High-power plasma vacuum ingot casting device and using method thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses a high-power plasma vacuum ingot casting device and a using method thereof, and belongs to the technical field of vacuum casting, the high-power plasma vacuum ingot casting device comprises a shell, a vacuum feeding mechanism, a plasma torch and an elevator mechanism, the upper portion of the shell is connected with the vacuum feeding mechanism, the plasma torch is arranged in the shell, the elevator mechanism is arranged at the bottom of the shell, and the vacuum feeding mechanism is connected with the elevator mechanism. And the elevator mechanism is positioned below the plasma torch. Functional modules such as vacuum feeding, plasma smelting and cast ingot bearing and transferring are integrated, and the space utilization rate is high. The vacuum feeding mechanism conveys materials according to the vacuum pressure difference principle, and is simple and effective. The elevator mechanism adopts a motor to be matched with a worm gear, a worm and a screw for transmission, has a self-locking function, is stable in lifting and accurate in positioning, and ensures that cast ingots can be accurately descended to a take-out opening. And the whole device is coherent in operation, good in reliability and suitable for the preparation scene of high-quality electronic-grade quartz sand ingots of 5N5-6N or above.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vacuum casting technology, and in particular to a high-magnification plasma vacuum casting device and its usage method. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, vacuum casting technology plays a crucial role in the preparation of high-temperature, high-purity materials, particularly in the purification, smelting, and forming of rare metals, active metals, and their alloys. Traditional vacuum casting equipment typically employs resistance heating, induction heating, or electron beam melting to achieve the melting and solidification of materials. However, these heating methods suffer from limitations such as limited energy density, low heating efficiency, and the potential to introduce impurities or cause volatilization losses of material components. They are particularly unsuitable for processing high-melting-point, high-purity, or special materials requiring deep degassing.

[0003] Plasma technology, due to its concentrated energy, extremely high temperature, and controllable atmosphere, has been gradually introduced into the field of vacuum melting. Existing plasma melting equipment mostly uses fixed or simply mobile plasma torches in conjunction with a vacuum chamber for melting. However, such devices still have shortcomings in continuous production, automated material conveying, and ingot removal: the feeding process often relies on manual or semi-automatic feeding, which can easily disrupt the vacuum environment and cause pollution; traditional devices lack precision in the coordinated control of material conveying and the plasma torch's action zone, making it difficult to achieve stable high-temperature melting and a controllable solidification process.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a new type of vacuum ingot casting device that integrates efficient vacuum feeding, high-energy-density plasma melting, and automated ingot transfer to improve the purity, uniformity, and production efficiency of material preparation and meet the process requirements of modern high-end material manufacturing for high-quality ingots. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a high-power plasma vacuum casting device and its usage method, which integrates efficient vacuum feeding, high-energy-density plasma melting, and automated ingot transfer, thereby improving the purity, uniformity, and production efficiency of material preparation.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a high-magnification plasma vacuum casting device, comprising a housing, a vacuum feeding mechanism, a plasma torch, and a lifting mechanism. The upper part of the housing is connected to the vacuum feeding mechanism, the interior of the housing is provided with a plasma torch, and the bottom of the housing is provided with a lifting mechanism located below the plasma torch.

[0007] Preferably, the vacuum feeding mechanism includes a hopper, a vacuum pump, a conveying chamber, and a control valve. The hopper is connected to the conveying chamber via a pipe, and a control valve is installed between the conveying chamber and the hopper. The conveying chamber is also connected to the vacuum pump via a pipe, and the bottom of the conveying chamber is connected to the top of the housing.

[0008] Preferably, the top of the shell is provided with a feed inlet, and a control valve is also provided between the feed inlet and the conveying chamber. The material is conveyed from the silo to the conveying chamber and then to the feed inlet under the action of the vacuum pump.

[0009] Preferably, the plasma torch is connected to the middle of the housing via a fixing frame, and the material from the feed inlet is heated and melted by the plasma torch and then falls onto the lifting mechanism.

[0010] Preferably, the lifting mechanism includes a lifting platform and a motor drive assembly. The motor drive assembly includes a motor, a worm, a worm wheel, and a screw. The motor is fixed to the bottom of the housing. The output shaft of the motor is driven by a worm, which meshes with the worm wheel. The screw passes through the middle of the worm wheel and is threadedly connected to the worm wheel. The top of the screw is fixed to the lifting platform, and the screw is vertically arranged.

[0011] Preferably, a door is provided on one side of the bottom of the housing, through which materials on the lifting platform are output.

[0012] A method for using a high-magnification plasma vacuum casting device includes the following steps: Step 1: Perform vacuum feeding operation. Close the control valve between the feed inlet and the conveying chamber, open the control valve between the hopper and the conveying chamber, and start the vacuum pump to draw the material in the hopper into the conveying chamber. When the material in the conveying chamber reaches a certain position, the vacuum pump stops running. Then, close the control valve between the hopper and the conveying chamber, and open the control valve between the feed inlet and the conveying chamber to allow the material to be conveyed to the feed inlet. Step 2: The vacuum pump creates a vacuum inside the housing. Then, the plasma torch is started. The material from the feed inlet is heated and melted by the plasma torch and falls onto the lifting platform under vacuum. Step 3: The controller starts the motor, which drives the lifting platform to descend. The lifting platform gradually descends to the door of the housing. Then, the controller opens the door and takes out the material, which is then transported to the next process.

[0013] The advantages and positive effects of the high-magnification plasma vacuum casting device and its usage method described in this invention are as follows: 1. The device integrates vacuum feeding, plasma melting, ingot carrying and transfer functions into one unit, maximizing space utilization. The vacuum feeding mechanism utilizes the principle of vacuum pressure difference to transport materials, which is simple and effective. The lifting mechanism uses a motor combined with worm gear and screw transmission, featuring a self-locking function, ensuring smooth lifting and precise positioning, and guaranteeing that the ingot is accurately lowered to the unloading port. The overall device operates continuously and reliably, making it suitable for high-quality ingot preparation scenarios.

[0014] 2. Through programmed control of the controller, vacuum pump, control valve, and motor drive components, fully or semi-automated operations are achieved for feeding, melting, ingot lowering, and removal. This minimizes manual intervention, reducing the labor intensity and skill requirements for operators, while also reducing safety risks associated with human error or exposure to high temperatures and vacuum environments.

[0015] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a high-magnification plasma vacuum casting device according to the present invention; Figure 2 This is a side view of the motor drive assembly structure of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a top view of the structure of the motor drive assembly of the present invention.

[0017] Figure Labels 1. Hopper; 2. Vacuum pump; 3. Conveying hopper; 4. Control valve; 5. Feed inlet; 6. Plasma torch; 7. Housing; 8. Fixing frame; 9. Lifting platform; 10. Motor drive assembly; 101. Motor; 102. Worm gear; 103. Worm wheel; 104. Screw; 11. Vacuum pump. Detailed Implementation

[0018] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product is in use. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. In the description of this invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," and "connect" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0019] In this application, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains. In case of any inconsistency, the meaning set forth in this specification or derived from the content described herein shall prevail. Furthermore, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of this application only and is not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0020] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] like Figures 1-3 As shown, a high-magnification plasma vacuum casting device includes a housing 7, a vacuum feeding mechanism, a plasma torch 6, and a lifting mechanism. The upper part of the housing 7 is connected to the vacuum feeding mechanism, the plasma torch 6 is disposed inside the housing 7, and the lifting mechanism is disposed at the bottom of the housing 7, with the lifting mechanism located below the plasma torch 6.

[0022] The vacuum feeding mechanism includes a hopper 1, a vacuum pump 2, a conveying chamber 3, and a control valve 4. The hopper 1 is connected to the conveying chamber 3 through a pipe. The control valve 4 is installed between the conveying chamber 3 and the hopper 1. The conveying chamber 3 is also connected to the vacuum pump 2 through a pipe. The bottom of the conveying chamber 3 is connected to the top of the housing 7.

[0023] The top of the housing 7 is provided with a feed inlet 5, and a control valve 4 is also provided between the feed inlet 5 and the conveying chamber 3. The material is conveyed from the silo 1 to the conveying chamber 3 and then to the feed inlet 5 under the action of the vacuum pump 2.

[0024] The plasma torch 6 is connected to the middle of the housing 7 via a fixed frame 8. The material from the feed port 5 is heated and melted by the plasma torch 6 and then falls onto the lifting mechanism.

[0025] The lifting mechanism includes a lifting platform 9 and a motor drive assembly 10. The motor drive assembly 10 includes a motor 101, a worm gear 102, a worm wheel 103, and a screw 104. The motor 101 is fixed to the bottom of the housing 7. The output shaft of the motor 101 is driven by the worm gear 102. The worm gear 102 meshes with the worm wheel 103. The worm wheel 103 is rotatably connected to the housing 7. The screw 104 passes through the middle of the worm wheel 103 and is threadedly connected to the worm wheel 103. The top of the screw 104 is fixed to the lifting platform 9, and the screw is vertically arranged.

[0026] A door is provided on one side of the bottom of the housing 7, and the materials on the lifting platform 9 are output from the door of the housing 7.

[0027] The present invention discloses a method for using a high-magnification plasma vacuum casting device, comprising the following steps: Step 1: Perform vacuum feeding operation. Close the control valve 4 between the feed inlet 5 and the conveying chamber 3, open the control valve 4 between the hopper 1 and the conveying chamber 3, and start the vacuum pump 2 so that the material in the hopper 1 is sucked into the conveying chamber 3. When the material in the conveying chamber 3 reaches a certain position, the vacuum pump 2 stops running. Then, close the control valve 4 between the hopper 1 and the conveying chamber 3, and open the control valve 4 between the feed inlet 5 and the conveying chamber 3 so that the material is conveyed to the feed inlet 5. Step 2: Vacuum pump 11 creates a vacuum inside the housing. Then, the plasma torch is started. The material from the feed inlet is heated and melted by the plasma torch and falls onto the lifting platform under vacuum.

[0028] Step 3: The controller starts the motor, which drives the lifting platform 9 to descend. The lifting platform 9 gradually descends to the door of the housing 7. Then, the controller opens the door and takes out the material, which is then transported to the next process.

[0029] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and not to limit them. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can still be made to the technical solutions of the present invention, and these modifications or equivalent substitutions cannot cause the modified technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention.

Claims

1. A high-magnification plasma vacuum casting device, characterized in that: It includes a housing, a vacuum feeding mechanism, a plasma torch, and a lifting mechanism. The upper part of the housing is connected to the vacuum feeding mechanism, the interior of the housing is equipped with the plasma torch, and the bottom of the housing is equipped with the lifting mechanism, which is located below the plasma torch.

2. The high-magnification plasma vacuum casting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vacuum feeding mechanism includes a hopper, a vacuum pump, a conveying chamber, and a control valve. The hopper is connected to the conveying chamber via a pipe. A control valve is installed between the conveying chamber and the hopper. The conveying chamber is also connected to the vacuum pump via a pipe. The bottom of the conveying chamber is connected to the top of the housing.

3. The high-magnification plasma vacuum casting device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The top of the shell is provided with a feed inlet, and a control valve is also provided between the feed inlet and the conveying chamber. The material is transported from the silo to the conveying chamber and then to the feed inlet under the action of the vacuum pump.

4. The high-magnification plasma vacuum casting device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The plasma torch is connected to the middle of the housing via a fixed frame. Material from the feed inlet is heated and melted by the plasma torch and then falls onto the lifting mechanism.

5. The high-magnification plasma vacuum casting device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The lifting mechanism includes a lifting platform and a motor drive assembly. The motor drive assembly includes a motor, a worm, a worm wheel, and a screw. The motor is fixed to the bottom of the housing. The output shaft of the motor is driven by a worm, which meshes with the worm wheel. The screw passes through the middle of the worm wheel and is threadedly connected to the worm wheel. The top of the screw is fixed to the lifting platform, and the screw is vertically arranged.

6. The high-magnification plasma vacuum casting device according to claim 5, characterized in that: A door is provided on one side of the bottom of the housing, through which materials on the lifting platform are output.

7. The method of using a high-magnification plasma vacuum casting device as described in any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: Step 1: Perform vacuum feeding operation. Close the control valve between the feed inlet and the conveying chamber, open the control valve between the hopper and the conveying chamber, and start the vacuum pump to draw the material in the hopper into the conveying chamber. When the material in the conveying chamber reaches a certain position, the vacuum pump stops running. Then, close the control valve between the hopper and the conveying chamber, and open the control valve between the feed inlet and the conveying chamber to allow the material to be conveyed to the feed inlet. Step 2: The vacuum pump creates a vacuum inside the housing. Then, the plasma torch is started. The material from the feed inlet is heated and melted by the plasma torch and falls onto the lifting platform under vacuum. Step 3: The controller starts the motor, which drives the lifting platform to descend. The lifting platform gradually descends to the door of the housing. Then, the controller opens the door and takes out the material, which is then transported to the next process.

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