. This also saves the otherwise necessary special construction, which leads to considerable cost savings.

It is also conceivable that the suction arrangement, in particular the suction pipe, the connection socket and/or the suction pipe holder, can be heated. The suction arrangement, in particular the suction pipe and/or the suction pipe holder, can preferably be heated in a range from 200°C to 1,000°C, even more preferably from 400°C to 800°C or 500°C to 600°C. Further preferably, the suction arrangement, in particular the suction pipe, the connection socket and/or the suction pipe holder, is heated to at least 200°C, 220°C, 240°C, 260°C, 280°C, 300°C, 320°C, 340°C, 360°C, 380°C, 400°C, 420°C, 440°C, 460°C, 480°C, 500°C, 520°C, 540°C, 560°C, 580°C, 600°C, 620°C, 640°C, 660°C, 680°C, 700°C, 720°C, 740°C, 760°C, 780°C, 800°C, 820°C, 840°C, 860°C, 880°C, 900°C, 920°C, 940°C, 960°C or 980°C. Suitable means, such as a heater and/or a heating element, for example an electric pipe heater, are known to a person skilled in the art. It is further conceivable that at least two, preferably three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 or more, identically or differently designed heaters are provided, arranged individually or in groups, adjacently, in pairs, next to one another and/or one behind the other. It is conceivable that the heater and/or the heaters extend partially or completely along the suction arrangement, in particular along the suction pipe and/or along the suction pipe holder. It is also conceivable that the heaters should be spaced maximum 5.0 mm, preferably 4.5 mm, 4.0 mm, 3.5 mm, 3.0 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.0 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.0 mm or less. As a result, the melt is drawn up into the casting chamber during the dosing process with as little thermal loss as possible and remains unchanged and liquid in the liquidus range. A significant advantage of this arrangement is also that the amount of heat emitted by the heater and/or the heating element is almost completely retained in the steady state, regardless of whether melt is being dosed or not. In this way, deposits of melt are reliably and sustainably avoided in order to prevent a deterioration in the quality of the castings to be produced due to the partial or complete blockage of the suction arrangement.

In a further development, it is conceivable that the device comprises a regulating and/or control unit. It is conceivable that the heating and/or heating elements described elsewhere can be regulated and/or controlled separately or together. Suitable means, such as a sequence control, are known to a person skilled in the art. In addition, individual or overall control of the device or the individual components thereof is possible with the associated advantages.

In a further development, it is conceivable that the connection socket, the connecting pipe, the suction pipe, the suction pipe nozzle, the suction pipe holder, the fastening means and/or the insulating element are made of any material that meets the requirements. The connection socket, the connecting pipe, the suction pipe, the suction pipe nozzle, the suction pipe holder, the fastening means and/or the insulating element are preferably made of a metal, such as steel, stainless steel, preferably rust-proof stainless steel, another metallic material, an alloy or a mixture thereof, a coated material or ceramic. The metal is particularly preferably a hard metal, in particular tungsten. Even more preferably, the alloy is an iron alloy, nickel alloy, chromium alloy, molybdenum alloy, vanadium alloy. Alloy and/or manganese alloy. Even more preferably, the alloy is a tungsten alloy, in particular with a tungsten content of at least 90%.

The term “at least 90% tungsten content” refers to a 90% share of the volume and/or weight of the component that is formed by tungsten atoms.

The connection socket, the connecting pipe, the suction pipe and/or the suction pipe nozzle, as well as the suction pipe holder and the fastening means are also preferably made of the same material. The coated material and/or the ceramic is preferably temperature-resistant up to 1,000°C and/or chemically inert to molten metal. The ceramic of the insulating element is also preferably made of a flow material known to a person skilled in the art, in particular a heat-resistant flow material. Suitable coatings are known to a person skilled in the art. These materials are characterized by their widely known and consistent material properties and, in particular due to their good availability on the market, make it possible to manufacture the device cost-effectively with the properties required. These materials are also characterized by the fact that the oscillations and/or vibrations that occur in die-casting machines and the pressure and pulse shocks of the casting drive are absorbed, mitigated and/or compensated for as best as possible during the casting cycle.

It is assumed that the definitions and the embodiments of the above terms apply to all aspects described in this description below, unless otherwise stated.

According to the invention, a die casting machine comprising a device described elsewhere is further proposed. Further details, features and advantages of the invention emerge from the following description of the preferred embodiments in conjunction with the subclaims. The respective features can be implemented alone or in combination with one another. The invention is not limited to the embodiments. The embodiments are shown schematically in the figures. The same reference numbers in the individual figures designate the same or functionally identical elements or elements that correspond to one another in terms of their function.

In detail:

Fig. 1 is a side sectional view of a first embodiment of a melt dosing device according to the invention;

Fig. 2 is a detailed view of section A of the melt dosing device according to Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is an isometric view of a melt dosing device according to the invention;

Fig. 4 is an isometric view of another device for melt dosing according to the invention;

Fig. 5 is a detailed view of section B of the melt dosing device according to Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is a detailed view of section C of the melt dosing device according to Fig. 1; and

Fig. 7 is a side sectional view of a second embodiment of a melt dosing device according to the invention.

Fig. 1 shows an isometric view of a first embodiment of a device according to the invention for improved melt dosing by means of vacuum on a die casting machine comprising a casting chamber mer 1, a self-sealing casting piston 2, a ceramic connection bushing 3, a ceramic connecting pipe 4, a ceramic suction pipe 5 with ceramic suction pipe nozzle 6, a suction pipe holder 7 made of steel, a suction pipe holding flange 8 made of steel, a casting chamber sealing ring 9, a suction pipe sealing ring 10, electric connecting pipe heaters 11, fastening screws for the suction pipe holder 12, a melt dosing furnace 13, melt 14, fastening screws for the suction pipe holding flange 15, an electric suction pipe heater 16, insulation for the electric suction pipe heater 17, a support ring 18 and a locking ring 19.

An advantageous feature of the device shown in Fig. 1 is that the suction arrangement is made up of multiple parts, preferably three parts, from individual parts. The embodiment shown in Fig. 1 to 3 comprises a ceramic connection bushing 3, a ceramic connecting pipe 4 and a ceramic suction pipe 5 with a ceramic suction pipe nozzle 6, as can be seen in Fig. 1. The ceramic connection bushing 3 is completely immersed in the casting chamber 1 from below and is form-fittingly flush with it and is mechanically machined flat on the lower end towards the ceramic connecting pipe 4 with a minimum _Ra 1.6 pm, as shown in an enlargement in Fig. 6 (detail view of section C from Fig. 1). The ceramic connecting pipe 4 is completely immersed in the steel suction pipe holder 7 and is form-fittingly flush with the ceramic connection bushing 3 at its first end. Both the ceramic connecting pipe 4 and the steel suction pipe holder 7 are flush at the adjustment angle W 1 at their first ends and mechanically machined to a plane of at least R _a 1 .6 pm. The casting chamber sealing ring 9 seals the parting plane between the casting chamber 1 and the steel suction pipe holder 7 against the ingress of atmospheric air as soon as vacuum is introduced into the casting chamber 1. The steel suction pipe holder 7 is connected to the casting chamber 1 at the first end in a form-fitting manner and by means of the fastening screws for the suction pipe holder 12 in a force-fitting manner with the Casting chamber 1. The ceramic suction pipe 5 dips into the second end of the suction pipe holder 7 made of steel and is laterally connected at the first end in a form-fitting manner through the corresponding hole in the suction pipe holder 7 made of steel and through the suction pipe holding flange 8 made of steel to the suction pipe holder 7 made of steel by means of the fastening screws for the suction pipe holding flange 15. The suction pipe sealing ring 10 seals the parting plane between the ceramic suction pipe 5 and the suction pipe holder 7 made of steel against the ingress of atmospheric air as soon as a vacuum is introduced into the casting chamber 1. The ceramic connection bushing 3, the ceramic connecting pipe 4, the ceramic suction pipe 5 and the ceramic suction pipe nozzle 6 are made of the same ceramic material, which is temperature-resistant up to 1,000°C and chemically inert to molten metal. The casting chamber sealing ring 9 and the suction pipe sealing ring 10 are made of the same material, which is vacuum-tight and temperature-resistant up to 350°C.

One advantage of the devices shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 6 is that, due to their compactness and robustness due to the positive and non-positive connections between the casting chamber 1, the steel suction pipe holder 7 and the steel suction pipe holding flange 8, the pressure and pulse shocks of the casting drive are not transmitted to the components such as the ceramic connection bushing 3, the ceramic connecting pipe 4 and the ceramic suction pipe 5 during the casting cycle. During casting operation, all contact surfaces and parting planes therefore remain fully functional in the long term.

A further advantage of the devices shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 6 is that due to the multi-part arrangement of form-fitting and force-fitting components, such as the ceramic connection bushing 3, the steel suction pipe holder 7 and the ceramic connecting pipe 4, these always remain in their position and only the existing ceramic suction pipe 5 has to be replaced with another is exchanged, for example, to cast in a different casting position with the die casting machine without any further changes to the device or the die casting machine being necessary. This ensures a long service life for all components while simultaneously avoiding any leaks in the system and maintaining functionality.

A direct and quick replacement of the suction pipe - without having to move any other equipment, such as a holding furnace - is also possible by unscrewing the fastening screws for the suction pipe holding flange 15. This has a positive effect on production interruptions and increases profitability.

All of these factors, individually or together, increase the quality of the castings, reduce sources of interference, increase the service life of the components, increase production reliability and increase profitability.

A further advantageous feature of the device shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 is that the adjustment angle Wl, as shown in Fig. 1, can be adjusted as desired in the vertical plane between the longitudinal axis of the casting chamber 1 and the axis of the ceramic suction pipe 5, specifically in the range from 30° to 70°. This provides a high degree of freedom in connection with different lengths of the ceramic suction pipe 5.

Another advantageous feature of the device shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 is that the adjustment angle W2, as shown in Fig. 3, in the horizontal plane between the longitudinal axis of the casting chamber 1 and the axis of the ceramic suction pipe 5 can be adjusted as desired in the range from 0° to -90° and from 0° to +90°, with the longitudinal axis of the casting chamber 1 representing 0°. This adjustment angle W2 is possible due to the unchangeable central position of the ceramic connection socket 3 in the casting chamber 1, the flat plane the casting chamber 1 at the interface between the casting chamber 1 and the suction pipe holder 7 made of steel as well as the freely placeable different positions of the threaded holes for the fastening screws for the suction pipe holder 12.

The adjustment angle W1, the ceramic suction pipe 5, which can be changed in length, and the adjustment angle W2 result in any desired position of the ceramic suction pipe 5 in this spatial area through their arrangement combination. This creates the possibility of no longer having to position the melt dosing furnace 13 between the fixed clamping plate and the casting drive of the die casting machine.

A further advantage of the devices shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 6 is that no special construction of a die casting machine is necessary to accommodate a melt dosing furnace 13 between the fixed clamping plate and the casting drive of the die casting machine.

A further advantage of the devices shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 6 is that the melt dosing furnace 13 can be placed on the right or left side of the longitudinal axis of the casting chamber 1.

A further advantage of the devices shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 6 is that due to the degrees of freedom of the arrangement combination, a height-adjustable melt dosing furnace 13 is not absolutely necessary.

A further advantageous feature of the devices shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 6 is that the steel suction pipe holder 7 is provided with at least two, three, four or more integrated electrical connecting pipe heaters 11, which are placed at a distance of less than 3 mm on the inner wall of the steel suction pipe holder 7 from the ceramic connecting pipe 4 and are adjustable in the temperature range from 400°C to 800°C. One of these several connecting pipe heaters tongues 11 on the inner wall of the suction pipe holder 7 at the transition between the ceramic connecting pipe 4 and the ceramic suction pipe 5 is shown in enlargement in Fig. 5 (detail view of section B from Fig. 1). As a result, the melt 14 is drawn up into the casting chamber 1 during the dosing process largely without thermal loss and remains unchanged in the liquidus region. A further advantage of this arrangement is that the amount of heat emitted by the electrical connecting pipe heaters 11 is almost completely retained in the steady state, regardless of whether melt 14 is being dosed or not.

A preferred feature of the devices shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 6 is that the ceramic suction pipe 5 is provided with at least one electric heater 16, which can be set in the temperature range from 400°C to 800°C and which has an insulation 17 made of ceramic heat-resistant flow material on its upper, side and lower parts, which has a temperature resistance of up to 1,000°C, as shown in an enlargement in Fig. 2 (detail view of section A from Fig. 1). The arrangement of the electric heater 16 and the insulation 17 is supported on the support ring 18, which is secured by the locking ring 19. As a result, the melt 14 is drawn up into the casting chamber 1 during the dosing process largely without thermal loss and remains unchanged and liquid in the liquidus region.

An advantageous feature of the devices shown in Fig. 4 to Fig. 6 is that two or more suction arrangements, each with a ceramic suction pipe 5 and a suction pipe holder 7, can be arranged one behind the other at the bottom of the longitudinal axis of the casting chamber 1, whereby the dosing process can take place simultaneously from two or more melt dosing furnaces 13. In particular with castings which have a dosing weight in the range of over 50 to 200 kg, a further advantage results from the arrangement 4. In comparison to only one melt dosing furnace 13 and only one ceramic suction pipe 5, the arrangement of Fig. 4 results in a shorter dosing time, a faster return flow of the melt 4 into the two or more melt dosing furnaces 13 after the self-sealing pouring piston 2 has passed over the two or more openings of the ceramic suction pipes 5, and an increased degassing of the melt 4 during the dosing process.

An advantageous feature of the device shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 is that the ceramic connection bushing 3 is designed such that the inner diameter at the second end towards the ceramic connecting tube 4 is at least the same size as or larger than the inner diameter of the ceramic connecting tube 4. The ceramic connection bushing 3 is also designed such that the inner diameter at the first end is the same size as or larger than the inner diameter at the second end. The advantage of this design is that the increase in the inner diameter at the second end of the ceramic connection bushing 3 compared to the inner diameter of the ceramic connecting tube 4 reduces the flow velocity of the melt 14 as it flows through the ceramic connection bushing 3. A further throttling of the flow velocity of the melt 14 as it flows through the ceramic connection bushing 3 takes place due to the increase in the inner diameter at the first end compared to the inner diameter at the second end of the ceramic connection bushing 3. A further advantage of this design of the ceramic connection bushing 3 is that by reducing the flow velocity of the melt 14 in the ceramic connection bushing 3, the melt 14 rises in a laminar manner into the casting chamber 1 and thus there is no erosion in the upper region of the inner diameter of the casting chamber 1.

Fig. 7 shows a side sectional view of a second embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention for melt dosing. The second The design corresponds in large parts to the first design shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 6, wherein a connection socket 20 made of a hard metal and a connecting tube 21 made of a hard metal are used. Furthermore, an electric heater 22 is arranged on the connecting tube 21 and extends over a large part of the length of the connecting tube 21. Another electric heater 23 is arranged on the connection socket 20. The device further comprises a suction tube 24 which is made partly from ceramic and partly from a hard metal. The suction tube 24 has a widened end which is connected to a widened end of the connecting tube 21. The connection between the suction tube 24 and the connecting tube 21 is made by means of a suction tube holder 25, wherein the suction tube holder accommodates the connecting tube 2 and the electric heater 22 of the connecting tube 21. The inner diameter in the upper part of the intake manifold holder 25 is smaller than the outer diameter of the widened end of the connecting pipe 21. At this point, the inner diameter of the intake manifold holder 25 widens due to a step formed in the inner circumference such that the widened end of the connecting pipe 21 is accommodated in the intake manifold holder 25. The widened end of the intake manifold 24 also dips into the intake manifold holder 25. The intake manifold holding flange 8 encloses the widened end of the intake manifold 24 from the other side and is fastened to the intake manifold holder 25 by means of the fastening screws 15.

List of reference symbols

1 casting chamber

2 self-sealing pouring pistons

3 ceramic connection socket

4 ceramic connecting pipe

5 ceramic intake manifold

6 ceramic suction pipe nozzle

7 Intake manifold holder

8 Intake manifold retaining flange

9 Casting chamber sealing ring

10 Intake manifold sealing ring

1 1 electric connecting pipe heaters

12 fastening screws for the suction pipe holder

13 Melt dosing furnace

14 Melt

15 fastening screws for the intake manifold retaining flange

16 electric intake manifold heater

17 Insulation for electric intake manifold heater

18 Support ring

19 Retaining ring

20 Hard metal connector socket

21 Hard metal connecting pipe

22 electric heating

23 electric heating

24 Suction pipe made of hard metal and ceramic

25 Intake manifold holder

A Detail A

B Detail B

C Detail C

W 1 Adjustment angle 1

W2 adjustment angle 2

Claims

Patent claims

1. Device for dosing melt on a die casting machine comprising a casting chamber (1) with a casting piston (2) and at least one suction arrangement (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25), characterized in that the at least one suction arrangement (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25) is designed in several parts and has a connection socket (3, 20) and at least one suction pipe (5, 24) having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the connection socket (3, 20) and the at least one suction pipe (5, 24) are connected to one another in a positive and/or non-positive manner.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one suction arrangement (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25) has a connecting pipe (4, 21) having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a suction pipe nozzle (6), a suction pipe holder (7, 25) having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, at least one fastening means (8, 12, 15), at least one sealing element (9, 10) and/or at least one insulating element (17).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the connecting socket (3, 20) in the region of the first end opens into the casting chamber (1) at least in regions and/or sections, preferably completely, and is positively and/or non-positively connected to the Casting chamber (1) and/or arranged flush with the casting chamber (1).

4. Device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the connecting pipe (4, 21) in the region of the first end is positively and/or non-positively connected to the second end of the connection socket (3, 20) and/or is arranged flush with the second end of the connection socket (3, 20).

5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the size of the inner diameter of the connection socket (3, 20) at the second end is at least equal to the size of the inner diameter of the connecting pipe (4, 21) at the first end and/or that the size of the inner diameter of the connection socket (3, 20) at the first end is at least equal to the size of the inner diameter of the connection socket (3, 20) at the second end.

6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the suction pipe holder (7, 25) is positively and/or non-positively connected to the casting chamber (1) in the region of the first end and/or is arranged flush with the casting chamber (1).

7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the at least one suction pipe (5, 24) in the region of the first end at least partially and/or in sections, preferably completely, dips into the suction pipe holder (7, 25), is positively and/or non-positively connected to the second end of the suction pipe holder (7, 25) and/or is arranged flush with the second end of the suction pipe holder (7, 25).

8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the suction pipe holder (7, 25) encloses the connection socket (3, 20), the connecting pipe (4, 21) and/or the at least one suction pipe (5, 24) at least in regions and/or sections, preferably completely.

9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the connection socket (3, 20), the connecting pipe (4, 21) and/or the suction pipe holder (7, 25) has an arithmetic mean roughness value _Ra of at least 1.0 pm.

10. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the connecting pipe (4, 21) and/or the suction pipe holder (7, 25) is connected and/or arranged at an adjustment angle 1 (W l), wherein the adjustment angle 1 (W l) in the vertical plane between the longitudinal axis of the casting chamber (1) and the axis of the at least one suction pipe (5, 24) is 0° to 90°.

1 1. Device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the at least one suction pipe (5, 24) is connected and/or arranged at an adjustment angle 2 (W2), wherein the adjustment angle 2 (W2) in the horizontal plane between the longitudinal axis of the casting chamber (1) and the axis of the ceramic suction pipe is 0° to 90° or 0° to -90°.

12. Device according to one of claims 1 to 1 1 , characterized in that the suction arrangement (3 , 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 1 1, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25), in particular the at least one suction pipe (5, 24) and/or the suction pipe holder (7, 25), can be heated.

13. Device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the device comprises a regulating and/or control unit.

14. Device according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the connection socket (3, 20), the connecting pipe (4, 21), the at least one suction pipe (5, 24), the suction pipe nozzle (6), the suction pipe holder (7, 25), the fastening means (8, 12, 15) and/or the insulating element (17) is made of a metal, such as steel, stainless steel, preferably rust-proof stainless steel, an alloy or a mixture thereof, of a coated metal or of ceramic.

15. Die casting machine comprising a device according to one of claims 1 to 14.