Storage vessel and molten metal discharge stop mechanism

Abstract

To provide a storage container and a molten metal exhaust stop mechanism capable of easily stopping the exhaust of a molten metal from an exhaust hole.SOLUTION: A storage container 10 comprises: a body 11 storing a molten metal M obtained by melting a metal; a nozzle 12 exhausting the molten metal M provided at a bottom part 11b of the body 11; and a cooling part 20 cooling the nozzle 12. When the nozzle 12 is cooled, the molten metal M made to flow from the inside of the storage container 10 into the nozzle 12 is solidified at the inside of the nozzle 12 to clog the nozzle 12 by the solidified molten metal M, so that the outflow of the molten metal from the nozzle 12 can be stopped.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a storage container and a molten metal discharge stopping mechanism. [Background technology]

[0002] There are atomization methods, including gas atomization and water atomization, for producing fine metal particles (metal powder) from molten metal. For example, in the water atomization method, a liquid (molten metal) containing dissolved metal material is discharged from a hole (nozzle) formed in the bottom of a container (tundish), and high-pressure water is sprayed and collided with the molten metal discharged from the nozzle to produce fine metal powder (atomized powder) (see Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0003] In an apparatus for producing metal powder by such a water atomization method, when the production of metal powder is to be stopped, a rod-shaped stopper is typically inserted into the nozzle through the upper opening of the tundish to block the nozzle and stop the flow of molten metal from the nozzle (see Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-109212 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2009-035801 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When a rod-shaped stopper is inserted into a nozzle to stop the outflow of molten metal, the stopper is usually inserted into the nozzle while the molten metal is still in the tundish. For example, when slag is floating on the surface of the molten metal, the stopper is inserted into the nozzle before the slag flows out of the nozzle. When the stopper is operated manually, there is a possibility that the molten metal may splash when the stopper is inserted into the nozzle, and the worker is burdened by the operation in a very high temperature environment. On the other hand, when the operation of the stopper is automated, a device for operating the stopper must be installed near the tundish. However, since the space near the tundish is narrow and the device must be highly heat-resistant, it is difficult to install the device near the tundish.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVETION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a storage container and a molten metal discharge stopping mechanism that can easily stop the discharge of molten metal from a nozzle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] <Storage container> The storage container of the first invention includes a main body for storing molten metal, a nozzle for discharging the molten metal provided at the bottom of the main body, and a cooling unit for cooling the nozzle. In front The cooling section is characterized in that it comprises a heat transfer member provided on a bottom surface of the main body and having a through hole in which the nozzle is disposed, and a cooling device that cools the heat transfer member. Second Invention The storage container is First Invention In the present invention, the heat transfer member has a flange portion extending outward from a side surface of the main body, and the cooling device cools the flange portion. Third Invention The storage container is First or second invention The cooling device is provided so as to be movable between a working position where the heat transfer member is heated or cooled and a non-working position spaced apart from the working position. Fourth Invention The storage container is Third InventionIn the present invention, the cooling device is provided with a plurality of coolers separated from each other, and the plurality of coolers are arranged so as to surround the periphery of the main body when attached to the heat transfer member. Fifth invention The storage container is 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th invention The present invention is characterized in that it includes a heating unit for heating the nozzle. Sixth Invention The storage container is 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th invention The cooling device is characterized in that it is provided with a heating section that heats the heat transfer member of the cooling section, and the heating section and the cooling device are arranged to be movable between a working position where the heat transfer member is heated or cooled and a non-working position spaced from the working position. Seventh Invention The storage container is Sixth Invention In the present invention, the heating section is provided with a plurality of heaters which are separate from one another and heat the heat transfer member, and the plurality of heaters are arranged so as to surround the main body when placed at the working position. <Molten metal discharge stop mechanism> Eighth Invention The molten metal discharge stopping mechanism is provided in a storage container having a main body for storing molten metal and a nozzle for discharging the molten metal provided at the bottom of the main body, and is a molten metal discharge stopping mechanism that stops the discharge of molten metal from the nozzle of the storage container, and the molten metal discharge stopping mechanism is provided with a cooling unit for cooling the nozzle. In front The cooling section is characterized in that it comprises a heat transfer member provided on a bottom surface of the main body and having a through hole in which the nozzle is disposed, and a cooling device that cools the heat transfer member. Ninth Invention The molten metal discharge stop mechanism is as follows: Eighth Invention In the present invention, the heat transfer member has a flange portion extending outward from a side surface of the main body, and the cooling device cools the flange portion. Tenth Invention The molten metal discharge stop mechanism is as follows: Eighth or Ninth Invention The cooling device is provided so as to be movable between a working position where the heat transfer member is cooled and a non-working position spaced apart from the working position. Eleventh Invention The molten metal discharge stop mechanism is as follows: Tenth Invention In the present invention, the cooling device is provided with a plurality of coolers that are separate from each other and cool the heat transfer member, and when the plurality of coolers are attached to the heat transfer member, they are arranged so as to surround the periphery of the main body. Effect of the Invention

[0008] <Storage container> According to the first aspect of the present invention, by cooling the nozzle, the molten metal solidifies within the nozzle and the nozzle can be blocked by the solidified molten metal, thereby stopping the outflow of the molten metal from the nozzle. Furthermore, since the cooling device cools the nozzle via the heat transfer member, the degree of freedom in terms of the installation position of the cooling device, etc. can be increased. Second Invention According to the above, since the cooling device cools the nozzle via the heat transfer member, the degree of freedom in terms of the installation position of the cooling device, etc. can be increased. Third Invention According to the present invention, the cooling device can be kept away from the heat transfer member except when the outflow of molten metal from the nozzle is stopped, so that the cooling device does not get in the way during work or the like in which the molten metal is being outflowed. Fourth Invention According to this, the nozzle can be cooled uniformly, and the cooling device can be easily installed at or separated from the working position. Fifth invention According to the publication, if the nozzle is preheated, it is possible to prevent the molten metal from solidifying in the nozzle when the molten metal starts to flow out. Also, if the nozzle that has become clogged due to solidification of the molten metal is heated, the solidified molten metal in the nozzle can be melted, and the nozzle can be easily restored to a state in which the molten metal can flow out. Sixth Invention According to this, the cooling device and the heating portion can be kept away from the heat transfer member unless they are needed, so that the cooling device and the heating portion do not get in the way when other tasks are performed. Seventh Invention According to this, the nozzle can be heated uniformly, and the heating portion can be easily installed at or separated from the working position. <Molten metal discharge stop mechanism> Eighth InventionAccording to the document, if the nozzle is cooled by the cooling section, the molten metal solidifies within the nozzle, and the nozzle can be blocked by the solidified molten metal, thereby stopping the outflow of the molten metal from the nozzle. Since the cooling device cools the nozzle via the heat transfer member, the degree of freedom in terms of the installation position of the cooling device, etc. can be increased. Ninth Invention According to the above, since the cooling device cools the nozzle via the heat transfer member, the degree of freedom in terms of the installation position of the cooling device, etc. can be increased. Tenth Invention According to the present invention, the cooling device can be kept away from the heat transfer member except when the outflow of molten metal from the nozzle is stopped, so that the cooling device does not get in the way during work or the like in which the molten metal is being outflowed. Eleventh Invention According to this, the nozzle can be cooled uniformly, and the cooling device can be easily installed at or separated from the working position. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are schematic explanatory diagrams of a storage container 10 of the present embodiment, in which (A) is a side view and (B) is a cross-sectional view. [Diagram 2] 1A and 1B are plan views of a storage container 10 of the present embodiment, in which (A) shows a state in which a cooling device 25 is placed in an operating position, and (B) shows a state in which both the cooling device 25 and the heating unit 30 are placed in their operating positions. [Diagram 3] 1A and 1B are schematic cross-sectional views of a storage container 10 of the present embodiment, in which (A) shows a state in which a cooling device 25 is placed in a non-working position, and (B) shows a state in which a cooling device 25 is placed in a working position. [Figure 4] 1A and 1B are schematic explanatory diagrams of a storage container 10 of this embodiment provided with a heating unit 30, in which (A) is a side view and (B) is a cross-sectional view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] The storage container of this embodiment stores a liquid (molten metal M) made of molten metal, has a nozzle for discharging the stored molten metal, and has a function for stopping the discharge of the molten metal from the nozzle.

[0011] The facility in which the storage container of the present embodiment is used is not particularly limited. For example, in a facility for producing metal powder using an atomization method, the storage container can be used as a container for supplying molten metal to a spray tank of an atomization device. Also, in a casting facility, the storage container can be used as a container for supplying molten metal to a tundish or the like.

[0012] <Storage container 10 of this embodiment> As shown in FIG. 1, a storage container 10 of this embodiment has a main body 11, a nozzle 12, and a cooling unit 20. The cooling section 20 in the storage vessel 10 of this embodiment corresponds to a molten metal discharge stopping mechanism in the claims.

[0013] <Main body 11> The main body 11 is a container having a space therein for storing the molten metal M. The main body 11 is made of a material capable of maintaining its shape even when storing the molten metal M. For example, the main body 11 is made of an appropriate material such as alumina, magnesia, or carbon depending on the molten metal M to be stored.

[0014] A heat insulating material 11d is provided at the bottom of the main body 11. Specifically, the heat insulating material 11d is provided so as to cover the bottom surface (the outer surface of the bottom 11b) of the main body 11 and the vicinity of the bottom of the side surface 11a. This heat insulating material 11d is desirably heat resistant to 1000°C or more, preferably 1200°C or more, and more preferably up to 1600°C. For example, a sheet formed of polycrystalline mullite fibers can be used as the heat insulating material 11d.

[0015] The heat insulating material 11d may be provided so as to cover only the bottom surface of the main body 11, as long as it is provided so as not to directly contact the main body 11 with a heat transfer member 21 of the cooling section 20 described later.

[0016] <Nozzle 12> As shown in FIG. 1(B), the main body 11 has a hole 11h penetrating the bottom. Specifically, the hole 11h is formed so as to penetrate the bottom 11b of the main body 11 and the heat insulating material 11d. The nozzle 12 is inserted into the hole 11h. The nozzle 12 has a through hole penetrating between both ends (between the upper and lower ends), and the inside and the outside of the main body 11 (i.e., below the heat insulating material 11d) are communicated by the through hole. That is, the molten metal M stored in the main body 11 can flow out from the opening at the lower end of the through hole of the nozzle 12 to the outside (see FIG. 3(A)). The nozzle 12 is also formed of a material (e.g., alumina, magnesia, carbon, etc.) that can maintain its shape even when the molten metal M flows through the through hole.

[0017] <Cooling section 20> As shown in FIG. 1, the cooling section 20 includes a heat transfer member 21 and a cooling device 25.

[0018] <Heat transfer material 21> As shown in Fig. 1, a heat transfer member 21 of the cooling unit 20 is provided on the outer surface of the heat insulating material 11d. This heat transfer member 21 is disposed so that its surface (upper surface in Fig. 1(B)) is in surface contact with the outer surface of the heat insulating material 11d. For example, in Fig. 1(B), the heat transfer member 21 is provided so as to cover a portion of the heat insulating material 11d that covers the bottom surface of the main body 11 and a portion that covers the vicinity of the bottom of the side surface 11a of the main body 11.

[0019] A through hole 21h is formed in the heat transfer member 21 at a position corresponding to the nozzle 12 (in other words, a position corresponding to the hole 11h in the bottom 11b of the main body 11). The nozzle 12 is inserted into the through hole 21h so as to contact the inner surface of the through hole 21h. In other words, the nozzle 12 is disposed in the through hole 21h so that heat is conducted between the nozzle 12 and the heat transfer member 21.

[0020] 1(B), the heat transfer member 21 has a flange portion 22 that extends outward from the side surface 11a of the main body 11 (more specifically, a portion of the heat insulating material 11d that covers the vicinity of the bottom of the side surface 11a of the main body 11). This flange portion 22 is provided so as to surround the side surface 11a of the main body 11 when the main body 11 is viewed from above and below.

[0021] <Cooling device 25> As shown in FIG. 2, a cooling device 25 is provided around the main body 11. The cooling device 25 has a function of cooling the heat transfer member 21. This cooling device 25 is provided so as to surround the side surface 11a of the main body 11 when the main body 11 is viewed from above and below. More specifically, the cooling device 25 includes a pair of coolers 25a, 25b. The pair of coolers 25a, 25b are substantially C-shaped, and are formed so as to form a doughnut shape (annular shape) when combined. In other words, the pair of coolers 25a, 25b are formed so that the main body 11 can be placed within a circular space formed when the pair of coolers are combined.

[0022] The pair of coolers 25a, 25b are members formed from a material with excellent thermal conductivity, and have a flow path therein through which a refrigerant such as cooling water can flow. In other words, the pair of coolers 25a, 25b themselves are cooled by flowing a refrigerant through the flow path.

[0023] The pair of coolers 25a, 25b are provided such that their inner surfaces come into contact with the upper surface and side surfaces of the flange portion 22 of the heat transfer member 21 (see FIG. 1(B)). In other words, when the pair of coolers 25a, 25b themselves are cooled, the flange portion 22 of the heat transfer member 21 is cooled by the pair of coolers 25a, 25b.

[0024] Since the storage container 10 of this embodiment has the above-described structure, the outflow of the molten metal M in the main body 11 through the nozzle 12 can be stopped by operating as follows.

[0025] That is, when the outflow of the molten metal M is stopped, a refrigerant at a predetermined temperature or lower (for example, 32° C. or lower) is supplied into the pair of coolers 25a, 25b of the cooling device 25 while the molten metal M in the main body 11 is being outflowed from the nozzle 12. Then, the pair of coolers 25a, 25b is cooled by the refrigerant, and the heat transfer member 21 is cooled via the flange portion 22 in contact with the pair of coolers 25a, 25b.

[0026] When the heat transfer member 21 is cooled, the nozzle 12 in contact with the heat transfer member 21 is also cooled. When the temperature of the nozzle 12 falls below a predetermined temperature (for example, below 1000°C for molten copper), the molten metal M in the nozzle 12 solidifies and the through hole of the nozzle 12 is blocked. Specifically, the portion of the molten metal M flowing through the through hole of the nozzle 12 that comes into contact with the inner surface of the through hole of the nozzle 12 solidifies and adheres to the inner surface of the through hole of the nozzle 12. Then, the solidified portion grows and blocks the through hole of the nozzle 12, so that the outflow of the molten metal M can be stopped (see FIG. 3(B)).

[0027] As described above, with the storage container 10 of this embodiment, the outflow of the molten metal M can be stopped simply by cooling the nozzle 12 via the heat transfer member 21 of the cooling section 20, making it easier to stop the outflow of the molten metal M and reducing the burden on the worker.

[0028] <Movement of the pair of coolers 25a, 25b of the cooling device 25> The pair of coolers 25a, 25b of the cooling device 25 may be installed in a fixed state at a position where they contact the flange portion 22 of the heat transfer member 21 of the cooling section 20, but the pair of coolers 25a, 25b may be provided movably. In other words, the cooling section 20 may have a mechanism that makes the pair of coolers 25a, 25b of the cooling device 25 movable.

[0029] For example, the pair of coolers 25a, 25b may be provided to be movable between a position where they contact the flange portion 22 of the heat transfer member 21, that is, a position where the operation of cooling the flange portion 22 of the heat transfer member 21 is performed (sometimes referred to as a working position, see FIG. 3(B)), and a position separated from the working position (sometimes referred to as a non-working position, see FIG. 3(A)). With this configuration, the pair of coolers 25a, 25b can be separated from the main body 11 (see FIG. 3(B)) except when the outflow of the molten metal M is stopped. This makes it easier to secure a working space for workers to perform their work near the main body 11.

[0030] Furthermore, if the pair of coolers 25a, 25b are arranged at the working position, the pair of coolers 25a, 25b are heated by heat from the main body 11, etc. Then, since it takes time to lower the pair of coolers 25a, 25b to a predetermined temperature after the refrigerant is supplied, the time from the start of cooling to the start of lowering the nozzle 12 to a predetermined temperature becomes long, making it difficult to quickly stop the outflow of the molten metal M. However, if the pair of coolers 25a, 25b are arranged at the non-working position, the pair of coolers 25a, 25b can be lowered to a predetermined temperature in advance. Then, if the pair of coolers 25a, 25b are arranged at the working position when the outflow of the molten metal M is stopped (see FIG. 3(B)), the time from the start of cooling to the start of lowering the nozzle 12 to a predetermined temperature can be shortened, so that the outflow of the molten metal M can be quickly stopped.

[0031] The mechanism for moving the pair of coolers 25a, 25b between the working position and the non-working position is not particularly limited, and various moving mechanisms can be adopted. The moving mechanism can be usually disposed at a position away from the main body 11 except when the pair of coolers 25a, 25b are disposed at the working position. This reduces the heat resistance requirement for the moving mechanism, and makes it possible to use a known moving mechanism that is not very heat resistant.

[0032] <Regarding the cooling unit 20> The pair of coolers 25a, 25b of the cooling device 25 of the cooling section 20 is not necessarily limited to the above-mentioned configuration as long as it can cool the flange portion 22 of the heat transfer member 21. For example, a device employing a known cooling mechanism such as a cooling pipe having a heat transfer surface that can contact the flange portion 22 can also be used as the pair of coolers 25a, 25b.

[0033] In the above example, the pair of coolers 25a, 25b of the cooling device 25 are provided so as to surround the side surface 11a of the main body 11 when the main body 11 is viewed from the top and bottom. Arranging the pair of coolers 25a, 25b of the cooling device 25 in this manner is preferable in that it is easy to uniformly cool the nozzle 12 and the cooling speed can be increased. However, the coolers of the cooling device 25 do not necessarily have to be arranged so as to surround the periphery of the main body 11 when the main body 11 is viewed from the top and bottom. In this case, the flange portion 22 of the heat transfer member 21 does not necessarily have to be arranged so as to surround the periphery of the main body 11 when the main body 11 is viewed from the top and bottom. For example, only one of the pair of coolers 25a, 25b of the cooling device 25, the cooler 25a (or the cooler 25b), may be provided. In this case, the flange portion 22 may be provided only at a position where one of the coolers 25a (or the cooler 25b) comes into contact.

[0034] In the above example, the cooling device 25 has a pair of coolers 25a and 25b, but the cooling device 25 may have only one cooler or may have three or more coolers. When three or more coolers are provided, each cooler may be moved between a working position and a non-working position by various moving mechanisms, similar to the pair of coolers 25a and 25b. When three or more coolers are provided, it is preferable to provide three or more coolers surrounding the side surface 11a of the main body 11 when the main body 11 is viewed from above and below, similar to the pair of coolers 25a and 25b.

[0035] In addition, the cooling unit 20 is not necessarily limited to the above-mentioned configuration as long as it can cool the nozzle 12. For example, the heat transfer unit 21 and the cooling device 25 may be integrated into one structure. That is, the heat transfer unit 21 itself may be made into a separable structure (for example, a C-shape like the pair of coolers 25a and 25b described above) and may be detachable from the main body 11. However, if the heat transfer member 21 is provided as described above and is cooled by the cooling device 25, the degree of freedom in the installation position of the cooling device 25 that cools the nozzle 12 can be increased. For example, if the length (distance from the side surface 11a of the main body 11) of the flange portion 22 of the heat transfer member 21 is increased, it becomes possible to use the cooling device 25 even in equipment that does not have high heat resistance.

[0036] <Heating section 30> As shown in Fig. 4, the storage container 10 of this embodiment may have a heating unit 30 for heating the nozzle 12, in addition to the cooling unit 20 described above. If the storage container 10 has the heating unit 30, the nozzle 12 blocked by the cooling unit 20 can be heated to melt the solidified material in the nozzle 12, so that the blocked nozzle 12 can be restored to a state in which the molten metal M can flow out. In addition, if the nozzle 12 is heated by the heating unit 30 before the molten metal M is poured into the main body 11, the molten metal M can be prevented from solidifying when it is caused to flow out.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 4, a pair of heating burners 31a, 31b are provided as heaters of the heating section 30 at positions corresponding to the flange portion 22 of the heat transfer member 21 of the cooling section 20. Specifically, a pair of heating burners 31a, 31b are provided as heaters of the heating section 30 above the working positions of the pair of coolers 25a, 25b of the cooling device 25. In this case, if the pair of coolers 25a, 25b of the cooling device 25 are moved from the working position to the non-working position and the pair of heating burners 31a, 31b are ignited, the flange portion 22 of the heat transfer member 21 can be heated by the flames of the pair of heating burners 31a, 31b (see FIG. 4(B)). Then, the nozzle 12 in contact with the heat transfer member 21 can be heated, so that the temperature of the nozzle 21 can be increased. Therefore, if the flange portion 22 of the heat transfer member 21 is heated by the heating burner 31, the molten metal M can be prevented from solidifying in the nozzle 12.

[0038] <Movement of the pair of heating burners 31a, 31b of the heating unit 30> The pair of heating burners 31a, 31b of the heating unit 30 may be fixedly installed above the working positions of the pair of coolers 25a, 25b of the cooling device 25, but the pair of heating burners 31a, 31b may also be movable between a position where the flange portion 22 of the heat transfer member 21 is heated (sometimes called a working position, see FIG. 4) and a position separated from the working position (sometimes called a non-working position). With this configuration, the pair of heating burners 31a, 31b can be separated from the main body 11 except when the flange portion 22 of the heat transfer member 21 is heated. This makes it easier to secure a working space for workers to work near the main body 11. In addition, the working positions of the pair of heating burners 31a, 31b can be the same as the working positions of the pair of coolers 25a, 25b of the cooling device 25 in a plan view (see FIG. 2(B)). In this case, the flames of the pair of heating burners 31a, 31b can be efficiently applied to the flange portion 22 of the heat transfer member 21, so that the efficiency of heating the heat transfer member 21, that is, the efficiency of heating the nozzle 12, can be improved.

[0039] The device for moving the pair of heating burners 31a, 31b between the working position and the non-working position is not particularly limited, and various moving mechanisms can be adopted. Since the moving mechanism can be usually disposed at a position away from the main body 11, the heat resistance requirement for the moving mechanism can be reduced, and it becomes possible to use a known moving mechanism that is not so highly heat resistant.

[0040] <About the heating unit 30> The pair of heating burners 31a, 31b of the heating unit 30 are desirably provided so as to surround the side surface 11a of the main body 11 when the main body 11 is viewed from above and below. In this case, it is preferable in that the nozzle 12 can be heated uniformly and the temperature rise rate of the nozzle 12 can be increased. However, the heating burners of the heating unit 30 do not necessarily have to be arranged so as to surround the periphery of the main body 11 when the main body 11 is viewed from above and below. For example, only one of the pair of heating burners 31a, 31b of the heating unit 30, the heating burner 31a (or the heating burner 31b), may be provided.

[0041] In the above example, the heating unit 30 has a pair of heating burners 31a and 31b, but the heating unit 30 may have only one heating burner or may have three or more heating burners. When three or more heating burners are provided, each heating burner may be moved between a working position and a non-working position by various moving mechanisms, similar to the pair of heating burners 31a and 31b. When three or more heating burners are provided, it is preferable to provide three or more heating burners so as to surround the side surface 11a of the main body 11 when the main body 11 is viewed from the top and bottom, similar to the case where the pair of heating burners 31a and 31b are provided.

[0042] The heater for heating the flange portion 22 of the heat transfer member 21 in the heating section 30 is not necessarily limited to the pair of heating burners 31a, 31b described above. Various devices can be used as long as they can heat the heat transfer member 21 and heat the nozzle 12 to a predetermined temperature or higher (for example, 1000°C or higher when the molten metal is copper).

[0043] For example, if a heat transfer heater is provided on the surface of the flange portion 22 of the heat transfer member 21 as the heater, it becomes possible to keep the heating portion 30 in the working position at all times. In other words, when an electric heater is used, the flange portion 22 of the heat transfer member 21 can be heated by passing electricity through the electric heater, and if the passage of electricity is stopped, the electric heater does not interfere with the cooling of the flange portion 22 by the pair of coolers 25a, 25b of the cooling device 25.

[0044] Furthermore, if graphite is used as the heat transfer member 21, the heat transfer member 21 itself can be used as a device for heating the nozzle 12, that is, as a heater. For example, when electricity is applied to the heat transfer member 21, the heat transfer member 21 itself generates heat and can heat the nozzle 12, and when electricity is stopped, the heat transfer member 21 can simply function as a member with high thermal conductivity.

[0045] In addition, the heating unit 30 is not necessarily limited to the above-mentioned configuration as long as it can heat the nozzle 12. For example, the nozzle 12 may be directly heated by a small burner or the like. However, as described above, if the heat transfer member 21 of the cooling unit 20 is heated by the heater of the heating unit 30, the degree of freedom in the installation position of the heater of the heating unit 30 that heats the nozzle 12 can be increased. For example, if the length (distance from the side surface 11a of the main body 11) of the flange portion 22 of the heat transfer member 21 is increased, it becomes possible to use the heater of the heating unit 30 even in equipment that is not highly heat resistant.

[0046] <Installation of the storage container 10 of this embodiment> The storage container 10 of this embodiment is disposed, for example, on the upper surface of the spray chamber of the atomizing device. When the storage container 10 is installed, it is desirable to provide a heat insulating member (D in FIG. 1B) between the installation location (S in FIG. 1B) and the heat transfer member 21 of the cooling unit 20. By providing a heat insulating member, it is possible to prevent the heat transfer member 21 from being heated by heat from the installation location, or conversely, the heat transfer member 21 from being cooled by the installation location being taken away from heat. This makes it easier to maintain the state of the heat transfer member 21, that is, the temperature of the heat transfer member 21, at a predetermined temperature by the cooling device 25 and the heating unit 30, and makes it easier to adjust the timing at which the cooling device 25 cools the heat transfer member 21, that is, the timing at which the nozzle 12 is cooled, and the timing at which the heating unit 30 heats the heat transfer member 21. [Industrial Applicability]

[0047] The storage container of the present invention is suitable as a container for supplying molten metal to the spray tank of an atomization device in equipment for producing metal powder using an atomization method, or as a container for supplying molten metal during the pouring operation in a casting facility. [Explanation of symbols]

[0048] 10 Storage Container 11 Main unit 11a Side 11b bottom 12 Nozzles 20 Cooling section 21 Heat transfer material 25 Cooling device 25a cooler 25b cooler 30 Heating section 31a Heating burner 31b Heating burner M Molten water

Claims

1. A main body for storing molten metal; a nozzle provided at the bottom of the main body for discharging molten metal; and a cooling unit that cools the nozzle, The cooling unit is a heat transfer member provided on a bottom surface of the main body and having a through hole in which the nozzle is disposed; and a cooling device for cooling the heat transfer member. A storage container characterized by:

2. The heat transfer member is The flange portion extends outward from a side surface of the main body, The cooling device cools the flange portion.

2. The storage container according to claim 1 .

3. The cooling device comprises: The cooling device is provided so as to be movable between a working position where the heat transfer member is cooled and a non-working position spaced apart from the working position.

3. The storage container according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The cooling device includes: a plurality of coolers, each separate from the other, for cooling the heat transfer member; The plurality of coolers include When the device is placed in the working position, it is arranged to surround the main body.

4. The storage container according to claim 3.

5. A heating unit for heating the nozzle is provided.

5. The storage container according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4.

6. A heating unit that heats the heat transfer member of the cooling unit is provided, The heating unit and the cooling device are The heat transfer member is movable between a working position where the heat transfer member is heated or cooled and a non-working position spaced apart from the working position.

5. The storage container according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4.

7. The heating unit includes: a plurality of heaters, each of which is separated from the other, for heating the heat transfer member; The plurality of heaters include: When the device is placed in the working position, it is arranged to surround the main body.

7. The storage container according to claim 6.

8. A molten metal discharge stopping mechanism is provided in a storage container having a main body for storing molten metal and a nozzle for discharging the molten metal provided at a bottom of the main body, the mechanism stopping the discharge of the molten metal from the nozzle of the storage container, The molten metal discharge stopping mechanism includes: A cooling unit that cools the nozzle is provided, The cooling unit is a heat transfer member provided on a bottom surface of the main body and having a through hole in which the nozzle is disposed; and a cooling device for cooling the heat transfer member. A molten metal discharge stopping mechanism characterized by:

9. The heat transfer member is The flange portion extends outward from a side surface of the main body, The cooling device cools the flange portion.

9. The molten metal discharge stopping mechanism according to claim 8.

10. The cooling device comprises: The cooling device is provided so as to be movable between a working position where the heat transfer member is cooled and a non-working position spaced apart from the working position.

10. The molten metal discharge stopping mechanism according to claim 8 or 9.

11. The cooling device includes: a plurality of coolers, each separate from the other, for cooling the heat transfer member; The plurality of coolers include When attached to the heat transfer member, the heat transfer member is disposed so as to surround the periphery of the main body.

11. The molten metal discharge stopping mechanism according to claim 10.

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