MOLTEN METAL SUPPLY METHOD AND MOLTEN METAL SUPPLY DEVICE

Abstract

To provide a molten metal supply method and a molten metal supply apparatus capable of accelerating the supply of molten metal. 【Solution means】 The molten metal supply method includes a step (A) of moving a ladle filled with molten metal toward the filling port of an injection sleeve, and after step (A), a step of rotating the ladle about a first axis, the step (B) of rotating the ladle so that the inclination angle of the pouring port of the ladle with respect to the horizontal plane increases, and after step (A), a step (C) of rotating the ladle about a second axis inclined with respect to the first axis. The supply of molten metal from the ladle to the injection sleeve is started while step (B) and / or step (C) is being performed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a molten metal supply method and a molten metal supply device.

Background Art

[0002] Currently, die casting is widely used as a casting method capable of mass-producing high-precision castings in a short time. In die casting, a molten metal of a raw material (typically an alloy) is pressed into a mold by a die casting machine.

[0003] Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose a molten metal supply device for supplying molten metal to an injection sleeve of a die casting machine. The molten metal supply devices disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 each include a ladle, a ladle transfer link mechanism for transferring the ladle to a predetermined position, and a ladle rotation mechanism for rotating the ladle.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In recent years, further improvement in the productivity of die casting has been demanded. Although various methods can be adopted to improve the productivity of die casting, for example, by increasing the speed of supplying molten metal from the molten metal supply device, the cycle time can be shortened, so it is considered that the productivity of die casting can be further improved. Also, it is considered that energy savings can be achieved by shortening the cycle time.

[0006] Embodiments of the present invention have been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a molten metal supply method and a molten metal supply device capable of accelerating the supply of molten metal.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] This specification discloses a molten metal supply method and a molten metal supply device described in the following items.

[0008] [Item 1] A molten metal supply method for supplying molten metal to an injection sleeve of a die casting machine, comprising: (A) a step of moving a ladle filled with molten metal toward a filling port of the injection sleeve; (B) a step of rotating the ladle about a first axis that is stationary or moving after the step (A), the step of rotating the ladle so that an inclination angle of a spout of the ladle with respect to a horizontal plane increases; (C) a step of rotating the ladle about a second axis that is stationary or moving after the step (A), the second axis being inclined with respect to the first axis; and a molten metal supply method in which supply of molten metal from the ladle to the injection sleeve is started while the step (B) and / or the step (C) is being performed.

[0009] The molten metal supply method according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a step (B) of rotating a ladle about a first axis so that an inclination angle of a pouring port of the ladle with respect to a horizontal plane increases, and a step (C) of rotating the ladle about a second axis inclined with respect to the first axis. During the execution of step (B) and / or step (C), the supply of the molten metal from the ladle to the injection sleeve is started. In step (B), the inclination angle of the pouring port of the ladle with respect to the horizontal plane increases, whereas in step (C), the ladle is rotated about the second axis inclined with respect to the first axis, so that the inclination angle of the side wall portion of the ladle with respect to the horizontal plane can be changed. In this way, by performing the two types of ladle rotation steps: step (B) of increasing the inclination angle of the pouring port of the ladle and step (C) of changing the inclination angle of the side wall portion of the ladle, the supply of the molten metal can be accelerated and the cycle time can be shortened, thereby improving the productivity of die casting. Further, by shortening the cycle time, energy can also be saved.

[0010] [Item 2] The molten metal supply method according to item 1, wherein the step (B) is started before the start of the step (C).

[0011] From the viewpoint of accelerating the supply of the molten metal, it is preferable that the supply of the molten metal is started when the inclination angle of the pouring port of the ladle reaches a desired angle (for example, approximately 45°). Therefore, it is preferable that the step (B) is started before the start of the step (C).

[0012] [Item 3] The molten metal supply method according to item 1 or 2, wherein the step (B) is completed before the completion of the step (C).

[0013] From the viewpoint of accelerating the supply of the molten metal, it is preferable that the supply of the molten metal is started when the inclination angle of the pouring port of the ladle reaches a desired angle (for example, approximately 45°). Therefore, it is preferable that the step (B) is completed before the completion of the step (C).

[0014] [Item 4] The molten metal supply method according to item 3, wherein the step (B) is completed before half of the execution period of the step (C).

[0015] It is more preferable that the step (B) is completed before half of the execution period of the step (C).

[0016] [Item 5] The molten metal supply method according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the first axis is substantially orthogonal to the direction in which the spout of the ladle extends.

[0017] The greater the inclination of the first axis, which is the center of rotation in the step (B), with respect to the direction in which the spout of the ladle extends, the easier it is to quickly increase the inclination angle of the spout. Therefore, the first axis is preferably substantially orthogonal to the direction in which the spout extends.

[0018] [Item 6] The molten metal supply method according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the second axis is substantially orthogonal to the first axis in a plan view seen from above at the start of the step (C).

[0019] The greater the inclination of the second axis, which is the center of rotation in the step (C), with respect to the first axis in a plan view seen from above, the easier it is to quickly change the inclination angle of the side wall portion of the ladle. Therefore, the second axis is preferably substantially orthogonal to the first axis in a plan view seen from above at the start of the step (C).

[0020] [Item 7] The molten metal supply method according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the second axis substantially coincides with the central axis of the spout of the ladle.

[0021] By substantially coinciding the second axis with the central axis of the spout, the swing width of the molten metal flowing out of the spout can be reduced, and the scattering of the molten metal can be reduced.

[0022] [Item 8] The molten metal supply method according to any one of Items 1 to 7, wherein at the completion of the step (C), the direction in which the spout of the ladle extends and the axial direction of the injection sleeve are substantially parallel in a plan view seen from above.

[0023] At the completion of the step (C), it is preferable that the direction in which the spout of the ladle extends and the axial direction of the injection sleeve are substantially parallel in a plan view seen from above. By the direction in which the spout of the ladle extends and the axial direction of the injection sleeve being substantially parallel, it is possible to suppress the molten metal from hitting the inner wall surface of the injection sleeve and overflowing from the filling port of the injection sleeve.

[0024] [Item 9] The ladle has a front wall portion continuous with the spout, a rear wall portion facing the front wall portion, and a first side wall portion and a second side wall portion connecting the front wall portion and the rear wall portion on both sides in the width direction of the ladle. The molten metal supply method according to any one of Items 1 to 8, wherein by the rotation of the ladle in the step (C), the position of the first side wall portion becomes lower than the position of the second side wall portion.

[0025] [Item 10] The molten metal supply method according to Item 9, wherein the spout is provided at a position shifted toward the first side wall portion with respect to the center in the width direction of the ladle.

[0026] From the viewpoint of supplying the molten metal in the ladle to the injection sleeve without remainder, it is preferable that the spout is provided at a position shifted toward the first side wall portion with respect to the center in the width direction of the ladle.

[0027] [Item 11] The molten metal supply method according to Item 10, wherein the spout is continuous with the first side wall portion.

[0028] From the viewpoint of supplying the molten metal in the ladle to the injection sleeve without remainder, it is more preferable that the spout is provided at a position maximally shifted toward the first side wall portion with respect to the center in the width direction of the ladle, that is, the spout is continuous with the first side wall portion.

[0029] [Item 12] The molten metal supply method according to any one of Items 9 to 11, wherein the first side wall portion includes a portion where an inclination angle of the ladle with respect to the vertical direction is larger than that of the second side wall portion.

[0030] Preferably, the first side wall portion includes a portion where an inclination angle of the ladle with respect to the vertical direction is larger than that of the second side wall portion. Thereby, since the inclination angle of the first side wall portion with respect to the horizontal plane at the completion of step (C) can be made larger, further acceleration of the molten metal supply can be achieved.

[0031] [Item 13] The molten metal supply method according to any one of Items 9 to 12, wherein at the completion of the step (C), the first side wall portion includes a portion where an inclination angle with respect to the horizontal plane is larger than that of the spout.

[0032] At the completion of step (C), since the first side wall portion includes a portion where an inclination angle with respect to the horizontal plane is larger than that of the spout, further acceleration of the molten metal supply can be achieved.

[0033] [Item 14] The molten metal supply method according to any one of Items 9 to 13, wherein the ladle further has a lid portion that extends rearward from the front wall portion and partially closes the upper portion of the ladle.

[0034] When the ladle further has a lid portion that extends rearward from the front wall portion and partially closes the upper portion of the ladle, it is possible to prevent the molten metal from spilling from the upper portion of the ladle in step (C).

[0035] [Item 15] The molten metal supply method according to Item 14, wherein the lid portion has a shape in which a length of the lid portion along the front-rear direction of the ladle increases from the second side wall portion side toward the first side wall portion side.

[0036] When the lid portion has a shape in which the length of the lid portion along the front-rear direction of the ladle increases from the second side wall portion side toward the first side wall portion side, it does not significantly prevent the molten metal from entering the ladle from the upper part of the ladle during the lifting of the molten metal, and in step (C), the spillage of the molten metal can be preferably prevented.

[0037] [Item 16] The pouring port of the ladle is cylindrical, and the molten metal supply method according to any one of Items 1 to 15.

[0038] Since the pouring port of the ladle is cylindrical, in step (C), the molten metal is prevented from spilling from portions other than the tip of the pouring port.

[0039] [Item 17] A molten metal supply device for supplying molten metal to an injection sleeve of a die-casting machine, A ladle having a pouring port, A moving and rotating device capable of moving and rotating the ladle, A control device for controlling the moving and rotating device, Comprising, When the molten metal is supplied to the injection sleeve, the control device Performs a first control of moving the ladle filled with the molten metal toward the filling port of the injection sleeve, After the first control, a second control of rotating the ladle around the first axis that is stationary or moving, the second control being to rotate the ladle so that the inclination angle of the pouring port of the ladle with respect to the horizontal plane increases, After the first control, a third control of rotating the ladle around the second axis that is stationary or moving, A molten metal supply device that performs.

[0040] In the molten metal supply device according to the embodiment of the present invention, when the molten metal is supplied to the injection sleeve, the control device performs a first control of moving the ladle into which the molten metal has been drawn toward the filling port of the injection sleeve, a second control of rotating the ladle about the first axis so that the inclination angle of the pouring port of the ladle with respect to the horizontal plane increases, and a third control of rotating the ladle about the second axis inclined with respect to the first axis. According to the second control, the inclination angle of the pouring port of the ladle with respect to the horizontal plane increases, whereas according to the third control, the ladle rotates about the second axis inclined with respect to the first axis, so that the inclination angle of the side wall portion of the ladle with respect to the horizontal plane can be changed. In this way, by performing two types of ladle rotation controls, i.e., the second control for increasing the inclination angle of the pouring port of the ladle and the third control for changing the inclination angle of the side wall portion of the ladle, the supply of the molten metal can be speeded up and the cycle time can be shortened, so that the productivity of die casting can be improved. Further, by shortening the cycle time, energy can be saved.

[0041] [Item 18] The molten metal supply device according to item 17, wherein the moving and rotating device is a multi-axis robot.

[0042] As the moving and rotating device, for example, a multi-axis robot is preferably used. [Advantages of the Invention]

[0043] According to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a molten metal supply method and a molten metal supply device capable of speeding up the supply of molten metal. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0044]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

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Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10A

Figure 10B

Figure 11A

Figure 11B

Figure 12A

Figure 12B

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0045] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the molten metal supply device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIGS. 1 and 2 are a perspective view and a side view schematically showing the molten metal supply device 100. FIG. 2 also shows a die-casting machine 200 disposed in the vicinity of the molten metal supply device 100 in a simplified manner. In the following description, a brief description of the die-casting machine 200 will also be given.

[0047] The die-casting machine 200 includes a mold 210, an injection sleeve 220, and a plunger 230. The mold 210 is composed of a fixed mold 211 and a movable mold 212. In the mold-closed state, a cavity corresponding to the die-cast product is defined by the inner surface 211a of the fixed mold 211 and the inner surface 212a of the movable mold 212.

[0048] The injection sleeve 220 is provided for temporarily holding the molten metal and guiding the molten metal into the mold 210. The injection sleeve 220 has a cylindrical shape and has a filling port 221 and a molten metal passage 222. The filling port 221 is formed at the upper part of the injection sleeve 220. The molten metal passage 222 is formed in the injection sleeve 220 so as to extend along the extending direction of the injection sleeve 220 (that is, the axial direction of the injection sleeve 220), and is continuous with the filling port 221. Further, the molten metal passage 222 communicates with the cavity of the mold 210.

[0049] The plunger 230 is housed in the injection sleeve 220. The plunger 230 is movable in the axial direction of the injection sleeve 220. The molten metal supplied to the injection sleeve 220 is injected and filled into the cavity by the plunger 230 moving forward toward the cavity side of the mold 210.

[0050] Note that the die-casting machine 200 can be various known die-casting machines. Therefore, a more detailed description is omitted here.

[0051] The molten metal supply device 100 is a device that pumps up the molten metal held in a holding furnace (not shown) and then supplies the molten metal to the injection sleeve 220 of the die-casting machine 200. The metal, which is the raw material of the molten metal, is not particularly limited and can be various metals used for die-casting.

[0052] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the molten metal supply device 100 includes a ladle 10, a multi-axis robot 20, and a control device 30.

[0053] The ladle 10 (which may also be called a "skull") has a spout 11 and a main body portion 12. The detailed structure of the ladle 10 will be described later.

[0054] The multi-axis robot 20 is an example of a "moving and rotating device" that can move and rotate the ladle 10. In the illustrated example, the multi-axis robot 20 is a 6-axis vertical articulated robot. The multi-axis robot 20 has a base portion 21 and an arm portion 22.

[0055] The base portion 21 is a platform that supports the arm portion 22. The base portion 21 is fixed to the floor surface by bolts or the like, for example.

[0056] The arm portion 22 is a 6-axis robot arm that has a proximal end attached to the base portion 21 and a distal end whose position and orientation can change three-dimensionally with respect to the proximal end. The arm portion 22 has a first link L1, a second link L2, a third link L3, a fourth link L4, a fifth link L5, and a sixth link L6. The arm portion 22 further has a first joint J1, a second joint J2, a third joint J3, a fourth joint J4, a fifth joint J5, and a sixth joint J6.

[0057] The first link L1 is connected to the base portion 21 via the first joint J1 and is rotatable about a rotation axis O1. The rotation axis O1 is substantially parallel to the vertical direction.

[0058] The second link L2 is connected to the first link L1 via a second joint J2 and is rotatable about a rotation axis O2. The third link L3 is connected to the second link L2 via a third joint J3 and is rotatable about a rotation axis O3.

[0059] The fourth link L4 is connected to the third link L3 via a fourth joint J4 and is rotatable about a rotation axis O4. The fifth link L5 is connected to the fourth link L4 via a fifth joint J5 and is rotatable about a rotation axis O5. The sixth link L6 is connected to the fifth link L5 via a sixth joint J6 and is rotatable about a rotation axis O6.

[0060] A support shaft SS is rotatably held at the tip of the sixth link L6. A ladle 10 is attached to the support shaft SS, and the ladle 10 is rotatable about a rotation axis O7.

[0061] Thus, in the entire molten metal supply device 100, there are seven rotation axes O1 to O7. Each of the first joint J1 to the sixth joint J6 and the support shaft SS rotatably connects one of two adjacent members among the base portion 21, the first link L1 to the sixth link L6, and the ladle 10 to the other. For each of the first joint J1 to the sixth joint J6 and the support shaft SS, a drive mechanism is provided for rotating one of the above-mentioned members relative to the other. The drive mechanism includes, for example, a servo motor that generates a driving force and a speed reducer that reduces the driving force.

[0062] As already described, the rotation axis O1 is substantially parallel to the vertical direction (that is, substantially orthogonal to the installation surface (for example, the floor surface) to which the base portion 21 is fixed), and the rotation axis O2 is substantially orthogonal to the rotation axis O1. The rotation axis O3 is substantially parallel to the rotation axis O2, and the rotation axis O4 is substantially orthogonal to the rotation axis O3. The rotation axis O5 is substantially orthogonal to the rotation axis O4, and the rotation axis O6 is substantially orthogonal to the rotation axis O5. The rotation axis O7 is substantially orthogonal to the rotation axis O6.

[0063] Here, "substantially orthogonal" includes not only the case where the angle formed by the rotation axes (or the angle formed by the rotation axis and the installation surface) is exactly 90°, but also the case where it deviates within the range of ±5° from 90°. Also, "substantially parallel" includes not only the case where the rotation axes are exactly parallel, but also the case where one rotation axis is inclined within the range of ±5° with respect to the other rotation axis.

[0064] The control device 30 is a robot controller that controls the multi-axis robot 20 and includes a processor, a storage device, etc. (not shown).

[0065] With reference to FIGS. 3 to 6, the structure of the ladle 10 will be described. FIGS. 3 and 4 are a perspective view and a front view schematically showing the ladle 10. FIGS. 5 and 6 are a left side view and a top view schematically showing the ladle 10.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 3 etc., the ladle 10 has a spout 11 and a main body portion 12. The main body portion 12 is a container that holds the molten metal pumped up from the holding furnace. The spout 11 is provided to accurately supply the molten metal held in the main body portion 12 to a desired area, and is formed to protrude forward from the main body portion 12.

[0067] The spout 11 is located at the front portion of the ladle 10. The spout 11 is cylindrical. That is, the spout 11 is not in the shape of a trough with an open upper portion, and the upper portion of the spout 11 is closed. The spout 11 extends slightly forward and downward from the main body portion 12, and as shown in FIG. 6, the central axis 11o of the spout 11 is substantially parallel in the front-rear direction in a top view.

[0068] The main body portion 12 has a front wall portion 13, a rear wall portion 14, a first side wall portion 15, a second side wall portion 16, a bottom wall portion 17, and a lid portion 18.

[0069] The front wall portion 13 is located at the front portion of the main body portion 12. The front wall portion 13 is continuous with the spout 11. In the illustrated example, the front wall portion 13 is slightly forward-inclined (see FIG. 5).

[0070] The rear wall portion 14 is located at the rear part of the main body portion 12. The rear wall portion 14 faces the front wall portion 13. An opening 14a is formed in a part of the rear wall portion 14. Hereinafter, this opening 14a is also referred to as the "rear opening".

[0071] The first side wall portion 15 and the second side wall portion 16 are located at the right part and the left part of the main body portion 12, respectively. The first side wall portion 15 and the second side wall portion 16 connect the front wall portion 13 and the rear wall portion 14 on both sides in the width direction of the ladle 10.

[0072] The bottom wall portion 17 is located at the bottom of the main body portion 12. The bottom wall portion 17 connects the lower ends of the front wall portion 13, the rear wall portion 14, the first side wall portion 15, and the second side wall portion 16.

[0073] The lid portion 18 extends rearward from the front wall portion 13 and partially closes the upper part of the ladle 10. Among the upper part of the ladle 10, the portion 18a not closed by the lid portion 18 is hereinafter referred to as the "upper opening".

[0074] The lid portion 18 has a shape in which the length L of the lid portion 18 along the front-rear direction of the ladle 10 increases from the second side wall portion 16 side toward the first side wall portion 15 side. That is, the upper part of the main body portion 12 is diagonally notched.

[0075] A boss 19 is formed so as to straddle from the lid portion 18 onto the first side wall portion 15. A through hole 19a is formed in the boss 19. The support shaft SS of the multi-axis robot 20 is inserted into this through hole 19a.

[0076] In the illustrated example, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the spout 11 is provided at a position shifted to the first side wall portion 15 side (that is, the right side) with respect to the center in the width direction of the ladle 10. More specifically, the spout 11 is continuous with the first side wall portion 15.

[0077] In the illustrated example, as shown in FIG. 4, the upper portion 15a of the first side wall portion 15 is substantially parallel to the vertical direction of the ladle 10, while the lower portion 15b of the first side wall portion 15 is inclined at approximately 45° with respect to the vertical direction of the ladle 10. Further, the entire second side wall portion 16 is substantially parallel to the vertical direction of the ladle 10. Thus, the first side wall portion 15 includes a portion (lower portion 15b) having a larger inclination angle with respect to the vertical direction of the ladle 10 than the second side wall portion 16.

[0078] Note that in a state where the ladle 10 is in a horizontal posture, the angle θ0 formed by the central axis 11o of the pouring port 11 and the horizontal plane (hereinafter referred to as the "inclination angle of the pouring port 11 with respect to the horizontal plane") is, for example, 0° or more and 45° or less.

[0079] Subsequently, a molten metal supply method using the molten metal supply device 100 will be described.

[0080] First, the molten metal held in the holding furnace is scooped up by the ladle 10 (scooping step). FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which the molten metal Mm in the holding furnace 1 is scooped up by the ladle 10. As shown in FIG. 7, the ladle 10 moved above the holding furnace 1 is lowered in a state of being rotated by a predetermined angle from the horizontal posture so that the rear wall portion 14 is lower than the front wall portion 13, and the rear opening portion 14a is immersed in the molten metal Mm. As a result, the molten metal Mm flows into the ladle 10 from the rear opening portion 14a. Thereafter, the ladle 10 is returned to the horizontal posture and raised, whereby a predetermined amount of the molten metal Mm can be scooped up. The amount of the molten metal Mm scooped up can be adjusted by controlling the rotation angle and the lowering amount of the ladle 10.

[0081] Next, the ladle 10 into which the molten metal has been scooped is moved toward the filling port 221 of the injection sleeve 220 (moving step). The position of the ladle 10 when the movement is completed is hereinafter referred to as the "pouring standby position". Typically, at the pouring standby position, the ladle 10 is in a horizontal posture.

[0082] After the moving step, two types of rotating steps are performed. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the axis that becomes the center of rotation and the rotation direction in these rotating steps.

[0083] One of the two types of rotation processes is a process of rotating the ladle 10 about the first axis A1 so that the inclination angle θ0 of the spout 11 with respect to the horizontal plane increases. In FIG. 8, the rotation direction D1 of the ladle 10 in this process is shown. When the ladle 10 is viewed from the right side, the rotation direction D1 is counterclockwise, and in this process, the ladle 10 rotates so as to tilt forward.

[0084] The rotation about the first axis A1 is hereinafter referred to as "vertical rotation" or "first rotation", and the process of performing this rotation is referred to as "vertical rotation process". In the example shown in FIG. 8, the first axis A1 is substantially parallel to the left - right direction of the ladle 10 and is substantially orthogonal to the direction in which the spout 11 of the ladle 10 extends (the direction parallel to the central axis 11o of the spout 11).

[0085] The other of the two types of rotation processes is a process of rotating the ladle 10 about the second axis A2 inclined with respect to the first axis A1. In FIG. 8, the rotation direction D2 of the ladle 10 in this process is shown. When the ladle 10 is viewed from the front side, the rotation direction D2 is counterclockwise. In the horizontal posture, the first side wall portion 15 and the second side wall portion 16 of the ladle 10 are located at the same height, but due to the rotation of the ladle 10 in this process, the position of the first side wall portion 15 becomes lower than the position of the second side wall portion 16.

[0086] The rotation about the second axis A2 is hereinafter referred to as "torsional rotation" or "second rotation", and the process of performing this rotation is referred to as "torsional rotation process". In the example shown in FIG. 8, the second axis A2 substantially coincides with the central axis 11o of the ladle 10.

[0087] The order of starting the vertical rotation process and the torsional rotation process does not matter. That is, the vertical rotation process may start before the start of the torsional rotation process, may start after the start of the torsional rotation process, or may start simultaneously with the start of the torsional rotation process. During the vertical rotation process and / or the torsional rotation process, the supply of molten metal from the ladle 10 to the injection sleeve 220 is started (i.e., the discharge of molten metal from the pouring port 11 begins).

[0088] Hereinafter, taking the timing chart shown in FIG. 9 as an example, the vertical rotation process and the torsional rotation process will be described in more detail. FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing an example of the start and end timings of vertical rotation and torsional rotation.

[0089] When the moving process is completed, the ladle 10 is in the pouring standby position. FIGS. 10A and 10B are a perspective view and a top view showing the state where the ladle 10 is in the pouring standby position. In the illustrated example, at the pouring standby position, the ladle 10 is in a horizontal posture, and the tip of the pouring port 11 of the ladle 10 overlaps the filling port 221 of the injection sleeve 220 in a top view.

[0090] In the example shown in FIG. 9, after the moving process, first, the vertical rotation is started (time point t1). FIGS. 11A and 11B are a perspective view and a top view showing the state during the vertical rotation process. Here, with the rotation axis O7 as the first axis A1, the ladle 10 is rotated. As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the inclination angle θ0 of the pouring port 11 with respect to the horizontal plane is larger than the inclination angle θ0 at the pouring standby position.

[0091] During the vertical rotation, that is, before the end of the vertical rotation, the torsional rotation is started (time point t2). Here, the ladle 10 rotates about a second axis A2 that substantially coincides with the central axis 11o of the spout 11. The second axis A2 in this example does not coincide with any of the rotation axes O1 to O7 of the molten metal supply device 100, and is a virtual rotation axis conceptually (defined) by simultaneously performing rotations around a plurality of rotation axes (for example, simultaneously performing rotations around all the rotation axes O1 to O7). Here, the second axis A2 is substantially orthogonal to the first axis A1 in a plan view seen from above at the start of the torsional rotation process.

[0092] When the vertical rotation reaches a predetermined rotation angle θ1 after the start of the torsional rotation, the vertical rotation ends (time point t3). Subsequently, when the torsional rotation proceeds to a certain extent, the pouring starts (time point t4). Then, when the torsional rotation reaches a predetermined rotation angle θ2, the torsional rotation ends (time point t5). FIGS. 12A and 12B are a perspective view and a top view showing the state where the torsional rotation process is completed. It can be seen from FIGS. 12A and 12B that the inclination angle of the first side wall portion 15 with respect to the horizontal plane changes due to the torsional rotation. Also, here, as shown in FIG. 12B, at the end of the torsional rotation process, the direction in which the spout 11 of the ladle 10 extends and the axial direction of the injection sleeve 220 are substantially parallel in a plan view seen from above.

[0093] After that, when all the molten metal in the ladle 10 is poured into the injection sleeve 220, the pouring ends (time point t6).

[0094] Note that the mode of sucking the molten metal Mm by the ladle 10 in the sucking process is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 13, the ladle 10 may be lowered until the upper opening 18a sinks into the molten metal Mm, and the molten metal Mm may be allowed to flow into the ladle 10 from the upper opening 18a. When such a mode is adopted, the rear opening 14a may not be formed in the rear wall portion 14.

[0095] As described above, the molten metal supply method according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a vertical rotation step of rotating the ladle 10 about the first axis A1 so that the inclination angle θ0 of the pouring port 11 of the ladle 10 with respect to the horizontal plane increases, and a torsion rotation step of rotating the ladle 10 about the second axis A2 inclined with respect to the first axis A1. During the vertical rotation step and / or the torsion rotation step, the supply of the molten metal from the ladle 10 to the injection sleeve 220 is started. In the vertical rotation step, the inclination angle θ0 of the pouring port 11 of the ladle 10 with respect to the horizontal plane increases, while in the torsion rotation step, the ladle 10 is rotated about the second axis A2 inclined with respect to the first axis A1, so that the inclination angle of the first side wall portion 15 of the ladle 10 with respect to the horizontal plane can be changed. In this way, by performing two types of ladle rotation steps, namely, the vertical rotation step of increasing the inclination angle θ0 of the pouring port 11 and the torsion rotation step of changing the inclination angle of the first side wall portion 15, the discharge of the molten metal from the ladle 10 can be promoted, and the supply of the molten metal can be accelerated. Therefore, the cycle time can be shortened, and the productivity of die casting can be improved. In addition, shortening the cycle time also has advantages in terms of carbon neutrality. By reducing the time required for manufacturing itself, energy can be saved. Also, since the pouring time is shortened, the molten metal is less likely to cool, so the set temperature of the melting furnace can be lowered, and energy can also be saved in this way.

[0096] The above-described effects can also be said to be obtained by the molten metal supply device 100. In the molten metal supply device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, when supplying molten metal to the injection sleeve 220, the control device 30 performs "first control" to move the ladle 10 filled with molten metal toward the filling port 221 of the injection sleeve 220, "second control" to rotate the ladle 10 about the first axis A1 so that the inclination angle θ0 of the spout 11 of the ladle 10 with respect to the horizontal plane increases, and "third control" to rotate the ladle 10 about the second axis A2 inclined with respect to the first axis A1. According to the second control, the inclination angle θ0 of the spout 11 of the ladle 10 with respect to the horizontal plane increases, whereas according to the third control, the ladle 10 rotates about the second axis A2 inclined with respect to the first axis A1, so that the inclination angle of the first side wall portion 15 of the ladle 10 with respect to the horizontal plane can be changed. Thus, by performing two types of ladle rotation controls, i.e., the second control for increasing the inclination angle θ0 of the spout 11 and the third control for changing the inclination angle of the first side wall portion 15, the supply of molten metal can be speeded up, and the productivity of die casting can be improved.

[0097] In the vertical rotation process, the first axis A1 does not always need to be stationary. In the vertical rotation process, the first axis A1 may always move, or may be stationary for some periods and move in other periods. Similarly, in the torsion rotation process, the second axis A2 does not always need to be stationary. In the torsion rotation process, the second axis A2 may always move, or may be stationary for some periods and move in other periods.

[0098] Also, here, an example in which the first axis A1 is the rotation axis O7 of the multi-axis robot 20 and the second axis A2 is a virtual rotation axis has been described, but the first axis A1 and the second axis A2 are not limited to this example.

[0099] Subsequently, preferred embodiments and modifications of the molten metal supply method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0100] From the perspective of preventing molten metal from spilling while accelerating the supply of molten metal, the inclination angle θ0 of the pouring port 11 at the completion of the vertical rotation process is preferably 30° or more and 60° or less, and more preferably 40° or more and 50° or less (that is, approximately 45°). The rotation angle θ1 in the vertical rotation process is set according to the inclination angle θ0 of the pouring port 11 in the horizontal posture and the desired inclination angle θ0 of the pouring port 11 at the completion of the vertical rotation process.

[0101] In addition, although FIG. 9 shows an example in which the vertical rotation process starts before the start of the torsional rotation process, as already described, the vertical rotation process may start simultaneously with the start of the torsional rotation process or may start after the start of the torsional rotation process. However, from the perspective of accelerating the supply of molten metal, it is preferable that the supply of molten metal starts in a state where the inclination angle θ0 of the pouring port 11 of the ladle 10 reaches a desired angle (for example, approximately 45°). Therefore, it is preferable that the vertical rotation process starts before the start of the torsional rotation process.

[0102] Also, although FIG. 9 shows an example in which the vertical rotation process is completed before the completion of the torsional rotation process, the timing of the completion of the vertical rotation process is not limited to this example. However, as described above, since it is preferable that the supply of molten metal starts in a state where the inclination angle θ0 of the pouring port 11 reaches a desired angle, it is preferable that the vertical rotation process is completed before the completion of the torsional rotation process, and it is more preferable that the vertical rotation process is completed before half of the execution period of the torsional rotation process has elapsed.

[0103] The greater the inclination of the first axis A1, which is the rotation center in the vertical rotation process, with respect to the direction in which the pouring port 11 of the ladle 10 extends, the easier it is to quickly increase the inclination angle θ0 of the pouring port 11. Therefore, the first axis A1 is preferably substantially orthogonal to the direction in which the pouring port 11 extends. Here, "substantially orthogonal" includes not only the case where the angle formed by the first axis A1 and the direction in which the pouring port 11 extends is exactly 90°, but also the case where the deviation is within the range of ±5° from 90°.

[0104] The greater the inclination of the second axis A2, which serves as the rotation center in the torsional rotation process, with respect to the first axis A1 in a plan view seen from above, the easier it is to quickly change the inclination angle of the first side wall portion 15 of the ladle 10. Therefore, at the start of the torsional rotation process, the second axis A2 is preferably substantially orthogonal to the first axis A1 in a plan view seen from above. Here, "substantially orthogonal" includes not only the case where the angle formed by the second axis A2 and the first axis A1 is exactly 90°, but also the case where the deviation is within the range of ±5° from 90°.

[0105] Also, the second axis A2 preferably substantially coincides with the central axis 11o of the pouring port 11 of the ladle 10. By substantially coinciding the second axis A2 with the central axis 11o of the pouring port 11, the swing width of the molten metal flowing out from the pouring port 11 can be reduced, and the scattering of the molten metal can be reduced. Here, "substantially coincides" includes not only the case where the two exactly coincide, but also the case where there is a slight deviation. Specifically, in terms of angle, it includes the case where the deviation between the two is within 5°, and in terms of the position corresponding to the tip of the pouring port 11, it includes the case where the deviation is 20 mm or less in the vertical direction.

[0106] At the completion of the torsional rotation process, the direction in which the pouring port 11 of the ladle 10 extends and the axial direction of the injection sleeve 220 are preferably substantially parallel in a plan view seen from above. By making the direction in which the pouring port 11 of the ladle 10 extends and the axial direction of the injection sleeve 220 substantially parallel, it is possible to suppress the molten metal from hitting the inner wall surface of the injection sleeve 220 and overflowing from the filling port 221 of the injection sleeve 220. Here, "substantially parallel" includes not only the case where the direction in which the pouring port 11 extends and the axial direction of the injection sleeve 220 are exactly parallel, but also the case where one is inclined with respect to the other within the range of ±5°.

[0107] From the viewpoint of supplying the molten metal in the ladle 10 to the injection sleeve 220 without residue, the pouring port 11 is preferably provided at a position shifted toward the first side wall portion 15 with respect to the center in the width direction of the ladle 10. Further, from this viewpoint, it is more preferable that the pouring port 11 is provided at a position maximally shifted toward the first side wall portion 15 with respect to the center in the width direction of the ladle 10. That is, it is more preferable that the pouring port 11 is continuous with the first side wall portion 15. Further, from the same viewpoint, the front wall portion 13 is preferably slightly inclined forward (for example, inclined at 5° or more and 30° or less with respect to the vertical direction) as illustrated.

[0108] In the illustrated example, the first side wall portion 15 includes a portion (lower portion 15b) where the inclination angle with respect to the vertical direction of the ladle 10 is larger than that of the second side wall portion 16. By the first side wall portion 15 including such a portion, the inclination angle of the first side wall portion 15 with respect to the horizontal plane at the completion of the torsional rotation process can be made larger, so that the molten metal supply can be further accelerated.

[0109] Further, the first side wall portion 15 preferably includes a portion where the inclination angle with respect to the horizontal plane is larger than that of the pouring port 11 at the completion of the torsional rotation process. For example, in the illustrated example, at the completion of the torsional rotation process, it is preferable that the inclination angle of the lower portion 15b of the first side wall portion 15 with respect to the horizontal plane is larger than the inclination angle θ0 of the pouring port 11 with respect to the horizontal plane. Thereby, the molten metal supply can be further accelerated.

[0110] It can be said that the rotation angle θ2 in the torsional rotation process is preferably set such that the first side wall portion 15 includes a portion as described above (a portion where the inclination angle with respect to the horizontal plane is larger than that of the pouring port 11) at the completion of the torsional rotation process. The rotation angle θ2 in the torsional rotation process is, for example, 45° or more and 90° or less. Further, when the inclination angle θ0 of the pouring port 11 is set to approximately 45° at the completion of the torsional rotation process, the inclination angle of the lower portion 15b of the first side wall portion 15 with respect to the horizontal plane can be set, for example, to 20° or more and 50° or less.

[0111] In the illustrated example, the ladle 10 extends rearward from the front wall portion 13 and has a lid portion 18 that partially closes the upper portion of the ladle 10. When the ladle 10 has such a lid portion 18, it is possible to prevent the molten metal from spilling from the upper portion of the ladle 10 during the torsional rotation process.

[0112] Also, in the illustrated example, the lid portion 18 has a shape in which the length L of the lid portion 18 along the front-rear direction of the ladle 10 increases from the second side wall portion 16 side toward the first side wall portion 15 side. When the lid portion 18 has such a shape, it does not significantly prevent the molten metal from entering the ladle 10 from the upper portion of the ladle 10 during the pumping-up of the molten metal, and it is possible to preferably prevent the spillage of the molten metal during the torsional rotation process.

[0113] The spout 11 of the ladle 10 is preferably cylindrical. Since the spout 11 is cylindrical, it is possible to prevent the molten metal from spilling from portions other than the tip of the spout 11 during the torsional rotation process.

[0114] Note that the start and end timings of the vertical rotation and the torsional rotation are not limited to the example shown in FIG. 9.

[0115] FIG. 14 shows another example of the start and end timings of the vertical rotation and the torsional rotation. In the example shown in FIG. 14, first, the vertical rotation is started (time point t1), and when the vertical rotation has progressed to a certain extent, the pouring is started (time point t2). Subsequently, the torsional rotation is started (time point t3), and then, the vertical rotation and the torsional rotation are sequentially ended (time points t4, t5), and further, the pouring is ended thereafter (time point t6). Thus, in this example, the pouring is started before the start of the torsional rotation process.

[0116] FIG. 15 shows still another example of the start and end timings of the vertical rotation and the torsional rotation. In the example shown in FIG. 14, first, the vertical rotation is started (time point t1), and when the vertical rotation has advanced to a certain extent, the pouring of the molten metal is started (time point t2). Subsequently, the torsional rotation is started simultaneously with the end of the vertical rotation (time point t3), then the torsional rotation ends (time point t4), and further thereafter, the pouring of the molten metal ends (time point t5). Thus, in this example, the torsional rotation process is started simultaneously with the completion of the vertical rotation process.

[0117] Note that the specific structure of the ladle 10 is not limited to that exemplified in FIG. 3 and the like. For example, the structure of the exemplified ladle 10 may be reversed left and right. In that case, the rotation direction in the torsional rotation process may also be reversed.

[0118] As described above, the molten metal supply method according to the embodiment of the present invention is a molten metal supply method for supplying molten metal to the injection sleeve 220 of the die casting machine 200, including: (A) a step of moving the ladle 10 filled with the molten metal toward the filling port 221 of the injection sleeve 220; (B) a step of rotating the ladle 10 about a first axis A1 that is stationary or moving after the step (A), the step of rotating the ladle 10 so that the inclination angle θ0 of the spout 11 of the ladle 10 with respect to the horizontal plane increases; (C) a step of rotating the ladle 10 about a second axis A2 that is stationary or moving after the step (A), the second axis A2 being inclined with respect to the first axis A1, and the supply of the molten metal from the ladle 10 to the injection sleeve 220 is started while performing the step (B) and / or the step (C).

[0119] The molten metal supply method according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a step (B) of rotating the ladle 10 about a first axis A1 so that the inclination angle θ0 of the pouring port 11 of the ladle 10 with respect to the horizontal plane increases, and a step (C) of rotating the ladle 10 about a second axis A2 inclined with respect to the first axis A1. During the execution of step (B) and / or step (C), the supply of molten metal from the ladle 10 to the injection sleeve 220 is started. In step (B), the inclination angle θ0 of the pouring port 11 of the ladle 10 with respect to the horizontal plane increases, while in step (C), since the ladle 10 is rotated about the second axis A2 inclined with respect to the first axis A1, the inclination angle of the side wall portion (first side wall portion) 15 of the ladle 10 with respect to the horizontal plane can be changed. In this way, by performing the two types of ladle rotation steps, i.e., step (B) of increasing the inclination angle θ0 of the pouring port 11 of the ladle 10 and step (C) of changing the inclination angle of the side wall portion 15 of the ladle 10, the supply of molten metal can be accelerated and the cycle time can be shortened, thus improving the productivity of die casting. Also, by shortening the cycle time, energy savings can be achieved.

[0120] In an embodiment, the step (B) is started before the start of the step (C).

[0121] From the viewpoint of accelerating the supply of molten metal, it is preferable that the supply of molten metal is started when the inclination angle θ0 of the pouring port 11 of the ladle 10 reaches a desired angle (for example, approximately 45°). Therefore, it is preferable that the step (B) is started before the start of the step (C).

[0122] In an embodiment, the step (B) is completed before the completion of the step (C).

[0123] It is preferable that the supply of molten metal is started when the inclination angle θ0 of the pouring port 11 of the ladle 10 reaches a desired angle (for example, approximately 45°). Therefore, it is preferable that the step (B) is completed before the completion of the step (C).

[0124] In one embodiment, the step (B) is completed before half of the execution period of the step (C) has elapsed.

[0125] It is more preferable that the step (B) is completed before half of the execution period of the step (C) has elapsed.

[0126] In one embodiment, the first axis A1 is substantially orthogonal to the direction in which the spout 11 of the ladle 10 extends.

[0127] The more the first axis A1, which is the center of rotation in the step (B), is greatly inclined with respect to the direction in which the spout 11 of the ladle 10 extends, the easier it is to quickly increase the inclination angle θ0 of the spout 11. Therefore, the first axis A1 is preferably substantially orthogonal to the direction in which the spout 11 extends.

[0128] In one embodiment, the second axis A2 is substantially orthogonal to the first axis A1 in a plan view as seen from above at the start of the step (C).

[0129] The more the second axis A2, which is the center of rotation in the step (C), is greatly inclined with respect to the first axis A1 in a plan view as seen from above, the easier it is to quickly change the inclination angle of the side wall portion 15 of the ladle 10. Therefore, the second axis A2 is preferably substantially orthogonal to the first axis A1 in a plan view as seen from above at the start of the step (C).

[0130] In one embodiment, the second axis A2 substantially coincides with the central axis 11o of the spout 11 of the ladle 10.

[0131] Since the second axis A2 and the central axis 11o of the spout 11 substantially coincide, the swing width of the molten metal flowing out of the spout 11 can be reduced, and the scattering of the molten metal can be reduced.

[0132] In one embodiment, at the completion of the step (C), the direction in which the spout 11 of the ladle 10 extends and the axial direction of the injection sleeve 220 are substantially parallel in a plan view as viewed from above.

[0133] At the completion of the step (C), it is preferable that the direction in which the spout 11 of the ladle 10 extends and the axial direction of the injection sleeve 220 are substantially parallel in a plan view as viewed from above. By having the direction in which the spout 11 of the ladle 10 extends and the axial direction of the injection sleeve 220 be substantially parallel, it is possible to suppress the molten metal from hitting the inner wall surface of the injection sleeve 220 and overflowing from the filling port 221 of the injection sleeve 220.

[0134] In one embodiment, the ladle 10 has a front wall portion 13 continuous with the spout 11, a rear wall portion 14 facing the front wall portion 13, and a first side wall portion 15 and a second side wall portion 16 that connect the front wall portion 13 and the rear wall portion 14 on both sides in the width direction of the ladle 10. Due to the rotation of the ladle 10 in the step (C), the position of the first side wall portion 15 becomes lower than the position of the second side wall portion 16.

[0135] In one embodiment, the spout 11 is provided at a position shifted toward the first side wall portion 15 with respect to the center in the width direction of the ladle 10.

[0136] From the viewpoint of supplying the molten metal in the ladle 10 to the injection sleeve 220 without remainder, it is preferable that the spout 11 is provided at a position shifted toward the first side wall portion 15 with respect to the center in the width direction of the ladle 10.

[0137] In one embodiment, the spout 11 is continuous with the first side wall portion 15.

[0138] From the viewpoint of supplying the molten metal in the ladle 10 to the injection sleeve 220 without remainder, it is more preferable that the spout 11 is provided at a position maximally shifted toward the first side wall portion 15 with respect to the center in the width direction of the ladle 10, that is, that the spout 11 is continuous with the first side wall portion 15.

[0139] In one embodiment, the first side wall portion 15 includes a portion where the inclination angle of the ladle 10 with respect to the vertical direction is larger than that of the second side wall portion 16.

[0140] Preferably, the first side wall portion 15 includes a portion where the inclination angle of the ladle 10 with respect to the vertical direction is larger than that of the second side wall portion 16. Thereby, at the completion of step (C), the inclination angle of the first side wall portion 15 with respect to the horizontal plane can be made larger, so that the molten metal supply can be further accelerated.

[0141] In one embodiment, at the completion of step (C), the first side wall portion 15 includes a portion where the inclination angle with respect to the horizontal plane is larger than that of the spout 11.

[0142] At the completion of step (C), since the first side wall portion 15 includes a portion where the inclination angle with respect to the horizontal plane is larger than that of the spout 11, the molten metal supply can be further accelerated.

[0143] In one embodiment, the ladle 10 further has a lid portion 18 that extends rearward from the front wall portion 13 and partially closes the upper portion of the ladle 10.

[0144] When the ladle 10 further has a lid portion 18 that extends rearward from the front wall portion 13 and partially closes the upper portion of the ladle 10, it is possible to prevent the molten metal from spilling from the upper portion of the ladle 10 in step (C).

[0145] In one embodiment, the lid portion 18 has a shape in which the length L of the lid portion 18 along the front-rear direction of the ladle 10 increases from the second side wall portion 16 side toward the first side wall portion 15 side.

[0146] When the lid portion 18 has a shape in which the length L of the lid portion 18 along the front - rear direction of the ladle 10 increases from the second side wall portion 16 side toward the first side wall portion 15 side, when ladling up the molten metal, it does not significantly prevent the molten metal from entering the ladle 10 from the upper part of the ladle 10, and in step (C), it is possible to preferably prevent the molten metal from spilling.

[0147] In a certain embodiment, the pouring port 11 of the ladle 10 is cylindrical.

[0148] Since the pouring port 11 of the ladle 10 is cylindrical, in step (C), it is possible to prevent the molten metal from spilling from portions other than the tip of the pouring port 11.

[0149] The molten - metal supply device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is a molten - metal supply device 100 that supplies molten metal to the injection sleeve 220 of a die - casting machine 200, and includes a ladle 10 having a pouring port 11, a moving and rotating device capable of moving and rotating the ladle 10, and a control device 30 for controlling the moving and rotating device. When the supply of molten metal to the injection sleeve 220 is performed, the control device 30 performs a first control of moving the ladle 10 filled with the molten metal toward the filling port 221 of the injection sleeve 220, a second control of rotating the ladle 10 around the first axis A1 that is stationary or moving after the first control, the second control being to rotate the ladle 10 so that the inclination angle θ0 of the pouring port 11 of the ladle 10 with respect to the horizontal plane increases, and a third control of rotating the ladle 10 around the second axis A2 that is stationary or moving after the first control.

[0150] In the molten metal supply device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, when supplying molten metal to the injection sleeve 220, the control device 30 performs a first control to move the ladle 10 into which the molten metal has been drawn toward the filling port 221 of the injection sleeve 220, a second control to rotate the ladle 10 about the first axis A1 so that the inclination angle θ0 of the pouring port 11 of the ladle 10 with respect to the horizontal plane increases, and a third control to rotate the ladle 10 about the second axis A2 inclined with respect to the first axis A1. According to the second control, the inclination angle θ0 of the pouring port 11 of the ladle 10 with respect to the horizontal plane increases, whereas according to the third control, the ladle 10 rotates about the second axis A2 inclined with respect to the first axis A1, so that the inclination angle of the side wall portion (first side wall portion) 15 of the ladle 10 with respect to the horizontal plane can be changed. In this way, by performing two types of ladle rotation controls, i.e., the second control to increase the inclination angle θ0 of the pouring port 11 of the ladle 10 and the third control to change the inclination angle of the side wall portion 15 of the ladle 10, the supply of molten metal can be speeded up, the cycle time can be shortened, and thus the productivity of die casting can be improved. Further, by shortening the cycle time, energy can be saved.

[0151] In one embodiment, the moving and rotating device is a multi-axis robot 20.

[0152] As the moving and rotating device, for example, a multi-axis robot 20 is preferably used.

Industrial Applicability

[0153] According to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a molten metal supply method and a molten metal supply device capable of speeding up the supply of molten metal. The molten metal supply method and the molten metal supply device according to the embodiment of the present invention are preferably used for supplying molten metal to the injection sleeve of a die casting machine.

Explanation of Signs

[0154] 1: Furnace, 10: Ladle, 11: Pouring spout, 11o: Central axis of the pouring spout, 12: Main body part, 13: Front wall part, 14: Rear wall part, 14a: Rear opening, 15: First side wall part, 15a: Upper part of the first side wall part, 15b: Lower part of the first side wall part, 16: Second side wall part, 17: Bottom wall part, 18: Cover part, 18a: Upper opening, 19: Boss, 19a: Through hole of the boss, 20: Multi-axis robot, 21: Base part, 22: Arm part, 30: Control device, 100: Molten metal supply device, 200: Die-casting machine, 210: Mold, 211: Fixed mold, 212: Movable mold, 220: Injection sleeve, 221: Filling port, 222: Molten metal passage, 230: Plunger, L1: First link, L2: Second link, L3: Third link, L4: Fourth link, L5: Fifth link, L6: Sixth link, J1: First joint, J2: Second joint, J3: Third joint, J4: Fourth joint, J5: Fifth joint, J6: Sixth joint, O1·O2·O3·O4·O4·O5·O6·O7: Rotation axis, SS: Support shaft, Mm: Molten metal

Claims

1. A molten metal supply method for supplying molten metal to an injection sleeve of a die-casting machine, comprising: (A) moving a ladle filled with molten metal toward a filling port of the injection sleeve; (B) after the step (A), rotating the ladle about a first axis that is stationary or moving, the ladle being rotated such that an inclination angle of a spout of the ladle with respect to a horizontal plane increases; (C) after the step (A), rotating the ladle about a second axis that is stationary or moving and is inclined with respect to the first axis; and starting the supply of molten metal from the ladle to the injection sleeve while performing the step (B) and / or the step (C).

2. The molten metal supply method according to claim 1, wherein the step (B) starts before the start of the step (C).

3. The molten metal supply method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the step (B) is completed before the completion of the step (C).

4. The molten metal supply method according to claim 3, wherein the step (B) is completed before half of the execution period of the step (C) has elapsed.

5. The molten metal supply method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first axis is substantially orthogonal to a direction in which the spout of the ladle extends.

6. The molten metal supply method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second axis is substantially orthogonal to the first axis in a plan view seen from above at the start of the step (C).

7. The molten metal supply method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second axis substantially coincides with a central axis of the spout of the ladle.

8. The molten metal supply method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at the completion of the step (C), a direction in which the spout of the ladle extends and an axial direction of the injection sleeve are substantially parallel in a plan view seen from above.

9. The ladle has a front wall portion continuous with the spout, a rear wall portion facing the front wall portion, and first and second side wall portions connecting the front wall portion and the rear wall portion on both sides in the width direction of the ladle; and due to the rotation of the ladle in the step (C), a position of the first side wall portion becomes lower than a position of the second side wall portion.

10. The molten metal supply method according to claim 9, wherein the pouring port is provided at a position shifted toward the first side wall portion with respect to the center in the width direction of the ladle.

11. The molten metal supply method according to claim 10, wherein the pouring port is continuous with the first side wall portion.

12. The molten metal supply method according to claim 9, wherein the first side wall portion includes a portion having a larger inclination angle with respect to the vertical direction of the ladle than the second side wall portion.

13. The molten metal supply method according to claim 9, wherein at the completion of the step (C), the first side wall portion includes a portion having an inclination angle with respect to the horizontal plane larger than that of the pouring port.

14. The molten metal supply method according to claim 9, wherein the ladle further has a lid portion that extends rearward from the front wall portion and partially closes the upper portion of the ladle.

15. The molten metal supply method according to claim 14, wherein the lid portion has a shape in which the length of the lid portion along the front-rear direction of the ladle increases from the second side wall portion side toward the first side wall portion side.

16. The molten metal supply method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pouring port of the ladle is cylindrical.

17. A molten metal supply device for supplying molten metal to an injection sleeve of a die casting machine, a ladle having a pouring port, a moving and rotating device capable of moving and rotating the ladle, a control device for controlling the moving and rotating device, comprising: when the molten metal is supplied to the injection sleeve, the control device performs a first control of moving the ladle filled with the molten metal toward the filling port of the injection sleeve, a second control of rotating the ladle around a first axis that is stationary or moving after the first control, the second control rotating the ladle so that the inclination angle of the pouring port of the ladle with respect to the horizontal plane increases, a third control of rotating the ladle around a second axis that is stationary or moving after the first control and is inclined with respect to the first axis, A molten metal supply device that performs the above operations.

18. The molten metal supply device according to claim 17, wherein the moving and rotating device is a multi-axis robot.

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