A semi-solid injection molding device for magnesium alloy

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of magnesium alloy forming equipment, and discloses a magnesium alloy semi-solid injection molding device, including a feeding cylinder and a hopper for feeding material into the feeding cylinder. The hopper has a first hot air channel inside for heating the hopper. The feeding cylinder has a feeding channel and a second hot air channel inside. The first hot air channel is connected to the second hot air channel, and the second hot air channel is arranged around the feeding channel. A rotatable pusher screw is installed in the feeding channel. The pusher screw has a radially protruding arc-shaped baffle. The second hot air channel is intermittently opened or closed by rotating the arc-shaped baffle. The first hot air channel and the second hot air channel are interconnected, allowing heating gas to flow naturally from the hopper area into the feeding cylinder area, making full use of waste heat for stepped heating, reducing energy waste, lowering energy consumption, and improving thermal energy utilization efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of magnesium alloy forming equipment, and more particularly to a magnesium alloy semi-solid injection molding equipment. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, magnesium alloy semi-solid injection molding technology has attracted widespread attention as an advanced forming method between liquid casting and solid forging. This technology heats magnesium alloys to the solid-liquid two-phase region (typically 580~620°C) to form a semi-solid slurry with a non-dendritic spheroidal structure, achieving near-net-shape forming of high-density, high-quality parts at lower injection pressures, significantly improving the mechanical properties and surface quality of the products.

[0003] Existing magnesium alloy semi-solid injection molding equipment typically includes a hopper, a feed cylinder, a heating system, and a screw propulsion mechanism. The hopper stores the raw material particles, the feed cylinder contains a heating device to preheat and soften the material, and the rotating screw pushes it into the injection chamber. However, in practical applications, the following problems still exist:

[0004] First, the heating system and the material conveying process lack coordinated control. The heating area in the existing equipment is fixed, and the hot air distribution cannot be dynamically adjusted according to the screw advance rhythm, which easily leads to energy waste or insufficient heating. Especially in the intermittent feeding process, if heating is continuously supplied, it is easy to cause the material to overheat; while stopping the heating may cause the subsequent material to lag in temperature rise. Second, most devices do not have an effective hot air circulation path. High temperature gas is directly discharged, which not only has high energy consumption, but is also not conducive to the stable maintenance of the temperature field.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need to provide a magnesium alloy semi-solid injection molding device with a reasonable structure, uniform heating, energy efficiency, and intelligent control capabilities to improve the stability of the semi-solid molding process and product quality. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a magnesium alloy semi-solid injection molding apparatus to solve the problems of fixed heating zones in existing equipment, which cannot dynamically adjust the hot air distribution according to the screw advance rhythm, easily leading to energy waste or insufficient heating. Especially in intermittent feeding processes, continuous heating can easily cause material overheating; while stopping heating may cause subsequent material to lag in temperature rise. Moreover, most devices do not have an effective hot air circulation path, and high-temperature gas is directly discharged, resulting in high energy consumption. The specific technical solution is as follows:

[0007] A magnesium alloy semi-solid injection molding apparatus includes a feeding cylinder and a hopper for feeding material into the feeding cylinder. The hopper has a first hot air channel inside for heating the hopper. The feeding cylinder has a feeding channel and a second hot air channel inside. The first hot air channel is connected to the second hot air channel. The second hot air channel is arranged around the feeding channel. A rotatable pusher screw is installed in the feeding channel. The pusher screw has a radially protruding arc-shaped baffle. The second hot air channel is intermittently opened or closed by rotating the arc-shaped baffle.

[0008] As one of the improvements to the above technical solution, the central part of the pusher screw is cylindrical, and the included angle formed by the two ends of the arc-shaped baffle to the center of the pusher screw is 30-50°.

[0009] As one of the improvements to the above technical solution, a hot air circulation device is also included, which is connected to the first hot air channel.

[0010] As an improvement to the above technical solution, the first hot air channel is provided with a first inlet and a first outlet. The first inlet of the first hot air channel is connected to the hot air circulation device, and the number of the second outlets of the first hot air channel is two, which are respectively connected to the hot air circulation device and the second hot air channel.

[0011] As an improvement to the above technical solution, the second hot air channel is provided with a second inlet and a second outlet. The second inlet of the second hot air channel is connected to the first outlet of the first hot air channel, and the second outlet of the second hot air channel is connected to the outside of the conveying cylinder.

[0012] As an improvement to the above technical solution, the second inlet and the second outlet of the second hot air channel are respectively provided with a first notch and a second notch on their sides, and the inner wall of the material conveying channel is provided with an annular groove for accommodating the arc-shaped baffle. The first notch and the second notch are respectively connected to the annular groove, and the end of the arc-shaped baffle is disposed in the first notch or the second notch.

[0013] As an improvement to the above technical solution, a sensing block is provided in the outlet of the arc-shaped baffle. The sensing block is connected to the pusher screw. A proximity switch is provided on the inner wall of the annular groove of the conveying cylinder. The sensing block is used to cooperate with the proximity switch. The proximity switch is signal-connected to the hot air circulation device.

[0014] As an improvement to the above technical solution, the hot air circulation device is configured to have a strong output mode. In the strong output mode, the hot air circulation device increases the output within 1-5 seconds. The hot air circulation device activates the strong output mode in response to the proximity switch triggered by the sensing block.

[0015] As one of the improvements to the above technical solution, a mold is also included, which is located at the front end of the feed cylinder and has a displacement mechanism at the bottom.

[0016] As one of the improvements to the above technical solution, a drive mechanism is also included, the output end of which is connected to the pusher screw.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: By setting a first hot air channel in the hopper and a second hot air channel surrounding the conveying channel in the conveying cylinder, an all-round hot air heating structure from top to bottom and from outside to inside is formed, which effectively improves the temperature uniformity of the entire feeding path, ensuring that the magnesium alloy material is fully softened and reaches the ideal semi-solid structure before entering the injection stage. The first hot air channel and the second hot air channel are interconnected, allowing the heating gas to flow naturally from the hopper area into the conveying cylinder area, making full use of waste heat for tiered heating, reducing energy waste, lowering energy consumption, and improving thermal energy utilization efficiency.

[0018] The pusher screw in the material conveying channel can gradually push the material forward to the injection unit. In particular, the arc-shaped baffle on the pusher screw rotates synchronously with the pusher screw, and part of the second hot air channel is located on the rotation path of the arc-shaped baffle. The arc-shaped baffle has a corresponding notch for accommodating the arc-shaped baffle. By controlling the rotation angle of the pusher screw, the arc-shaped baffle can periodically open or close the second hot air channel (intercepting along its local cross-section), thereby realizing the dynamic adjustment of the hot air flow.

[0019] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Of course, implementing any product or method of this application does not necessarily require achieving all of the advantages described above at the same time. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of point A.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the arc-shaped baffle of the present invention.

[0024] In the diagram: 1. Feeding cylinder; 2. Hopper; 3. First hot air channel; 4. Second hot air channel; 5. Pushing screw; 6. Arc-shaped baffle; 7. Hot air circulation device; 8. Mold; 9. Drive mechanism; 10. Proximity switch; 11. Induction block; 31. First inlet; 32. First outlet. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0026] Because the heating area in existing equipment is fixed, it is impossible to dynamically adjust the hot air distribution according to the screw advance rhythm, which can easily lead to energy waste or insufficient heating. Especially in the intermittent feeding process, if heating is continuously supplied, it can easily cause the material to overheat; while stopping the heating may cause the subsequent material to heat up late. Moreover, most devices do not have an effective hot air circulation path, and high-temperature gas is directly discharged, resulting in high energy consumption.

[0027] Please see Figures 1-3 The present invention provides some embodiments to solve the above problems. A magnesium alloy semi-solid injection molding device includes a feeding cylinder 1 and a hopper 2 for feeding the feeding cylinder 1. The hopper 2 is provided with a first hot air channel 3 for heating the hopper 2. The feeding cylinder 1 is provided with a feeding channel and a second hot air channel 4. The first hot air channel 3 is connected to the second hot air channel 4. The second hot air channel 4 is arranged around the feeding channel. A rotatable pusher screw 5 is installed in the feeding channel. The pusher screw 5 is provided with a radially protruding arc-shaped baffle 6. The second hot air channel 4 is intermittently opened or closed by rotating the arc-shaped baffle 6.

[0028] Among them, the hopper 2 is mainly used to store magnesium alloy raw materials, while the conveying cylinder 1 is used to heat and convey materials. The hopper 2 is set at the upstream end of the conveying cylinder 1 to continuously or intermittently feed materials to the conveying cylinder 1.

[0029] The first hot air channel 3 is arranged along its side wall and can preheat the magnesium alloy particles falling into the hopper 2 to prevent cold material from directly entering the high temperature zone and causing thermal shock or thermal stress. The conveying cylinder 1 is provided with an axially extending conveying channel, which is used to contain and transport magnesium alloy materials. The second hot air channel 4 is arranged in a ring or spiral shape around the outer periphery of the conveying channel to form a uniform heating structure. The first hot air channel 3 and the second hot air channel 4 are interconnected to form a continuous hot air flow path, so that the heating medium (such as high temperature air or inert gas) can flow from the hopper 2 area to the conveying cylinder 1 area to achieve efficient heat transfer throughout the entire path.

[0030] Specifically, by setting a first hot air channel 3 in the hopper 2 and a second hot air channel 4 surrounding the conveying channel in the conveying cylinder 1, an all-round hot air heating structure from top to bottom and from outside to inside is formed, which effectively improves the temperature uniformity of the entire feeding path and ensures that the magnesium alloy material is fully softened and reaches the ideal semi-solid structure before entering the injection stage. The first hot air channel 3 and the second hot air channel 4 are interconnected, so that the heating gas can flow naturally from the area of ​​the hopper 2 into the area of ​​the conveying cylinder 1, making full use of the waste heat for tiered heating, reducing energy waste, lowering energy consumption, and improving thermal energy utilization efficiency.

[0031] The pusher screw 5 in the material conveying channel can gradually push the material forward to the injection unit. In particular, the arc-shaped baffle 6 on the pusher screw 5 rotates synchronously with the pusher screw 5, and part of the second hot air channel 4 is located on the rotation path of the arc-shaped baffle 6. The arc-shaped baffle 6 has a corresponding notch for accommodating the arc-shaped baffle 6. By controlling the rotation angle of the pusher screw 5, the arc-shaped baffle 6 can periodically open or close the second hot air channel 4 (intercepting along its local cross-section), thereby realizing the dynamic adjustment of the hot air flow.

[0032] The arc-shaped baffle 6 on the pusher screw 5 is used as a dynamic valve to automatically open or close the second hot air channel 4 as the screw rotates. This eliminates the need for additional electric valves or pneumatic actuators, simplifying the system structure, reducing the failure rate, and improving operational stability. The movement of the arc-shaped baffle 6 is synchronized with the operation of the pusher screw 5, providing heat during material feeding and stopping or reducing heat supply during feeding intervals, thus avoiding energy waste and the risk of material overheating caused by no-load heating.

[0033] The overall design is compact, the layout of each hot air channel is reasonable, and key components such as the pusher screw 5 and the arc baffle 6 are easy to disassemble and replace, making it suitable for daily maintenance under long-term continuous operation conditions.

[0034] In some embodiments, the central portion of the pusher screw 5 is cylindrical, and the angle formed by the two ends of the arc-shaped baffle 6 to the center of the pusher screw 5 is 30-50°. Specifically, by setting the angle between the two ends of the arc-shaped baffle 6 to 30°-50°, the time ratio (duty cycle) of the hot air channel opening and closing can be precisely controlled in each rotation, making the heating process highly synchronized with the material pushing rhythm. For example, when the angle is 40°, about 1 / 9 of a rotation (40° / 360°) is in the "closed" state, and the rest of the time remains "open", achieving a precise and controllable hot air on / off cycle.

[0035] If the angle between the two ends of the arc-shaped baffle 6 is too large (e.g., more than 60°), new hot air will be introduced and a large amount of hot air will be discharged during the rotation process, which will easily lead to the waste heat of the hot air being discharged before it is fully utilized, thus causing a waste of resources.

[0036] When the angle between the two ends of the arc-shaped baffle 6 is less than 30°, the coverage area of ​​the arc-shaped baffle 6 is too small. Furthermore, since the arc-shaped baffle 6 is rotating, this can easily lead to insufficient hot air entering the second hot air channel 4, thus affecting the heating effect and weakening the temperature control accuracy. Limiting the angle between the two ends of the arc-shaped baffle 6 and the center of the screw to 30°-50° is the optimal design after comprehensively considering hot air control accuracy and throughput. This angle range ensures effective phased closure of the hot air channel without affecting normal material conveying and the overall stability of the system.

[0037] Regarding the source of hot air, specifically, it also includes a hot air circulation device 7, which is connected to the first hot air channel 3. The hot air circulation device 7 can provide hot air to the first hot air channel 3, such as a high-temperature fan and heater integrated system, to introduce high-temperature gas.

[0038] In some embodiments, the first hot air channel 3 is provided with a first inlet 31 and a first outlet 32. The first inlet 31 of the first hot air channel 3 is connected to the hot air circulation device 7. The first hot air channel 3 has two second outlets, which are respectively connected to the hot air circulation device 7 and the second hot air channel 4. Specifically, one branch is connected to the hot air circulation device 7 to form a return branch; the other branch is connected to the second inlet of the second hot air channel 4 to form the main heating branch for supplying air to the area of ​​the conveying cylinder 1. The second hot air channel 4 is provided with a second inlet and a second outlet. The second inlet of the second hot air channel 4 is connected to the first outlet 32 ​​of the first hot air channel 3. Specifically, the second outlet of the second hot air channel 4 is connected to the outside of the conveying cylinder 1.

[0039] This constructs a complete multi-path hot airflow network: Hot air circulation device 7 → First inlet 31 → First hot air channel 3 (hopper zone 2) → Divided into two paths: → One path returns to hot air circulation device 7 (recirculation).

[0040] → Another path leads into the second hot air duct 4 (material conveying area) → Finally, it is discharged to the outside from the second outlet;

[0041] This structure enables directional flow, on-demand distribution, and partial recycling of hot air between different functional areas, forming an intelligent thermal management system that combines heating efficiency and energy regulation capabilities.

[0042] In some embodiments, the second inlet and the second outlet of the second hot air channel 4 are respectively provided with a first notch and a second notch on their sides. The inner wall of the conveying channel is provided with an annular groove for receiving the arc-shaped baffle 6. The first notch and the second notch are respectively connected to the annular groove. The end of the arc-shaped baffle 6 is disposed in the first notch or the second notch. Specifically, when the pusher screw 5 rotates, the arc-shaped baffle 6 on it rotates with the screw and slides in the annular groove. Its end can selectively extend into or detach from the first notch or the second notch. When the arc-shaped baffle 6 rotates to the position corresponding to the second inlet, its end enters the first notch, partially or completely blocking the flow section of the second inlet, thereby restricting the entry of hot air and preventing the temperature in the second hot air channel 4 from being too high. When the arc-shaped baffle 6 rotates to the position corresponding to the second outlet, its end enters the second notch, forming a throttling or blocking effect on the outlet airflow of the second hot air channel 4, thereby increasing the temperature in the second hot air channel 4.

[0043] The arc-shaped baffle 6 can act on the air inlet and outlet at different stages of rotation, achieving a dual control function of "inlet flow restriction and outlet flow throttling," significantly enhancing the overall controllability of the hot air channel. The first and second notches provide directional embedding space for the arc-shaped baffle 6, allowing its end to penetrate deep into the side wall opening of the hot air channel, forming a sealing structure similar to a "slide valve." Compared to simply relying on gap shielding, this design greatly reduces the possibility of high-temperature gas flowing around the edge of the baffle, effectively improving the sealing performance of hot air flow and preventing temperature runaway due to leakage.

[0044] In some embodiments, an induction block 11 is provided in the outlet of the arc-shaped baffle 6. The induction block 11 is connected to the push screw 5. A proximity switch 10 is provided on the inner wall of the annular groove of the conveying cylinder 1. The induction block 11 is used to cooperate with the proximity switch 10. The proximity switch 10 is signal-connected to the hot air circulation device 7. The hot air circulation device 7 is configured to have a strong output mode. In the strong output mode, the hot air circulation device 7 increases the output within 1-5 seconds. The hot air circulation device 7 responds to the induction block 11 triggering the proximity switch 10 to open the strong output mode. Specifically, the induction block 11 is set close to one end of the arc-shaped baffle 6. After the induction block 11 triggers the proximity switch 10, the second hot air channel 4 is opened randomly. High-temperature gas is injected into the conveying channel in a short time to compensate for the local cooling caused by the movement of materials. This design realizes real-time linkage control between the mechanical motion state and the hot air supply intensity, so that the heating process truly "follows" the rhythm of material conveying and achieves the goal of precise, efficient and energy-saving temperature control.

[0045] The present invention uses a mechanical position detection mechanism of sensing block 11 and proximity switch 10 to accurately identify the rotation phase of arc baffle 6 (i.e. push screw 5), thereby predicting the material pushing progress and starting strong heating in advance at key nodes, significantly shortening the response delay and improving the foresight and accuracy of temperature control.

[0046] After each feeding action, the cold or semi-softened material enters the high-temperature zone, which can easily cause localized heat absorption and cooling. This invention triggers a strong output mode lasting 1 to 5 seconds by an induction signal, releasing high-energy hot air in a short time to quickly restore the target temperature range. This prevents problems such as increased material viscosity and decreased fluidity caused by cooling, ensuring the uniformity of the semi-solid slurry structure.

[0047] It also includes a mold 8 and a drive mechanism 9. The mold 8 is located at the front end of the feed cylinder 1, and a displacement mechanism is provided at the bottom of the mold 8. The output end of the drive mechanism 9 is connected to the push screw 5.

[0048] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered in all respects as exemplary and non-limiting, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, it is intended that all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims be included within the present invention.

Claims

1. A magnesium alloy semi-solid injection molding apparatus characterized by comprising: The application relates to a material feeding barrel and a hopper for feeding the barrel, wherein the interior of the hopper is provided with a first hot air channel for heating the hopper, the interior of the barrel is provided with a material feeding channel and a second hot air channel, the first hot air channel is communicated with the second hot air channel, the second hot air channel is arranged around the material feeding channel, a rotatable pushing screw is arranged in the material feeding channel, the pushing screw is provided with radially protruding arc-shaped baffles, and the second hot air channel is opened or closed by rotating the arc-shaped baffles.

2. A magnesium alloy semi-solid injection molding apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by: The central part of the pushing screw is in a cylindrical shape, and the included angle between the two ends of the arc-shaped baffles and the center of the pushing screw is 30-50 degrees.

3. The magnesium alloy semi-solid injection molding apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by: The application further relates to a hot air circulation device connected with the first hot air channel.

4. A magnesium alloy semi-solid injection molding apparatus according to claim 3, characterized by: The first hot air channel is provided with a first inlet and a first outlet, the first inlet of the first hot air channel is connected with the hot air circulation device, and the second outlet of the first hot air channel is connected with the hot air circulation device and the second hot air channel.

5. A magnesium alloy semi-solid injection molding apparatus according to claim 4, characterized by: The second hot air channel is provided with a second inlet and a second outlet, the second inlet of the second hot air channel is connected with the first outlet of the first hot air channel, and the second outlet of the second hot air channel is communicated with the outside of the barrel.

6. A magnesium alloy semi-solid injection molding apparatus according to claim 5, characterized by: First and second notches are respectively arranged on the side surfaces of the second inlet and the second outlet of the second hot air channel, an annular groove is arranged on the inner wall of the material feeding channel for accommodating the arc-shaped baffles, the first and second notches are respectively communicated with the annular groove, and the ends of the arc-shaped baffles are arranged in the first or second notches.

7. A magnesium alloy semi-solid injection molding apparatus according to claim 6, characterized by: An inductive block is arranged in the outlet of the arc-shaped baffle, the inductive block is connected with the pushing screw, a proximity switch is arranged on the inner wall of the annular groove of the barrel, the inductive block is used for cooperating with the proximity switch, and the proximity switch is signal-connected with the hot air circulation device.

8. A magnesium alloy semi-solid injection molding apparatus according to claim 7, characterized by: The hot air circulation device is configured to have a strong output mode, in the strong output mode, the hot air circulation device increases the output within 1-5 seconds, and the hot air circulation device starts the strong output mode in response to the inductive block triggering the proximity switch.

9. The magnesium alloy semi-solid injection molding apparatus of claim 1, wherein: A mold is further arranged at the front end of the barrel, and the bottom of the mold is provided with a displacement mechanism.

10. The magnesium alloy semi-solid injection molding apparatus of claim 1, wherein: A driving mechanism is further arranged, and the output end of the driving mechanism is connected with the pushing screw.

Images