Molding sand supply device, molding sand inspection system and molding sand collection method

Abstract

The molding sand supply device includes: a bucket that collects molding sand; a bucket driving unit that supports the bucket so that it can rotate and drives the bucket; and a moving unit that moves the bucket driving unit close to and away from the molding sand, and moves the bucket driving unit linearly between a collection position for collecting molding sand and a supply position for supplying molding sand.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a molding sand supply device, a molding sand inspection system and a molding sand collection method. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a device for collecting molding sand. The device comprises an arm that rotates in both forward and reverse directions about a pivot point, and a bucket mounted at the front end of the arm. The bucket is positioned within a layer of recovered sand flowing on a belt conveyor. The arm rotates forward while the bucket scoops up the recovered sand. This forward rotation of the arm transports the bucket upward to a storage box, with the bucket's opening facing downward. This allows the recovered sand in the bucket to be deposited into the storage box.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open No. 62-162649

[0004] The device described in Patent Document 1 passively stores recovered sand in a bucket by receiving recovered sand flowing through a belt conveyor. Therefore, depending on the operating state of the belt conveyor, a sufficient amount of recovered sand may not be collected. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present disclosure provides a molding sand supply device capable of collecting molding sand at any time.

[0006] One embodiment of the present disclosure provides a molding sand supply device. The device includes a bucket, a bucket drive unit, and a moving unit. The bucket collects molding sand. The bucket drive unit rotatably supports the bucket and drives the bucket. The moving unit moves the bucket drive unit toward and away from the molding sand, and linearly moves the bucket drive unit between a collecting position for collecting molding sand and a supply position for supplying molding sand.

[0007] In one embodiment of the molding sand supply device disclosed herein, a bucket is driven by a bucket drive unit that rotatably supports the bucket. The bucket then moves linearly between a collection position and a supply position, moving closer to and further away from the molding sand via a moving unit and the bucket drive unit. This molding sand supply device, which includes not only a moving unit that linearly moves the bucket between the collection position and the supply position but also a bucket drive unit that drives the bucket itself, can actively collect molding sand. Consequently, the molding sand supply device can collect molding sand at any time, regardless of the state of the sand being transported.

[0008] In one embodiment, the bucket can also collect the molding sand arranged on the conveyor. In this case, the molding sand supply device can not only use the bucket to receive the molding sand moved by the conveyor during operation, but also collect the molding sand on the conveyor when transportation is interrupted.

[0009] In one embodiment, a control unit may be provided to control the operation of the bucket drive unit and the moving unit. The control unit may also obtain operating information of the conveyor and, based on the operating information, operate the bucket drive unit and the moving unit when conveying by the conveyor is interrupted. In this case, the molding sand supply device can collect molding sand even when conveying by the conveyor is interrupted.

[0010] In one embodiment, the bucket driving part may be a cylinder that drives a rod. The bucket may also be supported at the front end of the rod. In this case, the molding sand supply device can rotate the bucket by driving the cylinder.

[0011] In one embodiment, the molding sand supply device may include a blower that outputs gas toward the interior of the bucket. In this case, the molding sand supply device can remove sand adhering to the inside of the bucket using the gas.

[0012] In one embodiment, the moving unit may move the bucket driving unit to a supply position, and the bucket driving unit may drive the bucket at the supply position to supply molding sand to a sand inlet of an external device. In this case, the molding sand supply device can supply the collected sand to the external device.

[0013] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a molding sand inspection system. The molding sand inspection system includes an inspection device and a molding sand supply device. The inspection device includes a chute and an inspection unit. The chute includes a sand input port and a sand discharge port located below the sand input port. The inspection unit is connected to the sand discharge port of the chute to inspect the properties of the molding sand dropped from the chute. The molding sand supply device includes a bucket, a bucket drive unit, and a moving unit. The bucket collects molding sand. The bucket drive unit supports the bucket so that it can rotate and drives the bucket. The moving unit moves the bucket drive unit closer to and farther from the molding sand, and moves the bucket drive unit linearly between a collection position for collecting molding sand and a supply position for supplying molding sand to the sand discharge port of the chute.

[0014] In another embodiment of the molding sand inspection system disclosed herein, molding sand is fed into the sand inlet of the chute by the molding sand supply device and discharged from the sand outlet. The discharged molding sand is supplied to the inspection unit to inspect the properties of the molding sand. The bucket is driven by a bucket driving unit that supports the bucket so that it can rotate. Then, the bucket approaches and separates from the molding sand together with the bucket driving unit through the moving unit, and moves linearly between the collection position and the sand inlet of the chute. In this way, the molding sand inspection system not only includes a moving unit that moves the bucket between the collection position and the sand inlet of the chute, but also includes a bucket driving unit that drives the bucket itself, so that the molding sand can be actively collected. Therefore, the molding sand inspection system can collect molding sand at any time regardless of the transportation status of the molding sand.

[0015] In one embodiment, the chute may include an internal door. The door may include a receiving surface for receiving falling molding sand and may be supported for rotation about a rotation axis extending within the receiving surface. The door may also block a portion of the molding sand when in a horizontal position, allowing the remaining sand to pass through the sand discharge port of the chute. In this case, the molding sand inspection system can perform two inspections even when the molding sand is transported in one bucket.

[0016] In one embodiment, the inspection device may also include a sand loosening mechanism for loosening the molding sand before supplying the molding sand to the inspection unit. In this case, the molding sand inspection system can supply molding sand with fewer lumps (sand lumps) to the inspection device.

[0017] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for collecting molding sand. This method involves collecting molding sand being transported by a conveyor. The method includes the steps of placing a bucket for collecting molding sand on standby at a position separated from the molding sand, obtaining operating information of the conveyor, determining whether the conveyance of molding sand by the conveyor has been interrupted based on the operating information of the conveyor, and, if it is determined that the conveyance of molding sand by the conveyor has been interrupted, linearly moving the bucket from the standby position to a position where sand can be collected, thereby collecting the molding sand. According to another aspect of the present disclosure, molding sand can be collected even when conveyance by the conveyor is interrupted.

[0018] According to the present disclosure, molding sand can be collected at any time. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 It is a figure which shows an example of the structure of the molding sand supply apparatus which concerns on embodiment.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a flowchart showing an example of a method for collecting molding sand according to an embodiment.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating a usage example of the molding sand supply device according to the embodiment.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating a usage example of the molding sand supply device according to the embodiment.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating a usage example of the molding sand supply device according to the embodiment.

[0024] FIG6(A) and FIG6(B) are diagrams explaining an example of an opening and closing door of the inspection device.

[0025] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a sand loosening mechanism of an inspection device.

[0026] Explanation of the reference numerals: 1…molding sand supply device; 2…bucket; 3…bucket driving unit; 4…moving unit; 5…blower; 6…control unit; 20…conveyor; 30, 40…external devices; 30b…chute; 30c…sand inlet; 30d…sand outlet; 50…opening and closing door; 51a…receiving surface; 53…sand loosening mechanism; 100…molding sand inspection system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same or corresponding elements will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description will be omitted.

[0028] (Structure of the molding sand supply device)

[0029] Figure 1 It is a figure which shows an example of the structure of the molding sand supply apparatus which concerns on embodiment. Figure 1 The shown molding sand supply device 1 is a device that collects molding sand S (green sand in this embodiment) and supplies the collected molding sand S to a predetermined supply destination. The predetermined supply destination can be set arbitrarily. The supply destination will be described in detail later.

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, the molding sand supply device 1 includes a bucket 2 , a bucket driving unit 3 , and a moving unit 4 . The bucket 2 is a container for collecting molding sand S. The bucket 2 has an opening and contains molding sand therein through the opening. The bucket 2 is supported by the bucket driving unit 3 .

[0031] The bucket drive unit 3 rotatably supports the bucket 2 and drives the bucket 2. As an example, the bucket drive unit 3 is a cylinder that drives a rod, and the bucket 2 is supported at the front end of the rod. As a more specific example, the bucket drive unit 3 includes a rod-shaped rod 3a that moves forward and backward in the front-back direction and a cylinder body 3b that provides a driving source for the rod 3a. The cylinder body 3b includes a fixing member 3c that extends toward the rod 3a and is fixed to the cylinder body 3b. A rotating shaft 3d is provided on the fixing member 3c, and the bucket 2 is rotatably mounted on the rotating shaft 3d. The bucket 2 is mounted at the front end of the rod 3a. When the rod 3a moves forward and backward, the bucket 2 rotates with the rotating shaft 3d as a fulcrum. The cylinder drive mechanism is not specifically limited and can be any of pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric. The bucket drive unit 3 can also be a rotating cylinder (rotation actuator). Alternatively, the bucket drive unit 3 can be a driving mechanism including a motor, chain, belt, pulley, etc.

[0032] The bucket drive unit 3 is supported by a moving unit 4. The moving unit 4 moves the bucket drive unit 3 toward and away from the molding sand S. The moving unit 4 includes a chain 4a connected to the bucket drive unit 3, a sprocket 4b connected to the chain 4a, and a motor 4c that applies rotational force to the sprocket. Rotation of the motor 4c rotates the chain 4a via the sprocket 4b, allowing the bucket drive unit 3 to move toward and away from the molding sand S.

[0033] The moving unit 4 moves the bucket drive unit 3 linearly between a collection position P1 for collecting molding sand S and a supply position P2 for supplying molding sand S. Linear movement refers to movement along a linear track; in this case, it refers to movement along the line connecting the collection position P1 and the supply position P2. The collection position P1 is a predetermined position at which the bucket 2 can collect molding sand S. The supply position P2 is a predetermined position at which the bucket 2 can supply molding sand S. A standby position P3 may be set between the collection position P1 and the supply position P2. The standby position P3 is a position at which the bucket 2 is in standby mode. The movement of the bucket drive unit 3 causes the bucket 2 to move between a position at which it can collect molding sand S and a position at which it can supply molding sand S. Furthermore, the moving unit 4 is supported by a support member (not shown). The moving unit 4 may also include a guide member (not shown) to guide the bucket drive unit 3 in the direction of movement. The moving unit 4 is not limited to the drive mechanism described above and may also be a drive mechanism using a pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, or an electric cylinder.

[0034] The molding sand supply device 1 may include a blower 5 that outputs gas toward the interior of the bucket 2. As an example, the blower 5 is provided near a position where the bucket 2 can collect the molding sand S. The blower 5 outputs gas such as air toward the interior of the bucket 2 to remove the molding sand S adhering to the inner wall of the bucket 2.

[0035] Each element of the molding sand supply device 1 described above can be controlled by a control unit 6. The control unit 6 is comprised of, for example, a general-purpose computer having a computing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and a communication device, or a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), relays, and a power supply. The control unit 6 is connected to the bucket drive unit 3 and the moving unit 4 to control the operation of the bucket drive unit 3 and the moving unit 4. For example, the control unit 6 drives the moving unit 4 to move the bucket drive unit 3 toward the collection position P1 and drives the bucket drive unit 3 to rotate the bucket 2. The bucket drive unit 3 rotates the bucket 2 in a direction such that the opening of the bucket 2 approaches the molding sand S. As a result, the bucket 2 collects the molding sand S. The control unit 6 drives the moving unit 4 to move the bucket drive unit 3 toward the supply position P2 and drives the bucket drive unit 3 to rotate the bucket 2 containing the molding sand S. The bucket drive unit 3 rotates the bucket 2 so that its opening faces downward. Consequently, the bucket 2 supplies the molding sand S to the supply destination. The control unit 6 may also be connected to the blower 5 to activate the blower 5 at a predetermined time. The control unit 6 causes the bucket drive unit 3 to collect the molding sand S at the collection position P1, moves the bucket drive unit 3 to the supply position P2 to drop the molding sand S, and activates the blower 5 when the bucket drive unit 3 returns to the standby position P3. The control unit 6 may also activate the blower 5 before the bucket 2 collects the molding sand S. This allows the interior of the bucket 2 to be cleaned before collection.

[0036] The molding sand supply device 1 collects molding sand S on a conveying path, for example. The molding sand S is placed on a conveyor 20, for example. The conveyor 20 is a belt conveyor, for example. The conveyor 20 includes a belt 20a, which serves as a conveying path for the molding sand S. Side walls 20b are provided on the sides of the upper surface of the belt 20a to prevent the molding sand S from falling. The belt 20a is mounted on a pulley 20c, and the belt 20a rotates by rotating the pulley 20c, thereby conveying the molding sand S. The driving source for the pulley 20c is controlled by a conveying control unit 21. The control unit 6 can also receive operating information from the conveying control unit 21 to determine the conveying status of the molding sand S.

[0037] As an example, the molding sand supply device 1 supplies molding sand S to an external device 30. The external device 30 is not particularly limited as long as it utilizes the molding sand S. Examples of the external device 30 include an inspection device for inspecting the molding sand S, a molding machine or a kneading machine that utilizes the molding sand S, and the like. The type of inspection performed by the inspection device, the type of product produced by the molding machine, and the type of sand used by the kneading machine are not particularly limited; any inspection device, molding machine, or kneading machine can be employed as the external device 30.

[0038] The molding sand supply device 1 supplies molding sand S to, for example, a chute 30b located above a processing unit 30a of an external device 30. The chute 30b is a cylindrical component comprising a sand inlet 30c and a sand outlet 30d located below the sand inlet 30c. The processing unit 30a is connected to the sand outlet 30d of the chute 30b and utilizes the molding sand S that falls from the chute 30b. For example, if the external device 30 is an inspection device, the processing unit 30a serves as an inspection unit that inspects the molding sand S. If the external device 30 is a molding machine, the processing unit 30a serves as the molding machine body including the mold. If the external device 30 is a kneading machine, the processing unit 30a serves as the kneading machine body including the kneading container. During the transport of the molding sand S by the molding sand supply device 1, the chute 30b may also include a connection portion 30e that connects the sand inlet 30c to the sidewall 20b of the conveyor 20 to receive the molding sand S that falls from the bucket 2. The chute 30b may include a blower 30f that outputs gas from the sand input port 30c toward the sand discharge port 30d.

[0039] (Operation of the molding sand supply device)

[0040] The molding sand supply device 1 can operate the bucket drive unit 3 and the moving unit 4 at any time. Therefore, the molding sand supply device 1 can collect molding sand S at any time. However, depending on the inspection content of the inspection device or the manufacturing process of the molding machine, it may be necessary to collect molding sand S at a time when the conveyor 20 is interrupted. In such cases, the control unit 6 obtains operating information of the conveyor 20 and, based on the operating information, operates the bucket drive unit 3 and the moving unit 4 when conveyance by the conveyor 20 is interrupted. The following describes the operation of collecting molding sand S during a conveyance interruption.

[0041] Figure 2 This is a flowchart showing an example of a method for collecting molding sand according to an embodiment. Figure 2 The flowchart shown in FIG. 1 is started when the control unit 6 receives an action instruction from the upper control system. Figure 2 As shown, first, the bucket drive unit 3 waits at the standby position (step S10). The bucket drive unit 3 is in the standby position from the start of processing, and the bucket 2 waits at a position separated from the molding sand S. Next, the control unit 6 obtains the operating information of the conveyor 20 from the transport control unit 21 (step S12). As an example, the operating information of the conveyor 20 indicates that the conveyor 20 is in operation.

[0042] Next, the control unit 6 determines whether the conveyor 20 has interrupted the conveyance of the molding sand S based on the operating information acquired in step S12 (step S14). As an example, the operating information includes information indicating that the conveyor 20 is in operation. The control unit 6 determines the time when the conveyor 20 starts operating and the time when the conveyor 20 stops operating, and determines whether the conveyor 20 has interrupted the conveyance.

[0043] If the conveyor 20 determines that the conveyance of the molding sand S is not interrupted, the control unit 6 causes the bucket drive unit 3 to wait in the standby position (step S16). The bucket drive unit 3 thus waits in the standby position until the control unit 6 determines that the conveyance of the molding sand S is interrupted. If the conveyor 20 determines that the conveyance of the molding sand S is interrupted, the control unit 6 causes the moving unit 4 to move the bucket drive unit 3 linearly from the standby position to the collection position (step S18). If the bucket drive unit 3 reaches the collection position, the control unit 6 causes the bucket drive unit 3 to operate. Thus, the bucket 2 collects the molding sand S (step S20). Next, the control unit 6 causes the moving unit 4 to move the bucket drive unit 3 linearly from the collection position to the target supply position (step S22). If the bucket drive unit 3 reaches the supply position, the control unit 6 causes the bucket drive unit 3 to operate. Thus, the control unit 6 can cause the molding sand S to drop from the bucket 2 and be supplied to the external device 30.

[0044] When step S22 is completed, Figure 2 The flowchart shown ends. Figure 2 According to the flowchart shown, the molding sand supply device 1 can collect the molding sand S when the transportation is interrupted.

[0045] (Other uses of the sand supply device)

[0046] The molding sand supply device 1 is not only used to collect the molding sand S on the conveyor 20 , but can also be used in various ways. Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of using the molding sand supply device according to the embodiment. Figure 3 As shown, the molding sand supply device 1 can also be arranged near the end of the conveyor 20, and can be operated by using the bucket 2 to scoop up the molding sand S falling from the conveyor 20. The molding sand supply device 1 includes a bucket driving unit 3 and a moving unit 4. The angle of the bucket 2 relative to the falling direction of the sand can be adjusted to the same angle each time. Therefore, compared with a case where only the moving unit is provided, a constant amount of sand can be ensured each time. Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating a usage example of the molding sand supply device according to the embodiment. Figure 4 The molding sand supply device 1 shown is Figure 3Compared with the molding sand supply device 1 shown in FIG, the difference is that the moving part 4 extends in the horizontal direction, and the moving part 4 moves the bucket driving part 3 in the horizontal direction, and the other parts are the same. Figure 3 、 Figure 4 As shown, the moving unit 4 can set the moving direction of the bucket drive unit 3 to an arbitrary direction.

[0047] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of using the molding sand supply device according to the embodiment. In this example, core sand is used as the molding sand S. Figure 5 As shown, the conveyor 20 supplies the molding sand S to the external device 40. As an example, the external device 40 is a core molding machine. The external device 40 receives the molding sand S from the first inlet 40c of the hopper 40b provided on the upper part of the molding machine body 40a, and uses the molding sand S to mold the core in the molding machine body 40a. The molding sand S remaining during molding (discharged core sand) is discharged from the discharge port 40d at the bottom of the molding machine. The molding sand supply device 1 uses the bucket 2 to receive the molding sand S falling from the discharge port 40d. If a specified amount of molding sand S is accumulated in the bucket 2, the molding sand supply device 1 drives the moving part 4 to move the bucket 2 linearly toward the second inlet 40e of the hopper 40b. Then, the molding sand supply device 1 activates the bucket driving part 3 to input the molding sand S into the second inlet 40e. The molding sand supply device 1 includes a bucket driving unit 3 and a moving unit 4 and can adjust the angle of the bucket 2 so that the opening surface of the bucket 2 becomes horizontal. Therefore, compared with a case where only the moving unit is provided, sand leakage from the bucket 2 can be suppressed.

[0048] (system)

[0049] The molding sand supply device 1 can be provided as a system combined with the external devices 30 and 40 described above. The following describes a system including the external device 30. More specifically, a molding sand inspection system 100 in which the external device 30 is an inspection device will be described. As an example, the molding sand inspection system 100 inspects molding sand S used in a mold molding machine. In this case, the conveyor 20 may also be a belt conveyor that is disposed above the mold molding machine and supplies molding sand S to the mold molding machine. As an example, the mold molding machine is a belt-frame molding machine that alternately molds upper and lower frames. Each time a frame is molded, the belt conveyor operates and supplies molding sand S corresponding to a frame to the mold molding machine. As an example, the molding sand supply device 1 collects molding sand S from the belt conveyor each time the molding sand S for the lower frame is transported by the belt conveyor or when transport is interrupted, and supplies the collected molding sand to the inspection device.

[0050] like Figure 1As shown, an inspection device, which is an example of an external device 30, includes a chute 30b and a processing unit 30a (an example of an inspection unit). The processing unit 30a inspects the properties of the molding sand S dropped from the chute 30b. As a specific example, the processing unit 30a measures the moisture content, CB value (compactness value), compressive strength, air permeability, and sand temperature of the molding sand S.

[0051] The inspection device has a mechanism for dividing the molding sand S received from the bucket 2 at one time into multiple times for measurement. Figures 6(A) and 6(B) are figures illustrating an example of an opening and closing door of the inspection device. As shown in Figure 6(A), the chute 30b of the inspection device has an opening and closing door 50 inside it. The opening and closing door 50 has a first plate member 51. The upper surface of the first plate member 51 is a receiving surface 51a for receiving the falling molding sand. A second plate member 52 is erected at the end of the first plate member 51. A rotation axis R extending along the surface of the receiving surface 51a is provided at the connection position between the first plate member 51 and the second plate member 52, and the opening and closing door 50 is supported so as to be rotatable around the rotation axis R. As an example, the rotation axis R is the rod portion of the rotary cylinder. The rotation axis R is located approximately in the center of the space in the chute 30b.

[0052] When the door 50 is in a horizontal position and facing upward, it blocks a portion of the injected molding sand S (S1), allowing the remaining molding sand (S2) to pass through the sand discharge port 30d of the chute 30b. Specifically, the area of the receiving surface 51a is set to be smaller than the cross-section of the internal space of the chute 30b. In Figures 6(A) and 6(B), the area of the receiving surface 51a is set to be approximately half the cross-section of the internal space of the chute 30b. This allows the injected molding sand (S) to be divided into approximately two equal parts. The second plate member 52 is provided to prevent the molding sand (S1) received by the receiving surface 51a from falling.

[0053] After the inspection of the molding sand S2 is completed, the door 50 rotates 180° about the rotation axis R. When the door 50 rotates 180° about the rotation axis R, as shown in FIG6(B), the receiving surface 51a faces downward, and the molding sand S1 placed on the receiving surface 51a falls and is supplied to the inspection device.

[0054] The receiving surface 51a can also be configured so that it does not overlap with the sand discharge port 30d when viewed from the sand inlet 30c. In this case, the first-falling molding sand S2 and the next-falling molding sand S1 follow the same trajectory, minimizing the impact on the evaluation of the properties of the molding sand S. Furthermore, since the molding sand does not enter the space directly below the door 50, there is no need to worry about sand accumulation on the inner wall surface of the chute 30b. This eliminates the need for the tapered shape shown in the figure, allowing the chute 30b to be even smaller.

[0055] The inspection device may also be provided with a sand loosening mechanism for loosening the molding sand S before supplying the molding sand S to the processing unit 30a. For example, as shown in FIG6(A) and FIG6(B), a sand loosening mechanism 53 is provided at the sand discharge port 30d of the chute 30b.

[0056] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a sand loosening mechanism of an inspection device. Figure 7 As shown, the sand loosening mechanism 53 comprises a hollow cylindrical housing 53a with both ends open. Rotating blades 60a are located within the cylindrical housing 53a and are fixed to the inner surface of the cylindrical housing 53a. The cylindrical housing 53a is connected to a drive source 70 via a belt, imparting a rotational force. Rotation of the cylindrical housing 53a causes the rotating blades 60a to rotate, causing them to collide with the falling molding sand S, thereby loosening any lumps (sand clumps) of the molding sand S.

[0057] (Summary of Implementation Methods)

[0058] In the molding sand supply device 1, the bucket 2 is driven by a bucket drive unit 3 that rotatably supports the bucket 2. The bucket 2 then moves linearly between a collection position P1 and a supply position P2, approaching and separating from the molding sand S via a moving unit 4 in conjunction with the bucket drive unit 3. Thus, the molding sand supply device 1 includes not only the moving unit 4 that linearly moves the bucket 2 between the collection position P1 and the supply position P2, but also the bucket drive unit 3 that drives the bucket 2 itself. This allows the molding sand supply device 1 to actively collect the molding sand S. Therefore, the molding sand supply device 1 can collect the molding sand S at any time, regardless of the transport status of the molding sand S. Furthermore, the molding sand supply device 1 can supply the molding sand by free fall from the bucket 2 driven by the bucket drive unit 3. This prevents the molding sand from agglomerating, and as a result, the properties of the molding sand are less likely to change.

[0059] The molding sand supplying device 1 can not only receive the molding sand S moved by the conveyor 20 in operation with the bucket 2, but also collect the molding sand S on the conveyor 20 when the conveyance is interrupted. The molding sand supplying device 1 can collect the molding sand S even when the conveyor 20 is interrupted.

[0060] Compared to collecting sand by placing a bucket into a layer of flowing sand S, the molding sand supply device 1 is less likely to cause problems such as sand compaction, and can reduce the impact on subsequent processes. The molding sand supply device 1 can collect the molding sand S when the conveyor 20 is interrupted, thereby reducing the wear of the bucket 2.

[0061] The molding sand inspection system 100 includes the molding sand supply device 1, and can therefore collect the molding sand S at any time regardless of the transport state of the molding sand S. The molding sand inspection system 100 includes the opening and closing door 50, so that even when the molding sand S is transported once by the bucket 2, it can be inspected in two steps.

[0062] Various exemplary embodiments have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes are possible.

Claims

1. A molding sand supply device, characterized in that: have: a bucket, which collects molding sand; a bucket driving unit that rotatably supports the bucket and drives the bucket; as well as a moving unit that moves the bucket driving unit toward and away from the molding sand, and moves the bucket driving unit linearly between a collecting position for collecting the molding sand and a supply position for supplying the molding sand, along a straight line connecting the collecting position and the supply position; The moving unit includes a chain connected to the bucket driving unit, a sprocket connected to the chain, and a motor that applies rotational force to the sprocket. The chain rotates via the sprocket by rotation of the motor, thereby moving the bucket driving unit toward and away from the molding sand and moving the bucket driving unit in a straight line from the collecting position to the supply position.

2. The molding sand supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bucket collects the molding sand arranged on the conveyor.

3. The molding sand supply device according to claim 2, characterized in that: A control unit is provided for controlling the operation of the bucket driving unit and the moving unit. The control unit acquires operation information of the conveyor and, based on the operation information, operates the bucket driving unit and the moving unit when transportation by the conveyor is interrupted.

4. The molding sand supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The bucket driving part is a cylinder that drives the rod. The bucket is supported at the front end of the rod.

5. The molding sand supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: A blower is provided for outputting gas toward the interior of the bucket.

6. The molding sand supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The moving unit moves the bucket driving unit to the supply position. The bucket driving unit drives the bucket at the supply position to supply the casting sand to a sand input port of an external device.

7. A molding sand inspection system, characterized in that: Equipped with inspection device and molding sand supply device, The inspection device comprises: a chute comprising a sand input port and a sand discharge port located below the sand input port; and an inspection unit connected to the sand discharge port of the chute and inspecting the properties of the molding sand falling from the chute, The molding sand supply device comprises: a bucket, which collects molding sand; a bucket driving unit that rotatably supports the bucket and drives the bucket; as well as a moving unit that moves the bucket driving unit toward and away from the molding sand, and moves the bucket driving unit linearly between a collecting position for collecting the molding sand and a supply position for supplying the molding sand to the sand discharge port of the chute, along a straight line connecting the collecting position and the supply position; The moving unit includes a chain connected to the bucket driving unit, a sprocket connected to the chain, and a motor that applies rotational force to the sprocket. The chain rotates via the sprocket by rotation of the motor, thereby moving the bucket driving unit toward and away from the molding sand and moving the bucket driving unit in a straight line from the collecting position to the supply position.

8. The molding sand inspection system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The chute has an opening and closing door inside. The opening and closing door includes a receiving surface for receiving the falling molding sand, and is supported so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis extending inwardly along the receiving surface. The opening and closing door blocks a portion of the molding sand when in a horizontal position, and allows the remaining molding sand to pass toward the sand discharge port of the chute.

9. The molding sand inspection system according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The inspection device includes a sand loosening mechanism for loosening the molding sand before supplying the molding sand to the inspection unit.

10. A molding sand collecting method, using the molding sand supply device according to claim 1 to collect molding sand transported by a conveyor, characterized in that: Has the following processes: a step of placing the bucket on standby at a position separated from the molding sand; a step of obtaining operation information of the conveyor; a step of determining whether the conveyance of the molding sand by the conveyor is interrupted based on the operation information of the conveyor; as well as The step of causing the bucket driving unit to move linearly from the position where the bucket is on standby to the position where the molding sand can be collected along a straight line connecting the position and the position where the molding sand can be collected by the moving unit when it is determined that the transportation of the molding sand by the conveyor is interrupted, and the bucket driving unit drives the bucket to collect the molding sand.

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