JP4696706B2 - Spray agent coating method and spray agent coating apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for applying a spray agent such as a release agent applied to a molding surface and an application apparatus in a casting mold in order to improve the release property of a cast product.

In general, in a casting apparatus such as a die casting machine, when casting light alloy castings, etc., in order to improve the releasability of the cast product from the mold, the mold is opened before the molten metal is poured. A mold release agent is applied to the molding surface (cavity surface). The release agent is liquefied by mixing and stirring with water or oil in a release agent stirring tank or the like, and spray-applied from the spray nozzle of the coating device onto the molding surface of the mold.
The mold release agent applied to the molding surface of the mold is the time until casting is stopped for a certain period of time due to the influence of radiant heat from the mold due to casting or for some reason, and the mold release agent is applied again. In some cases, such as when the interval is widened, the release agent adheres to the tip of the spray nozzle and clogging may occur.

As described above, when the spray nozzle is clogged with the release agent, it may be impossible to spray the release agent from the spray nozzle. In this case, the release agent is not applied to the molding surface of the mold. For this reason, the releasability of the cast product from the mold is lowered, and as a result, a problem that the cast product cannot be released from the mold also occurs.
In addition, when a series of casting processes including the process of applying a mold release agent are automatically repeated, if the spray nozzle becomes clogged, a sufficient amount of mold release agent is applied to the molding surface of the mold or not applied at all. Although the casting apparatus did not stop even though it was not done, seizure of the mold occurred, and then the abnormality was detected and the apparatus stopped.

  A technique for preventing clogging of a release agent in such a spray nozzle is disclosed in Patent Document 1. In this document, a mold spray apparatus including a spray nozzle to which a spray agent (release agent) or mold cooling water is supplied is shown, and each spray amount is controlled and sprayed. ing. Then, with this spray device, first, water is sprayed onto the mold to cool the mold, and then the spray agent is sprayed onto the mold, and after spraying is completed, the water is switched to water again to clean the tip of the spray nozzle. A mold spray method is disclosed.

In addition, the release agent has a function of enhancing the release property of the cast product from the mold, but the temperature of the mold is a temperature suitable for application of the release agent (for example, 200 to 300 ° C.). Exists.
In other words, when the surface temperature of the molding surface of the mold is higher than the temperature suitable for the application of the release agent, the evaporation of the release agent is intense and the adhesion rate is low, and conversely, the surface temperature of the molding surface is In a state where the temperature is lower than the temperature suitable for the application of the release agent, the release agent is difficult to adhere or an excess release agent remains, and the remaining release agent causes a so-called decrease in hot water performance.
Therefore, when the mold release agent is applied, the mold release agent is also applied until the temperature of the mold is lowered to a temperature suitable for the application of the mold release agent.

  However, although depending on the shape and size of the cast product, the temperature of the mold may vary depending on the site because the amount of heat received from the molten metal poured into the molding space (cavity) differs. That is, for example, the mold temperature in the vicinity of the gate through which the molten metal poured into the molding space passes is higher than the mold temperature in a part away from the gate. As described above, when the mold temperature is non-uniform, when the mold release agent is uniformly applied to the molding surface of the mold, a part where the appropriate amount of the mold release agent is not applied is generated as described above. .

Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for solving the problems associated with the application of the release agent due to such uneven temperature of the mold. In this document, temperature sensors are provided at a plurality of positions close to the molding surface of the mold and at different distances from the gate, and a plurality of spray devices are provided corresponding to the temperature sensors. Thereby, based on the measurement result measured by each temperature sensor, the application amount of the release agent by each spray device is determined, and the release agent that applies an appropriate amount of the release agent according to the mold temperature over the entire molding surface A method of applying the agent is disclosed.
JP 2001-162213 A JP-A-8-174174

  Certainly, the mold spraying method disclosed in Patent Document 1 is considered to be able to prevent clogging of the release agent in the spray nozzle, but this is a preventive measure, so that the spray nozzle is actually separated from the spray nozzle. If a blockage of the mold occurs, it cannot be detected directly. That is, it is impossible to determine whether or not the release nozzle is clogged with the spray nozzle. In this case, when the spray nozzle is actually clogged, as described above, a problem occurs when a series of casting steps including a step of applying a release agent are automatically repeated.

  Further, in the release agent coating method disclosed in Patent Document 2, when the release agent is applied in accordance with the actual temperature distribution of the mold, for example, the mold is large and the area of the molding surface is large. A large number of temperature sensors and spraying devices are required in a wide case, and each temperature sensor is embedded in a mold, which may lead to a complicated structure and high cost, which is not preferable for maintenance.

  Therefore, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to prevent a problem that occurs when the spray agent is actually clogged with a simple structure in the spray nozzle that applies a spray agent such as a release agent to the mold. Another object of the present invention is to provide a spray agent application method and a spray agent application device that can be used.

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is as described above. Next, means for solving the problem will be described.

That is, according to the first aspect, in the spray agent application method for applying the spray agent to the molding surface of the casting mold, the spray agent is sprayed from a spray nozzle provided in a spraying device movable with respect to the molding surface. At the same time, the temperature of the spray spraying portion of the mold is detected by a mold temperature detecting means provided in the spraying device, and is detected after a predetermined time elapses after the spray spraying starts. If the mold temperature does not fall below a preset temperature, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the spray nozzle.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the spray agent application method, when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the spray nozzle, an alarm indicating that an abnormality has occurred is issued.

In claim 3, the spray coating apparatus for applying a spray to the molding surface of the mold for casting, have a spray nozzle for spraying the spray, the spraying device can move relative to the forming surface, A mold temperature detecting means provided in the spraying device for detecting the temperature of the mold, and a spray agent such that the temperature of the mold detected by the mold temperature detecting means falls below a predetermined temperature set in advance. And a control device for controlling the spraying by the mold temperature detecting means between the start of spraying the spray agent from the spray nozzle and a predetermined time elapses. If the detected mold temperature does not fall below the predetermined temperature, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the spray nozzle.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the spray agent applicator includes alarm means for issuing an alarm indicating that an abnormality has occurred when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the spray nozzle.

  As effects of the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.

The spray agent application device according to claim 1, wherein when the temperature of the mold does not decrease even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the spraying of the spray agent has started, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the spray nozzle. Can be automatically stopped. As a result, it is possible to prevent problems when an abnormality of the spray nozzle such as clogging of the spray agent actually occurs.
Furthermore, regardless of the size and shape of the mold, it is possible to apply an appropriate amount of a release agent according to the mold temperature over the entire molding surface of the mold with a simple configuration, and there is an abnormality in the spray nozzle. It is possible to improve the accuracy of an alarm that is issued when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred or when an abnormality has occurred.
In addition, since the mold temperature detecting means is not embedded in the mold, the maintainability of the mold temperature detecting means can be improved.

  According to claim 2, it is possible to notify the operator that an abnormality has occurred by issuing an alarm to the effect that an abnormality has occurred in the spray nozzle. As a result, the device is stopped automatically with the occurrence of an alarm or by the operator who senses the alarm, so that the measures after the device is stopped (spray nozzle abnormalities such as removing clogged spray nozzles) are quickly performed. It is possible to improve safety.

The spray agent application apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when the temperature of the mold does not decrease even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the spraying of the spray agent has started, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the spray nozzle. Can be automatically stopped. As a result, it is possible to prevent problems when an abnormality of the spray nozzle such as clogging of the spray agent actually occurs.
Furthermore, regardless of the size and shape of the mold, it is possible to apply an appropriate amount of a release agent according to the mold temperature over the entire molding surface of the mold with a simple configuration, and there is an abnormality in the spray nozzle. It is possible to improve the accuracy of an alarm that is issued when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred or when an abnormality has occurred.
In addition, since the mold temperature detecting means is not embedded in the mold, the maintainability of the mold temperature detecting means can be improved.

  According to the fourth aspect of the invention, it is possible to notify the operator that an abnormality has occurred by issuing an alarm indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the spray nozzle. Thus, by stopping the apparatus automatically with the occurrence of an alarm or by an operator who has detected the alarm, it is possible to quickly perform a treatment after the apparatus stops and improve safety.

Next, embodiments of the invention will be described.
The spray agent application method according to the present invention is applied to a molding surface in order to improve the releasability of a cast product in a casting mold for casting a light alloy casting such as an aluminum alloy, such as a cylinder block of an automobile engine. It is applied as a method for applying a release agent to be applied. In addition, as a spray agent in this invention, it is not limited to a mold release agent, For example, it can apply to various spray agents, such as a moisturizing agent.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a spray agent coating apparatus according to the present invention. As shown in the figure, the mold to which the release agent is applied by the spray coating apparatus is, for example, a male mold-type fixed mold 1 and a proximity and separation direction with respect to the fixed mold 1. The movable mold 2 having a female structure provided so as to be movable can be opened and closed. Further, at least one of the fixed mold 1 and the movable mold 2 is provided with a gate (not shown) for pouring molten metal.

Then, in a molding space (cavity) constituted by the molding surface (cavity surface) 1 a of the stationary mold 1 and the molding surface of the movable mold 2 in a state where the stationary mold 1 and the movable mold 2 are closed. Then, after the molten metal poured through the gate is filled and cooled and solidified, the molds 1 and 2 are opened and the cast product is taken out.
When a cast product is taken out from the molds 1 and 2 that are opened, a spray agent coating device is used to improve the mold releasability of the cast product from the molds 1 and 2 and to smoothly release the cast product. Thus, the mold release agent is applied to the molding surfaces 1a and 2a on the molds 1 and 2 in the mold open state before pouring the molten metal.

  The spray agent application device includes a spray device 3 having a spray nozzle 4 for spraying a release agent, a temperature sensor 5 as a mold temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the molds 1 and 2, and spraying of the release agent. And a control device 6 for controlling.

The spraying device 3 is attached to the lower end of the arm 3a, and the arm 3a can be moved in the vertical, horizontal, and front-back directions by a robot (not shown). That is, the spraying device 3 is provided so as to be freely inserted between the molds 1 and 2 in the mold open state via the arm 3a, and vertically with respect to the molding surfaces 1a and 2a between the molds 1 and 2. -It is configured to be movable in the left / right / front / rear direction.
The spray device 4 is provided with the spray nozzle 4 so as to face the molding surfaces 1a and 2a of the molds 1 and 2. That is, a release agent is supplied to the spraying device 3 from a release agent tank (not shown) via a flow path, and this release agent is applied to the molding surfaces 1a and 2a of the molds 1 and 2 from the spray nozzle 4. Sprayed.

As the temperature sensor 5, for example, a non-contact type sensor such as an infrared radiation thermometer is used. The temperature sensor 5 is connected to the control device 6, and the temperatures of the molds 1 and 2 (the temperatures of the molding surfaces 1 a and 2 a) detected by the temperature sensor 5 are sent to the control device 6.
The temperature sensor 5 is not limited to an infrared radiation thermometer, and has heat resistance against radiant heat from the mold in a series of casting steps including a step of applying a release agent, Various temperature sensors can be used as long as they can be easily used for electrical control.
Moreover, the mold temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the molds 1 and 2 may be provided separately from the spray device 3. In this case, as the mold temperature detecting means, for example, it is conceivable to use thermography that represents the temperature distribution of the molding surfaces 1a and 2a of the molds 1 and 2 as an image.

When the spraying of the release agent is controlled, the control device 6 applies the predetermined temperature set in advance to the temperature of the molds 1 and 2 detected by the temperature sensor 5 when the release agent is applied for a predetermined time. Control to below.
That is, as described above, the mold release agent functions not only to improve the mold releasability from the mold of the cast product, but also to reduce the mold temperature to a temperature suitable for the application of the mold release agent. By spraying the release agent, the surface temperatures of the molding surfaces 1a and 2a of the molds 1 and 2 are cooled to a temperature suitable for the application of the release agent.
Here, the predetermined temperature is set to a temperature within a range of 200 to 300 ° C., for example, as a temperature suitable for application of the mold release agent, and is preset and stored in the control device 6. Hereinafter, the predetermined temperature set in the control device 6 is assumed to be Tn.

With such a configuration, the spray device 3 moves between the molds 1 and 2, and the temperature of each part of the molds 1 and 2 is detected by the temperature sensor 5 while the temperature of each part of the molds 1 and 2 is detected. Is sprayed from the spray nozzle 4 so as to fall below the predetermined temperature Tn, and the mold release agent is applied to the molding surfaces 1a and 2a.
Here, the spray location (movement path) for each molding surface 1a, 2a by the spray device 3 and the spray amount and spray time at each spray location are preliminarily determined in the control device 6 according to the shape, size, etc. of the molds 1, 2. It is set and stored. That is, the control device 6 controls the robot or the like to move the arm 3a to move the spray device 3 to the spray location, and adjusts the spray amount from the spray nozzle 4 at each spray location, By adjusting the spraying time at the location, the release agent is sprayed so that an appropriate amount (the amount that the temperature of the molds 1 and 2 is lower than the predetermined temperature Tn set in advance) is sprayed. Control the spraying.

Specifically, when the spray device 3 is moved to a spray location preset by the control device 6 between the molds 1 and 2, a release agent is supplied from the release agent tank to the spray device 3, A release agent is sprayed from the spray nozzle 4. Here, the temperature sensor 5 detects the mold temperature before and after application of the release agent at the spray location, and the mold temperature detected by the temperature sensor 5 is sent to the control device 6.
The control device 6 compares the mold temperature detected by the temperature sensor 5 with a predetermined temperature Tn set in advance, and releases the mold temperature detected by the temperature sensor 5 so as to be lower than the predetermined temperature Tn. Control the spray amount and spray time of the mold. Here, the control device 6 controls the spray amount of the release agent so that the mold temperature falls below the predetermined temperature Tn when the predetermined time So has elapsed since the start of spraying.
And the control apparatus 6 applies a mold release agent one by one in each spray location with respect to the shaping | molding surface 1a * 2a of the metal mold | dies 1 * 2, moving the spray apparatus 3 on the predetermined | prescribed movement path | route.

  As described above, when applying the release agent to the molds 1 and 2, the control device 6 uses the temperature sensor 5 within a predetermined time Sn after the start of spraying the release agent from the spray nozzle 4. When the detected temperatures of the molds 1 and 2 do not fall below the predetermined temperature Tn, it is determined that an abnormality of the spray nozzle 4 (hereinafter referred to as “spray nozzle abnormality”) has occurred.

The predetermined time Sn is set based on, for example, the predetermined time So required until the mold temperature at the sprayed portion falls below the predetermined temperature Tn by spraying the release agent. The predetermined time Sn is set to, for example, the same time as the predetermined time So or a time obtained by adding a certain margin time Sm to the predetermined time So.
In other words, the fact that the mold temperature detected by the temperature sensor 5 does not drop below the predetermined temperature Tn even though the predetermined time Sn has elapsed since the start of the application of the release agent means that the spray nozzle 4 This means that a state in which the release agent is not normally sprayed from the spray nozzle 4 due to clogging of the release agent or the like at the tip portion is determined, and this state is determined as an abnormality in the spray nozzle. The predetermined time Sn · So and the margin time Sm are set in the control device 6.

  As described above, when the control device 6 determines that the spray nozzle abnormality has occurred when the temperature of the mold does not decrease even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of spraying of the release agent, The agent application device can be automatically stopped. As a result, it is possible to prevent problems when the spray nozzle abnormality such as clogging of the release agent actually occurs.

Further, as described above, when it is determined that a spray nozzle abnormality has occurred, an alarm can be issued to the effect that an abnormality has occurred.
For example, when a spray agent application device is operated by an operator, a method for issuing an alarm to notify that a spray nozzle abnormality has occurred is displayed on the operation panel that a spray nozzle abnormality has occurred, a buzzer, A warning by sound, a warning by lighting a lamp, or a combination of these may be considered.

Thus, by issuing a warning that a spray nozzle abnormality has occurred, it is possible to notify the operator that an abnormality has occurred. Thus, the device is stopped automatically by the occurrence of an alarm or by the operator who senses the alarm, so that the measures after the device is stopped (spray nozzle abnormality is eliminated such as removing clogging of the spray nozzle 4) are quickly performed. It is possible to improve safety.
In other words, when a series of casting processes including a process of applying a release agent is automatically repeated by issuing an alarm as described above and enabling subsequent countermeasures, when a spray nozzle is clogged, The casting device does not stop even though a sufficient amount or no release agent is applied to the molding surface of the mold, so that seizure of the die occurs, and then the abnormality is detected and the device stops. Problems can be prevented in advance.

Hereinafter, an example of a series of processes when the mold release agent is applied to the molds 1 and 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
First, the spraying device 3 is moved between the molds 1 and 2 by the control device 6 to the position of a predetermined spraying location, and spraying of the release agent is started from the spray nozzle 4 (step S10). Here, as described above, the control device 6 applies the release agent while controlling the spray amount and spray time so that the temperature of the molds 1 and 2 is lower than the predetermined temperature Tn.
Then, when a predetermined time Sn has elapsed from the start of spraying of the release agent (step S20), the control device 6 is based on the mold temperature of the part spraying the release agent detected by the temperature sensor 5. Then, it is determined whether or not the mold temperature is lower than the predetermined temperature Tn (step S30).

In step S30, when the control device 6 determines that the mold temperature detected by the temperature sensor 5 is not lower than the predetermined temperature Tn, the control device 6 determines that a spray nozzle abnormality has occurred and indicates that an abnormality has occurred. An alarm is issued (step S40). That is, the control device 6 is an example of a warning unit that issues a warning that an abnormality has occurred when it is determined that a spray nozzle abnormality has occurred. Note that the alarm means may be provided separately from the control device 6.
After issuing the alarm, the control device 6 stops the operation of the spray agent application device (step S50).
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S30 that the mold temperature detected by the temperature sensor 5 has fallen below the predetermined temperature Tn, the control device 6 continues normal operation (step S60). That is, the control device 6 moves the spray device 3 to the next spray location to spray the release agent, or moves the spray device 3 to the outside between the molds 1 and 2 to prepare for the next casting. .

Moreover, in the spray agent coating device according to the present invention, it is preferable to provide the spray device 3 with a temperature sensor 5 as a mold temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the molds 1 and 2.
For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the temperature sensor 5 is provided on the same side as the side where the spray nozzle 4 of the spray device 3 is provided by providing the temperature sensor 5 below the spray nozzle 4 in the spray device 3. Thereby, the mold temperature of the site | part to which the mold release agent is sprayed with the spray nozzle 4 can be measured for every site | part with the movement of the spraying apparatus 3. FIG.

Thus, by providing the temperature sensor 5 in the spray device 3 that can move between the molds 1 and 2, the molding surface of the molds 1 and 2 can be formed with a simple configuration regardless of the size and shape of the molds. Appropriate amount of release agent according to the mold temperature can be applied over the entire area of 1a and 2a, and the accuracy of the alarm issued when the spray nozzle abnormality occurs and when the abnormality occurs is improved. can do.
In other words, by providing the spray device 3 with the temperature sensor 5, the spray device 3 that moves between the molds 1 and 2 is located, and the mold temperature at the location where the spray is actually performed can be detected. Since the mold temperature detected by the temperature sensor 5 matches the temperature distribution of the molds 1 and 2, an appropriate amount of release agent can be applied according to the mold temperature. Along with this, the determination of the occurrence of a spray nozzle abnormality and the generation of an alarm performed by the control device 6 based on the mold temperature detected by the temperature sensor 5 are more in line with the actual state of the spray nozzle 4. can do.
Further, since the temperature sensor 5 is not embedded in the molds 1 and 2, the maintainability of the temperature sensor 5 can be improved.

Examples of the present invention will be described below.
As the spray nozzle 4, a commonly used spray nozzle (for example, manufactured by Spraying Systems Japan Co., Ltd.) was used, and as the temperature sensor 5, an infrared radiation thermometer (manufactured by Keyence Corporation) was used.
Then, as the molds 1 and 2, a dedicated test piece mold was used, and a release agent was applied by a die casting machine having a casting pressure of 800 tons.

  The mold release agent is applied to the mold by dividing the molding surface of the mold into five locations so that the spraying device 3 has five spray locations, and the mold temperature at each location is 250 ° C. (predetermined temperature Tn). Was set to 250 ° C. and the spray amount and spray time were set to control the spray of the release agent.

In such a configuration, when casting is performed with two day shifts of daytime work and night shift in the day, in the past, an average of three shifts (for example, the first day's day shift / night shift, the second day shift) The spray nozzle was clogged during the day shift (3 shifts). In this case, since the die casting machine is fully automatic, the machine does not stop even after the spray nozzle is clogged, and the casting is performed, and the die is seized (a phenomenon where the cast product sticks to the die). In some cases, after the seizure occurs, an abnormality is detected and the die casting machine stops.
However, by adopting the present invention, it was possible to detect the clogging of the spray nozzle in advance as an abnormality in the spray nozzle, and it was possible to stop the die casting machine before seizure occurred.

In addition, conventionally, when applying a release agent to a mold, the temperature at a part of the mold is set as a representative temperature, and the application amount and the application time of the release agent are set so that the representative temperature is, for example, 250 ° C. Since it was set, seizure occurred in various parts of the mold when casting 50 continuous shots.
However, when the spray agent coating apparatus according to the present invention is used and the spraying device 3 is sprayed at five locations as described above and the mold release agent is applied so that the mold temperature at each location is 250 ° C., continuous It was confirmed that the mold seizure did not occur even after casting 300 shots.

The figure which shows the structure of the spray agent coating device which concerns on this invention. The flowchart which shows an example of the process of alarm generation.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Fixed mold 2 Movable mold 3 Spraying apparatus 4 Spray nozzle 5 Temperature sensor 6 Control apparatus

Claims (4)

In the spray agent application method of applying a spray agent to the molding surface of a casting mold,
The spray agent is sprayed from a spray nozzle provided in a spray device movable with respect to the molding surface, and the temperature of the spray agent spraying portion of the mold is detected by a mold temperature detecting means provided in the spray device ,
When the temperature of the mold to be detected does not fall below the preset predetermined temperature after the spray agent spraying starts and the preset predetermined time elapses,
It is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the spray nozzle.   2. The spray agent application method according to claim 1, wherein, in the spray agent application method, when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the spray nozzle, an alarm indicating that an abnormality has occurred is issued. 3. In a spray application device that applies a spray to the molding surface of a casting mold,
Have a spray nozzle for spraying the spray, the spraying device can move relative to the forming surface,
A mold temperature detecting means provided in the spraying device for detecting the temperature of the mold;
A control device that controls spraying of the spray agent so that the temperature of the mold detected by the mold temperature detecting means is lower than a predetermined temperature set in advance,
The controller is configured so that the temperature of the mold detected by the mold temperature detecting means is equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature after a predetermined time elapses after the spraying of the spray agent from the spray nozzle is started. If not lower, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the spray nozzle.   4. The spray agent coating apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising alarm means for issuing an alarm indicating that an abnormality has occurred when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the spray nozzle.

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