Nozzle unit and molding machine

Abstract

To provide: a nozzle unit capable easily and suitably feeding sand into a frame; and a molding machine.SOLUTION: A nozzle unit feeds sand from a sand tank into a frame, and comprises: a nozzle in which a flow passage through which sand can circulate is defined, and which is fixed to a sand exhaust port of the sand tank has a nozzle port movable in directions of approaching to and separating away from the frame and connectable to the frame; and a driving part moving the nozzle port.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a nozzle unit and a molding machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a sand tank for filling sand into the frame of a molding machine. This sand tank is provided above a frame that holds a match plate and is capable of ascending and descending while holding sand inside. A frame nozzle that connects the space inside and outside the frame is provided on the top surface of the frame, and a liner is provided on the top end surface of the frame nozzle. The sand tank is provided with a pair of tank nozzles. When supplying sand from the sand tank to the frame, the sand tank is lowered toward the frame and the tip surface of the tank nozzle is pressed and held against the top end surface of the liner of the frame nozzle, thereby connecting the sand tank and the frame via the tank nozzle, liner, and frame nozzle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2001-239347 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The tank nozzle and the frame nozzle described in Patent Document 1 are pressed together and held by, for example, a cylinder that raises and lowers the sand tank. If the pressing is insufficient, sand leakage may occur, resulting in molding defects. For this reason, the cylinder needs to press the tank nozzle against the frame nozzle with sufficient force. However, if the pressing force is increased, a large load is applied to the frame and the members supporting the frame, and another problem may occur that the frame cannot be supported in an appropriate position. For this reason, it is necessary to control the cylinder so as to exert an appropriate force to prevent sand leakage and stably support the frame. However, the weight of the sand tank changes significantly due to the discharge and replenishment of sand. For this reason, it is difficult to finely control the output of the cylinder so as to exert an appropriate force to prevent sand leakage and stably support the frame. The present disclosure provides a nozzle unit and a molding machine that can appropriately connect the sand tank and the frame. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A nozzle unit according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a nozzle unit that supplies sand from a sand tank into a frame, and includes a nozzle that defines an internal flow path through which sand can flow, is fixed to the sand discharge outlet of the sand tank, has a nozzle opening that is movable in directions approaching and moving away from the frame and is connectable to the frame, and a drive device that moves the nozzle opening.

[0006] In this nozzle unit, the nozzle is fixed to the sand tank, and the nozzle mouth is moved by the drive device in a direction approaching and moving away from the frame. When the nozzle mouth moves in a direction approaching the frame, the nozzle mouth connects to the frame, and the space inside the sand tank and the space inside the frame communicate through the nozzle flow path. In this way, the nozzle unit can connect the sand tank and the frame without moving the sand tank, whose weight fluctuates. This allows the nozzle unit to avoid the fluctuation in the weight of the sand tank affecting the connection operation between the sand tank and the frame. This makes it easier to control the movement of the nozzle mouth, and the drive device can easily move the nozzle mouth. Therefore, this nozzle unit can properly connect the sand tank and the frame.

[0007] In one embodiment, the nozzle may have an end member fixed to the sand tank, a tip member having a nozzle opening formed therein, and an elastic member that can expand and contract and is disposed between the end member and the tip member, and the end member, the tip member, and the elastic member may define a flow path. When the drive unit moves the nozzle opening in a direction approaching the frame, the elastic member expands between the end member and the tip member, thereby connecting the nozzle opening of the tip member to the frame while defining a flow path through which sand can flow. Thus, the nozzle unit can appropriately move the nozzle opening of the tip member while suppressing leakage of sand by the elastic member.

[0008] In one embodiment, the nozzle has a first frame and a second frame, the elastic member defines a space inside capable of accommodating the first and second frame, the first frame housed inside the elastic member is connected to an end member, and the second frame housed inside the elastic member may be connected to a tip member. In this case, the first frame can connect the elastic member to the end member, and the second frame can connect the elastic member to the tip member.

[0009] In one embodiment, the end member may have an inner surface that defines the flow path higher than the outer surface. When the nozzle opening of the tip member is moved in a direction away from the frame by the driving device, the elastic member is pressed in the height direction and contracts. At the boundary between the end member and the elastic member, the inner surface of the end member is higher than the outer surface, so that the expansion of the contracted elastic member toward the flow path can be suppressed. Therefore, the nozzle unit can suppress excessive deformation of the elastic member, such as the elastic member expanding into a flow path through which sand can flow, and thus suppress wear of the elastic member.

[0010] In one embodiment, the tip member may have an inner surface that defines the flow path higher than the outer surface. When the nozzle port of the tip member is moved in a direction away from the frame by the driving device, the elastic member is pressed in the height direction and contracts. Since the inner surface of the tip member is higher than the outer surface at the boundary between the tip member and the elastic member, the expansion of the contracted elastic member toward the flow path can be suppressed. Therefore, the nozzle unit can suppress excessive deformation of the elastic member, such as the elastic member expanding into a flow path through which sand can flow, and therefore can suppress wear of the elastic member.

[0011] In one embodiment, the drive device may further include a guide member that extends along the movement direction of the tip member and guides the tip member, and the drive device may move the tip member along the guide member. In this case, by guiding the tip member by the guide member, for example, the occurrence of tilting of the tip member is suppressed, and the variation in the degree of movement in the movement direction at each part of the tip member is reduced. As a result, when the nozzle port of the tip member is connected to the frame, a gap is less likely to occur between the tip member and the frame, and leakage of sand can be suppressed. Therefore, the nozzle unit can appropriately connect the tip member to the frame.

[0012] In one embodiment, the end member may be removably fixed to the sand tank. In this case, the nozzle can be removably installed in the sand tank. Therefore, it can be easily installed in an existing sand tank and can be easily removed from the sand tank during maintenance. Therefore, this nozzle unit can introduce a configuration that can appropriately connect the sand tank and the frame, and can improve maintainability.

[0013] In one embodiment, the drive device may be an actuator.

[0014] A molding machine according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes a nozzle unit that can appropriately connect the sand tank and the frame in the same manner as the nozzle unit described above. Effect of the Invention

[0015] The nozzle unit according to the present disclosure allows for proper connection between the sand tank and the frame. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a side view showing an example of a molding machine having a nozzle unit according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side view showing an example of a molding machine with a flask unit rotated. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an enlarged side view of a portion of the molding machine with the flask unit rotated. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a rear view showing an example of a sand tank and a nozzle unit. [Diagram 5] 4 is a bottom view showing an example of a nozzle unit as viewed from the position indicated by line VV in FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the nozzle shown in FIG. [Figure 7] 4 is a side view of the nozzle shown in FIG. 3 in a stretched state of the elastic member. FIG. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation of the molding machine according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same or equivalent elements are given the same reference numerals, and redundant description will not be repeated. The dimensional ratios of the drawings do not necessarily match those in the description. The terms "upper", "lower", "left" and "right" are based on the illustrated state and are for convenience.

[0018] [Overview of molding machine] FIG. 1 is a side view showing an example of a molding machine having a nozzle unit according to an embodiment. In the figure, the X and Y directions are horizontal directions, and the Z direction is vertical. The X, Y, and Z directions are mutually orthogonal axial directions in a Cartesian coordinate system in a three-dimensional space. Hereinafter, the Z direction is also referred to as the up-down direction (an example of a direction approaching and moving away from a frame, and an example of an example of a direction of movement of a tip member). The molding machine 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a molding machine that molds an upper mold and a lower mold.

[0019] The molding machine 10 includes a flask unit 1, a pattern exchange mechanism 13, a squeeze unit 14, a base 51, a rotating mechanism 60, a control device 70, a sand tank 90, and a nozzle unit 100. Each component of the molding machine 10 except for the control device 70 is provided, for example, on a base 51 provided on a ground surface. The flask unit 1 is configured to be movable to a first position 11 and a second position 12. The first position 11 is a work position set in the molding machine 10, where a model (pattern) is placed between the upper and lower flasks and where the mold is stripped. The second position 12 is a work position set above the first position 11 in the molding machine 10, where sand is supplied to the upper and lower flasks and where squeezing is performed.

[0020] The flask unit 1 shown in FIG. 1 is located at a first position 11. The flask unit 1 includes an upper flask 2 and a lower flask 3. Each of the upper flask 2 and the lower flask 3 (an example of a flask) is a box-shaped frame body with an open upper and lower end. The upper flask 2 has a space therein capable of accommodating a model placed on the upper surface of a pattern member 7. The pattern member 7 is a plate member on which a model can be placed. The pattern member 7 has a model placed on at least one of its upper and lower surfaces. The lower end of the upper flask 2 can abut against the upper surface of the pattern member 7, for example. A sand inlet 2a is provided on the side wall of the upper flask 2, which penetrates from the outside to the internal space and can be connected to a nozzle 20 of the nozzle unit 100, which will be described later.

[0021] The lower frame 3 has an internal space capable of accommodating a model placed on the underside of the pattern member 7. The upper end of the lower frame 3 can abut against the underside of the pattern member 7, for example. A sand inlet 3a is provided on a side wall of the lower frame 3, which penetrates from the outside to the internal space and can be connected to a nozzle 20 of the nozzle unit 100, which will be described later. Hereinafter, the connected upper frame 2 and lower frame 3 are also referred to as the upper and lower frames 2, 3. The upper frame 2 and lower frame 3 approach each other by moving one or both of them, and are connected by sandwiching the pattern member 7 between them.

[0022] Fig. 2 is a side view showing an example of a molding machine with the flask unit rotated. As shown in Fig. 2, a rotation mechanism 60 rotates the flask unit 1, which includes an upper flask 2 and a lower flask 3 between which a pattern member 7 is sandwiched, so that the flask unit 1 is positioned on the same horizontal plane (XY plane). The flask unit 1 rotated by the rotation mechanism 60 moves to a second position 12 provided above a first position 11, and is incorporated into a squeeze unit 14. The squeeze unit 14 has a frame-shaped molding support frame 53 that extends horizontally and is open in the vertical direction. The flask unit 1 is accommodated in the molding support frame 53. The molding support frame 53 is supported by supports 52 erected on a base 51.

[0023] The upper squeeze plate 5 enters the inside of the upper frame 2 by the squeeze unit 14, and together with the upper frame 2 and the pattern member 7, defines a molding space in which an upper mold is formed. The lower squeeze plate 6 enters the inside of the lower frame 3 by the squeeze unit 14, and together with the lower frame 3 and the pattern member 7, defines a molding space in which a lower mold is formed. The pattern member 7 is disposed so as to be sandwiched between the upper squeeze plate 5 and the lower squeeze plate 6. The upper squeeze plate 5 and the lower squeeze plate 6 can each be moved toward or away from the pattern member 7 by a squeeze cylinder (not shown) provided in the squeeze unit 14.

[0024] At the second position 12, the sand inlets 2a, 3a are closely connected to the corresponding nozzles 20, 20 described below. As a result, at the second position 12, sand is filled from the sand tank 90 into the molding space of the upper frame 2 and the molding space of the lower frame 3. The sand filled into the upper frame 2 and the lower frame 3 is compressed by the squeeze unit 14, for example, along the X direction, to simultaneously form an upper mold in the upper frame 2 and a lower mold in the lower frame 3.

[0025] Thereafter, the flask unit 1 is rotated from the second position 12 to the first position 11 by the rotating mechanism 60. At the first position 11, the upper flask 2 and the lower flask 3 are separated and the pattern member 7 is removed from between the upper flask 2 and the lower flask 3, and then the upper flask 2 and the lower flask 3 are framed together. The upper and lower molds in the framed together state (upper and lower molds) are removed from the upper and lower flasks 2, 3 and carried out outside the apparatus. In this manner, the molding machine 10 molds flaskless upper and lower molds.

[0026] [Outline of sand tank and nozzle unit] Fig. 3 is an enlarged side view of a portion of the molding machine with the flask unit rotated. Fig. 4 is a rear view showing an example of a sand tank and nozzle unit. As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the sand tank 90 and the nozzle 20 are located above the rotated upper and lower frames 2, 3. The sand tank 90 stores sand to be supplied to the upper and lower frames 2, 3.

[0027] The molding machine 10 has a first frame 54 and a plurality of second frames 55 as frames supporting the sand tank 90. ​​The first frame 54 supporting the sand tank 90 extends horizontally and supports the sand tank 90. ​​The first frame 54 is, for example, a frame body. The first frame 54 is arranged to surround the sand tank 90 and fix the sand tank 90. ​​The plurality of second frames 55 are erected on the molding support frame 53 and support the first frame 54. In the illustrated example, four second frames 55 are erected on the molding support frame 53. The first frame 54 is supported at its four corners by the four second frames 55. The sand tank 90 is fixed to the ground surface of the molding machine 10 via the first frame 54, the second frame 55, the molding support frame 53, the support column 52, and the base 51.

[0028] The sand tank 90 has a main body 91 and hoppers 92, 92. The main body 91 has a space inside capable of storing sand. The shape of the main body 91 may be box-like or cylindrical. Compressed air is supplied to the main body 91. Sand is appropriately supplied to the main body 91 from an external storage tank (not shown) through piping.

[0029] The hoppers 92, 92 supply sand stored in the main body 91 to the upper and lower frames 2, 3, respectively. The hoppers 92, 92 are connected to the lower end of the main body 91 and are each part that branches into two in the X direction. The internal space of the hoppers 92, 92 is continuous with the internal space of the main body 91. The hopper 92 extends, for example, along the Y direction. The interior of the hopper 92 is, for example, in the shape of a truncated pyramid that penetrates in the vertical direction. The cross section of the hopper 92 becomes smaller as it goes downward.

[0030] A sand discharge port 92b (see FIG. 6) is formed at the bottom end of the hopper 92, penetrating in the vertical direction and allowing sand to flow through. A flange 92a is provided around the sand discharge port 92b. The flange 92a protrudes horizontally outward. The flange 92a is where the nozzle 20, which communicates with the sand discharge port 92b, is attached. The nozzle 20 is removably fixed to the bottom end of the hopper 92 by screws.

[0031] The nozzle 20 defines a flow path through which sand can flow, and is provided corresponding to the sand inlet of the frame to be filled with sand. In the example shown in FIG. 3, two nozzles 20, 20 are provided corresponding to the sand inlet 2a, 3a of the upper and lower frames 2, 3. FIG. 5 is a bottom view showing an example of a nozzle as seen from the position indicated by the line VV in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 5, the nozzle 20 has a nozzle opening 23g which is an outlet of the flow path inside the nozzle 20. The shape of the nozzle opening 23g is the same as that of the sand inlet of the frame to be filled with sand, and is rectangular in the example of FIG. 5.

[0032] As shown in Figs. 3 to 5, the nozzle unit 100 of the molding machine 10 includes the nozzle 20 described above and a drive unit 30 that moves the nozzle opening 23g of the nozzle 20. The nozzle 20 is extendable in the vertical direction, as described below. The tip of the nozzle 20 is connected to the drive unit 30 so that the force generated by the drive unit 30 is transmitted. As a result, a force in the vertical direction is applied to the tip of the nozzle 20, and the nozzle opening 23g of the nozzle 20 moves in a direction approaching and moving away from the frame into which the sand is filled. In the illustrated example, the nozzle unit 100 has two drive units 30, 30 that operate in conjunction with each other.

[0033] The driving devices 30, 30 are fixed to a first frame 54 supporting the sand tank 90. ​​Specifically, the attitude of the driving device 30 is adjusted so that the rod 32 of the driving device 30 extends toward the nozzles 20, 20, and the cylinder body 31 is fixed to the first frame 54 supporting the sand tank 90. ​​The driving devices 30, 30 are arranged to sandwich the sand tank 90. ​​The driving devices 30, 30 are arranged, for example, to face the base of the fork formed by the hoppers 92, 92 of the sand tank 90.

[0034] The rods 32, 32 of the driving device 30, 30 are connected to the first connecting frame 29b arranged in the space between the two branches formed by the hoppers 92, 92, and move the first connecting frame 29b in the vertical direction. The first connecting frame 29b is provided with the second connecting frame 29a, 29a extending downward. The second connecting frame 29a, 29a is connected to the third connecting frame 28, 28 connected to the tip of the nozzle 20, 20 (see FIG. 5). When the driving device 30, 30 is driven, the connecting frame 29 (the first connecting frame 29b and the second connecting frame 29a) moves in the vertical direction, and a vertical force is applied to the tip of the nozzle 20, 20 via the third connecting frame 28, 28. In this way, the driving device 30, 30 can move the position of the nozzle port 23g of the nozzle 20, 20. The driving device 30 is an actuator, for example. The actuator may be a hydraulic cylinder, an air cylinder, or an electric cylinder.

[0035] The nozzles 20, 20 attached to the lower ends of the hoppers 92, 92 are disposed directly above the upper frame 2 and directly above the lower frame 3, respectively. As the nozzles 20, 20 extend in a direction approaching the upper and lower frames 2, 3, the nozzle openings 23g, 23g move in a direction approaching the upper and lower frames 2, 3 and connect with the sand inlet 2a of the upper frame 2 and the sand inlet 3a of the lower frame 3.

[0036] [Nozzle Details] Since the nozzles 20, 20 corresponding to the upper and lower frames 2, 3 have the same configuration, the configuration of the nozzle 20 corresponding to the lower frame 3 will be described below, and the description of the nozzle 20 corresponding to the upper frame 2 will be omitted. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the nozzle shown in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 6, the nozzle 20 is provided corresponding to the sand discharge port 92b of the sand tank 90. ​​The nozzle 20 defines a flow path therein through which sand can flow. The end of the nozzle 20 is fixed to the sand discharge port 92b of the sand tank 90, and sand is supplied from the sand discharge port 92b to the inside of the nozzle 20. The nozzle 20 has a nozzle port 23g at its tip, and sand is supplied from the nozzle port 23g to the lower frame 3.

[0037] More specifically, the nozzle 20 has an end member 21, an elastic member 22, and a tip member 23. The end member 21, the elastic member 22, and the tip member 23 are rectangular frames in which the flow paths 21a, 22a, and 23a are defined at the center thereof and penetrate in the vertical direction. The end member 21 and the tip member 23 are each formed by connecting four rectangular parallelepiped members, for example. The flow paths 21a, 22a, and 23a are, for example, rectangular in top view. The end member 21 and the tip member 23 are formed of metal, for example. The elastic member 22 is formed of an elastic material. The elastic material is, for example, resin, and an example of the resin is rubber. The elastic member 22 may have abrasion resistance. The tip member 23 is formed with a nozzle opening 23g, which is an outlet of the flow paths 21a, 22a, and 23a.

[0038] The end member 21 of the nozzle 20 has an upper surface that can be joined to a flange 92a provided at the lower end of the hopper 92, and is fixed to the flange 92a of the hopper 92 so that the flow path 21a communicates with the sand discharge port 92b of the sand tank 90. ​​A plurality of openings 21e are formed in the flange portion, which is the outer edge of the end member 21 of the nozzle 20, and screws 24 inserted through each opening 21e of the end member 21 are screwed into each screw hole 92c of the flange 92a of the hopper 92. As a result, the end member 21 of the nozzle 20 and the flange 92a of the hopper 92 are screwed together, and the nozzle 20 is detachably fixed to the sand discharge port 92b of the sand tank 90.

[0039] An elastic member 22 is fixed to the end member 21 of the nozzle 20. A plurality of openings 21f through which the screws 25 can be inserted are formed in the end member 21 of the nozzle 20, on the inside of the opening 21e in the horizontal direction. A first frame 22f having a screw hole formed therein is embedded in a space 22h defined inside the elastic member 22. The space 22h is formed according to the shape of the first frame 22f and the shape of a second frame 22g described later, and is, for example, a rectangular frame-shaped space. The first frame 22f is, for example, configured by connecting four rectangular parallelepiped members, and has a rectangular shape. The elastic member 22 has a hole portion that opens upward so as to communicate with the screw hole of the first frame 22f. In the elastic member 22, the hole portion communicates with the space 22h. The screw 25 inserted through the opening 21f is inserted through the hole provided in the elastic member 22 and screwed into the screw hole of the first frame body 22f, whereby the first frame body 22f housed in the space 22h inside the elastic member 22 is connected to the end member 21. In this way, the end member 21 and the elastic member 22 of the nozzle 20 are detachably fixed to each other.

[0040] A tip member 23 is fixed to the elastic member 22 of the nozzle 20. A plurality of openings 23e through which the screws 26 can be inserted are formed in the tip member 23 of the nozzle 20. A second frame body 22g having a screw hole formed therein is embedded in a space 22h defined inside the elastic member 22. The second frame body 22g is formed, for example, by connecting four rectangular parallelepiped members and has a rectangular shape. The elastic member 22 has a hole portion that opens downward so as to communicate with the screw hole of the second frame body 22g. In the elastic member 22, the hole portion communicates with the space 22h. The screw 26 inserted into the opening 23e is inserted into the hole portion provided in the elastic member 22 and screwed into the screw hole of the second frame body 22g, so that the second frame body 22g accommodated in the space 22h inside the elastic member 22 is connected to the tip member 23. As a result, the elastic member 22 and the tip member 23 of the nozzle 20 are detachably fixed (see FIGS. 5 and 6).

[0041] By fixing the end member 21, the elastic member 22 and the tip member 23 to each other, the flow paths 21a, 22a, 23a form one flow path that is continuous in the vertical direction, and the outlet of the flow path becomes the nozzle port 23g. The third connecting frames 28, 28 described above are connected to the tip member 23, and a force in the vertical direction is transmitted by the driving device 30.

[0042] The lower end portion 23f of the tip member 23 is made of, for example, an elastic body. One example of the elastic body is urethane. By providing the lower end portion 23f of the tip member 23, the tip member 23 of the nozzle 20 and the lower frame 3 can be in surface contact. In addition, since the tip of the nozzle 20 can be further pressed against the lower frame 3 while the nozzle 20 and the lower frame 3 are in contact with each other, the pressing force can be adjusted.

[0043] 7 is a side view of the nozzle shown in FIG. 3 in an expanded state of the elastic member. As shown in FIG. 7, when a downward force is applied to the tip member 23 of the nozzle 20 by the driving device 30, the elastic member 22 of the nozzle 20 expands downward. A gap 22e is formed between the first frame 22f and the second frame 22g embedded in the space 22h defined inside the elastic member 22. The tip member 23 of the nozzle 20 moves downward, and the nozzle port 23g formed in the tip member 23 is joined to the sand inlet 3a of the lower frame 3, and the sand discharge port 92b of the sand tank 90 and the sand inlet 3a of the lower frame 3 are connected to each other.

[0044] The nozzle 20 may have a structure that prevents the elastic member 22 from protruding inwardly of the flow path when it contracts. The end member 21 is formed with a protruding portion 21d that faces the flow path 21a. The protruding portion 21d protrudes toward the elastic member 22. As a result, the height of the inner side surface 21b of the end member 21 of the nozzle 20 is higher than the outer side surface 21c in the vertical direction, and the elastic member 22 is less likely to protrude inwardly of the flow path when it contracts. Similarly, the tip member 23 is formed with a protruding portion 23d that faces the flow path 23a. The protruding portion 23d protrudes toward the elastic member 22. As a result, the height of the inner side surface 23b of the tip member 23 of the nozzle 20 is higher than the outer side surface 23c in the vertical direction, and the elastic member 22 is less likely to protrude inwardly of the flow path when it contracts. As a result, excessive deformation of the elastic member 22 can be suppressed, and the elastic member 22 can be suppressed from protruding toward the flow path and being worn by sand. In addition, as long as the height of the inner side surfaces 21b, 23b is higher than the height of the outer side surfaces 21c, 23c in the vertical direction, there are no limitations on the shapes of the end member 21 and the tip member 23. For example, the end member 21 and the tip member 23 may be formed in a tapered shape so that the height in the vertical direction decreases from the outer side surfaces 21c, 23c toward the inner side surfaces 21b, 23b, respectively.

[0045] The nozzle unit 100 may include a guide member to accurately move the nozzle opening 23g by the driving device 30. As shown in FIG. 4, guide openings 21g are provided in the flange portion of the end member 21. Guide members 40 are erected at positions corresponding to the guide openings 21g on the upper surface of the third connecting frame 28 connected to the tip member 23. The guide members 40 are inserted into the guide openings 21g to regulate the inclination of the tip member 23. As shown in FIG. 5, the number of guide members 40 in this embodiment is four. The four guide members 40 are provided, for example, one each at both ends of the third connecting frame 28 in the X direction. Each guide member 40 extends upward from the upper surface of the third connecting frame 28. Even when the elastic member 22 is fully contracted, each guide member 40 extends so that the upper end of each guide member 40 does not come into contact with the hopper 92 of the sand tank 90 .

[0046] The driving device 30, 30 moves the tip member 23, 23 along the guide member 40, 40. When the tip member 23, 23 moves, each guide member 40 abuts against the inner surface of the end member 21, 21 that forms each guide opening 21g penetrating in the vertical direction, thereby restricting the tilting and horizontal movement of the tip member 23, 23. Each guide member 40, the tip member 23, 23 is guided in the vertical direction by the end member 21, 21 and each guide member 40.

[0047] [Control device] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the control device 70 is disposed, for example, in the negative direction of the X-axis at the first position 11. The control device 70 is configured, for example, as a programmable logic controller (PLC). The control device 70 may be configured as a normal computer system including a main storage device such as a central processing unit (CPU), a random access memory (RAM) and a read only memory (ROM), an input device such as a touch panel or a keyboard, an output device such as a display, and an auxiliary storage device such as a hard disk. The control device 70 is provided, for example, with an operation panel that can be operated by an operator. The control device 70 controls the movement of each component of the molding machine 10, such as the movement of the upper frame 2 and the lower frame 3, the transportation of the pattern member 7, the rotation of the flask unit 1, squeezing by the lower squeeze plate 6 and the upper squeeze plate 5, the supply of sand by a supply tank, and the movement of the nozzle unit 100.

[0048] [Molding machine operation] Fig. 8 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the molding machine according to the embodiment. The operation of the molding machine shown in Fig. 8 is started by the control device 70 based on an instruction from an operator. The operation shown in Fig. 8 is started after the molding machine 10 guides the lower frame 3 upward and connects the upper frame 2 and the lower frame 3 via the pattern member 7.

[0049] First, in a first retraction process (S11), the driving device 30 retracts the tip of the nozzle 20 upward. This prevents the flask unit 1 from contacting the tip of the nozzle 20 in a first rotation process (S13) described later. Specifically, the tip members 23 of the nozzle 20 are retracted upward so that they are not positioned within a rotation circle having a radius from the rotation axis 62 to the outer edge of the flask unit 1 in the first rotation process (S13) described later. The driving device 30 contracts the rods 32 and applies an upward force along the guide members 40 to the tip members 23 of the nozzle 20. This causes the elastic members 22 of the nozzle 20 to contract, and the tip members 23 of the nozzle 20 to move upward.

[0050] Next, in a first rotation process (S13), the rotation mechanism 60 rotates the flask unit 1 from the first position 11 to the second position 12. As a result, the flask unit 1 is positioned at the second position 12 and is assembled into the squeeze unit 14.

[0051] Next, in the definition process (S15), an upper squeeze plate 5 enters into the upper frame 2 to define a molding space for an upper mold, and a lower squeeze plate 6 enters into the lower frame 3 to define a molding space for a lower mold.

[0052] Next, as a movement process (S17), the driving device 30, 30 moves the tip of the nozzle 20, 20 downward and connects it to the sand inlet 2a, 3a of the upper and lower frames 2, 3. The driving device 30, 30 extends the rod 32, 32 and applies a downward force to the tip member 23, 23 of the nozzle 20, 20. As a result, the elastic member 22, 22 of the nozzle 20, 20 extends downward, and the tip member 23, 23 of the nozzle 20, 20 moves downward. The nozzle port 23g, 23g formed in the tip member 23, 23 is connected to the sand inlet 2a, 3a of the upper and lower frames 2, 3, and the sand discharge port 92b, 92b of the sand tank 90 and the sand inlet 2a, 3a of the upper and lower frames 2, 3 are connected to each other.

[0053] Next, as a supply process (S19), the sand tank 90 supplies sand to the upper frame 2 and the lower frame 3. The body 91 of the sand tank 90 supplies sand to the molding space inside the upper and lower frames 2, 3 through the space inside the hopper 92, the flow paths 21a, 22a, 23a of the nozzle 20, and the space inside the sand inlets 2a, 3a. As a result, the sand tank 90 fills the interior of the upper frame 2 and the interior of the lower frame 3 with sand.

[0054] Next, in a squeeze process (S21), the squeeze cylinder (not shown) presses the upper squeeze plate 5 and the lower squeeze plate 6 toward the pattern member 7, respectively, to squeeze the sand contained inside the upper frame 2 and the lower frame 3, thereby forming an upper mold and a lower mold, respectively. After forming the molds, the lower squeeze plate 6 is carried out from the lower frame 3, and the installation of the squeeze unit 14 is released.

[0055] Next, as a second retraction process (S23), the driving devices 30, 30 retract the tips of the nozzles 20, 20 upward, similarly to the first retraction process (S11). This releases the connection between the nozzle 20 and the upper and lower frames 2, 3. When the second retraction process (S23) is completed, the operation of the molding machine using the nozzle unit 100 is completed.

[0056] After the second retraction process (S23), the turning mechanism 60 may rotate the flask unit 1 from the second position 12 toward the first position 11 as a second rotation process. At this time, because the tip members 23, 23 have been retracted upward by the second retraction process (S23), the flask unit 1 can appropriately rotate toward the first position 11 without coming into contact with the nozzle unit 100. Subsequent operations of the molding machine 10 will be omitted.

[0057] [Summary of the embodiment] In this molding machine 10 and nozzle unit 100, the end members 21, 21 are fixed to the sand tank 90, and the tip members 23, 23 are moved in the vertical direction (one example of the direction approaching and moving away from the frame) relative to the end members 21, 21 by the driving devices 30, 30. When the nozzle openings 23g, 23g approach and contact the upper and lower frames 2, 3, the nozzle openings 23g, 23g of the tip members 23, 23 can be connected to the sand inlet openings 2a, 3a of the upper and lower frames 2, 3, and the space inside the sand tank 90 and the space inside the upper and lower frames 2, 3 are communicated through the flow paths (flow paths 21a, 22a, 23a) of the nozzles 20, 20. Therefore, this nozzle unit 100 can appropriately supply sand from the sand tank 90 to the frame without moving the sand tank 90, whose weight fluctuates, in the vertical direction. The tip members 23, 23, whose weight does not fluctuate (or fluctuates little), can be controlled more finely and accurately than the sand tank 90, whose weight fluctuates. That is, the control for moving the nozzle openings 23g, 23g is simplified, and the driving devices 30, 30 can easily move the nozzle openings 23g, 23g. Therefore, the nozzle unit 100 can connect the nozzle 20 to the upper and lower frames 2, 3 with an appropriate pressing force that prevents sand leakage and provides stable support for the frames, and can appropriately supply sand into the frames.

[0058] Furthermore, the nozzle unit 100 only needs to include the drive devices 30, 30 that output a force sufficient to move the tip members 23, 23, and does not need to include a large drive device capable of moving the sand tank 90. ​​Therefore, the molding machine 10 and the nozzle unit 100 can prevent the drive device from becoming large, and can reduce manufacturing costs including initial costs.

[0059] Furthermore, even when the flask unit 1 is rotated by the rotation mechanism 60 in the molding machine 10, the nozzle unit 100 can retract the tip member 23 of the nozzle 20 upward by the first retraction process (S11) and the second retraction process (S23). Therefore, the molding machine 10 and the nozzle unit 100 can prevent components of the flask unit 1, such as the upper and lower flasks 2, 3, from coming into contact with the tip member 23.

[0060] Furthermore, the nozzle 20 has an expandable elastic member 22 disposed between the end member 21 and the tip member 23, and thus can connect the nozzle opening 23g of the tip member 23 to the upper frame 2 (lower frame 3) while defining flow paths 21a, 22a, 23a through which sand can flow. Therefore, the molding machine 10 and nozzle unit 100 can appropriately move the nozzle opening 23g of the tip member 23 while suppressing leakage of sand by the elastic member 22.

[0061] The nozzle 20 has a first frame body 22f and a second frame body 22g, the elastic member 22 defines a space 22h therein capable of accommodating the first frame body 22f and the second frame body 22g, the first frame body 22f accommodated inside the elastic member 22 is connected to the end member 21, and the second frame body 22g accommodated inside the elastic member 22 is connected to the tip member 23. This allows the elastic member 22 and the end member 21 to be connected by the first frame body 22f, and the elastic member 22 and the tip member 23 to be connected by the second frame body 22g.

[0062] Furthermore, in the nozzle 20, the height of the inner side surface 21b of the end member 21 is higher than the height of the outer side surface 21c, so that the contracted elastic member 22 can be prevented from protruding into the flow path. Similarly, in the nozzle 20, the height of the inner side surface 23b of the tip member 23 is higher than the height of the outer side surface 23c, so that the contracted elastic member 22 can be prevented from protruding into the flow path. Therefore, the molding machine 10 and the nozzle unit 100 can prevent excessive deformation of the elastic member 22, such as the elastic member 22 expanding into the flow path 22a through which sand can flow, and therefore can prevent wear of the elastic member 22.

[0063] In addition, the nozzle unit 100 can reduce the variation in the degree of vertical movement of each part of the tip member 23,23 while suppressing the occurrence of tilt of the tip member 23,23 by guiding the tip member 23,23 with the multiple guide members 40. As a result, when the tip member 23,23 is connected to the sand inlet 2a,3a of the upper and lower frames 2,3, a gap is unlikely to occur between the tip member 23,23 and the sand inlet 2a,3a of the upper and lower frames 2,3, and leakage of sand can be suppressed. Therefore, the molding machine 10 and the nozzle unit 100 can appropriately connect the tip member 23,23 to the sand inlet 2a,3a of the upper and lower frames 2,3.

[0064] In addition, since the nozzle 20 is detachably fixed to the hoppers 92, 92 of the sand tank 90, the nozzle unit 100 can be easily installed in an existing sand tank, and can be easily removed from the sand tank during maintenance. Therefore, the nozzle unit 100 can introduce a configuration that allows sand to be easily supplied to the upper and lower frames 2, 3 of the sand tank 90, improving maintainability such as replacement or repair. Furthermore, since the end member 21, the elastic member 22, and the tip member 23 of the nozzle 20 are detachably connected to each other, maintainability such as replacement or repair can be improved.

[0065] [Variations] The above-described embodiment shows an example of the molding machine and nozzle unit according to the present disclosure. The molding machine and nozzle unit according to the present disclosure are not limited to the molding machine and nozzle unit 100 according to the embodiment, and may be a modified or other application of the molding machine 10 and nozzle unit 100 according to the embodiment within the scope of the gist described in each claim. For example, the molding machine 10 and nozzle unit 100 may be configured to include only a single nozzle 20 and a single drive device 30. The number of nozzles 20 and the number of drive devices 30 included in the molding machine 10 and nozzle unit 100 are appropriately set according to the number of hoppers 92 of the sand tank 90 or the sand inlet ports 2a, 3a of the upper and lower frames 2, 3.

[0066] For example, the operation of the molding machine in the above-described embodiment may include the first evacuation process (S11), the movement process (S17), and the second evacuation process (S23), and may not include some or all of the other processes. The operation of the molding machine may include a process of attaching the nozzle unit 100 to the sand tank 90. ​​This process may include a process of assembling the nozzle 20 by combining the end member 21, the elastic member 22, and the tip member 23.

[0067] The molding machine 10 may not have the rotating mechanism 60 and may be configured to apply a squeeze force from one or both of the upper and lower directions. In this case, since the sand inlets 2a, 3a of the upper and lower frames 2, 3 open to the side, the tips of the hoppers 92, 92 may be bent so as to approach the upper and lower frames 2, 3 from the side. Instead of bending the hoppers 92, 92, the nozzles 20 may be bent.

[0068] Furthermore, the molding machine 10 is not limited to a flaskless molding machine (flaskless molding machine) that removes the flask after molding, but may be a flask-mounted molding machine, that is, a molding machine that does not remove the flask after molding, but leaves the mold in the flask and sends it to the casting line.

[0069] The nozzle 20 may not have the elastic member 22. In this case, the end member 21 and the tip member 23 may be connected by a bellows or the like.

[0070] The height of the outer side surface 21c of the end member 21 may be equal to or greater than the height of the inner side surface 21b, and the height of the outer side surface 23c of the tip member 23 may be equal to or greater than the height of the inner side surface 23b. In this case, the height of the outer side surface 22c of the elastic member 22 may be equal to or less than the height of the inner side surface 22b.

[0071] The end member 21 of the nozzle 20 and the hopper 92 of the sand tank 90 do not have to be detachably fixed to each other. For example, the end member 21 and the hopper 92 may be fixed to each other so as not to move. The end member 21 of the nozzle 20, the elastic member 22, and the tip member 23 do not have to be detachably fixed to each other. The driving device 30 does not have to be a cylinder. In this case, the driving device 30 may be an air ride (air spring) or a motor mechanism.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the elastic member 22 is described as one member, but the elastic member 22 may be formed so as to be disassembled and assembled into two or more members. The elastic member 22 may be disassembled into two upper and lower members, each having a portion that defines the space 22h. This makes it easy to accommodate the first frame body 22f and the second frame body 22g in the space 22h. The shapes of the first frame body 22f and the second frame body 22g do not have to be rectangular. The space 22h may be defined inside the elastic member 22 according to the shapes of the first frame body 22f and the second frame body 22g.

[0073] The nozzle unit 100 may not include a plurality of guide members 40, and may include one guide member 40. In this case, the tip members 23, 23 are connected by the third connecting frames 28, 28, so that both the tip members 23, 23 are guided by one guide member 40, the occurrence of tilting of the tip members 23, 23 is suppressed, and the variation in the degree of vertical movement at each part of the tip members 23, 23 is reduced. When the nozzle unit 100 includes two guide members 40, each guide member 40 may be provided at a diagonal position of the tip members 23, 23. In this case, both the tip members 23, 23 are guided by each guide member 40, the occurrence of tilting of both the tip members 23, 23 is suppressed, and the variation in the degree of vertical movement at each part of the tip members 23, 23 is reduced. The number of guide members 40 may be, for example, three, or may be five or more. It should be noted that the nozzle unit 100 does not necessarily have to include the guide member 40.

[0074] At least one of the guide members 40 may not extend upward from the third connecting frame 28. In this case, each guide member 40 may extend downward from the connecting frame 29, for example. The guide opening 21g corresponding to the guide member 40 extending downward may be provided in the tip member 23, not in the end member 21. In this case, the guide member 40 extends downward to the position where the lower surface of the tip member 23 is retracted in the first retraction process (S11) and the second retraction process (S23) at the longest. When the tip member 23 is in a position to be joined to the sand inlet 2a, 3a of the upper and lower frames 2, 3 in the movement process (S17), for example, the lower end of the guide member 40 is located within the guide opening 21g of the tip member 23. As a result, the guide member 40 continues to pass through the guide opening 21g when the tip members 23, 23 move, so that the guide member 40 can appropriately guide the tip members 23, 23. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 2...upper frame, 2a, 3a...sand inlet, 3...lower frame, 10...molding machine, 20...nozzle, 21...end member, 21a, 22a, 23a...flow path, 22...elastic member, 23...tip member, 23g...nozzle port, 30...driving device, 40...guide member, 90...sand tank, 92b...sand outlet, 100...nozzle unit.

Claims

1. A nozzle unit for supplying sand from a sand tank into a frame, a nozzle that defines a flow path therein through which sand can flow, is fixed to a sand discharge port of the sand tank, is movable in a direction approaching and moving away from the frame, and has a nozzle port that is connectable to the frame; A drive device that moves the nozzle opening; Equipped with The nozzle is an end member fixed to the sand tank; a tip member having the nozzle opening formed therein; a stretchable elastic member disposed between the end member and the tip member; having the end member, the tip member and the resilient member define the flow passage; The end member has an inner surface that defines the flow path and is higher than an outer surface thereof. Nozzle unit.

2. A nozzle unit for supplying sand from a sand tank into a frame, a nozzle that defines a flow path therein through which sand can flow, is fixed to a sand discharge port of the sand tank, is movable in a direction approaching and moving away from the frame, and has a nozzle port that is connectable to the frame; A drive device that moves the nozzle opening; Equipped with The nozzle is an end member fixed to the sand tank; a tip member having the nozzle opening formed therein; a stretchable elastic member disposed between the end member and the tip member; having the end member, the tip member and the resilient member define the flow passage; The tip member has an inner surface that defines the flow path and is higher than an outer surface thereof. Nozzle unit.

3. A nozzle unit as described in claim 1, wherein the tip member has an inner surface that defines the flow path and has a height that is higher than the outer surface.

4. A nozzle unit as described in claim 2, wherein the end member has an inner surface defining the flow path that is higher than the outer surface.

5. The nozzle has a first frame body and a second frame body, the elastic member defines a space therein capable of accommodating the first frame body and the second frame body, The first frame body housed inside the elastic member is connected to the end member, and the second frame body housed inside the elastic member is connected to the tip member. The nozzle unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The tip member further includes a guide member extending along the moving direction of the tip member and guiding the tip member, The nozzle unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the driving device moves the tip member along the guide member.

7. The nozzle unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the end member is removably fixed to the sand tank.

8. The nozzle unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the driving device is an actuator.

9. A molding machine comprising the nozzle unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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