Mold temperature management system

Abstract

The present application provides a mold temperature management system that can suppress the risk of the mold temperature falling below a preheating temperature while suppressing the remaining of unburned hydrogen in the mold. The mold temperature management system according to the present application includes a burner that is supplied with hydrogen from a hydrogen supply source via a regulating mechanism, a blower, a mold temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the mold, and a control device. The mold temperature management system can be used in a preheating method in which the mold is preheated by blowing air to the mold by the blower after the supplied hydrogen is combusted by the burner and the hydrogen flame is sprayed to the mold. In a case where the detected temperature of the mold is below a first threshold value, the control device increases the supply amount of hydrogen supplied to the burner while decreasing the amount of air blown by the blower in order to cause the temperature of the mold detected in the next preheating method to exceed the first threshold value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a mold heating management system. Background Technology

[0002] The control device disclosed in Patent Document 1 keeps the common combustion gas on / off valve operating continuously during the operation of the casting machine. Combustion gas supplied from the combustion gas source to the upper and lower mold heating burners via the common combustion gas on / off valve heats the upper and lower molds. During this continuous circulation, the gas flow rate through the common combustion gas on / off valve keeps the mold temperature pattern almost constant during casting machine operation. The initial mold temperature, pre-set to the temperature at the start of molten metal injection, is the temperature preset for each product.

[0003] Furthermore, in the control device disclosed in Patent Document 1, a temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature of the upper mold. If the temperature of the upper mold is lower than the initial mold temperature, the combustion gas on / off valve for rapid heating is opened to increase the heat of the burner for heating the upper mold so that the temperature of the upper mold reaches the initial mold temperature.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-057985 Summary of the Invention

[0005] The inventors of this application have discovered the following technical issues.

[0006] In such a control device, if hydrogen is used as the combustion gas, some of the hydrogen sometimes remains unburned inside the mold. Therefore, the idea arose to use a blower to blow air into the mold to remove the unburned hydrogen. However, the temperature of the mold decreases due to the air blowing in, potentially falling below the preheating temperature.

[0007] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and provides a technology that can suppress the residue of unburned hydrogen in the mold and prevent the temperature of the mold from falling below the preheating temperature.

[0008] A mold temperature control system, comprising:

[0009] The burner is supplied with hydrogen from a hydrogen supply source via a regulating mechanism;

[0010] Blower;

[0011] A mold temperature sensor detects the temperature of the mold; and

[0012] Control device,

[0013] The mold temperature control system can be used in a preheating method that preheats the mold by means of: after the burner burns the supplied hydrogen and sprays the hydrogen flame onto the mold, air is blown onto the mold by the blower.

[0014] If the detected temperature of the mold is below a first threshold after the blower blows air onto the mold, the control device, in order to make the detected temperature of the mold exceed the first threshold in the next preheating method, increases the amount of hydrogen supplied by the burner while decreasing the amount of air blown by the blower.

[0015] The aforementioned mold temperature management system includes a plurality of mold temperature sensors. The mold has a complex shape portion disposed within the mold cavity. The complex shape portion has a more complex shape than other parts of the mold cavity. At least one of the plurality of mold temperature sensors may be disposed on the complex shape portion.

[0016] The aforementioned mold heating management system further includes a combustion temperature sensor that detects the combustion temperature. If the detected combustion temperature is below a second threshold after the burner burns the supplied hydrogen and sprays the hydrogen flame onto the mold, the control device may increase the amount of hydrogen supplied by the burner in order to make the detected combustion temperature exceed the second threshold in the next preheating method.

[0017] The aforementioned mold heating management system also includes a timer. The burner burns the supplied hydrogen and sprays the hydrogen flame onto the mold to heat the mold until the mold reaches a predetermined temperature. The timer measures the heating time taken from the start to the end of the heating of the mold. If the measured heating time is longer than a third threshold, the control device can increase the amount of air blown by the blower.

[0018] The aforementioned mold heating management system also includes a hydrogen concentration sensor, which is installed on the mold. When the hydrogen concentration sensor detects a hydrogen concentration higher than a fourth threshold, the control device can increase the amount of air blown by the blower.

[0019] Invention Effects

[0020] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the presence of unburned hydrogen in the mold and to prevent the temperature of the mold from falling below the preheating temperature. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the hardware structure of the mold heating management system involved in Embodiment 1.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the system structure of the mold heating management system involved in Embodiment 1.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the mold heating management method described in Implementation Method 1. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, the following description and drawings have been appropriately simplified.

[0025] <Implementation Method 1>

[0026] refer to Figures 1-2 The mold heating management system involved in Implementation Method 1 will be described. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the hardware structure of the mold heating management system involved in Embodiment 1. Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the system structure of the mold heating management system involved in Embodiment 1.

[0027] In addition, of course, Figure 1 The right-handed XYZ coordinate system shown in the other accompanying figures is for ease of illustrating the positional relationships of the constituent elements. Generally, the positive Z-axis is vertically upward, and the XY plane is horizontal; this is consistent across the accompanying figures.

[0028] (Mold)

[0029] The mold temperature control system 100 is capable of managing the temperature rise of the mold. Mold 10 is an example of the object managed by the mold temperature control system 100. Mold 10 has a fixed mold 1 and a movable mold 2. The movable mold 2 can be accessed or separated from the fixed mold 1 by a casting machine (not shown).

[0030] The fixed mold 1 has a facing surface 1a opposite to the movable mold 2. A cavity C1 is provided on the facing surface 1a. The movable mold 2 has a facing surface 2a opposite to the fixed mold 1. A cavity C2 is provided on the facing surface 2a. If the movable mold 2 and the fixed mold 1 abut and close, then the cavities C1 and C2 abut. A sleeve 3 is assembled on the fixed mold 1. A plunger 4 is disposed inside the sleeve 3 and can reciprocate by a casting machine (not shown). An exhaust channel 5 is provided on the movable mold 2. The exhaust channel 5 extends from the surface of the cavity C2 of the movable mold 2 to the back of the movable mold 2. A pressure reducing valve 6 is disposed in the middle of the exhaust channel 5. The exhaust channel 5 can be connected to a vacuum tank and a pump via a pipe (not shown).

[0031] Here, the movable mold 2 and the fixed mold 1 are abutted and sealed, and the movable mold 2 and the fixed mold 1 are clamped. Molten metal (not shown) is injected into the inlet 3c of the sleeve 3. The pressure reducing valve 6 is opened to reduce the pressure in the cavities C1 and C2. By pressing the plunger 4 towards the movable mold 2, the molten metal is sprayed into the cavities C1 and C2 and filled. The pressure reducing valve 6 is then closed appropriately. After filling, a specified pressure is applied to the molten metal, causing it to solidify directly. The molten metal solidifies to form a casting. While holding the casting in the movable mold 2, the movable mold 2 is separated from the fixed mold 1, thereby opening the mold. The casting is pushed out of the cavity C2, demolding it from the movable mold 2. Thus, the casting is formed.

[0032] (Mold Heating Management System)

[0033] The mold heating management system 100 includes: a burner 20; a blower 30; a mold temperature sensor 40; and a control device 60. The mold heating management system 100 may also include a mold temperature sensor 41 and a hydrogen concentration sensor 50.

[0034] The burner 20 is supplied with hydrogen from a hydrogen supply source 21 via a pipe 23. An adjustment mechanism 22 is disposed in the pipe 23 between the burner 20 and the hydrogen supply source 21. The hydrogen supply source 21 is, for example, a tank for storing hydrogen. The adjustment mechanism 22 adjusts the amount or flow rate of hydrogen supplied. The adjustment mechanism 22 is, for example, a valve, which changes the amount or flow rate of hydrogen supplied by opening and closing. The burner 20 burns the hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen supply source 21 to produce a hydrogen flame FH. The burner 20 can be movably held by means of a robotic arm (not shown). A combustion temperature sensor 24 detects the combustion temperature. Specifically, the combustion temperature sensor 24 is disposed at a predetermined position on the burner 20 to detect the temperature of the burner 20.

[0035] The blower 30 can be any device that delivers air, such as a blower or a fan. The blower 30 is movably positioned to deliver air to the mold 10. The blower 30 can be movably held in place by a robotic arm or the like (not shown).

[0036] Mold temperature sensors 40 and 41 detect the temperature of mold 10. Mold temperature sensor 40 is disposed in the main body C2a of the cavity C2 of the mold. Mold temperature sensor 41 is disposed in the complex-shaped portion C2b of the cavity C2 of mold 10. The complex-shaped portion C2b has a complex shape compared to other parts of the cavity C2, such as the main body C2a. For example, the complex-shaped portion C2b has a shape that protrudes or is recessed relative to the fixed mold 1. The main body C2a has a flat shape compared to the complex-shaped portion C2b. The main body C2a is opposite to the cavity C1. Therefore, the complex-shaped portion C2b is more prone to hydrogen residue compared to other parts of the cavity C2. Mold temperature sensor 40 is, for example, a thermocouple. Alternatively, a thermal imager can be used to assist mold temperature sensors 40 and 41. In addition, the mold temperature management system 100 may also include mold temperature sensors with the same structure as mold temperature sensors 40 and 41.

[0037] A hydrogen concentration sensor 50 detects the hydrogen concentration in the ambient atmosphere. The hydrogen concentration sensor 50 is disposed on the mold 10. For example, the hydrogen concentration sensor 50 may be disposed near the center or below the cavity C2 of the movable mold 2. The hydrogen concentration sensor 50 may be, for example, a contact reactive hydrogen sensor or a semiconductor hydrogen sensor.

[0038] The control device 60 is, for example, a general-purpose computer. It can be constructed from a general-purpose computer. This computer includes a central processing unit (CPU), read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), and other storage devices, as well as input / output ports. The ROM can pre-record threshold values, the initial value of the amount of hydrogen supplied to the burner 20, and the initial value of the amount of air blown out by the blower 30.

[0039] The control device 60 includes a timer 61. The timer 61 measures the heating time (preheating time) taken for the mold 10 to heat up (step ST2) in the preheating method described later. This heating time is the period from the start of preheating the mold 10 until the temperature of the mold 10 reaches a preset preheating temperature. For example, the timer 61 can measure the time from the moment the control device 60 sends a hydrogen supply command signal to the adjustment mechanism 22 until the moment the temperature of the mold 10 reaches the specified temperature, thereby determining the aforementioned preheating time.

[0040] The control device 60 acquires the temperature of the mold 10 detected by the mold temperature sensors 40 and 41 via wireless or wired communication. The control device 60 acquires the hydrogen concentration detected by the hydrogen concentration sensor 50 via wireless or wired communication. The control device 60 sends a command signal to the adjustment mechanism 22 via wireless or wired communication to adjust the amount of hydrogen supplied to the burner 20. For example, the control device 60 can adjust the amount of hydrogen supplied to the burner 20 by changing the opening degree of the valve in the adjustment mechanism 22. The control device 60 sends a command signal to the blower 30 via wireless or wired communication to adjust the amount of air blown by the blower 30. For example, the amount of air blown by the blower 30 can be adjusted by changing the duration of air blowing by the blower 30.

[0041] Furthermore, the control device 60 can adjust the amount of hydrogen supplied to the burner 20 and the amount of air blown out by the blower 30 based on the combustion temperature detected by the combustion temperature sensor 24.

[0042] Furthermore, the control device 60 can adjust the amount of hydrogen supplied to the burner 20 and the amount of air blown out by the blower 30 based on the temperature of the mold 10 detected by the mold temperature sensors 40 and 41.

[0043] Furthermore, the control device 60 can adjust the amount of hydrogen supplied to the burner 20 and the amount of air blown out by the blower 30 based on the hydrogen concentration detected by the hydrogen concentration sensor 50.

[0044] Furthermore, the control device 60 can adjust the amount of hydrogen supplied to the burner 20 and the amount of air blown out by the blower 30 based on the heating time measured by the timer 61.

[0045] <Preheating Method>

[0046] Next, refer to Figure 3 The preheating method for using the mold temperature management system 100 is explained. Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the mold heating management method according to Embodiment 1. Furthermore, after this preheating method, casting can be performed using the mold 10. Since the mold 10 is heated to a temperature suitable for casting, the casting process, also known as trial casting, which involves heating the mold 10, can be reduced.

[0047] The mold is opened (step ST1). A casting machine (not shown) separates the movable mold 2 from the fixed mold 1.

[0048] Next, the mold 10 is heated using a hydrogen flame (step ST2). Specifically, a robotic arm (not shown) positions a burner 20 near the cavity C2 of the opposing surface 2a of the movable mold 2. An adjustment mechanism 22 supplies hydrogen from a hydrogen supply source 21 to the burner 20 via a pipe 23. The burner 20 burns the hydrogen, emitting a hydrogen flame FH into the cavity C2. The mold 10 is heated until its temperature reaches a predetermined temperature. The predetermined temperature can be the same as the preheating temperature of the mold 10, or a higher value. The predetermined temperature can be determined through prior experimentation.

[0049] Next, air is introduced and the temperature of mold 10 is monitored (step ST3). Specifically, blower 30 blows air towards mold 10. Mold temperature sensors 40 and 41 monitor the temperature of mold 10 in real time. Control device 60 confirms whether the detected temperature of mold 10 is below a first threshold. The first threshold is a value based on the preheating temperature of mold 10. The first threshold can, for example, be the same as the preheating temperature of mold 10.

[0050] Next, at least one of the hydrogen supply and the air quantity is adjusted (step ST4). Specifically, the control device 60 confirms whether the temperature of the mold 10 detected in step ST3 is below a first threshold. If the temperature of the mold 10 detected in step ST3 is below the first threshold, the control device 60 increases the hydrogen supply to the burner 20 and decreases the air blown out by the blower 30 so that the temperature of the mold 10 detected in the next preheating method exceeds the first threshold. Furthermore, the hydrogen supply to the burner 20 can be increased by a predetermined percentage, for example, 5%, 10%, 15%, etc. And the air blown out by the blower 30 can be decreased by a predetermined percentage, for example, 5%, 10%, 15%, etc. In the next preheating method, while the mold 10 receives a large amount of heat from the hydrogen flame FH of the burner 20, the cooling caused by the air blown out by the blower 30 is suppressed.

[0051] Therefore, in step ST3, air is blown onto the mold 10. This causes unburned hydrogen to move or diffuse outwards from the mold 10. Furthermore, in step ST4, sometimes the temperature of the mold 10 detected in step ST3 is below the first threshold. In this case, the amount of hydrogen supplied to the burner 20 is increased, and the amount of air blown out by the blower 30 is reduced. Therefore, in the next preheating process, the mold 10 can ensure a sufficient amount of heat. This suppresses the retention of unburned hydrogen within the mold 10 and prevents the temperature of the mold 10 from falling below the preheating temperature.

[0052] Furthermore, as described above, the mold temperature sensor 40 is installed in the main body C2a of the mold cavity C2. The mold temperature sensor 41 is installed in the complex-shaped portion C2b of the mold cavity C2. There is a tendency for the temperature of the main body C2a to differ from the temperature of the complex-shaped portion C2b. This tendency becomes stronger when the mold 10 is large, for example, when the height of the mold 10 is 2m or more. The mold temperature sensors 40 and 41 detect the temperature of the mold 10. Therefore, it is possible to obtain the temperature distribution of the mold 10 and suppress the differences in temperature measurement of the mold 10 caused by the shape of the mold 10.

[0053] Furthermore, in step ST2, sometimes after the burner 20 burns hydrogen and emits a hydrogen flame FH to the mold 10, the combustion temperature is below the second threshold. In this case, the amount of hydrogen supplied to the burner 20 can be increased so that the combustion temperature detected in step ST2 of the next preheating method exceeds the second threshold. The amount of hydrogen supplied to the burner 20 can be increased by a predetermined percentage, for example, 5%, 10%, 15%, etc. Therefore, in the next preheating method, the mold 10 can receive a large amount of heat from the burner 20. That is, the preheating temperature of the mold 10 can be achieved.

[0054] Furthermore, if the heating time measured by the timer 61 in step ST2 is longer than the third threshold, the control device 60 can increase the amount of air blown out by the blower 30 in step ST3 of the same preheating method. The amount of air blown out by the blower 30 can be reduced by a predetermined percentage, for example, 5%, 10%, 15%, etc. This allows unburned hydrogen to move or diffuse outside the mold 10.

[0055] Furthermore, if the hydrogen concentration detected by the hydrogen concentration sensor 50 is higher than the fourth threshold, the control device 60 can increase the amount of air blown out by the blower 30. The amount of air blown out by the blower 30 can also be reduced by a predetermined percentage, such as 5%, 10%, or 15%. This allows unburned hydrogen to move or diffuse outside the mold 10.

[0056] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and appropriate modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Moreover, the present invention can be implemented by appropriately combining the above embodiments or examples thereof.

[0057] Symbol Explanation

[0058] 100-Mold Heating Management System, 10-Mold, 1-Fixed Mold, 2-Modible Mold, 3-Sleeve, 3c-Sodium Inlet, 4-Plunger, 5-Exhaust Manifold, 6-Pressure Reducing Valve, 20-Burner, 21-Hydrogen Supply Source, 22-Adjustment Mechanism, 23-Pipe, 24-Combustion Temperature Sensor, 30-Blower, 40, 41-Mold Temperature Sensor, 50-Hydrogen Concentration Sensor, 60-Control Device, 61-Timer, C1, C2-Cavity, C2a-Main Body, C2b-Complex Shape Part.

Claims

1. A mold heating management system, comprising: The burner is supplied with hydrogen from a hydrogen supply source via a regulating mechanism; Blower; A mold temperature sensor detects the temperature of the mold; and Control device, The mold temperature control system can be used in a preheating method that preheats the mold by means of: after the burner burns the supplied hydrogen and sprays the hydrogen flame onto the mold, air is blown onto the mold by the blower. The mold temperature control system is characterized in that... If the detected temperature of the mold is below a first threshold after the blower blows air onto the mold, the control device, in order to make the detected temperature of the mold exceed the first threshold in the next preheating method, increases the amount of hydrogen supplied by the burner while decreasing the amount of air blown by the blower.

2. The mold heating management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Includes multiple mold temperature sensors, The mold has a complex-shaped portion disposed within the cavity of the mold. The complex-shaped part has a more complex shape than other parts of the mold cavity. At least one of the plurality of mold temperature sensors is disposed on the complex shape portion.

3. The mold heating management system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, It also has: Combustion temperature sensor, which detects combustion temperature. If, after the burner burns the supplied hydrogen and injects a hydrogen flame into the mold, the detected combustion temperature is below a second threshold, the control device increases the amount of hydrogen supplied by the burner in order to make the detected combustion temperature exceed the second threshold in the next preheating method.

4. The mold heating management system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, It also has a timer. The burner burns the supplied hydrogen and sprays the hydrogen flame onto the mold, heating the mold until it reaches a predetermined temperature. The timer measures the heating time taken from the start to the end of heating the mold. If the measured heating time is longer than the third threshold, the control device increases the amount of air blown by the blower.

5. The mold heating management system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, It also has: A hydrogen concentration sensor is mounted on the mold. If the hydrogen concentration sensor detects a hydrogen concentration higher than the fourth threshold, the control device increases the amount of air blown by the blower.

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