CN100361766C - System, container and vehicle for supplying molten metal - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a system for preventing molten metal remaining in a pipe from dripping from the pipe immediately after stopping supply of the molten metal. The molten metal supply system includes: a container having: a portable container body capable of hermetically sealing and storing molten metal, the body having a passage for receiving a compressed gas from the outside; a pipe having an outlet and supplying the molten metal stored in the container body to the outside, the outlet extending downward; a receiving pan for receiving molten metal and positionable below the outlet of the conduit; a holding member having a rotation axis with respect to the pipe and rotatably holding the receiving tray; a rope having one end connected to the receiving tray or the holding member; and a pair of channel members provided at an outer bottom of the container body along the first direction; and a vehicle having: a fork inserted into and removed from the pair of channel members; a bracket on which the fork is mounted; the lifting mechanism is used for lifting the bracket up and down; and a cable pulling and returning mechanism mounted on the carriage and pulling and returning the cable with the second end of the cable.

Description

Systems, vessels and vehicles for supplying molten metal

technical field

The present invention relates to molten metal supply systems, vessels and vehicles for supplying, for example, molten aluminium.

Background technique

In factories where aluminum is molded using many die casting machines, aluminum material is often supplied not only from inside the factory but also from outside the factory. In this case, a container storing molten aluminum is transported from a factory on the material supplier side to a factory on the die casting side to supply each die casting machine with the material kept in a molten state.

A conventional container for storing molten metal has a tank-like structure with a supply pipe provided on a side wall. Molten metal is supplied from this pipe to the casting side holding furnace while the vessel is tilted.

Japanese Utility Model Registration Publication No. H3-31063 discloses a technique of supplying molten metal through a compression system.

[Patent Document] JP-UM-A-3-31063

However, when such a compression type container is used, the molten aluminum remains in the pipe immediately after the supply of the molten aluminum is stopped. Consequently, when the container is transported to another location, residual molten aluminum drips from the piping.

Contents of the invention

The present invention has been made in view of the above points of view. An object of the present invention is to provide a molten metal supply system, a container, and a vehicle capable of preventing molten metal from dripping from a pipe, preventing molten metal from remaining in the pipe just after the supply of molten metal is stopped.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a container which allows the receiving pan for receiving molten metal dripping from the opening of the conduit to be delivered to the correct position at the correct time.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is a molten metal supply system, which includes: (1) a container, it has: a portable container body, it can be hermetically sealed and store molten metal, the main body has a A channel through which gas is introduced from the outside; a pipe which has an outlet extending downwardly and which has an outlet and supplies molten metal stored in the container body to the outside; a receiving tray which receives the molten metal and can be placed on the Below the outlet; a retaining member, which has a rotating shaft relative to the pipeline and rotatably retains the receiving tray; a rope, which has a first end and a second end, the first end of which is connected to the receiving tray and the retaining member at least one connection; and a pair of channel members, which are arranged at the outer bottom of the container body along the first direction; and (2) a vehicle, which has: a fork, which can be inserted into the pair of channel members and from there remove; a carriage, on which said fork is mounted; a lifting mechanism, used for raising and lowering the carriage; and a rope pulling and returning mechanism, which is mounted on the carriage and pulls and returns with its second end rope.

The present invention is a container comprising: a portable container body capable of being hermetically sealed and storing molten metal, the body having a channel for introducing compressed gas from the outside; a pipe having an outlet and storing in the container The molten metal in the main body is supplied to the outside, and the outlet extends downward; a receiving tray is used to receive the molten metal and can be arranged below the outlet of the pipe; a holding member has a rotating shaft relative to the pipe and is rotatable a receiving tray is supported; and a rope having a first end and a second end, the first end of which is connected to at least one of the receiving tray and the retaining member, and the second end of which is capable of being pulled and returned by the rope Institutional connections.

The present invention is a vehicle comprising: a fork; a bracket on which the fork is mounted; a lift mechanism for lifting and lowering the bracket; a rope pull and return mechanism mounted on the bracket Get on and haul and return the rope.

According to the invention, immediately after the supply of molten metal is stopped, a receiving pan is arranged below the outlet of the duct, the receiving pan being able to receive the molten metal flowing from the outlet of the duct. Therefore, according to the present invention, immediately after the supply of molten metal is stopped, the molten metal remaining in the pipe can be prevented from dripping from the pipe.

According to the present invention, the receiving pan rotates and moves by pulling and returning the cable by the cable pulling and returning mechanism installed on the vehicle side. Since the vessel in which the molten metal is stored heats up to very high temperatures, the mechanism for turning and moving the receiving tray, when mounted on the side of the vessel, should be able to withstand this high temperature. This is very expensive and impractical. In contrast, according to the present invention, since the vehicle side has such a mechanism, the receiving pan can be rotated and moved at low cost. In addition, according to the present invention, since the rope pulling and returning mechanism is mounted on the bracket for moving up and down as the fork moves up and down, the rope pulling and returning mechanism moves up and down as the container moves up and down. Therefore, the receiving tray can be rotated and moved by this simple mechanism through the rope.

The duct may extend along the outer circumference of the container body in a second direction different from the first direction, and the cord pull and return mechanism is mounted on the carriage in a third direction generally opposite to the second direction.

Therefore, the rope pulling and returning mechanism does not obstruct the line of sight of the operator driving on the vehicle, for example, when inspecting the outlet of the pipeline, the output state of molten aluminum, etc. In other words, if the rope pulling and returning mechanism is installed on the bracket in the opposite direction, operability deteriorates because the rope pulling and returning mechanism blocks his view when the operator inspects, for example, the exit of a pipe. In contrast, according to the structure of the present invention, operability is improved. This is an important feature of the present invention to deal with high-temperature molten metal.

The vehicle may have at least one of an air compressor and an air tank supplying compressed gas to the container body, and the rope pulling and returning mechanism may have an air cylinder driven by compressed gas supplied from at least one of the air compressor and the air tank.

Since the compressed gas supplied to the container by at least one of the air compressor and the gas tank is also used as a driving source of the rope pulling and returning mechanism, the energy efficiency is higher than that of the motor. In addition, the number of components used in the system can be reduced. Since the system according to the invention has a storage tank for storing compressed gas as a pressure source for the molten aluminium, it is possible to use air cylinders without difficulty.

The vehicle may have means for detecting the position of the drive shaft of the air cylinder and means for controlling gas supplied from at least one of the air compressor and the gas tank to the container main body according to the detected position.

When the receiving pan is arranged below the outlet of the duct, the supply of gas from at least one of the air compressor and the gas tank to the container is restricted corresponding to the position of the drive shaft of the air cylinder. Therefore, when the receiving pan is disposed below the outlet of the pipe, molten metal can be reliably prevented from flowing out of the pipe.

Furthermore, when the pipe extends obliquely rather than upwardly, the pivot member can be mounted on the pipe in such a way that the rotational axis of the holding member is arranged just above the outlet of the pipe, for example. In this case, the position of the rotating shaft of the holding member and the position of the outlet can be easily adjusted while the rotating shaft of the holding member can move on the rotating shaft member.

The receiving tray is rotatably mounted on the holding member. Therefore, molten metal can be prevented from dripping from the receiving pan.

In addition, it is preferable that the connection position of the cord is as close as possible to the rotation axis of the holding member. Thus, for example, the size of the stroke of the cylinder can be reduced.

Another aspect of the present invention is a container comprising: a portable container body capable of being hermetically sealed and storing molten metal, the body having a channel for introducing compressed gas from the outside; a duct having an outlet and The molten metal stored in the container main body is supplied to the outside, the outlet extending downward; a receiving pan for receiving the molten metal and capable of being disposed below the outlet of the pipe; and a holding member having a rotational axis relative to the pipe , and the receiving tray is rotatably held between a first position where the holding member is disposed below the pipe outlet and a second position where the holding member is withdrawn from below the pipe outlet; a rope having a first end and a second end end, the first end is connected with at least one of the receiving tray and the retaining member; a valve, which has a first valve opening leading to the channel of the container body, a second valve opening leading to a conduit for applying and reducing pressure and a third valve opening leading to the exhaust portion, and the valve has a first mode in which gas flows between the first valve opening and a third valve opening and wherein gas flows between the first valve opening and the second valve opening a second mode of flow; and a joystick connected to the other end of the cord and the valve and manually rotatable between a first operating position and a second operating position, the joystick being in the first operating position The neutral position puts the valve in the first mode and the receiver disc in the first position, and the lever in the second operating position puts the valve in the second mode and the receiver disc in the second position.

According to the present invention, when the valve operation for selectively connecting the inside of the container with the pipe for applying and reducing pressure or the outside air is performed by manual turning operation of the joystick, the receiving tray is in the first position where the receiving tray is located below the outlet of the pipe. Movement between a first position and a second position in which the receiving pan is withdrawn from below the pipe outlet. Thus, the receiving tray can be reliably moved into position without operator intervention.

Preferably, the receiving tray is rotatably mounted on the holding member. Therefore, the receiving tray is always maintained in a predetermined posture. Therefore, the molten aluminum received by the receiving pan can be prevented from dripping therefrom.

According to the invention, the flow restricting portion may be provided between the third valve opening of the valve and the vent portion allowing gas to flow out and restricting the flow of molten metal. Preferably, the flow restricting portion has a restricting member for removing heat from the flowing molten metal to increase the viscosity or solidify the molten metal. This flow restriction partially relieves the increase in internal pressure that occurs due to gas expansion, moisture evaporation, etc., and can prevent molten metal from leaking out of the container.

According to the present invention, since the receiving pan can receive the molten metal flowing out from the outlet of the pipe, the molten metal remaining in the pipe immediately after the supply of molten metal is stopped does not drip from the pipe. In addition, since the receiving pan is rotated and moved by the rope pulling and returning mechanism installed on the vehicle side via the rope, the receiving pan can be rotated and moved at low cost. Moreover, since the rope pulling and returning mechanism moves up and down as the container rises and falls, the receiving tray can be rotated and moved by means of the rope through this simple structure.

In addition, according to the present invention, the receiving pan for receiving the molten metal dripping from the outlet of the pipe can be reliably moved to the correct position at the correct time without the intervention of an operator.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is a sectional view showing the structure of a container according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a front view showing the structure of the container shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a plan view showing the container structure shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a plan view showing the structure of a forklift (vehicle) according to this embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 5 is a front view showing the structure of the forklift shown in Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a front view showing the structure of a container according to another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7 is a plan view showing the structure of a container according to another embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 8 is a sectional view showing the structure of a molten metal supply container according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 9 is a front view showing the structure of the container shown in Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 is a plan view showing the structure of the container shown in Fig. 8;

Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the state of the first mode of the three-way valve shown in Fig. 8;

Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the state of the second mode of the three-way valve shown in Fig. 8;

Fig. 13 is a side view showing the structure of a forklift used when supplying molten aluminum from the vessel shown in Fig. 8; and

Fig. 14 is a schematic view showing the structure in the vicinity of a three-way valve according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed ways

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(container structure)

Fig. 1 is a sectional view showing the structure of a container according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a front view showing the container shown in Fig. 1 . Fig. 3 is a plan view showing the container shown in Fig. 1 .

The container is indicated by reference numeral 1 and has a container body 2 and a conduit 4 . The container body 2 has a lid 3 .

The container body 2 has a frame body 6 , a heat insulating layer 7 and a refractory layer 8 . The frame body 6 is made of metal and formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape. The heat insulating layer 7 and the refractory layer 8 are made of elastic material, and are arranged on the inner wall of the frame body 6 . The storage part 9 is arranged inside the refractory layer 8 . The storage section 9 stores molten aluminum.

A flange 10 is provided on the outer periphery of the opening of the frame body 6 . A pair of channel members 11 are installed on the bottom outer side of the frame body 6 . The forks of a forklift truck used to transport the containers 1 can be inserted into and removed from these channel members 11 .

A protruding portion 12 protrudes along the inner wall of the refractory layer 8 in the storage portion 9 . This raised portion 12 is integral with the refractory layer 8 . A flow channel 13 allowing molten aluminum to flow to the outside of the container 1 is provided in the protruding portion 12 along the protruding portion 12 . The flow channel 13 is formed from a position near the bottom of the storage portion 9 to the upper surface of the storage portion 9 .

A pipe 14 made of, for example, ceramics is integrally fixed to the flow channel 13 . Therefore, when the inside of the storage portion 9 is compressed, gas can be prevented from entering the flow channel 13 .

Cover 3 is made of a large cover 15 and a hatch (small cover) 16. A flange 16a is provided on the outer periphery of the large cover 15 . The lid 3 is fixed to the container main body 2 when the flange 16 a and the flange 10 provided on the outer periphery of the frame body 6 are tightened with bolts 17 . As a result, the inside of the container main body 2 is hermetically sealed.

In the large cover 15, an opening portion 18 is formed. A hatch (small cover) 16 is provided at the opening portion 18 . The hatch 16 has a handle 19a. The hatch 16 is provided at a position slightly higher than the upper surface of the large cover 15 . The part on the outer periphery of the door 16 is mounted on the large cover 15 by a hinge 20 . This enables the hatch 16 to freely open and close the opening 18 in the large cover 15 . Bolts with handles 21 for fixing the hatch 16 to the large cover 15 are provided at four outer peripheral positions of the hatch 16 . When the opening portion 18 of the large cover 15 is closed with the hatch 16 and the handle bolt 21 is turned, the hatch 16 is fixed to the large cover 15 . On the other hand, the hatch 16 can be opened from the opening 18 in the large cover 15 by turning the handle bolt 21 in the opposite direction to release the fastening. When the hatch 16 is opened, the inside of the container 1 can be maintained, and the preheating gas burner can be inserted into the container 1 through the opening portion 18 .

In addition, a passage 19 for internal pressure control to lower and apply pressure in the container 1 is provided at the center or at a position slightly deviated from the center of the hatch 16 . A conduit 22 for applying and reducing pressure is connected to the channel 19 . The duct 22 extends upward from the passage 19, bends at a predetermined height, and extends in the horizontal direction. The insertion portion of the pipe 22 inserted into the channel 19 is threaded. Likewise, the ends of the channels 19 are threaded. Thus, the pipe 22 is fixed on the channel 19 . The liquid level detection electrodes 23 are inserted into the hatch 16 at four positions at intervals of a predetermined length. The large cover 15 and hatch 16 consist of a metal frame and inner lining (laminate of heat insulating and refractory layers).

An opening 24 is provided at a position corresponding to the flow passage 13 of the large cover 15 . The outer periphery of the opening 24 is convex. A flange 25 is provided at the end of the protruding periphery. This flange 25 is fastened to the flange 26 of the pipe 4 by means of bolts 27 . As a result, the pipe 4 is fixed on the container body 2 .

The duct 4 has a first member 28 extending upward from the upper surface of the container main body 2, a second member 29 connected to the first member 28 and extending in the upper right direction from the first member 28, and a second member 29 connected to the second member 28 and extending from the first member 28 to the upper right. The third member 30 extends downwardly from the second member 28 . An outlet 31 is provided at the end of the third member 30 . This outlet 31 extends downwards and supplies molten aluminium. This duct 4 extends to the outer periphery of the container body 2 .

When the direction in which the paired passage members 11 are provided is referred to as a first direction and the direction in which the pipe 4 extends is referred to as a second direction, the angle between the first direction and the second direction is approximately 45°. When the fork of the forklift is inserted into the tunnel member 11, an operator riding on the forklift can see the pipe 4 extending sideways instead of forwardly from the lift mechanism of the forklift. Therefore, the operator can check the state and the like of the outlet 31 of the duct 4 without his sight being blocked.

Molten aluminum can be supplied to the container body 2 from the outside through the outlet 31 and the pipe 4 . In this case, the outlet 31 is provided below the liquid level of the molten aluminum of the external storage tank, and the pressure inside the container body 2 is reduced. The height of the outlet 31 can be set according to the molten aluminum level of the external storage tank. For example, according to this embodiment, the length of the third member 30 of the duct 4 is set such that the outlet 31 is provided at approximately the middle of the container main body 2 .

The receiving tray 40 is arranged in such a way that it can be arranged below the outlet 31 of the line 4 . The receiving tray 40 is rotatably held at an upper portion of the third member 30 such as the pipe 4 by a holding member 42 having a rotating shaft 41 .

Two holding elements 42 are arranged on both sides of the pipe 4 in such a way that they sandwich the pipe 4 . The receiving tray 40 is rotatably mounted on the holding member 42 . Therefore, the receiving pan 40 always maintains a predetermined posture so that molten aluminum does not drip from the receiving pan 40 .

Since the receiving pan 40 has a receiving surface with a predetermined curvature, molten aluminum is prevented from dripping from the receiving pan 40 . The two holding members 42 are connected by half-ring stopper members 43 provided, for example, at two positions of the holding members 42 . The stop members 43 are arranged in such a way that they traverse the rotational side of the retaining member 42 of the pipe 4 . These stop members 43 firmly position the receiving pan 40 below the outlet 31 of the pipe 4 .

The cord 44 is connected at a predetermined position of the holding member 42 . The cord 44 extends outside the outer periphery of the container main body 2 through guide members provided at, for example, three places on the flange 16 a of the large lid 15 in a third direction substantially opposite to the direction in which the pipe 4 extends. It is preferable that the cord 44 is connected at a position as close as possible to the rotation axis 41 of the holding member 42 . In this case, it is possible to reduce the stroke of the cylinder which will be described later. However, the cord 44 may be connected at a position away from the rotating shaft 41 of the holding member 42 . For example, a cord 44 may be connected to the receiving tray 40 .

(Structure of forklift)

Fig. 4 is a plan view showing the structure of a forklift (vehicle) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 is a front view showing the structure of the forklift shown in Fig. 4 .

The forklift 50 has a fork 51 , a bracket 52 and a lifting mechanism 53 . The fork 51 is mounted on a bracket 52 . The lifting mechanism 53 lifts the bracket 52 up and down.

Above the driver's seat 54 of the forklift 50 are provided a storage tank 55 , an air compressor 56 and a vacuum pump 57 . The storage tank 55 is a compressed gas storage tank for supplying compressed gas such as compressed air to the container 1 . The air compressor 56 is driven by electrical power generated by a generator (not shown). The vacuum pump 57 is driven by a generator.

The storage tank 55 and the vacuum pump 57 are connected to the line 22 of the container 1 via an air hose 58 . The air hose 58 and the duct 22 have a plug and a socket as connectable and disconnectable connector members. It is possible to apply pressure to the inside of the container 1 or reduce the pressure thereof through an on-off valve (not shown) controlled by a manual operation panel (not shown). The rope 44 can be separated by a joint 44b in such a way that one forklift can handle several containers 1 . In addition to the structure in which the air hose 58 can be connected and disconnected, one forklift 50 can switchably operate a plurality of containers 1 . According to the present invention, when the number of containers 1 is greater than the number of forklifts 50 as in a factory having a plurality of molding machines, productivity can be improved.

The rope pulling and returning mechanism 59 of the pulling and returning rope 44 is provided at the post along a third direction substantially opposite to the direction in which the pipe 4 of the bracket 52 extends.

The rope pulling and returning mechanism 59 has an air cylinder 60 driven by compressed gas supplied from, for example, the storage tank 55 . The cable 44 can be detachably connected to the end of the drive shaft 61 of the cylinder 60 . As the drive shaft 61 moves up and down, the rope 44 is pulled or returned.

When the cord 44 is pulled, as shown in FIG. 2(A), the holding member 42 rotates around the rotation shaft 41 toward the container main body 2 . Thus, the receiving tray 40 is positioned away from the outlet 31 of the pipe 4 . In this state, molten aluminum can be supplied to the outside from the outlet 31 of the pipe 4 . In addition, molten aluminum can be supplied to the container 1 from the outside through the outlet 31 of the pipe 4 .

As the rope 44 returns, the holding member 42 rotates around the rotation axis 41 from the container body 2 to the outlet 31 of the pipe 4 . Therefore, the receiving tray 40 is placed below the outlet 31 of the pipe 4 as shown in FIG. 2(B). In this state, the receiving pan 40 can receive molten aluminum dripping from the outlet 31 of the pipe 4 . Therefore, molten aluminum does not drip outside from the outlet 31 of the pipe 4 .

The movement operation of the receiving tray 40 can be performed by a switch on a manual operation panel (not shown).

The rope pulling and returning mechanism 59 has a detector (not shown) for detecting the position of the drive shaft 61 of the air cylinder 60 . The position of the drive shaft 61 can be detected by, for example, an electromagnetic switch. When the position of the drive shaft 61 indicates that the receiving pan 40 is located below the outlet 31 of the pipe 4 , the storage tank 55 and the vacuum pump 57 are inhibited from applying and reducing pressure inside the container 1 . Conversely, the storage tank 55 and the vacuum pump 57 are allowed to apply and reduce pressure inside the container 1 when the position of the drive shaft 61 is such that the receiving pan 40 is not lower than the outlet 31 of the pipe 4 . To realize this operation, for example, an on/off solenoid valve is provided between the storage tank 55 and the vacuum pump 57 and the air hose 58 on the forklift side. The on/off solenoid valve is interlocked with a motion operated switch for the receiving tray 40 .

(Other embodiment 1)

In the foregoing embodiments, the rotation shaft 41 is provided at a predetermined position of the holding member 42 . However, as shown in FIG. 6, the shaft member 61a is mounted on the pipe 4 when the third member 30 of the pipe 4 extends downward at an angle instead of straightly. The pivot member 61 a can be adjusted such that the pivot 41 of the holding member 42 is arranged just above the outlet 31 . In this case, when the rotation shaft 41 of the holding member 42 can move horizontally on the rotation shaft member 61a, the position of the rotation shaft 41 of the holding member 42 and the position of the outlet 31 can be easily adjusted.

In the previous embodiments, the rope pulling and returning mechanism 59 is provided at a strut extending in a third direction substantially opposite to the direction in which the duct 4 of the carriage 52 extends. However, as shown in FIG. 7 , the rope pulling and returning mechanism 59 may be provided at a post extending in the same direction as the pipe 4 of the bracket 52 . In this case, since the length of the cord 44 is reduced, operability is improved. The cylinders may be arranged laterally on the upper surface of the bracket instead of on the sides of the bracket.

According to the previous embodiment, the air cylinder is employed as the driving source of the rope pulling and returning mechanism 59 . Alternatively, another drive means, such as a motor, may be used.

(Other embodiment 2)

Fig. 8 is a sectional view showing the structure of a molten metal supply container according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 9 is a front view showing the structure of the molten metal supply container shown in Fig. 8 . Fig. 10 is a plan view showing the structure of the molten metal supply container shown in Fig. 8 .

A vessel (hereinafter referred to as a vessel) 101 for supplying molten metal has a vessel main body 102 and a pipe 104 . The container body 102 has a cover 103 .

The container main body 102 has a frame body 106 , a heat insulating layer 107 and a refractory layer 108 . The frame body 106 is made of metal and formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape. The heat insulating layer 107 and the refractory layer 108 are made of elastic material and provided on the inner wall of the frame body 106 . The storage part 109 is provided inside the refractory layer 108 . The storage section 109 stores molten aluminum. A flange 110 is provided on the outer periphery of the open end of the frame body 106 . Two channel members 111 having legs having a cross-sectional shape and a predetermined length, for example, are arranged in parallel at the outer bottom of the frame body 106, so that, for example, a fork (not shown) of a forklift can be inserted into the channel members 111 and Take it out.

The protruding portion 112 protrudes along the inner wall of the refractory layer 8 in the storage portion 109 . The raised portion 12 is integral with the refractory layer 108 . A flow channel 113 that allows molten aluminum to flow to the outside of the container 1 is provided in the protruding portion 112 along the protruding portion 112 . This flow channel 113 is formed from a position near the bottom of the storage portion 109 to the upper surface of the storage portion 109 .

A pipe 114 made of, for example, ceramics is integrally fixed to the flow channel 113 . Therefore, when pressure is applied to the inside of the storage portion 109 , it is possible to prevent gas from entering the flow channel 113 .

The cover 103 is composed of a large cover 115 and a hatch (small cover) 116 . A flange 116a is provided on the outer periphery of the large cover 115 . The lid 103 is fixed to the container main body 102 while the flange 116 a and the flange 110 provided on the outer periphery of the frame body 106 are tightened with bolts 117 . Therefore, the inside of the container main body 102 is hermetically sealed.

An opening portion 118 is formed in the large cover 115 . A hatch (small cover) 116 is provided at the opening portion 118 . The hatch 116 has a handle 119a. The hatch 116 is provided at a position slightly higher than the upper surface of the large cover 115 . The portion on the outer periphery of the hatch 116 is mounted on the large cover 115 by a hinge 120 . This enables the hatch 116 to freely open and close the opening 118 in the large cover 115 . Handle bolts 121 for securing the hatch 116 to the large cover 115 are provided at two locations on the hatch 116 . When the opening portion 118 of the large cover 115 is closed by the hatch 116 and the handle bolt 121 is turned, the hatch 116 is fixed to the large cover 115 . On the other hand, the hatch 116 can be opened from the opening 118 of the large cover 115 by turning the bolt 121 reversely with the handle to release the fixation. When the hatch 116 is opened, the inside of the container 101 can be maintained and the preheating gas burner can be inserted into the container 101 through the opening portion 118 .

A channel 119 is provided at or near the center of the hatch 116 through which the internal pressure of the container 101 is controlled. One end of the channel 119 is connected to the storage portion 109 . The other end of this channel 119 reaches the upper surface of the hatch 116 and is connected with a pipe 122 for applying and reducing pressure through a three-way valve 160 .

The piping 122 for applying and reducing pressure is composed of a lower pipe 122B and an upper pipe 122A. The lower pipe 122B is directly connected to the three-way valve 160 . The upper tube 122A is connected to the lower tube 122B by a swivel joint 146 . The swivel joint 146 enables the upper tube 122A to be rotated 360 degrees. Thus, the opening at the end of the upper tube 122A is able to rotate 360 degrees.

The liquid level detection electrodes 123 are inserted into the hatch 116 at two positions spaced apart by a predetermined length. The large cover 115 and hatch 116 consist of a metal frame and an inner lining (laminate of insulation and refractory layers).

An opening 124 corresponding to the flow channel 113 is formed in the large cover 115 . The conduit 104 is connected to the opening 124 . More specifically, the outer periphery of the opening 124 is convex. A flange 125 is provided at the end of the raised outer periphery. The flange 125 is fastened to the flange 126 of the pipe 104 by means of bolts 127 .

The duct 104 has a first member 128 extending upward from the upper surface of the container main body 102, a second member 129 connected to the first member 128 and extending in the upper right direction from the first member 128, and a second member 129 connected to the second member 128 and extending from the second member 128. The second member 128 extends downwardly from the third member 130 . An outlet 131 is provided at an end of the third member 130 . The outlet 131 extends downwards and supplies molten aluminium. The conduit 104 extends to the periphery of the container body 102 .

When the direction in which the paired channel members 111 are provided is referred to as a first direction and the direction in which the duct 104 extends is referred to as a second direction, an angle between the first direction and the second direction is approximately 45°. When the fork of the forklift is inserted into the channel member 111, an operator riding on the forklift can see the pipe 104 extending sideways rather than forward from the lift mechanism of the forklift. Therefore, the operator can detect the state and the like of the outlet 131 of the duct 104, and his line of sight is not blocked.

Molten aluminum may be supplied to the container body 102 from the outside through the outlet 131 and the pipe 104 . In this case, the outlet 131 is provided below the liquid level of the molten aluminum of the external storage tank, and reduces the pressure inside the container body 102 . The height of the outlet 131 can be set according to the liquid level of the molten aluminum in the external storage tank. For example, according to this embodiment, the length of the third member 130 of the duct 104 is set such that the outlet 131 is provided near the middle of the container body 102 .

The receiving tray 140 is arranged in such a way that it can be arranged below the outlet 131 of the line 104 . The receiving tray 140 is held at the lower end of holding members 142 which have a rotational axis 141 at the upper part of the third member 130 , eg the pipe 104 .

Two holding members 142 are provided on both sides of the pipe 104 so that these holding members 142 sandwich the pipe 104 . The receiving tray 140 is rotatably mounted on the holding member 142 . Therefore, the receiving pan 140 always maintains a predetermined posture so that molten aluminum does not drip from the receiving pan 140 .

Since the receiving pan 140 has a receiving surface with a predetermined curvature, molten aluminum is prevented from dripping from the receiving pan 140 . The two holding members 142 are connected by semi-annular stopper members 143 provided at, for example, two positions. The stop members 143 are arranged in such a way that they traverse the rotational side of the retaining member 142 of the pipe 104 . The stop member 143 securely positions the receiving pan 140 below the outlet 131 of the pipe 104 .

The holding member 142 is rotatably held by a rotation shaft 141 fixed at, for example, an upper portion of the third portion 130 of the duct 104 . Specifically, the movable range of the holding member 142 is set such that the receiving tray 140 is in the first position where the receiving tray 140 is disposed below the outlet 131 of the pipe 104 and in which the receiving tray 140 is retracted from below the outlet 131. movement between the second positions. The cord 144 is connected at a predetermined position of the holding member 142 . The rope 144 is connected with the lever 166 of the three-way valve 160 through the guide member 145 provided at the connection portion of the first member 128 and the second member 129 . In other words, the rotation of the lever 166 of the three-way valve 160 is interlocked with the rotation of the holding member 142 .

Next, the three-way valve 160 will be described in detail.

11 and 12 show the structure of the three-way valve 160 .

This three-way valve 160 has a first valve opening 162 to the internal pressure regulating passage 119 of the container 101, a second valve opening 163 to the pipe 122 for applying and reducing pressure, and a third valve to the exhaust portion. Opening 164 . The three-way valve 160 has a valve member 165 that is manually turned by a lever 166 . As shown in FIG. 11 , according to the position of the valve member 165, a first mode in which the gas flows between the first valve opening 162 and the third valve opening 164 or in which the gas flows between the first valve opening 162 and the second valve opening 163 is selected. The second mode of flow between. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11 , when the joystick 166 is in the first operating position, ie, "0 o'clock", the first mode is selected, and the interior of the container 101 is exposed to the outside air. As shown in Figure 12, when the joystick 166 is in the second operating position, namely "9 o'clock", the second mode is selected, and the inside of the container 101 is communicated with the pipeline 122 for applying and reducing pressure.

The pivoting range of the operating lever 166 is limited in that the operating lever 166 can only be turned between the first operating position and the second operating position. The joystick 166 can be arranged in these operating positions.

The joystick 166 is rotatable about a rotation shaft 167 which is a rotation shaft of the valve member 165 of the three-way valve 160 . The direction of the turning operation of the joystick 166 is set such that the end of the joystick 166 advances and retracts linearly with respect to the pipe 104 when the joystick 166 is turned. A counterweight 168 and a cord fastener 169 for securing the end of the cord 144 are provided at a proximal portion of the joystick 166 .

The end of the cord 144 is secured to a proximal portion of the joystick 166 . When the operating lever 166 rotates between the first operating position and the second operating position, the holding member 142 holding the receiving disc 140 rotates around the rotating shaft 141, and the receiving disc 140 is arranged in the outlet 131 of the pipeline 104 movement between a first position below and a second position in which the receiving tray 140 is retracted from below the outlet 131 .

When the joystick 166 is set at the second operating position, namely the "9 o'clock" position, the pipe 122 for applying and reducing the pressure communicates with the interior of the container 101. In addition, since the rope 144 is pulled, the holding member 142 is rotated toward the container 101 side, so that the receiving pan 140 is retracted from under the outlet 131 of the pipe 104 and moved to the second position. Thus, in this state molten aluminum can be supplied from the outlet 131 of the pipe 104 or supplied to the container 101 .

When the operating lever 166 is rotated from the "9 o'clock" position to the "0 o'clock" position which is the first operating position, the inside of the container 101 is exposed to the outside air. Additionally, the cord 144 is pulled toward the pipe 104 due to the weight of the retaining member 142 . The holding member 142 is turned in such a way that the receiving pan 140 is arranged below the outlet 131 of the pipe 104 . Therefore, in this state, when the internal pressure of the container 101 increases due to, for example, gas expansion or moisture evaporation in the container 101 , the pressure can be released to the outside through the three-way valve 160 . Therefore, molten aluminum can be prevented from being suddenly supplied from the pipe 104 of the vessel 101 . Additionally, the receiving pan 140 prevents molten aluminum from dripping from the outlet 131 of the conduit 104 .

The container 101 having such a structure is supplied, for example, with molten aluminum in a first plant in which the molten metal is conditioned in a melting furnace. The container 101 is then transferred to a truck by a forklift. The truck transports the container 101 to a second plant, which has a location where the molten aluminum is used (for example, a holding furnace for a die casting machine). At this position, when the operating lever 166 is set at the "0 o'clock" position as the first operating position, molten aluminum can be prevented from being supplied from the pipe 104 of the container 101 due to an increase in internal pressure during delivery. Receiving pan 140 may receive molten aluminum dripping from outlet 131 of conduit 104 . The container 101 is unloaded from the truck by a forklift. The forklift transports the container 101 to the point of use. After the container 101 has reached the use position, the joystick 166 is rotated to the second operating position, the "9 o'clock" position. External compressed air is supplied to the container 101 through a pipe 122 for applying and reducing pressure. Thus, molten aluminum is supplied to the point of use from the container 101 on the forklift.

FIG. 13 is a side view showing the structure of a forklift for supplying molten aluminum from the container 101 shown in FIG. 8 .

The forklift 150 has a fork 151 , a bracket 152 and a lifting mechanism 153 . The fork 151 is mounted on a bracket 152 . The elevating mechanism 153 elevates the bracket 152 up and down.

Above the driver's seat 154 of the forklift 150 are provided a storage tank 155 , an air compressor 156 and a vacuum pump 157 . The storage tank 155 is a compressed gas storage tank that supplies compressed gas such as compressed air to the container 101 . The air compressor 156 is driven by electrical power generated by a generator (not shown). The vacuum pump 157 is driven by a generator. The storage tank 155 and the vacuum pump 157 are connected to the pipe 122 of the container 101 through an air hose 158 . The air hose 158 and the pipe 122 have a plug and a socket as connectable and disconnectable connector members. The pressure inside the container 101 can be applied and reduced by an on-off valve controlled by a manual operation panel (not shown).

When the engine of the forklift 150 is started, the generator is started. The electrical energy generated by the generator operates the air compressor 156 to compress the air. When molten aluminum is supplied from the container 101 to the outside, pressure is applied to the inside of the container 101 . In this case, the gas supplied from the air compressor 156 reaches the air hose 158 and the pipe 122 of the container 101 . In this case, the three-way valve 160 is in the second mode when the joystick 166 of the three-way valve 160 is in the "9 o'clock" position as the second operating position. As a result, gas is supplied to the container 101 from the pipe 122 for applying and lowering the pressure. Therefore, pressure is applied to the inside of the container 101 .

In an emergency, for example when molten aluminum flows out from the receiving side, the pressurization of the interior of the container 101 must be stopped and the supply of molten aluminum stopped. In this case, the joystick 166 is manually turned to the "0 o'clock" position as the first operating position, thereby placing the three-way valve 160 in the first mode. When the three-way valve 160 is in the first mode, the supply of compressed gas to the container 101 is stopped since the second valve opening 163 to the conduit 122 for applying and reducing pressure is closed by the valve member 165 . At the same time, since the gas becomes able to flow between the first valve opening 162 leading to the passage 119 for controlling the internal pressure of the container 101 and the third valve opening 164 leading to the exhaust portion, the container 101 is exposed to the outside world. Air. Therefore, the compressed state inside the container 101 returns to atmospheric pressure.

When molten aluminum is supplied to the container 101 from the outside, the pressure inside the container 101 is lowered. In other words, since the vacuum pump 157 sucks gas from the container 101 through the pipe 122 for applying and lowering the pressure and releases the gas to the outside, the internal pressure of the container 101 decreases. If an emergency occurs while the inside of the container 101 is being decompressed, the joystick 166 is also manually turned to the "0 o'clock" position as the first operating position, so that the three-way valve 160 is in the first mode.

According to the previous embodiment, due to the operation of the three-way valve 160 selectively connecting the inside of the container 101 with the pipe 122 for applying and reducing pressure or the outside air, that is, the manual operation of the joystick 166 and the receiving tray 140 received therein The movement between the first position in which the pan 140 is disposed below the outlet 131 of the duct 104 and the second position in which the receiving pan 140 moves away from the outlet 131 is operatively interlocked, so the receiving pan 140 can be securely moved to the correct position at the correct time , without operator intervention.

(Other embodiment 3)

Another embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a peripheral portion of a three-way valve 160 according to another embodiment of the present invention. A ventilator 170 as a flow restricting portion is provided in front of the third valve opening 164 of the three-way valve 160 to the outside air.

The breather 170 consists of a breather body 171 , a steel scrubber and punched metal 173 . The breather main body 171 includes a steel scrubber 172 as a restricting member. The punched metal 173 is a cover for closing the breather main body 171 . Reference numeral 174 is a stop ring for fixing the punched metal 173 . The confinement member is selected or configured such that it has the selectivity of allowing eg air to pass and not letting molten aluminium. As the molten metal flows, for example, in the breather body 171, it removes heat from the molten metal in order to increase the viscosity of the molten metal or to solidify it. In addition to steel scrubbers, the restrictive member may be steel wool, ceramic fibers, sintered metal molds, bisque or porous metal members. Such a restricting member serves as a safety component for passing gas and restricting the passage of molten metal.

The sudden supply of molten metal from the pipe 104 of the vessel 101 can thus be prevented. In other words, even if the internal pressure of the container 101 increases due to gas expansion or moisture evaporation, the pressure can be released to the outside of the container 101 . Therefore, it is possible to prevent the molten metal from being suddenly pressurized and leaking out. In addition, even in the case where the container 101 is dropped, molten metal can be prevented from flowing out of the passage with the regulating member. This is because a restricting member made of, for example, sintered metal or a ceramic fiber mold allows gas to pass through, but solidifies molten metal such as molten aluminum alloy, preventing the molten metal from flowing out.

Explanation of reference signs

1 container

2 container body

4 pipes

Exit 31

40 receiving tray

41 shaft

42 holding member

44 rope

44b connector

50 forklift

51 forks

52 forks

53 lifting mechanism

55 storage tank

56 air compressor

59 Rope Pull and Return Mechanism

60 cylinders

61 drive shaft

101 container

102 container body

104 pipes

119 channels for internal pressure control

122 pipes for applying and reducing pressure

Exit 131

140 receiving plate

141 shaft

142 holding member

144 rope

160 three-way valve

162 first valve opening

163 second valve opening

164 third valve opening

165 valve member

166 Joystick

170 ventilation device

Claims (13)

1. A molten metal supply system comprising: (1) A container having: a portable container body capable of being hermetically sealed and storing molten metal, the body having passages for the introduction of compressed gas from the outside; a pipe having an outlet and supplying the molten metal stored in the container main body to the outside, the outlet extending downward; a receiving pan for receiving molten metal and capable of being placed below the outlet of the pipe; a retaining member having an axis of rotation relative to the pipe and rotatably retaining the receiving tray; a cord having a first end and a second end, the first end of which is connected to at least one of the receiving tray and the retaining member; and a pair of channel members disposed at the outer bottom of the container body along the first direction; and (2) A vehicle having: a fork, which can be inserted into and removed from the pair of channel members; a bracket on which the fork is mounted; a lifting mechanism for lifting and lowering the bracket; and A rope pull and return mechanism is mounted on the bracket and pulls and returns the rope with the second end of the rope. 2. The molten metal supply system according to claim 1, wherein the pipe extends in a peripheral direction of the vessel main body in a second direction different from the first direction, and The cord pull and return mechanism is mounted on the bracket along a third direction generally opposite the second direction. 3. The molten metal supply system of claim 1, wherein the vehicle has at least one of a gas compressor and a gas tank for supplying compressed gas to the vessel body, and The rope pulling and returning mechanism has an air cylinder driven by compressed gas supplied from at least one of a gas compressor and an air tank. 4. The molten metal supply system of claim 3, wherein the vehicle has: means for detecting the position of the drive shaft of the cylinder; and For controlling gas supplied from at least one of a gas compressor and a gas tank to the container body corresponding to the detected position. 5. A container comprising: a portable container body capable of being hermetically sealed and storing molten metal, the body having passages for introducing compressed gas from the outside; a pipe having an outlet and supplying the molten metal stored in the container main body to the outside, the outlet extending downward; a receiving pan for receiving molten metal and capable of being positioned below the outlet of the conduit; a retaining member having an axis of rotation relative to the pipe and rotatably supporting the receiving tray; and A cord has a first end connected to at least one of the receiving pan and the retaining member and a second end connectable to the cord pull and return mechanism. 6. The container of claim 5, further comprising: a pair of passage members, which are provided at the outer bottom of the container body along the first direction, and a fork provided in a vehicle for transporting the container can be inserted into and taken out relative to the passage members, the duct extends in a peripheral direction of the container body in a second direction different from the first direction, and The second end of the cord is pulled in a third direction generally opposite the second direction. 7. The container of claim 6, wherein the angle between the first direction and the second direction is approximately 45 degrees. 8. A vehicle comprising: a fork; a bracket on which the fork is mounted; a lifting mechanism for lifting and lowering the bracket; and A rope pull and return mechanism is mounted on the carriage and pulls the return rope. 9. The vehicle of claim 8, further comprising: at least one of a gas compressor and a gas tank for supplying compressed gas to the outside, The rope pulling and returning mechanism has an air cylinder driven by compressed gas supplied from at least one of a gas compressor and an air tank. 10. The vehicle of claim 9, further comprising: means for detecting the position of the drive shaft of the cylinder; and For controlling the gas supplied from at least one of the gas compressor and the gas tank to the outside corresponding to the detected position. 11. A container comprising: a portable container body capable of being hermetically sealed and storing molten metal, the body having passages for introducing compressed gas from the outside; a pipe having an outlet and supplying the molten metal stored in the container main body to the outside, the outlet extending downward; a receiving pan for receiving molten metal and capable of being positioned below the outlet of the conduit; and a retaining member having an axis of rotation relative to the conduit and rotatably retaining the receiving tray between a first position wherein the retaining member is disposed below the conduit outlet and a second position wherein the retaining member is withdrawn from below the conduit outlet; a cord having a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to at least one of the receiving tray and the retaining member; A valve having a first valve opening to the channel of the container body, a second valve opening to the conduit for applying and reducing pressure and a third valve opening to the exhaust portion, and the valve has a gas a first mode of flow between the first valve opening and the third valve opening and a second mode in which gas flows between the first valve opening and the second valve opening; and An operating lever, which is connected with the other end of the cable and the valve, and can be manually rotated between a first operating position and a second operating position, the operating lever places the valve in the first operating position when in the first operating position. mode and the receiving disc in the first position, and in the second operating position the lever puts the valve in the second mode and the receiving disc in the second position. 12. The container of claim 11, wherein the receiving tray is rotatably mounted on the retaining member. 13. The vessel of claim 12, further comprising a flow restricting portion disposed between the third valve opening of the valve and the vent portion, the portion permitting gas to flow therethrough and restricting molten metal to flow therethrough.

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