Mold production method, mold production system, information processing device, information processing system, information processing method, computer program, and recording medium

Abstract

To provide technology capable of identifying when strength of a product surface side inside the mold reaches an optimal level for removal, which is hard to evaluate externally, regardless of the mold's shape or size.SOLUTION: This mold production method includes positioning (step S11) detection means in advance in an original mold for producing a mold, prior to filling the same with a mold material, such that the detection means, which generates curing condition information capable of identifying a curing condition of the mold material, will face the mold material when the original mold has been filled with the mold material, then filling (step S13) the interior of the original mold with the mold material, using the curing condition information during curing of the mold material to determine (step S16), removal timing at which the mold should be removed, and removing (step S17) the mold at the removal timing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a casting mold manufacturing method, a casting mold manufacturing system, an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing method, a computer program, and a recording medium. [Background technology]

[0002] Sand molds are widely used as casting molds, and generally, a demolding process is always included after filling the master mold with mold material and hardening the mold. In the demolding process, it is necessary to carefully remove the mold from the master mold, but if the mold is not strong enough at the time of demolding, it will be damaged, deformed, or have dimensional changes, and a proper mold will not be obtained. On the other hand, in terms of mold productivity, it is required to demold the mold as quickly as possible, so the mold may be demolded when its strength is insufficient. To prevent such a situation, a test piece is molded separately using the mixed sand used to manufacture the mold, and its strength is measured. However, since the shape of the test piece is different from that of the actual product mold, it can be used as a reference, but it does not necessarily match the strength of the actual mold.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes an example of a technique for measuring the strength of a mold before it is demolded and preventing the mold from collapsing or warping due to demolding. The mold strength measuring device described in Patent Document 1 obtains information about the strength of a mold having a product surface and a back surface opposite the product surface. This mold strength measuring device includes a cutting tool and a probe. The cutting tool forms a bottomed hole in the mold that extends from the back surface toward the product surface. The measurement probe can be inserted into the hole and measures the reaction force received from the bottom of the hole. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2023-38472 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the technique described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, the strength of the mold is measured by inserting a measurement probe from the back surface of the mold opposite to the product surface toward the product surface. Patent Document 1 also describes that the strength of the "part close to" the product surface of the mold, which affects the performance of the mold, can be measured by making the depth of the hole at least half the distance between the back surface and the product surface. Therefore, the technique described in Patent Document 1 cannot measure the strength of the product surface side of the mold. Therefore, when the size, thickness, or height of the mold shape is large, the hardening of the product surface side of the mold is delayed compared to the outside, resulting in insufficient strength on the product surface side inside the mold, and it is not possible to prevent the mold on the product surface side from collapsing or deforming when demolded.

[0006] In particular, in the case of self-hardening molds, in which the strength of the mold increases over time after being filled with mixed sand and is removed when it reaches a strength that allows it to be demolded, or in the case of gas-hardening molds, in which a hardening reaction is caused by passing a hardening gas through the mold, it is important to understand the strength of the product surface and determine whether it is possible to demold in order to prevent damage or deformation of the mold.

[0007] Furthermore, when using a binder in which the evaporation of water inside the mold or the evaporation of water or solvent contained in the binder accelerates the hardening of the mold, the product side is the most disadvantageous side for the evaporation of water and solvent, and is usually the most difficult to harden. Furthermore, when there are various mold sizes and shapes, the evaporation of water and solvent varies depending on the individual mold shape, so even if the same hardening conditions are set, the hardening state of each product side differs for each mold and may also differ depending on the location.

[0008] Under these circumstances, when the mold is removed, the parts with the weakest strength often break or deform, so understanding the strength of the product surface and being able to determine whether the mold can be removed at the appropriate time can contribute to reducing defects and improving mold productivity.

[0009] In particular, among self-hardening molds, when acid-hardening furan resins, acid-hardening phenolic resins, and ester-hardening alkaline phenolic resins that harden by a dehydration condensation reaction are used, the hardening is particularly slow on the product surface where water is less likely to evaporate, while the hardening is fast on the back surface (opposite the product surface) where water is in contact with the outside air and more likely to evaporate, so that the hardening is judged only based on the hardness of the back surface, which can be measured from the outside, and the product surface is not yet hardened, and there is often a margin of time before the mold can be removed. Furthermore, the difference in the degree of hardening between the back surface and the product surface increases as the mold height increases, so in the case of self-hardening molds that manufacture molds of various heights, it is even more difficult to determine the time until the mold can be removed.

[0010] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a technology that can identify the optimal timing for demolding in terms of the strength of the product surface side inside the mold, which is difficult to judge from the outside of the mold, regardless of the shape or size of the mold. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, each aspect of the present invention employs the following configuration.

[0012] The first aspect relates to a method of making a template. The method of making a template according to the first aspect comprises the steps of: A detection means for generating hardening state information capable of identifying a hardening state of a mold material is disposed in a master for producing a mold before the mold material is filled, so that the detection means faces the mold material when the mold material is filled; Then, the mold material is filled into the interior of the master. obtaining the curing state information during curing of the mold material; The method includes determining, using the obtained cured state information, that it is time to demold the mold, and then demolding the mold.

[0013] The second aspect relates to an information processing device. An information processing device according to a second aspect includes: a receiving unit that receives hardening state information capable of identifying a hardening state of the mold material from a detection means that is arranged before the mold material is filled into a master model for producing a mold so as to face the mold material when the mold material is filled into the master model; A determination unit that repeatedly determines whether or not it is time to demold the mold using the received curing state information; and an output unit that outputs, when it is determined that the timing for demolding has arrived, information indicating that the timing for demolding has arrived.

[0014] A third aspect relates to an information processing method implemented by one or more computers. An information processing method according to a third aspect of the present invention comprises: One or more computers receiving, from a detection means arranged in advance before filling the mold material, information on a hardening state capable of identifying a hardening state of the mold material, so as to face the mold material when the mold material is filled into a master for producing a mold; Using the received curing state information, it is repeatedly determined whether or not it is time to demold the mold; When it is determined that the timing for demolding has arrived, information indicating that the timing for demolding has arrived is output.

[0015] A fourth aspect relates to a template making system. A mold making system according to a fourth aspect of the present invention comprises: a master mold having a detection means for generating hardening state information capable of identifying a hardening state of a mold material, the detection means being disposed so as to face the mold material when the mold material is filled; An information processing device, The information processing device includes: a receiving unit that receives, from the detection means, hardening state information that can identify the hardening state of the mold material; A determination unit that repeatedly determines whether or not it is time to demold the mold using the received curing state information; and an output unit that outputs information indicating that the timing for removing the mold has arrived when it is determined that the timing for removing the mold has arrived, After the mold material is filled into the interior of the master, The information processing device, obtaining, during hardening of the mold material, hardening state information from a detection means for generating hardening state information capable of identifying a hardening state of the mold material; Using the obtained curing state information, it is repeatedly determined whether or not it is time to demold the mold, When it is determined that the timing for demolding has arrived, information indicating that the timing for demolding has arrived is output.

[0016] Another aspect of the present invention may be a program for causing at least one computer to execute the method of the third aspect, or a computer-readable recording medium having such a program recorded thereon. The recording medium includes a non-transitory tangible medium. The computer program includes computer program code which, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to carry out the control method on an information processing device.

[0017] Any combination of the above components, and any transformation of the present invention into a method, device, system, recording medium, computer program, etc., are also effective as aspects of the present invention.

[0018] Furthermore, the various components of the present invention do not necessarily have to be independent entities, but may be formed as a single member by multiple components, one component may be formed from multiple components, one component may be a part of another component, or part of one component may overlap with part of another component, etc.

[0019] In addition, although the method and computer program of the present invention describe a number of steps in a sequential order, the order does not limit the order in which the steps are executed. Therefore, when implementing the method and computer program of the present invention, the order of the steps can be changed as long as it does not affect the content.

[0020] Furthermore, the steps of the method and computer program of the present invention are not limited to being executed at different timings, and therefore a step may occur while another step is being executed, or the execution timing of a step may overlap partially or entirely with the execution timing of another step, etc. Effect of the Invention

[0021] According to each of the above aspects, it is possible to provide a technology that can identify the optimal timing for demolding in terms of the strength of the product surface side inside the mold, which is difficult to judge from the outside of the mold, regardless of the shape or size of the mold. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a casting manufacturing process. [Diagram 2] 1 is a flowchart showing the steps of a mold fabrication method according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a first example of the arrangement of a detection means in the template production method according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a modification of the first arrangement example in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a second example of the arrangement of the detection means in the mold production method according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a third example of the arrangement of the detection means in the mold production method according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a fourth example of the arrangement of the detection means in the mold production method according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a modification of the fourth arrangement example in FIG. [Figure 9]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a fifth example of the arrangement of the detection means in the template production method according to the present embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a sixth example of the arrangement of the detection means in the template production method according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a mold manufacturing apparatus. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a casting manufacturing process according to an embodiment. [Figure 13] 1 is a diagram conceptually illustrating a system configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a computer that realizes an information processing device. [Figure 15] 1 is a functional block diagram showing a logical configuration of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of sensor information. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of mold information. [Figure 18] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of sensor installation information. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of curing state information. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an output screen. [Figure 21] 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 22] 22 is a flowchart showing details of the output process in step S105 of FIG. 21. [Figure 23] 1 is a functional block diagram showing a logical configuration of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of die history information. [Diagram 25] 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 26] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating an example of the arrangement of a detection means in a mold production method according to another embodiment. [Figure 27]10 is a diagram showing a specific example of installation of sensors arranged in the fifth arrangement example of FIG. 9. FIG. [Figure 28] 28A to 28C are diagrams showing examples of other shapes of the container used in the installation example of FIG. 27. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, the same components are given the same reference numerals, and the description will be omitted as appropriate. In addition, in the following drawings, the configuration of the parts that are not related to the essence of the present invention is omitted and is not shown.

[0024] In the embodiment, "acquisition" includes at least one of the following: a device goes to retrieve data or information stored in another device or storage medium (active acquisition), and inputs data or information output from another device to the device (passive acquisition). Examples of active acquisition include making a request or inquiry to another device and receiving a reply, and accessing and reading information from another device or storage medium. Examples of passive acquisition include receiving information that is distributed (or transmitted, push notification, etc.). Furthermore, "acquisition" may mean selecting and acquiring data or information from received data or information, or selecting and receiving distributed data or information.

[0025] (First embodiment) <Mold manufacturing process> FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the casting manufacturing process. The casting manufacturing process includes a mold making step S1, a mold stripping step S2, and a molten metal pouring step S3. First, in the molding step S1, refractory particles such as silica sand or artificial sand are charged from a hopper 210 into a kneader 220. A binder and a hardener are further charged into the kneader 220.

[0026] The mold material 30, which is a mixture of refractory particles, a binder, and a hardener, is poured from the kneader 220 into the master 20, which is made up of the bottom plate 22, the product portion 24, and the molding flask 26, to form a sand mold. The bottom plate 22, the product portion 24, and the molding flask 26 are, for example, wooden molds.

[0027] The refractory particles may be, for example, a single sand or a mixture of sand such as silica sand, zircon, chromite, olivine, alumina, synthetic mullite, etc., and may be either new sand or regenerated sand. Note that regenerated sand is refractory particles that have been used in casting molds and have been regenerated by mechanical polishing, roasting, or other such treatment.

[0028] The binder is not particularly limited, but when a self-hardening resin is used, the strength increases over time, and the mold can be removed when the mold strength reaches a predetermined value, which is useful for increasing the productivity of the mold. It is particularly useful for organic self-hardening resins such as furan resins, which are acid-hardening resins that harden by a dehydration condensation reaction in which the presence of water or solvents hinders the progress of the hardening reaction, phenol resins, and alkali phenol resins, which are ester-hardening resins, and inorganic self-hardening resins such as water glass.

[0029] A hardener is a catalyst or a reaction component that causes a hardening reaction in the binder. When the binder is an organic self-hardening resin, a liquid hardener is usually used. When the binder is an organic self-hardening resin, an acidic hardening catalyst containing sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, or organic sulfonic acid is used, and when the binder is an alkaline phenolic resin, an organic ester whose hardening speed can be adjusted depending on the degree of hydrolysis and the degree of compatibility can be used as a hardener. When the binder is an inorganic self-hardening resin, an organic ester whose hardening speed can be adjusted depending on the degree of hydrolysis and the degree of compatibility can be used as a hardener. These may be used alone, or two or three types of hardeners with different hardening speeds may be added automatically, with the amount of each added adjusted depending on the temperature of the sand, air temperature, humidity, etc.

[0030] After the sand mold is formed in the molding step S1, the binder contained in the mold material 30 undergoes a polymerization reaction with the hardener, hardening the molding sand 32, and the process proceeds to the demolding step S2. In the demolding step S2, the molding sand 32 is removed from the master 20 by a demolding device 240 to produce a mold 10 (e.g., upper mold 10a and lower mold 10b). The produced upper mold 10a and lower mold 10b are combined and used as the mold 10 in the next pouring step S3. However, the demolding step S2 does not necessarily require the use of the demolding device 240, and demolding may be performed manually by an operator.

[0031] Next, in the pouring process S3, molten metal 250 is poured into the mold 10, which is made by matching the upper and lower dies 10a and 10b. After the molten metal cools and solidifies, it is removed from the mold 10 as a product 260. The sand in the mold 10 is recycled and can be reused as recycled sand 270 in the molding process S1.

[0032] <Mold making method> 1, the binder in the molding sand 32 filled with the mold material 30 in the master 20 undergoes a polymerization reaction with the hardener, and the molding sand 32 hardens. In the dehydration condensation reaction, the hardening is further accelerated by the evaporation of water and solvent from the mold. Then, after the hardening progresses and the strength required for demolding is reached, the molding sand 32 is demolded from the master 20 to produce the mold 10. The mold production method according to this embodiment provides a method for identifying the appropriate timing for demolding the molding sand 32 from the master 20.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing the steps of the mold fabrication method according to this embodiment. The mold making method according to the present embodiment includes disposing a detection means in a master 20 for making the mold 10 before filling the mold material 30 so that the detection means faces the mold material 30 when the mold material 30 is filled (step S11), filling the master 20 with the mold material 30 (step S13), obtaining hardening state information generated by the detection means while the molding sand 32 made of the mold material 30 is hardening (step S15), and using the obtained hardening state information, if it is determined that it is time to release the mold 10 (YES in step S16), the molding sand 32 is released to make the mold 10 (step S17). Note that, if it is not determined that it is time to release the mold 10 in step S16 (NO in step S16), the process returns to step S15.

[0034] The master 20 may be composed of a bottom plate 22, a product portion 24, and a molding flask 26, or may be integral. As will be described later in another embodiment, the master for making a core may be composed of two dies that are combined facing each other to form a space having the shape of the core in the center. The product portion 24 is, for example, a wooden model that forms the outer shape of the casting product 260 to be cast. The product portion 24 is placed on the bottom plate 22 in the space formed by the bottom plate 22 and the molding flask 26, into which the mold material 30 will be filled.

[0035] <Detection method and curing state information> The detection means and the generated curing state information will be described below. The detection means generates hardening state information capable of identifying the hardening state of the mold material 30 filled in the space of the master 20. As described above, the mold material 30 is a mixture of refractory particles, a hardener, and a binder.

[0036] As an example, the detection means is a strength sensor that comes into contact with the surface of molding sand 32 made of mold material 30 and measures the strength (e.g., resistance to pressure, hardness, etc.) of the molding sand 32 during hardening. The hardening state information generated by the strength sensor is a value indicating the hardness of the mold material at the location where the sensor is installed. At least one strength sensor is placed on at least one of the bottom plate 22 and the molding flask 26 before the mold material 30 is filled into the master 20.

[0037] Various strength sensors can be used. Examples of strength sensors include hardness sensors such as actuators with load cells (strain gauges). These strength sensors can be used to directly measure strength. Alternatively, only a load cell may be installed as a strength sensor, and some external force may be applied and the reaction force may be measured using this load cell. Alternatively, hardening state information can be generated using a position sensor (contact displacement sensor) instead of a sensor that directly measures strength. In the case of a position sensor, a constant measurement pressure is set and a sensor head is brought into contact with the surface of the molding sand 32, and a certain amount of displacement or more associated with the hardening of the molding sand 32 is detected to determine the strength of the molding sand 32, and the result can be used as hardening state information.

[0038] As another example, the detection means may generate the curing state information using a sensor that measures the electrical conductivity, dielectric constant, or temperature of the molding sand 32 made of the mold material 30. Using at least one of the electrical conductivity, dielectric constant, and temperature measured by the sensor, the curing state of the molding material 30 of the molding sand 32 during curing can be identified. Specifically, the detection means identifies the curing state and generates the curing state information based on a change in at least one of the electrical conductivity, dielectric constant, and temperature detected by the sensor. This is particularly effective for furan resin, whose curing reaction is an exothermic reaction.

[0039] As another example, the detection means may be an ultrasonic or sonic sensor. For example, the strength may be determined by measuring the conduction speed and strength of the reflected wave and comparing them with previously obtained conduction speed and strength during hardening. In this case, at least the strength of the binder contained in the mold material 30 can be determined.

[0040] <S11: Arrangement of Detection Means> In step S11, the detection means is arranged on at least one inner surface of the bottom plate 22 and the mold frame 26. Therefore, the mold release timing can be determined based on the hardening state information of the inner surface of the product side of the prototype of the molding sand 32. Regarding the arrangement method of the detection means in step S11, specific examples will be described below.

[0041] <First Arrangement Example> FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a first arrangement example of the detection means in the mold manufacturing method according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view in a direction perpendicular to the bottom plate 22 of the molding sand 32 filled with the mold material 30 inside the prototype 20 in step S13.

[0042] In the first arrangement example, at least a part of the detection means is built into at least one of the bottom plate 22 and the mold frame 26.

[0043] The detection means is, for example, a sensor 40 having a sensor tip 42 that abuts on the surface of the molding sand 32 made of the mold material 30, measuring the strength of the molding sand 32 during hardening, and outputting a value indicating the hardness of the molding sand 32. The sensor 40 is built into the bottom plate 22 or the mold frame 26 so that the sensor tip 42 faces the surface of the molding sand 32.

[0044] In this way, since at least a part of the detection means is built into at least one of the bottom plate 22 and the mold frame 26, the portion where the detection means abuts or is buried in the molding sand 32 can be minimized. Therefore, the mold 10 can be maintained with high quality.

[0045] The measured value of the sensor 40 may be transmitted to the information processing device 100 via a communication device 202 described later, either wired or wirelessly.

[0046] At least a portion of the sensor 40 is embedded in the bottom plate 22. In the example of Fig. 3, the sensor tip 42 is arranged so as to be flush with the upper surface 22a of the bottom plate 22 or to be higher than the upper surface 22a. However, if the sensor 40 is a detection means capable of generating hardened state information of the molding sand 32 in a non-contact manner, the sensor tip 42 may be arranged so as to be lower than the upper surface 22a of the bottom plate 22. In this case, the detection means also includes a vertically upward portion of the sensor tip 42 between the upper surface of the sensor tip 42 and the upper surface 22a of the bottom plate 22.

[0047] The installation position of sensor 40 can be indicated, for example, by distance L1 from the outer edge of product portion 24 to the center of sensor tip portion 42 of sensor 40. However, the installation position of sensor 40 can also be indicated by something other than distance L1.

[0048] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a modification of the first arrangement example of FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, in an example in which the sensor 40 is built into the molding flask 26, the installation position of the sensor 40 may be indicated by the distance L2 in the height direction from the upper surface 22a of the bottom plate 22 to the center of the sensor 40.

[0049] At least a portion of the sensor 40 is embedded in the flask 26. In the example of Fig. 4, the sensor tip 42 is disposed so as to be flush with the inner surface 26a of the flask 26 or closer to the molding sand 32 than the inner surface 26a. However, if the sensor 40 is a detection means capable of generating information on the hardened state of the molding sand 32 in a non-contact manner, the sensor tip 42 may be disposed outside the inner surface 26a of the flask 26, that is, separated from the surface of the molding sand 32.

[0050] Furthermore, the position of the sensor 40 can be represented by two-dimensional coordinates on the top surface 22a when the bottom plate 22 is viewed in plan view. Alternatively, the position of the sensor 40 can be represented by three-dimensional coordinates in the space formed by the bottom plate 22 and the molding flask 26.

[0051] Position information indicating the installation position of the sensor 40 is stored in a storage device 120 of the information processing device 100 of an embodiment described later, and is used for information processing by the information processing device 100. The position information of the sensor 40 can be input by a user operation on an operation screen including a UI (User Interface) that accepts user operations of the information processing device 100, for example. The installation position of the sensor 40 may be a value that is preset at the time of design, or may be a value obtained by measuring the installation position of the sensor 40 installed by a worker on-site.

[0052] In the case of a value preset at the time of design, for example, the position information of the sensor 40 stored in the storage device 120 of the information processing device 100 may be displayed on the display of a mobile terminal 282 (described later) used by the worker. The worker can place the sensor 40 on the bottom plate 22 or the molding flask 26 while checking the position information of the sensor 40.

[0053] When multiple sensors 40 are provided as detection means, it is preferable to place each sensor 40 at a different distance L1 or distance L2, for example. When the mold material 30 contains a dehydration condensation binder, it hardens as moisture escapes from the mold material 30, and so the hardened state differs between the inside and outside of the molding sand 32. Also, depending on the shape of the molding sand 32, the hardened state differs between thick and thin locations of the molding sand 32. Therefore, it is preferable to place multiple sensors 40 at different positions (positions with different distances L1 or L2) to obtain hardened state information at different positions.

[0054] <Second arrangement example> 5 is a diagram showing a second example of the arrangement of the detection means in the mold production method according to the present embodiment. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view in a direction perpendicular to the bottom plate 22 of the molding sand 32 in which the mold material 30 has been filled inside the master 20 in step S13. In the second arrangement example, a hole capable of accommodating and moving the detection means is disposed in the bottom plate 22 or the flask 26. In detail, at least one hole 50 capable of accommodating and moving the detection means (sensor 40) is formed in at least one of the bottom plate 22 and the flask 26. Then, in step S11, at least a part (sensor tip 42) of the detection means (sensor 40) is exposed from the hole 50 at least at the timing when the hardening state information should be generated. With this method, in the case of a mold in which the bottom plate and the flask are integrated, it is not necessary to embed sensors in all of the many bottom plates and flasks, and measurements can be made by simply drilling holes.

[0055] The sensor tip 42 is disposed so as to be flush with the upper surface 22a of the bottom plate 22 or higher than the upper surface 22a. However, in the case where the sensor 40 is a detection means capable of generating information on the hardened state of the molding sand 32 in a non-contact manner, the sensor tip 42 may be disposed so as to be lower than the upper surface 22a of the bottom plate 22.

[0056] The installation position of the sensor 40 can be represented, for example, by the distance L1 from the outer end of the product portion 24 to the center of the hole 50. As described in the first arrangement example above, the installation position of the sensor 40 may be represented by the distance L2 in the height direction from the upper surface 22a of the bottom plate 22 to the center of the sensor 40. Alternatively, the position of the sensor 40 may be represented by two-dimensional coordinates on the upper surface 22a when the bottom plate 22 is viewed in plan. Alternatively, the position of the sensor 40 may be represented by three-dimensional coordinates in the space formed by the bottom plate 22 and the molding flask 26.

[0057] As in the above first arrangement example, in order to obtain curing state information at different positions, it is preferable to form holes 50 at different positions (positions at different distances L1 or L2) and arrange sensors 40 in the holes 50.

[0058] According to this configuration, a plurality of holes 50 are formed in the bottom plate 22 or the molding flask 26 in advance, and the detection means can be inserted into the holes 50 during measurement, so that the measurement values ​​at a plurality of locations can be measured with at least one detection means. Also, since a different detection means can be used for each location, the accuracy of the hardening state information can be improved.

[0059] <Third arrangement example> Fig. 6 shows a third example of the arrangement of the detection means in the mold production method according to the present embodiment. Fig. 6(a) is a vertical cross-sectional view of the bottom plate 22 of the molding sand 32 in which the mold material 30 has been filled into the master 20 in step S13. Fig. 6(b) is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the upper surface 22a of the bottom plate 22, in a plan view of the molding sand 32 from above. In this example, a number of sensors 40 are built into the bottom plate 22 .

[0060] The bottom plate 22 includes, inside the molding flask 26, a product region 60 (the area shown by hatching in the figure) in which the product portion 24 is formed, and a non-product region 62 (the area shown by dots in the figure) which is the area other than the product portion 24.

[0061] In step S11, the sensor 40 is installed in a portion (non-product region 62) of the master mold that is different from the product portion 24 (product region 60) that corresponds to the casting product to be manufactured in the mold . 6, four sensors 40 are arranged at positions indicated by L11, L12, L13, and L14. The position of each sensor 40 can be indicated by the central position of the sensor 40 being two-dimensional coordinates on the upper surface 22a when the bottom plate 22 is viewed in plan, as shown in the figure.

[0062] <Fourth arrangement example> 7 is a diagram showing a fourth example of the arrangement of the detection means in the mold production method according to the present embodiment. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view in a direction perpendicular to the bottom plate 22 of the molding sand 32 in which the mold material 30 has been filled inside the master 20 in step S13. In the fourth arrangement example, the detection means is placed on the upper surface 22a of the bottom plate 22. In detail, in step S11, the sensor 40 is arranged on the upper surface 22a of the bottom plate 22 so that at least the sensor tip 42 of the sensor 40 abuts against the molding sand 32. The sensor 40 is installed at a position where the distance from the outer end of the product portion 24 to the center of the sensor 40 is L1.

[0063] In this case, the sensor 40 can be placed on the master without any special processing, and there is a high degree of freedom in where it can be placed. Furthermore, it is possible to introduce it at low cost because it is only necessary to prepare a certain number of sensors for each molding line. Also, if the sensor is not firmly fixed to the master, and is removed by the casting mold side when the mold is removed, it is possible to continue measuring after the mold is removed.

[0064] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a modification of the fourth arrangement example in FIG. 8, the sensor 40 may be attached to the inner surface 26a of the molding flask 26 so that at least the sensor tip 42 abuts against the molding sand 32. In this example, the sensor 40 is installed at a position where the distance from the upper surface 22a of the bottom plate 22 to the center of the sensor 40 is L2 in the height direction.

[0065] <Fifth arrangement example> 9 is a diagram showing a fifth example of the arrangement of the detection means in the mold production method according to the present embodiment. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view in a direction perpendicular to the bottom plate 22 of the molding sand 32 in which the mold material 30 has been filled into the master 20 in step S13.

[0066] In this example, the detection means includes a sensor 44 that measures the electrical conductivity, dielectric constant, or temperature of the molding sand 32 made of the molding material 30. In the example of Fig. 9, the sensor 44 is provided on the upper surface 22a of the bottom plate 22. At least one of the electrical conductivity, dielectric constant, and temperature measured by the sensor 44 is used to identify the hardening state of the molding material 30 of the molding sand 32 during hardening. Specifically, the detection means identifies the hardening state based on a change in at least one of the electrical conductivity, dielectric constant, and temperature measured by the sensor 44, and generates hardening state information.

[0067] The relationship between the change in electrical conductivity or dielectric constant and the hardening state is determined by obtaining data in advance using test pieces or the like that indicates the relationship between the change in electrical conductivity or dielectric constant and the hardening state. Data indicating the relationship between the change in electrical conductivity or dielectric constant and the hardening state varies depending on the type of sand, temperature, binder, and hardener used, so it is preferable to specify the data in advance taking these factors into consideration.

[0068] When the temperature sensor 44 is used, the progress of hardening can be determined based on the temperature change of the mold material 30. Although it depends on the type of binder, when the hardening reaction is an exothermic reaction, the mold material 30 generates heat as the hardening reaction proceeds, and the heat evaporates and dries the moisture, accelerating hardening. The hardened state of the mold material 30 can be determined by the temperature change of the mold material 30 caused by this exothermic reaction. For example, at the beginning of casting, the temperature of the mold material 30 tends to rise due to the exothermic reaction of the mold material 30, but as the exothermic reaction subsides over time, the temperature of the mold material 30 becomes constant and then decreases over time. In this way, the hardened state of the mold material 30 can be determined by observing the temperature change of the mold material 30. At this time, it is preferable to measure the temperature of the molding sand before kneading, the air temperature, and the temperature of the mold material immediately after kneading. By observing both these temperatures and the temperature change of the mold material, the hardened state can be determined with higher accuracy. Since the temperature change state of the mold changes depending on the material and thermal properties of the master model and the thermal properties of the sand, it is preferable to input or measure these physical properties to grasp the hardening state.

[0069] FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of installation of a hardness sensor of an actuator with a load cell, as an example of the sensor 44 arranged in the fifth arrangement example of FIG. The sensor 44 includes a sensor tip 42, a load cell 46, and an actuator 48. The sensor 44 is housed in a container 45, and the sensor tip 42 of the sensor 44 is exposed to an upper surface 45a of the container 45.

[0070] Further, FIG. 28 is a view showing another form example of the container 45 in FIG. 27. The container 45 preferably has a tapered shape that becomes narrower in the direction of the molding sand 32 from the bottom plate 22 side. By adopting such a shape, the container 45 can be easily removed from the produced mold 10.

[0071] <Sixth Arrangement Example> FIG. 10 is a view showing a sixth arrangement example of the detection means in the mold manufacturing method according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view in a direction perpendicular to the bottom plate 22 of the molding sand 32 filled with the mold material 30 inside the prototype 20 in step S13.

[0072] A plurality of sensors 40 arranged in one molding sand 32 may be arranged by combining at least two of the above-described plurality of arrangement examples. In the example of FIG. 10, similar to the above-described first arrangement example, the sensors 40a and 40b are respectively incorporated in the bottom plate 22 and the mold frame 26, and further, the sensor 40c is placed on the upper surface 32a of the molding sand 32. The sensor 40c is placed so that the sensor tip 42 abuts on the upper surface 32a of the molding sand 32.

[0073] The positions of the respective sensors 40 can be indicated by, for example, the central positions La, Lb, and Lc of the sensor tips 42 in three-dimensional coordinates in the space formed by the bottom plate 22 and the mold frame 26. However, it may be indicated by the above-described other position information (for example, the distance L1 from the outer end of the product part 24, the distance L2 in the height direction from the upper surface 22a of the bottom plate 22, and the two-dimensional coordinates on the upper surface 22a of the bottom plate 22 in plan view, etc.). Also, the respective sensors 40 may indicate the installation positions using different position information.

[0074] <S15: Judgment of Molding Removal Timing> The determination of the mold release timing using the curing state information obtained from the detection means (sensor 40 or sensor 44) may be made by the operator checking and determining the curing state information, or may be made by the information processing apparatus 100 using the curing state information. In the present embodiment, the hardness inside the mold 10 can be determined using the curing state information. Using the curing state information, the information processing apparatus 100 or the operator can determine whether the hardness of the mold 10 is suitable for the mold release timing. Details of the determination process by the information processing apparatus 100 will be described in the embodiments described later.

[0075] When the curing state information indicates the hardness (hardness, compressive strength, etc.) of the molding sand 32, it can be determined that it is the mold release timing when the hardness becomes equal to or higher than the reference value. When the curing state information indicates the moisture content, electrical conductivity, or dielectric constant of the molding sand 32, it can be determined that it is the mold release timing when the physical property value is less than the reference value or becomes equal to or higher than the reference value. When the curing state information is the temperature of the mold material 30, it can be determined that it is the mold release timing when the temperature change satisfies the standard. The standard for the temperature change is, for example, that the temperature change after a predetermined time (the predetermined time is set based on the mold release time estimated from the type and distribution ratio of the curing agent, the air temperature, and the sand temperature) is constant, or indicates a descending state, and further, the time when the maximum value of the temperature change is obtained is recorded, and it is calculated by multiplying by a coefficient corresponding to that time.

[0076] The reference value used for the determination of the mold release timing can be appropriately set and changed by the user described later. Further, as the reference value, a reference value calculated by a learning model obtained by having the information processing apparatus 100 described later learn the curing state information may be used. This reference value and learning model are stored in the storage device 120 of the information processing apparatus 100 in the embodiments described later.

[0077] <S17: Mold Release> When it is determined that it is time to punch the mold, information indicating that it is time to punch the mold is output. Details of the output process will be described in detail in the embodiment described later. The output information may be output to an output device such as a display or indicator that can be visually recognized by the worker, and displayed, or may be output as audio to an output device such as a speaker. Alternatively, the output information may be a signal that instructs or permits the punch device 240 to punch the mold.

[0078] However, the determination as to whether or not it is the timing for mold removal may be performed by the information processing device 100 described in the embodiment described later, or may be performed by the worker. In this case, the curing state information generated by the detection means is output to an output device such as a display or indicator that can be recognized by the worker. Details will be described later.

[0079] According to the mold manufacturing method of the embodiment, a detection means is disposed in advance on a master 20 for producing the mold 10, before the mold material 30 is filled, so that the detection means faces the mold material 30 when the mold material 30 is filled (step S11). The mold material 30 is then filled inside the master 20 (step S13). During hardening of the molding sand 32 made of the mold material 30, the timing for demolding the molding sand 32 is determined using hardening state information generated by the detection means (step S16). The molding sand 32 is then demolded at the demolding timing to produce the mold 10 (step S17).

[0080] In this way, according to this embodiment, it is possible to identify the optimum timing for demolding based on the strength of the product surface side inside the mold, which is difficult to judge from the outside of the mold, regardless of the shape or size of the mold 10. The reason for this is that a detection means is disposed in advance in the master 20 (at least one of the bottom plate 22 and the molding flask 26) before the mold material 30 is filled, and hardened state information is obtained from the detection means after the mold material 30 is filled, and the timing for demolding can be determined using the hardened state information located on the product side of the molding sand 32, rather than on the top surface of the molding sand 32 or a position distant from the product side by a filling distance.

[0081] Furthermore, since the detection means is disposed in a portion of the master that is different from the product portion 24, the detection means does not affect the product portion of the mold 10, and therefore the quality of the mold 10 is not degraded.

[0082] Second embodiment This embodiment differs from the above-described embodiment in that it has a configuration in which the timing of demolding is determined using an information processing device 100. Also, in this embodiment, a mold manufacturing device is controlled using a controller 200 at a casting work site.

[0083] <Configuration of the mold manufacturing equipment> The mold manufacturing equipment in a foundry will be described. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a mold manufacturing apparatus. The mold manufacturing apparatus has a hardener A tank 230a, a hardener B tank 230b, a hardener A supply unit 232a, a hardener B supply unit 232b, a binder tank 236, a binder supply unit 238, a hopper 210, a sand temperature sensor 212, a kneader 220, and a control panel 222.

[0084] The hardener A supply unit 232a, the hardener B supply unit 232b, and the binder supply unit 238 are each connected to the controller 200, and control the supply amount (hereinafter also referred to as the added amount) of the hardener and the binder according to the control conditions. For example, the hardener A and the hardener B have different acid concentrations and different hardening speeds. The controller 200 keeps the hardening speed constant by adjusting the compounding ratio of the two types of hardeners A and B according to the sand temperature.

[0085] In this embodiment, two different types of curing agent, a curing agent A and a curing agent B, are supplied in a predetermined blend from a curing agent A tank 230a and a curing agent B tank 230b through a pipe 235 to the kneader 220.

[0086] The flow rates of the curing agent A and the curing agent B flowing through the pipe 114 are measured by flow meters (not shown), and the measured values ​​are transmitted to the controller 200.

[0087] The hopper 210 is a tank for refractory particles such as silica sand or artificial sand, and charges the refractory particles into the kneader 220. The sand temperature sensor 212 is provided near the inlet of the hopper 210 for the refractory particles, detects the temperature of the refractory particles, and transmits the sand temperature to the controller 200.

[0088] The kneader 220 kneads the refractory particles, the binder, and the hardener, and pours the resulting mixture into the master 20. A control panel 222 of the kneader 220 is connected to the controller 200, and the stirring operation of the kneader 220 is controlled.

[0089] The binder supply unit 238 feeds the binder from the binder tank 236 to the kneader 220. The flow rate of the binder supplied from the binder tank 236 to the kneader 220 may also be measured by a flow meter (not shown) and transmitted to the controller 200. The supply amount of the binder is controlled by the controller 200. The controller 200 can also adjust the supply amount of the binder by further using the flow rate measurement value by the flow meter (not shown).

[0090] <Mold manufacturing process> Fig. 12 is a diagram for explaining the casting process according to this embodiment. The casting process according to this embodiment includes the mold making step S1, the mold stripping step S2, and the molten metal pouring step S3, which are the same as those in Fig. 1 of the above embodiment.

[0091] However, in the molding process S1, the kneader 220 is provided with a control panel 222, which controls the mixing of the kneader 220. The composition and supply amount of the hardener fed into the kneader 220 are adjusted by the controller 200. As described with reference to FIG. 11, for example, two or more different types of hardener are supplied at a supply amount adjusted to a predetermined blending ratio according to the sand temperature. The sand temperature sensor 212 is provided near the outlet of the hopper 210. The controller 200 receives the sand temperature from the sand temperature sensor 212, uses it as a control condition when adjusting the hardener, and monitors the sand temperature. Furthermore, the controller 200 receives a signal from the control panel 222 and monitors the operating state of the kneader 220.

[0092] The composition and supply amount of the curing agent refer to, for example, the type, compounding ratio, and supply amount of the curing agent. The controller 200 controls, for example, the output amount (for example, the pump frequency setting) of the curing agent supplied to the piping from each of the curing agent A tank 230a and the curing agent B tank 230b, thereby selecting the type of curing agent to be supplied, and adjusting the compounding ratio of the multiple types of curing agents, the supply amount of each curing agent, etc.

[0093] <System Overview> FIG. 13 is a diagram conceptually showing a system configuration of an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment. The information processing system 1 includes an information processing device 100 and a controller 200. The information processing device 100 includes a detection means on at least one of the bottom plate 22 and the molding flask 26 for producing the mold 10, a receiving unit that receives hardened state information capable of identifying the hardened state of the mold material 30 from the detection means that is arranged in advance before the mold material 30 is filled so as to face the mold material 30 when the mold material 30 is filled, a determination unit that repeatedly determines whether or not it is the timing to strip the mold 10 using the received hardened state information, and an output unit that outputs information indicating that the timing for stripping has arrived when it is determined that it is the timing for stripping.

[0094] The controller 200 may be connected to the die-cutting device 240 via the communication device 202 and have a function of controlling the die-cutting device 240. The controller 200 may also be connected to a control panel 222 and have a function of controlling each pump and each valve on the piping, or the motor of the agitator of each tank. In this embodiment, the information processing device 100 functions as a server.

[0095] The information processing device 100 includes a storage device 120. The storage device 120 may be provided inside or outside the information processing device 100. In other words, the storage device 120 may be a piece of hardware integrated with the information processing device 100, or may be a piece of hardware separate from the information processing device 100.

[0096] The information processing system 1 may further include at least one of a terminal device 280 and a mobile terminal 282. The information processing device 100 is connected to the terminal device 280 and the mobile terminal 282 via a communication network 3. The information processing device 100 causes the terminal device 280 and the mobile terminal 282 to receive notifications, or causes the terminal device 280 and the mobile terminal 282 to display screens showing information on the hardening state of the mold 10 on the displays of the terminal device 280 and the mobile terminal 282.

[0097] For example, the terminal device 280 is a personal computer, smartphone, tablet terminal, PHS (Personal Handyphone System), PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), etc., used by a manager who manages the on-site of the foundry. The mobile terminal 282 is a personal computer, smartphone, tablet terminal, PHS, PDA, etc., used by a worker who performs work on manufacturing molds at the on-site of the foundry. Hereinafter, the manager and the worker are also referred to as users.

[0098] The user registers the user's account information in advance in order to receive notifications from the information processing device 100 or to display a screen showing information on the cured state of the mold 10 on the display. The account information includes authentication information such as a user name and password. The authentication information may be the user's biometric authentication information (face, fingerprint, iris, auricle, etc.). In this case, each terminal is equipped with a device (e.g., a camera, etc.) that reads the biometric authentication information.

[0099] The user then installs and launches a specific application on each of the terminal device 280 and the mobile terminal 282, or launches a browser or the like to access a specific website. Then, using the terminal device 280 or the mobile terminal 282, the user logs into the information processing device 100 using the registered account information. After logging in, the terminal device 280 and the mobile terminal 282 become capable of displaying a screen showing information on the hardening state of the mold 10 and receiving a notification of the timing of demolding on the application or website.

[0100] The controller 200 stores various setting information in a storage unit (the memory 1030 or the storage device 1040).

[0101] For example, the compounding ratio of hardener A and hardener B for each type of binder may be stored as hardener compounding pattern information for each condition such as sand temperature, temperature, and humidity.

[0102] Also, the operator may be able to set various set values ​​by operating an operation panel (not shown) of the controller 200. For example, the controller 200 may be able to set the type of sand to be used (select from new sand, recycled sand, special sand, etc.), the type of material of the master mold, and the hardening speed, pot life, and demolding time that are set according to the shape and size of the mold, as well as correcting these values ​​(for example, setting the hardening speed faster / slower, each time longer / shorter, etc., in stages).

[0103] <Hardware configuration example> 14 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a computer 1000 that realizes the information processing device 100. The controller 200, the communication device 202, the terminal device 280, and the mobile terminal 282 in FIG. 13 are also realized by the computer 1000. The die-cutting device 240 may also include the computer 1000. At least some of the functions of the information processing device 100 (for example, the receiving unit 102, the determining unit 104, etc.) may be included in the controller 200.

[0104] The computer 1000 has a bus 1010, a processor 1020, a memory 1030, a storage device 1040, an input / output interface 1050, and a network interface 1060.

[0105] The bus 1010 is a data transmission path for transmitting and receiving data among the processor 1020, memory 1030, storage device 1040, input / output interface 1050, and network interface 1060. However, the method of connecting the processor 1020 and the like to each other is not limited to a bus connection.

[0106] The processor 1020 is implemented by a central processing unit (CPU) or a graphics processing unit (GPU).

[0107] The memory 1030 is a main storage device realized by a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like.

[0108] The storage device 1040 is an auxiliary storage device realized by a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a memory card, a read only memory (ROM), or the like. The storage device 1040 stores program modules that realize each function of the information processing device 100 (e.g., the receiving unit 102, the determining unit 104, the output unit 106, the processing unit 108, etc.). The processor 1020 loads each of these program modules onto the memory 1030 and executes them, thereby realizing each function corresponding to the program module. The storage device 1040 may also store each data of the storage device 120 of the information processing device 100.

[0109] The program module may be recorded in a recording medium. The recording medium for recording the program module may include a non-transitory tangible medium usable by the computer 1000, and the program code readable by the computer 1000 (processor 1020) may be embedded in the medium.

[0110] The input / output interface 1050 is an interface for connecting the computer 1000 to various input / output devices. The input / output interface 1050 also functions as a communication interface for performing short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and NFC (Near Field Communication).

[0111] The network interface 1060 is an interface for connecting the computer 1000 to a communication network 3. The communication network 3 is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network). The method for connecting the network interface 1060 to the communication network 3 may be a wireless connection or a wired connection.

[0112] The computer 1000 is connected to necessary devices (eg, a display, a code reader, an IC tag reader, operation buttons, a display, a camera, a speaker, a microphone, a keyboard, a mouse, a printer, etc.) via an input / output interface 1050 or a network interface 1060.

[0113] Each component of the information processing device 100 of each embodiment of Fig. 15 and Fig. 23 is realized by any combination of hardware and software of the computer 1000 of Fig. 14. Those skilled in the art will understand that there are various modifications of the realization method and device. The functional block diagram showing the information processing device 100 of each embodiment shows blocks of logical functional units, not a configuration of hardware units.

[0114] 15 is a functional block diagram showing a logical configuration of an information processing device 100 according to an embodiment. The information processing device 100 includes a receiving unit 102, a determining unit 104, and an output unit 106.

[0115] The receiving unit 102 receives hardening state information capable of identifying the hardening state of the mold material from a detection means (sensor 40) that is positioned in advance before the mold material is filled so as to face the mold material when the mold material is filled into a master model for making a mold. The determining unit 104 repeatedly determines whether or not it is time to demold the casting mold, using the received curing state information. When it is determined that it is time to remove the mold, the output unit 106 outputs information indicating that it is time to remove the mold.

[0116] As described above, one example of the detection means is a strength sensor that comes into contact with the surface of the molding sand 32 made of the mold material 30, measures the strength of the molding sand 32 during hardening, and outputs a value indicating the hardness of the molding sand 32. Another example of the detection means is a sensor that measures the electrical conductivity, dielectric constant, or temperature of the molding sand 32 made of the mold material 30.

[0117] Moreover, the connection between each sensor and the information processing device 100 may be an analog connection or a digital connection. The sensor may have a wireless communication function. The wireless communication function may be, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or Bluetooth (registered trademark) for short-distance wireless communication. When the sensor has a wireless communication function, the sensor may transmit a measurement value to the information processing device 100 or may transmit the measurement value to the communication device 202. Alternatively, the sensor may transmit a measurement value to the controller 200. Then, the controller 200 may transmit the measurement value to the information processing device 100 via the communication device 202. When the sensor transmits the measurement value directly to the information processing device 100, the information processing device 100 stores identification information such as an IP address of the sensor in the sensor information 130 and uses it when receiving the curing state information from the sensor. Alternatively, when transmitting measurement values ​​from the sensor to the information processing device 100 via the communication device 202, the information processing device 100 links identification information such as the IP address of the sensor with identification information such as the IP address of the communication device 202 and stores it in the storage device 120, and uses it when receiving curing status information from the sensor via the communication device 202.

[0118] The measurement values ​​are output from the sensor successively, periodically, or whenever requested. Each sensor may have a memory for holding the measurement values ​​for a predetermined period. With this configuration, when the communication environment becomes poor, the measurement values ​​for the predetermined period can be stored in the memory, and can be transmitted when the communication environment becomes good.

[0119] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the sensor information 130. As shown in FIG. The sensor information 130 includes, for each sensor 40, at least identification information (indicated as "sensor ID" in the figure) capable of identifying the sensor 40, information indicating the type of the sensor 40 (strength sensor (pressure sensor, position sensor, load cell, etc.), electrical conductivity sensor, dielectric constant sensor, temperature sensor, etc.), and information capable of identifying the measurement data output from the sensor 40.

[0120] Information that can identify the measurement data is, for example, in the case of a hardness sensor, information that can identify the hardness test method (for Vickers hardness, the hardness symbol "HV", for Brinell hardness, the hardness symbol "HBW", etc.), in the case of an electrical conductivity sensor or dielectric constant sensor, information indicating the moisture content of the molding sand 32 (%: liquid / solid), and in the case of a temperature sensor, information indicating the temperature (°C) of the molding sand 32, etc.

[0121] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the template information 140. The mold information 140 includes at least, for each mold 10, identification information capable of identifying the mold 10 (shown as "mold ID" in the figure), information relating to the casting product to be manufactured using the mold 10 (e.g., product type, product name, etc.), and information relating to the mold material 30 of the mold 10 (e.g., type of molding sand, type and mixing ratio and amount of hardener, type and amount of binder, sand temperature, air temperature, and humidity at the time of molding, etc.).

[0122] The identification information of the mold 10 is, for example, attached in advance to the outside of the master 20 in the form of an IC tag, a barcode, or a two-dimensional code on which the identification information is recorded. However, a label on which the identification information is written may also be attached. Then, when the mold material 30 is filled in the molding process S1, the IC tag, the barcode, or the like is read by a reading device to read the identification information. When the information processing device 100 receives the identification information of the mold 10, it may refer to the mold information 140, read the mold material 30, the molding conditions, and the like, and transmit them to the controller 200. Alternatively, the worker may input the identification information written on the label by operating the UI from the input screen. The input screen may be displayed on the display of the terminal device 280 or the mobile terminal 282 operated by the worker from the setting menu of the above-mentioned application or website.

[0123] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the sensor installation information 150. As shown in FIG. The sensor installation information 150 includes at least, for each mold 10, identification information capable of identifying the mold 10 (shown as "mold ID" in the figure), identification information capable of identifying the sensor 40 installed on that mold 10 (shown as "sensor ID" in the figure), and, for each sensor 40, information indicating the installation position, and information regarding a reference value for determining the timing of demolding from the hardening state information of that sensor 40.

[0124] As described above, it is preferable that the reference value for determining the timing of demolding can be set and changed appropriately by the user. For example, an operation screen including a UI for accepting user operations can be displayed on the display, and the setting or change of the reference value can be accepted by the user operation. When the setting or change is accepted, the reference value of the sensor installation information 150 is set or updated and stored in the storage device 120.

[0125] The method of arranging the sensor 40 is exemplified below, but is not limited to this. The placement of the sensor 40 is determined in advance and stored in the sensor installation information 150, and the sensor 40 is placed based on the installation position information of the sensor 40 with reference to the sensor installation information 150.

[0126] In detail, when the sensor 40 is placed on the bottom plate 22 or the molding flask 26, the above-mentioned identification information of the mold 10 is read from an IC tag, a barcode, or the like using a reading device. Upon receiving the identification information of the mold 10, the information processing device 100 refers to the sensor installation information 150 and reads out the identification information and installation position information of the sensor 40. For example, the information processing device 100 may display the read identification information and installation position information of the sensor 40 on the display of the terminal device 280.

[0127] The worker can place the sensor 40 while checking the display. For example, if the placement position is indicated by coordinates, it is preferable to mark the coordinate scale in advance on the bottom plate 22 or the molding flask 26. The worker can place the sensor 40 according to the scale.

[0128] However, the position of the sensor 40 placed by the worker on the bottom plate 22 other than the product portion 24 may be input by the worker by operating the UI from the input screen using the terminal device 280 or the mobile terminal 282. For example, the identification information of the sensor 40 and the arrangement position of the sensor 40 (bottom plate 22, molding flask 26) are input for each sensor 40. The identification information of the sensor 40 may be, for example, an IC tag or a barcode attached to the sensor 40, as in the case of the mold 10, or a label attached to the sensor 40.

[0129] Furthermore, the IC tag or barcode attached to the master 20 is read by a reader to obtain the identification information of the mold 10. Alternatively, the identification information written on the label may be input by an operator operating the input screen described above. The information processing device 100 may record the input position information in the sensor installation information 150 in association with the obtained identification information of the mold 10.

[0130] When the position information of the sensor 40 installed by the worker is recorded in the sensor installation information 150, the reference value used in the determination process of the demolding timing may be, for example, a reference value previously determined for each type of sensor 40. In this case, the reference value may be stored in the sensor information 130. The determination unit 104 of the information processing device 100 refers to the sensor information 130, acquires the reference value linked to the identification information of the installed sensor 40, and can use the reference value in the determination process.

[0131] As described in the first embodiment, various examples of the information indicating the installation position of the sensor 40 are possible, and are exemplified below, but are not limited to these. Furthermore, when multiple sensors 40 are installed in one molding sand 32, the information indicating the installation position for each sensor 40 may be different. (a1) In the case of sensor 40 disposed on bottom plate 22, the distance from the outer edge of product portion 24 to the center of sensor tip 42 of sensor 40 is indicated as L1 (FIG. 3, etc.). (a2) In the case of the sensor 40 disposed in the flask 26, the distance in the height direction from the upper surface 22a of the bottom plate 22 to the center of the sensor tip 42 of the sensor 40 is indicated as L2 (FIG. 4, etc.). (a3) In the case of the sensor 40 disposed on the bottom plate 22, the position is indicated by a two-dimensional coordinate position on the upper surface 22a of the bottom plate 22. (a4) In the case of the sensor 40 disposed in the flask 26, the position is indicated by a two-dimensional coordinate system (FIG. 6) on the inner surface 26a of the flask 26. (a5) The location where the sensor 40 is placed is indicated by being at least one of the bottom plate 22, the molding flask 26, and the upper surface 32a of the molding sand 32.

[0132] The above-mentioned (a5) is an example of a case where the exact location is not specified, or where the exact installation location is predetermined for each location. For example, when the above-mentioned distance L1 and distance L2 are predetermined, the information may indicate whether the installation location is the bottom plate 22, the flask 26, or both the bottom plate 22 and the flask 26. Alternatively, since the flask 26 has four sides, the information may indicate on which side (for example, the front, left side, right side, rear side, etc. when the flask 26 is viewed from a certain direction) the installation location is.

[0133] The information on the reference value for determining the timing of demolding from the curing state information of the sensor 40 may be set according to the type and installation position of the sensor 40, the conditions of the mold material 30, the molding conditions, etc., or a fixed standard may be used. As will be described in the embodiment below, this reference value may be optimized using history information.

[0134] The receiving unit 102 receives from the sensor 40 a value indicating the hardness of the molding sand 32, and a measured value of the electrical conductivity, dielectric constant, or temperature of the molding sand 32 as hardening state information capable of identifying the hardening state of the mold material. The receiving unit 102 receives the measured values ​​output from the sensor 40 via the communication device 202. The receiving unit 102 periodically and repeatedly receives the measured values ​​from the sensor 40.

[0135] However, the measurement value from the sensor 40 may be received at any time. For example, in the case of the second arrangement example of Fig. 5, the sensor 40 may be inserted into the measurement position and the measurement may be received at a predetermined timing while the measurement is being performed. Also, when using a sensor that measures the strength by directly contacting the molding sand 32, once a measurement is performed, the location must be moved for the next measurement. For this reason, it is preferable to, for example, previously arrange multiple sensors at different locations (or form multiple holes 50) and use the sensors one by one (or move the holes 50) at time intervals to perform measurements.

[0136] The hardening speed, pot life, and demolding time of the mold 10, such as a self-hardening mold, can be estimated based on molding conditions such as air temperature, sand temperature, type of sand, type, mixing ratio, and supply amount of hardener, and type and supply amount of binder. The molding conditions or demolding time (set value) can be acquired from the controller 200. The receiving unit 102 may estimate or acquire the demolding time from the time when filling of the mold material 30 begins, and may start receiving the measurement value of the sensor 40 a predetermined time before the demolding time, and perform a process of determining the timing of demolding.

[0137] The receiving unit 102 receives the curing state information from the sensor 40 that is placed in a part of the master different from the product portion 24. In other words, the sensor 40 is placed in a part different from the product portion 24. Because the sensor 40 is placed in a part of the master different from the product portion 24, the sensor 40 does not affect the product portion of the mold 10, and therefore does not degrade the quality of the mold 10.

[0138] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the curing state information 160. As shown in FIG. The cured state information 160 includes at least, for each sensor 40, identification information (indicated as "sensor ID" in the drawing) capable of identifying the sensor 40, information indicating the date and time of measurement by the sensor 40, and measurement data received from the sensor 40. Furthermore, the mold information 140 may include information indicating the cured state calculated from the measurement data.

[0139] For example, if the sensor 40 is an intensity sensor, a value indicating intensity is stored as measurement data in the curing state information 160. On the other hand, if the sensor 40 is an electrical conductivity sensor or a dielectric constant sensor, the measurement data stored are their physical property values ​​and measurement values. In the case of an ultrasonic sensor, the response time and intensity of the reflected wave are stored.

[0140] The curing state information is information indicating the result of judgment by the judging unit 104 described later. The curing state information is, for example, information indicating whether or not a criterion for judging the timing for demolding is met. As an example, it can be indicated by a flag, and if the criterion for the timing for demolding is met, "1" is set, and if the criterion is not met, "0" is set.

[0141] The receiving unit 102 stores the curing state information received from the sensor 40 as curing state information 160 in the storage device 120 .

[0142] When the receiving unit 102 receives a value indicating the hardness of the molding sand 32 from the sensor 40 that measures the strength of the molding sand 32, the determining unit 104 determines whether the value indicating the hardness is equal to or greater than a reference value. When the value indicating the hardness is equal to or greater than the reference value, the determining unit 104 determines that it is time to demold the molding sand 32.

[0143] When the receiving unit 102 receives the moisture content of the molding sand 32 from the sensor 40 that measures the moisture content of the molding sand 32, the determining unit 104 determines whether the moisture content is less than a reference value or not. When the moisture content falls below the reference value, the determining unit 104 determines that it is time to demold the molding sand 32.

[0144] When the receiving unit 102 receives the temperature of the mold material 30 from the sensor 40 that measures the temperature of the mold material 30, the determining unit 104 calculates the temperature change and determines whether or not the temperature change satisfies a criterion. The criterion for the temperature change is, for example, that the temperature change is constant after a predetermined time has elapsed (the predetermined time is set based on the demolding time estimated from the type and distribution ratio of the hardener, the air temperature, the sand temperature, etc.), or that the temperature is decreasing, or that the time at which a peak value is obtained, etc. The determining unit 104 determines that the demolding timing is when the temperature change satisfies the criterion, or the time calculated from the time at which the criterion is satisfied.

[0145] A number of sensors 40 (detection means) may be disposed within the base plate 22 and the flask 26 . In this case, the determination unit 104 determines the demolding timing using the curing state information generated by each of the multiple sensors 40. Methods of determination using the information from the multiple sensors 40 are exemplified below, but are not limited to these. Since the demolding timing can be determined using multiple sensors 40, the determination accuracy of the demolding timing can be maintained regardless of the size or shape of the mold 10, for example.

[0146] <Judgment method example 1> The determining unit 104 determines that it is time to remove the mold when the hardening state information of a predetermined number of the sensors 40 satisfies a criterion. The predetermined number is, for example, the total number of the sensors 40 that are arranged. According to this configuration, the timing of demolding is determined using information from a predetermined number (for example, all) of the curing state information from the multiple sensors 40, so that the timing of demolding can be specified more precisely.

[0147] <Judgment method example 2> The determining unit 104 determines that it is time to remove the mold when the curing state information from a predetermined number of sensors 40 satisfies a first criterion and the variation in the curing state information from the multiple sensors 40 satisfies a second criterion.

[0148] The first criterion is that the curing state information indicates a strength appropriate for the die, and the predetermined number is, for example, the total number or a predetermined percentage (for example, 90%) of the total number. The second criterion is that the variation in the curing state information of the multiple sensors 40 (for example, the total number) is less than a threshold value.

[0149] According to this configuration, when multiple sensors 40 are arranged, it becomes possible to determine the timing for demolding with less variation in the hardened state information. Therefore, even if the hardened state is likely to vary depending on the shape of the mold 10, it is possible to determine that it is time to demold when the molding sand 32 has uniformly reached an appropriate hardness.

[0150] When the determining unit 104 determines that the timing for demolding has arrived, the output unit 106 outputs information indicating that the timing for demolding has arrived.

[0151] <Screen display> The output unit 106 may display the information in a manner that can be recognized within the foundry, such as a Patlite (registered trademark). Alternatively, the output unit 106 may output the information to a display. Specifically, the output unit 106 may cause the information to be output to a display of the terminal device 280 or the mobile terminal 282 via the communication network 3. Since the information indicating that it is time to remove the mold is output to the display, the worker or manager can confirm that it is time to remove the mold for each mold 10 based on the output information. This makes it possible to perform the mold removal operation at the appropriate timing.

[0152] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the output screen 300. As shown in FIG. The output screen 300 is a screen for managing the demolding process. The output screen 300 includes a display field 310 for displaying the mold ID of each mold 10 being made, and a display field 320 for displaying information indicating whether or not it is time to demold based on the hardening state. In the example of FIG. 20, information on a plurality of molds 10 is included on one screen, but one screen (for example, a pop-up screen or a notification screen) may be displayed for each mold 10.

[0153] The display field 320 displays a notation such as "Die-cutting possible" indicating that the die-cutting time has come, or a notation such as "Die-cutting not possible" indicating that the die-cutting time has not come. However, the notation is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to this.

[0154] Furthermore, when it is indicated that it is time to remove the mold, for example, a notation indicating that it is time to remove the mold may be highlighted 322 in the display field 320. Examples of the highlighting 322 include, but are not limited to, highlighting, inverting, blinking, animation, making the characters bold, enlarging the character size, changing the color of the characters or background (for example, from black to red, etc.), etc.

[0155] In addition, the information indicating whether or not it is time to cut the mold may be indicated by text, symbols (such as "○" or "OK" if cutting is possible, and "×" or "NG" if cutting is not possible), pictograms, icons, or colors (such as green if cutting is possible and red if cutting is not possible).

[0156] Also, the output unit 106 may display that it is about to be time for die removal. For example, a two-stage determination criterion for the die removal timing is set, and the determination unit 104 performs a determination process. The determination unit 104 may determine that it is about to be time for die removal when the first stage criterion is satisfied, and may determine that it is time for die removal when the second stage criterion is satisfied.

[0157] The output screen 300 may further include a confirmation button 330. For example, when the highlight 322 on the output screen 300, which indicates that it is time to remove the mold, is blinking, upon receiving a press of the confirmation button 330, the output unit 106 may perform a process of stopping the blinking display. In this case, the confirmation button 330 may be provided for each mold 10. Alternatively, upon receiving a press of the confirmation button 330, the output unit 106 may perform a process of closing the output screen 300.

[0158] <Punching instruction signal output> As another example, the information output from the output unit 106 may be a demolding instruction signal. Alternatively, the information output from the output unit 106 may be a demolding permission signal. The demolding instruction signal is transmitted to the demolding device 240 via the communication device 202. Upon receiving the information, the demolding device 240 performs a demolding operation and removes the mold 10. Note that the demolding operation may include, for example, an operation of transporting the corresponding mold 10 to a demolding position.

[0159] As described above, the worker may determine whether it is time to remove the mold. In this case, the output unit 106 in the information processing device 100 outputs information for the worker to determine whether it is time to remove the mold.

[0160] Specifically, the output unit 106 outputs the curing state information and the reference value used to determine the timing of die removal to the display. When it is determined that it is time to remove the die, the worker presses a die removal operation switch or the like provided on the operation panel of the die removal device 240. When the operation switch is pressed, the die removal device 240 performs the die removal operation. Also, when a die removal permission signal is output to the die removal device 240, the worker may press the die removal operation switch or the like to cause the die removal device 240 to perform the die removal operation. In this way, when the die removal timing arrives, the die removal operation can be performed after a person has confirmed it. <Example of operation> FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment. This flow is started at a predetermined timing, which includes, but is not limited to, the following examples: (b1) When the control panel 222 receives an operation from the kneader 220 to instruct the start of filling the mold material 30 into the master 20, the controller 200 receives a signal indicating the start of filling from the control panel 222. Then, when the information processing device 100 receives information indicating the start of filling from the controller 200, it starts this flow. (b2) After receiving the information indicating the start of filling in (b1) above, this flow is started after a first predetermined time has elapsed. The first predetermined time is, for example, after the pot life of the mold material 30 has elapsed or after a second predetermined time has elapsed since the pot life (first predetermined time=pot life+second predetermined time). (b3) A third predetermined time before the timing for demolding estimated from the pot life and hardening time estimated based on the product information (shape, size, etc.) of the casting product produced from the mold, information about the mold material 30, and the molding conditions.

[0161] When the flow starts, the receiving unit 102 receives hardening state information capable of identifying the hardening state of the mold material 30 from a detection means (sensor 40) that has been positioned in advance before the mold material is filled so as to face the mold material 30 when the mold material 30 is filled into at least one of the bottom plate 22 and the molding flask 26 for producing the mold 10 (step S101).

[0162] The determination unit 104 uses the received curing state information to determine whether or not it is time to demold the mold 10 (step S103). If it is determined that it is not time to demold (NO in step S103), the process returns to step S101. The receiving unit 102 receives the curing state information from the sensor 40 (step S101), and the determination unit 104 repeats the determination process (step S103) until it is time to demold. As described above, the receiving unit 102 may execute the reception process at a predetermined time interval.

[0163] If it is determined that it is time to remove the mold (YES in step S103), the output unit 106 outputs information indicating that it is time to remove the mold (step S105).

[0164] 22 is a flowchart showing details of the output process of step S105. At least one of step S111 and step S113 is executed.

[0165] <Punching instruction signal output> The output unit 106 outputs a die-removal instruction signal (step S111). The output destination of the die-removal instruction signal is, for example, the die-removal device 240 or the controller 200.

[0166] Various operations of the die-cutting device 240 or the controller 200 upon receiving the die-cutting instruction signal are possible, and examples thereof are given below, but are not limited to them. (c1) The die-pulling device 240 starts the die-pulling operation. (c2) The die-punching device 240 transitions to a state in which the die-punching operation is permitted. After that, the following process (c3) or (c4) is executed. Furthermore, the die-punching operation may be started in response to the operator pressing an operation switch for instructing the die-punching operation, which will be described later. (c3) An indicator provided on the operation panel (not shown) of the die-cutting device 240 or the controller 200 is turned on or blinks to notify the operator that the die-cutting time has arrived. (c4) A buzzer, voice, music, etc. is output from a speaker on the operation panel to notify the operator that it is time to start die-cutting.

[0167] <Display on screen> The output unit 106 displays information indicating that it is time to remove the mold on the display (step S113). The information is output to at least one of the terminal device 280 and the mobile terminal 282. The output unit 106 displays the output screen 300 of FIG. 20 on the display of the terminal device 280 or the mobile terminal 282. However, the information displayed on the display of the terminal device 280 or the mobile terminal 282 is not limited to the output screen 300 of FIG. 20. For example, the output unit 106 may output the fact that it is time to remove the mold on a pop-up window or a notification screen.

[0168] The worker may check the displayed, audio, or notified information, and press an operation switch for instructing the die-cutting operation provided on the operation panel of the die-cutting device 240 to cause the die-cutting device 240 to perform the die-cutting operation. Alternatively, the worker may perform the die-cutting operation.

[0169] The information processing device 100 according to the embodiment includes a receiving unit 102, a determining unit 104, and an output unit 106. The receiving unit 102 receives hardening state information capable of identifying the hardening state of the mold material from a detection means (sensor 40) that is arranged beforehand before filling the mold material so as to face the mold material when the mold material is filled into a master model for producing a mold. The determining unit 104 repeatedly determines whether or not it is time to demold the mold using the received hardening state information. When it is determined that it is time to demold, the output unit 106 outputs information indicating that the demolding time has arrived.

[0170] In this way, according to this embodiment, as in the above embodiment, it is possible to identify the optimum timing for demolding based on the strength of the product surface side inside the mold, which is difficult to judge from the outside of the mold, regardless of the shape and size of the mold 10. The reason for this is that a detection means is disposed in advance on at least one of the bottom plate 22 and the molding flask 26 before the mold material 30 is filled, and hardened state information is received from the detection means by the receiving unit 102 after the mold material 30 is filled, and the demolding timing can be determined by the determining unit 104 using the hardened state information located on the product side of the molding sand 32, rather than on the top surface of the molding sand 32 or a position distant from the product side by the filling distance.

[0171] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when it is time to remove the mold, the output unit 106 can output information indicating that it is time to remove the mold, so that the mold removal device 240 can perform the mold removal operation based on that information. Alternatively, the information can be output to the terminal device 280 or mobile terminal 282 used by the worker, so that the worker can confirm the timing to remove the mold 10 and perform the mold removal operation.

[0172] Third embodiment Fig. 23 is a functional block diagram showing a logical configuration of an information processing device 100 according to an embodiment. The information processing device 100 in Fig. 23 has the same configuration as the information processing device 100 in Fig. 15, and further includes a processing unit 108. The information processing device 100 of this embodiment is similar to any of the above-mentioned embodiments, except that it has a configuration for performing a process for optimizing the molding conditions and the arrangement position of the detection means based on the demolding time. The configuration of this embodiment can be combined with the configuration of any of the other embodiments to the extent that no contradiction occurs.

[0173] The processing unit 108 measures the demolding time for each mold 10, compares it with the set demolding time, and performs a process to accept changes to the molding conditions if there is a difference between the actual value and the set value. The processing unit 108 acquires the molding start time, and when it acquires a demolding instruction signal indicating that it is time to demold, acquires the time at which the signal was received. The processing unit 108 then calculates the molding start time and the demolding time (actual value) taken from the start of filling the mold material 30 to demolding from the reception time.

[0174] On the other hand, the demolding time of the mold 10 can be calculated as a reference value from the pot life and hardening time estimated from the molding conditions of the mold 10. The processing unit 108 compares the actual demolding time with the reference value and determines whether the difference is equal to or greater than a threshold value.

[0175] The output unit 106 outputs information regarding adjustment of the molding conditions of the mold 10 when the difference between the time measured from the molding start time to the demolding timing (actual demolding time) and a reference value is equal to or greater than a threshold value.

[0176] As described above, the molding conditions for mold 10 include the type of sand, the type, mixing ratio and supply amount of hardener, the type and supply amount of binder, etc. The information regarding adjustment includes, for example, information indicating that the molding conditions need to be changed. For example, the information may include, together with the identification information of mold 10, a message such as "The actual measured demolding time for mold 10 (mold ID) deviates from the standard value. Please adjust the molding conditions."

[0177] Furthermore, the output unit 106 displays an operation screen including a UI for accepting user operations on the display, and can accept changes to the modeling conditions through user operations. Upon accepting the changes, the processing unit 108 updates the modeling conditions in the mold information 140 and stores them in the storage device 120.

[0178] Furthermore, the processing unit 108 stores in the storage device 120 as mold-stripping history information 170 the above-mentioned mold-making start time, the calculated actual value of the mold-stripping time, and information about the mold 10 in association with each other for each mold 10 .

[0179] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the die cutting history information 170. As shown in FIG. The demolding history information 170 includes, for each mold 10, the identification information of the mold 10, the molding start time, the calculated actual value of the demolding time, and information related to the mold 10, all of which are associated with each other.

[0180] The information on the mold 10 is, for example, information indicating the state of the completed mold 10. The information on the mold 10 includes, for example, information indicating the presence or absence of deformation, collapse, or chipping of the mold 10, the hardness of the mold 10, and the quality of the mold 10. Furthermore, the information on the mold 10 may include information indicating the accuracy of a cast product manufactured using the mold 10 (such as the deviation from the design dimensions and shape). Furthermore, the mold stripping history information 170 may record the number of times the mold 10 has been used to manufacture a cast product.

[0181] Furthermore, the processing unit 108 may perform statistical processing of the mold removal history information 170 and adjust the molding conditions capable of producing a high quality mold 10 and the position of the detection means based on the information regarding the mold 10.

[0182] For example, the information processing device 100 may have a configuration that feeds back the shape (size, height, thickness) of the mold 10, the position where the detection means is disposed, and whether or not the curing state information of the detection means disposed at which position can be used to determine the appropriate timing for demolding. This makes it possible to optimize the reference value used to determine the timing for demolding.

[0183] <Example of operation> FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment. First, this flow starts when a molding start command is received. The processing unit 108 acquires the molding start time and records it in the storage device 120 (step S201). Furthermore, the processing unit 108 acquires the identification information of the mold 10 and acquires the molding conditions of the mold 10 from the mold information 140 (step S203). Then, the information processing device 100 executes the processing flow of Fig. 21 (mold removal timing monitoring processing) (step S205).

[0184] Then, when the demolding instruction signal is output in step S205, the processing unit 108 acquires the signal (step S207). Then, the processing unit 108 calculates the actual demolding time based on the time when the signal was received and the molding start time of the mold 10 (step S209).

[0185] Then, the processing unit 108 compares the actual demolding time with the reference value and judges whether the difference is equal to or greater than the threshold value (step S211). If the difference is equal to or greater than the threshold value (YES in step S211), the output unit 106 outputs information regarding the adjustment of the molding conditions of the mold 10 if the difference between the time measured from the start time of molding to the timing of demolding (actual demolding time) and the reference value is equal to or greater than the threshold value (step S213). Then, the processing unit 108 accepts the change, updates the molding conditions of the mold information 140, and stores them in the storage device 120 (step S215). On the other hand, if the difference is not equal to or greater than the threshold value in the judgment in step S211 (NO in step S211), steps S213 to S215 are bypassed and this process ends.

[0186] As described above, according to this embodiment, the same effects as those of the above-mentioned embodiment can be obtained, and further, a process for optimizing the molding conditions and the arrangement position of the detection means can be performed based on the demolding time. The reason for this is that when the difference between the time measured from the start time of molding to the timing of demolding (actual measured value of the demolding time) and a reference value is equal to or greater than a threshold value, the output unit 106 outputs information regarding adjustment of the molding conditions of the mold 10.

[0187] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, these are merely examples of the present invention, and various configurations other than those described above can also be adopted. For example, in the above embodiment, a method for making the mold 10 using the upper mold 10a and the lower mold 10b is described. In another embodiment, a method for making a core for the mold 10 is further provided.

[0188] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of a detection means in a template preparation method according to another embodiment. The example of FIG. 26(a) is a cross-sectional view including molding sand 32 in which molding material 30 is filled inside a space formed by combining core masters 70a and 70b. The molding sand 32 which becomes the core includes a product portion 34 which becomes the product part, and a baseboard portion 36 which serves to fix the product portion 34 on both sides.

[0189] In this example, at least a portion of the sensor 40 (detection means) is built into at least one of the master patterns 70a and 70b. The sensor 40 has, for example, a sensor tip (not shown) that comes into contact with the surface of the molding sand 32 made of the mold material 30, measures the strength of the molding sand 32 during hardening, and outputs a value indicating the hardness of the molding sand 32. The sensor 40 is built into the master patterns 70a and 70b for the cores so that the sensor tip faces the surface of the molding sand 32.

[0190] The sensor 40 is installed in a portion of the master patterns 70a and 70b that is different from the product portion 34 that corresponds to the casting product produced in the mold 10 (in the example of FIG. 26(a), the baseboard portion 36).

[0191] In the example of Fig. 26(b), the master mold 70b of Fig. 26(a) is further provided with push-out pins 76 in the product portion 34 and the baseboard portion 36. In this example, the sensor 40 is provided at the tip of the push-out pin 76 provided in the baseboard portion 36 on the molding sand 32 side. In other words, the sensor 40 is inserted into the hole 78 into which the push-out pin 76 is inserted, and is positioned so that the sensor tip of the sensor 40 abuts against the surface of the baseboard portion 36 of the molding sand 32.

[0192] In the above example, the sensor 40 is built into the master 70a or 70b, but similar to the above embodiment, the sensor may be installed on the surface of the portion of the master 70a or 70b that corresponds to the baseboard portion 36.

[0193] In the above embodiment, the mold 10 is made using the mold material 30 in which refractory particles, a binder, and a hardener are mixed together. However, in other embodiments of the present invention, a method for making a mold can be provided in which the mold 10 is made using a green sand method in which sand is compressed under pressure, or a gas hardening method in which gas is used as a hardener.

[0194] According to the present invention, as another embodiment, a method for optimizing the installation position of the sensor 40 according to the molding conditions of a mold using the information processing device 100 of the above embodiment may be provided. Furthermore, according to another embodiment of the present invention, a method may be provided in which a sensor 40 is installed at an installation position optimized using the method, and a mold is produced at a timing for demolding determined.

[0195] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present invention within the scope of the present invention. In the present invention, when information about a user is acquired and used, this shall be done lawfully. [Explanation of symbols]

[0196] 1. Information Processing Systems 3. Communication Network 10 Mold 10a upper mold 10b Lower mold 20 Prototype 22 Bottom plate 24 Product Department 26 Molding Flask 30 Mold materials 32 Molding sand 40, 40a, 40b, 40c Sensor 42 Sensor tip 44 Sensors 50 holes 60 product areas 62 Non-product area 100 Information processing device 102 Receiving unit 104 Judgment section 106 Output section 108 Processing section 120 Storage device 130 Sensor Information 140 Mold Information 150 Sensor installation information 160 Hardening status information 170 Die history information 200 Controller 202 Communication equipment 210 Hopper 212 Sand temperature sensor 220 Kneader 222 Control Panel 230a Hardener A tank 230b Hardener B tank 232a Hardener A supply section 232b Hardener B supply section 235 Piping 236 Binder tank 238 Binder Supply Section 240 Cutting die device 250 Molten Metal 260 products 270 Recycled sand 280 Terminal Equipment 282 Mobile Devices 300 Output Screen 1000 Computers 1010 Bus 1020 Processor 1030 Memory 1040 Storage Device 1050 Input / Output Interface 1060 Network Interface

Claims

1. A detection means for generating hardening state information capable of identifying a hardening state of a mold material is disposed in a master for producing a mold before the mold material is filled, so as to face the mold material when the mold material is filled; Then, the mold material is filled into the interior of the master. obtaining the curing state information during curing of the mold material; The method for producing a mold includes using the obtained cured state information to determine when it is time to demold the mold, and then demolding the mold.

2. The mold making method according to claim 1, The method for producing a mold, wherein the detection means is disposed in an area of ​​the master other than the product portion.

3. The mold production method according to claim 1 or 2, The method of making a mold, further comprising disposing at least a portion of the detection means embedded in the master.

4. The mold production method according to claim 1 or 2, The method of making a mold, further comprising disposing the detection means on an inner surface of the master.

5. The mold production method according to claim 1 or 2, A mold manufacturing method comprising forming a hole in the master mold capable of accommodating the detection means and through which the detection means can move, and exposing at least a portion of the detection means from the hole at least at the timing when the curing state information is to be generated.

6. The mold production method according to claim 1 or 2, The method of making a mold, further comprising: determining an internal hardness of the mold using the cured state information.

7. a receiving unit that receives hardening state information capable of identifying a hardening state of the mold material from a detection means that is arranged before the mold material is filled into a master model for producing a mold so as to face the mold material when the mold material is filled into the master model; A determination unit that repeatedly determines whether or not it is time to demold the mold using the received curing state information; and an output unit that outputs, when it is determined that the die-removal timing has arrived, information indicating that the die-removal timing has arrived. An information processing device that determines that there is.

8. An information processing device; A controller, The information processing device includes: a receiving unit that receives hardening state information capable of identifying a hardening state of the mold material from a detection means that is arranged before the mold material is filled into a master model for producing a mold so as to face the mold material when the mold material is filled into the master model; A determination unit that repeatedly determines whether or not it is time to demold the mold using the received curing state information; When it is determined that it is the timing for removing the mold, an output unit outputs information indicating that it is the timing for removing the mold. Information processing system.

9. One or more computers receiving, from a detection means arranged in advance before filling the mold material, information on a hardening state capable of identifying a hardening state of the mold material, so as to face the mold material when the mold material is filled into a master for producing a mold; Using the received curing state information, it is repeatedly determined whether or not it is time to demold the mold; When it is determined that the timing for die removal has arrived, information indicating that the timing for die removal has arrived is output.

10. On the computer, a receiving process for receiving hardening state information capable of identifying a hardening state of the mold material from a detection means that is arranged before filling the mold material so as to face the mold material when the mold material is filled into a master model for producing a mold; a determination process for repeatedly determining whether or not it is time to demold the mold using the received curing state information; and an output process for outputting information indicating that the timing for die-removal has arrived when it is determined that the timing for die-removal has arrived.

11. On the computer, a receiving process for receiving hardening state information capable of identifying a hardening state of the mold material from a detection means that is arranged before filling the mold material so as to face the mold material when the mold material is filled into a master model for producing a mold; a determination process for repeatedly determining whether or not it is time to demold the mold using the received curing state information; and an output process for outputting information indicating that the timing for punching has arrived when it is determined that the timing for punching has arrived.

12. a master mold having a detection means for generating hardening state information capable of identifying a hardening state of a mold material, the detection means being disposed so as to face the mold material when the mold material is filled; An information processing device, The information processing device includes: a receiving unit that receives, from the detection means, hardening state information that can identify the hardening state of the mold material; A determination unit that repeatedly determines whether or not it is time to demold the mold using the received curing state information; and an output unit that outputs information indicating that the timing for removing the mold has arrived when it is determined that the timing for removing the mold has arrived, After the mold material is filled into the interior of the master, The information processing device, obtaining, during hardening of the mold material, hardening state information from a detection means for generating hardening state information capable of identifying a hardening state of the mold material; Using the obtained curing state information, it is repeatedly determined whether or not it is time to demold the mold, When it is determined that the timing for demolding has arrived, the mold making system outputs information indicating that the timing for demolding has arrived.

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