Conformal heat insulation device for directional solidification casting and using method of conformal heat insulation device

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of metal casting, and discloses a shape follow-up heat insulation device for directional solidification casting and a using method thereof.The shape follow-up heat insulation device for directional solidification casting comprises a heat insulation assembly which comprises a guide base and a plurality of heat insulation baffles arrayed at intervals in the length direction of a mold shell, and each heat insulation baffle is in sliding fit with the guide base; the first end of each heat insulation baffle faces the width direction of the mold shell; the heat insulation baffle driving system comprises a plurality of heat insulation baffle driving assemblies connected with the heat insulation baffles in a one-to-one correspondence mode, and each heat insulation baffle driving assembly is configured to independently drive the corresponding heat insulation baffle to do reciprocating motion in the guide base according to the section width change of the formwork in the height direction in the ascending process of the formwork; and the distances between the first ends of all the heat insulation baffles and the surface of the mold shell are always and dynamically kept at the set distance. The gap between the mold shell and the heat insulation baffle can be kept minimum all the time, radiation heat exchange is reduced, and the heat insulation capacity and the temperature gradient are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of metal casting, and in particular to a conformal heat insulation device for directional solidification casting and a method of using the same. Background Art

[0002] Ideal directional solidification equipment should ensure that when the mold shell is in the hot zone, the alloy remains in a molten state close to the temperature of the insulation package. Once the mold shell is pulled to the cold zone, the high-temperature melt solidifies rapidly in a very short time due to the intense radiation heat exchange between the water-cooling ring and the inner surface of the furnace cavity. The solid-liquid interface remains close to the interface between the hot and cold zones, thereby achieving a higher temperature gradient and improving the solidification structure. Therefore, a thermal insulation baffle is required to isolate the hot and cold zones and prevent radiation heat exchange between the hot and cold zones to achieve a high temperature gradient.

[0003] The shape of the insulation baffle and the gap between it and the mold shell directly affect the temperature gradient at the solid-liquid interface. However, in actual production, it was found that the traditional integral rigid insulation baffle made of hard carbon felt has structural defects. Its shape and size are determined by the maximum size of the mold shell, and once formed, it cannot be changed during the drawing process. The actual blade (mold shell) has a complex shape, with edge plates and sharp corners with sudden cross-section changes. This rigid structure of the insulation baffle cannot adapt to the changes in the geometric characteristics of mold shells with different cross-sections, resulting in the gap between the insulation baffle and the mold shell always being large, causing the heat in the hot zone to be transferred to the cold zone in the form of thermal radiation, making it difficult to form a high temperature gradient and unable to achieve ideal solidification conditions, resulting in poor directional solidification effect and the easy generation of defects such as stray crystals. Therefore, reducing the gap between the mold shell and the insulation baffle is one of the solutions to increase the temperature gradient. The minimum gap between the two should always be maintained to ensure a higher temperature gradient. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In response to the problems existing in the prior art, the present invention provides a conformable thermal insulation device for directional solidification casting and a method of using the same, which can always maintain the minimum gap between the mold shell and the thermal insulation baffle, reduce radiation heat exchange, and improve thermal insulation capacity and temperature gradient.

[0005] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention is implemented through the following technical solutions:

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a conformable thermal insulation device for directional solidification casting, comprising:

[0007] The heat insulation assembly includes a guide base and a plurality of heat insulation baffles arranged in an array spaced apart along the length of the formwork, each heat insulation baffle being in sliding engagement with the guide base, with a first end of each heat insulation baffle facing in the width direction of the formwork;

[0008] The heat insulation baffle driving system includes several heat insulation baffle driving components connected one-to-one with the heat insulation baffles. Each heat insulation baffle driving component is configured to independently drive the corresponding heat insulation baffle to reciprocate in the guide base according to the change of the cross-sectional width of the mold in the height direction during the rising process of the mold, so that the distance between the first end of all the heat insulation baffles and the mold surface is always dynamically maintained at a set distance.

[0009] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, the heat insulation baffle drive assembly includes:

[0010] a groove-shaped cam located behind the second end of the corresponding heat-insulating baffle, the cam groove being vertically extending and having a shape that varies in accordance with a change in the cross-sectional width of the formwork directly facing the corresponding heat-insulating baffle in the height direction; the second end being opposite to the first end;

[0011] A cam driving assembly, used for driving the grooved cam to move vertically;

[0012] a cam follower slidingly fitted in the cam groove;

[0013] A horizontal guide rod, one end of which is connected to the cam follower and the other end of which is oriented in the width direction of the mold shell;

[0014] a first traction rope, one end of which is connected to the other end of the horizontal guide rod, and the other end of which is connected to the second end of the corresponding heat insulation baffle;

[0015] The first fixed pulley assembly cooperates with the first traction rope and is configured so that when the first traction rope pulls the heat insulation baffle, the heat insulation baffle moves toward the mold shell;

[0016] a counterweight block, located behind the second end of the corresponding heat insulation baffle;

[0017] a second traction rope, one end of which is connected to the counterweight block, and the other end of which is connected to the second end of the corresponding heat insulation baffle;

[0018] The second fixed pulley assembly cooperates with the second traction rope and is configured so that when the second traction rope pulls the heat insulation baffle, the heat insulation baffle moves in a direction away from the mold shell.

[0019] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, the cam driving assembly includes a cam mounting base plate and a linear motion module, the cam mounting base plate is connected to all the grooved cams, and the linear motion module is used to drive the cam mounting base plate to move vertically.

[0020] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, the linear motion module includes a ball screw, a nut block threadedly engaged with the ball screw, and a drive device connected to one end of the ball screw, and the nut block is connected to a cam mounting base.

[0021] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, the linear motion module further includes linear guide rails located on both sides of the ball screw, and sliders are slidably provided on the linear guide rails, and the sliders are connected to the cam mounting base.

[0022] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, the linear motion module also includes a planetary reducer, a coupling, a reset switch, a bearing seat and a fixed plate; the drive device is installed on the planetary reducer and is connected to one end of the ball screw through a coupling; bearing seats are provided at both ends of the ball screw; the bearing seat, planetary reducer and linear guide are all installed on the fixed plate; the reset switch is installed on one side of the ball screw and is used to determine the origin of the linear motion module.

[0023] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, the heat insulation baffle drive assembly further includes a linear bearing, the linear bearing is fixedly arranged, and the horizontal guide rod is in sliding engagement with the linear bearing.

[0024] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, the conformable thermal insulation device further includes a protective shell, and the grooved cam and the cam drive assembly are disposed in the protective shell.

[0025] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, the first end of the heat insulation baffle is in a parallelogram shape.

[0026] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for using a conformable thermal insulation device for directional solidification casting, comprising:

[0027] Fixing the guide base of the thermal insulation assembly at the hot and cold interface of the directional solidification equipment;

[0028] Start the insulation baffle drive system. During the process of pulling and rising the mold shell, according to the change of the cross-sectional width of the mold shell in the height direction, each insulation baffle drive assembly independently controls the corresponding insulation baffle to slide along the guide base, so that the distance between the first end of all insulation baffles and the mold shell surface is always dynamically maintained at the set spacing.

[0029] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0030] The present invention provides a conformable heat insulation device for directional solidification casting, which utilizes discrete heat insulation baffles that slide in conjunction with a guide base. Each heat insulation baffle can change its heat insulation baffle stroke at any time as the cross-sectional width of the mold shell changes in the height direction. Through the heat insulation baffle drive system, each heat insulation baffle can independently reciprocate according to the change in the cross-sectional width of the mold shell in the height direction. During the drawing process, the heat insulation baffle and the mold shell have a good fit, so that the distance between the first end of all heat insulation baffles and the mold shell surface is always dynamically maintained at a set spacing. The distance between the mold shell and the heat insulation baffle can be controlled within 10 mm, greatly reducing radiation heat exchange and effectively improving the heat insulation capacity and temperature gradient. Because the present invention can achieve a higher temperature gradient, when the mold shell is drawn to the cold zone, the high-temperature melt can be rapidly solidified in a very short time under the strong radiation heat exchange effect of the water-cooling ring and the inner surface of the furnace chamber, and the solid-liquid interface is maintained near the interface between the hot and cold zones, thereby effectively improving the solidification structure, reducing the generation of defects such as impurities, and improving the quality of the directional solidification casting product.

[0031] In order to make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more obvious and easy to understand, preferred embodiments are given below and described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the description of the specific embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0033] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of a conformable thermal insulation device for directional solidification casting provided by one embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 A schematic structural diagram of a conformable thermal insulation assembly in a conformable thermal insulation device for directional solidification casting provided by one embodiment of the present invention; (a) is a side view, and (b) is a front view;

[0035] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of a linear motion module in a conformable thermal insulation device for directional solidification casting provided by one embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 4 An axonometric view of a conformable thermal insulation device for directional solidification casting provided in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 5 A front view of a conformable thermal insulation device for directional solidification casting provided by one embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 6 This is a left view of a conformable thermal insulation device for directional solidification casting provided in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] In the figure: 1-conformable thermal insulation component; 11-guide base; 12-thermal insulation baffle; 2-thermal insulation baffle drive system; 21-thermal insulation baffle drive component; 211-grooved cam; 212-cam drive component; 212a-cam mounting base; 212b-linear motion module; 212b1-ball screw; 212b2-nut block; 212b3-drive device; 212b4-linear guide; 212b5-slider; 212b6-planetary reducer; 212b7-coupling; 212b 8-reset switch; 212b9-bearing seat; 212b10-fixed plate; 213-cam follower; 214-horizontal guide rod; 215-first traction rope; 216-first fixed pulley group; 216a-first fixed pulley; 216b-second fixed pulley; 216c-third fixed pulley; 217-counterweight; 218-second traction rope; 219-second fixed pulley group; 219a-fourth fixed pulley; 219b-fifth fixed pulley; 219c-sixth fixed pulley; 2110-linear bearing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention more clear, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field based on the embodiments of the present invention without making any creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0041] Combine Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the conformable heat insulation device for directional solidification casting provided by the embodiment of the present invention is mainly composed of a heat insulation component 1 and a heat insulation baffle driving system 2. Specifically, the heat insulation component 1 includes a guide base 11 and a plurality of heat insulation baffles 12 arranged in an array spaced along the length direction of the mold shell. Each heat insulation baffle 12 is slidably matched with the guide base 11, and can be specifically in the form of a slide groove structure. A slide groove is provided on the guide base 11, and the heat insulation baffle 12 matches the slide groove so that the heat insulation baffle 12 can slide back and forth smoothly in the guide base 11; the first end of the heat insulation baffle 12 faces the width direction of the mold shell. Exemplarily, the guide base 11 is made of graphite material, and the heat insulation baffle 12 uses hard felt as the heat insulation material to effectively prevent heat from the hot zone from being transferred to the cold zone.

[0042] The heat insulation baffle driving system 2 comprises a plurality of heat insulation baffle driving assemblies 21 corresponding to the heat insulation baffles 12. Each heat insulation baffle driving assembly 21 can independently drive the corresponding heat insulation baffle 12 to reciprocate in the guide base 11 according to the cross-sectional width of the mold shell in the height direction, so that the distance between the first end of each heat insulation baffle 12 and the surface of the mold shell is dynamically maintained at a set distance.

[0043] In use, the guide base 11 of the heat insulation assembly 1 is fixed at the cold-heat interface position of the directional solidification device to ensure that the guide base 11 is installed horizontally and accurately positioned to provide support for the movement of the heat insulation baffles 12. The heat insulation baffle driving system 2 is started, and each heat insulation baffle driving assembly 21 in the heat insulation baffle driving system 2 starts to work during the pulling and rising of the mold shell. Since each heat insulation baffle 12 is in sliding fit with the guide base 11, and each heat insulation baffle driving assembly 21 is connected to the corresponding heat insulation baffle 12, each heat insulation baffle driving assembly 21 can independently drive the corresponding heat insulation baffle 12 to reciprocate in the guide base 11 according to the cross-sectional width of the mold shell in the height direction. For example, when the cross-sectional width of the mold shell at a certain height becomes narrower, the corresponding heat insulation baffle driving assembly 21 drives the heat insulation baffle 12 to move towards the mold shell; when the cross-sectional width becomes wider, the heat insulation baffle 12 is driven to move away from the mold shell by a certain distance, so that the distance between the first end of each heat insulation baffle 12 and the surface of the mold shell is dynamically maintained at a set distance, which can be pre-set according to actual production needs to ensure good heat insulation effect and temperature gradient.

[0044] In one implementation, the specific structure of the heat insulation baffle driving assembly 21 comprises a groove-shaped cam 211, a cam driving assembly 212, a cam follower 213, a horizontal guide rod 214, a first traction rope 215, a first fixed pulley set 216, a counterweight 217, a second traction rope 218, and a second fixed pulley set 219. Specifically, the groove-shaped cam 211 is located behind the second end of the corresponding heat insulation baffle 12, the cam groove is vertically formed, and the shape of the cam groove changes in accordance with the cross-sectional width of the mold shell opposite to the corresponding heat insulation baffle 12 in the height direction (for example: the mold shell blade section is a straight groove, and the edge plate mutation section is a stepped groove). That is, during the pulling and rising of the mold shell, the cam groove of the groove-shaped cam 211 can guide the cam follower 213 to move along a specific trajectory as the cross-sectional width of the mold shell changes.

[0045] The cam drive assembly 212 is used to drive the grooved cam 211 to move vertically. Preferably, the cam drive assembly 212 includes a cam mounting base plate 212a and a linear motion module 212b, wherein the cam mounting base plate 212a is connected to all the grooved cams 211, and the linear motion module 212b is used to drive the cam mounting base plate 212a to move vertically. During the rising process of the mold shell, the linear motion module 212b drives the cam mounting base plate 212a to move vertically. Since the cam mounting base plate 212a is connected to all the grooved cams 211, it drives all the grooved cams 211 to move vertically synchronously. This design enables multiple grooved cams 211 to be uniformly driven by the linear motion module 212b, simplifies the drive structure, not only greatly reduces the number of drive devices required for movement, but also does not require a complicated programming process. It is suitable for scenarios where the same mold shell is used for mass production, improves the overall coordination stability of the device, and ensures that each heat insulation baffle 12 can move synchronously and accurately according to the change in the mold shell cross-sectional width.

[0046] Preferably, the linear motion module 212b specifically includes a ball screw 212b1, a nut block 212b2 threadedly engaged with the ball screw 212b1, and a drive device 212b3 connected to one end of the ball screw 212b1. The nut block 212b2 is connected to the cam mounting base plate 212a. When it is necessary to drive the cam mounting base plate 212a to move vertically, the drive device 212b3 is started, and the drive device 212b3 drives the ball screw 212b1 to rotate. Since the nut block 212b2 is threadedly engaged with the ball screw 212b1, the rotation of the ball screw 212b1 causes the nut block 212b2 to move linearly along the ball screw 212b1, thereby driving the cam mounting base plate 212a connected to the nut block 212b2 to move vertically, thereby realizing the vertical drive of the grooved cam 211. The transmission of the ball screw 212b1 can ensure the motion accuracy of the cam mounting base plate 212a. Exemplarily, the driving device 212b3 is a servo motor.

[0047] Preferably, to improve the stability of the cam mounting base 212a's movement, the linear motion module 212b also includes linear guides 212b4 located on either side of the ball screw 212b1. Sliders 212b5 are slidably mounted on the linear guides 212b4, and the slides 212b5 are connected to the cam mounting base 212a. During the vertical movement of the cam mounting base 212a along with the nut block 212b2, the slides 212b5 slide on the linear guides 212b4, providing additional guiding support for the movement of the cam mounting base 212a. The combined use of the linear guides 212b4 and the slides 212b5 can further improve the linearity and stability of the cam mounting base 212a's movement, reduce shaking and deviation during movement, ensure that the grooved cam 211 accurately moves along the predetermined trajectory, and thus improve the motion accuracy of the thermal insulation baffle 12.

[0048] Preferably, the linear motion module 212b also includes a planetary reducer 212b6, a coupling 212b7, a reset switch 212b8, a bearing seat 212b9, and a fixed plate 212b10. The drive unit 212b3 is mounted on the planetary reducer 212b6 and connected to one end of the ball screw 212b1 via the coupling 212b7. The planetary reducer 212b6 can reduce the output speed of the drive unit 212b3 while increasing the output torque to meet the driving requirements of the ball screw 212b1. The coupling 212b7 serves to connect the drive unit 212b3 and the ball screw 212b1, transmitting torque and compensating for installation errors between the two. Bearing seats 212b9 are provided at both ends of the ball screw 212b1 to support the ball screw 212b1 and reduce friction and wear during its movement. Bearing block 212b9, planetary reducer 212b6, and linear guide rail 212b4 are all mounted on fixed plate 212b10, which provides the mounting base for the entire linear motion module 212b. A reset switch 212b8, mounted on one side of ball screw 212b1, is used to determine the origin of linear motion module 212b. Before starting the device or when repositioning is required, reset switch 212b8 restores linear motion module 212b to its initial position.

[0049] The cam follower 213 is slidably fitted in the cam groove. As the groove-shaped cam 211 moves vertically, the cam follower 213 slides in the cam groove and changes its own movement direction and displacement according to the shape change of the cam groove.

[0050] One end of the horizontal guide rod 214 is connected to the cam follower 213, and the other end faces the width direction of the mold shell. Preferably, to make the movement of the horizontal guide rod 214 more stable, the heat insulation baffle drive assembly 21 also includes a linear bearing 2110. The linear bearing 2110 is fixedly arranged, and the horizontal guide rod 214 and the linear bearing 2110 are slidably engaged, thereby reducing the friction resistance during the movement of the horizontal guide rod 214. In other words, as the horizontal guide rod 214 moves with the cam follower 213, the linear bearing 2110 provides guiding support for the horizontal guide rod 214, reducing friction and shaking during the movement of the horizontal guide rod 214, allowing the horizontal guide rod 214 to move horizontally smoothly, thereby ensuring the traction effect of the first traction rope 215 on the heat insulation baffle 12, and improving the movement accuracy of the heat insulation baffle 12.

[0051] The first traction rope 215 is connected to the other end of the horizontal guide rod 214 at one end and to the second end of the corresponding heat insulation baffle 12 at the other end. Exemplarily, a boss is arranged at the second end of the heat insulation baffle 12, and the other end of the first traction rope 215 is connected to the boss. The first fixed pulley set 216 includes a first fixed pulley 216a, a second fixed pulley 216b and a third fixed pulley 216c, and the first traction rope 215 is wound around the first fixed pulley 216a, the second fixed pulley 216b and the third fixed pulley 216c in sequence. The first fixed pulley set 216 is configured to move the heat insulation baffle 12 towards the mold shell when the first traction rope 215 pulls the heat insulation baffle 12. When the horizontal guide rod 214 is driven by the cam follower 213 to move away from the mold shell, the heat insulation baffle 12 is pulled by the first traction rope 215, so that the first end of the heat insulation baffle 12 is close to the surface of the mold shell. That is, when the horizontal guide rod 214 moves to pull the heat insulation baffle 12 by the first traction rope 215, the first traction rope 215 is wound around the first fixed pulley 216a, the second fixed pulley 216b and the third fixed pulley 216c in sequence. The combination of multiple fixed pulleys can change the pulling direction of the first traction rope 215, so that the pulling process is more stable, the influence of friction on the pulling effect is reduced, and it is ensured that the heat insulation baffle 12 can move accurately according to the set direction and distance.

[0052] The counterweight 217 is located behind the second end of the corresponding heat insulation baffle 12, and the second traction rope 218 is connected to the counterweight 217 at one end and to the second end of the corresponding heat insulation baffle 12 at the other end. The second fixed pulley set 219 includes a fourth fixed pulley 219a, a fifth fixed pulley 219b and a sixth fixed pulley 219c, and the second traction rope 218 is wound around the fourth fixed pulley 219a, the fifth fixed pulley 219b and the sixth fixed pulley 219c in sequence. The second fixed pulley set 219 is configured to move the heat insulation baffle 12 away from the mold shell when the second traction rope 218 pulls the heat insulation baffle 12. When the horizontal guide rod 214 is driven by the cam follower 213 to move close to the mold shell, the counterweight 217 pulls the heat insulation baffle 12 by the second traction rope 218 under the action of gravity, so that the first end of the heat insulation baffle 12 is away from the surface of the mold shell. That is, when the counterweight 217 pulls the heat insulation baffle 12 by the second traction rope 218, the second traction rope 218 is wound around the fourth fixed pulley 219a, the fifth fixed pulley 219b and the sixth fixed pulley 219c in sequence. Similar to the first fixed pulley set 216, the combination of multiple fixed pulleys can change the pulling direction of the second traction rope 218, ensure that the pulling process of the counterweight 217 to the heat insulation baffle 12 is stable, and make the heat insulation baffle 12 move accurately away from the mold shell.

[0053] Exemplarily, the first and second traction ropes 215, 218 are steel wire ropes. The thermal insulation assembly 1 includes nine thermal insulation baffles 12 arranged in an array along the length of the formwork (corresponding to dividing the formwork into nine equal sections along the length), with a 2 mm interval between adjacent thermal insulation baffles 12. The corresponding cam groove shapes of the nine slotted cams 211 determine the motion of the nine horizontal guides 214, and thus, the motion of the nine thermal insulation baffles 12. It should be understood that the cam groove shapes of the nine slotted cams 211 may vary, as the cross-sectional width variation in the height direction of the nine equally divided formworks may vary.

[0054] Specifically, during the upward movement of the formwork, the cam drive assembly 212 drives the grooved cam 211 in vertical motion. Since the cam follower 213 slidably fits within the cam groove, as the grooved cam 211 moves vertically, the cam follower 213 slides within the cam groove, thereby driving the horizontal guide rod 214 to move horizontally. When the movement of the cam follower 213 causes the horizontal guide rod 214 to move away from the formwork (at which point the formwork's cross-sectional width in the height direction becomes narrower), a first traction rope 215 is connected at one end to the other end of the horizontal guide rod 214 and at the other end to the second end of the corresponding heat shield 12. With the cooperation of the first fixed pulley assembly 216, the first traction rope 215 generates traction on the heat shield 12, causing it to move toward the formwork. When the movement of the cam follower 213 causes the horizontal guide rod 214 to move toward the mold shell (at this time, the cross-sectional width of the mold shell in the height direction becomes wider), the traction force of the first traction rope 215 on the insulation baffle 12 disappears, and the counterweight block 217 generates traction force on the insulation baffle 12 through the second traction rope 218. With the cooperation of the second fixed pulley group 219, the insulation baffle 12 moves away from the mold shell to adapt to the change in the cross-sectional width of the mold shell, and always maintains the set distance between the first end of the insulation baffle 12 and the mold shell surface, thereby effectively reducing radiation heat exchange, improving thermal insulation capacity and temperature gradient, and improving the directional solidification effect.

[0055] Preferably, the conformable heat insulation device further includes a protective housing 3, within which the grooved cam 211 and the cam drive assembly 212 are disposed. The protective housing 3 is used to protect the grooved cam 211, the cam drive assembly 212, and other components from external environmental influences such as dust and high-temperature radiation during operation. The protective housing 3 can be made of a high-temperature-resistant and heat-insulating material.

[0056] Preferably, the first end of the insulation baffle 12 is in the shape of a parallelogram. Through the quadrangular prism insulation baffle with a parallelogram cross-section, the insulation baffles are closely arranged and shield each other, which can effectively eliminate the gaps between the insulation baffles and effectively block the radiation heat transfer between the upper and lower insulation baffles.

[0057] It should be noted that both the thermal insulation assembly 1 and the thermal insulation baffle drive system 2 are fixed to a bottom support frame, the bottom of which is equipped with support legs. Each first fixed pulley 216a (second fixed pulley 216b, third fixed pulley 216c, fourth fixed pulley 219a, fifth fixed pulley 219b, or sixth fixed pulley 219c) is connected by a horizontal connecting rod. Support structures for securing the horizontal connecting rods are mounted on the fixed plate and the bottom support frame, and the ends of the horizontal connecting rods are connected to corresponding support structures.

[0058] This shape design can better fit the mold surface, reduce the gap between the mold and the mold, and improve the thermal insulation effect.

[0059] In summary, the conformable heat insulation device for directional solidification casting of the present invention can adapt to changes in the shape of the mold shell in real time, maintain a minimum gap between the heat insulation baffle and the mold shell, and solve the problems existing in traditional rigid heat insulation baffles.

[0060] Example

[0061] Step 1: Preparation phase:

[0062] In accordance with the requirements of the conformal heat insulation device for directional solidification casting of the present invention, the corresponding grooved cam 211 is processed according to the shape of the mold shell and installed on the cam mounting base plate 212a by bolts, the ball screw 212b1 is slowly rotated to drive the cam mounting base plate 212a and the grooved cam 211 to move upward, and the cam follower 213 is slid into the groove of the grooved cam 211, and the program is started. The driving device 212b3 drives the ball screw 212b1 to rotate slowly, and the cam mounting base plate 212a and the grooved cam 211 move upward at a lower rate until the reset switch 212b8 is triggered, completing the reset and setting this point as the system zero point. The driving device 212b3 drives the grooved cam 211 to move to the initial position and then stops rotating, waiting for the module to start the upward lifting process.

[0063] Step 2: Pull upward

[0064] When the mold shell starts the lifting process at a constant linear velocity v1 according to the process settings, the linear motion module 212b simultaneously drives the ball screw 212b1 through the drive device 212b3, driving the cam mounting base plate 212a and the groove cam 211 to pull upward at a constant linear velocity v2, and v2 = (v1*L) / l (L: total length of the groove cam working section, l: total distance the mold shell is pulled), which enables the groove cam 211 and the mold shell to start lifting at the same time and end at the same time, so that each heat insulation baffle always maintains a set distance from the cross-sectional width of the mold shell in the height direction at that moment, and can always effectively prevent heat radiation loss.

[0065] Step 3: End of lifting

[0066] When the mold shell completes the upward pulling, the groove cam 211 should move to the end of the stroke. At this time, the upward pulling is completed, the mold shell is removed, and the zeroing program is entered. At this time, the driving device 212b3 slowly rotates in the opposite direction, driving the cam mounting base plate 212a and the groove cam 211 to move slowly downward until the reset switch 212b8 is triggered, that is, returning to the system zero point, the driving device 212b3 stops rotating, and prepares for the next pulling process or replacing the groove cam 211.

[0067] The experimental material is CMSX-4, and the experimental casting is selected Figure 6 As shown, the cross-petal-shaped and step-shaped specimens are assembled in a parallel inline arrangement that matches the heater. The widest part of the ceramic mold is 46.5mm, and the height of the portion extending below the thermal insulation baffle is 190mm. To reduce the cam pressure angle, the groove cam is machined to twice the mold height, that is, the effective stroke of the groove cam is 380mm. Because the servo motor acceleration and deceleration strokes and the stroke required to trigger the reset switch should be reserved at both ends, the total length of the groove cam is 450mm. Due to the symmetrical distribution of the thermal insulation baffles, the maximum stroke between the push and return strokes of the horizontal guide rod driven by the groove cam is half of the maximum width of the ceramic mold, that is, 26.25mm. At the same time, the groove cam is machined according to the change in the mold cross-sectional shape with height.

[0068] Slowly rotate the ball screw to lower the cam mounting base to its lowest point. Arrange two directional solidification casting conformal heat shields symmetrically (a total of eighteen heat shields). Install the grooved cam, machined to the mold shell shape, on the cam mounting base. Slowly rotate the ball screw to move the cam mounting base and the grooved cam upward, and slide the cam follower into the cam groove of the corresponding grooved cam. Start the reset process. The servo motor rotates at 1500 rpm, driving the cam mounting base and the grooved cam upward until the reset switch is triggered and the servo motor stops. At this point, the heat shields should be fully opened, and the mold shell should be lowered below the heat shields, ready for the subsequent upward pull process.

[0069] The determined process parameters are input into the control system, and the control system calculates the required speed of the servo motor based on the input parameters. In this embodiment, the upward pulling rate of the mold shell is v1=3mm / min. Therefore, the program sets the feed rate of the linear motion module to drive the grooved cam to move upward to v2=(v1*L) / l=(3*380) / 190mm / min=6mm / min. The ball screw model used in the linear motion module is 1605-500, the lead s=5mm, and the speed ratio of the reducer is i=50. Therefore, the servo motor is The servo motor speed is n = (v2*i) / s = 60r / min, and then the upward pulling process begins. The mold shell is slowly pulled upward. At the same time, the servo motor slowly rotates according to the calculated speed, driving the grooved cam to pull it upward. Each insulation baffle moves back and forth in the guide base according to the preset trajectory of each grooved cam, ensuring that each insulation baffle can continuously change its shape during the pulling process of the mold shell to closely fit the shape of the mold shell cross section at that moment, minimize external radiation heat transfer, and ensure the insulation effect and higher temperature gradient and solidification conditions.

[0070] The mold is pulled up to a height of 190 mm, that is, it is pulled up after 63 minutes. After the pulling is completed, each insulation baffle is completely closed to the middle under the action of the grooved cam until the casting process is completed. After the mold is taken out, the reset program is executed, and the servo motor rotates in the opposite direction at a speed of 1500 r / min until the reset switch is triggered, and then it stops rotating. If the same shape of mold is still used for casting next time, the system can be turned off. If a mold of a different shape needs to be replaced for the next casting, the grooved cam is removed from the cam mounting base plate, and the grooved cam is replaced again before the next casting. At this point, a directional solidification process using a conformal insulation device for directional solidification casting is completed.

[0071] At the same time, the temperature gradient of the casting with the thermal insulation baffle is higher than that of the casting without it. The conformal thermal insulation baffle can effectively block radiative heat dissipation, increase the casting temperature gradient, improve solidification conditions, and reduce the occurrence of defects. Experimental results show that without the conformal thermal insulation baffle, the test bar cross section shows stray crystal defects inconsistent with the original

[001] orientation. However, with the conformal thermal insulation baffle, each cross section of the test bar exhibits a distinct "cross-shaped" single crystal structure. This shows that the conformal thermal insulation baffle has a good thermal insulation effect and can provide a large temperature gradient, reducing the risk of defects.

[0072] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present invention.

[0073] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of the technical features being referred to. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one such feature. In the description of the present invention, "plurality" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0074] In the present invention, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "connected" and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can mean fixed connection, detachable connection, or integration; mechanical connection, electrical connection, or communication; direct connection or indirect connection through an intermediate medium; internal communication between two elements or interaction between two elements, unless otherwise specified. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0075] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, when a first feature is "above" or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediary. Furthermore, when a first feature is "above," "above," or "above" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a higher level than the second feature. When a first feature is "below," "below," or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a lower level than the second feature.

[0076] In the present invention, the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "examples", "specific examples", or "some examples" mean that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described can be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and combine different embodiments or examples described in this specification and the features of different embodiments or examples without contradiction.

[0077] Finally, it should be noted that the above-described embodiments are only specific implementation methods of the present invention, which are used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention rather than to limit them. The protection scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above-mentioned embodiments, ordinary technicians in this field should understand that any technician familiar with this technical field can still modify the technical solutions recorded in the above-mentioned embodiments within the technical scope disclosed by the present invention, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein; and these modifications, changes or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, and should all be covered by the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A conformal heat insulation device for directional solidification casting, characterized in that: include: A heat insulation assembly (1) comprises a guide base (11) and a plurality of heat insulation baffles (12) arranged in an array spaced apart along the length direction of the mold shell, each heat insulation baffle (12) being slidably engaged with the guide base (11), and a first end of each heat insulation baffle (12) facing the width direction of the mold shell; The heat insulation baffle driving system (2) includes a plurality of heat insulation baffle driving assemblies (21) connected one-to-one with the heat insulation baffles (12). Each heat insulation baffle driving assembly (21) is configured to independently drive the corresponding heat insulation baffle (12) to reciprocate in the guide base (11) according to the change of the cross-sectional width of the mold in the height direction during the rising process of the mold, so that the distance between the first end of all the heat insulation baffles (12) and the mold surface is always dynamically maintained at a set distance.

2. A conformal heat insulation device for directional solidification casting according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat insulation baffle driving assembly (21) comprises: A grooved cam (211) is located behind the second end of the corresponding heat-insulating baffle (12), the cam groove being vertically opened and the shape change of the cam groove being adapted to the change of the cross-sectional width of the mold shell directly facing the corresponding heat-insulating baffle (12) in the height direction; the second end is opposite to the first end; A cam driving assembly (212) for driving the grooved cam (211) to move vertically; A cam follower (213) is slidably engaged in the cam groove; A horizontal guide rod (214), one end of which is connected to the cam follower (213) and the other end of which faces the width direction of the mold shell; A first traction rope (215), one end of which is connected to the other end of the horizontal guide rod (214), and the other end of which is connected to the second end of the corresponding heat insulation baffle (12); The first fixed pulley assembly (216) cooperates with the first traction rope (215) and is configured so that when the first traction rope (215) pulls the heat insulation baffle (12), the heat insulation baffle (12) moves toward the mold shell; A counterweight (217) is located behind the second end of the corresponding heat insulation baffle (12); A second traction rope (218), one end of which is connected to the counterweight (21), and the other end of which is connected to the second end of the corresponding heat insulation baffle (12); The second fixed pulley assembly (219) cooperates with the second traction rope (218) and is configured so that when the second traction rope (218) pulls the heat insulation baffle (12), the heat insulation baffle (12) moves in a direction away from the mold shell.

3. A conformable heat insulation device for directional solidification casting according to claim 2, characterized in that: The cam driving assembly (212) comprises a cam mounting base plate (212a) and a linear motion module (212b). The cam mounting base plate (212a) is connected to all the grooved cams (211), and the linear motion module (212b) is used to drive the cam mounting base plate (212a) to move vertically.

4. A conformable heat insulation device for directional solidification casting according to claim 3, characterized in that: The linear motion module (212b) comprises a ball screw (212b1), a nut block (212b2) threadedly engaged with the ball screw (212b1), and a driving device (212b3) connected to one end of the ball screw (212b1); the nut block (212b2) is connected to a cam mounting base plate (212a).

5. The conformal heat insulation device for directional solidification casting according to claim 4, characterized in that: The linear motion module (212b) further comprises linear guide rails (212b4) located on both sides of the ball screw (212b1), a slider (212b5) being slidably provided on the linear guide rails (212b4), and the slider (212b5) being connected to the cam mounting base plate (212a).

6. The conformal heat insulation device for directional solidification casting according to claim 5, characterized in that: The linear motion module (212b) further comprises a planetary reducer (212b6), a coupling (212b7), a reset switch (212b8), a bearing seat (212b9) and a fixed plate (212b10); the driving device (212b3) is mounted on the planetary reducer (212b6) and connected to one end of the ball screw (212b1) via the coupling (212b7); bearing seats (212b9) are provided at both ends of the ball screw (212b1); the bearing seat (212b9), the planetary reducer (212b6) and the linear guide rail (212b4) are all mounted on the fixed plate (212b10); the reset switch (212b8) is mounted on one side of the ball screw (212b1) and is used to determine the origin of the linear motion module (212b).

7. The conformal heat insulation device for directional solidification casting according to claim 2, characterized in that: The heat insulation baffle drive assembly (21) further comprises a linear bearing (2110), wherein the linear bearing (2110) is fixedly arranged, and the horizontal guide rod (214) is in sliding engagement with the linear bearing (2110).

8. The conformal heat insulation device for directional solidification casting according to claim 2, characterized in that: The conformable heat insulation device further comprises a protective shell (3), wherein the grooved cam (211) and the cam driving assembly (212) are arranged in the protective shell (3).

9. The conformal heat insulation device for directional solidification casting according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first end of the heat insulation baffle (12) is in the shape of a parallelogram.

10. A method for using the conformable thermal insulation device for directional solidification casting according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: include: Fixing the guide base (11) of the heat insulation assembly (1) at the hot and cold interface of the directional solidification equipment; The heat insulation baffle drive system (2) is started. During the process of the mold shell being pulled up, the corresponding heat insulation baffle (12) is independently controlled by each heat insulation baffle drive assembly (21) to slide along the guide base (11) according to the change in the cross-sectional width of the mold shell in the height direction, so that the distance between the first end of all the heat insulation baffles (12) and the mold shell surface is always dynamically maintained at a set distance.

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