JP6920125B2 - Semi-solid metal manufacturing equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a semi-solid metal manufacturing apparatus, and more particularly to a semi-solid metal manufacturing apparatus including a container for accommodating the semi-solidified metal.

Conventionally, a semi-solid metal manufacturing apparatus including a crucible (container) for accommodating a semi-solid metal is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In Patent Document 1, the metal material is semi-solidified by stirring the crucible into which the liquid metal material is poured and the metal material in the crucible by moving the crucible in a predetermined plane pattern (by swirling). A semi-solid metal manufacturing apparatus including a moving device for forming a shape is disclosed.

Further, conventionally, a semi-solidified metal manufacturing apparatus provided with a pouring portion (container) into which the molten metal is poured is known (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

In Patent Document 2, the molten metal is provided by applying an electric magnetic field to the molten metal poured into the molten metal, which is arranged so as to surround the molten metal and the molten metal poured into the molten metal. A semi-solidified metal manufacturing apparatus (so-called electromagnetic stirring apparatus) including a stirring unit for semi-solidifying is disclosed.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-505251 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-88083

However, in the semi-solid metal manufacturing apparatus of Patent Document 1, since the crucible (container) is simply moved, when the weight of the liquid metal material poured into the crucible increases, the inside of the crucible There is a disadvantage that the inside and outside of the metal material are difficult to be agitated. As a result, a temperature gradient is generated in the semi-solidified metal in the container, and as a result, there is a problem that the metal structure becomes non-uniform.

Further, the semi-solidified metal manufacturing apparatus (so-called electromagnetic stirring apparatus) of Patent Document 2 needs to be provided with a stirring portion in which a coil device for applying an electromagnetic field is arranged so as to surround a predetermined space in order to apply an electric magnetic field. Therefore, there is a problem that the device configuration becomes complicated.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one object of the present invention is that even if the weight of the liquid metal material poured into the container is increased by a simple structure, it is half. It is an object of the present invention to provide a semi-solid metal manufacturing apparatus capable of homogenizing the metal structure of a solidified metal.

In order to achieve the above object, the semi-solid metal manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention has a container in which a liquid metal material is poured and a semi-solidified container in which the container is installed to semi-solidify the metal material poured into the container. The semi-solidification device includes a holding part to which the vibrator is attached and holds the container, and the vibrator is attached to the holding part and is provided with a metallizer and a vibrator for mechanically vibrating the container. by vibrating the container via the holding portion, that is configured to stir the metal material in the container.

In this semi-solidified metal manufacturing apparatus, as described above, a container is installed, and a semi-solidifying apparatus for semi-solidifying the metal material poured into the container and a vibrator for mechanically vibrating the container are provided. The semi-solidification device includes a holding part to which the vibrator is attached and holds the container, and the vibrator is attached to the holding part and vibrates the container through the holding part to vibrate the metal material in the container. that is configured to stirring. As a result, the container can be vibrated by the vibrator that vibrates mechanically by itself, so that the weight of the liquid metal material poured into the container increases as compared with the case where the container is simply moved as in the conventional case. Even in this case, the metal material can be effectively agitated inside and outside the metal material in the container. As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a temperature gradient in the produced semi-solid metal, so that the metal structure of the semi-solid metal becomes uniform even when the weight of the liquid metal material poured into the container increases. be able to. Further, unlike the conventional electromagnetic agitator that requires a coil for applying an electromagnetic field, a liquid metal material poured into a container can be vibrated by a simple configuration of an oscillator. As described above, the semi-solid metal manufacturing apparatus can homogenize the metal structure of the semi-solid metal even when the weight of the liquid metal material poured into the container increases due to the simple configuration. Further, unlike the conventional electromagnetic stirring device, a device (oscillator) for stirring can be obtained at a relatively low cost.

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

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

In the configuration in which the semi-solidification device includes a holding portion, preferably, the vibrator is configured to vibrate the container in which the metal material is poured in a state of being lifted by the holding portion. With this configuration, when the holding part is vibrated by the vibrator, the vibration of the vibrator can be effectively transmitted from the holding part to the container as compared with the case where the lower end of the container is installed. can. As a result, even when the weight of the liquid metal material poured into the container increases, it is possible to further suppress the occurrence of a temperature gradient in the semi-solidified metal produced, so that the metal structure of the semi-solidified metal becomes more uniform. can do.

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

In the above-mentioned semi-solidified metal manufacturing apparatus, preferably, the vibrator is configured to continuously vibrate the container from the time when the metal material is poured into the container until the metal material is semi-solidified after the pouring is completed. Has been done. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the container from cooling the outside of the metal material faster than the inside by the container, as compared with the case where the metal material is vibrated after being poured into the container. As a result, it is possible to effectively suppress the occurrence of a temperature gradient in the semi-solidified metal.

In this case, preferably, the semi-solidifying device is in a state in which the container can be vibrated by the installation portion in which the container is installed, the support portion that oscillates the installation portion, and the installation portion supported by the support portion. The vibrator is configured to vibrate the container while the container is installed in the installation portion, including a pressing portion for pressing. With this configuration, the installation part can be vibrated by the support part, and the container can be vibrated while the container is installed in the installation part. Therefore, the container is installed in the installation part and the metal material is poured. From time to time, the metal material in the container can be effectively agitated. As a result, the metallographic structure of the semi-solidified metal can be further homogenized.

In a configuration in which the semi-solidifying device includes an installation portion, a support portion, and a pressing portion, preferably, one of the pressing portion and the container is a container with respect to the pressing portion in a direction along the contact surface between the pressing portion and the container. A friction reducing part is provided to enable the movement of the container. With this configuration, the friction reducing portion allows the container to move with respect to the pressing portion, so that the container can be vibrated more greatly during vibration. As a result, the metal material in the container can be effectively agitated.

In a configuration in which the vibrator continuously vibrates the container from the time when the metal material is poured into the container until the metal material is semi-solidified after the pouring is completed, preferably, when the metal material is poured into the container, the inside of the container is vibrated. Is further provided with a decompression device capable of depressurizing. With this configuration, the air inside the container can be discharged to the outside of the container by the decompression device, so that it is possible to prevent the air from being entrained in the metal material when the metal material is poured into the container. As a result, it is possible to suppress the formation of cavities (small pores remaining inside) in the molded product.

In semi-solid metal production apparatus described above, preferably, the upper end of the container has a lower surface in contact with the holding portion, the flange portion is a horizontal cross-section increases are provided. With this configuration, the flange portion can be supported from below by the holding portion, so that it is possible to prevent the container from moving downward with respect to the holding portion.

In the above-mentioned semi-solidified metal manufacturing apparatus, preferably, the container is provided with a held portion that is held by the holding portion while having a substantially constant horizontal cross-sectional shape and extending in the vertical direction. With this configuration, the holding portion can stably hold the container by the held portion. Further, since the horizontal cross-sectional shape of the held portion is substantially constant, the holding portion can be formed into a simple shape corresponding to the shape of the held portion.

In the above-mentioned semi-solidifying metal manufacturing apparatus, preferably, the container includes a hollow member having both upper and lower ends open, and the semi-solidifying apparatus includes an installation portion where the container is installed and the opening on the lower side of the hollow member is closed. include. With this configuration, the semi-solidified metal produced in the container can be taken out from the container by extrusion due to the hollow members having both upper and lower ends open.

In the above semi-solidified metal manufacturing apparatus, preferably, the container has a cylindrical shape in which the inner diameter decreases downward. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the metal material in the container from falling out downward when the container is lifted.

According to the present invention, as described above, the simple structure makes it possible to homogenize the metallographic structure of the semi-solidified metal even when the weight of the liquid metal material poured into the container increases.

It is a schematic diagram which showed the whole structure of the die casting molding machine provided with the semi-solidified metal manufacturing apparatus according to 1st to 3rd Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which showed the container of the semi-solidified metal manufacturing apparatus by 1st Embodiment. It is a perspective view which showed the container of the semi-solidified metal manufacturing apparatus by 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic side view which showed the whole structure of the semi-solidified metal manufacturing apparatus by 1st Embodiment, and is the figure when the container is installed in the installation part. It is a schematic side view which showed the whole structure of the semi-solidified metal manufacturing apparatus by 1st Embodiment, and is the figure which showed the state which pressed the container by the pressing part. It is sectional drawing along the line 600-600 of FIG. It is a schematic side view which showed the oscillator of the semi-solid metal manufacturing apparatus by 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the manufacturing process of a semi-solidified metal in 1st Embodiment. It is a side view which showed the container of the semi-solidified metal manufacturing apparatus by 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the manufacturing process of a semi-solidified metal in 2nd Embodiment. It is a schematic side view which showed the whole structure of the semi-solidified metal manufacturing apparatus by 3rd Embodiment, and is the figure which showed the state in the process of pouring a liquid metal material into a container. It is a figure for demonstrating the manufacturing process of a semi-solidified metal in 3rd Embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments embodying the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
The configuration of the die casting machine 100 provided with the semi-solid metal manufacturing apparatus 104 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8.

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

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

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

The injection device 101 includes a plunger 100d and a drive unit (not shown). The plunger 100d is an injection member inserted into the injection sleeve 100c and for pushing the semi-solidified metal supplied into the injection sleeve 100c into the mold M. The drive unit is connected to the plunger 100d and is configured to move the plunger 100d back and forth within the injection sleeve 100c. The drive unit is, for example, a hydraulic cylinder driven by a hydraulic circuit.

The die plate drive mechanism 102 is configured to perform mold clamping and mold opening by moving the moving mold M2 in a direction of approaching or separating from the fixed mold M1.

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

(Structure of semi-solid metal manufacturing equipment)
As shown in FIG. 1, the semi-solid metal manufacturing apparatus 104 is liquid by a holding furnace 1 for holding a liquid metal material, a hot water pouring device 2 for drawing a liquid metal material from the holding furnace 1, and a hot water pouring device 2. A container 3 into which a metal material is poured, a semi-solidification device 4 that cools a liquid metal material poured into the container 3 into a semi-solid metal, and an oscillator 5 that mechanically vibrates the container 3. It has. The vibrator 5 is attached to a holding portion 41, which will be described later, of the semi-solidification device 4.

<Structure of holding furnace and hot water pouring device>
The holding furnace 1 is configured to be capable of accommodating a metal material, and may also serve as a melting furnace. The holding furnace 1 includes, for example, a heating device (not shown) for heating the metal material and a temperature sensor for the furnace (not shown) for detecting the temperature of the contained metal material. The holding furnace 1 is made of, for example, a material having excellent heat insulating properties such as ceramics. For example, an aluminum alloy or the like is housed in the holding furnace 1 as a metal material.

The hot water pouring device 2 includes a ladle 21 and a ladle transport device 22 capable of transporting the ladle 21. The radle 21 is a container having a cassotte shape for pumping a liquid metal material. Further, the radle 21 is configured to be able to draw one shot (one injection) of metal material from the holding furnace 1. The ruddle transfer device 22 is composed of, for example, a robot having an articulated arm (articulated robot). The ruddle transport device 22 is configured to be able to move the ruddle 21 in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. Further, the ladle transfer device 22 is configured so that the ladle 21 can be tilted.

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

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

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

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

<Structure of semi-solidifying device>
As shown in FIG. 4, the semi-solidifying device 4 includes a holding portion 41 that grips (holds) the container 3, an installation portion 42 in which the container 3 is installed, and a ball plunger 43 that supports the installation portion 42 from below. A pressing portion 44, which is arranged directly above the installation portion 42 and presses the container 3 installed on the installation portion 42 toward the installation portion 42, and a funnel 45 are provided. Further, the semi-solidifying device 4 is fixedly above the base portion 46 via a base portion 46 that supports each configuration of the semi-solidifying device 4 from below and a plurality of support columns 46a fixed to the base portion 46. It includes a fixing member 47 to be arranged. An installation portion 42 is attached to the fixing member 47 via a ball plunger 43. The holding portion 41 includes a main body portion 41a and a pair of movable portions 41b. The pair of movable portions 41b are movably connected to the main body portion 41a. The pair of movable portions 41b are configured to be movable so that the tips thereof are separated from each other and approach each other. In short, the pair of movable portions 41b is configured to grip the container 3 by moving, and the main body portion 41a is configured to movably support the pair of movable portions 41b. The ball plunger 43 is an example of a "support portion" in the claims.

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

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

As shown in FIG. 5, the container 3 installed on the installation portion 42 is directed toward the installation portion 42 by the pressing portion 44 descending from directly above the container 3 while maintaining the holding by the holding portion 41. Is pressed.

As shown in FIG. 6, the holding portion 41 has a shape along the outer surface of the container 3 to be held. Specifically, the holding portion 41 has an arc-shaped holding surface 410 inside along the cylindrical outer surface of the held portion 33 (see FIG. 2) of the container 3. The holding portion 41 is configured to hold the container 3 by moving a pair of movable portions 41b and sandwiching the held portion 33 (outer surface) of the container 3 by the holding surface 410 in a surface contact state. That is, as compared with the case where the flat surface is brought into line contact or point contact with the container 3 to hold the container 3, the holding portion 41 secures a wider contact area with the container 3 with respect to the holding portion 41. It is configured to prevent the container 3 from moving.

As shown in FIG. 4, the holding portion 41 is connected to an air cylinder 41d that raises and lowers the holding portion 41 in the vertical direction, one end of which is connected to a cylinder shaft 41e that is raised and lowered by the air cylinder 41d main body, and the other end of the holding portion 41. A connecting portion 41f connected to is provided. The connecting portion 41f has a rod shape extending in the horizontal direction. Further, the holding portion 41 is configured to be rotatable in the horizontal direction about the cylinder shaft 41e of the air cylinder 41d by a rotating mechanism (not shown). As a result, as shown in FIG. 6, the holding portion 41 is retracted in the horizontal direction between the pressing portion 44 and the installation portion 42 (pouring position) and between the pressing portion 44 and the installation portion 42 (evacuation position). It is configured to be movable to and from the position).

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

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

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

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

<Composition of funnel>
As shown in FIG. 5, the funnel 45 is a member that assists the supply of the liquid metal material into the container 3 by the hot water pouring device 2. Further, the funnel 45 is configured to be arranged in a state of being separated or in contact with the pressing portion 44 at the time of pouring. Further, the funnel 45 is provided with an air cylinder 45a that raises and lowers the funnel 45 in the vertical direction.

<Vibrator configuration>
As shown in FIG. 7, the vibrator 5 is fixedly attached to the holding portion 41 of the semi-solidification device 4. Specifically, the vibrator 5 is fixedly attached to the upper surface of the main body 41a, and is configured to mechanically (force) vibrate the container 3 via the holding portion 41. As an example, the vibrator 5 is a general vibration device having a motor and a weight (not shown) eccentrically attached to the motor shaft.

(Manufacturing process of semi-solidified metal in the first embodiment)
Next, the manufacturing process of the semi-solidified metal by the semi-solidifying device 4 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 6 and 8 (a) to 8 (f). The description will be given from the step of installing the container 3 in the installation section 42 to the step of forming the semi-solidified metal in the container 3 and charging the semi-solidified metal into the injection sleeve 100c.

First, although not shown, as a pre-process, the container 3 is held by the holding unit 41 and cooled by immersing it in a cooling medium built in the cooling device. The cooling medium may be either a liquid or a gas medium.

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

Next, as shown in FIG. 8B, the pressing portion 44 is lowered to bring the pressing portion 44 into contact with the upper end of the container 3, so that the pressing portion 44 presses the container 3 against the installation portion 42. That is, the container 3 is sandwiched between the pressing portion 44 and the installing portion 42. At this time, the through hole 44a of the pressing portion 44 is arranged at a position where it overlaps with the upper opening 31 of the container 3 in the vertical direction (a position where the centers of the openings coincide with each other). Further, the funnel 45 is arranged directly above the pressing portion 44. At this time, the funnel 45 may be separated upward from the pressing portion 44 or may be in contact with the pressing portion 44.

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

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

Next, as shown in FIG. 8E, the funnel 45 and the pressing portion 44 are each moved upward to be retracted from the container 3. That is, the holding (pinching) of the container 3 by the pressing portion 44 is released.

Next, as shown in FIG. 8 (f), the holding portion 41 is moved upward. As a result, the container 3 is lifted by the holding portion 41, and the container 3 is separated from the installation portion 42. Then, the vibrator 5 is vibrated while the container 3 into which the metal material is poured is lifted by the holding portion 41. As a result, the vibration of the vibrator 5 is transmitted to the container 3 via the holding portion 41. As a result, the metal material on the upper side of the bottom B is uniformly agitated, and a semi-solidified metal having a dense and uniform metal structure is obtained. The vibration of the vibrator 5 is stopped, for example, after a predetermined time has elapsed after being lifted by the holding unit 41.

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

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

(Effect of the first embodiment)
Next, the effect of the first embodiment will be described.

In the first embodiment, as described above, the semi-solidifying device 4 in which the container 3 is installed and the metal material poured into the container 3 is semi-solidified, and the vibrator 5 that mechanically vibrates the container 3. And are provided. As a result, the container 3 can be vibrated by the vibrator 5 that vibrates mechanically by itself, so that the liquid metal material poured into the container 3 is compared with the case where the container 3 is simply moved as in the conventional case. Even when the weight of the metal material is increased, the metal material can be effectively agitated inside and outside the metal material in the container 3. As a result, even when the weight of the liquid metal material poured into the container 3 increases, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a temperature gradient in the produced semi-solid metal, so that the liquid metal material poured into the container 3 can be suppressed. Even when the weight of the semi-solidified metal is increased, the metallographic structure of the semi-solidified metal can be homogenized (spheroidized, granulated). Further, unlike the conventional electromagnetic stirring device that requires a coil for applying an electromagnetic field, the liquid metal material poured into the container 3 can be vibrated by the simple configuration of the vibrator 5. As described above, the semi-solid metal manufacturing apparatus can homogenize the metal structure of the semi-solid metal even when the weight of the liquid metal material poured into the container 3 increases by a simple structure. Further, unlike the conventional electromagnetic stirring device, a device for stirring (oscillator 5) can be obtained at a relatively low cost.

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

Further, in the first embodiment, as described above, the semi-solidifying device 4 is provided with a holding portion 41 to which the vibrator 5 is attached and the container 3 is held, and the vibrator 5 is connected to the container via the holding portion 41. 3 is configured to vibrate. As a result, by attaching the vibrator 5 to the holding portion 41 close to the container 3, it is possible to make it easier to transmit the vibration of the vibrator 5 to the container 3.

Further, in the first embodiment, as described above, the holding portion 41 is formed in a shape along the outer surface of the holding container 3. As a result, by holding the container 3 by the holding portion 41 having a shape along the outer surface of the container 3, the container 3 can be fixedly arranged with respect to the holding portion 41, so that the holding portion 41 vibrates. When vibrated by the child 5, the vibration of the vibrator 5 can be effectively transmitted from the holding portion 41 to the container 3. As a result, even when the weight of the liquid metal material poured into the container 3 increases, it is possible to further suppress the occurrence of a temperature gradient in the produced semi-solid metal, so that the metal structure of the semi-solid metal becomes more uniform. Can be transformed into.

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

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

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

Further, in the first embodiment, as described above, the semi-solidifying device 4 is provided with a holding portion 41 for holding the container 3, and the upper end portion of the container 3 has a lower surface 34a in contact with the holding portion 41. A flange portion 34 having a large horizontal cross-sectional shape is provided. As a result, the flange portion 34 can be supported from below by the holding portion 41, so that it is possible to prevent the container 3 from moving downward with respect to the holding portion 41.

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

Further, in the first embodiment, as described above, the container 3 is a hollow member having both upper and lower ends open, and the container 3 is installed in the semi-solidifying device 4 to close the opening on the lower side of the hollow member. An installation unit 42 is provided. As a result, the semi-solidified metal produced in the container 3 can be taken out from the container 3 by extrusion due to the hollow members having both upper and lower ends open.

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

[Second Embodiment]
Next, the semi-solidified metal manufacturing apparatus 204 of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 9 and 10 (a) and 10 (b). In this second embodiment, unlike the first embodiment in which the liquid metal material is completely poured into the container 3, the container 3 is lifted, and then the vibrator 5 is vibrated, the liquid metal material is poured into the container 203. An example in which the vibrator 5 is vibrated will be described.

(Structure of semi-solid metal manufacturing equipment)
The semi-solidified metal manufacturing apparatus 204 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 1 includes a container 203. The vibrator 5 is attached to the holding portion 41 of the semi-solidification device 4.

<Container configuration>
As shown in FIG. 9, a plurality of friction reducing portions 35 are provided on the upper surface of the flange portion 34 of the container 203. The friction reducing portion 35 has a function of enabling the container 203 to move with respect to the pressing portion 44 in a direction (horizontal direction) along the contact surface between the pressing portion 44 and the container 203. Specifically, the friction reducing portion 35 is a spherical member, a part of which protrudes upward from the upper surface of the flange portion 34, and most of the portion (a volume portion larger than half of the whole) is arranged in the flange portion 34. Has been done. Further, the plurality of friction reducing portions 35 are respectively arranged on the upper surface of the flange portion 34 at a substantially constant interval in the circumferential direction. Further, the friction reducing portion 35 is configured to be rotatable with respect to the flange portion 34 while maintaining the same position without moving with respect to the flange portion 34. The plurality of friction reducing portions 35 come into contact with the pressing portion 44 from above and rotate in the same direction as the moving direction of the container 203 as the container 203 moves in the horizontal direction with respect to the pressing portion 44. It is configured to reduce the friction (resistance during sliding) of the container 203 with respect to the container 203. As a result, the container 203 and the pressing portion 44 are configured to be easily relatively movable in the horizontal direction when vibrated by the vibrator 5 (see FIG. 10B).

(Manufacturing process of semi-solidified metal in the second embodiment)
Next, the process of manufacturing the semi-solidified metal by the semi-solidifying device 4 (see FIG. 1) will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 (a) and 10 (b). The description of the same steps as in the first embodiment will be omitted.

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

Next, as shown in FIG. 10B, when the liquid metal material is poured into the container 203 by the radle 21 of the hot water pouring device 2 (for example, substantially at the same time as or immediately before the start of tilting of the radle 21), the vibrator 5 Start the vibration of. After that, the same steps as in the first embodiment (the same steps as in FIGS. 8 (d) to 8 (f)) are sequentially performed while the vibrator 5 vibrates. In addition, since the metal material is semi-solidified even after the pouring device 2 finishes pouring the metal material, the vibrator 5 vibrates the container 3 by continuously vibrating.

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

(Effect of the second embodiment)
Next, the effect of the second embodiment will be described.

In the second embodiment, as described above, the vibrator 5 continuously vibrates the container 203 from the time when the metal material is poured into the container 203 until the metal material is semi-solidified after the pouring is completed. Configure to. This makes it possible to prevent the outside of the metal material from being cooled by the container 203 faster than the inside by the container 203, as compared with the case where the metal material is vibrated after being poured into the container 203. As a result, it is possible to effectively suppress the occurrence of a temperature gradient in the semi-solidified metal.

Further, in the second embodiment, as described above, the semi-solidification device 4 is supported by the installation portion 42 in which the container 203 is installed, the ball plunger 43 that oscillates the installation portion 42, and the ball plunger 43. A pressing portion 44 that presses the container 203 in a vibrable state is provided on the installation portion 42, and the vibrator 5 is configured to vibrate the container 203 with the container 203 installed on the installation portion 42. As a result, the installation portion 42 is oscillatedly supported by the ball plunger 43, and the container 203 can be vibrated while the container 203 is installed in the installation portion 42. Therefore, the container 203 is installed in the installation portion 42 and metal. From the time the material is poured, the metal material in the container 203 can be effectively agitated. As a result, the metallographic structure of the semi-solidified metal can be further homogenized.

Further, in the second embodiment, as described above, the container 203 is provided with the friction reducing portion 35 that enables the container 203 to move with respect to the pressing portion 44 in the direction along the contact surface between the pressing portion 44 and the container 203. prepare. As a result, the friction reducing portion 35 allows the container 203 to move with respect to the pressing portion 44, so that the container 203 can be vibrated more greatly during vibration. As a result, the metal material in the container 203 can be effectively agitated.

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

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

(Structure of semi-solid metal manufacturing equipment)
The semi-solidified metal manufacturing apparatus 304 of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 1 includes a semi-solidified apparatus 4a and a depressurizing apparatus 6 (see FIG. 11). The vibrator 5 is attached to the holding portion 41 of the semi-solidification device 4a.

As shown in FIG. 11, the semi-solidifying device 4a includes a pressing portion 344.

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

The funnel 45 is lowered from above into the through hole 44a of the pressing portion 344 so that the funnel 45 can be attached in close contact with the through hole 44a. As a result, the through hole 44a and the funnel 45 are sealed. Further, the pressing portion 344 is configured to be in close contact with the container 3 by pressing the container 3 downward and to seal the container 3 with the container 3. Further, the pressing portion 344 is configured to seal between the container 3 and the installation portion 42 by pressing the container 3 downward. Therefore, when the pressing portion 344 presses the container 3, the container 3 is in a state in which the inflow of outside air is cut off except for the opening portion of the funnel 45.

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

(Manufacturing process of semi-solidified metal in the third embodiment)
Next, the manufacturing process of the semi-solidified metal by the semi-solidifying device 4a will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 (a) and 12 (b). The description of the same steps as in the first embodiment will be omitted.

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

Next, as shown in FIG. 12B, when the liquid metal material is poured into the container 3 by the hot water pouring device 2, the vacuum pump 61 of the depressurizing device 6 exhausts the air in the container 3 (in the container 3). Decompression) is started. Further, when the liquid metal material is poured into the container 3 by the hot water pouring device 2, the vibrator 5 starts to vibrate. The timing for starting decompression by the depressurizing device 6 is, for example, the timing when the ladle 21 of the pouring device 2 is tilted and the liquid metal material is poured into the opening portion of the funnel 45 (at the start of pouring). be. By closing the opening portion of the funnel 45 with the metal material, a closed space isolated from the outside air is formed in the container 3. That is, a closed space that can be effectively decompressed by the decompression device 6 is formed in the container 3. After that, the same steps as those in the first embodiment (the same steps as those in FIGS. 8 (d) to 8 (f)) are sequentially performed while the vibrator 5 vibrates.

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

(Effect of Third Embodiment)
Next, the effect of the third embodiment will be described.

In the third embodiment, as described above, the decompression device 6 capable of decompressing the inside of the container 3 when the metal material is poured into the container 3 is further provided. As a result, the air inside the container 3 can be discharged to the outside of the container 3 by the decompression device 6, so that it is possible to prevent the air from being entrained in the metal material when the metal material is poured into the container 3. As a result, it is possible to suppress the formation of cavities (small pores remaining inside) in the molded product.

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

[Modification example]
The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered as exemplary in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the description of the above embodiment but by the scope of claims, and further includes all modifications (modifications) within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims.

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

Further, in the first to third embodiments, the example in which the container is formed so that both the upper and lower ends are opened is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, for example, the container may be formed so that the upper end is open and the lower end is bottom.

Further, in the first to third embodiments, an example in which the support portion of the present invention is configured by a ball plunger is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, for example, the support portion of the present invention may be formed of an elastic member such as a compression spring.

Further, in the first to third embodiments, an example in which the container is formed in a cylindrical shape is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, for example, the container may be formed into a polygonal tubular shape.

Further, in the first to third embodiments, an example in which the funnel and the pressing portion are provided is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the funnel may also serve as a pressing portion.

Further, in the second embodiment, the example in which the friction reducing portion is provided in the container is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the pressing portion may be provided with a friction reducing portion.

Further, in the second embodiment, an example in which the friction reducing portion is formed of a spherical member is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, for example, the friction reducing portion may be formed by a columnar roller.

Further, in the first to third embodiments, the vibrator is at the timing when the container is lifted by the holding portion after pouring, or when the molten metal is poured while the container is pressed by the pressing portion (immediately before pouring). Although an example in which the vibration of the above is started is shown, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the timing of starting the vibration of the vibrator, for example, starting the vibration of the vibrator while pouring hot water into the container, is not limited to each of the above embodiments.

3, 203 Container 4, 4a Semi-solidification device 5 Oscillator 6 Decompression device 33 Holded part 34 Flange part 34a Lower surface 35 Friction reduction part 41 Holding part 42 Installation part 43 Ball plunger (support part)
44, 344 Pressing parts 104, 204, 304 Semi-solid metal manufacturing equipment 410 Holding surface B Bottom

Claims (13)

A container into which a liquid metal material is poured and
A semi-solidifying device in which the container is installed and the metal material poured into the container is semi-solidified.
A vibrator that mechanically vibrates the container is provided .
The semi-solidifying device includes a holding portion to which the vibrator is attached and holds the container.
The transducer, in conjunction with attached to the holding portion, by vibrating the container via the holding portion, that is configured to stir the metal material in the container, semi-solid metal manufacturing apparatus. The semi-solidified metal manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the holding portion has a shape along the outer surface of the container to be held. The outer surface of the container has a cylindrical shape and has a cylindrical shape.
The holding portion has a holding surface of a circular arc shape along the outer surface, by the holding surface, an outer surface of said container is configured to hold the surface contact of claim 2 Semi-solidified metal manufacturing equipment. The vibrator according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the vibrator is configured to vibrate the container in a state where the container into which the metal material is poured is lifted by the holding portion. Semi-solidified metal manufacturing equipment. The semi-solidifying device includes an installation unit in which the container is installed and the bottom of the metal material poured into the container is solidified by cooling.
After the bottom of the metal material is solidified by cooling by the installation portion, the container is lifted by the holding portion so as to separate the container from the installation portion, and the container is vibrated by the vibrator. The semi-solid metal manufacturing apparatus according to claim 4 , which is configured in the above. The vibrator is configured to continuously vibrate the container from the time when the metal material is poured into the container until the metal material is semi-solidified after the pouring is completed. The semi-solid metal manufacturing apparatus according to any one of 5 to 5. The semi-solidifying device presses the container in a vibrable state against an installation portion on which the container is installed, a support portion that oscillates the installation portion, and the installation portion supported by the support portion. Including the pressing part
The semi-solidified metal manufacturing apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the vibrator is configured to vibrate the container in a state where the container is installed in the installation portion. Claimed that one of the pressing portion and the container is provided with a friction reducing portion that enables the container to move with respect to the pressing portion in a direction along a contact surface between the pressing portion and the container. semi-solid metal manufacturing apparatus according to 7. The semi-solidified metal manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 8 , further comprising a decompression device capable of depressurizing the inside of the container when the metal material is poured into the container. At the upper end of the front SL container has a lower surface in contact with the holding portion, and a flange portion which is horizontal cross section larger is provided, a semi-solidified metal according to any one of claims 1-9 manufacturing device. To the container, together with a horizontal cross-sectional shape extending in the vertical direction with a substantially constant, the held portion held by the holding portion is provided, a semi-solid metal manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1 0. The container includes a hollow member with both upper and lower ends open.
The semi-solidified metal manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the semi-solidifying device includes an installation portion in which the container is installed and closes an opening on the lower side of the hollow member. The container has an inner diameter has a smaller cylindrical shape downward, semi-solid metal manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1 2.

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