Gravity type crucible taking and placing device

The gravity-type crucible loading and unloading device enables efficient crucible replacement in a vacuum environment, solving the problem of crucible replacement affecting production efficiency in vacuum precision casting furnaces and improving production efficiency.

CN121452822APending Publication Date: 2026-02-03ANHUI XINLANHAI TECH CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202311847385.0
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-12-29
Publication Date
2026-02-03

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing vacuum precision casting furnaces require breaking the vacuum environment when changing crucibles, resulting in low production efficiency.

Method used

A gravity-based crucible handling device was designed, including a crucible placement device and a crucible clamping device. The device utilizes gravity and transmission components to clamp and place the crucible, thus avoiding disruption of the vacuum environment.

Benefits of technology

This allows for efficient crucible replacement without disrupting the vacuum environment, thus improving production efficiency.

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Abstract

The invention discloses a gravity type crucible taking and placing device, which is used for a vacuum precision casting furnace, and comprises a crucible placing device and a crucible clamping device, the crucible placing device comprises a first connecting piece, a second connecting piece and a third connecting piece, the first end of the first connecting piece is detachably connected to a chain of a power source output shaft provided by the vacuum precision casting furnace; the first ends of the first and second connecting pieces are rotationally connected with the second end of the first connecting piece; the first end of the adjusting piece is rotationally connected with the second end of the first-second connecting piece, and the second end is fixedly connected with an external structure; the adjusting groove is formed in the adjusting piece, and an opening is located at the second end of the adjusting piece; the limiting opening is formed above the opening position of the adjusting groove; the roller is movably arranged in the adjusting groove, and the second end of the second connecting piece is rotationally connected with the roller; the first end of the transmission assembly is rotationally connected with the roller, the second end is rotationally connected with the second ends of the first and second connecting pieces, the third end is connected with the first clamping block, and the fourth end is connected with the second clamping block.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of metallurgy, and in particular to a crucible placement device for a vacuum precision casting furnace. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, with the booming development of the steel industry, metallurgical equipment is also advancing rapidly, especially in the field of special steel smelting, where the requirements for the mechanical properties of steel materials are extremely stringent. These materials are often used in cutting-edge high-tech industries such as aerospace and satellite engineering. Therefore, we are diligently researching the performance and structure of vacuum precision casting furnaces from various perspectives, including ergonomics, energy efficiency, and automation. Vacuum precision casting furnaces (including single-crystal / directional furnaces, equiaxed crystal furnaces, etc.) are one of the important production equipment in the special steel industry. They are vacuum smelting equipment that melts the base material and pours it into a mold shell through induction heating of a melting coil in a vacuum environment, ultimately forming the desired high-performance material. The crucible clamp is an important component of the vacuum precision casting furnace's feeding mechanism, located at the end of the feeding mechanism, and is used to replace the crucible in a vacuum environment.

[0003] The melting and casting process in a vacuum precision casting furnace is completed in a vacuum environment. Before melting, the melting chamber must be evacuated to a vacuum state. After casting one batch, the crucible needs to be replaced. This requires breaking the vacuum state of the melting chamber, opening the melting chamber door, and replacing the crucible. After replacing the crucible, the melting chamber needs to be evacuated to a vacuum state again before the next batch of melting and casting can be carried out. This process greatly reduces production efficiency.

[0004] Since vacuum precision casting furnaces require smelting in a vacuum environment, how to replace the crucible without disrupting the vacuum, and how to make the operation convenient and efficient, is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The summary of this invention introduces a series of simplified concepts, all of which are simplifications of existing technologies in the field, and will be further explained in detail in the detailed description section. This summary is not intended to limit the key features and essential technical features of the claimed technical solution, nor is it intended to determine the scope of protection of the claimed technical solution.

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a gravity crucible handling device for vacuum precision casting furnace, which can achieve gravity-type clamping and placement based on the gravity of the crucible (crucible and raw material) without destroying the vacuum environment.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides a gravity-type crucible placement and removal device for use in a vacuum precision casting furnace, comprising a crucible placement device and a crucible clamping device, wherein the crucible placement device includes:

[0008] The first connector 1 has its first end detachably connected to the chain of the power source output shaft provided by the vacuum precision casting furnace;

[0009] The first end of the first and second connecting parts 2.1 and 2.2 is rotatably connected to the second end of the first connecting part 1;

[0010] Adjusting component 3, the first end of which is rotatably connected to the second end of the first and second connecting component 2.1, and the second end of which is fixedly connected to the external structure;

[0011] An adjustment groove 3.1 is formed on the adjustment member 3, and its opening is located at the second end of the adjustment member 3;

[0012] The limiting port 3.2 is formed above the opening of the adjusting groove 3.1;

[0013] Roller 5 is movably arranged in adjusting groove 3.1, and the second end of the second connecting piece 2.2 is rotatably connected to roller 5;

[0014] The transmission assembly 4 has a first end rotatably connected to the roller 5, a second end rotatably connected to the second end of the first and second connecting pieces 2.1, a third end connected to the first clamping block 6.1, and a fourth end connected to the second clamping block 6.2.

[0015] When the roller 5 moves to the bottom of the adjusting groove 3.1, the first clamping block 6.1 and the second clamping block 6.2 come into contact. As the distance between the roller 5 and the bottom of the adjusting groove 3.1 increases, the first clamping block 6.1 and the second clamping block 6.2 gradually separate.

[0016] Preferably, in a further improvement of the gravity crucible handling device, the transmission component 4 is a linkage hinge transmission structure, that is, a transmission structure formed by multiple or multiple sets of hinged linkages.

[0017] Preferably, the gravity crucible handling device is further improved such that the first clamping block 6.1 and the second clamping block 6.2 are formed into a symmetrical structure.

[0018] Preferably, the gravity crucible handling device is further improved such that the opposing surfaces of the first clamping block 6.1 and the second clamping block 6.2 are formed into a stepped structure.

[0019] Preferably, the gravity crucible handling device is further improved such that the stepped structure of the first clamping block 6.1 and the second clamping block 6.2 together form two clamping openings in a vertical square, with the first clamping opening located above the second clamping opening;

[0020] The first clamp is used to hold the raw material ingot, and the second clamp is used to hold the crucible.

[0021] Preferably, in a further improvement of the gravity crucible handling device, the external structure is a fixed structure.

[0022] Preferably, the gravity-type crucible handling device is further improved, wherein the crucible clamping device includes:

[0023] The base 8 has a lower part formed as a base 8.1, and a base column 8.2 is formed on the base 8.1. The first end of the base column 8.2 is detachably connected to the chain of the power source output shaft provided by the vacuum precision casting furnace.

[0024] Two support columns 7 are symmetrically installed on both sides of the base column 8.2;

[0025] Two locking parts 9 are symmetrically installed on both sides of the base column 8.2;

[0026] The clamping part 9 has a strip-shaped main body, with a clamping block 9.1 at one end. Its middle part is connected to the lower part of the base column 8.2 by a pin 10, and it can rotate freely based on the pin 10.

[0027] Multiple through holes 9.2 are evenly formed on the clamping part 9;

[0028] When the two clamping parts 9 are horizontal, the support column 7 supports the clamping block 9.1.

[0029] Preferably, the gravity crucible loading and unloading device is further improved such that the weight of one end of the clamping part 9 with the clamping block 9.1 is greater than the weight of the other end of the clamping part 9, that is, the two clamping parts are kept horizontal without external force by relying on the weight of the clamping block and the support column.

[0030] Preferably, the gravity crucible handling device is further improved such that the end of the clamping block 9.1 is formed into a semi-circular arc structure.

[0031] The working principle and technical effects of this invention are as follows:

[0032] This invention comprises a crucible placement device and a crucible clamping device, which can be installed simultaneously or interchangeably. Furthermore, installation only requires setting up two independent transmission structures based on the same power source using existing technology; simultaneous or interchangeable installation does not affect the technical effect of this invention.

[0033] Taking the replacement of the crucible placement device and the crucible clamping device as an example, the present invention is used in two working conditions: working condition 1) transporting the new crucible from the outside to the melting chamber; working condition 2) taking the used crucible out from the melting chamber.

[0034] The implementation process of working condition 1) is as follows: The motor drive shaft is connected to the first connecting piece through the chain, which can drive the entire crucible clamp to move up and down. The connection between the first connecting piece and the chain is detachable. The first connecting piece, the first second connecting piece, the second second connecting piece, the adjusting piece, and the transmission assembly are connected by a hinge through a pin or a pin shaft. The lower end of the transmission assembly is welded with a first clamping block and a second clamping block. The two clamping blocks together form two notches. The larger notch at the bottom is used to clamp the crucible, and the smaller notch at the top is used to clamp the ingot.

[0035] In the initial state, the entire crucible placement device is fully extended under the action of gravity, the two clamping blocks are in contact, and the opening of the large notch is at its minimum (less than the outer diameter of the crucible). Then, the crucible is placed directly below the crucible placement device, and the crucible placement device is lowered to the appropriate position by the motor drive shaft. The two clamping blocks are pulled apart, and the crucible is placed into the large notch. The two clamping blocks are released and automatically tighten to clamp the crucible. The crucible placement device is moved upward by the motor drive shaft. At this time, the crucible is also lifted synchronously by the friction between the two clamping blocks and the crucible. After moving to the appropriate position (the crucible is fully inside the feeding chamber), rotate the feeding mechanism to directly above the feeding port of the melting chamber. The feeding mechanism presses down, achieving a sealed connection with the melting chamber. Then, open the gate valve of the feeding port and move the crucible placement device down through the motor drive shaft until the bottom of the crucible contacts the placement position (the crucible can no longer move down). At this point, continue to move the motor drive shaft down. Since the crucible supports the bottom of the two clamping blocks, the second connecting piece and the transmission assembly will gradually contract, and the two clamping blocks will slowly open. Finally, the roller slides into the limiting opening of the adjusting groove. At this point, the gap between the two clamping blocks reaches its maximum state (greater than the outer diameter of the crucible). Since the roller is stuck in the limiting opening of the adjusting groove, continue to lift the first connecting piece. The second connecting piece and the transmission assembly will not continue to rotate, that is, the opening diameter of the gap will no longer change. The crucible clamp can detach from the crucible and be pulled out of the melting chamber.

[0036] The implementation process of working condition 2) is as follows: When it is necessary to remove the old crucible used inside the melting chamber, the base of the crucible removal device is mounted on the chain below the motor drive shaft. The connection between the base and the chain is detachable. The clamping block is connected to the base through a pin. The clamping part can rotate freely around the pin.

[0037] First, fully lift the crucible clamping device into the charging chamber. Then, rotate the charging mechanism to directly above the charging port of the melting chamber. The charging mechanism presses down, creating a sealed connection with the melting chamber. Next, open the gate valve at the charging port. The motor drives the shaft to lower the crucible clamping device. The clamping block touches the crucible opening. Due to the weight of the clamping device itself, it continues to move downwards. One end of the clamping block, upon touching the crucible opening, rotates around the pin, causing both clamping blocks to move upwards, reducing the distance between them. The clamping part can then enter the crucible.

[0038] After entering the crucible, the material will rotate upwards towards the two clamping blocks under the action of friction. After rotating to a certain angle, the motor drive shaft stops moving downwards and begins to move upwards. At this time, under the action of the crucible's own weight, the clamping blocks of the clamping part move downwards and are supported and limited by the support column. The two clamping parts form a horizontal position, and the distance between the two clamping blocks is at its maximum. They will be stuck on the inner wall of the crucible opening, and the crucible will be lifted synchronously. After the crucible extends out of the melting chamber's feeding port, the feeding valve is closed, and the feeding mechanism is rotated to the loading position. The motor drive shaft descends to a suitable position, and a tool is used to hook the through hole on the clamping part and pull it upwards to make the clamping part disengage from the inner wall of the crucible opening. Then, the motor drive shaft moves upwards, driving the crucible removal device to leave the crucible.

[0039] It should be noted that the above applies to the case where the crucible opening diameter is smaller than the crucible body diameter. When the crucible opening diameter is greater than or equal to the crucible body diameter, the crucible can be lifted by the friction between the two clamping blocks and the inner wall of the crucible, provided that the crucible opening diameter is less than the maximum distance between the two clamping blocks.

[0040] Throughout the entire process of implementing this invention, the vacuum environment of the melting chamber remains intact, resulting in a significant increase in production efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0041] The accompanying drawings are intended to illustrate the general characteristics of the methods, structures, and / or materials used in specific exemplary embodiments of the invention, supplementing the description in the specification. However, the drawings are schematic diagrams not drawn to scale and may not accurately reflect the precise structural or performance characteristics of any of the given embodiments. The drawings should not be construed as limiting or restricting the range of numerical values ​​or properties covered by exemplary embodiments of the invention. The invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments:

[0042] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the crucible placement device provided by the present invention.

[0043] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the crucible clamping device provided by the present invention.

[0044] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0045] First connector 1

[0046] First and second connecting parts 2.1

[0047] Second connecting piece 2.2

[0048] Adjustment component 3

[0049] Adjustment groove 3.1

[0050] Limiting port 3.2

[0051] Transmission component 4

[0052] Roller 5

[0053] First clamping block 6.1

[0054] Second clamping block 6.2

[0055] Support column 7

[0056] Base 8

[0057] Base 8.1

[0058] 8. Base column.

[0059] Clamping part 9

[0060] Clamping block 9.1

[0061] Through hole 9.2,

[0062] Pin 10. Detailed Implementation

[0063] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can fully understand other advantages and technical effects of the present invention from the content disclosed in this specification. The present invention can also be implemented or applied through different specific embodiments, and the details in this specification can also be applied based on different viewpoints, with various modifications or changes made without departing from the overall design concept of the invention. It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the following embodiments and features in the embodiments can be combined with each other. The following exemplary embodiments of the present invention can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the specific embodiments set forth herein. It should be understood that these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure of the present invention is thorough and complete, and that the technical solutions of these exemplary embodiments are fully conveyed to those skilled in the art. It should be understood that when an element is referred to as "connected" or "combined" to another element, the element can be directly connected or combined to the other element, or there may be intermediate elements. The difference is that when an element is referred to as "directly connected" or "directly combined" to another element, there are no intermediate elements. Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals always denote the same elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0064] First embodiment;

[0065] refer to Figure 1 As shown, the present invention provides a gravity-type crucible placement and handling device for use in a vacuum precision casting furnace, comprising a crucible placement device and a crucible clamping device. The crucible placement device can be used for crucibles containing raw material ingots and / or crucibles not containing raw material ingots, including:

[0066] The first connector 1 has its first end detachably connected to the chain of the power source output shaft provided by the vacuum precision casting furnace;

[0067] The first end of the first and second connecting parts 2.1 and 2.2 is rotatably connected to the second end of the first connecting part 1;

[0068] Adjusting component 3, the first end of which is rotatably connected to the second end of the first and second connecting component 2.1, and the second end of which is fixedly connected to the external structure;

[0069] An adjustment groove 3.1 is formed on the adjustment member 3, and its opening is located at the second end of the adjustment member 3;

[0070] The limiting port 3.2 is formed above the opening of the adjusting groove 3.1;

[0071] Roller 5 is movably arranged in adjusting groove 3.1, and the second end of the second connecting piece 2.2 is rotatably connected to roller 5;

[0072] The transmission assembly 4 has a first end rotatably connected to the roller 5, a second end rotatably connected to the second end of the first and second connecting pieces 2.1, a third end connected to the first clamping block 6.1, and a fourth end connected to the second clamping block 6.2.

[0073] The specific structure of the transmission component 4 is not limited, as long as it can convert the relative movement between the first end of the adjusting member 3 and the roller 5 into the movement of the first clamping block 6.1 and the second clamping block 6.2 moving closer or further apart, it can be applied to the present invention;

[0074] For example, Figure 1 The transmission component 4 is formed by connecting or hinged multiple connecting rods or transmission plates via pivots;

[0075] When the roller 5 moves to the bottom of the adjusting groove 3.1, the first clamping block 6.1 and the second clamping block 6.2 come into contact. As the distance between the roller 5 and the bottom of the adjusting groove 3.1 increases, the first clamping block 6.1 and the second clamping block 6.2 gradually separate.

[0076] Alternatively, the first embodiment described above can be further improved by forming the first clamping block 6.1 and the second clamping block 6.2 into a symmetrical structure.

[0077] Alternatively, the first embodiment described above can be further improved by forming a stepped structure on the facing surfaces of the first clamping block 6.1 and the second clamping block 6.2. The stepped structure of the first clamping block 6.1 and the second clamping block 6.2 together form two clamping openings in a vertical square. The first clamping opening is located above the second clamping opening, and the first clamping opening is smaller than the second clamping opening.

[0078] The first clamp is used to hold the raw material ingot, and the second clamp is used to hold the crucible.

[0079] The external structure is a fixed structure. A driving structure could also be used for the external structure, but this would be less cost-effective.

[0080] Furthermore, it should be understood that although the terms "first," "second," etc., may be used herein to describe different elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or portion from another element, component, region, layer, or portion. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of exemplary embodiments according to the present invention, the first element, component, region, layer, or portion discussed below may also be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or portion.

[0081] Second Embodiment

[0082] refer to Figure 2 As shown, the present invention provides a crucible clamping device that can be installed simultaneously with or replace the first embodiment described above, comprising:

[0083] The base 8 has a lower part formed as a base 8.1, and a base column 8.2 is formed on the base 8.1. The first end of the base column 8.2 is detachably connected to the chain of the power source output shaft provided by the vacuum precision casting furnace.

[0084] Two support columns 7 are symmetrically installed on both sides of the base column 8.2;

[0085] Two locking parts 9 are symmetrically installed on both sides of the base column 8.2, for example, forming axial symmetry with the pin 10;

[0086] The clamping part 9 has a strip-shaped main body, with a clamping block 9.1 at one end. Its middle part is connected to the lower part of the base column 8.2 by a pin 10, and it can rotate freely based on the pin 10.

[0087] Multiple through holes 9.2 are formed horizontally and evenly on the clamping part 9;

[0088] When the two clamping parts 9 are horizontal, the support column 7 supports the clamping block 9.1.

[0089] In this case, the weight of one end of the clamping part 9 with the clamping block 9.1 is greater than the weight of the other end of the clamping part 9, and the end of the clamping block 9.1 is formed into a semi-circular arc structure.

[0090] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical and scientific terms, shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. It will also be understood that, unless explicitly defined herein, terms such as those defined in a general dictionary shall be interpreted as having the meaning consistent with their meaning in the relevant field context, and not as having an idealized or overly formal meaning.

[0091] The present invention has been described in detail above through specific embodiments and examples, but these are not intended to limit the invention. Many modifications and improvements can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the principles of the invention, and these should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A gravity-type crucible handling device for use in a vacuum precision casting furnace, characterized in that, The device includes a crucible placement device and a crucible clamping device. The crucible placement device includes: The first connector (1) has its first end detachably connected to the chain of the power source output shaft provided by the vacuum precision casting furnace; The first end of the first connecting piece (2.1) and the second end of the second connecting piece (2.2) are rotatably connected to the second end of the first connecting piece (1); Adjusting component (3), the first end of which is rotatably connected to the second end of the first and second connecting component (2.1), and the second end of which is fixedly connected to the external structure; An adjustment groove (3.1) is formed on the adjustment member (3), and its opening is located at the second end of the adjustment member (3); The limiting port (3.2) is formed above the opening of the adjusting groove (3.1); Roller (5), which is movably arranged in the adjusting groove (3.1), and the second end of the second connecting piece (2.2) is rotatably connected to roller (5); The transmission assembly (4) has a first end rotatably connected to a roller (5), a second end rotatably connected to the second end of the first and second connecting pieces (2.1), a third end connected to a first clamping block (6.1), and a fourth end connected to a second clamping block (6.2). When the roller (5) moves to the bottom of the adjusting groove (3.1), the first clamping block (6.1) and the second clamping block (6.2) come into contact. As the distance between the roller (5) and the bottom of the adjusting groove (3.1) increases, the first clamping block (6.1) and the second clamping block (6.2) gradually separate.

2. The gravity-type crucible handling device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The transmission component (4) is a linkage hinge transmission structure.

3. The gravity-type crucible handling device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The first clamping block (6.1) and the second clamping block (6.2) are formed in a symmetrical structure.

4. The gravity-type crucible handling device as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The opposing surfaces of the first clamping block (6.1) and the second clamping block (6.2) form a stepped structure.

5. The gravity crucible handling device as described in claim 4, characterized in that: the stepped structure of the first clamping block (6.1) and the second clamping block (6.2) together form two clamping openings in a vertical square, and the first clamping opening is located above the second clamping opening; The first clamp is used to hold the raw material ingot, and the second clamp is used to hold the crucible.

6. The gravity-type crucible handling device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The external structure is a fixed structure.

7. The gravity-type crucible handling device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The crucible clamping device includes: The base (8) has a lower part formed as a base (8.1), and a base column (8.2) is formed on the base (8.1). The first end of the base column (8.2) is detachably connected to the chain of the power source output shaft provided by the vacuum precision casting furnace. Two support columns (11) are symmetrically installed on both sides of the base column (8.2); Two clamping parts (9) are symmetrically installed on both sides of the base column (8.2); The clamping part (9) is formed in the shape of a strip, with a clamping block (9.1) formed at one end. Its middle part is connected to the lower part of the base column (8.2) by a pin (10), and it can rotate freely based on the pin (10). Multiple through holes (9.2) are evenly formed on the clamping part (9); When the two clamping parts (9) are horizontal, they support (11) the clamping block (9.1).

8. The gravity-type crucible handling device as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The weight of the clamping part (9) at one end with the clamping block (9.1) is greater than the weight of the other end of the clamping part (9).

9. The gravity-type crucible handling device as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The end of the clamping block (9.1) is formed into a semi-circular arc structure.