Production system

Abstract

The utility model provides a production system. The production system is used for producing the porous metal material. The production system comprises: a container for accommodating a molten metal liquid; the ventilation device comprises a guide part and a bubbling part, the guide part comprises a first cavity, the first cavity comprises at least one air inlet, the bubbling part is in a plate shape and comprises a second cavity, the second cavity is communicated with the first cavity, and the second cavity comprises a plurality of air outlet holes penetrating through the upper wall of the second cavity; and the discharging device is used for guiding the foam discharged from the container to move along a target direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of porous metal material processing, and in particular to a production system. Background Art

[0002] Porous metal materials have the advantages of low density, high porosity, high strength and toughness, good electrical and thermal conductivity, strong impact resistance, special heat transfer and acoustics, and are widely used in various fields.

[0003] The melt-gas foaming method is a commonly used method for producing porous metal materials. The density and uniformity of the finished porous metal material significantly impact its performance. Controlling density and uniformity is a challenge with existing equipment using the melt-gas foaming method for producing porous metals. Utility Model Content

[0004] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present application discloses a production system for producing porous metal materials, comprising: a container for accommodating molten metal liquid; a ventilation device, comprising a guide part and a bubbling part, the guide part comprising a first cavity, the first cavity comprising at least one air inlet, the bubbling part being plate-shaped and comprising a second cavity, the second cavity being connected to the first cavity, the second cavity comprising a plurality of air outlet holes passing through the upper wall of the second cavity; and a discharging device, guiding the foam coming out of the container to move in a target direction.

[0005] In some embodiments, the bubbling portion includes an upper wall plate, a lower wall plate, and a side wall plate, and the upper wall plate, the lower wall plate, and the side wall plate enclose the second cavity.

[0006] In some embodiments, the bubbling portion further includes: a supporting structure, in the second cavity, with an upper end connected to the upper wall plate and a lower end connected to the lower wall plate.

[0007] In some embodiments, the support structure includes: a support rod; or a support plate including a plurality of through holes.

[0008] In some embodiments, the upper surface of the upper wall plate includes a plurality of protrusions, and the air outlet holes are arranged at the protrusions.

[0009] In some embodiments, the second cavity is plate-shaped.

[0010] In some embodiments, the target direction includes a vertical direction, the discharging device includes a discharging channel extending along the vertical direction, the discharging device includes a first limiting portion and a second limiting portion, the first limiting portion and the second limiting portion are parallel and extend along the vertical direction, and the first limiting portion and the second limiting portion are separated by a preset distance.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first limiting portion includes at least one first roller, which is arranged in a vertical direction, and the second limiting portion includes at least one second roller, which is arranged in a vertical direction; or the first limiting portion includes at least one first roller belt, which extends in a vertical direction, and the second limiting portion includes at least one second roller belt, which extends in a vertical direction.

[0012] In some embodiments, the preset spacing is adjustable.

[0013] In some embodiments, the production system further includes a cutting device, which is located vertically above the discharge device. The cutting device includes: a base; and a cutting head installed on the base. When the cutting head is working, it moves horizontally relative to the base to cut off the solidified foam. When the cutting head is working, the base moves upward in the vertical direction, wherein the upward movement speed of the base is the same as the upward movement speed of the solidified foam.

[0014] In some embodiments, the production system further includes: a driving device, which drives one end of the bubbling part to move horizontally back and forth during operation, thereby driving the entire bubbling part to move horizontally back and forth; and a limiting device, which limits the displacement of the other end of the bubbling part in the vertical direction.

[0015] The production system provided by the present application has a simple gas flow path, and the gas is spread out flat in the plate-shaped bubble portion. The gas pressure and gas flow rate at each outlet are highly consistent, which improves the consistency of the gas state at each location in the bubble portion, thereby improving the consistency of the size and density of the bubbles emerging from all outlets, and improving the uniformity of the foam. The bubble portion in the ventilation device is designed as a thin-walled cavity structure, which is simple in structure and reduces production costs. Providing a support structure in the second cavity can increase the strength of the bubble portion and prevent the bubble portion from deforming in high-temperature metal. Using support rods as the support structure can minimize the impact of the support structure on the airflow in the second cavity while achieving the supporting function. When using a support plate as the support structure, providing through holes on the support plate can avoid the impact of the support plate on the airflow in the second cavity, making the airflow in the second cavity connected and more consistent at each location. Providing several protrusions on the upper wall plate of the bubble portion and arranging the outlet holes at the protrusions makes it easier for the bubbles to detach, accelerates the detachment of the bubbles, and reduces the volume of the bubbles.

[0016] Furthermore, a discharge channel extending vertically above the container outlet guides the foam upward, where it cools and solidifies into a porous metal material. The porous metal material produced using this system boasts a more uniform distribution of bubbles across width, thickness, and length, resulting in superior performance.

[0017] Furthermore, a cooling device accelerates the cooling and solidification of the liquid metal foam, improving production efficiency. Adjusting the width of the discharge channel adjusts the thickness of the formed porous metal, resulting in simple operation and low cost. A cutting device separates the solid porous material exiting the discharge channel, with the cutting head moving upward along with the metal foam, improving the smoothness of the cut.

[0018] Furthermore, the longitudinal displacement of the second end of the bubbling portion is constrained by a limiting device, thereby enhancing the stability of the bubbling portion in the vertical direction during the operation of the production system, reducing the vertical shaking of the bubbling portion, avoiding the shaking bubbling portion hitting the bubbles and causing the bubbles to burst, increasing the density of the bubbles in the finished porous metal material, and improving the performance of the finished porous metal material. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this specification, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this specification. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a production system provided according to an embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0021] Figure 2 A schematic structural diagram of a ventilation device provided according to an embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0022] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a ventilation device provided according to an embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0023] Figure 4 A schematic structural diagram of a foaming portion provided according to an embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0024] Figure 5 A schematic structural diagram of a production system in which a discharging device extends horizontally according to an embodiment of the present application is shown; and

[0025] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a foamed aluminum plate is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The following description provides specific application scenarios and requirements of the present application, with the purpose of enabling those skilled in the art to make and use the content of this application. Various local modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the embodiments shown, but is intended to be of the widest scope consistent with the claims.

[0027] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0028] These and other features of the present application, as well as the operation and function of the related elements of the structure, and the economy of assembly and manufacture of the components, can be significantly improved in view of the following description. Reference is made to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this application. However, it should be clearly understood that the drawings are for illustration and description purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0029] The following description may significantly improve these and other features of the present application, as well as the operation and function of the related elements of the structure, and the economic efficiency of the assembly and manufacture of the components. All of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety into the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this application. However, it should be expressly understood that the drawings are for illustration and description purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. It should also be understood that the drawings are not drawn to scale.

[0030] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a production system 01 provided according to an embodiment of the present application is shown. The production system 01 can produce porous metal materials. The metal material refers to a material containing metal. The metal material may include pure metal, metal alloy, or metal-based composite material. As an example, the metal may include but is not limited to aluminum, steel, copper, and the like. As an example, the metal material may be aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or an aluminum-based composite material. For example, the production system 01 can produce foamed aluminum. As an example, the foamed aluminum is closed-cell foamed aluminum. As an example, in the following description of this article, the production system 01 is introduced with the metal being aluminum. Reference Figure 1 The production system 01 may include a container 100, a ventilation device 200, and a discharge device 300. In some embodiments, the production system 01 may further include a driving device 400, a limiting device (not shown in the figure), a cutting device 500, a cooling device (not shown in the figure), a supporting device 700, and / or a guiding device 800.

[0031] The container 100 includes a holding chamber 110. The container 110 can hold molten metal. For example, the molten metal can include molten aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or an aluminum-based composite material. The molten metal forms metal foam after aeration. For example, when the molten metal is molten aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or an aluminum-based composite material, the metal foam comprises aluminum foam. In some embodiments, the container 100 can be made of a high-temperature resistant insulating material to prevent the molten metal from solidifying after its temperature drops. In some embodiments, an insulating structure can be provided outside the container 100 to insulate the molten metal within. The container 100 includes an opening 101. Under the action of gas pressure, the molten metal foam can move upward and flow out of the opening 101. A discharge device 300, disposed near the opening 101, guides the foam exiting the container 100 in a target direction. For example, the target direction can be vertical. The discharge device 300 can guide the metal foam exiting the opening 101 into a discharge channel 301 and allow it to move vertically. As an example, a guiding device 901 may be provided in the container 100. The guiding device 901 may guide the bubbles to the inlet of the discharge channel 301.

[0032] The ventilation device 200 can guide the target gas provided by the gas source into the container 100. In some embodiments, the target gas can be air. As an example, the air can be compressed air. In some embodiments, the target gas can be carbon dioxide gas. In some embodiments, the target gas can be an inert gas. As an example, the inert gas can include but is not limited to helium (He), neon (Ne), argon (Ar), etc. The target gas is provided by a gas source. In some embodiments, the pressure of the target gas is not less than 0.1 MPa, so that the metal foam in the container is more likely to move upward. Specifically, the ventilation device 200 may include a guide portion 210 and a bubbling portion 220.

[0033] As an example, Figure 2 1 shows a structural diagram of a ventilation device 200 provided according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a ventilation device 200 provided according to an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0034] One end of the guide portion 210 is connected to the gas source, and the other end is connected to the bubbling portion 220. The guide portion 210 can guide the target gas of the gas source to the bubbling portion 220. Figure 2 and Figure 3The guide portion 210 may include a first cavity 201, and the first cavity 201 may include at least one gas inlet 21. The gas inlet 21 may be an opening of the first cavity 201. The gas inlet 21 may be connected to a gas source. The gas inlet 21 may introduce the target gas provided by the gas source into the first cavity 201. The gas inlet 21 may be outside the container.

[0035] The foaming portion 220 is inside the container 100. The foaming portion 220 is used to generate foam, that is, foam or foam. As an example, the foaming portion 220 is close to the bottom of the container 100. Figures 2 to 3 The bubbling portion 220 may include a second cavity 202. The second cavity 202 and the first cavity 201 may be connected. The second cavity 202 and the first cavity 201 may be connected to form an air channel. The entrance of the air channel is an air inlet 21. The target gas can enter the second cavity 202 from the first cavity 201 and fill the second cavity 202. The second cavity 202 may include a plurality of air outlet holes 22 that penetrate the upper wall of the second cavity 202. The outlet of the air channel may be the plurality of air outlet holes 22. The plurality of air outlet holes 22 allow the target gas that enters the first cavity 201 and the second cavity 202 through the air inlet 21 to flow out into the molten metal liquid to form foam. As an example, the air outlet holes 22 are close to the bottom 102 of the container 100. The second cavity 202 is plate-shaped. As an example, the second cavity 202 is flat. As an example, the second cavity 202 is in the shape of a curved plate. For example, the second cavity 202 may be in the shape of a wave plate.

[0036] Continue to refer Figures 2 to 3 , the bubbling portion 220 can be in the shape of a plate. As an example, the shape of the bubbling portion 220 can be consistent with the shape of the second cavity 202. For example, the bubbling portion 220 and the second cavity 202 can both be in the shape of a flat plate. For another example, the bubbling portion 220 and the second cavity 202 can both be in the shape of a wavy plate. The width of the bubbling portion 220 can be slightly smaller than the width of the bottom of the container. The length of the bubbling portion 220 can be smaller than the width of the bottom of the container to facilitate the horizontal reciprocating movement of the bubbling portion in the container 100. As an example, the length of the bubbling portion 220 is 1 / 3-1 / 2 of the length of the bottom of the container.

[0037] As described above, the target gas enters the first cavity 201 through the gas inlet 21, then enters the second cavity 202 located at the bottom of the container and connected to the first cavity 201. It then exits through several gas outlets 22 on the upper wall of the second cavity 202. The target gas exiting the gas outlets 22 moves upward through the solution, forming foam. For a single gas outlet 22, the size, density, and uniformity of the bubbles emerging from that outlet 22 are affected by the gas pressure and gas flow rate at that outlet 22. Generally speaking, the faster the gas flow rate, the denser the bubbles emerging from that outlet; the greater the gas pressure, the larger the bubbles emerging from that outlet; and the more stable the gas pressure and flow rate at that outlet, the better the uniformity of the bubbles emerging from that outlet. As described above, the bubble generating portion 220 includes multiple gas outlets 22. If the gas state at all gas outlets 22 can be controlled to be consistent, the uniformity of the foam emerging from the bubble generating portion can be greatly improved. The production system provided by the present application has a simple gas flow path, the gas is spread out flatly in the plate-shaped bubbling portion, and the gas pressure and gas flow rate at each outlet are highly consistent, thereby improving the consistency of the gas state at various locations in the bubbling portion, thereby improving the consistency of the size and density of the bubbles coming out of all the outlets, and improving the uniformity of the foam.

[0038] Specifically, the bubbling portion 220 may include an upper wall plate 221, a lower wall plate 222, and a side wall plate 223. As an example, the shape of the upper wall plate 221 may be consistent with the shape of the second cavity 202. For example, the shape of the upper wall plate 221 may be consistent with the shape of the second cavity 202, both being flat. For another example, the shape of the upper wall plate 221 may be consistent with the shape of the second cavity 202, both being wavy. As an example, the shape of the lower wall plate 222 may be consistent with the shape of the second cavity 202. For example, the shape of the lower wall plate 222 may be consistent with the shape of the second cavity 202, both being flat. For another example, the shape of the lower wall plate 222 may be consistent with the shape of the second cavity 202, both being wavy. In some embodiments, the lower wall plate 222 is parallel to the upper wall plate 221. The upper wall plate 221 and the lower wall plate 222 are spaced apart to form the first cavity 201. The upper end of the side wall plate 223 is connected to the upper wall plate 221, and the lower end is connected to the lower wall plate 222. The upper wall plate 221, the lower wall plate 222 and the side wall plate 223 enclose the second cavity 202. The bubbling portion in the ventilation device is designed as a thin-walled cavity structure, which has a simple structure and reduces production costs. In some embodiments, the upper surface of the upper wall plate 221 may include a plurality of protrusions, and the air outlet 22 may be provided at the protrusions. A plurality of protrusions are provided on the upper wall plate of the bubbling portion, and the air outlet is provided at the protrusions, so that the detachment of the bubbles is easier, the detachment of the bubbles is accelerated, and the volume of the bubbles is reduced.

[0039] As an example, Figure 4FIG2 shows a structural diagram of a foaming portion 220 provided according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 4 In some embodiments, the bubbling portion 220 may include a support structure 225. The support structure 225 may be disposed within the second cavity 202, with the upper end of the support structure 225 connected to the upper wall plate 221, and the lower end of the support structure 225 connected to the lower wall plate 222. Providing the support structure 225 within the second cavity 202 can improve the strength of the bubbling portion 220 and prevent the bubbling portion 220 from deforming in high-temperature metal. As an example, the support structure 225 may include a support rod. Using a support rod as the support structure can minimize the impact of the support structure on the airflow within the second cavity while achieving a supporting function. As an example, the support structure 225 may include a support plate, and the support plate may include a plurality of through holes. When using a support plate as the support structure, providing through holes on the support plate can prevent the support plate from affecting the airflow within the second cavity, thereby ensuring that the airflow within the second cavity 202 is connected and the airflow consistency is improved at all locations.

[0040] refer to Figure 1 In some embodiments, the production system 01 may further include a drive device 400. The drive device 400 can drive the bubbling portion 220 to perform horizontal reciprocating motion. When in operation, the drive device 400 drives one end 220-1 of the bubbling portion to perform horizontal reciprocating motion, thereby driving the entire bubbling portion 220 to perform horizontal reciprocating motion. The drive device 400 drives the bubbling portion 220 to perform horizontal reciprocating motion, accelerating the shedding of bubbles from the bubbling portion 220, thereby improving efficiency and preventing excessive bubble growth.

[0041] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments, the driving device 400 can be connected to the one end 220-1 of the bubbling portion through the guide portion 210, and can drive the guide portion 210 to move horizontally and reciprocally, thereby driving the bubbling portion 220 to move horizontally and reciprocally. In some embodiments, the driving device 400 can also be connected to the one end 220-1 of the bubbling portion through other supporting structures, and can drive the other supporting structures to move horizontally and reciprocally, thereby driving the bubbling portion 220 to move horizontally and reciprocally.

[0042] The drive device 400 may include a crank-connecting rod mechanism, one end of which is connected to the motor and the other end of which may be connected to the guide portion 210. The crank-connecting rod mechanism converts the continuous rotation output by the motor into reciprocating movement of the guide portion 210 in the horizontal direction. The drive device 400 may include a motor 410, a turntable 420, a first connecting rod 430, a second connecting rod 440, and a slide rail 450. The motor 410 is a rotary motor. The turntable 420 is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the motor 410 and rotates about the axis of the output shaft of the motor 410 when driven by the motor 410. The first connecting rod 430 has one end connected to the turntable 420 and the other end connected to the second connecting rod 440. The connection between the first connecting rod 430 and the turntable 420 is offset from the output axis of the motor 410. The slide rail 450 limits the longitudinal displacement of the second connecting rod 440, guiding its horizontal movement. One end of the second connecting rod 440 is connected to the first connecting rod 430, and the other end is rigidly connected to the guide portion 210 of the ventilation device 200. The rotating disk 420, the first connecting rod 430, the second connecting rod 440, and the slide rail 450 form an eccentric crank-connecting rod mechanism, which converts the continuous rotation of the output shaft of the motor 410 into reciprocating movement of the second connecting rod 440, thereby driving the reciprocating movement of the ventilation device 200, which is rigidly connected to the second connecting rod 440.

[0043] In combination with the foregoing description, one end 220-1 of the bubbling portion can be connected to the driving device 400 through the guide portion 210 or other supporting structure. In some embodiments, the production system 01 may further include a limiting device (not shown in the figure). The other end 220-2 of the bubbling portion can be connected to the limiting device, for example, the other end 220-2 of the bubbling portion is connected to the limiting device through a supporting structure. The limiting device can limit the displacement of the other end 220-2 of the bubbling portion in the vertical direction, enhance the stability of the bubbling portion 220 in the vertical direction during the operation of the production system, reduce the shaking of the bubbling portion 220 in the vertical direction, avoid the shaking bubbling portion 220 slapping the bubbles to cause the bubbles to burst, increase the density of the bubbles in the finished porous metal material, and improve the performance of the finished porous metal material.

[0044] Continue to refer Figure 1 The discharge device 300 is located above the container 100. The discharge device 300 may include a discharge channel 301. The discharge channel 301 allows the metal foam to pass through. The metal foam moves upward, flows out of the opening 101, enters the discharge channel 301, and moves along the direction of the discharge channel 301 to form a solid foam, i.e., the finished porous metal material.

[0045] In some embodiments, the discharge channel 301 extends in a horizontal direction. As an example, Figure 5The schematic diagram of the structure of a production system 02 with a discharging device extending horizontally according to an embodiment of the present application is shown. The metal foam moves upward and flows out of the opening 101. Then, under the guidance of the guide part, it turns and enters the discharging channel 301 extending horizontally. It moves horizontally along the discharging channel 301 and is formed into solid foam. Figure 5 In the embodiment shown, as the metal foam moves horizontally along the discharge channel 301, the bubbles move upward due to the influence of density, gravity, gas pressure, etc., resulting in uneven bubbles in the final solid metal foam: the higher the foam density, the lower the foam density. This unevenness greatly affects the performance of the finished foam metal. As an example, Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a foam aluminum plate is shown. Figure 6 In the thickness direction, the number of bubbles decreases from top to bottom in the aluminum foam sheet, and the bubble uniformity in the thickness direction is very poor. In addition, when the bubbles exit the container 100, they need to turn to enter the discharge channel 301. At the turn, the number and distribution of bubbles will also change, affecting the bubble density and uniformity of the formed metal foam.

[0046] In some embodiments, the discharge channel 301 extends in a vertical direction. Figure 1 The discharge device 300 includes a discharge channel 301 extending in a vertical direction. After the metal foam moves upward and flows out from the opening 101, it enters the discharge channel 301 extending in the vertical direction and moves vertically upward to be formed into solid foam. In the process of the movement of the metal foam, the movement direction of the metal foam is consistent with the gravity and the rising direction of the gas, so that the bubbles in the solid metal foam finally formed are more uniform in thickness and length. As an example, the discharge channel 301 can be directly above the opening 110. The entrance of the discharge channel 301 is opposite to the bubbling part 220 provided with the air outlet. After the metal foam flows out from the opening 101, it does not need to turn and directly moves vertically upward to enter the discharge channel 301, thereby avoiding the influence of the bend on the bubbles and improving the bubble density and uniformity of the formed metal foam.

[0047] The discharge channel 301 can constrain the shape of the metal foam. It acts as a mold to shape the molten metal into the desired form. The cross-sectional shape of the formed solid metal foam matches that of the discharge channel 301. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the discharge channel 301 can include, but is not limited to, rectangular, circular, triangular, and the like. Correspondingly, the formed solid metal foam can be in the shape of a plate, cylinder, triangular prism, and the like.

[0048] Continue to refer Figure 1In some embodiments, the discharge device 300 may include a first stopper 310 and a second stopper 320. The first stopper 310 and the second stopper 320 are parallel and extend vertically. The first stopper 310 restricts the molten metal foam entering the discharge channel 301 from moving horizontally to the left, while the second stopper 320 restricts the molten metal foam from moving horizontally to the right. The first stopper 310 and the second stopper 320 are spaced apart by a preset distance H to form the discharge channel 301. For example, the formed metal foam is in the shape of a plate, and the thickness of the metal foam plate is H. In some embodiments, the preset distance L is adjustable. Production personnel can adjust the distance H between the first stopper 310 and the second stopper 320 according to the desired metal foam thickness to produce metal foam of the desired thickness. This eliminates the need to replace molds; simply adjusting the distance H allows metal foam plates of various thicknesses to be produced, resulting in simple operation, high efficiency, and reduced costs.

[0049] refer to Figure 1 In some embodiments, the first limiting portion 310 includes at least one first roller 311, the axis of the first roller 311 is horizontally arranged, and the at least one first roller 311 is arranged in the vertical direction. The second limiting portion 320 includes at least one second roller 321, the axis of the second roller 321 is horizontally arranged, and the at least one second roller 321 is arranged in the vertical direction. Figure 1 The axes of the first roller 311 and the second roller 321 are both arranged horizontally (perpendicular to the drawing). The axes of the first roller 311 and the second roller 321 are parallel to each other. One first roller 311 and one second roller 321 constitute a roller set. Multiple roller sets arranged vertically together form the discharge channel 301.

[0050] The use of a vertically arranged roller group can, on the one hand, form a vertically extending discharge channel to guide the metal foam to move in the vertical direction; on the other hand, the friction between the rollers and the foam metal during rolling can drive the foam metal to move upward.

[0051] Compared to the metal foam at the bottom, the metal foam at the top has been out of the container 100 for a longer time, so it is more solidified and less likely to spread. The metal foam at the bottom has a lower solidification degree. In some embodiments, the roller arrangement density at the bottom is greater than the roller arrangement density at the top in the vertical direction. Figure 1 In the vertical direction, the lower it is, the denser the arrangement density of the roller group is, so as to prevent the liquid molten metal foam from diffusing at the interface between the opening 101 and the discharge channel 301. The higher it is, the sparser the arrangement density of the stick group is, so as to reduce the resistance to the upward movement of the metal foam.

[0052] In some embodiments, the rollers can be replaced with roller belts. For example, the first limiting portion 310 may include at least one first roller belt extending vertically, and the second limiting portion 320 may include at least one second roller belt extending vertically. The opposing first and second roller belts may also form a discharge channel, and the rolling of the roller belts may provide a driving force for the metal foam to move upward.

[0053] The cooling device can accelerate the solidification of the metal foam. The cooling device can be disposed outside the discharge channel 301. The cooling device can cool the foam exiting the container 100, whereupon the foam becomes solid after cooling. In some embodiments, the cooling device blows cold air into the discharge channel 301 to cool the foam. In some embodiments, the cooling device cools the foam using cooling water. In some embodiments, the cooling device cools the foam using cold mist.

[0054] The cutting device 500 is vertically positioned above the discharge device 300. It can be positioned at the outlet of the discharge channel. After the foamed metal exits the discharge device 500, the cutting device 500 cuts the foamed metal. The cut foamed metal is then trimmed to its desired width to form a finished foamed metal.

[0055] In some embodiments, the cutting device 500 includes a base 510 and a cutting head 520. Figure 1 The cutting head 520 is mounted on the base 510. The cutting head 510 moves horizontally relative to the base 520 during operation to cut off the solidified foam.

[0056] In some embodiments, the base 510 is fixedly connected to the supporting device 700. During the horizontal movement of the cutting head 520, the base 510 remains stationary relative to the ground.

[0057] In some embodiments, when the cutting head 520 is in operation, the base 510 moves vertically upward. For example, one of the base 510 and the support device 700 is provided with a vertically extending slide rail, and the other is provided with a slider that cooperates with the slide rail, allowing the base 510 to move vertically up and down relative to the support device 700. In some embodiments, the speed v2 of the upward movement of the base 510 is the same as the speed v1 of the upward movement of the solid foam, thereby ensuring a horizontal fracture surface after the solid foam is severed.

[0058] The guide device 800 is used to guide the container 100 to move in a vertical direction or a horizontal direction. Figure 1In the illustrated embodiment, a slider can be provided at the bottom of the container 100, and a guide rail can be provided on the guide device 800, along which the slider can move horizontally. When the molten metal in the container 100 is nearly depleted, the container 100 can be moved horizontally, removed from under the discharge device 300, to allow the molten metal to be added. In some embodiments, the guide device 800 can be provided on the left and / or right side of the container 100, and the container 100 can be guided vertically up and down by the guide device 800. When the molten metal in the container 100 is nearly depleted, the container 100 can be moved vertically downward, after which the molten metal can be added. In production practice, containers containing molten metal are very heavy, and the reciprocating aeration device within the molten metal can cause the molten metal to slosh, which can cause the entire container to vibrate side to side during operation. The vertical guide device not only guides the movement of the container to allow for the addition of molten metal but also limits horizontal sloshing of the container.

[0059] The support device 700 can provide support for part or all of the discharge device 300, the cooling device, and the cutting device 500. The discharge device 300, the cooling device, and / or the cutting device 500 can be mounted on the support device 700. Of course, in some embodiments, the discharge device 300, the cooling device, and / or the cutting device 500 can also be directly mounted on the ground or a wall.

[0060] In summary, the present application provides a production system. This production system has a simple gas flow path, with the gas spread out flat within the plate-shaped bubbling portion. The gas pressure and gas flow rate at each outlet are highly consistent, improving the consistency of the gas state at each location within the bubbling portion. This in turn improves the consistency of the size and density of the bubbles emerging from all outlets, thereby improving the uniformity of the foam. The bubbling portion in the ventilation device is designed as a thin-walled cavity structure, which is simple in structure and reduces production costs. Providing a support structure within the second cavity can increase the strength of the bubbling portion and prevent it from deforming in high-temperature metal. Using support rods as the support structure can minimize the impact of the support structure on the airflow within the second cavity while achieving a supporting function. When using a support plate as the support structure, providing through holes on the support plate can prevent the support plate from affecting the airflow within the second cavity, allowing the airflow within the second cavity to be connected and achieving better airflow consistency at each location. Providing several protrusions on the upper wall of the bubbling portion and arranging the outlet holes at the protrusions makes it easier for bubbles to escape, accelerates their escape, and reduces their volume.

[0061] Furthermore, a discharge channel extending vertically above the container outlet guides the foam upward, where it cools and solidifies into a porous metal material. The porous metal material produced using this system boasts a more uniform distribution of bubbles across width, thickness, and length, resulting in superior performance.

[0062] Furthermore, a cooling device accelerates the cooling and solidification of the liquid metal foam, improving production efficiency. Adjusting the width of the discharge channel adjusts the thickness of the formed porous metal, resulting in simple operation and low cost. A cutting device separates the solid porous material exiting the discharge channel, with the cutting head moving upward along with the metal foam, improving the smoothness of the cut.

[0063] Furthermore, the longitudinal displacement of the second end 220-2 of the bubbling portion is constrained by a limiting device, thereby enhancing the stability of the bubbling portion in the vertical direction during the operation of the production system, reducing the shaking of the bubbling portion in the vertical direction, avoiding the shaking bubbling portion hitting the bubbles and causing the bubbles to burst, increasing the density of the bubbles in the finished porous metal material, and improving the performance of the finished porous metal material.

[0064] In summary, after reading this detailed disclosure, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the foregoing detailed disclosure may be presented by way of example only and may not be limiting. Although not explicitly stated herein, those skilled in the art will understand that this application is intended to encompass various reasonable changes, improvements, and modifications to the embodiments. Such changes, improvements, and modifications are intended to be proposed by this application and are within the spirit and scope of the exemplary embodiments of this application.

[0065] Furthermore, certain terms in this application have been used to describe embodiments of the present application. For example, “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” and / or “some embodiments” mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. Therefore, it is emphasized and should be understood that two or more references to “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” or “an alternative embodiment” in various portions of this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, particular features, structures, or characteristics may be appropriately combined in one or more embodiments of the present application.

[0066] It should be understood that in the foregoing description of the embodiments of the present application, in order to help understand a feature and for the purpose of simplifying the present application, the present application sometimes combines various features in a single embodiment, drawing or its description. Alternatively, the present application disperses various features across multiple embodiments of the present application. However, this does not mean that the combination of these features is necessary. When reading the present application, it is entirely possible for those skilled in the art to extract some of the features and understand them as separate embodiments. In other words, the embodiments in the present application can also be understood as the integration of multiple secondary embodiments. This is also true when the content of each secondary embodiment is less than all the features of a single aforementioned disclosed embodiment.

[0067] In some embodiments, numbers expressing quantities or properties used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the present application should be understood as being modified in some cases by the terms "about," "approximately," or "substantially." For example, unless otherwise indicated, "about," "approximately," or "substantially" can mean a ±20% variation of the value to which it describes. Therefore, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters listed in the written description and the attached claims are approximate values, which can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained in a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be interpreted in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Although broad numerical ranges and parameters setting forth some embodiments of the present application are approximate, the specific examples set forth numerical values ​​as precisely as possible.

[0068] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and are not intended to be limiting. For example, as used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" may also include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. When used in this application, the terms "comprise," "include," and / or "contain" are intended to indicate the presence of the associated integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups or the addition of other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups to the system / method.

[0069] It should be understood that in the foregoing description of the embodiments of the present application, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", "back", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "vertical", "horizontal", "transverse", "longitudinal", etc. used herein to indicate orientations or positional relationships are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily intended to better describe the present application and its embodiments, and are not intended to limit the devices, elements, or components indicated to having a specific orientation, or to being constructed and operated in a specific orientation.

[0070] Furthermore, some of the above terms may be used to express other meanings besides indicating a position or location. For example, the term "on" may also be used to express a dependency or connection in certain circumstances. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0071] Furthermore, the terms "installed," "disposed," "equipped with," "connected," and "connected" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, removable connections, or integral structures; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections, indirect connections through an intermediary, or internal communication between two devices, elements, or components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0072] In this application, the expression "X includes at least one of A, B, or C" means that X includes at least A, or X includes at least B, or X includes at least C. In other words, X may include only any one of A, B, and C, or any combination of A, B, and C, as well as other possible contents / elements. Any combination of A, B, and C may be A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC.

[0073] In this application, unless otherwise specified, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the association relationship between associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone.

[0074] In this application, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the association relationship between structures can be a direct association relationship or an indirect association relationship. For example, when describing "A is connected to B", unless it is explicitly stated that A is directly connected to B, it should be understood that A can be directly connected to B or indirectly connected to B; for another example, when describing "A is above B", unless it is explicitly stated that A is directly above B (AB are adjacent and A is above B), it should be understood that A can be directly above B or indirectly above B (AB is separated by other elements and A is above B). And so on.

[0075] Each patent, patent application, patent application publication, and other materials, such as articles, books, specifications, publications, documents, articles, etc., cited herein is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes, except for any prosecution document history related thereto, any equivalent that may be inconsistent or conflicting with this document, or any equivalent prosecution document history that may have a limiting effect on the broadest scope of the claims now or hereafter associated with this document. For example, if there is any inconsistency or conflict between the description, definition, and / or use of terms associated with any incorporated material and the terminology, description, definition, and / or use associated with this document, the terminology in this document shall control.

[0076] Finally, it should be understood that the embodiments of the application disclosed herein are illustrations of the principles of the embodiments of the present application. Other modified embodiments are also within the scope of the present application. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present application are merely examples and not limitations. Those skilled in the art can adopt alternative configurations based on the embodiments in the present application to implement the applications in the present application. Therefore, the embodiments of the present application are not limited to those embodiments that have been precisely described in the application.

Claims

1. A production system for producing porous metal materials, characterized in that: include: A container for containing molten metal; A ventilating device, comprising a guide portion and a bubbling portion, wherein the guide portion comprises a first cavity, the first cavity comprises at least one air inlet, the bubbling portion is plate-shaped and comprises a second cavity, the second cavity is connected to the first cavity, and the second cavity comprises a plurality of air outlet holes penetrating an upper wall of the second cavity; and A discharge device guides the foam coming out of the container to move in a vertical direction, and includes a discharge channel extending in the vertical direction. The discharge device includes a first limiting portion and a second limiting portion, the first limiting portion and the second limiting portion are parallel and extend in the vertical direction, the first limiting portion and the second limiting portion are separated by a preset distance, and the preset distance is adjustable.

2. The production system according to claim 1, characterized in that The bubbling portion includes an upper wall plate, a lower wall plate and a side wall plate, and the upper wall plate, the lower wall plate and the side wall plate surround the second cavity.

3. The production system according to claim 2, characterized in that The foaming portion further comprises: A supporting structure is in the second cavity, with an upper end connected to the upper wall plate and a lower end connected to the lower wall plate.

4. The production system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The support structure comprises: support rods; or The supporting plate includes a plurality of through holes.

5. The production system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The upper surface of the upper wall plate includes a plurality of protrusions, and the air outlet holes are arranged at the protrusions.

6. The production system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second cavity is in a plate shape.

7. The production system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first limiting portion includes at least one first roller, and the at least one first roller is arranged in the vertical direction, and the second limiting portion includes at least one second roller, and the at least one second roller is arranged in the vertical direction; or The first limiting portion includes at least one first roller belt, and the first roller belt extends in a vertical direction. The second limiting portion includes at least one second roller belt, and the second roller belt extends in a vertical direction.

8. The production system according to claim 1, characterized in that It also includes a cutting device, which is located above the discharging device in a vertical direction.

9. The production system according to claim 8, characterized in that The cutting device comprises: a base; and The cutting head is installed on the base. When the cutting head is working, it moves horizontally relative to the base to cut off the solidified foam.

10. The production system according to claim 9, characterized in that When the cutting head is working, the base moves upward in a vertical direction, wherein the speed at which the base moves upward is the same as the speed at which the solidified foam moves upward.

11. The production system according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: A driving device, which drives one end of the bubbling part to move horizontally back and forth when in operation, thereby driving the entire bubbling part to move horizontally back and forth; as well as A limiting device limits the displacement of the other end of the bubbling portion along the vertical direction.

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