Automatic flow control device for molten aluminum

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of molten aluminum casting, and provides an automatic molten aluminum flow control device, which comprises a chute, a flow control mechanism arranged at a molten aluminum outlet of a smelting furnace and used for adjusting the opening degree of the molten aluminum outlet of the smelting furnace, a liquid level sensor arranged above the liquid inlet end of the chute, a molten aluminum probe arranged above the chute and used for sending an alarm signal when the molten aluminum in the chute reaches a preset overflow liquid level, and a control system electrically connected with the liquid level sensor, the molten aluminum probe and the flow control mechanism. The control system is used for receiving a sensing signal of the liquid level sensor and an alarm signal of the molten aluminum probe, and is used for controlling the flow control mechanism to increase the opening degree of the molten aluminum outlet of the smelting furnace when the liquid level in the chute is lower than a set value, controlling the flow control mechanism to decrease the opening degree of the molten aluminum outlet of the smelting furnace when the liquid level is higher than the set value, and controlling the flow control mechanism to move to a position where the opening degree of the molten aluminum outlet of the smelting furnace is minimum when the alarm signal is received. Through the cooperation of liquid level detection, overflow control and an actuator, automatic liquid level adjustment and overhigh-position safety protection are realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of aluminum melt casting technology, and more specifically, to an automatic aluminum melt flow control device. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, in the existing aluminum alloy ingot production process, the flow control of molten aluminum from the melting furnace through the outlet into the chute and finally into the crystallizing wheel mold is mostly achieved manually using a conical stopper. While this method is widely used, it has significant drawbacks. Operators need to observe the chute level at close range for extended periods and manually adjust it, resulting in high labor intensity and the risk of burns from the high-temperature molten aluminum. Slow manual response and inaccurate operation can easily lead to fluctuations in the molten aluminum level in the chute, causing quality defects such as flash, inclusions, and uneven thickness in the ingots, and in severe cases, even causing aluminum spills or production interruptions. Furthermore, most automated solutions rely on a single level detection sensor, which is prone to drift or failure under harsh conditions of high temperature and dust, resulting in insufficient reliability. Therefore, there is an urgent need for an automatic molten aluminum flow control device that is simple in structure, provides precise control, has multiple safety protections, and can significantly reduce reliance on manual labor, in order to improve ingot quality, production safety, and automation levels. Utility Model Content

[0003] This application aims to at least solve the technical problems in the related art, such as the unstable changes in liquid level in the existing sluice, the long time and low efficiency of operators to observe the changes in liquid level in the sluice by visual inspection, and the risk of being scalded by molten aluminum.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this application is implemented as follows:

[0005] This application provides an automatic aluminum liquid flow control device, comprising: a chute, the inlet end of which is used to receive aluminum liquid flowing out of the aluminum outlet of a smelting furnace; a flow control mechanism, disposed at the aluminum outlet of the smelting furnace, for adjusting the opening degree of the aluminum outlet of the smelting furnace; a liquid level sensor, disposed above the inlet end of the chute, for detecting the liquid level height of the aluminum liquid in the chute; an aluminum liquid probe, disposed above the chute, for detecting whether the aluminum liquid in the chute has reached a preset overflow level, and issuing an alarm signal when the aluminum liquid in the chute reaches the preset overflow level; and a control system, electrically connected to the liquid level sensor, the aluminum liquid probe, and the flow control mechanism, the control system for receiving the sensing signal from the liquid level sensor and the alarm signal from the aluminum liquid probe, and controlling the flow control mechanism to increase the opening degree of the aluminum outlet of the smelting furnace when the liquid level in the chute is lower than the set value, and controlling the flow control mechanism to decrease the opening degree of the aluminum outlet of the smelting furnace when the liquid level is higher than the set value, and controlling the flow control mechanism to move to the position where the opening degree of the aluminum outlet of the smelting furnace is minimized when an alarm signal is received.

[0006] The automatic aluminum liquid flow control device provided in this application achieves the dual functions of precise automatic liquid level adjustment and ultra-high level safety protection through the coordinated operation of liquid level detection, overflow control, and actuators. In the scenario of precise automatic liquid level control, a liquid level sensor installed above the liquid inlet of the chute detects the liquid level in real time and transmits the signal to the control system. The control system compares the detected value with the set value and outputs a command to drive the actuator. The actuator drives the gear to mesh with the screw to rotate through the motor, which in turn drives the plug rod clamp connected to the screw thread and the flow control cone plug rod it clamps to move linearly, thereby precisely adjusting the opening of the aluminum outlet of the melting furnace, realizing closed-loop control of the aluminum liquid flow, and ensuring the stability of the liquid level in the chute and the uniformity of the ingot quality. In ultra-high liquid level redundancy safety protection scenarios, based on the electrical conductivity of aluminum, two aluminum liquid probes, one high and one low, are added above the chute to form an independent detection circuit. When the main liquid level sensor fails or the control malfunctions, causing the liquid level to rise abnormally to the preset overflow danger position, the low-level aluminum liquid probe contacts the aluminum liquid and triggers an alarm signal. The control system immediately responds to this signal and prioritizes controlling the actuator to drive the flow control cone plug rod to a safe position that minimizes the opening of the aluminum outlet, thereby fundamentally preventing aluminum overflow accidents and providing crucial redundancy safety assurance for the production process. In addition, the actuator also integrates a manual crank as an emergency drive interface, which can switch to manual operation mode in case of power or automatic system failure, ensuring the continuous operation capability of the device under extreme conditions and enhancing the overall reliability of the system.

[0007] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will become apparent in the following description or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0008] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this application will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an automatic aluminum liquid flow control device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0010] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the flow control mechanism in the automatic flow control device for molten aluminum shown in the embodiment;

[0011] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the actuator in the flow control mechanism of the embodiment shown;

[0012] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the control flow of an automatic aluminum liquid flow control device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0013] in, Figures 1 to 3The correspondence between the reference numerals and component names in the attached drawings is as follows:

[0014] 100 Automatic flow control device for molten aluminum, 110 Chute, 120 Flow control mechanism, 122 Flow control cone-shaped plug rod, 124 Plug rod clamp, 126 Clamping part, 128 Connecting part, 130 Actuator, 132 Motor, 134 Gear, 136 Screw, 140 Liquid level sensor, 150 Molten aluminum probe, 160 Control system, 170 Manual crank handle, 180 Aluminum outlet of smelting furnace. Detailed Implementation

[0015] To better understand the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application, the application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in these embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0016] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of this application. However, this application may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0017] The following reference Figures 1 to 4 This application describes an automatic aluminum liquid flow control device 100 provided according to some embodiments.

[0018] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an automatic aluminum liquid flow control device 100 according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the flow control mechanism 120 in the automatic aluminum liquid flow control device 100 of the illustrated embodiment; Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of the actuator 130 in the flow control mechanism 120 of the embodiment shown; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the control flow of an automatic aluminum liquid flow control device 100 according to an embodiment of this application.

[0019] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, an embodiment of this application provides an automatic aluminum liquid flow control device 100, comprising: a chute 110, the inlet end of which is used to receive aluminum liquid flowing out of the aluminum outlet 180 of a smelting furnace; a flow control mechanism 120, disposed at the aluminum outlet 180 of the smelting furnace, used to adjust the opening degree of the aluminum outlet 180; a liquid level sensor 140, disposed above the inlet end of the chute 110, used to detect the liquid level height of the aluminum liquid in the chute 110; and an aluminum liquid probe 150, disposed above the chute 110, used to detect whether the aluminum liquid in the chute 110 has reached a preset overflow level. An alarm signal is issued when the preset overflow level is reached; the control system 160 is electrically connected to the liquid level sensor 140, the aluminum liquid probe 150, and the flow control mechanism 120. The control system 160 is used to receive the sensing signal from the liquid level sensor 140 and the alarm signal from the aluminum liquid probe 150. When the liquid level in the chute 110 is lower than the set value, the control system 160 controls the flow control mechanism 120 to increase the opening of the aluminum outlet 180 of the smelting furnace. When the liquid level is higher than the set value, the control system 160 controls the flow control mechanism 120 to decrease the opening of the aluminum outlet 180 of the smelting furnace. When an alarm signal is received, the control system 120 is moved to the position where the opening of the aluminum outlet 180 of the smelting furnace is minimized.

[0020] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the automatic aluminum liquid flow control device 100 provided in this application includes a chute 110, a flow control mechanism 120, a liquid level sensor 140, an aluminum liquid probe 150, and a control system 160. The inlet end of the chute 110 is connected to the aluminum outlet 180 of the smelting furnace, and is used to receive the aluminum liquid flowing out of the aluminum outlet 180. The flow control mechanism 120 is located at the aluminum outlet 180 of the smelting furnace and is used to adjust the opening degree of the aluminum outlet 180. The liquid level sensor 140 is located above the inlet end of the chute 110 and is used to detect the liquid level height of the aluminum liquid in the chute 110. The aluminum liquid probe 150 is located above the chute 110 and is used to detect whether the aluminum liquid in the chute 110 has reached a preset overflow level, and to issue an alarm signal when the aluminum liquid in the chute 110 reaches the preset overflow level. The control system 160 is electrically connected to the liquid level sensor 140, the aluminum liquid probe 150, and the flow control mechanism 120. The control system 160 is configured to receive the sensing signal from the liquid level sensor 140 and the alarm signal from the aluminum liquid probe 150, and when the liquid level in the chute 110 is lower than the set value, control the flow control mechanism 120 to increase the opening of the aluminum outlet 180 of the smelting furnace, and when the liquid level is higher than the set value, control the flow control mechanism 120 to decrease the opening of the aluminum outlet 180 of the smelting furnace, and when an alarm signal is received, control the flow control mechanism 120 to move to the position where the opening of the aluminum outlet 180 of the smelting furnace is minimized.

[0021] In this way, by monitoring and providing feedback on the liquid level in the chute 110 in real time through the liquid level sensor 140, combined with the closed-loop control of the flow control mechanism 120 by the control system 160, precise and automatic adjustment of the aluminum liquid flow rate is achieved, effectively stabilizing the casting liquid level and thus improving the uniformity and consistency of the ingot quality. Simultaneously, by setting an aluminum liquid probe 150, independent of the liquid level sensor 140, as a safety monitoring point, an alarm is immediately triggered when the liquid level is abnormally high, and the flow control mechanism 120 is closed to its minimum opening, forming a double safety protection that fundamentally eliminates the risk of aluminum spillage and significantly improves the safety and reliability of the production process. Moreover, the device has a simple structure and a high degree of automation, effectively reducing the intensity of manual operation and safety hazards.

[0022] Specifically, the flow control of the smelting furnace in the remelting aluminum ingot production line of the alloy production center currently mainly uses a conical plug, requiring one person to manually control the flow for extended periods. Furthermore, liquid level stability is crucial for ingot quality. For continuous casting machines, good liquid level control from start-up to a stable state not only reduces initial losses and improves the internal structure and surface quality of the billet, but also increases yield. Moreover, the liquid level in the chute fluctuates due to casting, and operators typically observe these fluctuations visually, resulting in a lengthy and inefficient process from detection to resolution. Frequent operation of the flow control device can lead to quality defects such as flash and inclusions, and in severe cases, uneven alloy ingot thickness, strip breakage, and ultimately, downtime. Additionally, the need for personnel to adjust the flow at the crystallizing wheel and furnace eye during casting poses a risk of burns from the molten aluminum.

[0023] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this application aims to provide an automatic aluminum liquid flow control device 100. Through the coordinated operation of liquid level detection, overflow control, and the actuator, it achieves the dual functions of precise automatic liquid level adjustment and ultra-high level safety protection. In the scenario of precise automatic liquid level control, a liquid level sensor 140 installed above the inlet end of the chute 110 detects the liquid level in real time and transmits the signal to the control system 160. The control system 160 compares the detected value with the set value and outputs a command to drive the actuator 130. The actuator 130, through a motor 130, drives a gear 134 to rotate a screw 136, which in turn drives a plug rod clamp 124 threadedly connected to the screw 136 and the flow-control conical plug rod 122 it clamps to move linearly. This precisely adjusts the opening of the aluminum outlet 180 of the melting furnace, achieving closed-loop control of the aluminum liquid flow rate and ensuring the stability of the liquid level in the chute 110 and the uniformity of ingot quality. In the scenario of redundant safety protection at ultra-high liquid levels, based on the electrical conductivity of aluminum, two aluminum liquid probes 150, one high and one low, are added above the chute 110 to form an independent detection circuit. When the liquid level sensor 140 fails or the control malfunctions, causing the liquid level to rise abnormally to the preset overflow danger position, the aluminum liquid probe 150 contacts the aluminum liquid and conducts electricity, triggering an alarm signal. The control system 160 immediately responds to this signal and prioritizes controlling the actuator 130 to drive the flow control cone-shaped plug rod 122 to move to the safe position that minimizes the opening of the aluminum outlet, thereby fundamentally preventing aluminum overflow accidents and providing crucial redundant safety protection for the production process. In addition, the actuator 130 also integrates a manual crank handle 170 as an emergency drive interface, which can switch to manual operation mode in case of power or automatic system failure, ensuring the continuous operation capability of the device under extreme conditions and enhancing the overall reliability of the system.

[0024] The automatic aluminum liquid flow control device 100 provided in this application achieves liquid level balance during the alloy ingot casting process and enables automatic control of the liquid level during casting, thereby reducing manual labor intensity and improving product quality. Furthermore, based on the property that aluminum is a good conductor, two probes, one high and one low, are installed above the chute 110 for physical detection of the liquid level in the chute 110, enabling an alarm for excessively high liquid levels and preventing aluminum overflow accidents.

[0025] In some embodiments, optionally, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the flow control mechanism 120 includes: a flow control conical plug rod 122, the taper of which is adapted to the taper of the aluminum outlet 180 of the smelting furnace; a plug rod clamp 124, one end of which clamps and fixes the flow control conical plug rod 122, and the other end of which has a threaded structure; and an actuator 130, which is threaded to the other end of the plug rod clamp 124. The actuator 130 is used to drive the plug rod clamp 124 to move linearly along the axial direction of the actuator 130, thereby pushing the flow control conical plug rod 122 closer to or away from the aluminum outlet 180 of the smelting furnace.

[0026] Specifically, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the plug rod clamp 124 detachably fixes the flow-controlling conical plug rod 122 through a clamping structure at one end, and forms a threaded connection with the power output end of the actuator 130 through a threaded structure at the other end. When the actuator 130 is running, it drives the plug rod clamp 124 to move linearly along the axial direction, thereby driving the flow-controlling conical plug rod 122 fixed thereto to move synchronously. Through the cooperation between the conical surface of the flow-controlling conical plug rod 122 and the conical hole of the aluminum outlet 180 of the melting furnace, the linear adjustment of the flow channel opening size is achieved. This structure converts the output of the actuator 130 into the linear displacement of the plug rod through mechanical transmission. The structure is simple and reliable, with good sealing performance, and can achieve precise and stable control of the aluminum liquid flow rate, significantly improving the automation level and adjustment accuracy of the casting process.

[0027] In some embodiments, optionally, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the actuator 130 includes: a motor 130 for providing power output; a gear 134, which is sleeved and fixed on the output shaft of the motor 130; and a screw 136 connected to the gear 134, and the screw 136 is threadedly connected to the threaded structure at the other end of the plug rod clamp 124. When the motor 130 rotates, it drives the screw 136 to rotate through the gear 134, thereby driving the plug rod clamp 124 to move axially along the screw 136, so as to drive the flow control cone plug rod 122 to move back and forth linearly.

[0028] Specifically, such as Figure 3As shown, the actuator 130 includes a motor 130, a gear 134, and a screw 136. The output shaft of the motor 130 is connected to the gear 134, which drives the screw 136 to rotate. The screw 136 and the threaded structure at the other end of the plug rod clamp 124 form a threaded pair. When the motor 130 rotates, it drives the screw 136 to rotate through the gear 134. The threaded pair converts the rotational motion of the screw 136 into the linear motion of the plug rod clamp 124, thereby driving the flow-control conical plug rod 122 to precisely displace, achieving linear adjustment of the 180° opening of the aluminum outlet of the melting furnace. This structure has high transmission efficiency, good control accuracy, and the flow rate can be increased or decreased simply by reversing the motor 130. It has a rapid response, is easy to operate, effectively replaces the traditional manual operation mode, and significantly improves the automation and reliability of the control.

[0029] In some embodiments, optionally, such as Figure 3 As shown, the plug rod clamp 124 includes a clamping part 126 and a connecting part 128. The clamping part 126 is used to fasten the flow control cone plug rod 122, and the connecting part 128 is provided with a threaded structure for connecting with the screw 136.

[0030] Specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown, the clamping part 126 is fastened to the tail end of the flow-controlling conical plug rod 122 using an adjustable clamping mechanism or a fixed pin, ensuring reliable power transmission; the connecting part 128 is machined with an internal thread structure to form a matching threaded pair with the screw 136 of the actuator 130. This split design allows the plug rod clamp 124 to have both clamping stability and transmission precision, ensuring the reliability of the connection of the flow-controlling conical plug rod 122 under high-temperature conditions, and achieving efficient cooperation with the actuator 130 through a standardized threaded interface, facilitating installation, disassembly, maintenance, and replacement, and improving the modularity and service life of the equipment.

[0031] In some embodiments, optionally, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the aluminum liquid automatic flow control device 100 also includes a manual crank 170, which is connected to the gear 134 for transmission, and is used to manually drive the screw 136 to rotate when the motor 130 fails.

[0032] Specifically, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the manual crank handle 170 is connected to the gear 134 shaft or the end of the screw 136 via a keyway connection or clutch device, enabling a switchable transmission connection. When the motor 130 is working normally, the manual crank handle 170 is in an idle disengaged state. When the motor 130 fails, the operator can engage the clutch device or directly crank the manual crank handle 170 to drive the screw 136 to rotate through the gear 134 set, thereby manually controlling the linear movement of the stop rod clamp 124. This manual backup mechanism requires no additional power source and can quickly take over the flow regulation function when the automatic control system 160 fails, effectively ensuring the continuity of the production process and the reliability of emergency operations, avoiding production interruptions and safety accidents caused by electrical faults.

[0033] In some embodiments, optionally, such as Figure 1 As shown, there are two aluminum liquid probes 150, which are respectively set at the first position and the second position above the chute 110.

[0034] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, two aluminum molten metal probes 150 are vertically fixed above the chute 110 by a bracket. The first probe is set to a preset overflow level monitoring height, and the second probe is set higher than the first probe. When the aluminum molten metal level rises abnormally to the point of contacting the first probe, the aluminum molten metal, acting as a conductor, instantly conducts the probe circuit and triggers an emergency alarm signal. The control system 160 controls the flow control mechanism 120 to automatically adjust the opening of the aluminum outlet 180 of the melting furnace to the minimum. When the aluminum molten metal level rises abnormally to the point of contacting the second probe, an alarm bell is sounded to alert the operators to handle the situation on-site. This dual-probe layout forms a two-level detection defense line through the height difference. It can achieve conventional liquid level monitoring through the high probe, and the low probe adjacent to the chute edge forms a final safety barrier, greatly improving the reliability of aluminum overflow early warning.

[0035] In some embodiments, optionally, such as Figure 1 As shown, the height of the first position from the bottom wall of the chute 110 is lower than the height of the second position from the bottom wall of the chute 110, wherein the liquid level corresponding to the first position is the preset overflow liquid level.

[0036] Specifically, such as Figure 1As shown, the first position is located adjacent to the edge of the chute 110, and its corresponding height is the preset overflow level monitoring height. The second position is higher than the first position and represents the maximum safe liquid level allowed by the system. When the liquid level of the aluminum liquid abnormally rises to the first position, the lower-level probe contacts the aluminum liquid first and triggers the overflow alarm. The control system 160 immediately initiates an emergency response. When the liquid level of the aluminum liquid abnormally rises to contact the probe at the second position, an alarm sound is emitted to alert the operators to handle the situation on-site. This gradient early warning design based on liquid level height forms a two-level defense protection through physical level differences. It not only ensures the accuracy of liquid level monitoring during normal production but also ensures that the most dangerous overflow warning is triggered first in extreme situations, providing a critical time window for emergency response and greatly enhancing the safety of the system.

[0037] In some embodiments, the level sensor 140 may be a radar level sensor or a laser level sensor.

[0038] Specifically, the radar level sensor measures the distance to the liquid surface by emitting high-frequency electromagnetic waves and receiving the echo, while the laser level sensor achieves precise distance measurement by emitting a laser beam and detecting the reflected light signal. Both sensors employ a non-contact measurement principle, effectively avoiding sensor wear caused by the high temperature and splashing of molten aluminum. They also feature strong anti-interference capabilities, high measurement accuracy, and fast response speed. This design significantly improves the reliability and durability of level monitoring through non-contact detection, making it particularly suitable for the harsh conditions of high temperature and high dust in aluminum smelting. It provides a stable and accurate level feedback signal for the control system 160, ensuring the accuracy and stability of the automatic flow control process.

[0039] In some embodiments, optionally, such as Figure 1 As shown, the liquid level sensor 140 is positioned directly opposite the bottom of the liquid inlet end of the chute 110.

[0040] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, the liquid level sensor 140 is fixedly installed by a bracket and vertically aligned with the center area of ​​the bottom of the inlet end of the chute 110, ensuring that its detection beam is perpendicular to the bottom surface of the chute 110. This installation position allows direct monitoring of the surface state of the aluminum liquid just flowing into the chute 110, avoiding interference from the side wall structure of the chute 110 or turbulence on the liquid surface on the measurement signal. This layout, directly facing the inlet end, allows for real-time capture of liquid level fluctuations during flow rate changes, providing the control system 160 with the most direct and sensitive feedback signal. This significantly improves the real-time performance and accuracy of liquid level detection, enhancing the response speed and adjustment precision of the entire automatic flow control system.

[0041] In some embodiments, optionally, such as Figure 1 As shown, the liquid outlet of the chute 110 leads to the crystallizing wheel mold.

[0042] Specifically, such as Figure 1As shown, the outlet end of the chute 110 is sealed to the casting inlet of the crystallizing wheel mold via a flange connection or embedded docking method, forming a continuous closed flow channel from the melting furnace to the forming mold. This structural design ensures that the molten aluminum flows smoothly into the crystallizing wheel mold under controlled conditions, avoiding oxidation and temperature loss during the flow process, while preventing splashing or leakage of molten aluminum, ensuring the continuity and stability of the casting process, and ultimately improving the forming quality and production efficiency of aluminum alloy ingots.

[0043] In specific applications, such as Figure 4 As shown, the method of using the automatic aluminum liquid flow control device 100 is as follows:

[0044] The molten aluminum is stored in the melting furnace. The molten aluminum alloy flows from the furnace outlet 180 into the chute 110, and then from the chute 110 into the crystallizing mold to be cast into aluminum alloy ingots. A laser level sensor is installed at the furnace outlet 180. The level signal of the molten aluminum in the chute 110 read by the laser level sensor is transmitted to the control system 160. The control system 160 is set with normal level information. When a deviation occurs, the control system 160 calculates the level of the molten aluminum in the chute 110 according to an algorithm. If the level is lower than the standard casting level, the motor 130 drives the gear 134 to rotate. The gear 134 drives the screw 136 to move back and forth to adjust the size of the molten aluminum outlet. Specifically, moving forward decreases the flow rate, and moving backward increases the flow rate. If the motor 130 is damaged, the flow rate can also be manually controlled using a manual crank 170. In addition, based on the property that aluminum is a good conductor, two aluminum liquid probes 150, one high and one low, are installed above the chute 110 to physically detect the liquid level in the chute 110 and realize an alarm for excessive liquid level. When the alarm for excessive aluminum liquid level is triggered, the flow control cone-shaped plug rod 122 moves forward to minimize the flow rate and prevent aluminum overflow accidents.

[0045] In the description of this application, the term "multiple" refers to two or more. Unless otherwise expressly defined, the terms "upper," "lower," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. The terms "connection," "installation," "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0046] In the description of this specification, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "specific embodiment," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0047] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. An automatic flow control device for molten aluminum, characterized in that, include: A chute, the inlet end of which is used to receive molten aluminum flowing out of the aluminum outlet of the smelting furnace; A flow control mechanism is installed at the aluminum outlet of the smelting furnace to adjust the opening degree of the aluminum outlet of the smelting furnace. A liquid level sensor is installed above the inlet end of the chute to detect the liquid level height of the molten aluminum in the chute. An aluminum liquid probe is positioned above the chute to detect whether the aluminum liquid in the chute has reached a preset overflow level, and to issue an alarm signal when the aluminum liquid in the chute reaches the preset overflow level. The control system is electrically connected to the liquid level sensor, the aluminum liquid probe, and the flow control mechanism. The control system is used to receive the sensing signal from the liquid level sensor and the alarm signal from the aluminum liquid probe. When the liquid level in the chute is lower than a set value, the control system controls the flow control mechanism to increase the opening of the aluminum outlet of the smelting furnace. When the liquid level is higher than the set value, the control system controls the flow control mechanism to decrease the opening of the aluminum outlet of the smelting furnace. When the alarm signal is received, the control system controls the flow control mechanism to move to the position where the opening of the aluminum outlet of the smelting furnace is minimized.

2. The automatic aluminum liquid flow control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flow control mechanism includes: A flow-controlling conical plug rod, the taper of which is adapted to the taper of the aluminum outlet of the melting furnace; A plug rod clamp, wherein one end of the plug rod clamp is used to fix the flow-controlling conical plug rod, and the other end of the plug rod clamp is provided with a threaded structure; An actuator is threadedly connected to the other end of the plug rod clamp. The actuator is used to drive the plug rod clamp to move linearly along the axis of the actuator, thereby pushing the flow control cone plug rod closer to or away from the aluminum outlet of the melting furnace.

3. The automatic aluminum liquid flow control device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The implementing mechanism includes: An electric motor is used to provide power output; The gear is sleeved and fixed on the output shaft of the motor; The screw is connected to the gear, and the screw is threaded to the threaded structure at the other end of the plug rod clamp. When the motor rotates, it drives the screw to rotate through the gear, which in turn drives the plug rod clamp to move along the screw axis, thereby driving the flow-controlling conical plug rod to move back and forth in a straight line.

4. The automatic aluminum liquid flow control device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The plug rod clamp includes a clamping part and a connecting part. The clamping part is used to fasten the flow-controlling conical plug rod, and the connecting part is provided with the threaded structure for connecting with the screw.

5. The automatic aluminum liquid flow control device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The automatic aluminum liquid flow control device also includes: A manual crank, connected to the gear transmission, is used to manually drive the screw to rotate in the event of motor failure.

6. The automatic aluminum liquid flow control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of aluminum liquid probes is two, and the two aluminum liquid probes are respectively set at the first position and the second position above the chute.

7. The automatic aluminum liquid flow control device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The height of the first position from the bottom wall of the chute is lower than the height of the second position from the bottom wall of the chute, wherein the liquid level corresponding to the first position is the preset overflow liquid level.

8. The automatic aluminum liquid flow control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid level sensor is either a radar liquid level sensor or a laser liquid level sensor.

9. The automatic flow control device for molten aluminum according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid level sensor is positioned directly opposite the bottom of the liquid inlet end of the chute.

10. The automatic aluminum liquid flow control device according to any one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that, The liquid outlet of the chute leads to the crystallizing wheel mold.

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