Water supply method and equipment

Abstract

To provide a tapping method and a tapping facility which can tap a large amount of molten metal.SOLUTION: A tapping facility has: a tapping chamber 16 for tapping molten metal MM; a molten metal holding chamber 13 for holding the molten metal; an adjustment part 4 for permitting or shutting off movement of the molten metal from the molten metal holding chamber to the tapping chamber, between the molten metal holding chamber and the tapping chamber; a tapping passage 3 used to tap the molten metal in the tapping chamber to outside; and a gas supply part 16A capable of supplying gas from outside of the tapping chamber. A tapping method has: (1) a moving step of performing at least one of moving the molten metal in the molten metal holding chamber by natural flow down by a level difference in a molten metal surface of the molten metal between the molten metal holding chamber and the tapping chamber, into the tapping chamber, and having a pressurization part 13A capable of supplying gas from outside of the molten metal holding chamber, and moving the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber into the tapping chamber by pressurization of the gas from the pressurization part; and (2) a tapping step of tapping the molten metal in the tapping chamber to a target part through inside the tapping passage, by pressurization of the gas from the gas supply part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0007] The two-chamber low-pressure casting molten metal holding furnace of Patent Document 1 supplies pressurizing gas to the pressurizing section, thereby pushing up the molten metal in the tapping section connected to the pressurizing section and supplying the molten metal from the tapping section into the cavity of the mold. Before the molten metal is discharged by pressurization from the pressurizing section, the molten metal stored in the molten metal holding chamber is supplied to the adjacent pressurizing chamber with the molten metal flow port open. Due to the difference in the metal surface levels between the molten metal holding chamber and the pressurizing chamber, the molten metal in the molten metal holding chamber flows into the pressurizing chamber, but it is not intended to discharge large amounts of molten metal.

[0008] A primary object of the present invention is to provide a tapping method and tapping equipment that are capable of tapping a large amount of molten metal. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The aspects of the means for solving the above problems are as follows.

[0010] (First aspect) a tapping chamber for tapping molten metal; a molten metal holding chamber communicating with the tapping chamber and holding the molten metal; an adjustment unit that allows or blocks movement of the molten metal from the molten metal holding chamber to the tapping chamber between the molten metal holding chamber and the tapping chamber; a tapping passage provided in the tapping chamber and used for tapping the molten metal to the outside of the tapping chamber; a gas supply unit capable of supplying gas from the outside to the inside of the tap chamber; and (1) a moving step of performing at least one of the following: moving the molten metal in the molten metal holding chamber into the tapping chamber by natural flow caused by a difference in the level of the molten metal between the molten metal holding chamber and the tapping chamber while the adjustment unit is allowing the movement of the molten metal; and moving the molten metal in the molten metal holding chamber into the tapping chamber by pressurizing the gas supplied from a pressurizing unit that has a pressurizing unit capable of supplying gas from the outside to the inside of the molten metal holding chamber while the adjustment unit is allowing the movement of the molten metal; (2) a tapping step in which, while the movement of the molten metal is blocked by the adjusting unit, the molten metal in the tapping chamber is tapped to a target location through the inside of the tapping path by pressurizing the gas supplied from the gas supply unit. A method for tapping hot water.

[0011] (Second aspect) a tapping chamber for tapping molten metal; a molten metal holding chamber communicating with the tapping chamber and holding the molten metal; an adjustment unit that allows or blocks movement of the molten metal from the molten metal holding chamber to the tapping chamber between the molten metal holding chamber and the tapping chamber; a tapping passage provided in the tapping chamber and used for tapping the molten metal to the outside of the tapping chamber; an air supply / exhaust section capable of supplying and exhausting gas under pressure from the outside to the inside of the tap chamber; and (6) a moving step of performing at least one of moving the molten metal in the molten metal holding chamber into the tapping chamber by natural flow caused by a difference in the level of the molten metal between the molten metal holding chamber and the tapping chamber while the adjustment unit is allowing the molten metal to move, and moving the molten metal in the molten metal holding chamber into the tapping chamber by exhausting air from the air supply and exhaust unit while the adjustment unit is allowing the molten metal to move; (7) A tapping step in which, while the movement of the molten metal is blocked by the adjusting unit, the molten metal in the tapping chamber is tapped to a target location through the inside of the tapping path by pressurizing and supplying gas from the air supply and exhaust unit. A method for tapping hot water.

[0012] (Third aspect) a tapping chamber for tapping molten metal; a molten metal holding chamber communicating with the tapping chamber and holding the molten metal; an adjustment unit that allows or blocks movement of the molten metal from the molten metal holding chamber to the tapping chamber between the molten metal holding chamber and the tapping chamber; a tapping passage provided in the tapping chamber and used for tapping the molten metal to the outside of the tapping chamber; a gas supply unit capable of supplying gas from the outside to the inside of the tap chamber; A control unit; and The control unit (11) With the adjustment unit allowing the movement of the molten metal, the molten metal in the molten metal holding chamber is moved into the tapping chamber by natural flow caused by a difference in the level of the molten metal between the molten metal holding chamber and the tapping chamber; and with a pressurizing unit capable of supplying gas from the outside to the inside of the molten metal holding chamber, with the adjustment unit allowing the movement of the molten metal, the molten metal in the molten metal holding chamber is moved into the tapping chamber by pressurizing the gas supplied from the pressurizing unit, (12) With the movement of the molten metal blocked by the adjusting unit, the molten metal in the tapping chamber is tapped to a target location through the inside of the tapping path by pressurizing the gas supplied from the gas supply unit. A configuration for controlling A hot water tapping facility characterized by the above.

[0013] (Fourth aspect) a tapping chamber for tapping molten metal; a molten metal holding chamber communicating with the tapping chamber and holding the molten metal; an adjustment unit that allows or blocks movement of the molten metal from the molten metal holding chamber to the tapping chamber between the molten metal holding chamber and the tapping chamber; a tapping passage provided in the tapping chamber and used for tapping the molten metal to the outside of the tapping chamber; an air supply / exhaust section capable of supplying and exhausting gas under pressure from the outside to the inside of the tap chamber; A control unit; and The control unit (16) With the adjustment unit allowing the movement of the molten metal, the molten metal in the molten metal holding chamber is moved into the tapping chamber by natural flow caused by a difference in the level of the molten metal between the molten metal holding chamber and the tapping chamber, and with the adjustment unit allowing the movement of the molten metal, the molten metal in the molten metal holding chamber is moved into the tapping chamber by exhausting air from the intake and exhaust unit, (17) With the movement of the molten metal blocked by the adjusting unit, the molten metal in the tapping chamber is tapped to a target location through the inside of the tapping path by pressurizing and supplying gas from the air supply and exhaust unit. A configuration for controlling A hot water tapping facility characterized by the above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, a large amount of molten metal can be tapped by repeating the tapping process multiple times. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 33 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line Z1-Z1 in FIG. 32, showing the tapping furnace according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic view showing the first embodiment of FIG. 1 immediately after the molten metal has been transferred from the molten metal holding chamber to the tapping chamber. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the flow of the molten metal is blocked by the adjusting section in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the state immediately after pressurized gas is supplied from the gas supply unit and molten metal is completely discharged from the discharge channel. FIG. [Figure 5] 5 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the flow of the molten metal is permitted by the adjusting unit after being blocked from the state shown in FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 6] 6 is a schematic diagram showing a state following the state shown in FIG. 5 in which the molten metal has been completely moved from the molten metal holding chamber to the tapping chamber and the movement of the molten metal has been blocked by the adjustment unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the state immediately after pressurized gas is supplied from the gas supply unit and the molten metal is completely discharged from the discharge channel, following the state shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] As an improved version of the first embodiment, this is a schematic diagram of the state immediately after the molten metal heater in the molten metal holding chamber is exposed from the surface of the molten metal, a liquid level sensor is installed to indicate the limit at which dry-fire occurs, pressurized gas is supplied from the pressurizing section, and the molten metal has completed moving from the molten metal holding chamber to the tapping chamber. [Figure 9]33 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line Z1-Z1 in FIG. 32, showing a tapping furnace according to a second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a schematic view showing the second embodiment of FIG. 9 immediately after the molten metal has been transferred from the molten metal holding chamber to the tapping chamber. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the flow of the molten metal is blocked by the adjusting section in FIG. [Figure 12] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the state immediately after pressurized gas is supplied from the gas supply unit and molten metal is completely discharged from the discharge channel. FIG. [Figure 13] 13 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the flow of the molten metal is permitted by the adjusting unit after the state shown in FIG. 12 in which the flow of the molten metal is blocked. [Figure 14] 14 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the molten metal has been stopped from moving by the adjusting section after the molten metal has completely moved from the molten metal holding chamber to the tapping chamber, following the state shown in FIG. 13. FIG. [Figure 15] 15 is a schematic diagram showing the state immediately after pressurized gas is supplied from the gas supply unit and the molten metal is completely discharged from the discharge channel, following the state shown in FIG. 14. FIG. [Figure 16] 35 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line Z1-Z1 in FIG. 34, showing a tapping furnace according to a third embodiment. FIG. [Figure 17] 17 is a schematic view showing the third embodiment of FIG. 16 immediately after the molten metal has been transferred from the molten metal holding chamber to the tapping chamber. FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the flow of the molten metal is blocked by the adjusting section in FIG. [Figure 19] This is a schematic diagram of the state immediately after pressurized gas is supplied from the air supply and exhaust section and the molten metal has been discharged from the discharge channel. [Figure 20] 20 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the flow of the molten metal MM is permitted by the adjusting unit after being blocked from the state shown in FIG. 19. FIG. [Figure 21] 21 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the molten metal has been stopped from moving by the adjusting section after the molten metal has completely moved from the molten metal holding chamber to the tapping chamber, following the state shown in FIG. 20. FIG. [Figure 22] 22 is a schematic diagram showing the state immediately after pressurized gas is supplied from the supply and exhaust unit and the molten metal is completely discharged from the discharge channel, following the state shown in FIG. 21. [Figure 23] As an improved version of the third embodiment, this is a schematic diagram of the state immediately after the molten metal heater in the molten metal holding chamber is exposed from the surface of the molten metal, a liquid level sensor is installed to indicate the limit at which dry firing occurs, gas is exhausted from the intake and exhaust section, and the molten metal has completed moving from the molten metal holding chamber to the tapping chamber. [Figure 24] 35 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line Z1-Z1 in FIG. 34, showing a tapping furnace according to an improved fourth embodiment. FIG. [Figure 25] 25 is a schematic view showing the state immediately after the molten metal has completely moved from the molten metal holding chamber to the tapping chamber according to the fourth embodiment of FIG. 24. FIG. [Figure 26] 26 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the flow of the molten metal is blocked by the adjusting section in FIG. 25. FIG. [Figure 27] This is a schematic diagram of the state immediately after pressurized gas is supplied from the air supply and exhaust section and the molten metal has been discharged from the discharge channel. [Figure 28] 28 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the flow of the molten metal is permitted by the adjusting part after the state shown in FIG. 27 in which the flow of the molten metal is blocked. [Figure 29] 29 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the molten metal has been stopped from moving by the adjusting section after the molten metal has completely moved from the molten metal holding chamber to the tapping chamber, following the state shown in FIG. 28. FIG. [Figure 30] 29. This is a schematic diagram showing the state immediately after pressurized gas is supplied from the supply and exhaust unit and the molten metal is completely discharged from the discharge channel. [Figure 31] 10A to 10C are schematic diagrams showing modified examples of the position where the melt discharge passage (for example, the melt discharge pipe) penetrates and modified examples of the adjustment part in the present invention. [Figure 32] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the tapping furnace according to the first or second embodiment. [Figure 33] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a tapping furnace according to an improved embodiment of the first embodiment. [Figure 34] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a tapping furnace according to a third or fourth embodiment. [Figure 35] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a tapping furnace according to an improved embodiment of the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

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

[0018] Figures 1 to 7 show a first embodiment, and Figure 8 shows an improved version of the first embodiment. Figures 9 to 15 show a second embodiment. Figures 16 to 22 show a third embodiment, and Figure 23 shows an improved version of the third embodiment. Figures 24 to 30 show a fourth embodiment. The first and second embodiments are embodiments of the first aspect described above, and the third and fourth embodiments are embodiments of the second aspect described above. Figure 31 shows a modified example of the adjustment unit 4 and a modified example of the penetration position of the tapping passage 3 (e.g., the tapping pipe 6). The white arrows in Figures 4, 7, 12, 13, 15, 19, 22, 23, 27, and 30 indicate the pressurization or depressurization of the gas in the pressurizing unit 13A, the gas supply unit 16A, and the air supply / exhaust unit 16G, and the tapping of the molten metal MM in the tapping passage 3. The dashed lines in Figures 2, 4, 6 to 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21 to 23, 25, 27, 29, and 30 indicate the molten metal surface before the movement of the molten metal MM. The dashed arrows in Figures 32 to 35 indicate signals sent from the control unit 50 to the tapping furnace 1.

[0019] (First embodiment) 1 to 8 show a first embodiment of a tapping furnace 1 according to the present invention. The tapping furnace 1 has a molten metal holding chamber 13 that receives and holds molten metal MM, such as an aluminum alloy, and a tapping chamber 16 that taps the molten metal MM. The molten metal holding chamber 13 and the tapping chamber 16 are in communication with each other via a molten metal flow passage 5. The molten metal flow passage 5 is provided with an adjustment section 4 that allows or blocks the movement of the molten metal MM from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16 .

[0020] (molten metal holding chamber) The molten metal holding chamber 13 is the space inside the molten metal holding chamber vessel 13D, and the molten metal MM is held inside this molten metal holding chamber 13. A molten metal heater 2 is provided to heat the molten metal MM inside the molten metal holding chamber 13 and prevent a drop in temperature. Above the molten metal holding chamber 13, a molten metal holding chamber upper cover 13C that closes the upper opening of the molten metal holding chamber 13 and a molten metal supply port cover 13B that supplies the molten metal MM from outside the tapping furnace 1 are provided. A liquid level sensor 13E is provided on the molten metal holding chamber upper cover 13C.

[0021] In the illustrated example, a molten metal supply port cover 13B is provided, allowing the molten metal MM to be supplied from outside the tapping furnace 1 using a ladle or the like. The method of supplying the molten metal MM from outside the tapping furnace 1 is not limited to this. Although not shown, for example, a trough may be provided through the side wall of the tapping furnace 1 that forms the molten metal holding chamber 13, and a trough may be provided in the penetrated portion. The trough may be connected to a melting furnace or buffer furnace located outside the tapping furnace 1, and the molten metal MM in the melting furnace or buffer furnace may be supplied into the molten metal holding chamber 13 via the trough. Alternatively, the molten metal holding chamber 13 itself may be provided with a melting function, allowing ingots, returned materials, or scrap (e.g., briquettes or chips) to be directly melted to produce the molten metal MM.

[0022] The molten metal heater 2 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that it does not hinder the movement of the molten metal MM, and an elongated cylindrical heater is preferable to a plate-shaped heater. Specifically, it is preferable to use a tubular heater such as a tube burner or tube heater. There is no particular limit to the number of molten metal heaters 2 as long as the temperature of the molten metal MM can be appropriately maintained. In the illustrated example, for example, three molten metal heaters 2 are installed in the molten metal holding chamber 13.

[0023] In the illustrated example, the lower end of the liquid level sensor 13E is installed at the same height as the lower end of a liquid level sensor 16E of the tapping chamber 16, which will be described later. This is because, when the molten metal MM repeatedly moves from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16 and is tapped from the tapping chamber 16 by gravity flow due to a level difference in the molten metal MM between the molten metal holding chamber 13 and the tapping chamber 16, the amount of molten metal in the molten metal holding chamber 13 decreases, making it difficult for the molten metal MM to move from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16 by gravity flow, and when the molten metal surface moves away from the lower end of the liquid level sensor 13E (in other words, when the molten metal MM can no longer move from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16 by gravity flow), this notifies the timing of supplying the molten metal MM from outside the tapping furnace 1 into the molten metal holding chamber 13. When the time comes to supply the molten metal, the molten metal MM is supplied from the molten metal supply port cover 13B. Note that a liquid level sensor 13F may be provided in addition to the liquid level sensor 13E that indicates the lower limit of the amount of molten metal in order to detect the upper limit of the supply of molten metal.

[0024] Alternatively, a pressurizing section 13A may be provided for the molten metal holding chamber 13, and dry air or an inert gas (nitrogen gas, argon gas, etc.) may be supplied in a pressurized state through this pressurizing section 13A. That is, by opening the molten metal flow passage 5 in advance using the adjusting unit 4 and pressurizing the inside of the molten metal holding chamber 13, the molten metal MM can be efficiently transported from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16 via the molten metal flow passage 5 until it is detected by the liquid level sensor 16E of the tapping chamber 16. Details will be described later.

[0025] (Taking room) The tapping chamber 16 is the space inside the tapping chamber container 16D, and the molten metal MM is held in this tapping chamber 16. In the first embodiment, a gas supply section 16A is provided inside the tapping chamber 16 to be used for tapping the molten metal MM that has moved from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16.

[0026] Furthermore, in order to form a tapping path 3 for tapping the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16, a tapping pipe 6 that penetrates the wall of the tapping chamber 16 can be used, and by using this tapping pipe 6, the tapping opening can be positioned at the bottom inside the tapping chamber 16. The tapping path 3 may simply be a hole opened in the wall of the tapping chamber 16. It is desirable to provide a molten metal heater 2 to prevent the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 from heating up and its temperature from dropping. Furthermore, a tapping chamber lid 16C is provided above the tapping chamber 16 to close the tapping chamber 16. The tapping chamber lid 16C ensures complete sealing, and is equipped with a liquid level sensor 16E and a thermocouple 16B. The molten metal heater 2 is not particularly limited, but may be the same as that installed in the molten metal holding chamber 13. In the illustrated example, for example, one molten metal heater 2 is installed in the tapping chamber 16.

[0027] 1 shows that the level of the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is higher than the level of the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16. With this difference in level, the process includes a moving step in which the molten metal flow passage 5 is closed by the adjusting unit 4 to block the movement of the molten metal MM, and then the molten metal flow passage 5 is opened by the adjusting unit 4 to allow the movement of the molten metal MM, thereby moving the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 into the tapping chamber 16 by gravity flow due to the difference in the level of the molten metal MM between the molten metal holding chamber 13 and the tapping chamber 16, and similarly, while allowing the movement of the molten metal MM, the process moves the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 into the tapping chamber 16 by pressurizing the gas supplied from the pressurizing unit 13A.

[0028] When the level of the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is higher than the level of the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16, it is preferable to move the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 into the tapping chamber 16 by natural flow due to the difference in the level of the molten metal MM between the molten metal holding chamber 13 and the tapping chamber 16. The molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 can also be moved into the tapping chamber 16 by pressurizing the gas supplied from the pressurizing unit 13A, but this is because using the pressurizing unit 13A incurs costs such as operating electricity.

[0029] On the other hand, when the surface height (level) of the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is at a position lower than the surface height (level) of the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16, or when they are at the same position, even if the movement of the molten metal MM is permitted by the adjustment unit 4, the molten metal MM will not move by gravity from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16. In this case, the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 can be forced to move into the tapping chamber 16 by pressurizing the gas supplied from the pressurizing unit 13A of the molten metal holding chamber 13. If the molten metal MM has already been transferred from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16 by gravity flow, this pressurization allows additional molten metal MM to be transferred, so that more molten metal MM can be transferred to the tapping chamber 16 without waste, making it possible to tap a large amount of molten metal MM.

[0030] When the pressurizing unit 13A is used, the gas supplied into the molten metal holding chamber 13 can be dry air or an inert gas (nitrogen gas, argon gas, etc.). When pressurizing the gas, the molten metal holding chamber 13 is completely sealed by the molten metal holding chamber top cover 13C and the molten metal supply port cover 13B. Although not shown, a pressure gauge is used to confirm that the dry air or inert gas (nitrogen gas, argon gas, etc.) compressed and pressurized by a compressor has been adjusted to the desired pressure using a pressure reducing valve, and the adjusted dry air or inert gas (nitrogen gas, argon gas, etc.) is sent into the molten metal holding chamber 13 via the pressurizing unit 13A.

[0031] Below, we will consider the case where the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is moved into the tapping chamber 16 by gravity flow due to the difference in level of the molten metal MM between the molten metal holding chamber 13 and the tapping chamber 16. As described above, when the level of the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is higher than the level of the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16, under this difference in molten metal level, the molten metal flow passage 5 is closed by the adjustment unit 4, blocking the movement of the molten metal MM, and then the molten metal flow passage 5 is opened by the adjustment unit 4, allowing the movement of the molten metal MM, and the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is moved into the tapping chamber 16 by natural flow due to the difference in the level of the molten metal MM between the molten metal holding chamber 13 and the tapping chamber 16. As the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 moves toward the tapping chamber 16, for example, when the surface of the molten metal MM touches the lower end of the liquid level sensor 16E, the regulating unit 4 provided in the molten metal flow passage 5 closes the molten metal flow passage 5 to block the movement of the molten metal MM and stop the movement of the molten metal MM from the molten metal flow passage 5 to the tapping chamber 16. When the movement is stopped, for example, as shown in Figure 2, the level of the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 may still be higher than the level of the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16. Thereafter, as shown in Figure 3, the regulating unit 4 can close the molten metal flow passage 5 to block the movement of the molten metal MM.

[0032] According to the embodiment, there is a tapping step in which, with the movement of the molten metal MM blocked by the adjustment unit 4, the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 is tapped through the tapping passage 3 (for example, the inside of the tapping pipe 6) to a target location (for example, the inside of a sleeve of a die-casting machine) by pressurizing the gas supplied from the gas supply unit 16A. When tapping the molten metal MM, there is no particular restriction on the gas taken into the tapping chamber 16 via the gas supply unit 16A, but it is preferable to use dry air or an inert gas (nitrogen gas, argon gas, etc.) which is less likely to affect the quality of the molten metal MM. Furthermore, since the gas is supplied under pressure, the water can be dispensed from the water dispensing chamber 16 in a completely sealed state by the water dispensing chamber cover 16C, and the required amount of water can be dispensed without causing oxidation.

[0033] In the embodiment, the gas supply unit 16A may be provided with a pressure gauge for pressurization, a speed meter for measuring the gas supply speed, etc. These devices may be provided together with the gas supply unit 16A, or may be provided separately from the gas supply unit 16A. The combination of the supply of pressurized gas from the gas supply unit 16A and the tapping path 3 (for example, the tapping pipe 6) of the embodiment makes it possible to accurately tap the molten metal and to tap a large amount of molten metal MM.

[0034] Also, prior to pouring, although not shown, dry air or inert gas (nitrogen gas, argon gas, etc.) compressed and pressurized by a compressor is adjusted to the desired pressure using a pressure reducing valve, and a pressure gauge is used to confirm that this adjusted dry air or inert gas (nitrogen gas, argon gas, etc.) is then sent into the pouring chamber 16 via the gas supply section 16A.

[0035] Furthermore, prior to actual operation, information for ensuring the stable dispensing of the required amount of molten metal MM per shot (one dispensing) is confirmed, i.e., the elapsed time from when it is detected that the molten metal MM has flowed into the dispensing passage 3 (e.g., the flow path inside the dispensing pipe 6) and reached the outlet 7 until the required amount is dispensed, the pressure, speed, and supply time of the gas supplied to the dispensing chamber 16, the shape of the dispensing passage 3 (e.g., the dispensing pipe 6) (inner diameter, length, size of the inlet 9, etc.), and the number of dispensing passages 3 (e.g., the dispensing pipes 6) in the dispensing chamber 16, etc., is inputted on the operation panel of the dispensing furnace 1, and pressurization and depressurization are carried out during actual operation, thereby ensuring accurate dispensing.

[0036] In the tapping configuration of the present application, the tapping of the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 begins when the surface of the molten metal MM always touches the lower end of the level sensor 16E. In other words, the tapping begins when the surface of the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 is at a constant level (also referred to as a "constant level"). This allows for a constant supply of pressurized gas from the gas supply unit 16A, making management easier. Furthermore, the tapping chamber 16 can be made smaller, and in this case, the amount of gas required for pressurization from the gas supply unit 16A can also be reduced. This allows for a smaller tapping chamber than conventional ones. A smaller tapping chamber requires less gas pressure for tapping, which reduces the power cost required for tapping. Figure 4 shows the state of the molten metal MM immediately after it has been tapped.

[0037] After the pouring process of the molten metal MM, the pressure is reduced by exhaust through the gas supply unit 16A to return to atmospheric pressure. The gas supply unit 16A is capable of not only pressurizing but also depressurizing. After the pouring process, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, the level of the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 may still be higher than the level of the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16.

[0038] In this case, similar to the series of steps shown in Figures 1 to 4 described above, as shown in Figures 5 to 7, the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is moved into the discharge chamber 16 by gravity flow, and by applying pressure from the gas supply section 16A, the molten metal MM in the discharge chamber 16 is discharged through the discharge path 3 (for example, the inside of the discharge pipe 6) to the target location (for example, into the sleeve of a die-casting machine), which is carried out once or repeatedly multiple times.

[0039] By repeating this process multiple times, the amount of molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 gradually decreases. As mentioned above, the lower end of the liquid level sensor 13E is installed at the same height as the lower end of the liquid level sensor 16E in the tapping chamber 16. This is because when it becomes difficult for the molten metal MM to move from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16 by gravity alone, and the molten metal surface moves away from the lower end of the liquid level sensor 13E (in other words, when the molten metal MM can no longer move from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16 by gravity), this notifies the timing for supplying the molten metal MM from outside the tapping furnace 1 into the molten metal holding chamber 13. When the time comes to supply the molten metal, the molten metal MM is supplied from the molten metal supply port 13B.

[0040] In the first embodiment, when the molten metal MM moves from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16 by gravity flow alone, the lower end of the liquid level sensor 13E (referred to as "lower limit 1") is a position where the molten metal heater 2 is exposed above the surface of the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13, preventing dry heating, and is also a position where the pressurizing unit 13A can pressurize the inside of the molten metal holding chamber 13 with dry air or an inert gas (nitrogen gas, argon gas, etc.) to forcibly move the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16. Nevertheless, this is the timing for supplying molten metal, and there is a risk that the molten metal will be supplied frequently.

[0041] For this reason, as shown in Fig. 8, a liquid level sensor 13G is provided in the molten metal holding chamber 13 in addition to the liquid level sensor 13E. This extends to a height directly above the molten metal heating body 2, but for example, if it is below lower limit 1 and the inside of the molten metal holding chamber 13 is pressurized with dry air or an inert gas (nitrogen gas, argon gas, etc.) by the pressurizing unit 13A to forcibly move the molten metal MM from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16, the molten metal heating body 2 in the molten metal holding chamber 13 will be exposed from the surface of the molten metal MM, and the height of the molten metal surface at the limit at which dry firing occurs is set in advance, and the lower end of the liquid level sensor 13G (referred to as "lower limit 2") is aligned with this height. If the timing for supplying the molten metal MM from outside the tapping furnace 1 into the molten metal holding chamber 13 is not notified by lower limit 1 but by lower limit 2, the molten metal MM can be efficiently moved from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16, and the timing for supplying the molten metal MM into the molten metal holding chamber 13 from outside the tapping furnace 1 can be obtained, eliminating the need to supply the molten metal frequently. This configuration is an improved version of the first embodiment.

[0042] In this improved embodiment, when the surface of the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 moves away from the lower limit 1 (i.e., when the molten metal MM can no longer move from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16 by gravity), the pressurizing unit 13A is activated, and the pressurizing unit 13A pressurizes the interior of the molten metal holding chamber 13 with dry air or an inert gas (nitrogen gas, argon gas, etc.), forcibly moving the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16. As the movement progresses, when the surface of the molten metal MM touches the lower end of the liquid level sensor 16E, the pressurized supply of gas by the pressurizing unit 13A is stopped, and the molten metal flow passage 5 is closed by the adjusting unit 4 provided in the molten metal flow passage 5, blocking the movement of the molten metal MM from the molten metal flow passage 5 to the tapping chamber 16. The pressure inside the molten metal holding chamber 13 is then reduced by exhaust through the pressurizing unit 13A, returning it to atmospheric pressure. The pressurizing unit 13A can not only pressurize but also depressurize. To operate the pressurizing unit 13A, the molten metal holding chamber 13 is completely sealed by the molten metal holding chamber top cover 13C and the molten metal feed port cover 13B.

[0043] Then, as in the above-described process, with the movement of the molten metal MM blocked by the adjustment unit 4, the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 is tapped through the tapping passage 3 (for example, the inside of the tapping pipe 6) to a target location (for example, into the sleeve of a die-casting machine) by pressurizing the gas supplied from the gas supply unit 16A, and the pressure is reduced to atmospheric pressure by exhausting air via the gas supply unit 16A. Then, as in the above-described process, the state in which the movement of the molten metal MM is blocked by the adjustment unit 4 is changed to a state in which the movement of the molten metal MM is permitted by the adjustment unit 4, the pressurizing unit 13A is operated, and the pressurizing unit 13A pressurizes the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16, and the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 is tapped through the tapping passage 3 (for example, the inside of the tapping pipe 6) to a target location (for example, into the sleeve of a die-casting machine) by pressurizing the gas supplied from the gas supply unit 16A. This process is carried out once or repeatedly multiple times. Then, when the molten metal surface moves away from the lower end (lower limit 2) of the liquid surface level sensor 13G (i.e., when the molten metal heater 2 in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is exposed from the molten metal surface of the molten metal MM and the limit of dry firing is reached), the timing for supplying the molten metal MM into the molten metal holding chamber 13 is notified from outside the tapping furnace 1, and the molten metal MM is supplied.

[0044] In other words, when the surface height (level) of the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is higher than the surface height (level) of the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16, the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is moved into the tapping chamber 16 by natural flow due to the difference in the surface levels of the molten metal MM, and when the surface height (level) of the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 and the surface height (level) of the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 become the same level (i.e., when the molten metal MM can no longer move from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16 by natural flow), the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is moved into the tapping chamber 16 by forcibly pressurizing the gas supplied from the pressurizing section 13A.

[0045] As can be seen from the above, when the molten metal MM is simply transferred from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16 by gravity, the pressurizing unit 13A is not necessarily required, and if the pressurizing unit 13A is installed, it should be arranged so that outside air does not enter the molten metal holding chamber 13 from the outside. Therefore, the pressurizing unit 13A shown in Figures 1 to 7 is arranged so that outside air does not enter the molten metal holding chamber 13 from the outside.

[0046] Here, one idea is to simply set the lower end of the liquid level sensor 13E to the lower limit 2 from the beginning, but if the molten metal MM is moved from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16 by natural flow due to the level difference between the molten metal MM between the molten metal holding chamber 13 and the tapping chamber 16, the lower end of the liquid level sensor 16E in the tapping chamber 16 will also be installed at the same height as the lower end of the liquid level sensor 13E, which would require the tapping chamber 16 itself to be installed at a lower position than the molten metal holding chamber 13, which could distort the shape of the tapping furnace 1 itself, and is therefore not desirable.

[0047] In the improved embodiment, when the surface of the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 moves away from the lower limit 1 (i.e., when the molten metal MM can no longer move from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16 by gravity flow), which is confirmed before actual operation, the pressurizing unit 13A is activated, and the pressurizing unit 13A pressurizes the inside of the molten metal holding chamber 13 to forcibly move the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16, and information is collected until the surface of the molten metal MM touches the lower end of the liquid level sensor 16E, and then the pressurizing unit 13A is activated again, and the pressurizing unit 13A pressurizes the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16, and information is collected until the surface of the molten metal MM touches the lower end of the liquid level sensor 16E, and then this is carried out once or multiple times. The operation panel of the tapping furnace 1 is input with information for carrying out the operation, and information on when the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 will move away from the lower end (lower limit 2) of the liquid level sensor 13G if the pressurizing unit 13A is activated and pressurized by the pressurizing unit 13A to forcibly move the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 (i.e., the molten metal heating body 2 in the molten metal holding chamber 13 will be exposed from the surface of the molten metal MM, and the limit will be reached where dry firing will occur), namely, the elapsed time and number of times from the start of operation of the pressurizing unit 13A until the surface of the molten metal MM touches the lower end of the liquid level sensor 16E, the pressure, speed, supply time of the gas supplied to the molten metal holding chamber 13, and the shape of the molten metal flow passage 5 (inner diameter, length, flow, etc.), and pressurization and depressurization are carried out during actual operation, and the molten metal is supplied accurately.

[0048] (Second embodiment) A second embodiment of a tapping furnace 1 according to the present invention is shown in Figures 9 to 15. Explanation of parts that overlap with those of the first embodiment will be omitted. In the second embodiment, a pressurizing section 13A is provided for the molten metal holding chamber 13, and the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is moved into the tapping chamber 16 simply by supplying dry air or an inert gas (nitrogen gas, argon gas, etc.) in a pressurized state through this pressurizing section 13A. This allows the molten metal MM to be moved regardless of the level difference, whether the surface height (level) of the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is higher than, the same as, or lower than the surface height (level) of the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16.

[0049] For example, consider a state in which the level of the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is higher than the level of the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16, as shown in FIG. Thereafter, the adjustment unit 4 is set in a state in which the movement of the molten metal MM is permitted, and the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is moved into the tapping chamber 16 by pressurizing the gas supplied from the pressurizing unit 13A. As shown in FIG. 10, as the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 moves toward the discharge chamber 16, for example, when the surface of the molten metal MM touches the lower end of the liquid level sensor 16E, the pressurized supply of gas by the pressurizing unit 13A is stopped. As shown in FIG. 11, the molten metal flow passage 5 is closed by the adjusting unit 4 provided in the molten metal flow passage 5, blocking the movement of the molten metal MM and stopping the movement of the molten metal MM from the molten metal flow passage 5 to the discharge chamber 16. The pressure inside the molten metal holding chamber 13 is then reduced to atmospheric pressure by exhausting air through the pressurizing unit 13A. The pressurizing unit 13A can perform not only pressurization but also depressurization. To operate the pressurizing unit 13A, the molten metal holding chamber 13 is completely sealed by the molten metal holding chamber top cover 13C and the molten metal feed port cover 13B.

[0050] 12, the embodiment includes a tapping step in which, with the movement of the molten metal MM blocked by the adjustment unit 4, the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 is tapped through the tapping passage 3 (for example, the inside of the tapping pipe 6) to a target location (for example, the inside of a sleeve of a die-casting machine) by pressurizing the gas supplied from the gas supply unit 16A. Note that, since the gas is supplied under pressure, the tapping chamber 16 can be completely sealed by the tapping chamber lid 16C and the required amount of molten metal can be tapped without causing oxidation.

[0051] Thereafter, similar to the series of steps shown in Figures 9 to 12 described above, as shown in Figures 13 to 15, the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is pressurized through the pressurizing section 13A and moved into the discharge chamber 16, and by applying pressure from the gas supply section 16A, the molten metal MM in the discharge chamber 16 is discharged through the inside of the discharge path 3 (e.g., the discharge pipe 6) to the target location (e.g., inside the sleeve of a die-casting machine), this is carried out once or repeatedly multiple times. By repeating this process multiple times, the amount of molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 gradually decreases.

[0052] In the second embodiment, a liquid level sensor 13G is provided instead of the liquid level sensor 13E of the first embodiment. This extends to a height just above the molten metal heating body 2, but for example, it is lower than the height of the lower end of the liquid level sensor 16E in the discharge chamber 16. If the pressurizing unit 13A pressurizes the inside of the molten metal holding chamber 13 with dry air or an inert gas (nitrogen gas, argon gas, etc.) to forcibly move the molten metal MM from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the discharge chamber 16, the molten metal heating body 2 in the molten metal holding chamber 13 will be exposed from the surface of the molten metal MM, and the upper limit of the molten metal surface at which dry firing occurs is set in advance, and the lower end of the liquid level sensor 13G (referred to as "lower limit 2") is aligned with this height. Furthermore, if the timing for supplying the molten metal MM from outside the tapping furnace 1 into the molten metal holding chamber 13 is notified by the lower limit 2, the molten metal MM can be efficiently moved from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16, and the timing for supplying the molten metal MM from outside the tapping furnace 1 into the molten metal holding chamber 13 can be obtained, eliminating the need to supply the molten metal frequently.

[0053] As described above, this is performed once or repeatedly multiple times, and when the molten metal surface moves away from the lower end (lower limit 2) of the liquid level sensor 13G (i.e., when the molten metal heating body 2 in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is exposed from the molten metal surface of the molten metal MM and the limit is reached where dry firing occurs), the timing for supplying the molten metal MM into the molten metal holding chamber 13 is notified from outside the tapping furnace 1, and the molten metal MM is supplied.

[0054] In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the operation panel of the tapping furnace 1 is used to input various preliminary information data that has been confirmed before actual operation, and pressurization and depressurization are carried out during actual operation, ensuring accurate pressurized supply.

[0055] (Third embodiment) A third embodiment of the tapping furnace 1 according to the present invention is shown in FIGS. 16, the lower end of the liquid level sensor 13E is installed at the same height as the lower end of the liquid level sensor 16E of the tapping chamber 16, which will be described later. This is because when the molten metal MM repeatedly moves from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16 and is tapped from the tapping chamber 16 by gravity due to a level difference in the molten metal MM between the molten metal holding chamber 13 and the tapping chamber 16, the amount of molten metal in the molten metal holding chamber 13 decreases, making it difficult for the molten metal MM to move from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16 by gravity, and when the molten metal surface moves away from the lower end of the liquid level sensor 13E (in other words, when the molten metal MM can no longer move from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16 by gravity), this notifies the timing of supplying the molten metal MM from outside the tapping furnace 1 into the molten metal holding chamber 13.

[0056] When the time comes to supply the molten metal, the molten metal MM is supplied from the molten metal supply port cover 13B. Note that a liquid level sensor 13F may be provided in addition to the liquid level sensor 13E that indicates the lower limit of the amount of molten metal in order to detect the upper limit of the supply of molten metal. Alternatively, an air supply / exhaust section 16G can be provided for the water supply chamber 16, and the gas in the water supply chamber 16 can be exhausted through this air supply / exhaust section 16G to create a reduced pressure state. That is, by opening the molten metal flow passage 5 in advance using the adjusting unit 4 and reducing the pressure inside the tapping chamber 16, the molten metal MM can be efficiently transported from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16 via the molten metal flow passage 5 until it is detected by the liquid level sensor 16E in the tapping chamber 16. Details will be described later.

[0057] 16 shows that the level of the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is higher than the level of the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16. With this difference in molten metal level, the control unit 4 closes the molten metal flow passage 5 to block the movement of the molten metal MM, then opens the molten metal flow passage 5 to allow the movement of the molten metal MM, thereby moving the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 into the tapping chamber 16 by gravity flow due to the difference in the level of the molten metal MM between the molten metal holding chamber 13 and the tapping chamber 16; and similarly, with the movement of the molten metal MM allowed, the control unit 4 moves the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 into the tapping chamber 16 by exhausting air through the intake and exhaust unit 16G.

[0058] When the level of the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is higher than the level of the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16, it is preferable to move the molten metal MM from the molten metal holding chamber 13 into the tapping chamber 16 by natural flow due to the difference in the levels of the molten metal MM between the molten metal holding chamber 13 and the tapping chamber 16. The molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 can also be moved into the tapping chamber 16 by evacuating the gas in the tapping chamber 16 through the intake and exhaust section 16G to reduce the pressure, but using the intake and exhaust section 16G would incur costs such as operating electricity. Note that the tapping chamber 16 is completely sealed by the tapping chamber lid 16C in order to evacuate the gas and reduce the pressure using the intake and exhaust section 16G and to supply gas to increase the pressure, as will be described later.

[0059] On the other hand, when the surface height (level) of the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is at a position lower than the surface height (level) of the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16, or when they are at the same position, even if the movement of the molten metal MM is permitted by the adjustment unit 4, the molten metal MM will not move by gravity from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16. In this case, the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 can be forced to move into the tapping chamber 16 by venting the gas from the intake and exhaust unit 16G of the tapping chamber 16 and reducing the pressure in the tapping chamber 16. If the molten metal MM has already been transferred from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16 by gravity flow, this decompression allows additional molten metal MM to be transferred, so that more molten metal MM can be transferred to the tapping chamber 16 without waste, making it possible to tap a large amount of molten metal MM.

[0060] Below, we will consider the case where the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is moved into the tapping chamber 16 by gravity flow due to the difference in level of the molten metal MM between the molten metal holding chamber 13 and the tapping chamber 16. As described above, when the level of the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is higher than the level of the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16, under this difference in level of the molten metal, the molten metal flow passage 5 is closed by the adjustment unit 4, changing from a state in which the movement of the molten metal MM is blocked to a state in which the movement of the molten metal MM is permitted by the adjustment unit 4, and the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is moved into the tapping chamber 16 by natural flow due to the difference in level of the molten metal MM between the molten metal holding chamber 13 and the tapping chamber 16. As the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 moves toward the tapping chamber 16, for example, when the surface of the molten metal MM touches the lower end of the liquid level sensor 16E, the regulating unit 4 provided in the molten metal flow passage 5 closes the molten metal flow passage 5 to block the movement of the molten metal MM and stop the movement of the molten metal MM from the molten metal flow passage 5 to the tapping chamber 16. When the movement is stopped, for example, as shown in Figure 17, the level of the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 may still be higher than the level of the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16. Thereafter, as shown in Figure 18, the regulating unit 4 closes the molten metal flow passage 5 to block the movement of the molten metal MM.

[0061] According to the embodiment, there is a tapping step in which, while the movement of the molten metal MM is blocked by the adjustment unit 4, the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 is tapped to a target location (such as the inside of a sleeve of a die-casting machine) through the inside of the tapping passage 3 (such as the tapping pipe 6) by pressurizing the gas supplied from the supply and exhaust unit 16G. When tapping the molten metal MM, there is no particular restriction on the gas taken into the tapping chamber 16 via the supply and exhaust unit 16G, but it is preferable to use dry air or an inert gas (nitrogen gas, argon gas, etc.) which is less likely to affect the quality of the molten metal MM. As described above, the hot water outlet chamber 16 is completely sealed by the hot water outlet chamber cover 16C, so that the required amount of hot water can be dispensed without causing oxidation.

[0062] In addition, in the embodiment, the air intake and exhaust unit 16G may be provided with a pressure gauge for pressurizing and depressurizing, a speed meter for measuring the gas supply speed and exhaust speed, etc. These devices may be provided together with the air intake and exhaust unit 16G, or may be provided separately from the air intake and exhaust unit 16G. The combination of the supply of pressurized gas from the air supply / exhaust section 16G and the melt discharge passage 3 (for example, the melt discharge pipe 6) of the embodiment makes it possible to accurately discharge the melt and to discharge a large amount of molten metal MM.

[0063] Also, prior to pouring, although not shown, a pressure gauge is used to confirm that the dry air or inert gas (nitrogen gas, argon gas, etc.) compressed and pressurized by a compressor has been adjusted to the desired pressure using a pressure reducing valve, and the adjusted dry air or inert gas (nitrogen gas, argon gas, etc.) is sent into the pouring chamber 16 via the intake and exhaust section 16G.

[0064] Furthermore, prior to actual operation, information necessary to ensure stable dispensing of the required amount of molten metal MM per shot (one dispensing) is confirmed, i.e., the elapsed time from when it is detected that the molten metal MM has flowed into the internal flow path of the dispensing passage 3 (e.g., the dispensing pipe 6) and reached the outlet 7 until the required amount is dispensed, the pressure, speed, and supply time of the gas supplied to the dispensing chamber 16, the shape of the dispensing passage 3 (e.g., the dispensing pipe 6) (inner diameter, length, size of the inlet 9, etc.), and the number of dispensing passages 3 (e.g., the dispensing pipe 6) in the dispensing chamber 16, etc., is inputted to the operation panel of the dispensing furnace 1, whereby pressurization and depressurization are carried out during actual operation, thereby achieving accurate dispensing. In the tapping configuration of the present application, the tapping of the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 begins with the surface of the molten metal MM always touching the lower end of the level sensor 16E. In other words, the tapping begins when the surface of the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 is at a constant position (also called a "constant surface"). This allows the supply of gas pressurization from the intake and exhaust section 16G to be constant, making management easy. Furthermore, the tapping chamber 16 can be made smaller, and in this case, the amount of gas required for pressurization from the intake and exhaust section 16G can also be reduced. This allows for a smaller tapping chamber than conventional tapping chambers. When the size of the tapping chamber is reduced, only a small pressure of gas is required for tapping, so the power cost required for tapping can be reduced.

[0065] After the pouring process, the pressure is reduced by exhaust through the intake and exhaust section 16G to return to atmospheric pressure. The intake and exhaust section 16G is capable of not only pressurizing but also depressurizing. After the pouring process, for example, as shown in Figure 19, the level of the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 may still be higher than the level of the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16.

[0066] In this case, similar to the series of steps shown in Figures 16 to 19 described above, as shown in Figures 20 to 22, the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is moved into the discharge chamber 16 by gravity flow, and by applying pressure from the air intake and exhaust section 16G, the molten metal MM in the discharge chamber 16 is discharged through the inside of the discharge path 3 (e.g., the discharge pipe 6) to the target location (e.g., into the sleeve of a die-casting machine), and this is carried out once or repeatedly multiple times. By repeating this process multiple times, the amount of molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 gradually decreases. As mentioned above, the lower end of the liquid level sensor 13E is installed at the same height as the lower end of the liquid level sensor 16E in the tapping chamber 16. This is because when it becomes difficult for the molten metal MM to move from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16 by gravity alone, and the molten metal surface moves away from the lower end of the liquid level sensor 13E (in other words, when the molten metal MM can no longer move from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16 by gravity), this notifies the timing for supplying the molten metal MM from outside the tapping furnace 1 into the molten metal holding chamber 13. When the time comes to supply the molten metal, the molten metal MM is supplied from the molten metal supply port 13B.

[0067] In the movement of the molten metal MM from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16 by gravity flow alone in this third embodiment, the lower end of the liquid level sensor 13E (referred to as "lower limit 1") is a position where the molten metal heater 2 is exposed above the surface of the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13, preventing dry heating, and is also a position where the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 can be forcibly moved to the tapping chamber 16 by evacuating the gas in the tapping chamber 16 from the intake and exhaust section 16G to reduce the pressure. Nevertheless, this is the timing for supplying molten metal, and there is a risk that the molten metal will be supplied frequently.

[0068] For this reason, as shown in Figure 23, a liquid level sensor 13G is provided in the molten metal holding chamber 13 in addition to the liquid level sensor 13E. This extends to a certain height just above the molten metal heating body 2, but for example, if it is below lower limit 1 and the gas in the tapping chamber 16 is exhausted from the air intake and exhaust section 16G to reduce the pressure and the molten metal MM is forcibly moved from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16, the molten metal heating body 2 in the molten metal holding chamber 13 will be exposed from the surface of the molten metal MM, and the height of the molten metal surface at the limit at which dry firing occurs is set in advance, and the lower end of the liquid level sensor 13G (referred to as "lower limit 2") is aligned with this height. If the timing for supplying the molten metal MM from outside the tapping furnace 1 into the molten metal holding chamber 13 is not notified by lower limit 1 but by lower limit 2, the molten metal MM can be efficiently moved from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16, and the timing for supplying the molten metal MM into the molten metal holding chamber 13 from outside the tapping furnace 1 can be obtained, eliminating the need to supply the molten metal frequently. This configuration is an improved version of the third embodiment.

[0069] In this improved embodiment, when the surface of the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 moves away from the lower limit 1 (i.e., when the molten metal MM can no longer move from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16 by gravity), the intake and exhaust unit 16G is activated, and the gas in the tapping chamber 16 is evacuated by the intake and exhaust unit 16G to reduce the pressure, forcing the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 to move to the tapping chamber 16. As the movement progresses and the surface of the molten metal MM touches the lower end of the liquid level sensor 16E, the exhaust and decompression of the gas by the intake and exhaust unit 16G is stopped, and the molten metal flow passage 5 is closed by the adjustment unit 4 provided in the molten metal flow passage 5, blocking the movement of the molten metal MM and stopping the movement of the molten metal MM from the molten metal flow passage 5 to the tapping chamber 16. Thereafter, air is supplied via the intake and exhaust unit 16G to temporarily pressurize the inside of the tapping chamber 16 back to atmospheric pressure. Alternatively, the movement of the molten metal MM from the molten metal flow passage 5 to the tapping chamber 16 is stopped. In order to operate the air supply and exhaust section 16G, the tapping chamber 16 is completely sealed by the tapping chamber cover 16C.

[0070] Next, a tapping process is performed in which the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 is tapped to a destination (such as the sleeve of a die-casting machine) through the inside of the tapping passage 3 (e.g., tapping pipe 6) by pressurizing the gas supplied from the intake and exhaust unit 16G, and the pressure is reduced to atmospheric pressure by exhaust via the intake and exhaust unit 16G. Then, as described above, the state in which the movement of the molten metal MM is blocked by the adjustment unit 4 is changed to a state in which the movement of the molten metal MM is permitted by the adjustment unit 4, the intake and exhaust unit 16G is again operated, the pressure is reduced by the intake and exhaust unit 16G, and the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is forcibly moved to the tapping chamber 16, and the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 is tapped to a destination (such as the sleeve of a die-casting machine) through the inside of the tapping passage 3 (e.g., tapping pipe 6) by pressurizing the gas supplied from the intake and exhaust unit 16G. This process is performed once or repeatedly multiple times. Then, when the molten metal surface moves away from the lower end (lower limit 2) of the liquid surface level sensor 13G (i.e., when the molten metal heater 2 in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is exposed from the molten metal surface of the molten metal MM and the limit of dry firing is reached), the timing for supplying the molten metal MM into the molten metal holding chamber 13 is notified from outside the tapping furnace 1, and the molten metal MM is supplied.

[0071] In other words, when the surface height (level) of the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is higher than the surface height (level) of the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16, the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is moved into the tapping chamber 16 by natural flow due to the difference in the surface levels of the molten metal MM, and when the surface height (level) of the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 and the surface height (level) of the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 become the same level (i.e., when the molten metal MM can no longer move from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16 by natural flow), the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is moved into the tapping chamber 16 by reducing the pressure of the gas forcibly exhausted from the intake and exhaust section 16G.

[0072] Here, one idea is to simply set the lower end of the liquid level sensor 13E to the lower limit 2 from the beginning, but if the molten metal MM is moved from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16 by natural flow due to the level difference between the molten metal MM between the molten metal holding chamber 13 and the tapping chamber 16, the lower end of the liquid level sensor 16E in the tapping chamber 16 will also be installed at the same height as the lower end of the liquid level sensor 13E, which would require the tapping chamber 16 itself to be installed at a lower position than the molten metal holding chamber 13, which could distort the shape of the tapping furnace 1 itself, and is therefore not desirable.

[0073] In the improved embodiment, when the surface of the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 moves away from the lower limit 1 (i.e., when the molten metal MM can no longer move from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16 by gravity flow), which is confirmed before actual operation, the intake and exhaust unit 16G is operated, and the gas in the tapping chamber 16 is evacuated from the intake and exhaust unit 16G to reduce the pressure, thereby forcibly moving the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16, and the information is recorded until the surface of the molten metal MM touches the lower end of the liquid level sensor 16E, and then the intake and exhaust unit 16G is operated again, and the gas in the tapping chamber 16 is evacuated from the intake and exhaust unit 16G to reduce the pressure, thereby forcibly moving the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16, and the information is recorded until the surface of the molten metal MM touches the lower end of the liquid level sensor 16E, and then the information is recorded once or multiple times until the surface of the molten metal MM touches the lower end of the liquid level sensor 16E. and information that if the supply and exhaust section 16G is operated and the gas in the tapping chamber 16 is evacuated from the supply and exhaust section 16G through the section 16G to forcibly move the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13, thereby causing the molten metal surface to move away from the lower end (lower limit 2) of the liquid level sensor 13G (i.e., the molten metal heating element 2 in the molten metal holding chamber 13 will be exposed from the surface of the molten metal MM, and the limit will be reached where dry firing will occur). In other words, information such as the elapsed time and number of times from the start of operation of the supply and exhaust section 16G until the surface of the molten metal MM touches the lower end of the liquid level sensor 16E, the pressure, speed, supply time of the gas supplied to the molten metal holding chamber 13, and the shape of the molten metal flow passage 5 (inner diameter, length, flow, etc.) is inputted on the operation panel of the tapping furnace 1 into which advance information data is inputted, and pressurization and depressurization are carried out during actual operation, and the molten metal is supplied accurately.

[0074] (Fourth embodiment) A fourth embodiment of the tapping furnace 1 according to the present invention is shown in Figures 24 to 30. Explanation of parts that overlap with those of the third embodiment will be omitted. In the fourth embodiment, an intake and exhaust section 16G is provided for the tapping chamber 16, and the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is moved into the tapping chamber 16 simply by evacuating the gas in the tapping chamber 16 from this intake and exhaust section 16G to reduce the pressure. This allows the molten metal MM to be moved regardless of the level difference, whether the surface height (level) of the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is higher than, the same as, or lower than the surface height (level) of the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16.

[0075] For example, consider a state in which the level of the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is higher than the level of the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16, as shown in FIG. Thereafter, from this state, the adjustment section 4 allows the movement of the molten metal MM, and the gas in the tapping chamber 16 is exhausted from the intake and exhaust section 16G to reduce the pressure, thereby moving the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 into the tapping chamber 16.

[0076] As shown in Figure 25, as the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 moves toward the tapping chamber 16, for example, when the surface of the molten metal MM touches the lower end of the liquid level sensor 16E, the exhaust of gas and decompression by the intake and exhaust unit 16G are stopped, and as shown in Figure 26, the molten metal flow passage 5 is closed by the adjustment unit 4 provided in the molten metal flow passage 5, blocking the movement of the molten metal MM and stopping the movement of the molten metal MM from the molten metal flow passage 5 to the tapping chamber 16. Thereafter, air is supplied via the intake and exhaust unit 16G to pressurize the inside of the tapping chamber 16 and return it to atmospheric pressure. Alternatively, the movement of the molten metal MM from the molten metal flow passage 5 to the tapping chamber 16 is left stopped. The tapping chamber 16 is completely sealed by the tapping chamber lid 16C.

[0077] 27, the embodiment includes a tapping step in which, with the movement of the molten metal MM blocked by the adjustment unit 4, the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 is tapped through the inside of the tapping passage 3 (e.g., the tapping pipe 6) to a target location (e.g., the inside of a sleeve of a die-casting machine) by pressurizing the gas supplied from the supply and exhaust unit 16G. Note that, because the gas is supplied under pressure, the tapping chamber 16 can be completely sealed by the tapping chamber lid 16C and the required amount of molten metal can be tapped without causing oxidation.

[0078] As shown in Figure 28, the flow of the molten metal MM is blocked by the control unit 4, and then allowed to flow. In this state, the gas in the tapping chamber 16 is evacuated through the intake and exhaust unit 16G to reduce the pressure, thereby moving the molten metal MM from the molten metal holding chamber 13 into the tapping chamber 16 through a transfer process. As the transfer progresses, for example, when the surface of the molten metal MM touches the lower end of the liquid level sensor 16E as shown in Figure 29, the gas decompression and exhaust by the intake and exhaust unit 16G is stopped, and the control unit 4 provided in the molten metal flow passage 5 closes the molten metal flow passage 5, thereby blocking the movement of the molten metal MM and stopping the movement of the molten metal MM from the molten metal flow passage 5 to the tapping chamber 16. Thereafter, the inside of the tapping chamber 16 is pressurized by air supplied through the intake and exhaust unit 16G to return the pressure inside the tapping chamber 16 to atmospheric pressure. Alternatively, the movement of the molten metal MM from the molten metal flow passage 5 to the tapping chamber 16 is stopped. With the movement of the molten metal MM blocked by the adjustment unit 4, the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 is tapped by a tapping process in which the molten metal MM is tapped through the inside of the tapping passage 3 (for example, the tapping pipe 6) to a target location (for example, the inside of a sleeve of a die-casting machine) by pressurizing the gas supplied from the air supply and exhaust unit 16G, as shown in Figure 30.

[0079] Thereafter, as described above, the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is moved into the discharge chamber 16 by reducing the pressure from the air intake and exhaust section 16G, and the molten metal MM in the discharge chamber 16 is discharged to the target location (for example, into the sleeve of a die-casting machine) through the inside of the discharge path 3 (for example, the discharge pipe 6) by pressurizing from the air intake and exhaust section 16G. This is carried out once or repeatedly multiple times. By repeating this process multiple times, the amount of molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 gradually decreases.

[0080] In the fourth embodiment, a liquid level sensor 13G is provided instead of the liquid level sensor 13E of the third embodiment. This extends to a height just above the molten metal heating element 2, but for example, if the height is lower than the lower end of the liquid level sensor 16E in the tapping chamber 16, and if the gas in the tapping chamber 16 is exhausted through the supply and exhaust section 16G to reduce the pressure and forcibly move the molten metal MM from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16, the molten metal heating element 2 in the molten metal holding chamber 13 will be exposed from the surface of the molten metal MM, and the lower end of the liquid level sensor 13G (referred to as "lower limit 2") is set to a predetermined height limit at which the molten metal MM will be fired dry. Furthermore, if the timing for supplying the molten metal MM from outside the tapping furnace 1 into the molten metal holding chamber 13 is notified by the lower limit 2, the molten metal MM can be efficiently moved from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16, and the timing for supplying the molten metal MM from outside the tapping furnace 1 into the molten metal holding chamber 13 can be obtained, eliminating the need to supply the molten metal frequently. As described above, this is performed once or repeatedly multiple times, and when the molten metal surface moves away from the lower end (lower limit 2) of the liquid level sensor 13G (i.e., when the molten metal heating body 2 in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is exposed from the molten metal surface of the molten metal MM and the limit is reached where dry firing occurs), the timing for supplying the molten metal MM into the molten metal holding chamber 13 is notified from outside the tapping furnace 1, and the molten metal MM is supplied.

[0081] In the fourth embodiment, as in the third embodiment, the operation panel of the tapping furnace 1 is used to input various preliminary information data that has been confirmed before actual operation, and pressurization and depressurization are carried out during actual operation, ensuring accurate pressurized supply.

[0082] In the embodiment, if the volume of the molten metal holding chamber 13 is secured to a certain extent, it is possible to increase the amount of molten metal MM that can be stored in the molten metal holding chamber 13. On the other hand, even if the volume of the tapping chamber 16 is small, the molten metal MM can be moved from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16, and the molten metal MM can be stored in the tapping chamber 16 each time, thereby enabling the molten metal MM to be accurately tapped from the tapping chamber 16.

[0083] Furthermore, in the conventional method of pouring molten metal into a ladle and then transferring it from the ladle to, for example, a cavity, if the ladle is to receive the amount of molten metal required by the cavity in one pour, then a ladle of a size commensurate with the cavity capacity is required. When using a ladle of a size that matches the cavity capacity, it is necessary to enlarge the tapping port of the ladle in the tapping chamber. As a result, the equipment cost of the tapping furnace increases, and the enlargement of the tapping port increases the heat dissipation energy, which increases the contact area of ​​the molten metal with the atmosphere and increases the degree of oxidation of the molten metal.

[0084] The above problem becomes more pronounced when the capacity of casting equipment such as die-casting machines to dispense molten metal at one time increases, resulting in what is known as "gigacast" equipment, as a result of the expansion of electric vehicle (EV) production. In contrast, the embodiment does not have a tap port that causes the above-mentioned problem. Furthermore, according to the embodiment, when a large amount of molten metal is required for a destination (e.g., Gigacast, etc.), the required amount of molten metal can be ensured per shot (one tapping), by thickening the tapping pipe 6 or increasing the number of tapping pipes 6, thereby solving the above-mentioned problem. Furthermore, in the embodiment, in addition to the movement of the molten metal MM from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16 by gravity flow, the movement of the molten metal MM by pressurization from the pressurization section 13A in the molten metal holding chamber 13 and depressurization from the intake and exhaust section 16G in the tapping chamber 16 also allows a large amount of molten metal MM to be stored in the tapping chamber 16, thereby ensuring the required amount of molten metal to be tapped per shot (one tapping), thereby solving the above-mentioned problem.

[0085] Furthermore, compared to the conventional method of using a ladle to scoop up the required amount of molten metal MM and discharging it outside the tapping furnace 1, the tapping furnace 1 uses a tapping path 3 (for example, a tapping pipe 6), which eliminates the risk of the molten metal MM spilling during the scooping process and eliminates the risk of workers being injured by spilled molten metal MM, making it very safe. Furthermore, in the form in which the molten metal is tapped by supplying pressurized gas, the tapping chamber 16 can be completely sealed by the tapping chamber lid 16C, allowing the required amount of molten metal to be tapped without causing oxidation.

[0086] In the illustrated example, the tapping passage 3 (e.g., tapping pipe 6) is provided so as to penetrate the side wall of the tapping furnace 1, but as shown in FIG. 31, the tapping passage 3 (e.g., tapping pipe 6) may also be provided so as to penetrate the tapping chamber cover 16C. The tapping furnace 1 and the tapping passage 3 (e.g., tapping pipe 6) may be manufactured as a single unit. If the tapping furnace 1 and the tapping passage 3 (e.g., tapping pipe 6) are separate, it is possible to replace only the tapping passage 3 (e.g., tapping pipe 6) when it is time to replace the tapping passage 3 (e.g., tapping pipe 6). The tapping passage 3 is the space in the tapping passage 3 (e.g., tapping pipe 6) through which the molten metal MM passes when the molten metal MM is tapped out of the tapping furnace 1.

[0087] The tapping path 3 (for example, the tapping pipe 6) has one end immersed in the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 as an inlet 9 for the molten metal MM, and the other end, through which the molten metal MM is tapped out of the tapping furnace 1, penetrates from within the tapping chamber 16 through the side wall of the tapping furnace 1 or the tapping chamber cover 16C, protruding out of the tapping furnace 1, and has the other end as an outlet 7 for the molten metal MM. The tapping pipe 6 is not limited to any particular material, but is preferably an elongated cylinder made of, for example, fine ceramics or ceramic-based aluminum titanate, from the standpoint of strength and durability.

[0088] By pressurizing the tapping chamber 16 for a certain period of time with pressurized dry air or inert gas (nitrogen gas, argon gas, etc.) via the gas supply section 16A or the air intake and exhaust section 16G, the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 can be pushed out through the tapping path 3 (e.g., the tapping pipe 6), thereby making it possible to tap the molten metal outside the tapping furnace 1. In order to prevent the temperature of the molten metal MM from dropping during tapping, it is preferable to provide an auxiliary heater 8 in at least one of the part of the tapping pipe 6 that penetrates the side wall of the tapping furnace 1, the part that penetrates the tapping chamber cover 16C, and the part that protrudes outside the tapping furnace 1.

[0089] An inlet 9 and an outlet 7 are formed in the melt discharge path 3 (for example, the melt discharge pipe 6), and the melt discharge path 3 (for example, the melt discharge pipe 6) may be provided with a one-way valve means. When the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 is pressurized, the molten metal MM flows in through the inlet 9 of the tapping passage 3 (e.g., the tapping pipe 6), moves through the tapping passage 3 (e.g., the tapping pipe 6), and a predetermined amount of the molten metal MM flows out through the outlet 7. Then, by providing a one-way valve means, the inflow of the molten metal MM from the inlet 9 of the tapping pipe 6 stops when the pressurization stops or the applied pressure decreases. The one-way valve means acts to close the tapping passage 3 (e.g., the tapping pipe 6), preventing outside air from flowing into the tapping chamber 16 and preventing oxidation of the molten metal MM stored in the tapping chamber 16.

[0090] At the end of the outlet 7 of the outlet pipe 6, it is possible to pour the molten metal MM into the sleeve of a die-casting machine, or it is also possible to attach a mold (cavity) for the part to be manufactured and pour the molten metal MM into it.

[0091] (molten metal flow path) The molten metal holding chamber 13 and the tapping chamber 16 are in communication with each other via a molten metal flow passage 5. The molten metal flow passage 5 is provided with an adjustment unit 4 that separates the molten metal holding chamber 13 from the tapping chamber 16 and that can open and close the molten metal flow passage 5 by, for example, raising and lowering it. The adjustment unit 4 can be raised and lowered manually, or it may be configured so that when the adjustment unit 4 is raised, the molten metal MM flows from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16, and the molten metal level rises enough to be detected by the liquid level sensor 16E, the adjustment unit 4 automatically lowers to close the molten metal flow passage 5 and prevent further inflow of the molten metal MM.

[0092] As shown in Figure 31, the control unit 4 is provided with a lift-and-rotate shutoff valve 12 for opening and closing the molten metal flow passage 5. The lift-and-rotate shutoff valve 12 moves up and down; when it is raised, the molten metal flow passage 5 is opened, and when it is lowered, the molten metal flow passage 5 is blocked and closed. The lift-and-rotate shutoff valve 12 can also be opened and closed manually. The lift-and-rotate shutoff valve 12 may be configured so that when the lift-and-rotate shutoff valve 12 is raised and the molten metal MM flows into the tapping chamber 16, and the molten metal level rises enough to be detected by the liquid level sensor 16E, the lift-and-rotate shutoff valve 12 automatically lowers to prevent further inflow of the molten metal MM, thereby closing the molten metal flow passage 5. The control unit 4 may be provided on the molten metal holding chamber 13 side of the molten metal flow passage 5, on the tapping chamber 16 side, or midway along the molten metal flow passage 5, as long as it separates the molten metal holding chamber 13 and the tapping chamber 16.

[0093] In this embodiment, the tapping furnace 1 can repeatedly tap the molten metal MM, and as a result, it is possible to realize the tapping of a large amount of the molten metal MM.

[0094] (Control unit) The above-described pouring method is preferably carried out under a pouring facility having a control unit 50 shown in FIGS. The control unit 50 is connected to the gas supply unit 16A or the air supply / exhaust unit 16G, the pressurization unit 13A, and the adjustment unit 4 to receive and transmit control signals, and also receives signals from the liquid level sensors 13E, 13F, 13G, and 16E. The control unit 50 may also include a CPU, a storage device, and a program for executing the hot water dispensing operation, all of which are not shown.

[0095] As also shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, the control unit 50 With the adjustment unit 4 allowing the movement of the molten metal MM, the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is moved into the tapping chamber 16 by natural flow caused by a difference in the level of the molten metal MM between the molten metal holding chamber 13 and the tapping chamber 16, and with the adjustment unit 4 allowing the movement of the molten metal MM, the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is moved into the tapping chamber 16 by pressurizing the gas supplied from the pressurizing unit 13A, which has a pressurizing unit 13A capable of supplying gas from the outside to the inside of the molten metal holding chamber 13, With the flow of the molten metal MM blocked by the adjusting unit 4, the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 is tapped to a target location through the inside of the tapping passage 3 by pressurizing the gas supplied from the gas supply unit 16A. It functions to exert control.

[0096] As also shown in FIGS. 34 and 35, the control unit 50 With the adjustment unit 4 allowing the movement of the molten metal MM, the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is moved into the tapping chamber 16 by natural flow due to the difference in the level of the molten metal MM between the molten metal holding chamber 13 and the tapping chamber 16, and with the adjustment unit 4 allowing the movement of the molten metal MM, the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is moved into the tapping chamber 16 by exhausting air from the intake and exhaust unit 16G, With the movement of the molten metal MM blocked by the adjustment unit 4, the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 is tapped to the target location through the inside of the tapping path 3 by pressurizing and supplying gas from the supply and exhaust unit 16G. It functions to exert control. [Industrial Applicability]

[0097] The molten metal MM may be aluminum or an aluminum alloy, or may be other molten metal MM.

[0098] The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the tapping furnace 1 of the present invention can also be used in metal melting furnaces, molten metal tapping furnaces, melting furnaces, holding furnaces, low-pressure casting furnaces, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 1... tapping furnace, 2... molten metal heater, 3... tapping passage, 4... adjustment section, 5... molten metal flow passage, 6... tapping pipe, 7... outlet, 8... synergistic heater, 9... inlet, 13... molten metal holding chamber, 13A... pressurizing section, 13B... molten metal supply port cover, 13C... molten metal holding chamber upper cover, 13D... molten metal holding chamber container, 13E... liquid level sensor (detecting the lower limit of the liquid level in the molten metal holding chamber that allows the molten metal to move from the molten metal holding chamber to the tapping chamber by gravity flow), 13F... liquid level sensor (detecting the upper limit of the liquid level in the molten metal holding chamber), 13G ...Liquid level sensor (detects the lower limit of the liquid level in the molten metal holding chamber, which allows the molten metal to be forcibly moved from the molten metal holding chamber to the tapping chamber), 16...Tapping chamber, 16A...Gas supply unit, 16B...Thermoelectric element, 16C...Tapping chamber cover, 16D...Tapping chamber container, 16E...Liquid level sensor (detects the upper limit of the liquid level in the tapping chamber), 16G...Air supply and exhaust unit, 50...Control unit, MM...Molten metal, FS...Front side, BS...Rear side, HD...Height direction, DS...Lower side (bottom), US...Upper side (upper), WD...Width direction, LS...Left side, RS...Right side

Claims

1. a tapping chamber for tapping molten metal; a molten metal holding chamber communicating with the tapping chamber and holding the molten metal; an adjustment unit that allows or blocks movement of the molten metal from the molten metal holding chamber to the tapping chamber between the molten metal holding chamber and the tapping chamber; a tapping passage provided in the tapping chamber and used for tapping the molten metal to the outside of the tapping chamber; a gas supply unit capable of supplying gas from the outside to the inside of the tap chamber; a pressurizing unit capable of supplying gas from the outside to the inside of the molten metal holding chamber; and (1) a first moving step of moving the molten metal in the molten metal holding chamber into the tapping chamber by gravity flow caused by a difference in level of the molten metal between the molten metal holding chamber and the tapping chamber while the adjustment unit allows the molten metal to move; a first pouring step in which, while the flow of the molten metal is blocked by the adjusting unit, the molten metal in the pouring chamber is poured to a target location through the inside of the pouring passage by pressurizing the gas supplied from the gas supply unit; wherein the step (1) is carried out once or repeatedly carried out multiple times; (2) After that, when the level of the molten metal surface in the molten metal holding chamber is lower than or equal to the level of the molten metal surface in the tapping chamber, a second moving step of moving the molten metal in the molten metal holding chamber into the discharge chamber by pressurizing the gas supplied from the pressurizing unit while the adjustment unit is allowing the molten metal to move, thereby raising the level of the molten metal surface in the discharge chamber higher than the level of the molten metal surface in the molten metal holding chamber; a second pouring step in which the movement of the molten metal by the adjustment unit is blocked, and the molten metal in the pouring chamber is poured to a target location through the inside of the pouring passage by pressurizing the gas supplied from the gas supply unit while maintaining the difference in level of the molten metal between the pouring chamber and the molten metal holding chamber by the second movement step; wherein the step (2) is carried out once or repeatedly. A method for tapping hot water.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the volume of the tapping chamber is smaller than the volume of the molten metal holding chamber.

3. 2. The pouring method according to claim 1, wherein the transition from the moving step to the pouring step is indicated by a drop in the level of the molten metal surface in the molten metal holding chamber.

4. a tapping chamber for tapping molten metal; a molten metal holding chamber communicating with the tapping chamber and holding the molten metal; an adjustment unit that allows or blocks movement of the molten metal from the molten metal holding chamber to the tapping chamber between the molten metal holding chamber and the tapping chamber; a tapping passage provided in the tapping chamber and used for tapping the molten metal to the outside of the tapping chamber; a gas supply unit capable of supplying gas from the outside to the inside of the tap chamber; a pressurizing unit capable of supplying gas from the outside to the inside of the molten metal holding chamber; A control unit; and The control unit (11) a first moving step of moving the molten metal in the molten metal holding chamber into the tapping chamber by gravity flow caused by a difference in level of the molten metal between the molten metal holding chamber and the tapping chamber while the adjustment unit allows the molten metal to move; a first pouring step in which, while the flow of the molten metal is blocked by the adjusting unit, the molten metal in the pouring chamber is poured to a target location through the inside of the pouring passage by pressurizing the gas supplied from the gas supply unit; The step (11) is carried out once or repeatedly carried out multiple times; (12) After that, when the level of the molten metal surface in the molten metal holding chamber is lower than or the same as the level of the molten metal surface in the tapping chamber, a second moving step of moving the molten metal in the molten metal holding chamber into the discharge chamber by pressurizing the gas supplied from the pressurizing unit while the adjustment unit is allowing the molten metal to move, thereby raising the level of the molten metal surface in the discharge chamber higher than the level of the molten metal surface in the molten metal holding chamber; a second pouring step in which the movement of the molten metal by the adjustment unit is blocked, and the molten metal in the pouring chamber is poured to a target location through the inside of the pouring passage by pressurizing the gas supplied from the gas supply unit while maintaining the difference in level of the molten metal between the pouring chamber and the molten metal holding chamber by the second movement step; wherein the step (12) is carried out once or repeatedly. A configuration for controlling A hot water tapping facility characterized by the above.

Images