Molten metal entry prevention device and molten metal entry prevention method

Abstract

To provide a device for preventing the intrusion of molten metal with which the intrusion of the molten metal at the time of pouring the molten metal into an inserting hole of a mating pin for a molding flask can be prevented without lowering the producing efficiency.SOLUTION: A molten metal entry prevention device for use in a flask mating structure including a guide hole for an upper flask and a guide hole for a lower flask through which a guide rod penetrates for flask mating, an upper flask bush provided at a lower opening on a mating surface side of the guide hole for the upper flask, and a lower flask bush provided at an upper opening on the mating surface side of the guide hole for the lower flask, the lower flask bush being fitted to the upper flask bush when upper and lower flasks are mated, the molten metal entry prevention device comprising: The apparatus includes a cover member that closes the upper opening of the guide hole for the upper flask, a closing device that closes the upper openings of the upper and lower flasks from above with the cover member on the upstream side of the pouring operation position, an opening device that removes the cover member from the upper and lower flasks that have been filled with the molten metal on the downstream side of the pouring operation position, and a cover member returning device that returns the removed cover member to the closing device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a molten metal intrusion prevention device and method for preventing molten metal from infiltrating into the positioning bushings of the upper and lower flasks when molten metal is poured into a molded flask. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a commonly used structure for positioning upper and lower flasks after molding has been as shown in Patent Document 1 (Fig. 1), in which a pin is provided in the upper flask, a hole through which the pin passes and a bushing that fits into the hole are provided in the lower flask, and the pin is inserted into the bushing. However, when the height of the mold convex portion is higher than the height of the pin, or when the mold draft angle is smaller than the pin angle, there is a problem that the pin cannot prevent the upper and lower sand molds from rubbing against each other during the flask alignment.

[0003] For this reason, a method was devised, as described in Patent Document 2, in which bushes are provided on both the upper and lower flasks, a longer flask alignment pin (guide rod) is inserted in advance, and the upper and lower flasks are brought closer together along the flask alignment pin. This restricts the inclination of the flask alignment pin at three locations: the upper frame lower bush, the lower frame upper bush, and the lower frame lower bush, making it difficult for the flask alignment pin to incline, thereby preventing the upper and lower sand molds from rubbing against each other during flask alignment. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6064497 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-136196 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, with the flask alignment method for flask-mounted sand molds in Patent Document 2, there were cases where the molten metal overflowed from the pouring basin provided on the upper surface of the mold during pouring, or splashed during melting, causing the molten metal to enter through the insertion hole for the flask alignment pin provided on the upper side of the upper flask.

[0006] When molten metal enters through the insertion holes of the flask dowel pins, the molten metal adheres to the inside of the bushings of the upper and lower flasks. If the molten metal adheres to the inside of the bushings, the pattern plate pins cannot be fitted into the bushings of the upper and lower flasks during the molding process, which can cause problems such as tilting the flasks and damaging the molding equipment.

[0007] One possible solution to this problem would be to move the pouring basin away from the insertion holes for the flask alignment pins, but this would reduce the number of castings (products) that can be placed in one mold, which would result in a decrease in production efficiency.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, and its object is to provide a molten metal intrusion prevention device and a molten metal intrusion prevention method that can prevent molten metal from intruding into a flask dowel pin insertion hole during pouring without reducing production efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A first aspect of the molten metal intrusion prevention device of the present invention is a device for use in a flask joining structure, comprising: a top flask guide hole and a bottom flask guide hole, which are drilled in the upper and lower flasks, respectively, and through which a single guide rod passes successively when the flasks are joined; a top flask bushing provided at the lower opening, which is the mating surface side of the top flask guide hole; and a bottom flask bushing provided at the mating surface side of the bottom flask guide hole, which fits into the top flask bushing when the upper and lower flasks are joined. Furthermore, the molten metal intrusion prevention device is provided on a transport path that transports the aligned upper and lower molding flasks from the upstream side to the downstream side of the pouring position where the molten metal is poured.

[0010] The system also includes a cover member that closes the upper opening when the guide rod is removed, a closing device that closes the upper openings of the upper and lower flasks from above with the cover member upstream of the pouring position, an opening device that removes the cover members from the upper and lower flasks after pouring molten metal to open the upper openings downstream of the pouring position, and a cover member return device that returns the cover members removed by the opening device to the closing device.

[0011] With this method, the upper opening of the upper flask guide hole is covered, eliminating the need to space the opening farther away from the pouring basin. The work of covering the upper opening with the cover member is carried out upstream of the pouring position, and the work of removing the cover member from the upper opening is carried out downstream of the pouring position, so the pouring work can be carried out safely and quickly without interrupting the work. Furthermore, a large number of upper and lower flasks with their upper openings covered by cover members can be stored upstream of the pouring position, making it possible to carry out pouring work all at once with high efficiency. Furthermore, since no additional work is required until the pouring work is completed and the upper opening can be left closed, the time required for the extra work process and the energy required for that work process can be reduced. Furthermore, the cover members are removed from the upper and lower flasks after the pouring operation has been completed and returned to the upstream side of the pouring operation position, so the same cover members can be used repeatedly, minimizing the number of cover members required and reducing running costs.

[0012] According to the second aspect of the molten metal intrusion prevention device of the present invention, in the device of the first aspect, the conveying path is a conveying path in which a first conveying path and a second conveying path are arranged in parallel, and the downstream side of the first conveying path is connected to the upstream side of the second conveying path, the blocking device is provided in the first conveying path, and the opening device is provided in the second conveying path at a position opposite the blocking device.

[0013] This allows the closing device and the opening device to be arranged close to each other, and the return distance occupied by the cover member return device can be set short, resulting in a compact device.

[0014] According to a third aspect of the molten metal intrusion prevention device of the present invention, in the device of the first aspect, the closing device comprises a lifting frame spanning the upper openings of two adjacent sets of upper and lower molding flasks, a pair of locking members provided on the lifting frame facing the upper openings and for detachably locking the cover members, and a drive unit for moving the lifting frame in the vertical direction.

[0015] This allows the two upper openings to be closed with the cover members in one operation, thereby improving work efficiency and reducing equipment costs.

[0016] According to the fourth aspect of the molten metal intrusion prevention device of the present invention, in the device of the third aspect, the cover member comprises an engaged portion that engages with the engaging portion, a cover member main body that abuts against the periphery of the upper opening and covers the upper opening, and a guide portion that is formed in a tapered shape with an outer diameter that gradually decreases downward, protrudes from the underside of the cover member main body, and is loosely fitted into the upper opening.

[0017] With this, even if the position of the upper opening is slightly misaligned, the cover member is guided by the guide portion, so that the upper opening can be reliably closed.

[0018] According to the molten metal intrusion prevention device of the fifth aspect of the present invention, in the device of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the locked portion is locked with the locking portion during the process of the lifting frame ascending from the lowered position to the raised position, and is separated from the locking portion during the process of the lifting frame descending from the raised position to the lowered position.

[0019] This allows the locked portion and the locking portion to be locked and unlocked simply by raising and lowering the lifting frame, resulting in a device with a simple structure and reducing equipment costs.

[0020] According to a sixth aspect of the method for preventing molten metal from entering, which uses the device of the first aspect of the present invention, the closing device closes the upper openings of the upper and lower flasks from above with the cover members upstream of the pouring position, the opening device removes the cover members from the upper and lower flasks after pouring molten metal downstream of the pouring position to open the upper openings, and the cover member return device returns the cover members removed by the opening device to the closing device.

[0021] According to this, the work of covering the upper opening with the cover member is carried out upstream of the pouring position, and the work of removing the cover member from the upper opening is carried out downstream of the pouring position, so that the pouring work can be carried out safely and quickly without interrupting the pouring work. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an overview of a pouring area using the molten metal intrusion prevention device of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrows VV in FIG. 3. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a state before being closed with a cover member, and a state after the cover member has been removed. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIII-VIII in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] 10 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the locking portion and the cover member as viewed from the Y-axis direction. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow XX in FIG. 9. [Figure 11]11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XI-XI in FIG. 10. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing an outline of another example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] (Embodiment) An embodiment of a pouring area PA provided with a molten metal intrusion prevention device 1 according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11. FIG.

[0024] In Figure 1, the horizontal direction extending from left to right is referred to as the X-axis direction, and the horizontal direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction is referred to as the Y-axis direction. Furthermore, if a tangible object has an imaginary center line, the side closer to the center line is referred to as the inside, and the side farther from the center line is referred to as the outside. Furthermore, when something is being transported, the side that is the starting point of the transport is referred to as the upstream side, and the side that is the end point of the transport is referred to as the downstream side.

[0025] The pouring area PA of this embodiment is equipped with a first transfer path CPF, a second transfer path CPS, a first working deck WDF, a second working deck WDS, a first pouring operation device PEF, a second pouring operation device PES, a molten metal intrusion prevention device 1, and a traverser TV, as shown in Figure 1. The first transfer path CPF, the second transfer path CPS, and the traverser TV form the transfer path CP.

[0026] (First conveying path) The first transport path CPF transports the molded and overlapped upper and lower flasks ULF to the traverser TV located at the downstream end.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2, the first conveying path CPF is composed of a pair of rails R laid on a platform MS provided on the floor BG, with the pair of rails R extending in the X-axis direction. A number of carriages TL are lined up in a row on the rails R, with upper and lower flasks ULF placed on each carriage TL. The carriages TL on the first conveying path CPF are conveyed by being clamped between a conveying device such as a pusher device and a cushioning device, or by a moving body as described in Japanese Patent No. 548255. A first work deck WDF is provided in parallel to the first transport path CPF.

[0028] (First work deck) On the first work deck WDF, worker W uses ladle LD to scoop the molten metal melted in the melting furnace (not shown), and pours it from ladle LD into mold M formed in the upper and lower flasks ULF. When pouring, the molten metal is poured into a pouring spout (not shown) formed in mold M.

[0029] The first work deck WDF is formed in a rectangular shape along the first conveying path CPF in a plan view using, for example, checkered steel plate, as shown in Fig. 1. The first work deck WDF is formed to have a height slightly higher than the rail R, as shown in Fig. 3.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 4, a hoist crane HC is provided above the first work deck WDF, and the hoist crane HC is capable of suspending a ladle LD so that a worker W can carry it. The melting furnace (not shown), the hoist crane HC, and the ladle LD constitute the first pouring equipment PEF.

[0031] (Second transport route / second work deck) As shown in Figure 1, the second conveying path CPS is installed in parallel with the first conveying path CPF. The second conveying path CPS is connected on the upstream side to a traverser TV installed on the downstream side of the first conveying path CPF, and conveys the upper and lower flasks ULF in the opposite direction to the first conveying path CPF. The structure of the second conveying path CPS is similar to that of the first conveying path CPF.

[0032] Between the first transfer path CPF and the second transfer path CPS, a second work deck WDS is provided. The structure of the second work deck WDS is the same as that of the first work deck WDF. The second work deck WDS is equipped with a melting furnace, a hoist crane HC, a second pouring device PES such as a ladle LD, etc.

[0033] (Traverser) The traverser TV has a transition rail TR that extends perpendicular to the first and second conveying paths CPF and CPS, and the traverser TV carriage TTL is movably mounted on the transition rail TR. The traverser TV carriage TTL is fitted with a mounting rail MR that aligns with the rails R of the first and second conveying paths CPF and CPS. The upper and lower flasks ULF are loaded onto the traverser TV carriage TTL together with the carriage TL, connecting the upper and lower flasks ULF located at the downstream end of the first conveying path CPF to the upstream end of the second conveying path CPS. The traverser TV is a well-known technology and will not be described in detail here. In the pouring area PA arranged as described above, the molten metal intrusion prevention device 1 of this embodiment is used in the following flask matching structure 2.

[0034] (Flask-matching structure) The flask matching structure 2 includes a guide hole 2U for a top flask and a guide hole 2L for a bottom flask, as shown in Fig. 7, and a top flask bushing 2BU and a bottom flask bushing 2BL, as shown in Fig. 5. The top flask guide hole 2U and the bottom flask guide hole 2L correspond to insertion holes.

[0035] (Guide hole for upper flask) A guide rod (corresponding to a flask alignment pin) not shown in the figure is inserted into the upper flask guide hole 2U when aligning the upper flask UF and the lower flask LF. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, the upper flask guide hole 2U is provided inwardly of the center of the Y side of the upper flask UF that extends in the Y-axis direction.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 7, the upper flask guide hole 2U has a through hole 2Ui, a medium diameter portion 2Uj, and a large diameter portion 2Uk. The through-hole 2Ui is provided so that a circular opening having a predetermined inner diameter extends continuously in the vertical direction.

[0037] The upper outer edge of the upper opening 2Ua of the cope flask guide hole 2U is formed with a tapered protrusion UCP1 whose outer diameter narrows toward the top. The height of the tapered protrusion UCP1 is slightly smaller than the inner edge UFE of the cope flask UF. The upper opening 2Ua is closed by a cover member 3, which will be described later.

[0038] The medium diameter portion 2Uj is continuous with the lower portion of the through hole 2Ui via a first step portion having an annular horizontal surface, and is formed with an inner diameter larger than that of the through hole 2Ui.

[0039] The large diameter section 2Uk is connected to the lower part of the medium diameter section 2Uj via a second step section with an annular horizontal surface, and has a larger inner diameter than the medium diameter section 2Uj. The medium diameter section 2Uj and the large diameter section 2Uk form the lower opening 2Ub of the cope flask guide hole 2U. The lower outer edge of the lower opening 2Ub of the cope flask guide hole 2U is formed by a cylindrical protrusion UCP2 that protrudes downward.

[0040] (Upper frame bush) As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, an upper frame bushing 2BU is inserted into the lower opening 2Ub of the upper flask guide hole 2U.

[0041] The upper frame bushing 2BU serves as a guide for alignment when the upper flask UF and the lower flask LF are aligned. The upper frame bushing 2BU is made of, for example, iron and has a generally cylindrical shape. As shown in Figure 5, the upper frame bushing 2BU has an upper cylindrical portion 2BUa, a flange portion 2BUb, and a lower cylindrical portion 2BUc.

[0042] The outer diameter of the upper cylindrical portion 2BUa is sized to fit snugly against the inner wall of the medium-diameter portion 2Uj of the upper flask guide hole 2U. The outer diameter of the flange portion 2BUb is sized to fit snugly against the inner wall of the large-diameter portion 2Uk, and the upper surface of the flange portion 2BUb abuts against the lower surface of the second stage.

[0043] A lower cylindrical portion 2BUc projects downward from the lower end of the flange portion 2BUb. The inner diameter of the lower cylindrical portion 2BUc is larger than the inner diameter of the flange portion 2BUb, and a step is formed at the lower end of the inner diameter of the flange portion 2BUb.

[0044] A lower frame bush 2BL, which will be described later, is fitted onto the inner wall of the lower cylindrical portion 2BUc. The inner diameter of the upper frame bushing 2BU is formed to be 2 to 3 mm smaller than the through hole 2Ui (see FIG. 7) of the upper flask guide hole 2U.

[0045] (Guide hole for lower flask) A guide rod (not shown) is inserted into the guide hole 2L for the lower flask when aligning the upper flask UF and lower flask LF. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, the guide hole 2L for the drag flask is provided in the center of the Y side of the drag flask LF, which extends in the Y-axis direction, towards the inside.

[0046] The lower flask guide hole 2L is provided with a circular opening of a predetermined inner diameter that extends continuously in the vertical direction. As shown in Figure 7, the upper and lower openings 2La and 2Lb of the lower flask guide hole 2L have larger inner diameters than the inner diameter of the central portion, and lower frame bushings 2BL are fitted into the upper and lower openings 2La and 2Lb (see Figure 5).

[0047] (Lower frame bush) The lower frame bushing 2BL serves as a guide for alignment when the upper flask UF and lower flask LF are aligned. As shown in Figure 5, the lower frame bushing 2BL is made of, for example, iron, is formed into a roughly cylindrical shape, and has a large diameter portion 2BLa with a large outer diameter, and a small diameter portion 2BLb with an outer diameter smaller than that of the large diameter portion 2BLa.

[0048] The large-diameter portion 2BLa is formed to have a diameter that will not cause play on the inner wall of the upper opening 2La when inserted into the upper opening 2La. The small-diameter portion 2BLb is formed to have a diameter that will fit snugly into the inner wall of the lower cylindrical portion 2BUc of the upper frame bushing 2BU. The small-diameter portion 2BLb protrudes above the upper opening 2La, but the protruding height of the small-diameter portion 2BLb is formed to be slightly smaller than the inner edge portion LFE of the lower flask LF (see Figure 7).

[0049] The lower frame bush 2BL (2BLa, 2BLb) of the lower opening 2Lb is formed in the same manner (see FIG. 5). The inside diameter of the lower frame bush 2BL is formed to be 2 to 3 mm smaller than the inside diameter of the central portion 2Lm of the lower flask guide hole 2L.

[0050] The following molten metal intrusion prevention device 1 is applied to the flask matching structure 2 configured as above.

[0051] (Molten metal intrusion prevention device) As shown in Figure 1, the molten metal intrusion prevention device 1 in this embodiment is installed along the Y-axis direction at a position upstream of the first conveying path CPF and a position downstream of the second conveying path CPS, spanning the two conveying paths CPF and CPS.

[0052] The molten metal intrusion prevention device 1 removes the cover member 3 that has closed the upper opening 2Ua upstream of the molten metal pouring position PEP of the first transfer path CPF from the upper opening 2Ua downstream of the molten metal pouring position PEP of the second transfer path CPS and returns it to the upstream side of the first transfer path CPF. In this way, the molten metal intrusion prevention device 1 in this embodiment uses the cover member 3 by circulating it. As shown in FIG. 3, the molten metal intrusion prevention device 1 includes a cover member 3 (see FIG. 7), a closing device 4, an opening device 5, and a cover member returning device 6.

[0053] (Cover member) The cover member 3 closes the upper opening 2Ua of the upper flask guide hole 2U. The cover member 3 is made of, for example, iron, and includes a cover member main body 31, a guide portion 32, a hanging portion 33, and a locked portion 34, as shown in FIGS.

[0054] The cover member main body 31 is formed in a truncated cone shape, and a guide portion 32 is integrally formed on the lower bottom surface. The guide portion 32 includes a cylindrical portion 32a and a tapered portion 32b whose outer diameter narrows downward.

[0055] The suspending portion 33 is formed in a cylindrical shape that protrudes upward from the upper bottom surface of the cover member main body 31, and is formed integrally with the cover member main body 31. A short, laterally wide, conical engaging portion 34 is provided at the top of the suspending portion 33.

[0056] (occluding device) The closing device 4 lowers the cover member 3 positioned above the closing position BP (see FIG. 3) to close the upper opening 2Ua as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the closing device 4 includes a locking portion 41, a lifting frame 42, and a lifting cylinder 43.

[0057] The locking portion 41 releasably locks the locked portion 34 of the cover member 3 . The locking portion 41 has two pairs of hook arms 41a provided at both lower ends of a lifting frame 42, which will be described later.

[0058] Each hook arm 41a has a horizontally bent hook-shaped claw 41b formed at its bottom. The claws 41b are arranged facing each other at a predetermined distance along the X-axis direction, and two hook arms 41a form a pair. The distance between the facing claws 41b is set so that the outer diameter of the hanging portion 33 of the cover member 3 fits loosely therebetween and the locked portion 34 of the cover member 3 is locked.

[0059] End protrusions 41c are formed on the ends of the claws 41b aligned in the Y-axis direction, and inclined surfaces 41d are provided on the inner surfaces of the end protrusions 41c (see FIGS. 6 and 10). A part of the arc-shaped outer periphery of the locked portion 34 of the cover member 3 is sandwiched and fitted between the two inclined surfaces 41d. When fitted, the locked portion 34 of the cover member 3 is positioned at the center of the pair of hook arms 41a (see FIG. 11).

[0060] (Lifting frame) The lifting frame 42 is made of, for example, iron and is formed in the shape of a square bar extending in the X-axis direction. The lifting frame 42 has hook arms 41a provided on the lower surface of each end thereof, as described above.

[0061] The interval between the hook arms 41a paired at both ends of the lifting frame 42 is set to correspond to the upper openings 2Ua of the upper and lower flasks ULF lined up on the conveying path, as shown in FIG.

[0062] As shown in Fig. 7, a through hole 42a extending in the vertical direction is provided in the center of the lifting frame 42. The through hole 42a is formed as a two-stage through hole 42a with a larger inner diameter at the top and a smaller inner diameter at the bottom. A main rod 43a (described later) is inserted into the top, and a bolt B is inserted into the bottom. The tip of the main rod 43a abuts against the step between the top and bottom.

[0063] Small through holes 42c are formed on both sides of the through hole 42a in the X-axis direction. The small through holes 42c are formed in two stages, just like the through hole 42a. The lower end of a guide rod 43b (described later) is fixed thereto by a bolt B.

[0064] (Lifting cylinder) The lifting cylinder 43 is attached to the cover member returning device 6 described later, moves along the Y-axis direction, and lifts and lowers the lifting frame 42 to pick up and drop off the cover member 3.

[0065] The lifting cylinder 43 is, for example, a linear actuator or the like that is capable of linear movement and accurate positioning.

[0066] The linear actuator is composed of a DC or AC motor, a main rod 43a, a lead screw for moving the main rod 43a in and out, etc. The linear actuator is a well-known technique, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0067] The linear actuator is disposed so as to extend in the vertical direction, and a lifting frame 42 is attached to the lower end of a main rod 43a of the linear actuator. Guide rods 43c are arranged on both sides of the main rod 43a.

[0068] The closing operation is performed by lowering the main rod 43a (lowering the lifting frame 42 to a lower position) of the cover member 3, which is engaged with the engaging portion 41 (hook arm 41a) and positioned directly above the upper opening 2Ua, thereby closing the upper opening 2Ua.

[0069] After closing, the locking portion 41 is further lowered and the height position of the claw 41b of the hook arm 41a is set to a position (hereinafter referred to as the "intermediate position") lower than the height position of the locked portion 34 and higher than the height position of the upper bottom surface of the cover member main body 31, thereby releasing the locked state (the locked portion 34 is separated from the locking portion 41). The position where the lifting frame 42 is lowered to be lower than this intermediate position corresponds to the "lower position."

[0070] The upper and lower flasks ULF, whose upper openings 2Ua are closed by the cover members 3, are transported to the left in FIG. 1 where the pouring operation is carried out. Then, the cover member returning device 6, which will be described later, is driven to move the locking portion 41 to which the cover member 3 is not locked to the open position OP.

[0071] (opening device) In this embodiment, the closing device 4 also serves as the opening device 5. The two claws 41b positioned at the intermediate position clamp the hanging portions 33 of the cover members 3 that close the upper openings 2Ua of the upper and lower flasks ULF, and the upper openings 2Ua are opened by picking up the claws 41b. The position to which the lifting frame 42 is raised so that the claws 41b are above the intermediate position and open the cover members 3 corresponds to the "raised position."

[0072] In the open position OP, the upper and lower flasks ULF with their upper openings 2Ua closed are transported and positioned on the second transport path CPS. The transport direction of the upper and lower flasks ULF on the second transport path CPS is opposite to that of the first transport path CPF.

[0073] (Cover member return device) The cover member returning device 6 returns the cover member 3 picked up at the open position OP to the closed position BP.

[0074] As shown in Figure 3, the cover member return device 6 includes a support 61, a beam member 62, a return rail 63, a return cart 64, a drive motor DM, a drive sprocket 66, a driven sprocket 67, and a roller chain 68.

[0075] (post) The support pillar 61 is erected at a position upstream of the first transport path CPF and downstream of the second transport path CPS so as to straddle the first transport path CPF and the second transport path CPS. The support pillars 61 are formed, for example, from two H-shaped steel beams arranged in pairs at a predetermined interval in the X-axis direction, and form the support pillar 61 on the first conveying path CPF side and the support pillar 61 on the second conveying path CPS side, respectively.

[0076] The support pillar 61 on the first transport path CPF side is erected on the upper surface of the first work deck WDF, as shown in Fig. 3. The support pillar 61 on the second transport path CPS side is erected on the floor surface BG adjacent to the second transport path CPS, as shown in Fig. 3. A beam member 62 extending in the Y-axis direction is laid across the upper end of each H-shaped steel of these two columns 61.

[0077] (Beam member) 7, the beam member 62 is formed of, for example, an H-shaped steel similar to the support column 61, and is arranged so that the web is aligned in the vertical direction. The beam member 62 is placed on the upper end of the support column 61, and the support column 61 and the beam member 62 are joined together by, for example, a bracket, bolts, and nuts, all of which are not shown.

[0078] The method of joining the support pillar 61 and the beam member 62 is well known, and therefore will not be described here. As shown in FIG. 3, a knee brace ST is provided at each of the corners between the support pillar 61 and the beam member 62.

[0079] 3, both ends of the beam member 62 protrude a predetermined length outward in the Y-axis direction from the joint with the support column 61. A not-shown mounting table is provided at the protruding portion so as to straddle the two beam members 62, and a drive motor DM and a drive sprocket 66, which will be described later, are disposed on the mounting table on the first conveying path CPF side. In addition, a driven sprocket 67 is disposed on the mounting table of the CPS on the second conveying path side.

[0080] As shown in Fig. 7, return rails 63 are provided on the upper and lower insides of the lower flange and upper flange of opposing beam members 62. The lower return rail 63 is made of, for example, iron and is formed from a long member with a rectangular cross section, with the lower surface formed by the long side bonded to the upper surface of the lower flange by, for example, welding. Similarly, the upper surface formed by the long side of the upper return rail 63 is bonded to the lower surface of the upper flange.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of (five in this embodiment) square steel pipes SSP are laid between the opposing beam members 62, extending along the X-axis direction.

[0082] As shown in Fig. 7, a guide rail 65 extending along the Y-axis direction is installed horizontally on the upper surfaces of the multiple lined-up square steel pipes SSP. The guide rail 65 is arranged so as to extend to the upper surfaces of the square steel pipes SSP arranged at both ends in the Y-axis direction. A roller chain 68, which will be described later, is hung on the guide rail 65 to prevent the intermediate portion of the roller chain 68 from sagging.

[0083] A drive motor DM having an output shaft extending along the X-axis direction is disposed on the mounting table (not shown) on the side of the first transport path CPF, as shown in Fig. 3. A drive sprocket 66 is provided on the output shaft of the drive motor DM so as to rotate in conjunction with the drive sprocket 66.

[0084] A driven sprocket 67 supported by a bearing is provided on the mounting table (not shown) on the second transport path CPS side. A roller chain 68 is stretched between the driving sprocket 66 and the driven sprocket 67 . Both ends of the roller chain 68 are attached to the return carriage 64, which will be described later.

[0085] (Return cart) As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the return carriage 64 has a lifting cylinder 43 attached to its underside, and moves along the return rail 63 between a closed position BP and an open position OP. The return carriage 64 includes a carriage body 64a, rolling wheels 64b, and a support end portion 64c.

[0086] The carriage body 64a is made of, for example, iron and formed into a rectangular plate, with the larger surfaces arranged vertically. A pair of support shafts is provided on each side, one at the front and one at the back, and rolling wheels 64b are rotatably supported on the support shafts. The rolling wheels 64b are provided so as to be loosely fitted between return rails 63 provided on the upper and lower flanges of the beam member 62 (see FIG. 7).

[0087] Support end portions 64c are erected at the front and rear end portions of the carriage body 64a, and ends of roller chains 68 are respectively attached to the tips of the support end portions 64c. The drive motor DM is driven to rotate the drive sprocket 66, which moves the return carriage 64 between the closed position BP and the open position OP. The drive of the drive motor DM is controlled by a control device (not shown).

[0088] (Control device) The control device (not shown) controls the driving of the lifting cylinder 43 in the closing device 4 and the opening device 5, the driving of the drive motor DM in the cover member return device 6, the driving of the pusher device and cushion device in the first conveying path CPF and the second conveying path CPS, and the driving of the traverser carriage TTL in the traverser TV.

[0089] (Activation) The operation of the molten metal intrusion prevention device 1 configured as above will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 10. FIG. First, the carriage TL on which the upper and lower flasks ULF are placed is positioned at the block stop position BSP with the two adjacent pairs of upper and lower flasks ULF on the most upstream side of the first conveying path CPF (see Figure 1).

[0090] The cover members 3 are positioned at the closing position BP (see FIGS. 1 and 3) above the first conveying path CPF by the return carriage 64 of the return device 6. The cover members 3 positioned at the closing position BP face above the upper openings 2Ua of two adjacent pairs of upper and lower flasks ULF positioned at the closing stop position BSP (see FIG. 1) of the first conveying path CPF, as shown in FIG.

[0091] Next, the control device drives the lifting cylinder 43 to lower the lifting frame 42. As a result, the cover member 3 closes the upper opening 2Ua of the upper flask guide hole 2U, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. At this time, a gap is created between the upper surface of the claw 41b and the lower surface of the locked portion 34. After this gap is created, the hook arm 41a is shifted in the Y-axis direction to disengage the locking portion 41 from the locked portion 34 of the cover member 3.

[0092] Meanwhile, the control device drives the transport devices (e.g., pusher devices and cushion devices) to transport the upper and lower flasks ULF, whose upper openings 2Ua of the upper flask guide holes 2U are closed, downstream, for example, one pitch from the closing stop position BSP. Molten metal is poured from the ladle LD into the upper and lower flasks ULF transported from the closing stop position BSP to the pouring position PEP.

[0093] The molten metal is poured from a molten metal port (not shown) of the mold M by an operator W, but the cover member 3 can prevent the molten metal from entering the upper opening 2Ua.

[0094] Furthermore, the control device drives the transport device to place the upper and lower flasks ULF into which molten metal has been poured onto lined-up carriages TL and transport them intermittently, one pitch at a time, to the downstream side of the first transport path CPF.

[0095] Next, the control device places the carriage TL, which has reached the downstream end of the first conveying path CPF, together with the upper and lower flasks ULF onto the carriage TTL of the traverser, and transfers them to the upstream end of the second conveying path CPS.

[0096] Next, the control device transports the upper and lower flasks ULF and the carriage TL that have been transferred to the upstream end of the second transport path CPS one pitch at a time toward the downstream side of the second transport path CPS. A pouring operation position PEP is also provided on this second transport path CPS, and the upper and lower flasks ULF that have not yet been poured are poured in the same way as was done on the first transport path CPF. The control device then transports the poured upper and lower flasks ULF to the open stop position OSP.

[0097] Meanwhile, the control device drives the drive motor DM in the molten metal intrusion prevention device 1 to move the return carriage 64 that does not have the cover member 3 locked to the open position OP. Then, the cover members 3 of the upper and lower flasks ULF positioned at the aforementioned open stop position OSP are removed to open the upper opening 2Ua.

[0098] 5, the control device causes the claws 41b to enter between the locked portions 34 and the cover member main body 31. Next, the lifting frame 42 is raised to lock the cover member 3 with the locking portions 41, thereby removing the cover member 3 from the upper opening 2Ua.

[0099] Next, the control device moves the return carriage 64 to the blocking position BP. At the blocking stop position BSP, two adjacent pairs of upper and lower flasks ULF are positioned (see FIG. 1). The same process is repeated thereafter.

[0100] As is clear from the above description, the molten metal intrusion prevention device 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention is provided with a guide hole 2U for the top flask and a guide hole 2L for the bottom flask that are drilled in the upper and lower flasks ULF, respectively, and through which a single guide rod passes continuously when the flasks are aligned, and a top flask bushing 2BU provided in the lower opening 2Ub on the alignment surface side of the guide hole 2U for the top flask.

[0101] The molten metal intrusion prevention device 1 is used in a flask matching structure 2 and includes a lower frame bush 2BL provided in the upper opening 2La, which is the mating surface side of the lower flask guide hole 2L, and which engages with the upper frame bush 2BU when matching the upper and lower flasks ULF.

[0102] The system also includes a transport path CP that transports the aligned upper and lower flasks ULF from the upstream side to the downstream side of the pouring position PEP where the pouring operation is performed, a cover member 3 that closes the upper opening 2Ua of the upper flask guide hole 2U from which the guide rod has been removed, a closing device 4 that closes the upper openings 2Ua of the upper and lower flasks ULF from above with the cover member 3 upstream of the pouring position PEP, an opening device 5 that removes the cover members 3 from the upper and lower flasks ULF after pouring molten metal to open the upper openings 2Ua downstream of the pouring position PEP, and a cover member return device 6 that returns the cover members 3 removed by the opening device 5 to the closing device 4.

[0103] This eliminates the need to space the upper opening 2Ua away from the pouring basin because the upper opening 2Ua of the upper flask guide hole 2U is closed. The operation of closing the upper opening 2Ua with the cover member 3 is carried out upstream of the pouring position PEP, and the operation of removing the cover member 3 from the upper opening 2Ua is carried out downstream of the pouring position PEP, so that the pouring operation can be carried out safely and quickly without interrupting.

[0104] In addition, a large number of upper and lower flasks ULF with their upper openings 2Ua blocked by cover members 3 can be stored upstream of the pouring position PEP, making it possible to carry out the pouring work collectively with high efficiency.

[0105] Furthermore, since there is no need to perform any additional work until the pouring work is completed and the upper opening 2Ua can be left closed, it is possible to reduce the time required for the extra work process and the energy required for that work process.

[0106] In addition, the cover members 3 are removed from the upper and lower flasks ULF after the pouring operation has been completed and returned to the upstream side of the pouring operation position PEP, so the same cover members 3 can be used repeatedly, minimizing the number of cover members 3 and reducing running costs.

[0107] Furthermore, according to the molten metal intrusion prevention device 1 of this embodiment, the conveying path CP is a conveying path CP in which the first conveying path CPF and the second conveying path CPS are arranged in parallel, and the downstream side of the first conveying path CPF is connected to the upstream side of the second conveying path CPS, and the blocking device 4 is provided on the first conveying path CPF, and the opening device 5 is provided in a position opposite the blocking device 4 on the second conveying path CPS.

[0108] This allows the closing device 4 and the opening device 5 to be disposed close to each other, and the return distance occupied by the cover member return device 6 can be set to be short, resulting in a compact device.

[0109] According to the molten metal intrusion prevention device 1 of this embodiment, the blocking device 4 includes a lifting frame 42 spanning the upper openings 2Ua of adjacent upper and lower molding flasks ULF, a pair of locking portions 41 provided on the lifting frame 42 facing the upper openings 2Ua and locking the cover member 3 in a detachable manner, and a drive device (lifting cylinder 43) that moves the lifting frame 42 in the vertical direction.

[0110] According to this, in one operation, the two upper openings 2Ua can be closed with the cover members 3. This makes it possible to improve work efficiency and reduce equipment costs.

[0111] According to the molten metal intrusion prevention device 1 of this embodiment, the cover member 3 comprises an engaged portion 34 that engages with the engaging portion 41, a cover member main body 31 that abuts against the periphery of the upper opening 2Ua and covers the upper opening 2Ua, and a guide portion 32 that is formed in a tapered shape with an outer diameter that gradually decreases downward, protrudes from the underside of the cover member main body 31, and is loosely fitted into the upper opening 2Ua.

[0112] According to this, even if the position of the upper opening 2Ua is slightly misaligned, the cover member 3 is guided by the guide portion 32, so that the upper opening 2Ua can be reliably closed.

[0113] According to the molten metal intrusion prevention device 1 of this embodiment, the locked portion 34 is locked with the locking portion 41 when the lifting frame 42 is ascending from the lowered position to the raised position, and is separated from the locking portion 41 when the lifting frame 42 is descending from the raised position to the lowered position.

[0114] This allows the engagement and disengagement of the engaged portion 34 and the engaging portion 41 simply by raising and lowering the lifting frame 42, resulting in a simple structural device and reducing equipment costs.

[0115] In this embodiment, the closing device and the opening device are one device that performs both functions, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, there may be a closing device dedicated to closing the cover member and an opening device dedicated to removing the cover member.

[0116] Furthermore, although the molten metal intrusion prevention device 1 is disposed between the first conveying path CPF and the second conveying path CPS, which are arranged in parallel, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. 12, the conveying paths CP may be arranged in a single line. In this case, the return main body 1061 of the cover member return device 106 is arranged in parallel with the conveying path CP, and an upstream return portion 1062 and a downstream return portion 1063 of the cover member conveying device are provided at the closed position BP and the open position OP, respectively, perpendicular to the conveying path CP.

[0117] The cover member is a unit consisting of two cover members arranged to face the upper openings of the adjacent upper and lower flasks ULF. This unitized cover member is circulated among the closing position BP, the pouring position PEP, the downstream return section 1063, the main return section 1061, the upstream return section 1062, and the closing position BP. In this example, the two cover members are circulated as a unit, but the present invention is not limited to this type of unitization. For example, a single cover member may be circulated without being unitized.

[0118] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments shown in the drawings, but can be modified appropriately within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 1: Molten metal intrusion prevention device, 2: flask alignment structure, 2L: lower flask guide hole (insertion hole), 2U: upper flask guide hole (insertion hole), 2BL: lower flask bushing, 2BU: upper flask bushing, 2Ua: upper opening, 2Ub: lower opening, 3: cover member, 32: guide portion, 32b: tapered portion, 34: engaged portion, 4: closing device, 41: engaging portion, 41a: hook arm, 41b: claw, 42: lifting frame, 43: lifting cylinder, 5: opening device, 6: cover member return device, 64: return cart, BP: closing position, BSP: closing stop position, CP: conveying path, CPF: first conveying path, CPS: second conveying path, M: mold, OP: open position, OSP: open stop position, PA: pouring area, ULF: upper and lower flasks.

Claims

1. a guide hole for the upper flask and a guide hole for the lower flask, which are drilled in the upper and lower flasks, respectively, and through which a guide rod is passed in succession when the flasks are aligned; an upper flask bush provided at a lower opening on the mating surface side of the upper flask guide hole; a lower flask bushing provided on the mating surface side of the lower flask guide hole, the lower flask bushing fitting with the upper flask bushing when the upper and lower flasks are mated, and the molten metal intrusion prevention device is provided on a transport path that transports a plurality of aligned upper and lower flasks from the upstream side to the downstream side of a pouring operation position where molten metal is poured, a cover member for closing an upper opening of the upper flask guide hole from which the guide rod has been removed; a closing device that closes the upper opening from above with the cover member, located upstream of the pouring position; an opening device located downstream of the pouring position for removing the cover members from the upper and lower flasks after pouring molten metal to open the upper opening; a cover member returning device that returns the cover member removed by the opening device to the closing device. Molten metal intrusion prevention device.

2. the transport path is a transport path in which a first transport path and a second transport path are arranged in parallel, and the downstream side of the first transport path is connected to the upstream side of the second transport path, 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the closing device is provided in the first transport path, and the opening device is provided in the second transport path at a position opposite the closing device.

3. The closing device includes a lifting frame that straddles the upper openings of the two adjacent pairs of upper and lower flasks; a pair of locking portions provided on the lifting frame to face the upper opening and configured to detachably lock the cover member; The apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising: a drive device for moving the lifting frame in the vertical direction.

4. The cover member has a locked portion that is locked to the locking portion, a cover member main body that abuts against a peripheral edge of the upper opening and covers the upper opening; 4. The device according to claim 3, further comprising a guide portion formed in a tapered shape with an outer diameter gradually decreasing downward, protruding from the lower surface of the cover member body and loosely fitted into the upper opening.

5. the engaged portion engages with the engaging portion during a process in which the lift frame ascends from a lowered position to a raised position, and separates from the engaging portion during a process in which the lift frame descends from the raised position to the lowered position.

5. The apparatus of claim 4.

6. A molten metal intrusion prevention method using the molten metal intrusion prevention device according to claim 1, the closing device closes the upper openings of the upper and lower flasks from above with the cover members on the upstream side of the pouring position; the opening device removes the cover members from the upper and lower flasks that have already been poured, downstream of the pouring position, to open the upper opening; The cover member returning device returns the cover member removed by the opening device to the closing device. Method for preventing molten metal from entering.

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