Tapping furnace, tapping pipe and tapping method

Abstract

To provide a tapping furnace which can accurately tap a required amount of molten metal.SOLUTION: A tapping furnace 1 has: a tapping chamber 16 for tapping molten metal MM; a molten metal holding chamber 13 for communicating with the tapping chamber, and holding the molten metal; an adjustment part 4 for permitting or shutting off movement of the molten metal from the molten metal holding chamber to the tapping chamber, between the tapping chamber and the molten metal holding chamber; a tapping pipe 6 provided in the tapping chamber, and used to tap the molten metal in the tapping chamber to outside; and a gas supply part 16A capable of supplying gas from outside of the tapping chamber, wherein the tapping pipe includes: an inflow port 9; an outflow port 7; and one-way valve means for flowing the molten metal from the inflow port and flowing out it of the outflow port, when the gas is pressurized and supplied from the gas supply part into the tapping chamber, and stopping flowing of the molten metal from the inflow port, when stop of the pressurization is stopped or pressurization force is lowered, and is structured to tap the molten metal in the tapping chamber to a target part through the inside of the tapping pipe, by pressurization of the gas supplied from the gas supply part, in a state in which the adjustment part is shut off.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a tapping furnace, a tapping pipe, and a tapping method for tapping molten metal such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, and non-ferrous metal (hereinafter also referred to as "molten metal" or "molten metal"). [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the automotive industry has been expanding its electric vehicle production capacity in addition to the traditional production of gasoline-powered vehicles. While traditional gasoline-powered vehicles are manufactured by assembling a wide variety of cast parts, electric vehicles tend to be manufactured by casting the entire vehicle in a single unit. The need for precise pouring of molten metal is common in both traditional gasoline-powered and modern electric vehicle manufacturing. In particular, electric vehicle manufacturing tends to involve the casting of the entire vehicle body in a single unit, resulting in a greater volume of molten metal being poured than in gasoline-powered vehicles. This is because, for example, while traditional gasoline-powered vehicles require separately manufactured parts to be welded to the body, electric vehicles require molten metal for the entire body to be molded in a single unit. For this reason, electric vehicle manufacturing requires greater precision (quantitativeness) in the amount of molten metal poured per shot (one pour) and a larger pouring capacity than gasoline-powered vehicles.

[0003] There are various methods for supplying molten metal from a molten metal furnace to casting equipment such as a die-casting machine, and the following method is known, for example.

[0004] Patent Document 1 below discloses a two-chamber low-pressure casting molten metal holding furnace. This two-chamber low-pressure casting molten metal holding furnace is equipped with a lift-up shutoff valve that opens and closes a molten metal flow path opening that connects the molten metal holding chamber and the pressurizing chamber, and the pressurizing chamber has a pressurizing section and a molten metal tapping section that communicate with each other at their bottoms. With the molten metal flow passage opening closed, pressure is applied to the molten metal surface in the pressurizing section by a pressurized gas, thereby filling the molten metal in the outlet section into the cavity of the mold. The inner wall surfaces of the pressurizing section and the molten metal outlet section are constituted by lining members made of a cylindrical, integrally fired fine ceramic product, and the lower end of the lining member of the pressurizing section is positioned below the molten metal surface level when the molten metal is completely filled into the cavity, while the upper end of the lining member of the molten metal outlet section is positioned above the upper limit molten metal surface level of the molten metal holding chamber and its lower end is positioned below the molten metal surface level when the pressure in the pressurizing section is released, and the fixed molten metal surface level of the pressurizing section is set to the lower limit molten metal surface level of the molten metal holding chamber.

[0005] With this two-chamber low-pressure casting molten metal holding furnace, by appropriately selecting the relationship between the positions of the upper and lower ends of the lining members and the molten metal surface level, it is possible to reliably prevent cracks and damage to the inner walls of the pressurizing section and the molten metal outlet section due to the installation of the lining members over a long period of time, thereby ensuring stable long-term operability and enabling the production of good casting products. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4519806 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The two-chamber low-pressure casting molten metal holding furnace of Patent Document 1 supplies pressurizing gas to the pressurizing section, thereby pushing up the molten metal in the tapping section connected to the pressurizing section and supplying the molten metal from the tapping section into the cavity of the mold. When supplying molten metal into a mold cavity, there is no mention of how the molten metal is discharged from the discharge port into the cavity by applying pressure, and no means is disclosed for precisely discharging the required amount of molten metal.

[0008] In general, in order to improve yield, it is required to supply the desired (predetermined) amount of molten metal per shot (one pour) to the target location (for example, inside the sleeve of a die-casting machine) at the desired (predetermined) required amount.

[0009] The main object of the present invention is to provide an embodiment that enables pouring of hot water in a desired (predetermined) required amount. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The aspects of the means for solving the above problems are as follows.

[0011] (First aspect) a tapping chamber for tapping molten metal; a molten metal holding chamber communicating with the tapping chamber and holding the molten metal; an adjustment unit that allows or blocks movement of the molten metal from the molten metal holding chamber to the tapping chamber between the tapping chamber and the molten metal holding chamber; a tapping pipe provided in the tapping chamber and used to tap the molten metal to the outside of the tapping chamber; a gas supply unit capable of supplying gas from the outside to the inside of the tap chamber, the outlet pipe is provided with an inlet, an outlet, and one-way valve means for allowing the molten metal to flow in through the inlet and flow out through the outlet when pressurized gas is supplied from the gas supply unit into the outlet chamber, and for stopping the inflow of the molten metal through the inlet when the pressurized supply of gas is stopped or the pressure is reduced; With the adjusting unit shut off, the molten metal in the tapping chamber is tapped to a target location through the inside of the tapping pipe by pressurizing the gas supplied from the gas supply unit. A tapping furnace characterized by:

[0012] (Second aspect) The outlet pipe of the first aspect, The outlet pipe is the inlet for the molten metal located at a low position within the tapping chamber; the outlet for the molten metal located at a high position outside the tapping chamber; a flow path formed inside the outlet pipe between the inlet and the outlet; an on-off valve member provided in the flow path, the on-off valve member allows the molten metal to flow in through the inlet and flow out through the outlet, and when pressurized supply is stopped or the pressurizing force is reduced, the inflow of the molten metal through the inlet is stopped. Outlet pipe.

[0013] (Third aspect) a tapping chamber for tapping molten metal; a molten metal holding chamber connected to the tapping chamber and holding the molten metal; an adjustment unit that allows or blocks movement of the molten metal from the molten metal holding chamber to the tapping chamber between the tapping chamber and the molten metal holding chamber; a tapping pipe provided in the tapping chamber and used to tap the molten metal to the outside of the tapping chamber; a gas supply unit capable of supplying gas from the outside of the tapping chamber to the inside of the tapping furnace, the outlet pipe is provided with an inlet, an outlet, and one-way valve means for allowing the molten metal to flow in through the inlet and flow out through the outlet when pressurized gas is supplied from the gas supply unit into the outlet chamber, and for stopping the inflow of the molten metal through the inlet when the pressurized supply of gas is stopped or the pressure is reduced; With the adjusting unit shut off, the molten metal in the tapping chamber is tapped to a target location through the inside of the tapping pipe by pressurizing the gas supplied from the gas supply unit. A method for tapping hot water. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a tapping furnace that can safely tap a large amount of molten metal. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing the tapping furnace according to the first and second embodiments. [Figure 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Z1-Z1 in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing a tapping furnace according to another aspect of the first and second embodiments. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Z2-Z2 in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing a tapping furnace according to another aspect of the first and second embodiments. [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Z3-Z3 in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing a tapping furnace according to another aspect of the first and second embodiments. [Figure 8] 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Z4-Z4 in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing a tapping furnace according to another aspect of the first and second embodiments. [Figure 10] 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Z5-Z5 in FIG. 9. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing a tapping furnace according to another aspect of the first and second embodiments. [Figure 12] 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Z6-Z6 in FIG. 11. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing a tapping furnace according to third to fifth embodiments. [Figure 14] 14 is a cross-sectional view of the tapping furnace taken along line Z7-Z7 in FIG. 13. [Figure 15] (a) and (b) are cross-sectional views of the outlet pipe, and (c) is an enlarged view of one end of (a) and (b). [Figure 16] 15(a) and (b). (e) is an enlarged view of (d). (f) is a cross-sectional view taken along line YY in FIG. 15(a). (g) is a cross-sectional view taken along line YY in FIG. 15(a). [Figure 17] (a) is a cross-sectional view of the outlet pipe, (b) is an enlarged view of one end of (a), and (c) is a cross-sectional view of (a) along the WW line. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0017] A preferred embodiment of the tapping furnace 1 according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the following description and drawings merely show one example of an embodiment of the present invention, and the content of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to this embodiment.

[0018] (First embodiment) 1 to 12 show a first embodiment of a tapping furnace 1 according to the present invention. The tapping furnace 1 has a molten metal holding chamber 13 that receives and holds molten metal MM, such as an aluminum alloy, and a tapping chamber 16 that taps the molten metal MM. The molten metal holding chamber 13 and the tapping chamber 16 are connected via a molten metal flow passage 5.

[0019] (molten metal holding chamber) The molten metal holding chamber 13 is the space inside the molten metal holding chamber vessel 13D, and the molten metal MM is held inside this molten metal holding chamber 13. A molten metal heater 2 is provided to heat the molten metal MM inside the molten metal holding chamber 13 and prevent a drop in temperature. Above the molten metal holding chamber 13, a molten metal holding chamber upper cover 13C that closes the upper opening of the molten metal holding chamber 13 and a molten metal supply port cover 13B that supplies the molten metal MM from outside the tapping furnace 1 are provided. A liquid level sensor 13E is provided on the molten metal holding chamber upper cover 13C. In the illustrated example, a molten metal supply port cover 13B is provided, allowing the molten metal MM to be supplied from outside the tapping furnace 1 using a ladle or the like. The method of supplying the molten metal MM from outside the tapping furnace 1 is not limited to this. Although not shown, for example, a trough may be provided through the side wall of the tapping furnace 1 that forms the molten metal holding chamber 13, and a trough may be provided in the penetrated portion. The trough may be connected to a melting furnace or buffer furnace located outside the tapping furnace 1, and the molten metal MM in the melting furnace or buffer furnace may be supplied into the molten metal holding chamber 13 via the trough. Alternatively, the molten metal holding chamber 13 itself may be provided with a melting function, allowing ingots, returned materials, or scrap (e.g., briquettes or chips) to be directly melted to produce the molten metal MM.

[0020] The molten metal heater 2 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that it does not hinder the movement of the molten metal MM, and a slender cylindrical heater is preferable to a plate-shaped heater. Specifically, it is preferable to use a tubular heater such as a tube burner or a tube heater. There is no particular limit to the number of molten metal heaters 2 as long as they can properly maintain the temperature of the molten metal MM. In the example shown in Figures 1 to 12, three molten metal heaters 2 are installed in the molten metal holding chamber 13.

[0021] The lower end of the liquid level sensor 13E is installed at the same height as the lower end of the liquid level sensor 16E of the tapping chamber 16, which will be described later. This is because the amount of molten metal in the molten metal holding chamber 13 decreases as the molten metal MM moves by natural fall from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16 and is repeatedly tapped from the tapping chamber 16, making it difficult for the molten metal MM to move by natural fall from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16, and when the molten metal surface moves away from the lower end of the liquid level sensor 13E (in other words, when the molten metal MM can no longer move by natural fall from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16), the sensor notifies the timing for supplying the molten metal MM from outside the tapping furnace 1 into the molten metal holding chamber 13. When the time comes to supply the molten metal, the molten metal MM is supplied from the molten metal supply port cover 13B. In addition, a liquid level sensor 13F may be provided in addition to the liquid level sensor 13E that indicates the lower limit of the amount of molten metal in order to detect the upper limit of the supply of molten metal.

[0022] (Taking room) The tapping chamber 16 is the space inside the tapping chamber vessel 16D, and molten metal MM is held within this tapping chamber 16. A gas supply unit 16A is provided within the tapping chamber 16 for use in tapping the molten metal MM that flows (moves) from the molten metal holding chamber 13 into the tapping chamber 16. A tapping pipe 6 for tapping the molten metal MM within the tapping chamber 16 penetrates the wall of the tapping chamber 16. Here, the wall of the tapping chamber 16 refers to the side wall of the tapping furnace 1 that forms the tapping chamber 16 and the tapping chamber lid 16C. A molten metal heater 2 is provided to prevent the molten metal MM within the tapping chamber 16 from heating up and decreasing in temperature. A tapping chamber lid 16C for closing the tapping chamber 16 is also provided above the tapping chamber 16. A liquid level sensor 16E and a thermocouple 16B are also provided on the tapping chamber lid 16C.

[0023] The molten metal heater 2 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that it does not hinder the movement of the molten metal MM, and a cylindrical, elongated heater is preferable to a plate-shaped heater. Specifically, it is preferable to use a tubular heater such as a tube burner or tube heater. There is no particular limit to the number of molten metal heaters 2 as long as the temperature of the molten metal MM can be maintained appropriately. In the example shown in Figures 1 to 12, one molten metal heater 2 is installed in the tapping chamber 16.

[0024] The tapping chamber 16 and the molten metal holding chamber 13 are connected via a molten metal flow passage 5, and this molten metal flow passage 5 is provided with an adjustment section 4 that allows or blocks the movement of the molten metal MM from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16.

[0025] The liquid level sensor 16E in the discharge chamber 16 detects the upper limit of the surface of the molten metal MM that flows (moves) from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the discharge chamber 16 via the molten metal flow passage 5, and it is possible to store the molten metal MM up to the position detected by the liquid level sensor 16E. When the surface of the molten metal MM touches the lower end of the liquid level sensor 16E, the adjustment unit 4 provided in the molten metal flow passage 5 is operated to block the movement, thereby stopping the flow (movement) of the molten metal MM from the molten metal flow passage 5 to the discharge chamber 16.

[0026] The tap chamber 16 can be pressurized with dry air or an inert gas (nitrogen gas, argon gas, etc.) via a gas supply unit 16A installed on the tap chamber cover 16C. By pressurizing the inside of the tapping chamber 16, it is possible to tap the required amount of molten metal MM stored in the tapping chamber 16 from the tapping pipe 6 to a target location outside the tapping chamber 16 (for example, inside the sleeve of a die-casting machine).

[0027] In order to accurately dispense the required amount of molten metal, for example, the following preparations can be made in advance: That is, in the trial run stage before the actual operation of the tapping furnace 1, various pieces of information are measured in advance, such as the elapsed time from when it is detected that the molten metal MM is flowing in the flow path inside the tapping pipe 6 until the required amount is dispensed, the pressure, speed, and supply time of the gas supplied to the tapping chamber 16, the configuration of the tapping pipe 6 (inner diameter, length, size of the inlet 9, etc.), and the number of tapping pipes 6 in the tapping chamber 16, in accordance with the required amount of molten metal MM per one shot (one dispensing) to be dispensed from the tapping pipe 6 to the outside of the tapping chamber 16, and then, during actual operation, the required amount of molten metal MM is stably dispensed based on the respective pieces of information.

[0028] The gas supply unit 16A is equipped with a timer for measuring the pressurization time, a pressure gauge, and a speed meter for measuring the gas supply speed. These devices may be provided together with the gas supply unit 16A or may be provided separately from the gas supply unit 16A.

[0029] According to the embodiment, a gas supply unit 16A is provided in the tap chamber 16, and the tap water is dispensed through a tap pipe 6 provided in the tap chamber 16. It is possible to repeatedly pressurize and supply gas from the gas supply unit 16A, stop the supply, and reduce the pressure by exhausting the gas.

[0030] In this dispensing mode, the surface of the molten metal MM touches the lower end of the above-mentioned liquid level sensor 16E in the dispensing chamber 16, and the adjustment unit 4 provided in the molten metal flow passage 5 is operated to block movement, stopping the inflow (movement) of the molten metal MM from the molten metal flow passage 5 to the dispensing chamber 16. Then, pressurized gas is supplied from the gas supply unit 16A to dispense the required amount of molten metal MM per shot (one dispensing). Thereafter, the pressure is reduced by exhaust through the gas supply unit 16A to return to atmospheric pressure.

[0031] Next, the adjustment unit 4 is operated to allow movement, and the molten metal MM flows (moves) from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16 via the molten metal flow passage 5 until it reaches a position detected by the liquid level sensor 16E. When the surface of the molten metal MM touches the lower end of the liquid level sensor 16E, the adjustment unit 4 provided on the molten metal flow passage 5 is operated to block movement, and the flow (movement) of the molten metal MM from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16 is stopped. Then, in the same manner as described above, pressurized gas is supplied from the gas supply unit 16A to tap the required amount of molten metal MM per shot (one tapping). As described above, this series of discharging operations involves repeatedly moving the molten metal MM from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the discharging chamber 16 by natural fall and discharging the molten metal from the discharging chamber 16, which reduces the amount of molten metal in the molten metal holding chamber 13 until it becomes difficult for the molten metal MM to move from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the discharging chamber 16 by natural fall, and is repeated multiple times until the molten metal surface moves away from the lower end of the liquid level sensor 13E (i.e., when the molten metal MM can no longer move from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the discharging chamber 16 by natural fall).

[0032] In this tapping mode, the tapping of the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 begins with the surface of the molten metal MM always touching the lower end of the level sensor 16E. In other words, the tapping begins when the surface of the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 is at a constant position (also called a "constant level"). This allows the gas pressurization from the gas supply unit 16A to be supplied at a constant level, making management easy. Furthermore, the tapping chamber 16 can be made smaller, and in this case, the amount of gas required for pressurization from the gas supply unit 16A can also be reduced. This allows the tapping chamber to be made smaller than conventional tapping chambers. When the size of the tapping chamber is reduced, only a small pressure of gas is required for tapping, so the power cost required for tapping can be reduced.

[0033] Furthermore, in the conventional method of pouring molten metal into a ladle and then transferring it from the ladle to, for example, a cavity, if the ladle is to receive the amount of molten metal required by the cavity in one pour, then a ladle of a size commensurate with the cavity capacity is required. When using a ladle of a size that matches the cavity capacity, it is necessary to enlarge the tapping port of the ladle in the tapping chamber. As a result, the equipment cost of the tapping furnace increases, and the enlargement of the tapping port increases the heat dissipation energy, which increases the contact area of ​​the molten metal with the atmosphere and increases the degree of oxidation of the molten metal.

[0034] The above problem becomes more pronounced when the capacity of casting equipment such as die-casting machines, known as "gigacast," increases with the expansion of electric vehicle (EV) production. In contrast, the embodiment does not have a tap port that causes the above problem. Also, according to the embodiment, when a large amount of molten metal is required for a target location (such as Gigacast), the required amount of molten metal per shot (one tapping) can be secured by making the tap pipe thicker or increasing the number of tap pipes, thereby solving the above problem.

[0035] In the embodiment, when the molten metal MM is tapped, dry air or an inert gas (nitrogen gas, argon gas, etc.) is taken into the tapping chamber 16 via the gas supply section 16A to pressurize the tapping chamber 16, and the molten metal MM is tapped from the tapping pipe 6. The combination of the supply of pressurized gas from the gas supply unit 16A and the melt discharge pipe 6 of the embodiment makes it possible to discharge the melt accurately.

[0036] Prior to pouring, although not shown, dry air or inert gas (nitrogen gas, argon gas, etc.) compressed and pressurized by a compressor is adjusted to the desired pressure using a pressure reducing valve, and a pressure gauge is used to confirm that this adjusted dry air or inert gas (nitrogen gas, argon gas, etc.) is then sent into the pouring chamber 16 via the gas supply section 16A. The operation panel of the tapping furnace 1 is used to input various pieces of advance information, such as information to ensure the stable dispensing of the required amount of molten metal MM per shot (one dispensing), which has been confirmed before actual operation. This information includes the elapsed time from when it is detected that the molten metal MM has flowed into the internal flow path of the tapping pipe 6 and reached the outlet 7 until the required amount is dispensed, the pressure, speed, and supply time of the gas supplied to the tapping chamber 16, the shape of the tapping pipe 6 (inner diameter, length, size of the inlet 9, etc.), and the number of tapping pipes 6 in the tapping chamber 16. This allows pressurization and depressurization to be carried out during actual operation, ensuring accurate dispensing.

[0037] Compared to the conventional method of using a ladle to scoop up the required amount of molten metal MM and pour it out of the tapping furnace 1, the tapping furnace 1 uses the tapping pipe 6, which eliminates the risk of the molten metal MM spilling during the scooping process and the risk of workers being injured by spilled molten metal MM, making it very safe. In addition, because the gas is supplied under pressure, the tapping chamber 16 can be completely sealed with the tapping chamber cover 16C, allowing the required amount of molten metal to be poured without causing oxidation.

[0038] (outlet pipe) 1 and 2 show an example in which the tapping pipe 6 is provided so as to penetrate the side wall of the tapping furnace 1. In FIGS. 3 and 4, an example in which the tapping pipe 6 is provided so as to penetrate the tapping chamber cover 16C. The tapping furnace 1 and the tapping pipe 6 may be manufactured as a single unit. If the tapping furnace 1 and the tapping pipe 6 are separate, it is possible to replace only the tapping pipe 6 when it is time to replace the tapping pipe 6.

[0039] The tapping pipe 6 provided in the tapping chamber 16 is a long, thin cylinder made of, for example, fine ceramics or ceramic-based aluminum titanate, with one end immersed in the surface of the molten metal MM and the other end penetrating from inside the tapping chamber 16 through the side wall of the tapping furnace 1 or the tapping chamber cover 16C and protruding to the outside of the tapping furnace 1.

[0040] By pressurizing the tapping chamber 16 for a certain period of time with pressurized dry air or inert gas (nitrogen gas, argon gas, etc.) via the gas supply section 16A, the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 is pushed out through the tapping pipe 6 protruding outside the tapping furnace 1, thereby making it possible to tap the molten metal outside the tapping furnace 1. In order to prevent the temperature of the molten metal MM from dropping during tapping, it is preferable to provide a synergistic heater 8 in at least one of the part of the tapping pipe 6 that penetrates the side wall of the tapping furnace 1, the part that penetrates the tapping chamber cover 16C, and the part that protrudes outside the tapping furnace 1.

[0041] The hot water outlet pipe 6 is formed with an inlet 9 and an outlet 7, and is also provided with a one-way valve means. When the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 is pressurized, the molten metal MM flows in through the inlet 9 of the tapping pipe 6, and a predetermined amount of the molten metal MM flows out through the outlet 7. By providing a one-way valve means, the inflow of the molten metal MM from the inlet 9 of the tapping pipe 6 stops when the pressurization is stopped or the applied pressure is reduced. The one-way valve means acts to close the tapping pipe 6, thereby preventing outside air from flowing into the tapping chamber 16 and preventing oxidation of the molten metal MM stored in the tapping chamber 16.

[0042] (molten metal flow path) The molten metal holding chamber 13 and the tapping chamber 16 are in communication with each other via a molten metal flow passage 5. The molten metal flow passage 5 is provided with an adjustment unit 4 that separates the molten metal holding chamber 13 from the tapping chamber 16 and that can open and close the molten metal flow passage 5 by, for example, raising and lowering it. The adjustment unit 4 can also be raised and lowered manually. When the molten metal MM flows from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16 with the adjustment unit 4 raised, and the molten metal level rises enough to be detected by the liquid level sensor 16E, the adjustment unit 4 may be automatically lowered to prevent further inflow of the molten metal MM, thereby closing the molten metal flow passage 5.

[0043] Then, as described above, the tapping chamber 16 is pressurized with dry air or an inert gas (nitrogen gas, argon gas, etc.) via the gas supply unit 16A. After the required amount of molten metal MM is dispensed from the tapping chamber 16, the pressurization of the tapping chamber 16 with the dry air or inert gas (nitrogen gas, argon gas, etc.) is stopped, and the tapping is stopped. The pressure inside the tapping chamber 16 is then reduced via the gas supply unit 16A, and the pressure inside the tapping chamber 16 is returned to atmospheric pressure. The gas supply unit 16A can be configured to not only pressurize but also depressurize. Once the pressure is returned to atmospheric pressure, the adjustment unit 4 automatically rises, reopening the molten metal flow passage 5 and allowing the molten metal MM to flow (move) from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16. The adjustment unit 4 may be provided on the molten metal holding chamber 13 side of the molten metal flow passage 5, on the tapping chamber 16 side, or midway along the molten metal flow passage 5, as long as it separates the molten metal holding chamber 13 and the tapping chamber 16.

[0044] Furthermore, the shape of the adjustment part 4 separating the molten metal holding chamber 13 and the tapping chamber 16 is not limited, and any part may be used as long as it can stop the flow of the molten metal MM between the molten metal holding chamber 13 and the tapping chamber 16. For example, in FIGS. 1 to 4, a wall-shaped adjustment part 4 is provided midway through the molten metal flow passage 5. In FIGS. 5 to 14, a lift-and-rotate shutoff valve 12 for opening and closing the molten metal flow passage 5 is provided at the bottom of the molten metal holding chamber 13 and at the end of the molten metal flow passage 5 as the adjustment part 4. The lift-and-rotate shutoff valve 12 moves up and down; when it rises, the molten metal flow passage 5 is opened, and when it lowers, the molten metal flow passage 5 is blocked and closed. The lift-and-rotate shutoff valve 12 can also be opened and closed manually. When the molten metal MM flows into the discharge chamber 16 with the lift-up / rotary shutoff valve 12 raised and the molten metal level rises to the level that is detected by the liquid level sensor 16E, the lift-up / rotary shutoff valve 12 may be automatically lowered to prevent further inflow of the molten metal MM, thereby closing the molten metal flow passage 5.

[0045] Thereafter, the tapping chamber 16 is pressurized with dry air or an inert gas (nitrogen gas, argon gas, etc.) pressurized via the gas supply unit 16A, and after the required amount of molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 has been tapped, the pressurization of the tapping chamber 16 with the dry air or inert gas (nitrogen gas, argon gas, etc.) is stopped to stop the tapping. The pressure inside the tapping chamber 16 is then reduced to return to atmospheric pressure. When the pressure is returned to atmospheric pressure, the lift-and-rotate shutoff valve 12 automatically rises, opening the molten metal flow passage 5 again, allowing the molten metal MM to flow (move) from the molten metal holding chamber 13 into the tapping chamber 16.

[0046] As shown in the figure, the elongated, cylindrical tapping pipe 6 installed in the tapping chamber 16 penetrates the tapping chamber cover 16C or the side wall of the tapping furnace 1. The tapping pipe 6 is made of, for example, fine ceramics or ceramic aluminum titanate, and has excellent heat resistance and corrosion resistance, is resistant to cracks and fractures, and can be used for a long period of time. To prevent the temperature of the molten metal MM from dropping during tapping, it is preferable to provide a synergistic heater 8 on at least one of the portion of the tapping pipe 6 that penetrates the side wall of the tapping furnace 1, the portion that penetrates the tapping chamber cover 16C, and the portion that protrudes outside the tapping furnace 1.

[0047] The tapping pipe 6 has one end immersed in the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 as an inlet 9 for the molten metal MM, and the other end from which the molten metal MM is tapped to the outside of the tapping furnace 1 as an outlet 7 for the molten metal MM. Inside the inlet 9 side of the tapping pipe 6, an on-off valve member 14 is provided, which is a one-way valve means capable of opening and closing the inlet 9. The on-off valve member 14 is pressurized via a gas supply section 16A of the tapping chamber 16, and is open when the molten metal MM is being tapped, and is closed when the pressurization is stopped to stop the tapping.

[0048] The on-off valve member 14 is effective when the tapping is stopped. Specifically, to stop the tapping, the pressurization of dry air or inert gas (nitrogen gas, argon gas, etc.) via the gas supply unit 16A is stopped. When the pressure is subsequently reduced, there is a possibility that the ambient air outside the tapping furnace 1 will be drawn in through the outlet 7 of the tapping pipe 6, or that the dry air or inert gas (nitrogen gas, argon gas, etc.) remaining in the tapping pipe 6 will be drawn into the tapping chamber 16. If the drawn gas is the ambient air or the dry air remaining in the tapping pipe 6, there is a risk that the molten metal MM will be oxidized.

[0049] 13 and 14, a molten metal detector 10 may be provided inside the outlet 7 side of the tapping pipe 6 in order to accurately tap the required amount of molten metal MM to the outside of the tapping furnace 1. The specific details of the molten metal detector 10 will be described later.

[0050] If a sealing material 11 that prevents contact with the outside air outside the tapping furnace 1 is not provided around the molten metal detector 10, there is a possibility that the outside air outside the tapping furnace 1 will be drawn in from around the molten metal detector 10 through the outlet 7 of the tapping pipe 6. If no sealing material 11 is provided, the on-off valve member 14 at the inlet 9 is absent, or the on-off valve member 14 does not work, and the inlet 9 of the tapping pipe 6 remains open, the outside air outside the tapping furnace 1 will be drawn in through the outlet 7 of the tapping pipe 6, and the molten metal MM stored in the tapping chamber 16 will come into contact with the outside air, which may oxidize the molten metal MM. Furthermore, if the gas pressurized via the gas supply unit 16A is dry air, the dry air remaining in the tapping pipe 6 will also be drawn in, and the molten metal MM stored in the tapping chamber 16 will come into contact with the outside air or dry air, which could result in oxidation of the molten metal MM. To prevent oxidation of the molten metal MM, it is necessary to close the inlet 9 of the tapping pipe 6 with the on-off valve member 14, so that the outside air outside the tapping furnace 1 or the dry air remaining in the tapping pipe 6 when the gas pressurized via the gas supply unit 16A is dry air will not enter the tapping chamber 16.

[0051] As shown in Figures 9 to 12, by providing a pressurizing section 13A in the molten metal holding chamber 13, the interior of the molten metal holding chamber 13 can be pressurized with dry air or an inert gas (nitrogen gas, argon gas, etc.). In order to supply pressurized gas, the molten metal holding chamber 13 is completely sealed by the molten metal holding chamber top lid 13C and the molten metal supply port lid 13B. As a result, by opening the molten metal flow passage 5 with the lift-and-rotate shutoff valve 12 and pressurizing the molten metal holding chamber 13, the molten metal MM can be efficiently flowed (moved) from the molten metal holding chamber 13 into the tapping chamber 16 via the molten metal flow passage 5 until it is detected by the liquid level sensor 16E in the tapping chamber 16. In particular, when the amount of molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 decreases, the flow (movement) of the molten metal MM from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16 by natural fall becomes difficult, the flow (movement) speed of the molten metal MM from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16 slows down, and efficiency deteriorates, the molten metal MM remaining in the molten metal holding chamber 13 can be smoothly flowed (moved) into the tapping chamber 16 with as little waste as possible. In other words, the molten metal MM remaining in the molten metal holding chamber 13 can be forced to flow (move) into the tapping chamber 16 with as little waste as possible.

[0052] 11 and 12, a liquid level sensor 13E is installed in the molten metal holding chamber 13, as described above. The lower end of the liquid level sensor 13E is installed at the same height as the lower end of the liquid level sensor 16E in the tapping chamber 16 (referred to as "lower limit 1"). Lower limit 1 is a position where the molten metal heater 2 is exposed above the surface of the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13, preventing dry heating, and is also a position where the pressurizing unit 13A can pressurize the inside of the molten metal holding chamber 13 with dry air or an inert gas (nitrogen gas, argon gas, etc.) to forcibly flow (move) the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 into the tapping chamber 16. Furthermore, in addition to the liquid level sensor 13E, a liquid level sensor 13G is provided in the molten metal holding chamber 13. In this case, the molten metal heater 2 extends up to a certain height, but is, for example, below lower limit 1. If the inside of the molten metal holding chamber 13 is pressurized by the pressurizing unit 13A with dry air or an inert gas (nitrogen gas, argon gas, etc.) to forcibly flow (move) the molten metal MM from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16, the molten metal heater 2 in the molten metal holding chamber 13 will be exposed from the surface of the molten metal MM, and the height of the molten metal surface at which dry firing occurs is set in advance, and the lower limit of the liquid level sensor 13G (hereinafter referred to as "lower limit 2") is set to this. The timing of supplying the molten metal MM from outside the tapping furnace 1 into the molten metal holding chamber 13 is not indicated by lower limit 1 but by lower limit 2.

[0053] After these settings are made, if the height of the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is higher than the height of the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16, the lift-and-rotate shutoff valve 12 is raised to open the molten metal flow passage 5, and the molten metal MM flows (moves) by gravity from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16 via the molten metal flow passage 5. Once the molten metal MM has entered the tapping chamber 16 and flows (moves) to a position detected by the liquid level sensor 16E in the tapping chamber 16, the lift-and-rotate shutoff valve 12 is lowered to close the molten metal flow passage 5, stopping the flow (movement) of the molten metal MM from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16. Then, the tapping chamber 16 is pressurized with dry air or an inert gas (nitrogen gas, argon gas, etc.) via the gas supply unit 16A in the tapping chamber 16, and the required amount of molten metal MM is tapped out of the tapping furnace 1. After the required amount of molten metal MM has been dispensed, the pressurization of the tapping chamber 16 with dry air or inert gas (nitrogen gas, argon gas, etc.) is stopped, and the tapping is stopped. The pressure is then reduced to atmospheric pressure via the gas supply unit 16A. The lift-and-rotate shutoff valve 12 is raised again to open the molten metal flow passage 5, and the molten metal MM flows (moves) from the molten metal holding chamber 13 through the molten metal flow passage 5 into the tapping chamber 16 by gravity. The lift-and-rotate shutoff valve 12 is then lowered to close the molten metal flow passage 5, and the tapping chamber 16 is pressurized to dispense the molten metal MM. This operation is repeated to continue dispensing the molten metal MM. Then, as the amount of molten metal in the molten metal holding chamber 13 decreases, it becomes difficult for the molten metal MM to move from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16 by natural fall, and the molten metal surface moves away from the lower limit 1 (i.e., when the molten metal MM can no longer move from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16 by natural fall), the pressurizing unit 13A pressurizes the molten metal holding chamber 13 with dry air or an inert gas (nitrogen gas, argon gas, etc.), forcing the molten metal MM to flow (move) from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16 to a position where the liquid level sensor 16E detects it. Next, the lift-and-rotate shutoff valve 12 is lowered to close the molten metal flow passage 5, and then the pressure inside the molten metal holding chamber 13 is reduced via the pressurizing unit 13A to return to atmospheric pressure. Note that the pressurizing unit 13A can perform not only pressurization but also depressurization. The tapping chamber 16 is then pressurized to dispense the molten metal MM. This operation is repeated to continue discharging the molten metal MM.Then, when the amount of molten metal in the molten metal holding chamber 13 decreases and the molten metal surface in the molten metal holding chamber 13 moves away from the lower limit 2, the molten metal MM is supplied from the molten metal supply port cover 13B.

[0054] In Figure 15(a), a portion of the outlet pipe 6 at one end is opened to form an inlet 9, and the diameter d3 of the inlet 9 is smaller than the diameter d1 of the outlet pipe 6. The shape of the on-off valve member 14 provided at the inlet 9 of the outlet pipe 6 is not limited, but a sphere 14A is preferred to prevent the inlet 9 from being completely unsealed (a gap occurring between the inlet 9 and the on-off valve member 14). The diameter d2 of the sphere 14A is larger than the diameter d3 of the inlet 9 of the outlet pipe 6. In other words, the relationship of diameter is as follows: diameter d1 of the outlet pipe 6 > diameter d2 of the sphere 14A, which is the on-off valve member 14 > diameter d3 of the inlet 9 of the outlet pipe 6. Therefore, when the dispensing of the molten metal MM stops and the pressure in the tapping chamber 16 is reduced via the gas supply section 16A, the sphere 14A, which is the on-off valve member 14, moves within the tapping pipe 6 toward one end of the tapping pipe 6 and stops in close contact with the inlet 9 of the tapping pipe 6, as shown in Figure 17, so that the sphere 14A, which is the on-off valve member 14, tightly closes the inlet 9 of the tapping pipe 6, preventing outside air from entering the tapping chamber 16. Furthermore, the sphere 14A, which is the on-off valve member 14, can freely move within the tapping pipe 6 toward the upper side US (the other end of the tapping pipe 6) and the lower side DS (one end of the tapping pipe 6) in response to the pressurization or depressurization of the tapping chamber 16.

[0055] Here, the shape of the periphery of the inlet 9 of the outlet pipe 6 will be explained. To make it easier for the sphere 14A, which is the on-off valve member 14, to tightly close the inlet 9, it is preferable to open a portion of the outlet pipe 6 at one end to form the inlet 9, as shown in Figures 15(a) and 15(c), and to make the inner shape of the outlet pipe 6 that contacts the sphere 14A an arc that follows at least the sphere 14A, which is the on-off valve member 14. Alternatively, instead of opening a portion of the outlet pipe 6 at one end to form the inlet 9, as shown in Figure 16(d), the entire one end of the outlet pipe 6 may be opened, and the entire one end of the outlet pipe 6 may be formed by a separate inlet member 9A. Then, a portion of the inlet member 9A may be opened to form the inlet 9. The surface shape of the portion of inlet member 9A that comes into contact with sphere 14A may be a substantially truncated cone shape as shown in Figure 16(d), but is preferably a curved surface having an arc that follows the shape of sphere 14A, which is the on-off valve member 14, as shown in Figures 16(e) and 17(b). The shape of the portion of inlet member 9A that comes into contact with sphere 14A is not limited to that shown in the figures, but it is sufficient that sphere 14A fits snugly into inlet 9 when viewed from below, as shown in Figure 17(c).

[0056] The embodiments shown in Figures 16(d), 16(e), 16(g), and 17(b) are preferred because the inlet 9 can be easily attached to the inlet member 9A by inserting a pin 15 into the outlet pipe wall 6A. Furthermore, removing the pin 15 also allows for easy replacement of the pin 15, inlet member 9A, and sphere 14A. While the pin 15 and inlet member 9A can be made of any material as long as they are heat-resistant and durable, fine ceramics are preferred for their high strength. For the same reason, the sphere 14A is also preferably made of fine ceramics. Because the sphere 14A and inlet member 9A come into contact with each other every time the inlet 9 is opened or closed, it is preferable that the sphere 14A, inlet member 9A, and pin 15 that secures them are impact-resistant to reduce the likelihood of cracks or breakage and the need for replacement. To prevent outside air from entering the hot water outlet chamber 16 due to reduced pressure when the hot water outlet is stopped, it is preferable to seal the gap between the inlet member 9A and the hot water outlet pipe wall 6A with a sealant 11. By sealing not only the inlet 9 but also the gap between the inlet member 9A and the hot water outlet pipe wall 6A, it is possible to prevent outside air from entering the hot water outlet chamber 16 when the pressure is reduced.

[0057] The sphere 14A, which is an example of a component of the on-off valve member 14, can freely move toward the upper side US (the other end of the tapping pipe 6) and the lower side DS (one end of the tapping pipe 6) within the tapping pipe 6 in response to the pressurization or depressurization of the tapping chamber 16. Therefore, if the sphere 14A continues to move toward the upper side US (the other end of the tapping pipe 6) within the tapping pipe 6 when pressurizing the molten metal MM to dispense it, there is a risk that the sphere 14A will fly out of the outlet 7 of the tapping pipe 6 together with the molten metal MM. Therefore, to prevent the sphere 14A from flying out, a protrusion 17 is provided near one end of the tapping pipe 6 as a movement restriction for the sphere 14A. The protrusion 17 protrudes from the inner wall of the tapping pipe 6 toward the axis of the tapping pipe 6. This restricts the range of movement of the sphere 14A, and the sphere 14A is stopped by the protrusion 17.

[0058] The shape of the protrusion 17 is not limited as long as it can limit the range of movement of the sphere 14A and stop it. As an example, as shown in FIG. 16(f), which is a YY cross-sectional view of the outlet pipe 6 shown in FIG. 15(a), a protrusion extending from the outlet pipe wall 6A and integral with the wall may be provided on the inside of the pipe of the outlet pipe 6. As another example, as shown in FIG. 16(g), a fine ceramic pin 15 may be inserted into the outlet pipe wall 6A from the outside of the outlet pipe 6, with the tip of the pin 15 extending and protruding into the outlet pipe 6. This type of pin 15 is easy to install. Although not shown, other options, such as a grid provided inside the outlet pipe 6 or a rod penetrating the diameter of the outlet pipe 6, may also be used.

[0059] When the sphere 14A stops at the protrusion 17 and its movement is halted, the space within the outlet pipe 6 is closed by the protrusion 17 and the sphere 14A, and the molten metal MM cannot flow through the outlet pipe 6 to the outlet port 7. For this reason, even when the movement of the sphere 14A within the outlet pipe 6 is halted by the protrusion 17, a gap through which the molten metal MM can flow must be provided. The shape of the protrusion 17 is not limited as long as there is a gap through which the molten metal can flow, the flow of the molten metal MM is not hindered, and the molten metal MM can be smoothly tapped. As mentioned above, the material of the protrusion 17 is not limited as long as it has heat resistance and durability, but it is preferable that the material be fine ceramics that can be used stably for a long period of time.

[0060] The shape of the other end of the tapping pipe 6 is not particularly limited. For example, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, the side protruding from the tapping chamber 16 to the outside of the tapping furnace 1 may be bifurcated. The molten metal detector 10 provided in the tapping pipe 6 is designed so that the pressurized molten metal MM comes into contact with this molten metal detector 10 when it passes through the tapping pipe 6 and is discharged from the outlet 7. The molten metal detector 10 is provided to improve the accuracy of the amount of molten metal MM being discharged. The location of the molten metal detector 10 is not limited, as long as it is within the flow path of the molten metal MM, and may be near the inlet 9, near the outlet 7, or at an intermediate point in the flow path. For example, as shown in Figures 14, 15(a) and 15(b), the side of the tapping pipe 6 that protrudes from the tapping chamber 16 to the outside of the tapping furnace 1 is forked, and when the molten metal MM passes through the forked part located near the outlet 7, the molten metal detector 10 reacts by coming into contact with the flowing molten metal MM, and the timer starts measuring time, and at the same time, the molten metal detector 10 moves upward US as shown in Figure 15(b), and when the scheduled elapsed time based on advance information has elapsed and the tapping stops, it moves downward DS as shown in Figure 15(a) and returns to its original position.

[0061] The molten metal MM is discharged for a pre-measured time from the moment the molten metal MM touches the molten metal detector 10. The timer, which starts from the moment the molten metal MM touches the molten metal detector 10, may be provided together with the molten metal detector 10 or may be provided separately from the molten metal detector 10 outside the tapping pipe 6. As described above, during the trial run stage before the tapping furnace 1 is put into actual operation, various pieces of information are input in advance, such as the elapsed time from the start to the end of detection of the molten metal MM flowing through the internal flow path of the tapping pipe 6, the pressure, speed, and supply time of the gas supplied to the tapping chamber 16, the shape of the tapping pipe 6 (inner diameter, length, size of the inlet 9, etc.), and the number of tapping pipes 6 in the tapping chamber 16, so that the required amount of molten metal MM can be stably discharged during actual operation.

[0062] The molten metal MM can be poured into the sleeve of a die-casting machine at the end of the outlet 7 of the tapping pipe 6, or the mold for the part to be manufactured can be attached and the molten metal MM can be poured into the mold. In this case, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, the shape of the tapping pipe 6, which is bifurcated on the side protruding from the tapping chamber 16 to the outside of the tapping furnace 1, allows the molten metal MM to be pushed up to the bifurcated point with pressure and then poured into the mold installed at the DS below the outlet 7. This allows the molten metal MM to be poured smoothly with less pressure than with a straight pipe shape, as shown in Figures 1 to 12, which requires the molten metal MM to be pushed up to the mold installed at the upper US and then continue to be pressurized until the mold is filled.

[0063] The shape of the molten metal detector 10 need only be rod- or pen-shaped, as long as it fits inside the tapping pipe 6. However, a thin, elongated shape is preferred for better fit. When the tapping molten metal MM comes into contact with the molten metal detector 10, the detector 10 moves upward (US), toward the outside of the tapping furnace 1 of the tapping pipe 6, as shown in FIG. 15(b). When the tapping stops, the detector 10 preferably moves downward (DS), toward the inside of the tapping chamber 16 of the tapping pipe 6, and returns to its original position, as shown in FIG. 15(a). This is because the detector 10 can be moved upward (US), toward the outside of the tapping furnace 1 of the tapping pipe 6, to prevent deterioration over time due to the high-temperature molten metal MM. The detector 10 may be open, or may be sealed with a sealing material 11. If the periphery is sealed with a sealing material 11, outside air will not enter the outlet pipe 6 from outside the furnace, so the molten metal MM can be discharged without coming into contact with the outside air, and the molten metal MM will not oxidize, which is preferable.

[0064] The method for tapping molten metal MM in the tapping furnace 1 of the present invention includes a step of supplying dry air or an inert gas (nitrogen gas, argon gas, etc.) into the tapping chamber 16 via the gas supply unit 16A, a tapping step in which the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 is tapped from the inlet 9 of the tapping pipe 6 to the outlet 7 using pressurized dry air or inert gas (nitrogen gas, argon gas, etc.), and a stopping step in which the tapping is stopped when the desired amount of molten metal MM has been tapped. Prior to actual operation, various pieces of information, such as the elapsed time from the start to the end of detection of the molten metal MM flowing through the internal flow path of the tapping pipe 6, the pressure, speed, and supply time of the gas supplied to the tapping chamber 16, the shape of the tapping pipe 6 (inner diameter, length, size of the inlet 9, etc.), and the number of tapping pipes 6 in the tapping chamber 16, are stored on the operation panel of the tapping furnace 1, and the desired amount of molten metal MM is tapped based on the data.

[0065] By measuring the pressure, the time for applying the pressure, and the amount of molten metal MM that is dispensed as a result in advance, and then applying this pressure to dispense the molten metal, the amount of molten metal MM that is dispensed can be controlled, making it easy to safely dispense a fixed amount in one shot (one time dispensing) regardless of the amount. Also, in a preferred embodiment, a molten metal detector 10 is provided in the tapping pipe 6, which makes it possible to detect the actual dispensing time in seconds and realize more accurate dispensing of a fixed amount. [Industrial Applicability]

[0066] The molten metal MM may be aluminum or an aluminum alloy, or may be other molten metal MM.

[0067] The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the tapping furnace 1 of the present invention can also be used in melting furnaces, low-pressure casting furnaces, gravity casting furnaces, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 1...Tap furnace, 2...Molten metal heater, 4...Adjustment section, 5...Molten metal flow passage, 6...Tap pipe, 6A...Tap pipe wall, 7...Outlet, 8...Simultaneous heater, 9...Inlet, 9A...Inlet member, 10...Molten metal detector, 11...Sealing material, 12...Lift-and-rotate shutoff valve, 13...Molten metal holding chamber, 13A...Pressurization section, 13B...Molten metal supply port cover, 13C...Molten metal holding chamber upper cover, 13D...Molten metal holding chamber container, 13E...Liquid level sensor (for detecting lower limit of liquid level in molten metal holding chamber), 13F...Liquid level sensor (for detecting upper limit of liquid level in molten metal holding chamber), 13G...(Forced a liquid level sensor (detecting the lower limit of the liquid level in the molten metal holding chamber, which can efficiently flow (move) the molten metal from the molten metal holding chamber to the tapping chamber), 14...opening / closing valve member, 14A...sphere, 15...pin, 16...tatting chamber, 16A...gas supply unit, 16B...thermoelectric element, 16C...tatting chamber cover, 16D...tatting chamber container, 16E...liquid level sensor (detecting the upper limit of the liquid level in the tapping chamber), 17...convex portion, MM...molten metal, FS...front side, BS...rear side, HD...height direction, DS...lower side (bottom), US...upper side (top), WD...width direction, LS...left side, RS...right side

Claims

1. a tapping chamber for tapping molten metal; a molten metal holding chamber communicating with the tapping chamber and holding the molten metal; an adjustment unit that allows or blocks movement of the molten metal from the molten metal holding chamber to the tapping chamber between the tapping chamber and the molten metal holding chamber; a tapping pipe provided in the tapping chamber and used to tap the molten metal to the outside of the tapping chamber; a gas supply unit capable of supplying gas from the outside to the inside of the tap chamber, the outlet pipe is provided with an inlet, an outlet, and one-way valve means for allowing the molten metal to flow in through the inlet and flow out through the outlet when pressurized gas is supplied from the gas supply unit into the outlet chamber, and for stopping the inflow of the molten metal through the inlet when the pressurized supply of gas is stopped or the pressure is reduced; With the adjusting unit shut off, the molten metal in the tapping chamber is tapped to a target location through the inside of the tapping pipe by pressurizing the gas supplied from the gas supply unit. A tapping furnace characterized by:

2. The tapping pipe of the tapping furnace of claim 1, The outlet pipe is the inlet for the molten metal located at a low position within the tapping chamber; the outlet for the molten metal located at a high position outside the tapping chamber; a flow path formed inside the outlet pipe between the inlet and the outlet; an on-off valve member provided in the flow path, The on-off valve member allows the molten metal to flow in through the inlet and flow out through the outlet, and when pressurized supply is stopped or the pressurizing force is reduced, the inflow of the molten metal through the inlet is stopped. Outlet pipe.

3. 3. The outlet pipe according to claim 2, wherein the on-off valve member is a sphere that sinks in the molten metal and closes the inlet.

4. a movement restricting portion for restricting movement of the on-off valve member is provided in the outlet pipe between the on-off valve member and the outlet port, the movement restricting portion protruding into the flow path; The tapping pipe according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the movement restricting portion allows the molten metal to flow.

5. a tapping chamber for tapping molten metal; a molten metal holding chamber communicating with the tapping chamber and holding the molten metal; an adjustment unit that allows or blocks movement of the molten metal from the molten metal holding chamber to the tapping chamber between the tapping chamber and the molten metal holding chamber; a tapping pipe provided in the tapping chamber and used to tap the molten metal to the outside of the tapping chamber; a gas supply unit capable of supplying gas from the outside of the tapping chamber to the inside of the tapping furnace, the outlet pipe is provided with an inlet, an outlet, and one-way valve means for allowing the molten metal to flow in through the inlet and flow out through the outlet when pressurized gas is supplied from the gas supply unit into the outlet chamber, and for stopping the inflow of the molten metal through the inlet when the pressurized supply of gas is stopped or the pressure is reduced; With the adjusting unit shut off, the molten metal in the tapping chamber is tapped to a target location through the inside of the tapping pipe by pressurizing the gas supplied from the gas supply unit. A method for tapping hot water.

6. After pouring the molten metal into the target location, the pressure is reduced by the gas supply unit, Thereafter, the molten metal is moved from the molten metal holding chamber to the tapping chamber while the adjustment unit allows the molten metal to move from the molten metal holding chamber to the tapping chamber; Next, with the flow of molten metal from the molten metal holding chamber to the tapping chamber blocked by the adjusting unit, the operation of pressurizing the gas supplied from the gas supply unit to cause the molten metal in the tapping chamber to be tapped to the target location through the inside of the tapping pipe is repeated multiple times. The method for pouring hot water according to claim 5.

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